Past, Present, and Future
�Don�t you see? Can�t you understand? You just don�t seem to get what I�m doing. No one seems to understand why I do what I do, why I�m doing this. If you aren�t going to help me, then leave. I will not allow you to jeopardize my plans. Your life and everyone else�s hinges upon what I�m doing. Everything that I am doing will have an effect. If you can�t deal with that then you are not worthy of the glory that I will achieve. Leave now and do not interfere, should you remain, I will be forced to destroy you. My existence holds great things. Your world is mine and there is nothing you can do about it. Can you fathom the destruction that I will bring? Of course you can�t, you are but a lowly mortal sent to attempt my destruction. Shall we see if you can defeat me? It is not possible for you to do it on your own. I shall be waiting for you at the end of your journey.�
I awoke with a start. It had been three years since the new god had began to test his strength. Three years since he had appeared to me and informed me of my fate. Now, for some reason, I was having dreams of what had transpired. This god had destroyed my home as a show of power. I was lucky that I wasn�t home at the time; the rest of my family was not quite so lucky. Let�s drop that, shall we? I don�t like to dwell on the past; it doesn�t get you very far. For some reason when I went after him to attempt his death he spared my life. He could have killed me but for some reason didn�t. There was something about this god that drew me to him, something that held me to him. Although I know that I should leave this world, or at least this area, I can�t. I don�t know why and I wish I could find out but I doubt that I will be able to discover it.
Sighing I threw my covers off and put my feet flat against the cold floor. Pushing myself up I began to pace around my small room. After my failed attempt at destroying the god I had done the unthinkable, I had joined his personal guard. I don�t know why a god needs one; I believe that they think it makes them look better. I will never understand the gods and I don�t wish to. As I was walking around my, as I like to call it, cell, I think about this place. The place that I reside in is like a palace but it is also my prison. As a guard I don�t have the freedom that I would like but I do gain power, power that I will exploit when the time is right. Now is certainly not the time and this place is not right either. I don�t know what I�m going to do. This place has, I hate to admit it, grown on me.
Shaking my head I dressed in the black uniform that had been given to me by the god himself. Closing my eyes, I crossed my arms and focused upon the inner energy that I have possessed since I was a child. Thus far, in all my travels, I have never met anyone who possesses the same power that I do. But I regress, my powers are nothing that I should concern myself with, they have not caused me harm and I doubt they ever will. As I focused the door opened, without opening my eyes I knew who it was but I would not allow the others to know of my powers. Opening my eyes I looked at the man who stood before me.
�What is it that you want, Retan?� I asked coldly, I didn�t care for him, he thought that he was better than me, but I knew differently.
He smiled his crooked smile, causing me to grimace inwardly, �He wants to see you.�
�Get out of my room Retan, I shall see him when I feel the need to. I do not follow orders although you do and I do not show respect to the likes of him.� I growled, �Get out now!� I demanded as I pointed to the door. Retan gulped as he collected himself and turned around to leave. �Oh, Retan, you can tell him what I said if you please, I care not.� I wanted Retan to tell him, wanted him to know how I felt.
Once he was gone I smiled, I knew that Retan, loyal Retan, would tell him and then he would come for me, as he always did when I was�uncooperative. It still surprised me that he had allowed me into his service. I needed to find out the reason why and this show would help me. Once he was here and it was only the two of us I could ask him. I had become rather direct as of late but I know not why. Looking over my shoulder out the window I waited for him to come for me. I didn�t have to wait long; he opened the door after a few minutes.
�Azeri, how are you?� He asked, I didn�t turn to face him; I didn�t want to see him.
�I am well.� I said softly, I had to force the words.
I could feel him smile, �Good. There is something��
He started but I cut him off, �I have something I wish to ask you.� I said quickly before I could stop myself.
He waited for me to continue. The silence was thick around us as I stood looking out the window at the chaos of the sky. Our sky is not one color; it is a swirling creation of colors, creating pandemonium across the sky. I couldn�t find my voice; I couldn�t ask him what I wanted to.
�Azeri, you had better ask me what you wish to ask me. You don�t want to incur my wrath do you?� He asked softly.
I shook my head, �Why did you want me in your service?� I asked softly.
I could feel his eyes crawling across my back; I had to face him as he answered me. I turned and looked at him. His black eyes shimmered as they met my own. There was something in him that reminded me of myself, not only his eyes but also his entire demeanor.
�You will find out in time. You have a great purpose that you will fulfill but the time has not yet come. You will know why I keep you near me when the time is right.� He said softly, �Now then, I need you to perform a task for me.�
I scowled; there was nothing that I wanted more than to not listen to him. I knew that he could force me to do as he said and I wouldn�t enjoy it if he did, �What is it that you wish of me?�
�I want you to leave.� He said simply.
I scowled, �I don�t believe that I heard you correctly. You wish me to leave?�
�Yes.�
I half smiled, �And what is it that you wish me to do once I leave?�
�Go on your journey. I will be waiting at the end of it and then you will have the chance to kill me, if that is your destiny.� He said with a knowing smile, something in that smile made me think that he already knew my fate.
�So, I take it that Retan informed you of what I told him?� I asked softly as I checked the sights on my pistol.
He nodded, �You know that you don�t need that petty weapon.� He said with a sigh.
I scowled, �What do you mean?� I asked as I shoved it in the back of my pants.
He half smiled, �I know that you have power, how could I not? Although you keep it hidden I know about it. There is no way that I couldn�t sense the potential deep within you. Your power can best any conventional weapon.�
�I know.� I said simply as I went for the door.
And so I left. There was nothing more for me to do in his service, besides, he had requested my departure. I didn�t want to hear any more that he had to tell me, I didn�t care. I would find others to assist me in causing his demise. I was sure that there were others who were not pleased with the current situation, others that would be happy to help me. Stepping out into the chaos of midday I was greeted by the sights and smells of freedom. I breathed in deeply, savoring the sweet smells. As I breathed I felt something strange rise from deep within. I knew the feeling well, it was my power, but I had not summoned it. It had risen on its own, something that it had never done before. I panicked and stepped backward, back into the building. Once inside the power did not subside. I gasped and grabbed the edge of a marble pillar. Closing my eyes I closed my right hand into a fist. Without realizing what I was doing I formed a destructive force in my hand. I didn�t want to, didn�t wish it to be unleashed. I had used this power when my gun had been inoperable. It could kill and destroy anything that stood in my way. I wasn�t sure if I could control it; keep it at bay much longer. Gritting my teeth together I knew I had to, I had to control it. Pushing myself away from the pillar I forced myself to return outside. Letting out a yell I threw my destruction at a nearby outcropping of rocks. They shattered, littering the ground with small pieces of gravel. Gasping for breath I leaned against the banister to try to refocus my mind. The destruction was greater than any I had ever created. The power behind it was more than I could control.
�Why did that happen? How did it happen?� I asked myself softly.
