I've updated the first chapter of a
project I'm calling "Hearts of Abyss". Basically, I'm fixing pacing
issues with the plot. Enjoy.
(Synposis:
Death never thought she would find love until she met a demon blacksmith
named Gryx. However, when Gryx goes missing during a secret mission to Earth
for her ex-lover Malum aka Lucifer, Death goes undercover as a human named
Tabitha Morrison, and looks for her lover. Will she find her Heaven once more,
or will her life become a living Hell? )
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Chapter 1 – A Broken Soul
The city lights twinkle below, an artificial homage to the celestial
patterns mankind has worshipped for ages created by their countless and false
deities. Amongst the fake, manufactured stars human lives begin and fade in a
vicious cycle of life and death. Even amongst the battle of chaos and order
brewing below, the celestials still watch, recording every victory and defeat
in the history of mankind as wrinkles in the fabric of time. Today, the
celestials mourn as the tears of a sadden deity fall from their eyes while they
gaze into the endless nothingness of Purgatory, the so-called "Abyss of
Death", watching and wondering what brought forth such sadness.
Tonight
I’m called away from my kingdom of Purgatory as I stare out at the barren
streets from the hospital’s roof as I wait for the moment to guide the newly
departed soul to their final resting place. I fight back the tears while
wondering when will the missing piece of my now broken soul return home.
They've been gone forever a month without a single word, not even a mention
from him down below. For five centuries, they’ve always contacted me in some
form every day. Now, it’s like he’s vanished from all existence. I begin to
question what kind of mission were they sent on, and why wasn’t I filled in by
their master. Their boss is about to get a piece of mind if I don't hear
something soon.
I glance at the full moon one last time as I lean against my scythe as
the cold midnight air blows through my silver hair. I should have sent one of
my helpers on this one, but they’re busy enough keeping Purgatory from spinning
into a downward, chaotic spiral because my heart hasn’t been into my work since
they left. The last thing the entire cosmos needs is me not answering my
purpose, and letting souls go wherever and whenever they want. I’m quite sure
she up there wouldn’t be very pleased with me, neither would Father. So, I
swallow back the feeling on melancholy in my heart, and slash my scythe into
the air, opening a portal of swirling gray mist towards my destination.
I
step out of the swirling mass of fog, and stand next to a hospital bed. In the
bed is an elderly gentleman asleep with various tubes snaked across his
lifeless body. If it wasn’t for the machines, no one would know he’s still
alive. He coughs and opens his blue eyes, staring at me as a smile creeps across
his face. I wonder if he sees me as the classic hooded skeleton, or in a
different way.
"Death, is that you? If so, I’m ready to be freed from this mortal
prison,” he whimpers. “Make it swift, Taker of Souls.”
I stay silent as I swipe my blade through his chest, separating his soul
from his body. I see his soul hover over his now deceased body, an ethereal
copy of his physical body made out of the Earth itself. His red clay outlines
his being while the water of good and the fires of sin mingle. He’s done some
sins he’ll never forgive, but his soul says he’s lead a decent life. It’s not
up to me where his final destination is, but to guide him on the path of his
afterlife.
“Am I going to Heaven, Death?” he asks as he stares at his body. “Is that
for you to even decide?”
I nod no as I swipe my scythe, opening
another rip in the fabric of reality. I point my hand towards it, and he walks
through it. I swipe my scythe once I enter to close the hole. I swipe again to
open a new one, and we step out on the barren, rocky surface of Cliff of
Moirai. I watch each soul head towards their final destination, the ones mostly
made of water float towards her, while the ones consumed with the fires of
their sins go down to him to face eternal damnation. The one destined for my
reign are made of the Earth itself, clay shaped to resemble their final
physical form before they make it to the cliff. I normally enjoy this view, but
my heart is heavy as I fight back the tears once again.
“Do I head towards the cliff?” he asks.
I nod once more. He looks towards the edge of the cliff, and slowly
begins walking towards his fate. As he is a few feet away from reaching the
cliff, a white light beams down around him, which means he’s going up there
with her. I watch as the white wings sprout from his back, and begin lifting
him upwards towards Heaven. I can’t help but feel sorrow despite his soul will
experience eternal bliss.
