• Chapter 11: According to the Plans…


    The hallway echoed with the sound of footsteps as a man in a yellow robe strolled through it. His head was hooded, hiding his face in the shadow of the dark palace where he and the rest of the legion to which he belonged to resided.
    It was not much of a legion, but rather a small group of twelve powerful beings who all followed their central leader. They have no allies. They have no direct enemies. Everything they do is covered up so well that it would be impossible for any outsider to see their activities. They are invisible.
    They resided in a castle that rested high in the air, on the center of a lake that is far from any place explored before. The largest of the continents of the Paralleliux: Uhhilinughan. Not even the most revered of explorers would dare to even venture into this land. The most gruesome and grotesque of creatures prowl through this uncharted area—Behemoth, Leviathan, and even Uroborus are amongst the powerful creatures that take this land as a home.
    The man in the yellow robe continued down the hallway until he reached the large double doors at the end. He pressed his hand against it. A bright light lit up under it and moved along the edges of the doors, eventually dying back into darkness. The doors swung open inwards. The man stepped into the room.
    “Welcome back, Inocku,” greeted the voice of their leader from across the room. He was seated on a throne at the end of the room, which was flanked with two other thrones. He never stated what these two thrones were for, as he would not let anyone be seated on them. “How successful are the events in the human’s world?”
    The hooded man bowed. “They are going according to plan. The humans are vaguely aware of our existence. One Reaper and one Elite died last night. Another Reaper and another Elite are seriously wounded.”
    “The names of the dead?”
    “Reaper Blixt and Elite Adeiazo, sir.”
    At this, Inocku could see his Master’s amber eyes widen slightly. “How shocking. I did not expect the latter to die so quickly. And the names of the wounded, Inocku?”
    “Reaper Anthos and Elite Aftok,” answered Inocku. He stood up straight. “Reaper Umbras, on the other hand, is growing in energy at a frightening rate.”
    The Master’s eyes flickered. “I see. Is he aware of his growing power?”
    “No, sir. Although he has defeated Adeiazo Solum with relative ease, his power was average of that of a Reaper’s. Ezekiel’s mission will force Umbras to fight with more strength.”
    “And the vessel? Is she still alive?”
    “Yes, sir. Aeulusiò di Aria made sure of that for us. Although the bomb was meant only for him, the vessel somehow survived.”
    “Good. I need a worthy enough vessel for my true child.” The Master rose from his throne. “You may leave, Inocku. Your purpose has been fulfilled…for now.”
    “Always at your service, Master,” Inocku bowed again, turned, and then left the large room. As the doors closed behind him, he felt a sudden burst of energy. The proxy will have his hands full if everything goes according to plan. That is, if Ezekiel does not decide to fowl the plan.

    Meanwhile…
    “Damn it, Nocturn!” snapped Ezekiel. “What do you mean ‘discovered again’?” So Inocku was right! This is exactly what would happen. The carelessness of both sides of this war is too funny.
    Nocturn eyed him strangely. “You’ve learned of the two times when we were discovered before, right?”
    Ezekiel flickered his eyes back and forth. Crap. I left an opening! “Of course! Why wouldn’t I?”
    Nocturn shrugged. “Just thought it strange. Anyway, there were two other times—as you are well aware—when we were discovered. The first time was when the Muslim, the Jews, and the Christians all discovered us. We pitted them together through their foolish beliefs. This was known from then as the First Crusade.
    “The second was known to the humans as the Holocaust. The Nazi regime found us and, believing us to be demons, blamed our existence and their decline on the Jews, whom they believed to be part of us.
    “Both times, we killed off the people who discovered us. Since the First Crusade, the High Reaper Senate became the central government of the Paralleliux.” Nocturn scratched his head. “And now it seems that the next reason for our name will come soon.”
    Ezekiel sneered in his mind. You Reapers are evil. The Master had some reasoning after all. “What do you think about all of that, Nocturn?” inquired Ezekiel, keeping a serious tone.
    “I believe that we should do whatever is necessary. If we have to wipe out an entire existence, so be it,” replied Nocturn.
    He is a cold one, isn’t he? Ezekiel eyed the clock. Two o’ seven. Another two hours left. “Can’t we just make a mass wind-sweep?”
    “That would take the funds of the entire realm. It is impossible.” Nocturn crossed his arms. “With the Internet and television, our existence would still be preserved, anyway.”
