The finale to the Divine Antagonist series is out!

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There's nothing too special about Killian, but he's able to recognize the voice of God in the silent whispers. He is deployed for his first mission as a soldier of the gods and ends up on a path that will set him against them. Though the odds are against him, God is with him in his journey as he blindly follows the Will of God.

The End of gods: Chapter 5 – Sanctity in Shadows

 "God is easily found where someone suffers out of love for someone else.”

-          Saying of the people in the Void

Chapter 5 – Sanctity in Shadows

For the next few days, Killian and Eliza wonder where the vine of black thorns leads them. Killian fights against dozens of slaves while Eliza watches out for him. They only manage to rest when they find a dark place isolated from the rest of society and when the watchers are dead, which isn’t all the time. Sometimes, the watchers hide themselves and the slaves pretend to be without sight and later ambush the two. In terms of eating and drinking, they live off the land that happens to have an abundance of fruit trees and rivers of clean water though they aren’t able to ask anyone for food because no one believes in poverty.

While resting one day, Eliza asks, “This army of slaves never seems to end.”

“Either more people break the law of the gods than we think or…”

“Or what do you think?”

“The gods teach that no one dies. What did they used to have before they were in power where they used to put the dead?”

“A graveyard. Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen any around and all the towns I’ve been to before all this had them. I wouldn’t put it past them to tear apart the graves and use the bodies of the dead as tools. They already use children and infants as their eyes to spy on the land so why wouldn’t they grave rob?”

“Yeah. Are you warm?”

“I’m fine. You need to worry more about yourself since you do all the fighting.”

“And you do all the seeing.”

“That vine probably helps you out more than me.”

“No, it doesn’t do as much now either than point us in the direction we need to go. Me losing my sight is probably why you’re with me.”

“Probably. I just wished I had my arms so I could do more.”

“You do more than enough.”

“How?”

“I couldn’t possibly do this alone. Not just because I don’t have my sight, but because I’d feel crippling loneliness even though I know that God is with me.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. Your encouragement and concern for me really stops me from becoming sad and losing hope. Also…” Killian says as he holds Eliza closer to him so that she’s laying on top of him, “Feeling you next to me even in dark and damp places like this makes me happy.”

“Killian…” Eliza kisses him then mentions, “You know, we might not have any children after we’re married. Even when I was eighteen, I couldn’t conceive any.”

“God will provide. I’m sure of it. Why are you mentioning it anyway?”

“It’s just a thought that came to me that I thought you should know about.”

“It’ll all be fine in the end. Trust me.”

“Okay.”

A couple more days of traveling passes and on one of them, the god of justice ups the number of slaves that he sends after them since his patience has run out. They are almost overwhelmed until Killian is lead by the vine of black thorns into a hidden tunnel that is covered by branches and leaves. Killian and Eliza fall down this long tunnel and the god of justice assumes they die from the long fall, however, they manage to survive.

“Of all the places to be lead. I can’t see anything,” Eliza says.

“At least we’re safe. I don’t hear them following us,” Killian says as he gets up and walks forward.

“We did fall a long way down and we are in the pitch black darkness, so maybe they think we’re dead or the power of the gods doesn’t reach here like in the Void.”

“Could be a bit of both.”

Further into the tunnel are torches lit by black flames that give a strange cold warmth while also lighting up the area around them. Continuing down, Killian and Eliza find a society of blind people who despite being blind have been able to make clothes, create buildings, weapons, and armor, and even farm fruit, vegetables, and raise cattle. The entire area is spacious and the roof isn’t visible though it appears to be head up by long pillars that seemingly extend into infinity.

“I hear people around us. Where are we?” Killian asks Eliza.

“I don’t know. It’s a town full of blind people.”

The citizens of the town go to meet their new guests and Killian explains their situation to them. Thankfully, these people are worshippers of the one true God and allow Killian to stay with them as well as receive spiritual guidance along with a new set of armor and a new sword. This new armor of his has a triangle and cross on it, which is a symbol of God. The color of the armor is pitch black and durable while also being light. It also includes a shield on the arms so one doesn’t need to be carried. Just like the armor, the sword is also a pitch black color and appears to radiate darkness as if the blade was alight with black flames.

