Okay, yay, I’m posting a chapter from another story. This is the book I wrote for JanNoWriMo this year. I didn’t make it by only 2k, but I could have. Since I had the knowledge I could have made it, I just decided to head to bed.

Anyway, this story is a favorite. I have several chapters of it finished, just about 50k. (‘k’ means thousands by the way, and when I use it this way, it means I am referring to how many words something is.)

Please tell me what you think, and here is the longest prolog I have ever written, but probably the best. It’s a conversation/debate between gods and goddesses, as well as the Devil, and some of his buddies. It’s beautiful, it’s a hoot, and….well…maybe you should just read on and find out.

This thing has action, humor and comedy, action, a touch of romance here and there, action, adventure, and did I mention action? It’s got plot of course, (I don’t care much for those stories that are all swinging swords and firing guns, and no plotline.) It’s got great plot, character depth, and some great humorous comedic lines you must hear!

Prolog:

The wind was a whisper through the air that dark night. It reverberated through every stone, every grain of sand, and within every wave of water that grew in the depths, and rushed toward the shore in a meaningless frenzy. The air was aloud with the sounds of the waves crashing, and the wind whipping, but under this was a soft sounding silence, just whispering beneath the surface of the constant noise, like a predator, hiding its presence beneath the waters surface, so that only those keen would realize it was there.

This appeared an ordinary place, where one could see the edge of the water lap at the sand endlessly, and a dock, stretching out across the water, the noise of that darkly shaded liquid lapping at the underside, but it wasn’t an ordinary place, not that night.

The city gongs of the world would be sounding midnight in just a few moments, but no, it wouldn’t be gongs anymore. The times had changed. Mortal’s used clocks and watches to tell the ebb and flow of time now.

A few moments passed, and the moon appeared from behind a cloud in the dark sky, sending its radiance down to turn the waves a glimmering silver. With the moons appearance, there was a change in the air, not that there was anyone to notice, not anyone who hadn’t experienced it millions of times before.

A form began to rise from the water, sending ripples to join with the crashing waves. About 20 feet from where the water turned to sand, two pale, slim, graceful hands rose from the water, which were reaching toward the sky, as if they wished to grasp the moon, and yank it down into the watery depths of the sea. Soon, a head appeared of which possessed long waves of dark green hair the same color as the ocean waves that lapped at her body. Her green hair continued on, to cascade over beautiful bare shoulders the color of the moon itself on its fullest and clearest night. After shoulders, came a chest with full perfect breasts, and then came pale hips, and two long slim graceful legs. The woman stood upon the waters surface now, as if this was as a normal thing to do as a mortal switching on the light to her room. The woman glanced around her with a turn of her head, as she pushed her hair out of her face, which cascaded all the way down to her hips. Then she spoke, and her voice was so beautiful, like the sound of someone dropping a stone into a bowl of completely still water, and creating gentle ripples, that it would have frozen a mortal’s breath in their chests.

“Well, where the hell is everybody?” She said aloud, glancing around her with annoyance.

“We are early you know, Lady Ocean.” Said a voice as another form rose from the water, but this one was male and stood clothed in the many shades and colors of the ocean that made up so much of their surroundings. His eyes glowed bright, as he surveyed the form of the only other to be standing with him. “Perhaps you should dress yourself in something? Just a thought.” The male said with a tilt of his head, making his short black bangs swing in front of his green eyes.

“Oh, I suppose, if you insist I must.” The female said sweetly, and clapped her hands together silently above her head, and when she slowly lowered them back to her sides, clothing rippled into place over her previously bare form. Now she stood before him with clothing similar to the shades of his. An intricate dress that was long enough it just missed brushing the surface of the water that flowed under her bare feet. It was the darkest shade of green, and across the chest of it black thread was woven into complicated designs. Seeing her now dressed, the male came over and stood behind her, wrapping one of his equally pale skinned arms around the front of her, as he draped himself about her shoulders like a cloak.

“Good evening Lady Ocean, Mousier Sea.” Said another voice, and as if out of the air that surrounded them, but of which they didn’t actually need, entered another presence, another male. He was draped in the many shades of the weather and the seasons. He wore a long brown tree bark robe, and a pair of rain colored blue slacks peered from beneath it. He had a large necklace that hung against his chest, which could just be seen through the crack in his robe. The necklace held alternating stones and leaves of varying hues. Last his hair had been taken and wound upon his head, with leaves and moss weaved into it. His skin was darker than the others too, for he was the god of the weather and the seasons, and his outfit showed it, as well the magnificent presence he brought to the air.

