Ulmo

It had been many ages since the gods had withdrawn from the world to the annoyance of many and to the hopes of others. Before recorded history, the gods regularly interacted with the mortals of the world, at times creating some or even coupling with others that drew their interest and love. Inevitably, the gods favored certain groups or mortals and races and influenced them either as benevolent rulers, tyrants, or rise teachers, choosing from among them Avatars to represent them and act as political and war leaders, but it was this interference that brought about the downfall of the First Civilizations.

The gods had never been united. Like humans, they had their own purposes, goals, and beliefs and certain deities were great friends, lovers, and comrades, but many more were enemies and rivals and this enmity eventually spread to their mortal followers. War soon followed, fought by both the divine and mortal, almost leading to the cessation of life on earth until finally, at the war's end, the gods agreed to withdraw from the mortal world into their own Realm.

The humans still retained stories about the War. The Flood, the Fall of Atlantis, the Primordial Chaos, the Titanomachy. Of all the mortal races, only the humans now remain in the modern age, but it was hoped that the mortals could do a better job than their gods did.

But they didn't.

Within the Hall of the Gods, the deities gathered as they observed the earth in their minds' eye. The humans had launched the first of their most terrible weapons and within minutes, the earth would be set aflame and all life, mortal and god, would be wiped out. On a throne made of seashell and silver, and old deity in blue robes gripping a trident frowned angrily.

"Our policy has been a failure, my friends. We have stopped Time for a moment, but this will not last. We have but a choice: step in to save what mortals we can and renew the earth or allow their actions to bear fruit and Fade as the last human dies."



A deity on a throne made of sandstone snorted, "What are we waiting for. You may desire death, old man, but I for one do not. Have I not said that this was a mistake from a beginning. First the humans get our names and attributes wrong. Then they forget us for a new God or gods. And now, because they lack the force of will to conquer, they resort to killing themselves off. Would that I had the strength to survive on my own, I would create a stronger race from amidst the ashes! Still..."

At this, he smirked, "It is a beautiful sight. Such destruction I had thought was impossible among mere mortals... I have chosen the Avatar I wish to bring here. I suggest you do the same."

Ulmo, who was glaring at Nex for his arrogance and malice, slowly nodded his head, "I have chosen mine. I trust the Council agrees to take action?"

Another deity sits on a throne made of still smouldering metal which hisses and pings in its unending struggle to cool and set into form, yet unable to do so. Nuri looked out at the world below, watching as what had become little more than an arms race between the mortals reaching the point of complete destruction. She lightly rubbed her chin thoughtfully with her elbow firmly planted on the thrones armrest while Nex and Ulmo snapped at each other; which was usually the result when the savage god decided to contribute. She idly ran her fingers through her ragged, spiky hair and repositioned her goggles slightly within the tangled mess before speaking.

"Humanity has progressed greatly during its short span of life. If we allow their kind to die out, and that of all life within the world then the potential for progress and innovation ceases." Her voice was deep and flavourful, contrasting slightly as she spoke. "I vote we give the world another chance, one last throw of the dice to make a better go of their lot." She leant back in her chair, her fingers continuing to softly stroke her chin, which by now was the only part of her face to be somewhat clear of the layered dust and soot from her forges; giving her face the slightly unsettling appearance of having a child using it as the canvas for a handpainting.

"We must step in."

New Times Ahead

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---

Mask sat on a wooden throne, decorated with various thieving goods, listening as Ulmo talked and then thought back to the times when the criminal world started to dominate the world, and the network of the black market had spread to every corner of the world. Even though they didn’t worship Mask directly, their actins mot certain had continued to feed his existence.

He spared Nuri a glance as she spoke and found himself agreeing with her points. Now that he had seen how technology could improve the way of the criminal world, he could create a whole new network of criminal strings.

Mask then stood up, “I, for one… Agree with you, Ulmo. Although I’d have loved to see you fade into oblivion, preferably screaming and grasping for your fellow Gods for help, yet none of us would have the power or, in my case, the will to help you.
“Fortunately for you, I’d end up going down the same road, so I’d rather put aside a grudge and get a second chance than dying in a fashion I won’t be able to comprehend. Lets selete a new Avatar to lead the world, as for not risking another fallout, and lets try to be a bit more… Indirectly active with what they do. Use our Avatars to bring forth our word and such, agreed?”

---

---

Sitting on a skull-decorated throne, Urgael growled as the other Gods spoke. He was never in a glad mood, and the current situation seemed to have made him more hostile than the usual.
“A second chance?” Urgael snarled and reached for his war axe. “Where was the second chance when my orcs were butchered by your humans? Where was my second chance when I watched their kingdoms fall and my creations were undone?”

Urgael’s eyes were lit red with fury, as they often were when his inner anger began to boil. “You may do as you will,” he hissed, pointing at the other Gods, “but know this. When the dark tide of my orcs come to claim whatever world you populate your pathetic pink skinned pigs with, when the time comes when your worshippers have to hide beneath rocks and pray every day not to be found by my orcs, and when the day comes when you realize that silently mocking my creations was your mistake. You will have my permission for a quick death.”

With that said, Urgael turned and spat as he left the room. Urgael had never been known for his patience nor participance of any of the Gods' meeting, though taking his general attitude, he seemed to have agreed with what had been spoken.

A sinister looking god then sits on a throne made of shining obsidian. Although it had an odd glow of green tinted on it, a glow that can make others feel uncomfortable. This was Tschinef, the god of mischief,lies,envy,and fear. He then looked at the gods around him and rubbed his nails together with a bored expression. "Blegh, the mortal humans where stupid enough to blow each other up! all though, as much as I love the sight of mortals fear, it is still plain stupid..." says the god of mischief. He had a sinister voice, and it sounded kind of silly at times and giddy. "Though, it will be boring with no one to scare, I guess a second chance is OK..." he says with a little grunt at the ending and a kick to the air. He then looks at Mask after his description of Ulmo falling into oblivion and smiles.

