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Chapter Forty-Eight
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Aiden stepped cautiously over the rubble that half blocked the doorway, the remains of the frame and the crumpled metal of the once strong occupant, the lock the only thing still intact.
Beyond, the shadows stretched into nothing in the long corridor, the only chinks of light flickering like willow-the-wisp from under sealed doors.
"Watch your step," Aiden warned, holding the wall as he worked his one leg. He was starting to get the hang of it now, but that didn't mean he wanted to fall flat on his face and practice getting up. "These places have been going to wrack and ruin for years. If you're a bit of a prude, I'd avoid paying too much mind to the graffiti, it's pretty colourful in parts."
Ash chuckled politely at the attempt to lift the mood, moving around to offer an arm. The darkness was so thick, one slip and Lord knew what one would land on. Already his mind was working overtime, imagining all sorts of ghouls and long-legged b
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The Forgotten God Chapter Forty-Nine
Shu had appeared at the door of the museum. He scanned the streets, empty save for a sheet of newspaper rolling like a tumbleweed in an attempt to avoid catching fire.It's luck soon ran out and it vanishing into a pile of grey ash, flying away to the four winds."Where are they?" He muttered, wringing his hands anxiously. "They should surely have been back by now."Am-Heh was not near, he couldn't sense his presence and cloaking such power took a grand effort, one that was seen as too much to bother with."Something is wrong," he took to the heated air, swatting the cinders as the wind whirled them about him. "And I must find out what. The sword cannot fall into the wrong hands."--Atum watched in disbelief as the sword's presence vanished from the map before him. No trace or slither of its power revealed it.Stupidly, for the want of any other action, he picked up and the chart and shook it
The Forgotten God Chapter Fifty
The wrath of the God was being felt the world over.The seas became heated, sending the life beneath to the surface in a desperate attempt to live. Smaller fish had little chance, floating up and forming a silver carpet on the rippling waves.Larger beasts, some unknown to mankind, followed in their wake, clearing them and whatever else was within reach in one snap of their jaws.From the deck of a fishing trawler, stranded when the fire fell and destroyed the engine, a quartet of fisherman watched the carnage. The sea a mass of foam, blood and steam.The bitter odour of rotten and burning fish filled the air around them and seeped into their overalls, already reeking of brine and scales that sparkled like gems on the fabric."If this is it," the skipper's gruff voice reached his crew. "Then I'm glad it was with you. To die alone is the greatest fear of any man."The three fishermen loo
The Forgotten God Chapter Fifty-One
Isaac emerged at the junction that broke the road into four.Normally it was a crescendo of honking horns and not so quiet expletives from impatient drivers, wrapped into a messy package with a smog of exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke.It was the prime example of why Isaac refused to drive unless he really had to.All that was gone. The turning points were desolate. Cars left abandoned and empty, sparkling with the bloody rain that ran slowly down the metal if it hadn't been burned in by the following fires.In a car to the right a figure sat slumped. A plastic bag tied over his head.The drains were still full an overflowing. Unable to cope with the sudden deluge the grates pulsating with crimson waters and rotten leaves. The stench of decaying foliage and waste rose in waves from below, tarnishing the puddles with a murky sheen.Isaac gave it a wide berth. The smell alone enough to d
The Forgotten God Chapter Fifty-Two
Am-Heh paced restlessly. A soft sheen of nervous sweat clung to his brow, dashed away when he turned by the whirl of hair.Irritation blended in with the anxiety. Looking down to see no more fire falling was a sign he had again succumbed to Isaac's wiles. He could only placate himself with the reminder that the rest of the world still endured. He had ended the city, and the city alone.That had been resented. He was furious with the human who had turned to Babi, and not returned to him as demanded. Angry with himself for thinking he would."His life will be miserable enough..." He stopped still and looked back, focusing on the blood of the crow that still ran in him, giving him a view far closer than what should be. "I cannot linger here until called," he felt his fingers curl into tight fists. "It will drive me mad, I never sat around and watched others face the fire. Such cowardice might be the bluster of the leaders today, but it i
The Forgotten God Chapter Fifty-Three
Atum's fingers shook as he fastened the buttons on the starched shirt. His hands were warm with sweat, making the task more difficult than it should be.Behind him, Shu related Isaac's words before falling silent. moving instead to look at the desolation of the once busy city. The only life crawling on its belly and searching in eternal hunger."We must go on foot. Stay outside the boundary of the city. Time is not our friend but we cannot rush.""The longer we take, the more damage could be done." Shu turned, wringing his hands. "Great one, I have never questioned you. But surely we ought to go to Babi's lair immediately?"Atum shook his head, his eyes full of pity as he caught the earnest gaze. "Nay. If we did that, Babi would sense us and heighten his defences or push forward his own plans. That would be a disaster. Not to mention if Am-Heh sensed interference. Both are powerful, both are dangerous. Babi must c
The Forgotten God Chapter Fifty-Four
It had been some time when Atum had last entered the centre of a city. He sometimes frequented wine-bars, mingled at the more exclusive clubs, but they were often set away from the general hub. The wear and tear of life assaulted his senses every time he looked at the towering offices and slumped figures in their suits, carrying the majority of their life in a branded briefcase.The luxurious cars went past, carrying their bosses and showing off the wealth they had at the expense of their workers. Yet still some refused to acknowledge it.Even like this, desolate and quiet, it still reeked of corruption and capitalism. Although that was perhaps not quite as bad as the dead and dying, the stanch of rot and welling chaos."Lead me to the museum," Atum ordered. "The potion I have needs a better vessel and I should be able to find one there. The residue of history adds potency to these charms, heightens them."
