Life of the Forsaken

 

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Prologue

The world around us is never as it seems. Ignorance is humanities worst flaw and that act itself is what led to the end of the worlds as we knew it.

Back in the recesses of history where our ancestors lived, there existed a being so evil and impure it desired nothing more than to slaughter everything it could. It was a deity that had escaped the shackles of heaven and sought out the destruction of our world. Unbeknownst to people today, the so called God(s) they believe and worship aren’t as all powerful as you might think. They have rules which govern the usage of their powers and they are unable to break these said rules. One such rule within the kingdom of the Gods is that – nothing can be created without something of equal value being destroyed. With this fact in mind, our ancestors used a long forgotten art of magic/alchemy and sealed this deity within the soil of the Earth itself. This came at a price: a human sacrifice must be given from each country, every mega-annum in order to pay the price of sealing the deity deep within our world. 

 

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Part One

Connor's life was one of extreme ordinariness and days passed by one by one. On October 28th 2013 at precisely 16:47 his life took a turn for the worst. School was the same as usual but the bus journey back was were our story begins. A story beginning with an end.

The bus sped along the road at its usual pace as Connor sat alone by the window entranced by his imagination for it was all he had. Without hesitation the peaceful tranquillity was destroyed as a truck ploughed right into the bus, throwing it sideways, halfway across the road. Connor finally regained consciousness with bruises and blood covering his body. He unbuckled his seatbelt and fell onto the roof of the bus before climbing out of a window and limping along the road in hope to find someone to help. “Someone...help!! Anyone...” he shouted before more tears caressed down his face. With no houses in sight he headed towards the only building were people were likely to be – a church.

He found himself standing outside the church's large wooden doors that were thrice the size of him. At first he shouted in the hope that someone was there but as predicted no-one answered. Connor sighed deeply and pushed the doors but for some reason they never budged. He bent over and heaved the doors open before entering quickly. The doors slammed shut behind him as he walked up to the alter where he saw a person in a long red robe praying to God.

Excuse me! Can you help me. You see I was just in a bus accident and I...” He stopped mid sentence to see a trail of blood coming from his knee. He had made the injury worse from opening the doors of the church and he felt himself getting a bit queasy; although he always felt a little sick going into churches so it was hard to for him to differentiate between the two causes.

He grunted after seeing the blood. 'How much blood did I lose?' and 'How long do I have until I pass out and similarly how long do I have till I die of blood loss?' were thoughts that ran through his head. He needed help and god knows who else needed it more.

Excuse me! It's really urgent! Do you have a phone? In the middle of nowhere in Scotland, it can be difficult to find one.” He said while closing the distance between the two of them. With yet another silent response and blood still oozing out from his leg, Connor reached out and grabbed the person on the shoulder, and was about to try and see their face when, all of a sudden a shot of pain echoed throughout his body. He glanced down and blood poured out of his chest as a sharp object rested where the blood was coming from. The shoulder he had been holding disappeared and the red robe dropped to the ground. Connor turned around hesitantly and to his shock saw the one person he thought it would never be. His mother. She tilted her head to the side and folded her arms before smiling.

Now, be a good boy and die already. Your life will be put to good use!” She said, sighing before continuing. “I even went to the trouble of planning this out at least it all planned out. It wont be long now till 'The Deity' is revived and thanks to your death. I'll let you in a little secret, seeing as how you are my son.” She said and then walked towards Connor who had staggered back and lay on the ground clutching his wound. She whispered into his ear, “You were going to die anyway. You were one of the legendary sacrifices, but you wont understand anything of what has happened. People's ignorance towards The Deity's sacrifices is what will cause the end of the world and if I'm honest I'm sick of this world. Selfish people and nothing but corrupt and evil people inhabit this world so this is the best option. Oh well, I'll see you in hell my dear. Send my regards to the gods”. She the began walking away, leaving Connor to die.

Connor was too shocked to say a word instead he cried in frustration. His life was being sapped out of him and there was nothing he could do. He couldn't think straight and with all that had happened he felt lost and exhausted. “It wont hurt if I take a little nap,” He muttered and slowly closed his eyes.

