Godeater: The Second World

We live in a Godless age. What once stood as the Might and Divinity of this world is now nothing more than a dated memory, passed down from fact, to here-say, to obscurity. The few who know of the Age of the Gods are scattered far and wide across the Cosmos, and rarely do they agree on their beliefs or the destruction that came to their paradigm of heroes.

But there are some who know the truth...

CHAPTER ONE

The water glistened on her cheek, indistinguishable from the sweat covering every inch of her body. Each breath heaved her shoulders so fiercely that she had to steady herself, both arms locked on the sink.

You're okay now, Naika. It's over... it's all over, a mantra she had whispered a million times over for as long as she could remember.

Naika Connors was born a Were; werewolves and werecats were not entirely unheard of in the oldest parts of the world, but she was a werebear, and none like her had been seen for centuries. When the transformation began, you could hear growls and yelps for a mile around. In her place, there would stand a humongous polar bear, with fur that gleamed in the moonlight and eyes that sheltered every star in the sky. The end of the episode was always the same- convulsions, shivers, and a desperate attempt to bring her mind back to human reality. It shook her to the very core.

In twenty-one years, she had not gotten comfortable in polar skin.

Her long, pale-blonde hair hung in drenched strings that clung to her neck and back. The warm brown of her eyes was nearly eclipsed by dilated pupils.

Naika, we've got an order pickup in fro— oh! Are you okay?! Chier, shop keep of the Mechanist's Roost Weld Company and Naika's closest friend, shrieked as she bolted toward the waif-like figure before her.

Yeah... yeah. I'm fine. Just— Naika shook her hands, searching for words, The Call. It's done, though.

Chier took a step back, hesitating before pulling her close and hugging tight. This is the last weld order listed for today. We'll take care of it and get you home. Arm in arm, the two girls shuffled through the Mechanist's Roost, roars still ringing in Naika's ears.

* * *

Night had set in, but the sphere-shaped lanterns lining the sidewalks gave off the bright warmth of dawn. Naika's apartment was dark, save the faint glow emanating from a celestial globe in the far corner of the loft space. The loft’s furnishings were simple, yet modern: a high-sitting metal bed, with headboard and footboard that rose up in long, thin metal slats, and sheets the creamy color of daylight; stools that rose up to a bar at the kitchen’s dividing wall; a plush green chair that sat in dark contrast against the pale green walls; a single, elongated fish tank, swirling with all sorts of tiny creatures. The bath area was partitioned off by a hanging metal sheet, its surface weaving back and forth like an ocean wave. Simple, unrefined. The way she preferred it.

Sitting three stories above the paved streets, she could see most of the Town Square, better known as Tique's Galley, named for a legendary fortune-hunter who sailed both the sea and sky. Captain Zandette’s exploits were supposedly the beginning of the town’s history; after bringing together a set of mysterious crystal shards and saving the lives of natives of the land, Tique set up a landing port here, forever leaving her mark. 

A monument stood dead center in the square— a ship's bow rising out of the concrete, its sails at full mast. Shops of every kind stood around it, acting as anchors in rough seas. Naika knew all of Tique Zandette's adventures by heart, though most people called them the most outlandish fiction.

She sat perched on the windowsill, studying the sparse crowds of people below. One man in a bowler, leaving the Hattery. An annoyed mother, holding her child up to touch the dried, coppery leaves of a profusion crabapple tree. All of them focused on their next destination, but never on the journey.

But where does that leave us? There and done, but no purpose between? How do we ever even know we're on the right path? And where's the greatness? The heroes are no more; the legendary spots were all filled, I guess, before the Gods all disappeared. That just leaves us...

