Post by Jaminx on Mar 3, 2018 21:11:07 GMT
{Gods AU: The Greatest Sin Part 7. The End}
He was back at the workshops searching for the perfect gift. If he could get the right one it would work. He hoped. He was no longer sure, just hopeful.
“This is the second time you have been to my workshop for an offering and so soon. I feel I should be offended that my first was not good enough. Maybe I can remedy this if you tell me what you really need.”
Elle the Goddess there had approached him out of the blue. He looked down at her nervously. Short women had that effect on him. Any second they could turn from sweet to deadly from his limited experience of them.
“I’m not sure you can… It’s all the mess of a prophecy and a task.”
“Take a moment. I promise it will be worth it. This isn’t my first prophecy friend.” Elle smiled kindly and after all he had been through James spilled it all out to her.
She was quiet for a moment as he finished.
“I know what you need. Just give me a moment.”
“Alright. Thank you. Once you get it I’ll rush there.”
He watched as she got her travel cloak on.
“Do we have to go somewhere else to get it?”
“Oh no silly. I’m going with you.”
He began to disagree but gave up as Elle hurried him out the door. He began to wonder when the last time was he had a say in what he chose to do. It was a while ago that was for sure.
--
The crossroads were becoming too much like a second home for James’ liking. He ached to go back to his own domain and be with those he loved. Still at least this time he was not alone as Elle spoke the chant along with him. He found it a little odd that she seemed to speak the words just ahead of him but let the oddness of it fall away.
“Well look who’s back… Ooh and you’ve brought me a guest. Who are you under that cloak?”
“I’m disappointed you don’t recognise me. I can always recognise you.”
“Elle.”
There was a squeal of delight as what could only be described as a wave swept past James and lifted up Elle into the air. There was a lot of giggling and hugging.
“So, you two know each other?” He asked after an awkward moment of watching.
“Elle is my daughter.” Kay replied. Smoothing themselves out as they approached him.
“And also, your gift I would guess is our meeting.”
“Errr…”
Elle nodded at him vehemently, so he copied the motion.
“Then I have your door. Thank you, Fire God… Have lots of fun while you can as you don’t have a lot of time.”
With that he stepped through his eyes only briefly darting to the ever-lessening grains of sand in his hourglass. It was indeed getting very close to his doom.
--
James stepped through the door and began to fall through the air.
“Can’t you ever make his easy?” He yelled against the wind that whipped him raw. It was almost a relief when he hit the ground.
“Are you alright there?” A steady voice called out to him. All he could manage was a groan. Even gods had to give into gravity after a while.
He stared up at the blue sky only to have it eclipsed by a tall form before falling to the grey of his eyelids.
--
They were obvious questions to ask when he opened his eyes for the first time, but originality is often less important than utility.
“Where am I? Who are you? How long have I been out?” He tried to sit upright but was pushed firmly back.
“Whoa slow down there. You’re a tough one but you need some rest.”
James could see an earnest tall man who moved with the hesitant gentleness of a kindly giant.
“My name is Jason you’re in our wool barn, we didn’t have enough room in the house. Though we brought a blanket out here for you. “
Jason screwed his eyes up in concentration remembering the last question.
“Oh, and you’ve only been out a couple of hours. Sounded like you were snoring for most of it. Must of needed a nap.”
“Oh.” James pondered his predicament gazing around the decidedly fluffy surroundings. “Er thank you Jason I’m called James… This may sound a silly question, but do you know of someone who could be the strongest in the world around here?”
The slow mind of Jason ticked away before replying.
“Not really. I mean there’s not many people out here. Just my little family and the village a few miles down the valley. We’re all pretty normal here I guess. I’m probably strongest out of my family but not by much. “
“Oh.” James silently cursed Kay. This had been his last hope and he had just been dropped into the middle of nowhere. In that moment as he watched his hourglass he decided to give up. Just let the sand run dry. He guessed he had about a couple of days left at the rate it had been going.
“How did you end up here James?”
“It’s a long story but if you’re willing to listen I’ll give it a go.”
Jason nodded and perched down on a bucket. James let the tale twist out then. From killing his Dad to his journey back and forth to the justices. It was a relief to let it all go again. He had felt good telling it to Elle but with Jason there was a sense that this was just a story for stories sake. No there was no gain here. No transaction like when he had told the tale to Elle. At the end Jason was very quiet before patting him on the knee.
