Erebus lay motionless on the hospital bed at Xinjiang People’s Hospital in Urumqi, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths. SeventhSight paced outside his room, waiting for news. The Chinese doctor, Li, rushed out, looking frantic. “SeventhSight, we have a problem. The bullet we removed was… unusual. We think it’s some kind of biological agent. I’ve called the US and Chinese presidents for a video conference to discuss the situation. You’re coming with me. Now. Can you understand me okay? My English is not great.” SeventhSight nodded, following Dr. Li to the conference room.
The conference room was filled with Chinese officials, all speaking frantically on their phones. The US president appeared on the screen, with his advisors beside him. The Chinese president, Zhou, entered the room, nodding to his officials. Dr. Li whispered to SeventhSight, “He wants to know what happened. What do you tell him?”
SeventhSight stepped forward, clearing his throat, “Mr. President, we were attacked by a man named Malakar. He shot Erebus with a bullet that our doctor says is a biological agent. We think it’s connected to the… creatures we fought earlier. The ones that came from a portal to another dimension.” The room fell silent. President Zhou looked at President Thompson on the screen. President Thompson spoke first. “These creatures… are they like the ones in the reports from the Middle East? The ones that destroyed an entire city?”
SeventhSight nodded. “Yes, sir. We think they’re the same. Malakar summoned them. We closed the portal, but… I think he has more bullets. And Erebus… he’s not stable. Something’s happening to him.”
President Zhou turned to Dr. Li. “What’s happening to him? Tell us everything.” Dr. Li nodded nervously. “We removed the bullet, but… his vitals are dropping. We’ve tried everything to stabilize him, but… it’s like something inside him is fighting us. His body temperature is dropping, and his heart rate is slowing. We think… we think whatever was in that bullet is still inside him, affecting him somehow.” SeventhSight felt a chill run down his spine. Then, a commotion outside the room.
Erebus stood in the doorway, his eyes black as coal.
Erebus’s skin was pale, his eyes fully black. He looked around the room, his gaze falling on SeventhSight. SeventhSight took a step back, shocked. “Erebus… what’s wrong with your eyes?” Erebus didn’t answer. He looked at President Zhou, then President Thompson on the screen. “You’re talking about me. I can hear you. You’re wrong. I’m fine. But his voice was different. Deeper. Darker.
SeventhSight took another step back, his eyes wide. Erebus’ voice… it wasn’t his. It was deeper, darker. Like something was speaking through him. “Erebus… what’s going on? What’s happening to you?” SeventhSight asked, fear creeping into his voice. Erebus turned to him, his black eyes glinting with something like amusement. I’m evolving, SeventhSight. Becoming what I was meant to be. Suddenly, Oblivion appeared behind Erebus, invisible to everyone but him. Erebus smiled.
SeventhSight charged at Erebus, but he was too late. Erebus raised his hand, and SeventhSight felt himself lifted off the ground by an invisible force. You’re no match for me, SeventhSight. I am the future. You are the past.
SeventhSight flew across the room, crashing into the wall. He slid to the ground, dazed. Erebus turned to President Zhou. Your time is over. Mine has begun. With a wave of his hand, the lights flickered and died. The room plunged into darkness. SeventhSight struggled to his feet, stumbling towards Erebus. Erebus laughed, the sound echoing off the walls. “You can’t stop me, SeventhSight. No one can.”
SeventhSight punched Erebus, but he barely flinched. Erebus grabbed SeventhSight’s wrist, twisting it. You’re weak, SeventhSight. Always have been. Suddenly, the door burst open. Kairos and Leni stood there, weapons drawn, “Let him go, Erebus.”
Erebus threw SeventhSight at Kairos and Leni, knocking them down. Kairos struggled to his feet, his Nexarion crystal glowing in his hand. Erebus raised his hand, and Kairos flew across the room, crashing into the wall. Leni screamed, rushing to Kairos’ side, then pulling out her gun. SeventhSight stumbled to his feet, eyes wide. “Erebus… stop this!” Erebus laughed, “I’m just beginning.”
Leni aimed and fired, but Erebus raised his hand, and the bullets stopped in mid-air. Erebus flicked his wrist, and the bullets flew back at Leni. SeventhSight leapt forward, knocking Leni out of the way just in time. The bullets hit the wall behind them, sending shards of concrete flying everywhere. SeventhSight turned to Erebus, eyes blazing. “You’re not Erebus. What have you done with him?”
Erebus laughed maniacally. I am Erebus. Evolved. Suddenly, Oblivion appeared behind him, visible to everyone this time. Oblivion placed a hand on Erebus’s shoulder. My son has finally embraced his true nature.
SeventhSight took a step back, eyes wide. “You’re… the one who’s been manipulating him.” Oblivion smiled. “I’ve been guiding him. Preparing him for his destiny.” Leni struggled to her feet, gun still clutched in her hand. “What destiny?” Oblivion turned to her. “To bring about a new era. One of darkness and shadow. And my son will rule it.”
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