Heavy thoughts for a polar bear welder girl from the middle of nowhere, she smirked at her own conscience. Turston was her hometown—a tiny dot of civilization that skirted the northwestern edge of Williston, North Dakota. Few people had heard of Williston; no one had ever heard of Turston. Its inhabitants were mostly entrepreneurs, those aching to get away from city life or the heat and slurred motion of the South. Naika had grown up in the inner edge of town, though she often preferred the outer wilderness to the concrete walls held within. She was one of only a few who saw the wild in such a way; nature and the very gods who ruled it were nothing more than afterthoughts to society, ancient fairy tales and withered locales of a time long past. Ideals that no longer fit the human mold.

Stretching, still trying to work the knots out of her muscles from hours before, Naika leaned towards the window, trying to catch a glimpse of the night sky. Ursa Major, the Great Bear, sparkled above her. She laid her head against the window's frame, secure under the watch of the stars.

* * *

She woke with a thud. What the hell?! I — oh. Pulling herself up from the floor, she peeked at the view outside. It was still pitch black. Nodding, as if graciously accepting a commander's orders, she flopped into bed, pulling the pale yellow covers up around her face.

Suddenly, she was floating in a technicolor void. Light danced around her, shifting as though they were blown by the wind. Here, Naika felt strangely at home; it was familiar, yet unrecognizable, like broken traces of deja vu. She playfully splayed her fingers out towards one of the glittering beams. Before she could reach the ephemeral sparkle, an ear-splitting crash echoed through the emptiness. The clang of metal on metal was inescapable, the sound reverberating through her like a bass drum being struck. She tried to scream. No breath seemed to escape her lungs. Grasping at her throat, Naika panicked, her mind reeling wildly.

Am I going to die here? Please! I can't end here! But there was nothing but darkness there to receive her thoughts. Eyes squeezed shut and hands covering her heart, down, down, down, she sank. Ever deeper, ever darker, into the most suffocating silence.

* * *

Naika? Hey! Nai, can you hear me?

Naika's eyes flitted back and forth under closed lids. Feeling someone grab her shoulder, she bolted upright, gasping as though she were drowning.

Whoa, whoa, it's me, Noah! I- I didn't mean to scare you. Are you all right?

Man, Naika huffed, people are making a habit of asking me that lately, her mind’s eye filling canvases with all of her 'incidents' in the past few weeks. The Call was getting stronger and harder to break free from.

If I had freedom along with it, she thought idly.

She shook the cloudy thoughts away. So... what's going on? Why are you in my apartment? And where are my pants?!

Noah's cheeks streaked with crimson as he backed up, shaking his hands wildly in front of him. Bursting into a laughing fit, she wiped his look of torture away.

I'm joking. I've got pants on, promise. Naika searched his face for a grin. Noah had always been a slender, youthful guy, with platinum shaggy hair and deep emerald eyes. Today though, he seemed ragged and aged. He held exasperation in his expression, and every muscle in him seemed tensed.

Ever the smartass, Noah winked with tired eyes. Sorry, I used your spare key from the fire escape. Anyway, we've got a serious problem. Look outside.

She peeked under the covers, verifying that her promise of pants was accurate, then moved toward the window and pulled the curtain aside. You know, it's one thing to graciously let yourself into my apartment. It's quite another to wake a sleeping bear at, what? 3AM?

His eyes darted from the window, meeting her stare with caution.

That'd be true, if it were 3AM. He wrung his hands before shoving them into jean pockets. Naika felt a nervous buzzing rise up her spine.

"What does that even mean? Are you trying to prank me? Because if you are, you're failing miserably at it, and I'd expect sneakers full of shaving cream if I were you," once again, trying to lighten the mood. It just wasn't going to happen tonight.

Well, it's 11 in the morning.

Naika's brain simply could not process what it was being told. Checking every clock in the loft, she saw them all chime 11AM on the dot.

What in the hell is happening? Has the news reported anything?

Noah spared a long look at the window’s frame. I don't know anything yet. Come on, let's head down to the Galley, tilting his head toward the lower level, and see what we can find.