For three days, Killian is taught by the spiritual director about God and by the people how to fight despite being blind. Eliza, on the other hand, is given a black wedding dress for her eventual wedding as well as advice and encouragement from the women of the town. On the third day, Killian sneaks out of the underground city and fulfills what the spiritual directors tell him to without telling Eliza. He rides on a black horse to the Crown of the World where the gods are surprised to hear of his reappearance. Sensing his power, they arm and ready themselves for his arrival. Killian arrives at the Crown that has its gates open for him and an army of slaves and soldiers at the ready.

“Your darkness does not hide your identity from us, traitor,” Vere, the god of truth says, “Give up now or face eternal damnation, boy.”

Killian’s horse fades away because of the light of the gods and he finds that his mind is hazy. The vine of black thorns keeps Killian conscious and aware of what he should be believing as Vere uses his power of lies against him. Annoyed with what is happening and embarrassed as Killian’s display of rebellion makes the onlookers doubt the power of the gods, an arrow is fired by Caedes, the god of combat, at Killian that takes off the arm that has the vine of black thorns on it. Like before in training, Killian doesn’t bleed, but he still feels the pain and his arm with the vine is launched far away from him.

“Be thankful and in awe at our mercy for not immediately killing you. Do you not see why the God that turns the wheels of reality made us gods? This is your last chance,” Vere says.

In the silence, Killian hears the quiet voice of God telling him what he must do. Killian cuts where his arm was so that he can bleed.

“Look at this fool! What sane person would choose to suffer?”

“I offer this to you, my Lord and my God,” Killian says.

The blood that pours out of Killian’s wound shapes itself into an arm with a heart-shaped symbol in the center. Darkness from the sky falls on Killian and envelops him as an eye and blade-like limbs surround him. Terrified, some of the soldiers and onlookers run away. The gods feel their power weaken as the people return to their senses and their entire army of slaves collapses. Knowing through the whispers in the dark that this is the work of the one true God, people either uselessly run away or fall on their knees and repent. Those who chose to fight against Killian are taken into the darkness by angels never to be seen again.

In a final desperate attempt to keep their power over the world, the gods combine their powers and become a golden monster with many faces and limbs attached together grotesquely. Not expecting this result, they get a curtain to hide their appearance and face Killian.

“We are now one god,” the pantheon says, “Our power over reality is absolute.”

Killian cuts the curtain covering them then says, “You’re no god. Hardly even human anymore because of your sins.”

Hearing the voice of God in Killian’s, the pantheon trembles and attempts to use their power only to lose their ability to recognize reality and aren’t able to form thoughts as they implode on themselves. The entire world is darkened but lit up by the stars and the moon of the night sky. Witnesses of Killian’s actions spread the word of what happened across the world leading to celebration for some and anguish for others.

Once Killian gets back to Eliza, she headbutts him and says, “I should bite your face off for not telling me what you were going to do, but at least you know what’s like to be without an arm.”

“I’m sorry,” he says, “What can I do to make it up to you?”

“Marry me, of course. I’ve been waiting too long.”

Killian and Eliza kiss and have their marriage ceremony in the underground town attended by people from the Void and other followers of God. Even though the gods are no more, there are still those who worship idols and images of the old false gods, but God will not stop in trying to save their souls and bring down the false gods that try in vain to take His rightful place because where there is darkness, there is light.

The End

Birthday month reflections: March 31th

For my final birthday month reflection, I'd just like to thank everyone who has read these and taken something from them. I know that I'm better at saying things through my books, but I thought that these reflections would help both you and me better understand the things that I talk about. Anyways, I hope to see you all in Heaven one day. Have a great day, God bless you, and peace be with you! You're always going to be in my thoughts and prayers.

The End of gods: Chapter 4 – Hunted by the Light

“Watch behind you.

Be on your best behavior.

The gods know what is true.

They know your sins.

So hurry and confess,

Or you will not be missed.”

-          From the Psalms of Righteousness

Chapter 4 – Hunted by the Light

While entering back into the Land of Bliss, Killian and Eliza are blinded by the light and must take some time for their eyes to become readjusted to it. Though this doesn’t affect Eliza because she hasn’t been in direct contact with the gods in a while, Killian’s memories of the past become a bit hazy and he has to stay vigilant about remembering what he’s supposed to do. The vine of black thorns aids in this by giving him a slight tug in the direction he’s supposed to be traveling and a silent voice in his head helps him to correct his thoughts though he doesn’t know what it says.

“This is a beautiful place, isn’t it? Would you like to settle down here when we get a chance?” Killian asks.

“I’m more used to farmland than the forest,” Eliza answers.

