"In the beginning... People weren't bad or evil, but they were good and joyful, how they act or even more so, how people perceive them, will be how they are defined. For you can act good in the light, but have hatred in your heart, and be called a hero. Or you can act good in the shadows, and just because you're in the shadows, you're... a monster. So maybe sometimes the world doesn't need a hero, but a monster instead."

Now we take you to a place of misery and horror, one someone could only dream of, one that sets us up for a twisted tale of great loss and terror. This setting is a factory in meltdown with lab workers running for the exits caring what little research they can carry. Flames engulf years of groundbreaking technology and discoveries. As the fire first erupted, the lab was plunged into chaos. The three workers, caught off guard by the sudden blaze, scrambled to react. The once-familiar sounds of their daily routine were replaced by the terrifying crackle of flames and the deafening roar of the reactor. The air was thick with smoke, stinging their eyes and making it difficult to breathe. Laboratory equipment, which had once been so meticulously organized, was now strewn about the floor, charred and unrecognizable. The workers could feel the heat intensifying, the flames creeping closer with every passing moment. They are debating who should turn the reactor off. All knowing that the person who goes in won't make it out. But if it is not turned off it will kill and destroy everything for miles.

Three hours earlier.

In the city of Chicago, a man lived with his stunning fiance, Hannah. This man's name was Eugene. The morning sun streamed through the small kitchen window, casting a warm glow on Hannah as she cooked breakfast. The aroma of sizzling bacon and golden hash browns filled the air, mingling with the comforting scent of coffee. Eugene, still groggy from sleep, padded into the kitchen, his gaze drawn to the inviting spread. He leaned against the wall, watching Hannah with a fond smile.

"Hey beautiful!" Eugene says.

"Hey there. What you doing today?" Hannah replies.

"Well I'll be at work for most of the day. We are almost done with the project we've been working on, so I might stay late again." Eugen says.

"What even is this project, you've been working on it for three years but you have never mentioned one detail about it." Hannah complains.

"Hannah, you know it's top secret. I can't talk about it." Eugene chuckles.

"One day. Well I made us some eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns this morning." Hannah says.

"I see that. they look delicious." Eugene replies, "but I do have to get going soon."

"You always have to leave so early, can't you just take one day off?" Hannah asks.

"You know I can't do that, my work will change the world one day and it is very important to me." Eugene explains.

"More important than me?" Hannah complains.

"Well... I don't know. It might be. This stuff will revolutionize the whole world Hannah! Save thousands of lives!" Eugene says, very uncertain.

"Yeah I know that but I just feel like we barely get any time together anymore." Hannah conveys.

"I'm sorry, in a couple weeks it will be finished and we won't have to worry about money, or a job ever again." Eugene promises.

"I hope you're right." Hannah says with a bit of sadness.

"Well, I will go and get ready now then we can eat!" Eugene offers.

"Ok." Hannah replies.

He then goes into the bedroom and puts on his work clothes. After he walks out and sits down at the table with his food. They have a quick prayer and eat. Then Eugene grabs his bag, and heads for the door.

"Good bye BAE, I'll see you after work." He says to his fiance.

"Have a good day." she says before kissing him.

Now back to the present. Three workers maliciously debate who will stay behind to turn off the everdangering reactor.

Worker #1 "The reactor is getting more unstable, but the shut off switch is blocked in the fire!"

"Hey you go in there and shut it off." says worker #2.

"Well I don't know, I don't think I will make it." Eugene replies.

"Just get in there already! Or we're all dead." worker #2 demands.

"Oh alright I'll do it." Eugene says while going into the flames of the hallway.

The other two workers head toward the entrance of the building. They come out of the front door just as the fire department arrives. The firemen all hop out of their immense trucks and swing into action. The department chief comes up to the group of workers exiting the building.

"Is anyone else still in there?" the chief asks.

"Yes, we sent a coworker back in to shut off the reactor." worker #2 explains.

"Alright I'm going in after him!" the chief replies.

"No, no, you can't!" worker #1 replied.

"Well I appreciate the concern, but that's my job." the chief retorts "And don't follow me."

"No you don't understand," the worker tries to explain, but the chief goes into the burning building anyway, and the worker -ignoring the chief's demand- follows him in.

"Hey sir you can't go in there!!" a fireman yells, but the man is not swayed.

The chief races through the flames hoping to find Eugene, while the other worker trails behind desperately trying to catch up. The chief stops trying to see if he can find any clue as to where the man is, a cry for help or a faint breathing maybe. In doing this he allows the other worker to catch up.

Inside the building the chief sees the worker and says "Why did you come back here when I told you to stay?"

"Because if someone doesn't turn off the reactor this whole place and everybody outside will be destroyed in the detonation!" the worker explains.

"Well then, that changes things, lead the way." the chief states.

As the worker and chief ventured deeper into the burning lab, the scene was even more apocalyptic. The fire had raged unchecked, consuming everything in its path. The walls were blackened and crumbling, and the ceiling was beginning to collapse. The air was thick with smoke, making it nearly impossible to see. The heat was unbearable, and the two men could feel the flames licking at their clothes. Despite the danger, they pressed on, their determination fueled by the knowledge that the fate of countless lives depended on their success. But just as they hear the cries of Eugene, they set their eyes on him. Stuck under the collapsed ceiling. They also come across the reactor switch.

