Chapter 20: Havoc; Prologue
As I lay in the comforting darkness, I felt a presence. The night was all-encompassing, a velvety blackness that wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. It was quiet and peaceful, so much so that I wanted to sleep. The concept of time had ceased to exist in this infinite void, and I was content to let myself drift off into a dreamless slumber.
It was as if someone was looking at me, their gaze burning into my skin. I stirred, my eyes flickering open to find myself face-to-face with a pale, enigmatic man. His eyes were the same shade as the darkness surrounding us, deep pools of endless blackness stretching for eternity. They were captivating and unsettling, and I could not look away.
The man spoke, his voice a smooth rumble reverberating through the void. He introduced himself as Erebus, the primordial god of darkness, and explained that I had stumbled upon his domain.
Erebus gazed at me with a look of recognition as if he had been expecting me all along. "Gabriel," he said, his voice resonating through the infinite darkness. "It has been a long time since I have seen a soul as dark as yours."
His words took me aback. "What do you mean?" I asked, feeling a sense of unease wash over me.
Erebus regarded me for a moment before answering. "I know many things, Gabriel," he said cryptically. "As for the cycle of reincarnation, it is the process by which souls are reborn into new bodies after their physical death."
I struggled to make sense of everything. "But why am I here in the realm of shadows? And what does it all mean?"
Erebus paused as if considering his words carefully. "Your soul was deemed unworthy to continue in the cycle of reincarnation," he said finally. "Perhaps the darkness had taken root within you, or perhaps it was simply your destiny. Regardless, you have been brought here to serve a different purpose."
"A different purpose?" I repeated, feeling a sense of dread creeping over me.
"Yes," Erebus said, his eyes gleaming in the darkness. "You have been chosen to become a Shadow Wraith, a creature of darkness and shadow that serves me in the eternal night."
I shuddered at the thought, but I couldn't deny the strange excitement building within me. As terrifying as it all was, there was also a certain thrill in being chosen for something otherworldly and mysterious.
" What is a Shadow Wraith, and what do I have to do as one ?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
"As my most trusted servants, the Shadow Wraiths are the elite among my followers," Erebus explained. "They are skilled in the arts of stealth, combat, and loyalty and are tasked with carrying out the most important and dangerous missions for me. They embody darkness, able to blend into the shadows and move undetected through even the most hazardous places."
"They are also trained in all forms of combat, from the use of weapons to hand-to-hand combat, making them formidable opponents in battle. But above all else, their unwavering loyalty to me sets them apart. They are willing to do whatever it takes to carry out my will, no matter the cost or the danger."
Erebus smiled, and the darkness around us grew even more profound. "You will serve me in many ways," he said. "You will carry out my will, strike fear into the hearts of mortals, and bring the darkness to those who dare to oppose us."
( Can you work to blend these together?)
My heart sank at his words, and I stepped back, feeling a sudden dread. "I will not serve you," I said firmly, my voice shaking with emotion.
Erebus chuckled, and his eyes seemed to glow with a fiery intensity. "You have no choice, Gabriel," he said. "Your fate is sealed. You are mine."
I shook my head, refusing to believe that this was my destiny. "There must be a way out of here," I said desperately. "A way to escape this place and find my way back to the land of the living."
Erebus' smile faded, and his expression grew dark. "There is no escape," he said. "You are here for eternity, bound to serve me and the shadows surrounding us."
My mind raced as I tried to think of a way out, but the darkness seemed to close around me, suffocating me. "No," I whispered, feeling hopeless and trapped. "There must be a way."
Erebus just stood there, watching me with a cold, calculating gaze. "There is no way out, Gabriel," he repeated. "But if you serve me faithfully, perhaps I will grant you a small reprieve from the torment of this place."
Erebus leaned in towards Gabriel, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "As a Shadow Wraith, you will be more than just a mortal and some gods," he explained in a low voice. "You will possess abilities beyond comprehension, granting you the power to travel between the realms of shadow and light. The shadows will be your ally, and you will have the ability to manipulate them to your advantage. You will move unseen, striking fear into the hearts of mortals and those who dare to oppose us."
Gabriel's curiosity was piqued, and he listened intently to Erebus' words. "And what will be my position under your rule?" he asked.
"You will be my direct servant," Erebus replied, his voice filled with authority. "Your loyalty to me will be unbreakable, and you will carry out my will without question. In the mortal world, you will be my eyes and ears, gathering information and executing my orders precisely and efficiently."
Erebus's tone grew darker as he continued, "But know this, Gabriel, any disobedience or betrayal will be met with swift and harsh punishment. You will suffer the consequences of your actions, which will be severe." He locked eyes with Gabriel, the intensity of his gaze making it clear that he was not to be trifled with. "Your loyalty and obedience are non-negotiable. If you fail me, you will face the consequences."
Gabriel nodded, contemplating his new role in the realm of shadows. "And what of my purpose in life?" he inquired. "What will become of me after I have served you for several millennia?"
Erebus' smile widened, revealing his sharp teeth. "That, my dear Gabriel, will depend on how well you serve me," he said. "Rest assured; it will be a purpose worthy of one as powerful as you."
As a Shadow Wraith, Gabriel possessed various abilities that set him apart from mortal beings and most gods. Erebus had personally taught Gabriel how to harness the power of shadow magic, enabling him to manipulate darkness and shadows at will. With this power, Gabriel could use shades to conceal himself or his movements or to blind his enemies. He could move through the clouds as quickly as a mortal might through an open field, traversing vast distances in mere moments. Gabriel could conceal himself or blind his enemies with ease while moving through the shadows as effortlessly as a mortal might cross an open field.
