Types of Paragons!

 

Since writing advice focuses near exclusive on a dynamic arc character I figured I'd put in some time with a character type I enjoy! 

PARAGONS!

You can hit a bush and find a character that goes through a variation of a dynamic arc. Usually negative to positive or it's opposite. 

Street Level Dominates because a majority write towards NEAR HUMAN ABILITY level characters. Which works wonders with Cathartic Motivational outputs!

The Fears of Making Paragons!

• Powerset. If someone is at the peak then how do you challenge them?
• Morality. If a hero is already White Hat then how do you challenge them?!
• Mentor. If they are already a teacher? Then what is their purpose beyond that?!

Most times people limit themselves with writing Paragons. Because writing tells or demands that a protagonist must change somehow. Sure, you can go that route. Many do. To the point/role of the Paragon has been neglected. 

Reality levels or "Our World Realism" has hurt this archetype. Limitations are key in making a character CATHARTIC or Street Level. A decent chunk of people want this aspect because it fits their narrative tension preferences or Willing Suspension of Disbelief. But we need writers that go bonkers in the other direction of the fantastic. 

Paragons are not meant to be us. They are meant to inspire. Even if you only hit 5, 10, or 15% of what a Paragon can accomplish. Often times they are supposed to be a Beacon. They don't have to just inspire through their MORALITY either. 

Physical: The One everyone Chases! Like Goku. The overall raw power that the other fighters attempt to overcome or equalize with. It's why people cheer on Vegeta types. Gokus help their side cast shine. 

Moral: Superman or Aslan. Paragons that have the higher standards. We don't have to reach those standards. We merely have to try to keep our best foot forward. Not every story needs a "Crumugeon goes through a transformation" arc. IE: Christmas Carol. 

Mentor: Gandalfs. They have wisdom and power but usually are there to guide the heroes with a dynamic arc output. But you can also put them through the transformation process. Even Aslan is reborn after the White Witch cuts his mane.

The Wall: Side Cast is reflected thru the Paragon. Either by their own personal growth, skills, or personality. You see how they change because the main Paragon stays firm. In actions, morality or personality. 

You can mix these types together.

I made Eliza/Star Spangled Banner a mix of Physical/Wall/Moral Paragon. I get what Sanderson is saying here about this rule but it hurts Paragons. It's great if you want a dynamic arc cathartic character which even this guy encompasses.

He does have limitations put on his powers because he didn't start off with a Quirk. Or even Guts type. The armor takes its toll when he uses it. That works for a STREET LEVEL character. Because most prefer to see a character CONSTANTLY struggle with everything. 

Many choose to focus on the "UNIVERSE ENDING" threats for a Paragon because they think everything has to match the POWER OUTPUT of that Paragon. Aslan is a good example of going Mentor to the heroes/heroines while balancing out the "You will not speak to me of the Old Ways witch! I was there!" moments.

Me? I want a mix. Like what Ken does to people. He's a Physical/Moral Paragon. 

He fights Mook level baddies. Mid tier, High Level and Equal Level Threats. 

In his setting, he must kill but he is a rock. A way to inspire those stuck within it to improve.,

He changes the lives of everyone he encounters and keeps going! 

Just remember: don't have the restrictions so severe that it HANDICAPS the character to the point where, "Why did you even give them that power?" Make situations happen where the FLYING BRICK can't use its power skill set to save the day. Have them use their allies or brain instead. That's what the side cast is for. To fill in the areas that the Paragon cannot.

As much as I dislike Batman's popularity vs Superman? He's a decent foil for the Big Blue.

Many avoid making paragons because of Power Creep. It's okay to have outrageous power levels in a setting if that's the KIND OF STORY you want to tell! Just look at Jojo!

I love the first Jojo because he is a classic Paragon! Of the Morality subset. He gains Physicality to match Dio but never succumbs to the temptations placed before him. Jonathan Jostar went through the wringer but still remained the joyful person he started as. He didn't let his setting change him. He changed his setting.

Vampire Hunter D? A Paragon that faces external threats and threats to his Moral Code. But D pulls through. He helps many common people he encounters. I've found people are open to ideas when it comes to Dynamic arc characters but when they encounter a paragon they get a blank look on their faces.

"Oh! Superman is only fun when you corrupt him!"

No, you can have many stories with Paragons. Many "challenge" paragons PHYSICALLY. You don't always have to do this. You can have the serpent on their shoulder trying to get them to break their codes. Or have the Mentor deny his charges. Make him forget his duties.

People who UNDERSTAND the type of PARAGON Old Blue is? This clip makes perfect sense. The VILLAINS prey on Supes "Boundaries/MORAL CODE Limit." In the end? It gains them nothing because he's not there to stoop to their level. If he did? Its just another "Injustice Take for the billionth time."

