Chapter 5

The midday sun beat down relentlessly as Chris and Violet set out towards the hills, the air shimmering with heat above the dusty path. Sweat beaded on their foreheads as they climbed, the scent of sun-baked earth and dry grass filling their nostrils. Chris found himself stealing glances at Violet, still pondering her easy familiarity with Zenatory and the tavern. There was so much about her he didn't know, and each revelation only deepened the mystery.

"So," Chris began, breaking the comfortable silence between them, "how did you learn to work a tavern so well? You seemed right at home back there."

Violet's steps faltered for a moment, her expression unreadable in the harsh sunlight. "Oh, you know," she said with a forced lightness, "you pick things up here and there. Survival skills, I guess." Her tone made it clear that the subject was closed, at least for now.

As they crested a hill, the landscape spread out before them – rolling slopes covered in sparse vegetation, with no sign of the ethereal lights they'd heard about. The sight was mundane in the daylight, giving no hint of the supernatural occurrences reported at night.

"It all looks so... normal," Chris remarked, shielding his eyes from the sun.

Violet nodded, her eyes scanning the terrain. "The veil between worlds is thinnest at night. We might not see anything unusual until then, but we can still explore."

They descended into the valley, the dry grass crunching under their feet. The heat seemed to intensify as they walked, and Chris found himself wishing for the cool tavern they'd left behind. As they pushed through a thicket of scraggly trees, they found themselves in a clearing, and Chris's breath caught in his throat.

Before them lay an old cemetery, its weathered headstones tilted at odd angles, half-swallowed by overgrown grass and gnarled roots. In the harsh midday light, the graves looked forlorn and abandoned, a stark reminder of lives long past.

"This place," Violet whispered, her hand unconsciously seeking Chris's, "it's so old. These graves... some of them must date back centuries."

As they carefully picked their way through the cemetery, reading faded inscriptions and wondering about the lives they represented, Chris spotted something that made his blood run cold despite the heat. "Violet," he said, pointing, "look."

Not far from the graves stood a stone archway, its surface covered in intricate carvings that seemed to writhe in the shimmering heat. At its apex, a skull with empty eye sockets served as the keystone, its hollow gaze fixed on them with an unnerving intensity.

"By the shadows," Violet breathed, her grip on Chris's hand tightening. "I never thought I'd actually see one."

Before Chris could ask what she meant, the air within the archway seemed to ripple and distort, like the surface of a pond disturbed by a thrown stone. Despite the bright sunlight, the space within the arch grew dark, as if night was falling only within its confines.

"Violet," Chris said, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him, "what is that?"

Violet's face was a mask of concentration, her free hand tracing symbols in the air that left faint, shadowy trails even in the bright daylight. "It's a Shadowgate," she explained, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "A portal to the Afterplane - the land of the dead. The living can pass through you know, but only briefly. The longer you stay the harder it is to pass back through the gateway." Violet seemed to know an awful lot about the Shadowgate and the land of the dead.

Violet's eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and trepidation as she gazed at the Shadowgate. The dark, swirling vortex within the stone arch stood in stark contrast to the bright midday sun beating down on them. She turned to Chris, her expression serious.

"Chris, I know this is a lot to take in, but... I think we need to go through."

Chris's eyes widened. "Go through? Into the land of the dead? Violet, that sounds incredibly dangerous."

She nodded, squeezing his hand. "It is dangerous. But think about it - all these wandering souls we've heard about, the strange occurrences in the area. I believe they're connected to this gate. If we want answers, we need to see what's on the other side."

Chris ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. "But you said living beings can only stay there briefly. What if we get stuck?"

"That's why we need to be extremely careful," Violet explained, her voice low and intense. "We'll have about three days before the Afterplane starts to permanently affect us. The very essence of that place will try to merge us with it."

Chris shook his head, still struggling with the idea. "It sounds like a death trap, Violet. Why risk it?"

