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Chapter 2 - Jehova “Finally these nightmares will end.” His voice strained and
hissed. Judas was exhausted and hadn’t slept much since the first
dream with Black. Each night since then, Black would return to remind
him and Judas was terrified that he would not awake in the morning…so
would force himself awake in the late hours. Though Black was not invincible and required the assistance of another…in this case Judas. And for this, Black allowed Judas and another beast to enter into the temple where he slept in stone. The southern temple was identical to the northern, and in the same room where Genesis slept guarding the trident of the southern temple, slept Black. Only he was chained to the back wall, his arms stretched out as far as
possible, forming a cross, and staring up as if pleading for help from
someone that only he could see. Judas stood in this room standing before
black, waiting for the others to arrive with the trident. “It’s so…quiet here.” Omega’s voice was soft.
He stopped and looked inside another room. Here it lay empty but at the
other temple, it was someone’s sleeping quarters. “I’ve heard stories about this place. Those who travel here
don’t make it back.” Beta walked past Omega and kept heading
down the main hall toward another set of large double doors. “What do you think happens to them?” Omega looked over just
in time for Alpha to take him by the arm and make him follow. “There are lots of theories.” “Maybe the Gods don’t like people to enter their temples…”
Omega pulled free of Alpha’s grasp and walked with them. “There were people living at the other temple remember?” Omega stayed quiet and the three headed for the double doors that depicted
the same scene as the other set had. Alpha held up his hand to stop the
others from entering. “We don’t all need to go…here…” He handed Beta
the trident, “you take this to Judas. We will go pack up our things…we
don’t want him to see us with this.” Alpha held the poleaxe. Beta hesitated for a moment, not liking the idea of going alone when
they did this as a team…but he understood Alpha’s side of things
and nodded. With that he headed inside, Omega and Alpha headed back to
their beasts. “Judas…” Beta began in a soft voice, heading toward the
man. Judas looked over, a sigh of relief slipped from his mouth when he saw
the trident, “That’s it.” Beta nodded and handed him the trident. “Now what?” “In the first room when you walk in…the one on the left. You
will find some of my things…what’s in the box is your payment.” Beta nodded to Judas and then left quietly…not looking back. Judas
looked over the trident and stepped closer to Black. He was unsure what
to do now…that was never part of the dreams. Just to bring him the
weapon. But maybe that was just it. Just to bring it. So Judas stopped in front of the alter below Black’s feet and set
the trident down. At the very moment his fingertips left the trident,
a curse was broken and the two angels awoke. Just as Genesis had, Black’s skin took its normal color. Stone turning
to a tan color, hair turning to black, along with black and gray clothing.
An inverted cross over his chest was in a blood red…a color that
matched his eyes. His name is Apocalypse. The shackles that chained him to the wall had grown weak over the centuries
and could not hold up to Apocalypse’s strength. He broke free and
landed on his feet…struggling to keep balance at first. It had been
a long time since he stood on his own two legs. Judas stood there a little surprised. He had never seen Apocalypse except
as a black shadow in his mind. Apocalypse glanced at Judas then took his
trident in hand. He looked over it slowly then up at Judas. And Apocalypse
gave a small smile and said some words that he hadn’t said in a very
long time… “Thank you.” A sigh of relief escaped Judas’ lips as he relaxed while Apocalypse
walked over to him…his smile had already faded. Before much reaction could be made, part of a word escaped the lips of
someone in the room. Before any much thought of what was really happening
could form…Apocalypse quickly threw his free hand to Judas’
throat and began to squeeze. Judas let out a muffled gasped then forced
words out of his throat. “What…is this?” Apocalypse only smiled again, but this time his smile was different and
his thoughts reflected it. Why should he give this worthless being such
an answer? There was no reason to. The answer of course was Apocalypse
no longer needed Judas or anyone’s help. He was free now to finish
what he had started so long ago. His trident vanished from his hand; it was almost as if the trident simply
became air. This was the least of Judas’ worries as Apocalypse now
had two free hands and brought the young man close, took a quick hold
on his head and jaw, and then quickly jerked. A crack came from Judas,
his body slipped from Apocalypse’ grasp, and collapsed on the floor.
