I stood from my laptop and stretched myself in till something clicked not wanting to guess what part of my anatomy made the offending noise I simply went to the kitchen and made myself a brew that I had thrown down my gullet and went and stood outside.

 

 

I had gotten dressed in a plain white t-shirt a jet black hoodie that had a broken zipper so I never did it up and a pair of jeans with my favorite white trainers.

The wing growing started as being a painful experience but after many, a fight I had gotten used to it and the feeling was less painful and more euphoric.

I got myself into a number of hostile encounters normally just by being seen by anyone passing by.

My house uh I mean apartment no okay living quarters no that is not right either ah I got it yes it got it indeed a most of a shed or my NEST.

I chose to write this name on my door shaped object well the closest thing I could use for a door with the blood of the last thug or crazy who wanted to try something.

My NEST was a middle quality living establishment and the only two rooms were my study and kitchen which just so happened to be in the same place.

Today was a special day that is why I left my NEST. I had chosen to be someone’s servant or guardian whichever suits your taste. I didn’t have to I could have stayed where I was but no some lucky normal person was to become my master mostly because I would have a better place to stay and be around someone who might respect me in some way and not want to try and kill me all because of a little thing like breathing.

The place I was going for this lifelong contract of servitude was the Temple of the Last Stand why they named it that I do not know.

It was the middle of summer and fuck was it hot I am not joking either as I am walking to the Temple I had sworn I saw a shadow melt.

Why I had worn my hoodie on a day like today I will never know what single logical reason would I have for wearing such thing on a day where the sun was being overly obnoxious with the temperature.

The Temple was getting closer with every two former houses now rubble piles I walked past.

I was just about to enter the main entrance when a hand from nowhere grabbed my hood from behind and the mystery hand had me dragged back out into the into the sweltering heat only to find four middle-aged men all with assorted weapons.

They looking at me with one of those looks you give to someone who had murdered a close friend of your's it was barbaric.

 All I could do was flail my hands in the air tilt my head back and sigh.

“Guys come on not today ...please I’m in the middle of something here”

“Yeah so are we,” said who I assumed to be their leader who looked like he had a fight with a wall and lost twice.

The next thing I know was me dodging a swing of a barbed wire covered baseball bat and my crow wings sprouting from my back the instant he went to take swing number two he stopped half way and withdrew his bat to assess me.

“What are you plane walker”

I took a quick glance at both of my wings, lowered my head with enough force to put my hood on and stayed staring at the ground.

After a minute of silence, I replied in kind

“I am the bird of Hermes”

They all looked at each other in bewilderment and then an excellent and well-timed uncaring synchronised shrug told me they were more or less confused.

The men did not know my manifestation and they did not look concerned by it in the slightest, which they confirmed earlier by a shrug and a bloody good shrug it, was too.

To further show how much not bothered by it, they were they all brought their weapons to a combat ready position and started to flank me two on either side. My eyes firmly planted on the ground, a very subtle smirk made its way onto my face, and I spoke the only spell I inherently knew from birth.

“Birds of the righteous birds of the fallen birds of the repenting hear my voice and destroy all who wish to do harm to me”

This spell caused two red pentagrams to form on my wings, around about eighty crows flew out of the pentagrams, and tore the flesh from their bones like airborne piranhas. The manic flap of wings and hoarse blood-curdling screams, as well as my own unsympathetic laughter, drowned out all possible coherent noises that any passers-by could hear.

It was a less than pleasant sight.

“I think I may over done it don’t you”

I asked the gore dripping skull of the once leader of the four-man gang and then proceeded to throw said skull over my shoulder and walked into the Temple of the last stand.

The air conditioning was to die for

“Hello, how may I help you today?”

I was greeted with the most unusual greeting a happy one this scared me more than team whack-a-mole outside for the pure fact I couldn’t do anything about it so I put on my bravest face turned to the chipper secretary who knows doubt saw bits and pieces of the bits and pieces who thought they had a chance outside

“Yes, I’m here for the servant and binding master contract...”

“Oh, a plane walker your only the sixth this week, well before we begin I need you to sign out a form you need to answer the first three question the rest are optional. “Thank you”

I take the form, go, and sit down in what appeared to be the waiting room on a blue felt seat next to a water cooler similar to ones in offices.

I scanned the page, all the questions looked rudimentary and it did not take long for me to finish them.

“Were they friends of yours,” the secretary inquired whilst gesturing outside with the nod of her head.

“Well they hated my guts so yeah you could say their friends of mine”

I never heard a reply so I just continued with the form. Then I started thinking just how nice it would be to have a cup or two of water from the cooler. I was resting my head on it wondering why they had not restocked the plastic cups.

Q1: Name Harry Farrar

Q2: Date of Birth 8th of June 1994

Q3: Plane walker classification;

Person

Object

Idea

Animal X

Q4: Nationality British

I went and handed the form back to the disturbingly happy secretary who whisked it out of my hand before I even knew she had noticed me.

“Thank you, Mr Farrar, if you would like to follow me and I will take you to the binder”

“I’m guessing the binder is the one who’s going to be dealing with my contract?”

She says nothing but turn her head slightly to look at me smiles as if I am her son in some Jane Austin novel turns her head back around starts skipping and hums the tune of War pigs by Ozzy Osborne I was not sure if she was insane or I had just forgotten what being normal feels like.

Eventually, we made it to two large wooden oak doors that had seen better days but was probably the nicest looking thing apart from the secretary who had promptly vanished. I turned around to thank her this puzzled me a great deal but then I started hearing the same tune being hummed back in the waiting room I lifted my hand up rubbed my forehead

“Pfft Teleporter”

I knocked on the door and it fell over I walked in lifted it back up and placed it in the frame.

“Don’t worry it happens”

“Yeah sorry about that, are you going to be assigning me to a master?

“Yes now stand opposite me”

I walked over to what looked like a birdbath crossed with a cauldron it had a pink purple and green liquid floating around in it.

The liquid seemed to be giving off some bizarre Doppler Effect then before I knew it the woman who had beckoned me over to her birdbath put a ladle into the mixture and scooped some out for me.

“Drink”

“Are you sure abo-“

“Drink”

I take the ladle look into it then decide to close my eyes expecting to it to taste rancid but it literally had no taste or flavour it tasted of what I think zero would taste like. 

My wings forcefully ejected themselves from my back the woman seized two feathers from each wing and added it to the same mixture; I can only assume the mixture was some sort of fast acting pain reliever because that plucking would have hurt like a bitch in any other circumstance.

Once my feathers were added to the Doppler liquid the lady looks up at me, stares into my eyes so she could read the body language of my soul that’s what it felt like at least I felt my self-starting to sweat under her gaze I didn’t shed a drop outside in the inferno but here was a different matter.

