Red Sulfur + Lucid`s Dreams

Red Sulfur

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" Psalms 91:1

In a world of fantasy, two men in hooded black-leather cloaks entered a cave.

I

A magician and his apprentice entered a dark barren cave;

Moving like shadows, it`s black depths they would brave.

The magician was a man who was intelligent and proud,

With a brazen confidence, he spoke fearlessly and loud.

“Lucid, my lad, there is no cause for ignorant fear

To the center of the cavern, we are drawing ever near

Forward now, without any hesitation – we must continue to steer”!

Lucid, the apprentice, may have appeared (to some) as weak;

But of his many strengths, his greatest was that he was meek.

“Sir Aphotic, you mistake my cautiousness for cowardice;

And with you my master, by my side, I feel far from powerless”.

“No better apprentice, my boy, anywhere to be found”,

Aphotic responded, with his usual air of sounding profound;

And, the two descended further and deeper underground.

A wisp summoned between them, provided their eyes with light;

Aphotic walked along the Left, while Lucid favored the Right.

Aphotic carried a whimsical staff, and Lucid a sword and supply pack

They were delving further away, from the worn and beaten track.

Lucid, was once an alchemist, but now, had begun to learn magic.

Alchemic recipes, calcinations, and tinctures; seemed to restrict

His potential. The man`s unquenchable curiosity was intrinsic.

Not daft, in his craft, he had travelled from Mercury to Saturn;

Then on to Jupiter and Venus, learning every various pattern.

Before long he unlocked and comprehended, the secrets of the Moon;

While stuck inside his laboratory, in desolate loneliness and empty gloom.

With great effort he eventually found his way to Mars,

But before the Sun, he grew tired of ingredients in jars;

And sought an art to take him beyond the universe and stars.

It was at this point, Lucid became an apprentice to Aphotic.

Aphotic was a conjurer, quite conversant in all forms of magic.

His ultimate goal was to master the elements of creation;

He pursued this dream with tireless, sometimes rash, dedication.

Aphotic sought steadily, without the slightest sign of relent,

To become the commander and controller of every element;

And to achieve this fancy all his energy, was endlessly, spent.

The two entered the cave, to attempt to open an unseen door;

Which lead to a realm, most of their kind had never tread in before.

Aphotic had recently acquired an ancient grimoire, stained with blood;

And in the previous days, he poured over the book`s pages like a flood.

Now, the arrogant magician, had come to firmly trust and believe:

(That the text`s inscriptions and runes did not lie or deceive)

Should he chant the spell within, then creation`s power he`d receive.

After a descending amount of time had eventually passed,

The magician and his student, had reached the center at last.

Lucid reached into his pack, and pulled out some candlesticks;

And Aphotic dismissed the wisp, as Lucid lit the waxy wicks.

Lucid listened to Aphotic`s every detailed instruction,

First clearing the site, of even any minor obstruction;

Then going to work on the ritual`s, vital, altar construction.

II

Lucid finished his work after about an hour,

And the altar now stood, pulsating with power.

Aphotic stood up, abandoning his staff,

And took a swig of some wine held in a carafe.

“Lucid let us make one final check,

To ensure this area, we did correctly bedeck”.

“Your wand, a cup, a pentacle, my sword,

And encircling the floor – the name of a Lord”.

Lucid stepped back. Aphotic smiled, for his apprentice had done well;

And reading from the unknown grimoire, he began chanting the spell…

“Se Sahasrara –

    Se Ajna –

        Boro Na Anazitisoun –

              Vishuddhi…”

III

With the incantation, which was spoken,

The two magicians received their first token.

The candles flames had softly fluttered,

With every syllable which was muttered.

Aphotic smiled wider and paused for a brief moment -

Then continued with his repetitions, insistently persistent…

“Dous Mou Anahata”

Wind had begun to steadily rise,

In every word the man spoke.

Now, the very power of the skies,

Did Aphotic steadily invoke.

He continued the mystic, ancient chant;

Sounding much like a madman, on a rant.

The harsh winds blowing, tore at Lucid`s robes,

And still faster and stronger – the air arose.

More violently and viciously the wind blew,

Like an incoming tornado, the torrent grew.

Lucid looked on helplessly, powerless, and unable to defend;

Against the developing sphere, swirling around his good friend.

Around the magician and the altar, the air seemed to somehow bend;

Despite it all Aphotic`s chant did not end (nor his high hopes to transcend).

Aphotic had no other perception,

Except his desire for sovereignty…

“Dous Mou Manipura”

Fire came forth from the cavern floor,

In a large spire of burning hot blaze.

Rolling, twirling, swirling and more;

Ever higher and grander, it did raise.

The magician`s brow had grown damp, very wet;

The occult incantation had caused him to sweat.

The flames which gestated from the ground,

Seared Lucid`s skin, as they swam around.

