The azure dawn, that's what we called it. What we, the Eruba perceive as the beginning of existence.

With a brilliant flash of azure light, the world came to be. We, the Eruba had been given life.

Countless of our people were born fully grown at the same time on this beautiful lush world we call Telos, named by the first king Orion who is said to have been reborn again at the azure god's side when he died.

The first people already had basic knowledge ingrained into their brains. Language, free thought, knowledge on how to hunt for food, how to build shelter and how to form communities and even treat the sick and injured.

Along with the newly gained knowledge was single message which resounded in the minds of all who came and their children 3 generations after. "Live in bliss my creations for on the first day of the 3000th year exactly, on the 12th hour, the test will begin for the chosen who will ascend, the rest shall perish."

This is the creation myth recorded in the holy book "Erubus" written by the 1st pope, Orion's son Orpheus. An ancient text held in the deepest vaults of the azure god church, a religion which was founded after Orion's death.

As it has been confirmed by many archaeologists, evidence suggests that the Eruba didn't exist 2999 years ago and that has been a major point of contention over the years. Most scholars would rather blame aliens than some mythical godlike figure thus the influence of the azure god church has waned.

Of course over the years, there have been many skeptics doubting the origin of the Eruba even before the archeological findings and that has caused far too many holy wars in response but times have changed.

Science and logic are now rampant in Eruba society, no longer do the churches hold sway over our lives like they did in the past.

We've already colonized our moon and the nearby planet, Mudala. We have amazing technological achievements, grand cities that stretch for thousands of miles and buildings higher than the tallest mountains.

But.. it's only days away from the fated 3000th year. Will this truly be the end of us all as is said? Riots have exploded all across Telos and chaos is prevalent.

Many have already died and the rich have already fled the planet for Mudala. Governments have come crashing down and all it would take for an all out world war is a mere spark.

I truly hope this isn't the end of days but if it is.. Orion save us all.

President of the Allied States, Morteus Willard, end of log.

...........

Away from the bustling cities there lay a small town surrounded by farms that quietly nestled in the shadow of a tall mountain.

Standing at the edge of a field which was full of harvestable crop, a man stood quietly. He was tall, around 30 years old, had brown tanned skin, rugged features, black hair, oak colored eyes and a formidable physique.

Grim sighed dispiritedly. "With the recent riots and fanatics causing terror, the route to the city has been cut off. I'm never gonna sell the crop in time.. "

*crack!* *puff!* *boom!*

To the side of the crop, beyond a wooden fence was a dirt road. A loud sound was coming from down the old road that sounded like a vehicle that had fourth stage lung cancer.

Grim turned his head towards and saw an old rusty truck coming. It stopped by the side of Grim's field and a head popped out of the window.

It was a middle aged man around 48 years of age, he had a few wrinkles, grey hair, a dark tan and a strong appearance from years of backbreaking work.

"Grim my boy! Not able to sell yer crop?" Asked the man.

Grim shook his head and replied. "No Rick, with all the chaos going on I couldn't get in touch with my usual buyer now that the phone lines are down; not to mention routes to the city have been blocked off. It's hopeless."

"Ahh what a shame, yer crops looking nice and healthy. Would have made a decent profit." Rick sighed.

"Where are you off to?" Grim asked curiously.

"I'm off to the church my boy, these two youngsters in the back want to get married before the end of the world. Quite the match don't you think?" Rick laughed while pointing towards the back of his truck.

In the back were two blushing teenagers around 18-19 years old, they had a certain naivete about them. The boy a was a bit thin but his eyes were bright and endearing, the girl was like a blossoming flower in the spring. Her hair was copper brown and tied up in a pony tail.

The girl slapped the back of rick's head. "Dad, you're embarrassing me!"

"Aiya! Girl, don't hit yer old man like that!" Rick grumbled.

"Well I'd better get going, if you've got some time, bring yer family along to the after-party! We rented Tracy's diner for the night and the foods free." Rick smiled and waved before driving off down the dirt road in his rickety truck.