“We could do that too. I’ve heard it’s honest work that purifies your soul.”

“Why are we talking about this now? Shouldn’t you be focused on where we’re going?”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get to know each other better along the way.”

“What do you want to know about me that you don’t know already?”

“What’s your favorite food? What’s your favorite color? What do you like to do to relax? Stuff like that.”

“I haven’t thought about those things since I began my penance and I hardly remember them at all.”

“When you remember them, tell me.”

“Sure.”

Killian and Eliza continue to travel until they come across Scintilla who runs to Killian without yet realizing Eliza on his back. At first, Killian is excited to see Scintilla, but then feels afraid because of all the blood on her and then begins to feel even more afraid because of what he has to explain.

“Killian! Where have you been?! I’ve been looking all over for you for gods know how long!” she screams while waving and smiling at him.

“Scintilla…” Killian softly says.

“Friend of yours? She looks like what I used to,” Eliza says.

“You could say she’s a friend.”

Once Scintilla reaches Killian, she sees Eliza on his back.

She asks, “Who is that? Did you capture one of the enemies?”

“No, this is St. Eliza.”

“St. Eliza? You found her?! That’s amazing though where are her six arms and why are you carrying her on your back?”

Killian tries to explain as best he can what he knows while Scintilla looks at him in disbelief ready to argue against him, however, she doesn’t know what to say especially when he says that he’s supposed to marry Eliza. A silence fills the air as Killian anxiously awaits Scintilla’s response as she tries to begin one.

“Scintilla, I-”

“Shut up! I don’t want to hear anymore.”

“I know I can’t convince you to believe me, but you have to trust me-”

“I said shut up! First, what does the God behind reality have to do with all this why would He care when all He does is keep reality in existence?”

“He’s behind all of creation and truth so of course He cares about what happens to us.”

“But isn’t that why He gave the gods their powers?”

“That’s a lie by the gods.”

“The gods can’t lie. There is a literal god of truth who can’t lie.”

“That’s what they want you to think.”

“What makes you think that I’ll believe you especially with that vine of black thorns? It’s probably from the Age of the Black Thorn that caused so much suffering in the world.”

“It’s not it’s a blessed relic.”

“A relic that causes you pain and one that made you marry that limbless woman on your back?”

Eliza is frustrated by what Scintilla is saying since she sounds like what she did.

“I know it sounds crazy but-”

“But nothing. You were always blind, Killian. Still are. While you were learning how to fight, I studied and learned from the gods. What do you do? Learn from silent whispers and a vine? I’m giving you one chance to save your life. Toss this woman aside along with that vine and give me the ring that you were going to give her. It’s not like she has any fingers for the ring to go on.”

Eliza keeps what she wants to say to herself as she knows that it won’t help them.

“No, Scintilla. I won’t. Leave us alone, go into the Void, and find out the truth for yourself. Please, don’t make me do this.”

“You’ve killed me several times in a fight already, but this time you won’t have the gods’ blessing so you won’t be surviving if you lose.”

Killian quickly lays down Eliza and blocks a stab from Scintilla that almost hits Eliza.

“How dare you try to take him away from me!” Scintilla says before she continues to attack Killian.

In their fight, Killian tries to end it quickly and misses a direct stab through Scintilla's chest, but still manages to cut her. The sight of her own blood shocks both of them.

“What…why am I bleeding? Am I not blessed?” Scintilla asks herself.

“Your gods are more human than you think, girl. Give up and save yourself the regret of serving them,” Eliza says.

Scintilla again tries to kill Eliza, but Killian stops her and continues to fight her though he is more hesitant than he was before.

“It’s either me or her, Killian!” Scintilla says, “Who’s loved you all these years? Who hasn’t abandoned you? You know the answer.”

The two keep fighting and Killian almost stabs Scintilla. He stops himself and suffers for it when she counters and slices his eyes.

“Killian!” Eliza cries out.

“Now, you’re literally blind! How fitting,” Scintilla says as she kicks Killian down as he tries not to scream in pain. “I’m giving you one last chance. Repent of your sins and leave this woman behind.”

Killian can feel the vine of black thorns give him strength as the silent whispers give him strength.

“I have to do what’s right. I have to fulfill my purpose,” Killian says as he manages to stand up straight and hold his sword against Scintilla.

“How can you fight me without being able to see?”

“I’ve always been blind, right? I think I can manage.”

