Ethan's heart still raced as he sat in the clearing, leaning against the jagged monolith. The vision of collapsing galaxies and overwhelming darkness was burned into his mind. Despite the suffocating fear, a faint ember of resolve flickered within him.
Kael crouched nearby, watching him carefully. Her gaze was steady, but her expression carried a hint of urgency. "The Shard showed you more than just a warning, didn't it?"
Ethan nodded, his voice shaky. "It wasn't just destruction… it was alive. That darkness—it's not just a force. It's intelligent, deliberate."
Kael's jaw tightened. "The Abyss. An ancient entity that feeds on existence itself. The Shard is one of the few things powerful enough to stand against it, but it comes with risks. Those who wield its power walk a razor's edge."
Ethan looked at her, a pit forming in his stomach. "And if I fail?"
Her answer came without hesitation. "Then everything you know—everything you've ever cared about—will cease to exist. That's what's at stake."
Ethan swallowed hard. He wasn't sure if he was ready for this kind of responsibility, but it wasn't like he had a choice. The Shard had chosen him, and now he had to figure out why.
Kael gestured for Ethan to stand. "First things first—you need to understand the Shard's influence. It's more than just energy or power. It's symbiotic. It will grow with you, but it will also test you. If you let it overwhelm you, it'll consume you entirely."
Ethan stood, brushing dirt from his jeans. "So, how do I stop that from happening?"
Kael pointed to the monolith. "That's why we're here. These remnants are echoes of the Shard's origin, scattered across the galaxy. Each one holds fragments of knowledge, pieces of a larger puzzle. They'll help you understand the Shard and how to wield its power."
Ethan glanced at the glowing symbols etched into the stone. "And how do I… connect with it? What do I do?"
Kael's lips curled into a faint smile. "You already did. The vision you had—it's the first step. The monolith resonated with the Shard in you, opening a channel. Now, we build on that connection."
She extended her hand, and with a subtle flick of her wrist, a series of glowing lines formed in the air. They shimmered faintly, tracing out patterns and constellations that seemed familiar yet alien.
"This is a map," Kael explained. "A map to the other remnants. If we're going to prepare you, you'll need to find and activate more of them. Each one will strengthen your bond with the Shard and reveal more of its secrets."
Ethan stared at the glowing lines, his mind racing. "So, this isn't just about survival, is it? This is a mission."
Kael's eyes gleamed. "Exactly. The Shard chose you not just to bear its power but to be its protector. If the Abyss gains control of it, the galaxy falls. We can't let that happen."
The trek back through the forest felt heavier this time. Ethan's senses were heightened, every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig setting him on edge. The Shard pulsed faintly in his chest, its glow barely perceptible under his shirt.
Kael led the way, moving with a grace that seemed almost inhuman. She navigated the woods effortlessly, her steps silent despite the uneven terrain. Ethan tried to keep up, his mind still buzzing with everything she'd told him.
"So," he began hesitantly, "why are you helping me? If you've been tracking the Shard for so long, why not take it for yourself?"
Kael glanced back at him, her expression unreadable. "Because I know what it's like to be consumed by power. I've seen it happen to others, people I cared about. The Shard doesn't just give strength—it tests your will, your very identity. Most fail."
Her voice softened, almost imperceptibly. "But you… you're different. The Shard wouldn't have chosen you if you weren't."
Ethan didn't know whether to feel reassured or terrified by her words. "What about the other remnants? Do they hold more Shards?"
Kael shook her head. "No. The Shard you carry is whole. The remnants are anchors, pieces of a larger structure that once held the Shard's power in check. Activating them will stabilize the energy inside you—and might give us a chance to fight back against the Abyss."
By the time they reached the edge of the forest, the first light of dawn was breaking over the horizon. The suburban streets looked eerily normal, a stark contrast to the cosmic stakes Ethan now faced.
Kael stopped and turned to him. "You need to be careful from here on out. The seeker you faced was just the beginning. There are others out there—hunters, mercenaries, entire factions—who would kill to possess what you have. Trust no one, not even those who seem like allies."
Ethan frowned. "Not even you?"
She smirked faintly. "Especially not me. Always keep your guard up. But for now, we're on the same side."
The words hung in the air as Kael stepped back into the shadows of the trees. "I'll find you when it's time to move. Stay safe, Ethan."
Before he could respond, she was gone, disappearing into the forest like a phantom.
Ethan trudged home, his body heavy with exhaustion but his mind racing. The weight of the Shard felt more pronounced now, its presence a constant reminder of what lay ahead.
As he entered the quiet house, he paused in the living room, staring out the window at the slowly brightening sky. Somewhere out there, remnants waited for him to uncover their secrets.
And somewhere beyond them, in the void of the galaxy, the Abyss waited.
For now, he was just a teenager in an ordinary town. But deep down, Ethan knew the truth: his life was no longer his own.
It was only the beginning.