�That was amazing.� A quite voice said from near the rocks I had shattered.
Snapping my head up quickly I looked to see who was there. A young woman stepped out from behind the rocks. Polished black boots went up to her knees. A white billowing shirt floated around her body. She smiled at me as she looked me over.
�What do you want?� I snapped.
She looked taken aback and hurt; �I didn�t mean anything by it. I�m sorry; I�ll be going now. I�ve just never seen anything like that before. That show of power was much like the gods.� She said in disgust.
I scowled, �What about the gods? What do you think about them?� I asked, trying to learn more. Perhaps she was supposed to help me destroy them.
�I don�t like them. They run our world. You bare their uniform, why?� She asked, changing the subject.
�I used to be in their service.� I said softly, �Not really of my choice but I wanted to learn more about them so that I could find a way to destroy them.�
�Did you?�
I shook my head, �No. There is, of course, always a conventional way. It works on the lesser at least.� I said, �Would you care to join me in destroying them?� I asked softly.
She smiled, �There is nothing I would like more.�
I forced a smile, �Let�s get out of here then.� She nodded and we began to walk. As we walked I realized that I didn�t know where we were going or who she was, �I forgot to ask. Who are you and where are we going?�
�How rude of me. I�m Elmira and it all depends on where you want to go?� She asked, stopping and crossing her arms over her chest.
I stopped and glared at her; �I am Azeri and I have not spent much time in the outside world for three years.� I said angrily, �I don�t know where to go to find more people to help us. We can�t destroy the gods on our own.�
She narrowed her eyes and shook her head, �If you don�t want me to go with you then I�ll leave. Your people skills are not what I would call good.�
I sighed, �I have not been in the world to gain people skills. Three years ago I went into the god�s service and have only left to do as he commanded which was usually to kill.� I said sharply, �So you see, my dear, the only people skills I have are the ones that involve death.�
�We�ll have to work on that before we get to a town.� She said mater-a-factly.
�Fine.� I said, raising an eyebrow.
�Now, you need to treat people the way you want to be treated. So if you�re nice to people then people will be nice back. If you can�t do that then I suggest that you let me do all the talking.�
�I can deal with people just fine. I will be �civilized� as you call it.� I said grumpily. I was tired of taking orders from people and she was not helping my mood much. A thought crossed my mind, a thought that I didn�t want to perform. I thought about killing her with a single ounce of my power. I shook my head, �I can treat people as they deserve to be treated.� I said softly, �I will treat them that way as well.�
She nodded, �Alright.� She said as we continued on our way.
As we continued on in silence I realized that there wasn�t something quite right about her. There was a feeling about her that told me that she wasn�t as she appeared to be. Just as there was a feeling about Aumon, the god I had served. She felt slightly different, less powerful. Aumon�s power was the greatest that I had ever felt, her signature was less refined, less potent. I knew that there was a town nearby, I had been there before, and I had killed there before. The rest of the way to the town was in silence, I had nothing to say to her and she obviously had nothing to say to me. A guard was standing at the entrance to town. Taking the lead I walked past the guard and towards the inn. He didn�t try to stop me and it was a good thing, I wasn�t in the mood to deal with him or anyone else. Elmira followed after, I heard her apologize to the guard for my actions but I didn�t care. Into the inn I went with Elmira close on my tail. When I walked in the innkeeper jerked his head up and looked at me in fear. He was a large man who always remained behind the bar, usually cleaning a glass.
He swallowed hard, �What can I do for you sir?� He asked softly, trying to hide his fear.
�I would like a room please.� I said as kindly as I could, I couldn�t believe I was being nice to this man.
He looked confused. Elmira stood behind me; I could sense the shock she was feeling. He swallowed again and pulled a key off the board.
�Here.� He said, handing me the key, �It�s on the second floor.�
I headed for the stairs before remembering my manners, �Thank you.� I said as I took the first step.
Elmira didn�t follow me. I was glad to be going to a bed, someplace to rest. For some reason I was tired, very tired. I could hardly keep myself on my feet and was looking forward to a restful night�s sleep. Opening the door to my room I walked inside. It was simple with only a bed and nightstand. Placing my gun under the pillow I stripped off my uniform and crawled into bed. The sheets were clean and soft. They felt good against my skin as I closed my eyes so that I could sleep.
�Azeri, what do you think of her? She is quite an amazing goddess isn�t she? Of course you don�t understand what I mean, everything will be explained to you later. Why don�t you ask her what she is? You sensed it didn�t you? You could sense her power, her energy. She doesn�t have as much as I do, does she? She wants you to help her destroy the rest of us so that she will be the only one. Once that happens she will kill you as well. She wishes to rule your world and keep it for herself. Will you be able to stop her before you kill the last of us or will she gain enough power that she will rule your world? It all depends on you and what you will do. I shall allow you to sleep now; your power will continue to grow until you use it. I suggest that you use it on Elmira; she would be the perfect candidate for your power to be fully tested on. You will have a difficult time controlling it unless it forces you to use it which it will, in time.�
I slept the rest of the night uninterrupted by Aumon or anyone else. Morning dawned and I awakened with the sun. Stretching I sat up and looked around. Something didn�t seem quite right. There were no sounds coming from outside which didn�t seem right to me. Reaching under my pillow I felt for my gun, it wasn�t there. Panicking I threw my pillow across the room and began to strip the room from top to bottom. I had to find my gun, I wouldn�t use my power, I couldn�t allow Aumon to have the pleasure of seeing me use it. Sighing I sat down on the edge of the metal bed frame and buried my face in my hands.
�I know I put it under my pillow. I know I did. No one could have taken it from me without my knowing, unless�� I trailed off remembering that Aumon had entered my room many times when I was in his service, �Maybe Aumon was right, maybe Elmira is a goddess.� I put my hands down and narrowed my eyes; �I will have to discuss this with her.�
Quickly I got dressed and went downstairs. I felt empty without my gun at my back but I would do without until I could get a new one. It wouldn�t be the same though, that gun had been specially made for me, before I had gone after Aumon. Elmira was sitting at a table, looking out the window. I walked quietly behind her.
�Beautiful, isn�t it?� I said, laying my hands on her shoulders, �What are you really?�
She closed her eyes, �I�m a human, like everyone else here.� She said softly.
I shook my head, �No, you�re lying. Tell me the truth.� I demanded.
�I am.� She insisted.
�Don�t lie to me.� I growled as I began to squeeze her shoulders
�You�re hurting me.� She squealed.
�If you want me to stop then don�t lie.�
�I�m a goddess.� She said softly.
I released her shoulders, �That�s what I thought. Now, what did you do with my gun?�
She scowled, �I didn�t take your gun.�
�It had to be you. I wake up when anyone else comes into my room. The only one that could was a god.�
�The one you served?� She prompted.
I nodded, �Yes, only he could but I believe that all gods can do that.�
She shook her head, �Only certain gods can. I cannot, I do not have the power, I am not strong enough.� She admitted.