Spurred on by the silent whispers, Killian fights Scintilla without being hit and manages to kill her by cutting off her head, which is a sight he thanks God that he wasn’t able to see. He rips off a piece of cloth from his outfit and uses it to wrap the wound around his eyes.

As Killian goes to pick up Eliza, she asks, “She was close to you, wasn’t she?”

“She was,” Killian says as he ties Eliza to his back.

“What made you give her up for me?”

“Because it’s what I’m supposed to do, and I have feelings for you.”

“We barely know each other and you’re willing to lose your sight for me?”

“Yes.”

“Heh, you don’t need a lot of convincing to do something, do you? A feeling, a voice, and some influences convince you so easily it seems.”

“You’re right. Call me gullible, but I know enough about what’s right and wrong to make a decision on who I should trust.”

“It’s no wonder why God chose you to do whatever is that you’re going to be doing.”

Noises within the forest catch Killian’s attention.

“Do you see anything?” he asks Eliza.

“Something’s moving in the forest.”

“It’s probably the Blades of the gods. They’re slaves who make sure the law of the gods is followed. We have to move.”

“Then get moving for us! I can’t do anything!”

Killian starts to run where the vine of black thorns guides him and comes across hollowed out humans with blades in all parts of their body that act as swords and spears. One slave fires arrows from a distance. Killian manages to cut apart and deflect the arrows until he reaches the slave and cuts them in half revealing the person’s insides to be nothing but mechanical parts and hundreds of arrows.

“They hollow out people’s bodies and use them like puppets? Those people have really gone to new extremes,” Eliza says in disgust.

“That’s not all. They use the bodies of children and infants as their eyes,” Killian adds.

“Sick freaks.”

“As long as they see us, the rest of the slaves will continue to find us. You’re going to have to find them so I can get rid of them. Don’t worry about what they look like since they’re already dead.”

“Right.”

Eliza looks out for slaves who could be watching them and sees small figures in the trees with a large eye in their head. She, along with the vine, directs Killian’s movements so he can get rid of them. The slaves with blades in their bodies become berserk without anything to direct their movements and Killian begins to struggle against them until the top of his sword is broken. Backed into a corner again, he calms himself and cuts at the legs of the slaves so they can’t chase after them. He then finds a cave for them to rest in where the light of the gods doesn’t touch.

“Another cave, huh?” Eliza asks.

“We’ll only be here for the night,” Killian says as he takes Eliza off his back and sits her down beside him.

“It looks like morning outside with all that light. I’m surprised that we made it through all that. You’re amazing.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you…”

“Killian?” Eliza rests her head on his chest and makes sure that he’s still alive. She then rests next to him while laying her head on his shoulders. “You’re something else, Killian. I wish I was like you at your age.”

Killian and Eliza rest next to one another after an exhausting day of battle and travel. Meanwhile, after seeing what Killian did, the gods are not sure whether or not they should be concerned about him and leave it up to the god of justice to take care of this.

“He shouldn’t be much of a problem. He doesn’t even know where he’s going or what his purpose is,” the god of justice says to the pantheon, “We have plenty of husks to take care of him anyways. I have this under control.”

Birthday month reflections: March 30th

It is said that you should judge fairly and righteously. We should all remember that judging someone's actions as right can do just as much damage if not more than judging them as wrong because if someone keeps thinking that they're doing the right thing then they'll keep doing what they think is right. Nothing is more dangerous than a person who thinks they can never do wrong. It makes them think that they don't need the Sacrament of Confession or the forgiveness of God. This will eventually lead to their damnation unless God or someone reminds them of their sins, the fact that everyone sins and that no one is perfect, and finally that God is always merciful as long as we are truly sorry for our sins.

Birthday month reflections: March 29th

Elements of horror can be found in most plots, in my opinion. If there is; the fear of death, loss, horrifying monsters, the unknown, a tense atmosphere, and the like, then you have elements of a typical horror story. The way to make the non-horror story into a horror or thriller story is by putting a focus on these elements. Horror is also in real life whether you realize it or not. The fear of death and loss obvious fears that everyone has every day. It's why we do what we do so we can avoid dying and losing something we value.

The End of gods: Chapter 3 – Unexpected Bond

“Disobedience of due worship or rebellion against any god of the pantheon can result in imprisonment, enslavement, or death. In their domain of light, the gods can bring justice to any place brought to their attention almost immediately by their loyal slaves who the god of retribution sees through. These slaves are placed all over the Land of Bliss and make sure that no crime is left unpunished so that everyone can live in peace and comfort.”