Fire charred his clothing beyond all repair,

As it now joined in dancing, among the air.

Lucid struggled, to watch the tempest of furious fire.

He knew this summoning was his leaders’ hearts-desire;

Still, he feared, for the situation looked somewhat dire.

He felt the quest could cause Aphotic to, somehow, expire.

Aphotic had no other perception,

Except his desire for sovereignty.

Spurred onward by his temptation,

In frivolity, without any modesty…

“Dous Mou Suadhisthana…”

And so, water from the ceiling entered the fray

(Quelling the quite tremendous heat)

Undulating in every direction, it would spray;

And yet, the wind and inferno did not retreat.

The magician felt not even a hint of fear;

Still, speaking the recitation perfectly clear.

The liquid raining down from the stone ceiling

Forced Lucid to the ground, and left him reeling.

Splashes repeatedly blasted Lucid in the face,

Drowning and smothering his cries for grace.

Lucid`s mind was spinning, as a vase of a potter,

Under the pressure of the onslaught of water.

He felt his life drain, and mortality beginning to totter;

Feeling much like: a spotter at a loved one`s slaughter.

Aphotic had no other perception,

Except his desire for sovereignty.

Spurred onward by his temptation,

In frivolity, without any modesty.

Never assuming any miscalculation,

Ignoring the ferocity of the cacophony…

“Dous Mou Muldhara…”

Declaring, earth now be generated –

Instantly the cavern began to shake.

Rumbling which could not be abated,

The source of it, was the earthquake.

Earth and stone, smashed Lucid`s body and head;

His skin was ruptured, and from every incision he bled.

Welts and bruises, embraced and defaced his flesh;

As soil joined the sphere and together did they mesh.

Every sense of potentially hopeful mirth;

No longer held, for Lucid, even the slightest worth.

All positivity was crushed under the immense girth;

By the assault, the myriad, the sheer power of earth.

Aphotic had no other perception,

Except his desire for sovereignty.

Spurred onward by his temptation,

In frivolity, without any modesty.

Never assuming any miscalculation,

Ignoring the ferocity of the cacophony;

Yet, his confidence veiled the ultimate deception.

“Latechoun Mou Me To Thanato”

And with those words, Aphotic did shout -

Following immediately, Lucid passed out…

IV

Lucid awoke, after some time, from his present concussion.

His head was pounding, like an instrument of percussion.

The cave was completely leveled,

Strange accoutrements disheveled.

Lucid noticed the strange space was still dark, but also barely lit;

Lucid felt the environment was simultaneously cold, hot, dry and wet.

Painfully, rising to his feet, Lucid noticed there was a strange red glow

Emanating (and the source of light) among the turmoil`s eerie laconism.

The soft light, was indeed ominous, and amplifying the cavern`s woe;

It was reflecting and deflecting, on every crevice and every schism.

Lucid saw a man, wreathed in a magical red hue, on the caves ebony base;

He thought “Where am I, and who is this stranger lying upon his face”?

The man`s lifeless body seemed unharmed, but was smoldering;

Lucid felt a familiarity, like the two were reunited kin, or something…

When suddenly, memory brought to Lucid a great sense of grief;

Not physical pain, but one to which there is no alleviating relief.

All the events mentally, would repeated replay;

On the cave`s cold floor, his loving felled Father lay.

As, Lucid stepped forward to check on his biological master

The old magus, Aphotic, sprang to life; upright like a pilaster.

Lucid jumped back in both joy and shock,

Upon seeing his kin rise from the bedrock.

“Master, I cannot fathom how you are alive

The possibility of this – I could not contrive”!

“Alive and well, my concerned apprentice -

This power I feel is quite momentous”!

“After seeing your body`s fog and radiance scarlet

In your stillness I fancied you became a human garnet”.

“Young son, I do assure you, I am no ore;

Still, your concern and imagination I do adore.

This vermillion bloom, I`d ask you please ignore.

This is the effects of my new power – nothing more”.

“I thank the God Virtu for you security,

And for saving your body from any impurity”.

“No need to pay dues, to your fragile God;

For with my new power, I`ll prove Him a fraud”

Just then, Aphotic coughed up sanguine fluid.

“Master! What is wrong!” exclaimed Lucid.

But, before Aphotic could render any sort of answer;

He began convulsing, like a stoke-suffering dancer.

V

Lucid limped towards Aphotic, to check on his spasm;

But, his movement was obviated, by a growing chasm.

The terrain shook violently, as it was being torn sharply in half;

Even in the tremor, Lucid was confounded, as Aphotic began to laugh.

This reaction was followed, by a shriek and a painful wail;

Even in the dim light, Lucid saw Aphotic growing pale.

Aphotic`s glow disappeared, with one final agonizing scream;

The cavern became onyx, like the precursor of a dream.

