It has been several days since Sofia had gained access to the contents of the book, she once struggled to open it but now by some miracle it had opened up to her on it's own. She saw this as a sign or message from Michael after his passing, a gift to her even.
She had been hard at work, these last few day. She at first struggled with understanding the contents of it, but the more she worked the easier she understood. The book had it's own guide, helping her to decipher its contents. She hadn't expected to find modern english in the book, but there was, and those very words helped with the learning of the runic language. Although she wasn't able to decipher it all she had gained all she needed to move forward.
The time now was two o'clock pm, and she had thirty minutes to get ready, before her presentation of the book at three.
Two days prior Maria had finally gotten back into contact with her. She was relieved to hear her voice once more and even more so that she agreed to join her on the stage of the ceremony even if only to stand and watch. It still meant a lot to her.
Sofia had told her of the book and what happened the night it opened, she had also been keeping her updated as she learned more about it.
The contents of the book held stories and information that seemed impossible to believe, but from the things she's already seen and been through, it didn't seem so far fetched. Demons, Angels, all of it was in the book. There even seemed to be another race, something called the Celestials.
There seemed to be more to the stories of it all but most of it was indecipherable, at least for now. She knew it would take more time to understand, but she at least needed something to say to the people.
She decided that most of the knowledge would be kept to herself, away from her sister. She wasn't so sure of her sister's true motives, but she knew she wanted this book for a reason, she just didn't know why. How did she even become aware of its existence in the first place, and why was it so important, that someone had to die to keep its contents safe.
She tried to keep the suspicions of her sister to herself, but at times she would go to Maria for support, and to get things off her chest.
Placing the book away, she went to get changed. Afterwards she called Maria, making sure she was ready. The two would be on stage infront of a small crowd as well as cameras, so they needed to look the part.
They later met behind the stage of the ceremony, Maria wore a black dress, and had her long black hair in a ponytail. While Sofia also wore a black dress to match her, and her usually red curly hair was straightened and partially tucked behind her glasses. She wore a black watch on her left arm, it would be used to help display things as she spoke.
They spoke for a bit while they waited, Sofia was incredibly nervous, causing her to ramble on about random things that didn't quite make sense. Yet Maria understood everything she was saying, she had spent a lot of time with her, and it happened more than she would like to admit.
Maria grabbed onto her, trying to help her calm down. They both took in deep breaths, and breathed out slowly. The time now was three, and it would be time for the two to go.
On queue a young woman asked them if they were ready, and began checking their makeup. She then gave them both a small microphone to put on their clothing.
"And now I would like to introduce, the two scientists who led the charge on this discovery. Dr. Sofia Bryne, and Dr. Maria Snow."
As Sofia began to walk forward, Maria covered her mic:
"Breathe, you've got this."
Sofia smiled in return, then covered her own:
"Thanks."
The two walked onto the stage, and waved at the people as the crowd erupted into cheers. The people had been awaiting the next big discovery, there were rumors that this one in specific could very much change the future in a big way. They were even more so excited at the name of Maria Snow, seeing as some of her discoveries and inventions were still being used today.
Walking onto the stage they were met by Ashley, whom shook their hands and posed for a picture with both. She then took her seat behind them, beside her were a few other prominent figures. The president, the head of the research facility Maria stemmed from as well as a few high profile business figures. One in specific was a CEO from Rose Corp., in place of it's owner, whom was busy but assured he would watch the conference.
Sofia walked up to the pedestal, resting her hand on the top. Looking at the crowd she could see several guards hiding amongst the them, as well as placed on the sides of the stage.
"Thank you. I would first like to say, that I wouldn't be standing here before you without the help of Dr. Snow. She has helped me in more ways than one, and I can't even begin to show her how much I am really grateful for her help."
She paused, looking at Maria, there was a warm smile on her face. She nodded, encouraging her to continue.
"But I'm simply just a place holder, the person who belongs up here, risked his life for his dream. In the end he gave his life to save me, and left his dream in our hands. Since his passing, I have been working day and night to make his dream a reality, in hopes that one day, when I see him again in the afterlife, he could be proud of what I've achieved."
The crowd remained silent as they listened intently to her every word, their emotions were now mixed with excitement and sadness.
"In honor of my closest friend and companion, I will move forward in your stead. Thank you Dr. Michael Sun, I will insure your dream comes true...."
She paused as a tear rolled down her face, there was so much she wanted to say. She was trying to find the words but it only caused her to choke up. Maria seeing her, rubbed her back, trying to comfort her. She looked back wiping away the tear, she nodded and returned to the crowd.
"Everything we've done as been attributed by his hard work, starting at the age of thirteen."
She reached her hand out and the young woman from before walked up the stage holding the journal.
"He had been working on this project for years, only now beeing able to achieve it thanks to his mentor Dr. Snow. My role was simply to aid him in anyway that I could. This notebook holds all of the information he's gathered over the years, and was updated as we worked. Even now it helps me, after his passing."
Maria walked to the edge of the stage towards the woman from before. She knelt down with her hands out, the woman then handed her the book. Maria walked back towards the podium and placed it infront of Sofia.
"This is his life's work, in this ancient book, the mysteries of the universe reside. And yes I mean the universe. From what I've been able to decipher, this book holds more than just the lost history of our world, it holds so much more. Lost technologies, medical advancements, and much more."
She looked down, taking a moment she rubbed her hand across the face of the book.
She smiled to herself then opened it to a certain page, and read it out:
"The world may be broken, and the pieces missing. But destiny is not fixed..., it can be changed. The power is locked within, waiting to be unlocked. The weak my grow to achieve their dreams, breaking free of their unholy chains.
Awaken young sheep, lead your own. And take back the destiny stolen from you.
Shatter the unbroken chains."
In that moment a large wave of energy burst from within the book, the wave carried on through everyone and everything. The sky grew dark as storm clouds covered the world, and anomalies began to emerge around the world.
All across the world people began to fall into a deep sleep, roads became block by unmoving cars. Doctors and patients falling under during important appointments. But not everyone was affected, some witnessed their families or friends. They panicked at the sight of their loved ones falling limp to the floor.
The widespread epidemic, was soon being broadcasted on every channel. The world became panicked.
As the wave continued forward it soon reached the cave where the book once resided. Moving through the rubble, it retreated into the great hall and into the chamber. The runes began to vibrate violently on the walls, and the knights remaind motionless in the great hall. But the darkness of the ceiling convulsed and broke free, heading towards the exit of the cave.
As the darkness headed towards the stairs, and out of the cave. It passed over a woman wearing all black clothing.
"Looks like it's time to leave. The chains are finally broken."