That's why the real Paragons will stand the test of time. Why do they want to deconstruct them? A part of them sees how important they are as BEACONS.

Even Sherlock Holmes has Paragon elements. He has a specialized skill set. He uses it to stop evil.

Dynamic Characters often work because of the Absolutes of the Paragon. The "change" arcs can do that ever so prevalent "Gray Morality Drop" because the ultimate good and evil are battling it out on the main sides of the conflict. IF that is your desire within the story. This is why we need stable Paragon characters of every stripe. They set the standard that dynamic strives for.

Solomon Kane is a Paragon. Moral Tier. Black and White Mentality. Depending on the setting or flavor of your Paragon? Killing is either tolerated or not. You just have to be consistent with the Moral Code they display. Kane is closer to Human Level abilities. So he doesn't have to have a limitation of "no killing" rule. He takes down humans and demons.

Mix and Match what kind of factors you want in your story. That caters to your Narrative Tension Level and Willing Suspension of Disbelief.

I'm a relic that "lives in a dream world!"

The realism of "Current Year Gray Morality?"

It's demoralizing. The Fantastic must grow. Not everything has to be a dynamic arc. Sometimes we need the Oasis of the Paragon. No matter the flavor they come in. It's not about the money factor for me. That will be a side bonus if my books get enough traction one day. I want more Paragons and by all that is Good in this world? I'll keep on writing.

Vigilantes will violate their moral codes to justify the means. That can create a dynamic arc for those types of characters. It's why you often find indie comics taking this route as well. They are just keyed into one type of character over the Paragon.

So it's why we have to get out there and create characters we want to see as well. They won't have the Cultural level of a Superman. Maybe one day but not at the start. Maybe never. That doesn't mean you should stop. I won't either.

Paragons (Types): Here

The Uplift Protocol The Ouroborous Chain: Issue 26

 Issue 26: Strange Relations

    You think experience will save those False Twins of yours….Father!--Lucifer

    I willingly give my life. For far too long I have hidden away. Ashamed of my actions within Elysium. My creator has given me the keys to my redemption. I pray I am brave enough to unlock the doorway to the future.--Aether

    All Fleet Sectors: Engage!--Y’lansa Odessen

    With each link? The Arbiter of the Scales shall bring forth the deluge. Death is only the beginning. I offer myself as the spark within the Infinite.--The Piper

    I remember them still. P’tah, Piper, Ta’mathon. C’alain. Even though they are gone from my sight. Their words and deeds remain. Even as young as I was? I didn’t understand this fact until after my Vigil ended.--Unseen Archive Vol 5

Utharan

Seat of the Markav Collective

Soul Layer

    Jacob launched himself into the void. His fingertips brushed the feather.

    Eliza had warned him of this. Surrounded by the hot sands of the Golden City ramparts. A rare moment when she had removed that silver Anubis helm. Her Typherian eyes hard.

    “Nola sent another set of missives through her mirror. When you go back? The Markav will need to be reborn into their proper role.”

    Jacob pressed his palms to the sandstone surface. His gray-blue eyes locked on the distant horizon, “What will I need to do?”

    She replied, “Consume the light.”

    Jacob swallowed the offering. He felt energized.

    He had expected the swell of power. The one called Silver Fox appeared next to him.

    “Let’s ruin an owl's day!”

    As he stared into her eyes he saw a kernel of the truth.

    He blurted out, “All this to find one insane….” Silver Fox brought her index finger to her lips. She glanced sharply above them. Jacob grimaced. Even within the soul layer of this place the tips of the demonic bird’s wings brushed the edges. Lovely. It could tap into all three layers.

∞

    My mental voice came out clipped, >>Yes. My current self can only push against the edges of the soul layer.<< It was the primary reason I was plugged into the Ur-Stone near Vigils End. Thus my younger self would only hold a fraction of the memory I had now. Dexter and I had been made to access all Three Layers but my specialty was the Physical. Thus my brain was highly suited to the constant “Reconfiguring.” Made for fun Starlight memoirs to confuse the enemy. Captain Overwatch handled the Weave. Dexter’s was the Soul Layer.

    Jacob accessed the Thronebearer channel. It was temporary but required.

    //We have to buy Taleer and Sul the time they need.//

    At this point in the Convergence Era? Lucifer’s form was beyond corrupted. He wasn't able to listen in anymore. Accepting Abbadon’s “Eyes” had severed the last link he had to the realm of the Highest. Helped that the Highest himself wasn't the overall arbiter of Elysium. The Oversoul had the last say. I knew just what I had to do with this Sleeve.

