Chapter 15: The Serpent and The Coming Storms

  Heat licked at the edges of Tobias’ vision. Flames from Graels breath met the black mass. In a violent burst, slabs of its body fell. Flame and shadow wrestled, vying to outlast the other. The single eye on the entity, narrowed in amusement. The base of its head shook violently. Tentacles burst out from its base. In rapid delicate movements, it added another equally horrifying part to itself. Just like the twisted flesh on its stomach, the new shape did the same. Though it stretched atop its head. A single long tentacle rose above it, coiling down the side. Bone white, human teeth grew outwards from the newly formed mass. An endless spiral of darkness for its mouth, spewed black liquid.

  Its whole body swayed as it moved its tentacle limbs. Just like before, when it killed the Forgemaster. The other side of its limbs burst out to a gut-wrenching squishing sound. Three human like fingers, long and black, made patterns in the air. Dark energy condensing in its center. Scales were soon coated in black. The tentacles weaving as if performing an incantation, writhed in pain and shot up. Graels claws slashing through its skin. Slit eyes burned with fury. Turning back, Grael circled his head over his long body. Like a snake ready to strike. Torrents of flame sped their way to the creature. The other hand, done with its motion, pointed upwards aimed at Grael.

  The flames found their path interrupted. Instead of finding their target, they shot directly upward into the ceiling. Giving the cavern more light. The two beings seemingly not from this world focused on one another. Flames met with dark oppressive energy. The ground shook from their attacks.

  Tobias had found himself moving forward without realizing it. Wanting to help Grael, but for whatever reason, he could not. Fear had begun to eat away at him. Somewhere deep in the confides of his being, it poured out. Once more he was on a battlefield. Crystals burst into thousands of pieces and shards above him. Like a hail of bullets, shards pierced through soldiers around him. Cries of pain tried to escape but ultimately were silenced by gagging on their own blood. Silent mouths screamed and shook violently all-around Tobias. The ground buckled and sank. A giant tentacle, far as the eye could see, hit the ground. It was moving closer, sweeping across the battlefield. Crystal, dirt, blood and bodies were crushed and flung as it tore through.

  The soldiers near him turned to face him. Disfigured by the shrapnel of crystal. Static overwrote their pained expression. Becoming a chaotic, messy canvas of horror. He held up Grwyrnn in front of his face. Eyes open partly as if half asleep. The blade weaved green ethereal energy. Suddenly feeling lighter, two feet had marched directly to the oncoming tentacle. Strands of green energy coursed through dents and cracks in the armor. Through it, the blade focusing on a point. Like a dust storm, the tentacle kicked up debris, blanketing the area. Mesmerized by the calmness it emanated; Tobias followed its light. Arching higher and higher it rose above the being who walked forward. Dressed in dark green and gray armor, resembling a knight, the sword slashed through the air.

  The tentacle sweeping its way through was on a collision course with a wave of energy. In a cataclysmic collision everything went black in an instant. Weightlessly Tobias’ eyes felt open yet closed. The faintest hints of light forever distant. Examining his hands, pulses of green flowed through transparent veins. Just above his stomach, Gwyrdd floated. Though it morphed into different styles of blades. Some curved and shorter. Dagger like, some large as claymores. All had one constant feature. Hands on the sword. As they tumbled into the endless dark. Limbs varied from one to ten figures on one hand. Energy departed from the sword and formed into shape.

  Tobias did nothing but stare into the light, which merged into two huge orbs of light. Above, all he could see was the outline of soldier just moments ago. Radiant Green blinded him as he tried gazing to the top of the energy. The urge to close his eyes, sleep tugged his mind. Jolts, followed by stronger currents of static shook him. Flowing to the bottom of the blade, his own energy leaked into it. Light filled his periphery as wordlessly yelled into the black. Piercing through his being, the sword fell through.

  Do not seek the gods. Enslaved, cursed, defiled. Shells upon empty thrones. Tyrants crack the sky. Ravenous shadows enshrouding the living.

  The words ate every corner of his mind. They had come in a stern tone. Soothing and familiar at the same time. On repeat the became louder until. Reverberating together they rose and rose until, silence. From the dark canvas his vision returned. Chaos ruled the scene. His arm shot up as a single tentacle lashed out to him. Tongues flailed as it speared at him, teeth coated in black blood. Scales buckled and tore as the strike ricocheted off. Colliding with a wall from above their fall. The cavern above shook. The idol one that resembled a gecko, fell off the wall as it approached the incapacitated Eralar.

