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In the darkness

Penulis: Angel JoRay
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-24 09:06:16

Charlene stepped out of the void and into the light. She moved carefully, fists clenched, unsure of what awaited her on the other side.

At first glance, she was astonished—this realm looked so much like Earth. The grass was green, the trees familiar. A soft golden glow bathed everything, giving it an ethereal quality. But as her eyes adjusted, she saw the differences. Towering domes stretched across the landscape, some small, some vast. Homes? Offices? She couldn’t be sure. Their surfaces shimmered like liquid metal, reflecting the surroundings yet remaining solid.

A cool breeze rolled through the valley, carrying a scent both familiar and foreign. It was crisp, alive, as if the very air held whispers of the past. Charlene tilted her head back, inhaling deeply. The sensation filled her chest with something she couldn’t quite name—peace, perhaps, or nostalgia for a place she had never known.

“This is home. Everything here has a life of its own. Can’t you feel it?”

Charlene closed her eyes, breathing in, breathing out. The air hummed with an energy that resonated deep within her. It was unlike anything she had ever felt on Earth.

“Do you hear them? This is your family.”

A sound rose around her—a hum, constant and steady, like bees in a hive. No discord, no arguing. Just voices, working, speaking of things unknown to her. Yet, instead of being overwhelming, the noise felt like a song. It pulsed, harmonizing with her heartbeat, filling the space with purpose. She should have been anxious, but the sound soothed her, like a lullaby for the mind.

“You think that’s peaceful?” ReNew’s voice carried a teasing lilt. “Try this. Take off your shoes. Run your toes through the grass.”

She hesitated, then obeyed. The moment her bare feet touched the ground, a sensation like rippling warmth surged up her legs. The grass was unlike any she had known—soft like velvet, yet firm enough to support her weight. It gave slightly beneath her feet before springing back.

“That’s… weird,” she murmured. “But it feels so good.”

Charlene dropped to the ground, laughing as she swept her arms and legs through the grass, creating an angelic imprint. The warmth enveloped her like a comforter on a cold winter’s night.

"ReNew, if you’ve never been here before, how do you know so much about it?"

“Your father.” The answer came softly. “He told your mother everything. I used to listen for hours—about how he grew up, about his parents, about how he never quite fit in. He was always… different.”

Charlene propped herself up on her elbows, intrigued. “Different how?”

“He felt too much. Cared too much. He was what they called ‘the little weirdo.’”

“That’s cruel.”

“Not to them. Here, emotion was seen as weakness. But your father? He felt deeply, especially for the humans he guided on their final journey. He couldn’t just be neutral like the others. And that was a problem.”

Charlene frowned. “I don’t understand. Why would caring be wrong?”

“Because fate must be impartial. Fate cannot get attached. A soul must make its own choices—whether to ascend, to descend, or to try again on Earth. Interference upsets the balance.”

Charlene pondered that. “But if a soul chooses to return, then it’s not their final journey… is it?”

ReNew chuckled. “You’re catching on. Yes, they get another chance. But they don’t remember their past lives. Each time is a new beginning.”

Charlene’s mind raced. “So what about the Fates? What’s their deal?”

“Ah, now you’re asking the real questions.”

ReNew’s voice grew thoughtful. “There are two groups here—the ones who lead and the ones who guide souls on their journeys. The Fates are the workers, the ones who carry out destiny. Over time, their spirits pass on, recycled into new lives—either as another Fate or as a soul awaiting rebirth.”

“And the others?”

“The Originals. The first to leave Earth. They can create more Fates through procreation. They are ancient, revered, like nobility. But sometimes… sometimes, one is born like Seth, carrying human traits. And that, Charlene, can be… complicated.”

Charlene scoffed. “Why? What’s so bad about emotions?”

“Think about it. Imagine being the only one on an entire planet going through puberty.”

Charlene burst out laughing. “Okay, yeah, that would be awkward.”

“Exactly. We don’t lack emotions, but we don’t let them rule us. We think of the whole, not just ourselves. That’s why rules here are rarely broken.”