Several groups were now standing in the streets below, whispers and chatter spreading like wildfire through the narrow corridors between buildings. Naika scrambled into a pair of dark, scuffed up work boots, and her favorite hoodie- a deep turquoise pullover with an elongated hood that trailed to a soft point. The pair listened for the door’s lock to click behind them and headed out into the darkness. 

CHAPTER TWO

A single stern gaze met with a hundred wary glances. Clearing his throat, Hardon Myers, Mayor Inductee of Turston, prepared to confront the masses.

Good afternoon, everyone. I am sure that you all have become aware of the situation the town has found itself in. We have contacted the nation's top counselors, and they have told us not to worry. It is our understanding that the current light condition is due to a nationwide blackout. Everything is under control, I assure you. We should be back to normal shortly!

A riot of protests ensued. "A blackout of the sky?! That makes no sense!"

This isn't electrical!

What kind of fools do you think we are?!

"You and your counselors are hiding something!"

We aren’t blind sheep; we are humans and we deserve the truth!

His posture slumped, his body taking the shape of a deflated balloon rather than a man of stature. Please! This is all the information we have to go on. We can't— his words suddenly drowning in a sea of vocalization, none of it clear. Seeking out Noah's shoulders, Naika pulled back from the angry crowds.

Once safely back up to the second floor fire escape, Noah, finally able to hear himself, asked, "What do you make of that? Do they really expect us all to believe such a shoddy story?"

Naika leaned back against the concrete wall, blowing long blonde strands out of her face. They'll be forced to. What can anyone do about it? It's one of those things the government expects the public to just suck up because they say so. She paused, filtering out her answer quietly in her mind. And I've got zero clue what to make of it. I've never seen or heard of anything like this.

Noah put both hands on the farthest railing and peered out across the Galley's dark sky. I'm going to see what I can dig up, I'll stop by later. With a curt nod and a half-smile, he jumped the rails— twisting, swinging and weaving through the metal staircase like an assassin in the night. Naika smiled at the barely-visible silhouette passing over the concrete before drudging up the last flight of stairs to her floor.

* * *

She listened for the familiar click on the line, indicating that the old rotary handset was being lifted. Mechanist's Roost, finest welds, melds, nuts and bolts! This is Chier, how can I help ya?

Naika smiled. Hey Chi. How's business?

There was a loud clang on the line. Not a soul in here, so I'm working advance orders. I wasn't even sure about coming in today, with the ... whatever it is outside. But hey, you're off today! You don't worry about The Roost.

Oh yeah. Bumming on the couch with a caramel sundae is just my kind of off day. I get too worked up! Er, maybe not worked up... enough? Hmmm. But I'll try not to think too much. Both girls laughed before hanging up, the line relinquishing a quiet static.

Naika sat back into her favorite chair— a green plush reading lounge. There were shelves lining its outer sides, filled with all kinds of books and trinkets. She picked up her most recent obsession, a book about navigating Earth via star patterns, and flipped to her circular metal page marker, set on page 519. It was a two-page map of the night sky, where she had written in astrological signs on the zodiac belt of constellations. No one believed in astrology anymore; any knowledge of it was left in old books that no one bothered to read. Her mind wandered as she ran slender fingers over the stars, envisioning herself spinning the galaxy with each stroke.

In times like these, she wished it were that easy. Just once, just to change the life she had been given. Or to restore what was taken away. Naika let her head roll to the side a moment. Just for a moment...

Awakening from her reverie, intent suddenly spawning in her eyes, she slipped her hand into the farthest innards of the chair's left shelf. Clasped between dexterous fingers was a small deck of cards, wrapped in dark green ribbon and emblazoned with two mirrored crescent moons that faced north and south. Naika gently kissed the top card, offering a smile that one gives their oldest friend. A gift from her mother, the cards could supposedly weave your future in front of your very eyes; a tapestry that all could see but none could touch.

I miss you, mom, she whispered to the deck, straining to hear a reply.