�Then who took it?� I asked softly.
She shrugged, �I don�t know. Maybe your previous god did. By the way who is he?�
�You don�t need to know who he is.� I said, shaking my head, �Why don�t we step outside?� He said without knowing why I said it.
As we walked outside Aumon�s words returned to me. I remembered that he had said my power would take over if I didn�t use it and it grew too powerful. Perhaps it was doing that now. Something inside wanted me to kill her and I knew it wasn�t my power. It was an ancient force that for some reason had been awakened. Shaking my head I attempted to force the power away but it wouldn�t be denied.
�Elmira.� I whispered as the power formed itself in my hand. She turned to face me. �I have to destroy you now.� I said softly, holding my hand in front of my face to watch the formless crackle of energy.
Her eyes grew wide, �Azeri, what are you doing?� She asked softly, taking a step back to try to put the building between us.
�You are a goddess.� I said simply, �I shall kill you all so that our world can once again be free.�
�Azeri, you don�t know what you�re doing.� She was beginning to panic, �I want to help you.�
I shook my head, �And when you�re done using me, what then? You would be the only one remaining.� I said, focusing on the swirling mass of black energy, �I wonder, would you kill me once I had outlived my usefulness?� I said, contemplating her fate.
She shook her head, �No, no. I would do nothing of the sort.�
I ignored her, �It doesn�t matter, I won�t give you the chance.� With those words I tossed the energy at her.
She couldn�t move, couldn�t react as the darkness surrounded her. Elmira screamed as her insides were torn apart. Silence. The finality of it didn�t escape me. I knew she was dead. Blood trickled from her mouth, her eyes wide from fear and panic. A crackle of energy still surrounded her lifeless corpse. If anyone touched her, my power would have another victim. The energy was still active and I would not want to be on the receiving end of it. Shaking my head I walked away as a crowd began to gather around Elmira. The energy required to kill a god was immense but somehow I had managed to do just that.
�Hey!� A voice shouted from behind me, �You there! Stop!�
I turned, black eyes flashing in anger. The guard shrank back, �Who are you to tell me to stop?� I asked, the energy causing my anger to rise, �She was a goddess and my mission is to end their reign of terror. Leave me alone unless you wish to join her in death.� I growled before turning to head towards the gunsmith. I needed a new weapon.
�Why?� He asked, �Why did you kill her? She was always kind to us.�
�I don�t care!� I shouted over my shoulder.
It was true; I didn�t care what they felt about her. She, and the others like her, had come to our world and attempted to make it their own. I remember stories that my grandfather told me when I was a child. He could remember a time when there had been no gods. The land had been their god, their protector and creator. As long as the world healthy the people were as well. He said that soon after my father was born the gods arrived, four of them. Two years after that, Aumon came. He kept himself distant from what was going on until three years ago when he destroyed my home.
I shook my head and walked into the shop. The gunsmith raised his head and smiled as I entered. When he saw my uniform the smile faded from his face. Ignoring him I looked around the store. There were plenty of weapons but none that interested me, none that were like mine.
�Is there something I can do for you?� He asked nervously.
I smiled, �I need a pistol.� I said simply.
�I have plenty of those.� He said with a nervous laugh.
�Bring them out.� I ordered.
He pulled out a large chest and opened it before me. Guns lined the inner casing. Reaching inside I pulled out a random gun. Checking the sights and feel of it, I was dissatisfied.
�Do you have any others?� I asked in disgust, �These are not up to my standards.�
He looked afraid as I spoke, �I do have one special gun that I just made for someone. It was to be a gift for someone.�
�Who?� I asked, �Who ordered it made?� I wanted to know more about the weapon.
�A man came in, he had eyes a lot like yours.� He said quickly, �He told me what to make and when it was finished I was supposed to wait until someone named Azeri came. When�� I held up a hand to silence him.
�I am Azeri.� I said quickly.
�Then this gun is for you.� He said, pulling out a smaller wooden box.
Setting it on the counter he opened it. A silver and steel gun of exceptional quality was revealed. Slowly I picked it up. Turning it in my hands an engraved message was brought to my attention.
�Azeri, my son, you have a great destiny to fulfill and this will be your instrument.� Was written in small letters across the barrel of the gun.
�Who ordered this?� I hissed, pointing the gun at him, �Who?�
�I don�t know.� He said in fear, �I didn�t ask who he was, I only saw him.�
�Describe him to me.� I demanded.
�He looked a lot like you. I don�t know how else to describe him.� He stuttered.
I shook my head, �Aumon.� I whispered, �Thank you.� I said to the gunsmith as I put the gun to my back.
Leaving the store, I began to head back towards Aumon�s home. I had a question that I wanted answered; he was the only one who could. As I approached the entrance to town I noticed that a large cast iron gate blocked it off. There was one other entrance but it didn�t take me in the direction I needed to go, through town was the only way to return to Aumon�s, it was not possible to go around. Sighing, I realized that I would have to find and destroy the other gods rather than return. I figured that by the time the other three were dead the town would have died down from the death I had caused. I was pleased that there were only three left before the �end of my journey�, as Aumon called it, but I wanted to return to him, I wanted to know why he had called me, �my son�. Doubting that I would find an answer here I set out towards the other gate. It seemed odd to me that this one was open, perhaps they believed that they were preventing me from returning to my god. I didn�t care. I would have to find another way to return to Aumon and finding the other gods might help. Avian, the god of the air and sky, would be my next target. He was the second weakest of the four, Elmira being the weakest. I had a feeling that my mission was going to get harder, a lot harder.
Setting off I looked for any sign or mention of Avian. No one on the road would speak to me. I would have to shed my uniform but first I had to find clothing to replace it. I had gotten nowhere by the time night fell, nowhere expect exhausted from the terrain I had been forced to traverse. I was beginning to loathe the cards that fate had begun to deal to me; perhaps she was dealing from the bottom of the deck. Shaking my head I sat down by the wayside to think. My thoughts traveled back to the guard and what he had said about Elmira. Apparently she was altruistic and just, I just couldn�t imagine any god being so selfless and noble, she must have had some form of hidden agenda that she kept from the ignorant masses. I had once been like them, ready to accept anything that was tossed my way but I ceased to devour every little tidbit of information fed to me when my home was destroyed, and with it, my faith in humanity. I hated humanity just as much as I hated the gods. They did nothing, nothing to stop what occurred, nothing to help my family and the others there, nothing to help the dead, the dieing. They didn�t even get a decent burial, their bones still litter the ground where they were killed, the town itself in ruin, no one goes there, no one honors the people that were needlessly killed. Anger welled up as I thought about the past. I didn�t understand why these thoughts were occurring to me but I didn�t try to stop their flood into my exhaustion-ravaged mind.
