Chapter 21
In a realm between realms.
Below the Heavens was a pine forest stretching to the skies where stars and whole galaxies shown over the landscape. In chains Reya was escorted through the forest by Faith and Shannon. To a clearing where the grand trees twisted unnaturally to seats. Seats in a circle with a high flat rock platform in the middle. Those that sat on the seats were too large to see. From their appearance they were human, but the energy that coated their forms said otherwise.
Not Angel, Demon or even Tarask.
The Old Gods sat in their throne court, too many empty chairs compared to the few left behind. Their bodies; semi human, half animal silhouettes, gigantic in nature as well as their power. Whole worlds reflected off their bodies and it gave light to the otherwise dark land. To face their eyes would be crane your head back to the Heavens and stare into the sun.
Reya turned to the Old Gods and sighed, shaking her head at the bodies before her.
“Did you expect something different” Faith laughed.
“Yes, to honour me with their true skin”
“There is no honour left to give you!” Faith sneered, she shoved Reya forward, then stormed past her and dragged her up the rock mound. She ripped her sword from her back, thrust the blade within the chain loops and slammed the blade into the ground. She stood back as Shannon walked to her side. The girl, having a slight spring in her step compared to the distraught nature the woman was in an hour ago. “she alive?” she whispered beyond Reya’s hearing.
“yes” Shannon sighed cheerfully. “alive and well, Ava saved her”
“you see, I told you that girl is a good match”
Reya turned back to the women and sneered “That Godless one will be the death of you all”
Faith rolled her eyes “I’ll die faster from your ignorance”
“suit yourself” Reya stated, turning to the Gods.
Shannon glared at Reya’s back, resting her hand on her sword. “She should have died back there” she growled under her breath.
“the fact she didn’t is more then less why she is here”
“I SEE MOST OF YOU ARE HERE!” Reya shouted addressing the council. She turned to the middle chair in the sea of empty chairs and grinned. “I SEE HE STILL ABANDONS YOU!” Her smile twisted to a sneer as she turned to another abandon chair, where her Goddesses used to sit. “Just like her”
The god with a ridged horned outlined leaned forward. Their eyes shifting to glare down at the Angelic being. “Do not test us Reya!” Alnilam commanded. “You are gathered here today for the crime of killing your All Mother”
“Such a peaceful goddess” Sika, larger then life, spoke. She looked to Angelic with grave disappointment. “All she ever wanted is for her children to live happily. She created you all perfect and look at what you did to her”
Reya laughed. “Perfect, in her eyes, but that is not the truth”
“Why did you kill her?”
“It doesn’t matter” Another Goddess of many heads sneered. “She’s a murderer, let us not forget she has killed more then her All Mother, but her kin as well”
“All the more reason to hear her side of the story, Acubens, no matter how twisted”
Taika, a thin god with many arms hummed, looking between the council then focused on Reya. Leaning forward from his throne, he asked her “Tell us, why did you take their lives?”
Reya smiled. “Justice”
“Justice!” Sika gasped.
“Justice!” Reya laughed. “Your so beloved All Mother was a fool and betrayed my people’s loyalty. She deserved everything she got. She was not fit to rule my homeland, just like none of you are fit to rule the realms” Reya studied their faces carefully. Taking her time before she continued “I may tell you everything, but it doesn’t matter. I do not regret it. I will not change my course now and what I will share….” She trailed off with a device smile “she was delicious”
“ENOUGH!” Alnilam roared.
Faith stalked forward and roughly shoved Reya to the ground, then grabbed her neck and hair, forcing her to face the Gods.
“Tell you what!” Reya began. “Let me bring back the Hybrid and we can share the soul together”
Faith tighten her grip on Reya’s neck till she heard the angel gasping for breath “Try it bitch!”
Reya chuckled, looking back at Faith. “you cannot protect her”
“if you value your life Reya, stop making threats”
“tell the Godless her actions have consequences and protecting the hybrid will destroy us all”
Faith slammed her fist down in Reya’s face, then pulled out her knife and held it against her eye. She was about to strike when the horn God shouted “STOP!” she turned to the Old God and pulled back her blade.
Faith watched the God for a moment, then leaned down and whispered into Reya’s ear “I know her soul burns within you and I hope it devours you whole”
Alnilam rose from his throne “Reya, you have brought nothing but carnage since your birth. You have murdered the Goddess that raised you and protected your character through all the atrocities you committed in the Hell and Heaven wars. Now she is gone, there is no one left to protect you!” he stated.
She smirked at his speech.
“You want to be alone in this world, then so be it. Your punishment is to spend the rest of your life in the void. For there, there will be nothing, but your madness and sickness for company. No light, no power. May you rot in the darkness and may it devour you alive”. The God waved his hand out and the earth collapsed in front of Reya. It gave way to darkness, to the dark heart of the void.
