The Portal

"It wouldn't be a good idea if you denied my offer."

"Even if you asked me for the 100th time, I would never say yes to that."

In the blink of an eye, Aiden and Leah found themselves caught up in an unexpected turn of events. Just moments before, they had been engrossed in a conversation about the possibilities that the future might unfold for them. The passage of time seemed elusive, with hours or days slipping by unnoticed in the real world, yet they remained remarkably invigorated.

As if transported by some mysterious force, the duo suddenly stood face to face, a peculiar tension hanging in the air. To their surprise, they found themselves engaged in an impromptu standoff, each gesturing toward anything sharp within arm's reach on the ground. The backdrop of their unexpected confrontation was a cliff, the surroundings adorned with the remnants of what appeared to be a once grand hallway, now reduced to broken ruins.

The cliffside setting boasted a long passage, reminiscent of a labyrinth, with numerous openings lining the right and left walls, resembling gateways to unknown realms. Aiden and Leah, driven by an unspoken determination, had initially sought to reach the cliff, only to find themselves inexplicably standing against each other in this peculiar face-off.

The journey that led them to this point remained shrouded in mystery, adding an intriguing layer to the unfolding scenario. Amidst the ancient ruins and the precipice of uncertainty, Aiden and Leah stood poised for a challenge that seemed to defy the very fabric of the reality they had known.

Leah's voice quivered as she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, "Why are you doing this, Aiden?"

Aiden met her gaze with a determined look, his sincerity evident, "I'm doing this for us, Leah.

There's no point in trying to save a world that's already on the edge of destruction. But we can save ourselves—just take my hand." He extended his other hand towards her, the broken metal firmly gripped in his other.

A puzzled expression crossed Leah's face as she asked, "Since when do you think like that?"

Aiden sighed, a mix of resolution and acceptance in his eyes, "Since I accepted reality, Leah. This world is headed for a downfall, regardless of the key you're so intent on finding," he said, referring to the key mentioned in the book.

In the midst of the turbulent moment, Leah's voice rang out, carrying both conviction and anguish. "This is our world, Aiden," she shouted, her refusal echoing in the air as she withdrew from the hand he extended toward her. The intensity of her emotions was palpable; it was as if her very blood was boiling within her veins.

The man standing before Leah seemed like a stranger, a distorted reflection of the Aiden she once knew. This was not merely a case of mind manipulation; it was a profound transformation. Leah discerned it in his every action, sensing a paranoia that gripped him tightly. Aiden, once steadfast and familiar, now stood on the precipice of aligning himself with the supremes, driven by a desperate bid for self-preservation. In his plea, he sought not only to secure his future but to entreat Leah to join him in this ominous alliance.

In the face of this unrecognizable version of Aiden, Leah drew a line in the sand. "You are not the Aiden I knew," she declared resolutely, her voice unwavering in its defiance. "I'll never come with you." The weight of her decision hung in the air, a testament to the strength of her convictions and the unyielding bond she held to the world they once shared.

Leah couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss with Aiden ever since they first crossed paths in the mystical realms of the lost city. The mystery of her own entrapment in this otherworldly place had always puzzled her, justified only by the presence of a mysterious book in her possession. However, Aiden's sudden appearance added another layer of confusion to her predicament.

As they navigated through the surreal landscape, Leah couldn't help but notice the change in Aiden's demeanor. Questions lingered in her mind like a persistent mist. Why was he here? What had brought him to this enigmatic realm? His behavior, once familiar, had undergone a noticeable transformation. Despite the uncertainty, Aiden seemed strangely at ease, more relaxed than she had ever seen him back on the ship.

Since their reunion, Aiden had been painting vivid pictures of a life beyond this place, a life they would share once they escaped the confines of the lost city. His optimism, though comforting, only deepened Leah's intrigue. Each step they took together brought them closer to unraveling the mysteries surrounding not only the city but also the enigma that was Aiden.

Leah found herself immersed in a peculiar experience, grappling with faint recollections that danced on the blurred line between memories and enigmatic dreams. The vividness of these moments perplexed her, leaving her uncertain about their authenticity. It was as if she were caught in a surreal tapestry of reality and illusion, struggling to decipher the threads of her own past.