I found my thoughts traverse time to when I went into Aumon�s service. Things that he had said to me upon my induction, private, unlike the others. I had a sinking suspicion that something was done to them that wasn�t done to me. He told me that my destiny, unlike the human cattle�s, was great and would shape the future in ways that I couldn�t even begin to fathom. He told me that I would discover things, in time, that I wouldn�t understand or enjoy; things that I wouldn�t want to believe but would be true. I didn�t understand what he meant then but I think I was beginning to understand the gravity of the events that I had started. My destiny, my fate, was beginning to unfold in a tableau of destruction. Perhaps, my destiny, was to destroy the things that the people held dear�the gods themselves. I couldn�t understand how, or why, they felt a connection with them, maybe it was for the same reason that I felt a connection with Aumon. Our connection seemed more real, more�spiritual, so to speak, than what these people felt. Theirs artificial, rather than true. Skin deep, rather than with every fiber of their being. I was beginning to view Aumon as more of a�mentor, than a villainous beast that needed to be destroyed at all cost. I still hated him, but that hate was beginning to dwindle and fade away.
Cold and alone I leaned against a tree. Closing my eyes I awaited sleep, if it was to come for me, it came quickly. Aumon disturbed my sleep once again. I had hoped that he would save me the drama and confusion his words brought me. I could never answer him while I slept, I could only listen.
�Well, Azeri. I bet you�re curious about the engraving. You will just have to wait until the end to discover why I wrote what I did. I see you destroyed Elmira, I�m proud of you. I wasn�t sure if you had it in you. I can tell you where to find Avian, if you would like, but it would be so much more interesting for you to find him on your own. Instead, I will give you a hint. Deep in the mountains you will find his Citadel of Air, although he does not reside there, you will find a clue as to his home. Good luck, Azeri.�
After he spoke I awakened. Night was still upon me and I had a nagging suspicion that I was being watched. Drawing my gun I checked the sights, satisfied with them I checked the chamber, a single silver bullet sat nestled in the cold steel. Snapping it shut I closed my eyes to listen.
�Show yourself.� I demanded, �I know you�re there.� I narrowed my eyes as I spoke.
�You are meddling in things that you should not be. Your destiny is something that will not be revealed if you continue down this path. Do not try anything that you might regret, I could change your fate in an instant, I could change everything.� The voice of the goddess of fate said from around me.
�You will be next if you continue to goad me. I don�t believe that you want your end to come before Avian�s. Leave me, fate-spinner. We shall meet again, in time.� I said as I pinpointed the direction her voice had come from.
�There�s nothing you can do to stop me.� She growled.
That did it, I knew where she was. I didn�t need to sight down the barrel, I fired. There was a gasp of fear and a soft cry of pain.
�You shot me!� She cried.
�I warned you.� I said with a smile, �Next time, I won�t miss.�
�Your fate shall be rewritten!� She spat, her voice slowly dwindling away.
I ran my fingers gently over the gun; something about it could harm the gods. Perhaps Aumon had done something to it before it was delivered to me or maybe he had given something to the gunsmith to implant in the weapon while it was being made. It was perfect, no human hand could have done this but maybe there was something in it that made it so. I hoped that that was the case. Slowly I began to turn the newly forged weapon in my hands, looking for something, anything. I found it. A small crimson jewel was seated just above the grip of the gun. Running my finger over it I felt the smooth facets of the perfect jewel. When my finger passed over it emitted a flash of blinding light. When it was gone I found myself transported to another world. This world I had heard a lot about from Aumon. He had told me that a mirror world exists. It is the same as the original in every aspect but only the gods can visit it; they�re the only ones who know how to blur the lines between reality and this world. Somehow the jewel had allowed me access to this realm. Now I didn�t know how to get out. Sighing I sat down and closed my eyes. I was afraid. Alone in this place I didn�t know what to do. I wanted answers but I didn�t think I could find any here. Burying my face in my hands I waited, for what, I didn�t know. A hand landing on my shoulder caused me to jerk my head up to see who was there. A spectral form stood before me, the person was not unknown to me.
�Aumon.� I whispered, shrugging his hand off.
�Yes.� He said with a smile, �I suspect that you are confused as to, not only my presence here but yours as well.�
�I was not only wondering about that but also about the engraving on this gun and how I get out of here.� My voice steely, cold, angry.
�Curb your tongue boy, I would have hoped that I had at least taught you how to respect those older and more powerful than yourself.� He said, eyes narrowing, �If you want the answers you seek you had better do exactly as I say and listen to a small piece of wrongly represented history.�
I bowed my head and sighed, �Very well.�
He smiled, �Three years ago�� He began but I interrupted.
�You destroyed my home.� I said curtly.
He glowered at me, �Do not interrupt again.� He growled, �I will not stay my hand as I have before. I did not destroy your home; I got there soon after the fact. You saw me, not the other god that performed the act. I would not destroy your home, there is so much more in store for you and I want to be sure that you fulfill it. There are things that I want to tell you but find myself unable to. The time is not right.� He said, �If you wish to leave, all you have to do is exactly what you did to get here.� He smiled, �You are a truly special boy and I am proud of you but the reason for it is completely none of your concern at this time. You will just have to wait for the answers that you seek.�
I shook my head, �I don�t know whether or not to believe you. For now I shall not question you on this. I hope that you will forgive me for asking, but why am I able to be here and why are you incorporeal?� I asked softly.
�You are able to do this because, not only the jewel, but your own powers. I am not really here, what you see is a manifestation of my physical form. Our meeting is not yet to come. I must leave you now, Retan has returned from a mission. We shall speak again. Good-bye, my son.� He said before disappearing.
I shook my head, �I will never understand the gods, especially Aumon.� I said, running my finger over the jewel.
A bright flash of light and I was back where I belonged. Getting to my feet I brushed myself off, with Aumon assisting me I no longer needed to bother with removing my uniform. Looking out at the hills I began to walk towards the growing mountains, and the Citadel of Air. I wasn�t sure exactly what I was looking for but I was sure that I would find it. Not ever having been there before was a problem but I had survived much worse, this little mountain would be nothing. It was Avian that I was worried about. How would I kill him? I had the gun and my power but I wasn�t sure what would happen if I used them.
I walked until night once again fell. I strong wind blew as I sought shelter in the rocky crags. Cold and tired I leaned against the rock and closed my eyes. Sleep never came for me but I did rest for a few hours before I got up to continue on my way. The Citadel of Air stood high on the mountain, a part of it, one with the rock it was made from. The beauty of the structure was not lost to me as I approached but I was sickened by the way it was made for I knew that Avian had used slaves to complete this monument to the sky. The sun was just beginning to rise, spreading its chaos, as I reached the Citadel of Air. The stone doors loomed before me with a grand relief carved into it. I wasn�t sure how I was going to get them open, I had never imagined that they would be this big. Shaking my head I examined them carefully, looking for something that would reveal the way to open them. There was nothing, nothing that I could see. Closing my eyes I began to think. How would a god lock his citadel? No answers came to me. Opening my eyes I examined the etching. Avian, with arms reaching for the sky, head thrown back to examine the pandemonium above him, or perhaps something else�A crystal disc was placed above him, between his hands. As I looked at the scarlet crystal, so like the one on my gun, I felt my power drawing itself out, wanting to be used. Absently I attempted to cut it off but I wouldn�t be staunched. This power I felt was slightly different then what I was used to, it felt alive. I closed my eyes to try to stop it but I couldn�t. Opening my eyes, I found myself surrounded by a hazy white light; the crystal was glowing as well. Could this crystal be the source of the light? Perhaps I was being tested. I couldn�t move. Panic began to well up from within me. I didn�t like this feeling of helplessness. The light began to grow as I stood there, both lights. They were connected by a stream of crimson.
