A/N: This chapter is supposed to take place in a Skyrim-type setting. It's been floating around in my head for a while, even before I got to this chapter. I'm hoping it turned out all right. I've been dishing out mostly angsty chapters lately (can I even say lately? How long has it been since I updated?), but I'm thinking of breaking the streak with the next one. ;) (Le gasp! Foreshadowing?) Sorry for the long wait, and I hope you all enjoy this one!

Disclaimer: I don't own Avenged Sevenfold. They are the complete proud owners of themselves and their music.

Dead Punk- I'd like to say I'm sorry for making you cry, but that was the point of that chapter, lol. I'm glad you liked it despite the tears. :) I hope this lives up to your expectations as well!

Tonight the World Dies

The night was dark; darker than anyone in the land had experienced before. The absence of light dominated everything. Brightly lit rooms seemed dimmer, early sleepers' sweet dreams became horrifying nightmares, and shadows seemed to become almost palpable. A grim silence swept over the land, dread filling the minds of those still awake.

Something was wrong.

Bartholomew bolted awake from a terrible dream. He flinched at the dark of his bedroom, feeling like it was grabbing at him with harsh hands. His wife, Meredith, was still, staring at him with wide eyes. The dream hadn't woken him up.

"Should we check on him?"

His son's scream had.

It wasn't a rare occurrence. More often than not, Gage was plagued by night terrors. He didn't often scream, so it worried his parents when he did. The morning after, he would look pale, and gaunt, and scared.

Bartholomew nodded to Meredith's question, and the two quickly headed to their son's room. Gage was thrashing about in his cot, flailing his arms and kicking his feet. Bartholomew was by him in an instant, shaking the boy gently. Gage's movements slowed, but did not stop. Shouting to him, Bartholomew pinned his arms down. He felt fear and shock run thick through his veins, then a wave of relief when Gage's movements ceased, and his eyes opened.

"Gage!" Meredith cried. She embraced her son and began sobbing into his night shirt. She hated seeing his terrors.

Bartholomew placed a light hand on Gage's shoulder. He was silent for a moment, then spoke with a tentative voice, "Son, this is the third time this week. Are you sure there is nothing wrong?"

Gage didn't speak. He only lowered his eyes to his lap, and fiddled with his sheet.

Bartholomew sighed, "Gage, we're worried about you. Won't you at least tell us what plagues your sleep?"

Gage looked up, thoughtful, but then his gaze wandered over his father's shoulder and he cried out in warning.

Bartholomew turned too late; he was shoved roughly onto the wooden floor. Meredith screamed. Gage grabbed for the small knife Bartholomew had passed down to him from his own father, and thrust it at the attacker. It met its mark, and Bartholomew twisted around to see it pass right through the body.

The room became motionless. In his fright, Gage had dropped the blade and it had landed behind the attacker, who had not a scratch. The creature, for it was not human at all, gave a guttural chuckle, breaking the tense silence. 'Shadow' was all that Bartholomew could comprehend. And that is what it was; a walking shadow with black mist wrapping lazily around it's slim body, sharp, bared teeth gleaming in the darkness, and evil red eyes glaring spitefully at the family.

Things were a flurry of movement as the shadow lunged for Gage, Meredith covered him protectively, and Bartholomew reached for the fallen blade. It seemed to thrum happily in his grip, and the metal of the knife began to glow. The shadow snapped its feral gaze onto Bartholomew, and backed away in fear. It began speaking in an ancient tongue, seeming to fade away. Though Bartholomew only spoke his native tongue, he understood every word this demon spoke. It was begging him to put the knife down (the knife that was, in fact, currently shining a bright white) and spare its life.

Bartholomew went against his better judgment and grabbed the creature. He held the knife against its neck and told Meredith to get a chair and some ropes. Soon the shadow was tied up, and Bartholomew was pacing in front of it. Meredith and Gage sat on the couch a few feet away. Finally, Bartholomew found words.

"What are you?"

The creature avoided his question, and instead pleaded with a deep, growling accented voice, "Please, Lux Vates! Spare me! I meant you no true harm!"

Bartholomew slapped the shadow across the face, surprised that the blow even landed. He knew what the creature had called him; "light seer". What did that mean?

"I asked what you were!"

The shadow whimpered pathetically. "I am Mortem Umbra," Death shadow. "child of darkness."

"Your n-name is Mortem Umbra?" Gage shakily asked.

The shadow shook its head, "No. I am one of many. It is my race."

One of many. That could be a problem.

"Why did you call me Lux Vates earlier?" Bartholomew demanded.

The Umbra looked uncomfortable, "Because you are our nemesis; the only one who holds the power to destroy us as we rise to power. You have the blade, and it shines for you."