    “Jacob.” I touched his temple. His lips pursed in a silent whistle, “I thought my job was confusing.” I took a running leap. The rules worked differently here. Abbadon still had undue influence so this would be a wake up call. Even through a Ur-Sleeve I wouldn’t be able to hide it.

    //I will see that future happen.//

    My half brother’s solemn promise eased the ache in my heart. It was the only way.

    Dexter would need just as many under his banner.

    I never liked it. Understanding? Certainly. My nature balked at the loss of life.

    The soul shard balance must be maintained. Abbadon had rejected stewardship.

    This Sleeve had 1/4th of my usual power. Just enough to buy my allies what they required. I aimed for the owl’s black beak. Its beady orbs widened. “HOW!?” I pulled my right arm back. Fist clenched.

    “Special delivery!”

∞

    Samantha Murphy shouted, <<All ships! Zeta pattern!>>

    The owl reformed into the physical world. Its outer wing tips on fire. At 5 miles long it would be a nice target for her auxiliary fleet. A woman in a simple set of jeans and white t-shirt was zipping back and forth. Her blows rocked the giant demon. Its feathers rippled. Going from snowy white to a deep crimson. Sam zeroed in with the Javelin’s sensor array.

    It was Eliza. The ancient one from their time slip to the future!

    Two beagles hurried to the bridge. Scottie barked, <<We got the ordinance online!>>

    Samantha responded, “Fire at will!”

∞

    I headbutted the beast.

    Right above its odious third eye. The necrotic energy leaking from the Night Realm dripped into the weightlessness of space. Time to let off steam. Heaven knows I’d need it. “Hey batter batter! SWING!” Its beak caved in as I pushed it completely into the physical realm. The thwooop of Samantha’s grav stilt sphere barrage closed in.

    Divine Napalm.

    Firestorms.

    Demonic Owls favorite kind of breakfast!

    I channeled the excess Light Shaman rites into my knuckles.

    I forgot what this thing had named itself. Didn’t really matter. With each strike it cursed. Spikes of Black Scrawl foaming from its engorged beak. Oh look. Brimstone, fire and Abbadon’s misery. The sad fact was that Thoth had a bit more imagination. When you got to be as old as I was? Friends remained etched in amber while the parade of enemies faded. Where was he hiding?! Mordred’s leads all pointed to the 42^nd century. My initial fight on the Soul Layer near the Throne of the All Seeing Divide. What the faked Sleeping in Starlight memoirs called my 2^nd Death.

    Lists for everything.

    I only had one death and resuscitation. The Climb from Helios.

    The moment when my brother and I had reached clarity.

    My arms ached. The downside to Sleeve use. If you wanted decent control? Your soul shard had to be synced with it. Made my job easier yet dangerous. It spat vile liquids. I scrambled out of the way using the broken bits of metal for leverage. Thankful that a bit of my brother’s abilities had leaked through our shard union.

    It was different for each shard pair.

    For my parents? Theirs was a romantic resonance bond through the soul share pairing.

    Owl face howled, “Why are you here? You are at Elysium! You would do such a thing to your own soul!?”

    I grinned, “Correct.”

    Its talons closed in. I broke one of its digits off as it got close.

    Gotta keep the dark fried chicken clucking!

    Jacob had descended further into the hidden aspect of the Markav’s seat of power.

    It screamed as it landed a blow I had allowed. That’s right you demonic harpy. Have a bit of Thronebearer Ur-sleeve for breakfast. I made a quick hand motion. The blood within ignited. It belched Brood ants in response.

    “WHAT ARE YOU!”

    I responded curtly, <<Pest Control Isle 1!>>

    I landed another uppercut to its jaw. The Alliance ships closing in road the wave.

    Sentinel growled, >>We will balance the scales. For Piper!<<

    That long remembered rage sparked behind my eyes.

    I shouted, “For Piper!”

    I hadn't known it then. My brother had to build his army. Mine existed within this plane. How little I had known. Even after my adventures as the Arbiter of the Sands. We had so many titles. It was why at the end of everything? The Unseen Archives would be distributed. When we no longer walked these plains of Physical, Weave, or Soul. When all evil would be contained.

    Thoth would be the last. As would we.

    Only then would the realm of Mortality be free to choose.

    I placed the last of my Sleeves reserves into my hands.

    Time for an old trick. One that Dexter dubbed "Sleeve Pop Surprise."

    I could see Doc’s reaction now, “Into the decontamination tank!”

    The owl swallowed me whole. I wonder what kind of comeback Anna would have deployed. I was never one for quips. I counted the moments. Freeze dried Space Turkey of Doom coming up! Or would Cosmic Stir Fry be better?