“Good evening, Mousier Weather-Season.” The first male replied who was indeed the God of the Sea, and nodded to the newcomer. “Can we expect the others to arrive shortly?” He went on to ask politely, and let go of Lady Ocean, and instead just held her hand within his own large one.

“Yes, in fact, right about now.” Mousier Weather-Season went on, and then cast his gaze to the skies.

It was then they arrived.

Forms appeared everywhere, dropping from the sky, stepping out of “nothingness” and into existence on the dock, and some appeared from very the darkness of the forest that began on the beach. In moments, male and female gods and goddesses stood on the water, on the dock, and on the sand at the waters edge. The air sang with power now they had all arrived. It thrummed through every one of them, and they each basked in the familiar scent of strength and power, and the pure magnificence they could almost taste.

“And so we meet.” Said a particular voice, and this God stepped into the middle of the circle of great beings. His was the most powerful presence of three out of all the beings who stood there. No one even need look at him to know who he was.

Contrary to what most of humanity believed, there were five plains of existence, the Mortal world of Earth, Heaven up above, Hell down below, and the Demon realm that any Demon or Angel could go too. All except the Demon World had reigning God’s or Goddess’s, and the one that stood before them now, was the God of the pure realm. He held many names on Earth, especially among Christians, but here among his fellows, he was Father Heaven.

“We’ve come together like this because there is a topic that must be discussed that is of very high importance.” Father Heaven was going onto say, his voice both strong and booming around them, and yet soft and gentle at the same time. “By now you have all heard of what the Demonic Community is putting together in the Demon Plain.” A hand went up, and all turned their eyes upon Lady Ocean.

“Excuse me Father Heaven, but why isn’t Mousier Demonicis here with us?” She asked, gazing at the God standing before her with respect.

“Because the leader of the Demon Plain is part of who is organizing this event, this…contest. As you know, a mere month ago, it was within this very court that that contest was justified, and would be allowed to play itself out, but something has changed, and now there is a problem.” Father Heaven said, and all ears were directed to him, and not one eye strayed from his strong standing form, of which was dressed in a long flowing white robe, with gold lining at the edges. He had long gold hair to his shoulders, and white wings that spread out behind him. All in the circle that possessed wings had kept them spread, as the rules stated. Father Heaven continued. “They chose a mortal to take from the Earthen Realm, and chose someone who I was just recently informed is going to play a huge part in her world in three weeks, Mortal Time. She will die, and then come to Heaven, and do great things. She can’t be their chosen mortal, but Mousier Demonicis says it is too late to change the choice.”

“So what is there to be talked about?” Said the Devil, gazing at Father Heaven with a sly eye. If Mortals heard of the very idea of both God and the Devil standing in the same circle, fighting the same side of a battle, Christians probably would have gawked, and then proceed to call it blasphemy.

“My advisors and I have spoke on this already, and we’ve figured out the best course of action would be to send someone to win this contest, and bring us the Mortal when they have done so.” There was silence for a moment at this sentence, and Father Heaven knew there were definitely people in the circle that weren’t happy with this idea.

“But dear Father Heaven, who in the four plains could you choose, that might have the ability to battle and win against millions of different kinds of demons and angels alike?” Asked one of the few still unnamed beings in the court, but upon mere glance, it was known to all that this was Mousier Battlelay. He was the God of Battle and War, and oversaw it often in all four plains. He was also a full fledged Angel. He was one of Father Heaven’s closest friends, and was his top advisor back when he still resided in Heaven.

“I think you all know of whom I am thinking.” Father Heaven went on and it was Mousier Weather-Season that spoke the question that somebody had to ask.

“You mean to speak of the hybrid, don’t you Father Heaven?”

“I do.” The god replied, and there was a short moment of shocked silence.

Father Heaven had already predicted that there would be those against this decision. He knew who would oppose him in this, and had already prepared responses to their unique objections.

“That is a dangerous choice.” The Devil said, and smirked to himself, and crossed his arms over his chest, as his long black cloak whipped in the quiet wind like a living shadow.