With this mission done, I swipe my blade once more, and head home. I let
out of a sigh as I step onto the soft, green grass of my front yard, a complete
contrast to what those under my domain see. I try to forget about the barren,
gray wasteland the wandering souls see for all eternity as each blade gently
tickles my naked feet. I look up and grip the snakewood staff of my scythe hard
when I see him sitting on my front porch. He’s currently n his human form with
slick black hair, brown eyes, and a three-piece navy suit. He fiddles with his
gold watch while waiting for my return.
“Malum, shouldn’t you be torturing demons or something?” I ask.
“So nice to see you as well, Death,” he
replies. “It’s been almost a millennium since our falling out. Isn’t it time to
bury the hatchet, and maybe call me Lucifer like everyone else does?”
“Bend over, Malum, and I’ll bury a hatchet all right.”
“Tempting, but not here for pleasure,” he smirks.
“What do you want then?” I ask. There’s a reason why it was called The
Dark Ages, and I don’t regret a single moment of it until the bitter end. I
know Father Cosmos made me to keep between Malum and his sister upstairs after
their feud over souls. Little did he see me falling in love with Malum, and
during that time in human history, we tried everything to destroy mankind in a
massive bloody orgy on Earth and in Hell. It was the night of the succubuses in
the bed we shared that ended it between us, and brought forth the time period
humans called The Renaissance. Needless to say, it might be a long time ago,
but I never forgave Malum for doing what he did. However, I was kind enough to
keep his access to my domain.
“Have you heard from Gryx at all?” he inquires.
“Not a single word for over a month. Where did you send them?”
“Before I say where, only you and I can be in this plane of existence?”
he inquires.
“The only two other beings are Father and Morana. Why do you ask?”
He points upwards and asks, “She can’t?”
“Not without an invitation from me,” I state as I being to worry why is
he being so secretive around me. I begin to wonder if Gryx is still alive, or
were they wiped from existence. They’re normally sent to bring back a demon
that decided to ignore Malum’s rule about possession, but this time was different.
They couldn’t say anything besides they’re heading to Earth for a month or so.
“Gryx was sent to verify and return back to Hell with ‘The Sword of
War’,” Malum explains. “They was a lot of chatter of it suddenly appearing in a
major city on a construction site. There was also some rumors Azrael went to
the city to find it.”
I feel a shiver run across my skin as I think about what would happen if
Azrael got a hold of that weapon. He was one of the first angels created by
Malum’s twin sister Solis, and he’s always been unhappy when Father made me to
bring balance back to the universe after the battle between Malum and Solis. He
felt he should have ruled Purgatory, but Father wanted a neutral party. A being
that would judge souls accordingly, and not show any favoritism. Even when I
was madly in love with Malum, I remained faithful to my cosmic duties, and
never lead the newly departed astray.
Malum looks me deep into my purple eyes. His white skin almost glowing
against my navy blue skin as he takes my left hand, his fingers gently rubbing
the black opals that are inset in a silver bracelet around my wrist. “I’m sorry
they and I hid the true meaning of his departure from you.”
“So, when are we leaving for Earth?” I ask.
“Wait...we? Why am I going?”
“It’s your fault they left here,” I snap back. “Besides, do you really
want the Angel of Death to have Bellum’s main weapon of war? He’s already got a
grudge against me due to the fact I exist.”
“Angels and their holier-than-thou attitudes,” he sighs. “I’m ready when
you are.”
“Yeah, but you demons are literally a bunch of Hellraisers,” I reply
back as I press an opal on my bracelet. A minute later, out of a swirling cloud
of mist pops out Morana. Her black moth wings flutter behind her gray skin as
her milky eyes stare at me like two moons slightly eclipsed by her black hair.
“You summoned me, Madam Death?” she asks.
“Yes, Morana. Malum and I have to go to Earth for important business.
You’re in charge until I get back.”
“Not going to start another Dark Ages are you?” she inquires while
glancing towards Malum.
“Rather end it all before I go down that path again,” I retort.
“I’m right here, ladies,” Malum states.
“We know,” chuckles Morana. “I’ll take care of the place as always.”
“No other Reapers in my house this time,” I warn.
“No, Madam. I’ll be the only one inside here.”
“Good. I hope to be back with Gryx when I do return,” I say. I look over
at Malum and ask, “You ready to depart, or do you need to return to your
kingdom?”
