Omicron Innovations HQ – Secret Underground Bunker
Kairos stood beside Erebus, reviewing holographic screens of Malakar’s Order movements, “Erebus, our alliance is sealed. What’s our first move against them?”
Erebus smiled faintly, “To defeat Malakar, we must first reclaim your heritage, Kairos. Xeridian artifacts hidden across former colonies hold ancient tech and knowledge. We’re heading to the Philippines – Governor-General Valdez has agreed to meet us. A nearby cave system, Biak na Bato, conceals powerful relics.”
Kairos’s eyes narrowed slightly, “What makes you think these relics are there?” Erebus leaned in, “SeventhSight’s intel… and my own research suggest it.”
An encrypted comms device beeped softly on SeventhSight’s desk. He picked it up, scanning the message:
From: Erebus Blackwood
To: SeventhSight
Message: Report to Malacanang Palace. We arrive soon. Briefing regarding artifact security.
He typed back:
What time should I expect you, and what’s the briefing about?
Incoming Message
From: Erebus Blackwood
To: SeventhSight
Message: 1400 hours. Governor-General Valdez requests our presence regarding ancient artifact security concerns.
Erebus stood beside Kairos, reviewing portal coordinates, “Time to meet Governor-General Valdez and SeventhSight. Our portal is ready.” Kairos nodded, following Erebus into the shimmering portal.
Malacanang Palace, Manila – Governor-General’s Office
Governor-General Valdez looked up from her desk, eyes narrowing slightly, “Erebus Blackwood, Kairos of Xeridia. Welcome. SeventhSight should arrive shortly.”
Erebus bowed his head slightly, “Governor-General. Thank you for receiving us on short notice.”
Kairos stood silent, observing the room.
SeventhSight walked in alongside Leni, their arrival announced by the Governor-General’s assistant: “SeventhSight and Commander Leni have arrived.” Governor-General Valdez stood up from her desk, greeting you both, “SeventhSight, Commander Leni – thank you for joining us. Please meet our guests: Erebus Blackwood and Kairos, former prince of Xeridia.”
Erebus turned to face you, his piercing gaze familiar, “SeventhSight. Always a pleasure.”
Kairos eyed you warily, then nodded slightly, “SeventhSight.”
Governor-General Valdez leaned forward, “Erebus has informed me of his alliance with Kairos against Malakar’s Order.” To aid this fight, ancient Xeridian artifacts hidden locally must be secured.” Erebus added, “Specifically, Governor-General, the Biak na Bato cave system conceals powerful relics. SeventhSight, your skills will be invaluable retrieving them.” SeventhSight nodded thoughtfully, “Okay. What intel do we have on the cave and these relics?”
Erebus smiled faintly, “Leni has access to military scans. I have… other research. We can brief en route – time is short.” Governor-General Valdez stood up, “Commander Leni, please escort them to your helicopter. SeventhSight, Erebus – keep me updated.”
“Copy that, Governor,” SeventhSight responded.
Malacanang Palace, Manila – Helipad
Leni led the group across the palace grounds to a waiting military helicopter, “This will take us to Biak na Bato. Intel packets are loaded on your comms devices.”
SeventhSight boarded the helicopter, sitting beside Leni across from Erebus and Kairos. Erebus began briefing:
“Biak na Bato cave system stretches 2 kilometers underground. Our target: central chamber containing Xeridian relics. Kairos added, “My people called it ‘Dakilang Silid’ – The Great Room. Artifacts within should restore some of my powers.” Erebus continued, “However, the caves are guarded by fierce Aswang Clans – Kapre, Tikbalang, and Manananggal spirits. We must be cautious. Suddenly, SeventhSight’s comms device beeped – incoming message from an unknown sender.
Malacanang Palace, Manila – Helicopter En Route
He opened the message:
From: Unknown Sender
To: SeventhSight
Message: Beware Erebus. His intentions are darker than Malakar’s.
He showed the message to Leni, who raised an eyebrow, “Could be Order propaganda… or a concerned ally.”
Erebus noticed their exchange, leaning forward, “Troubling news, SeventhSight?”
