Chapter Twenty Four
The sounds of a lighter crackling in the night woke Gabriel from his slumber. A glow of flame illuminated Tiffany's pale face. Her lips grasping the end of a glass pipe. She inhaled the combustion of chemicals into her lungs, as her eyes rolled back in her head. The light of the flame went out and the sounds of her exhale was all that was left in the night.
“I am dreaming, I must be?” Gabriel thought to himself. His heart searched for a nightmare, but reality was sinking in. Even reincarnated in war, Tiffany belonged not to any god. Her heart was not beating for Gabriel in that dark chemical haze. She belonged to a crystal fiend of the night, and she would forever have his bite.
All the hopes, and inspiration of the day before were gone. Sweat ran down Gabriel's back as he struggled to fall back asleep. Once again the frustration of loving someone who had another swept over him. Along with a relentless urge to suck down a bottle of the strongest whiskey left in Axal. Through irritation Gabriel fell back asleep.
“Gabriel!” A familiar voice cried through a dark forest. The tree's outlines were all that was seen in the night sky.
“Where am I.” Gabriel asked.
“In a dream.” The voice said
“Who are you, your voice....It sounds so familiar?” Gabriel said.
“Forgotten me so soon my love?” Christy said. Just as she did, Gabriel remembered the sweet voice.
“Where are you?” Gabriel asked.
“Has my image already been erased? Look and you will see.” Christy said. Looking towards the voice Gabriel could see her. Standing white as snow in her wedding gown. A smile illuminating her face as the moon.
“I am here to warn you Gabriel.” Christy said.
“Warn me about what?” Gabriel asked confused.
“About her, her mind is a syringe filled with poison, seeking to inject her addiction into love. Her beauty is a sanctuary, for a sinners soul. Perfect by nature, but her shadow casts death. Do you not see it Gabriel?” Christy said.
“She is simply lost to me, much like you.” Gabriel said
“I know I am, I am forever lost in the crossroads of love. But loving the lost leads you into arctic sea's. By day you may find calming waves. But by night you fight ice berg's, and bitter cold.” Christy said.
“Yes, I am constantly reminded of that feeling.” Gabriel said. As he finished the ground began to tremble and shake. Christy's smile turned into a frown of panic.
“What is happening?” Gabriel shouted. The ground under Christy was blasted into the air like a rocket. Flames and gasses filled the air in the night sky. As quickly as it started it was over and she was gone. All that was left was a massive round crater in the earth. Gabriel closed his eye's ready to wake from the dream.
“Mother nature gave us all we needed. So we raped her and left her naked for dead, and now we wonder why she clothes herself in destruction.” A strangers voice yelled out.
“Time counts us out and flesh fades, but death cannot touch the inspiration we leave behind.” Another voice yelled. More voices came from the darkness and Gabriel could not make them all out.
“Life is art, though our styles and colors vary we all have a master piece.” Another voice said.
“As many artists know, dark beginnings lead to colorful ends.” Another said as they all started to erupt in madness. He could no longer make out the voices. Even the ones he could spewed random thoughts into the night sky. The voices rattled as a chain. Echoing sounds into a tornado of congested insanity.
“ENOUGH!” Gabriel shouted as the ground's trembling started once more.
“I want to wake up!” Gabriel said.
“Why?” A curious voice said.
“I do not not understand this attack of words.” Gabriel said as his head pounded.
“So you are afraid of what you might find in a dark war of words?” The same voice said.
“I am not afraid of your words. I just don't understand the meaning of this dream.” Gabriel said.
“Its unfortunate that the close minded will never free themselves of knowing. Lying to themselves so they don't have to face the unknown.” The voice said.
“Was that meant to offend me?” Gabriel said.
“If not will my skin?” As the voice said, a monstrosity stepped into Gabriel's vision. It was a man only the size of a toddler. His skin was a dark pastel of mixed coloration. Gabriel could not understand how such a creature could exist. Or why it was in this crazy dream.
“If skin color offends you than I hope my words run through your veins as a plague to ignorance.” The creature said.
“I am not offended by your skin, or your words.” Gabriel said.
“Aren't you?” The creature said smiling.
“No, I just want to wake up!” Gabriel shouted.
“I don't think you do, not before I have said what I came to say.” The creature said.
“And what is that?” Gabriel said.
“Loving someone comes with a vast array of emotions and not all are pleasant. Just know when the emotions die so does the love.” The creature said.