  Tobias’ eyes felt heavy. His arm extended out in front of him, acting like a shield. The scene played out in a constant loop. Tentacles wider than the biggest tornadoes plummeting from the sky. The being attacking, darkness, the pain and those words. Scales and blood fell silently against the background havoc. The armored and scaly hand flexed. Claws had taken over for his hands. With this a chuckle escaped his lungs. The sound of a large exhale wormed into his ear. Grael had shot another blast of intense fire at the Aeon Divider. With only bits of its lumping black flesh decorating the area beneath. Red eyes steadily ablaze, while the chunks slid off hallowed faces.

  The massive back tentacle retracted. Foundations of the halls buckling and collapsing from its impact. Fragments of bone and teeth tore off. Many of being sundered down the middle. Though there was still the weight of oppression beyond the destroyed flesh. As the blood splattered on his face, the retracting tentacle withered in the air. Violently it swung, while others shot out at Grael. More scales fell. Reduced to dust before hitting the ground. Black crept over Tobias face like shattered glass.

  Maxwell lept in his direction. With claws out to swipe. One of the Idol ones marched on two feet at Tobias. Thin and sickly like. Its body human like, stood a head or two over them. Drooped over its bulging upper torso muscles tensed together. An anomaly compared to the rest of it. Its shoulders spasmed. Giant lumps formed within its flesh. Which seemingly took breath. Black haze lingered from the infected like tumors. An open mouth moaned on its face. Free from any other features. In an attempt to engulf Tobias in one swallow, its mouth stretched and tore. Golden claws racked through the lumps. It shook violently as parts of the lumps tore open. Multiple black hearts rapidly gave breath. Through its stringy insides.

  From the pulsating wound, tentacles and limbs squirmed out and swung at Maxwell. The impact sent him several feet back. Tobias could no longer keep his eyes open. What was real and illusion clashing. He thought of a similar time as the abomination gunning for him changed its sights. Words tried to reach him, but they had been inaudible. Joining the static as the world sunk into dark.

  His vision was fuzzy. Like a lack of oxygen to the brain from standing up to quickly. Tobias fell to the ground. Rows of books to his side. Splayed out an arm rose, and he struck himself in the face. Passing out down here for the utmost time. Hair draped over weary eyes was brushed aside. Hands coated in dust; his fingers latched on the to edge of the table. A sigh escaped that scattered statues of small turtles circled around the table. With a pat on its smooth stone head, he turned to leave. The wooden steps of the Annuals creaked. The dim light waned from burst of static. Green light slowly glowing from the turtles.

  At the top of the stairs, Tobias let out an exaggerated breath. With lungs empty he pushed the door open. Pressure built in his head. An intense and sudden migraine took over. The steady beat of humming caught his ears. Enough to at least follow the source. More phantom like in appearance, he noticed himself again. Split in three directions. One left towards the exit of the station. The other going for the stairs. The last he followed as it stepped through him and went into the annuals. Following its steps, he saw individuals from another place and time. Wielding a vibrant green sword. It swept through armies of all kinds. All falling before the blade. Though from the looks of it. The body slowly faded away. Another similar scene played out.

  Just another memory bleeding into the other. Doubt those who wield…wait a moment. Do I know what that sword is called? Have I read it down in the annuals by any chance? Oh whatever. He thought.

  Wonder if Maxwell is here. May as well go take a quick look.

  The light went dark behind him. Spirals formed in the darkness. Eyes silently observing. Nothing but black, as he pushed the door to open to the third floor.

  Maxwell had better be in here with some pain killers.

  Luck was in his favor. Maxwell leaned against the window with a book in his hand. Approaching the clear light of day shone through the windows. The light dancing off the dust. Though it felt different. Cold, absent of heat. Maxwell had been reading “The Weight of Absolution.” Something he had read repeatedly. After difficult jobs, or before one. He glanced over in Tobias’ direction. Hand out to the light.

  “Are you ready to head out of here, Tobias?” He asked, while turning a page.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Don’t tell me you forgot already. There has been a string of violent murders. We are the lucky ones that get to investigate them.”

  “Right. Yeah my bad. Thinking of getting out of this line of work. Got something I plan on doing after this job is over.”

  Maxwell rolled his eyes and shut the book quietly. Placing it on the window seal he folded his arms.

  “So this is it. After what happened in Grayland, I’m surprised you didn’t leave then.”

  “Or before all that. You are being promoted anyhow. Grant, Solace, Lydon and Helix have all pursed different lines of work. At least one is coming along. All that to fight against…that one place.” Tobias gripped his head.

  Maxwell tossed him a bottle of pain medicine from his jacket as he went to the door.

  “Let’s get this over with. One last ride on this solemn path. Wake up and prepare yourself. The last time you will have to sleep this off.”