Connor's life was one of extreme ordinariness and days passed by one by one. On October 28th 2013 at precisely 16:47 his life took a turn for the worst. On that date, at that precise time, Connor was found dead at the scene but our story doesn't end here. It's merely just the beginning.

Connor awake not too long afterwards and found himself sitting alone in utter darkness. He looked around but only darkness graced its presence. Connor was panicking and he rested his palm against his head as visions of his death flooding in. He remained on the ground, just lying there watching as his life flashed before him when all of a sudden a white dove appeared holding a white envelope that was sealed with a red stamp. Connor sat upright and watched as the bird flew and landed right in front of him and began hopping towards him. The bird nudged his hand and dropped the letter which had Connor's name written on the front. Curiosity got the best of him and he opened the envelope and found a letter which he pulled out and read:

Dear Connor,

It is unfortunate to hear that you passed away so early but we believe that this is for the best. We have a proposal for you, my dear child. Your life isn't over yet and we want you to fulfil your purpose in life. Right now a being so evil it was sealed within the earth, is about to awaken and it will destroy the world and everything within it unless you stop it. You are Earth's savour and we would like you to take part in the 'Trial of the Gods' where you will hopefully be able to gain godhood and save the world. Only you are capable of this and we wish you the best of luck should you accept our request.

P.S. If the answer is yes blow the whistle included in the envelope.

Signed: The 6 Guardians”

HAHAH you have got to be kidding me! There is no way this is right. Very funny! I know this was a whole set up and that I never really died. It must have been some sort of TV show prank. HAHA I figured it out guys no need to hide the cameras anymore and can someone turn the lights on?” Connor said but there was no reply, just silence. With no reply Connor decided to see if he could find a light switch but after hours upon hours of searching he gave up and with nothing to show for it. He sat down to find the letter right next to him and he sighed as he realized he had ended up walking in a circle.

I don't seem to have much of a choice then, do I?” He asked himself and reached into the envelope and pulled out the whistle and took a deep breath before exhaling into the whistle. As the whistle blew the darkness surrounding him began to disappear, revealing a white room in which Connor was sitting upon a mattress on a bed in the corner of the room.

WOW. This is awesome!!” He said, his face lighting up but just as Connor said this aloud there was a knock at the door, which was located to the left of him. His body froze and the smile he had vanished from his face as he jumped of the best and hid beside the door.

I'm coming in” said a voice from behind the door. Within seconds the door was opened, and an old man who was wearing a butler suit, entered the room using his walking cane to aid him in doing so. The door shielded Connor from view and the old man glanced around the room before leaving. Connor waited for a moment before letting out a deep sigh and began to walk to the bed when all of a sudden the door shot open and slammed, as well as bounced against, the wall. Connor froze in horror and the old man shouted “HAHA! Caught you, you little rascal!” before walking over over to Connor and, grabbing his ear and pulling him out of the room.

The two of them found themselves walking along corridors and stairs before reaching their destination. On the way though, they Connor spotted many pictures that looked peculiar to say the least. One such painting in particular had a rabbit with pocket watches for eyes and long razor blades for teeth and hands. It's head was resting within the chest of a man who's head we could not see as well as the clock also kept ticking with each step Connor took.

This is were the participants in your continent are gathered. I hate to ruin you're hopes but that letter is giving to everyone who passed away today so you're not as special as they made you out to be. I'd say sorry but I'm not honestly and God hates liars.” The old man told Connor, who laughed the comment off. Connor took lead and opened the door and walked in followed by the old man.