Bartholomew looked at his hand, and quickly dropped the still-shining knife. The second it left his grip its light began fading.

"The blade will only shine for Lux Vates," the Umbra murmured. It seemed a lot more at ease with the knife out of his grasp. Much too at ease, it seemed. The Umbra ripped out of its bonds with a finesse that left Bartholomew wondering if it had been the blade keeping it in place. Without thinking, he picked up said blade. It lit up much quicker, and it seemed to glow brighter when he threw it at the escaping Umbra. The knife hit and the shadow dropped to it's knees and screeched in agony. Meredith and Gage covered their ears, wincing at the sheer volume of the scream. The family watched as the Umbra's body became more concrete and began cracking away in pieces, like a boiled egg. Soon the creature was no more, and in its place was a quickly dissipating mist.

Bartholomew collapsed heavily onto the couch. He was confused and exhausted, and he wanted this to be a dream. But he knew it wasn't. Reality wasn't that convenient. Wife and son rushed over to him, leading him to his bedroom. When he sat on his bed, he looked up at his family, completely baffled.

"I am Lux Vates," he muttered. He kept repeating it like a mantra, his voice growing with each verse. His family waited with him; scared, but loyal. Finally, it died down, and he spoke only occasionally. "I am...Seer of Light...Light Seer...Lux...Vates." Bartholomew had drifted to sleep.

It was then that the other two let themselves feel. They both broke into tears; shock, confusion, and fear clouding their thoughts. There were more of these...Mortem Umbra, or so the shadow claimed and Bartholomew was the only one able to destroy them. What did that mean for the future? Would humans have to live in fear for the rest of their existence, if he wasn't able to stop them all? That thought alone kept the two in hysterics, and they prayed desperately that the future would conceive another Lux Vates.

x x x

"Ow, damn it!"

"Deus, why does it have to be so dark, of all things?"

"Ooph! What did we land in?"

Three figures stumbled out from a large (and most definitely flattened) bush. They stood still for a moment, catching their bearings and surveying the land.

"Well, doesn't this look familiar," the tallest chuckled. He studied the bush they had landed on, and looked up at the tree looming over them. Apparently the portal above threaded through to the old oak, and the bush was there to provide a soft landing.

The tallest returned to his companions, and watched as they checked their weapons. "Remember," he said softly, "the objective is to get in and get out as quickly as possible. We sneak into their camp, take out the captain, and get back to the portal before they realize what's happened."

The shortest of the three frowned, "Jimmy, what happens if we're compromised?"

Jimmy's voice was serious, "Abandon the mission. This is a very risky task. No one has dared entered an Umbra camp before, with good reason. If we're compromised, Johnny, I don't want either of you getting hurt."

The last man quickly interjected, "That is a risk of our occupation. You are the one that matters, Jimmy. If you are captured or killed, our cause will be futile. The Umbra will have no one stop them as they desecrate our world."

Johnny nodded fervently, "Matt's right. You are the key to our victory, Jimmy. Deus knows we would keep you away from offensive missions if we could."

Jimmy smiled sadly at his companions, his friends, "I shall not see you two die if I can help it."

Jimmy inwardly cursed the existence of the Mortem Umbra. Centuries had past since their birth, but the destruction left in their wake only got worse. There was only one man in every generation who held the power to stop this evil, and he was considered the most precious being in the world. Lux Vates. The trait had run through Jimmy's family many times in the past, and now he had it, as well.

When Jimmy was born, his gift was immediately recognized. He was treated with extra care until he was old enough to understand this gift. All the people of the Avenged clan took part in his training, and soon he had the skills of almost everyone in the clan. For his age, he was very mature, responsible, and wise. When a surprise Umbra attack ended in the death of his mother, he became more reserved and observant. Being valuable had its prices, though; Jimmy was forced to grow up quickly. He was always told there was no time for child's play, only for training and action.

For the most part, Jimmy still believed this notion. Though he liked to relax and have fun, his vendetta against the Umbra pushed him to do everything he could to protect his people. And that desire to protect is what had him on this mission. Avenged hunters had found a portal to the Umbras' world. The creatures were nocturnal, though not by choice. They were unable to survive in sunlight, being formed from shadow, so they had their own dimension where darkness ruled over all. It was fairly easy to access; a secret portal disguised as a bush led straight down into the Umbras' domain. It was only fear that kept the clan members above ground.

Jimmy knocked back an arrow and shot it next to the portal's entrance. "There," he slung his bow over his shoulders. "Now we'll remember which tree to go to."

The three warriors quietly snuck toward the general direction of the Umbras' camp. They had figured on the surface that the creatures would set up camp in the same ravine as the clan did; a small scouting mission revealed that the shadow dimension was a mirror copy of the world above. This made battle plans much easier, for everyone in the clan knew the land.

