God Isn't Real

As the right hand of Mammon, the devil known as Greed, there are a few ground rules. Don't go to the surface. Don't prey on mortals. Never go to Heaven, and never mess with the angels. But those rules never sat well with his deciphels, their living dream was to prey on mortals, and for the brave, the angels. And this wasn't something that a lot of you took well to, perhaps still don't take well to. But as it were something had to go wrong on today of all days. While giving your report to Mammon, as you do as his right hand. You're able to be an important person across the estate, knowing the guard fairly well, and being friends with quite a few of them came with its perks. Otherwise, you do have your own set of keys that allows you to go to almost all of the parts of the estate, aside from Mammon's personal chambers. And you are the point of contact for most of the house keepers and organizers from other parts of the estate and everything that Mammon owns. And frankly, it's exhausting. And this meeting definitely wasn't helping, the different points droning on and on, for what seemed like an eternity. You easily got distracted in this time, part of that distraction being weird noises outside the scope of the normal chaos that came with dwelling in Hell. Glancing out of the window on your right, it was old and rusted, and just dirty beyond belief, you can barely make things out along the rolling black hills of the landscape. It was a little white dot, which was an odd sight to see in Hell, specifically in the part that Mammon used for personal torturing, but it began moving. You debated [[heading out]] to see what just dropped down into the realm, or [[staying put]] to continue the meeting with Mammon.

Looking over to Mammon and trying to break him off from his rant, you say, "Sir, there's something going on out there that doesn't seem right. I'm going to try to figure out what is going on." But he just does not quite understand what you're trying to do, and he stares at you blankly. Eventually he thinks of a response, "You're just going to cut our meeting short because of something you saw outside? I thought I was greedy." You roll your eyes and stand up from your seat in front of his desk, clutching onto the papers in your hands you venture out into the bleak landscape. The ground is hard, almost as if it is made out of marble, and jet black. Getting closer and closer you can see more and more definition in the lump of white. Making out limbs, and eventaully you can see the aura that the figure was producing. Eventually you found wings, and that scared you more than anything, a heavenly figure down *here*? Your gut instinct tells you to [[run]], and every other ounce of you wants to [[go to them]] and figure out what is happening.

You decide that it's not worth your time, whatever weird thing is going on in the Hellscape around you doesn't currently involve you. It can wait the ten to fifteen minutes for you to end your discussion with Mammon. Eventually the discussion closes, and you can tell that clearly the conversation could've been something of a letter, or an email. Anything other than the drawn out discussion, and the lack of interest for almost two hours. Looking back out the window you spot the white figure still out there, but now becoming larger and larger. They must have woken up! You decide to yourself that you have two options, either [[alert the guards]] of Mammon's estate, or [[go to them]] and see what they're doing here and where they came from.

While you aren't the largest fan of whatever you see in the distance spanned out in front of you, you realize that you aren't stuck. You can run back into Mammon's estate, and that's exactly what you do. You turn and you bolt back into the 'safety' that is what you call home. After arriving in your home, or where you call home, rather, you realize that the figure that was out in the Hellscape behind the door was now standing in front of you. "How are you in here?" You ask, slightly out of breath from trying to hurry and keep them out. All they do is stretch out their wings, they had gone up and over your head and through the door. But now that they're here you can clearly see their features. A strong jawline, and dark hair with deep brown eyes and olive skin. About 6' tall if you were to take a guess. And these smooth ivory wings, a white tunic, and these worn leather sandals. They looked beautiful, and there was no denying that fact. But you knew that they shouldn't be there. They looked far too angelic to be a part of the place that you were stuck in, and that didn't leave many options for you. You had to either [[help them]] and get them to an escape, or [[fend for yourself]], and rely on Mammon's personal guard to come and collect them.

Making the treck down the hills and ruptures of Hell, you get closer and closer to them, trying to make out the impossible figure, the light of the aura coming off of them blinding you in that instant. "Hello?" you shout to them, more of a question than actually trying to assert yourself. The figure now barrelling toward you stops in their tracks, as if stunned that someone or something was speaking to them. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" you ask, taking small steps toward them, trying to get any sort of a look at them, making out the features of a broad jawline, dark hair, deep brown eyes, and an olive skin tone. Completely clad in a white tunic, sandals that could be mistaken for the latest fashion trend, dirtied and worn, but a nice leather, and two large wings, the source of the white aura. They begin to back pedal away from you, almost stumbling over yourself. You decide that you can either [[intimidate]] them, and attempt to get them to talk or [[alert the guards]] to the suspicious figure.

