Annihilation

by S. C. Mitchell

  He brought her to the floor, pulling all the power he could grasp, and sent it as healing energy into the still form.

  Nathan stood protectively over them as Ryan checked for a pulse. There was no breath – no heartbeat.

  She was gone.

  A cold fury swept through him.

  A Ballor demon stepped through the shattered doorway. “And with one blow the seeds of the High Lord and Gaia die. The gods will never be reborn.”

  Nathan’s eyes glowed.

  “No!” Ryan said, laying Salina gently on the floor. “He’s mine.”

  Ryan flung himself forward, the Sword of Truth slicing. Anger and sorrow lent power to the swipe and it threw the demon back into the room. Ichor dripped from a long, jagged rend along its right arm.

  “The human era is over, Templar.” The demon was backing away. Its eyes were shifting, as if looking for an escape route. “You should be on your knees, asking Shimone for forgiveness. The demons have risen to dominance, and under the goddess we will flourish. Mankind will be enslaved.”

  Ryan bounded forward, thrusting ahead as he leapt. The Sword of Truth sunk to the hilt in the demon’s chest.

  “Noo…” The demon’s cry was cut short as Ryan wrenched the blade free and swung around to decapitate the Ballor.

  The cold rage seeped from him. Looking at the demonic body at his feet he felt nothing. He was an empty shell. He turned and saw Nathan had brought Salina’s body into the room and he’d laid her on a couch, one of the few surviving pieces of furniture in the chamber.

  For the first time Ryan could remember, Nathan appeared at a loss for what to do.

  Ryan knelt next to Salina and smoothed back her long, ebony hair. She was so beautiful; he couldn’t believe she was gone.

  “Please, no.” Tears leaked from his eyes. He would have prayed for it, but he knew now there was no one left to hear his plea. The High Lord and Gaia were gone, never to return. Shimone was the only god left on Earth, and he’d be damned if he would ever pray to her.

  A sob welled up within him he couldn’t squelch. His eyes misted and sorrow overtook him completely.

  Wicked laughter filled the chamber. “And so ends the human era on Earth. Not with a bang but with a whimper.”

  The demon goddess strode defiantly into the room—her heels clacking on the tiled flooring in the dead silence.

  “It didn’t have to be like this, Shimone.” Nathan advanced on her.

  “Oh, it did, Nathan Gray. It did!” Shimone stopped in front of Nathan and folded her arms in front of her. “I was always meant to rule this realm. Neither you nor your parents ever had the power to stop me.”

  The goddess’s statement registered in the back of Ryan’s mind, and he processed it. He’d never heard anything about Nathan’s parents before, and wondered what Shimone was talking about. Not that it mattered.

  Not that anything mattered anymore.

  Ryan had been there when Nathan battled Shimone before. He’d only been able to win with the backing of both the High Lord and Gaia. Without them, what chance did any of them have to stand against a goddess?

  What is death but a step into a different kind of existence. I refuse to believe that the soul has an ending. – Metaphysical Musings by Peggy Thumpkins, 2014

  Chapter 18

  Salina’s soul drifted above the room. The light beckoned to her but she resisted its call. With the gods gone, was there even an afterlife on the other side?

  It didn’t matter. She was determined to stay and see this through to the end.

  It seemed so odd to be looking down on her body, lying limp on the couch. Ryan knelt next to her. He looked so devastated. He really did love her; she could see it so clearly now.

  She probed deeper—into his heart and what he kept of her there. She needed to know if what was between them had been something real or just the illusion of mutual attraction.

  It was so intense. More than just the memory it should have been. It was indeed a piece of her. How had it gotten there?

  Images flooded her consciousness—warm, loving moments of their time together. The most intense image, however, was one Ryan hadn’t even been there for. He’d been dead—their positions had been reversed.

  She remembered leaning over his spiritless body, pumping healing energy into it after the car crash. She’d thrown everything she had available, including a piece of herself. She hadn’t realized, even then, as much as she’d fought it, she’d been falling in love with him.

