[Posted by Ted H]
Holy crap what a run. Hard to believe that that a year ago not a single word of this novel was written and now here we are at the [bitter?] end of it. But the idea had existed for longer than that.
The characters that would become James Blake and John Praque were created in 2005.
The idea of Croatoan and the general plot started back in 2006.
The universe that would host this crazy and tie things together, including some supporting characters, wouldn't kick off until 2008.
The decision to combine all this Captain Planet style wasn't until mid 2013.
November 1, 2013 was when word one was typed.
I'd love to do a definite end date for the final word being typed, but I keep catching myself tweaking here and there...especially the ending. That last conversation keeps changing, but I keep loving what I change it to each time. I'm sure one day Ill find the right dialogue that'll be too perfect to change...
News about NaNoWriMo 2014 will come soon.
James Blake isn't done here either. Prolly not doing another novel about him, but we haven't seen that last of him. We have seen the last of him as a rank amateur in the world of demons and magic though, rest assured.
Anyway, enjoy the finale.
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[Demons Ascension - Gods and Mortals]
James figured he'd wait for John to
recover and check out of the hospital before he'd try to bum a ride back home
to Syracuse. This meant he could only lay about and enjoy a few days and
recover in John's apartment. James could use the rest too since he felt
absolutely spent after all that had happened. He didn't sleep in John's bed,
seeing how the one person left alive in his life deserved even a little
respect. The couch was just beginning to be comfortable anyway.
A couple days later, someone
was banging on the front door, waking James from a particularly restful
slumber. No one should have known he was here, but he rose up to check who it
was as the knocking continued. He checked the peephole and saw Amy outside.
"This outta be good," he mumbled as he opened the door.
"Come with me," she
said as he began walking down the hall.
"Um...ok?" James
said as he rubbed his eyes.
"Leave the trench
coat," Amy said.
"No dice," James
said as he reached for the coat before following "I keep my smokes there
now."
Amy led him to the elevator
and they rode it up to the top floor, a floor James wasn't sure existed before
despite riding this elevator numerous times before. Instead of another hallway,
the doors opened to reveal a while hallway with no doors leading up to
staircase heading up. A bright light radiated from above, preventing James from
seeing where the stairs led.
"This way," Amy said
as she walked forward. James kept pace and followed her up the stairs, all the
while feeling light headed and wondering if he were dreaming or hallucinating.
"Where are we?" James asked and was surprised at how distant his
voice sounded. "Woah," he said aloud, attempting to test his voice.
"Echo!"
"Stop it," Amy said
as they reached the top of the stairs "We're here."
"Where is here?"
James wondered as he took in the scene. There were no walls or ceiling but he
wasn't outside. All sides of the room extended forever into a soft white light.
There was a warm and wonderful feeling in the air and James felt at ease in
this place. Amy walked on undeterred by the surroundings and James followed
while craning his neck about to see the room full of nothing. The staircase
down was still there, sticking out as a hole in an otherwise untouched horizon
of a cloudlike white.
As they walked, a powerful
light began to shine coming from an incline. Amy stopped and motioned James to
continue up alone. James began to ascend and struggle to look towards the
powerful light. He shielded his eyes and could swear there was a figure
standing in the light. "Is that who I think it is?" James asked as he
turned back to Amy "Could you tell him to turn down the bloom?"
"It's not bright,"
Amy replied as she looked into the light without issue "You spend too much
of your life in the darkness."
"Hilarious," James
said as he turned back to the light "Where's Stan? I want my favor to be
sunglasses." The shining light momentarily seemed to shutter as a cold
chill ran through the air.
"This is not a time for
jokes," Amy scolded "You are in the presence of the almighty, do not
invoke otherwise."
"I thought he doesn't do
public appearances anymore?"
"You clearly have proven
yourself for an exception."
James continued forward. The
light was intense and almost blinding, but eventually it seemed to die down and
he could clearly see the silhouette of a man. None of the features were clear,
but he could at least determine it was a man. "Thank you you're a
man," James said with a grin. The light quickly grew warmer for a second.
"What did I say about the
jokes?" Amy called. "I'm pretty sure God enjoyed that one!"
James yelled back. He tried to make out anything about God, but it was all
shadowed by the light shining behind him. Eventually, James gave up and finally
asked "Alright, so, why am I here? You wanted to thank me in person?"
"You have done a great
service," Amy said "And the almighty would like to offer you the
greatest gift possible."
"And what would that
be?"
"Forgiveness."
"I thought that's a
given."
"Your soul is destined
for a dark place," Amy continued "But your selfless act has caught
the attention of our father, and he is willing to pardon you of your mortal
sins so you can earn entry into the kingdom when it is time."
James looked at Amy, then back
at God as he scratched his head. "This is all very convoluted," he
said "So what do I do now? Drop to my knees?"
"Not necessary," Amy
said "All you need to do is ask for the forgiveness you deserve."
"Is God a mute?"
James wondered randomly "Why are you doing all the talking?"
"Directly listening to
the voice of God is something humans can never truly comprehend."
"...Cuz that's not a
copout excuse."
"Read your bible. He
never spoke directly, only through angels and objects."
"I'm pretty sure that
isn't true."
"Because you've read the
bible cover to cover?"
"...Touché."
James then turned back to God
and got back on track. "Ok," he said as he rubbed his hands together
"Just need to ask for forgiveness."
"And it goes without
saying that your little deal with the dark one should never come to fruition."
"Whatever," James
said without turning around "Your time for talking is over now. This is
between me and God." Amy made a face and looked away.
"Right..." James
said "Forgiveness."
James took a moment to stare
at the figure in front of him, wrapped by light. He could feel that it was
looking right back at him, probably judging. Always judging. He was being
offered dispensation for his sins and all he had to do was ask for it, but he
figured it couldn't hurt to word it the right way.