“They are two of the best warriors of this millennia, and are both at the height of their strength. Between the two, they possess the knowledge of all four plains.” Father Heaven went on to explain, and although the scent of uncertainty was still potent in the air, he sensed they were beginning to see the logic in his words.

“It’s true. The hybrid is at the height of their strength, but they are both still quite young.” Said the Devil, still smirking as if he found this whole ordeal amusing. “Do you really want to entrust something as important as you are making this out to be, in the hybrids hands?” Father Heaven made sure he didn’t hesitate in his answer. He had to appear confident, and completely behind his own decision.

“I think it is the safest and most promising choice, Devil.” He replied, and the Devil stood up straighter when his name was used. When titles were used in this court, other than the name of Father Heaven, it meant for one to pay attention, and even such a powerful being as the Devil knew this, and reacted to it just like any of the other beings would. “Do you disagree, Devil?” God and Devil looked into each others eyes for a few moments, not quite a glare on either’s faces, but the intensity of their gazes made it clear the two’s feelings toward one another. Although almost all of what the mortals had written about in their bibles was wrong, and just a story being passed down and changed too many times, it was still quite true that God and the Devil hated each other. They just lived a little more harmoniously with each other than mortals would believe.

“Father Heaven,” The Devil said, using the God’s title as he so seldom did. “Do what you see fit. I see no problems coming of this to my people, or to my plain, so my opinion isn’t quite needed.” He finished, posing his opinion as that of he didn’t feel it involved him, or the Hell Plain, so he would let the others make this decision for themselves. Of course, the Devil would still listen to the conversation. Court meetings such as this, where only important topics were discussed, the Devil often found the subjects and responses quite amusing. He himself even wished he could participate in the contest, but he was a leader of a Plain, and therefore could not afford to risk his life for a mere tournament. Not that his life was as important to him as Mortals lives were to them. It worked differently when it came to God’s and Devil’s deaths. It couldn’t quite be explained in words.

“So, shall I call the hybrid to us then?” Mother Earth asked the group and it was Father Heaven who answered her.

“Only if we all are in agreement that it is the right choice?” He said, and all eyes cast themselves about the group, and after a few moments, all heads had nodded their consent.

“Summon them.” Father Heaven said, turning to Mother Earth, who nodded, and placed her hands together in front herself, intertwining her fingers, as she closed her eyes. Her long gray hair mixed with brown, swayed back and forth around her in a nonexistent breeze, and she hummed quietly, as she called down to the being who currently resided on the Human Plain. After a moment of silence, of which all gazed upon the Goddess, Mother Earth opened her eyes, and let her hands fall to her sides, nodding her head toward the dock, which so far only held one being,, which was Mousier Battlelay. The God of Battle and War stood alone for several moments, before another figure drifted down out of the night sky, to land gracefully next to the God.

This new arrival was dressed differently than all the others. She was dressed in a short pair of brown slacks, and a tucked in black shirt, and over it was a long black cotton coat that lightly brushed against the back of her knees. She had long blond hair that went beyond her shoulders in beautiful waves. She wore a belt, of which had several places where she obviously would usually attach weapons, but it was against divine law to have such things at court meetings. The way she dressed was not the only thing that set her aside from the others. Her wings were two different colors. Her left wing was a long glistening feathered white angel’s wing, much like the others there, but her right wing was a black shinning demon’s wing. Her eyes, as they surveyed those who looked at her, were two different colors too. Her left one was brown, and her right was blue. This was the hybrid, the half angel, and half demon.

“Welcome, hybrid Nioko and Cray.” Said Father Heaven, welcoming the arrival with a polite nod, which the girl returned. “You no doubt are wondering why you have been summoned to this court. I regret to inform you, that it is for a very dire need. We know that this court has not called on you for a very long time. Rest assured it is of the highest importance.” Father Heaven paused, as he looked at the group around them, and the person they kept calling the Hybrid looked at all of them in turn, wondering what they were going to ask of them this time.

“Have you heard of the Demonic Contest happening over in the Demonic Plain Hybrid?” Mousier Battlelay asked, and the girl turned her eyes upon him.

“Yes. I have heard the rumors of a tournament happening over there.”