The last time Naika had seen her mother was forever burned into her psyche; she was fourteen when they came. They, those men in white scrubs and clip-on name badges, were the Urijah Valley Health Facility's elite, charged with grabbing and bagging the next person someone declared unstable. Anthony, Naika's father, sicced the UVHF on her the first time he saw Naika succumb to The Call, shrieking that she had been cursed by her mother's dark arts. He filed a charge against Naika’s mother, Cristina, under the guise of child abuse. No evidence was ever found, but Anthony had money, and that talks loudest to the cruelest of hearts.

Before that night, he had never been aware of the change, the pain she went through each time, or the scars she hid that came from wilder nights out in the dark. He also never knew the truth of her mother's work. Cristina was of The Lucent— a group of magick users with rumors for a history— and of the wildest and purest kind. Naika and Cristina had spent many nights discussing the arts, morality, nature's power, and peace.

Always peace, never war.

Anthony was his own war, hell-bent by liquor and his father's failed expectations. He would rarely physically disappear, but he rarely seemed there in the first place. Naika never understood the love her parents once had, but after that painful day, she loved her father no more, nor ever give him the chance to explain. At sixteen, she left him alone in the house she no longer called home, and set out to make her own way, working as an apprentice for a friend’s family-owned welding shop. She had tried infinite times since to see her mother, but there was always another excuse, another reason for no.

She sucked in a deep breath, and gently pulled the long ribbon. It lingered in the air a moment, before lazily making its descent to the floor. With a loud pop, her mother’s cards shot high into the empty space, a shower of sparkles and fire bursts pouring forth in every direction. This was always Naika's favorite part; like being in on a magic trick no one's figured out yet.

The cards faced her, arranging and rearranging themselves in mid-air, shuffling over and under one another furiously. Finally seeming content with their order, all movement ceased. A deep quiet permeated the entire loft. Before her eyes, one image after another slid across the card canvas. Lightning shot from a dark corner; an apple tree in the center of a lush garden, that looked like the Eden she had read about as a child; a jet black horse, standing stone-still on a dusky forest road with a flock of ravens overhead. The last image struck her with the force of gale-wind. It was her mother's pale face— her mouth agape, her strawberry blonde hair frizzed and unkempt, a look of sheer terror in her eyes.

Naika couldn't help jumping from her chair. Mom! Mom?! Can you hear me?

With her concentration broken, the cards crumpled to the floor, inanimate once again. Her entire body was on fire with adrenaline. A scream ripped through the electric air, tears now soaking the hardwood under her scabbed knees. There was no time to stop it— The Call was a hurricane in her ears. As her body twisted and contorted on the floor, her mind raced towards the Auroras in otherwise blackened skies. 

What is that knocking...?

* * *

"Chier, I could have killed you," Naika spat venomously between clenched teeth.

"You know, you're being as daft as you take me to be. I didn't know there was a damned bear in here! Noah asked me to bring this stuff to you, and here I am. He'll be by as soon as he can— something about landlords and a leaky second level ruining his old records 'that took him years to find' and..." her voice trailed off, a well-practiced mockery of Noah.

"Look. I'm sorry; I'm not trying to be hateful. I'm just not always there when it happens. I would never think to hurt you." Naika rubbed at her eyes, weary and frustrated. She absently studied the fish tank that lay shattered over the kitchen floor, its inhabitants no longer flopping.

I did manage to save one, said Chier, nodding toward the top of the offset cabinets. A lone purple snowflake guppy swooshed to and fro in a coffee mug that read KEEP CALM and LIBERATE ROMA.

I don't know what I'd do without you ... especially if I accidently killed you. Naika tried to force a smile, but the tears welling in her red eyes gave her away.

Chier started in. Seriously, it's okay, I don't even have a scratch, I—

Naika held her hand up, prompting a silence that swallowed the room whole. "It's not you. I mean, I'm ecstatic that nothing happened. It's what brought on the change.

In those, she pointed to the pile of moon-etched cards, I saw my mom. She was scared. Looked like she was screaming. I couldn't hear her, and I guess she couldn't hear me.