You yell for help from anyone around you, and end up pointing to the strange figure out in the distance, and as soon as they hear you scream, they take off. As soon as they take off you see all of the guards that usually protect Mammon and all of the lesser demons in his care chasing down the white figure, and as they fan out their wings you notice that they're hurt. You immediately attempt to get the attention of any of them, trying to relay the message that they're hurt, and should not be hurt any further. The guards collapse on them, clearly not hearing that they are hurt, and continue to pile on until they cease their fighting. After the fighting has stopped you can see them with their hands behind their back, being taken away to the dungeon. They look at you with betrayal in their eyes. You feel the urge to [[help them escape]] or [[let the guard|end #1]] do as they please with them, and go about your normal business.

"Talk," you say sternly, letting yourself stand even taller, and open up a little wider in order to seem intimidating. They only chuckle, and shake their head, "So, they sent you to bust me, hm?" they say, allowing themself to fall far more closed. They definitely didn't seem intimidated by your stature. "What? Nobody sent me," you say in response, crossing your arms over your chest. This person just seems to be *cocky* in the worst way possible, and you didn't think that it would get worse than Mammon himself. "Sure they didn't, and I'm obviously God," they say in the most matter-of-fact tone, and that's what drives you off the edge. "Listen, if you'd like to be STRANDED out here by yourself, and have to worry about the guard, then I can definitely let that happen, otherwise I was going to help you try to figure out where you need to go," you say, in a more confident tone than the last time, but it was simply something that couldn't be helped. They just kind of stare at you before letting the corner of their mouth turn into this sort of snide grin. You roll your eyes as they hold out a hand for you to shake. You shake their hand, and then have to decide to [[go back|keep running]] into the barren Hellscape in a sort of quest of finding more, or [[turn toward]] the estate that's claimed by Mammon to try to make something work.

You decide to help the stranger, trying to scoop them up by the shoulder before anyone could see you running with someone that didn't look like they belonged there. Once you got them up and running it was simple, to keep them going, and there was a point where they simply couldn't remember what was happening, until they realized they were running. "What are we running from?" They asked, turning to you. "Mammon and his demons!" You say, in a nonchalant tone, and this causes them to panic, and stop in their tracks. "Mammon? Where am I?" They ask, looking at you with blown eyes. "We're in Hell," you say, stopping to turn and look back at them. It was a weird interaction, where you were standing awkwardly apart. But you couldn't just leave them there, they would die. Get taken by the guards. *Something* would happen, and you really didn't want to figure it out. "Listen, all we need to do right now is [[keep running]]."

As you deem it fit, `you are able to run halfway backward, and although this doesn't seem like a good idea to the stranger that's sitting in front of you, it's in your best interest. And at that point you see them as a dangerous person. After all, you are trying to fend for your life here, after they decide to scare you in the way that they did. Your struggle and the view of them on the horizon is an immediate [[alert to the guards|alert the guards]], as you make noise as well.

You quickly run over to the guards, making your presence known, and shoving away any guards that weren't necessary. While the guards still had them in custody, you had to watch them drag them away. You were able to hold their attention for long enough to mouth that you are going to help them reach their safety, and their compliance increased immediately. Letting out a breath of relief, you head down to the dungeon, making small talk with some of the guards as if it was just a routine check down into the dungeons. You eventually find the stranger's dwellings for the time being. Luckily, at this point nobody was around to see you as you pulled out your key ring that contained most of the rooms to the estate. Unlocking their cell you hold out a hand to them, "Talk later, just come with me," you say quietly, hoping that they will simply agree and go with you. They do, although hesitant, they take your hand and you begin running out of there with them, and starting to run far across the barren landscape. You luckily keep your keys on you, remembering to relock the cell before you completely leave as though it looks like they were taken out to punishment or something else. All you need to do at this point is [[keep running]].

The guard takes them down to the dungeon, and you just watch everything unfold. You hear the head guard talk to Mammon about the intrudor, and Mammon looks to you as if asking for you to take notes of the stituation. And as you continue to do that you can hear some abnormally loud screams that weren't like the others in Hell. In Hell there will always be pain and suffering, but as this abnormally loud part of that screaming comes to a close, that you could hear from your chamber, which is barren just as the landscape is, a simple cot, and plain wooden ameneties. The only thing that you can hear coming from the dungeon, after hearing long hours of them screaming in agony, is, "GOD ISN'T REAL!"