“Had you considered participating?” The God asked her, and she shook her head.

“No, Mousier Battlelay. I had meant to stay on the Mortal Plain. I didn’t see any meaning in participating in a killing contest, all over a mere mortal.”

“Well, would you consider doing such a thing if there was a meaning to it?” Mousier Battlelay said, and the girl tilted her head to the side, confused, and waited for him to elaborate what he was asking, but this is where Father Heaven took over again.

“Hybrid, for this contest, they have taken a mortal that which has to be found in order to win, and it turns out that this particular mortal is going to do important things in three weeks on the Human Plain, and when she dies, she does even greater things in Heaven. She must return to the Human Plain when the contest is over, but it is likely that even though the human must be alive in order to win, after that the winner can do whatever they like, and these demons aren’t likely going to let her live.”

“What are you asking?” The girl asked, and Father Heaven seemed to sigh, and all could feel a whisper of air sweep around them.

“We need you to participate in the contest, win, and take the mortal back to the Human Plain, in time for her to do the thing’s of which she is destined. Do you understand what we are requesting, and are you willing?” The girl nodded, biting her lip, such a human thing that it was obvious she had been living with mortals for a long time. “You do realize this is the court of the divine asking you?” The God went on, and she nodded her head, and then was silent for a long time. No one spoke. No one moved. All waiting for the Hybrid’s response and they all knew that the Hybrid was now conversing within herself.

“As always Father Heaven, I’m at your service.” Father Heaven smiled for the first time that evening.

“Very good. Then that is all. The contest begins on the morrow. We will see you when you win, Hybrid.” He finished, and with that dismissal, the girl took to the skies with her white and black wings, and flew off into the distance. A moment later, she was gone, as she returned to whatever she had been doing before she’d been summoned.

It might have been thought the meeting was adjourned, and most thought it was, but someone stepped forward and halted it.

“Sorry to stop the court before it flies off, but upon meeting the Hybrid in person, I truly do believe that someone else should be sent. It’s too much to put in just two pairs of hands.”

“What happened to your not caring because it didn’t have anything to do with you and your people?” Mousier Sea asked, smiling in a mocking way at the Devil, who just returned the look with a small simple grin.

“It may not concern my world, but it does interest me, and even perhaps amuse me, so I am deciding to take part.”

“And so what are you suggesting?” Father Heaven asked, and it took a moment for the dark cloaked figure to reply.

“I propose we send someone else, as a sort of back-up plan. It can’t hurt after all, but only help.” He finished, and grinned to himself as he waited for somebody to ask the question he already had an answer for.

“And who would you send, Devil?” Mother Nature asked, her smooth and caring tone taking him by surprise. Everyone was suddenly using his title, as if they didn’t like the idea that the Devil was trying so hard to play a part in this whole fiasco.

“A demon wanderer.” The Devil replied, grinning to himself still. Just as Father Heaven always needed to appear confident and sure, the Devil thought he should always appear powerful and important to the situation. “He spends most of his time wandering between the three plains, and is a highly skilled warrior, just not always a very…controllable warrior.” The Devil said, and all gazed upon him for several moments in silence, as if they didn’t know how to react to this proposal. “He is also already competing in the contest anyway.” He added.

“I believe that it is as you say, Devil. It can’t hurt to send another, it can only help.” Said Father Heaven, nodding his head slowly as if thinking the Devil’s words through very thoroughly. “But are the rest of you all in agreement? Such a decision as this can’t be based merely on a leaders consent. We all must be in support of this for it to be allowed to come to be.” Father Heaven said, and then both he and the Devil waited for the others to react, which took a couple moments of very heavy quiet, before someone did. Slowly, all hands rose into the air, and everyone in the circle gave their consent to the newly stated idea.

“Very well then. I shall call for him.” The Devil said, and snickered to himself. “I believe he is in Hell right now, but with this one it is almost impossible to know.” And the Devil closed his eyes, but didn’t do any fancy hand movements or positions as Mother Nature had done to call for the Hybrid. He merely closed his eyes, and took on a look of utter calm, a strange expression for such a being as him. After a few moments, the Devil opened his eyes, and all gazed around, apparently expecting for this demon to just appear, as all others had done. So when nothing happened, all turned to look at the Devil in question. Without saying a word, the dark clad figure pointed to the other side of them, where the water was lapping at the sand, and just out of the waters reach, a figure as darkly dressed as the leader of Hell, was leaning against a tree, his arms crossed over his chest, and a grin plastered onto his face. His hood was down, to reveal long black hair flowing to his shoulders, but with a bright gold streak that hung against his right cheek. His two black demonic wings stretched out behind him, and he gazed upon the group before him not with awe, but with bemusement.