“Are you sure you want to proceed once this is done there is no turning back...are you ready, yes or no?”

My face goes into contemplation mode after what felt like an hour I nodded once firmly and with authority, well that was the idea at least.

My contract bonded to a piece of me, not of the physical kind but something that felt like my soul or my ethereal shadow.

Now before we find you your master you will have to read your writ of birth aloud.

The liquid turned white and a red text formed I found myself physically shaking when I found out what it said.

The shaking was not out of fear and it was not out of excitement either I have no idea what it was but it defiantly hit home.

“T-t-the bird of Hermes is my name-gulp-eating my wings to make me- t-tame”

Just as smoothly, as the writ of birth appeared the face of a young girl appeared she was sleeping and it looked like she had been crying I could hear faint shouts coming from the distance I guessed it could be the parents but you never know nowadays.

After seeing the girl I looked at the woman with an, are you serious face she simply nods.

“Alice Carmichael is the only child of the Carmichael’s now despite the name there is nothing too special with this family no huge wealth or power political or otherwise”

“Do you think the parents will just let me walk in claiming to be their daughter’s servant?”

“Well probably not but in any case Alice is your top priority nothing else matters apart from your undying loyalty, oh and if she gives you an order you follow it okay no matter what it is”

“Yes I understand, where will I find Alice”

“Once you leave the temple turn left and carry on down the road if you come across Langley crescent it will be down there house number five”

After that, she did not say anything else but turn around and melt into the dark recesses of the room.

I make my way out of the room remembering to pick the door back up as I left and put it back in its frame, I pass the secretary carrying what seemed like a large pile of application forms.

I was going to ask if she wanted any help but remembering that she can teleport stopped me before I did.

I made my way to the front desk and a glorious sight captured my eyes for that was when I saw the drinking fountain was full to capacity of plastic drinking cups and just to make things ten times better the water was cold too, the type of cold that leaves condensation on the outside of the cup .

I did not even make it outside because the built-in air-conditioning unit in the ceiling was holding me hostage.

I must have formed some sort of Stockholm syndrome because I had no real plans to carry on any further out the door I was in total bliss.

Then something happened something out of my control and something I regret.

It was not her fault.

She had no way of knowing hell it has been so long I even forgot I had it.

I am just glad no one got hurt but still I am ashamed I even let it happen.

What was I thinking?

There is no one to blame.

Nevertheless, I will take all the blame and keep it with me until the end.

A single hand and a singular moment of contact were all it took for me to betray myself.

You might be thinking this is hardly anything to be getting this worked up about well you know what you’re not me so you have no idea what it feels like to be controlled and what’s worse than that, being controlled by yourself.

“Saint Gallen’s final say set in motion beginning execution protocol avian fragmentation”

Dead-eyed lost to the world around me, my voice precise and robotic my emotions non-existent feelings unfelt.

My feet leave the ground slightly arms by side looking straightforward with eyes that have no vision but see all and then I start rapidly gliding around the temple looking for any possible threats.

The secretary accidently activated my autopilot; for the most part, she saw me in a trance like a state and went to see if I were all right unknown to her, I was just cooling off under the air conditioning unit.

After Saint Gallen’s final say wore off I quickly fled the temple not wanting to wait around to be asked what the fuck just happened and why I was floating around looking for something to kill I had no memory of what happened but because of that I knew exactly what happened and why it did.

As I trudged down the path, I noticed some of the people that were watching me clean house earlier slowly back away and start to whisper amongst themselves none of them seemed angry or annoyed about what happened but were still very much cautious when I passed them.

“Man it’s still so bloody hot why the sun is being a right ass today”

“Yeah the sun's hot but not as hot as the crematorium you will be visiting”

“Oh for god’s sake what is it now I am quite busy today “

I turned around to notice that instead of four thugs, this time, their numbers have trebled I studied the situation twelve guys with varying weapons like sports equipment cricket bats, golf clubs and the like and also bits of two by four that has been wrapped in barbed wire and some without.

On the other hand, you have the leader who was in a league of his own with a pitchfork that was set alight.

A big neon sign saying BOSS in big flashing letters behind him would have been less obvious and that is not even possible.

“I saw what you did to the four guys before you entered the temple so I thought this would be a good way to train my guys with them advancing your demise”

“Huh so you think your twelve can overcome my one” when his confident smile turned into a shit-eating grin, I could guess the answer.

“I will gladly purge you of this world but we do have a slight problem here”

“A slight problem and what in the world could that be the bird of Hermes” the last words were spat out rather than said.

I take my hoodie off so I only have my white t-shirt on and hang it over a railing.

“Well as you can see there are twelve of you and only one of me it’s not a very fair fight because you are vastly outnumbered”.

His smile faded into that of complete hatred disgust and all manner of other unkind things.

The second he entered attack mode my wings sprouted from my back and once all the others readied their weapons they all ran at me in a very unorderly fashion with flaming pitchfork taking up the lead.

As they were running at me I was thinking what spell would be the best to use in this situation.

“Umm I could always use The Ballard of Icarus but then again I’m not fighting gods or any other divine being”

“Ooh, I got it I will use the fallen kingdom… on second thought, I won’t that’s a bit too harsh”

“Ah yes that’s it I have it the perfect spell and perfect way to finish a fight Eagles Scream”

I take a step back hold out my arm, that brings the others to a complete stop, and before they can say let alone do anything. A concentrated beam of plasma shoots down from the heavens followed by the cry of an eagle and eviscerates the targets with extreme prejudice until they were nothing but a fading memory.

“Well that was pleasant”

I say whilst looking over the ash of my previous opponents I grab my hoodie and put it back on to only see Langley crescent.

“Huh well that was easy” 

Just as I’m about to knock the door opens fast and what I assume to be Alice gets shoved outside by this smartly dressed man and closes the door as if he didn’t even see me, he was definitely not a happy man not even in the slightest.

I turn my attention to Alice on the ground who is sobbing her eyes out I lift her up back to her feet trying not to dishevel the full-length eggshell blue skirt she had on and rested one hand on her shoulder.

“Alice I’m your new servant from the Temple of the last stand and as of now you’re my master.

She stops crying, embraces me in a tight hug, and says though strangled sobs.

“K-kill my -m-mum and dad please kill them…kill them now!”

I stare dumbfounded after Alice's revelation.

“Did she just ask me to kill her parents?

I look down at her and I separate us.

“You want me to kill your parents are you quite sure Master”

She nods her head.

I reach into my jumper pocket and pull out a small rolled up bit of paper I hand it to her and she takes it without hesitation she unravels the paper and begins to read.

“What’s this paper for?” she asks me while wiping the last of her tears away

“That Alice is for you to use whenever you have a need for the more destructive side of my services, just say the phrase at the bottom and what talent limit you would like me to release and I will make all who those who oppose you perish in the most ungodly manner possible.