Charlene raised her hand, parting her fingers. “It’s only logical,” she said in her best Spock impression.

“Oh, now you’ve got jokes?”

ReNew playfully nudged her. “Come on, no more time to waste. Let’s find your father.”

Charlene scanned the sprawling structures. "Where do we even start?"

"If I had to guess," ReNew said, nodding toward a building with glowing orbs drifting in and out, "I’d say that’s a hub. Some sort of transportation center. Let’s check there first."

"We can’t just walk in dressed like this. We’ll stand out."

Charlene darted toward a small dome, slipping inside. The space was foreign—no furniture, no appliances. But then she spotted it: a side room where layers of clothing floated in the air, suspended as if weightless. Some fabrics bubbled, others dripped, all in muted tones—white, cream, nothing flashy.

"This is how they clean their clothes? Wild."

She grabbed something resembling overalls and slid them on. The fabric responded instantly, shrinking to fit her frame, molding around her feet. It felt like silk woven by unseen hands.

"Now this," she murmured, admiring the sleek material, "is something Earth could use."

ReNew smirked. "Ready?"

Charlene nodded. "Let’s go find my dad."

As they stepped out of the dome, the sky above them shimmered. Charlene squinted, trying to make sense of the shifting colors—gold, lavender, and deep indigo swirled together like liquid opal.

ReNew followed her gaze. "The sky here isn’t like Earth’s. It changes depending on the energy of those within the realm."

Charlene hesitated. "What does that mean?"

"It means the realm is alive. And it’s watching us."

A shiver ran down Charlene’s spine, not from fear, but from awe. She felt small yet significant, as if she were part of something grander than she could comprehend.

"Then let’s not keep it waiting," she said, stepping forward.

ReNew grinned. "That’s the spirit."

Together, they moved toward the glowing hub, the path before them stretching into the unknown

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Bab terkait

  • Beyond Fate   breaking Seth

    Seth drifted in and out of consciousness, barely able to hold onto a coherent thought before another wave of reconditioning surged through his mind.Submit. Come back to the Fold. Be one with us. Your life is not your own. With us, you belong.The words echoed endlessly, a horrific chant looping over and over. The relentless message drilled into him, a steady pressure against his sanity. Images flashed before his eyes—fragments of a life spent in the Fold, playing out like a cruel reminder of what they expected him to be.The cycle repeated, faster and faster. He couldn’t even blink. He had no choice but to watch.How long had it been? Hours? Days? Time was meaningless now.His throat burned as he screamed, raw and desperate."I yield! I yield! Let me down!"Silence answered him. No footsteps, no voices of comfort. No rescue.A chill ran down his spine as a new voice, deep and venomous, slithered into the room.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-25
  • Beyond Fate   final judgment

    Charlene peered through the window of the domicile and saw her father suspended in the air, unconscious. "Renew," she whispered, "what do we do now?""Charlene, duck down! He's not alone!"Charlene crouched instinctively, her heart racing. She watched as the figure checked to see if Seth was still unconscious, then shimmered out of the room."For a moment, I thought we had been spotted," Renew muttered under his breath."What was that thing?" Charlene demanded, her voice trembling."That," Renew said solemnly, "was a fate. Your not the only one with powers, some can do awesome things and others not so much."Charlene's mind was whirling, trying to comprehend what was happening. "Why would it hide its presence like that? It looked like… if I'm not mistaken, it's harming your father."Renew's voice grew urgent. "That can't be. We don't do that kind of thing here! Are they torturing him? N

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-26
  • Beyond Fate   part 2 final judgment

    "We have good news. The trap worked. We have captured Seth's daughter!"The room erupted in murmurs, the words spreading like wildfire as everyone stood, eyes wide, exchanging whispers.A gavel struck the large podium, the sound silencing the chaos. "Hold your tongues!""Bring them to us!" the head council member commanded. "We would like to have a word with them both!"In a dimly lit room nearby, Seth, Charlene, and their counsel, Idris, were huddled in tense discussion.Idris paced, his brow knitted in worry. "We're in uncharted territory, Seth. When I went before the council earlier, they were bloodthirsty. This isn’t looking good for you. All is lost!" He threw up his hands in disgust, his feet pounding the floor as he resumed pacing."Charlene, you picked the worst time to show up! What on earth possessed you to come here?" he snapped.Seth spun toward his daughter, grabbing her by the shoulders, shaking h