"I knew I shouldn't have
pulled that trigger," James started as he finally noticed how quiet it was
"Yeah I had every justification for it. Suzan killed two people, shot me
and was about to stab John. In the heat of the moment, shooting her in the head
was the only option...But that wasn't why I did it. I wanted her dead. I felt
such joy when her head exploded brain matter out and watching her collapse to
the ground felt like it was the perfect ending. I could have stopped her
another way. She thought I was dead. I could have tried grabbing her from
behind, give John a chance to help me. The cops were only moments behind. So
many viable options, but I wanted her dead. I didn't want to see another
outcome. Just the gun on the ground and her back to me.
"To do it all again, I'd
try anything else. She ruined so many lives, I felt I had the right to end
hers; to pass judgment with a gun. No one has that right. She could have been
stopped without more blood. She could have had the chance to face her crimes.
Yeah, there was no redeeming her, but I made the call I never should have had.
Not a day goes by where I wish I did something different that day. You want me
to ask for forgiveness? Forgive me for making the worst possible call that
day."
There was a silence again and
James stood awkwardly for a moment before a warm feeling rushed through him. He
exhaled as the feel of a weight on his shoulders began to lift away. He turned
back to Amy with a smile to find she too was smiling for him. He looked back to
God and thanked him before making his way back down.
"Not quite
finished," Amy said as she put her hand up.
"What do you mean?"
James asked "Am I not forgiven?"
"Well, for that,
yes," Amy said "But there was another life you unjustly took. The
lord is willing to pardon you for that as well under the circumstances."
James was at a loss for who until he outright asked. "Amanda," Amy
said plainly "The woman you shot down not a week ago."
"Are you serious?"
James asked as he spun back to God to find him still standing in the light in
wait. "If I didn't...I didn't WANT to shoot her!" James protested
"How can you hold that against me? There was nothing else I could do! This
world would belong to Croatoan if I didn't act!"
"You took a life that was
not your to take," Amy said "But it's ok. The lord is understanding
of the plight you went through. He is willing to forgive you for the
transgression. All you need to do is show remorse for it."
"The hell I do!"
James shouted as he marched back up towards God to address him. "You may
not understand this, because you aren't from around here like I am, but all the
same: I didn't want to hurt Amanda. I tried everything I could to prevent her
dying, but ultimately there was nothing I could do. But when it came down to
her and humanity, I'll take that shot again and again. You have no idea how bad
I feel for killing Amanda, but if you think I'm going to stand here and ask
forgiveness for saving the world, then you better not hold your breath."
"This is no time for
foolish pride, James!" Amy scolded "And you do NOT talk down like
that to the lord."
"I don't need your forgiveness
in the matter just the same as I don't need Satan's approval," James said
as the light behind God intensified and a powerful chill ran through the air
"I saved earth, not for you or any other god, but for humanity's sake. The
way I see it, all the problems happening between all you don't need to happen
because you're messing around in a place you don't belong."
James then turned and marched
down and passed Amy. There was nothing more either he or God needed to
communicate. He wasn't asking forgiveness and he doubt it was even being
offered anymore. "Do NOT turn your back on the lord!" Amy shouted.
James continued on as he pulled a cigarette out from his coat and lit up.
"To hell with God," he said as he blew smoke and began down the
staircase "To hell with all gods."
September 28, 2014
September 21, 2014
Demons Ascension - No Idea?
[Posted by Ted H]
Next week ends it....for serious.
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[Demons Ascension - No Idea?]
John was wrapping up a conversation on his cell phone when James entered his room at the hospital. He sat down nearby and waited patiently. Even after John put the phone down, the two men sat in silence for a moment. John had been looking good, despite initial doctors opinions saying he'd be lucky to survive the night. Around midnight the night before he suddenly started looking better and his injuries stopped being so severe.
"You got him?" John asked after a moment.
"Dead," James said "And never coming back."
"Good."
"So, who was that?" James asked after another moment.
"Monroe," John said as he laid back.
"Of all the people who died..." James began but trailed off.
"Not gonna lie," John said "I'd have rather him bite the big one instead of a lot of friends who did."
"What is the "official" story for last night?" James asked.
"Random blackout, followed by a mass riot. A lot of people who don't know better would never buy the truth. Hell, a lot of people who were there would refuse to believe it."
"That Monroe's take?"
"I don't really care. I'm done; quit. Effective immediately."
"You sure about that?"
"I have nothing left in this city. I want out."
"At least you have closure. As crappy as it is, at least it's an end."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me."
"I knew you'd figure it out."
"No you didn't. You were hoping against all odds and I got lucky."
"Still...thank you."
James stayed silent a moment before finally giving in. "You're welcome."
"What are you going to do now?" John asked as he sat up again.
"Same as you I guess."
"No idea?"
"No idea."
Next week ends it....for serious.
----------------------------------------------
[Demons Ascension - No Idea?]
John was wrapping up a conversation on his cell phone when James entered his room at the hospital. He sat down nearby and waited patiently. Even after John put the phone down, the two men sat in silence for a moment. John had been looking good, despite initial doctors opinions saying he'd be lucky to survive the night. Around midnight the night before he suddenly started looking better and his injuries stopped being so severe.
"You got him?" John asked after a moment.
"Dead," James said "And never coming back."
"Good."
"So, who was that?" James asked after another moment.
"Monroe," John said as he laid back.
"Of all the people who died..." James began but trailed off.
"Not gonna lie," John said "I'd have rather him bite the big one instead of a lot of friends who did."
"What is the "official" story for last night?" James asked.
"Random blackout, followed by a mass riot. A lot of people who don't know better would never buy the truth. Hell, a lot of people who were there would refuse to believe it."
"That Monroe's take?"
"I don't really care. I'm done; quit. Effective immediately."
"You sure about that?"
"I have nothing left in this city. I want out."
"At least you have closure. As crappy as it is, at least it's an end."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me."
"I knew you'd figure it out."
"No you didn't. You were hoping against all odds and I got lucky."
"Still...thank you."
James stayed silent a moment before finally giving in. "You're welcome."
"What are you going to do now?" John asked as he sat up again.