She rolls it back up and pockets it she turns to face the house,

“Unleash your power reserves down to Beta and destroy my family now!”

I simply nod not wanting to disobey my first order.

My wings grow from my back and I adjust them so they're both pointing in front of me and covering my face I keep my arms down by my side as I speak my power release words.

“Liberating Regulator Talent Limit Classifications, Delta... Gamma... Beta, Authorization Of Condition 1 Acknowledged.

Instigating the Crowley Incantation

Capability Limitations Elevated For Rationed Usage Pending The Opponents Have Been Declared Taciturn.”

I tried thinking if this was a good idea or not putting my master's parents to the slaughter at her behest but because Alice told me to liberate my second to last talent limit it was difficult bordering on impossible to think a coherent positive thought.

A large pentagram appears around my feet I then transform into what seemed like a flurry or even a shadowy blizzard of crows that heads straight for the living room window glass shards fly everywhere and scatter carelessly on the floor both in and outside the mansion.

I proceed to decimate my targets, crows flying about smeared in blood from there terrified feast I summon an another pentagram on the floor directly beneath them another hoard of crows fly out of the portal and swarm the mum and dad in till you could see no sign of human life apart from a mound black feathers.

Their dying screams drowned out the squawks of the winged blitzkrieg.

The screams slowly die down into nothing I exit the house and walk back to Alice to inform her of the completed task

“Alice I have done what you have asked of me”

“I know thank you, their terrified screams of pain made me happy… is that wrong”

I look down at her make a knowing smile pat her on the head.

“No, it’s not wrong at all”

However, it is incredibly creepy, but who am I to judge.

I am going to enjoy this contract, in the long run, true that my first assignment was to kill two technically innocent people but currently that is the least of anyone’s worries.

Murders are just as commonplace as people losing car keys so I do not really feel any guilt about the killings this does not mean to go and say that I will go and kill off random people just for the fun of it.

Any kills I commit will either have to be in self-defense of myself or another innocent person or an order from Alice Denver Emanuel Carmichael.

2: Chapter 2 A fresh start

“Okay so you’re my servant”

“Yes master”

“And you came from the temple of the Last Stand that’s right isn’t it”

“Yes master I did”

“You also say that you will do my bidding no matter what”

I give a single nod in response

She leans back against the exterior wall outside the house for a whole minute, then gets to a standing position, and walks off silently.

Thirteen then seventeen now for the past four years at random times, Alice has asked me these very same questions and I responded in the same vein each time.

I followed Ms Carmichael back into the mansion.

 I found her in the former study of Mr Carmichael leant over with both hands on the desk looking at three forms.

 I walked in lowered my hood she looks up at me for a second then back down to the documents.

As I am glancing at the files, I notice one of them is labeled urgent and that very one is pulled away and thrust at me with a confident force behind it.

I have received a letter on your behalf from the temple of the last stand apparently they have heard news of a small uprising of thugs who are planning some sort of  CLEAN UP sounds pretty definitive and apparently someone has caught their attention.

“Oh and who is that master”

In truth, I am not even too sure, why I asked since it was quite clearly me

“Well according to this the nickname they have given this person is the winged wanker”

“Well master I’m sure whoever this person is he is a nice chap really”

Alice looks up at me with the slightest of smirks

“Oh yes I am quite sure he is absolutely charming”

I make a small bow.

“I think it’s safe to say I try my hardest and about the CLEAN UP what would you like me to do about that”

Just as that was said was the moment something in Alice broke I think it could have been a very small piece of sanity just handing in its resignation because the most furiously angry face was brought to life and to tell you the absolute truth it scared the shit out of me not even joking.

“Infiltrate and eliminate”

“INFILTRATE”

“AND”

“ELIMINATE”

This caused me to stumble back I felt a chill run up and down my spine and I was rendered speechless so there was no yes master or right away Ms Carmichael no all I could do was transform into a flock of crows and fly straight out the window.

It took me a little under an hour to find the hideout, which for the most part seemed to be mostly underground.

The looks of the hideout itself weren't any way special a lot of time went into it for sure but effort not so much the entrance which was being guarded by no one surprisingly was a concrete box which angled downwards obviously showing off the stairs descending down no doubt into a pool of madness.

The stairs were long straight dark and quiet all most cliché quiet when I reached the bottom I came face to face with a waiting crowd who for all I know could’ve been discussing something important than all stopped to ready their weapons.

“Hello I have come for the tea and cupcake party I’m sure one of you nice gentlemen will fetch me a cup and saucer”

Everyone was silent but their persistent eye contact spoke volumes and yet for a whole minute still no one moved or spoke to me or one another that was in till a rather tall dapper man broke away from the crowd.

“You have no right here plane walker what business do you have with us why do you disgrace our ground with your presence”

“I’m taking it that the tea and cupcakes are out the window-well if you must know I am here on the behest of Alice Denver Emanuel Carmichael or my master for short.

“Therefore, you are no rogue wandering disgrace you are a disgrace with a purpose and one that seems to me to be a disgrace that is on a leash I can almost respect that almost mind you”

 “What can you do here several feet underground and whilst up against nigh on one thousand two hundred and ninety-six armed men”

“If you try to do, any of your magic tricks you will bring this whole place on top of our heads”

He had a point there I couldn’t risk innocent lives above this place I knew my eagle's scream wouldn’t work and I would rather die or worse disobey an order from Alice then use fallen kingdom on these people.

My backup plan is the Ballard of Icarus overkill yes and why is this the best choice well unlike all my other spells and attacks this one is not physical it’s an audio based spell.

“Would you like to hear a song?”

“Would I like to hear what a song I do not think you are taking this seriously and that’s very disappointing and from what I have been hearing you are a formidable opponent who absolutely destroyed two scouting parties”

I had no intention of running because up to now I have not met a worthy opponent I still haven’t I will be happy once I find someone who I can call my mortal enemy but even for me that’s pushing it isn’t it.

“Are you going to tell me your name because you seem to know me very well and I do not know a thing about you?”

“Ah good show I had assumed you did not even know the meaning of the word etiquette but you are no simpleton it seems… very well I shall oblige you my name is Sir Tenatan Louthist now I would love to stay and watch the inevitable happen but I’m afraid I have rather important business else ware”

He gradually made his way through the throng of people to a hidden lift system and tilted his bowler hat has he ascended to safety.

“Well I’m sure we will meet again now what am I going to do with you lot I guess I will be a good sport and give you the first hit so which one of you would like to go first”

They all looked at each other mumbling and muttering that is in until one man with a hatchet slowly walks over to my right side and figures he is going to do some significant damage.

 I do not turn around or look at him but I do as I normally do and just stare at my feet knowing what is going to happen.

