Visiting

Two years lived

in another town,

but still, every visit

back here feels

like comming home,

makes me wonder

how I live

with my heart

so far away.

Third Host: Mastema

It was dark. Not the sort of dark you get at night, but the kind you only find deep beneath the earth. The kind of dark that can swallow a man’s mind. Mastema found that thought made him smile a little. He had the kind of smile that you normally only saw in villains in movies. Or when something very horrible was about to happen to you.

Things moved through the darkness around him. Things that had long since become acustom to the endless dark of the abyss and abandoned anything resembling coherent thought. They only fought, fucked and waited. Mastema began moving through the masses. They all pulled back slightly from him. It had taken time to teach them to leave him be. Time he had to admit he found rather enjoyable. One of his hands drifted to the coiled whip at his waist. A nasty piece of braided leather, bits of class and metal worked into the tight braids.

Mastema gave a soft, whistful sigh as he navigated through the dark. He could feel the pull of the earth. Something was happening. Something big enough to require his attention. Perhaps something big enough to let all of his new friends finally out to play.

It didn’t take long to find the entryway. The force of its gaurdian drove back the beasts inside the Abyss, but for him it was like a beacon. Forcing it open just enough to let him out took a little more time. When the Abyss had been sealed, it had only really been meant to open the once. He was meticulous as he ran through the rote. It had taken him nearly a millenia to figure it out originally and even after that he had only used it to enter the first time.

There was nothing to track time by in the Abyss, but the building strain of the intricate rote reminded Mastema how long it took. Finally, he could feel himself being pulled, the faintest sensation of movement which was almost instantly swallowed in a wall of pain, feeling as though his body was being pulled apart and crushed in the same instant. It didn’t last long before the light blinded him and Mastema laughed, holding up his hands in an offering of peace, even though he could see nothing.

“It’s just me, old man,” said Mastema, voice rough from disuse.

The giant of a man standing nearby paused and lowered his massive sword. “You crazy bastard, you actually managed to return before the Abyss opened,” said Abaddon.

“Something is happening. Somethign that might finally free you from your post,” said Mastema.

Abaddon sat slowly. “That would be quite the event.”

Mastema grinned slowly, “I’ll make sure of it.”

Steampowered

Weekend is currently deddicated to massive crafting, pricing and packing. Will return to your regularly scheduled writing once the madness gives me some breathing room again.

Miles to Go

Fleeting moments

of clarity,

just emphasize

exhaustion,

remaining tasks,

hours left

before sleep

can be claimed.

Changing

That last explosion,

color flaring across hills -

then nothing but white.

Third Host: Mefathiel and Ezra

“How is it that the police never show up during these things,” said Ezra. “I’ve had to dodge the police any number of times with my work.”

Mefathiel shrugged a little and glanced around the corner. He then ducked out low and flicked out his hand, arcing a blade through the air and into the shoulder of a gunman. The man screamed and dropped back.

“I think a lot of it is money changing hands, but in this particular instance I wouldn’t be suprised if they had either created a distraction elsewhere in town while they set their trap or if they were containing the noise,” said Mefathiel as he starting creeping forward again.

Ezra followed after him, continuing the conversation in a quiet voice,”Don’t you find it a little disturbing that they have put this much effort into making sure nobody could follow Amitiel?”

“The fact that I’m not back in my office working on cases was the first sign that things were going to be bad,” said Mefathiel. “My own fight is big enough without all of this, most of the time.”

Ezra snapped off two shots, catching another shadow creature, “They’re either running out of things to throw at us or they are getting ready for a big push,” he said, pausing to check his clip. It was running low. He snapped it back it the gun with a practiced motion and glance to Mefathiel.

“So what do you suggest,” said Mefathiel.

“Well, if you’re willing to fall back to the car we could get more weapons,” said Ezra.

“And if I think falling back is a bad idea,” asked Mefathiel.

“Then we need to hit hard and fast, hopefully break through and grab him. Watch for any potential get-away vehicles,” said Ezra.

“Maybe I should have brought a gun,” said Mefathiel.

“Bit late now. Lets move,” said Ezra and lead the way, running and keeping low and in the shadows.

Mefathiel shook his head slightly, then followed after, “This just gets better and better.”

Fading

Trapped by shards

of my heart,

sharp edges

enforcing days

of solitude, nights

endlessly dreaming

of moments lost

to indecision,

while time fails

to heal, and I

fall deeper

into me.

Window Seat

Watching her wait,

trapped by her virtue -

excruciating patience.

War Torn

Watching snow gather,

deep drifts swallowing the world -

hiding scared land.

Third Host: Z and Malachi

Z had stayed home from work, her mood mirroring the dreary weather outside to an extent that work just seemed untenable for the day. SHe had no appointments and decided to leave the shop in the hands of her assistants for the day. She pulled on her fluffy black robe with white skulls and pink bows, tucked her feat into her frog slippers and moved to the living room couch. A few jabs of the remote brought the entertainment center to life and started blasting her favorite series of rock ballads. Anubis joined her on the couch and settled his head in her lap.

Z hadn’t really moved when Malachi slipped in beneath the sound of heavy guitar riffs. He circled the couch, Z paying no real attention, just miming guitar motions and singing along with the music. He leaned in and kissed the top of her head. Z blinked up at him and smiled at Malachi, reaching to turn down the music.

“Hey you,” Z said.

Malachi smiled at her, hands behind his back. “You doing ok, lovely?”

Z shrugged a little non-commitally, untangling herself from Anubis, “I guess.”

Malachi leaned in and tucked the box of fancy chocolates into Z’s lap, “Maybe I can cheer you up?”

Z held up the box of candy and smiled, unwrapping it and popping one in her mouth with a happy little sound. She reached up to catch Malachi and pull him over the back of the couch. Anubis fled from the couch and Malachi tumbled over into her lap with a slight yelp of amusement.

Z grinned down at him and softly kissed him. “Thank you for the candy,” she said, then kissed him again. “And for the treats.”

Malachi laughed softly, “Any time?”

“Better be any time,” she grabbed another chocolate to munch, cuddling up with him.

“You still haven’t decided what to do, have you?” said Malachi.

Z sighed and hid her head against Malachi’s shoulder, “No. I know I’m going to have to do something… but I’m not even sure what’s happening, really. But… if it gets out of control…” she sighs.

Malachi squezed her softly, “Maybe we need to look into it more.”

Z frowned, “I told you I didn’t want you getting involved in this.”

“And I told you that I was getting involved wether you wanted me to or not,” said Malachi.

Z sighed softly and kissed him again, “You are in such trouble.”

“I know, but you’re worth it,” Malachi said.

Z smiled and hugged him tight. “Ok, I need to go get changed. Then we are going to go talk to someone.”

Malachi nodded, “Alright,” moving to let her get up.

Z tugged him in close for another kiss, then stood up and lightly bapped his nose. “But you’re still in trouble,” then crossed back off to the other room.

Malachi sighed and grinned wryly to himself after she left, then started prepping himself for the impending trouble.