“So that's what you wanted to tell me?...My whole life I have loved those already lost to me. It doesn’t matter if the emotion is there or not.” Gabriel said. As Gabriel finished speaking the creature smiled and turned away back into the forest.
“The hardest problem in life is realizing you are the problem.” The creature said as he walked into the Forrest. From the tree's a cold breeze blew and as he finished speaking Gabriel woke up. Sitting up in the bed sweat drenched his back. No one was inside of the hut, but light glowed through cracks in the walls and ceiling. Looking around Gabriel could see the glass pipe sitting next to the bed. It was stained black and brown on the inside.
Tiffany was not hiding her addiction from him. It was right there on display for all to see. But Gabriel was not equipped to handle her drug addiction. Although emotions were still raging inside of him. As they raged, so did the love for her. Gabriel wanted to get up, but he was hit with a rush of confusion.
Pulling himself to his feet Gabriel wiped the grogginess from his eyes and headed out the door. Stepping out of the hut, Gabriel got a view of the camp. Looking around he could see the people going about their lives trying to survive. Some took on creature comforts such as a few men gazing at some women bathing from clay pots.
“Here they are, resurrected from the damned and what do they do? Same as they always did, I guess that saying is true...What is it? You can take the life from a soul, but once returned the soul wanders the same...Eh whatever don't mind my grumbling, I do not know where it is going.” Cain said from a chair outside of the hut.
“Good morning to you too.....Guess I never heard that saying?” Gabriel said still gazing at the people.
“Maybe its just a quote of those cursed to wander this wretched land.” Cain said looking out at the people as well.
“What about you Cain, have you returned to the same as before?” Gabriel said. Cain paused and thought about it for a moment as they both watched the men gaze at the naked women.
“Well, yes and no I suppose. I have wandered and waited far too long. Though I still thirst for the end as I always have.” Cain said.
“I guess we are one in the same there..” Gabriel said.
“Oh?! have we already forgotten about yesterdays little speech? I assure you it won't be so easily forgotten by the people.” Cain said surprised.
“There is just so much uncertainty in what is to come.” Gabriel said.
“Yes there is...I guess all we can do now is prepare our selves for all things uncertain.” Cain said as Abimelech walked up to them.
“Good morning Abimelech” Gabriel said smiling. The smile was not returned, just a look of urgency.
“The wood's are no longer silent. Shadows danced through the tree's all night and a dense fog surrounded the village. We are not safe here anymore, we must not waste the day.” Abimelech said.
“T
here are always shadows dancing in these forests and fog? Should we run from basic laws of nature?” Gabriel said confused.
“These were not mere shadows Gabriel. The witches were restless in the night. They remained silent but there presence calls out for you. The fog was not as it seemed, one of the men walked into it. With one breath he hit the forest floor dead. It moved around us like a wave of ammonia gas.” Abimelech said.
“And is it still there?” Gabriel asked.
“Yes, with only one opening out.” Abimelech said.
“It is a trap!” Cain shouted.
“Well if we do not go, the people will surely starve.” Abimelech said.
“Is there no other way?” Gabriel said.
“No, unless you can move above the forest floor like a monkey.” Abimelech said.
“Take me to the opening and have the people pack up only what they need.” Gabriel said. With the order a couple of the nearby guards rushed over to tell the people to pack what they need.
“All men able and willing for combat should follow me!” Abimelech shouted out to the people. A few of the men gathered their make shift weapons and began to gather. Abimelech lead Gabriel and Cain through the village as more men fell in ranks behind them. While others packed up the camp with looks of concern. One man that Gabriel walked by was packing half empty and discolored bottles of liquor.
“Leave it!” Gabriel said. The man just looked up at Gabriel confused and angry.
“If I am going to die again, then I will live now as I will!” The man shouted in angry. Abimelech turned around and kicked the man to the ground with a solid push kick. Bottles broke as the man hit the ground.
“No!” Gabriel shouted grabbing onto Abimelech.
“We won't lead these people like the gods. They should not fear our wrath, or suffer with unanswered prayers. If he wants his drinks, then let him have them.” Gabriel said letting go of Abimelech. The man looked up at Gabriel half stunned by the kick, and the words.
“Tha...Thank you sir, it is all I have.” The man said.