There nestled deep, in the stone and earth haven;

All Lucid could perceive, was a silent lull and raven.

Soon after, two blood-red eyes appeared, glowing within the jet;

Upon Lucid a vile and shrill voice, would now apprehend and beset.

“To this realm I shall bring annihilation!

You Magi shall be delivered to eradication”.

Lucid was filled with unease, and felt much trembling terror;

But his loyalty Aphotic, caused him to address this ill bearer.

“No such fate will occur while I still breathe;

Now return my master, or your heart I will sheathe”.

At Lucid`s rebuttal, the eyes now thinned and cackled.

“You are ignorant to the terror you`ve just unshackled”.

The glowing amber eyes, unto Lucid, were drawing nigh;

And as the moved closer, they sent him another evil reply.

“You are facing the immortal Aziblis, you foolish anemic humanoid;

Now, please enjoy the pleasure of being the first one destroyed”

The two smiling eyes slowly closed, joining in with the fade;

Lucid heard footsteps closing in, as he reached for his blade.

Though Lucid`s spirit was emboldened; in his current physical condition,

His attempts to fight back would be: pure folly and utter fruition.

When Aziblis re-opened his eyes, they were in front of Lucid`s face.

Fearfully Lucid struggled, while upon his throat, two hands did encase

Lucid was broken and weak, fighting back with punches in vain;

And one hand was still reaching for his sword, with great strain.

Then his memory, again, brought gloom; which enveloped his brain.

With only an empty sheathe, his death he could not deny;

With the little he had left, in his shrinking air supply

He let out a loud cry, presuming he was about to die.

“Please save me Virtu”!

VI

Lucid opened his eyes and was staring into a strange alabaster slumber.

His pain and death, he felt moments ago, seemed to no longer encumber.

As his vision grew clear, it seemed he was frozen in time, in the now candlelit cave;

Standing outside of his flesh, watching his master about to send him to his grave.

As he curiously examined the scene, a voice quite calming whispered in his head;

She sounded powerful and gentle, and to Lucid, this is what she lovingly said:

“Lucid, my love, your life I can now still deliver;

For above all the things I AM, I AM a giver.

Unfortunately, Aphotic will have to perish;

For this I am sorry, for I know him you do cherish.

If life is your wish, swear fealty to me on a knee;

A servant at my command you`ll be, do you agree”?

Lucid asked, “Who are you?” with astounding awe and great trepidation.

“Are you so dense, my love, you cannot make the simplest correlation”?

With the oblivious, obvious, overlooked revelation;

Lucid swore on his knee, with no further hesitation.

The voice spoke once more, “Your faith and trust shall not go to waste;

For even as we now speak, my servant draws near, with divine haste”.

Then, Lucid was transported back to his body;

After the peaceful experience, his flesh felt shoddy.

VII

Before Lucid felt any of the once chocking pain;

A blast from the ceiling, blew the two men apart.

With the opening, the room was flooded with light arcane;

And every inch of darkness within it, was caused to depart.

Lucid`s normal vision, in time, had slowly returned;

Though, his eyes still felt as if they were burned.

Looking into the center of the illumination,

Lucid saw what looked like a man`s manifestation.

With cloud-like ivory smoke and a silvery flash,

A hooded angelic figure appeared, amidst crash.

The winged creature was dressed in ornate shining armor, and plate.

The part of his visible face, was filled with purpose and devoid of hate.

The man stared in the direction of Aphotic, with his blank look;

And when he spoke, the cavern gently (once again) shook.

“Aziblis you are commanded by Virtu to release the magician

Or be dispatched from existence, in a bloody tradition”.

“Metathronos, you frail and utterly powerless knave

I`ll crucify you too, you unintelligent, feeble-minded slave”.

Then, the possessed magus ran to attack the seraph;

With the intention of collecting a deadly, fatal tariff.

As Aphotic charged in a wild yell, Metathronos held out his veiled hand;

And instantaneously, there appeared a gilded sword, without any verbal command.

With another flash, Aphotic’s flesh was allocated into two;

And Lucid cried, wishing he could have only said “Adieu”.

As Lucid, over his fallen father and friend, cried;

From the body`s gory mass, new wonderment, Lucid espied.

Among the fresh maroon liqud, there was something seeping;

From the deceased, sloe mist and vapor, was now creeping.

The wealth of smoke, without any form;

In skyward motions, began to swarm.

With collected red lightening in a contained violent storm,

A corrupted mirror image of the angel, would conform.

A black hooded creature, with tattered attire, finally appeared;

After the, encompassed cyclonic, tempest was finally sheared.

In the incubus`s hand there was a nightmarish scythe,

And Aziblis spoke, both lethargic and with blithe.

“Meta! Face to face. It has been an aeon since we last spoke!