Grim nodded while watching the truck leave and then looked towards the sky, the sun was nearing it's zenith and only a few white clouds were in sight. "End of the world huh...," He shook his head and mumbled. "I don't believe it."

"Daddy!" A young tender voice shouted out from behind him.

Grim turned around with a big grin. "Haha! My son, finished playing with Beansprout?"

A playful barking could be heard behind the boy, a dog with brown shaggy fur and floppy ears chased after him.

The boy ran into the father's arms and giggled. "Dad come play! Play with me and beansprout!"

Grim petted the dog's head and looked towards the field full of vegetables and sighed again. "Might as well, this damn field isn't gonna get sold anyway."

In the distance a woman's shout was heard. "Husband! Jyn! Come inside, lunch is ready!"

Looking towards the direction of the shout, Grim spotted a woman waving who was poking out of a farmhouse in the distance. It was situated on a hill and looked fairly old but sturdy.

"We'll have to play later son, lunch is ready." Grim looked at his son with a smile.

Jyn nodded vigorously. He was young, around 8 years old with a few similar features to Grim. His butterscotch hair was shoulder length and his facial features soft and chubby. His little eyes eyes were a bright shade of hazel.

Carrying his son, Grim walked towards the rustic farmhouse.

As he entered he was greeted by a fragrant smell. Grim put his son down and they both walked towards the dining room.

Inside the dining room was a simple table and chairs enough for three people. The surrounding decor was quite modern considering how old the house looked.

Sitting at the table waiting patiently was Grim's wife, Laura. She had a gentle smile, mature aura and looked to be in her late 20's. Her eyes were vibrant blue, skin fair with a few freckles and she had short dirty blonde hair.

"Come and sit, I've made some roast chicken!" Laura said happily as she gestured at the two to come sit at the table.

On the table was something resembling a roast turkey that had already but cut in several places, surrounding it were several colorful vegetables. Their plates were already filled to the brim and covered in gravy.

"We could have had this for dinner honey, why did you cook it for lunch?" Grim asked curiously as he took some salt and pepper and thoroughly coated his meal.

Laura chuckled. "Husband, when the clock strikes 12 apparently the world might end. This might be our last meal and I want it to be as grand and lovely as possible."

"Bah! End of world my ass, don't tell you me you actually believe that nonsense?" Grim replied while he wolfed down on his meal.

Laura shook her head and replied. "Of course not, but it is still quite the historic day today and considering that we can't sell the crop, I thought I might cheer you up with a nice lunch."

Grim looked at Laura warmly, he leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Thank you honey."

Laura blushed with an enchanting smile.

"Mama, what does the end of the world mean?" Jyn asked curiously, he'd already started pecking at his delicious meal but was clearly not as hungry as his father.

"Nothing, Jyn, hurry up and eat your lunch before it gets cold." Laura said softly.

Jyn nodded.

"I had a run in with old man Rick, turns out his daughter is getting married today."

"Oh? Isn't she only turning 19 this year? A bit too young if you ask me-"

Conversation continued between the two with the odd remark from Jyn until their lunch was nearly finished.

*Ding!* *Ding!*

A loud bell like ring interrupted the family, Grim and Laura turned their heads towards the antique clock.

It had struck 12!

Although Grim didn't believe in the nonsense the azure god church had been preaching for thousands of years, a cold sweat ran down his back as his heartbeat sped up.

The seconds that passed felt like an eternity to both Laura and Grim as they both knew what this moment in time signified, even country bumpkins like them not to mention the rest of the world.

Jyn noticed his parents silence and instinctively felt the tense atmosphere.

*Gulp*

He swallowed nervously while worriedly looking at his parents.

After a few minutes of nothing happening both Grim and Laura looked at each other with joy in their eyes, nothing had happened!

"Ahaha! I knew it, those azure god freaks were spouting bullshit all along!" Grim laughed loudly, he was a bit worried there for a second.

Laura laughed happily then immediately scolded Grim. "Watch your language husband, I don't want Jyn learning your foul habits!"

Grim grabbed his Laura's waist and pulled her into his embrace, he kissed her cheek. "It's truly a day for celebration, I've gotta an old bottle of spirits left so how about we have a drink?"