Before long, the three found the entrance to the camp. They peered around the protective bramble barrier, and saw that it was practically deserted.

"Maybe they sleep during our daytime." Johnny whispered.

Matt furrowed his eyebrows, "Or they learned of our plan, and are raiding our camp as we speak. I told you this was a bad idea!"

Jimmy placed a calming hand on his friend's shoulder, "Calm down, Matt. Johnny's probably right. They can't go in the sunlight anyway."

Matt's fears weren't calmed, however. Even if the Umbra weren't on the surface, the camp was full of them. Sleeping or not, they were surrounded by hostile enemies. But he hesitated only a second before following his comrades into the camp.

The warriors carefully looked at the tents littering the ravine. Each one was made of a delicate, ebony fabric that was indented with stories in picture form. The captain's quarters seemed to be the most decorated, likely because of his long experience as a warrior.

"For shadows, they have class," Matt grudgingly remarked.

Sneaking around the edge of the camp definitely wasn't an option; the tents were backed up to the brambles. They would have to figure out a way through the camp. Fortunately, most of the Umbra were indoors. The humans had no problem crawling over to the biggest tent without being seen.

Jimmy shrugged the tent flaps aside, and glanced around the space. There was little furniture; only a cot, what seemed like a dresser, and a weapon rack. Of course, the furniture that was there was extremely elegant. The bed was made of a dark, supple wood, and the sheets and pillows were a sleek black and red. The dresser seemed to be made out of the same material as the bed frame, and had ornate carvings covering the surface. The weapon rack was filled with swords, daggers, maces, and war axes. Each weapon was made with master technique, and seemed almost too precious for battle. Matt couldn't help but gape at their beauty.

Johnny tentatively touched the corner of one of the sheets. Though he made no sound, a wide smile spread across his lips. 'It's soft!' he mouthed to the others.

Jimmy gave a small smile to the younger man, then turned to the sleeping captain. The shadow seemed almost innocent, lying passively before him. He grimly unsheathed his own blade; a dagger that only shone for the Lux Vates. It was made with a craftsmanship that easily competed with the Umbras'. Taking a bold step forward, Jimmy prepared himself for the next step. Long years of training and experience guided Jimmy's movements as he lifted his arms upward and stabbed down at the captain's throat. He knew that would immediately disable the ability to scream as the light, now sparking out like lighting, tore the Umbra's body apart. Pained red eyes stared up at him as its mouth opened in a silent cry. If the captain wasn't awake before, it definitely was now.

For a few moments, the Umbra's broken body convulsed. Then it grew still and began fading away. Jimmy kneeled, taking a deep breath before sheathing his blade. He looked up at his friends, a relieved smile pulling at his lips. The other two returned the look, letting out sighs of their own. Their plan had worked!

The three heard a gentle flap, and snapped their gazes to the tent opening. A short Umbra stood there with a bucket of swords, staring at them with wide crimson eyes.

The room became motionless. The humans stared at the small creature with growing horror, and gasped when it dropped the bucket and screamed. Continuing to squeal, it ran from the quarters and into the throng of tents.

The camp erupted into action when the three bolted from the captain's quarters. Umbra burst out from their tents, trailing after the humans with raised weapons, and before they could reach the bramble barrier, a wall of Umbra sprinted into their path.

Matt snarled in fury and lashed at a warrior, digging into its side with his sword. It let out a screech before disappearing with a small poof. It wasn't dead, but it would be a while before it reappeared in the dimension. He looked behind him and saw his comrades in combat as well. Jimmy was swinging his blade around, killing several Umbra with one swipe. Johnny was picking off Umbra from a short distance away. He was standing on a small rock, shooting bursts of arrows at on -comers. Matt gave an exhilarated laugh, and continued his battle.

For a while it seemed like they were winning. Jimmy was wiping them out almost as fast as they were coming, Matt was holding his own in close combat and besting the shadow creatures, and Johnny was picking off Umbra that tried to sneak in a hit.

Then it started.

The short Umbra from before tackled Johnny to the ground, allowing a warrior to land a blow to Matt's head with the butt of his sword. Jimmy cried out to him, and rushed over to his friend. He killed the Umbra trying to get to his body, and took a protective stance over him.

Johnny pushed his attacker off of him, and knocked him over the head with his bow. The Umbra slumped to the ground, and Johnny turned to give Jimmy cover fire.

Matt slowly got to his feet. He glared at the Umbra standing around them, silently daring them to make a move. He knew that he wouldn't be able to fight for very long. His head was pounding, and he felt a slight dizziness make him stumble.

Jimmy sensed this disability, and jerked his gaze to the entrance. "Retreat!"

The impromptu command was met with immediate action. The three humans ran with renewed vigor toward the entrance. They slid through the brambles, and then headed to the forest.

