This is a little fic I've been working on for the last few weeks (when I haven't been busy trying to complete my Balto KodiXDusty fanfic Newfound Emotion, that is). It's been praised by a few of the forumites who frequent the Jack comic strip, so I figured I'd post it here for anyone who's curious.

All Jack characters belong to the wonderful Mr. David Hopkins - whom I have a great respect for. All the rest belong to me, but feel free to use them so long as you give me credit or ask permission.

Well, now that all that legal bullcrap is out of the way, let the tale begin! I hope you enjoy it!

The Martyr's Last Test
By BatloLuver63

Dedication: I'm not sure how you'll feel about this, Rafe, but I just have to dedicate this to you. In the short time we've known each other, you've become a very good friend and mentor of sorts to me - I've lost track of how many hours of your free time you've given up to help me fine-tune this to the best of your ability both on and offline. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and extend to you my warmest thoughts and best wishes. May God forever bless and keep you, my friend.

I

He couldn't stop, not even at the very end when he was staring death full in its craggy face. It wasn't a personal need like those he'd been subject to during those few fateful years before he heeded the Calling. More, he didn't want to stop; there was some deep-rooted almost archaic sense of pleasure tied to the act. He hadn't cried, hadn't begged, and hadn't even said so much as a single word during the whole hellish process. He didn't question why it had to be now that God called him home as He had so many before him. It hadn't crossed his mind to wonder why he had been the only one to even make it to the door, the only one who hadn't been instantly killed in the blast.

You just don't know when to quit, do you? An inner voice – the one that sounded as though it were coming from a mouth clogged by decaying seaweed and tar – rasped, making him wince as it echoed thunderously inside his throbbing, bloodied head. You saw the signs, clear as day they were, but still you pushed on like the stupid, good-for-nothing waste of fur you've always been right from square numero uno and now you're two inches from a one-way trip to the Great Beyond. Way to go, dipshit.

He considered this, letting the thought roll this way and that, trying to make sense of it. It was so hard to think, so very hard…just what had happened to all that useless gray matter stuffed between his ears and behind his eyes? So what if I did? He retorted, as he once more tried to coax his ruined hand to grasp the bloodstained .45 automatic, willing the torn muscles and smashed bones in his right arm to move. So what if I saw them? What'd you expect me to do, turn a blind eye to His plans for me? A smile graced his tired face and he would've chuckled if he'd only remembered how. Sorry, but I think I'm old enough to know where my loyalties lie. And as for death…I'm afraid you can't hold him over my head any longer.

The gun…. The gun…. Come on, you've got to get rid of it. They'd given it to him…probably hoping he'd do them a favor and damn himself. He hoped they weren't holding their breath. He panted, sweat running down his pallid furry face. Blood pounded at his temples and his vision was getting spotty. Knowing it was no use, he stopped trying to grab the weapon in the twisted remains of his right hand, grab it so he could throw it away. Sons-of-bitches would probably just put another bullet in him if he showed signs of using it for anything other than its intended purpose, even if he did somehow manage to lift it with his shattered arm. He collapsed back against the dirty wall with the swollen red flag of his tongue draped over his blood-caked teeth and cracked lower lip.

Mmm…getting thirsty are we?

No, not really. I'm just peachy, he retorted, forcing himself to smile. Nice try though; for a second there you almost had me believing you actually care.

She's a liar, you know. Lower, more silken this time, trying to project the air of wisdom after which both man and beast had so long sought. She's lying to you at every turn, clouding your mind with all that hypocritical bullshit you read in your damned Good Book, trying to steer you away from what's really important…and you're sittin there, eatin' it up the fuckhead you are.

If she lies…then what reason have you given me to believe you're telling the truth? He countered.

Well, how about this, Ash-slut; have you ever even seen Him? Face-to-face I mean?

He shrugged. Who am I to ask to behold Him in all His Glory before I've even completed the work He assigned me, tell me that will you?

I could give you power, you know. Unimaginable power, unprecedented power. Just say the words! Renounce this Son of Man and come follow me…and I will lead you to a place where your ever desire will be fulfilled beyond your wildest dreams. I could take you away from here, help you become a King, hell a GOD! I will give to you all the nations of the world if you will bow down and worship him.

He smirked and let out an amused snort. Stooping to plagiarism are we? Tisk, tisk, tisk. I thought you had more sense than th –

And just how much 'sense' did you show when you broke that rapist's nose a few months back? It hissed, all but burning through his brain. You might've been 'talking the talk' but you certainly weren't 'walking the walk' then, were you?

He's forgiven me since then, as He has washed clean all those who believe.