    “Humph. So I guess we really do have no other chance. Unless there was some divine intervention,” muttered Ezekiel.
    “That does not exist,” said Nocturn quickly. “There are no such thing as divine beings or miracles. What happens, happens. No one—nothing—could decide our fate no matter what.”
    “Are you atheist, Nocturn?” questioned Ezekiel.
    “How could I be atheist when there is nothing to not believe?”
    “So you are telling me that every single religion out there is just foolish dribble that everyone is poisoned with?”
    Nocturn nodded. “Exactly. If there were such divine beings in existence, how could they let their people die so easily? The Crusade, the Holocaust—every single mass disaster that had been caused, whether by us or by nature, is not an act of a deity’s control of fate. And the sooner everyone realizes that, the sooner this world will become a better place.”
    Ezekiel smirked quickly, diminishing it before Nocturn could notice it. “If that’s what you believe, Nocturn.” He got up from the couch and walked out into the balcony. So he is materialistic. Father’s really going to like that! He took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, flipped the top open, and took out a cigarette. By Christmas my job should be done. And then the proxy’s going to be completely useless… He placed the cigarette in his mouth and lit it. But then again: are we all going to be useless?

    Later…
    What is this energy that I keep feeling? It doesn’t seem familiar… pondered Nocturn as he brushed his fangs in his bathroom. He spat out the toothpaste from his mouth and rinsed the remaining paste from his mouth.
    He put on his Reaper robe and walked out into the living room. Ezekiel came in from the balcony and eyed Nocturn. “Why do you seem so melancholy?” he questioned. “But then again, you always do.”
    “Do you sense that?” responded Nocturn, sniffing the air.
    “Sense what?” replied Ezekiel. He stared at the stove watch. “It’s three fifty-five, and there is no mission yet? I guess the last one was enough?”
    Nocturn shrugged just as his cell phone began to vibrate. “I guess not,” he said as he read the message. “Let’s go.”
    A light, immaculate blanket of snow capped New York City. The sky was a monotonous grey, with only the slightest white sunlight peeping through the thick, wispy clouds. There were less people out in the streets than usual due to the cold weather. City maintenance vehicles were stalled in the middle of the streets since the workers that drove them were called home. Green and red lights wrapped around every corner and connected every building, marking the coming of Christmas, which was in about nine days. The temperature had fallen to ten degrees Fahrenheit.
    “So what are we hunting?” questioned Ezekiel.
    “A Sleipnir spotted in Central Park.” Nocturn spun around the corner, Ezekiel following him. “A very tricky creature, it is.” The vibration he had been feeling in his spine was still present. Something powerful is lurking. And it’s getting closer to us. He stopped in his tracks.
    “What’s wrong, Nocturn?” inquired Ezekiel, stopping a few feet ahead of him.
    “That energy that I’ve been sensing. We’re getting closer to the source.”
    Ezekiel looked towards the Park, which was behind him, and then back at Nocturn. “It’s in the Park?”
    Nocturn nodded.
    “Well then what are we going to do?”
    “We’ll have to go in there and prepare for the worst,” replied Nocturn. He motioned for Ezekiel to continue.
    When he stepped foot on the grass of the Park, Nocturn felt the vibrations shake his entire body. The hairs on the back of his neck sprang on end. His fingers felt suddenly numb with the magic that collected in them. Damn it. It’s almost stronger than a Reaper’s energy.
    “Damn… What is all of this?” stammered Ezekiel, grimacing from the sudden burst of energy. He held his head in his hand like one would do when they have a head ache. His eyes took a jagged form around the pupils, and he looked suddenly frail. Despite the cold weather, both of them were sweating profusely.
    The sound of hooves slamming on the ground came to them. “It’s here,” muttered Nocturn, unsheathing his blade from its scabbard, which was strapped to his side. “Can you fight, Ezekiel?”
    “I think I can.” Ezekiel pulled his lance from its holster, which was strapped to his back, and held it limply.
    A demonic neighing noise screamed from the foliage that covered the Park. Black hooves thrust through the trees. Red eyes stared at them, as if looking straight through them. The creature—the Sleipnir—was like an oversized horse with six legs. It had fangs poking from under its lip, and a jagged, unkempt mane of silver fur. Smoke rose from its nostrils with every breath. The Sleipnir broke into a roar, which sent shockwaves through the air.