  Ryan hadn’t even liked her. When he returned to life, his spirit should have rejected that piece of her—thrown it off. But there it was. Not rejected, but nurtured by his soul, in a secret place reserved just for her. He had loved her. Deeply.

  Ryan smoothed back her hair, then pressed a last kiss to her lips. Salina could almost feel it—Ryan’s warmth, his love. Then she felt the pull of the light and couldn’t fight it any longer. The brightness engulfed her as she was taken away.

  * * *

  “We will fight you to the end.” Nathan’s defiance sounded more like he was admitting defeat.

  A chill ran down Ryan’s spine. This would be the end, but he would face it like a Templar.

  The Sword of Truth had vanished from his hand. There wasn’t enough power in the room to maintain it. He drew his pistol from the holster at his side. Would bullets even have any effect on a goddess?

  “This is the end, Nathan Gray. My ultimate victory.” Shimon’s eyes glowed with power. “Not just your end, godling, but of all those who dare to stand against me.”

  With a wave of the goddess’s hand, a shimmering globe of power appeared at the back of the room. Ryan had to squint, the light was so bright. When it dimmed, Kelly Grant, her newborn babe, Geoffrey le Court, Joyce Jorgens and Anna Hughes were standing in the chamber.

  “Here. All the leaders of my opposition. How convenient.” Shimone smirked, casting her eyes toward the ceiling as the skylight overhead shattered and a dark form descended upon her. But the goddess easily threw the Whargan across the room. It crashed into the wall and slid unconscious to the floor.

  “You’re late, Jack Hughes,” Shimone chuckled. “Worthless as a human. Worthless as a demon.”

  Nathan backed toward Jack’s still form, and the others moved protectively around him. Ryan stood his ground. It wouldn’t matter in the end, but there was no way he was leaving Salina’s side. He’d meet his end here…with her.

  Shimone advanced toward them as a host of demons funneled through the shattered doorway. Ryan saw the blue wisps of power emanating from little Grant le Court. Would it be anywhere near enough against the force they were facing?

  “So, that’s your secret, Nathan Gray. Your own little Seed of Immortality. I wondered where you found the power to launch this invasion. Too little…too late. And now it appears a third seed will perish this day.”

  Ryan ran his hand once more through Salina’s hair, and pressed his lips to hers as he rose to face the goddess. He needed one last kiss—something to take with him. He had no doubts he’d be joining Salina in death very soon. As his lips touched hers, he felt an emptiness inside his soul. As if that last piece of her had drained away—the piece he’d always kept to himself.

  He raised his gaze to confront the goddess. Shimone’s smirk filled him with rage. No, he wasn’t going to his grave meekly. He’d fight her. He’d fight them all—take as many demons with him as he could.

  The gasp below him took him by surprise. A trap of some sort?

  But the look on Shimon’s face told him it wasn’t. He tore his gaze from the goddess and looked down just as Salina’s eyes fluttered open. Her chest expanded, and she began to breathe again. The wound on her stomach had miraculously healed.

  “You kept a piece of me?” Her voice was raspy, full of emotion. A tear leaked from the corner of her eye.

  “Salina.” Ryan went to his knees. His arms enfolded her. She was warm…alive!

  He didn’t question how. It only mattered
that she was back. The lips that met his were warm—passionate.

  We return. The voice of the High Lord resounded in Ryan’s head with full knowledge of what had transpired.

  Arcane energy exploded around him. Not the thin wisps of Nathan Gray’s newly emerging powers, but the full force of two returning Seeds of Immortality and all the extra power sacrificed by Gaia and the High Lord to preserve them.

  Ryan gently picked Salina up and backed away from the goddess and her demons to stand with their friends.

  As he joined them, Nathan changed. The old man’s body became liquid silver and expanded to tower above Shimone and her demons.

  “It appears you did not learn the lesson I tried to teach you a year ago.” Nathan’s voice filled the vast chamber and the demons all took a step back from their goddess. “Perhaps you’d like another lesson.”