For a moment Apocalypse just stared at the lifeless body…it had been
a long time. He stepped over Judas and headed out, before leaving he said
final words to Judas, “You are welcome.” As soon as Apocalypse stepped into the hall his mind changed to more important matters. There were still others here in the temple and they were to have the same fate as Judas…only the matters that brought Judas to death would be different. And in his hand, Apocalypse formed his trident. His trident was almost like a special magic that he alone could control. “Where is Beta?” Omega was growing impatient, while sitting
upon his ride beast and looking back at the temple. This place made him
uneasy and he wanted to get back to town as soon as he could. “He’s coming.” Alpha sighed heavily and looked toward
the horizon that they were to head toward. Strapped onto the side of his
beast was the poleaxe. “He’s been gone a while. How long would this…” Omega
trailed off and stared at a new sight. Apocalypse stood there in the doorway
and his weapon at his side now had the blood of Beta. Spots of his clothing
were covered too. And though Beta was staring at Apocalypse, Apocalypse
had his eyes on something else. Alpha turned his attention over Omega, then over to Apocalypse. There
was an odd silence among them and it wasn’t until the dark one spoke
up that the order was disturbed. “You have…” It was almost a whisper for Apocalypse was
almost moved speechless by what he saw. “Jonathon! Let’s go!” Alpha took the reigns and began
to race off away from the temple, his partner, however, was a little slower
on the idea. Apocalypse was quick to react and with the rider beast between
Omega’s legs showing interest in the new man, he took the chance
to frighten the creature. And from his back on the left side, erupted
one large white wing that Apocalypse stretched out as far as he could
above his head. The rider beast let out a frighten cry and jumped back,
Omega being thrown off, then took after Alpha who was already a great
distance ahead. Apocalypse hurried over to Omega who was struggling just to prop himself
up on his elbows. But as soon as he accomplished the simple task-a foot
quickly came down on his stomach and two of the three points of the trident
entered Omega’s chest. He coughed and struggled to breathe…to
stay alive. His eyes only grew wider as the angel shoved the weapon deeper
and the third point penetrating the man’s chest. He enjoyed the resistance
that the flesh provided, the friction that it provided as he thrust forward
with such power, and to see Omega below him unable to resist…all
this provided Apocalypse with such pleasure. And so it began…as the trident was ripped from Omega’s chest, Apocalypse smiled and stared at him longer. He enjoyed the sight immensely, so much so he almost forgot about the other one. It was as if all these years of sleeping, he dreamed of the moment where he could finally kill creatures in person, to view their pain, to experience it, and soon…to bathe in the blood of many. It had been agreed upon by the elders of the temple, that it would be
for the best if Genesis stayed there for only a short time. Humanity was
in trouble with the awakening of the dark angel and soon blood would be
shed across the planet…far more than past wars between man had done.
And being how Genesis was a major figure oh the scriptures, it was decided
he would reside within the teaching hall where all the members of the
temple could not disturb him. But he would not be alone… “I will have rations and equipment ready for you to set out tomorrow.
The nearest town I fear is quite a hike from here.” The elder, now
companied by two others, stood in front of the doors to the teaching hall
and speaking to Genesis and Jehv. Genesis gave a nod and the elder continued, “I would like you, Jehv
to not only stay with him tonight but to go along with him on his journey.
It will be dangerous but it’s for the best.” Genesis had no
reaction to the statement; Jehv however seemed frightened and confused
about the idea. “What do you mean, father?” “The world has changed since he last walked. You know the way to
the town and can help him reach it.” “It’s too dangerous and Genesis doesn’t need my help.
He-“ The elder placed his hands on Jehv’s shoulders, “You’ve
lived your whole life within the temple and devoted your whole life to
the scriptures and ancient texts. You need to see the world, Jehova. Have
confidence in yourself, have confidence in Genesis, and have confidence
in Jain…let Her guidance help you. I have a feeling that you will
help Genesis somehow…” Jehv only watched him for a moment then smiled, “If you believe
in me, father, I promise to do my best.” “I know you will.” The three elders then turned and headed
back. Jehv and Genesis watched for a moment before Jehv headed into the
teaching hall. “This is the room of the temple where we teach others. Long ago
I was told this room would be filled with eager students wanting to learn
the scriptures of our temple…but now it always lays empty.”
He shut the door behind Genesis. Genesis walked slowly and looked about the room carefully. It was quite
large and was filled with long wooden benches that had a small shelf on
the back of the seat in front of it…only wide enough to have a small
piece of parchment or a book upon it. The wall they passed through laid
bare along with the wall directly in front of him, however, both sidewalls
were covered from floor to ceiling with a magnificent painting. At the
head of the room was a silk pillow behind small table. Genesis walked
to the left wall, the wall with a painting of pain and destruction, a
scene done in dark and bold colors such as reds, blacks, and browns. Jehv only stood and watched Genesis. He was eager to take this opportunity
to ask Genesis a string of questions floating in his mind. Genesis, the
angel that saved humanity years ago back in the time of the ancients,
was right here in front of him. According to his belief and following
of the Ancient path, Genesis was the angel of the sun, destined to provide
light over the world in times of darkness, their savior. What happened
the last time? Why is the dark angel after the world? Destroying everything?
What all can Genesis do? What is the dark angel’s name? Where are
his wings? Does Jain exist…? Or are there other gods and goddess?
