Well, here it is - the last chapter you guys get for free. This one is presented in its pure, uncut form. I hope you guys will buy the book when it's released!


Chapter 3: Becoming

Fooruman had never been so focused in his entire life. “Black Ninja, we are now fully prepared to become immortals. However, I think it’s time we discuss what’s going to happen after that. Once we are immortal, I plan to open a black hole large enough to swallow everything in the universe. From there, we are going to create our own universe to be just what we want it to be. Now, as you are fully aware, in about three hours we’re going to be performing the ritual. I suggest you get some rest until then. Any questions?”

Black Ninja thought for a moment. “Not to question you, master, but won’t spells of this magnitude require more magick than even you possess? I mean, everyone has their limits.”

Fooruman laughed, but seemed slightly troubled. “What do you propose?”

“I suggest that you look into harnessing any magick that may remain on the ruined Earth. It should be enough in total to nearly double your strength for the ritual.”

“Brilliant!” Fooruman made a hand gesture and immediately disappeared in a large cloud of black vapor.

“This should be fun,” Black Ninja said under his breath.

**********

Fooruman stood atop the highest spire on his fortress with his spell book. He faced the Earth and chanted for about thirty minutes. After this, a huge beam of pure energy exploded through space and hit Fooruman squarely between the eyes. He fell backwards so hard that some of the spire crumbled beneath the blow. He stood up slowly and shakily. He looked at his reflection in the damaged heat shield, and noticed that he was not the same at all. His clothes were pitch black, as was his hair. Every vein in his body was black and exaggerated. He looked at his hands and then looked up at the heat shield. “Well,” he said, “I think I’ve got enough power now.”

Fooruman looked down at his hands again. As he flexed his muscles, tiny embers seemed to ignite under his skin, apparently traveling through his massive veins. He felt like he was connected to everything – he could feel the planet he was on and all the surrounding stars. He could feel the emotions of every single member of the rebellion, as well as those of Black Ninja. “Wow,” he said, “this universe is just begging to be destroyed.”

**********[indent]Violet cursed as he scribbled notes on a piece of paper. He slammed shut the book he was researching from and threw his pen down. “We can’t win this. I think it really is over for us.”

There was a knocking sound on the door to Violet’s chambers. “Come in,” he said.

Coppertop opened the door, walked slowly in, and closed it just as slowly. “Violet, do you think we have any chance here? We’re dealing with a wizard who’s becoming more powerful by the second – for all we know, he’s already unstoppable. Do you have any ideas?”

“Sadly, no. I don’t think there’s any hope left for us, Coppertop. Do you have any suggestions? If so, I’d love for you to enlighten me.”

“I don’t really have any specific ideas per se, but I do know there’s only one way we can win this: through Black Ninja. Fooruman is unstoppable, but I’m still convinced there must be a way to take care of his minion. What do we know about the ritual Fooruman plans to attempt?”

“Well, our information is extremely limited, but we do know that after the ritual Fooruman and Black Ninja will be connected somehow. They’ll share the same energy, same power, and etcetera. We also know that a blood sacrifice is required from both of them for the ritual to be successful.”

“Do we have anyone who is at all skilled in magick?”

“Faw used to do some spells for Unfooruman, but I don’t know if I’d call him a great wizard or anything.”

Coppertop paused to think for a moment. “Everyone who does magick has kind of an aura about them. It’s what determines who is evil and who is good. Clearly Black Ninja and Fooruman are evil – what do we really know about Faw?”

Violet thought. “Go fetch Faw.”

Coppertop left briefly and returned with Faw. Violet signaled for Coppertop to leave, which she promptly did. Faw sat down next to Violet.

“Faw, you used to practice magick for Unfooruman, correct?”

“Yes sir.”

“And you’re fairly certain that Fooruman and Black Ninja truly will be able to become immortal if they succeed in this ritual?”

“Never been more sure of anything in my life, sir.”

“Are you confident in your ability to cast at least simple spells?”

“Yes sir.”

“Go get everyone and tell them to meet in the conference room in ten minutes. I think we’ve got our plan of action.”

As Faw walked out the door, Violet began to collect every spell book and weapon he had in his quarters. He didn’t expect to ever return there again. He walked for what he knew was the last time towards the conference room and sat down. Everyone else was already seated there early.

After what seemed like quite a long period of just sitting there, Violet stood up to speak. “Alright, everyone, it’s time to make a choice.”

**********

Fooruman held a knife in his bloodied hand and faced Black Ninja. “The elixir is all but ready. All you need to do is make a quick slit on your wrist and we’re immortals.”

Black Ninja stared at the knife for a moment. Finally, he grabbed it. He quickly cut a deep gash into his left wrist. They both watched intensely as the blood dripped down into the cauldron. There was a huge explosion.

Fooruman’s voice was deeper and more powerful than ever. “I feel…”

Black Ninja finished his thought. “Powerful.”