 I can feel his eyes assessing me from head to toe when he finds me peaceful enough he raises his mini axe and nothing happens and nothing continue's to happen for a good ten seconds.

Why did nothing happen and only continue to happen well because he was going to attack me and since my wing growing can only happen when I’m in danger he was standing too close to me and my sudden wing growth hit his square on the temple and he was knocked out cold.

“So it seems your friend here did not have what it takes to advance the downfall of the bird of Hermes i.e. me but I liked his courage and so I will allow you to leave and escape death this one time so what will it be”

A rather large chap stepped forward who was dressed in a builders type uniform with high visibility jacket his weapon of choice was a cinder block attached to a rope.

“You seem pretty sure of yourself don’t you what can you possibly do to all of us what little tricks and spells have you got up your sleeves”

“I have no magic or tricks up any of my sleeves but do you remember when I said I have a song for you

wel-“

“No shut up right now right this very second I am fed of hearing this bull shit about songs and you not taking any of this seriously, you are going to die whether you want to or not”

“Believe it or not, I don’t want to kill but if you continue in this vain you will leave me no choice so what do you choose to do leave or die”

They did not need to talk to answer me all they had to do which they did do was walk toward me and then break into a run.

“So be it you have made your choice”

“Now listen as the Ballard of Icarus echoes its way through your souls and the very existence of life and imagination its Self”

“Icarus flew too close to the sun and he got burned, you made your choice now it’s your turn”

“Ílios transform me into your mortal angel and allow me to punish these fools in your name”

My wings ignited and the heat caused all the runners to stop what they were doing and forced them to protect themselves from the heat.

The fire made my wings look twice as big and the obsidian blackness only seemed to further stand out amongst the yellow and orange contrast of the Greek fire coating my wings.

The heat rose the fire’s appearance took on a more angelic eagle like form but this was not to last as my wings were completely burnt off only leaving the bony template of my wings on the show making me look like an artist’s depiction of Lucifer.

I reached down into the ash and withdrew a horn of white marble with the name GABRIEL embossed on one side I brought the horn to my mouth and noticed that my adversaries were running again and making good ground.

I took in a deep breath and blew the horn the noise emanating from it sounded like a million wars happening all at once and suddenly everyone in the room grabbed their ears and fell on the floor in pain tossing from side to side.

Some even adopted a fetal position and the leader was literally begging me to kill him and he would get his wish as a blue light descend upon the room and its inhabitants.

I felt relieved as I watched them fade away into ethereal nothingness the horn fades away and my wings break off ready for re-growth.

I said nothing but turn around and walk back up the stairs.

I return to the now sleeping Carmichael residents.

The night went by as it normally does Alice, my master sleeping soundly, me roosting on the highest point of the mansion keeping an (excuse the pun) bird’s eye view of the surroundings.

I have not been able to get any worthwhile sleep in ages.

The last time I fell victim to the sandman’s embrace feels nothing more than a distant dream this was mainly due to me having to watch my back constantly just so I wouldn’t find a knife in it come morning .

I had made it a priority to set runes about the mansion they are magical traps that are the easiest way to describe them.

The runes are only active once Alice is asleep.

I placed one at each entrance and each possible entrance and then I just sat on the roof looking out into a void of nothingness, which seemed to transcend the laws of existence.

Then again not even zero is nothing there will always be that one tiny insignificant piece of an ever-growing puzzle that doesn’t fit anywhere so what do you do if a situation like that occurs you try a different puzzle. 

 

3: Chapter 3 Two wings and an empty stomach

I found myself not on a battlefield or amidst a pile of savagely destroyed bodies.

I found myself in some unfamiliar yet familiar territory-standing in front of a kettle with two cups one with a PG tips pyramid bag in as well as two sugars and on the right was a fine bone china cup that looked like a queen opposite my very wealthy janitor of a mug.

I digress; I grace this monarch of porcelain with a helping of one of England’s finest bag of dried leaves.

Something befitting my master, the duke of drinks the prince of precipitation or most commonly known as the Earl Grey what affine and masterful brew this be, my wary vessel of hot drinkage can only shudder and doth it’s teaspoon in awe.

Whoa, that got deep… I think I may have a problem, yeah no shit you have a problem, oh for fuck sake, now I’m talking to myself, I think the mix of these two tea’s is getting to me.

I walked up the stairs with both cups and walked along the vast landing to the second to last room.

I nudged the door open with my foot and the first thing I saw was Alice standing at the window with her hands crossed behind her back fully dressed in a teal full-length skirt and hair that was tied into a braid.

“Set the tea on the window seal please”

“As you, wish Ms Carmichael

“I take it your little outing last night was a success”

“Oh you didn’t automatically assume I would be victorious that is ever so slightly disappointing”

Alice blew on her tea once and took a sip she then picked up mine blew on it and passed it to me I took a much bigger sip than intended and my throat caught fire.

Now you may be wondering why I didn’t say anything about Alice blowing on my tea well I don’t actually mind I don’t find it gross or anything and I would never dream of telling her to stop doing it’s just how I am.

“I have a job for you and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly either, this job is of utmost importance… are you up for it my feathered friend”

“I shall follow you to deepest darkest recesses of hell and back you have but to ask, what would you have me do my master”

“Hell and back are hardly necessary but I appreciate the sentiment, no you will accompany me to the high street and to the masonic lodge because I have something to discuss with a certain lodge master or GCMG”

“Um yes master but may I query what GCMG means because I do not think I have heard of it’s like before”

“It is one of the highest ranks in the freemasons its abbreviation stands for God Calls Me God”

By the time Alice and I had finished talking we were half way through are beverages.

“In that case master may I inquire to what your rank is”

“A devilish smile burned a hole through the very fabric of innocence and that was followed up by something I would not be forgetting for a long time-Alice walked over to me stood on her tip toes and placed her hands on my shoulders and whispered into my ear”

“I am the ~God of Gods~”

An interruption was not anything to fear but I was on high alert with my master being out in public and when we finally arrived at the lodge there was a bunch of robed men most who were in their mid-50s.

 “Ms Carmichael what would you like me to do while your inside or can I accompany you”

“Oh do not worry you are going in with me I did not bring you all this way for me to leave you outside, but during the meeting you are going to have to stand or-“

I knew where this was heading so with a sudden burst of knowledge that only seemed to creep back to me after the effect of the tea subsided, I shifted my form into that of a crow and perched myself on my master's shoulder.

“Nice try H but they do not permit animals entry into the building I am afraid you are going to have to stand”

I lifted my head and looked into her eyes and all I saw was a sarcastic pity.

“Nonsense we do not let animals into the building but this is no animal this is a bird and if I’m right in saying that it is a bird of Hermes, he is a cute little feller isn’t he … I wonder.