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-27
  • Beyond Fate   following your destiny

    Seth Charlene Idris was escorted to the new domiciles.Charlene started to speak the moment the doors were closed.Dad, could you believe what we just witnessed? That was amazing!!! The first soul, wow!!Her sheer presence is like overwhelming!!! This place!! In this realm I'm at a loss for words!! I guess if I had to say anything about this world. I'm home!! I feel like I belong here.Charlene opened up her arms and twirled in the center of the room.Did you know she could tell you about the future? The thing she told me about what I would do and how civilization was going to change immensely!Slow down, Charlene. First, she's the spear of destiny the mother to us all. The first spirit can transfer to anything that it wants not without years of practice. Seth was still thinking about what just happen and how they made it out alive. He couldn't stop thinking about his wife Tamera. What are you talking about future events??The plan for our lives' dad!! Everything is Predestined.And

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
  • Beyond Fate   never ending day

    Charlene lay awake, staring through the skylight. Her mind was racing with questions—too many to count. What had happened to her mom? Was she safe? Had she managed to escape that terrible fate? And then there were the worries about her own training. What if she messed up? What if she couldn't handle it? What would happen to the sect if she failed?Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice that seemed to come from nowhere."All your worries are giving me a headache! Go to sleep! You have training in the morning," Seth’s voice boomed in her mind.Charlene sat up in bed, startled. "What the—how the—""No! I can't read your mind, but I can feel your anxiety! Go to sleep! You'll be fine!" Seth continued, his tone calm yet firm. "Your mom is a fighter. Trust me when I say she’s a survivor. If anybody can get out of a sticky situation, it’s her. Stop worrying. We'll be together again soon. Now, go to sleep. Good night."Charlene cl

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29
  • Beyond Fate   Let the lesson begin

    Still following behind the young man, Charlene slowed her pace even further as she watched him enter a large domed building with pillars that were taller than the eye could extend, reaching into the clouds above. It was as though the structure had many stories, but none were visible from the outside.She proceeded toward the entrance of the building, passing the towering white ivory pillars slowly. Looking up, she heard a voice."Welcome, Daughter of Seth! 1st day of seminary. Proceed to your first session."Charlene felt a rush of excitement. For the first time since this all began, she felt special. She wasn't sure what to think of this place."What in the Harry Potter?" she muttered, her mouth hanging open in awe.She walked down the corridor. The interior was mostly glass, with no walls or doors, just floors separating the different levels. The structure seemed to go on forever."Where are the stairs or elevators?" she wondered aloud.When ReNew spoke sternly, "Close your mouth an

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-30
  • Beyond Fate   two days left

    The next morning, Charlene was already standing outside the domicile.ReNew said, joking, "I wonder which building that hot fate lives in.""Stop it, ReNew!" Charlene replied, stretching her muscles and jogging in place. She started singing the theme song to Rocky..."She's ready!!!" Charlene jumped up and down. "I'm feeling good!!""Dad had me climbing, running, fighting, and even flying yesterday. Dad was unstoppable when we went one-on-one!""But today's a new day.""It's time for the student to surpass the teacher!""You got that, ReNew!!"Seth had trained and tested Charlene with everything he could the day before. She passed with flying colors, and today was going to be no different.Seth exited the dome."Look at you, little grasshopper," he chuckled."You are going down today, Dad." "What will we be doing first? A two-mile run?" She stretched her arms and elbows."Nope.""Well, then, how about some rock climbing?""Nope.""Don't tell me you want to do some boxing, old man." Sh

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-30
  • Beyond Fate   The third