Reya jumped to her feet, eyes widen and tried to run away screaming “NO! NO! COWARDS! THE HYBRID WILL KILL US ALL! THERE WILL BE NOTHING BUT BLOOD AND DEATH AND WILL BE ALL BECAUSE OF THEM!”
“OH SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Faith ripped the chains away, grabbed Reya from the scruff of her neck and threw her forward. Reya stumbled to the edge, almost tipping over. She turned back sneering. Only to be met with Faith’s boot.
Reya fell backwards into the abyss screaming and when the last of her form disappeared from sight. The ground converged on itself again. Leaving not a trace or cracks.
Faith cracked her head then retreated backwards. Sheathing her weapon, she turned briefly to Shannon’s worried face starring down at where the Abyss gateway once stood. Then turned back to the Old Gods.
Alnilam sat down in his throne. “You two have done well bringing the murderer here. Now justice has been served”
“It won’t take long for the sickness to get her” Sika comment.
“It will, but I hope for a longer punishment” Acubens remarked.
“Don’t be so cruel”
“No, I refuse to show mercy to a murderer like her”
“I agree” Takia spoke. His thin frame curled back in his throne, starring unblinking at his fellow kin. “I sensed no remorse in her soul, but she is very tormented by something, maybe this punishment will calm the sickness in the mind”
The kind Goddess shook her head, she turned to the ladies below and leaned over off her throne. “thank you young ones for bringing her to justice, tell those OSC warriors we thank them for their service. My heart goes out to those they lost”
“We shall tell them the news” Faith placed a hand over her heart and bowed “My gods”
“Peace be with you” The gods replied.
Faith turned to Shannon and wrapped her arm around the woman’s shoulder. With a gentle nudge, she guided Shannon away. They turned their backs on the Gods, walked down the rock platform, then teleported away from the forest.
In the Tarask Realm
The land was similar to the living’s realm, except for two changes. The buildings here were styled from an ancient era with the mixed sandstone and tree, with modern concrete roads. The second change; was every human soul here were previous dead. Usually the good would be spending their days in Heaven, only certain warriors were brought to this realm, but since the war. It was decided by Michelle that the Tarask Realm was a safer place for them. Until order in Heaven has been restored and the war was over.
The red sky was blazing this evening. With vivid strikes of purple and pink splashed across the sky. The night was on it’s way as Faith led Shannon through the streets to their home on the hill. A similar style castle to the OCS’s Cradle. High enough on the hill for the residents to watch over the realm. This Castle, of sorts, was built for the select few, for those that carry the Halo or protected it. This was the same place their Old Father used to live, but now he’s gone from this realm. His Halo Bearers have taken over to keep the place from falling to pieces.
“You are quiet” Faith remarked as they climbed the hill to the front gates. “Speak your mind”
“I got a terrible feeling this isn’t over yet” Shannon turned to her adoptive mother with a suspicious look. “Why did she refer to Hanna that way?”
Faith sighed, shaking her head. “Reya used to have a nasty tick about purity between species. Michelle tried to convince her interbreeding between the species wasn’t going to destroy the realms, but it seems this tick has gotten worse”
Shannon hummed “And her followers?”
“I already have warriors on the hunt, without their leader, they are powerless”
“Those afraid are often more dangerous”
“Agreed, that’s why we are hunting them down before they think they are brave enough to strike again”
Shannon turned back to the road. Watching the distance close in by the second.
When the pair reached the gates. The guards bowed their heads to the pair, then opened the gates for them.
Shannon turned back to her mother and whispered “I think she was afraid”
“of who? Ava?”
“no…Hanna…who else did she kill?”
Faith turned to her and frowned. “Kenia, he was a good man, very kind and often spent his time in the mortal realm. Only angelic being with their Mother’s blessing to do so….He was blessed by her of the name Shepperd...he’s been gone for some time…they only just found his remains a few days ago”
“And Reya killed him”
“His blood was found on her blade and his body reeks of Reya's scent"
Shannon turned her head forward as they walked through the gates. Stopping just pass the gates, focusing on the courtyard before them. The sounds of warriors filled the castle. Hundreds of Sister Warriors sighted around the courtyard. Majority of them training and the others on guard.. She watched the women train, then turned to her mother. “It doesn’t matter if this is not the last time we see her. I will warn the others, but in the meantime. We will have an army waiting for her”
Faith smiled proudly, wrapping her arm over Shannon’s shoulder. “Fucker messed with the wrong family”
Back on earth, Cats Cradle
Since the attack, the OCS worked daily on restoring the Cradle and the memorial for their lost sisters. Ava helped the best she could, but the guilt started to weigh in. Guilt for not being able to save the sisters, only Beatrice. She nor the Crew didn’t understand why she was able to save Beatrice, but it happened and although none of the sisters sent a look her way. Ava still felt the guilt. So to help her sisters rest, she set to work day in and out burying the bodies. She didn’t ask for help and denied all her offered it. In her mind, it felt right putting the sisters she couldn’t save to rest. It was her way to ask the dead for forgiveness.