"Same as you I guess."
"No idea?"
"No idea."
September 14, 2014
Demons Ascension - You Mortals
[Posted by Ted H]
Man, I just realizing how much of a bitch this is gonna be to get all posted together for when I add this to the "Completed Series" section...Small one-shot sections like this one don't help either...
----------------------------------------------
[Demons Ascension - You Mortals]
The night was eerily quiet when James emerged from the apartments. The power in the area was still out, but an unchecked fire in the upper floors of the apartments lit up the area very well. The streets, which were packed moments ago, were now devoid of all life, living or dead. It was also considerably warmer, though still very cold out.
There was no impending siren or any sign that anyone cared about the fire currently burning. James figured the apartments would burn to the ground, taking any proof of Croatoan with them. "Probably for the best," he said aloud as he fished a cigarette out of his pocket while he walked towards the street. He lit up and took a long, sweet drag which he felt he was long overdue for.
"How did you survive the fall?" a familiar voice asked from behind. James turned to see Amy walk over while. "Of all the stuff that's gone down tonight, that's the one thing you're going to question?" James asked. Amy said nothing while he took a couple drags.
"It wasn't that long of a drop," James said with a smile "One of those big, hulking monsters broke my fall. Plus, I'm pretty sure this coat had something to do with me surviving." Amy shook her head, but said nothing. "Still," James continued "It hurt. But when you know who came plummeting down that hole right after me, then intentionally made himself mortal, it all hurt a hell of a lot less."
"You mortals," she mused with a small grin.
"Yeah, we're not all that fragile...mostly."
"I know of the deal you made with the dark one," Amy said, swiftly changing the subject.
"Uh...yeah?"
"Such a deal was not lost in the eyes of our father."
"Then he must know I didn't make a request yet."
"Yet," Amy stressed.
"Yeah," James said as he took a long drag "Yet."
"His power still resonates from that coat," Amy said "You should burn it."
"Maybe," James responded before flicking his cigarette away "But I'm cold, so no."
James then began walking without another word to Amy. It had been a very long day, and he had just about had it with angels, demons and gods. Not another soul bothered him on his long walk to John's apartment.
Man, I just realizing how much of a bitch this is gonna be to get all posted together for when I add this to the "Completed Series" section...Small one-shot sections like this one don't help either...
----------------------------------------------
[Demons Ascension - You Mortals]
The night was eerily quiet when James emerged from the apartments. The power in the area was still out, but an unchecked fire in the upper floors of the apartments lit up the area very well. The streets, which were packed moments ago, were now devoid of all life, living or dead. It was also considerably warmer, though still very cold out.
There was no impending siren or any sign that anyone cared about the fire currently burning. James figured the apartments would burn to the ground, taking any proof of Croatoan with them. "Probably for the best," he said aloud as he fished a cigarette out of his pocket while he walked towards the street. He lit up and took a long, sweet drag which he felt he was long overdue for.
"How did you survive the fall?" a familiar voice asked from behind. James turned to see Amy walk over while. "Of all the stuff that's gone down tonight, that's the one thing you're going to question?" James asked. Amy said nothing while he took a couple drags.
"It wasn't that long of a drop," James said with a smile "One of those big, hulking monsters broke my fall. Plus, I'm pretty sure this coat had something to do with me surviving." Amy shook her head, but said nothing. "Still," James continued "It hurt. But when you know who came plummeting down that hole right after me, then intentionally made himself mortal, it all hurt a hell of a lot less."
"You mortals," she mused with a small grin.
"Yeah, we're not all that fragile...mostly."
"I know of the deal you made with the dark one," Amy said, swiftly changing the subject.
"Uh...yeah?"
"Such a deal was not lost in the eyes of our father."
"Then he must know I didn't make a request yet."
"Yet," Amy stressed.
"Yeah," James said as he took a long drag "Yet."
"His power still resonates from that coat," Amy said "You should burn it."
"Maybe," James responded before flicking his cigarette away "But I'm cold, so no."
James then began walking without another word to Amy. It had been a very long day, and he had just about had it with angels, demons and gods. Not another soul bothered him on his long walk to John's apartment.
September 7, 2014
Demons Ascension - About That Favor
[Posted by Ted H]
The end is soon. Gonna try to have a little something ready for afterwards to bridge the gap a little to October before I disappear before NaNoWriMo.
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[Demons Ascension - About That Favor]
Watching Croatoan stumble backwards and fall into the now ankle deep pool of blood was almost satisfying enough to watch for James after the long ordeal he had endured to this point...almost. He sprang up in a fit of rage, barely able to contain himself as he got right into James' face. "Guess I only needed one shot, eh?" James said as a shit eating grin crept across his face.
All emotion drained from Croatoan's face as he tried to comprehend what James just said. Then there was a spark in his eyes that mean he figured it all out. "You weren't aiming for me," he said through his clenched teeth as he began to shake from anger. He reached back and made a fist before punching. James easily caught it, spun Croatoan around and threw him into his own alter.
"I kept asking myself on my way up," James said as Croatoan struggled to recover "How on earth did they manage to stop you the first time? How did they get Virginia Dare away from you? Then I realized they didn't." Croatoan screamed and rushed James, who easily sidestepped and Croatoan grasped at air as he fell to the ground again.
"There's more than one way to spoil a ritual sacrifice," James said as Croatoan stood up. The two began circling each other, one waiting for the other to strike. "Sure it would have been nice to get Amanda out of this alive, but I realized that if she died by some other means besides your ritual, then maybe her soul would pass on and away from your clutches."
Croatoan then quickly ran to James and swung, but James was easily able to swat the punch away, then swing his fist back around and into Croatoan's face. "You must not be used to this mortal thing," he said as he punched Croatoan in the face a few more times before dodging another punch then kicking him in the torso "You're not as strong or as fast as you think, and you're certainly not invincible." Another punch to Croatoan's face drew blood.
