GZ Legends 68: Charon's Fate

         

  Souls of the condemned wrapped their ghostly arms around Nyhtwulf, dragging him deeper and deeper toward the bottom of the River Styx. As they dragged him down and down, the rage of the shadowy hero mounted. He bared his fangs, tensed his muscles and strained against the overwhelming forces of the river. No one caught in the river’s grasp had ever surfaced again.

            Charon glared down at the swirling waters with pleasure and pride. Finally, after all these years, he found the revenge he desired. There hadn’t been a waking moment in all the time Nyhtwulf ever served the Four Horsemen that Charon hadn’t wanted to destroy the Twilie Demon. Finally, he could gloat with abandon. Every time he would cross the Styx, he would cross over Nyhtwulf’s imprisoned soul. Nothing could make Charon happier at that moment.

            The smoking hole through his middle chest region was a confusing surprise to the Ferryman. With the inability to actually feel anything, he didn’t notice it right away. Worse yet, such a thing was supposed to be impossible. Charon long stood the eons as an indestructible force on the river. Nothing had ever been able to harm him before. Slowly, he turned to the source of the blast that tore through his back.

            Blacktide stood, seething with rage. His clenched fists smoked with a new power and the chains were in pieces at his feet. Charon reacted without any further hesitation.  He swung out with his pole and hit Blacktide across the forehead, breaking a hole in the man’s sunglasses. Blacktide’s head turned with the blow and slowly he turned his head back, glaring at Charon. As the Ferryman took another swing, Blacktide ducked under it and came up with another disintegration blast that tore apart Charon’s left arm.

            Charon responded with a roar that sent a wide ball of flames toward Blacktide. Charon’s glaring eyes, shot flames out 8 feet in either direction. Blacktide rolled across the deck of the boat and came up with a wave of distortional power and ripped at the boatman from all angles.

            “Your bones will decorate my boat!” Charon howled.

            “I said I wanted to kick your head and I’m going to!” Blacktide shouted back.

           

At the bottom of the river, another surging battle raged. The lost souls gripped Nyhtwulf and gathered on him like moths to a flame. Nyhtwulf tensed and reached deep within himself to the heart of his own supernatural might. As he thrust his wings out, forcing the souls away from him, jets of water flew at the surface. The boat shook, momentarily jarring the footing of both on board as Nyhtwulf’s body exploded from the River and into the air. Nyhtwulf roared in a mixture of triumph and rage.

            “NO!” Charon’s embattled form turned in shock, just in time for Blacktide to unleash a new attack. This burst of power erased parts of the boat’s railing and left the deck smoking. In the midst of the smoky cloud, Charon’s long pole fell away into the water with a splash. A hollow thud could be heard as Charon’s disembodied skull hit the deck and bounced. It spun, almost in slow motion. As it spun the glowing sockets seemed to show Charon’s absolute disbelief. The skull bounced twice more on the wooden deck before being grasped by human fingers from a shredded glove.

            Blacktide brought the skull of Charon up to head level so he could look directly into its blazing eyes. At the same time, the human hero put his broken sunglasses back on, one eye still viewable through the cracks. Nyhtwulf landed, glad to see his partner alive.

            “What will you do?” Nyhtwulf asked.

            “Pathetic human! You will pay for this!” Charon shouted.

            Blacktide glared at the skull and slowly shook his head. “Nah. I don’t think so. But I promised you this.”

           

With a step in preparation, Blacktide’s boot met with Charon’s skull like a professional football kicker. Charon screamed as his head sped across the river toward the palace of the Four Horsemen. As it flew, the air around it swirled in new shadows and a great skeletal hand wrapped around the flying skull, stopping its flight. Hovering over the river was Death himself. As the entity floated towards them, Blacktide felt a catch in his throat. He had no idea what to expect. Nyhtwulf dropped to his knees.

            Without a word to either of them, Death gestured with his open hand and the body of Charon reassembled on the boat. The long pole returned the Ferryman’s hands. Only the head remained unattached.

            “Rise, former servant.” Death commanded before turning attention to Blacktide. “For the transgressions against you, Larry ‘Blacktide’ Peters, your power has been altered. Use it wisely. Now you both follow me to witness the true punishment of Charon.” An unseen power pulled the boat to the opposite shore. Neither of the two offered any objection as they followed Death onto the dark beach of the dead.

            Together, they walked to the great front doors of the palace where Death stopped. Blacktide could only watch in awe. He had no idea just what had happened to his powers, but they did feel different than before. He realized he destroyed the magical chains that held him. Was that what Death meant? He had little time to think on it.