I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing Tenatan Louthist in full-blown Masonic regalia and then he saw right through my guise and even called me cute the actual hell I am defiantly going to have to tell Alice about me seeing him on my nfiltration and elimination mission she sent me on when we get back home.

Then to top it off he sticks his finger out expecting me to jump on it, I am telling you now if he calls me cute one more time he is going to be seeing a kingdom in free fall.

He eventually draws his finger back and instead leans in close.

I do the only thing that I could think of that would not get me a clip round the ear when I get back.

Slowly I turn my head so my red eye comes into view of his blue ones.

I could see the red flash my eye emitted reflecting off his face and this caused him to go somewhat pale but he drew back and continued to do what he was here to do in the first place but not before wiping the smallest of sweat from his brow.

“Ah Mr Louthist I presume you seem flustered if I may be so bold”

“Um yes be as bold as you see fit I just remembered something don't fret”

“Oh, I can assure you I will do my utmost to keep from doing such a thing”

“I take it you have arrived for the meeting if you would like to go inside everyone else is waiting”

“Yes, I have and thank you kindly will you be joining this meeting by any chance “

“No I am afraid not for I have a meeting of my own with the grand lodge master himself so I have no choice but to bid you goodbye”

“Very well Mr Louthist please do take care and may the father of understanding guide you”

“Likewise, may the father of understanding guide you on the path long since walked”

The inside of the lodge was breathtakingly Masonic of all things; I am not too sure what I was expecting but whatever it was, probably wasn’t that good if I do not even know what it was ,it most likely wasn’t even worth a breath.

The meeting went fantastically I think… in truth I do not actually have a clue how it went trying to keep up with everything that was being said was difficult at some point Alice and a few others broke into little groups some started talking about the other hidden agenda that apparently not even the Illuminati know about.

One person was contemplating the day old question socks or no socks with sandals the handling of this topic was so serious that a small detachment including him made a further secondary group, splintered off from everyone else, and formed a small committee meeting with a bookkeeper and everything.

I had to admire their determination even on such a topic as holiday footwear.

Alice and by affect me were at a small table that had some premeditated sandwiches and drinks on. I had to turn back to human form after the assistant lodge master had come down with a bad case of discovering he was allergic to feathers.

I was gazing over some cheese and marmite sandwiches because the ham and mustard ones had already gone I couldn’t believe it myself once the group meeting had finished everyone swarmed the table like malnourished vulture’s, not a single marmite sandwich had been touched.

In the end, I settled for a cup of tea and I gave Alice my tea to see if she would blow on it for me, which she did and that just made the tea seem a whole lot nicer.

I think I am starting to like it when Alice blows on my tea is that weird it probably is but I really do not care and neither does she so I do not really see a problem with it.

That night I tried to do something, which I have not done in a long time and that was sleep for many people it is the easiest thing to do, but for me, years of looking over my shoulder the whole time had really made an impact on me.

My first time getting any sleep did not go as smoothly as I had hoped I sat on a chair outside of Alice’s room just to try to make the experience a little bit easier.

It was warm, my hoodie only made it warmer, and slowly the sandman managed to hunt me down and gave me a return ticket to the land of nod.

I was hoping it to be a good experience but during my sleep words started circling my dreams words that formed questions and questions I never thought I would need to answer questions like; who am I, what am I and why am I.

After a minute or two, the words left me and I had some contemplating to do should I ask Alice or myself I did not know.

4: Chapter 4 Killing two stones with one bird

That morning I prepared a cup of tea for Alice, myself, and we sat in the study opposite each other it was quiet and it seemed to be giving an air of nostalgia.

Alice was periodically sipping her tea and I well I was just sitting their arms crossed staring into the liquid as if something was missing.

Alice slowly reached over grabbed my mug and brought it close to her mouth and took a small breath and blew long and smoothly on it before placing it back in front of me a smile graces my face.

“Thank you, Master”

“It’s ok don’t be embarrassed to ask in the future”

“I will make sure to remember that Ms Carmichael”

“You seem troubled is something bugging you because if there is you can tell me “

“Well umm I have had three questions bothering me and I don’t know the answers to them and I guess a second perspective would help me”

Alice puts down her china clasps her hands together and thinks well that is what I thought she was doing anyway.

“Ok what’s the first question and I will do my best to answer it honestly”

“Who am I that’s the first one am I Harry Farrar or the Bird of Hermes”

“That’s an easy one you are both you are my stone to quicken the dead and I will cast you at my enemies”

“Okay the second question is what I am, am I a man or a monster because I’m not too sure what the right answer is any more”

“You are my friend and that’s it I don’t care what you are monster or a hell demon of some kind I will be here for you like you are for me and we will destroy all who stand in our way”

“Thank you, Master, that is kind of you to say so and yes I will gladly wreak bloody Armageddon at your command you have my undying loyalty and unwavering friendship”

“You’re very welcome Harry and what is the last question that you want an answer to”

“Why am I?”

“Umm that is a good question and one I believe will reveal its answer in time”

“But for now, my friend you will remain loyal and destroy my adversaries with extreme prejudice”

“Yes Master” 

5: Chapter 5 One wing and a little peckish Part 1 and Part 2

 

It has been several days since I saw Tenatan Louthist at the Masonic lodge and he seems well acquainted with Alice he could be a family friend.

 

They might just know each other from the lodge but that does not excuse the fact that he was at that meeting and he practically sent his subordinates on a suicide mission to try to kill me.

All I really need to do now was find a way of telling Alice about this fact and hope she believes me.

I had gone to the top of the roof to think this over because I thought some fresh air would do me some good but the only thing it made me realise was that I was slightly parched and then it hit me it hit me like a surface to air missile from a SAM launcher.

I had forgotten something I had forgotten something very important and this very important thing was tea the pinnacle of British society all a bit of a stereotypical pinnacle but a pinnacle none the less.

After jumping off the roof and running to the front door, I was praying to Alice herself that she was still in bed.

I got to the door put an ever so slightly shaking hand on the handle and opened the door.

What I saw made my spine chill that very moment.

“Good morning Master umm I see you have already mad-“

“Sit”

Oh, shit it was going down the one time I missed tea preparation and now I’m going to get it and I am going to get it hard even an idiot could see my whole body was shaking in fear no not fear complete an utter unadulterated terror I have never been this scared in my life.

I sat down opposite Alice at the kitchen table and saw two cups of tea my Masters bone china and my mug I stared at them like they had betrayed me and then looked back at Alice with a nervous smile her own smile did not waver it was a kind smile and it was one that held no evil.

“Hello Harry have you had a good morning, I thought I would do the honours and make the tea since you have had a lot on your mind”

“That’s ah that’s very kind of you Alice I was going to do it but I was on the roof and I well I forgot bu-“

“I understand I really do here’s your tea and I will even blow on it for you”

The whole time she was blowing on my tea Alice’s eyes never left mine I had even started to sweat under her gaze and her eyes still did not leave mine when she pushed the mug towards me I then picked it up with a shaky hand and took a sip.