Welcome blessed children! I am happy to see so many of you gathered here today to participate in our 'Trial of the Gods' contest. This competition is to see who is the most capable and suited to rule over the planet Earth. By this process we hope that those who gain Godhood will use their powers to vanquish the evil deity that dwells within your home planet. This deity is called Lara and it is the offspring of Lucifer and Eve and was cast to the Earth to hide its existence from Lucifer but he found out and as punishment he corrupted its mind. He forced it kill many humans and it continued to do so until 6 mages of the Gaian Religion sealed Lara but the spell was weak and Lucifer could break the bond if he entered the human world. To prevent this each country had to hold sacrifices in order to cleanse the land and prevent Lucifer from reviving his child. The time has come yet again, but, in humanity's current state it ignored the ritual and Lara is currently being awoken by Lucifer. The awakening spell will take some time to cast and we have enough time to seek a new God. You will not be told what we are looking for we will watch over you and judge your reactions. Good luck to you all!” Said a woman who was standing at a podium. Her name was Cynthia and she was one of the 6 Guardians. She has blond hair and she has a bad habit of going nude at the most inconvenient of times.

What happened to God?” asked a man who was a member of the audience followed by the crowd going “yeah”.

He was killed. I'm not at liberty to say anymore. If you want to know more become God and find out yourself,” Cynthia replied and the man sat hesitantly down with a puzzled expression on his face. Just as the man sat down a woman stood up, “How do you expect everyone here to believe everything you're saying? How can you prove this isn't some elaborate joke?”

I can't prove it, it's up to you if you believe or not. It's not something I can make you do. I can only hope.” Cynthia replied and with that no more questions were asked. Cynthia left the podium and walked past the crowd to get to the door where Connor and the old man stood. Cynthia had this aura that made people quiver in their seats as she walked past and so wasn't bothered by anyone as she walked to the door.

Hello Sebastian. Once you're finished, I must talk with you. It's urgent so just bare that in mind.” She said to the old man before turning to Connor and smiled. “Good luck out there. It's unfortunate our meeting here but I know it's for the best. Now, if you'll excuse me.” With that she walked out of the large room.

Your names Sebastian?” Connor asked forcing back the laughter.

Yes and why is that so funny?” He asked glaring at him.

Oh, no reason...it's just a common name for a butler that's. Haha, you really are an old geezer,” Connor replied laughing in the process.

Why you cheeky little-” He said and tried to hit Connor with his cane but Connor ducked and was about to gloat when Sebastian's cane ended up hitting the boy who had been walking up to the two of them. The boy fell to the ground blood gushing from his face.

Oh my gosh, are you okay?” Connor asked.

Yeah I'm okay, just a little dizzy,” He replied. Connor then turned to Sebastian, “Is there a place we can let him rest? You really have a powerful swing, remind me not to get on your bad side.”

There is a room. If you'd follow me please,” Sebastian replied.

Lead the way,” Connor said and helped the boy to his feet. Sebastian left the room and both Connor and the boy followed.

Sebastian led the two boys the medic room where the boy was left to rest. Sebastian was about to leave when Connor stepped in front of him.

What are you? How were you able to hit him that hard? Why did you not apologize to him?” Connor questioned.

It does not matter. All of those questions are irrelevant and it's lucky that he's alive. I had intended to inflict more pain but I felt a small amount of sympathy towards you and held back. It's your fault for ducking,” He replied.

That's you holding back? HAHA. It must have been your cane. That's it! It must have some sort of motor or something in it that helped you hit harder but don't even try and blame this on me. Where are you going anyway? You're the butler you should be serving that guy until he recovers.” Connor retaliated while pointing towards the boy who lay in the bed.

That's not my job anymore and I'm not here to serve little brats. My services are only for Cynthia, the woman you met earlier. She is my master and I will only serve her. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm late.” He said.

Connor grunted as Sebastian shoved him out of the way and left the two alone.

Gah! He drives me bonkers. He has some strength to him.” Connor said to himself and then looked at the boy and bit his bottom lip.

What am I gonna do with you?” He said aloud.

You can sit down for starters. There are some questions I want to know and you seem to know more about this world than most people. I don't think I've introduced myself. The name's Zayn, it's a pleasure to meet you” Zayn replied.