Oh come on, God doesn't play by those bullshit rules you're always reading about. You think he's going to let you off the hook for…say, shooting a fur? A hand of ice seemed to grip his heart. The demon chuckled. Ooohh, didn't know about that one, did we?

What happened to you to make you so biased towards Him? What unmerciful wrong did He do you in your eyes, hmm? Answer me that. He shot back, glaring at the dirty concrete floor of his cell, eyes fixed on a pile of bloodstained rags he'd been using to try and bandage his wounds a while back but soon gave up on. The voice was silent. He shook his head. No, wait, scratch that, do you even have a point to all this madness? Do you actually think I'm going to believe that load of crap you're trying to shove down my throat? You're beating a dead horse, my friend. Save your pagan talk for those more foolish than I.

You maimed a fur, Ashley. Down to a secretive growl now, trying to sound convincing no doubt. Maybe you didn't kill him, but I'll tell you what; you knocked the fuck out of him, that's for damn sure.

His eyebrows knitted together and a thick vertical crease split his brow. Maybe so…but I've repented since then and He's forgiven me.

The thing bellowed laughter inside his head, making a sound like a kitten being drowned…badly. Never try and bullshit a bullshitter, buddy-boy; you might not want to believe it, but I know deep down you ain't changed one bit since then…and you don't even want to know what you were like before all this.

Here it was again, that indication of some past even he couldn't remember. But that was crazy…wasn't it? He couldn't listen to this thing – his whole being screamed against it – but what if maybe, just maybe…it was right in this regard? He didn't believe most of what the thing crawling inside his head like an overgrown cockroach had preached to him over the years, yet lately it seemed intent upon thrusting this idea upon him at every opportunity. Why? He shook his head. It didn't matter, it was just trying to confuse him, that was all. Best not to dwell on what was only more smoke and mirrors.

Not this again…. Trying to affect annoyance. How many times -

I can't believe they'd wipe your entire memory! I mean sure, I knew they'd take away some of it – how could you live with yourself if they hadn't? But this, THIS is just too rich! More laughter gurgled up from the fiend's throat. And I'll bet that lying bitch still hasn't told you about it yet, ah Christ this is the best! Laughter, even more insane rang out inside his head, make him screw his eyes shut in and growl in frustration. Why!? Why was this thing always able to come back? No matter how many times he was able to send it away, each time it returned, only stronger than before until he hadn't the force of will to expel it anymore.

Oh man, you killed everyone and I do mean EVERYONE! Men, women, didn't matter! You slaughtered em' all, from little pissant two years olds to 90-year old geezers who couldn't even remember their own names! You were a fuckin' maniac, my friend, a regular section 8 psycho, in a class by yourself!

Shut up.

Even that Russian fuck and that other German bastard with that queer Little mustache combined ain't got nothin' on what YOU did! A laugh of blackest delight echoed in his head.

Shut up! He snarled, teeth grinding like tectonkic plates.

It paid no heed. Why I remember watching you slaughter a whole fuckin' orphanage, kids and all! Just dumped a couple a gallons of gasoline on the works, lit a her up with a zippo and then just sat there with the rest, smoking a cig, watching them all burn alive while they screamed their heads off for their par-

"Shut up, shut up, JUST SHUT UP!" He suddenly roared, surprised at his own blind rage. This was bold, even for one such as him who had not stopped preaching the Gospel even under threat of imprisonment and death…but in the worst of times, those who have faith shine brightest, or so she said…. His head whipped violently from side to side, blood from the still fresh wounds in his face splattering the walls of his cell. He pushed on recklessly, paying no heed to what long experience with this thing had taught him. He didn't care what it took; all he wanted was to get this demon, this – this devil out of his head!

"No, it's your turn to listen, you conniving sadist! I don't care if I have to fight you tooth and claw; I want you gone, do you get me, chief!?" He snarled, throat rumbling like a semi going up a hill. "I've carried you with me, listening to all that blasphemous garbage you've poured in my ears day and night for God alone knows how long and I'm done listening! Now get out...leave me so I can at least die with some semblance of peace. Do you hear me!? GET OUT OF MY HEAD, RIGHT NOW!!!"

He had long ago decided that this particular voice came not from within but from some otherworldly place…one where the air stank of sulfur and brimstone. It wasn't just a feeling either; over the years it had whispered to him almost constantly, sometimes in his very ear…and at such times he could not only feel it trying to worm its talons, its yellowing decayed fangs

(all the better to eat you with my dear)

into his mind but he could smell it too, literally smell him…or maybe it was a her? He'd always associated that malign stink to be male but he supposed that it wasn't entirely –

Enough.