“One day...I have faith that you will have more than just suffering.” Gabriel said as the group began walking into the forest. The tree's blew in the wind and leaves fell on the forest floor. As they walked Gabriel tried to figure out how he would handle the witches. Just as his mind began to grasp what he was facing, they approached the wall of fog.
It was not thick like a fog, but clung to the ground like a gas. The man who walked into it was still there dead on the ground. Off to the side of him was the opening in the wall of gas. It was a narrow path way that lead back towards his old house.
“Do you think this is the work of the witches in the house?” Gabriel asked Abimelech
“No...” Abimelech said but Cain cut him off.
“This can only be from Morrighan.” Cain said looking around at the gas.
“Let me see what the gas might do..” Gabriel said walking up to it unsure.
“Wait!” Abimelech shouted grabbing Gabriel's arm.
“Let me take your arm, and very slowly walk towards it.” Abimelech said. Gabriel walking ahead reaching his arm back so that Abimelech could hang on to it. Gabriel made it right to the edge of the gas and put his fingers into its haze. He moved his hand around in it but nothing happened. Looking back at Abimelech Gabriel gave him a confused look.
“I am going in.” Gabriel said as he stepped into the gas. Everything was fine but only for moment. With the inhale of the fumes Gabriel collapsed. The darkness from hells waiting room came back to him.
“Gabriel wake up!” Abimelech shouted while he slapped him in the face. At first Gabriel could feel a slight slap in the darkness. Then a solid sting across his face as he opened his eyes to see Abimelech panicking.
“It's okay stop, stop!” Gabriel yelled just before getting slapped again.
“Oh I....am sorry.” Abimelech said pulling Gabriel to his feet.
“What Happened?” Gabriel asked.
“I don't know, you stepped in and then just fell to the ground. I lost my grip and was almost unable to get you out.” Abimelech said. Gabriel thought for a moment about what to do. As he was thinking he looked around for guidance. While doing so he could see Tiffany was now there with them. Gabriel wanted to ask where she had been, but did not want to seem needy.
“I guess there is only one way?” Gabriel said looking at the opening.
“No we will not go in there!” Cain said.
“Well then what will we do? We don't have the means to go above.” Gabriel said. Just as he did the gas began to slowly move towards them. They all ran back away from it but it was still making its way towards them.
“It's moving in!” Abimelech shouted.
“Run, back to the camp! But keep the opening in sight.” Gabriel said as he began running back to the camp. Once at the edge of the camp they stopped.
“Okay so the opening should be just up there.” Gabriel said pointing between two huts.
“Yes, I would assume so?” Cain said out of breath.
“Come we must see if it is all around the camp.” Gabriel said jogging back through the camp. The people all looked confused as to why the men were running back. It only hastened their speed of packing up camp. Once they made it to the other side Gabriel could see the gas moving its way from the forest to the edge of camp.
“Quickly gather the people, we must head for the opening!” Gabriel shouted as he turned around and ran back. Gabriel, and the others grabbed as many people as they could and began running towards the entrance. Once all the people were gathered they stopped and watched as the gas rested around there camp.
The gas had finally stopped moving in, but the people were horrified. They had no magic to defend against the gas. Only some home made spears, and clubs. How would they defend against Morrighan, and was this even her doing. Gabriel knelt down on the ground to catch his breath and decide what to do.
“If the gas moves any closer then we must go through the opening. We have little choice now, its that or death. If we do go through, then let me go first.” Gabriel said.
“No, I will go first.” Cain said.
“You cannot, it is me she wants. Right now she could engulf us in the gas. All of you will perish and once the gas has cleared I would remain.” Gabriel said.
“So if she was going to kill us she would have.” Abimelech said.
“Yes, and I see we have no other choice but to go through.” Gabriel said.
“Then why should we wait!” A man shouted.
“Yeah!” The others shouted from around Gabriel in a uproar.
“Silence!” Cain yelled.
“They are right, I will go through.” Gabriel said looking at the opening. Then he turned and looked at Tiffany. Her eye's locked onto his, her head tilted sideways. as it did her eyebrows squeezed together tightly. It was as though she was saying not to go. But Gabriel had no other choice, but to go where the gas lead him. Turning away Gabriel began walking towards the opening in the wall of gas. Just before entering in Gabriel paused.