HAHA, you've gotta be joking me. I'm as much clued in as the next guy, the difference I have as compared to other people is that I'm not really bothered by it all. I've lived my whole life of pure ordinariness and this, this is a whole new world, a whole new future for me to create an adventure waiting to be explored. I cannot contain myself at the sheer extraordinariness this world has and it is weird and yes I do not understand most of what's happening but you don't have to understand everything to enjoy it nor do you need to find out how it works to ravel in its complexity and fascinating creation.” Connor said while laughing. His speech was something that surprised him for he'd never really given it much thought. The words and feeling that entered his mind and left his lips were subconscious desires that Connor craved so dearly. Unbeknownst to him, his life was going to get a heck of a lot more crazier.

*

About an hour passed as Connor sat with his battered friend, Zayn and chatted. With smiles and tears the conversation drifted from general information to, the death of each other. Zayn had been one of many who were taken as hostage and brutally murdered, while on holiday in Russia. After the conversation was just getting more in depth, screams echoed throughout the room. It sounded as if it was coming from the main room where Cynthia had given her talk. Connor glanced at Zayn and their eyes locked as horror covered their faces.

I'll go check it out you stay here in case someone comes here for medical assistance. Plus you're less likely to injure yourself here.” Connor ordered without waiting for a reply, before sprinting out of the room and headed towards the main room. Zayn sighed as Connor left and smiled as he looked out the window.

I wonder if he'll be able to forgive me? It's almost time. Poor kid,” Zayn thought to himself.

Connor walked into the main room and froze with fear at what he saw. Blood was everywhere and about half of the people who had been there earlier were all dead. Nothing more than mutilated slabs of meat. Connor remained still as he saw headless bodies, innards torn and cut, limbs dismembered and scattered with so much blood covering the floor. Connor's heart was pounding ferociously as he saw the person responsible look at him and smile.

...Well...you weren't suppose to witness this,” Sebastian said as he walked over to Connor who backed away. “I guess I have to end things here and now for you” He said but just at that moment there was yet another scream, this time from the doorway. Cynthia was horrified at what she saw but what was more appalling was that she saw the culprit, or the person she thought it was.

Connor froze in horror as he turned to face Cynthia only to realise that she only saw him. Sebastian had disappeared and Connor lay standing in the middle of the pool of blood as a head of a young brunette rolled and tapped against Connor's leg. He slowly turned, still petrified, and saw a woman had rolled the head and was lying against the wall, her blood trickling out. Connor glanced over and saw Cynthia run and was about to chase after her and tell her it was a misunderstanding but decided against it. He couldn't bare to have the woman die alone especially under these circumstances. He ran over to the woman and her face grew a wide grin.

...you...don't...need...to stay...” she said weakly.

Yes, you're right – I don't need to but I want to. I wont let you die and I'll try and save you so just hold on. I've got to stop the bleeding first” Connor responded and applied pressure with both hands on to the woman's belly where the blood oozed out. “What happened here?”

I can't remember much. All I know is there was screaming and blood began spraying all over the place like some sort of sprinkler system. I tried to run but I got a broom shot through my belly as you can see. I tried to pull it out but screwed things up. Just leave me here to die. Run while you can for Cynthia will have you arrested. I've been in this world for a few decades now and in Cynthia's trial, the world replicates the way your world works and so you'll be arrested and sentenced to death. Just let me die.” She begged Connor.

I can't do that. Can you walk? I need to get you to the medic's base where Zayn is. Come on!! We need to go now or else you really will die!!” Connor shouted to the woman and she nodded and tried to stand up. Blood began to pour out of the wound onto the ground with loud manic slashing sounds. The warm blood was making Connor queasy as he eventually managed to aid the woman out of the mains room and into the medic's base where Connor collapsed onto the bed and began doing breathing exercises to calm himself down.

I'm...sorry...” She said as she applied pressure to the wound. Connor, after calming down scurried across the room to look for a dressing which he could apply to the woman's wound. To no avail, Connor assisted the woman onto the bed and left her while he searched elsewhere. He wondered where Zayn had disappeared off to and began to worry about him. Connor sight, “I need to deal with the woman first before I track down where Zayn has disappeared off too.” He said to himself while passing the peculiar picture and once again he, had some compulsion to stare at the picture only this time the picture came to life, literally.