He wouldn't go there. Gender didn't matter, not this late in the game that was. The voice was evil; that was the bottom line. Whatever it might say to the contrary, however much it might try to convince him that it had been sent by some nameless power higher than even God Himself, it'd always sounded too sure of itself. He supposed that it had inhabited other, weaker souls than he, and, over the years, had grown accustomed to control…. A determined snarl twisting his muzzle, distorting his already tortured face. He could feel his throat pusling and knew his sudden outburst had cost him dearly, but it had been worth it. Let the thing try, if it would... It would find he wasn't quite so easy to persuade as the others it might've broken before.

Is that a challenge, Priest? It sneered.

Now he felt a small touch of fear. The wolf had never before heard this tone coming from the unseen creature in his head and so it took him a little longer than usual to put a name to its attitude; bloodthirsty eagerness, like a child who is only seconds away from attaining some long-desired play toy. This thing was actually hoping for the a confrontation so it could finally ravage him with fangs as well as claws. Did he dare take a stand against a foe that delighted in such devilry?

What, have you nothing to say, oh brave Christian soldier? You were certainly adamant enough only a second ago…where is your fire now? Now its voice held an infuriatingly mocking note, though he did not yet dare rise against it…not yet at least.

Swallowing, he looked toward the cracked ceiling of his prison cell, searching for something, anything to keep his attention and keep his tired mind from breaking, knowing he would need every ounce of power he could muster if only to survive. His fevered cerulean eyes which had once so enchanted even the most concieted females during the years before God had called him to Ministry fixed on a single crack running all the way from one wall to the other like a thick dry riverbed. He starred at it, trying to gather his will and focus it.

Come closer, and you shall feel it soon enough, for He is on my side, he taunted, trying to project a strength even he knew he did not posses. I've my soul…and I've my Faith. What kind of weapon do you have that could possibly frighten me, Demon? If you think I still fear physical pain, let me set the record straight for you; I've already been through Hell…and found it severely lacking. So come then, try me out…black against white, your faith against mine. We'll see which one holds true in the end.

Don't tell me you're going to trust that know-it-all bitch over me again? It sounded incredulous. You're not going to let her sweet talk you into keeping up this ridiculous farce are you? What the fuck has God ever done for you that you should bear so much in His name? How can you go through all this for a God who's deserted you in your darkest hour!?

He's done more than enough for a wretch like me, who's not even worthy to kiss the ground He trod on. He was willing to forgo His only son for my sake, and the Son in turn offered himself in my stead so that I might be saved. How can I accept such a gift and not be willing to give up everything I have, even my life - pitiful, ugly thing that it is - for even the slightest chance to know Him better and thereby enter His Kingdom, kneel before His throne and call Him Master?

He cried out, feeling a sudden pain burst into life behind his eyes. His breath came in ragged gasps, heart hammering like a jackhammer in his chest. He'd known it would be bad - it had been so before - but this...this was worse than he could've imagined. Blood began trickling from his nose as the pressure in his head soared to an unnaturally high level.

Did He save those babes from malaria in Africa all those years ago, even when you prayed night and day for Him to take you instead? No? Hmm, okay then, how about your sister, huh? When she and that cock-sucking husband of hers had their baby after trying for three fucking years, did He let her have it? No, you sure? Well, let's see here…

The voice rose to an roaring maelstrom inside his head, making his head throb. He couldn't take much more if this kept up. As if to underline this fact, he was suddenly pitched forward as two red flags unfurled themselves from his nose to splatter the floor. Please he begged, please God make him stop…. But God apparently had a higher purpose for him in mind and so the Demon did not stop, rather its voice only seemed to increase in volume, thundering inside his head until he feared it would burst. Anguished tears began to stream down his cheeks, mixing with the blood and dirt that already stained his once alabaster fur.

Is it really worth all this pain, all this suffering for a man – a filthy human – whom you've only ever read about? Tell me truthfully…just what has God ever done for you that you should feel so obligated to spread the Word of some long dead human whom a majority of your kind have never even heard of, let alone believe in?

His head hurt, oh why did it have to hurt so much…it hurt to even think, but he had to say this, had to even if it meant his life or his sanity…because not to say it would mean pushing away all that which he had come to embrace. If such a sacrifice was required, then he would offer himself and be glad of it. Because I…I must, for He has saved me. He…has called me…to do His will…and I cannot refuse…for I love Him too much...to turn my back...on all those...who've yet to hear...His Great Message...and join me in salvation. His Love...is great...and in the end...it will win out. That…that is why…you'll never…never turn me.

All the strength seemed to run out of him and he fell forward, his head striking the stone floor hard enough to make his teeth rattle. He didn't feel the explosion of pain in his jaw as it cracked. The pain blasting through his already aching head ate it up. He sneezed involuntarily, sending a crimson fan blasting from his mouth and nose.

