12 The Meeting

Liam lay on his bed, a sense of peace and acceptance washing over him.

He had taken a significant step towards reconciling with his past regrets, and although he couldn't shake the feeling that this might all be a dream, he had come to terms with himself.

'Maybe once I close my eyes, I'll wake up in hell... but I have no regrets,' he thought to himself, a sense of finality settling in.

With that thought, Liam closed his eyes and drifted into a restful sleep, a genuine calm expression, free from all worries, for the first time in a long while.

*

In the bedroom downstairs, a loving couple lay on the bed, wrapped in each other's arms. It was David and Ava, Liam's parents.

"Doesn't it feel like our child has matured?" David mused, his voice tinged with a mixture of pride and concern.

Ava looked up at him, her expression softening. "Do you think so? Well, whatever it is, all I want is for him to live happily. I know he's been through so much."

"Just what could have triggered this change in him, I wonder?" David pondered aloud, his gaze distant. "His eyes seemed a lot calmer today... I just hope he continues on this path to happiness."

Ava nodded, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on his chest. "Mm, and... our son is quite handsome, isn't he?"

David chuckled, a twinkle in his eyes. "Of course he is! After all, he takes after the most beautiful woman I've ever known in this world." His compliment elicited a soft giggle from Ava, and she snuggled closer into his embrace.

As the night enveloped them, the couple drifted into a peaceful slumber, hearts filled with love and hope for their son's happiness.

***

In a realm far removed from the confines of space and time, an expanse of pure nothingness stretched out indefinitely. There was no perceivable reality, no connection to any known dimension.

Abruptly, a small white speck appeared within the void. As if guided by an unseen force, it grew larger and brighter until it erupted into a brilliant burst of light. Out of this luminous eruption, an abstract environment began to materialize. Shapes coalesced from the formless space, forming an ethereal landscape. Gradually, structures resembling tables and chairs took shape, and the very fabric of existence started to take on a semblance of coherence.

Then emerged the enigmatic beings, their forms shrouded in an otherworldly radiance that made it difficult to discern their true nature. Despite their humanoid outlines, their features remained elusive, their bodies seemingly composed of the same radiant white substance that pervaded this mysterious realm.

With calm and deliberate movements, the three beings took their seats at the manifested tables. They emanated an aura of profound wisdom and agelessness, their presence signifying a profound significance in this esoteric realm. They seemed to be waiting, their attention focused on an unseen event or entity.

Time seemed to lose its conventional meaning in this realm, as moments flowed indistinctly into one another.

And then, with a grandeur befitting this enigmatic space, a colossal throne materialized, emanating a dark aura that contrasted starkly with the radiant surroundings. Seated upon the throne was a figure of immense power, an entity that exuded a sense of supreme authority. The figure reclined leisurely, one hand supporting its head as though lost in idle contemplation.

With a wave of his hand, the figure caused the previously arranged tables and chairs to dissolve, and a new arrangement formed. The three enigmatic beings found themselves situated around a long, majestic table that extended directly before the figure on the throne.

"It's good to see everyone after so much time," the being spoke, its words resonating with an air of both familiarity and authority.

In response, all present bowed, acknowledging his presence and words.

"So why have you all call me here?" the being inquired, its tone curious yet commanding.

"It concerns the impending dimensional collision," one of the three entities replied, its voice carrying a sense of urgency.

"Ah, has the time come already?" The seated being asked, his voice reflecting a mix of surprise and control.

"Yes, sir. The time has arrived for the next dimensional collision," the entity confirmed.

"However," another entity spoke up, "do we truly need them to engage in this war? Won't they just fight the gods and the Demons when they know they are just to be used as pawns?"

The seated being's gaze held an intense seriousness as he responded, "The contract was set long ago. The other side will also be making their preparations. Ensure that all necessary arrangements are made, and commence the collision at the precise moment."

"If that is all, you may depart."

The three beings bowed once more and returned to their respective realms, leaving only one behind.

Alone in the vast expanse, the remaining being remained still, its thoughts shrouded in mystery. Suddenly, a subtle smile curled upon its lips.

"To think someone transcended the bounds of time, or rather, their memories did... Interesting. Let's observe how this develops."

***

Liam woke up from his sleep, his eyes opening to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains.

"I'm still here, huh... It looks like it's reality," he murmured to himself, his voice carrying calmness... Well although he sounded calm, his heart was beating like it would burst open.

With excitement, Liam sprang out of bed and strode over to the window. He pushed aside the curtains, allowing the gentle sunlight to fill the room. The early morning tranquility embraced him, and he felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins.

Sitting back on his bed, he retrieved his phone and powered it on. As the device came to life, he couldn't help but feel a rush of anticipation. This was his second chance, a chance to rewrite his destiny and ensure a different outcome.

"If this is all reality, then it means I've got a second chance," he mused, his voice tinged with a hope for the chance to rewrite his destiny. He glanced at the date displayed on his phone: [May 03, 2023], and noted the time: [4:45 am].

"Two months, huh..." Liam's mind raced as he calculated the time frame until the world collision on July 31st.

Liam's mind raced with possibilities and plans.

While he couldn't be certain that the world collision would occur exactly as it had before, he wasn't willing to leave anything to chance.

'Even if this maybe a different reality, I can't take risks.'

He knew that he had to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of himself and those he cared about.

This time he won't just survive, But enjoy the Apocalypse!!