How`s Virtu – that twit, that whore, that coccygodynia and joke?

This event is larger than us two, what these Magi have invoked

The wheel is in motion, and what`s written cannot be revoked”.

“Aziblis you are an ignoramus, a cretin, a puppet, a tool;

You are no more than an attendant to Phosphor, you fool.

All you forsaken have betrayed the all-powerful legitimate and It`s rule

For what? Phosphor`s prophecy! I pity you, now let`s finish this duel”!

Lucid listened to the exchange, and watched the fight that began,

This contest consumed every morsel of his attention span.

Metathronos and Aziblis raised their respective arms,

And said incomprehensible words and strange charms.

A loud crash rang out with each strike,

Lucid watched the savagery slowly spike.

Sparks flew in starbursts, and twangs rang in the cavern atmosphere.

The caliber of each grunting combatant was in the same stratosphere.

In one particular blow, Aziblis swung his sickle, and with a sharp metallic clatter;

Planted the point of it in Metathronos`s chest, releasing divine inorganic matter.

Lucid gasped, Metathronos`s shriek was painful;

And Aziblis`s grin looked, even more so, baneful.

Before Lucid`s mind could process and assess the situation;

The two rapidly resumed fighting, with a moment`s cessation.

Lucid thought, the bout was growing more pernicious;

As the jostles, gleams, and rings became more vicious.

Lucid was concerned the angel, being wounded, would fail;

But in that same moment of doubt, Metathronos would prevail.

He dodged a slash, and impaled his sword into the demon`s head;

As all fear fled from Lucid, as he was sure the beast was now dead.

To Lucid`s bewilderment the shade somehow survived

(As if some sort of necromancy, had kept the body alive)!

Aziblis fell to his knees, completely dilapidated,

And spoke to Lucid of ideas (seemingly antiquated).

“Lucid, someday my comrades will bring your spirit along -

For you know as well as I, it is with Phosphor you truly belong.

An officer with significant rank among the ten-thousand strong;

Though I may die, the prophecy has never been proven wrong.

Well Meta, as they say, this battle has been won;

But, you know as well as I, the war has just begun”.

The angel said “Goodbye once old friend.

It`s not for us to decide, when it is the end”.

The angel moved into position, and prepared to drop the sharp edge;

Metathronos beheaded the demon, as a gardener trimming a hedge.

Black liquid spilled out like acid, out onto limestone;

With crimson flashes in it, like a strange brunet rhinestone.

Metathronos stood over the fallen, with sadness and majesty;

Then turned to the beaten, former practitioner of alchemy.

“Lucid, hold fast, to all your mortal sanity -

For we must depart from this realm quite rapidly.

Through time and space, far beyond the galaxy

Into a place of deadly delirium and fantastic fantasy

Prepare to journey, into the Realm of Apathy”!

Lucid`s Dreams

I The Past

In Lucid’s first dream, he felt himself drifting into the past

Into days when his countenance was green, he was cast.

Lucid first memory was one of his home,

A pleasant apocrathy, with walls made of stone.

When he was a child; his mind would roam

Through the pages of texts, his skills he`d hone.

He was born, a descendent of the sacred art;

In the laboratory is: where his life, got its start.

“Lou, it`s time to rise and shine…”

A soft woman`s voice was calling;

Her reverie was angelic, and divine,

Causing his dreams to start stalling.

“Coming mother” Lucid sleepily said

Yawning, as he disembarked his bed.

He was barely awake, mind was still sailing

The oceans of imagination, in his head.

He shuffled along, his mind still trailing.

“Is that any way to greet your mother?”

Queried Aphotic, with a loving smile?

“Huh” Lucid replied, devoid of any guile?

His mother and father both laughed aloud,

At the young alchemist, still aloof in a cloud.

“Oh… Good morning mother, good morning father”

Lucid bid them both, with a son`s respectful honor.

Lucid`s mother was his teacher, in his apprenticeship days,

And she taught him the myriad of magical ways.

For in their home Elysium; there was no school,

By decree of the Guild, this had always been the rule.

Lucid had always shown an aptitude for each apparatus.

At birth, he was an adept, before the acknowledged status.

One of the first lessons, his mother taught him in his youth

Was: “There is no right or wrong, only the facts and his own truth”.

His mother also taught him about internal applications,

And external; also the proper methods of preparations.

Lucid learned about salves, poultices, and liniments (to name a few);

He studied tinctures, syrups, and electuaries… daily, he grew.

His mother explained, her mastery of herbalism (or “Herbology”).

She taught her catechism; and defined herbs, along with their every quality.

Anodynes which could relieve pain and tension;

Antiseptics, Antipyretics, a few more to mention.

Aperients, Aromatics and Aphrodisiacs;

Emetics, Stimulants, and Cardiacs.