“You rang?” The demon said, grinning to the Devil, who nodded his head, and went on to explain what Father Heaven had told the Hybrid, although he said it quicker and simpler.

“Gargayic,” The Devil said to the demon, that no doubt being his name. “The contest that you have entered, we were wondering if you might be so kind as to grant us a small request for when you win.”

“It wouldn’t have anything to do with wanting to use my wish, now would it?” Gargayic asked slyly, not sounding at all happy with where this was going, even though he couldn’t have known yet. The Devil shook his head.

“No, that is purely for your use. What this court would be asking is you merely give the mortal to us, and that is all.”

“All you want is the mortal?” Gargayic said, smiling widely. “Too bad. I had a mind full of uses for her.” And he let out a chuckle, which no one else echoed. “Not a very cheerful bunch, are you?”

“Demon named Gargayic,” Said Father Heaven, stepping into the conversation. “Will you, or will you not agree to our request?”

“Yes, yes. I’ll bring you your mortal, but what do I get out of this?” Gargayic said, sounding like he was offhandedly attempting to sound annoyed, but he actually wasn’t.

“Well, of all the insolence. Who do you think you are standing before, demon?” Lady Ocean snapped, but Father Heaven silenced her with a wave of his hand.

“You of course would be rewarded for your troubles.” Father Heaven said. “What would you ask for in bargain for the mortal?” The demon on the shore stayed still for several moments, as if contemplating the things he could do with this opportunity. He could ask for anything, and would probably get it. What could he do with this? He looked up as he made his decision.

“I want the ability to travel to the fourth plain.” He finished, and there was a gasp passed around the group of beings, an impressive feat, to surprise this group. There was a way things worked with the four plains. Demons could travel between Hell, and the demon plain, but only the ones that trained long and hard, could make it to the Human Plain. Angels could only go from Heaven to the Demon Plain, and once again, only a small few could go to Earth. Last, humans were stuck on their own planet, and couldn’t move from there until they died, and had to turn into either a demon or angel to go anywhere else, which was almost impossible.

The Devil chuckled.

“Well, why not?” He said, and all gazed upon him with wide eyes, when Mother Nature spoke.

“It is a dangerous thing to give, to allow a demon to travel to Heaven.”

“It’s preposterous.” Said Battlelay, sounding taken aback by the very consideration of the idea. “The possibilities of what a demon could do in Heaven? They are too vast to risk.”

“But it’s not as if it hasn’t been done before, correct?” The Devil put in, grinning softly as he gazed at the God. “A few millennia back you allowed a demon from Hell to travel to your plain, and let him do so on many occasions. Why is this so different?”

“Because that demon had proved himself over and over again, to be trustworthy. The only thing we know about this demon is his name, and that he likes to travel.” Said Battlelay, seeming truly against this whole thing, and no one doubted that he would fight against it. He was the God of Battle and War after all.

“I can promise you can trust this demon as well…mostly.” The Devil went on, and glanced to the demon still standing on the beach, who grinned back at him.

“Why, I’m flattered.” He said sarcastically, but then both had to move their attentions back to the other beings around them. The Devil had always thought that the reason he liked Gargayic so much was probably because the demon didn’t worry about pissing people off, even demons or gods, or Father Heaven himself, and especially that last quality was one that he liked.

“Devil, demon Gargayic, please pay attention.” Father Heaven interrupted, and the Devil found himself ticked at being cut off. The god paused a moment, as if to think to himself, and then spoke. “Divine court, it is true we allowed this once before, although they were quite different circumstances. Although for this to come about all present have to agree, I myself believe that as long as where he can travel is limited to the outer limits of Heaven, there won’t be any trouble.”

Mother Nature was the first to answer. “As long as the limits include not coming inside the actual gates of Heaven, then I am in support.”

“I agree.” Said Mousier Weather-Season, nodding his head.