"There isn't enough time we have to shut off the reactor." the worker says.

"No, we get him to safety first." the chief demands

"It's him or everyone, I'm gonna choose everyone else." the worker retorts before walking over to the reactor.

Just as he puts his hand on the switch there is a great tremble. He pulls the lever. Then with no warning, the wall flies into a million pieces, the worker is hit with a sonic blast then an eruption of flames evaporating him where he stands and blasting the chief unconscious. Eugen is left there under the rubble fighting for his last breaths. But they don't come, the cloud of smoke is too thick. All of those outside wait for them to come out, but they never do. In the next hours they recover only one body. Its legs and one arm were severed and its body charged. This was the body of the fire chief. Miraculously his blood still beat. He was immediately rushed to the hospital and stabilized, but was in a coma from all the trauma.

Two days after the incident a man in a black hoodie moved with the grace of a shadow, his presence as silent as the night. He followed Hannah, as she navigated her daily routine. His soul piercing gaze was fixed on her. It was clear to anyone that she had loss in her heart, but the world stands still for no one. As she left her apartment, hailing a taxi, and disappearing into the city's bustling streets, he followed, his footsteps muffled by the urban symphony.

Hannah, oblivious to the unseen watcher, arrived at her favorite coffee shop. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as she ordered her usual drink. The man in the hood stood watching from a discreet distance, his presence unnoticed by the other patrons. As Hannah left the coffee shop, he followed once more, his shadow mirroring her own.

Her final destination was the preschool where she worked. The man in the hood observed from afar, his presence, a dark cloud hovering over the cheerful building. The children's laughter and playful shouts seemed to contrast sharply with the sinister figure watching over them. Though Hannah felt a sense of unease, she couldn't pinpoint the source of her discomfort. As a chill went down her spine, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Yet, whenever she tried to catch a glimpse of her stalker, he vanished, leaving her with only a lingering sense of fear. No one else seemed to notice his presence, as if he was a ghost haunting the city streets.

All the while, there is a young man sitting on his coach at home, wondering what he will do. His father is on a work trip, he runs the largest technology company in the U.S. So he has the entire mansion to himself for a couple weeks. But he has no idea what to do. His best friend recently died, and doesn't feel in the mood to hang out. But then his phone starts ringing. It's one of his friends, Asher, so he answers.

"Hey Asher what's up?" Alex asks.

"Ok, so you know how you have the mansion all to yourself?!" Asher hints.

"I can't have a party here. My dad will kill me when he gets back." Alex replies.

"Dude you need a party. You have been totally shut out, you need to do something to get back to normal. I already invited a couple people." Asher states.

"Right. Look man, I'm not really in the mood for a party tonight." Alex expresses.

"Well we're having one." Asher overrides.

Several hours pass until Alex is seated on his coach, while people trash his house. Despite the great party, he is not in a good mood.

"Hey Alex, nice party," someone says to Alex from beyond the chaos.

"Right!" Alex responds, "Anyway, how have you been Lanny?"

"Not good. It seems like everybody just forgot about him so quick. Like there isn't anything missing to them." Lanny says.

"Yeah, everybody keeps saying that I need to move on or get past it. But that just doesn't work for me." Alex reveals that it is keeping him down as well.

"Well, not many people knew him like we did, so it would be hard for them to imagine what we feel like." Lanny says.

"I miss him so much, I wish he could come back in some way." Alex requests with a saddened soul..

The two chat on, all night, zoning out the raging party around them. Life has finally taken a turn for the better with these two. It was a match nobody would have guessed, mostly because of Byron. But now that he is out of the picture there is nothing between them. They sit and talk well beyond when everyone else leaves.

"I should probably get back now. I'm sure my dad is wondering where I am." Lanny says.

"Yeah probably." Alex responds as they get up and head to the door.

Just as she is about to leave she turns to him, "You want to grab dinner some time?"

"I would love that!" he exclaimed with a smile.

Several weeks pass, and Hannah has caught several glimpses of her stalker by this time. And one day she is walking down the street when she notices the man following her. He is almost everywhere she goes, but is always in the distance. She then calls her best friend, Morgan. She had known Morgan since before she could remember, she was her most trusted ally in times of need. And this seemed to be a time of need.

"Come on, pick up, pick up!" Hannah says while the phone rings.

"Hey, what's up girl!" Morgan answers.

"That guy is following me again." Hannah explains with heavy breaths.

"Come to my place, let's see if he will come here." Morgan says.

"Ok, I'll see you in a sec." Hannah replies.

Twenty minutes after that, Hannah knocks on the door to her best friend's apartment. The door swings open and a girl with half way done hair is standing there.

"Hey Hannah, come in!" Morgan requests.

"I don't know where he went after I got on the call with you, he just disappeared again." Hannah explains.

The two besties sit on the couch. Hannah is visibly shaken, while Morgan looks concerned. A cup of tea steams on the coffee table between them.

"I swear, Morgan, it's the third time this week. He was there again today. Just standing across the street... watching." Hannah says while nervously fiddling with her fingers.

"You're sure it's the same guy?" Morgan asks.