    Standing in the midst of a lush garden, Seth paced slowly, his thoughts clearly wrestling with one another. He muttered under his breath, his brow furrowed, as though caught in an internal battle. Charlene watched him from a distance, unsure if she should speak or remain silent. Her instinct told her to stay out of his way, so she sat down cross-legged on a soft bed of fallen leaves, careful not to disturb her father.Should we say something? Renew’s voice echoed in her mind.What could we possibly say? Charlene thought back. He’s in the middle of a fierce battle with himself.I’d love to hear what’s going on in his mind right now, Renew added with a hint of curiosity.Charlene chuckled at that. Ha, ha, ha… she laughed softly, a lightness filling the space between them.Renew, ever the curious one, reflected on the strange situation. Every time we’ve encountered Seth and Heth in the past, they’ve been perfectly in sync. But today… she tra

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31

Bab terbaru

  • Beyond Fate   awkward encounter

    Seth and the First Spear stood there awkwardly, saying nothing at first. The cave echoed with silence, the kind that grew louder with every passing moment. Seth's thoughts spun like a storm. Where do I start? I have so many questions. “Start anywhere,” she said gently. “I’ll answer your questions.” He blinked. “That’s right—you can read minds.” “Absolutely right. And emotions, just like you and Charlene.” Her tone was soft, steady, trying to ease the tension she could feel rising in him. She sensed his nerves and didn’t want to make this any harder than it already was. “Walk with me, Seth.” They paced through the cave, the cool air brushing against them like ghosted memories. “Can I just talk plainly to you?” Seth asked, hands shoved in his pockets. “Without all the prestige? Your Majesty and whatnot. All due respect.” “Your daughter certainly does,” she grinned.

  • Beyond Fate   So many left behind

    The camp was getting fuller by the minute. So many Fates had journeyed to come to Audubon with them. Every night since ReNew's recovery, Charlene refused to leave one soul behind. She had sent out a message every night ever since the original message, letting every Fate know where they were and that they were welcome. Some guards even showed up. Charlene was sitting on the sand dunes, knees hugged to her chest. One after another came to her—some bearing gifts, others seeking wisdom. She welcomed them all. A barely visible figure appeared close by. Fading in and out. She could tell he was torn and in deep agony, or at least pretending to be. "Hello friend, can I help you?" "No you can't," he said, voice hollow. "I'm lost." Black clouds started to form around them, curling low over the dunes like smoke from some unseen fire. "Maybe I can help you?" Charlene kept her tone light, but

  • Beyond Fate   The guard returns

    The guards came pouring into the Grand Hall, limping, bloodied, broken—some barely clinging to life. Most had no strength left to open portals; they had walked the long road back on foot, dragging their pain with them. Torock stood at the high window in his office, watching through the warped glass with a dark sneer. His face twisted with disgust. "Look at them," he growled under his breath. "Pathetic. Useless!" His rage mounted, uncontainable. With a roar, he slammed his fist down onto the desk, sending papers, relics, and glass shattering across the floor. "Portal! Now!" he snapped. The air split with a shimmer as a narrow rip opened. "Asmodeus—speak." A hazy image formed—a demon’s grinning face, sharp and gleaming. "As I told you before, Torock," Asmodeus hissed, his voice like oil and embers, "unless you're willing to deal, we have nothing left to discuss." "W

  • Beyond Fate   Temptation

    Charlene stood by the pool of water, formed by the wrath of the tsunami, staring at her reflection. "You’d think after all I’ve done," she muttered, "I’d care about all of you." Her gaze lifted. Bodies floated in the marshy water—soldiers and the unfortunate Sect, all dragged downriver by the torrent’s fury. "Nope." She stepped over the corpses, gliding weightlessly as if walking on air. Their deaths meant nothing now. What a waste of life, she thought. "It all seemed so important just a moment ago... ha!" Her laugh echoed, light and hollow. "Now? I could care less." Suddenly, movement. What’s that I hear? Guards stumbled through the woods—survivors of the tsunami, broken and bleeding, crawling their way back toward the Grand Hall. Charlene perched high in a tree, hidden among the branches. Her eyes tracked them like a cat watches prey. "I could pick them off

  • Beyond Fate   Thera no time to wait!