            Death reached out to the great front doors with Charon’s skull and fixed it fast to the right side door. A great metal ring appeared in the skull’s mouth before Death spoke again.

            “You thought no worse punishment could ever be devised for you, reckless and foolish Ferryman. Now, not only will your headless body continue your sentence upon the River Styx; you shall serve as the heraldry of all who wish to enter here. No words will you utter, but all who come will use you to rap upon our door. This shall be your disgrace from here on to whatever eternity the Horsemen desire.” Death turned to Blacktide and Nyhtwulf. “You have witnessed this event and now are bid leave this place. Your fate is elsewhere.”

           

Nyhtwulf nodded and grabbed onto Blacktide who was too shocked to speak. With the power of the Twilie Demon, the two friends left. When Death gives a command, it’s best to ask nothing, merely comply.

GZ Legends 22: Enter Death!

Glaring with fury

            “Okay,” Electrode said as Cyclone approached with menace, “We need a plan and we need it now.”

            Blacktide tightened his fists, “My power could kill him and we aren’t supposed to do that.”

            “So we don’t. I want you to make a deep hole under his feet.”

            “What?”

            “You heard me, and hurry, he’s about to lunge at us,” Electrode moved into speed mode and couldn’t be seen any longer.

            “Nyhtwulf, I hope you’re guiding me man!” Blacktide fired his disintegration power at the sand under Cyclone’s feet and he dropped. The hole only came to his waist.

            Electrode raced around Cyclone blasting at the sand and spraying all over the cosmic being while infusing the entire arrangement with lightning. In all but a second’s glance Electrode stood next to Blacktide again. They both stared at the furious Cylone, completely encased in glass.

 *******

Further into the air, and now at the eye of the hurricane, Sandstorm put his will against that of the storm. As Cyclone fought the group below, the storm weakened slightly and that was the knowledge Sandstorm needed. The hurricane resisted him, howled at him, and even tried to throw him out. Sandstorm would not relent. Sandstorm’s elemental link to the Earth didn’t just allow him to sense weather patterns on the other side of the world. Sandstorm could draw power from the Earth to limits even he didn’t know. It was Sandstorm’s will against that of the living hurricane to force it out of existence. The tug of war pulled at the very molecules of Sandstorm’s being and the face screamed at him from the inner wall of the eye.

“You aren’t going another ten feet into Florida!” Sandstorm thought through the pain, “I’m not going to let you!”

*******

“That was impressive,” Blacktide said as they stared for the moment at Cyclone in the glass. “Lighting glass.”

“But will it hold him?” Electrode asked.

Anubis

“Looks like we’re about to find out,” Anubis said as he now hovered over them, “Man, he can hit back!”

Cracks raced across the glass surface. Anubis put up a barrier of energy that stopped the glass shards from reaching them as Cyclone burst free from the torso up. From his waist down, Cyclone was still encased in the hole filled with glass. Cyclone raised his fists up to bring down and free himself. At that moment, behind the cosmic entity, Nyhtwulf rose from the ground. No one had seen the demon move from where he was resting, especially not Cyclone.

Nyhtwulf  phased his fingers into either side of Cyclone’s skull. Cyclone screamed and a wave of energy burst out and threw everyone back. The winds of the hurricane surged harder and louder.

“Tell Anubis to strike now and strike hard!” Nyhtwulf called into Blacktide’s mind.

“Ahh! Don’t shout!” Blacktide looked to Anubis and relayed the message.

“Well, okay, if he says so,” Anubis charged both his fist and flew in for a high powered punch aimed for Cyclone’s face.

Anubis punched Cyclone so hard that there was another explosion of force. Glass and sand flew all around. Electrode quickly moved Redeagle and Atomizer behind Blacktide. Blacktide extended his aura forward and all sand and glass that would hit them was disintegrated.

As the glare from the attack faded, so did the hurricane, leaving only rough dark seas in its stead. Sandstorm materialized on the beach, bent on one knee and gasping from exhaustion. In the new crater, Anubis and Nyhtwulf stood over the unconscious body of Cyclone.

Electrode rushed over to check on Sandstorm who waved off to signal he was okay.

Blacktide turned to Redeagle and Atomizer who started to stir. “Oh, good, you guys are moving around.”

“I’m soaked and caked with sand,” Atomizer spat some sand from his lips.

“What happened?” Redeagle asked as he did similar, “And did you move us over here?”

“We won. And no way, man, I could never risk that. Electrode moved you.”

“So what do we do with him now?” Anubis asked as he and Nyhtwulf stared down at Cyclone.

“I really don’t know,” Nyhtwulf said and then gasped at the sound of his own voice.

“Uh, you just talked, dude,” Anubis pointed.