"I know it is. He always wears that same black hoodie. I can't see his face, but... there's something about the way he moves. It's like he's... I don't know, almost waiting for something." Hannah clarifies.

"Hannah, this is serious. Have you told anyone else? The police, maybe?" Morgan asks.

"No. I mean, what would I even say? "There's a guy in a hoodie who just keeps showing up near me?" It's not like he's done anything. Maybe it's all in my head, but every time I see him, I feel... I feel this knot in my stomach. Like something's wrong." Hannah replies.

"You can't brush this off. If it's enough to scare you, it's enough to take seriously. Are you sure you've never seen him before? No one at work or around your building?" Morgan insists.

"No. He doesn't look familiar. And it's always random. Sometimes near work, sometimes near my apartment, or like today, just walking home from the café. I thought maybe I was imagining things at first, but it's too consistent now. It's like he knows my routine." Hannah adds.

"Hannah, this is freaking me out just hearing it. He could be dangerous. We need to figure out who this guy is." Morgan states.

"But how? I can't just walk up to him and ask, 'Hey, why are you stalking me?'" Hannah sarcastically remarks.

"Well, no, but... we could change things up. Break your routine. Or maybe I could come with you for a few days and see if we can spot him together? If he realizes you're not alone, maybe he'll back off." Morgan suggests.

"Yeah, maybe... But I don't know, Morgan. It's just this feeling I get. It's more than just seeing him. It's like... I don't know how to explain it. I feel watched, even when I don't see him. Like he's around, but hiding." Hannah proclaims.

"That's really creepy. Okay, listen— let's not wait for anything worse to happen! I'll come with you tomorrow, wherever you go. And we're calling the police if he shows up again. I don't care if it sounds crazy. I'm not letting you deal with this on your own anymore." Morgan exclaims.

"Thanks, Morgan. I didn't want to worry you, but... I'm really scared. I don't know what he wants." Hannah confesses.

"You don't have to figure this out alone. We'll get through it together. But if he's out there, we're not letting him get any closer to you." Morgan reassures.

Lanny sat across from Alex with the soft glow of the café casting a warm hue over their faces. It was a simple date, a quiet dinner at a local bistro, but the weight of their shared grief hung heavy in the air.

"So, how are you holding up?" Alex asked.

"It's been tough. Some days are better than others." Lanny says with a sigh.

"I know. I'm right there with you. Losing Byron was... well it was a lot." Alex admits.

"Yeah, it was. It still feels unreal, you know? Like he's just around the corner, you know?" Lanny explains.

"I get that. I still catch myself reaching for my phone to text him sometimes." Alex agrees.

A moment of silence passes between them.

"It's strange," Alex began, his voice barely a whisper, "how quickly life can change."

"It's like a switch flipped. One day, everything is normal, and the next, it's not." Lanny nodded, her eyes distant. "I'm just grateful for the time we had with him. He was truly one of a kind."

"Yeah, he was a pretty cool dude." Alex reveals.

They fell into a comfortable silence, the hum of conversation in the background was a soothing melody. Lanny broke the silence, his voice filled with a hint of nostalgia. "Remember that time Byron, you, Rebeca, and I went camping? We stayed up all night, talking about our dreams and fears."

Alex smiled sadly. "Yeah, I do. Those were good times."

"I miss him," Lanny admitted. "I miss having someone to talk to, someone who understood me completely."

"Yeah me too, I doubt I'll have a friend like that again." Alex states while looking away.

Her heart ached. "I know what you mean. Byron was my rock, not just my love but my best friend too. It's hard to do even the simplest things without thinking of him and all that he did."

The conversation flowed naturally. By sharing their loss they created an unexpected bond. They talked about their favorite memories with Byron, the silly arguments, the inside jokes. It was a bittersweet experience, tinged with both sadness and fondness. Eventually they got off the topic of Byron, which Alex was happy about, and from there the mood really lightened. As the night wore on, they found themselves drawn to each other, their connection deepening with each passing moment. They shared stories about their lives, their hopes, and their dreams. It was as if they had known each other for years, their souls intertwined by their shared grief.

"I never thought I'd find someone who understands me so deeply," Lanny confessed, her voice barely audible.

Alex reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "Me neither, but I'm glad I did."

In that moment, they realized that their shared loss had brought them closer than they ever could have imagined. They had found solace in each other's company, a connection forged in the fires of grief. As they walked out of the café, the night sky twinkled above them, a silent witness to the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

The next day Hannah and Morgan are walking down the street going to their workplace. There was no sign of the stalker yet, but Hannah could feel him just around every corner. Behind the girls, an unknown fiend follows. In the reflection of a passing car's windshield, Hannah sees him. She is filled with fear, and turns to her friend.

"Morgan, he's behind us right now.!" Hannah says.

"Follow me." Morgan replies while grabbing Hannahs arm and pulling her into an alley.

"Where are we going?" Hannah responds.

"Just into this alley, maybe he won't see us." Morgan explains.

So they go into the alleyway. Hannah sees the man pass, and as he does he looks over at the girls.

"Hey, I didn't see anybody in a black hoodie. Are you sure he was there?" Morgan asks.

"Yes, he was right there. He looked at us when he passed." Hannah clarifies.