�Aumon!� I cried as the light began to grow warm, �Help me!� It was a last resort and I didn�t think that he would come.
�Be silent, my son.� Aumon�s voice rang crystal clear in my head, �Do not fight it. It is merely seeing what and who you are. Do not worry, you will gain entrance to the Citadel of Air, there is no reason why you shouldn�t.�
The warmth felt good as it flowed around and through my body, calming. It felt so like my power, it was drawing my own out, testing it. It was not painful and euphoria began to spread through me. Then just as suddenly as it was there it was gone, the light vanished and with it the pleasure. I whimpered, I wanted it back, that feeling. Shaking my head I forced myself to forget what I had felt so that I could continue on with my journey. The crystal flickered and with it the door scraped open on well-oiled hinges. Slowly I stepped inside. Darkness surrounded me; there were no lights within, only the abysmal darkness of a place that hadn�t seen the light of day in years. My power could be used as a light, that destructive force, but I didn�t want to risk using it.
�Use your power.� Aumon demanded, �Use it to light your path, that is the only way that you are going to be able to travel through here. You are my son and you will use your power whether you like it or not.� Then his voice was gone.
Narrowing my eyes I formed my power into my hand to light my path. I wasn�t sure if I could keep it under control. Walking through the hand carved tunnels that wound their way through the mountain. Pictures were carefully etched in the smooth walls, I ignored them, I didn�t care what they depicted, it didn�t matter to me. My power grew, but never too much for me to handle, as it grew, the light expanded as well. The path bended and turned but never split as I was led deeper and deeper into the mountain. I blindly followed the path. Not knowing where I was going was eating away at me; I didn�t enjoy this mysterious sensation, it terrified me. Was the answer to the whereabouts of Avian here or did Aumon lie? Continuing onward was all I could do.
Lighting my way was the chaotic black orb in my hand. I was enthralled by my destructive power�s ability to light the way, I could have stood and watched the vortex for hours and attempt to figure out how it was possible for darkness to illuminate my way. The path opened up into a large cavern, torches lined the walls sending soft lighting throughout the large room. The lighting was subtle, not harsh, as most torchlight in dark places tends to be. I was enamored with this room. Drawings of the sky, sun, moon, the earth, were carved into the smooth walls with a steady hand. They were perfect, a skilled artisan must have drawn them, but at what cost. Slavery was always used to create such things of beauty, things only the rich and the gods could acquire. The common herd could never afford such things, the beauty here was amazing. Wanting filled me, I wanted things like this but there was something in me that just wanted to remain as I was.
Running my fingers over the etchings I searched for something that would take me onward, deeper into the Citadel of Air, perhaps the answer would be above me if it wasn�t in the walls. As I ran my fingers over the drawings I felt my index finger slip into a small hole. Scowling I turned to look, to see what was there. Shoving my finger further into the hole I met resistance. Pressing harder I pushed through it, it gave out under my finger and I heard a quite click. I removed my finger as I heard a steady grinding sound. Turning I looked towards the sound. A panel in the wall had slid back and to the right. Tentatively I stepped forward, towards the gaping hole.
A quite voice sounded around me. It had a supernatural air about it, silky and smooth, �Welcome Azeri.� He said softly, �You have finally come.� I didn�t know who was there; I didn�t know what to say. Apparently this man knew me; I couldn�t really say �man� because I didn�t know what he was. I could feel something probing my mind, �You are confused, you don�t know what you are doing here, at least not exactly. You search for Avian, you were told to come here because the answers that you seek reside here, at least some of them. I can give you the answers that you want but there are some that I refuse to inform you of, those that I will not tell you are the ones that only Aumon will answer, his reasons for doing and saying things. Please, come into my chamber and see me for who and what I am.�
Swallowing hard I walked towards the opening set into the wall. A gust of rancid air greeted me as I put my foot over the threshold, into the darkness. Grimacing I pressed onward, my power guiding me through the darkness. This creature that beckoned to me with a voice of silk and honey was waiting for me, had been waiting. But why? How? Could this thing be a part of my destiny? The click of my boots on the dust-covered ground was the only sound that permeated the stillness of this strange place. Water dripped down the unfinished walls, this place was obviously older than the rest of the Citadel. An ancient presence permeated this place, frighteningly ancient. The end of the corridor loomed before me, opening into a dimly lit room. Four torches surrounded a dais with a throne surmounted upon it. The skeletal remains of an ancient king sat in the throne, head lolling to one side. Certainty filled me that he had been seated here when he had met his end, a quite and lonely end, I was sure.
�What you see before you is my earthly remains. I died here long ago, you are correct that it was quite and lonely.� The voice rang throughout the room, �You will outlive me, an eternity awaits you if you can survive that long. But these things are for Aumon to inform you of. I can only tell you that you must endure these tests that will be imposed upon you, you must destroy the other gods before your journey�s end.� He said, his voice full of sadness but still held that silky quality to it, �Avian is who you seek and I hold the key to finding him.� He said calmly before regressing into his own thoughts, �Such a petty thing, life is. It flows and ebbs like the tide, always the same, life and death, the circle is finished. You are beyond that, far beyond that.� He mentally shook his head, �Avian is hidden deep within the far forested hills, a view of the sky and fresh air away from the turmoil of city life. The people go there to worship him; he will be easy to find if you know where to look. Travel to the west, from there you will begin to find signs of him. Should you need any other help from me I shall be here, for I can never leave.� There was a great sorrow in his voice; it welled up from unfathomable depths.
I could sense that he hadn�t told me something, something that we wanted to tell me but for some reason found himself unable to do so. Shaking my head I turned and walked, I would leave this tomb, the tomb of a king; I would leave it to the spirit. Although he said I could return if I needed I would not, I would not enter this tomb again for as long as I lived. His voice haunted me as I walked, its sweet tone chasing me through the corridor as I walked hurriedly away. I could still hear his words, telling me that I was far beyond the cycle of life and death. I didn�t believe that I was exempt from that cycle, I didn�t believe all that he told me, but I would go west, hopefully he had told the truth when he had told me where Avian was. I wondered, how had that king come to be there, in Avian�s Citadel of Air? It didn�t seem right to me that he would be locked away in a back room, perhaps he really wasn�t who he said he was, perhaps he was not the spirit that had once inhabited the ancient bones that were seated in the throne.