With surprise on her face Laura looked at Grim smiled. "You're talking about your grandfathers collection, the one from 2922?"

Grim nodded.

"Ooh I can't wait!" Laura couldn't help but take a second glance at her husband for he was especially handsome at the moment. Biting her lip, she leaned towards his ear and whispered. "Husband.. how about we have another child, I've always wanted a girl."

Grim's smiley face went ecstatic, he roared with laughter before kissing his wife eagerly.

Laura managed to get out of Grim's embrace before reminding him that Jyn was still around.

"Jyn? Oh I forgot" Grim looked around and noticed his son standing next to the window.

Grim walked up to Jyn and tapped his little shoulder. "Boy what's wrong?"

"Daddy...why is the sky so dark?"

Grim looked out the window and was shocked silly and soon he was trembling in fear. Laura was now beside him, she held onto his arm tightly and she too was shaking relentlessly.

The sky outside which had been blue as the sea before had now gone completely dark, it wasn't clouds but just pitch black darkness that stretched beyond the horizon.

At that moment black skies covered the world of Telos, the fate that many had deluded themselves into thinking was fiction had now become a reality.

The end had come!

...

Within a church not far from Grim's farmstead.

In the church, a few people were sitting and listening to the pastor in the purple robe. The church was quite new as if it had been built only recently. The room was bright and it had various decorated windows including a rather expensive looking stained glass window depicting the king Orion ascending to the azure gods side.

The old pastor John, wearing a magnificent purple robe and sporting a long white beard stood before two young teenagers who were looking into each others eyes deeply.

In one of the seats was a familiar middle aged man. Rick sighed as he looked at the two on the stage. "There was no time at all so I couldn't get a nice dress for Mary, what a shame."

The old lady beside him chuckled. "Youngsters are eager nowadays, back in my time, the man would have to court the lady for several years before marriage was even a thought."

Rick shook his head. "Old Mag, I'm not listening to yer stories again. Last time you put me to sleep and I woke up with back pain."

Maggie snorted angrily. "Who you calling old? I'll have you know I'm only 71 this year, I'm still in the prime of my life! You're the old man; you look like you've got one foot in the grave!"

Rick felt like he had just stepped on a landmine, he had forgotten one of the ironclad rules.. never to mention Maggie's age or call her old.

He shrank his head back and didn't dare retort to the old woman, a few of the surrounding family members chuckled as they watched the poor Rick suffer.

"71? more like 81..." Rick whispered in an annoyed tone.

On the church altar, John looked towards the young man. "Jason, do you take Mary as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

"I do." Jason nodded solemnly.

"Mary, do you take Jason as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

*Dong!* *Dong!*

Before Mary could reply the church bells rang and the surroundings suddenly went dark.

"What the?!"

"What's happening?"

"Mommy, I'm scared!"

Rick looked around too and was startled, the church which was well lit before had suddenly become dark as if it were night time.

Looking at his watch which was one of the fancy glow in the dark models, he gasped.

"It's- it's 12 O'clock!"

A few heard rick's voice and whispered fearfully, there were even a few screams.

Suddenly a voice appeared in the minds of everyone present. It was a woman's voice as pure and sacred as a symphony of angels.

"I have come again, I hope you and your ancestor's have all had a fulfilling existence; but.. unfortunately all things must now come to an end. It's time for the test to begin! Slay each other my creations, I demand it! I know there are many who could never harm another so I'll have to add a little...persuasion. Those who do not comply will suffer immense torment and death, those who do will be able to keep the pain at bay; but don't think you've warded it off for good my little creations for if you do not continue killing, sooner or later you'll be swallowed whole!"

Even though the voice was still holy, as it continued to speak it caused those hearing it to shudder in terror. Such a sweet sounding voice speaking as if the killing and the suffering that would be inflicted was nothing but a casual stroll through the park made the people listening despair.

"At the end, the chosen will ascend to become as gods! This is your chance, not even your ancestors could have fathomed such an end! Haha! Now go, I'll be waiting..."

As the voice faded away, the surrounding darkness became as thick as ink. It felt like one was swimming in water.

