With the final stroke of the pen, the book was completed, and that, with the prologue. Strange as it may sound, it brings the saga to a full-circle; and completes the tale that was woven by the lives (and deaths) of many individuals. It may seem strange to an outside eye, to start at the end like this -- but to fully grasp the inner-workings of this tale, it is best to start at the end, when all of these stories have merged into one final image, rather than it’s subsequent layers.

Imagine the universe as a layer in a larger image -- superimposed over, or under it, is another layer of life and death. Another universe developing itself and continuing it’s inevitable forward march through time. Each of these layers remain loosely tied together, but neither by time nor space. Those few who could travel between the threads that bind these layers would serve as the guardians of all life as was known. The Five, as they were called, stood the test of time, and had kept these layers safe from the tyranny of those who sought to conquer these layers and bring harm to the final image. Often revered as champions throughout all layers, no living creature knew of their whereabouts, nor where they came and went. Few had actually seen The Five and fewer knew that they were in the presence of such powerful entities. Each looked like a regular adventurer, but possessed great power.

While powerful, The Five were still mortals in the purest sense -- creatures chosen by a nameless God to watch over the balance of all life, and given ageless bodies in return for their loyalty. This story though, is not about The Five, but revolves around several groups involved with the Five and bringing to justice the greatest threat reality had seen. And with these details in mind, the story can begin with it’s first part.