Violet's gaze softened. "Because sometimes the greatest discoveries require the greatest risks. And because..." she hesitated, then continued, "because I've spent years studying this, Chris. The Afterplane holds secrets about life, death, and the very nature of existence. If we can uncover even a fraction of that knowledge, it could change everything."

Her passion was palpable, and Chris found himself wavering. "You really believe this is worth the risk?"

"I do," Violet said firmly. "But I won't go without you, and I won't ask you to come if you're not willing. This has to be your choice."

Chris looked from Violet to the swirling vortex and back again. The rational part of his mind screamed at him to walk away, to return to the safety of the world he knew. But another part of him, the part that had always yearned for adventure and answers to life's greatest mysteries, urged him forward.

After a long moment, he nodded. "Alright, I'm in. But promise me something, Violet."

"Anything," she replied immediately.

"Promise me that no matter what we find on the other side, we stick together. And if things start to go south, we get out of there. No hesitation."

Violet's face broke into a relieved smile. "I promise, Chris. We're in this together."

With their decision made, they turned to face the Shadowgate. Violet began to explain the process. "When we step through, it'll feel... strange. Like your entire body is being pulled apart and put back together. Don't fight it. Just let it happen, and focus on staying close to me."

Chris nodded, his throat too dry to speak. They approached the arch, the skull at its apex seeming to grin wider as they drew near. The whispering voices from within the vortex grew louder, a mess of indistinguishable words that sent shivers down Chris's spine.

At the threshold, Violet turned to Chris one last time. "Ready?"

He met her gaze, finding strength in her confidence. "Ready."

Hand in hand, they stepped forward into the swirling darkness. The world around them vanished in an instant, replaced by a sensation of falling and flying simultaneously. Chris felt as if his body was being stretched to its limits, then compressed into a single point. Colors he had no names for flashed before his eyes, and the whispers became a deafening roar.

Just when he thought he couldn't bear it any longer, it stopped.

Chris gasped, drawing in a breath of air that tasted of ash and memories. He blinked, his eyes adjusting to the dim, otherworldly light of the Afterplane. Beside him, Violet stood with her eyes closed, muttering something under her breath - a prayer or a spell, he couldn't tell.

As his vision cleared, Chris took in their surroundings. They stood on a rocky outcropping overlooking a vast, alien landscape. The sky above was a roiling mass of dark clouds, occasionally lit from within by flashes of colorless lightning. In the distance, impossibly tall spires rose from the ground, their tops lost in the turbulent sky.

And everywhere, drifting like motes of dust in a sunbeam, were souls. Some human-shaped, others taking on fantastic and terrifying forms. They moved with purpose, completely ignoring the two living intruders in their realm.

"Violet," Chris whispered, his voice sounding strange in the heavy air of the Afterplane, "what now?"

Violet opened her eyes, a look of wonder and determination on her face. "Now, we find answers. And we be very, very careful." She checked a small hourglass hanging from her belt - when had she attached that? "Remember, we have three days. Let's make them count."

With that, they set off into the unknown expanse of the Afterplane, two living souls in a world of the dead, each step taking them further from the familiar and deeper into mystery.

As Violet and Chris ventured deeper into the Afterplane, the landscape shifted around them. The rocky outcropping gave way to gnarled, twisted trees with leaves that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. The air grew thick with an otherworldly mist that clung to their skin like cobwebs.

"Welcome to the Twilight Forest," Violet whispered, her eyes darting from shadow to shadow. "It's said to be one of the less dangerous regions of the Afterplane, but don't let your guard down."

Chris nodded, fighting the urge to constantly look over his shoulder. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional rustle of unseen creatures in the underbrush.

Suddenly, a familiar robotic yet feminine voice chimed in from Chris's belt, making him jump. "Warning: Current location analysis complete. You are severely under-leveled for this region. Recommendation: Leave immediately."

Violet's face twisted in annoyance. "AIDA, shut up. We'll be fine."