“Well, yes, I guess I am in support.” Said Mousier Sea and Lady Ocean hesitated only a moment, before she nodded her head too.

“I still believe this very much lunacy, but if the court is all in support, and if Father Heaven believes it safe enough, and,” Said Battlelay, glancing toward Gargayic. “If the limit is to stay to the outskirts, then yes, I am in support.” All eyes turned to the Devil next, who was the only one who hadn’t answered.

“You all know my opinion.” The Devil said, smiling, and Father Heaven nodded, before then speaking in a loud tone, even though all could hear without trouble. It was as if he did this so he would have every bit of every person’s attention, and he had it. “I think we are all in agreement. So yes. Gargayic, shall you win the contest...

“I will.” Said Gargayic, and the fact of him cutting Father Heaven off astounded all present.

“Yes, of course,” Father Heaven went on, obviously not happy at being cut off.

‘Taste of your own medicine.’ The Devil thought to himself at that moment.

“As I was saying, if and when you win the contest, and you bring the mortal back to us, alive, then you will be granted the ability to travel the outskirts of the Heaven Plain, anything but what’s within the gates. When you bring the mortal to us.” Father Heaven repeated, making sure the demon understood the importance of the situation, and the job he was being given. Father Heaven and everyone waited a moment, to see if the demon would say anything, and when he did, it began with a sarcastic chuckle.

“Goodness, this mortal must be important to you.” Said Gargayic, grinning widely. “I didn’t quite expect you were going to agree.”

“Then that is all then.” Father Heaven said quickly, knowing Gargayic was beginning to try their patience, and therefore wanted to have the demon make his leave before trouble erupted. When such things as that happened in the court it could result in terrible things happening on any of the four plains.

“It’s a good thing I’m in a good mood, because I don’t usually do well with dismissals.” Gargayic said, then turned, and took to the skies, his black wings stretched out on both sides of him, and his clothing billowing in the wind, and it was easy to say that no one was sad to see him go, other than perhaps the Devil.

The air felt different, now that it was just the divine court again. The air felt slightly heavy, but still resonated with the strength and brilliance of those present. These presences all waited for someone to speak, to adjourn the meeting. Unless there was yet again, something else to be said?

“Are we finished then?” Mousier Sea asked into the very full feeling silence, and it was a mere moment for someone to answer him.

“I do believe so, except that we will need to meet here again once the contest has finished, which I know all of you will keep yourselves informed of.” Father Heaven said, looking around at his divine fellows with a tired, yet strong eye. “And with that, I believe we are finished. Farewell.”

And once the Father of Heaven finished speaking, he turned, and on wings of pure gold, he took to the night skies, and just before disappearing, two white angelic winged figures joined him, before they then winked out of sight, as they passed from that realm, and back into their own. Back on the water, others were taking their leave. Both Mother Nature and Weather-Season faded into the forest, blending with the greenery and darkness there, and a moment later, Battlelay just disappeared without moving. Last, the Devil winked out of sight. The only two left standing now, were Mousier Sea and Lady Ocean.

“You notice how all of them leave without so much as a “Goodbye?” Lady Ocean asked the male beside her, still holding her hand in his own. “It might be said that that demon was right about the divine court not being a ‘cheerful bunch,’ as he put it.”

“Yes, but that was probably about the only thing he was right about.” Mousier Sea replied to her, smiling softly. “It was quite obvious the court didn’t care for him, then again, neither did I. Demons enjoy being offensive I think.”

“Kinda like you?” Lady Ocean asked, turning to face him, and with this one movement, her clothing vanished again.

“But you like me that way, don’t you?” He asked, gazing into her eyes, and then, as they gently, silently, wrapped their arms around each other, they began to sink.

A mere few moments later, as their heads slipped under the surface of the water with a slight ripple, the air returned to normal again. The waves crashed, the wind whispered, the dock rose up and down, and the air lightened. If a human had come there then, there would be no signs of the beings that had met there, and the meeting they had held. They had vanished as easily as they had appeared, after all, they were divine beings, what more could be expected? And then again, a mortal mind cannot comprehend them, so that would be a silly question to ask, wouldn’t it?

Want chapter one? Want to begin the contest that demons and angels alike will compete in? If you like action, if you like humor, read on baby!