�You have just had your first taste of the god of the air and sky. He is rather dense at times, trying to fool you like that.� Aumon said with a quite laugh, I wished he would just leave me alone, �He is foolish. He plays tricks on you, hoping that you will fall for them. He does wish to see you in the flesh though so you can take his directions. He said things that he should not have but he will pay for it when the two of you meet.�
�Leave me alone Aumon.� I growled, I was tired of him disturbing my thoughts, �Go away, I didn�t ask for your help.� My hate towards him had lessened once again and I hated myself for it.
He laughed, �Our bond grows stronger with each passing moment. You will begin to understand everything when it is completed. With knowledge comes understanding. You are still young and I do not expect you to understand. You will be able to do that soon enough. I believe that I have said enough on that subject for now. You are already beginning to �know�.� He spoke as if I should already know what he meant.
I shook my head, �Get out of my mind, Aumon. My hate for you grows less with each passing moment and I do not know why.� I confessed, �Do not quicken the pace of things. My hate will pass on its own time, you speaking to me speeds up the process.� I growled.
He laughed once again, causing me to cringe as his sweet laughter was filled with amusement and affection, �Every process in existence needs a little help sometimes. The ravning will take place, with or without my help. It will just be less painful for you if I help things along a little.�
�I wish you wouldn�t.� I replied as I stepped out of the Citadel of Air and released my power to the winds, �I hate myself for feeling the beginnings of love towards you.� I hissed as I stopped to look up at the sun.
�I cannot help it.� He said, the amusement rich in his voice, �Certainly you can understand that.�
I shook my head and sat down, �No.� I said softly, �I cannot understand.�
�Cannot or will not?� He asked, I could picture him narrowing his eyes, as he had so often done when he was reading me to see if I was lying.
�I don�t know.� I whispered.
�It is one or the other and you know which it is. You just don�t want to admit it to yourself,� He paused, �yet.�
�Aumon, please, just leave me alone.�
He sighed, �Very well, my son, but only for the time being. I will return after you have destroyed Avian.�
�Wait!� I said quickly.
�You so very much wanted me to leave and now you want me to stay? You can be very confusing at times, young one.� He said, his voice filled with annoyance.
�I want an answer, that is all. After that I wish to be left alone.�
�Very well. One question, no more.�
�Why do you keep referring to me as your son? My parents are dead.� I said calmly, I wanted the answer that he held inside his contemptible little skull.
He was silent for a moment, �You already know the answer to that. It is held within your black heart. But if you truly want the answer you already know I shall tell you.� He paused, �I am your father. Now then, I shall leave you to your quest. Perhaps after you have killed Avian I will answer another question.� And with that he was gone.
I bowed my head. I did not believe that my heart was black, I was doing what was right, he lied, he was not my father. I felt anger well up from deep within. Clenching my hands into fists I closed my eyes tight. My hands were shaking as I squeezed harder and harder. Tears of rage welled up in my eyes as blood began to spill from my hands. My nails had cut into my soft, pale skin and yet I didn�t stop squeezing my nails into my palms. Aumon�s lies went through my head, repeating their deadly deception again and again.
�You lie!� I cried, �You are a liar! I do not believe that you are my father!� I screamed, throwing my head up to the sky, �I will not believe that you are my creator! You are nothing but a malevolent beast!� My voice was beginning to go hoarse and my throat hurt but I didn�t stop there, �You deserve the death that I will bring! I will destroy you as I will destroy the others!�
�The audacity of your words disgusts me.� Aumon sneered, �I expect much more of you. I suggest that you curb your tongue and do as instructed. Head west, find Avian and take out your rage and anger on him. He is what you should be seeking after at this time, not the answers to the questions that you already know. You know in your heart that what I say is true and yet you deny it. Find Avian, destroy him, ask him if you do not believe me. Ask him anything that you please. I care not. You will find the answers out on your own if you search hard enough. Probe your soul, your heart, your mind. The answers are all within you. I have them and so do others but possibly it would be better if you found them out on your own rather than rely on others to tell you. That way you are the only one responsible for how you interpret things. I have never once lied to you, I do not, nor would I ever lie to you. I answered you truthfully. I may keep things from you but I would never lie to you, I will not try to appease you or give you false hopes, I will tell you the truth, even if it hurts. I shall leave you now, my son, leave you until you have finished your bloody task.�
He was mercifully gone and I was once again alone. My hands ached where I had cut them. My head raced with thoughts. Hunger gnawed at me from the pit of my stomach. My throat burned from my screams of disbelief and anger. Slumping down to the ground I began to sob. A sudden unwillingness to stand came over me, I didn�t want to be here, I didn�t want to stand upon this mountain and look upon the world below. I wished that I could go back to the way things were before my home had been destroyed. I hoped that this was only a dream that I would soon awaken. But the pain was too real, the ground too solid, the colors too bright. Could it be possible that a dream could be this real? I doubted it. In all my years I had never had a dream this real but I couldn�t believe that this was really happening. I swallowed hard and lost my will to continue. I wanted to destroy them but I couldn�t bring myself to leave this mountain. Only when soft laughter surrounded me did I raise my head.
�Poor Azeri.� The goddess of fate cooed, �Cannot even bring himself to rise from the cold ground. Did Aumon�s words strike something deep within you?� She said, stoking the fires of my anger and hate.
�Leave now, fate-spinner. I do not have the patience to deal with you.� I spat, pushing myself to my feet.
�I have already begun to change the weave of your fate.� She said softly.
He narrowed my eyes, �You cannot change my fate.� I said simply, not knowing how I knew, perhaps Aumon had been right in saying that I was bonded with him. She didn�t respond, her silence was enough of an answer for me. She was afraid. I laughed softly, �You know that what I speak is truth. You know you cannot change my fate or the fates of the gods. You already know what your fate is; you know that you will fall to me. What�s worse is that you know the others will fall to me as well. Tell me something; what is Aumon�s fate? Will he fall to my hand as well?�
�No.� She whispered, �He does not fall. He is the only constant in this universe, him and you.� She said softly, contempt flowed in her voice, �I shall see you again when the time is right and fate demands it.�
Alone again I closed my eyes. I was a constant in the universe, did that mean that I would not die? That I was immortal? I shook my head. No, that couldn�t be true. I was not eternal, I was not a god. I wanted answers. I had to find out the truth. And where better to start then with Avian. He might have answers; even if I had to force them out of him, I would know what he had stored within his deranged mind.
Brushing myself off I began to head west. Down the steep slope of the hillside I went. I took my time, descending the downward hill with a determined skip in my step. An hour into my descent it began to rain. Thick beads of water fell to the ground causing mud to begin to form. I had seen what mud could do to the steady downward motion of a traveler. Causing them to slip and tumble to their doom or sink into the sticky muck, ultimately surrounding them, suffocating them. I did not want either to happen to me but if what the fate-spinner had said was true than I was a constant and would not die here. Amazing what I had learned in such a short time. I wasn�t sure if it was all truths but I had to test them to see if they were. The first thing I was going to do was test the fate-spinner�s words.
