Episode II — The Sah’s Pyramid

Chapter 1: Into the Maze

Michael follows the golden strings emanating from his chest, navigating through a maze that resembles a blend of cities from all over the world. Gebmar walks closely behind him, diligently attempting to repair the clasp of his necklace, while Ember documents their journey on her phone.

“You won’t believe it, but this place isn’t what it seems. We’re actually inside a tiny pyramid called Sah, or something like that. It’s supposed to be a reflection of my brother’s subconscious,” Ember explains, pausing to rotate her camera for emphasis. “Aside from almost being killed by a psycho ghost, the trip’s been pretty uneventful.”

“So, this is the first time you’ve been able to use magic other than Cosmic?” Gebmar asks, still tinkering with his necklace.

 “Yep, first time for me. But hey, my mom is an Earth mage, so maybe I inherited a bit of that mojo,” says Michael.

“Maybe you’re some kind of hybrid,” Ember suggests.

Gebmar raises an eyebrow skeptically. “A hybrid? There is no such thing as hybrids in the magical world. Even we elementals can’t wield multiple types of magic simultaneously. No one can, unless you’re a Transcendental.”

“Transcendentals?” Michael turns to Gebmar.

“A rare type of elemental whose magic transcends the limitations of any specific elemental caste,” Gebmar explains. “They can wield all forms of magic simultaneously, including Earth, Cosmic, Atomic, Magma, and Sky. The most powerful ones can even bend reality on both the physical and astral levels. That’s why Rigel was such a formidable force back in his mighty deva days.”

Gebmar continues, “The Transcendental Deity once attempted to create Transcendental mages, but as far as I know, he failed. They all perished because their physical bodies couldn’t handle so much power. Yet, somehow, you’re still alive.”

“Perhaps one of them did survive and happened to be my ancestor?” Michael muses aloud.

“Perhaps,” Gebmar replies, intrigued, then refocuses his attention on his broken necklace.

“Can I?” Michael approaches him and extends his hand. “I took a goldsmith class in school. Maybe I can help?”

Gebmar hesitates for a moment before shyly handing it over.

“You might find this odd, but I feel like I’ve seen this necklace before. Where did you get it?” Michael asks eagerly.

“The sphere inside the pendant is Gaia’s Eye, a special magic enhancer created by the Deity herself. The necklace was crafted by someone very special to me. Someone who, unfortunately, is no longer with us,” says Gebmar, visibly saddened.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude,” says Michael, embarrassed.

“No worries. You kind of remind me of him,” says Gebmar, blushing. Then he shifts the conversation. “By the way, how close are we to your magical essence? Is the energy getting stronger?”

Michael concentrates for a moment. “The force is stronger, and the strings glow brighter in that direction . . .” His voice fades and his face turns pale as they approach a peculiar place.

Before them stands a jaw-dropping structure, with organic-looking architecture made from carved stalagmites and marble. The majestic building’s design blends Baroque and neo-Gothic elements, the structure surrounded by an enormous French garden. Perched on a hill, the building offers a privileged view of a city below, which, like the palace behind, appears to be constructed organically from stalagmites and other minerals.

Gebmar and Ember’s eyes widen in amazement, captivated by the eccentric beauty of the place.

“Wow, is this what Agartha looks like now? It’s changed so much since the last time I saw it . . . centuries ago,” says the deva, excitement in his voice.

An ominous silence falls over the group.

Confused by the sudden shift in the atmosphere, Gebmar turns to Michael. “Is everything alright?”

Michael does not respond. His blank eyes remain fixed on the strange city below the hill.

“Agartha, you said . . .” Ember says nervously.

Gebmar stares at her, still unsure what’s happening.

Michael breaks the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, this is what Agartha looks like in the present, and the building behind us . . . it’s the Parliament.”

As Michael falls silent again, the protective barrier around them begins to tremble, and the guiding golden string fades away.

“Mike, are you okay?” Gebmar asks, his confusion deepening.

“Michael lived in Agartha for a while, attending an elite boarding school for mages!” Ember exclaims, panic creeping into her voice as the barrier starts to crumble around them. “And it was the worst time of his life.”

The protective barrier begins to contract, inching closer to collapse. Outside the barrier’s dwindling protections, the city’s edges crumble. With each passing moment, the Self draws nearer to its prey.

Ember takes hold of one of Michael’s hands while Gebmar grasps the other, their collective efforts aimed at comforting the agitated mage. “Mike, forget Agartha. Think of somewhere that brings you joy,” Ember urges, her voice infused with optimism as she seeks reassurance from Gebmar.

Gebmar nods in agreement, offering a supportive smile as he joins Ember in trying to calm Michael’s escalating panic. “Yeah, Mike. Recall a moment or place that brought you happiness. Surely, there’s something from your memories that brings you joy,” he says, his grip on Michael’s hand steady and comforting.

“I wish I could remember a place like that,” Michael responds with a tinge of frustration.

“Come on, Mike. There must be somewhere that holds a special place in your heart,” Gebmar persists, his voice firm.

“I’ve got it! How about that enchanting place you keep dreaming of? The one you always ask me to draw for you, but I keep forgetting?” says Ember.

“The one you promise to draw but never do,” Michael retorts with a playful smirk, his tension momentarily easing.

“Exactly, that one! Listen, if you get us out of here, I’ll draw that place first thing tomorrow morning. Why don’t you describe it to us?” Ember suggests, glancing at Gebmar for support.

“Yeah, I’m curious to see it, too. What’s it like?” Gebmar asks.

Meanwhile, the Self inches closer, its malevolent intent palpable as the barrier continues to shrink.

With a deep breath, Michael closes his eyes, diving into his memories in search of that peculiar place from his dreams. In that moment, a remarkable transformation begins to unfold. Agartha quivers and shifts, morphing into a surreal landscape.

The barrier’s collapse begins to slow. Just in time, as the Self is now only about forty feet from them. The entity’s expression shifts to one of disgust as it realizes it may lose another opportunity.

“It’s working! You’re amazing, Mike!” Ember cheers.

“That’s my apprentice!” Gebmar exclaims proudly.

Michael opens his eyes to the breathtaking scene his mind has created; a realm of vibrant colors and fantastical creatures, unlike anything he’s seen before. Agartha has transformed into a surreal forest, its landscape adorned with towering roses and vibrant pine trees. Strange glowing creatures resembling fireflies fly around, infusing the air with enchantment. The valley is embraced by majestic violet mountains, resembling colossal clusters of amethyst. Above, the sky evolves into a sprawling aurora, colors flowing like a gentle river.

“Wow, Mike. This place is beyond anything I imagined,” says Ember, while snapping a picture. “Now I know why you love dreaming about it so much!”

Gebmar, on the other hand, remains silent, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Thank you for reading Chaos’s Key.

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