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The Ancient of Death, Cronos, floated silently within the Nexus of the Ancients. The Nexus was a space unlike any other, where the Ancients convened to discuss matters of great importance. It existed outside of both Earth and the Ghost Zone, a neutral ground where no laws of either realm applied. You could only enter with an invitation, and once inside, any actions taken could only be undone if the Ancients worked together to reverse their decisions.
At that moment, the Nexus was quiet, as no event had called for a gathering. Cronos, however, sought solitude. Usually, when he needed to think in peace, he'd retreat to his mausoleum-like residence. But today, his wife Dreama was hosting a baby shower for a distant relative. He had no intention of joining, and his son, Kai, was out with his boyfriend, Empathy, at the Haunted Theater. For once, he had the silence he needed.
But even here, in the isolation of the Nexus, he felt the weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him. As the Ancient of Death, it was his duty to ensure that every soul—human, ghost, or animal—found its proper afterlife. The past few years had drained him like never before. The COVID-19 pandemic had brought an unprecedented number of deaths, and the collapse of the Rainbow Bridge for animal souls had stretched his powers even further. To make matters worse, the symbiotic connection between Earth and the Ghost Zone had only increased the number of ghost deaths.
It had been far too much for one Ancient to handle alone.
Lost in his thoughts, Cronos didn’t notice someone enter the chamber.
"Cronos? What are you doing here?" a voice asked, warm but filled with concern.
Cronos looked up and saw Vida, the Ancient Ghost of Life. Unlike his dark, somber appearance, she was dressed in vibrant colors, exuding her usual energy. But there was a noticeable tiredness to her demeanor, a rare sight.
"I didn't realize anyone else was here," Cronos replied, his voice as flat as ever.
"Well, it seems like we both needed a little space," Vida said with a weary smile. "These last few years have taken a toll on both of us. The pandemic, political unrest, and just the sheer disregard for life—it’s been a lot to bear."
Cronos gave a tired nod. "It has been. I’m running on empty."
Vida’s eyes flickered with concern as she noticed the bags under his eyes and the slow pace of his movements. She too seemed exhausted, more so than usual. "I’ve been working with Undergrowth and Tempest to rejuvenate life on Earth. But with so much damage done, it feels like we’re fighting a losing battle. What happens to Earth affects all of us, after all. We’re connected."
Cronos let out a heavy sigh. "I fear if Earth dies, our world will follow. We’re two halves of the same coin. If one goes, so will the other."
"I share that fear," Vida said softly, her tone shifting from her usual optimism to something more somber. "And I’ve spoken to Dynama about it. The hostile energy on Earth is growing. If it isn’t contained, more of us may go rogue, which could lead to even greater crises."
Cronos’ expression darkened. "We all rely on each other. We balance one another out. But Earth is so tainted now... The damage has spread into our realm as well. We’re both unraveling."
Vida clenched her fists, her frustration and concern evident. "There must be a way to reach out to the Heavenly Father. We need his guidance. I can’t imagine that he’s pleased with how things are going. Nor do I think he would wish for Armageddon to come."
Cronos’ expression remained cynical. "He says He’s coming back to judge the living and the dead. But, like you, I don’t think He wants this. The Earth is so broken, so corrupt. Our only chance is to work together."
"Maybe Lilith could help," Vida suggested suddenly, her eyes alight with a thought. "She’s one of the few who might be able to reach him."
Cronos raised an eyebrow. "Lilith? Why her?"
"She's an honorary Ancient. Her role is to guide souls with Ghost Genes, and she’s one of the few human souls who’s fully transitioned into what we are. Maybe she could persuade Him to send someone to help us."
Cronos considered it, his mind spinning. "I see your point. She has a unique connection to both realms. She might be able to get through in ways we can’t."
"I agree," Vida said firmly. "We should meet with the others tomorrow. We need to discuss this before it’s too late. There’s no time to waste."
Cronos yawned, his exhaustion starting to show. "Yes, we should. But for now, we both need rest."
"Agreed," Vida said with a smile that lacked its usual brightness but still conveyed warmth. "We’ll talk tomorrow. Take care, Cronos."
"Same to you, Vida," Cronos replied, watching as she left the Nexus. He lingered a moment longer, contemplating the future. It seemed the end of their worlds was closer than they’d ever feared.