Apocalypse Rising: Chapter 2 (Uneditied and Unfinished)

Apocalypse Rising Chapter 21

The air was overly saturated with the smell of the fallen, but it did not faze the lone sentry and his companion. He didn’t need to look to determine the outcome of the skirmish raging below him; he knew the battle was over long before it started. His detail was no different than the Shadow. He adorned a long, pitch black cloak that shrouded his face into darkness. However, his overall aura bore a different demeanor.2

Although his features were vague and dark, he held himself with a certain pride. He had a distinct sense of justice but still kept his compassion. This was far more than he could say for his bloodthirsty comrade with his cursed sword and highly reckless approach. He had an ambition that far exceeded the limits of sanity, but he was the only one.3

The stately, silver wolf at his side glared at the happenings far below with an apparent distaste. Even though he wanted the wretched monsters eliminated as much as any other creature, the method being displayed made him cringe somewhat. The creature that carried out this repulsive action could not even be classified by any form of words imagined.4

He had once been human but poisoned and twisted by the Darkness. However, he does not give in completely to the Darkness but simply confides in it to give him the power to combat with these demons. He had been forced into a state of being that was neither completely evil nor good. It really can’t be described by any word or phrase that could be even conjured in this world. Though it seemed it was a universe away from him, the Shadow that now stood motionless amidst the newly formed plain of mutilated carcasses and dark, poison blood suffered pain beyond and comprehension: the pain of living in a never ending purgatory, being torn between the insanity of pure evil and the God-given purity of the heart.5

He continues to stand there, a lone sentinel overlooking the sickening results of the massacre, with his shroud struggling vigorously to be let free into the wind. The Sentry gently jumped and at the peak of his fight a pair of blinding luminescent wings appeared on his back through the cloak. The strong and regal lights of heaven sliced through the choking darkness like rapiers shooting out in every direction. The whole plain far and wide seemed to be suddenly liberated of an impending hold. He descended with one powerful push up and swept past the plateau, toward the ground zero.6

The Shadow was unwavering; he resumed his stature with the same, almost remorseful, stance. The Angel touched down softly just meters away on one of the few spots that were left untouched. He carefully watched his footing as he approached. The Wolf trotted close behind, avoiding the leftover bodies and blackened pools. The Angel stood a short distance behind, staring at the pathetic creature that was before him. Flashes of memories appeared in his mind: images of a small boy standing at the edge of a dark ally in the rain. The Angel knew that it was the one image clearest in Shadow’s mind. The natural inclination to give him comfort pulled at his heart, but he stood firm. This wasn’t the first time Shadow had been reverted back to this pitiful state. Ever since his destiny ripped in two, he has felt the familiar sensation of, once again, being alone; being the only one who experienced the things he had. There was no one in the universe that could even begin to understand what torture, what unbearable torment his had seen.7

“It must kill you.”8

The statement seemed to come from the restless air but the Angel knew better. The Wolf peered through the impending haze that lightly settled into the valley with his superior, majestic build powering through the solemn atmosphere. He gives a sort of inquiring look towards the Shadow. He could sense the stare.9

“To stand there and watch me just…”10

The words lingered in the atmosphere for a moment; then, the Angel broke the silence.11

“If you feel that bad about it…then why?”12

The Shadow elevated his head for the first time as if something in the sky had called to him. He didn’t answer. The Wolf chanced a couple steps forward, only to be met by the tip of Saravon’s blade. The Wolf’s deep blue eyes traveled along the elongated sword and up the Shadow’s arm until they reached where his eyes would be if they weren’t covered. The Wolf bore his eyes into the amorphous face for a long minute as if to say, “How dare you?” The Angel steps in again.13

“There’s no need for this, Lunar! We don’t need meaningless conflict between allies.”14

The Shadow flicked back his sword but never left the glowing stars that were the Wolf’s eyes. He curled a lip and turned.15

“I don’t need any allies. I didn’t ask either of you to follow me.”16

“You know very well that it is my assigned duty to protect you. Therefore, I cannot leave.”17

The words seemed to sting the Shadow like a malignant insect. He cringed for a moment then spun with a large swish of his cape.18

“And you should already be fully aware that your efforts are wasted! I will not bow down and take His orders, Gabriel, not after what he’s done to me!”19

Gabriel stood without a flinch. AS he stared at his companion, he contemplated his retorts. He had been put through an unimaginable ordeal form both sides of this war, but at least he should still have the pride and dignity to save his own people. His senses and thoughts have been clouded with revenge; he doesn’t even see any reason to return to the people he cares for. Gabriel’s mission was to try and convince him to save the human race. As the Lord’s messenger, he must try and portray the truth that the Lord does not wish for him to fight for his kingdom but for his children. He was chosen for this fate, and yet he refuses it. Gabriel has endlessly wondered why ever since the start of their alliance. He couldn’t wait any longer; he needed answers.20

“You say you do not fight for either the Darkness or the Light. Then tell me: what is it that you fight for?”21

“I only have one purpose here: to exact my revenge on the Emperor.”22

“That wasn’t my question.”23

The Shadow withdrew his position and turned to walk away.24

“Don’t walk away from me! I’ve had enough of you avoiding the fact that you still care about them! Now tell me!”25

