The works of of Campione(!) and any other used series belong solely to their respective owners. No commissions will be accepted for this project, as it would be against doing this as a work of passion. Also potentially illegal.
Okay, just to be clear I have most of the plot already lined out for Veneration. Not saying I won't accept outside ideas for inspiration or possibly add new arcs based on said inspiration. I want to hear new ideas for the story. But. This isn't an opened ended project. It has outlined themes and an ending. Expect that to always take priority over anything else.
Next, as said in the foreword, this is my first story. So expect varying levels of skill and differing styles of writing as I experiment. Uniformity until later chapters I cannot promise. So, I'm asking for patience. That also goes for updates to Veneration. I cannot promise a regular update schedule, unfortunately. That herculean task is beyond me, sad to say.
This will be a bit of an odd chapter, so excuse me. I wanted to start with a bit of intrigue, especially for readers who aren't familiar with Campione(!). I plan on drip feeding info so that that anyone even without substantial back ground knowledge of the series could enjoy Veneration. Plus huge info dumps are just painful to read, right? Though of course I may go to far in the other direction and not provide enough context. Hopefully I can avoid that, but as a precaution I will be carefully reading feedback to keep that from happening. If this story actually gets anywhere that is.
Veneration: Chapter 1
Human Rising Arc
Chapter 1: When it starts.
To defy fate is to defy the natural order. To do so is considered the epitome of bravery or the epitome of selfishness.
London has often been called a city of intrigue, politics, and home to tea that is either excellent or downright terrible. It's an architectural mongrel, slapped together since its time as the capital of the most expansive empire to ever cover the world, even up till today. Ask any Londoner Brit their opinion of their city and they'll hands down answer it's the greatest city in the world. A certain young lady currently enjoying the rising sun overlooking the courtyard of her family's estate would quite happily agree with that belief. The sun gently poured over the well-kept hedges, showing off the richly neon-hued flower beds. Topping off her cherished garden were small but tasteful stone and bronze statues, figure of majestic animals and graceful beings that could have been considered gods.
The young lady had a small content smile on her face, it complimented her naturally lovely features splendidly. Though her complexion had an unhealthy pallor, suffering from a long-term illness perhaps? It would be a reasonable explanation for why instead of striding through the garden she was bound to her bed. 'The marigolds are blooming so lovely, perhaps I can convince Lydia I'm strong enough for a stroll today.' The bed-ridden women gave a short, beautiful sounding giggle at the thought of the inevitable, battle between herself, and her well-meaning, overly protective maid. 'Speaking of Miss Ericson…', said maid currently entered her mistress's bedchamber, bearing a plate of poached eggs, smoked sausages, and jammed toast. "Good Morning my Lady, I brought you breakfast. I didn't know if you wanted tea or if perhaps you wanted… orange juice, I can bring up either in a second." The maid greeted her Lady with a professional smile, yet honest friendly tone. Her mistress smirked at the maid's obvious hesitance for the American beverage, she didn't understand Lydia's dislike for the delicious beverage. "Thank you, Lydia, everything looks positively delicious as always, and I'll take tea from your trip to Cornwall if any's left." Elizabeth gave a pleased hum at her Lady's compliment, followed by a slightly smug smirk at correct choice in beverage; she still couldn't understand her fascination with the classless beverage.
"Now if I could just get you to call me by name, this morning would be just delightful." Miss Ericson was a dutiful maid, thus could not fail such a reasonable request from her mistress. "Of course, Princess Alice.", and still addressed Alice by a title. The princess just gave a resigned sigh, knowing attempts to persuade the dutiful maid would be pointless.