“I’m ready. Tenebris always keeps the others in line.”
I almost gag when I hear Tenebris’ name. She was one of the many that I
caught with Malum on that fateful night. To this day, she gives me a dirty look
whenever I enter Malum’s throne room. However, she’s nothing to be concerned
about. I have to find Gryx, and help them locate that hammer before the entire
universe is destroyed. I grip my scythe to open a portal, but Malum grabs me
gently by the waist as flames circle around us, and everything goes black as I
wonder what awaits us once we make it to the city while praying Gryx is still
alive.
As we step out of the portal, the wind
carries the petrichor of an approaching thunderstorm through the broken
windows. I look out the broken windows at the sprawling metropolis of
Tectavista with a population of over ten million lost souls. A playground for
both angels and demons, this place can become a beautiful Utopia for many, or
it can turn into a nightmarish hell for the others. I cry as I think my Gryx is
out there wandering amongst them, completely forgotten who they are, and what
they have given up as my heart is the dark place my soul dwells as I keep
looking at the steel and glass jungle.
I find myself thinking how throughout all
of my existence, I’ve always found myself in the darkest of places when I walk
amongst mortals. Humans always thought I lurked in the shadows anyway, stalking
my next victim. However, I go where I’m needed. Thankfully, these days, more and
more of my time is spent inside sterile, fresh-smelling hospitals, and not the
dank, wretched aromas of the forgotten passages buried by the steel and
concrete phallic obelisks erected so society can get closer to the different
and mostly male versions of her that they fanatically worship upstairs. Despite
being closer towards her, most of them follow a path that leads them to Malum’s
kingdom.
I turn back from the windows, and look out
onto the decaying factory floor. A once booming car manufacturing plant, it is
now filled with rusting relics of a bygone era where man not machine built
works of art. I look at Malum who is tossing pebbles at frames left behind, the
steel tarnished and covered in vines. He’s used to being treated like a king in
fancy hotels with room service, not in places where the only living creatures
are the rats that scurry between the rotting tires.
I smell the air once more as a
thunderstorm draws closer while stating, “I know this isn’t your usual dwelling
amongst the mortals, but we need to stay hidden as much as we can.”
He waves his hand while asking, “So we can
catch The Plague again?”
“Do I have to remind you who’s sword we’re
seeking?” I snap back.
“I know whose sword we’re after, but why are we starting out here in
this dump?” he shouts.
I rub my fingers against my forehead while sighing, “Because we’re
missing a demon who was chasing property of a deity that hasn’t been seen or
heard from for at least one hundred years.”
“You mean Bellum vanished?” Malum asks.
“He disappeared after the nuclear bomb went off in Nagasaki,” I explain.
“The last thing he said to me was ‘Science has created something that will
destroy this planet, so I shall retire’. Since that day, nothing from him at
all.”
“Any idea what he did with his sword?”
“If I had a clue, I wouldn’t be here.”
“Why are we here then?”
“I’m trying to do this as low-key as we can, and not use our powers
unless we have no choice.”
“Wait. You want to find Gryx like a mere
mortal?”
I point up and say, “Since there’s a very good chance one of her
servants are involved, yes. The only two people I trust right now on this plane
of existence are you and Luna.”
“Luna’s here as well?”
“She goes wherever I go,” I reply as I rub my bracelet. “Right now,
she’s hidden until I need her.”
“So, we’re playing human until we find
Gryx? That’s the entire plan?”
“At this very moment, yes. I need you to help me navigate their
society.”
“I guess I could make some calls to get
things going,” he states. “Can we at least get better living arrangements than
this?”
“As long as we stay incognito, of course,” I reply. I stare at the
advancing storm trying to come up with an idea of where to truly begin. I curse
myself for not thinking about this fully in my domain before rushing off
halfcocked based on my emotions. Right now, I’m trying to not let my feelings
overtake logic so we can start looking for them. Also, we need to figure out
lodging besides hiding out in an abandon factory. I know Malum has places, but
we need to hide somewhere else in case there truly are others looking for Gryx
and/or Bellum’s sword.
“How modest are we aiming for?” Malum
asks.
“I’m thinking what mortals call slums,” I state. “I mean, who would look
for you in the dirtiest places on this planet?”