Croatoan slipped and fell to the ground, splashing blood about as he scrambled away. "All the chanting and rituals and carving of symbols you know won't help you now," James said as he followed "They might hide you from demons and angels or whatever else isn't suppose to be here, but this realm is my turf. You can't hide yourself from a human." Croatoan rose to his feet and James could see him reach behind his back.
"Go fuck yourself," Croatoan said as he pulled out his blade and swung at James. James dodged, then grabbed Croatoan's arm and spun him around as he continued to twist the arm quickly until he heard a snap. Croatoan dropped the blade and screamed as he fell over, clutching at his useless arm. James reached into the pool of blood where the blade fell and retrieved it. He then approached Croatoan.
"I am going to kill you," Croatoan said, half delusional as he attempted to attack again. "No you won't," James said as he checked the mortal demon into his own alter. Croatoan collapsed onto the table and struggled to get up. James held him down with one arm as he held the blade overhead with the other.
"I WILL return!" Croatoan shouted as he spit up blood.
"Again...no," James said as he brought the blade down into Croatoan's right eye. He then pulled it out quickly and plunged the blade into the other eye. Croatoan made little noise as his arms flailed for a moment before going still.
Satan, who had watched the whole time, began to laugh as he clapped his hands and stepped towards the altar. "That's one way to get the job done," he said with a smile as he reached into Croatoan's body and pulled out his soul. For the first time ever, James saw a look of pure terror on Croatoan as two shadowy figures moved in and without a sound took Croatoan's soul and disappeared with it into the darkness.
"Looks like I owe you one," Stan said after all the other black figures disappeared.
"Look like it," James said, noticing that the red glow was slowly starting to fade.
"And here I thought I heard you say once you wouldn't kill anyone in cold blood."
"Croatoan was different."
"Sure," Satan said with a mocking tone. James started for the exit. It would be pitch black in a few moments, and he didn't feel like being in the dark with his current company. "So," Satan said as James turned back to look at him "A favor for a favor. What'll it be, huh? What does your heart desire?"
James pondered it for a moment. Here was a god, albeit pure evil, ready to grant him anything he desired for stopping Croatoan. The whole situation seemed odd, but that may have been from the bias instilled on him from being told his entire life about evil.
"This something I need to decide right now?" James mused out loud. Satan scoffed. "If you so choose," he replied "But this isn't something I'd advise waiting on. A no strings attached favor from me is quite rare."
"Let's stick a pin in it then," James said with a smile as he made for the stairs.
"So be it," Satan said as the red glow faded and he disappeared into darkness.
"See you around, Stan," James said.
"Sooner than you think," a voice from the darkness replied.
The end is soon. Gonna try to have a little something ready for afterwards to bridge the gap a little to October before I disappear before NaNoWriMo.
---------------------------------------------------
[Demons Ascension - About That Favor]
Watching Croatoan stumble backwards and fall into the now ankle deep pool of blood was almost satisfying enough to watch for James after the long ordeal he had endured to this point...almost. He sprang up in a fit of rage, barely able to contain himself as he got right into James' face. "Guess I only needed one shot, eh?" James said as a shit eating grin crept across his face.
All emotion drained from Croatoan's face as he tried to comprehend what James just said. Then there was a spark in his eyes that mean he figured it all out. "You weren't aiming for me," he said through his clenched teeth as he began to shake from anger. He reached back and made a fist before punching. James easily caught it, spun Croatoan around and threw him into his own alter.
"I kept asking myself on my way up," James said as Croatoan struggled to recover "How on earth did they manage to stop you the first time? How did they get Virginia Dare away from you? Then I realized they didn't." Croatoan screamed and rushed James, who easily sidestepped and Croatoan grasped at air as he fell to the ground again.
"There's more than one way to spoil a ritual sacrifice," James said as Croatoan stood up. The two began circling each other, one waiting for the other to strike. "Sure it would have been nice to get Amanda out of this alive, but I realized that if she died by some other means besides your ritual, then maybe her soul would pass on and away from your clutches."
Croatoan then quickly ran to James and swung, but James was easily able to swat the punch away, then swing his fist back around and into Croatoan's face. "You must not be used to this mortal thing," he said as he punched Croatoan in the face a few more times before dodging another punch then kicking him in the torso "You're not as strong or as fast as you think, and you're certainly not invincible." Another punch to Croatoan's face drew blood.
Croatoan slipped and fell to the ground, splashing blood about as he scrambled away. "All the chanting and rituals and carving of symbols you know won't help you now," James said as he followed "They might hide you from demons and angels or whatever else isn't suppose to be here, but this realm is my turf. You can't hide yourself from a human." Croatoan rose to his feet and James could see him reach behind his back.
"Go fuck yourself," Croatoan said as he pulled out his blade and swung at James. James dodged, then grabbed Croatoan's arm and spun him around as he continued to twist the arm quickly until he heard a snap. Croatoan dropped the blade and screamed as he fell over, clutching at his useless arm. James reached into the pool of blood where the blade fell and retrieved it. He then approached Croatoan.
"I am going to kill you," Croatoan said, half delusional as he attempted to attack again. "No you won't," James said as he checked the mortal demon into his own alter. Croatoan collapsed onto the table and struggled to get up. James held him down with one arm as he held the blade overhead with the other.
"I WILL return!" Croatoan shouted as he spit up blood.
"Again...no," James said as he brought the blade down into Croatoan's right eye. He then pulled it out quickly and plunged the blade into the other eye. Croatoan made little noise as his arms flailed for a moment before going still.
Satan, who had watched the whole time, began to laugh as he clapped his hands and stepped towards the altar. "That's one way to get the job done," he said with a smile as he reached into Croatoan's body and pulled out his soul. For the first time ever, James saw a look of pure terror on Croatoan as two shadowy figures moved in and without a sound took Croatoan's soul and disappeared with it into the darkness.
"Looks like I owe you one," Stan said after all the other black figures disappeared.
"Look like it," James said, noticing that the red glow was slowly starting to fade.