Ophthalmics to heal diseases of the iris,

Antibiotics to destroy germs and a virus.

Tonics with many well-being uses, the phials filled;

Styptics and Vulneraries, for when blood was spilled.

The mixing, manufacturing, and various herbal formulations;

As well as, potent poisons and more sinister creations.

For example, how uva ursi, dandelion, marshmallow,

Plantain, and ginger could sooth a backache;

And which plants to alleviate a bone-break.

This was just the surface, of the tutelage, of this fellow.

Lucid, as he, met each new obstacle; and every failure

Found: the correct methods he`d learn, and mastery he`d tailor.

Those passing fond memories proceeded in blurred blinks;

While in the deep of his sleep, his mind further sinks.

His consciousness moved from scene to scene;

Each aqueous thought, a rapidly flowing stream.

Each ripple, briefly resonated then faded;

Remnants from the prior pebble which made it.

Then, his mind arrived at a particular instance;

This splash remained, with clarity and persistence.

Lucid remembered, the many lessons (and events) of his youth;

The knowledge which was imparted, and each discovered truth.

His mother taught, his father ran the shop,

As the glowing orbs would rise and drop.

Mother explained: how “The Two” created the world;

How the stars were raised, and the heavens unfurled.

Young lucid asked, “Mother, who are these creators you call… The Two”?

She smiled, and with care, answered “Why the One, and loving Virtu”.

“But who created them?” Lucid questioned,

And her, “We do not know for it was never mentioned”.

Lucid`s mind rapidly transition, and flashed further ahead;

Suddenly, shockingly, his (slumbering) heart was filled with dread.

Rain was beating down on the window, as the wind whirled outside;

Despite the still interior, the watery tempo and blasts didn`t subside.

Aphotic sat solemnly with head held in his hands,

Contemplating the current situation, and its present demands.

Young Lucid sat, by the side of a (once-warm) bed;

Watching his mother turn white, from pinkish red.

“How did this happen?” Lucid asked his father;

To respond, the entranced Aphotic, didn`t bother.

“Can`t you brew a potion to help” Lucid tried again?

The worried man sighed, shook his head, and just then;

Lucid`s mother spoke “Relax dear, it will be okay..”

Weakly grabbing her son`s wrist, “… After all this is the One`s way

Your final lesson from me, is: that none of us can, always stay”.

Aphotic knelled down, pale, and distressed; on her other side.

His was head hung, and tearing, he sobbed “Sweetheart, I tried”.

“Shh…” she stopped him, swooning “…I know my truest love,

Don`t feel bad; I love you both, and I`ll be waiting for you above”.

The family watched as the wife, and mother, took her final breath;

With a final loving smile (a freeze filled the air) she was collected by death.

Lucid was now frozen, he sniffled, sobbed, and cried.

He was numbed, by the sight of His mother – Life itself died.

“No…” shouted Aphotic in utter disbelief;

“NO!!” he shrieked aloud, with pain beyond relief.

Silence pervaded, except for the still beating rain;

And the drops of time, seemed to amplify the pain.

“I will find a way…” Aphotic said after a few moments, though he sounded defeated;

“I WILL find A WAY.” the broken man, with an estranged conviction, repeated.

Youthful Lucid, recalled simply staring into the depths of his father’s eyes;

And that was when he saw something foreboding, like sparks growing as a fire begins to rise.

There was a deranged, but determined glowing, in the man’s devoid empty windows;

It was ominous like: steady candle flames, seen though frames; though the house shutters, as a tornado blows.

With a flash, Aphotic unexpectedly, left Lucid (and his deceased wife) on that sorrowful night.

Lucid was left to bury his mom; and for twenty long years, fought to survive, his dad – nowhere in sight.

The dreamer’s vision went black once again;

Like pools of ink, which spill, from a broken pen.

Aphotic stood in the study, which at one time was his;

Lucid (now a man) stood across, filled with remiss.

In the argument (which had just ensued),

Many valid points were vented, and issued.

Still, Lucid (at the moment) knew he had gone too far;

On the guilty man, his dad, Lucid placed an unworthy mar.

“Sorry” Lucid began, though he was still fuming;

“No…” Aphotic interjected his son, and resuming,

“…You’re right, about everything… Her death was my fault

Together we sought the stone, and look at the result.

It was my ambition, which drove her to taste

The poisonous elixir…” groaning, “…alchemy is a waste”.

Lucid spoke “But, I`ve poured over your notes –

I`ve reviewed mother’s marginalia – and your quotes.

I`ve kept this shop afloat, and I am obligated to disagree;

For I have found so much value in, our craft of, alchemy.

Just imagine the cures of, what I like to call, “Chemistry”!

We may never be able to transmute base ore

Into silver, gold, or something even more;

But the blacksmith and I have a secret, we`ve yet to reveal.