The rain fell in sheets of fat droplets. Mud splattered against me but I ignored. Legs apart I bent my knees. Sliding, falling, the rush of air and water. Exhilaration. Speed. I was flying across the landscape of mud and water. I was slipping, sliding, skidding. Blurred sight. I couldn�t see but I didn�t care. I felt alive, free. Nothing could stop me. I could feel my surroundings; sense what was there and where it was. I felt myself come to a sudden halt as I reached the bottom of the slope. I didn�t want the feeling to end; I wanted to do it again.
Brushing the water from my eyes I looked up the hill. I had avoided all the obstacles in my way without being able to see them. How had I done it? Were my powers reaching their peak? Could I grow more powerful? Was what I had accomplished even possible? All these questions flew through my mind as I stood looking up the hill in shock. The pinnacle of achievement, at least that�s what it was to me at the time, flying down that hill. I stood transfixed by my flight as the rain, washed away the mud that caked my boots. I knew that I needed to find shelter lest I grow ill from being cold and wet. I could not afford illness although I had never been sick before.
No shelter was to be found. I had left the safety of the rocks for the cover of trees, but these trees were dieing and did not provide the shelter that I required. I had no place to go; I didn�t know anyone in this outside world, this cruel and heartless world. Shaking my head I sat down and tucked my knees up to my chest to provide some semblance of warmth. I sat until my body went numb from the cold. I knew I had to get up, press onward towards the west, towards Avian. Pressing my hands against a tree for support I pulled myself to my feet. My boots sank into the cold mud. A chill passed through my body as I became upright. I felt as though someone were watching me. I could feel a pair of eyes roving over my body. Not only my outer shell but my heart, my soul, things that should not be violated as they were at this moment. Who would have the audacity to do such a thing? I wondered, could it possibly be Avian, or perhaps it was the god of the earth, Rattan.
�Leave me alone.� I growled through clenched teeth. There was no answer, only the steady sound of the rain as it pelted down around me. I could still feel someone examining me, inside and out. �What is it that you want?� I hissed. Silence. �Answer me. Who are you and what do you want?�
�Silence, child.� A powerful voice rang clearly in my mind, �Your soul is being torn apart. Your heart is being shredded. Your power grows.�
I scowled, �Explain your words to me.� I demanded, �Tell me!�
�I cannot. It is not my place to tell you such things. I do not have the power to stop Aumon if he decides that I�ve said too much. He could easily destroy me.�
�You are more powerful than Avian, the fate-spinner, and Rattan.� I said softly, �Why do you fear him so?�
�I don�t just fear him, I fear you. I know that you will be my death once you discover what I am and where I reside. Rattan is the only one who knows besides Aumon. You would have to force the information from him. I will not make it easy for you to find me, me the fifth god. There are five of us and then there�s Aumon who is not one of us. He is different. But you will find that out soon enough. I apologize for invading upon you but after you destroy the fate-spinner and Avian I will not be able to, your power will have grown to heights that I can only imagine. The ravning will have begun.�
I sighed and shook my head, �Aumon told me that I could ask the gods whatever I pleased, it didn�t matter to him. So I shall ask you something, at least one thing.� I didn�t wait for him to respond, �Is Aumon really my father?�
�Yes, he created you, you are his own flesh and blood.� He said, without a second thought.
�What is this ravning you speak of?� I demanded, I remembered Aumon mentioning something about it as well. I was curious of what this god had to impart to me. I thirsted for his knowledge.
�The completion of your powers, the growth and change of your heart, mind, and soul. Everything coming together to become your true form. Bringing yourself fully into what you truly are.� He said after a moment of silence.
I scowled, �What am I?�
�I cannot answer that. You are what you are, what you always have been, what Aumon created you to be. That is what you are. I shall take my leave of you, Azeri, I shall see you, in time.� With that he was gone. I could no longer feel him looking at me.
Relief washed over me as I took in a deep breath. But relief of what? That he was gone or that I had received some form of answer even though I didn�t want to hear it? I shook my head. Could his words have been truth? Was I truly created by Aumon for some unknown purpose? I removed these thoughts from my mind, I wouldn�t think on them any longer. But they remained, swirling in the back of my mind.
I shook my head as I trudged through the mud, heading further west. I walked. Unsure of where I was going but not caring. My power would guide me, and the gods helped. They helped me bring about their own deaths, but why? Did they no longer wish to live? I didn�t understand but I wanted to. But Avian was waiting and I would not make him wait much longer. My feet sank as I walked. The path was difficult but I was determined.
�Avian!� I cried, �I�m coming for you! Your blood will be on my hands!� I don�t know what made me say it but I couldn�t help it. I had to inform him of my coming even if he couldn�t hear me. �Well, Avian.� I said, eyes flashing like liquid onyx, �You should begin to prepare yourself. Keep your followers close, use them like a shield. My power will jump from each of them, destroying them all in a single moment.� I whispered, �And then, it shall be your turn.�
As I walked I felt my hunger disappear as well as the weight of the mud. I felt light and it was easy to move through the swamp like land. Looking down I saw that my feet were merely resting on top of the mud. I blinked and looked again to be sure of what I saw. My boots were settled above the mud and the rain was washing the mud away. I was beginning to understand what power could do. It was amazing, this feeling that came from deep within. I felt alive and free. It was euphoric, pleasurable. I never wanted this feeling to end. I began to walk once again. Even though I didn�t want it to end I knew that I had to find Avian. It was a lot easier, being above the ground, and for once I appreciated my power.
�I am proud of you, my son.� Aumon whispered, �I am pleased at your ability to control your power. Your subconscious knows when it needs to be used so you don�t have to worry about controlling it yet. You will learn, in time.�
I nodded, my hate was almost gone and it was being replaced by love. �Yes, I am beginning to understand.� I whispered, �I see what you meant, father.� I said softly.
I could feel him smile, �My dear boy, you now on your way to understanding. I am quite proud of you. You are truly my creation. I am pleased.�
I bowed my head, �I am happy you are pleased.� And I was, �Thank you.� I whispered, �Tell me, what is the ravning?�
He laughed, �I told you I would not answer any more questions until you have taken care of Avian. You are near to him now. I know that you will succeed.�
I nodded and continued onward, happy that he was listening to my thoughts and feelings, my words unspoken. Faster I walked, faster than I had ever gone before. Elation. Speed. Delightful bliss. I could feel it well up from the pit of my stomach, a great pleasure. Closing my eyes, I sank into it, not paying attention to where I was going. It didn�t matter anymore. I didn�t care. I remained there until I once again stood on solid ground. I opened my eyes and looked around, trying to ascertain where I was. I could feel a presence nearby, powerful, godlike. A half smile spread across my face as I crossed my arms over my chest. I was growing tired. Sleep wanted to come over me but I fought it off, striving to keep myself awake. I wanted to destroy Avian before I allowed myself the pleasure of sleep.