-          According to the Final Testament of the gods

Chapter 3 – Unexpected Bond

It doesn’t take as much time as Killian thought it would to get used to being in the Void. In fact, the dark sunlight of the Void feels more natural to him than the bright mornings that he’s used to. Now that his eyes have adjusted to the dark, everything looks quite normal and not as ominous and while looking back at where he came from, he sees that the light outside the Void is way brighter than he remembered it being as if the light were blinding him to its true nature. Gregory leads Killian to a small village. A lot catches Killian’s interest including the recognizable symbols of the one true God that the village uses on the front of their small churches.

“So, what do you think? This isn’t much compared to what they have at the Crown at the top of the world, but at least people here are honest at the bottom,” Gregory says.

“No, this is good. There does look to be honesty here compared to the Crown. Those symbols on the churches. They seem familiar to me. It’s like they’re waking something up in me.”

“That’s God opening your mind back up to the truth. I hope He can instruct you in finding your place here. Perhaps you can help us converting your friends and the other people from the Crown.”

“They came here with us?”

“Not willingly. God has given us the ability to transport them here through the darkness and put them in prisons where we can try to convert them.”

“How’s that been so far?”

“Not easy, but we do manage to convert some.”

“I can try-ow! What is it?”

“What is what? Oh, is that?”

Gregory watches as the vine of black thorns crawls out of Killian’s sleeves and starts to move his hand down and in different directions. While this is happening, Killian is thankful that the vine doesn’t show the golden ring that it has.

“Um. I don’t know how to explain this thing, but ow! It’s trying to move my hand in different directions.”

“Let it! It’s a relic from God that Valerius once had that was handed to him by St. Matteo the Black Thorn. How did you get it?”

“Some mysterious man robed in black gave it to me before he disappeared.”

“I knew my nephew went to Heaven and is still helping us. God is trying to tell us something through this gift.”

Killian does as Gregory says and lets the vine direct his hand as it makes Killian draw a strange mask that has a smile on it.

Gregory recognizes it after thinking about where he’s seen it and says, “That’s Eliza’s old mask! God wants you to visit her.”

“Eliza? You mean St. Eliza?”

“That’s her though she really isn’t a saint since she’s still alive. I can show you where she is.”

“That’d be great! I’ve been wondering where she was since it’s said that she wanders the world to bring evil to justice. She’s my hero.”

“Well, the tales are exaggerated. Try not to be disappointed when you meet her.”

Gregory and his troop of crows lead Killian while they continue to talk about what goes on in the village and Eliza.

“I have met her before,” Killian says as he begins to remember the memories that the gods have blocked off.

“You have? Let’s hope she remembers you too. She’s not the nicest person to talk to,” Gregory confesses.

“Why’s that?”

“She feels guilty because of the world that she’s created with all these men and women who play gods in their own controlled paradise.”

“I’m sure I can change her if God wants me to see her.”

“You do that and call out to us if you need any help.”

“Okay?” Gregory leads Killian to a cave that’s not too far from the village and backs away a fair distance from it once Killian enters it. “What? You guys can’t be that afraid of her.”

“You don’t know her that well, kid. God be with you.”

Confused, Killian enters the cave and calls out to Eliza. She surprises him by grabbing him as she exits the darkness. Eliza appears to be similar to the way she was when Killian first met her with her strange white mask that has an ominous smile, her black and white hair, and six arms that were called a blessing by God. She’s dressed in black rags and her piercing eyes suggest that she may be angry or sad.

“Who are you? Another lacky of Gregory and Basil?” she asks.

“No, my name is Killian. Who’s Basil?” Killian asks.

“Gregory’s…brother. Killian…” Eliza says as she removes Killian’s helmet, “I remember you. You were a boy when we first met.”

“I’m an adult now. I thought we met hundreds of years ago.”

“Hundreds of years? Pfft! Is that a new lie that the so-called gods have said to increase their ego? It’s only been ten years.”

“Ten years? That does make more sense to me given my memories.”

The vine of black thorns crawls out of Killian’s sleeves and presents the golden ring to Eliza.

“What’s this?”

“Hey, what are you doing?” Killian asks the vine.

“A black thorn…a golden ring…”

The realization of what is being conveyed makes Eliza laugh hysterically. Gregory and his crows creep up to see what is happening and Killian silently makes a motion for them to go back to where they were and they follow his instruction.

