In the Beginning...

As each of the nine found a place on the ledge overlooking the land below, they gently held hands. Not only to steady themselves physically, but mentally as well. What they saw was a vast wasteland, devoid of vegetation, in the midst of a perpetual, but stationary, tornado-and cold, so very cold. As far as one could look, there was darkness, but a visible darkness, an illuminated darkness. The smo...