The demon laughed. I have eaten sinners and so-called prophets like you for breakfast, lunch and dinner and still had room left over for a second helping at every meal…what makes you think your pitiful scrap of Faith is a match for me, Believer? Think about it…just one bullet would be enough to do the trick and you wouldn't –

"Please…stop it, stop it…stop it!" He tried to scream, but all that came out was a dust-chocked crow-croak of despair. The pain mounted to an unbearable level. He could literally feel his brain throbbing from the strain. The agony he had suffered earlier was as nothing compared to this. It would kill him, there was no way around it! It –

And suddenly, the pain was gone, just like that. A cry of relief bubbled from his throat. And then he heard it.

Ashley…?

His heart swelled and his eyes flooded with tears, yet he barely noticed; he was too caught up in the wonderful feeling of relief that flooded his exhausted body. It was she, had to be, oh praise God –

M…Miss Central…is…was that you? He asked, his heart filling with joy as he heard her reply.

Yes, Ashley, I'm here now.

Her voice was like an angel's, soft and sweet, like the coo of a dove. It sent a surge of pleasure rippling throughout his broken body, driving away his pain…for how long he didn't know, but for now that ceased to matter. He was at peace…and the voice, that other far more disgusting voice, was also gone. He began to weep silently, throwing up hodge-podge praises to his Lord even with his broken jaw in his gratitude.

Thank...thank you, Central...I can't...I don't have the strength to push him out anymore. If you hadn't come... He shuddered at the implications.

His is a powerful evil...but no nightmare lasts forever, and He will soon free you from his influence.

He hurts, Lady...but they're almost as bad. They've taken everything from me…even my virginity. His tears flowed faster, stinging his eyes like acid, but he didn't have the strength left in his one barely working arm to wipe them away and so he let them go trailing down his cheeks to mix with the dark blood pooling on the floor. They...they castrated me...only finished cauterizing the wound…. He choked, spat out a mouthful of blood like the world's messiest wag of chewing tobacco.

You are privileged Ash; you are being allowed to join the ranks of the precious few souls willing to sacrifice everything – even their life – for your Lord. We are called to face many trials that test us, but they only serve to strengthen our belief. Take solace, dear heart, in the knowledge that this life and whatever torments that accompany it is only temporary and the reward is eternal.

He gave his head a feeble nod, disgusted with himself for his momentary lapse. Forgive me. Pain has made me foolish... Pay no mind to my selfish woes. Tell me, is He pleased? Am I doing well in his eyes? Please tell me…I'm tired, Miss Central…I'm so very tired, but if I know I'm serving Him…the way He m…meant me to then I can go on for as long as it takes until His work is done.

You've shown Faith in a time when many others would've rencanted, and will go on to inspire many to turn to Him when stories of your courage and strength of heart reach their ears. He is very pleased.

Tell Him…tell Him I want to stay a while longer, if you will. He didn't know how long this torture would last, but this was also something he needed to say. I'm not finished yet…the Work isn't done…there are more…so many more I could save. Bloody vomit exploded from his mouth as his weakened body began to fall into further disrepair as he struggled to stay awake.

You've done enough Ashley; you've done what He created you to do. Hundreds have been saved through your efforts to spread His Good News and more –

"N…not…enough…." He spoke in a low, raspy gurgling voice, nearly choking on the bloody mess still sticking to the back of his throat. "Th…there are…still more…children…hear…."

Just one more, please, he pleaded, eyes burning, heart hammering, let me tell one more person of the Glory of His Love, His Forgiveness, His –

Ashley, shh, please, lie still now. Your body is weak…you must rest.

He nooded imperceptibly. He couldn't deny her; he never could. What a sucker for the babe he was. She was just so kind and gentle, such a glaring contrast to that other more callous and baneful spirit who frequented his head. Yet he couldn't keep himself from one last placation.

No, wait…please…don't go yet. He begged, beginning to panic in spite of himself; anything to keep that other voice from coming back, from torturing him again with its hellish inhuman tones. I like talking…to you…soothing…beautiful.

He was fading fast, and he knew it was no good to fight it. He had not the strength. And so he let his eyes finally slip closed and passed out of a world filled with pain and agony, tears and blood, desperation and despair and entered a world all his own….

He dreamt….

Author's Note:
Well, there you are. The first installment. Though I'm not entirely sure it's ready, if I don't post it now, I never will. Central still seems to need some work, but I think I've got her down pretty well all things considered. The dialogue seems choppy to me in some parts as well, but that's probably just me being parinoid. Anyway, tell me how I'm doing and if I should continue with this piece.

Thanks so much for reading this! God bless you!

BaltoLuver63