Samuel The Monk
By RadRapo

Part One: Cold, Empty Darkness

Samuel stood in the clearing of the Deep Dark Forest. The trip to get here had been long and tedious. The robed Raposa could see an unimaginably large tree standing as the centerpiece. As he approached, the tree opened his mouth to speak.

"Why hello, Samuel..." His voice rumbled, with a low-pitch, "It is good to see you again. What brings you out here?"

By comparison, Samuel's was quiet, and meek. "Deadwood, many terrible things have befallen the Raposa Village. I am here seeking shelter, for I fear that the worst has yet to come." As the robed Raposa described every hex that occurred, from the Book of Life being in tatters, to the last embers of the Eternal Flame extinguishing, Deadwood listened.

Finally, at the end of the woes, he replied. "I see. So, the prophecy has begun its course."

"Prophecy?" Samuel echoed.

"The one in which a time of cold, empty darkness will reign," Deadwood explained, "A time where hope itself has nearly perished. Then, a shaft of light will pierce the darkness, bringing The End of life as we know it now."

Samuel's legs almost buckled. "And there is nothing that can be done?"

"It is unwise to try to prevent it."

"Then..." Samuel trailed off, not knowing what else to say. Deadwood shifted his gaze over to a bush, noticing something peculiar.

"What is that, over there?" Samuel followed his lead, fetching the item. It was a sheet of papyrus, but the robed Raposa found himself staring at it for a long time. It bore a template for an underwater helmet and flippers.

"This is from the Book of Life..." He breathed, turning to Deadwood. "Do you know what this implies? Even if it's only one, it's a step toward fixing what was broken so long ago. Perhaps Mother Nature will finally forgive us..."

"Mind the prophecy, Samuel." Was all Deadwood warned.

"... I would, but this being here has to be a sign, that things could change." Samuel turned away, stashing the page in his robe. "I know not if I will return, but this needs to go back to its proper place. I must speak with the Mayor, immediately."

Deadwood didn't stop him.

Within the vacant Star Forest, Samuel made his way back to the Raposa Village, somehow reinvigorated. However, he noticed something that was not here before - shadow goo.

Then, someone blocked his path. They were in the shape of a Raposa, but covered in the same inky substance, along with his entourage of similar looking creatures.

"Samuel! Oh, it's been ages!" That voice was unmistakable.

"Wilfre..." He replied.

"Aw, you remember me," Wilfre smirked, his eyes and mouth glowing white over the black goo. "You were just a tiny rapo, the last time we talked. As you can imagine, a lot has changed since those meager days."

"... You're the one behind all this." The robed Raposa acknowledged.

"Just so." Then, Wilfre paused. "My scouts have informed me that you are in possession of a page from the Book of Life." Samuel stiffened. He couldn't respond.

"Perhaps it's not too late for someone to see reason." Wilfre continued. "I don't believe it just that we cannot create our own things in the world. It leads to a dependent mentality. Why, if only we turned to each other for solutions, then we would be far better off... Is that not so?"

"This is not the way." Samuel finally said, choosing his words carefully. "This route takes us to certain obliteration. I have been forewarned of The End."

"Then you also misunderstand... What a pity." Wilfre tsked. "I assume you wouldn't be willing to part with that page. Very well." From his body, more shadow goo emerged, encasing Samuel into a cage-like structure. It hardened, destroying any chance of escape.

"Now, I believe it's time that I finally get acquainted with your most dear friend."