There was a quick knock at the door. As she climbed down from her barstool that sat at the kitchen counter, Naika noticed red streaks across her palms and knees. I'll have to get the glass out later, she noted. Pushing the hot pain aside, she opened the door and let Noah and his endless stack of books inside.

* * *

So let me get this straight. Your cards showed you all that? Noah looked more and more puzzled as Naika explained.

Yeah. I don't know what all the symbols mean. But my mom needs help. I can feel it.

Chier looked away, uneasy. We have never once successfully seen Cristina, Nai. Ever. I don't think there's a way now.

Noah shifted uneasily, nearly knocking his barstool over. I'll find a way, Naika. Trust me. I’d do anything to help. You know that, right? He smiled warmly. Here, I want to show you guys what I found.

They all sat, researching and making lists, scratching out contradictions. Dust storms. Comets. Eclipses. Every moment in history where the sun didn't shine. Brazil, 1860. France, 1547. England, 1861. None of it totaled up. As they studied and planned, the darkness outside lingered on. 

CHAPTER THREE

The white stucco walls of Urijah Valley Health seemed to burn in the sunlight, its gardens and fake turf hiding their dark purpose. Naika sat across the street from the gleaming monstrosity, watching the social workers move in and out of the covered walkways. Checking her watch for the thirtieth time, Naika let loose a frustrated growl.

Late as always. Punctuality is a virtue, you know.

Preoccupied with her thoughts, she failed to notice the brown-suited figure approaching her from a nearby crosswalk. The man had an awkward gait, knocking a small tan briefcase against his knee with every left step. Large glasses loomed over most of his face, while his fine, blonde-white hair laid neatly parted off to one side. A dark grin began to spread across Naika's face.

Well, Mr. Humphreys, don't you look ... dashing?

He flashed a toothy grin, feeling a little sheepish. "Hey, Mr. Humphreys is doing this for you, Mrs. Humphreys," said Noah, handing her a North Dakota driver’s license indicating her new name. Hastily grabbing her hand, Noah led her towards a set of two-story automatic doors that seemed to stretch on forever. 

* * *

Yes sir, Mr. Humphreys— Noah, was it? We would be happy to see you back, said the front desk secretary, the saccharine dripping from her voice as thick as molasses, it's incredibly rare for Martha to receive guests.

Noah gave a rehearsed smile.

To ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and patients, you'll be required to wear these at all times during your stay, the prim woman handing them both security badges, you'll have to scan them at each checkpoint. Enjoy your time here, and please be back in the lobby by 4P.M.

Giving a quick thank you and slight bow, Noah turned away from the desk before his quickly-crafted facade started to fray. He threaded his arm around Naika's, and gently escorted her to one side of the entryway.

"Through two security gates to our left, first hallway on the left. I don't know her exact room number, so we'll have to work through them. And quick."

During the entire check-in process, Naika had remained completely still, hands at her side. Her heart felt like an inferno encased in endless ice. For once, she had no idea what to do or say; in that moment, she was more grateful for Noah than ever.

The couple cleared the first checkpoint without issue, while the second checkpoint proved more arduous. Marked by an overhanging High-Risk sign that shined in red electric letters, the security was more than doubled in this area of the facility. Only after weapon searches, identity checks, and scanning in twice, which made Naika a wreck of adrenaline and nerves, were the two allowed entry. After what felt like an eternity to a weary soul, the pair arrived at a darkened corridor where Martha Humphreys— and Cristina Connors— resided.

It was hard enough finding someone with the same last name as me, and now we're in the belly of the beast. Let's make this trip count, said Noah, whispering low so that his echo wouldn't carry through the outer halls. There were twenty rooms down this hall alone and a wide bend at the end that led to a handful more.

Damn. No name markers or charts. We're going to have to knock and see.

Noah couldn't help but laugh, We had to be all but cavity searched to get here. You think they want people to know who— or what— is back here?