Be warned! Be warned! People are never as they seem and the trials you face will test your mental capabilities as well as your physical ones. Do not trust anyone and be on guard and alert at all times! Head my warning human child. Do not disregard it for if you do, you will not progress far.” Said the bizarre rabbit before it returned to it's original pose. Connor didn't know how to react or what to say. Things were just getting weirder and weirder by the second. What did the rabbit even mean? Who'd be out to get him? It was a little suspicious in Connor's eyes but as his mind kept trailing on about that incident his legs kept moving until he found himself outside a large door almost three times the size of him. He heaved the door open in hope of finding anything to use which could have helped the woman but something entirely different lay behind that door.

There's the culprit, officer! I saw it with my own eyes! He killed all those people!” Said Cynthia who had been talking to an armed police force who had been waiting behind that door that led out to the outdoors where a cool breeze brushed against Connors face followed by a “Get your hands in the air and get down on your knees.” Connor hesitantly did as he was told but protested in the process claiming Cynthia misunderstood the situation.

*

Connor was taken to a holding cell within this worlds prison and it was there, in that pure white room, where he was handcuffed to the table. Connor had been lying on the table mumbling “I didn't do it, you're all wrong” when a tall, slender man with black glasses, chestnut brown hair and emerald green eyes, entered the room and sat in front of Connor and looked at him with a big smile.

So tell me what happened” He said in a cheerful and yet slightly condescending tone. Connor replied by telling him about the whole ordeal about staying with Zayn, finding the woman and seeing Sebastian and all throughout the process the man who looked like he was suppose to be Connor's lawyer, just sat there and smiled and nodded. Just as Connor had finished he noticed the door the open and the woman he had saved walk in. His face went from containing a smile to a confused expression.

What's wrong?” Asked the man.

Nothing.” He said to the man and turned to the woman and asked “What are you doing here? How did you heal so quickly? Will you tell these people that I'm innocent!”

Who are you talking to?” The man replies while looking over his shoulder before returning eye contact with Connor. Now the man's smile had left his face.

You mean you can't see her? She's right behind you..” Connor said.

You're the only one who can see me” The woman replied before frowning. “I was hoping to avoid this but felt I better come to tell you in person.”

In person? What do you mean? Why can't he see you?” Connor questioned while the man's jaw just lay hanging as he was shocked from what he was witnessing. The woman chuckled and the laughter grew very familiar.

I don't really exist. I'm a creation of magic, a hologram of my master if you wish to give you a message-” The woman replied before opening her mouth wide and looking up to the ceiling. In doing so two hands appeared at the sides of the woman's face from inside her mouth before the hands pulled down with vigorous force revealing none other than Connor's mother. Connor jumped out of his seat and began to squirm to try and escape from the handcuffs while the man tried to calm him down. Connor's mum walked over to him and whispered in his ear

I will not allow you to ruin my plans. I will make sure your life in this afterlife is as painful as possible and I'll make sure you suffer. I will not rest until you have lost this trial and return to the darkness of purgatory where I had originally sent you! I will see personally to your demise oh son of mine. Rest in peace or preferably pieces. HAHA” She said while chucking before vanishing in the blind of an eye just as Sebastian did.

Everyone believes you are a murderer and people will more likely betray you and yet with this knowledge in hand do you intent to continue the trials of the 6 guardians?” Asked the man trying to change the subject.

Hmm. To be honest, my answer would be yes. Not because I'm scared of the punishment I would receive but more so that humans have evil deep within them that they are unaware of. This dark side to human could cause the end of the world should those such people gain godhood. It may be narcissistic but I believe I am more capable of this than anyone. I can carry the burden and I can suffer the way God would for if I chose not to, I, myself would not be able to live the knowledge that someone else is enduring the suffering and I gave up. Besides nothing ventured nothing gained and people can believe what they want to believe and it's not up to me to change their minds.” Connor replied.

The man laughed and clapped his hands as he smiled widely once again. “Congratulations, you've passed Trial 1 and you're onto Trial 2...my trial!” He replied.