  Tobias watched a violent storm pattern full of dark clouds drift over the mountains. Somehow the light felt even colder and distant as he turned to follow.

  Tobias took one step into the dark and found himself at the scene of the crime. Unable to look. Just like before. Maxwell was knelt over one knee. A mix of fresh and old blood clinging to his dark blue work-pants. Helix stood guard at the door. With a pistol in hand with safety off the trigger. Focusing the best he could as the rain poured down. Outside blood washed away into the street. Tobias threw over his black hoodie and stood on the opposite side of the door as Helix. With a quick turn, he looked at Maxwell. In that moment he saw the blasted body parts. Blood and guts all over the room. Some bodies hung to the sides and ceiling. Vomit exploded out. Chunks of jerky and crackers mixed and washed down the drain.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  “I did the same. Don’t worry man. Will never get used to this. Even in my new line of work.” Helix said dryly.

  Tobias crossed his arms and leaned his head against the door. The color drained from his face. Goosebumps forming all over. Helix wore a beanie with an ironclad ship slicing through the waves. His black hair peaked out underneath. Soaked by the rain.

  “Damned zealots. Such a pain we have restricted ourselves this way. Though if we made any kind of moves other than defending, Grayland would annihilate us. Our technology is so primitive in comparison.” Helix said. Startled at sudden movement, Helix put finger on the trigger and aimed. A small group of crows had wadded in front of them. Eating the recently thrown up bile.

  “I know its slim pickings in the rain right now. But for god’s sake you feathery bastards, there are much better places to get a bite.” Helix said. Shoes were pelted with rain, as he dashed and shooed the crows away. Tobias closed his eyes for a moment and laughed. When they opened again, he was once again somewhere else. Vast and familiar. Yet it held so much emptiness at the same time.

  A slow, calm yet void of emotion voice spoke to him. Tobias stood in shadow. The familiar sight of a black sun wavering in the distance. Lit only by the faintest glimmer of stars.

  “So now do I understand. You…- a meek crystal bearer not driven by rage. Nothing but cowardice in your soul.” The voice said.

  Veins along his neck grew bigger. They ran black. Making their way to the top of his face. The ever-burning black star above morphed. A giant eyeball formed in the core. The dark plasma weaved like strands of tentacles.

  “I can lend you the strength to silence all of fears. It is not my specially, so it may hurt more than expected.” A deep chuckle rang in his ears as the voice spoke.

  Tobias looked up. Void of emotion and strength. The black veins now weaved in and out, knitting the skin. Blood trying to escape was quickly consumed by black strands. Thump…thump… the beats in the chest became more and more distant. With memories escaping before they formed. Light leaked out of his eyes. Like a magnet they were drawn up to the eye. An immeasurable distance in between.

  Yes that may be best. Let it all float away. The energy and memories, lost somewhere in this chaotic expanse. Tobias stumbled forward. The light retracted back to his eyes. The feeling of a book smashed into his back.

  A trespasser, in my realm? Absurd. The little bits of light vanished as the eye narrowed.

  A shorter frame pulled back the book and tapped it on his sides. A familiar pair of glasses, half of them anyway, accompanied by a frown. The other half was just a blurry outline of his form. Magma spewed from below. Casting a long-inverted shadow below. Tobias did not see his reflection down below, however. Half of the book was now being pushed into Tobias’ chest.

  “Solace? Is it really you?” Tobias said in a stutter.

  “Afraid so. It’s me alright. Just for the moment. Good to see you still kicking around.” Solace replied. One half of his face was still pale. From the little time spent in the annuals, to the forceful takeover of his body. His skin had been coated in sickly gray flesh. The skin from underneath his eyes and mouth peeled away. The many freckles he did have were long gone. Shadows began to tremble. The surface they were on seemingly shook. Solace eyes no longer the bright orange looked up and took a few steps back. Behind Tobias the eye had completely vanished. Two spread-out, pitch-black wings were barely discernible in this space. The thing approaching them was like the grim reaper. Their head hidden under a blackened robe. Incomprehensibly large in the shape of a scythe, bodies and bones arched in the dark. Mixtures of stone-cold grays blackened and bleached bones.

  With a faint smile he sank below, merging with the other. Walking upside down back into the dark, he waved.

  “Wait. Don’t go just yet. I don’t understand---what is going on? Where are we, is this real?” Tobias called out. Tremors ran rampant through his body.