The haziness persisted until Aiden entered the scene, a pivotal figure in her narrative. The turning point coincided with a lightning strike that seemed to jolt her senses. In that electrifying moment, the distinction between dream and reality blurred further, weaving a complex tapestry of experiences that only deepened the mystery surrounding Leah's journey.

"Indeed, I must clarify that I am not the Aiden you once knew; I have undergone significant enhancements and improvements," Aiden asserted with a subtle, confident smile. "Allow me to articulate it in a manner familiar to your understanding—consider me the upgraded version."

He feigned a momentary pause, as if contemplating the apt descriptor. "Yes, let's refer to it as the evolved iteration," he concluded, his tone carrying an air of nonchalant sophistication. Leah observed the unfolding scene with a mix of astonishment and curiosity, pondering the transformation that had taken hold of Aiden.

"Aiden," Leah gently uttered in a hushed tone, attempting to reach out to the Aiden she recognized, now seemingly submerged within the recesses of another's consciousness.

In response, Aiden struggled to find the appropriate words, stammering hesitantly, "Uhh...Uhh... Aiden 2.0." The label hung in the air, encapsulating the essence of his metamorphosis, leaving both Leah and Aiden himself grappling with the profound implications of this newly unveiled version.

Time was slipping away, marked by the ominous expansion of the yellow halo and the escalating velocity of the wind. The urgency in the air was palpable, and Leah felt the weight of the impending danger. If she failed to take decisive action, the supremes would arrive, spelling doom for humanity.

As Leah grappled with the gravity of the situation, a perplexing thought nagged at her. If the supremes were intent on bringing about the end of the world, why would they go through the trouble of prophesying it and instructing someone to document it? Was this a twisted form of mockery directed at humanity? The incongruity of their actions left Leah bewildered.

Despite her confusion, Leah couldn't shake the belief that she was here for a purpose. However, the details eluded her grasp, clouded by a cascade of faint memories that weren't her own. In a futile attempt to clear her mind, she shook her head, but the foreign recollections persisted, casting a shadow over her thoughts. It was as if these memories held the key to understanding the unfolding crisis, yet they remained just out of reach, leaving Leah in a state of disconcerting uncertainty.

"Let's drop our weapons for now." Aiden raised both his hands and dropped the metal thing he was holding to show that he was not going to hurt her, maybe not now. Leah looked at him and then above the sky at the yellow halo, she hesitated to drop whatever she had her hands on. "Don't worry, there's still some time. We can chat until then," Aiden reassured Leah. He settled onto a nearby rock, patiently waiting for Leah to join him. Observing her caution, Leah hesitantly crouched down on a broken pillar, keeping the weapon close to her feet. Aiden couldn't help but chuckle at her protective instincts. Choosing not to break the silence, he allowed Leah the time she needed to unwind and gather herself. 

"Why are you doing this? And what did you do to Aiden?" Leah's voice trembled with a mix of concern and confusion.

"Aiden, he doesn't exist anymore… sorry about that, but I can be Aiden to you, just like how you want," Aiden responded with a heavy, unsettling tone. "Only if you join me."

Leah's expression turned resolute. "Never," she deadpanned, her response firm and unwavering. 

"Feel free to make your own choices. Deciphering everything wasn't a walk in the park, you know. Aiden's upbringing by his parents instilled in him the values of being a commendable son, and that certainly played to my advantage in gaining the trust of all of you," Aiden explained, with Leah attentively absorbing his words. The wind had settled, yet the clouds resumed their low grumbling.

"It had a certain romanticism to it, don't you think? Discovering you engrossed in a book aboard the ship, amidst a world tearing itself apart. It felt like something out of a fanfiction," he remarked, reflecting on the peculiar circumstances of their encounter. 

"Vastaus? That book," Leah exclaimed, and Aiden nodded in affirmation.

"Yeah, it was essentially a diversion to mislead everyone, buying us time until we, the supremes, could meticulously plan everything. I'm relieved that the time frame differs between our planets," Aiden explained. Leah was taken aback; all this while, she believed she was contributing to a cause that could potentially benefit humanity. However, it turned out to be a cunning scheme orchestrated by the supremes.

