Part 1 HERE * Part 2 HERE * Part 3 HERE * Part 4 HERE * Part 5 HERE * Part 6 HERE

The tension in the room was palpable as Detective Jack Ross and Detective Zhara Fuller sat across from each other at the makeshift conference table. Despite the secrets and betrayals muddying the waters, the urgency of the hostage situation called for immediate action. Dr. Emily Reid stood at the head of the table, flanked by an array of ancient artifacts and parchments.

“We need a solution, and we need it now,” Ross began, his eyes never leaving Zhara’s. “Our inter-dimensional hostage takers have us at a disadvantage, and even though we have Daniels in custody, he’s clammed up tight, so we’ve lost whatever edge we might have had.”

“I need to get into that hotel,” Zhara said, locking eyes with him. “No matter what lies between those walls—or dimensions. A face-to-face negotiation is the only chance we have to free the hostages.”

Dr. Reid cleared her throat. “If I may interject? Based on my research, we could try the Akashic Alignment ritual.”

“It’s a way to temporarily merge the dimensions, which would give us access to the hostages,” Zhara explained to Ross.

“What does this ritual entail?” Ross asked.

“Quite a lot, I’m afraid,” Reid said. “We’ll need to gather some rare components to focus the incantation—sandalwood, myrrh, black tourmaline crystals.”

“And if we go this route we’ll have to act fast,” Zhara added. “The ritual must be performed at sunset when the veil between dimensions is thinnest.”

Reid unrolled a parchment showing an intricate circular symbol. “This alchemical diagram must be painted on the hotel floor using a mixture of pulverized amethyst and iron sulfate. And finally, I’ll need to chant the Akashic incantation continuously throughout the ritual to keep the alignment stable.”

Ross studied the parchment, considering the risks. “That’s asking a lot. This ritual could easily backfire.”

“It’s our best option,” Zhara countered. “We have to take the risk if it means saving those people.”

Reid nodded solemnly. “ Zhara’s right. The fate of those souls depends on our actions.”

Ross weighed their determination against his own misgivings. Finally, he relented. “Okay, let’s do this. But we strategize for any complications. I want backup plans for the backup plans.”

“Agreed,” said Zhara and Reid in unison.

Over the next few hours, they painstakingly prepared each element, strengthening their resolve with each step completed. Ross coordinated security and evacuation routes while Zhara mentally reviewed banishing spells and protection charms. By sunset, they stood ready before the crumbling hotel, their ritual resources at hand. The time had come to face the supernatural and unravel the mysteries of the Grand Anomaly, whatever the cost.

“All right, let’s do a run-through to make sure everyone’s on the same page because we only have one shot at this,” Ross said to Zhara and the SWAT commander.

“Emily draws the symbol and begins her chant,” Zhara started.

“Emily?”

“Dr. Reid,” Zhara clarified. “We’ve worked together before. We happen to be friends. Is that a problem?”

“You need to secure whatever’s happening between the both of you,” the SWAT commander said. “Focus on the mission. Deal with your personal issues later.”

“Secured. Go on with what you were saying, Fuller,” Ross said.

“When Dr. Reid begins her chant a gateway will open. Traversing realities can be profoundly disorienting if you’re not prepared. So I need you all to listen closely.” Zhara made eye contact with Ross and the SWAT commander, ensuring she had their full attention.

“I know SWAT normally enters first, but when the gateway opens, I’ll take point. No matter what you see or feel once you cross that threshold, your eyes need to stay locked on the officer in front of you. Don’t look around, don’t speak, just focus on maintaining the link from one team member to the next. If we stay tethered, we’ll make it through intact. But one person loses focus, breaks the chain…” She left the implication hanging. “Trust me on this.”

Zhara’s tone allowed no argument. Even though he wasn’t happy with it, Ross had to admit this was her area of expertise, and lives depended on following her lead.

“My team will secure a perimeter and evacuate civilians once we’re inside,” the SWAT commander affirmed. “Detective Fuller takes point on negotiations while we provide tactical support.”

Ross pulled Zhara aside, speaking low. “What’s your plan if this goes sideways? We have no idea what we’re dealing with here.”

“I need to identify who, or what, is controlling these spirits,” Zhara replied. “Freeing them breaks that control, but it may provoke retaliation. If so, I have banishing spells ready, but they can be unpredictable.”

She checked her gear, psyching herself up. “Be prepared for things to get strange fast. My priority is freeing the hostages and spirits. Handling the fallout comes after.”

Ross nodded, steeling himself as well. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Get our people out safe, then we’ll face the unknown.”

Their hushed exchange was cut short as Dr. Reid approached solemnly. “It’s time.”

SWAT officers took up ready positions, safeties off, muscles tensed. Zhara and Ross shared one last resolute look. Neither knew if they’d return, but the mission was just. They had sworn oaths to protect the innocent from evil.

Now, they ventured forth to fulfill them.

Not. The. End.