The Forgotten God Chapter Fifty-Five
"It-it will cost...my life..."Aiden sank to the ground, his sole leg buckling like sodden paper beneath him. He reached blindly to touch the large paw of the hound who moved to his side curiously, shuddering at the cold feel of the claws."Babi cares not for you. But for the power your body will have. The blood of a virgin, however soiled with the pestilence of life and excess, is rare and grand for any magic."Aiden's head shot up, his eyes wide in feigned indignity, his cheeks flushed. "Wha...?""Don't try and lie," Am-Heh's lip curled in contempt and Aiden drooped, nodding in beaten obedience. "It does not become you. You voiced your desire to die, I am giving you the chance to do it in glory. To do something that endears you to your fellow man and will hold sway in the beyond.""I...suppose so," Aiden looked across at a growing shadow. The sound of dragging feet and grunts o
The Forgotten God Chapter Fifty-Six
Whatever spirit inhabited his body had no fear of pain, it hadn't in life and certainly not in death. Blood stained Aiden's leg and broken glass cut into his hands but all Aiden himself felt was a dull ache.Above him, a crow flew, giving Am-Heh a view of what was happening so he didn't need to follow.He was pulled onto his haunches, a gurgle coming from his throat. Aiden felt something dribble from the side of his mouth. Blood? Salvia? He couldn't tell.Even though his blood had run cold at the approaching shadow, malformed and hunched, the spirit seemed excited. Waiting with tense expectancy for Babi to appear.It did not need to wait long. The God, ungainly he might be, was swift when needed. His dark eyes took in the wretched form, slowly trailing the body that was no longer inhabited by one he could call a slave. But that aside, the blood was still useful, even if the person was not.And, although he
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The Forgotten God Epilogue
Several Months LaterIt's strange how people react after disaster. You see the best of people and the worst. Thankfully, it's mostly been the former. Things are being repaired, getting back to normal with the help of big companies and small. Not to mention the dedicated do-it-yourself people.Scientists have been wracking their brains to find the cause of such a global phenomenon. The best they have come up with so far is an imbalance in the eco-system and perhaps in the space around. And, of course, religious nut-jobs have been having a field day preaching about how sin and immorality is the cause. They haven't pinpointed a particular sin this time, they can't, it's too wide. So, the whole world has been tarnished. Except for themselves of course.Funny. They're actually closer than the scientists when it comes down to it. Except that it isn't the doing of the God who watches now.Mysteries come out daily. Strange creatures spotted in the sea, too rapid for anyone to get hold of, a
The Forgotten God Chapter Sixty-Seven
The dogs ran rampant through the living dead. Limbs flew, congealed blood oozed and the smell of rotting flesh permeated the air even more.Those who tried to fight back, biting and clawing were soon defeated, their blackened teeth unable to even scratch the thick skin.Blood and foam frothed at the mouths, neither willing to allow the rancid meat to drop down their gullets. They still remembered the luscious fresh meat that had been given in their best. Tender and prepared with care. What they caught now, on those rare occasions they needed to feed, was not a patch on it.And these beings were not fit for rats.They ignored the humans, save for knocking some over. None seemed injured, even if they hit the concrete hard enough to break a bone. They simply sat up, or lay there. Dazed and in a world of their own. With no voices ringing in their heads, their addled minds forged on to return to normal.They had long since given up on trying to understand anything.When they finished here,
The Forgotten God Chapter Sixty-Six
You have changed me by your love.Thus say I in my heart,In my soul, at my prayers:"I lack my commander tonight,I am as one dwelling in a tomb."Be you but in health and strength,Then the nearness of your countenanceSheds delight, by reason of your well-being,Over a heart, which seeks you with longing.Time felt as if it were slowing down as Isaac made his way over the debris and towards where the horrors had occurred. Everything frozen in eerie stillness under the decrepit skyline.Dust puffed up with each step he took, his heart beating harder as the shell of the main room opened up to greet him.Immediately he saw Atum, shifting from one foot to another as if he had a cramp he couldn't release. The look in the older God's eyes immediately heightened his anxiety and he hastened forward, only to be stopped when Atum lifted his hand.What is written on the brow would inevitably be seen by the eye and his silence said more than his words."Do not allow yourself to weaken. Your st
The Forgotten God Chapter Sixty-Five