  “Sorry buddy. You and others don’t and will not ever belong here. Don’t let this wave knock you over so easily. I know there is much more in the tank. Random ignorant assholes as ever. Ancient celestial beings or not. They don’t know you. We both know its not fear, wake up.” Solace said. The words echoed and became static. As if pulled in by a black hole, in an instant everything was swallowed. Then everything became a chaotic blend of energy. Like a sheet ripped from the table, the reality he was in, came into focus. Tentacles came crashing down towards him. With most of his senses back, Gywrdd tightened in his grasp. With a thrust straight up the blade met the blackened flesh. Black and purple gushed out. Flesh being split into two as the sword cut through.

  High pitched wails of pain escaped from the countless mouths. Like tar its blood split as the tentacles flailed. Brought back in pain the split parts swung at Grael. Who was currently focused on its other tendrils. Layers of flesh were charred to a crisp. Quickly being replaced as the blackened bits fell and instantaneously grew over each other. Its skin growing larger, denser and disgusting. The breath of Grael was strong enough to pierce through it for but a moment. He barrel rolled through its skin. Racking at it with his claws. Spiraling out covered in guts he shot a blast of silver flame at the eye. Its body lashed out in the cavern. The eye turning a dense red. Turning bloodshot, its veins pulsed in irritation. The split tentacles came up and smashed Grael in the side. His fire shot up the entity. Scorching it and the ceiling. Rubble above fell and joined the chaos. Harmlessly bouncing off the Idol ones below.

  Razor sharp teeth tore away at scales. Chunks of silver and black scales hit the ground with a squish. The tentacles retracting, as the entity stood. Anger blazed from its one eye. Graels tail flung into a smaller group of Idol ones. Knocking them off balance and sending others through the air. They did not approach him however. Their attention was elsewhere. Some not reactive at all. Apathetically the ceiling was their world.

  The group was encircled. Several Idol ones fought against Lydon, Metlock and Maxwell in separate parts of the room. Every time one fell, out from the circle of rustic bodies, one joined the fray.

  Metlocks shoulders heaved. Blood dripping down his face and sleeves. Some of his hair had fallen over his eyes. Lockjaw felt heavier. Two vulture-like creatures that had tortured him and the others at the shack began to flank. These had three eyes to join with the three tongues that lashed out. Both of their necks oozing out a tar like substance from bullet holes.

  Just stay down. Ugly freaks can only manage so many shots before I must switch ammo. Lockjaw took aim at the wiggling tongues coming in his direction. Out of his periphery he caught the Ravoclaw in a full sprint at Tobias and Maxwell. With bloodlust in their eyes the vulture like idol ones clamped down on Metlock. Tongues wrapped around his neck the other on Lockjaw.

  “Unfortunate for you, asshole.” The creature staggered back with a bullet hole blasted out its mouth. As Metlock yelled at it. Tendons nearly broke from the creature’s mouth. Lockjaw forcefully being drawn back taking the tongues with it. The other pulled at his neck with enough force to rip it off. Lockjaw found its way with enough strength, firmly placed under its jaw. Black bile rained down on Metlock. The sound of one shot after another echoing with the sounds of battle. Tearing his arm away from the tongues, one fell to the ground squirming violently. Empty clicks sounded from the chamber as the vulture stumbled backwards. Empty casings flew out of the slide. With the hammer kicked back, electricity coursed through the barrel. The only thoughts being a bullet that would shred this thing to pieces. His essence poured into the gun as he focused.

  Embers danced through the air as the sickle went to work. Swung around in violent arcs they cut through the Idol ones with surprising ease. Glowing eyes powered off after the machines were sundered. Silver flame lingered from the fatal blows. Without the need of modern tools, Lydon’s eyes formed into slits, becoming more draconic like. More Idol ones encroached on him. With a language he could not understand, the two combatants mumbled at him. Their eyes pitch black and unnecessarily large. From the aphotic deep. Locked in a brief stare-down, the sickle sliced through the air. Silver flame shot down its length.

  These things had reminded him of the Tuelere Piscus in some way. No hesitation in the moment. The blade burrowed into one of the jelly like eyes. Momentum stopped and the one groaned in pain. Black and blue scales on its face began to rip. Bones exposed underneath. Crabs acted like a herd of ants. Using the bones as a source of travel. In their pincers they carried congealed black balls. Quickly attempting to repair the wounds. With two hands Lydon tightened his grip. With all his strength the sickle did not budge. On all fours, the Idol one brought two scaly and fishy hands to its eye sockets. Fins lined their way fully across the body. Much like an anglerfish, a dim light dangled in front of it. The other one looked at Lydon confused and began to stand.