“Well you can stay here if you wish. We haven’t a lot but we’ll keep you kindly and I’ll keep an eye out for your strong man.”
“Don’t worry about that.” James waved it away. “But its worth it to know you’ll look out for me.”
The time slid slowly on with small tasks. James helped chase sheep, cook dinners and watch the sky. It was a weird experience because it was sweet. A family life James had never had a chance to experience. The only thing making it tense was the hourglass draining away on his arm. He couldn’t help glancing at it.
On the last day he got up early and made his way to where he had fallen. Grass tickled his leg and he could taste the morning dew on the wind. It would be soon now. He could feel it.
“James!” Jason called behind him. He ignored him. He didn’t want to say goodbye. Goodbyes hurt too much. Felt too truly final.
“James!” Jason's feet pounded the ground.
The voice got closer, but he could already feel them pulling at him from their far off halls. As he was torn from one place to another.
--
James felt the air knocked out of him as he was ripped through space and slammed to the floor of the Justice chambers. He could feel a strong grip on his shoulder and had about resigned himself to it.
“Your time is up.” The Crimson Figure growled. “Any last offering?”
James began to offer a negative but was interrupted.
“I am here for him.” Jason spoke giving a squeeze that almost broke James’ shoulder blade. He stared wildly at his friend. It would take a hell of a grasp to hold on against the call of the Gods.
"And who may you be?" The Starry lady asked politely.
“Jason. I’m a herder on the mountains by the sea.”
“Jason I can’t let you do this. I told you what happened before. What it means.”
He smiled down at James that wonderful warm grin.
“So, I know exactly what I’m getting myself into and what I could gain for my family.”
“You do this for gain.” The Crimson man growled.
“Would you rather I wanted to do this for free? I admit I would hope to stop my family being lost when the ground shook in an earthquake or that they can have some of the offerings I might get. I’m honest about it. I mean I wouldn’t stop if they got nothing. I’m going to look after them in any case.”
“You didn’t interrogate my other candidates.” James squared up to the council. “Why interrogate a good man?”
“Quiet Fire God.” The Crimson man replied.
The Starry Lady motioned her hand and a ring of light sealed his mouth shut.
“Could you please not hurt my friend?” Jason asked calmly.
“He is not in pain. We promise. Just quiet while we speak for this is an important task you are volunteering for. Are you sure you can shoulder the burden?” She asked softly.
“I feel like I can. I’ve spent most of my life holding my family’s world together, I’d just be expanding the task. I’m a strong lad, stronger than I look and I already look pretty strong.”
The Grand figure in the centre finally stirred hushing the others.
“One question more.”
There was a long pause. Too long.
“Go ahead your Lordship.” Jason replied politely.
“Patient, Slow to anger, Honest and Strong. What would you say is your weakness?”
“I’m not the smartest. I guess.” Jason shrugged.
The Grand God smiled then before standing to bow.
“Welcome then Jason God of the Earth.”
The other Gods followed suit as the binding was removed from James mouth and cheers of happiness and celebration began.
--
After that James was forgotten. He had watched as Jason was escorted with a great parade to his position. He was free, but it felt empty. There had been a purpose to his life for so long. At first grief. Then vengeance, then freedom and now he had it all he missed having something to do.
He sat on the steps of the hall of Justice staring into the distance.
“You really need to learn how to stop moping it’s really unattractive.”
Kay sidled down next to them.
“Then again the guy you’ve got is the angst king.”
“What do you want?” James sighed.
“I came to share in the cheer. I do like a good party but seems I’ve only found the kitchen.”
They smiled but with hardly a reaction they changed tact.
“I can’t stand this anymore. Look you did something nice for me without realising so I came to give you an unexpected present too.”
They reached into their mist and opened a doorway.
“I’m not sure I want to go through a strange door ever again.”
Kay rolled their eyes.
“You need to go live your life. Can’t promise it will be anything. I can see all those possibilities after all… Just…”
James felt a solid shove as they fell through the portal into the darkness. He swore he caught the last words as he blacked out.
“Just don’t forget; you’re not alone.”
“James?” Hunter called to him as he felt the warm body above him.