    The cold bit their skin the moment they stepped through the portal. The air was thick—wet with smoke, laced with ash. Flames cracked in the distance, spitting embers into a dark sky. Tree trunks glowed like coals. The scent of burning wood mixed with something worse: fear. "Fellas, get up!" Seth’s voice cut through the haze. E and Idris stirred on the floor, groggy. "We gotta go now! Get your stuff! I’ll explain on the way!" "Wait, what?" Idris rubbed his eyes. Charlene was already pulling him up by the arm. "The Sec’s in trouble. We have to go now, unc!" They didn’t hesitate. Issa, the twins, and Tabitha remained behind. Seth led the way up the path, constantly looking over his shoulder. No one could follow. Not now. Seth opened the portal to the woods near the Sec’s village—too close for comfort. Flames greeted them. So did screams. "MOVE!" Se

  • Beyond Fate   What happens in minds eye

    She came storming out of the portal, furiously wiping her eyes and muttering under her breath. Everyone knew better than to approach her when she was like this—everyone except her father. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Idris asked gently. “Nothing!” she snapped, her voice sharp and brittle. “Nothing has you that upset? Hate to see you when it’s something,” he said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood. If looks could kill, Idris would’ve dropped dead. Charlene was not in the mood for jokes. “Something’s obviously bothering you, Princess,” he tried again, this time more serious. Charlene didn’t want to talk. But she knew if she stayed silent, he’d just keep pressing. “Argun is leaving,” she blurted out, the words hitting the air like a blow. “What do you mean?” E asked, confused by the sudden declaration.

  • Beyond Fate   The guard takes over

    The Realm was shrouded in an eerie hush—an unnatural stillness that slithered into the bones of every Fate. The skies, once radiant with the dance of light and color, had turned a bruised gray. The orbs—three ancient suns—lingered low, their light dimmed by something more than cloud. It was fear. Fear thick in the air, as if the world itself held its breath. Inside the marble sanctum of the Grand Hall, torches flickered with green flame, casting elongated shadows against the black-stone walls. The banners that once bore the sigil of the Queen—Destiny's gleaming soul spear crossed with the vine of wisdom—had been torn down. In their place, a crimson flag hung limp, the crest of Torrock burned into the fabric: a serpent devouring its own tail. The false symbol of unity. A lie dressed as heritage. Torrock stood behind a long obsidian desk, his gauntleted hand clenched into a fist as he struck the polished stone. “This is your

  • Beyond Fate   Father's Calling

    The first spirit walked alone across the golden sand dunes, her bare feet sinking slightly into the warm earth. Each step stirred up grains of light, as if the very ground glowed in reverence to her presence. Her eyes swept across the vast horizon—her creation—proud and restless. A gentle smile touched her lips as she recalled Charlene's voice echoing in her mind."Gi Gi," she'd called her, laughing. The innocence of it warmed Destiny’s heart.A shimmer appeared in front of her. A door. Plain, stark, out of place in her desert realm. She didn’t need to guess who had summoned it.She rolled her eyes. “Not today,” she muttered.She strolled around the door, deliberately ignoring its presence. Thunder cracked across the heavens, rumbling her bones.Sighing, she doubled back, her joy already eroding. She stopped in front of the door. Closed her eyes. Sighed again. “So dramatic,” she whispered, and stepped through.A dark co

  • Beyond Fate   Can you keep a secret

    Charlene could finally call herself a princess. Not the fairytale kind—but a warrior born of legacy. A direct descendant of the Queen, the First Spear. The bloodline flowed in her now. Her skin still tingled from the mark. Her heart thundered in her chest like war drums. She couldn’t wait to tell her father everything. The dream. The gift. The blade. And yet—when she had the chance, her voice cracked, and the truth clung to the back of her throat. "The First Spear came to me in a dream state," she said cautiously, "She told me to tell you about Ottaba... Buddha... Audivon." Seth furrowed his brow. “Do you mean Audubon, Princess?” "Yes! Audivon!" she insisted, a little too loudly. Her fingers curled at her sides. Seth shook his head slowly. “What about it?” “She said... ‘Gather the Sec and go there. Everything you nee

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