“Yes! I did! I can speak again! The spell must be broken.”

“Broken?” Blacktide rushed to the crater’s edge. “Does that mean you’ve completed your mission?”

He rose from the sand

As if in direct reply a new figure rose from the ground at another edge of the crater; much like Nyhtwulf had before. This person towered over them all shrouded in a black cloak with a great hood blocking facial features. Everyone except Nyhtwulf took a defensive stance as he rose. In this skeletal hands he held a great shining scythe. The figure moved the scythe out to his right side and brought the end of it to the sand. The ground shook and knocked everyone to the ground; for none were allowed to stand against him. The head raised from its downward angle to reveal a glaring skull laced with more shining metal. Death stood over them.

The gaze of Death turned to Nyhtwulf who knelt with head bowed while everyone else looked on in horror and awe.

“You have done well, my servant,” Death’s voice boomed and echoed.

“Thank you, my master!” Nyhtwulf responded still bowed.

“Rise, for you are my servant no more. You have earned your new life and freedom. You may go where you wish, but there is one more thing.”

“What is your will?” Nyhtwulf stood as commanded while Anubis sat back, still in shock.

“You now carry my favor. I will not tell you more about it than that.”

“Very well. What of Cyclone?”

Death gestured and Cyclone’s unconscious body floated up out of the crater, “I will take my brother to where he may recuperate before returning to his duties in the universe.”

Anubis jumped to his feet, “What? Your brother?”

Death turned his gaze to Anubis who immediately fell back to sitting in the sand.

“Aww, man, I never would have hit him if I knew he was your brother. I mean, I didn’t even know he was your brother. And, man, I hit him really hard too…”

“SILENCE!” Death’s voice boomed.

“Okay,” Anubis responded meekly.

“None of you need fear my wrath today. You assisted Nyhtwulf with his mission, for that you have my gratitude. Now you are charged with an even greater task. Seek the one capable of this spell on my brother and you will the master of all your current problems. On this, I have nothing more to say.” Death and Cyclone vanished from sight leaving everyone blinking for sake of what they weren’t sure they saw.

Just as suddenly, they all found themselves in the street and on the sidewalk in front of the FPA office building. Death had seen fit to return them and all they could do for several moments was stare at each other in amazement.

Dear reader: Wondering how all this happened? Catch up in the side bar or go HERE. 

GZ Legends 10: A hero sent by Death

Nyhtwulf

Apart from the events on Earth, we find ourselves taken to another place. It is in this place that another important person of our story appears.

On another plane of existence there is a legend known across many galaxies. The ancient knowledge tells of the river Styx and the ferryman known as Charon. Charon delivers souls to the underworld for their final destination and judgment. Only the most unfavorable or those on a special quest end up on a ride in Charon’s boat. Most of the special quests are souls serious about seeking redemption enough to chance the murky river and its unforgiving appetite. No other way to the Isle of Skulls, to see Death himself can be found. However, even that is not without a challenge, for Charon is a wicked creature, made of greed. The Goddess, Karma allows every soul who dares a piece of gold for the greedy Charon. Charon always stops his boat halfway across and demands payment for the journey by holding out his clawed skeletal hand. If anyone dares pay him before his service is complete, Charon will laugh and knock them into the hungry water, never to be seen again. No one should ever pay Charon until they step out of the boat on the shore of the Isle. Should anyone decide not to pay Charon and take three steps away from him, the magic of the river will swallow them on the spot.

Charon, the Ferryman

Once upon an eon, a Twylie Demon called Nyhtwulf  made that same journey. He sought redemption for failures to his own race. Despite his great black wings that could carry werewolf-like form, he could not fly across the river. The magic of the Styx would never allow it. He had to take the same challenge as all who traveled that way. The Twylie are Demons of shadow and should they pass through any living being, they can short circuit life-force itself. They can track any living being they have met across the stars by brain wave signals and even scramble the energy of the brain. In solid form they can fight with sharp fang and claw and strength of superhuman proportions. Nyhtwulf faced execution by his race for crimes considered most heinous. That was how he found himself on the dock waiting for Charon. 