"And you, my love, fell for it," Aiden chuckled, winking at her. The revelation left Leah in a state of shock, realizing the true nature of her involvement in what seemed like a noble cause.

Leah found herself in a state of profound speechlessness, her gaze fixed on some distant point as her mind grappled with the surreal turn of events. Questions swirled within her, especially about the mysterious man who had presented her with the enigmatic book. Could this be part of an elaborate scheme orchestrated by the supremes? The pieces of the puzzle eluded her comprehension, leaving her in a bewildered stupor.

Unbeknownst to Leah, a solitary tear traced its path down her cheek, escaping her notice. Aiden, however, caught this silent manifestation of her turmoil, and for an ephemeral moment, his countenance betrayed a hint of empathy. "Leah," he uttered softly, his voice a gentle plea. Yet, Leah remained transfixed, her vacant stare persisting.

In a delicate attempt to bridge the emotional chasm, Aiden continued, "I understand this is overwhelming, but trust me. Take my hand, and we can return to the way we were. Embracing each other, in love... I'll forever be your Aiden. Just listen to me once." His plea hung in the air, a fragile entreaty laden with both sincerity and an awareness of the uncharted boundaries that now stood between them.

Leah turned her head swiftly, her eyes reflecting evident anger, and shook her head. "If your intention was to bring about the end of the world, why did you wait until now? And what compelled you to steal all of our works and technologies?" Leah's inquiry only seemed to amuse Aiden further, prompting him to stand up and laugh maniacally. 

"Well, let me break it down for you," Aiden began, gesturing as if he were a teacher explaining a complex concept. "Firstly, the time lapse between our experiences is significantly different. While it may seem like years to you, we've only waited for seven days on our end. Our timelines don't sync up, so the perception of time is skewed."

He paused, adopting a more serious tone, "Now, as for the technological advancements, it's not as sinister as it may sound. We didn't steal anything. Instead, we utilized a bit of mind manipulation to erase any memories of our existence. This way, when we finally arrived, there was no resistance because they had forgotten everything about us. It's more of a strategic move, ensuring a smooth transition."

Aiden chuckled, shaking his head, "That's why, my dear, your race seemed to stagnate in terms of technological progress. They were still relying on old technologies because they simply couldn't remember us or the advancements we brought when the years passed."

Leah listened in disbelief, trying to comprehend the gravity of Aiden's revelations.

"Have you been pretending to be nice all this time? I regret every moment I've spent with you, Aiden. I truly regret it," Leah exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration as she stood and slowly advanced toward where Aiden was positioned. "You Supremes are monsters," she added, her face contorted with a disgusted expression. As she completed her sentence, Aiden swiftly approached her, closing the distance in a fast pace. He joined his forehead with hers, his eyes ablaze with rage and anger. 

"Repeat that, please," Aiden demanded through clenched teeth.

Leah met his gaze with a deadpan expression. "I regret it," she stated matter-of-factly. Suddenly, Aiden's fingers closed around Leah's throat, not squeezing too tightly but enough to convey a sense of intimidation. The atmosphere grew tense as he held her in that grip.

"I detest you supremes," Leah spat out, Aiden's fingers gradually tightening their hold on Leah's skin. She struggled for breath, the pressure making it increasingly difficult for her to draw in air.

"Please, don't push me to do things I'd rather avoid." Aiden leaned in, his voice a low murmur near Leah's ear. He slowly released his grip on her, and Leah, still processing the sudden turn of events, knelt down, taking deep breaths.

Aiden straightened up, a mix of frustration and disdain etched on his face. "What do you even know about me, huh? And the names you humans give us—'supremes.' It's all so tiresome." Leah gazed at the man she had once been close to, grappling with the realization of the transformation before her. "All you humans do is use these exhausting languages, millions of them."

As Leah finally caught her breath, she couldn't contain her curiosity and concern. "Who are you?" she questioned, breaking the silence that had settled between them. 

"The world we inhabit operates on a unique system—we don't use names; instead, we communicate through signs. This body you're currently harboring disdain for? It's my residence; I dwell within Aiden's form, and I possess it," Aiden explained, his eyes brimming with anger. 