  “Bah, I am still stronger than you, even with your parents’ Seeds intact.” There was doubt in Shimone’s eyes though, and even she took a step back from Nathan’s expanding form.

  Ryan saw Nathan bring a hand behind his back. A quick gesture caused a portal to appear by the wall.

  Get her out of here! Nathan’s voice rang in his head, compelling Ryan to dash for the portal. Mist swirled around him as they teleported.

  Ryan and Salina landed in one of the large chambers of the Arcanists’ compound. All around him the other Templars and Arcanists began to appear. Many were injured and taken immediately to the infirmary. In the chaos, Ryan located Geoffrey le Court, standing with Kelly Grant and their son. Thin wisps of blue energy continued to flow from the baby.

  “We did it,” Geoffrey said as Ryan approached.

  Ryan still cradled Salina protectively in his arms. She didn’t seem to be protesting. She kept her arms around him, holding him close, but her breathing was steady and strong.

  “We took surprisingly few injuries, and there appear to have been no deaths,” Kelly added.

  “Well,” Salina shrugged. “One death…but I got better, it appears.”

  Ryan put Salina on her feet, yet still held her close. He never wanted to let her out of his sight again.

  “A strange phenomenon to be sure.” Nathan popped out of nothingness. “And I had nothing to do with it.”

  “Still, it was a good rescue, Nathan Gray.” Geoffrey le Court had an almost reverent look as he addressed the old templar.

  Nathan looked Salina directly in the eye. He was probing—looking for something.

  The old Templar smiled. “The Seeds of Immortality are intact. Both of them.”

  Salina put her hands on her hips. “What are you talking about? What are these Seeds of Immortality?”

  Ryan watched Salina’s eyes as Nathan explained. Surprise, shock, disbelief…then stunned realization.

  “In short, child,” Nathan concluded, “you’re pregnant…with twins. Twin demigods.”

  Salina looked at Ryan. “But we used…”

  He hugged her close. What could he say? He just held her, letting it all sink in, giving her as much support as he could. But how did he even begin to express—.

  Anna Hughes broke from the crowd and almost tackled Salina as she pulled her from Ryan’s arms. There were tears in the woman’s eyes as she hugged Salina. “Oh, honey. When I thought we’d lost you…? How are you?”

  “I’m pregnant?” Salina responded. She still seemed stunned.

  “I know, Sal.” Anna held her at arm’s length. “We’re going to take care of you. It will be okay. In fact, it’s better than okay. You’ll see.”

  Salina smiled and nodded. Ryan was so grateful to Anna for her help. Salina needed to be ready for what would come next.

  “Let’s move people.” Joyce Jorgens’ voice boomed over the chaos. “Benjamin, get your Knights into position. We don’t know how much time we have.”

  Joyce waddled up to them. The woman was vibrant. “There you two are.” She pulled Salina aside, holding her at arm’s length and just staring into her eyes. “Amazing. Back from the dead and in perfect health.”

  “And pregnant.” Salina sighed.

  “Thank goodness for that.” Joyce gave Salina a gentle shove back toward Ryan. “Well, you two better get to work. There’s no telling how much time we have.”

  Ryan took Salina’s hand and led her from the chamber, down the twisting hallways into the bowels of the complex.

  “Get to work?” Salina’s question made Ryan smile. It would be anything but work.

  “Nathan is certain Shimone will regroup and attack us here. We’re the only thing standing between her and world domination.” The thought was overwhelming, but Ryan cast it aside. There would be plenty of time to consider their dire predicament later. They needed to survive the next few hours, and that meant complete concentration on the task at hand.

  Ryan stopped, long enough to take Salina into his arms and kiss her. Green wisps of power enveloped them, then floated off back up the tunnel. “I love you.” He meant it with every fiber of his being.

  Salina’s eyes shined. “I know.” She smiled and relaxed into his arms. “Where are you taking me?” She had that quirky half smile on her face, and it drove Ryan wild.

  He grabbed her hand again and pulled her along. “You’ll see.”