“I’ll make sure it’s at least vermin
free,” he grumbles. “I’m guessing no Egyptian cotton sheets?”
“Since we have to be human, modest
comforts?” I ask thinking if we have to rest to keep up the charade, we might
as well sleep on comfortable beds and live somewhat decent. “The best way I can
describe it would be what a struggling college kid would consider luxury?”
“What about transportation?”
“Public transportation and taxis as needed?”
“You’re really trying to make our time here a living Hell?” he sighs.
“You can live without room service for a bit, Malum,” I reply as I keep
trying to solve the big issue. If I’m going to walk around this city as a mere
mortal, I need an identity. It’s not like the old days where all you needed was
a name and a little background. I remember even during World War 2, I had
paperwork for my human disguise. I wonder if Malum knows a way to get some so
we don’t have to worry about the law interfering with us. I look at him and
ask, “What about paperwork so we can move freely through the city?”
“I’ll need to make a call for that, but I
have someone that can get us ID’s, and another person to help with lodging,” he
explains. “Don’t worry, they’re not places my sister would send her goons.”
“I guess after we get ID’s, we’ll have to
figure out money.”
“You know how many poor souls owe me money?” he chuckles. “Even so, I
have caches of valuables and money hidden all over this planet.”
“As long as it doesn’t lead to authorities
questioning us, and again, modest amount.”
“Why am I being tortured worse than a soul that’s damned to my kingdom?”
I simply point up as I begin to enjoy feeling the rain tickle my skin
through the rusted out steel roof. As I watch drops of water run down my arm, I
realize I need to change my form. I focus as I try to think of a form that
won’t draw too much attention. I smile as I morph into my mortal appearance. I
hope this disguise will go unnoticed.
Malum looks at me and says, “It’s not as
beautiful as your true form, but I love it. I wish you went blonde, but you
look good as a brunette.”
“I’m not here to fulfill your desires,” I say as I fiddle with my beige
sweater. “Besides, they prefer brunettes.”
“Meh. I’m not picky.”
“Can you stop thinking with your
‘pitchfork’ for a moment?” I retort as I notice my bracelet has changed to a
cheap silver pinky ring. “Besides, anything measured in millimeters usually
isn’t impressive.”
“That’s cold even for you,” he pouts.
I lightly tap his cheek and say, “You can’t blame shrinkage, dear.”
“Well, my millimeters kept you very happy once,” he replies. “Anyway, shall
we find a way to make it into the city, and get near a phone? I can’t do
anything sitting here since you want to be mortal.”
I look out towards the city skyline and
ask, “How far are we?”
“Five miles or so, and I’ll be damned if I’m walking in this suit. It’s
custom made Italian.”
I glance at him and say, “Speaking of
which, can you tone it down? We’re supposed to be poor, remember?”
I smirk as his suit changes into jeans and
a blue t-shirt. I can see the disgust in his eyes as he stares at his meager
outfit. He’s gotten soft with millenniums of living a life based on what
society calls “The Seven Deadly Sins”. I almost chuckle as I can see Malum
seeing it as challenge, not a litany that mortals want to follow to save their
sins from him. Besides, this search mission might make him learn what being
humble is, but I’m betting he’ll loathe every moment of walking amongst human
society without using his celestial powers.
However, I begin to smile because he’s here and willing to help me find
Gryx. There was a point where he even banned me from his kingdom, and vice
versa. I was so petty that when he wanted to visit Purgatory, all he saw was a
solid white room with a single steel chair. When I had to see him, he went
childish. The area I could see was a portapotty. Thankfully, through Gryx, we
patched things up enough that when we visit each other, we have access to a bit
more. He never regranted me access to his private chambers, but that’s fine
with me. At least I have been able to visit Gryx at the forges when they are
working for the past few centuries. Besides, anything beats the “throne room”
as he called it.
“Shall we get going? Looking at the
graffiti, unpleasant things can happen here,” Malum says as the sun begins to
break through the clouds.
“Yeah, let’s go.”
We leave the factory, and begin walking down the rain-slicked road. I
notice the entire area is nothing but abandoned buildings, skeletons of a
forgotten time that used to be full of life. Now, empty shells longing for a
peaceful end to their existence as rats scurry through their decaying bones,
unaware of the silent, painful cries to be demolished. The only signs of life
are the tattoos of graffiti careless mortals paint on their aged skin. If empty
buildings truly had a soul, I would free them all to end their suffering.