The door shook with the force of the crowd outside, throwing themselves against it blindly. Three had moved to the window and already, their palms were bleeding as the glass cracked and pierced their skin, staining the shards red. Mr Montford and Ash hauled a small book case across the room. The carpet and their haste making it all the more difficult. If there was something for it to snag on or get caught on, then it did. Penalty, perhaps, for dumping its contents into an unsightly pile as if they were logs for the fire. "Is there an attic?" Marie called as she leaned against the sideboard they'd positioned at the door. The drawers already flung from their cubby with the force from outside. "A basement is no good, we'd be completely trapped. But an attic...that seems safer." "I didn't see," Mr Montford answered, sweat pouring from his brow and impeding his grip. "I doubt it. I remember these houses being built. People exchanged attics for garages, easier to access." "And they didn
The Forgotten God Chapter Sixty-Four
Shu beckoned the mortals down one of the alleyways that cut through the buildings to the once bustling streets. People had emerged, loitering hopelessly about the abandoned cars, their eyes glazed and their ears deaf to anything but the words of an unseen being."I cannot guide you to safety," Shu said, his voice full of remorse. "I must find Atum. This battle will ricochet about the world, and you humans do enough damage without the added help. Please," he looked at the four imploring. "These humans are bedevilled. If you can avoid harming them, I would be grateful.""We won't," Isaac spoke up, still struggling with the tight ropes about him. Try and they might, the bonds refused to give. "But you must tell Atum that Am-Heh is not behind all of this. There has to be mercy in him." Tears stung his eyes. Glistening droplets he swiftly blinked back. His voice becoming soft. "I don't want to lose him."Shu gazed at him. Lost for words. No reassurance could be uttered, he couldn't read At
The Forgotten God Chapter Sixty-Three
A shrill shriek shattered the atmosphere as Babi tore towards Am-Heh, the sword raised high. It swung down, shattering through the arm of the reaching demon.One bite from the blade meant agony. And the wail that left the putrid mouth told of it.The eyes glazed with bubbling anger, and it swung, showering the area in burning blood. All the while trying to rise further, stopped only by the undigested meal in its stomach.Mr Montford grimaced as the warm blood descended, trickling in thick droplets like the vilest of rain. It wouldn't stop him. One dig he was on, many moons ago, never stopped even when they hit a sewage pipe.Although it delayed them when trying to clean. And when the local authorities got involved to remedy it.He slipped on the gore, trying his best to avoid it as he made his way over to where Ash indicated. As he neared, the air seemed to become thicker, as if he was walking through tar or against a high wind.His breath became harsh as the pressure became stronger.
The Forgotten God Chapter Sixty-Two
Am-Heh didn't baulk at the chaotic sight that met him. Instead, he looked with disdain at the gangly beast that was struggling to free itself and the summoned spirits that hissed at it.It seemed humans were not the only beings that refused to work in tandem.He offered a curt nod as the injured Templar. His use, and that of the others, were over. The last thing was to strengthen the rising forces, and his blood would suffice.It would give the might to break the chains but keep him tethered until, and if, he was required.He didn't watch as the broken body struggled to its feet, stumbling over the remains of his shattered horse, wielding his sword. He heard the clang of steel, the swing striking tough, leathery skin that refused to break under the blade. In the corner of his vision, he saw sparks as the steel chipped, flakes of flesh flying amongst them. He could picture the defeat from the violent, wet noises that sounded beh
The Forgotten God Chapter Sixty-One
In Egypt; Anubis watched as the city smouldered. The cyclone sliding back down from the bubbling skies like a reverse volcano, sweeping away the crumbled remains of homes and business.He hung his head, feeling powerless for once in his long existence. The help he could give was like sharing a grain of rice among a starving village.Worthless.In London; the Thames bubbled. Strange beasts rose and fell in the boiling water that threatened to burst the banks and roast alive anyone who fell in its path.People sheltered in basements, in attics and had even pried the covers off manholes, only to find the threat beneath just as great.In Africa; the rich were crushed by the opulence they had hoarded, money unable to save them from the rage of nature. And the poor cowered, finding dents in the ground or concealed hidey-holes in desperate attempts to shield the most needy of them all.All over the world, s
The Forgotten God Chapter Sixty
Kyle had no idea on how to approach the gathered dead. It seemed, rather stereotypically, a blow to their skulls finished them, but there were more than ten of them. Not to mention the mounted templar who, eyeless as he was, looked thirsty for more blood to stain his hands."Why are you listening to him?" Marie whispered, lifting her voice enough to be heard over the grunts and groans. She wasn't sure why she was showing him any pity, not after what he'd done. She assumed it was just her social conscious, and the strict teaching of her mother, never to turn ones' back. "You could do so much better.""Shut your mouth," Kyle snapped, feeling Babi's icy gaze on him. "You don't know anything! This is my only chance in life to get anywhere, to get anything. Life doesn't care about people like me.""I thought that. Once."Kyle wrinkled with nose and picked up a fallen plank. It would do. With enou