Kairos watched Erebus closely, as if waiting for his reaction.
Erebus leaned forward again, “SeventhSight, don’t bother hiding it. I saw the message notification –
from Eliana, I presume? His gaze pierced through you, awaiting confirmation. Kairos’s eyes narrowed at Erebus’s name drop, “Eliana? Who is she?”
SeventhSight nodded slightly at Erebus, “Yes, from Eliana.” Erebus leaned back, steepling fingers, “Eliana warns you about me because Aria senses my true plans… which her mother doesn’t fully grasp.”
Kairos interrupted, “Enough cryptic talk. Who are Eliana and Aria?”
Erebus’s gaze turned cold, “Eliana – my former ally and Aria’s mother. Aria – the Chronokeeper, wielding power over timestreams… and my daughter.”
Leni’s eyes widened slightly at the revelation.
SeventhSight leaned forward, eyes locked on Erebus, “What are your true plans, Erebus?”
Erebus smiled faintly, “Malakar’s Order is merely a symptom. The true enemy harvests Xeridian souls – an ancient being known only as… Zha’thik. To defeat Zha’thik, I need Kairos’s restored powers and your help.”
Kairos’s eyes narrowed, “My people’s souls? I’ll help destroy Zha’thik – but explain this being!”
Erebus’s expression turned grim, “Zha’thik feeds on Xeridian essence, erasing their existence from timelines. Aria’s visions suggest Zha’thik stirs – we have little time.”
Suddenly, the helicopter lurched violently – losing altitude!
Biak na Bato Vicinity – Crashing Helicopter
SeventhSight grasped the seat tightly as the helicopter plummeted towards the jungle. Leni yelled above the chaos, “Mayday, Mayday! Engine failure!”
Erebus shielded himself with an unknown energy field. Kairos grabbed onto Erebus, eyes closed – bracing for impact. The helicopter crashed through trees, wreckage scattering everywhere.
Aftermath:
Everyone slowly emerged from the wreckage – battered but alive. Erebus stood first, gaze fixed on the dense jungle, “Biak na Bato caves… should be nearby.”
Biak na Bato Jungle – Crash Site to Cave Entrance:
SeventhSight nodded to proceed on foot – Erebus led the group through dense foliage. After 30 minutes of trekking, the cave entrance emerged from the greenery. Ancient carvings of Xeridian runes and Filipino mythical creatures adorned the stone. Suddenly, a tiny figure stepped out of the shadows – a Nuno (Filipino gnome-like creature) with wise, aged eyes:
“Greetings, travelers. I am Nuno Guardiano. Only those with Xeridian heartblood may enter Biak na Bato. Kairos stepped forward, hand on his chest, “I am Kairos, former prince of Xeridia.” Nuno Guardiano bowed slightly, “Then you may pass, Kairos. But choose wisely – your companions.”
Biak na Bato Cave Entrance:
Nuno Guardiano eyed your group. Kairos, explain their hearts. Kairos nodded:
Erebus Blackwood – ally against Malakar’s Order. SeventhSight – skilled ally with unknown heart origins. Leni – Filipino warrior, sworn to protect her people.
Nuno Guardiano circled each of them, sensing energies:
“Erebus – darkness and light entwined… pass. SeventhSight – heart hidden, yet spirit pure… pass. Leni – heart full of courage and love… pass.” He stepped aside, revealing the cave entrance. “Biak na Bato awaits. Claim your destiny, Kairos. As they entered the cave, torches ignited – eerie blue flames lighting the path.
Biak na Bato Cave – Torchlit Passage:
SeventhSight walked beside Kairos, noticing the eerie blue flames. Suddenly, the torches flickered wildly – Nuno Guardiano’s voice echoed. Beware, travelers… Aswang Clans sense your presence. The passage split into three paths – each shrouded in darkness. Kairos drew a breath, “We’ll need to be cautious. The relics aren’t guarded lightly.” Erebus smiled faintly, “Tomorrow, we face the Aswang. Tonight… we rest.” He further gestured to a nearby chamber – glowing crystals illuminating a safe haven. “Rest. Tomorrow, destiny awaits.”
Leave a comment