"Lydia if you would be so kind after breakfast is finished, bring up the reports on the Sparta Investigation. I still haven't received any insight as to what Gods clashed, but I might figure something out if I go over the forensic analysis, again." Miss Ericson took on a concerned expression, reminiscent of an overly protective nanny "If you wish so my Lady, but I feel I must advise you to take a break. You have been exhausting yourself, the Gods identities are important, but your over-exerting yourself at this rate." Alice had seen Lydia's objection coming before it even entered the maids head, thus her defense was well prepared, "Come now, I'm not a porcelain doll, and I don't intend to use more than mundane observation and analysis. Besides I want to take a walk in the garden today, so I have no intention of wearing myself out before then."
Miss Ericson was ready to enter the never-ending war of keeping mistress from going stir-crazy against being forced to remain bed-stricken, while balancing the danger Princess Alice faced should she over-exert her frail body. She never got the chance, a sudden but not surprising flash of light accompanied by electrical sparks and the slight odor of ozone drew the two women's attention. They had an invited yet highly intrusive guest, one whose manner of suddenly dropping in they were all too familiar with. Not that there was much they could do about it, mere humans, even a sage princess, don't tell a being such as this one where they aren't allowed.
Surprisingly the electrical shower, despite its many tongues of black hued lightning, hadn't so much as scorched the carpeted floor. Out of the smoke stepped a man of medium height, an arrogant and calculated swagger in his every step. He was of a slimmer build, but his body instead of being underdeveloped, appeared to be of a wiry strength. A large number of people would agree he was handsome. Softly hued charcoal hair graced his head.
The man spoke in a collected, intelligent manner, a professional "I hope this is important Sage Princess, I had to cut short a promising deal for a lead on an artifact. It was a rather difficult bit of work arranging it; I would be quite perturbed if you called me out here for a social visit." Miss Ericson remained silent, she was a maid, not someone who had the authority to back talk, an man of his station. Even if he was extremely rude in her opinion.
A sigh of disappointment emanated from the other women in the bedroom. Clearly, she had hoped for the man to conduct himself differently, the resignation made it apparent she had also expected that exact greeting. "Good morning to you as well Alec, I glad you made it over so soon. In fact, with your busy schedule, I'm surprised you made in here this week at all, I had expected you to send a letter saying we couldn't meet till later. Instead like a true gentleman you don't keep a Lady waiting even a day." Her innocent, appreciative voice caused the man to frown slightly, recognizing he had been out played in a single move.
Keeping his cool Alec took the ribbing with a nothing more than momentary nod of respect for his opponent's skills, and maybe a barely noticeable grimace. "Very well, if the matter had not been of large import, I doubt you would have sent a letter directly to me. Now, what is the issue at hand?"
Alice's face bore a small, satisfied smile at her victory "Don't worry Alec, I don't have any new trouble for you to attend too. I thought we could go over the reports from the Sparta Incident, whatever Gods clashed there we suspect at least one is still around."
"If you so wish, though it will be a plain waste of time. The Royal Arsenal concluded from several sites where smaller releases of divine power were found that its likely one of the gods that descended in Sparta. Unfortunately, we can't find a trail to follow to predict its movements."
"My own organization and the agents from the other magical societies we asked for assistance reached the same conclusion. Ohh, bother, why can't the gods just make something easy and simple for once?" Alice practically pouted out the complaint. She looked so adorable it would have had most men leap to their feet declaring their forthright aim to banish what was vexing the lady. Alec simply snorted at the childlike outburst.
He glibly replied "I imagine it has something to do with Heretic Gods lacking motivation to aid humanity. You know very well they often take amusement in watching mortals struggle. Enough of that though, you wanted to go over reports not waste time conjuring up fantastical reasons of how a divine being, to borrow a crude phrase, 'gets its kicks'."
Alice rolled her eyes at Alec, King or not he could be a right stick in the mud sometimes. "Honestly Alec it wouldn't hurt for you to loosen up a bit, perhaps smile and appreciate a lovely sight. Lady Pandora, forbid you have a sense of humor, or humor a beautiful woman."
"Witch I know you better than most, save perhaps your maid, and my eyes are clear of the folly of blind admiration. You are a most talented seer, well versed in negotiations. You are also a witch who wastes far too much time in attempts to make friends; constantly attempting to become liked by everyone you meet. A waste of time, especially when it's my time you happen to be wasting."