“What is it?”

“Don’t you hear what God is trying to tell you?”

“I never Him say anything to me. I guess you could say that He does talk to me through feelings and noises.”

“Feelings and noises? No. This is too ridiculous that it somehow makes sense.”

“What am I being told?”

“Open your eyes. He wants you to marry me.”

“Marry you? I’m not sure if I’m worthy to marry a woman like you.”

Again, Eliza hysterically laughs until she says, “Worthy to marry a woman like me? I thought I was listening to God when I was really listening to myself, I killed my husband with his own limbs, and if that wasn’t enough, when I repented, I killed a family on my way here because I was jealous of their happiness. Do you really think that I am worth marrying?”

“God thinks so, so yes?”

Eliza laughs as she removes her mask then says, “Look at my face. This burned and scarred face made me into the woman I was. You know, I owe you for that kiss and hug that you gave me all those years ago. Let’s see how you like kissing a disgusting face like mine.”

“You’re…beautiful.”

Killian sees that the burns and scars that Eliza once had are nonexistent and she is stopped by Killian’s honesty.

“You…that’s not going to stop you from getting kissed.”

Eliza tightly holds Killian and kisses him. He’s resistant to her at first but slowly accepts her since she’s who he’s meant to be with. After kissing him, Eliza looks down at the reflection of her face in his armor and realizes that he was telling the truth.

She lets go of him and feels her own face as she says, “It’s true! I’m back to normal! All these years of penance have finally healed my scars!”

“I wasn’t lying.”

“You weren’t lying…I guess God really has forgiven me of my sins and my penance is complete, but…now what do I do?”

“Marry me?”

“Be-besides that.”

“This vine is starting to pull me away from the cave, so I guess we’ll see soon enough.”

“I can’t…I don’t know if I can leave here. I’ve been hearing voices that say that I’ll lose my arms if I leave the cave, and I’m not sure if it’s God or the Deceiver.”

“Who do you think gave you the arms?”

“I think the Deceiver did because I’ve done nothing but evil with them.”

“Then it’s a good thing that you’ll lose them.”

“But wait. I won’t be useful to you. What good would I be to you if I don’t have any arms or legs?”

“We’ll figure it out. I’ll carry you to wherever we need to be.”

The blind optimism in Killian’s voice convinces Eliza to trust him. Her arms begin to fight against her as the hold the back of the cave as she pushes against them. Killian helps pull her away as she screams as it literally feels like she is tearing her arms off. Eventually, the pain ends as her six arms come off and burn into ash. Gregory and his crows come running to help Killian as they bring Eliza back to the village. They let a doctor look at her and the doctor says that she will be okay as the wound where the arms were is gone despite the massive amount of bleeding that happened when her arms came off.

As Eliza rests, Killian tells Gregory everything that happened and what he learned. Even though Gregory laughs at the idea of them getting married, he agrees that if God wills it then it should be done, however, Killian says that they should get married later since the vine of black thorns has been slightly tugging him to move on every now and then. Once Eliza and Killian are well rested and fed, Eliza is strapped to Killian’s back and they head off in the direction that the vine and Killian’s feelings are leading him.

“Did you really have to bring me with you like this?” Eliza embarrassingly asks.

“This is the only way without restricting me from using my sword. It’s not like you’re against coming with me either,” Killian says.

“I admit that I’d rather be with you rather than wait for you to come home from your journey especially since we’re supposed to be getting married. Still, I’d rather have us get to know each other better some other way, but I guess that’s me still fantasizing about what a normal life should be.”

“I’ll try to make us live as happy a life as possible. I promise you that.”

“Do you know where we’re going and for what reason?”

“No, other than God wants us to go this way.”

“Okay then. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

Despite saying this, Eliza hopes that what Killian said is true as she believes that he wants to do what’s best even though it doesn’t seem possible, which is something that reminds her of herself.

Birthday month reflections: March 28th

Prayer is the most important part of a person's spiritual life. It is the communication between man and God and how man is able to ask God for what they need to do God's will. Some of the most powerful forms of prayer are; the rosary, offering up your works and sufferings, and meditating in silence. Mediating in silence is effective because God already knows what you need so hearing what He has to say in the silence can help you in ways that you may not see at first. We may think we know what we need in life, but we often fool ourselves, which is why we need God to tell us what we need to ask for, and whoever sincerely asks God for what they truly need will surely receive it.