Turning toward the estate, you think that just *maybe* Mammon would be willing to help you, and as much as you hate to admit it, it's worth the shot. What else are you supposed to do with a fallen angel? Besides, this is the best chance that you have in keeping your job. So, you continue onward, pulling them along with you, walking toward Mammon's estate. Their signs of protest meant nothing to you, you simply wanted this to be over with. You're glad that they want your help, and truly you want to, but there's not much you can do with your job on the line. You could very well turn into every other soul just wasting away in the pits of Hell. Getting to the estate again, the footman gives you a bizzare look, and just stares for a moment. After getting it out of the way you say, "I'm going to go and report this to Mammon." They then let you continue on your way. Once outside Mammon's office after travresing the many hallways and winding staircases, the large red doors spanning out in front of you. Looking back at them, they just are staring wide eyed, not like you would've given them a choice, you would've simply alerted the guards and had them taken away. Knocking on the doors you hear a strong, "[[Come in]]."

You run with them and you don't turn back, and that in and of itself felt exhilarating. You'd never rebelled against Mammon, at least not in a way like this. Something like this could make you a prisoner of the Hell that you were desparately trying to avoid, this person clearly being an angel. Once you're far enough away you turn toward them, stopping to catch your breath while sitting in the path. "Who are you? And where did you come from?" You say, looking at them with skeptecism in your eyes. They fanned out their light wings, pulling fingers through their now sweaty hair. "My name is Daemon," they said, also trying to catch their breath. You simply had to assume that they didn't run often, as they have wings and have the free ability to fly wherever they would like. "I guess I fell from Heaven? Although at this point that seems like quite the problem," they said, scratching the back of their neck with a nervous grin. You have a moment to yourself, and try to think of things that you could possibly do now that you're stuck out in the barren waste. You can try to [[look around]] or [[continue forward]].

Looking around you, there isn't much, but it did give you a couple of options, and one that might not have been an initial or first choice. You begin to pace as they stare at you. "Your pacing isn't helping either of us, I think," they say, almost matter-of-fact. As if they know *anything* about the Hellscape they've been thrown into. But you do have one thought that seems to be better than the opposing options. "Do you think that you could fly out of here? The same way you came in?" You say, because on further inspection you spot the gaping hole in the ceiling, which you always figured was a sky of some sort. Knowing now that this was just one big, hollowed out rock gave you an uneasy feeling, yet it gave you a sign of hope for this visitor. "I think I could manage!" They say, fluffing out their large, white wings. Thinking about it further there were choices, either the [[dark forest|end #3]], which was filled with bare trees that seemed more like giant sticks, and winding vines that looked like a trap, [[shining oasis|end #4]], a lush blue sort of lake, with amazingly white water lillies, or you could try to have them [[fly out|end #5]]

Continuing forward on the landscape that's been known as home to you for forever was weird, you'd barely been out of Mammon's estate, let alone allowed to traverse this place. There were trees, but they didn't seem like trees, they just seemed like chunky sticks coming out of the ground. The ground felt sandy, although it was almost as hard as gravel underneath, and the sky was a dark burgundy. The faint screams of the damned were all around, yet faint enough that you could hear yourself thinking, almost like having a fan going in a room. At this point there were to spaces in front of you that you could see. On the left was a [[dark forest|end #3]], more of those stick-like trees and winding vines that seemed like hands stretched out in front of you. On the right, was a [[shining oasis|end #4]], filled with blue water and peaceful lillies.

You have a sly smile on your face as the big double doors in front of you rattle open. Taking a brisk step inside you got the aroma of sandalwood, the interior of the office being a dark gray, with simple furniture and bookshelves filled with old books. It was almost picturesque. And then there was Mammon, a tall, slender man with white hair, and ice blue eyes. The devil known as Greed stood to greet the two of them. "You've brought a guest!" he exclaimed, smiling brightly at the two of you. "Yes, sir, I've found this angel out on the estate shortly after our meeting this morning," you say, gesturing to the angel that slowly walked into the office after you. "Nicely done!" He exlaims, presumably proud of his second in command, "As a gift to you, I'll let you decide their punishment for rudely interrupting my afternoon. You can either send them to the [[dark forest|end #3]] or to the [[shining oasis|end #4]], or we can personally make them [[suffer with us|end #2]]!"