Who is right about the beginning of mankind? The Arbor path that states
that man came from plants or the Ancient path that states that man came
from Jain, the goddess of life? Jehv could not bring himself to ask any of those questions, he feared
that if he had, Jain would see him as questioning his faith. And his faith
was his life; he had to resist the temptation to plaque Genesis with thousands
of questions. So it was Genesis who broke the silence. “What is this?” He kept staring at the painting. It showed
the same angel from the stone door, the one that was in a barren wasteland…only
this time the world behind him was rotting and bloody. Creatures could
not be identified clearly and all vegetation was gone. The sky was a dark
red with highlights of orange that showed the edges of the clouds. Jehv hesitated to answer, a little surprised Genesis had no clue, and
his faith was faced with doubt for the first time. He walked over and
finally replied. “Hell.” “Hell?” “Yes.” “What’s Hell?” Jehv paused then looked toward the painting and explained, “There
are bad people in the world…so when they die they reside here until
they have paid there time. When they have they can return to this plane
of living and try again and get it right.” Jehv looked over his shoulder
at the other painting. It was a beautiful scene of life and beauty, painted
in pastel colors and highlighted with golds and silvers. “When they obtain a higher good within themselves then when they
die they go to heaven where they have the choice to stay there forever
or come back to this plane to live again.” His eyes rested on the
angel in heaven, the one that by their teachings was Genesis. He felt
himself blush for surely Genesis would know what Heaven is. Heaven is
his kingdom. The dark angel ruled over Hell. “Heaven…?” Genesis looked over at the other painting,
the painting of Heaven, and his eyes too landed on the angel residing
over it. Beautiful and slender, looked similar to Genesis but remained
faceless. It also had two wings, long hair that was let down to flow freely
and a large weapon in hand. Genesis walked over to it and stood right
next to the angel in the painting. He knew it must be a portrait of him…but
he only knew that for one reason. “Where is this?” Jehv worried he was asking where heaven was; causing his faith to face
doubt again, but his faith was too strong for that. He only replied with,
“What?” “This…” Genesis reached up and ran his fingers over the
pole axe in the angel’s hand. “I don’t know.” Jehv’s attention was drawn to something else now that became noticeable to him about Genesis. His own “where is…?” question formed in his mind. “I came here with it. But when I woke up it was gone. I need it…”
Jehv shook out of it and walked toward him, “Like I said, I don’t
know. I never saw it before. Only in this painting and engraved on the
door.” Genesis frowned. He slowly looked away, he worried that things would
only get hard from here on…and that he may fail. Jehv turned his attention back to Genesis’ back. The scar that could
be seen on his left side, since his shirt had no actual back to it, brought
on his attention. Genesis must have lost his wings somehow…he began
to ask about it when Genesis’ sudden movement startled him. “What is this?!” Genesis was confused by what he saw and spun
around to face Jehv. “Heaven and Hell? Where are they…why are
they? Why in spirit would you ever create such a place as Hell?”
His eyes fell back on the painting of Hell. Deep sadness came inside…he
would never want anyone to reside in such a place of pain and destruction.
What worried him more was the fact that his brother, Apocalypse, was in
the painting. It was if he were seeing what would happen if Apocalypse
did achieve his mission, and gained power over all. But Jehv only grew confused. Genesis might as well come out and say that
there was no Jain, or God as other religions called Her, or Spirit as
a few select preached. Maybe Genesis wasn’t an angel at all…much…or…just…what
is he? Their eyes were locked tight, both wanting an answer from the other.
Genesis had no understanding of these concepts of heaven and hell and
Jehv didn’t understand how a corner stone of the foundation of his
faith would not understand the existence of heaven and hell. Was Jain
testing him? Was Genesis testing him? He felt sick and scared inside,
he felt like crying…but instead he did the only thing he knew and
that was to explain it to Genesis the way he would to a non-believer. “We did not create them. They just are…just like life is…and
the existence we experience right before birth inside our mothers. Sure
we don’t know exactly what heaven and hell are like but we have an
idea. The reason why they were created stems from which you believe. One
following of this temple believes that heaven and hell exist for the soul
purpose of balancing the world. There are bad people in the world and
they will receive equal punishment for their misdeeds when they die. Then
will enter life again as a new being…to try again…as if to be
forgiven. Good souls are rewarded because whatever one does, whether good
or bad, comes back to them. The other following simply believes Jain,
our goddess, the creator of all life, created both heaven and hell just
as She created this very rock we are standing on.” “Jain?” “Jain. Some people call Her God, Goddess, Spirit, Sephiroth, Arbor,
and many many other names. But the Creator is still the same no matter
what name you give Her, what image you form of Her, and so forth.” “Has it ever crossed anyone’s minds that God just wanted all
that lived to simply live…and be happy?” This is Jehova…a simple young monk from the Northern Temple of Sephiroth. |