    Obliterate, commanded Nocturn in his mind as he swung his blade vertically. From the wake of his slash, a violet ark of energy sped towards the creature. Smoke covered its front leg as the arc ripped through it. The Sleipnir let out a loud cry, which blew both Nocturn and Ezekiel on their backs.
    “Something really has to make that thing shut up! My ears are starting to hurt,” snapped Ezekiel, getting up on his feet. He made a dash towards the creature, his feet levitated just slightly above the ground. In the blink of an eye, Ezekiel had thrust his lance through the creature’s flesh. Dark purple blood spilled into the air as Ezekiel pulled the lance out. The Sleipnir screeched and kicked furiously. Ezekiel turned around and walked casually towards Nocturn. The Sleipnir made a motion to lung towards him.
    “Damn it, Ezekiel! Watch out!” snapped Nocturn.
    Ezekiel stopped and turned around. The creature lunged towards him. “Obliterate!” commanded Nocturn, swinging his blade through the air. Another arc of violet energy sped towards the creature, ripping through the flesh on its chest. It fell to the ground, kicking wildly as it tried to get back on its feet. “Solidify!” A cube of violet energy busted through the Sleipnir’s chest. Violet blood exploded into the air all around the creature, who started to kick and screech wildly.
    “Shut up, already!” snapped Ezekiel, jumping into high into the air above the monster’s head. Holding his lance out, he dropped down through the Sleipnir’s head, ripping through the back, and out under the chin.
    The Sleipnir kicked into the air, swinging back and forth, whinnying desperately. Its massive body fell to the ground, crushing a few trees. Blood poured from its wounds as it tried to desperately get back on its feet. And then it suddenly became cold and stiff. Its red eyes dimmed out into a sickly grey. Its grey fur turned black and disintegrated, rising into the air like a backwards rain.
    “That was pretty easy,” panted Ezekiel, wiping the little droplets of blood that touched his coat.
    “I was,” muttered Nocturn looking around the Park. The energy disappeared as soon as the Sleipnir. But lower beings do not have that type of power. The source of the power must have been a vortex. But something must have come out, and I don’t feel it anymore. “Let’s go home,” he muttered.
    “Sounds good to me,” replied Ezekiel, turning on his heel. “That burst of energy wore me out,” he added as he walked down the path from the park.
    It’s back now, but faint, observed Nocturn, standing still and staring out into the park. Like a voice lost in static.

    Later…
    “…D.C. where police officials and scientists are trying to find the truth behind the ‘Disappearing Corpse’ phenomena. Witnesses report seeing a young blonde haired boy in a white and black robe hanging by the back of his robe on a flag pole near the Washington Memorial. Some even believe that they saw black smoke rise from his body before he disappeared,” reported the news anchor on Fox News. “President Jane Silinkiar made a speech about an hour ago, addressing to the sighting, along with the phenomena in New York City. She stated that the events ‘…are very mysterious and potentially dangerous to national security…’, and that ‘…the military is working closely with other officials to unravel the mystery that circles these events’.”
    “The handsomest of people are always fakers,” chuckled Jack. “And Jane just proved that she is the most beautiful of them all.”
    “So you think this is all on account of the fake Arsenal that we spent about a weak hunting for?” questioned Aeulus who sat next to him on the couch.
    Jack nodded. “And do you know who led us to the fake?”
    No… She couldn’t have. “Aile…” murmured Aeulus.
    “Right. And this is exactly why I came here: the Master wants her captured and executed for her treasonous actions.”
    Aeulus shook his head. “She wouldn’t have betrayed us like that. She doesn’t even have a motive. If she’s been with us since before the Usurpers started, then how could she have been betraying us? We can’t capture her without any real evidence.”
    “Who said I wanted to capture her?” muttered Jack. Aeulus eyed Jack, who then broke into a malicious grin. “If anyone is going to kill that wretch, it’s going to be me! I’m not going to let anyone take the fun away from me. Do you know how long its been since I returned to my old business before the Usurpers formed? One hundred and thirty-seven years.”
    “So what do we do?”