Suddenly the girls hear something behind them. Then Hannah sees black fog surrounding her. She tries to get out but it's as if she had stepped into a pocket in space. She can not see much, only large objects that resemble rocks floating around. She is completely weightless. She is completely alone.

"Hello!" she calls, "Morgan! Is anybody there?"

"Morgan is not here!" says a voice from all directions.

"Who are you? Where am I?" Hannah asks.

"This is the void!" says the voice.

"Why am I here?" Hannah asks.

"I need you to free me. I need you to help me escape." the voice says.

"Escape from where?" Hannah questions.

"A place I do not belong." echoes the emptiness around her.

"Why should I help you? How would I even help you?" Hannah questions.

"Let me show you." says the voice.

Just then the entire void is filled with loud noises and the rocks all start to clump together forming an endless landscape. The gravity of the land mass pulls her down. When her foot touches the dark cold stone, the planet is hit with a rapid wave of life with her at the epicenter. Then time begins to pass incredibly fast. Season by season. Year by Year. Century by Century. She watched the rise and fall of every empire on earth, every discovery, every moment. Until it stops in Chicago.

"This is exactly one year from today." Says a dark figure as it emerges from the shadows.

"Who are you?" Hannah asks, startled by his large presence.

"Do you see that there in the street? That is one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse." the shadow states ignoring her question.

"Like from the bible, the end of the world ones?" she questions with fear.

"Yes. his name is Alexander Quest, but he goes by The Illusionist in this time." he says.

"Alexander Quest, the heir of Quest industries? My fiance worked for his father." Hannah weeps.

"Yes, that is him. I can stop him from getting his mind taken over and becoming the horsemen." explains the shadow.

Then the world shifts again. The city was ablaze and it was clear who to blame. There is a man holding a civilian by the throat.

"This is Sydny Australia. That man there is Joshua Larson. He is also one of the housemen, but I can stop him from ever becoming one." the man suggests.

Then once again the ground quakes and from it an endless sea of sand spreads to the horizon. A storm brewed. A great tornado broke out from the ground. But there were no normal winds, this was a golden beam of light and sand. Within the center there was a green beacon with a man in the middle.

"That storm right there, is caused by Anthony Cabrera. He can be stopped if I am freed from my prison. None of this has to happen, but it's all up to you." the shadow presses.

"What do I need to do?" Hannah responds with the terrors that were just presented to her.

"I will come to you tonight. You will be instructed then." he concludes

Before she could say another word she woke up to Morgan holding her in the alley.

"Hannah, are you alright?" Morgan asks concerned.

"Yeah, yeah I'm alright." Hannah responds.

"What just happened?" Morgan questions.

"I'm not sure. I saw the guy, then I was in this dark place and it talked to me." Hannah answers.

"What talked to you?" Morgan interrogates.

"I don't know. The place I guess." Hannah sighs.

"Well it looked like you just passed out on the floor. You were out for a couple minutes." Morgan explains.

"I don't understand what all is happening." Hannah conveys.

"What did 'The Place' say to you?" Morgan asks.

"It said I needed to free it." Hannah remarks.

"From where?" Morgan implores.

"It didn't say. Can we just go home now?" Hannah requests.

Later that night, Hannah is alone in her apartment. She is in her bed attempting to sleep, when her eyes light up. Her soul is projected from her body, Her mind is transported to the void.

"Are you the guy that was following me?" Hannah questions.

"In a way, yes." the voice responds.

"But you said you were in a prison. How can you be in a prison if you are out following me around?" Hannah asks.

"I sent an image into your head. I was just testing our link to see if I could get to you." it said.

"Oh, well how will I help you?" Hannah asks.

"I will implant an image in your head, draw this out, and say the verses,"

"Ok, send me back and you will be freed." Hannah promises.

Then she is pulled back into reality through a tunnel of flashing light. She has a throbbing headache when she wakes up. She gets out of bed and finds some spray paint. She removes the carpet on the floor and draws the symbol. She stands with the emblem in front of her. She begins the chant:

A devil's spite, a devil's soul,

A tragic tale, a twisted role.

A bargain struck, a price to pay,

To bring him back from darkest day.

As she speaks this foul verbiage the ground starts to quake, and rumble. Then the lights begin to flicker, but she continues nonetheless.

With courage bold, and hope renewed

The face of darkness, brave and shrewd

To rescue him from Satan's hold

To bring him back a hero bold.

The symbol lights up and starts to glow with a pure white light. The windows burst open and a strong wind enters. Papers fly everywhere and a lamp crashes to the ground.

From hell's dark depths, a soul we call

By mystic words, arise, heed duty's call

We summon forth, a beacon of light

The glow from the symbol turns red, and the heat of the atmosphere rises. The ground beneath the symbol begins to crumble into an abyss of red. Things start to catch fire and burn, books, papers, furniture, curtains.

Through shadows deep, and fires of hell

Break free the chains, your story to tell

With power restored, and purpose renewed

Return to this world, brave and imbued

As she finishes the chant a burst of energy pushes her against the wall. The light immediately goes out and the floor is reassembled, sealing the gate to hell. There is a figure standing where the gate was. He has a dark loom about him. A black as night cloak drapes around him, and the edges of it dissipate majestically like a consent burn that produces no light at all. In fact he seems to suck the light away from his surroundings.There are two curved blades sheathed on his hips. There are shadow creeping chains that seem to be gripping his body. His face is covered with a dense fog that only two purple glows penetrate. Hannah is unconscious in the corner, so he leaves without a word.