"Get up as fast as you can!" Jimmy yelled. "It's still daytime on the surface; once we're up there we'll be safe!"

Johnny yelled out when he saw Jimmy's arrow. He sprinted toward the tree and quickly climbed up. His body shimmered as he neared the top, and then he was gone.

"Get up there!" Matt called. "You're more val-"

"Just go!" Jimmy snarled. "I'll hold them off."

Matt cast a worried look in his friend's direction, but did as he was told. He reached for the knobs in the wood and was soon gone, too.

Jimmy watched as the horde of Umbra closed in. He curled his lips in a grimace at their numbers, but quickly followed after his comrades. He could hear the pursuit behind him, but his torso was already through the portal and his friends were grinning victoriously at him, and-

A strong hand viciously grabbed at Jimmy's ankle. He gasped in surprise as he was steadily pulled back down. He saw Matt and Johnny rush to him and felt them grab his arms, and struggled desperately to get free.

Another hand joined the first, this time on his other ankle. And another on his calf. It felt like the whole army of Umbra was attempting to pull him back down.

Matt felt white-hot fear pulse through his veins. He pulled harder on Jimmy's wrist, afraid of losing this battle.

Johnny released Jimmy's arm and instead grasped around his torso. "I'm not letting them get you!"

Jimmy used his free hand to grab his dagger. He threw it on the ground behind his friends, and grabbed at the grass. He could feel the cold of the other dimension on his lower half, and yet another hand gripping his leg.

Looking up to Matt, Jimmy let a helpless tear drip down his cheek. "Matt, thank you for being my best friend. You were always there for me when I needed you, even if it was just to help me train. There are only so many words I can use right now, but know that you are my brother."

Matt didn't answer him, but instead gave him a hopeless look.

"Johnny," Jimmy grunted as a sharp tug pulled him a bit further down, "thank you for everything you put up with. I loved having you around to talk with, or to spar with, and know that you are my brother as well."

Johnny sobbed, and his grip wavered.

Jimmy dropped his gaze, even as they attempted to pull him up with a new-found strength. It was no use. There was an army below, and only two of them.

"I'm sorry," Jimmy whispered before a synchronized yank wrenched him underground, and out of the two's grasps.

Matt flew backward while Johnny fell over, and the forest went silent. Johnny recovered first, and pounded on the area where the portal should have been.

"NO!" he screamed. "He's gone!" Johnny continued smashing at the ground, his small body heaving with heavy, broken sobs.

Matt slowly made his way to Johnny. He was numb. Jimmy was...gone. The portal was gone. A single tear slipped down Matt's face as he helped Johnny up. He saw Jimmy's blade shimmering on the grass, and leaned down to pick it up. Almost blindly, Matt guided Johnny back to the camp.

People greeted them with joyous faces as they stumbled through the entrance. Matt was still so numb. He didn't acknowledge any of the questions or praises that were sent their way.

He watched as a concerned man quickly came over to him. "Matt, are you okay? What happened?"

"Zack..." Matt whispered.

Another man, taller with dark brown hair, hurried over and rested a hand on Zack's back, leaning in to hear. Matt shifted his gaze to the second man. "Brian..."

"The mission w-was...It was successful." Matt offered vaguely. Johnny's sobs had subsided to small whimpers, but returned full force at Matt's explanation.

Zack and Brian glanced at each other worriedly. "That's great."

Matt looked around at his people. The clan knew something was wrong.

"Where's Jimmy?" That was Brian's voice.

He was so numb.

Matt remembered when he first met Jimmy. The two had immediately clicked, and were fast friends. Matt understood him, even with his duties and strenuous training. The two hung out as often as possible. Matt remembered the good times: the secret water fights, the friendly spars, the hunting and exploring. And he remembered the bad times: the arguments, the aggravated spars, and the times away from each other.

Matt wished they had more time. Jimmy was so young. Why did he have to go? Why wasn't it him instead? He could have tried harder, could have thrown himself into the portal, he could have done something. Why did it have to be Jimmy?

Another tear escaped his eye; there was number two. He held out his hand and looked down at the cold blade. It was usually so bright and warm. The crowd gasped in horror. Some people cried out and fell to their knees.

Matt thought carefully about his words. The sun had almost set by now. War cries sounded in the distance, but no one moved. He couldn't say he didn't expect them. There wasn't anyone to destroy the enemy now, only to hold them at bay. Matt figured his choked, blunt words were fitting as the Umbra steadily closed in on the camp.

"Tonight, the world dies."

Though I left several explanations throughout the chapter, I figure I'll leave translations anyway.

Mortem Umbra- Death shadow, shadow of death
Lux Vates- Light seer, seer of light
Deus- God