“GOOD MORNING, SARIEL. YOU LOOK WELL.”

Sariel smiled, heartily shaking the old man’s hand. It was true, he did look well. He had taken some liberties upon reverting back to the human body the World Eater had forced him into, removing the wrinkles from under his eyes and letting healthy pigment fill his cheeks.

For once, Sariel finally felt as if he could relax. Letting his back rest against the brick wall was refreshing, the brisk morning air biting at his cheeks a godsend. His mind felt free.

But he knew he had no time to waste.

The world was in chaos. Both he and Judas had felt it- people were dying. And he knew everything traced back to the World Eater.

Judas emerged from the store, shrugging. “No one’s seen the World Eater’s avatar. Not since prom.”

“Something's wrong,” Sariel said, shoving his hands in his coat, “If she wanted to consume the Earth, she would have done it years ago.” His heart skipped a beat, a shadow falling over his face. “She's here to incubate, Judas. She’s hiding an infant somewhere.”

Judas sighed, almost resigned. “I never wanted it to come to this, my Lord. Is it really over now?”

“It hasn't matured yet,” Sariel said, narrowing his gaze, light flickering in his eyes, “There's still time.”