“That’s a very nice brew Alice very nice indeed

“I am very glad you like it”

Then it happened she stood up from the table came over to my side but before she could anything, I totally lost it and screamed.

“ALICE PLEASE DON’T HURT ME”

I fell off my seat rushed towards the front door and cowered there my head down my hood bringing me into a complete darkness I had even started to fucking cry that’s how scared I was and the full body shaking was getting worse and then the mumbling started.

Normally I would not be scared of a seventeen-year-old girl but this was different in many ways that I do not want to explain.

“I didn’t mean it”

“It wasn’t my fault”

“I won’t do it again I promise”

I could not see anything and I could not hear anything other than my own blubbering after a while I looked up after wiping my tears on my sleeve and noticed Alice on her knees so she was level with me and she hugged me neither of us saying anything for over an hour.

“I will never hurt you; you don’t have to worry about that”

“I know Master it’s just for some unexplainable reason I am scared of you I do not know why but I am I don’t want to be but I can’t help it”

“Well if you cannot conquer your fear then you will just have to give it a hug won’t you?”

I did just that I gave Alice a tight hug and after a minute or two, she stood up walked out of the kitchen.

“I will be in the study if you need me or want to talk”

“There is something I want to talk about so I will meet you when I sort myself out”

Alice and I said nothing after that, the two following actions were Alice walking out of the room and closing the door behind her and me picking myself up off the floor to finish my tea.

I stand here master I am your stone throw me at your target and allow me to quicken their death you have only to say.

Part 2

It was about five minutes later in till I deemed myself ready to talk to Alice after what transpired earlier it did not really matter because it had to happen sooner than later I hope Alice takes the news well I’m sure she will.

“THAT CONNIVING TOFFEE-NOSED UPPITY PONCE THAT LITTLE SHIT SACK THAT COMPLETE AND UTTER CRAP BASKET I CANT BELIEVE IT”

“Well it's good to see you’re taking the news well I thought you would have been mad, at least you haven’t started throwing anything”

TWANG.

Mere inches away from my head embedded in the door was a sixteenth-century samurai sword the largest anime sweat drop appeared on my head and slowly dripped down and made a small puddle on the floor.

“Wait we don’t own a samurai sword were did that come from, hold on a minute why am I asking this is not the weirdest thing to happen to me so far"

“Okay deep breaths –inhale- -exhale- right I’m calm Harry, when you have some time on your wings please, may you send an invite to Sir Tenatan Louthist I think he owes us an audience he should be at the Masonic hall”

I perked up after hearing this and left the study to hand write a letter I then summoned a crow to deliver the letter to its rightful owner.

Now the only thing to do is wait and go to sleep because tomorrow is sure to hold many a surprise most of them are bound to be unpleasant and I am more than likely to enjoy the retaliation.

6: Chapter 6 An unwanted surpise

 

“Ah Mr Louthist very good to see you please come in and take a seat”

“Yes it’s very nice of you to invite me over I must admit it is very short notice is there anything you would like to discuss or –“

I was viewing the whole thing from outside sat on a tree branch opposite the living room window Alice did not want me intimidating Mr Louthist I did insist on staying but to no avail but she did promise to signal me if my assistance was needed.

“I do have something I would like to discuss with you Mr Louthist something I deem very important”

“Well if it’s important we cannot delay can we so what is it that you need to tell me and I will do my best to aid you”

“That’s very nice of you to say well, the thing what’s bothering me is a piece of news, my accomplice and I have had a few dealings with a bunch of no brained thugs who think themselves king and superior to everyone else including the plane walkers”

It was very easy to see that Mr Louthist face was getting red with rage and I had to give him credit for maintaining himself like that especially after Alice just called him a brainless thug.

“Now Ms Carmichael I do not believe you are being very fair these men probably think what they are doing is right now you really cannot hold that against them can you?”

“Oh I completely agree with you but not when doing right so to say is intending to cause harm to others I just think it’s a good job I managed to send my accomplice to destroy a large holding of these no good low life’s and not only that but he also killed sixteen others before he even arrived here”

 “It’s good to see their numbers dwindling”

“I CAN NOT STAND BY AND ALLOW YOU TO SLANDER MY MEN IN SUCH A VAIN HOW DARE YOU-YOU PETULANT CHILD”

The smugness Alice was radiating was palpable I could feel it even when I was on the tree  I thought I was going to get knocked off by it so I gripped the branch I was on a little tighter than was necessary.

“There are plane walkers in abundance and none of them look any different to us so do you really want to risk innocent lives for your own selfish gain”

There is nothing selfish about it creatures like them have no place nobody should have that much power NOBODY especially if they don’t know how to use it”

I had appeared behind Mr Louthist and decided this was my time to step in.

“So I take it you do know how to handle such power I have been alive for 2344 years I go beyond a normal plane walker hell I’m not even a nationality yeah I sound British that’s because I chose to stay here and adapted myself to my surroundings.

“You could say I am a monster and I would not hold it against you but if you truly want to know what I actually am all you have to do is ask”

“You yes you the bird of Hermes not directly connected to the messenger himself your origins are lost in the mists of time”

“I take it you don’t even truly know who you are supposed to be any more so enlighten me BIRD WHAT ARE YOU and why are you so powerful and tell me if you think you deserve such power”

“Ok, I will tell you I hope you ready because I am not going to repeat myself.”

“I was sent as a message from Hermes himself or mercury if you prefer I was not given a purpose or a reason for being and I have had no further contact with the deity that is far as memory will take me”

“Secondly, you ask of my power now this I know even less about I do not know why I was given such power and do I deserve this no I don’t bu-“

“Ha so you admit it that you’re not deserving of such pow_”

“LET ME FINISH”

Today was not the day for interruptions and I made sure he knew it and I could tell it sunk in immediately.

He was looking at me in that embarrassed and angry way that people sometimes get like when a close friend shouts at them in a public place.

“What I was going to say was I do not deserve my power but Alice Denver Emanuel Carmicle does and I am more than happy to call myself her stone and I will break what or whoever my master decides to throws me at”

“I was wondering when you were going to step in I hope it was not too cold out there Harry”

“Do not worry yourself master the cold was the last thing on my mind especially when your safety was on the line what did you want me to do with Mr Louthist painful or painless”

“Ms Carmichael you really would not hurt me would you I haven’t done anything wrong I am simply trying to help”

“No Mr Louthist you aren’t the only person who you are helping is yourself how many plane walkers have you killed by the by because I’m sure my bird here would like to know “

“How many um yes how many indeed well that is very easy I won’t give you a number but I will say this in order to get to my underground base of operations your feathered friend had to walk down a flight of stairs under each step was a buried plane walker”

“I’m glad you just said that now when I destroy the very fabric which makes up your entire existence I will enjoy myself twice as much as I normally do”

“After I destroyed you I think it would only be right if I sent your remains to your family so what are their names if you don’t mind me asking”

“It’s good to see such good manners in trying time’s but I will tell you the names of my family but then again I think you already know them don’t you Bird Of Hermes there’s a good chance you have simply forgotten so I will oblige you –“

“What do you mean I already know them am I supposed to know them give me some names“

During this conversation, Alice had gone to the drinks cabinet that was in the lounge, brought in two glasses of ginger ale, and brought them back into the study.