Malus stood in the shadows and watched what was happening. It was in his nature to hide, to study where he might plot to further himself. He listened as the other gods discussed what to do with the Earth and smiled for himself as Ugrael left the room in a fit of rage as was usual for him.

As the decision was to be made Malus stepped forward toward the other gods still in his shadows form and said. "I agree with what you say. We should give them all a new start, but we should not interfere directly. As Mask said I believe we should choose an avatar among the mortals to act as our voices to the mortals to guide them without us interfering directly with them."

Malus knew now what he had set in motion. By supporting Mask's proposal he would plant a seed among the other gods that would give him a chance to further his own goals no matter how obscure.

All throughout her friends, for she had yet to find conflict with a single one of her peers, argument, the woman, clad in soft, whispers of white cloth that formed robes, which fell upon her body intricately, sat upon her throne, decorated in many hieroglyphics that read off plans of mass chaos and destruction, each plan used somehow in one of the many, many wars that man-kind had participated in. She listened, she watched, and she thought.

After allowing them to simmer and fume with and against each other a bit longer, Kallistrate, ever the voice of reason, rose.

"My fellow Gods and Goddesses, I see not why we must argue. Does that not make us just as bad, if not worse, then the mortals? We sit and we spew, we fight and we argue, yet it accomplishes nothing, now does it?" she asked, her voice soothing and calm, bringing order to the arguments that had been flying back and forth.

She took a few steps to look down at the mortal world, her expression thoughtful.

"Although I do not wish to choose sides, and I am attempting to do exactly that, I do, indeed, have a plan. If you will all hear me through, you will not regret it," she told them, fixing a solid gaze on each one. When no arguments arose, she turned back to study the world below them, her brown hair cascading down her shoulders and to her waist.

"We should not allow them all to be killed, for they have progressed far too quickly and immensely that it would be a complete and utter waste to do so. However, it would be foolish to only let a few live, seeing as those remaining would grow to resent us for allowing their loved ones to die. There will be no second chance, but I do believe it would be a good idea for each and every one of us to, as most of you have already done, pick an Avatar, who will meet with and represent us on Earth. In order for us to choose who should live, and who should die, and I believe we should turn to looking into the lives of those who we find interesting, and see if they are worthy to continue being alive. We should, of course, choose the most intelligent ones. The doctors come first, so as to prevent the new civilization from dying off due to illness and other factors that could kill each and every one of them. For those that we choose to live, though, I have found that, as I said before, humans grow to resent whatever it was that killed their loved ones. I think it would be wise to erase any memories they have of their loved ones that died, and only retain the memories of the ones that are living," she concluded, finally turning back to face the other deities.

"As I said before, my friends; there is no need for us to argue, especially in times of crisis such as these. We must all remember to keep a cool head and to not overreact. Now, please return to your thrones and mull over what I have said, for I do believe it is the answer to our problems.

Halls of the Gods:

As the Gods discussed the next course of action for the world of men, a God sat upon his throne and celebrated in quite mirth. As Kallistrate finished her sentence the God sat forward, his golden helmet glinted in the ethereal lights of the great hall. His golden armored gloves dun into the white marble arms of his throne, from deep within the shadowed depths of his helmet two burning red orbs flared as his demonic voice echoed out," I am so very bemused to see that these mud fleas are not even dead yet and you already plot their replacements. "

The God, Arcturus Magnus rises from his throne, as he does his fiery red cloak billows about him as he moves to the center of the room. His golden chest plate, is highly decorated with engravings of dragons. His armored boots clank loudly on the floor as he slowly turns and allows his helmet to look down at the floor and the scene of the final moments of human civilization. His golden talon like fingers swipe at the image as he is heard taking a deep breath. He looks up at the others Gods and with a wicked laugh says," In mere milliseconds, my brothers and sisters, 7 billion souls will be mine! I will feed well this day, some of these souls will labor in my realm of Styx, some to fuel the industry of my dark Empire, but most to power me. "

Arcturus Magnus's 7ft frame moves with grace back toward his throne as he places one foot on the bottom most step of his throne's dais. He makes a fist and looking at it says," I care not what becomes of this world or the amoebas that crawl upon it, but know this, create more mortals if you wish, but in the end they will all come to me, or should I say their souls will come to me. And we all know how powerful the soul is. I warned you all long ago, to rest your power on the worship of feckless mortals was a mistake, as they die enmass from this world, your powers will wane, while mine grows. Perhaps in this world I will allow my children to play? So says the God of Death, the Bringer of Eternal Night! " Arcturus Magnus takes his throne and gripping the arms looks down at the last moment of the 20,000 years worth of Human Civilization....with hunger and joy.......

Tschinef then looks at Arcturus with a frowned expression. "Eesh, yeah we all get it you are god of death, bringer of night, all souls are yours yata yata, but it is just so cliche...." says the god. He then looks at Arcturus with a wicked smile. "Why not let OTHERS have fun with the souls hmm? I want to play with the dead too you know!". He then looks at Ulmo and says "Anyways, when and how will we bring back that dirt pile the mortals call a world back with another chance?". After that, he jumped out of his throne and looked out down to the mortal world while rubbing his hands together maliciously.

"No," Ulmo stated firmly, raising one of his hands, "No one has claim to any of the souls that are about to die. They will meet their God or Gods, even if it is not one of us. Do not pretend that you have the power or authority that you do not possess, Arcturus."