Alice dropped her head in disappointment, making it as far as three seconds before she couldn't hold it any longer. "Alec, you are a certifiable genius, and you still can't figure out why you have terrible luck with women. I don't know what your signature Luck is, but I going to say it right now, it is not the reason you keep inciting people. If you actually try being nice you'll get a date." Alice finished her chastisement in a huff, she was bloody fed up with trying to help the clueless King figure out his dead romantic life.
Alec's face scrunched in annoyance, rather than self-recrimination. He by no means agreed with the sentiment, though an unnoticeable tightening of the jaw spoke of a suppressed emotion. His voice stayed calm and clear of overt emotion though "I'll take your advice into consideration, now may we please, oh please move onto the business at hand." It wasn't a request; it was a demand.
Alice acquiesced, asking her maid to fetch them some refreshments, while they started. "Lets. Start with the glass craters, our forensic experts deduced they were produced from intense electrical discharges."
Alec snorted, "A god possessing an affinity for lightning, likely a Mediterranean one at that, it certainly narrows down the list to a few hundred Deities. Hmmph, at least this will prove a challenge." With that the two got down to work. They did not stop nipping at each other even one bit with their task. That's how some friends are.
20 minutes later
Miss Ericson had just finished preparing a new batch of tea, smiling slightly at her handiwork. Most people were amazed at the dedication it takes to be a proper maid or butler; all the while despising ever taking up the role themselves. For her though she always took pride in how well she performed her duties. The fact of the matter is that Lydia Ericson is quite adept at running a household, organizing her ladies schedule, and handling whatever mundane tasks might crop up. She believes it an honor that she can put her skills to use in the service of Princess Alice. Not everyone is able to assist the most talented Seer humanity has seen in four centuries; add in her lady's prophecies being of world shaking importance she has no qualms about her position.
The dutiful maid breathed in the tea's aroma 'Ah, noticeable yet subtle, with a hint of caramel in the Camille. Perfect, and the company can appreciate the tea this time, quite the bonus.' She openly frowned at the thought of Lord Alec, or the Black Prince his most well-known title. 'I wish he would just leave Lady Alice be, the man has manners yet somehow manages to infuriate everyone around him regardless. Him and his upstart organization cause no end of trouble for Lady Alice and the Whitemgamot.'
She picked up the tray and exited the kitchen. She dropped the tray when she reached the stairs, running up them as fast as she could without smacking into the walls, more than once any ways. It most definitely has something to do with the bloodcurdling- inhuman shriek from upstairs. One that soundly suspiciously feminine at that. It contained a decent deal of pain as well.
Lydia burst through the door huffing, eyes instantly locking onto her Lady. Alice wasn't being attacked, even if she was, she would have been in no danger. Alec has his flaws, but he would never harm Alice without severe provocation. As for an assault from others, Alec could handily stop any attempt on her person; his own powers leaving him few rivals on the face of the Earth.
"Calm yourself woman, while I admit the witch has seen fewer draining visions, her condition hasn't strayed into dangerous territory." Alec's ever calm and intelligent speech belaying her worst thoughts. She took three deep breaths to collect herself, then studied her Lady's condition.
Princess Alice's face had gone from its lovely porcelain hue to an unhealthy paleness. Her eyes had turned bloodshot, though the worrying part was how they seemed to quiver slightly; perhaps fear of whatever she was seeing. Her breathing was still even if a little rapid. She was also covered in the pure white glow associated with Princess Alice's Spirit Vision being active. One of her hands had captured Alec's own appendage in a death grip.
"I've never seen Princess Alice in a state like this. Is this her Spirit Vision's doing?" The maid asked no one in particular, speaking more to vent her worry than anything else. Alec shrugged his shoulders realizing he didn't need to answer the question, he still provided one any way.