"And here I thought I heard you say once you wouldn't kill anyone in cold blood."
"Croatoan was different."
"Sure," Satan said with a mocking tone. James started for the exit. It would be pitch black in a few moments, and he didn't feel like being in the dark with his current company. "So," Satan said as James turned back to look at him "A favor for a favor. What'll it be, huh? What does your heart desire?"
James pondered it for a moment. Here was a god, albeit pure evil, ready to grant him anything he desired for stopping Croatoan. The whole situation seemed odd, but that may have been from the bias instilled on him from being told his entire life about evil.
"This something I need to decide right now?" James mused out loud. Satan scoffed. "If you so choose," he replied "But this isn't something I'd advise waiting on. A no strings attached favor from me is quite rare."
"Let's stick a pin in it then," James said with a smile as he made for the stairs.
"So be it," Satan said as the red glow faded and he disappeared into darkness.
"See you around, Stan," James said.
"Sooner than you think," a voice from the darkness replied.
August 31, 2014
Demons Ascension - The Fallout
[Posted by Ted H]
Oh, it's not quite over yet...
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[Demons Ascension - The Fallout]
Croatoan allowed himself a beat longer than he should have to enjoy watching James disappear. He'll make his way down to his alter later to view the mangled remains of the man or perhaps have one of his beasts bring the body up; he hadn't decided yet. He enjoyed the spectacle that turned out to be, the bullet just grazing his right ear as it ultimately missed completely, not that it would have mattered. "Now," he said as he turned towards his final sacrifice "Onto what was long denied to me unjustly."
The girl was where he left her but she had managed to arch her back and drop her head out of view. "It's time," Coratoan said as he revealed his blade and rose towards the girl, a long dormant excitement growing within his form he had long forgotten of. Just as he was about to reach out and draw the girl's body towards him, he heard a voice call to him.
"It's over, Croatoan," the voice said, jarring him from his task. He looked to see an angelic figure floating near him. "You shouldn't be here," he hissed as he pointed his blade towards the figure."Neither should you," the angel responded.
"You can't stop me," Croatoan said as he turned back for the girl to find her spirit rising from her body. "What?" he exclaimed as he beckoned the body to him to find that there was a bullet hole in her forehead. "What...did...you...DO!?" he screamed as he could barely contain the rage building inside him.
"She did not die by your hand," the angel announced as the room began to brighten and the girls soul continued to rise "and her soul now belongs to a much more powerful entity. "No!" Croatoan screamed as he noticed the number of angels appearing nearby as the light continued to brighten. "That soul belongs to me!"
Croatoan made a desperate grasp for the girls soul until he was stopped by a bright and powerful light that held him at bay as the girls spirit disappeared into heaven. "Noooooooooooooo!" Croatoan screamed as the light only intensified, ultimately blowing Croatoan back and causing him to freefall through his hole all the way down. He landed harshly into the pool of blood that had accumulated.
Croatoan rose to his knees and screamed at the sky, barely comprehending that his plans for ascension were in ruins. Now more powerful forces than he were around and knew exactly where he was. "I will have my ascension," he barked at the heavens before spitting to the sky "This is nothing more than yet another setback."
"Oh, this may be more than just a setback," Satan said as he stepped into view from the darkness. Croatoan's power still resonated down here and the red glow still lit everything up enough to see clearly. Satan stood smugly with his hands behind his back, shadowy figures flanked him and surrounded Croatoan on all sides.
"It's over," Satan stated as he took a step forward, Croatoan took a step back and brandished his blade. "If you think I'm beat..." he trailed off as he turned the knife on himself and stabbed into the upper portion of his chest. He quickly chanted a phrase in an unknown language and dragged the blade to the other side of his chest before pulling it out. The knife left no mark on his body.
"So you're trying the same trick again," Satan said as Croatoan laughed. "You can't touch me," he said with a hiss.
"Mortal," Satan said "At least until you find another rock to hide under."
"There's nothing you can do!"
Satan let off a slow laugh, leaving Croatoan with an uneasy feeling. "Why do you mock me with your laughter?" he asked. "It's nothing," Satan responded "But let's just say I may owe someone a favor when all this is through." Croatoan didn't understand, and he wasn't sure if he even wanted to. He was on the verge of leaving when he felt a tap on his shoulder. When he turned to face whoever was touching him, he was promptly greeted with a fist being thrown at his face.
Oh, it's not quite over yet...
----------------------------------------------
[Demons Ascension - The Fallout]
Croatoan allowed himself a beat longer than he should have to enjoy watching James disappear. He'll make his way down to his alter later to view the mangled remains of the man or perhaps have one of his beasts bring the body up; he hadn't decided yet. He enjoyed the spectacle that turned out to be, the bullet just grazing his right ear as it ultimately missed completely, not that it would have mattered. "Now," he said as he turned towards his final sacrifice "Onto what was long denied to me unjustly."
The girl was where he left her but she had managed to arch her back and drop her head out of view. "It's time," Coratoan said as he revealed his blade and rose towards the girl, a long dormant excitement growing within his form he had long forgotten of. Just as he was about to reach out and draw the girl's body towards him, he heard a voice call to him.
"It's over, Croatoan," the voice said, jarring him from his task. He looked to see an angelic figure floating near him. "You shouldn't be here," he hissed as he pointed his blade towards the figure."Neither should you," the angel responded.
"You can't stop me," Croatoan said as he turned back for the girl to find her spirit rising from her body. "What?" he exclaimed as he beckoned the body to him to find that there was a bullet hole in her forehead. "What...did...you...DO!?" he screamed as he could barely contain the rage building inside him.
"She did not die by your hand," the angel announced as the room began to brighten and the girls soul continued to rise "and her soul now belongs to a much more powerful entity. "No!" Croatoan screamed as he noticed the number of angels appearing nearby as the light continued to brighten. "That soul belongs to me!"