After he said this, he looked thoughtful as he glanced at Mask and nodded in agreement, "As much as it pains me to admit it, I agree with Mask. Interfering with the world ourselves would have disastrous consequences for all involved. We will influence the humans with our Avatars.

"As for Kallistrate's suggestions, I feel there is wisdom in them. We will save the mortals with the most promise and who have earned our favor throughout their lives and, to spare the pain of their losses, we will wipe their memories of the people they lose. The mortals we choose will be the ones to rebuild civilization under the guidance of our Avatars. Is that acceptable? I have already chosen mine. I suggest we summon our chosen Avatars now while Time remains still."

Nex, for his part, grunted, leaning back on his throne. Ulmo's statements seemed acceptable, though he disliked the Sea God taking control of the meeting. Still, all would acknowledge his authority, in time.

"I know who I want to save who to choose as my Avatar. Let us get this over with. Normally, I would be in favour of dividing the mortals who are about to die, but we do not have the time and I do not desire to see another god gaining power at my expense."



Caspian stood on the beach. Really, if he must die, he preferred to choose where he was to perish. Miami Beach was a party town. Its economy pretty much depended on tourists and its beautiful beaches. He had lived here all his life and he loved it. He was a tour guide and a professional surfer. At least, he thought of himself as one. He won quite a few competitions. Not that it mattered now. He glanced at the sky. He could see the flaming hot nukes heading their way. They were probably Cuban, meaning old-school Soviet style nukes. He supposed Cuba wasn't going to miss out on the fun. He sighed.

"At least I won't be around long enough to feel any pain."

Amon

Amon wasn't one to accept his death quietly. No. He would be struggling for survival until his last breath and that was why he wasn't in a Mosque whimpering like an old fool or a woman. He had gathered his compatriots and was in the desert with plenty of food and water that they had liberated amidst the riots in Cairo. They were far from the main cities. There was a chance they would live and live he would, he vowed to himself. He glanced at someone whimpering in the corner. He rolled his eyes.

"Allah may be All-Merciful, Ali, but do you really think He'll spare a rapist and a thief who repents at the last minute?" he snorted. Amon fingered his own amulet. He had found it in a tomb that ad somehow not been raided over the centuries. It was a golden amulet of Set and when he touched it, he heard his voice. His god was the god of the desert and he was strong for it. Whatever happened, he would not die.

Hall of the Gods:

As Ulmo's proclamation rings through the grand hall, Arcturus Magnus's muscular frame tenses in his throne. He leans forward menacingly as his demonic voice bellows out," How dare you!!!, I am the God of Death, the Devourer of Souls, how dare a Sea God, attempt to deny me!! " Arcturus rises from his throne, his red cloak flares about him as he points at Ulmo and declares," Those faithless flesh bags have no Gods, they worship at the idols of science and self interest. Their souls are forfeit to me, the one true God of Death. " Arcturus turns to Tschinef and says," Now you see? What is rightfully mine has been taken, and soon this conclave will move to suppress our kind, as they have done in the past. The black sheep are shunned once again! "

Arcturus walks down the throne and across the floor distorting the view of the mortal world. The massive Death God stops at the temples doorway, his malevolent golden helmet turns and looks in the direction of Ulmo as he says," I give you one last chance, great Sea Lord......Give me the souls or there will be no peace in the heavens, there will be no peace in the Infernal Realms, and your new Earth will reap the bitter harvest you are now sewing... " Arcturus Magnus stands with back to the assembled gods in disdain and awaits an answer......

Panio

The God of the Wilds sat, slumped in his stone, moss-covered throne. There were bags underneath his red, tired eyes. For years, the lack of nature on the earth had taken it's toll on Panio. He sighed, listening to his fellow gods discuss the fate of the mortals. His father, Ulmo, seemed to be taking the lead, like he always did. Panio sighed slightly, resting his chin upon his fist as he thought of his own opinion on the subject. Most of him didn't want the world to end like this. He always thought it would end during one big party. A small smirk came to his lips as he thought of what it would be like.

He turned his attention back to his peers, half paying attention to their words, half searching the earth to find his new avatar. It would be hard for Panio to decide.



"Calm yourself Arcturus." A dry voice growled as the dark god finished his demands. In three flashes of light, the Trinity stood before their peers. Noctre glared at Arcturus, a frown resting on her dry, cracked lips. "If you do not believe it a sea god's place to tell you your role, perhaps you'll listen to a goddess of fate." Her faded red eyes watched him with distaste. "If these souls belong to any of us," a softer voice, the voice of Hellia, began. "The balance will be tipped towards one side and this new beginning will end up going down the same route as before."

Amara turned to face the other gods, her gentle eyes looking around at the room. "Hello my brothers, sisters, and children. We have been preparing for this. I'm sorry for our tardiness, but we've been busy." Noctre scoffed. "A new beginning requires alot of planning."

Hall of Gods:

Arcturus turns to face the Great Trinity and quirks his golden helmeted head to the side ever so slightly as he folds his arms over his chest and says, "Ah the Trinity, the Fates as it would seem. Very well, if you refuse to hand the souls to me then so be it. But remember this, souls who acknowledge no God, receive no eternal reward. They are left to revert to their state as base energy, Such waste. " Acturus shakes his head, and his red cloak billows about him before wrapping about his form like a protective cocoon. A miasma of shadows envelops the God of Death as he fades away.............






Ruins of Babylon, Modern Day Iraq:


Deep beneath the ruins of Nebuchadnezzar's Palace......