We`ve found a way to combine, and temper, iron into (what he calls) “Steel”!

I know you think alchemy is foolish father, but please trust me.

Think of the worth, alone – on its own, of the empirical philosophy…”

Aphotic chuckled “I do trust you dear lad, but what your unworn eyes cannot see

Is this one bitter truth: despite our advances, in the end – Death… is the victorious enemy!

What good is a cure, which merely delays the final woe?

Can potions, and metals, halt the advance of this eternal foe?

In my travels I`ve discovered, and mastered, an art – which none yet know.

I have restlessly strained, and gained the ability; to, finally, deal death – a fatal blow…”

Lucid sat down at a table, still unsure and vehement, but his father words did entice.

An alchemist is ever-budding, and unknown knowledge is: a snare, and a vice.

“What is this art, this craft, of which you speak” Lucid questioned?

Aphotic smiled “This art is a POWER, a power which is unique, in what I mentioned.

It was imparted to me by three, ancient, women of prophecy.

Listen well, my son, and I shall explain to you – the entire story, my journey in entirety”.

Aphotic told of his travels, and the tales of how he obtained riches;

He had traversed the depths of dungeons, and searched in dark dank ditches.

His revealed his mastery of unheard of, unspoken, magical spells;

And about a blind Magi, who told him, where an ancient power dwells.

Once there, Aphotic faced an ancient shade. He was almost killed, body left in stiches;

And with luck (as if by Fate), Aphotic explained his (crawling for survival) arrival among the witches.

“They welcomed me, healed me, and said they had been awaiting my arrival;

They knew my hearts wish, and told how to accomplish your mother’s revival.

They told me of our universe, and galaxy; calling it The Lactose Weigh, and also our planet`s destiny.

Then they presented me with an artifact, which they simply called: “The Key”…”

Aphotic unveiled a black bloodstained tome; and placed it gently, with the utmost care, upon the table.

It reminded Lucid of (a dark, twisted version of) the tome, from which his mom used to read about “The Two”, and their fable.

“…They`ve taught me the various rituals, and incantations;

The words to unlock “The Key”, and its powerful magical generations.

They also presented me with this staff, which they said belonged to a deity.

The seers explained the staff is called: Caduceus, look son, look close and see!

One final thing, concerning you, these beings would also explain

That: A relation, my son, should be my apprentice – he must train.”

Lucid had stood up, and leaned close to his father. By Aphotic’s fable, he was enthralled.

Thinking, debating, and surrendering, Lucid spoke; “Tell me father, what is this magic called”?

Aphotic smiled, “IF, you become my apprentice, I`ll name the decree”.

“And so I shall, father…” Lucid knelt, and corrected, “… Master, I do agree”.

“Then together, my lad, we`ll dominate death – with the most powerful sorcery.

This skill shall be known, throughout Elysium, as the sacred art of – Necromancy”!

And with that last bit, Lucid faded back into the cave…

II The Present

…For a moment, Lucid was staring at slate-colored stone;

 (In a strange hurry, his vision, went blurry;

 Like when rain falls into eyeballs, in a flurry.)

Then all went black, and in his mind he heard a voice`s tone.

“Allow me to explain how your universe was created,

 For I know, it is something which you have contemplated.

 In nothingness, a black hole, the Precursor began;

 There IT would unfold the genius of ITS ultimate cosmic plan.

 IT separated itself like oil and water, but with massive amounts of tension;

 With a big bang, IT became “The Two”, and gave rise to a new dimension.

The One is the major, and I am the minor;

 I am the giver of life, and the One is the designer.

 We were both equal, (for the reader: like yin and yang) in the primordial days

 But, you`ll understand soon Lucid, how: black and white, became grays.

Together we created all you can fathom, and all you can (and can`t) see;

 But in the wide, barren, lifeless expanse; eventually, I grew lonely.

 I begged the One to design others, somewhat lesser, formed in my visage.

 The One protested; but due to ITS love for me, conceded, forming others in my image.

The compromise was: that I must yield the material from part of me, some of my own energy.

That is when the One, became the major; and warned, me to mind my decisions or face an adversary”!

 Virtu sighed, “I agreed, and thought IT was looney, why would my creations question our authority?

 In retrospect, I was shortsighted (but hopefully, in the end, we will see). After eons I now had new company.

Together we made seven beings for myself, and seven beings for IT;

 And we also invented, and germinated, the ancestors of your planet

 The next decision was… is one, which I will never forget;

 The source of all my joy, and also of all of my regret.

 Our creations were perfect, unquestionable loyal, but lacked any personal volition;

 And in that condition, I found them quite boring, without any individual ambition.

So against the One`s warning, I gave my seven beings free will;

 And into their essence, so many emotions and desires, I would instill.

Now out of the seven, one I called: Phosphor, I grew to most love;

 ITS advice, and ITS friendship, I treasured more than – none above.