He didn’t know how he came by the piece of gold, but it glistened in his hand. The boat slid up to the dock without a sound and Nyhtwulf stepped in. Charon said nothing as he pushed away with his long pole through the river, away from the safety of the shore. Fog of a green color blocked vision in all directions. Nyhtwulf glanced over the side just in time to see a terrified face appear in the waters and then drift away. The river Styx is made of the souls of the greatest failures and evils that ever were. They drift in a state of perpetual nightmare. The boat slowed and stopped, with no landing in sight. Nyhtwulf looked to Charon, who held out his skeletal hand, fingers opening. The shadowy demon narrowed his eyes at Charon and stretched out his arm, holding the gold over the side of the boat. Charon gave an agitated hiss realizing defeat. Many a smart voyager had refused payment until getting to the other side, but no one had ever done this before. If the gold were dropped into the river, Charon would fail his job and be punished. Only the collection of gold proved he performed his duty as sentenced. The river’s magic could do nothing because Nyhtwulf remained in the boat and had not taken three steps away. Charon motioned wildly for the wolfen being to bring in his hand and the gold, but to no avail. Nyhtwulf held that piece of gold out over the side the rest of the way across. Once at the destination point, Charon clicked his bony fingers together in desperation for the glistening coin. Nyhtwulf put one foot out of the boat, turned slightly and dropped the coin to the floor of the ferry. Charon raged at the disrespect and pulled his pole from the water. He swung it for the demons head, but a peal of thunder froze him. Death appeared before them and a voice boomed across the scene.

“CHARON! YOU HAVE BEEN PAID! NEVER MAY YOU STRIKE ONE WHOM YOU HAVE DELIVERED TO ME AND BEEN PAID! GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THE RIVER UNTIL YOU ARE NEEDED AGAIN! YOUR SENTENCE IS DOUBLED!”

A piercing scream faded across the river as Charon and his ferry vanished from sight. Nyhtwulf dropped to his knee and bowed his head before his new master. His quest for redemption was granted, on the condition that he serve the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as their butler.

So Nyhtwulf served in the entrance and great hall as yet another challenge to those seeking their own redemption or new life. Every soul seeking audience with Death had to be escorted and announced by Nyhtwulf, or be thrown out. On occasion some being would try to fight their way past Nyhtwulf to get to the throne room of the Four. At such a point, Nyhtwulf was charged with protection of the royal halls and had full license to deal with intruders in any way he desired. A wandering soul is still life force and Nyhtwulf’s touch dispersed them screaming into nothingness.

 Working at the great doors to the castle, often had him in view of Charon, who hated him. Charon didn’t consider the demon from the Twylie dimension worthy to serve and lusted for vengeance. If only he could somehow trick the stupid wolf into the waters of the Styx and see him in anguish forever. That would be very satisfactory to Charon. It didn’t matter that Charon was never very good at his service to the masters. No one who ever crossed him had ever received such an honor as serving inside the halls. Every time Charon saw Nyhtwulf open that door, he only loathed the lupine creature that much more.

Year after year and century after century, Charon’s rage for Nyhtwulf grew, making him a more hateful creature and worse servant than ever.

Finally after eons of servitude, Death summoned Nyhtwulf to the throne chamber. When one is summoned by such a power, there can be no hesitation. Nyhtwulf instantly materialized before the four mighty thrones, already on one knee with head bowed low.

Lord Entity Death

“Rise, loyal servant and stand before us tall,” Death’s voice echoed through the grand throne room.

Such a request surprised Nyhtwulf, but he dared not falter and stood as directed.

“You have served us well for over a millennia, so well that we offer you a mission of utmost importance. As you know, we do not interfere with the workings of the universe, we are what we are and have our duties to what must be. It is your fate that you must go out and finish your quest by this design. A son of Nature has been corrupted and aimed at the planet, Earth. You must go there and correct the situation. He is Cyclone and his purpose is to set planets on their ecological path towards bearing life. On Earth he is off his destined route and will damage the balance of the universe.”

“Then I will go and set this right, Master. When shall I begin?” Nyhtwulf couldn’t believe his fortune. This was his chance to become something better than he ever was in his previous life

.

“Immediately. Complete this task and you win your life anew.”

“It shall be done, my Masters, or I shall be destroyed in the attempt!” With a final bow, Nyhtwulf raced down the hall in joy and out the front door. He looked up to the starry skies of the realm and spread his wings. He no longer had to comply with the laws of the Styx because of his servitude. With a great push of those wings, Nyhtwulf leapt into the air and flew toward the stars to break the dimensional barrier.

Charon watched Nyhtwulf fly away through one unblinking eye. He knew of the occurences on Earth. Furthermore he knew who was behind them. He knew of Nyhtwulf’s mission before the demon wolf did. He felt a twinge of pleasure in what he had done in contacting that force beyond their realm. It was treason to the Masters to be sure, but Charon considered any penalty worth the pain to hurt Nyhtwulf even a little.

As Nyhtwulf broke from the distant dimension into that of our universe, he didn’t feel the eyes of a villain upon him. He also didn’t feel a silent spell as it was cast. Nythwulf had no idea what was about to affect his mission to Earth.

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