A garage door opens up and a motor bike is standing there.

"You ready?" Alex asks.

"Yeah I am." Lannay answers.

Then the bike zooms off into the night. Driving through the city they see a shadow fall from a window. When it hit the ground it was as if to defy the very laws of physics. It kept all the momentum and speed it had from the fall and immediately turned horizontal. It flew across the street and nearly knocked them off the bike. It disappeared into the shadows on the other side of the street.

"What was that?" Lanny gasps frantically.

"I dont know." Alex replies in shock.

Four months after that, the fire chief wakes up in a hospital bed. Sitting in chairs across the room, there was a woman with a teenage boy, a young girl, and a baby boy. He doesn't recognize any of these people.

The woman stands up with a face of relief "Honey, you're finally awake, you had us worried sick!"

The chief makes a face of confusion "I'm sorry, am I supposed to know you?"

"Nate, I'm your wife!!?" the woman says confused.

"Trust me, I think I would remember if I had a wife like you." the chief replies with a smirk.

"Nurse!!!" the woman calls.

Then the doors swing open, and two nurses rush into the room.

"What's the matter, Ma'am?" nurse #1 asks.

"He doesn't remember me! Did he lose his memory?" the woman cries.

"It is possible, he sustained a large amount of trauma to the head." nurse #2 states.

"Wait, what happened?" the chief asks.

"You were in an accident at the Quest facility, there was an explosion of some kind that forced you under rubble. It took us three days to find you, well what's left of you." the nurse explains.

"What's left of me, what do you mean?" the chief asked with concern, while trying to move but can't due to the lack of parts to move.

"You lost your left leg and arm in the explosion." the nurse utters with sorrow.

The wife tries to comfort her forgetful husband by touching his remaining arm.

"I'm sorry I am going to need a minute!?" the wife says after she just sat down. She rushes to the door.

"Veronica!" the chief calls after her "Honey what just happened?"

But she continues without looking back. She goes into the hallway and sits on a bench wondering how this could all happen, when a man who seems to be in a hurry bumps into her.

"Sorry?!" the man says.

The man finds his keys to his car in his pocket, while he walks down the hall and heads toward the parking lot. He proceeds to find his car in the lot and starts it up. He sits in the car for a minute before pulling down the sun visor and opens the mirror.

"Mhmm, not too bad." he says after taking a second to look in the mirror, then he drives off.

He arrives at a bar, which he enters and goes to the counter.

"Hey, can I get a coke with rum." he orders.

"Sure thing." the bartender replies.

The TV in the corner is on the news channel interviewing a witness.

'Susan Brown found dead in alleyway' the caption reads.

On TV the witness states, "I was walking down the street with my best friend Susan, and these thugs came out of nowhere and attacked us. But then, this thing... this demon, it was like made of shadows or something. It attacked both of us. I barely got away but I don't think Susan did, rest her soul."

The anchor switches on, "There you go, right from your peers, a new villain, a new menace to our city. The Dark Mist is on a killing spree. When will this phantom strike next? Find out with Wallace Waylander on The Chicago Digest. Stay safe and good night." TV continues instinctive chatter.

"Shit gets crazier and crazier every day." the bartender says while giving the man his drink.

"Did that just say Susan Brown?" the man asks.

"Yeah. Why? You know her?" the bartender responds.

"Yeah, I did!" the man says maddeningly.

"Who was she?" the bartender continues.

"My mother." he states while finishing his drink, he places the respective payment on the counter before walking to the door.

"Oh! You know this won't end well" the bartender yells.

"You should have told that to this demon!" the man says in a sinister tone and walks out.

A businessman gets out of his car in a parking garage and goes to the elevator of the tall building he is parked under. When he gets up to the lobby he walks past the front desk and greets a lady who seems to be busy.

"Hey Abigail." he says.

"Hey Mr. Quest. Oh by the way there was a call for you earlier, I forwarded it to your office." Abigail replies.

"Ok thanks." Mr. Quest acknowledges.

He gets up to his office and sits down at his desk, and calls the number back.

"Hello Mr. Quest." Says a German sounding voice from the other end of the phone.

"Hello, how can I help you?" Mr. Quest asks.

"Well I heard you recently had a, how should I put this... set back in your company." the man says.

"Yes, and what concern is this to you?" Mr. Quest replies.

"Well I was hoping you would be open to discussing a new partnership. It would bring Quest Scientific Developments up to the top of the food chain, I promise you that." the man says.

"I'm listening." Mr. Quest says.

"I am Dr. Folter. I run a military grade corporation that provides special equipment to several countries. And Draugr Industries would like to start a partnership with you." Dr. Folter says.

"Tell me more." Mr. Quest says.