Croatoan made a desperate grasp for the girls soul until he was stopped by a bright and powerful light that held him at bay as the girls spirit disappeared into heaven. "Noooooooooooooo!" Croatoan screamed as the light only intensified, ultimately blowing Croatoan back and causing him to freefall through his hole all the way down. He landed harshly into the pool of blood that had accumulated.
Croatoan rose to his knees and screamed at the sky, barely comprehending that his plans for ascension were in ruins. Now more powerful forces than he were around and knew exactly where he was. "I will have my ascension," he barked at the heavens before spitting to the sky "This is nothing more than yet another setback."
"Oh, this may be more than just a setback," Satan said as he stepped into view from the darkness. Croatoan's power still resonated down here and the red glow still lit everything up enough to see clearly. Satan stood smugly with his hands behind his back, shadowy figures flanked him and surrounded Croatoan on all sides.
"It's over," Satan stated as he took a step forward, Croatoan took a step back and brandished his blade. "If you think I'm beat..." he trailed off as he turned the knife on himself and stabbed into the upper portion of his chest. He quickly chanted a phrase in an unknown language and dragged the blade to the other side of his chest before pulling it out. The knife left no mark on his body.
"So you're trying the same trick again," Satan said as Croatoan laughed. "You can't touch me," he said with a hiss.
"Mortal," Satan said "At least until you find another rock to hide under."
"There's nothing you can do!"
Satan let off a slow laugh, leaving Croatoan with an uneasy feeling. "Why do you mock me with your laughter?" he asked. "It's nothing," Satan responded "But let's just say I may owe someone a favor when all this is through." Croatoan didn't understand, and he wasn't sure if he even wanted to. He was on the verge of leaving when he felt a tap on his shoulder. When he turned to face whoever was touching him, he was promptly greeted with a fist being thrown at his face.
August 24, 2014
Demons Ascension - One Bullet
[Posted by Ted H]
The very very very VERY 1st time I started writing this...way back in 2006, I started the tale at the point in the story where this entry ends, wherein Blake would then do a flashback through the entire story until it catches up to this point again. For obvious reasons I decided against it, one of which was I wanted him to be a bit more calculating rather than dumb-luck relying....I'm glad I changed it.
Story isn't over yet, so make sure you're around next week.
------------------------------------------
[Demons Ascension - One Bullet]
James sprinted down the hallway to where Croatoan lived and found it closed with the same symbols carved into the frame as the basement. "Wonder if my key will work on this door, too," he said as he backed up a few feet, then ran up and threw his foot into the door. This time, probably having more to do with the coat as opposed to blunt force, the door easily swung open and James stepped through, the door quickly closing behind him.
The room resembled nothing like the place James had been before. Everything was different. The entire apartment, walls and all, were gone. Instead was a wide open area with a large gaping hole in the middle of everything leading down to the basement alter where James was at the beginning. Floating over the hole was Croatoan with his back to James, and in front of Croatoan was Amanda, nude and in the same sacrificial position as all the other victims. She was alive, but the only movement she could manage was the terrified look on her face.
"Alright James, no pressure," he said to himself, which caught Croatoan's attention as he turned around and looked down at James with some bewilderment. "How?" he began to ask before composing himself and waving his hand at the notion. "It doesn't matter," he said "You will simply bear witness to my ascension firsthand, and also spare me the trouble of tracking you down afterwards."
"That's where you're wrong," James said "I'm here to stop you."
Croatoan gave off a deep laugh. "You honestly still believe you have a chance? I am a GOD!"
"Not yet. This whole this is to make it official, is it not?"
"Does that give you hope? The belief that as long as I'm not fully ascended, you might have a sliver of a chance to stop me?"
"Maybe," James said as he pulled out Bradford's gun "So is our agreement still in effect?"
Croatoan's eyes lit up before he laughed again. "Of course," he said "Take your one shot! Nail me right between the eyes and I might plummet down this hole and never be seen again!"
"Funny how you're willing to take this chance, seeing how I take it you've never been this close to your ultimate goal before."
"One bullet will not ruin my ascension."
"Then why even bother allowing me the chance?"
"Because I know you honestly think you can stop me with just a bullet. Otherwise you wouldn't be here. Your despair will be so much sweeter if I allow you to act on your current hope."
James knew that headshots were moot now against Croatoan, but Croatoan didn't know he knew that. He knew the shot he wanted, but he needed Croatoan to be in perfect position for him to pull it off. It was a long shot, and James wasn't entirely sure if it would even work at this point, but there was no other option now.
"Promise not to move?" James asked as he raised the gun and aimed towards Croatoan.
"I would never dream of it," Croatoan answered "But if your plan is to stall me, I'm afraid it won't work." With that, the door behind James was struck by something big, then followed by a familiar chorus of growling. The three minions had made their way out of the elevator shaft and were now beating at the door to get at James. "My will is the only thing keeping that door shut," Croatoan announced "Right before midnight, I will allow it to open and you will be torn limb from limb while I see to my final sacrifice. So you have but a moment to take your fruitless shot."
James aimed and looked for his shot, but wasn't satisfied with his options. The door behind him took another powerful hit and Croatoan announced that it was now or never. "Well?" he asked as James continued to aim but refused to shoot. "Times up," Croatoan shouted as the door behind James splintered at the strike of Croatoans beast.
James looked quick behind himself before taking off towards the hole Croatoan was floating over, all three beasts were in quick pursuit. James ran to the edge and launched himself up and towards the demon with both arms still aiming upwards. Croatoan did not move as he watched the man begin to fall. James finally found the shot he wanted and pulled the trigger. The gun exploded its shot out as it jerked from James' hands. As soon as he got the shot off, the first of all three beasts hand begun to grasp James and soon he and all three beasts plummeted downward into the hole, all four screaming as they fell into the darkness.
The very very very VERY 1st time I started writing this...way back in 2006, I started the tale at the point in the story where this entry ends, wherein Blake would then do a flashback through the entire story until it catches up to this point again. For obvious reasons I decided against it, one of which was I wanted him to be a bit more calculating rather than dumb-luck relying....I'm glad I changed it.