What are you talking about? Wait...was all of this planned?” Connor asked while looking down at his hands.

Precisely. The murder scene, the Zayn scene, the arrest, all of it!” The man replied.

And what about the woman? Oh, or the painting?” Connor asked.

What are you talking about? The man replied.

You know the woman who was still alive in the main room whom I rescued as well as the painting that told me- Oh. It makes sense now. I can't believe I was so easily fooled and by some stranger too! I don't even know your name.” Connor said.

My name? It's Taylz.” He replied and just smiled. There was something about him that was infectious. Connor felt as if he was drawn in by him. Something tugging at his heart, as it beats so loudly. Although there was something drawing him him, Connor felt uneasy and scared and there was something about him he didn't trust.

So what happens now? Does the 2nd Trial start now? Am I going to have to watch as people die before my eyes? Do I have to go through all that I just went through again?” Connor said as he began to relive all the events that happened.

The images he was seeing over and over again, got worse and worse as it replayed through. Connor's heart was in his throat and began to gag before tears ran down his face.

You do realise that you are already dead and that you cannot die. This is limbo and so if you die here you merely go back into the cycle of life. You don't really 'die' per say. What you witnessed was of course traumatic but it's nothing to what you must do if you continue this Trial. I'm not here to convince you stay, in fact I'm here to do the opposite. The weak cannot become God and that is a rule. God deals with the birth of the living and the death of the deceased. He has to witness and not interfere directly in events that are far more gruesome than that wee masquerade show we put on for you. If you really mean what you say I know that what I say shouldn't put you off of the Trial but merely you'll suffer through the pain so no-one else would. If you don't hold true to your words then you'll quit and pass on to the after world. So make your choice: Continue on with everyone seeing you as a murderer and inhuman or give up on your struggle and pass onto the next world.” Taylz proposed.

Why do you expect me to decide just like that? I can't just make up my mind so quickly! I stick by what I say but I also have to take my mental capabilities into account!” Connor replied.

HAHA. You can quit at any point but remember you cannot redo this Trial for another mega-annum. Plus I'll make it worth your while!” Taylz said while grinning.

What? You just said you wouldn't convince me? You can't just contradict yourself! What can you give me that would make me change my mind?” Connor retorted.

I'm not going to tell you what I have until you accept it. Just be conscious of the face everyone will hate you and try to stab you in the back.” Taylz replied.

There you go again!! This time trying to put me off! You don't make sense!” Connor said before sighing “I'm true to my word and I meant what I said. I will continue on this Trial besides, I can't say no to an adventure.” Connor replied in a quiet voice before sighing yet again.

Yay!” Taylz shouted gleefully as he clapped his hands eagerly and placed his suitcase on the table. He unlocked the suitcase and pulled out a ball with light green mist swirling inside it, and handed it to Connor.

What the hell is this? What the-” Connor asked but just at that moment the ball glowed and sucked Connor's hands in making them come together making it look as if Connor was praying. The green mist wrapped itself around Connor's hands as it glowed so brightly.

The orb is a mystical and magical device that read the person holding its aura and will create an object in which you will be able to use an ability unique only to you. The ability will reflect your personality as well as allow you to move onto the 5 remaining Trials. The next Trial isn't where you think it is going to be. We've arranged for you to go back to the world of the living where you will given tasks to carry out.” Taylz said.

What the hell do you mean? You said we were in limbo, how can we just go back to living?” Connor asked locking eyes on Taylz.

HAHA You wont be alive when you go back if that's what you're wondering. You'd be unable to communicate with most of the outside world. You'd basically be a ghost or well a poltergeist to be precise.” Taylz replied still grinning.

That sort of makes sense but why would I be going there? Oh-” Connor asked and the green mist had disappeared and now fingerless gloved as blue as the sky had appeared in its place. Connor then began wafting his hands about before looking at Taylz.

Erm. How do you work these?” Connor asked.

You have to focus. Relax your body and focus that relaxation mostly towards your palms. It causes you to make your Ki energy flow towards that area and that unlocks the device's abilities. You have to give the device a name though so it will sync with you and you must say that out loud.” Taylz said now clasping his hands in utter excitement.