The man from the bar goes to the old lab that he worked at, he is looking to see if anything has been made of it yet. But when he arrives he discovers it was abandoned, all the old projects were just left there, Including Project Royalty. This was a project in which they were working on, that could in theory create super human abilities. This project was located in sublevel four, meaning it was so far underground that it was hardly touched by the fire. He got the golden armor suite that was designed to be impervious to almost any form of attack, and so it was almost indestructible. The armor was the most elegant and beautiful suite to be crafted, it had highlights of purple and red. But there was also the photon embedder, which was made to change the DNA of the recipient to be able to manipulate and control certain photon charges giving an arrangement of powers. He stepped into the chamber wearing the armor and turned on the machine, it started to whirl and hum and light radiated from the man as he was transformed.

Then it was finished, he knew it would take time to figure out how it fully worked and what all he could do. And since it was abandoned, what better a place than the lab. He concentrated until he started to hear things, noises, ones he shouldn't be able to hear from this far. He could hear the entire city. He could hear conversations from miles out. He closed his eyes but could understand his surroundings due to the vibrations and noise. He could know exactly what was going on anywhere in the city. Then he reached out his hand and it started to glow, to pulse and he moved his palm. At this, a beam of gold and green energy shot out of his hand. He tried closing his hand which brought the beam to a halt. He then tried to aim his blasts, and for many days he worked on this and continued without fatigue. He tried many new things such as attempting to fly. He was quite unstable at this but he was sure he could get it down and for weeks he practiced and trained and found new moves and perfected his new found power. He also found that he could melt through the iron poles and concrete that the building was made of. Once he felt he was ready he tried to find his foe.

He closed his eyes and concentrated "Where are you monster?"

He was getting an abnormal frequency in a warehouse that seemed to be filled with equipment. There is a being who wasn't moving in a normal pattern, it was almost like this person could teleport. He located the spot and flew off with a streak of gold trailing him in the air.

A couple weeks later a car pulls up to a tall skyscraper labeled "Quest Electronics and Scientific Development". A German man gets out of the back seat and walks toward the front door. He goes up to the front desk where a nice looking young lady is giving someone directions.

"Excuse me..." he looks at her name tag, "...Abigail, I have an appointment with a Mr. Robert Quest."

"I'll be with you in one second." she replies while finishing her directions to the people. "Sorry about that, umm I'll check the schedule. Oh yes, you must be Romantza Folter."

"Oh, I just go by Dr. Folter, but yes that's me." Dr. Folter says.

Abigail hands him a pass and tells him the directions to Mr. Quest's office. He then heads on his way.

He walks into the businessman's office, "Nice to finally meet you Mr. Quest."

"Please call me Robert." says Robert and he shakes Dr. Folter's hand.

"I would like to make an appearance to your board to speed along our agreements." Dr. Folter says.

"I will have to make some arrangements but I believe that can be arranged." Robert agrees.

Some time later Dr. Folter goes back down to the front desk, and gives the pass back to Abigail.

"Hey sweety, when do you get off?" he asks.

"Oh sorry you're not really my type." Abigail replies.

"Ok have it your way." Dr. Folter says as he walks out.

Morgan hears a knock at her door, and she rushes over to answer it. But who she finds startles her.

"Hannah? Where have you been? I've been calling you for months." she screams.

"I'm sorry there was something that happened to me." Hannah responds with sorrow.

"Come in." she insists, when they reach the couch her berating continues, "What happened? Are you ok? I thought that guy might have gotten to you. The police couldn't find you."

"I think I messed up, like really bad." Hannah says.

"Oh it couldn't have been that bad." Morgan reasures.

"No, I think it can. I think I summoned a demon. Like from hell." Hannah explains.

"Oh. OHHH. you are the reason that thing is running around the city?" Morgan realizes.

"Yeah. but i didn't know, he said he was going to stop the apocalypse. He showed me the future. He lied to me." Hannah justifies.

"I can't believe you would do that, he's killed people Hannah." Morgan says with disgust.

"Don't you think I know that?" Hannah asks.

"That's on your hands. I can't believe you're in my home right now, you need to leave." Morgan demands.

"What?" Hannah questions with grief.

"I can't have you here." Morgan clarifies.

"How can you say that?" Hannah asks.

"Just go!" Morgan screams.

Hannah gets up and leaves with tears in her eyes.

There is a dark hooded figure sharpening his blades when all the sudden the ceiling collapses, and the figure is encircled by a cloud of black vapor. When the vapor clears, he is gone, but a golden knight is standing underneath a hole in the ceiling.

"I know you're here, demon!" the golden knight yells.

"Who are you?" echoes a voice.

"I am Byron Brown, son of Susan Brown whom you killed!" the golden knight concludes.

"I did not kill that woman, and you are not Byron. I saw him die!" the voice protests.

"Show yourself, you coward!" the golden knight screams.

Then out of nowhere a fog of blackness appears and with it a figure. He was wearing all black, and a chain wrapped around his body. He had twin sickles sheathed on his hips, and wielded a long dreary scythe. Above his rags he wore a cloak, the lining was embedded with ruins. There was a collar clip, which was two skulls magnetized together. His face was masked by a dark fog. He had a menacing presence and a deep echoing voice.

"Who are you really?" Dark Mist demands.

"I told you my name is Byron." the golden knight says, as he blasted a beam of energy.

The Dark Mist lifted his arm up toward the beam and a dark void appeared at the palm of his hand which swallowed the beam.

