Deep in the bowels of the Earth, a group of people huddled together. They were not separated by place of birth nor color of skin, education, occupation or sexual orientation. Indeed, none of those delineations could divide them from their appointed goal. In this sacred place, they were one and well it was that they were. Their mission was too important to put individuality above the end goal and they trusted the High Priestess to lead them in the right direction. On this High Holy Day, there were no questions and no lies.
Each person looked at the person next to him or her, relaying an innate sense of fear that encompassed the circle but each person knew what was at stake. The Great One had found a way to walk the world again and it was time to summon the Legacy. The Great One had to be put down before all of humanity was swallowed into the void. Incense perfumed the air and candles bloomed at every corner.
Karine, the High Priestess entered the room, her sacred robes open and her body anointed with blessed paints. Her ghostly blue eyes scanned each face in the room, settling and passing onto the next person. "Apostles," Her voice rang clear and strong in the enclosed space. "This is the most important thing that we have ever done or will ever do in our lifetimes. The ten of us have to aid the Legacy in defeating the Great One. If we do not succeed, our lives are over." A few of the women began to cry but they held their heads up, letting their emotions lend to the solemnity of the ceremony. Tapia, the head of the circle, stepped forward, meeting each person's eyes and pivoting to Karine. "We give our lives and spirits to accomplish this effort, High Priestess."
"Then let us begin."
Tapia stepped forward and retrieved a photo from the mantle, then breached the circle to take the sacred path, a hand-hewn stone path that led to the pedestal the High Priestess. Karine took the photograph, said an incantation over it then handed it to the next person in line. While the image made its way through each person's hands, Tapia reached for the woman, a look of reverence on his face as he took her hand and escorted her to the bed that was within the pentacle.