The dark and forgotten catacombs, rumble, a bright flash followed by a mighty gush of wind sends dust and debris flying through the vaulted chambers. A city beneath a city can be seen in this forgotten place. Great toppled statues lie amidst the ruins of jars and stone coffins. From the shadows, a form appears, the 7ft golden armored God Arcturus Magnus hovers above the ground by mere inches. He floats straight and unerring toward his target. The small skittering insects shy from his presence and even dust parts upon his advance. Arcturus stops as his red cloak billows about him, he points at the ground and a massive eruption of dust and dirt explodes into the air as coffin of silver and gold slowly rises from te crater. It rotates in the air, dirt falling from it as the cover explodes outward.

Arcturus's golden helmet nods approvingly as he takes his long golden armored nails and digging into his own flesh pulls a piece of it off and drifting close to the coffin shoves the piece of flesh into the mouth of a mummified figure. Arcturus drifts backward as the coffin settles into the dirt. His demonic voice echoes out," I know you can hear me, deep in your subconscious, you will be safe here, when the dust settles, you will claw your way from these ruins and build a new Empire, you will rise as MY NecroKing, to do my bidding and fulfill my plans for not just this world but the whole of creation. Rest for now my son, and remember, that your father never stopped watching over you. When you sacked UR, I was watching, when you face down the Hitties, and crushed the Kingdom of Israel, I was there. I will always be there ." As Arcturus fades into a cloud of shadow, a soft yet malevolent red glow emanates from the eye sockets of the mummy.....

She shook her head as she watched Arcturus' tirade within the hall, his voice just another one to add to the constant bickering of the assembly. Why she even bothered to turn up was beyond her, as had always been the case she simple toiled away for eternity till her skills were requested by one of her brethren. Sighing and clicking her tongue slowly, she ran her fingers through her wild and unkempt hair which caused a cloud of dust and soot to be disturbed and discarded.

She jumped down from her throne and wandered towards the map of the world below, readjusting the leather straps of her overalls across her shoulders as she did so. She examined the simple design of the device, one of her early works, an overlay of the planet shaped and carved with every detail that mortal and immortal hands had placed upon it. She lightly traced her fingers across the surface in an attempt to examine the destruction more closely, however it appeared to be moving slower than it should for a device designed to mirror the vision of a god. She knelt beside it and had a look underneath, muttering to herself as she did so. Typically the mechanism had been dented by one of the gods during one of the countless disagreements these meetings provoked. She pulled out a small set of tools from her belt, flipped them through the air and caught them again before lying down on her back so that she could get to work with this mechanism. She softly whistled to herself as she did, clicking her tongue again whenever she encountered something requiring more focus and thought.

Finally satisfied that the machinery was working again she pulled herself out from beneath to notice that Arcturus appeared to have left and the 'Trinity' had made their presence known, most likely the latter had had some hand in the formers departure. But it was of little concern to Nuri, for the real reason they were here was to discuss the future of the mortal realm and if it was to be destroyed then it would allow her children to reclaim a home for themselves in the world below. She had no great dislike nor love for humans, but their purge of the giants back during the so called mythological age of mankind had irked her greatly.

She stood up and began to lightly juggle a small wrench in her right hand while she lightly traced the fingers of her left across the smooth surface of the world, smiling as it responded instantly to her touch. At last she found what it was she'd been looking for, something which they would most likely require in the time to come, after all the recreation of a world needs the influence of its gods. She began to focus upon what she'd found, to make sure it was the exact thing she sought.

A small mountain region. Focus.
A small town left in ruins. Focus.
A small mine near the top of one of the nearby mountains. Focus, focus, focus.
A man standing alone. Perfect.

---

He sat on an old wooden crate, looking down at the pickaxe held in his hands. He was shaking slightly. The wind from the mountain top was cold and deadly, but he couldn't feel it. His skin was worn and weary, and so was his heart and soul. His breath was short and strained as he fought down the urge to vomit. He raised his gloved hand to the head of his tool, and lightly brushed the slowly congealing blood from the metal; some of it dripped onto the earth but most of it simply turned the sheen of the metal a dull red.

A voice echoed from the darkness leading down into the mine behind him "Is it safe?"

He turned and moved suddenly towards the voice, calling out in answer "Keep the children back, it's safe. But don't come out." He looked on with slightly hollow eyes as a pale face appeared at the edge of the mine, her eyes were scared but her stance was strong. She saw his wounds, saw his weapon and saw the churned earth and bodies beyond. "Thank you..." She half whispered before she vanished again, leaving him alone with his actions.

When the world had turned upon itself, humanity leading the charge all concept of honour and comradery vanished in the twilight. At first they'd stood as a town against the madmen from beyond but in time that all melted away. He'd seen friends and family kill each other for the last drop of water or a morsel of food. He'd taken his family away from that, up into the mine that he'd worked with his friends for years, as had his father and his father before him. He'd made sure they'd survive but the town had came for them, madness had overtaken their senses. The choice had been the innocents or the corrupted, and he'd chosen the innocents. Him and his sister had taken the children of the town away, kept them safe and alive for a few weeks while him and a handful of others defended the mine. In the end they had been overrun because some of them had decided the children weren't worth it. He'd put them down, and become the monster he'd fought against. But the children were worth it and they were safe now.

He lay in the dust and the blood soaked ground, his pickaxe falling from his hands as he cried. The world around him began to burn as the lowlands were ignited in fire and death. The cloud of ash billowing out began to engulf the world. His life ended as a new fire surrounded him, and his final moments were the sound of hammer and anvil ringing out.

Garviel had been given another chance.

---

Nuri smiled to herself as she withdrew the maps viewpoint back to that of the entire planet below.