"I don't want to fight you." Dark Mist explains.

"Well I do." the golden knight says, before forming a sword of light and flying toward his foe. The Dark Mist spun his scythe around and struck the golden knight, causing him to fly across the room crashing down.

"This is pointless, and you don't even understand what is happening," Dark Mist explains.

"No, I am actually more free than I've ever been, and I finally understand why I'm here. To make people like you pay for your actions. You think you can do whatever you want and get away with it. Well not anymore." the golden knight explains.

"Well you don't seem to be doing too well at it." Dark Mist taunts.

Then the golden knight stands up and summons the sword once more, and starts moving toward him. When he tries to land a blow on the shadow creature from a slide, it flings a blade attached to a chain that the figure is holding. This blade nearly cuts the golden knight's head clean off, but he is able to dodge it while finally right hooking the Dark Mist, putting him out of balance. Before The Dark Mist could recover, he is immersed in radiation from the golden knight. The Dark Mist uses two chained daggers to grapple to the ground, so he is not to be blown away by the blast.

"You are no match for the power I contain, demon!" the golden knight snorts.

"Let's see about that." Dark Mist retorts, then vanishing and reappearing behind the knight. Dark Mist's scythe vanishes and he unsheathes his sickles clanking his enemy several times before he can turn around.

"You fool, this armor won't be penetrated by your feeble blades." The golden knight chuckles.

Then he formulates a second sword and attempts to strike Dark Mist, but is blocked by one sickle and his stomach feels the impact of the other.The golden knight stumbles back, out of breath, and Dark Mist goes in for battle.

By this time, news teams have arrived along with the police, who seem useless in the titans battle. Now in front of the warehouse they duel with the whole city watching, until Dark Mist flings his chained knives around his victim's wrist and this shackles the golden knight to the ground. Byron tries to break it with his sword but it is caught by a long scythe, in which Dark Mist has resummoned. Then Dark Mist restrains the knight's other arm in the same way.

"Now that you can't try to kill me, what have you come here for?" Dark Mist asks.

"I have come here for vengeance. You killed my mother!" the golden knight explains angrily, then he shoots a beam of energy from both hands, incinerating the chains. He stands up, "You are nothing more than a monster from hell, and to hell you shall return!" he scuffed.

Dark Mist swings his scythe, but this time the knight isn't messing around. He grabs the blade, melting it at his touch. And he lands a punch on Dark Mist's stomach sending him flying, but before he hits the ground he is engulfed in a black cloud, transporting him to an unknown location. Then the knight walks toward the people, for they are asking questions.

"What happened to the guy you were fighting?" a reporter asked.

"I'm not too sure ma'am." he answers.

"Who is that guy you were fighting?" somebody questioned.

"That was the Dark Mist, my rival." states the knight.

"Where did you come from?" asked another reporter.

"I have actually lived here for a while." he responds.

"Are you an alien?" asks another person.

"Umm, no I'm not." he chuckles.

"Is that guy dead?" someone intriguingly asks.

"I fear he isn't." he sorrowfully states.

"What are you?" the crowd demands.

"I'm just a guy who is lucky enough to get a say whether people like that monster get to keep running around." responds the knight.

"What is your name?" asked one reporter.

"Yeah, do you have like, a cool superhero name?" says one kid as he pushes his way up.

"Actually, no, but I suppose I should." the hero says.

"Well, what all can you do cuz that is what really decides what your name is, or your costume too." the kid responds.

The knight takes a minute "Well I can hear and detect things from anywhere in the city, and I can fly, and I can shoot..."

"You said you can detect things, like a submarine radar detector?" the kid interrupts.

"Well, technically submarines don't use radar but yeah, I guess so." corrects the knight.

"Cuz you have radar and you look like a royal guy, you should be called, Royal Radar - Protector of The Galaxy!" the kid exclaimed.

"I like that, Royal Radar." he says with a smirk.

"You hear that folks, this knight in shining armor, quite literally, is our city's new protector, Royal Radar has come to your aid in the fight against the hell-spawn known as Dark Mist. We have been without hope for too long, and this is no more, there is a hero to protect you now. But where has this ghastly ghoul gone, Find out with Wallace Waylander on The Chicago Digest. Stay safe and good night."

Alex and Lanny are back at the mansion, when his dad finally comes home.

"Hey son, how have you been?" Robert asks.

"I've actually been doing alright. There is someone I want you to meet. This is Lanny." Alex says while Lanny walks in the room.

"Wasn't that Byron's girlfriend?" Robert questions.

"Yes, but he's gone and we have gotten to know each other quite well. And we both have a lot in common." Alex tries to explain.

"This is not going to work out for you son. It would be best if you two don't see each other anymore. You understand." Robert states.

"Dad, if you hadn't gone away then maybe you could have helped me through this, but instead you went off, and so I had to find someone else to help. And I did, we have such a strong connection, you can't do this." Alex pleas.

"You heard me. This is for the best. Take her home, and don't make this a big deal." Robert commands.

Alex complies, he takes her home. When they arrive back at her house, they say their goodbyes.

"This won't be the end, I'll make sure of it." Alex states.

"You heard your father, it probably is for the best." Lanny says.