    “Easy, we find her and then kill her! Say whatever you want, Aeulus, but that is what I want to do!” added Jack, noticing that Aeulus opened his mouth to say something. “I’m going to rip her throat open and make her atone for the sins she’s done. Eluded me, that little wretch did. Oh, but she says she changed her ways,” muttered Jack mockingly. “Bah! I don’t care. I’m going to kill her anyway.”
    “I’m afraid I can’t let you do that,” said a mocking voice behind them. “You see, my father wants her to bring him his final child. There are already twelve of us, but he wants thirteen.” The mystery man broke into a chilling grin that was more striking than Jack’s most deranged grin. “And you don’t want to leave us motherless, do you?”
    The mystery man had un-kempt, ear-length auburn hair that was parted down the middle side of his face and sea green irises over black sclera. He wore a wide, mocking grin across his pale face, and a yellow robe that was parted at the waste and tight sleeves. He wore black jodhpurs that were tucked into his boots, which were black and twisted to give a witch-like appearance. His weapon was sheathed to his side, and had no guard.
    “I don’t know why my master wants me to kill you, but it’s been a while since I stepped foot in the human world. But I must say, I’m amazed that—”
    Jack lunged at the man, cackling. “Shut up and guard yourself before I rip you to shreds!” he roared, three knives in each hand. The man dropped his grin and stopped Jack with his forearm. He pushed Jack back, unsheathed his blade, and then vanished. Essence rose like smoke from Jack’s shoulders and torso as he fell to his knees, dropping his knives.
    “How rude of him,” muttered the man, suddenly behind Aeulus.
    How did he do that? pondered Aeulus, swinging around. “Who are you?” he demanded.
    “That’s right, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Nirdaya Smita, and I’m here to kill you and then find Aile Aphrodites. You wouldn’t happen to know where she is, do you?”
    Aeulus reached for his sword, which was leaned against the wall that separated the kitchen and the living room. “She just left,” he replied, drawing his sword.
    The man sighed mockingly. “Oh well. I guess this will take longer than it should. Try not to die too quickly, okay?” He unsheathed his sword, which was a Russian shashka—an average sized sword with no guard and one, very sharp edge. Nirdaya rested the dull side of the blade on his shoulder. “Or else you’ll end up worse than your friend in just a few seconds, and I’ll have to leave the human world again. So please try to survive for at least fifteen minutes, okay?”

    Meanwhile…
    The clouds that covered my eyes… Where did they go? Everything seems so hazy, and warm. Where am I? Is this where people go when it’s over for them? Where is he? Is he waiting for me at the other side?
    She opened her eyes. The ceiling was bright and yellow with a bright light shining down on her. She felt herself caressed in a soft sort of platform. It felt rough and cushiony. It feels like…like…leather? She tried to move, but her limbs betrayed her, staying limp and defiant. Her vision was blurred and she was unable to open her mouth. Her breathing was relaxed, yet she felt like she was suffocating.
    “When is she going to wake up?” questioned a voice. It sounded distant and hushed. “Because now I’m starting to feel like we’re keeping a morgue here.”
    “Her injury was very deep. It might take a little while more,” answered a deeper voice.
    A shadow fell over her, and she could only see white, red, black, and yellow mixed together. “I think she’s awake!” exclaimed the first voice, closer to her. She felt a puff of warm air touch her face, followed by a hand on her shoulder that shook her.
    She uttered a strange noise from her mouth as she tried to say something. His breath feels so warm and familiar. I did make it to the other side. Her vision came back to normal and she could see the familiar pale, handsome face looking at her with an air of concern. “N…” she uttered.
    “So she lives,” remarked the first voice. It belonged to a tall man with white hair, a white goatee, and red irises. He wore a yellow frock coat and had an unreadable feel to his eyes. “And maybe now we can get some answers!”
    “Give her some time to rest, Ezekiel. She could barely speak,” replied the other man.
    “Nocturn,” she uttered as he turned.
    “You know my name?” questioned Nocturn, turning around to face her.
    “Of course I know your name, Nocturn. I’ve been waiting to see you again. But who’s he?” she questioned, indicating the other man.
    “Don’t mind me! You two seem to have known each other. I’ll just go over there,” blurted the other man, stepping back sheepishly. “I’ll just go hide over there. Try not to get too excited, guys.”
    She felt herself blush. “Who is he?” she whispered again.
    “His name is Ezekiel. He acts like an idiot but he’s a good partner,” answered Nocturn. “How are you feeling?”