�No, Azeri.� Aumon said sternly, �No, you need to replenish your energy before facing him. I will not allow you to go to him unprepared. Even if I have to force you to sleep�� He trailed off.
I sighed deeply in exasperation, �Very well.� I said slowly, �You always seem to know what�s best.� I said curtly, angry that he was denying me this simple pleasure.
�I know that this upsets you but it is for your own good.� He growled, �I do not expect you to realize the full scope of Avian�s power, Azeri, because you have never met him, never faced him. Now, sleep well, my son.�
Sitting down next to a tree I closed my eyes. Sleep took me quickly. It was uninterrupted and restful but I didn�t enjoy it. I wanted to feel my power flowing through me once again, the bliss that it brought. I wasn�t sure why it had begun to do this but it didn�t matter, it was the most pleasurable experience I had ever felt. I didn�t dream, it was the first time I had been without my dreams, they were my comfort in a world of chaos. Now they were gone. I awakened with the sun. Rising as it did. I continued. Avian was waiting for me, now I knew exactly where. It didn�t take me long to reach the base of the mountain. He stood there, surrounded by his followers. I smiled.
�Welcome, Azeri.� Avian said softly, his voice gentle, loving.
�Did you enjoy meeting me in the Citadel of Air, Avian? When you pretended to be that poor king�s spirit? Telling me where to find you? Pushing me forward? Answer me this, who is it that destroyed my home? Was it you?� I asked, drawing my gun.
His swirling eyes grew wide in fear, �Well, do you want the truth or some lie that I could tell you?� He asked, trying to regain his composure.
�The truth.� I hissed, �I always want the truth.�
�I did it. I was the one who destroyed it and all because they would not worship me.� He said, a wicked smile spread across his face.
I narrowed my eyes in contempt; I would destroy him, slowly and mercilessly. A smile spread across my face as I thought about what I would do to him. Forming the destruction in my hand I prepared to destroy the followers who stood around him.
�Are you and all those who follow you prepared for death?� I asked softly as the power finished forming, it was at its peak.
Avian nodded, �If there is anything you wish to ask me then I suggest that you do it now.�
I shook my head, �No.� I said softly, �I shall kill them first and then you will answer my questions, all of them.�
He shook his head, �Leave them alone. Do not harm them. They are only people, my people.� He said softly.
I smiled sweetly, �Exactly. They are your people. Therefore they must die with you.�
I threw my power at the nearest person. She screamed in pain. The others around her went to help but my power took them too. Avian stood back and watched, unable to do anything to help them. As they fell to the ground Avian stepped over their bodies to stand before me. Gently he brushed a lock of my black hair out of my face.
�He did make you perfect. He would never create anyone to be flawed. You are truly beautiful.� Avian�s voice was soft and calming, it was pleasant to listen to.
I raised an eyebrow, �No one is perfect.� I said simply, �Not even you.�
He chuckled, �Perhaps. What questions do you have for me before we fight?�
I smiled, �So, did Aumon truly create me and if so, how did he do it?�
He shook his head, �Yes, Aumon created you. I cannot tell you how for I do not know. I cannot create someone, he is an enigma to me.�
�The ravning will occur, when?� I demanded, tossing my gun from hand to hand.
�Only time will tell. It will most certainly happen after my death, perhaps not even until after the fate-spinners. Before you fight Rattan it will begin but only because you will need Aumon�s added power.�
I scowled, �What exactly is it?�
�The process of completion.� He said softly, �All I truly know about it is that it can be painful without a god�s help and assistance. You will understand.� He replied, �Now, will you attempt to kill me now or do you have another question for me to answer?�
�Why was I created? What did Aumon mean when he said that there was a bond between us?�
�I do not know why you were created but because he created you, you are a part of him. He knows everything that you think and feel. The two of you are one. I don�t know how else to explain it.�
�Thank you.� I said softly, �Now I shall destroy you. Do you have any last words or requests?� I asked, pointing the gun at him.
Avian shook his head, �No, just that you end it quickly.�
I smiled as I pulled the trigger. The bullet traveled through his skull. His head whip lashed back before he slumped to the ground, landing atop the bodies of his followers. As he took in his last breath I felt my power rise. I could feel it grow past the greatest that it had ever gone before. Pain. It grew with my power. It hurt, burned. I let out a soft whimper of pain.
�Hush. It will pass. The ravning begins but it is not over yet. Not until you destroy the fate-spinner, Rattan, and the ancient will it be over. Then the finishing touches shall be dealt to you. They are the most painful of them all. I shall help you through them when the time is right. For now, you will just have to suffer. It shall not last much longer. This feeling will pass, you must learn from it. You must understand.� Aumon said softly, his voice comforting.
He was right. The pain was soon gone and I could once again focus, �Tell me something.� I whispered, �What is the ravning?�
�The completion of your journey.� He said simply.
I frowned, �That doesn�t answer my question.�
He laughed, �The path your power takes on this journey. You take one path and your power another.� He sighed, �I don�t know how else to explain it to you. Your power eating other people�s powers. That is what the ravning is. The devouring of power.�
I was slightly more satisfied with that answer than with the previous one, �Thank you.� I said softly, �Tell me, where can I find the fate-spinner? She is next on my list.�
�You must find her yourself but I will tell you this. Look to where the clouds touch the horizon.�
I sighed, �Very well Aumon, I shall do as you say.� I said softly.
I could feel him smile as I began to walk away from the corpses that littered the ground around me. I felt nothing for the people that died, that I killed, they just didn't matter. They were unimportant in the grand scheme of things. What was happening to me? What was the ravning doing to me? Why didn't I care anymore? Why was I only focusing on killing the other three gods? Was Aumon right? Was I devouring the god's power, taking it as my own? Shaking my head I continued to walk, to make my way towards a place where the clouds touched the horizon. I didn't understand his clue but I did know that mountains were the closest place where the clouds touched, but I had already been to the mountains, the Citadel of Air. Scowling I thought, hadn't I encountered her when I was there, soon after I had left the Citadel? Perhaps she lived nearby. Dragging my feet as I walked I made my way back towards the mountain, trying to find a way to discover where the goddess of fate was. I had to find her, had to destroy her at all costs, even if it meant destroying every human on the face of the planet. I shook my head, I wouldn't think of such things. Dashing the thought from my mind I trudged on.
"Aumon, tell me where she is. Please, I beg of you." I pleaded as the curtain of night fell, "Aumon, I must know."
"I shall not tell you where she is. You must find her yourself but if it will do you any good she is not in the mountains, at least not right now. One of her strongholds is there but you can be sure that she will not be there for you to find. As I said once before, look to where the clouds touch the horizon."
I sighed and sat down. I didn't know what to do; I was hopelessly lost and confused.