"How can you say that? How can you side with him?" Alex questions.

"I'm sorry Alex. I have to go." she says before receding to her house.

Alex is left there heart broken, and alone. He heads back to his car and drives off.

A few months have passed since the big fight between the titans, and Royal Radar is getting more popular, as he has made several heroic appearances since the warehouse. As Byron is walking alone down the street one night, all of the lights suddenly go out and black fog starts to creep out from all the alleyways. In the middle of the street the fog starts to collect and rise, until it forms a being.

"You need to stop this, heroes don't bask in their glory. You are a fake." Dark Mist says.

"Like you know what it's like to be a hero." Royal Radar states.

"I may not be a hero, but I do know what a mask looks like, and you wear a thick one, one that hides who you really are. They think you save them, because you look good, but we both know that isn't why." Dark Mist reveals.

"You have no right to lecture me about masks, you are too scared to reveal yourself to the world, isn't that why you hide in the shadows?" Royal Radar mocks.

"I am the only one who showed my true self and everybody mistook it. I don't hide in the shadows, I embrace them. I do not fear them, and I do not fear you. For there will always be darkness." Dark Mist explains.

"Not if my light is bright enough." he states as a coat of golden armor encases him, then he formulates a shield and sword and charges the phantom.

Dark Mist does a series of spins and scrapes with his scythe along the floor sending waves of dark matter, which Royal Radar either dodges or blocks with his shield. Royal Radar is now close enough to battle the ghoul in one on one combat. He swings his sword, and Dark Mist goes to block it with his scythe but Royal Radar has a new trick up his sleeve. He dissipates the sword for the scythe to pass through it but re-enables its stability for a strike across the chest. This sends Dark Mist down in pain, but swings his scythe along the floor and takes out Royal Radar's feet so he collapses. Dark Mist stands up and seems to grow taller towering over his foe, even when Royal Radar stands back up. Dark Mist slams his scythe into the ground firmly securing it, then unsheathes his sickles. He lands a series of blows on the knight's shield, until Royal Radar swings his sword and Dark Mist crosses his sickles in front of his chest to trap the sword. This is the closest they have ever been, so Dark Mist takes advantage and casts away the shadow covering his face revealing a mutated, deformed, and devilish looking face. His eyes pulsate, and the combined fear of all the world enters Royal Radar at once. Royal Radar falls to the ground almost paralyzed in fear, and the face is quickly masked once more by the shadow.

"Now you know why I hide in the shadows, I do it for all those who confront me. A mere mortal would die just from the fear my gaze of mortality brings upon its victims." Dark Mist explains.

"Whhhaatt ar-are you?" Royal Radar says still under the effect of the gaze of mortality.

"I am the one who will free this world. Renounce your power and leave this place." Dark Mist erupts.

At this, Royal Radar, whose armor vanished when he met the gaze, runs off in terror. And Dark Mist dissipated into the retreating shadows. While Royal Radar is running, he collides with a man on the street.

"What the, what just happened?" Royal Radar asks with fear, but the man keeps walking.

As the man continues down the sidewalk, he hears a voice from within one of the allies.

"Hello Byron." a man says while stepping into the light, "I am Dr. Folter."

"What do you want from me?" Byron replies.

"I need you to use your unique ability to retrieve someone for me. He goes by the name Phony. He will be at this address in four days, all I need you to do is take over his body and bring him back." Dr. Folter explains.

"I can do that." Byron answers, "But what's in it for me?"

"In the Quest headquarters is something that will grant you the power to take the revenge you seek so badly. I send my truest condolences for your mother by the way." Dr. Folter proposes.

"What is it?" Byron asks.

"There is a project called Inter-Link, it allows the subject to upload their consciousness into the web, and I have made an artificial body so you won't have to switch anymore. And it will be much stronger than any human will be." Dr. Folter explains.

"I'm in!" Byron declares.

"Oh I also made a whole arsenal of droid bodies, not just one, here are two examples." Dr. Folter reveals as two red flashes crash beside the old man. When the dust clears they stand side by side seven feet tall. Their eyes glow red, their skin like mirrors. Their strong bodies humming in the dark. The giant mechanical beings, well more than Byron's expectations.

"Oh yeah, these will do fine." Byron says.

A group of businessmen are all gathered in a conference room. One is standing in front of the rest getting ready to present.

"As you all know, stocks have been plummeting ever since the accident a couple months back. So I decided we need to try something new. Meet Dr. Folter, our new partner." says Mr. Quest, as a man stands up and walks to the front.

"Hello, I am Dr. Folter, and I operate a large military grade weapons company called Draugr Industries. My company provides all 'special' equipment to the United States Military. Draugr is a Nordic being holding immense power, the Draugr were unstoppable creatures much like we strive to make our clients." the doctor concludes.

The businessmen chatter in agreement. The doctor and presenter look at each other to note their victory over the conference.

"We are going military now, what happened to device, and chemical manufacturing?" one of the members asks.

"Well you see, those have been falling short. This is the deal that will push us past all of the other competitors." Mr. Quest explains.

After the meeting concludes Mr. Quest confronts Dr. Folter.

"I will sign the contract but I need to see your main facility first." Mr. Quest states.

"Well of course." Dr. Folter agrees.