Birthday month reflections: March 27th

Dreams can be life-changing and dangerous if you're not careful in your interpretation of them. You could have a dream that could mislead you or a dream that could be warning you of impending danger. The dreams that compromised my Society's Monsters books were ones that I took too seriously because they were different from my others since there were so many that were connected to one another and because I felt like I lived through months and years in them. At one time, I even believed that these dreams were memories from past lives and this prevented me from being truly Catholic for a time until I stopped believing in them after much praying and penance. Don't act like you're knowledgeable in dreams because a psychic told you to believe in your dreams or because you've read non-Catholic books on them. Trust in God, the teachings of the Church, and your local parish priest to help guide you in your interpretations of your dreams.

Birthday month reflections: March 26th

Comparing yourself and your situation to someone else's is vain. What's the point of thinking about how much someone else might be better than you in certain situations or how much they have compared to you? It's nothing but poisonous jealously and thinking yourself less than them is self-pity that is self-destructive. You have your own place in the world and everyone has their own problems no matter how well their life is going and how virtuous their character seems to be.

The End of gods: Chapter 2 – Truth Seen Through Darkness

“Drink to you drop,

Marry until you’re slop,

Earn till you reach the top!

This is what it means to live.

All joy and no suffering.

What else could you want?”

-          From the Joyful Psalms of the gods

Chapter 2 – Truth Seen Through Darkness

While Killian sleeps, he remembers the combat test, however, the rounds keep going as the so he keeps stabbing Scintilla. The pantheon of twelve gods along with the crowd cheer him on as he tries not to glory in the “killing” of his close friend.

“You can do it, Killian. It’s okay if you keep killing me. You can make it up to me later,” Scintilla says with her head hanging off her shoulder.

This cycle drives Killian insane and makes him cut off Scintilla’s hand so he can take her sword and throw it at the god of life, which annoys him. The shock makes the people in the arena jump from their stands and overwhelm him while the gods and Scintilla laugh as he is beaten into the ground. Waking up in a sweat, Killian has to collect himself and remember that what he saw was a dream.

“Hm? What’s wrong?” Scintilla says as she wakes up.

“It’s nothing but a bad dream.”

Scintilla hugs Killian and kisses him.

“It’s okay. I’m here.”

He kisses her back.

“I know, I know.”

The two get ready by going to their armory where the rest of their unit is arriving at.

“Killian, you know that you’ve caught the attention of Voluptas, the goddess of love,” one of Killian’s squadmates says.

“I know. All men and women accomplish something noticeable catch her attention.”

“So? Don’t you want to see what she wants?”

“I know what she wants and I don’t want to be another husband of hers.”

“I’m sure that Scintilla will understand. We still have some time until deployment so you can-”

“No.”

“Your loyalty towards your girlfriend is astounding and a bit foolish.”

“I’m not as horny as everyone else is all.”

As Killian waits for his unit to deploy and he’s fixing up his equipment, he feels an uneasy but comforting feeling.

“What are you trying to tell me?” Killian says to the vine of black thorns and God.

The feeling continues to run through him as if seeing that all his senses are awake and active.

“Am I supposed to be ready for something? This is my first deployment after all, but we’re just going after some troublemakers near the Void, not in it.”

His commander then calls all the troops to attention with the god of travel by his side. They are briefed on what they’re supposed to do then the god of travel teleports them to the area they are supposed to go after waiting a few seconds in a teleportation circle. Killian and his unit find them a bright forest of yellow and orange leaves. In the distance is the Void where the light is cut off at a point by a darkness. The forest of colorful leaves turns into a forest of black leaves that hang on similarly black trees with a ground that is devoid of grass. The new soldiers are shocked by the disparity between the two areas while the commander remembers the feeling as if it were yesterday.

“Get used to seeing this area because you’ll be getting closer to it as time goes on,” the commander says as the unit moves out.

Killian and Scintilla stay close to one another as they travel through the forest.

“This would be a nice place to visit during a vacation,” Killian says.

“I’m not sure we can with how little vacation time they give us,” Scintilla says.

“Then we’ll do it when we retire. We can’t be soldiers our entire lives.”

“Oh, that’s right. We do have forever to live.”

“We could become chefs and own a restaurant, artists, farmers, or maybe start a school together. What do you think?”

“Do you want to throw kids into all that while you’re at it?”

“I mean yeah since we’d be living together by then.”