  Lydon did not wait as the bones from its stomach were now exposed. Rot in its upper torso. Swirls of bones in its stomach. He took in a breath. Just like how Grael had taught him. The fire burned violently in his lungs. Intense heat reflected in the eyes, before deflating. Overpowering the creatures, the flames eruption point fizzled out. Smoke flowed out of his eyes. He attempted to summon another breath, as two more entered the makeshift arena. The sickle hit the ground, its flame all but extinguished. Ash slowly crumbled from the eye sockets. Small organisms doing their work inside, lay upside down and torched. Lydon sighed, swinging the sickle in his hands at a slow rate. Wishing it was gun or even a rocket.

  The Ravoclaw charged from underneath the entity’s hulking frame. Graels fire continued its assault. White steam escaped from his eyes. The majestic long whiskers pointed down. Still roughly the same size as before, the Ravoclaw came to a sudden halt. Sparks kicked up at the forceful stop. It stood briefly on all fours, swinging its front two claws at Tobias and Maxwell. Its mechanical roar increased in intensity as it swung. The sockets attached to the claws detached. Thick black tendons attached to its heavy steel body. The familiar red glow from Archveil in full effect. Tobias and Maxwell both looked towards it as the claws descended on them.

  Flame blocked the oncoming blow and quickly sizzled out. Graels head was slumped forward as he tried to stay afloat. Tentacles speared into his sides. His body completely limp. The entity rose and pinned the dragon to the ceiling. Blood cascading out from his wounds, Tobias and Lydon watched in horror. Giant pits forming in their stomachs. Speared through, the entity threw Grael aside. His blood splattering on both Melaine and Eralar, as the body crashed above. From the hallway from which they had come.

  Tobias drew Gwyrdd in and arc. Blade ablaze green. The scene of crime played as Grael was took the blow. With a wide swing the ground tore open. The energy from the blade was the volcano in his soul finally erupting. Claws tethered to tendrils exploded into fire. The Ravoclaw attempted to dodge. The wave cut through a quarter of the beast. The wave picked up speed as it swiftly sliced through the Idol ones. The giant Entity too clumsy to move, lost one of its legs. The waves parted as the wave began to bend on itself. All the energy and guts built up along its path, collided with the ruins in the water. The wave of energy exploded. Buildings on their last legs, sent flying in all directions. Harsh green shone over derelict buildings.

  The entity’s mouths along its body laughed. A deep, harsh---Yesss FUEL!

  Onyx and Grant paired up together to keep them both safe. Onyx’s fur stood on end as it turned red. Electricity surged around him. He lunged and bit into a salamander like Idol one. Its metal neck began to melt due to the intensity of his fangs. The mouth of the creature wide open, much like the gecko. Its tail dislodged as it tried to distract Onyx. Instead, gravity left it, lifted up and smashed down destroying the tail. With his claws on its body Onyx howled, ice gathering before his mouth. Breath upon the salamander, its head coated in ice. With a swipe, Onyx sent the head flying and exploding into shards.

  Grant and Melaine both watched jaw agape. They had never seen so much violence from the fluff ball.

  Hammers in hand, found themselves crushing through the shell. The soft flesh interior of the guts falling from the ends. The visor became blurred with the blood of his enemies. Grants bald head reflected in the shattered ice pieces on the ground, as he took it off. The visor meet the steel face of a bear bounding at him. Hands flushed white, with an iron grip. Collisions of steel and iron met. The bear’s head violently yanked to the side. The groaning and strain of metals getting louder. Lighting flashed over the battlefield, as Onyx smashed into the bear’s side. Breathing ice in its face, Grant wasted no time. The sound of multiple cannons went off, as the bear’s head was smashed to smithereens.

  Above the rubble, the faintest embers burned from dying eyes. Grael’s blurry and fading vision watching the fight. The Aeon Divder, his ancient enemy covered in burn marks, and the efforts of his claws. The silver flame burrowing into its flesh. He tried to reach Tobias and Lydon. There was not enough strength left in the tank. Only enough to hold a claw against the wound through him. Numb ate away at the last remaining nerve endings. Head lay curled to his chest. Through the hole in his body, his eyes followed white scales as it slithered through. Vibrant blue scales mixed along its body. Its white eyes were calming. Coiled around the entirety of Grael, it placed its head on him. Speaking in a language known only to them.

  Ahh. One..legend to another…long as I’ve drawn breath, I’ve always thought they were myth. On the sword..on other worlds—Grael thought. His dying breath with long pauses between each word. The serpents mouth opened slightly. Grael’s vision went black. Silver and black smoke leaving his mouth, eyes, and nostrils. Scales went cold. Turning into stone. A small jade dragon under the gaze of the serpent. With the faintest glow of green illuminating the serpent. Its mouth calmly swallowed the dragon. With a glance over the battle, it lowered its head, returning the way they had come.