  They ended up outside Salina’s room. Ryan opened the door and motioned Salina inside. As soon as the door shut, he had her up against it, kissing her. They were both gasping for air when they finally separated. The room once again glowed with arcane energy.

  “I thought JJ said we had work to do,” she gasped out between breaths.

  “We’re doing it,” Ryan said, picking her up and carrying her toward the bed. “You and I are the only power source left on the planet for the Arcanists and the Templars. If Shimone attacks, they’re going to need lots of energy to protect us and defend the complex.”

  Ryan dropped Salina on the bed, enjoying the way she bounced. He unbuckled his gun belt and unzipped his bullet-proof vest, dropping both to the floor.

  “Our work is to make that energy.”

  We all must do our part in the coming conflict. – A journal entry by Geoffrey le Court, 1297

  Chapter 19

  Salina’s world rocked, as passion built between them. No, making love with Ryan wouldn’t be work at all. Necessary, yes, but hardly work, and completely desired.

  As wisps of light green energy flowed from them, filling the room, she focused her attention solely on Ryan.

  “I don’t suppose we need to worry about protection this time,” he said, a sly smile creasing his oh-so-kissable lips.

  She chuckled. “It’s not like I could get any more pregnant.”

  ***

  A half hour later, Salina’s head spun in orgasmic bliss as Ryan collapsed to her side. Gasping for breath he sought her lips, capturing them in a kiss so warm, so passionate, so full of love.

  With some effort, Salina got her breathing under control. Her heart still beat heavily in her chest. The musky scent of Ryan enveloped her and she could feel his hot breath on her neck.

  Then the world rocked again, this time for real, and Salina felt the power in the room drawn away, as Arcanists and Templars prepared to defend the compound. Ryan raised up on one elbow, breathing deeply. He must have also felt the power drain.

  Salina wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly, seeking his warmth and presence. Ryan smiled and cradled her in his big arms. Small wisps of power flowed from the contact.

  Every bit they could produce would be needed. With Kelly and Geoffrey’s newborn child, they were all the world had right now.

  “Will it be enough?” Her question hung in the air as they lay there, feeling the drain on the power in the room, sensing the battle above. For half an hour they caressed each other, producing what energy they could. Then it was over.

  The room still held a dim glow. They hadn’t needed it all.

  There was an overall sense of victory they could feel throughout the compound. The demons
had been turned back.

  “They did it!” Salina breathed a sigh of relief, though she wondered how long it would last. Certainly, Shimone would not give up the battle so easily.

  Ryan must have been thinking the same thing as he ran an errant finger between her breasts. He rolled back on top of her. He had that mischievous, half-smile on his face and fire in his eyes.

  “Break time’s over,” he said, nipping at her bottom lip. “Time to get back to work.”

  Though the source is sometimes suspect, the power is very real – Testing the Arcane by William Tovey, 1650

  Chapter 20

  Salina forced her sleepy eyes open. An abundant supply of arcane energy filled the room with its soft glow. She couldn’t feel anyone pulling power. Ryan was curled up against her, spooning her from behind. His soft breath caressed the back of her neck. By the Goddess, the man didn’t even snore. Could he be any more perfect?

  The last three days had been wonderfully exhausting. They’d managed to keep a steady flow of energy going throughout. They’d only stopped their lovemaking to eat, nap and shower.

  Well, they’d even managed to generate energy when they’d showered. It had been incredibly…soapy.

  She smiled. They’d also built a bit of energy playing footsie under the table when they ate.

  Still, she assumed they stopped making love when they fell asleep.

  Salina had been worried they wouldn’t be able to keep up the momentum, but Ryan had been passionate and inventive, always leaving her wanting more. Even now she felt the heat from his body and looked forward to his awakening.

  A light knocking on her door disrupted her thoughts.

  “Come…” She sensed Anna Hughes on the other side of the door.

  Salina slid from under the covers and into a robe. They hadn’t bothered dressing much, and over the past days she’d memorized much of the tawny landscape on Ryan’s body. She pulled the cover up over his shoulder, just as the door started to open.