History Lesson

"I am willing to take on the responsibility." you say, though you have a feeling that you're going to regret it.

"Then listen," the book begins. "This thy world is but one of many, a single branch within the forest of existence which doth extend forever into the Void. Each is unique, each bound by the Law which the Creator did set it at its inception. From none of these planes did the dark one come,", the book adds darkly. "Yet come he did. He did come from the Void between the worlds, that Elemental barrier which doth divide one branch, one tree within that forest from any other. Ages ago, he did come in power to destroy all, a being of emptiness, immortal and undying, with power enough to rend the hosts of this thy world asunder. He did come to this world and all did seem lost. Yet, in the hour of the darkness did a Champion appear and, gifted with ancient knowledge, strip from him his powers, imprisoning him within a mortal body. His powers were sealed away, never to be released."

"But why this world?" you ask.

"Thy world", the book answers, "is that world whence all worlds depend, the hub of the ever-spinning wheel. All worlds are seen in this world though by dreams and inspiration they do appear. If this world fall", it rumbles, "then all is lost."

"But how do I beat him?", you ask nervously. "If he's immortal now, he can't die."

"He is no longer immortal", the book responds. "He has regained but a portion of his vast power. When first he was defeated, the hosts of this thy world did cause his powers to be scattered abroad in the land, sealed within devices born of magic. He has found but one ... the one thou hast opened to him."

"So," you say, having watched enough fantasy tv shows to know what comes next,"I have to beat this guy to the artifacts and destroy them, then him."

"Not so", chuckles the book, "that which is eternal may never be destroyed. Thou canst but contain his power within those devices which do hold it, and those are eternal true. The devices possess his power, and may be used for weal or woe, as them which hold them will. You must take from him the power he has regained, and make him mortal once more. It is given to me to grant you one boon", the book concludes. "Thou shalt be granted the power of a single world to aid and protect thee. Choose the source of thy power ... and choose wisely."

A single world, you think. If I understand the book right, other worlds come in dreams and inspirations ... could that mean that movies, comics, books, and tv shows all represent other worlds? And to receive the power of that world ... what a choice. What if I choose the wrong one?

Finally, you decide ...

Written by an anonymous author (edited by wanderer)

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