Chris glanced between Violet and the AI device on his belt. "Maybe we should listen to her, Violet. If we're under-leveled—"

"We're not characters in some game, Chris," Violet cut him off, her tone sharp. "AIDA doesn't understand this place like I do. Trust me."

Reluctantly, Chris nodded and followed Violet deeper into the forest. The winding trails seemed to shift and change as they walked, and more than once, Chris could have sworn he saw faces peering at them from behind the twisted trunks.

After what felt like hours of walking, they came upon a crossroads. A weathered wooden sign stood at the center, its surface covered in strange, swirling symbols. As Chris stared at it, the symbols seemed to dance and rearrange themselves, suddenly snapping into recognizable letters.

"That's... odd," Chris muttered. "I can read it now. It says Evermore in that direction, the Infernal Chasm that way, and the Great Vortex over there."

Violet's eyes lit up at the mention of the Infernal Chasm. "Perfect! We should head there. The Chasm is said to hold some of the deepest secrets of the Afterplane."

Chris frowned, a chill running down his spine. "I don't know, Violet. Evermore sounds a lot friendlier. Maybe we should start there?"

Violet opened her mouth to argue, but something in Chris's expression made her pause. After a moment, she sighed. "Fine. We'll check out Evermore first. But after that, we're going to the Chasm."

They set off down the path toward Evermore. As they walked, the twisted trees of the Twilight Forest began to thin out, giving way to a barren, misty plain. In the distance, the vague outlines of buildings began to take shape.

"Is that... a town?" Chris asked, squinting through the haze.

Violet nodded. "Evermore. One of the oldest settlements in the Afterplane, if the legends are true."

As they drew closer, Chris's excitement turned to confusion. The town looked... empty. Abandoned buildings lined silent streets, their windows dark and lifeless. It reminded him eerily of Roshema Village back in the Darkmire, only more desolate.

"I don't understand," Chris said as they entered the town proper. "Where is every—"

His words died in his throat as, suddenly, the empty streets came to life. Ghostly figures of all shapes and sizes appeared as if from thin air, wandering in and out of buildings, congregating in groups, their spectral voices a soft murmur in the air.

Chris stumbled back in shock. "Violet! Do you see—"

"The spirits? Yes," Violet replied, her tone almost bored. "This is how most of them appear in the Afterplane. Nothing to be alarmed about."

Chris stared at her, then back at the ghostly figures going about their business as if two living humans weren't standing in their midst. A cat-like creature with multiple tails floated past, deep in conversation with what looked like a knight in ancient armor. Near a fountain, a group of child-sized spirits played a game with glowing orbs.

"This is... incredible," Chris breathed, his eyes wide as he tried to take in every detail.

Violet, however, seemed far less impressed. She tapped her foot impatiently, glancing in the direction they had come from. "Yes, yes, it's all very fascinating. But Chris, we're wasting time here. The Infernal Chasm is where we need to be. That's where we'll find real answers."

Chris turned to her, torn between his awe at their surroundings and his growing curiosity about Violet's insistence on the Chasm. "Violet, what's so important about the Infernal Chasm? Why are you so eager to go there?"

Violet's expression flickered for a moment, something unreadable passing across her face. "I... I can't explain it all right now. But trust me, it's crucial that we go there. Please, Chris."

As Chris looked into Violet's pleading eyes, he felt a mix of emotions - trust, curiosity, and a nagging sense of unease. Whatever secrets the Infernal Chasm held, he realized, they were deeply personal to Violet. And despite the wonders of Evermore surrounding them, he knew their true adventure in the Afterplane was only just beginning.

Chris's gaze wandered over the ethereal streets of Evermore, his mind still reeling from the sudden appearance of its spectral inhabitants. As fascinating as it all was, a familiar comfort called to him.

"Hey, Violet," he said, gesturing towards a building with a swinging sign depicting a ghostly mug. "What do you say we check out the local tavern? Maybe we can gather some information there."