"We've existed for eons, living a life void of the human emotions you're so accustomed to. It's precisely this longevity that keeps our numbers scarce. However, upon arriving on Earth, we found ourselves captivated by its wonders. What you perceive as merely a human shell, we regard as our homes. We positioned ourselves here, hoping for a welcoming reception. Yet, alas, humans have a penchant for turning everything into a commotion."

Leah furrowed her brow in confusion. "What are you talking about?" she questioned.

Aiden leaned in, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Emotions, sleep, hunger, and producing offspring—none of these were part of our lives on Ubize. It was only when we arrived here that we began to experience these things. That's when I found Delilah. She was beautiful, loving, and feisty, much like you."

He locked eyes with Leah, searching for a reaction. However, Leah's expression remained stoic, her eyes revealing nothing—reminding him of Delilah. "I fell for her," Aiden continued, "but you know what she said." He paused for emphasis; his gaze unwavering. "Everything was fine until humans discovered us and our existence. She refused to come with me, just as you're doing now." 

Leah scoffed, acknowledging the correctness of her decision. "She was right about what she chose," Leah spat.

Aiden, however, remained unfazed. "No, darling. But it's okay; you seem a little sensible. We can change that and live happily ever after. Heck, we can even rule this world together if you're up for it." Aiden's eyes gleamed with a crazed intensity. Leah couldn't shake off the feeling that it wasn't just about her or Delilah; it was about seizing control of this world and its inhabitants, taking them captive under their reign.

"All we ever wanted was a little place, but you all retaliated and killed me," Aiden shouted, frustration evident in his voice. His gaze locked onto Leah as he continued, "Do you know why I'm here and why I chose this place and you?"

Leah's response was a murmured, "Why?"

Aiden's revelation unfolded with a mix of urgency and nostalgia. "This is the place I was buried in, nestled between the statues that you were digging to find the key. This lost city of Atlantis—it fell, taking everyone on the island with it, and you, Leah." Aiden gently cupped her face with one hand, his touch conveying a strange blend of emotions. "You listened to my voice and opened the portal a few years back, six years ago to be precise, and that's when it all started."

Suddenly, everything clicked in Leah's mind. Faint memories resurfaced, and the pieces fell into place. "That's why you're the one I saved from the fire, and now you're here," Aiden concluded, bringing clarity to the mysterious connection that had bound them together.

"Alright, let's get things straight now. You've got two options on the table. Since you were the one who opened the portal, I'm giving you a choice: either join me and become my wife or end up facing the same fate as the others." Aiden's demeanor was cold, devoid of any emotion. The extraterrestrial entity inside him seemed accustomed to navigating this world and had plans to claim it as its own.

Leah was left speechless, processing the sudden revelation. There never was an Aiden, and the emotions she experienced, even if just for a brief day or two, were nothing but a facade. Love and concern were snatched away from her in an instant.

Aiden, or whatever inhabited his body, continued with an unsettling proposition. "I can put an end to all this chaos, you know. If the humans refrain from retaliating, I have the power to make the wars stop."

This statement drew Leah's attention, and she couldn't help but look at him. "And why would your 'things' listen to you? Who exactly are you?" she inquired, her curiosity mixed with a tinge of skepticism. 

"The orchestrator of all events, the one who chose to incarnate on this Earth, the mastermind behind every plan, the individual who crossed paths with Delilah, the architect of this city's submersion into the depths of the sea—I am the leader of the Supremes, the proprietor of Ubize, the inaugural entity named on this very planet." Aiden paused, dramatically lifting his hands towards the sky.

"I am Alpheus," he declared, and at that moment, the heavens seemed to split open, unleashing a thunderous roar accompanied by a brilliant flash of light. The thunderclap reverberated behind him, the lightning creating a dramatic backdrop that cast him in a regal light, his yellow halo radiating with unprecedented brilliance.

Leah, crouched in her place, observed the spectacle with awe. A sudden pang of pain gripped her abdomen as she witnessed the grandeur unfold before her. In that moment, Aiden's proclamation seemed to carry an otherworldly weight, leaving Leah both stunned and physically affected by the mysterious forces at play. 