    “I’m fine. Tired, but alright. Nocturn…what happened to you here?” She traced his scar, which went along the left side of his face, with her finger.
    “The fire… They say the fire burned me completely, but my essence regenerated everywhere except for here. Now I can’t remember much about my past.”
    “Do you…do you remember me?” she questioned anxiously.
    “What was your name?” replied Nocturn.
    “Viola.”
    “Viola… That was the last word I mentioned before.” He grabbed his had with his hand and metal claw, which Viola noticed was thinner and more skeletal than it used to be, and grimaced as he processed the word. “I remember you, but vaguely. I’m sure it will all come back to me soon.”
    “You idiot,” muttered Viola.
    “Hm?”
    “How could you act so casually when you can’t remember anything? Isn’t it frightening to live in a world of ignorance?” questioned Viola, her voice trembling.
    “I remember pieces of my past all of the time. I’m sure that the pieces will fix me soon.” A shadow of doubt fell over Nocturn’s eyes. “I’m sure of it.”
    Viola grabbed his arm. “Then I guess you shouldn’t be afraid,” she said, smiling warmly.
    “I remember how you would always smile like that to make us feel better,” remarked Nocturn, returning her smile with a slight smile.
    ‘Us’? Is he talking about Aeulus? pondered Viola. “You are so gloomy all of the time, Nocturn,” she chuckled.
    “I remember you would always point that out, too.” Nocturn held her shoulder. “Rest a bit, alright? You’re not looking well. We’ll try to reminisce later.”
    “Alright,” replied Viola. “Thank you, Nocturn.” She closed her eyes. He’s alive and so am I. We’re together again, and I guess that’s all that matters. Don’t worry, Nocturn. I’ll help you get out of that world of ignorance.
    I can’t believe that my name was the last word I said, though. Could it be that he really felt the same way that I still feel for him? I hope it does. He’ll be mine, and not even Jane will change that…

    Later…
    Ezekiel blew out a puff of smoke from his cigarette. “We will need to manipulate the proxy by using that girl. Send him to rescue her. The rest will be taken care of by us,” was one of the orders he got from Inocku. Ezekiel smirked. Well there goes Phase One of the plans. The rest is up to you, Inocku.
    The French door of the balcony slid open behind him and then closed. “So, did you two go wild in there?” questioned Ezekiel mockingly.
    “Shut up,” replied Nocturn in a less-than-mocking tone. “Viola’s her name. I used to know her well.”
    “How could you tell?”
    “My memories of her are coming back at a very quick rate. I guess we were close. She does not know anything about the Arsenal.”
    Ezekiel eyed Nocturn. “Protecting her without question? Remembering her faster than you could even remember yourself? You like her don’t you?”
    Nocturn did not answer, instead leaning against the railing of the balcony. The sun was starting to set behind the buildings. “We aren’t making any progress with the Arsenal. I just got off the phone with my Superiors.”
    Ezekiel tensed, nearly snapping his cigarette in two. Damn it. If he even mentioned that Viola girl once, I would have been scrutinized! “And…?” he questioned, trying to act calm.
    “They have not figured out anything. They’re too busy helping Jane Silinkiar to fix the mess that the Usurpers left,” answered Nocturn, much to Ezekiel’s relief.
    “Humph. Then this is pretty tricky. I wonder if Arborous himself would know where it could be…”
    “No one knows where Arborous has gone. He is allied with us, but he has gone into hiding long ago.”
    Ezekiel put his cigarette in his mouth. “What do you think it would take to get him to come out?”
    Nocturn shrugged. He eyed Ezekiel. “Another massive human wipe-out—just like the two that I told you about earlier.”
    “We can’t do that then.” Ezekiel puffed out a cloud of smoke. He threw it down to the street below. “Eh, screw that then. I’m tired. Where should I sleep?”
    “You could sleep on the floor,” replied Nocturn.
    “Fine,” said Ezekiel, turning on his heel and walking towards the door.
    “Ezekiel,” called Nocturn before he could open the door.
    “Yes?”
    “Thanks. If it weren’t for you, Viola would have died, and I would have lost a friend and a link to my past.”
    “Yeah, yeah. Don’t make a speech about it,” replied Ezekiel, waving his hand as he opened the French door. If only you knew, he added in his mind, feeling a slight bit remorseful.