"So when do we start the reshaping of the world, and by 'we' I mean when are you going to ask me to start work as usual?" She chuckled darkly as she hopped back up onto her throne, her head now level with many of her kin, rather than having to force them to look down at her. As she'd usually speak to their torso rather than strain her neck looking upwards all the time. "Or is this going to be one of those times when we all pitch in and get a hard days work under wor belts?" she looked around those assembled as she twirled her wrench again before lightly throwing and catching it as she awaited a response

It was at this point Malus remembered why he tried to stay away from the other gods. He had never felt that he belonged with them. He was the god of conspiracies and it was nearly impossible to conspire against the other gods. If he ever tried to do anything they could just change it back to before if they wanted. He stepped forward so he could look better on the mortal world.

He was actually saddened by what he had seen. He had always sensed potential in them that would now go to waste. He loved watching them squabble and plot, but he hated that he wasn't allowed to step down and join them.

He thought back to the long gone days when the gods were free to do what they wanted. He remembered how he had started a large war between several cities by planting false information and how he later had created the largest network of spies in the world.

Malus stood there watching for what seemed an eternity until he heard that Nuri was planning on restoring the world. He looked towards here and then looked at the rest of the gods and said. " My fellow deities. I believe that we should all act instead of just talking big like you always do. We should all act as one and help Nuri restore the world and then we can go back to bickering among each other, but first I believe that we should choose our avatars and the people we want to save which I will do now no matter of what you say."

And with that said Malus fell into his own shadow and disappeared down to the mortal world.

Malus already knew who he wanted to recruit. He had followed the man from distance for a long time and it was clear that he would suit his needs perfectly. He had watched the man grow from a small child into a trained spy without remorse.

The man was hiding in a small safehouse badly wounded after being shot. And it would be a perfect opportunity to recruit him in his moment of weakness. Malus smiled as he stood next to the man hiding in his shadow.

"I have been looking for you." He said.
The spy turned around and could see Malus as a shadowy figure.
"Who and what are you?" Spy asked with fear.
Malus smiled, but it was impossible to see.
"My name is Malus and I am a god. And you have the great honor to be chosen as my avatar in the coming days. Grab my hand and I will show you the destiny that lays before you."
The spy grabbed Malus shadowy hand and was granted an portion of Malus power.
" I hereby name you Sinistros, Lord Of Lies. Come with me and we will begin your ascent to greatness." With that said Malus opened a portal to the realm of the gods.

As he returned he stood before the other gods and said, "I have returned with my chosen mortal and will start to make preparations to salvage what we can of the world so we can give it a new start.!

Styx, Realm of Death and Eternal Night.


The dark swirling clouds of the great void sweep past the black and forbidding world of Styx. Centers deep in a dimension that intersects the realms of mortals, The Heavens and the Infernal Realms. The artificial and ancient planet dwells in a realm totally controlled and created but the divine embodiment of death. One the surface of the dark ethereal planet, a jagged peaks rise from the land, great seas of black boiling water contain beast and leviathan of unimaginable horror. A great cliff juts out and looks down upon one such body of water. Upon that massive cliff a fortress rest. Hewn from the very rock itself, the vast gothic style castle sprawls over acres upon acres of the cliff. Winged beast fly in slow lazy patterns about the multiple towers and spires of the great bastion. The great fortress walls are patrolled by long dead warriors, forever enslaved to the God of Death. And deep with the halls of the fortress beings even more terrifying lurk.

Castle Acropolis, Throne Room:

The vast vaulted cathedral like throne room shakes as the Great god of Death materializes in a shock of shadow and flame. As the shadow flows away from Magnus like water, his golden armor, shimmers and fades until it becomes as black as night. his red cloak also wavers as it becomes living shadow draped about the God's shoulders. The throne room echoes with the sound of Magnus armored boots stomping loudly in the polished stone floor as he marches down the red velvet carpet toward his throne. On either side of the great hall, massive statues stand in poses of pain and agony. As he passes them, the faces of the statues change. Some look with horror and agony, others with pure hatred. Magnus holds his black armored hands in front of his face, his black armored helmet shakes as the God rages," Once again my plans are foiled!!! So much planning and plotting, a eon of schemes lost! " Magnus stops and turns his armored head as he hears,"Then perhaps the passive approach is the wrong approach? "

Magnus sees a large clawed hand grab the base on one of the statues a great hulking figure emerges from behind it. The figure towers over Magnus, it's cruel red eyes sweep the throne room as it's great leathery wings beat once and then fold against it's back. Magnus lowers his hands as he says, "Magog the Eternal, I do not recall summoning you. " Magnus looks as he see two more figures emerge from behind the statues about the throne room. One is a massive wolfish creature with two heads, one head that of wolf the other that of a serpent, and the other figure that of a massive stone humanoid. The upper portion of it's head floats above the lower jaw separated by a flaming inferno. Magnus turns and begins to walk the flight of steps to his throne. As he does he intones," Now what could possibly bring 3 of the most powerful Lords of the Infernal Realms here? Perhaps the impending end of the humans? "

Magog the Eternal steps forward, every step shaking the room as he says, "Belial the Scourge and Raum the Hated, have come for the same thing as myself, great Death Lord. You promised us a feast of souls in exchange for ending the eternal war with Styx. The great convergence of all realms happens here in Styx. The great hordes of the Daemon races must pass through this realm to reach the mortal and heavenly plains..... " Magnus takes his massive throne, the great seat adorned with dragon bones and human skulls. He raises his armored hand in a silencing manner as he says," Why do you think I established my kingdom here, he who controls Styx, controls the fate of all worlds, Da'haks the equal of Gods indeed! "

