The Great and Ancient Divide

Upon an ancient rune-filled windy peak on the dreary planet Relics Rock, the Ent Masters gather under the stars every century for a purpose. Seven robed figures fanned out around the Circle of Quantus to begin a ritual that had begun long before recorded history, yet the air amongst the council was anything but routine. 77 times the Rift appeared, and 77 times it was repelled by the Ent Masters. This day was the 78th time the rift had come, and most aware was Master Mobi–the youngest and most enthusiastic of the group.

“I can feel them this time,” Mobi said. “It must be time, my fellow Ent Masters, for they are right there, on the other side–the Fantomons!”

A dismissive murmur was his immediate reward.

“Surely you can feel it,” he continued. “I hear nothing, but it’s clear, they’re calling to us! Master Tin, you feel it too, right?”

“We are here to close the Rift, Master Mobi,” Master Tin replied in a flat and measured tone “That is all we are here to do. It is all we ever do.”

Master Mobi stepped forward. “But the sacred number six multiplied 13 times, it’s the 78th Rift! If there ever was a day to let the Rift permeate in our dimension, today is that day!”

The disgruntled murmurs had begun the second he hadn’t bowed his head and said yes to Master Tin. Those murmurs grew in intensity as Mobi continued in spite of them.

“We need to bring these creatures here," he insisted. "We must study them before others attempt to in more unorthodox ways. Science has come a long way since the last Rift. There are methods of detecting it now, even manipulating it.”

“Mobi is right,” said Master Drugan, to the surprise of the others. “I’ve heard whispers as well of scientists on H-203. It seems they are building something grand.”

Finally, a voice of support, Mobi thought.

“Unfortunate for them, their grand whatever-it-is will miss the party,” Master Ren countered. “We shall close the Rift and worry about matters related to Ent outsiders over the next century. Time has been, is, and will always be on our side,” he grinned. “I am not the least bit worried about these scientists on H-203.”

Master Drugan took a slow step forward, “The power these creatures hold is immense, and so too will be the desire to seek them out. I am worried about H-203 unlocking any unknown doorways. We know much, but not all”

Master Tin held his large hand up and all settled back into place. “Be at ease, my fellow Masters,” he said. “We shall close the gate and with it, any worry of science having a part to play. Master Drugan is wise in his worries. But Master Ren is right, Old Man Time is on our side, and he is a powerful ally.”

Mobi again stepped forward, fists clenched at his sides. “To hell with the scientists! We have the knowledge, training, and power to bypass any nonsense the H-203 scientist might attempt. I can almost see through the Rift. Am I the only one who can see what you are…”?

“Enough!” Master Tin barked. “Take your place among the runes. You’ve had more than your fair share of words this day, Master Mobi.”

Mobi returned to his place around the Circle of Quantus, head hung in defeat, but teeth clenched in fierce determination.

“Close the Rift,” said Master Tin.

A hush came over the seven, winds ceased to blow, clouds ceased to move, even the rocks, still as stone, were silenced.

All hands moved as one, carving intricate symbols into the air and on the ground. A warm glow broke forth from the cracks under the Ent Master’s feet and the Rift shuddered in response. As it folded back in upon itself, Master Mobi felt the weight of his Ent responsibilities to the Order lifted from his shoulders. Just as soon as he felt freedom from all his troubles for a split second, a second heavier task slowly perched itself on top of him.

His arms and the arms of the Ancient Ent Masters exploded in green and white fire. The maelstrom engulfed the seven, eyes closed against the inferno. Mobi’s eyes however were wide open, unflinching against the flood of flame and light.

After the ritual was complete, and the Rift was nothing more than a memory. Six masters' heads hung low from fatigue. But one stood upright, turned from the Circle of Quantum, and disappeared from the Ancient Order of the Ent forever.

Master Mobi had turned against them to see the Fantomons through, and that meant he was now on his own, exiled from their numbers. He had taken the right step, however, because he understood the importance of what would come next.

He knew that the Fantomons would change the fate of the universe and prove to be the primary bond of all reality.

This Lore is written by Justin Sloan and ElderTreeNFT with direction from the core Fantomon Team.