“Very well let’s start off with dear old dad his name is Omogeni”

 

I was in stunned silence my mouth opening and closing like a goldfish with a stutter.

“No… no…Omoge- THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE”

He was smiling the most sickening smile I ever saw a sentient creature perform.

Next, is my dear old mum and her name is Magnesia you seem shocked, let us try and guess who my brother and sister are shall we.

I was gazing at the floor as if I had just dropped the meaning of life on it and was looking for it.

I did not want to answer but I felt compelled to do so and this just ruffled my feathers.

There is no way this man could be who I think he is it just isn’t possible I had to shake my head and I picked up one of the glasses of ginger ale and rested it on my forehead and allowed the chill to cool me down.

“Azot truly is your sister and Kibrick Forsooth is your brother”

“Correct bird so what does that make me I am pretty sure you know so come on what is it”

This was such a shock to my system I had to physically fight back a level three Saint Gallen’s final say from activating.

“Alice this man is no Tenatan Louthist he never was, what this man is a snake a serpent…or the serpent of Arabia to be precise”

I am sorry Harry but I have no idea what you are talking about are you trying to say you are both from the Ripley Scroll”

Yes, Master, that is correct his part in the scroll is below mine and he must be defeated as soon as possible.

I cannot forgive myself for having a monster of this caliber alive and walking on this planet.

ALICE PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF HERMES LET ME KILL THIS FUCKING MONSTER NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE...”

“Ha, ha so now you remember me Bird of Hermes yes you do so what are going to do about it give it your best shot come on you have the first hit”

“Ok Harry liberate your talent limit classifications down to alpha then eat both your wings and unleash genesis salvo “

“Before we do this please enlighten me how long have you been standing in your sea without lees does it get lonely and can you really stand still as a stone um WHAT SAY YOU MESSENGER OF MERCURY …”

7: Chapter 7 A Bird in the Sea A Snake in the Sand

 

“Let’s do this”

“Liberating Regulator Talent Limit Classification, Alpha, Temporarily Disabling Self-control and Welfare Protocols, Creating Armageddon Amalgamation

Instigating the Crowley Incantation

Capability Limitations Elevated For Rationed Usage Pending The Opponent Has Been Declared Taciturn.”

What happened next was nothing really out of the ordinary for me anyway I stood my ground despite losing a lot of feeling in my legs and then seamlessly floated into the sky above the garden where we all walked to just so nothing got broken in the house.

My head was down covered by my hood arms the same just hanging motionless my wings then shot out of my back and this caused a huge vortex of black and greyish smoke to summon itself behind me.

“What’s happening what’s the smoke and why do I have a feeling that something absolutely dreadful is about to make its way out of it” 

“Oh, I thought you would have known Ms Carmichael since you asked him to eat his own wings well this is what happens, just watch and enjoy”

The black grayish smoke expanded and a giant bird of obsidian-black feathers made its presence through the smoke and lunged at the right wing grabbing it with its beak and ripping it off this was followed by no reaction from the owner of the wing,

“What is going on?”

“Ah yes I thought you were going to ask that well those two up there, to put it bluntly, are the same creature the one from the smoke is better off forgotten about there is no need to pry into what doesn’t have an explanation”

“No that can’t be him I asked him to eat his… own…w-wings… oh”

The left wing was given the same treatment as the right, one swift tug and off it came and into the bird’s stomach it rested.

After my wings had been eaten, the smoke faded and I went back into the smoke leaving myself alone once more, I floated back down to the garden floor after a minute or two of silence my head jolted up with a calm but almost psychotic look on my face.

My eyes now pitch black with two red pentagrams at the center, which replaced my pupils.

If you looked close, enough you would have been able to make out a circling bit of text in a language so old and fabled that finding a farm where unicorns were being herded by leprechaun would actually be more plausible then understanding what was written down.

“Here I stand in the sea without lees, as still as a stone, and without fable so Serpent of Arabia I want this to be a good fight so unleash your power and give me the fight I have been waiting for, for all this time”

“A good fight is that what you want and you expect to be a part of this when I know that your next move is going to be a genesis salvo you must think me fool bird or do I think myself a fool for not having this chance to finally send you back to mercury first class”

“Very well, I shall oblige you in this matter”

“Alice what have you done, what have I done,” A quick glance at Alice tells me she’s talking to herself now

“I will tell you with plain declaration and introduce you to my generation of Omogeni and Magnesia a father and mother of cold-blooded flight”

Once he announced his parents two lizard almost dragon looking wings unfolded themselves from his back and a tail of scales make itself known to all and loosely curled its way around his feet.

“Azot, no truer sister could be had a loving sibling and one of meek fortitude, seldom flow a river of blood in her truncated gaze”

“Kibrick Forsooth as sharp and pointed as my front tooth, one of a mild disposition and who always finds sanctuary under the rainfall of tears shed by the innocent dead”

“The Serpent of Arabia is my name and as of now I am in charge of this game”

“Let’s see if I can match your power with one of my own tricks because I tell you now I am not being defeated by your genesis salvo not now or ever”

It’s been an awfully long time since we fought I can’t even remember the last time it was probably really uneventful but I am really looking forward to seeing what he can pull out of his bag of tricks.

“Okay bird it’s time for us to fight and I plan to end this with one move and I’m guessing your thinking along the same lines aren’t you this will be the real test monster vs monster, snake vs bird”

“Right Harry shut him up with your genesis salvo”

“I thought you would never ask my master”

I float up further into the sky followed by the reptilian flap of Louthist my wings expanded to twice there size and practically blocked out the sun.

“May the beginning herald the end from above and spare none in its quake lest the evil that stands before it dissipates into the aether”

A fiery apparition of Icarus appeared at my side-coated head to toe in the fire of a million suns yet not burning a thing.

His wings slowly flapping back and forth to the acoustic hum of infinity, I turn my head to the side and glance at Icarus he, in turn, places his hand on my shoulder followed by a small yet understanding nod.

We focus on are target then I dart off towards Louthist and a second later Icarus follows suit it is not long until were side by side once more.

“Icarus NOW”

I give the command and this told my flaming teammate that the time has come.