Deciding that the dark forest might be a viable option, while not the best, it's an environment that you're used to at the very least. You tug on their arm, beckoning them to follow you. They do, grudgingly, "You're taking me here? There was a lake and water the other way!" they whine. You simply roll your eyes and lead them to the entrance. The vines wanted to wrap around your ankles, and wanted to pull the both of you down, luckily being used to the landscape that Hell had to offer this was quick traversal for you. For the angel next to you, not so much. You had to continually direct them toward safety, which was not easy. Eventually the both of you find a clearing, and it seemed almost peaceful there. For the first time in your life you found green grass that squished under your feet, small flowers and mushrooms dotted the terrain. You were left to stare in shock. Toward the back corner of this seemingly pleasant clearing was a small cottage, more than enough for two people, a small farming plot and enough forage around to sustain. The cottage seemed alluring to the both of you. After much debate, it was decided that the forest would be adequet enough for the both of you to live in. Not wanting to turn back in fear of Mammon retaliating, and not enough of them wanting to return out of Hell. Toward the end of that conversation, the both of you walking toward the beautiful cottage, they said, "God isn't even real, it's why I left."

The shining oasis being an appealing option, and something that you had never seen before in Hell as the landscape was usually dark, dreary and cold, but was a good change of pace in your opinion. Walking closer and closer the heat was intoxicating to the both of you, and finally getting there you could smell the salty sea breeze as though you were on the ocean. Lush palm trees, and brightly colored shells dotted the shoreline of the oasis, the water being an almost turquoise blue, everything seemed enticing. The both of you decided on going for a swim, the water seemed too inviting to pass on, and both of you being hot and sweaty made the decision even easier. While swimming, they turn to you and ask, "Do you hear that?" You turn toward them, and shake your head, but then it hits you, the soft singing, and the little shimmer in the water. It was even more enticing, and drew you both in toward the center. Then, you both were dragged under the surface, struggling and gasping for something around you to help, to do anything, but nothing was working. And eventually, everything goes to black.

You look at Mammon with an almost menacing grin, "They came to us, why not have a little fun?" Mammon can't help but giggle, and it was weird to see such a large man giggling as though he is a child. "Excellent!" He says, looking toward the angel, then looking back at you. With a snap of Mammon's fingers, guards enter the room, and take the angel, although screaming, crying, and desparately trying to fight his way away from the guards, there was no use. His best opportunity was to comply. "What's going to happen with them?" You ask, never having actually see an angel enter into Hell, and supposedly for good reason. "Oh, they're going to be tonight's dinner!" Mammon speaks, almost comically at that. It was bizzare, Mammon seemed almost *proud* of you. And it's the best compliment you could have ever been given. "And you get the head seat! As a token of appreciation for bringing them in, and besides, you deserve to be a little *greedy* after that one." You could tell something was abnormal, and as it died down eventually, you can hear their screams from your chambers as you prepare for the night's meal. The last thing you remember hearing from their voice is the scream of "God isn't real."

You look to them, deciding that flying out might be their best chance at survival. "Why don't you try flying out? It might be your best chance. You'll have to be fast though," you say, rushing them back to where they fell, rushing them back to that hole. "Why are you helping me? Aren't you supposed to be turning me in?" They say, turning toward you halfway. "I know what happens down here to angels, and it's not good, and frankly I can get in some serious trouble if I get caught. So the sooner you're gone, the better it will be for the both of us in the long run," you rush, urging them to begin their ascent. "I don't really know if I want to go back," they say sheepishly, and all you can do is put a hand to your forehead. "You don't *have* to go back, but you cannot stay here, they will kill you!" you exclaim, deciding that they aren't being fast enough. "Now hurry up, before we get caught!" They sigh, and stare at you for a moment before nodding and deciding that small talk isn't the best option for them right now. Getting on the ground in a sort of kneeling position, they look to you and say, "Thank you for your help, but I will say this before I go, God isn't real, that's why I left." Before you can fully process the sentence that you were told, they're gone in a blink, stirring up sand, dirt, and gravel in their wake. But then it hit you harder than they perhaps intended. (live: 10s)[God] (live:12s)[Isn't] (live:14s)[Real]