"I haven't detected any foreign influences upon her aside from the connection she made with her sight. Whatever she sees must be rather potent, or possibly disturbing. The grip on my hand could crush an average man's fingers. All we can do is wait for her to come out of it." Alec said it with a detached voice, but he couldn't keep a small frown from forming. He was concerned, even if he wouldn't admit it.
Alice's Spirit Vision
Blood soaked into the ground, staining the dry half-dead ground red. The vital life fluid bled freely from bodies that had only recently ceased moving. Mauled and mutilated corpses still warm, lying where they'd been slaughtered mere minutes ago. Entrails spooled out, separated limbs cast carelessly away from their owners.
Their killers prowled amongst the corpses, seeking out any humans that had wisely hid from the slaughter. Savage beasts, horrible in appearance and nature. Unreal creatures that should not have existed. Piercing eyes, setting the hearts of humans wild with fear. Igniting instincts of prey forgotten since mankind rose up from the beasts, taking to tribes and civilization.
Scattered packs of the beasts roamed throughout the devastated village that had become the beasts' hunting ground. The greater share of the unreal creatures centered themselves in the heart of the village. Forming a loose circle, the real prey of their hunt was trapped.
In the death ring the two remaining sentient figures witness to the previous slaughter stared each other down.
One and the leader of the horrible beasts, a figure that in no way could be called human. Standing eight feet tall, muscles sculpted onto a wiry, savage frame, overflowing with vitality. From the waist down, the inhuman figure was that of an animal. The legs were those belonging to a hooved creature, swiftly galloping across the plain. Those legs stamped the ground in a manner displaying clear anger and impatience. Heavy fur covered the beast man from the waist down, thankfully also covering the groin. The beast-man wore no clothes.,
From the waist up the figure was more humanoid, but still quite inhuman. Besides the tracks of wiry, corded muscles, the limbs were noticeably different. The arms were too long, one-and-a-times longer than they should have been for a human of the same stature. Claws replaced fingers, wickedly sharp curved talons, obviously meant to rend flesh. Glimpses of fangs whenever the beast-man's thick lips parted. They were dully stained crimson, with what looked like bits of flesh in-between. Majestic antlers crowned the beast-man's head, a rack spanning over six feet of bone white spike horns.
More terrible than its appearance, than the flesh clinging to its body, the beast-man possessed an aura. Bloodshed and violence radiated off its frame. Power seemed to saturate the very space around the wild being for no reason. Or perhaps because the unnatural being existed in the first place.
It was godlike. An entity spawned from early man's inherent fear of the untamed land, given life in the physical world. A savage beast, unyielding, never ceasing in its hunt for blood. An alpha leading its kindred in the hunt, monsters that didn't and shouldn't exist on Earth, in the past or present.
The other figure was much more human. In fact, almost every portion of his body was human. There were a few noticeable differences between him and other males. Appreciably larger by a fair margin. Towering around seven feet/215-centimeters, coupled with an abnormally large skeletal frame, made him a minor giant. Cordoned muscles covered every inch of the masculine physique.
Flames crowned the head, closely hugging the skull, sticking out just a few centimeters from the sinew. Blazing red highlighted with streaks of bright yellow and smoking orange. Glowing amber eyes bored into whatever came into their field of view.
The two circled around each other, sizing their opponent up. It could have been seconds or minutes until they suddenly stopped. Without any signal given the beastly god surged forward, dropping on all four limbs, charging forward like a maddened beast. The child of man answered in kind, charging headfirst unflinching from its inhuman opponent.
Time slowed down. Monster and warrior drawing ever closer. The beastly god threw itself maw first. The child of man reared a fist back, roaring with defiance. Fangs stretched toward tender flesh as bone and sinew launched forward.
Then it all erupted into fire.
Back to the Real World
Alice gasped desperately trying to suck in enough air to compensate for the few seconds she'd stopped breathing. She started pitching forward headfirst into her bed. Before she could face-plant in an unladylike manner someone caught her. A pair of arms gently guided her into the proper way to lay on a bed, face up with the head resting on the pillow of course.