Violet hesitated, her eyes darting towards the path that led to the Infernal Chasm. But something in Chris's hopeful expression made her relent. "Alright, but let's make it quick."

As they pushed open the heavy wooden door, Chris's jaw dropped. The tavern was packed with souls of all shapes and sizes, a rush of spectral voices filling the air. Spirit beastkin with glowing pelts lounged at tables, while human souls clinked ethereal mugs together. In one corner, a group of tall, radiant figures that could only be Solarian souls engaged in what looked like a heated debate.

Before Chris could fully take in the scene, a booming voice called out over the din. "Well, I'll be damned! A living soul in my tavern!"

The ghostly patrons parted, revealing a burly, translucent figure behind the bar. He beckoned them over with a grin that seemed to split his face in two.

"Name's Nash," the spirit barkeep said as they approached. "Don't get many living folks 'round here anymore." His eyes fell on Violet, and his grin faltered for a moment. "Well, I'll be... Violet? That you?"

Violet nodded curtly. "Hello, Nash."

Nash leaned forward, whispering something in Violet's ear. Chris couldn't make out the words, but he saw Violet stiffen, then pull back sharply.

"No," she said firmly. "Not this one."

A cold feeling settled in Chris's stomach. What did that mean? 'Not this one'? His mind raced with possibilities, each more unsettling than the last. Was Violet not who she claimed to be? Had he been lured into some kind of trap?

Nash must have noticed Chris's unease because he quickly turned to him with a reassuring smile. "Don't you worry, lad. You're in good hands. Violet and I go way back, and I can assure you, you're safe with her."

The words did little to quell Chris's growing anxiety. He glanced around the tavern, trying to distract himself from the doubts creeping into his mind. He'd grown to trust Violet, hadn't he? Surely this wasn't some elaborate ruse...

A chill ran down Chris's spine, cutting through his spiraling thoughts. The tavern had suddenly grown quieter, the atmosphere heavy with an inexplicable tension. From the shadows at the back of the room, a figure emerged.

Chris turned, his breath catching in his throat. Before him stood what could only be described as Death incarnate - a towering figure shrouded in darkness, its face a bleached skull with fiery green eyes that seemed to pierce right through him.

Terror gripped Chris, his feet already moving towards the door. But before he could bolt, Violet's hand closed around his arm, her touch unexpectedly gentle but firm.

"It's okay, Chris," she murmured, before turning to address the nightmarish figure. "Scrios, so good to see you. It's not what you think, I assure you."

The skull-faced being - Scrios - regarded Violet with those eerie green flames, before giving a slight nod. "Sure," he rasped, his voice like gravel scraping against stone. Without another word, he glided past them to claim a seat at the bar.

Chris's mind was reeling. Violet knew Death? And Death had a name? The implications were terrifying. Was Violet some kind of soul collector? Had she brought him here to... to...

His panicked thoughts were interrupted by the soft press of Violet's lips against his cheek. The kiss sent a flutter through his body, and suddenly, a wave of calm washed over him. The fear and doubt receded like the tide, leaving him feeling oddly at peace.

But even as the calm settled over him, a part of Chris's mind rebelled against it. Was this some kind of spell? Was Violet a succubus, using supernatural charms to lull him into a false sense of security?

He looked at Violet, really looked at her. Her eyes met his, filled with a mixture of concern and... was that affection? Despite his lingering doubts, Chris couldn't deny the connection he felt with her. Whatever was going on, whatever secrets Violet was keeping, he realized he trusted her - perhaps against his better judgment.

"So," Chris said, his voice steadier than he expected, "I think you have some explaining to do, Violet."

Violet nodded, a small, sad smile playing at her lips. "I do," she agreed. "But not here. Let's find a quiet corner, and I'll tell you everything I can."