Icarus flies above me and then dives head first into my back, combining both of us to make what I like to call the fall of the sun, I was now coated in the fire that once made up my companion I shoot off towards my foe at a blistering speed.

“I AM THE BIRD OF HERMES, I AM THE FALLEN ICARUS AND I AM YOUR UNDOING”

“Not so fast there did you forget something”

A giant snake takes the place of Louthist this thing easily averaging our mansion.

A smaller snake then crawls up and twists it way around the serpent eventually stopping when both of their heads are side by side.

“With Satan by my side, I shall rip asunder the very fabric that your entire being consists of”

Both snakes coil back and lunge forward shouting in a voice of thunder.

“Magdalen’s rapture fang”

My blazing form rocketed down towards Louthist spiralling and shifting from left to right heading right for the open mouths and exposed fangs of the serpent of Arabia and gods graceless brother at the moment of contact everything went silent save for the hiss of the snakes and the crackling of the fiery Icarus within my eternally black soul.

The next thing that happened was not very dramatic but it did sting.

This is what roughly happened a white orb enveloped both of us and sent us flying so fast and with so much force that the air solidified and we collided back first into the oxygen wall and crumpled to the floor and landing with an unceremonious thump.

From my dazed state I could focus on very little apart from Alice running up to me and began steadily shaking my shoulder, she was trying to say something to me but the ringing in my ears took priority on my audio senses.

Tenatan Louthist slowly stood back up from his heap on the floor only to fall backwards and slump against the wooden frame of the dilapidated greenhouse. Steady breathing is the only tell-tell sign that he is in fact still alive.

8: Final Chapter Icarus Vs Hades Showdown

 

It was a while before Louthist or I regained enough stamina and consciousness to stand back up we had no power left in our reserves since it went into the summoning of Icarus and Hades we were visibly exhausted and even a blind man could see we had no fight left.

In the end, we settled for sitting at a table with Alice who prepared three cups of tea and brought out a carrot cake.

We sat in silence for a little while just drinking our tea and enjoying our cake roughly three minutes went by before any of us spoke.

“So please tell me why are we sitting just sitting here with tea and cake not like I mind of course I am just curious that’s all”

“Well master since we managed to match each other’s power when we collided for are be all end all fight the rest of our excess power went into sun boy and hell fang's up there so we couldn’t continue if we wanted to”

“So what will happen if either of those two wins?”

“Well Ms Carmichael if I may explain this time if Icarus wins then I shall finally be taking a ride on Charon’s boat down the river Styx and if Hades wins then the bird  of Hermes here will be cremated by the same flames that heralded Icarus’s downfall”

“What happens if they draw?”

“A draw Master well wouldn’t that be something we have no idea what would happen, both of us could live or die, I truly have no idea”

No more talking just silence from the trio at the table and all attention now turned towards the sky.

Icarus and Hades were going at it wing and fang neither of them letting up and imbued with the power of the two that summoned them here.

Hades was still in his snake form and Icarus was still on fire but that did not bother the graceless one none especially when he sunk his death dripping fangs into the boy's arm but then recoiled away when he was grabbed and burned by the intense heat from his opponents grip.

“The hammer of Daedalus from my father’s craft ascend to my grip and bringeth heavens wrath"

A small woodworking hammer appeared in Icarus’s hand.

“I smite the snake of hell' down back you go, home that you shall fall”

The fire began to disperse from Icarus leaving only a fine coating but making visible a man of Greek origins in the same apparel, that he is depicted wearing in the paintings and his wings not made of fire anymore but cloth and candle wax and yet still being able to fly freely without the assistance of momentum.

This was no longer a fight this was merely a one-sided simulation in crushing your opponent but for who would the one-sided ness favor, in the end, would Hades hold his head high and bring about the apocalypse or worse.

Would Icarus have the story of a lifetime to tell his father the boy who fell was able to fell the fallen family felon?

“I think I will join you in this little fancy dress thing you have going on here Icarus”

An abhorrent scene graced our vision several bulges coming from inside the snake it looked like its food was trying to escape but what came out was no food it was the dark lord in his original form half man half goat with a giant upside down crucifix in hand.

The shed skin of the snake lay lifeless and void of anything.

“Okay let’s end this”

“That’s fine by me”

We were on are second cake around this time we managed to find a coffee and walnut at the back of the cupboard and are new drinks consisted of sparkling elderflower needless to say the food the drink and the fight the possible outcome that everything could be destroyed only added to the enjoyment of a normally sullen occasion.

Not to mention the fact that not one person had called the police about this or the army this is only assuming anyone has seen or heard the commotion going on here.

Icarus wasted no time in flying straight for the hoofed deity holding his hammer in both hands, his focus was not wavering even slightly.

Hades stood his ground and used the crucifix as a shield it would have been a good shield if it did not splinter from the impact but do not assume the best.

Both Icarus and Hades had met their end and were consumed by the intermediary someone who presided over his own realm the perfect referee taking neither heaven nor hells side.

The Grim Reaper, the ruler of purgatory

 Skeletal hands and a cloak that acted as a black hole sucking in all manner of light

The scythe that claimed both of them was glinting from the sun as an eerie grey smoke ran across the blade like water normally the collector would not make an appearance to do this but the magnitude of this fight was too great to ignore.

The two adversaries’ simply vanished into thin air leaving no trace that they were even here.

Without even acknowledging that there was a table comprised of three other entity’s eating and drinking while watching this whole thing unfold was completely ignored by the reaper and he simply faded out of existence no doubt going to decide where his new friends would be placed.

“Huh well that was cool I guess don’t you think so boys”

“Well I have seen better but it defiantly entertained me don’t you think so Sir Tenatan”

“Oh yes it was very exhilarating, to say the least, but I conclude that are fight would’ve been far more exciting”

“Well Mr Louthist it seems to be getting g rather late I guess we will call this a day”

“Ah yes, of course, thank you for the hospitality Ms Carmichael and when I get my full power back we should do this again some other time”

“Yes I think I would like that Serpent, I will bid you farewell for now”

Tenatan Louthist began to walk to the front gate and waved to both Alice and I the former standing next to me and clinging on to my arm.

“Hey Harry are we finally at peace at least for now”

“Master you do not need to worry no matter what happens I will make sure you have a peaceful life”

“Come on let’s go inside and have a cup of tea”

“That’s the best idea I have heard all day”

“You know what I will even blow on your tea for you since you have done such a good job today”

“Thank you, my master…thank you Ms Alice Denver Emanuel Carmichael"

 

In the sea without lees standeth the bird of Hermes.

Eating his wings variable and maketh himself yet full stable.

When all feathers be from him gone he standeth still here as a stone.

Here is now both white and red and also the stone to quicken the dead.

All and some without fable both hard and soft and malleable.

Know now well and right and thank you god of this sight.