 Phosphor suggested, we should let the Magi`s minds also be free;

 It offered to guide them, so in secrecy, I gave Phosphor my “Key”.

Phosphor taught, your forbearers, every primordial magic.

 The unforeseen events and results of this, proved to be quite tragic.

 Initially, your people (we called Demi-gods) were also still immortal;

 But, the ensuing events would ensure they would become mortal.

Soon (at least “soon” to me) a time came, when Phosphors true plans were revealed;

 And all his hidden desires, and intentions, were no longer (by pleasant feints) concealed.

 Phosphor and the five other celestials, mounted an attack;

 Along with ten thousand, using magic which is known to us as “black”.

Only Metathronos, remained loyal, standing by my side.

 We engaged, and undying army. Against such numbers we didn`t stand a chance;

 For the first (and only time in my existence), I felt the light fading from my glance.

 If it were not for the One… then, on my throne, I`d no longer preside

I won`t say much, but the One smote the rebels with divine justice,

 Crucifying many, incinerating, and paying them in full for their avarice.

 The One gave, one bit of mercy; and locked the rebellious celestials away.

The One sealed them in the key, with magical runes; where they were confined – until this day.

 On the remaining magi, he decreed they would no longer be eternal;

 He encased their perfect essence, with a fragile flesh, on the external.

 But enough of this lecture, I have one more vision, which you must see;

 Foresight from the One, after which onto your quest, you`ll be set free”.

III The Future

With Virtu`s last word, there was a flash blinding and bright;

And Lucid felt his consciousness, moving at the speed of light.

Lucid was now standing upon a snow covered hill.

He was unsure, if he was awake or dreaming still,

This was because his body and flesh the windy chill.

He must be dreaming, he thought in his misted mind…

….In the distance he saw half a sunlit valley, his half was blind.

Thunder roared, and four lightning strikes at one time, left his eyes in a bind.

He regained sight, and looked down, into the dark valley below.

He was trying to see past the flurries, of falling ashen snow;

The ground seemed to move, but the cause didn’t show.

Then another flash of lightning burst forth from the skies;

And for a moment the basin, illuminated before his eyes.

A vast army stood beneath, and began releasing vicious war cries.

The combatants appeared to be calling to him,

As if awaiting some signal for the battle to begin.

Darkness recovered, and Lucid was filled with terror and dread.

He ducked into a divot, in the concealment, his courage fled.

Trembling, hiding, he saw the obsidian sky, turning crimson red.

Heavy snow, became sleet and rain, the heavens liquid rapidly began to fall;

As he wiped the drops, which coated his face, he saw this wasn`t water at all.

The disgusting precipitation, fitting for the occasion, was blood mixed with gall.

From his hiding place he heard horses neighing,

And his trembling form, began silently praying;

But his curiosity, caused his fear, to begin decaying.

Mustering what little bravery his heart could,

He decided to peak out. If only his head would

Listen to his mind, and in doing so the scene wasn`t good.

He came face to face with four mounted shades;

Each hooded, and terrifying in their own various grades.

By grace, they didn`t see him, back into his cover he fades.

There was a roar, and the hooves beat the ground as the rode, sounding like a horse cough.

Lucid spent an eternity stiff as a log; then his curiosity returned, and bade him to take the ditch off.

Lucid crawled to the edge of the ledge, and stared at the dimly lit battlefield;

Two armies were gathered, and neither side seemed prepared to yield.

The sky above had changed hues, and was now all bruised;

Patches of blacks, purples, reds, and blues had been infused.   

On the distant encampment, the sky was broken by rays of light;

Which shined like ivory pillars down, amidst the developing fight.

Winged figure floated down, through each ray, into a welcoming fray;

Descending like fallen feathers, they drifted with a gentle sway.

As the creatures landed, the lights disappear, and shouts from both sides rang.

The two armies unleashed bold, competitive yells.

With the sides gathered, each charged at the other, and collided; like cymbals they clang.

Metal on metal, echoed like thousands of bells.

There was a massive spray of ruby, shimmering, blood

Which shot into the air; all along the front line.

It was like when hardened stone, meets with waves of a flood;

And together they create a splash of salty, misty, brine.

This raging conflict filled Lucid`s eyes.

The air was filled with dismembered

Limbs; severed arms, heads, legs, and thighs.

The sight left, Lucid’s mind dis-tempered.

Lucid watched in awe, as one of the horsemen attacked.

The rider threw his massive hammer,

And as it boomeranged back, a multitude bodies were stacked.

Broken bones, lives shattered, in a lethal clamor.

Shifting looks to another section of the field;

Lucid was disgusted by what his sight revealed,

Flesh from a surrounded combatant being eaten and peeled.

Innards and entrails continued to spill.

On both sides bodies grew limp, and dropped.