“I don’t think I want kids. They’d just get in the way of all the things that we want to do.”

“You don’t want kids, but at the same time you want to…you know?”

“One of the gods can get rid of children in the womb before they are born. It’s a sacrifice for God that was introduced that increased the prosperity of the world believe it or not. I’m sure you’re fine with it since you worship the God behind reality than the other gods, right?”

“I’m…I’m not sure. Let’s just wait to make a decision until after marriage.”

“It doesn’t have to be when we get married, you know. I don’t know where you get these restrictions from.”

“I don’t really know for certain either. It’s like someone’s written them in my head and heart when I was born.”

“Whatever the case is, my mind is made up.”

Not knowing what else to say to convince Scintilla of his view, Killian lets the conversation end. The unit then arrives at the location of the bandits and assaults a small camp of people. Upon seeing the children among the bandits and feeling a silent voice speak to him, he realizes that these bandits are poor people.

Killian stops Scintilla before she strikes someone and says, “Stop! These people are poor and homeless!”

“Who can possibly be poor and homeless in this world with an abundance of wealth that the gods give everyone? These people are bandits plain and simple,” she responds while the poor person runs away, “You let them get away! How do you know that these people are innocent?”

“I don’t. It’s just…”

“Just what? That law that’s written on your head and heart or that silent voice that you talk to every now and then. Stop being so blind and look at what’s in front of you.”

Soldiers of the gods chase after the so-called bandits until a darkness starts to surround the area and cut off the soldiers. Strange people in crow masks come out of the darkness and make the soldiers disappear into it. The commander starts praying to his gods as he is surrounded.

“Your gods won’t hear you,” a man in a crow mask says before making the commander disappear.

Scintilla and Killian are separated in the confusion as Scintilla manages to kill a few crows while escaping. Killian, on the other hand, runs until he sees that one of the people in his unit has found one of the bandits and is about to kill them. He stops his fellow soldier and tries to say that they’re innocent just like he said to Scintilla, but his fellow soldier won’t believe him and even tries to fight him for siding with their enemy before being knocked out by a crow. The crows surround Killian and he throws his sword down, raises his hands, and kneels.

“I’m assuming that you’re protecting these people. They seem to be innocent so I’m no threat to them or you. Let’s talk this out and clear up the misunderstanding since we were told that they were bandits,” Killian says.

One of the crows takes off their mask and Killian recognizes him though he doesn’t know why.

This man says, “We know, Killian. You always did stick out from the rest of the idiots. Do you remember me?”

“Uncle Gregory!” Killian says.

“You do remember me! I’m so glad!” Gregory says as he hugs Killian.

“I sort of do. I don’t remember why I called you uncle.”

“I was the head of guards that helped you train both in mind, body, and soul.”

“I thought all the guards were killed by the Crow of Death.”

“I like the name they gave my nephew, but is that really what they call Valerius now?”

“Valerius? Who’s that? Is he my brother?”

“No, you are related to one another and aren’t related to me at least on a familial level.”

“I remember a name, a face, and a mask like yours, but not much else.”

“Vere, the so-called god of truth, is manipulating the truth again I see. I should’ve cut his throat when I had the chance.”

“You can’t do that! They were made to be gods by the God of reality.”

“Another lie. It’s thanks to Valerius that there is no more than a pantheon of twelve gods. He destroyed the artifact that made normal men and women into gods.”

“I don’t remember reading that in the scriptures.”

“Come with me and I’ll reeducate you on the truth.”

Killian looks around before he says, “I don’t know if I should. The gods may not want me to learn a truth different from their own.”

“They haven’t stopped us for years and they won’t stop us now because we’re going into the Void where their power can’t reach us.”

“The Void? Isn’t that place cursed?”

“Not for us. It’s the place where the power of the one true God can be seen the most. Don’t you want to learn the truth especially after what happened here?”

After thinking about it for a few seconds and being pushed by the feeling of the black thorns, Killian says, “Yes, I do.”

“I knew you wouldn’t be corrupted by those pretenders. Let’s go and meet everyone else or re-meet I should say.”

Killian reluctantly follows the man who he somehow knows as the silent voice reassures him that he’s trustworthy. He also wonders where Scintilla is and how she’s doing as she searches for her lost fellow soldiers after killing many crows and people who she thought were bandits.

“Where are you when I need you the most…Killian…” Scintilla says to herself with blood and tears on her face.