“If I don't come back...” Gabriel said but then choked on the words. Closing his lips tightly he headed into the gas. After taking a few steps in Gabriel took a breath. He expected his lungs to choke with gas, followed by the darkness. Though this time he breathed in crisp forest air. Turning around Gabriel looked for the path behind him. It was gone, nothing but gas was lingering behind him. There was no going back, and now everything he had left was a hostage to the gas.
Looking ahead Gabriel continued on the path. Every so often he would pass a creature of the forest. Even they fell dead, lungs choked with the gas. On the ground in front of him was a rabbit who fell victim. Reaching down Gabriel felt its fluffy coat and studied the beautiful figure. The coat was a light gray and the rabbit was not even in adulthood.
Removing his hand from the fur, Gabriel fought back anger. The rabbit though the smallest of collateral damage, had a significant impact on him. What place did such
a wonderful creature have in this biblical war. Maybe it was only to remind Gabriel that his humanity was still at peace with nature. God's, and man used creatures merely as tools. Although they were the only thing perfectly beautiful in the chaos of a war scorn land.
Suddenly Gabriel could hear footsteps in the forest and looked up. Her hair was straight, long, black and like silk. Eye's a shade of blue that was almost white. Her skin, pale and white, as though the sun never kissed her flesh. She wore a thick cloak of black fur, tied around her neck with leather straps. Though no garments were on under the cloak. She was completely nude underneath the cloak.
The woman walked with a stroll of absolute confidence and beauty. She wore her body without a self conscious thought of a flaw. A smile graced her lips as she new that Gabriel was in awe of her. Now Gabriel was just like the men in camp gawking at the women bathing. Thoughts of a witch were long gone, and thought of passion were all that remained.
“I have been calling for you.” The woman said as she stood before Gabriel. Gabriel was still kneeling down next to the rabbit. The gas faded from around them. The woman knelt down in front of Gabriel to get a closer look at the rabbit.
“May I?” She said holding out her hands. Gabriel backed away from the rabbit and stood up. The woman picked up the rabbit from the forest floor and held its face up next to hers. With a slight whistle she sucked the fumes from the rabbits lungs. Though she did not place her lips on it. The fumes came out in a green haze from the rabbit mouth and nose. Then a twitch from the rabbit and its blue eye's opened. She set it down on the ground and her and Gabriel watched as it ran off into the forest.
“Did you hear my calls?” The woman said standing up.
“No I did not...” Gabriel said confused. His eye's falling down on her naked body. As they did she gently pulled the cloak around her exposed body.
“I have been searching for you.” The woman said smiling.
“So....Who are you?” Gabriel said.
“Well...We have many names. I prefer to be called Morrighan.” Morrighan said.
“You are the witch who was about to kill those people in the camp?” Gabriel said with a stern voice.
“As I said Morrighan is my name.” Morrighan said bowing in front of Gabriel. As she bowed she exposed some of her breasts.
“Well Morrighan are you going to kill them?” Gabriel said.
“Is there something in this camp that you want?” Morrighan asked confused. Gabriel thought for a moment about Tiffany but fought back the thought. He did not want to expose a weakness so soon.
“I can spare the camp, as long as you come with me.” Morrighan said smiling again.
“To where?” Gabriel asked.
“To anyplace that I command you. See I heard story's about you, from the town...And those hags that haunt your home.” Morrighan said. Gabriel thought only for moment but was already putting together a plan.
“Those hags buried me in the forest! The people in the camp found me and saved me.” Gabriel said, his mind raced trying to play a chess match with a witch goddess.
“Did theyyy.” Morrighan said with a slight hiss in her voice. She turned and started walking through the forest.
“Yes! I tried going back to my home. Then I fell asleep and woke up to them. They placed me in a metal container and buried.” Gabriel said.
“And whyyy would they do that?” Morrighan hissed in a soft tone.
“I don't know!” Gabriel said trying to act innocent in the fray.
“They told me you belonged to one who goes by the name Apollyon?” Morrighan said. Gabriel thought for a moment, though it was impossible to hide what he was.
“Yes, it is true, he cursed me.” Gabriel said.
“Tell me how he curses you?” Morrighan asked as though she already knew.
“With immortality...” Gabriel said pausing before he could say anything more.
“Now why would this Apollyon make you immortal?” Morrighan asked preying.
“Well....I do not even know, now he has simply abandoned me.” Gabriel said.
“It is fine, you are with me now. You are no longer this...Apollyon's but Morrighan's.” Morrighan said. As she finished Gabriel got an uneasy feeling. They walked for a short distance, when finally Gabriel stopped.