Gabriel's Shadow Beast was a formidable creature that struck fear into the hearts of his enemies. It was a white serpent, a rare and unique creature born from a mutation within Gabriel's shadow magic. Erebus was surprised by this unexpected turn of events and intrigued by the creature's power and potential. In addition to his shadow manipulation and trickery, Gabriel possessed Erebus's direct blessing, which granted him enhanced strength, speed, agility, and heightened senses that allowed him to see in the darkness and sense the presence of other beings, even those who were hiding.
The serpent was an offspring of a powerful demon known as Madame White or Bai Suzhen, and it inherited some of its mother's magical abilities. It was fiercely loyal to Gabriel, obeying his every command without question. With its sharp fangs and venomous bite, the serpent was a deadly weapon Gabriel could summon to aid him in battle.
In addition to its physical strength, the serpent also possessed magical abilities. It could quickly move through shadows and darkness, just like Gabriel, making it a perfect companion for him in his duties as Erebus' enforcer. It could also hypnotize its prey, using its powers of suggestion to bend its will to Gabriel's.
Gabriel's Shadow Beast was a powerful and formidable ally, complementing his powers and making him even more of a force to be reckoned with. Together, they made an unbeatable team, striking fear into the hearts of those who dared to oppose Erebus and the realm of shadows.
Gabriel's unique abilities also included Tychokinesis, a rare gift that allowed him to psychically manipulate chance, probability, and luck. With this power, he could increase his chances of success in any situation, no matter how difficult or impossible. Moreover, as a servant of Erebus, Gabriel was granted access to minor necromancy, which enabled him to communicate with the dead and even reanimate their bodies for a short time, using them as servants or weapons in battle.
Gabriel's powers as a Shadow Wraith were a fearsome and potent combination, making him a formidable foe for anyone who dared to oppose Erebus and the realm of shadows. He was a master of darkness, capable of manipulating it to his advantage in battle and using his unique abilities to gain the upper hand. Gabriel's reputation as a force to be reckoned with was well-earned, and mortals and other beings feared him.
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As a Shadow Wraith, Gabriel had been serving Erebus for several millennia, honing his skills and abilities to perfection over the centuries, and his long years of service had made him a formidable and experienced enforcer, feared by mortals and other beings alike.
He had become a master of shadow magic, a skilled necromancer, and a fearsome warrior. His loyalty to Erebus was unbreakable, and he had carried out his god's will without question or hesitation.
Over the centuries, Gabriel had become one of Erebus's most trusted and respected enforcers. He was feared and respected by mortals and other beings alike, and his name was spoken in hushed tones across the realms of darkness.
Despite his long service to Erebus, Gabriel remained a mystery to many. He rarely said of his past; even those closest to him knew little about his life before becoming a Shadow Wraith. Some whispered that he was once a mortal who had made a deal with Erebus for power and immortality, while others believed he was a creature born of darkness.
Whatever the truth of his origins, there was no denying Gabriel's power and skill. He was a force to be reckoned with, and his enemies knew they faced a daunting task when they crossed swords with him. For Gabriel, there was no more incredible honor than serving Erebus, and he would do so until the end of time itself.
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Erebus looked down at Gabriel. The Shadow Wraith had served him well, and now it was time for him to receive his reward. Erebus knew he couldn't unleash Gabriel into the mortal world with all his power intact. The Shadow Wraith was too powerful, too dangerous. He needed to be reined in.
And so, Erebus summoned his power, calling forth the darkest magic he possessed. He sealed away most of Gabriel's power with a wave, leaving him with only a fraction of his former strength. He wouldn't have his choice destroyed by his sister in this new world.
Gabriel looked down at his hands, feeling the unfamiliar weakness coursing through his veins. He was no longer the powerful Shadow Wraith he had once been. He was something new, something different.
Erebus smiled darkly, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. "Your reward, Gabriel, is a new life. You have served me well, and now I give you the opportunity to start anew."
The unexpected reward took Gabriel aback. A new life? What did Erebus mean by that? However, he dared not question his lord and waited for further instruction.
"You will be reborn into the mortal realm," Erebus continued. "You will be given a new body, a new name, and a new purpose. You will be one of my chosen, a champion of darkness and a harbinger of my will."
Gabriel's heart raced as he heard Erebus speak of a new life. He had faithfully served the god of darkness for millennials and always wondered what his reward would be. Erebus had promised him something great, but Gabriel had never imagined that it would be a new life.
"How will this be done, my lord?" Gabriel asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
Erebus waved his hand, and a portal appeared behind him. "Step through here, and you will be reborn," he said.
Gabriel hesitated momentarily, wondering if he was ready for such a drastic change. But then he remembered all the years he had spent in service to Erebus, all the battles he had fought, and all the lives he had taken. He was ready for a new life, a chance to start over and make amends for his past.
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Gabriel slowly opened his eyes and was met with the sight of a beautiful woman gazing down at him. She was stunning, with smooth chocolate skin and eyes as rich and dark as caramel. Her eyes shone with adoration and love, and he realized she must be his new mother.
Looking around his surroundings, he realized he was in a simple hut. He recognized the architecture and decor from his many missions in the mortal world, but something felt different.
Gabriel's attention was drawn to the hut's entrance as his mother continued to speak to him. A woman with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes entered, and she looked at his mother with familiarity. He could hear her call his mother by name, Ayana, and for some reason, that name triggered a flurry of memories in his mind.
Gabriel tried to piece together his memories, but they were scattered and incomplete. He couldn't remember who Ayana was or how he knew her. But the fact that he could recall anything from his past life was a glimmer of hope for him. He may be able to uncover more memories as time goes on.
He looked back at the two women before him and wondered about his purpose in this new life. Erebus had promised him a new body, a new life, and a new meaning. But what was that purpose? He knew he was one of Erebus' chosen, a champion of darkness and a harbinger of his will. But what did that mean in this new world he found himself in?
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