What began as a single trans-dimensional portal grew to become an entity whose cavernous depths were close to unfathomable. The abyss as it came to be called had the appearance of a mere void in space...HARMLESS AND SILENT.

          I do not mean to frighten, for supposedly no one is permitted to learn of the four cycles. I do this because I must, because events must be recorded, and because I must pay my debt to those who allowed me the privilege of glimpsing the truth.

          This is the story as seen through my eyes. Its concerns are with those fledglings who through the cycles have survived the perils and fought the wars, whose courage and determination altered the past...and the future.

As for myself, I am Damien. Join me as we begin our journey into the seasons of the Abyss.

          A hundred and thirty of us emerged from the four corners of the earth and answering the cry of existence, came in search of knowledge. It was through the beckoning of the abyss that we began the four cycles of the sun. Slowly evolving to become the wisest and the bravest divine.

          There, however, were the men and women who had come before us. The Acolytes, the Reavers, and the Psions. Three races unlike in everyway but for one in them also was the burning ambition to explore the infinity. From high above, the immortal celestials anticipated our arrival. For theirs was a breed who explored not only the stars but their inner sleves as well. From the easterly regions, a master of History and from the West, the sorcerer of science. The grassy plains of the south yielded the lord of languages as the ice-capped northern mountains did with giving us the teacher of the arts.

          Ours became the center of man and his activities. Here there was a greatness that dwarfed even the gladiators of Rome. In time, we were learning the essence of power. A shifting of the magnificent Red Sun and the first of the Four cycles...had ended.

          Great tournaments were held to achieve the precious medallions of the celestials. Determination became the key to success. The second cycle had begun. This was to be the blossoming of a new era, the golden age. A time enhanced by exploration and discovery.

          For us the dreams of greatness began with an inner cleansing of the soul. With this triump we excelled in dance and music, as we redefined our expressions of the arts.

          The third cycle saw us through uncharted territory. Barren plains metamorphosed as far as the eye could see - the will to cross these plains became the next test. The power of the mind as now utilized by many.

          There were the hooded ones who took us to the altars of the occult a threshold of writing the emotions, of love and hate, pillars od desolateness and solitude. Thus became the sacrifice of the will to defend the truth.

          We had become a powerful race. The last grips of immaturity loosening with each movement of the setting sun. Our young minds were now tools greatly enhancing the search for truth and in the process making incredible advancements in the sciences and humanities. The final quest for the scroll of the Divine had come, and we had assembled ourselves, ready as one.........for the final cycle.

          This was no place for the meek or mild, as we began to discover. And yet with every terrible obstacle rose a mightier individual capable of withstanding the worst of its perils. Of the exact number, only a hundred and fourteen remained. The courageous spirits of these young warriors emerged victorious! Their cries of joy echoing to the farthest reaches of the universe as many came to witness the christening of this, the new breed. Exceptional honorees were granted to medallions as were all, presented with the divine scroll.

          My story is ended as this tome of history is done. I have sworn to reveal and so I have, but this history may not be seen by any mortal eyes. The future must unfold as it comes, - day by day, allowing for the ebb change. What began in the past will be remembered and acted upon many years from now. It is as simple as that. For the stuff of the heroes within us all- the willingness to go beyond the normal routine and lend help to those in need.

          We now have to part ways and set on our quests, but the bond that has embraced us shall remain forever. So, for now, I bid you farewell. Our tales have but begun.