Alice wanted to thank the kind soul, unfortunately her vision hadn't cleared yet so she would have to wait to do that. Instead, she weakly grasped at the blurry hand close to her own. When she gave a gentle squeeze as a substitute for a proper display of gratitude, the person stiffened enough for her to feel them tense slightly away. But whoever it was didn't draw the hand away in their surprise or discomfort.
Once her vision cleared Alice saw the kind soul that had so kindly assisted her in her distress.
It was none other than a cold, somewhat snobbish, rude man. A man that detested social activities without a purpose. Who equally detested generosity, charity, and well any nicety not strictly required.
Alexander Gascoigne.
Both just stared at each other, Alex in discomfort, Alice in surprise. Alice smiled an innocently pleased smile. In response Alec frowned, knowing where this was going, not liking it one bit.
"A true gentleman Alec, a true gentleman. Now if we could only get you to let this side out more often, I'm sure we could find a nice young woman who enjoys conversing with an intelligent companion." Alice proudly stated, gently patting the captive, er, softly held appendage in her grasp.
The frown on the Black Prince's face deepened. He withdrew his hand as if scolded by hot water, causing Alice to girlishly giggle in response. As the free hand clasped the bridge of the Black Prince's nose, he muttered to himself about 'obnoxious witches', 'crazy women', and the other such insults about females. Too well cultured to allow irritation to turn him into a boor, he recomposed himself.
Keeping his voice even "You say that as if I act in a fashion befitting a savage. I'm going to put aside your blatant attempt to engage me in an infernal and ultimately pointless debate over the necessity of romantic companionship." Alec stated in more relaxed if not friendly tone.
Alice's smile turned beatific, while somehow retaining that innocent charm. "Oh Alec, come now when have I ever implied you possess no manners. As for your inner savage, you do share a good many similarities with your kin. Disrupting the lives of others without a hint of shame. Oh, especially that time in…"
"Enough. One most certainly doesn't wish to be spoken ill of in their own presence, me included. Please do not lump me in with those barbarians." Alec forcefully demanded. Vein above the left eye pulsed in anger. Noticing the high amount of irritation in the man Alice said no more. She did keep a mischievous smile though.
During the exchange Miss Ericson came to her Lady's side. Warily she took the princess' hands in her own, probing for pain or injury. "Princess Alice, are you unharmed? I've never seen you experience such a traumatic vision before. And none of that 'I'm hardier than you believe' nonsense; please if you feel unwell say so." The maid's words were stern; yet contained touching concern. Her eyes took in every detail of fatigue, strain, becoming troubled when they landed on sweat stained brow baggy eyes, despite their owner having gained restful sleep only an hour ago.
Alice gently smiled at her friends' concern, ever grateful for the care. Lydia was in a sense her nanny, and one Alice was grateful to have. "Being perfectly honest, I don't believe I'll be walking in the gardens today after all. Don't get to worked up Lydia, while the experience was rather, draining, it's nothing a day's rest won't clear up." Alice gave her friend a squeeze, indicating her heartfelt appreciation for the concern.
Lydia's expression lightened at the confirmation of her mistress's mostly good health. Alec's eyes narrowed; he noticed something the maid failed to. His skills at socializing were poor, his ability at reading others and picking up minute details they tried to hide were superior. The witch only referred to her physical state, not the clearly traumatic vision she witnessed.
Pale skin colored only where blood rushed to leave a feverish flush. Vigorous sweating in a cool environment, clear indication of either illness or intense reaction to stimuli. Grip strength exceeding the expected range of safe muscle operation; a seizure event or release of high amounts of adrenaline. Then there were the obvious contortions of the face; whatever she had seen had been decidedly unpleasant.
Alec was going to know. Not because of concern for the witch, no, certainly not. Alice is the most talented seer in the world, surpassing the illustrious Nostradomus in foretelling disasters. The potential danger of a vision foresaw equaled the strain it placed on the seer peering into the future. If it did that to Alice, it was in Alec's best interest to know. That way he could take steps to prepare and handle the matter.