"And I will take over everything. I'm kind of liking this body; it's handsome, and the best part is, you love this body," Aiden chuckled maniacally as the rain poured heavily on the earth. Leah felt a sharp pain again in her abdomen, likely from injuries sustained when the ship collided with the cliff and broke into pieces.

Leah's mind felt a bit fuzzy, attempting to piece together the memories running in the back of her head. She saw a portal opening inside the water. Someone else was there with her; it was her friend, the one who had passed away four years ago. "Dana," she whispered to herself. Aiden couldn't hear her; he was too engrossed in his maniacal laughter and self-praise.

Leah tried to focus on the memories flooding back to her. Aiden continued to revel in his own grandiosity, oblivious to Leah's internal struggle and the unfolding supernatural event.

Leah's recollection was hazy, reminiscent of a distant dream. It took her back to a time four years prior when their cruise had met a tragic fate, succumbing to the depths of the ocean. In the chaos of the sinking ship, Leah and Dana found themselves grappling with the unforgiving waters, desperately trying to stay afloat. Help was en route, but amidst the tumult, Leah caught a faint whisper pleading for assistance.

The details of what transpired next remained elusive to Leah's memory. Somewhere amid the sea's abyss, she encountered a disorienting moment—a collision with a rock. Frantically attempting to secure her grip, the rock unexpectedly shifted, triggering a seismic disturbance. The waters churned, enveloping Leah in a whirlwind of white bubbles, and she felt the very air forcibly expelled from her lungs. That unsettling sensation was the last imprint on her consciousness before awakening in the sterile confines of a hospital room.

In the aftermath of the incident, a shroud of silence enveloped her friends. They never broached the subject of what had transpired, leaving Leah in the dark about the circumstances that led to her hospitalization. As time wore on, those memories gradually faded from her mind, tucked away in the recesses of forgetfulness.

Leah found herself immersed in the search for memories within her mind, uncovering faint recollections of someone unfamiliar. Although she couldn't pinpoint the identity, she was certain these memories didn't belong to her. Lost in her introspection, Leah failed to perceive Aiden's presence as he stood, ominously hovering over her frightened and trembling form.

Suddenly, Aiden's voice broke through her concentration, his words carrying an ominous weight. "Leah, it was truly delightful knowing you and sharing moments with you, but the time has come," he whispered. Simultaneously, the once-bright yellow halo above them began to darken, casting an eerie shadow in the surrounding space.

A chilling gust of wind, reminiscent of the one she had experienced only days before, emanated from the now ominously shaded halo. The unsettling atmosphere left Leah on edge, her senses heightened as the mysterious events unfolded around her.

Aiden gently lowered his head toward where Leah lay, half-curled in pain, clutching her stomach. "Leah, look, they're coming—my people," he whispered, his touch tender as he caressed her face. "I can make you my queen, I swear. Since the day I laid my eyes on you, my inner Alpheus was itching. But Aiden was a bit too oblivious." His fingers delicately traced the contours of Leah's face, lingering as they moved down to her abdomen, stopping over her hand. "Please, I can't lose you," he pleaded in a soft tone.

Leah felt a mix of emotions as she looked into his eyes; a hint of concern lingered, a remnant of the Aiden she once knew.

Leah's breath caught in her throat as she observed otherworldly creatures descending through the portal above, seemingly descending an invisible staircase. Clad in hooded grey robes that concealed their heads, these entities moved with an unsettling human-like gait, their forms mirroring that of ordinary humans. Seven in number, they encircled her in a manner reminiscent of the statues she had encountered earlier—those seven statues that surrounded Aiden. The realization hit her like a jolt; Aiden was at the core, the key that made her the bearer of some unknown significance.

As the creatures raised their hands, Aiden rose to his feet. A sudden recollection flashed in Leah's mind; the statues were the supremes, and Aiden, stationed at the center, was the linchpin. "Don't be scared; they are my people," Aiden reassured her. In unison, the seven supremes lifted their heads, unveiling their faces by lifting the hoods of their cloaks. If this were a scene from a horror movie, Leah might have dismissed it as mere fiction. However, it was unfolding right before her eyes, sending shivers down her spine.