The mighty stone Daemon Raum the Hated steps forward, his voice like boulders rubbing together as he says," You take much for granted Magnus, our alliance is based on the understanding of those souls. " The two headed wolf Daemon moves forward on two paws before dropping to all fours and bounding up the steps half way. It's voice the sound of a million souls in despair as it says," There is word that your sway over the other Gods is weak, and that they will not bow to your might? " Magnus slams his fist on the arm of the throne sending a massive shockwave through the throne room moving the 3 Daemon Da'haks back several feet. Sparks shower from the throne and bound down the steps. They glow brightly before morphing into vicious flame beings that hiss at the Daemon Da'haks and bound into the shadows. Magnus leans forward as he says," You will remember your place! you may be mighty in your realms, but in Styx!!!! DEATH IS THE MASTER OF ALL THINGS!!!! "

Magnus voice rattles the very plates of the planet. Magnus's body relaxes as he leans back into his throne and says," My deal with you 3 remains intact, but of course none of the other Gods must learn of the pact we have. I cannot defeat the entire Pantheon of Gods. But there may be another way. " Magnus raises his hand and waves it, a flaming frame forms before the Da'haks and center of it becomes an image of the Earth as the planet prepares for the end. Magnus laughs as he says," In their infinite wisdom the Gods have decided to start over. This means the world will be getting a good rinsing so to speak. It will emerge fresh, a clean slate to write upon. It will be as it once was, when the Djinn and Daemons were free to roam at will upon it. I will allow you 3 and your legions to pass through Styx to Earth. There you will be free to start all over. The chaos and trouble you will wreak will be delicious. But beware the Gods are placing Avatars upon the planet. You will not move unopposed. "

Raum the Hated allows a wicked laugh to escape through the flames that are his mouth as he says," Perfect, I can taste the flesh of the weak already. You truly are more then you appear Death God. " In flashes of flame the 3 Daemon Da'haks vanish. A smooth and feminine voice echoes out from behind the throne," If they only knew whom they truly dealt with, isn't that right my love? " From behind the throne, a tall shapely woman in form fitting black armor emerges. Her high heels click loudly on the floor as she moves next to the throne and leaning on the back of the Death God's throne allows her long sheer cape to hang about her, hugging her curves. Her striking red hair cascades down over her shoulders and onto her breast as she continues, "So has the time truly come, will you allow our children free reign on Earth once more? " Magnus rises from his throne and places his arm around her waist as he says, "Ah Tiamot, do I not keep my promises?, the new DeathWings will fill the skies of Earth. And your name will once again move from myth to reality. " She smiles, her teeth rows of sharp pointed fangs, upon closer inspection her eyes are pure black, her pupils red slits, in the manner of reptiles........

A man in bandages then lifts from the rubble of the largest asylum in the U.S. He then looks around at the destruction and leaps towards a shattered window. He looks at a shard of the window and stares at his reflection. Nothing different, but there was now red in his eyes, literal red now. He then looks around at the rubble at notices a hand sticking out, it was one of the patients in the asylum. He then pulls this hand and a pale man jumps out of the rubble, screeching. Cri'ey then looks at this man with a bored expression in his eyes and slaps the man with his hand. The man then whimpers and stands up behind Cri'ey loyally. More men and woman then peek out of the rubble and walk up to Cri'ey. They then start bowing. A voice is then heard in Cri'ey's head. "Hello, I see that you have followers. These people are crazy, but you are the most sane, they worship you. If you are wondering who this is, it is I, the great god Tschinef, god of mischief,lies,and envy. Now, I have a favor to ask you..." echoes the voice of Tschinef. He then explains how he wants him to build a civilization with all these mad men following him, but then he says "But you look so plain...except for you my dear Avatar, you are the most fine of all these crazy people". Dark purple lighting bolts then blast through the clouds and onto the pale mad men. They all then start running around in chaos with lighting striking them one by one. It is pure chaos, and under those bandages Cri'ey is smiling. The lighting storm then stops and the mad men are now all in different shapes and sizes. Each where unique and all where nightmarish. They then start experimenting with their powers and start shifting into more things such as animals, but messed up versions of them. "Oh, sorry but there is one thing I forgot" echoes the voice. A large bolt then strikes Cri'ey and causes him to howl in pain. The strike then ends, but Cri'ey is no different. He then starts vibrating and turns into the shape of one of his followers, but with black dark skin. The made men then hide in rubble with fear and whimpering at this. Cri'ey then returns to his normal form and kneels down while looking at the sky. "Thank you Tschinef my lord, I will lead these fools to start a new race" says Cri'ey with his dark voice.

Ulmo couldn't help but chuckle at Nuri's sense of humor. She was a good goddess and have proved abnormally patient for their kind. To tell the truth, he didn't know if he would have spared the humans after nearly wiping out one of his creations, though they had proven to pollute the ocean more than he could have ever imagined. He nodded at her in thought.

"Even you cannot reshape the world on your own, Nuri. You will have the might of the Seas and its Master to work beside you, something even your toys have not matched yet," he told her, a twinkle in his eye as he good-naturedly ribbed her. After a moment, however, the Sea God turned series. He glanced at the others and continued.

"This will be a momentous undertaking. We will need every deity we can pitching in," he stated seriously before glancing at a butterfly at the edge of his vision, "And we will need someone to grant the gift of life once more."

Asiysia... It grieved his heart for her to isolate herself from her kind as well as the others. She was a beautiful creature. If any of them was perfection, it was her. He had known her since she first filled the empty depths of his kingdom with life. It was something he had never conceived of in all the eons he spent alone, but in that moment, he realized how empty his kingdom had until then. She was always so regal and so sad. He only wished...

