By A. M. Reynwood
The earth trembled against the pressure of the Abyssal Rift. Writhing arms of darkness spewed from the gaping hole in the pavement, blackening the sky and blending with the smoke billowing up from the burning town. The Voidborne prowled the desecrated streets, ripping apart buildings and choking the air with fear and visceral hatred.
Sebastian stepped through the translocation portal spell and paused to take in the scene. Managing an evacuation, the squadron was scattered thin throughout the chaos.
The call for reinforcements had been patched through to him while on the way to class. He’d been prepared to ignore it—first semester examinations started today and he couldn’t miss them—but then he’d been given the details: a squad responding to reports of suspicious activity had uncovered perverted magic and a national-level betrayal. They hadn’t been prepared for a Rift to open in the middle of the town square.
Which was why he came, after all. Much to the chagrin of many, he and his partner, Kurt, were the best the kingdom had to deal with these kinds of outbreaks.
As he headed in, the sky overhead erupted with blue magic followed by a concussive boom. A cluster of evacuees screamed and cowered, but the man herding them didn’t flinch. He wore a Major’s uniform, and the moment he saw Sebastian, he stopped.
“What’s this?” he barked, scowling. “I ask for reinforcements, and this is what shows up? I need soldiers and mages, not a single measly civilian!”
Sebastian approached with his head held high. “I’m Sebastian Inons Bony, second year at the College of Advanced Mage Arts. Kurt and I can handle this.”
Without another word, he turned and dashed into the town. The Major shouted after him, but Sebastian didn’t stop to listen. There wasn’t time. He only skidded to a halt when the church belfry came crashing down in front of him, the brass bell’s final note reverberating through his chest. On the other side stood one of the Voidborne, its massive obsidian body misshapen like a naked crow with arms instead of wings.
Unflinching, Sebastian reached into the pouch strapped to his belt and pulled out an old, tattered book. When he opened it, smoke spewed from its pages, and out of the ashen cloud sprung a figure as tall as Sebastian himself. It was human in form but for the black horns and blacker markings curling about its arms and face.
By all accounts, it was a demon of the Abyss. Rumors had spread quickly about a novice mage wielding a grimoire and a Bloodbonded demon. In truth, a treasure hunt, an ancient curse, and youthful ignorance had turned Sebastian’s childhood friend into this inhuman creature, and the rumors had turned mishap into fame.
The demon blinked, red eyes turning gray. “What’s going on, Nons? This isn’t the exam hall! We’re going to be late!”
“Look alive, Kurt!” Sebastian shouted, gaze focused above them.
Pausing, Kurt turned toward the Voidborne preparing to crush them. Both boys retreated behind a building as the abomination’s claws scourged the ground where they’d just been standing.
“What the heck, Nons?” Kurt yelped.
Sebastian shrugged, holding out the book. “We got a call. There’s at least five B-class Voidborne mucking around, plus the Rift. We can still make it in time if we hurry, so let’s get this cleaned up fast, all right?”
An impish grin replaced Kurt’s indignance. “You got it.” He reached into the roiling smoke hovering over the book’s pages and drew out a spear. Its large, jagged head glinted black as the night’s shadows.
Like a loosed arrow, Kurt leapt high into the air and drove the spear between the Voidborne’s soulless, crimson eyes. He rode its backward topple to the ground, then ran headlong down the street. Sebastian followed close behind, stowing the book and filling his hands with concentrated light. He lobbed them in quick succession at another Voidborne’s bulbous gut while Kurt slashed one of its legs. It bellowed and staggered but didn’t fall.
“Nons!” Kurt called, and a brief glance showed Sebastian exactly what his companion had in mind.
Running up, he stepped onto the waiting shaft of Kurt’s spear, and with superhuman strength, Kurt launched Sebastian skyward. Gathering magic energy, he formed a radiant sword with which he severed the monster’s head, slaying it. He landed on one of the few intact roofs, then propelled himself back into the fray.
In like manner, the two friends swiftly defeated the remaining Voidborne and soon stood at the edge of the Abyssal Rift. The pressure so close to the pit made the air heavy, roaring with static. Darkness continued to spill out like an upside-down waterfall.
Sebastian sighed through pursed lips. The only way to close such things was from the inside.
“Are you sure you can handle one this big?” He had to shout above the noise.
“I have to,” Kurt replied. He clapped Sebastian’s arm, flashing a confident grin. “Don’t worry, Nons. I got this.”
Without hesitating, he jumped and vanished within the tumultuous hole. A few moments later the Rift began to shrink, growing steadily smaller until it disappeared entirely, leaving behind charred stone and a ruined town.
Sebastian could hardly breathe, heart pounding. He retrieved the book with trembling hands and opened it. Smoke only seeped from the pages. When nothing else happened, his fingers tightened around the binding. “Come on, Kurt…”
And then, when despair threatened to choke him, a hand appeared amidst the swirling veil. Sebastian dropped the book in his haste to grab it and pull. With a little more effort, Kurt crawled out and staggered to his feet.
Sebastian gripped his shoulder. “You okay?”
Panting, Kurt nodded.
“Good, then let’s head back to class.”
“And make it snappy,” Kurt wheezed. “Think the professor’ll give us a pass for saving the world?”
Sebastian shook his head as he opened another translocation gate. “There’s only so many times we can use that excuse for being late.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Super fun and exciting. Non-stop action in a tiny package.
Nice premise, and the last line made me laugh. This would work well as a bit longer story, one where Kurt and Sebastian face more personal stakes.
I love this unique partnership. There’s so much potential for more!
Ok. I loved this!
I love these two, as well as this world you’ve created. Great story!
I was enraptured the entire time — I’d love more origin story on the nickname Kurt calls Sebastian and their childhood friendship.
I LOVED this story! Absolutely genius.
I absolutely loved this! You kept me on the edge of my seat and then ended with a grin. The world immersion worked great, and the action was well written. Thanks for the read!