As they moved through the crowded tavern, Chris couldn't shake the feeling that they were at the center of attention. Spectral eyes followed their progress, whispers trailing in their wake. Whatever Violet was about to reveal, Chris had a feeling it would change everything he thought he knew about her, about this strange afterlife, and perhaps about the nature of existence itself.

Violet led Chris to a secluded corner of the tavern, away from the curious eyes and ears of the spectral patrons. As they sat down at a small table, Chris noticed the ethereal candle flickering between them, casting dancing shadows across Violet's face. She took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his with an intensity that made his heart race.

"Chris," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "what I'm about to tell you... it's going to change everything. I need you to listen, to really hear me out before you react. Can you do that?"

Chris nodded, his throat too dry to speak. The tension in Violet's voice was palpable, and he braced himself for whatever revelation was coming.

"I'm not... I'm not who you think I am," Violet continued. "I'm not human, and I'm not even a Solarian. The truth is, I'm... I'm a demon. From the Infernal Chasm."

Chris felt as if the floor had dropped out from under him. His mind reeled, trying to process her words. A demon? His first instinct was to leap up, to run for the door and never look back. But as he started to rise, Violet's eyes caught his, and something in their depths held him in place.

"I know how it sounds," Violet said quickly, reaching out to take his hand. Her touch was warm, familiar. "But I swear to you, I'm not evil. I'm a good demon... if there ever was such a thing."

Chris sank back into his chair, his head spinning. "A demon? This whole time? Was... was this all some kind of trap? To get me to the Infernal Chasm and take my soul?"

Violet's eyes widened in horror. "No! No, Chris, nothing like that. I swear to you, you're safe. I would never harm you. In fact..." She paused, a blush creeping across her cheeks. "The truth is, I really like you."

Chris stared at her, disbelief warring with the warmth spreading through his chest at her words.

"I'm actually incredibly old," Violet continued, her voice soft. "And very powerful. When you stepped in to save me from that Dortuk back in the forest... well, it was no real threat to me. But seeing you, this brave, goofy human ready to risk everything for a stranger... I sort of fell for you right then and there."

Chris felt his own cheeks growing warm. "You... fell for me?"

Violet nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. "I didn't want to admit it at first. I've been exploring the overworld for months, playing at being a normal Solarian girl. But then I met you, and everything changed."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "The reason I want to go to the Infernal Chasm... it's to meet my parents. They're demons too, residing deep within the chasm. I wanted to introduce you to them."

Chris sat back, trying to process everything. A demon. Violet was a demon. And she had feelings for him. And she wanted him to meet her demon parents. It was all so surreal, so far beyond anything he could have imagined. Yet, as he looked at Violet, he realized that demon or not, his feelings for her hadn't changed. She was still the brave, mysterious, captivating woman he'd grown to care for.

"I... I don't know what to say," Chris finally managed. "This is a lot to take in."

Violet nodded, her eyes never leaving his. "I understand. And I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. I was afraid... afraid you'd run away. Afraid I'd lose you before I ever really had a chance with you."

Chris felt a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "Well, I'm still here, aren't I?"

Violet's face lit up with hope. "You are. Does that mean...?"

Chris reached out, taking her hand in his. "It means I'm still processing all this. But demon or not, you're still you. The you I've come to care about. And if you say you're one of the good ones, well... I believe you."

Violet's smile was radiant, and Chris felt his heart skip a beat. He never imagined he'd find himself falling for a demon, but here he was. And despite the shock of the revelation, he couldn't deny the attraction he felt.

"So," Chris said, a hint of his usual humor returning to his voice, "I guess we're heading to the Infernal Chasm after all? To meet the in-laws?"

Violet laughed, the sound like music to Chris's ears. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. But yes, if you're up for it, that's where we're headed next."

As they sat there, hands intertwined, Chris realized that their adventure was far from over. In fact, it felt like it was just beginning. Demon parents, the Infernal Chasm, and who knew what else awaited them. But with Violet by his side, Chris found himself looking forward to whatever came next.