He still remained motionless with his back to Gabriel. He began to grow impatient. The monstrous slaughter that the Shadow committed cannot be slowed to rule him. There was still time to save him.26

“Don’t you see? See what you do? What if that ability goes beyond just these demons? What then? Will you embrace the Darkness and join them?”27

“No! Never!”28

“Then you will become something more terrible and dangerous than the Emperor himself at his full power!”29

The Shadow drew his sword to Gabriel’s throat in the blink of an eye. They held there for a moment; then the Shadow parted his lips and spoke.30

“So be it. If it helps me accomplish my goal even faster, then I welcome that fate.”31

With a short flick of his arm to the side the weapon dematerialized and rejoined the darkness surrounding them. The Shadow, once again, tried to walk away only to be interrupted once more by Gabriel’s plea.32

“Heero!”33

The call made him jerk to a halt. That name had not been used in his presence since the start of the war. In one instantaneous flash he remembered the last time he had been called by that name.34

It was during the Collapse when all of the cities across the Earth were overrun by the demons. Skyscrapers crumbled like sheets of glass and roads rose like giants pushing through the surface. People were cowering in all directions, falling to the depths of Hell rising beneath them. He had been separated from his friends because of the chaos, so he tried desperately to find them again. As he just dashed out of an alleyway, a voice called out to him from down the street. There they were with the one that was most precious to him calling. He broke into a strained sprint trying to reach them as fast as he could. The ground shook and he sensed the upcoming crack. He screamed out to get down as he tried to jump. The road fell beneath his feet before he could push off. He had been just inches away from grabbing her hand. He was so close but cut down at the last chance. The shift caused him to fall over backwards hard against the asphalt. A numbing shockwave of pain spider-webbed through his entire body rendering him motionless. The last thing he remembered was watching her shrink away above him screaming his name. He vaguely recalled a single tear falling on his face as he blacked out.35

*~*~*~*~*36

Heero blinked back into the present still standing facing the desolate expanse. He tightened his jaw and swiveled around to send a vicious glare at Gabriel. His eyes narrowed into sharp daggers piercing the stern pupils of his newfound adversary. Anger and distaste rose within him juicing his eyes with the details of each individual ripple along Gabriel’s iris.37

“You will never use that name again!” Heero said slowly at first but then intensified.38

“Why? It is your name is it not?” Gabriel inquired, softening his gaze somewhat.39

“That’s not the point!” Heero was now facing Gabriel again but his expression even more menacing. “That name died with its owner long ago. He doesn’t exist anymore!”40

“Then who are you?”41

He let the question hang in the air, and then Heero replied, “I am no one. Just a wandering shadow that walks the fine line between existence and deterioration.”42

“So you have cast away all that was precious to you?”43

“It is best that they think of me as dead.”44

“You cannot just abandon your past! There is still hope for, Heero, but you refuse it! Why!?”45

Heero didn’t answer; he simply turned away and slowly treaded across the field of carnage. It almost appeared as if the darkness itself parted in his wake. Gabriel forlornly watched him stalk out to his next destination. Where that would be was anybody’s guess. Gabriel sighed and looked down at his solitary comrade who had managed to remain completely silent throughout the ordeal.46

“How can you do that? How can you just sit there and let him ruin any chance we have to save what’s left of this world?”47

Lunar looked up at him and with barely moving his jaw uttered, “Is that your rationalization of your actions here?”48

Gabriel felt stung by the question as if his actions had been completely irrational. He began to speak but thought for a second. He realized that the inquiry was not meant to question his actions at all but just his explanation of them. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath before looking down and speaking once more.49

“Perhaps not.” Lunar eyed him acknowledging his acceptance and began trotting after Heero.50

Gabriel stared out towards them, taking in the truth behind his actions. In reality, ever since he came to Heero for the first time and saved his life, he had felt a certain obligation to him. When his gift was given to him, indeed, he felt a minute sense of jealousy. After all, he was just a human. However, over the first few weeks of his training, Gabriel started to feel a connection to him. He was someone that had so much expected of him just due to a whim. He had to follow a set path already laid out for him without question. Then, here Gabriel was: respected and high in authority, free to do virtually whatever he pleased. Over time he had derived a bond between the two of them without even realizing it. In pure truth, he was like a son to him, and he would not, could not allow him to throw his life away.51

Gabriel considered his options as he continued to watch Heero and Lunar shrink farther into the distance. A slight revelation came to him as he watched which made him smile. He started walking after them but then broke into a jog. He knew what he had to do: he had to reunite Heero with his long lost past. He knew that it would be the only way to save him.52

“Hey! Wait up!”53

“Why should I wait for you, old man?”54

“Old man!? How dare you show such disrespect to your mentor!?”55

Heero scoffed. “You were no better a teacher than Lunar.”56

“I beg to differ.”57

“Fine.”58

Gabriel looked at him with a slight smile. Heero caught his eyes and snorted, “What?”59

Gabriel turned away without a word but still kept the smile on his face.60

“Why did you come after me? I already told you that I don’t need you tagging along.”61

“Oh, but you do.”62

“What would give you that impression?”63

Gabriel chuckled and replied, “Because if you really wanted to leave me behind, you could’ve just flown.”64