"While I know you most certainly desire to engage in 'beauty sleep' it would be prudent if you explained what your vision revealed." Cutting off the objection of the maid with a wave of his hand, Alec briefly explained his demand. "Your reactions during the vision were well outside of the norm. The more violent your reactions the more potent the event your see. And knowing your visions, that translates to an increasingly dangerous or large- scale incident, most likely both." Miss Ericson tried to reassert her Lady's need for rest but was cut off by the lady in question.
"Very right you are Alec. Though you can be relieved, I don't believe you'll find yourself in a troublesome situation."
"That remains to be seen. No outcome can be truly decided till it has occurred. Now speak. What did you see-." Alec's head jerked right, struck by a solid blow to the face. Except nothing had struck him. Physically anyway. Alec could feel it in his veins, that oh so rare sensation that had occurred only twice prior. An amount of excitement he would never admit to flooded his being. Alec loved a challenge, testing his wits, overcoming the odds. The more impossible the challenge the greater the exhilaration. The best was when an opponent of equal caliber presented itself.
South. A rival had just been born, and they awaited South. Only a scant handful had ever been acknowledged in Alexander's Gascoigne's mind as an equal. Most of them were warriors whose prowess was parallel to his own; whilst shaming the greatest of mortal masters. The few who had gone beyond 'humanity'. Now another reigned among that potently small number.
Primal instincts shared only by a grand total of six on the entire face of the Earth roared. Or now seven Alec supposed. Regaining his composure Alec saw the witch and her maid her staring at him. Internally he sighed not having wanted to display such a blatant lack of control of himself. Externally a hand went to rub the bridge of his nose, his sole indulgence of frustration. Well he very well needed to explain what happened. Though the witch likely had already deduced the cause of his unusual reaction. She was going to have a field day.
"Never mind I know what you saw. A God of some sort attempting to kill an idiot with delusions of grandeur. You'll be gratified to know there is another over-powered barbarian running amok."
Miss Ericson chose this moment to lose it. Falling to her knees, her hair drenched the upper portion of her face in shadow. As this happened began muttering curses and foreshadowing the inevitable trouble her Lady would face in the future. Alice ignored her faithful, but far too serious maid's hysterics. Clapping her hands, a cheerful smile fell upon her graceful features. "Oh, I can't wait to meet the new Majesty. I wonder what kind of person they are, perhaps they'll even be inclined to stay for tea unlike a certain someone. Oh, Alec leaving already? I thought someone with your stake in this kind of situation would want to know all they can about the new majesty. After all you only have so many siblings, you should get to know them while you can."
Alec's face scrunched up like someone had just shoved an entire raw lemon in his mouth at the mention of 'sibling's'. He didn't turn around completely, stopping only enough to twist his head about. "I have absolutely no desire for any form of interaction with those uncivilized barbarians. Please refrain from mentioning sibling relationships between me and them. Regardless, if we share the same patron, we are not family, nor do I include those two clingy individuals in that. And no, the less I interact with them the better for my wits. Negotiating with savages is your fatal attraction."
Black lightning flared, as the space previously occupied by a man inexplicably became vacant.
Princess Alice softly shook her head watching her obnoxious but reliable friend make his dramatic exit. "Oh, Alec if you could only be honest with yourself, you'd enjoy life more. Oh, well there's always tomorrow. I wonder what the newest of King's is like." "Pity on the poor magicians who have to deal with their introduction into magic." Alice hid her laughter behind her hand and failed to hide her giddiness at Miss Ericson's all to truthful jest.
()
Northern African Savanah
The rising dawn began waking up a quite village nestled amongst the tall grass. It had no formal name, the residents simply referred to it as 'the place where two streams meet', in their own language. Like many small African villages, this place wouldn't have look out of place from a time before the modern world started. Rough shacks constituted the architecture, dried clay and thatch the favored material for building. The only exemption was the largest structure in the village, this one being made of sawn wood.