"Argh, what the hell is this stuff?"

"HELP!"

"Ahhh!"

Rick shivered in pain, the ink like substance surrounding them flowed into him through every orifice leaving a searing pain behind that made him scream for the first time in many years.

"Ahh! Papa!"

Gritting his teeth Rick called out to his screaming daughter. "Mary!"

The pain got worse and worse till the point Rick was pulling his hair out and banging his head on the wooden floor and as fast as it had come, the pain had gone and disappeared.

Rick stood up still reeling from the terrifying experience, he noticed Maggie who was beside him was on the floor, unresponsive. Her eyes were wide open in terror and a black substance was leaking out of them, her nose and ears.

Shivering, Rick put his fingers on her neck to check her pulse but it was as he thought. She was dead.

After he finished closing Maggie's eyes, Rick heard a puncturing sound behind him followed by a sickening gurgle.

"AHHHH! JASON!" The scream of of his daughter Mary was heard.

Various gasps and screams were heard from the surrounding family members and guests.

Turning around he saw a horrifying sight.

John had taken a taken a letter opener and had stabbed Jason in the throat, his eyes were gleaming with madness.

John looked towards the church roof with his arms wide open grinning with happiness, his old face was serene and content. In has right hand was a blood drenched letter opener and below him on the floor was a twitching Jason who was bleeding profusely. Mary clutched Jason's throat which was spurting blood out vigorously with tears running down her cheeks.

"PRAISE THE AZURE GOD!! I WILL SEND THESE CHILDREN TO YOUR SIDE O MIGHTY CREATOR!"

John looked towards Mary with a kind expression, the one he always put on during the weekly service.

"Don't worry my child, soon you'll be with Jason again."

He lunged towards Mary with great speed.

"I'll send you along!" John shouted as his eyes reignited with the light of insanity.

"MARY!" Rick cried out, he rushed towards the altar.

Before John could get to Mary, Rick was already on him like a savage animal.

Mary watched frozen as her father rolled on the floor in a scuffle with John.

"YER A DAMN MADMAN JOHN!" Rick grabbed ahold of John's arm which was gripping the letter opener.

John was surprisingly strong considering he was in his 60's, Rick struggled to hold him back but kept his arm at bay and managed to land a few hits on the old man stunning him.

Noticing that the situation worsening as John was not a match for the younger Rick, he knee'd Rick in his gut before rolling to the side.

Gasping for breath Rick looked at John vigilantly while holding Mary close.

John looked at Rick and sighed dejectedly, he then began fixing his crumpled robes to the neat and tidy appearance he had before, only that now he had blood staining his robes. "The world belongs to the young, this old man has no more strength to continue..."

"Rick, Mary, I wish you luck for the days ahead." John smiled before kneeling down in prayer.

"O azure god, please accept this humble servant."

Rick looked at John in shock, he stretched out his hand and shouted. "WAIT!"

John took the blood stained letter opener and drove it into his chest accurately piercing his own heart.

Ricks arm slowly dropped down to his side, he looked around with a daze. The pianist and a few other members of the church had already started attacking everyone.

He held his daughter tightly, her eyes were red and the tears that had flowed down her cheeks had dried up. She absentmindedly stared at Jason's now cold corpse and similar to Maggie, black substance was now dripping out of him mixing in with his blood puddle.

Rick looked back towards the pastor John who's head had slumped to the side, blood poured from his wound that died his white beard red.

"Come Mary, we need to get out of here!" Rick pulled the shivering Mary along with him towards the exit skillfully avoiding the panicking people running around like headless chickens. He cared not for the others in the church. Many of them were just distant relatives, the safety of his daughter was all that he cared about now.

Leaving the church, Rick and Mary saw a hellish sight. Slaughter in the streets, men and women with mad delight in their eyes attacked each other viciously attempting to murder each other with anything they could get their hands on. Not even the children were safe as there were already several of them laying lifelessly on the walkways.

Scenes like this were happening all over Telos, it was absolute anarchy.

This bloody day was just one of many to come as the Eruba will discover how terrifying a curse that has been placed upon them.