The future was still a large and scary prospect, but they were right. Not alone. Yes, not alone.
He was back at the workshops searching for the perfect gift. If he could get the right one it would work. He hoped. He was no longer sure, just hopeful.
“This is the second time you have been to my workshop for an offering and so soon. I feel I should be offended that my first was not good enough. Maybe I can remedy this if you tell me what you really need.”
Elle the Goddess there had approached him out of the blue. He looked down at her nervously. Short women had that effect on him. Any second they could turn from sweet to deadly from his limited experience of them.
“I’m not sure you can… It’s all the mess of a prophecy and a task.”
“Take a moment. I promise it will be worth it. This isn’t my first prophecy friend.” Elle smiled kindly and after all he had been through James spilled it all out to her.
She was quiet for a moment as he finished.
“I know what you need. Just give me a moment.”
“Alright. Thank you. Once you get it I’ll rush there.”
He watched as she got her travel cloak on.
“Do we have to go somewhere else to get it?”
“Oh no silly. I’m going with you.”
He began to disagree but gave up as Elle hurried him out the door. He began to wonder when the last time was he had a say in what he chose to do. It was a while ago that was for sure.
--
The crossroads were becoming too much like a second home for James’ liking. He ached to go back to his own domain and be with those he loved. Still at least this time he was not alone as Elle spoke the chant along with him. He found it a little odd that she seemed to speak the words just ahead of him but let the oddness of it fall away.
“Well look who’s back… Ooh and you’ve brought me a guest. Who are you under that cloak?”
“I’m disappointed you don’t recognise me. I can always recognise you.”
“Elle.”
There was a squeal of delight as what could only be described as a wave swept past James and lifted up Elle into the air. There was a lot of giggling and hugging.
“So, you two know each other?” He asked after an awkward moment of watching.
“Elle is my daughter.” Kay replied. Smoothing themselves out as they approached him.
“And also, your gift I would guess is our meeting.”
“Errr…”
Elle nodded at him vehemently, so he copied the motion.
“Then I have your door. Thank you, Fire God… Have lots of fun while you can as you don’t have a lot of time.”
With that he stepped through his eyes only briefly darting to the ever-lessening grains of sand in his hourglass. It was indeed getting very close to his doom.
--
James stepped through the door and began to fall through the air.
“Can’t you ever make his easy?” He yelled against the wind that whipped him raw. It was almost a relief when he hit the ground.
“Are you alright there?” A steady voice called out to him. All he could manage was a groan. Even gods had to give into gravity after a while.
He stared up at the blue sky only to have it eclipsed by a tall form before falling to the grey of his eyelids.
--
They were obvious questions to ask when he opened his eyes for the first time, but originality is often less important than utility.
“Where am I? Who are you? How long have I been out?” He tried to sit upright but was pushed firmly back.
“Whoa slow down there. You’re a tough one but you need some rest.”
James could see an earnest tall man who moved with the hesitant gentleness of a kindly giant.
“My name is Jason you’re in our wool barn, we didn’t have enough room in the house. Though we brought a blanket out here for you. “
Jason screwed his eyes up in concentration remembering the last question.
“Oh, and you’ve only been out a couple of hours. Sounded like you were snoring for most of it. Must of needed a nap.”
“Oh.” James pondered his predicament gazing around the decidedly fluffy surroundings. “Er thank you Jason I’m called James… This may sound a silly question, but do you know of someone who could be the strongest in the world around here?”
The slow mind of Jason ticked away before replying.
“Not really. I mean there’s not many people out here. Just my little family and the village a few miles down the valley. We’re all pretty normal here I guess. I’m probably strongest out of my family but not by much. “
“Oh.” James silently cursed Kay. This had been his last hope and he had just been dropped into the middle of nowhere. In that moment as he watched his hourglass he decided to give up. Just let the sand run dry. He guessed he had about a couple of days left at the rate it had been going.
“How did you end up here James?”
“It’s a long story but if you’re willing to listen I’ll give it a go.”
Jason nodded and perched down on a bucket. James let the tale twist out then. From killing his Dad to his journey back and forth to the justices. It was a relief to let it all go again. He had felt good telling it to Elle but with Jason there was a sense that this was just a story for stories sake. No there was no gain here. No transaction like when he had told the tale to Elle. At the end Jason was very quiet before patting him on the knee.