"Enough of your inattention, Ulmo. At any other time, I would have stiked you down and took your Throne for my own. You did not have the strength to possess her in your glory, but maybe when she is gasping for breath as all life ends, eh?" Nex asked mockingly, an ugly grin ons his face. Ulmo clenched his trident.

"Just be prepared to do your part of the work, Nex!" he snapped, the floor rumbling like an earthquake or the surface of the Sea in a storm as Nex smirked and the air turned dry as desert sand.

Tschinef then looks at Ulmo angrily. "And what should I do? I don't see what else we need, unless you want twisted creatures running around the world, something for HEROES to challenge?" suggests Tschinef. Two gods then stand from their thrones. Their thrones where close to each other. One was a sunny golden while the other was a dark silver. These where the twin gods Genno and Isrr'ar. "And what about us? we do not know what to do for this world, other then giving the gift of mystery to it" says the two in unison. They then walk up to the view of the world together holding hands and look down at the world.

As the aforementioned events conclude, a rustling can be heard emanating from yet another throne. This throne is constructed from intricate Tomes of varying Sizes, Cover Aesthetics, Subject Matter, and Language. The Book serving as the seat of this throne casually opens itself, revealing a swirling mass of papers. From this maelstrom of parchment emerges a humanoid figure, looking to be a man of no more than fifty, his brow wizened with great age and even greater knowledge. Upon fully dislodging himself from the throne and taking his seat upon it, the deity known as Doren Del chimes in:

"Myes, myes, what the devil is it that you all need now? I was nearly done cataloging the eighteenth century -dull period toward the end, in my opinion, but there ARE bigger things going on, so I won't hold it against them- but as I was nearing the onset of the nineteenth, I received an 'urgent' message to make my way to these chambers posthaste. Now that you've managed to pull me away from my work, and there's only more piling up for me while I'm away, what is it that you need me for?"
"Ah, the senile one has chosen to grace us with his presence," retorts Nex, "and he's got quite the mouthful for us upon entry. Well, just to let you know, your self imposed 'task' has just recently become pointless. Well, MORE pointless."
"What do you mean?" says Doren.
"I MEAN, the Humans are all about to destroy themselves in a most fiery and spectacular fashion. The bombs are flying, and when they fall, there won't be any more for you to catalog, at least not for quite some time."
"Oh..." muttered Doren, as if in shock. "Well, in that case, I'm afraid I'm only wasting time here. I've got to return to my library and finish my catalog as soon as time permits." Doren then begins to sink into his throne, but hesitates, and rises instead, saying:
"But, before I go..." he continues as he steps toward the map below "... I'm going to need help preserving their knowledge of the past..."



William was having a pleasant day. Granted, the looming threat of flying atomic death might cut said day a tad short, but all in all today was a good day. He'd had the library all to himself, an opportunity that'd not presented itself for some time. Glasgow was widely considered to be a center of culture, but that'd not been something that he'd gotten to enjoy. Perhaps it was the neighborhood he had no choice but to inhabit. His family was never poor, but they'd not have been able to afford a house in a more... pleasant community. The Community College he'd attended had a magnificent library, but it was never quite as empty as he'd have liked. He'd never functioned well in crowds, and especially not the kind of crowds the library usually attracted at about this time of year. Mouth-Breathers and Philistines packed shoulder to shoulder, studying in vain for exams they'd not bothered to prepare for. That was the only time any of their ilk could be seen in the Library, and it sickened and confounded William. How could someone be so callous to the beauty of the written word? If he'd had more time, he might have visited the art museum down the street as well, but given the levels of radiation all of Scotland was about to be bathed in, he'd been forced to choose. Alas, it was a tragedy, but there were still a great many books he'd not been able to finish in his previously brief moments of solace in the Library. He could've ran into the woods like his parents and siblings, perhaps believing that they'd be alright, but he knew better. Even if they did manage to escape the radiation, no matter how much they may have believed themselves prepared, they'd not be suited toward life in the wilderness. He wouldn't be suited to it either, but at least he was capable of recognizing it. Perhaps he'd see them again in whatever ethereal realm lay beyond his own, but that was a bridge he'd cross when he came to it.
While musing upon this, something begins to happen to the book he'd been holding. Just a moment ago, it'd been a rather weighty Anthology of Science Fiction that he'd been meaning to finish, but as he looked back at it, it began to change shape. When it had finish shifting and molding into a new structure, it looked amazing. It had a cover carved from old oak, and bound with rune-etched plates, its binding resembled links of chain forged from a dark, cold metal, and its pages were composed of the most exquisite vellum. As he finished admiring this new book, it occurred to him that opening the book might yield interesting results. He was not wrong, for when he opened the book, he saw blank pages that immediately began to write on themselves. At first, they resembled esoteric markings of a nature beyond his ken, but these began to unfurl themselves into a more familiar language. The first block of text to become fully readable turned out to be instructions. Actually, they were more like orders. They read:

"You must go to the Museum. There are important documents in its basement. More importantly, the students and teachers of the local Schools have decided to take refuge in this place. They will not be safe there. Bring them back here, and further paths will open themselves."

Island Continent of Magnusopolis



The wind lashes with a bitter bite, one lone figure moves across the rocky and desolate landscape. His black cloak whips and snaps in the wind as he holds his hood over his head and hunches over. The mountainous landscape goes forever in all directions, the gray overcast clouds contain a hint of thunder causing the figure to halt in his tracks. As a great gust of wind sweeps across the path in font of him he makes out a structure. Ancient, forgotten, forbidden, the figure stands straight and pulling back his hood exposes his face. His black hair rippled in the wind as he forms a wicked grin beneath his goatee. He brings to move faster now, but he can hear the dull beating of something, a roar in far in the distance. He stops short as he sees the entrance to a great cave, the mouth of the cave is shaped in the form of a dragon's head, the great fangs stabbing down into the ground on either side of the entrance.

