THE BOOK OF VOID IV: resurrection
Jul 15, 2022 16:03:51 GMT -5
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Post by Void on Jul 15, 2022 16:03:51 GMT -5
The sun, low in the sky, casts a long shadow on the remnants of the Church of the Abyss. As the sun sets, the shadows finally approach the giant pile of ash in front of the altar. The air in front of the ash pile seems to shimmer, like an oasis on a hot day. Then, out of the shadows, rises a figure. It’s in the shape of a man, but seemingly made out of the shadow itself. It has all the features of a man, holes where eyes would be, a nose, a mouth, but made of pure blackness. The figure raises their arm over the pile of ash, palm down. Their mouth moves, and a thousand voices, all varying in volume, tone, and pitch. say in unison:
RISE.
The pile of ashes shifts, as if a strong breeze just blew through. Ashes start to rise into the air, a few at a time, then more and more. The ashes rise in a spiral shape toward the man’s hand, where they start to coalesce into a gray, torso shape. The shadow moves their hand and the ashes remain, some still rising, further defining the torso’s form. The shadow makes a few gestures, and arms and legs begin to form. Eventually, the ashes have formed completely into a body, with a small pile of ashes in front of it. The shadow picks up the ashes in their hands, lifting them to their mouth. The shadow blows, and the ashes fly towards the body’s neck. They swirl around, forming a cloud that slowly becomes more and more dense. At last, the cloud shapes itself into the head of VOID, sans mask.
The shadow lifts their hand to the gray, ashen VOID’s chest.
LIVE.
Waves of purple, white, and black energy course over the ashes. The ash where the shadow touched turns into the color of skin, then begins rising and falling. Slowly the color and movement begins to spread across the statue, saving the head for last. When the flesh finally reaches VOID’s face, it spreads all at once, VOID’s face forms, and he gives a huge gasp. Breathing heavily, VOID raises his hand to his face, woozy, disbelieving. Looking past his hand, he sees the shadow. Immediately, he falls to his knees, his expression one of elated wonder.
My- My Abyss! O great Abyss, my gratitude for you is infinite. You have brought me back from devastation. Only say the word, and I will enact vengeance tenfold on all your enemies. They will fear your name, and your glory shall be enacted all across the-
SILENCE.
The shadow’s shoulders seem to sag, it’s posture drooping.
VOID turns red and immediately lies prostrate in front of the shadow.
Of course, my Abyss. Before I enact your crusade, I must show proper gratitude to you. What sacrifice do you demand? Only ask, and your servant shall deliver.
The shadow looks down at VOID. It looks skyward. Then, rocking back on its heels, it collapses, falling backwards. A cloud of dust and darkness forms around where it fell, though the impact makes no noise.
After a minute or two, VOID peeks up from his prostrate position , only to see a dissipating cloud of dust. Jumping to his feet, VOID rushes towards the cloud. Laying on the cracked dirt, he finds a significantly smaller shadow figure, about the size of a young teenager. VOID gets on his knees once again.
My Abyss, what… what is wrong?
The small shadow figure looks at VOID, and it’s forehead is wrinkled in concentration, it’s eyeholes squinting. A chill goes down VOID’s spine. The shadow opens it’s mouth and now only one voice comes out: a low, wavering voice of sadness.
Void, The Abyss is dying. I am dying.
Void grabs the hand of the shadow.
No! No, this cannot be. You are ancient! You have lasted through Mesopotamia, through Egypt, through world wars! You cannot die! I-I won’t allow you to.
Void looks around the wasteland, hastily trying to find some solution, but is stopped by The Abyss sitting up and putting a hand on his shoulder.
No, Void. There is no hope. I already expended all my energy, making this place for you.
Void looks at the shadow with confusion.
What your torturer said was true. None of this is real. You currently lie in a communing tank. All this has been my last gift to you. Or perhaps my last trial.
Void looks up at the broken steeple, then towards the dry riverbed. When he looks at The Abyss, there are tears on his face.
But, my Abyss, why? Why have you put me through these things?
Because, my son, I needed to be sure you were ready to be my final avatar. Perhaps, in time, you will look back on it and be thankful. But, for now, while I am sorry you had to endure such pain, I am satisfied. You have proven yourself worthy.
Void’s face fills with bittersweet pride.
Then… what do I do next, my Abyss. Without you, I am nothing.
The Abyss shakes its head.
No, you are stronger than you know. In fact, you are stronger than me. I wouldn’t put my faith in you otherwise.
The Abyss gives a wry smile.
In fact, I think I see fit to grant you a new name.
Void looks at The Abyss, mouth agape.
No, no my Abyss. You have convinced me you must pass on, but you will not do this. My name was gifted to me by you at your greatest peak. I will forever carry it as a reminder of where I started, and a reminder of you. I am adamant. I shall always be known as Void. In your honor.
The Abyss stares at Void for a long while, then grins
Perhaps you are right. Perhaps not. But if it is your desire, then I will not impede upon you.
Suddenly, The Abyss gasps, its left hand going towards its chest. Void cradles the Abyss as it’s face contorts in pain.
The path before you will not be easy. You must carry all of us with you. The Church, the past acolytes, myself. But I am confident you will succeed. And when you are broken, when you are battered down… look to us, and we shall help you rise once again. This, this shall be my last gift to you. My eternal gift.
The Abyss raises its hand to Void’s forehead.
Go now, in peace
And suddenly, Void is falling, falling to the ground, but when he hits the ground, it turns into a flock of crows, and he continues to fall, surrounded by feathers, beaks, and cawing. VOID closes his eyes and covers his face with his hands. For a solid two minutes, Void falls through flock after flock of crows. Eventually, his descent starts to slow then stops entirely.
Void removes his hands from his face, then opens his eyes. He is floating in a gray void. Looking to his left, he sees a black, feathered wing, then to his right, another.
Two crow’s wings have sprouted from Void’s back.
Void puts one hand to his forehead. Tears roll down his cheeks. Then, the gray void slowly turns a blinding white.
06/26/2022 - 8:30pm
We see the same room as noted earlier through security cam footage. Flickering lights, a barred window, and a long cylinder lying lengthwise. But now, the long metal cylinder is open. On the floor is a gray mask, torn up and discarded. And the bars on the window have been torn off. The window is open, and a breeze blows through the room.