“Well you can stay here if you wish. We haven’t a lot but we’ll keep you kindly and I’ll keep an eye out for your strong man.”
“Don’t worry about that.” James waved it away. “But its worth it to know you’ll look out for me.”
The time slid slowly on with small tasks. James helped chase sheep, cook dinners and watch the sky. It was a weird experience because it was sweet. A family life James had never had a chance to experience. The only thing making it tense was the hourglass draining away on his arm. He couldn’t help glancing at it.
On the last day he got up early and made his way to where he had fallen. Grass tickled his leg and he could taste the morning dew on the wind. It would be soon now. He could feel it.
“James!” Jason called behind him. He ignored him. He didn’t want to say goodbye. Goodbyes hurt too much. Felt too truly final.
“James!” Jason's feet pounded the ground.
The voice got closer, but he could already feel them pulling at him from their far off halls. As he was torn from one place to another.
--
James felt the air knocked out of him as he was ripped through space and slammed to the floor of the Justice chambers. He could feel a strong grip on his shoulder and had about resigned himself to it.
“Your time is up.” The Crimson Figure growled. “Any last offering?”
James began to offer a negative but was interrupted.
“I am here for him.” Jason spoke giving a squeeze that almost broke James’ shoulder blade. He stared wildly at his friend. It would take a hell of a grasp to hold on against the call of the Gods.
"And who may you be?" The Starry lady asked politely.
“Jason. I’m a herder on the mountains by the sea.”
“Jason I can’t let you do this. I told you what happened before. What it means.”
He smiled down at James that wonderful warm grin.
“So, I know exactly what I’m getting myself into and what I could gain for my family.”
“You do this for gain.” The Crimson man growled.
“Would you rather I wanted to do this for free? I admit I would hope to stop my family being lost when the ground shook in an earthquake or that they can have some of the offerings I might get. I’m honest about it. I mean I wouldn’t stop if they got nothing. I’m going to look after them in any case.”
“You didn’t interrogate my other candidates.” James squared up to the council. “Why interrogate a good man?”
“Quiet Fire God.” The Crimson man replied.
The Starry Lady motioned her hand and a ring of light sealed his mouth shut.
“Could you please not hurt my friend?” Jason asked calmly.
“He is not in pain. We promise. Just quiet while we speak for this is an important task you are volunteering for. Are you sure you can shoulder the burden?” She asked softly.
“I feel like I can. I’ve spent most of my life holding my family’s world together, I’d just be expanding the task. I’m a strong lad, stronger than I look and I already look pretty strong.”
The Grand figure in the centre finally stirred hushing the others.
“One question more.”
There was a long pause. Too long.
“Go ahead your Lordship.” Jason replied politely.
“Patient, Slow to anger, Honest and Strong. What would you say is your weakness?”
“I’m not the smartest. I guess.” Jason shrugged.
The Grand God smiled then before standing to bow.
“Welcome then Jason God of the Earth.”
The other Gods followed suit as the binding was removed from James mouth and cheers of happiness and celebration began.
--
After that James was forgotten. He had watched as Jason was escorted with a great parade to his position. He was free, but it felt empty. There had been a purpose to his life for so long. At first grief. Then vengeance, then freedom and now he had it all he missed having something to do.
He sat on the steps of the hall of Justice staring into the distance.
“You really need to learn how to stop moping it’s really unattractive.”
Kay sidled down next to them.
“Then again the guy you’ve got is the angst king.”
“What do you want?” James sighed.
“I came to share in the cheer. I do like a good party but seems I’ve only found the kitchen.”
They smiled but with hardly a reaction they changed tact.
“I can’t stand this anymore. Look you did something nice for me without realising so I came to give you an unexpected present too.”
They reached into their mist and opened a doorway.
“I’m not sure I want to go through a strange door ever again.”
Kay rolled their eyes.
“You need to go live your life. Can’t promise it will be anything. I can see all those possibilities after all… Just…”
James felt a solid shove as they fell through the portal into the darkness. He swore he caught the last words as he blacked out.
“Just don’t forget; you’re not alone.”
“James?” Hunter called to him as he felt the warm body above him.
The future was still a large and scary prospect, but they were right. Not alone. Yes, not alone.