The vortex pulsed, spewing forth tendrils of shadow that writhed and coiled like living things. A wave of nausea washed over Kevin as a guttural roar echoed from within the swirling darkness. It was a sound that resonated deep within his bones, a primal fear that threatened to overwhelm him. He planted his feet, drawing upon the wellspring of power within him, focusing his mind, and preparing to face whatever horrors emerged. He activated the fragment of localized time stop to prepare for what was to come. Whatever came through this gate, he would do what it took to end