Michelle found her daughter overlooking the others work from the Cradle watchtower. Shoulders heavy from the weight she carried. Hunched over the wall peering down at the ladies. Watching them build the memorial garden. Michelle walked over to her daughter, leaning against the railing. She looked to her daughter, then focused on the Sister Warriors. “Speak your mind my daughter, it will help ease your shoulders”
Ava huffed. “I’m fine”
Michelle turned to her and stated “don’t lie, not to me”
“fine….it’s my fault they are dead”
“Ava…” Michelle sighed.
“No” she quickly cut off. “It’s my fault. It’s obvious to everyone I can bring people back from the dead, but I couldn’t. I could only bring…” Ava sighed, shaking her head. “if I could bring them back, it wouldn’t hurt so much”
“It is only natural to feel pain, especially this kind”
Ava let off a deep groan “I just don’t get why I couldn’t save them”
“I do”
Ava turned to her confused.
“Ava a Tarask doesn’t have the abilities to heal others, not even the Halo can do that, but somehow you can and somehow you have brought both me and Beatrice back from the dead” Michelle turned herself facing Ava side on. “Both times that shouldn’t be possible, but you did it and it took all of your energy to do it. Ava I will be forever thankful you saved my life”
“I am too, I don’t know what I will do if you or Beatrice, or anyone from my family weren’t in my life”
“me too”
Ava turned around and turned her attention back to the others. “still don’t get how I did it”
Michelle followed her gaze, then back to Ava. “Your powers are unique, but with more training comes more control” her daughter smiled at the prospect. “Maybe your gift came from all father, I saw him many of times bring souls back from death”
Ava suddenly remembered the man’s voice in her head during the battle. She could hear his voice, even now, call out her name. She raised a subconscious hand to her back, to her Halo. The Halo lit up from the memory.
‘that man’ Other Ava whispered from the back of her mind. ‘he must have the answers’
‘probably, should we try and contact him?’
‘not until we find out more….but I do feel…’
‘what?’
‘trust’
“Earth to Ava, are you in there?” Michelle chuckled.
Ava shock her head “fine” she dismissed quickly. The Halo’s light faded as she retreated her hand. She looked over her shoulder, then back to her mother. “Mum, what can you tell me about this All father?”
Michelle sighed, turning away from her daughter. “Where to begin…All father was like the father I never had. Technically he was my father. He created me and Faith and many others long time ago when the realms were fresh. He raised us to become warriors, taught us everything we know” she paused, turning to her daughter “but not everything he knows. Why?”
“Can we keep this between us? I don’t want to worry the others”
“You can trust them”
“I know and I do, with my life…but I want to understand this first”
Michelle nodded, concerned with her daughter’s well being. She moved closer. “I promise, just between us”
“Good” Ava sighed relieved. “Good” she spoke. “When Reya attacked and she broke my spine, she..uh…I felt the Halo crack”
Michelle’s eyes shot out of her head. She straighten up, pushing her hands hard into the concrete. “Crack?”
“yeah, I felt it and it hurt like a bitch” Ava laughed. “Then the crack shattered”
Michelle’s eyes widen fearfully. “Ava that’s not good, you are lucky to still be here”
“It’s fine mum, my running abilities are no longer reliant to the Halo, but its not that I’m worried about”
“Then what is it?”
“When I died, I heard this man’s voice…my back felt like it was on fire and he kept calling out my name. He was asking for my permission to help me. When I accepted I felt this rush of energy, nothing like I ever felt before and my hands grew back and my spine was repaired”
“did he say his name?” Michelle asked concerned.
“no”
“what did he sound like?”
“Powerful, his voice was sweet, but deep and dark. He wanted to help me, he told me to cut Reya down for he had friends waiting and all of the sudden, after I cut her down there were Faith and Shannon. He told me he will return and he is always there if I need him again”
Michelle stroked her chin, then moved her hand to the back of her head. Running her fingers through her hair. She gripped the back of her skull tight as she focused glaring at her daughter’s back. To the spot where the Halo laid rest. “May I see it?”
“what?”
“The Leviathan”
Ava frowned as she reached for her back. She summoned the Halo to her hand and handed the weapon to her mother. The Crack was gone, healed over from the attack, but now where that crack used to be. A bulge of metal grew, small and barely noticeable, expanding both ways from the base of the circle. A finger width growth and half a finger height on both ends. The growth made the Tarasks stare at the Leviathan concerned.
“Mum?”
Michelle stared at the device for a moment longer, before shaking her head and handing back the Leviathan. She looked up to her daughter and stated, fear laced in her voice “don’t talk to him again”
Ava sighed as she put the Halo in her back. “Mum, what you said about All father how he’s-“
“-He’s gone” Michelle insisted.
Ava frowned as she asked “Are you sure?”