Connor did as Taylz said and he closed his eyes while focusing. Taylz sat back and early watched as Connor's gloves let out a bright, white glow. Connor's eyes shot open as he felt the energy soar throughout his body.

What...what is this feeling?” Connor asked as the light got brighter and brighter.

It's Euphoria. Now say it's name!” Taylz replied.

Oh right yeah. Erm...appear Faith!” Connor chanted. As he said the name his words gain a physical form and entered into the light which expanded and flashed so brightly that Connor had to close his eyes. As Connor opened them the light was gone but his gloved remained on his hands and he looked at Taylz who's face was that of excitement and amazement but his gaze was focused on Connor's shoulder.

What are you looking at?” Connor asked and Taylz pointed at Connor's shoulder. Connor turned and looked and locked eyes with a small white fox that had a dark turquoise coloured pattern on it's head.

Hello master. I am Faith you're loyal helper during the Trials. It's a pleasure to meet your acquittance!” The fox said. Connor began to pet the fox before gasping.

Wow, its fur is so silky soft. It feels alive too.” Connor said.

Hmm. So you're one of them. Oh well. It can't be helped. Oh and when you wake up try and make your way to nearest office building, it's there were things will make sense.” Taylz said before reaching over and pushed Connor over breaking the handcuffs in the process and with that Connor fell through the floor.

I hope he doesn't lose what the countless others before him have. I can only pray that what's in store for him doesn't destroy him.” Taylz said as he closed the door behind him as he left the room.

*

What the hell happened?” Connor said as he found himself in a dark and dusky room. There was no light source except the full moon that shone so brightly through the clock's face. Connor had awoken inside a clock tower somewhere within Britain.


As the clock continued ticking; his mental state began to come regain a stable mode. He inhaled deeply, then exhaled and lied back and gazed at the roof of the clock tower. It had a hole cursed upon its timber structure. Through it Connor watched, mesmerized by its beauty, the stars that were grouped aside the glorious moon. He raised my hand as if attempting to hold one of the delicate and elegant stars that shone so lusciously. He licked my lips and smiled as the moon continued showering him with its melodic melody of harmonious light. He lay sprawled out on his back just enjoying the picturesque moment when a droplet of rain fell elegantly onto his soft skin. It slid off the side of his cheek with ease, leaving an everlasting impression. Another one followed and not before long, thousand were falling. A downpour of both physical and natural pulchritudinous. His body soon grew repulsed by its cold presence and he sighed before beginning to shiver. His body was growing cold as he found he wasn't wearing any clothes and he felt his body was growing numb. If it kept up like this he thought he would die of hypothermia but he then I remembered.

Connor turned his head to the left and spied and elevator door enclosed in broken beams and rubble. He used up what little energy he had to roll onto his chest before pushing himself up onto his feet. Connor had been so relaxed in the moon's presence that it sucked him of most of his energy but now that he had broken away from it he felt a surge of power. He walked towards the door as the rain continued playing its musical melody. The sound it made whilst hitting the ground and the roof was like a poetic song. Connor smiled once again but it faded when heard a loud bang followed by the sound of rubble falling to the ground. Someone was making there way into where he was. Dust filled the room and he coughed in response. A young boy walked from out of the dust. He stopped in horror as he spotted Connor, naked. His face grew bright red and as he tried to back up he tripped over a plank of wood that had been abandoned there. He hit the ground with a loud whack. Now, on his back he kept looking at Connor.

You can actually see me?” Connor asked remember what Taylz had said.

Ye...ye...yes!” The boy replied staring at the ceiling.

And what, pray tell is your name?” Connor asked.

Erm...erm...my...my...my name is Caelian. Erm...Who-who...who are?” The boy replied and covered his eyes instead.

Me? The name's Connor, it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” Connor replied bowing for effect. “Oh you must excuse my nudity, the higher ups have a strange sense of humour. You do realise I am dead and I don't exist don't you?”