A single figure strode out of the wooden hall. He brushed past its lean pillars, moving without care for walking through the solid supports of the hall. They burst apart as his foot parted the insubstantial ash. He stopped staring at the immolated remains, gaze confused and disbelieving. He bent down on one knee, hesitating to reach out to the ashes, wondering if it was worth the risk. He didn't hesitate long; then he thrusted his hand deep into the ash.
Several moments passed, the man stirring the ash with his own unprotected fingers. A confused frown formed, as the man couldn't believe what was happening before his very eyes.
"The bloody hell, why doesn't this hurt? Everything's still glowing from the heat, but it only feels warm. If this was water, I'd think I'm taking a warm bath." Muttering to himself the man took ash from one hand and poured into over the other, not even noticing the red-hot coal ping off the bare-skin knuckle.
Unable to find an answer the man stood up. Standing in that spot would offer no new information, so he moved forward. Neutral eyes observed the sight around him with almost no emotion. The small village had been razed to the ground. Only deceptive husks of ash told of what a lively community had once been here.
The villagers had been extremely welcoming to the foreign visitor when he showed up out of the dead of night. They had taken him into the village chief's hut, asking him where he came from. They had found it odd the man spoke their tongue with an increasing fluidity. But that mattered little, the man was obviously ravenous, tearing into food like a hyena starved for a month. Truth be told, they had found it amusing how much he could put away, barely caring he devoured enough to feed five grown hunters on his own.
It was more than he had been expecting. Usually there was a little more… resistance to offering so much to a complete stranger. Especially one who had nothing to offer in return. But they gave food and shelter for the night, only asking he not harm any villager, and simply ask should he require something. The stranger settled in for the night filled with an endless stream of questions.
The villagers might have known more but the bewildered man couldn't ask them. Not after what just happened. He doubted anyone could answer the questions roiling inside of him.
SNAP
A sharp cracking underneath his feet brought the man out of his reverie. Naturally he looked down to see what produced the sudden disturbance. Most people would have flailed back in shock seeing a very human pelvis smashed underfoot. The man didn't even flinch, only a shallow frown at the sight.
The rest of the body lay scattered around the sole living man. Much like the pelvis the bones had been mauled, with deep gouges. Gnawed to fragmented remains were all that were left of what managed to survive the prior inferno.
The man studied the charcoaled bone, eyes cold and curious. He swept his gaze over all the destruction wrought around him. Once primitive but well cared for huts gone, naught but mounds of ash. Frantic tribals struggling to live in the harsh savanna, now nothing but imprints in the black glass.
He had done this. All of this had been because of him.
The savage assault of beasts that he knew shouldn't be real yet had devoured the villagers in spite of it that preconceived reality.
The man-beast that had spoken words more than mere sounds, an unescapable oath to forever hound him till one fell. Hunter of the divine. It had called him a usurper who dared to steal the lion's fangs. It called itself a god.
Cernuous, the primal hunter, He who would seek out the most dangerous of prey.
The self-claimed god had tried to kill him. He didn't understand why. Cernuous said it was only natural for them to attempt to slay each other. Gods couldn't allow his kind to remain without relinquishing the essence of what anointed godhood.
The man had to fight. It was his chosen curse, his reward and duty. The path decided by donning the mantle of opposite and equal to the gods.
God-Slayer.
His wants or concerns hadn't mattered. Or had mattered too much perhaps. His blood had boiled upon seeing the god. Without a doubt a primal part of him knew it was truth. He wanted nothing less than to fight, defeat and kill. He readily agreed to the battle without considering asking the deity why.
Then came the Fire.
It came from him.
Then it was all over. The Fire burned away the god, the beasts, the village as well. It scoured all before it leaving nothing untouched. Nothing remained. Nothing but him and the ash.
…
…
….
What was this?