He begins to move forward and freezes in shock as he watches the clouds part a massive winged beast land on the peak above the cave. His eyes go wide as he sees.......a DRAGON. The great red scales burn with an light not of this world, the creatures long neck cranes to long down at him as it's great claws shatter the rock that they dig into. The creature beats it's one wings once causing a mighty gust of air to blow the man from his feet. He rolls a few times and quickly gets up as the mighty dragon throws it's truck sized up and unleashes a great gout of red flame in the air. The man steels himself and dashes with everything he has deep into the cave. He slides and falls through the darkness, he tumbles and hits stone several times before sliding to a halt.

The pitch black disconcerts him until a dull light begins to shine. He looks to see that the light shines the other side of an elaborately carved stone bridge. He begins to walk toward it but stops to look down, over the side of the bridge, he shys away as he sees a vast flowing black river, beneath the surface,....faces, howling, hungry, terrified spectral faces. He looks away and moves quickly across the bridge as he stops before the light. It emanates from a altar of black obsidian, the smooth black table is carved along it's base with depictions of great battles, of legendary wars, and great upheaval in the heavens.

On the wall behind the altar, a great crest hangs, in the form of a silver dragons head wreathed in blades. A deep malevolent voice echoes out from all corned of the cavern," Memnon Drex...you come at last, long has it been since you visited at any of my altars or honored my name in this world. " Memnon Drex drops to one knee and placing his fist on his heart says," Forgive me my lord, for I was paving the way for your arrival, there is no greater honor then to be the Avatar of the Bringer of Eternal Night, the Dragon God, Arcturus Magnus. "

A pleased rumble echoes through the cavern as voice responds," Indeed, my son, your works have not gone unnoticed, the time of my approach is soon at hand, this wasted pit of a world has feed my power well, the time of Darkness is at hand. The Gods are listless, divided, this will be the time of true darkness. Their failure is my fortune. ."

Memnon Drex slowly walks from the cavern and stops, he looks into the skies to see dozens of great dragons slowly flying and orbiting the mountain. Their bone chilling roars fill him, with not dread now, but with a certain exhilaration, a sense of power, he looks down to the valley below, and sees camp fires, numbering in the hundreds. He knows that the chosen ones, the ones he had gathered for decades, his horde, the Makai.
He begins to slowly walk from the cavern and turns as he visualizes the grand the fortress that will soon stand upon the spot. He looks about the valley below and sees in his minds eye the farms, the mills, the armories, the great industry that will arise to fulfill the needs and wants of the Night Bringer. Memnon smirks an evil smirk as he visualizes the crown that will soon sit upon his brow as the Avatar of the "Great Dark"......

The vast expanse of the continent Island of Magnusopolis....

The NecroKing, Memnon Drex slowly walks amongst the camp fires. His elite guard flanks on either side, the Necro Guard wear armor of purest ebony. The overlapping plates cast an eerie shine as their skull mask and helmets form one solid piece over their heads. The wind snaps the cloak of the NecroKing as he passes two guards and the perimeter of the camp and mounts his steed. The heavily muscled horse slams it's hoofs to the ground sending sparks flying as it's red eyes looks about. Memnon pulls his hood up over his head as he says," Wait for me, I will return. " The horse takes off at a gallop and makes it way away from camp.

It slows as it nears the foundation for the new city's walls. The massive black blocks sit in various states of completion as Memnon rides past them and half completed statues. He stops and dismounts in what will one day be the center of the new capital of the Makai. As he dismounts a bright flash fills the area. A flaming hole opens in the ground as a massive clawed hand reaches out and pulls a great stone body behind it. The form of Raum the Hated emerges, his great stone form stands high over Memnon as the flames lick at his body to no effect and melt away to nothing. Raum swells as the flaming pit that is his mouth glows ominously.

The horrifying voice that fills the head of NecroKing is like a thousand needles in his brain as he hears, "Ahhhh, the child of Magnus? You are to be my liaison here then? " Memnon lowers to one knee as he says," My father's will be done great Da'hak. " Raum moves slowly, his great stone hooves crushing the ground with every step as he looks out over the vast landscape and says," This world is much change since last I rampaged here. While my powers here are not as great as they were in my own realm, that is of little consequence, since the gods are now so weak. "

Memnon rises and moving a step or two closer says," True, but the gods are still here in full force great Raum, even now they are influencing and crafting this world anew, your passing into this world will not be unnoticed. " Raum wicked laugh is terrifying as he says," Let them come, the reaping is at hand...... "

A small storm poured down over the stone throne of Ayiro Natoi as she listened and watched the politics of the gods and goddesses She just sighed and shook her head as Magnus stormed out standing at last as the others again began to speak.
"I agree...this world needs another chance...My storms will help to aid the growth of this new world we will create...may life find itself more honorible and peaceful under the our rule and the wisdom of our Avatars..."
Ayiro then turned her gaze to the world below them...


Meanwhile somewhere off the coast of Japan...

"Kit I'm hungry" cried out a small voice
"We will be there soon sis i promise" Kitsumi asured her young sister as their small boat rocked on the waves.

Kitsumi put on her best smile to show a brave face to her sis as all the thoughts raced though her head. The mushroom clouds could even now be seen looming over the nation they once called home. For her sisters sake she had to hold back the tears that wanted to flow free from her eyes....she had to be strong.

"I'm so hungry Kit"
"Shh little sis rest we will be there soon" Kitsumi promised yet again though even she did not know where she went as the shore drifted more and more out of sight and the power of sleep closed her eyes "good night, Little sis...."