Naika's cheeks flushed, realizing the absentmindedness of her observation. I— I didn't think about it...

Before she could finish her explanation, Noah grabbed her hand, forcing it into a fist, and knocked it against the first door. 

* * *

Noah found their unwitting cover, Martha Humphreys, rather quickly, being pulled into her room for panicked questioning without warning. Suddenly alone, Naika cautiously walked the rest of the corridor, listening for her inner radar, which she assumed would shout MOM when in the vicinity of her target. She rounded the corner and stared straight ahead; the ceilings and walls seemed to spiral in on one another as the corridor stretched on.

As her knees started to buckle, vertigo setting in, a faint click filled the entire hall.

You... you're here...

* * *

Her eyes slowly shook back into focus. A warped Noah stood over her, while a second head loomed close to her face, a haze of strawberry blonde filling her vision.

I can't believe you're here, Nai. My sweetness, said the familiar voice. Naika nearly jumped out of her skin at the realization. The smell of her skin. Her voice. Naika was suddenly fourteen again, hugging her mother tight as Anthony broke every picture frame in the house. Before the doorbell rang and her life was forever broken.

Mom! Mom, I don't even know where to start, she barely got the sentence out before her stomach lurched. A migraine slammed into the space between her eyes.

"What's wrong?! You seemed fine earlier; we actually find her and now you’re faint," said Noah, failing to internalize his worry. Though he poked and prodded her constantly, Noah really did care, more than most people ever had.

It's not her. It's this place, Cristina whispered between shuddering breaths, it's pushing her limits, like it's supposed to.

Naika and Noah exchanged confused glances. What do you mean?

The walls of this place have an energy to them— a magnetic field of sorts— that hinders and cripples those of Touched minds. That's why, Cristina gave the room a quick once-over, I'm in here.

Naika examined the room around her. The walls were a light peach color, specked here and there with soft swirls of white paint. A small nightstand stood next to a twin-sized bed, which was covered with powder blue sheets and two quilts. She immediately recognized one of them; Cristina had made it when Naika was still in kindergarten. It conjured the image of a forest canopy against a blue-gray sky; varying shades of blue lined the squares of bright green leaves and olive-colored vines. It made a great sky for their blanket forts, all those years ago. She couldn't help but wonder how it had gotten here. Naika couldn't recall Cristina carrying anything when she was taken away. Her arms were restrained by two men, one on either side. She would have to ask, given the chance.

She realized Noah and Cristina had paused the conversation, both of them staring at her worriedly. She felt nauseated all over again. It was time to bring herself back from the past.

Noah's mouth gaped open. "They're able to do that? Why would they care?"

The 'powers that be' know more than anyone. They know that I'm a Lucent. And they know you are too, Nai.

Naika shifted in her seat, both nervously and excitedly. What? Me? I knew I was different— I mean, I turn into a bear— but I thought Lucents were picked, not something in their blood. Besides, I've never known how to work any real magick.

For some, yes, they are picked. But it is indeed in your blood, your very soul. The primal energy of magick lives in there, Cristina gently tapped Naika's chest, "and you work more magick than you know. You just don't think to give it a name. You still wish on stars, don't you? You still feel moved by the world's rhythms, right? You have always noticed more, seen more, than most people. I can still sense it in you, even after all this time. Tears welled up in her eyes. You think yourself a lost girl, but I promise you, you are facing the right direction."

The room was swirling. Noah's eyes were glued to a clock on Cristina's bedside table. 3:39 PM. Nai, I'm sorry, but we don't have much more time.

Naika's mind was wracked with questions; questions whose answers were undoubtedly buried under years and years of pain and strife.

She would have to wait. Forever holding her breath.

Mom, I saw you in the cards. You've seen the sky, right? Something isn't right. I used the cards—

Her mother closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath, loud enough to bring the room to an uneasy silence. "I know. I am astounded that my calling got through to you. This darkness is not whatever lies they've fed you. I'm sure you know that. But I cannot