Story isn't over yet, so make sure you're around next week.
------------------------------------------
[Demons Ascension - One Bullet]
James sprinted down the hallway to where Croatoan lived and found it closed with the same symbols carved into the frame as the basement. "Wonder if my key will work on this door, too," he said as he backed up a few feet, then ran up and threw his foot into the door. This time, probably having more to do with the coat as opposed to blunt force, the door easily swung open and James stepped through, the door quickly closing behind him.
The room resembled nothing like the place James had been before. Everything was different. The entire apartment, walls and all, were gone. Instead was a wide open area with a large gaping hole in the middle of everything leading down to the basement alter where James was at the beginning. Floating over the hole was Croatoan with his back to James, and in front of Croatoan was Amanda, nude and in the same sacrificial position as all the other victims. She was alive, but the only movement she could manage was the terrified look on her face.
"Alright James, no pressure," he said to himself, which caught Croatoan's attention as he turned around and looked down at James with some bewilderment. "How?" he began to ask before composing himself and waving his hand at the notion. "It doesn't matter," he said "You will simply bear witness to my ascension firsthand, and also spare me the trouble of tracking you down afterwards."
"That's where you're wrong," James said "I'm here to stop you."
Croatoan gave off a deep laugh. "You honestly still believe you have a chance? I am a GOD!"
"Not yet. This whole this is to make it official, is it not?"
"Does that give you hope? The belief that as long as I'm not fully ascended, you might have a sliver of a chance to stop me?"
"Maybe," James said as he pulled out Bradford's gun "So is our agreement still in effect?"
Croatoan's eyes lit up before he laughed again. "Of course," he said "Take your one shot! Nail me right between the eyes and I might plummet down this hole and never be seen again!"
"Funny how you're willing to take this chance, seeing how I take it you've never been this close to your ultimate goal before."
"One bullet will not ruin my ascension."
"Then why even bother allowing me the chance?"
"Because I know you honestly think you can stop me with just a bullet. Otherwise you wouldn't be here. Your despair will be so much sweeter if I allow you to act on your current hope."
James knew that headshots were moot now against Croatoan, but Croatoan didn't know he knew that. He knew the shot he wanted, but he needed Croatoan to be in perfect position for him to pull it off. It was a long shot, and James wasn't entirely sure if it would even work at this point, but there was no other option now.
"Promise not to move?" James asked as he raised the gun and aimed towards Croatoan.
"I would never dream of it," Croatoan answered "But if your plan is to stall me, I'm afraid it won't work." With that, the door behind James was struck by something big, then followed by a familiar chorus of growling. The three minions had made their way out of the elevator shaft and were now beating at the door to get at James. "My will is the only thing keeping that door shut," Croatoan announced "Right before midnight, I will allow it to open and you will be torn limb from limb while I see to my final sacrifice. So you have but a moment to take your fruitless shot."
James aimed and looked for his shot, but wasn't satisfied with his options. The door behind him took another powerful hit and Croatoan announced that it was now or never. "Well?" he asked as James continued to aim but refused to shoot. "Times up," Croatoan shouted as the door behind James splintered at the strike of Croatoans beast.
James looked quick behind himself before taking off towards the hole Croatoan was floating over, all three beasts were in quick pursuit. James ran to the edge and launched himself up and towards the demon with both arms still aiming upwards. Croatoan did not move as he watched the man begin to fall. James finally found the shot he wanted and pulled the trigger. The gun exploded its shot out as it jerked from James' hands. As soon as he got the shot off, the first of all three beasts hand begun to grasp James and soon he and all three beasts plummeted downward into the hole, all four screaming as they fell into the darkness.
August 17, 2014
Demons Ascension - Not Earth
[Posted by Ted H]
Next week will be the confrontation we've spent the last friggin year building up to...
-------------------------------------------
[Demons Ascension - Not Earth]
Back where there was light, James looked to his watch and noticed he still had just under an hour to go. "Plenty of time," he said as he quickly ascended the stairs. The top of the stairwell led to a large metallic door, barring entrance to the final floor. An uncomfortable thought crossed James' mind that the door would be locked as he tried the handle and the door gave way.
The other side was pitch black, but James wasn't going to let that deter him. He had an idea of where to go and if he had to grope around in the dark for half an hour, he would. He stepped through and tried to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. Even with the light from the stairwell, nothing could be seen. It was as if the darkness was too thick to cut through. The stairwell door slowly swung close behind him.
After the soft click of the door, there was no sound to accompany the darkness. James began to feel around for a wall but couldn't grasp anything. He reached for the stairwell door to find that it too was gone. "That's different," he said as a soft, red light similar to what he knew from the basement began to light up all around him.
Where he was no longer resembled a hallway or a room of any sort. It felt like he was outside, but he couldn't tell if there was a ceiling or just more darkness when he looked up. There was no wall nearby but he felt like he was in an extremely enclosed space. "Take a damn breath," James said to himself as all his senses seem to be on edge. Wherever he was, it didn't feel like earth. At first glance the floor appeared to be hardwood like all the hallways in the apartment, then he thought he looked down and saw carpeting before seeing elaborate tile work. One glace, James thought he was standing in mid air.
He closed his eyes and the sensation of plummeting overtook him. He opened his eyes to reveal he wasn't moving. Pungent sweet and bitter smells assaulted his nose and he dared not open his mouth, lest he taste the air which seemed weighted down by something more than just darkness. The silence was deafening and at the same time blaring. A complete sense of both dread and calm shot up and down his spine as he tried to make sense of where he was.
"There's nothing here," James said as he took another long breath. His brain was overloading, trying to piece together feelings and sensations that it felt were required. He took a step forward and felt something beneath his foot when it landed. He slowly made his way forward, in a direction he felt was the one he needed to be walking. In the distance were six figures he deemed not to be illusions, standing and looking towards James with their arms at their sides.