This deadly harvest of flesh, increased and cropped.

Despite death, the tension and violence had grown;

And invisibly, the reaper collected souls iron had sown.

This eve, there would be no skirting his bill.

Lucid was spellbound, as he watched an angel take a person into the air.

The levitating the cherub, stared perplexed at his flailing adversary.

Then his arm was like a whip, he thrust his fist into the enemy’s throat;

And retrieved the mortal`s spine, while both were still suspended – afloat.

Then flying forward, the seraph dropped the body, and didn`t tarry;

And used the spine spear, to impale many others without any remorse or care.

Another horsemen, let out a shout, and his gallantly horse reared.

Those fighting in front of him, made sure a path was opened and cleared.

As if whisked, on the wings of the wind, into the enemy his steed steered;

And all the while his allies bellowed, howled, like typhoons as they cheered.

The rider`s broadsword clove the first six foes in his way;

Switching the blade`s side, another helpless six it would slay.

Then, he alternated, showboating, as the weapon claimed six more;

He finished with leap, and dismounting, the blood trailed in an out-pour.

To Lucid, it seemed as though lightning, sprang in flashes on the ground;

As the horseman`s blade, bade goodbye, to all flesh and blood swirling around.

Finally, an angelic figure engaged the rider, with a silver mace;

And greeted him, with the weapons spiked head, across the slayer`s face.

Lucid gasped, unable to believe, what his eyes perceived;

The horseman laughed. It was like torture, had been deceived.

Despite the angel, and each vicious volley;

The horseman stood enduring, all the divine folly.

Finally, the rider caught the celestial weapon with one hand;

And with a brutal power, caused the angel to knell to his command.

The sadistic shade kicked the angel, with blistering force, chest and foot had a wedding.

The bloody, muddy, boot; booted the celestial being`s heart, out the angels back, and the hearts proper setting.

Angels flew from all directions to avenge their friend;

But the damage was such, no vengeance couldn`t mend.

As three angels, surrounded the devastator who held the long blade;

Lucid watched the decimated angel, celestial light would slowly degrade.

The horseman seemed outmatched, but laughed without fear;

And the reason for this became, resoundingly evident and clear.

Lucid noticed another horsemen, in the flank spinning a double-sided axe;

Then slamming into the ground, the earth started to splinter and form cracks.

An earth quake swallowed, friend and foe; it was opening a gorge as it traveled

From axe head, towards the surrounded horseman, and as it went the land unraveled.

It split and halted behind the one, who carried the broadsword

And there was a precipice, behind which even a giant couldn’t ford.

From the canyon, Lucid heard a rumble, which shook land and even the skies;

Lucid could only wonder what sort of force, what massive titan from within might rise.

But, then Lucid’s vision was distracted and directed up high;

Thundering drums, and swirling maelstroms formed all over the clouds;

All was easily seen, even though the lifeblood, bile, and snow shrouds.

It seemed as if torrential tempests would burst from the sky.

The atmosphere above, looked to Lucid, as though it was filling with gases;

And what followed, made Lucid’s deduction, seem as though it was right.

For, in the same way a match strike causes ignition, so too the sky set alight;

And from the flaming heavens, the came forth a vast twirling flaming masses.

Molten blazes fell to the ground, each in a conical shape;

And thousands of pillars of fires, now began to drape –

This already desolate, decaying, destitute landscape.

A flash, filled everywhere, and nothing but small particles filled

Lucid`s eyes. Thousands of painful screams, and then all was stilled.

Lucid woke, screaming, back in the present, in the cave.

He felt like a person, who just narrowly dodged the grave.

“You have seen what will come to pass.

This Eden will be utterly destroyed;

Shattered to pieces, like broken glass.

This is the reason you`ve been employed.

You must attempt to assuage the One;

ITS fury, indignation, and rage.

Prevent your planet, from being undone.

You will be a fleet-footed page;

Travel through Elysium, search among your kin,

Find ten champions; for a battle you must win.

Together you will all purge the realm of Avarice, Anarchy

Abhorrence, and Apathy; bring order, and the One`s sympathy.

Find my “Key”, that ancient book;

But REMEMBER, into it, you must never look.

Do not worry, Metathronos will be your guide;

Together you will quest stride by stride.

One final thing before you go

A bit of collusion, a deceptive show”.

Virtu whispered something, and the angel

Appeared as if IT were a man. “A minor spell

To conceal… now like arrows, I set both you loose”.

Lucid and Metathronos looked at each other, both dwelling on their given tasks

Once again, Virtu`s voice sounded in their mind “O, and if anyone you meet asks

Lucid your name is: Hermes, and Metathronos you are: Zeus”!

Composed By: A.D.

(I am finishing the final part of this story... Hopefully I will be done soon. Thanks for reading, and for your support)