After what feels like an eternity walking in the blaring sun, we come
across a convenience store with a payphone outside. We make our way over to it,
and Malum picks up the receiver. He smiles as there’s a dial tone. He pulls out
some change from his pocket, and puts into the slot. I lean against the wall as
he dials a number.
A minute later, someone picks up and Malum states, “It’s Mr. Red. We
need a ride from this location.” He pauses before adding, “Nothing flashy, but
make sure it has working A/C at least.” The call ends like that. Malum puts
down the receiver and announces, “Your carriage will be here shortly, m’ lady.”
“Mr. Red?” I inquire.
He walks me away from the phone and leads to the back alley. He looks
around and makes sure the cost is clear before saying, “What you’re about to
see is one of my secrets here on Earth. Not even Tenebris knows about this. All
I ask is none of that judging of souls nonsense you do. Okay?”
“That’s fine. However, I will warn you if I feel threaten, I will
react.”
“You’re safe. Besides, to be blunt, I trust this person more than
Tenebris and even Gryx.”
“The scythe will stay hidden,” I reply. I wonder who is this being
living on this plane that has Malum’s full trust. I know Malum has trust
issues, and I’m not offended he doesn’t trust Gryx fully. However, Malum
worried about me even looking at their soul has peaked my curiosity, but I’ll
accept Malum’s terms. He’s more up to date with dealing with mortals than me. I
haven’t been acting as one this long this since the end of the last great war,
so my knowledge is very outdated. I might be on this plane of existence a lot,
but I’m in and out with barely a whisper, almost like a second thought. So, without
him being way more up to date in their affairs, I’ll be lost.
“Thank you. If I have to keep my pitchfork hidden, you can hide your
weapon as well.”
“Jealous that mine is bigger?” I giggle.
“Oh, grow up,” he says while rolling his eyes. “How old are you?”
“Remember, I was created because a certain set of siblings couldn’t
share,” I state. I pause as I hear a door open and whisper, “We should also
stop talking about our pasts so openly.”
“Good point. They’re not a fan of you, to put it mildly.”
“Isn’t there a saying about me and taxes?”
“Shows you how much they appreciate you. Let’s head back out front.”
We walk out to the front of the door as we watch a green minivan pulls
into the parking lot. A lanky man in torn jeans and a faded t-shirt rolls downs
the driver side window and yells out, “Mr. Red?”
“That would be me,” Malum replies while waving his hand.
“Barry is waiting for you.”
Malum turns to me and asks, “Modest enough?”
“I don’t think even Father would look for me in this automobile,” I
whisper.
“Only overworked mothers with droves of children drive these things,”
Malum explains as he opens the door for me. “So, we should be safe.”
I get in and shiver as I feel the car’s A/C blow over my sweaty skin. I
look at my wardrobe, and feel foolish. I don’t know why I picked a sweater and
jeans, but I’m regretting that decision now. I’ll adjust my wardrobe options
tomorrow morning. I can’t exactly change them now since I don’t own any
clothes. I do miss my black cloak and robe because it was simple and easy to
keep clean, but when we’re not being human, we don’t feel heat or cold. I’ll
see if Malum knows someone who can help me with this a bit more.
Malum slides into the passenger seat and whistles, “They at least got
the working A/C part down. Shall we go?”
The driver begins to pull away from the store. As we drive towards the
heart of Tectavista, I once again sink back into the pit of despair in my heart
as I look at every passing car and wonder if that’s Gryx driving. I miss them
more than words can describe. I silently vow that I will tear down every brick
to find them.
As we’re about to enter the city, Malum turns around and hands me a
blindfold.
“I’m sorry, but I feel if something happens, you won’t know where we’re
heading. It’s better to be safe than
sorry since you know who might be involved.”
“No funny business,” I sigh as I put them on. Before I can remove them,
I smell the vanilla like odor of Styx Jasmine, which is like chloroform for us
celestial beings. As I begin to lose conscious, I hear Malum whisper, “I’m
truly sorry, love, but the less you know, the safer you’ll be.”