These supremes were unlike anything she had ever seen. Their faceless countenances defied the norms of human anatomy—they lacked eyes, ears, noses, or even mouths. Instead, they perceived their surroundings through their pale, featureless skin. The eerie sensation intensified as they seemed to absorb every detail of their environment through an otherworldly sense. 

"I won't let you go," Aiden declared resolutely. In one swift motion, he scooped Leah up in a bridal style, and she found herself too weakened to resist. "You're coming with me," he whispered, as the other supremes bowed before him.

"You're mistaken, Alpheus," Leah's voice, though feeble, reached Aiden's ears. "You can't take me." Despite her weakened state, Leah struggled within Aiden's grasp. Unable to maintain his hold, Aiden released her, causing Leah's body to collide with the ground, scraping her elbows and knee.

"Stop fightin Leah." Aiden said once again.

"The key." Leah replied earning a confused glare from Aiden. "I know what that is and I will stop this." She was determined despite of her injured figure.

"Nonsence, the book was a mere distraction Leah." Aiden laughed.

All of a sudden, the sea began to surge, elevating the water levels with an unexpected intensity. The other supremes appeared perplexed, unable to comprehend the unfolding situation. Their bodies seemed devoid of any sensory awareness, rendering them immobile.

Amidst this disconcerting phenomenon, Leah struggled to rise. Despite her frail physique, she tenaciously fought against her own weakness and managed to start getting up. Simultaneously, the wind intensified, whipping through the air with greater force. The rain, now a torrential downpour, mercilessly battered everything in its path—rocks, the sea, and every other surface. The cacophony created by the relentless drumming of raindrops against these elements echoed louder and more ominous than any sound they had experienced before. 

"You're someone I've never known, the one who has left a trail of destruction in countless lives on this earth." With determination, Leah took a purposeful step towards Aiden, who instinctively retreated. Another step followed, then another, gradually pushing Aiden back towards the cliff's edge.

"You're the leader who has led his people astray," she accused with each deliberate step. "The one who, despite taking everything from everyone, remains isolated and alone." Another step. "You're not the Aiden I once knew." Another step. "You're not the man I loved, not now, not before, not ever." Step by step, she continued, her voice rising.

"You've become a monster, someone who has killed his own identity and his own people." Leah's eyes bore into Aiden as she advanced. "You are Alpheus, the leader of destruction and death." The weight of her words hung in the air, a damning indictment of the person Aiden had become.

Despite Aiden's persistent mumbling, Leah pressed on, determined to confront the entity within Aiden's body.

"You're nothing but a coward, using Aiden's body as your vessel," she asserted with each deliberate step. "You think you're all-knowing, the best there is, but let me tell you something: even you will meet your end here." Another step. "You're the reason I lie lifeless now."

Aiden struggled to comprehend Leah's accusations, and she continued, her words laced with bitterness. "You killed me. For what? To eventually rule this world?" Leah's eyes burned with intensity as she spoke, as if she had transformed into someone else entirely. "If you believed Vastaus was just a distraction, you're mistaken. I knew someone would grasp its significance, and here stands Leah, right in front of you." Another step.

Caught off guard by Leah's fervor, Aiden finally questioned, "Who are you?" 

The one who guided you here—because, if it has to end, we need to return to where it all began, right?" Leah took a step forward. "You may think you have all the answers, yet you've been ensnared in my plan for years." Another step. "I belong to you, and you to me, Delilah, your one and only." A distant roll of thunder echoed on the cliff, but Leah remained steadfast, her gaze locked onto Aiden, who now stood precariously close to the edge.

"And this concludes here. I'm returning the key to its rightful place, sealing the door so you can never return." With determination, she propelled Aiden off the cliff. A swirling whirlpool formed in the sea, creating a portal that enveloped Aiden's body. Gradually, the yellow halo dissipated, and the lost city began to sink once more. The world crumbled before Leah's eyes. Undeterred, she closed her eyes, prepared to descend with the lost city. Perhaps it was her destiny—the world she cherished, the man she loved—all sinking into oblivion. She had opened the portal, and now she had to bring closure to it all.