Ah. I find it hard to tell the difference to be honest. I've lived with the ability to see those in limbo since I was a young child and you seem as alive as the actual living. The problem now is that I can't give you clothes to put on...erm. Hmm, I was told to come here by a woman called Cynthia. Do you know her? She seems quite well known in limbo. I was to escort you to her.” Caelian told him.

It seems you can speak properly now haha. Why is Cynthia here? I wonder if she was in the loop or not. Can you take me to here now?” Connor asked.

...” Caelian replied and backed away quickly as horror consumed his face.

Move!” came a voice within Connor and of no control himself he rolled out of the way of an incoming assault from behind.

What the-” Connor said as he regained his footing.

Tsk. The Trials are too righteous and pure for the likes of vermin like you! Murderers have no place in heaven!” Said the large brute of a man who had swung his axe at Connor.

Ah. I was warned this might happen. Maybe this might work” Connor said and began to focus. “Appear, Faith!” He shouted and just like last time Faith appeared upon his shoulder.

Thank you for summoning me master, how may I be of service?” It asked.

Ah, stop with the formalities. Call me Connor or partner, we're equals here and I'm by no means superior to you. I need a little help though. As you can see we're in a little predicament.” Connor said while dodging repeatedly the axe swings that were aimed at his head. Luckily for him, after dodging an attack the axe hit against the wooden wall and lay wedged inside it. The brute began to attempt to remove it and Connor backed up trying to put distance between the two.

Yes, partner. Repeat after me: Combat mode initiate! Level 1 release!” Faith replied while saluting with its paw. Connor did as he was instructed and just as the words were uttered out of his mouth, Faith's markings on its forehead began to illuminate and from it a sword appeared.

Can you pull it out please?” Faith asked before jumping down off of Connor's shoulder. Connor obeyed and removed the katana from Faith and his gloves began to glow. A circular alchemical symbol appeared above of Connor's hand and in the circle lay the number '1'.

Would you like auto-pilot to be activated as well?” Faith asked Connor who was grinning with amazement.

What do you mean by auto-pilot?” Connor asked Faith as he turned to face it.

It's what's allowing you dodge all those attacks. If I activate auto-pilot, your Ki will deplete much faster but you'll be able to fight without hesitation or without worrying about really anything. I override your system and prevent you from controlling your body.” Faith told him.

Well, no matter how I look at it, I don't really have a choice. Activate auto-pilot.” Connor replied as the brute managed to free his weapon from the wall and smirked.

There's no getting away now. Level 1 release.” The brute said and the same symbol that appeared that was on Connor's hand, on the brute's axe. Smoke appeared around the axe as it began to alter its shape. After a few moments the smoke cleared and the Brute remained standing there holding a long handle and grinning.

Where the hell did his axe go?” Connor asked Faith.

Don't be fooled. It's still here just not where you can see it. If you want to be able to stand a chance against him you'll have to close your eyes and trust me. If you don't you wont be able to track the rest of his axe until it's too late.” Faith replied.

As I said before, I don't think I have much of an option here.” Connor replied and closed his eyes. “This feels weird Faith, I can make a faint outline of him. His presence feels much more predominant now. Please be careful.” Connor said.

Trust me, partner. I wont do anything rash. I have decades of battle, so just believe in me.” Faith replied.

I'm not going to stand here and wait for you to be ready. I have no honour or respect for trash like you! Now rot in hell.” The brute said and began waving the handle like some sort of magic wand around Connor's body. Before Connor knew what was happening, a large force fired him across the room as he stabbed the katana into the ground to slow him down. He removed the sword and became a blur. He was moving too fast for the brute to spot him.

Don't think you're little trick will help you!” The brute said and began spinning the handle vertically and grinned.

Connor stabb

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Part Two

Connor woke up to find the sun shinning brightly down upon his eyes through the blinds. Connor placed his arm across his eyes to block out the sun and to help him reflect on what was happening before his very eyes.

I did what you told me so what's the plan now?” Connor shouted to Cynthia. With no reply he stretched and got to his feet and began walking towards the bedroom. He opened the door and entered the bedroom not knowing what to expect. 

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