“So what is it you want with me?” Gabriel said. There was a brief silence and then Morrighan stopped.
“I want to free you from your curse.” Morrighan said.
“Oh? I wish it was so simple.” Gabriel said as they began walking again. Gabriel thought about why she would want to end his curse. Nothing logical came to mind as to why she would. Unless she was as crazy as Cain and wanted to end all existence. There just had to be more that she wanted, something that she was hiding. After all if she wanted to help him then why would should hold the camp hostage.
“You know the camp will starve if we leave them surrounded by gas..” Gabriel said.
“Yes I know this, I have studied them well. I know they are no threat to me....I will provide all they need, but the ammonia will remain.” Morrighan said. It was clear she wanted more from Gabriel and that she knew he was some how attached to the town. Somehow he had to convince her that the camp no longer mattered. He had to gain her trust, to free the camp and his only love.
They were now approaching Gabriel's old house. Stopping Gabriel was hesitant to walk on. He knew what creatures live there. Though nothing came out to greet them, he knew somewhere they were watching them. Morrighan stopped as well and looked back at Gabriel.
“It is okay dear, they will not hurt you now.” Morrighan said holding out her hand. Gabriel knew what taking her hand might mean, but he was out of options. Walking up he grasped her soft hand in his. A smile glowed across her face as she turned towards the house.
“Girls, please come and greet our guest!” Morrighan said as the smile faded from her lips and her clench tightened.
“No?!” Morrighan shouted as no one came out. She held her other hand up and the ground quaked in front of her. Rocks and dust bounced from the trembling as it slowly made its way towards the house. As it did the wood on the porch splintered and then snapped in two as though a earth quake hit it.
“Wait!” Emma said rushing out of the house in her true, hag form. The other hag's followed behind her and they came out to see Morrighan. Gabriel was relieved that his home was not ripped into.
“So I hear you buried this cursed soul?” Morrighan asked as the hags lined up in front of her.
“For you of course!” Emma said with a wretched smile, exposing black teeth.
“Yet, I knew not of this plan?” Morrighan said.
“Well....We were going to tell you but they stole him!” Tina said.
“Very well girls, you all have done well. I accept your beautiful gift of a cursed man.” Morrighan said with a smile. The hags smiled back and Emma sighed with relief.
“We knew you would like him!” Sophea said holding her hand up as to display Gabriel.
“Oooh I do, very much.” Morrighan said looking up and down at Gabriel.
“Now for your reward I too bring gifts.” Morrighan said pulling a tonic from her cloak.
“The great king Arthur's blood was used in the cauldron of knowledge to make this. It will free you of your binds to the one they call Apollyon. You will return to your stolen youth and live once more!” Morrighan said handing them the tonic. The girls all drank from it and passed it around until the last drop was drank. Morrighan just watched and smiled as they licked up each drop in a frenzy. Old rotten flesh returned to its youth. They now looked as beautiful as they ever had. They looked around at each other smiling and naked.
“Can we leave this horrid place!?” Emma said radiating with joy.
“Of course you can my sweet child.” Morrighan said pointing at the road away from the house. The girls did not hesitate, they began walking down the drive way. They laughed as they walked down the road, not even looking back. Morrighan looked on a
s her smile turned to a dark frown. The girls had not noticed yet but they were rapidly aging right before their eyes.
Even the girls laughs changed to a more mature tone. Gabriel watched puzzled by the transformation he was witnessing. They were not even twenty yards away and they had hit their mid life. Tina hit the ground grasping her side.
“What is it Tinn.....OH MY GOD!” Emma shouted. The women looked at their body's now showing a never before seen age. Tina laid quivering in pain as the other women gathered around her. Emma grabbed her hand and pulled it to her chest crying. Tina's shaking stopped and she now laid motionless on the ground with dead eye's open. Her flesh quickly decayed and she turn to bone, and then dust. As Tina faded the women changed into old wrinkly women.
“What have you done to us?” Emma said still crying.
“I gave you all I said I would. This is the life you all missed!” Morrighan said smiling. The old women continued to age as one by one they fell, dead, decaying, and then dust. Emma was the last to go and she held her hand together in prayer. Frozen and then collapsing to the ground and in an instant she was gone. Nothing remained of the girls that haunted Gabriel's home.