James continued forward, the ground never even with his previous steps. Sometimes he found himself going up, and sometimes down, both steeply and gradually, never the same twice. The figures became more and more clear as James approached; three men and three women, all nude, all showing no emotion as they watched James. Their faces and skin had all been torn apart and awkwardly stitched back together, as if they were wearing masks of themselves. James recognized most of them. One girl he assumed was named Sarah, he remembered the priest and Williams. The Praque sisters and Bradford stood farther back, eyeing James as if he was just another wandering soul.
"Amanda's still alive then," James said to Bradford as all six opened their mouths in unison and spoke with one voice, seemingly comprised of all six. James couldn't make out what any of them were saying. It seemed like they were talking in reverse, but much too fast for James to keep note of. "Slow down," he said, unsure to what was happening. He glanced down at his watch and caught his breath at how fast it was moving. The half hour he thought he had was now less than ten minutes.
Wherever James was, time wasn't keeping the same rules as he was used to. "My watch is broken right now, right?" he asked towards Bradford. "Ohn!" all six said in unison. "Thought so," James said as he pushed himself passed where Bradford was standing. He felt his steps grow more and more heavy as he pushed, the red glow of the world around him slowly growing darker and darker until he was once again in darkness.
Not far ahead of him he saw a faint outline of a door, struggling to pierce the darkness with whatever light it contained. James knew that was his exit. He was almost at a crawl with how heavy his walking had become, but he was able to reach out and grab the door and pull himself through it. As he fell through, he felt himself land on the familiar local of the apartment hallway. The door slowly clocked shut and he was once again where he felt he needed to be.
He quickly rose and examined the door he just came through. All over the frame were various carvings, some of which were glowing, not unlike the ones he came across before in the basement. "I don't think I was suppose to get through there," he said as he pondered whether or not the trench coat once again had aided him in this impossible journey. He then quickly snapped out of thought and looked to his watch, now running normal again, and found he had under five minutes before midnight.
Next week will be the confrontation we've spent the last friggin year building up to...
-------------------------------------------
[Demons Ascension - Not Earth]
Back where there was light, James looked to his watch and noticed he still had just under an hour to go. "Plenty of time," he said as he quickly ascended the stairs. The top of the stairwell led to a large metallic door, barring entrance to the final floor. An uncomfortable thought crossed James' mind that the door would be locked as he tried the handle and the door gave way.
The other side was pitch black, but James wasn't going to let that deter him. He had an idea of where to go and if he had to grope around in the dark for half an hour, he would. He stepped through and tried to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. Even with the light from the stairwell, nothing could be seen. It was as if the darkness was too thick to cut through. The stairwell door slowly swung close behind him.
After the soft click of the door, there was no sound to accompany the darkness. James began to feel around for a wall but couldn't grasp anything. He reached for the stairwell door to find that it too was gone. "That's different," he said as a soft, red light similar to what he knew from the basement began to light up all around him.
Where he was no longer resembled a hallway or a room of any sort. It felt like he was outside, but he couldn't tell if there was a ceiling or just more darkness when he looked up. There was no wall nearby but he felt like he was in an extremely enclosed space. "Take a damn breath," James said to himself as all his senses seem to be on edge. Wherever he was, it didn't feel like earth. At first glance the floor appeared to be hardwood like all the hallways in the apartment, then he thought he looked down and saw carpeting before seeing elaborate tile work. One glace, James thought he was standing in mid air.
He closed his eyes and the sensation of plummeting overtook him. He opened his eyes to reveal he wasn't moving. Pungent sweet and bitter smells assaulted his nose and he dared not open his mouth, lest he taste the air which seemed weighted down by something more than just darkness. The silence was deafening and at the same time blaring. A complete sense of both dread and calm shot up and down his spine as he tried to make sense of where he was.
"There's nothing here," James said as he took another long breath. His brain was overloading, trying to piece together feelings and sensations that it felt were required. He took a step forward and felt something beneath his foot when it landed. He slowly made his way forward, in a direction he felt was the one he needed to be walking. In the distance were six figures he deemed not to be illusions, standing and looking towards James with their arms at their sides.
James continued forward, the ground never even with his previous steps. Sometimes he found himself going up, and sometimes down, both steeply and gradually, never the same twice. The figures became more and more clear as James approached; three men and three women, all nude, all showing no emotion as they watched James. Their faces and skin had all been torn apart and awkwardly stitched back together, as if they were wearing masks of themselves. James recognized most of them. One girl he assumed was named Sarah, he remembered the priest and Williams. The Praque sisters and Bradford stood farther back, eyeing James as if he was just another wandering soul.
"Amanda's still alive then," James said to Bradford as all six opened their mouths in unison and spoke with one voice, seemingly comprised of all six. James couldn't make out what any of them were saying. It seemed like they were talking in reverse, but much too fast for James to keep note of. "Slow down," he said, unsure to what was happening. He glanced down at his watch and caught his breath at how fast it was moving. The half hour he thought he had was now less than ten minutes.
Wherever James was, time wasn't keeping the same rules as he was used to. "My watch is broken right now, right?" he asked towards Bradford. "Ohn!" all six said in unison. "Thought so," James said as he pushed himself passed where Bradford was standing. He felt his steps grow more and more heavy as he pushed, the red glow of the world around him slowly growing darker and darker until he was once again in darkness.
Not far ahead of him he saw a faint outline of a door, struggling to pierce the darkness with whatever light it contained. James knew that was his exit. He was almost at a crawl with how heavy his walking had become, but he was able to reach out and grab the door and pull himself through it. As he fell through, he felt himself land on the familiar local of the apartment hallway. The door slowly clocked shut and he was once again where he felt he needed to be.
He quickly rose and examined the door he just came through. All over the frame were various carvings, some of which were glowing, not unlike the ones he came across before in the basement. "I don't think I was suppose to get through there," he said as he pondered whether or not the trench coat once again had aided him in this impossible journey. He then quickly snapped out of thought and looked to his watch, now running normal again, and found he had under five minutes before midnight.
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