Utharan

Seat of the Markav Collective

Final Judgment Trials

    Taleer chanted. Purple sigils circled the wraiths.

    Those souls doomed to live in between.

    Sul brought her rifle to bear. His weapon of choice had formed into hardened chains. He whipped them around to bite into the wavering form of the undead. They bellowed, “You shall be---”

    Sul blasted its head clean off. The chains retracted.

    Comet exclaimed, “Left!”

    The doorway opened to admit a human. Jacob Murphy.

    His eyes blazed with silver light, “To the inner chamber! We have to activate the planet’s true potential!” Neither Markav sibling questioned it. Their path was set. All three reached for the panels located at the raised cube within the middle of the chamber. Its surface rippled.

    //U-System activated. Soul Layer connections recognized. Sister Planet Earth Identified. Forming Anchor. High Soul Wardens Jacob, T’aleer, Sul’sandra and Eliza identified. Temporal anomaly noted. Updating… Silver Fox Protocol initiated.//

    Sul noted, “Target primary physical layer. Coordinates….”

∞

    My head broke the surface of the water.

    That’s what my brain said it was so that’s what I continued to reference it as.

    The Lake at Vigils End. A shield world made special for my kind of work for the Oversoul. Each layer built to this moment. In the far future. Calander Date? Oh look at all the zeroes. Understanding inst required. Pilot Sleeves. Use them to distract the enemy from the mission. Lethe-Lorain reached down to pull me from the water.

    “Which world ending Owl was it this time?”

    I consulted the readouts. For the Oversoul? I imagined this appeared different. For me? My HUD came up with the name I had forgotten. Ozymandias: Devourer of 15 Sectors. Origin Universe: Praxium.

    Mom hurried over with a towel. “How is it that Black Scrawl gets on you when….”

    I replied quickly, “...its in all three layers with some. Its how Lucifer was able to get past...”

    Mastery of all Three was rare. It was why the Oversoul broke such things down into different sets. That way when all us Demis or Mortals worked together? The Trial of Threes happened. Just as it was meant to. Thoth still threatened that. The secret to his ability to hide from Thronesight must be solved. It troubled the Oversoul beyond all measure that Thoth had figured out an ability that should have been only known to the First Wall of Creation.

    The Oversoul itself. Even its direct children had never had all the pieces.

    Abbadon thought itself clever by breaking a sliver of itself off into Thoth.

    That was the problem with eldritch demi-gods of destruction. They wanted to KO everyone yet that meant their doom as well. Elysium pinged against the wards of Vigil’s End.

    Eddie’s cheerful features filled my HUD, >>Calling Captain Cosmos! We may have a lead!<< Sol, ever vigilant orb of Earth, materialized within orbit.

    <<Oh good! I was with Bardax Prime. Just tell us when!>>

    Four Suns. All on a mission to Zap Thoth the Everlasting.

    Lethe plunged her hands into my chest. Keyed into the vibrations of my soul shard.

    Her frown deepened. “You must be careful! At your age you shouldn’t be so reckless!”

    I retorted calmly, “That is when I have to be daring!” To use the power given to me.

    Our temporal lines had to be safeguarded. No matter what it cost me. Every Ur-Sleeve indexing had a purpose. To guide me on the path. Mom examined the crystal clear surface of my soul shard. Hexagonal in shape. She was recalling the moment I had emerged from the depths of Helios. Barely able to form one word together. My father pulled her away from the edge of the “lake.”

    The silvered waters rose behind me. Silver Lady clasped the shriveled form of Ozymandias. “This one will serve.” The Void Man rose behind her, his black gauntleted hands grasped the Owl. The blackened sphere representing the Ninth Circle appeared. He tossed the bird head first into its churning clouded surface. Bits of my sleeve still clung to its misshapen form. A way for me to listen in.

    Mordred only wanted to save his own skin from eternal torment.

    Already I could hear Ozymandias lamenting, “Abbadon! You lied! This Murphy child! It is many places at once!” Mordred brought his whips down upon the blighted avian. “Silence! You are in the presence of the Lord of Lies!” I rubbed my temples. Listening to the Black Scrawl in its pure form was taxing at the best of times. Dexter snapped his fingers. The pressure receded. My shoulders relaxed. “Still not used to it.”

    Even after all these cycles.

    One never forgot the greatest peril. Not to the body or mind. But of the soul.

    I stifled a yawn, “What next?”

    I didn't want to admit it out loud but age was creeping up on me.

    Cooper appeared over the crest of the hill. <<Phase Two!>> His tail did that tick tock motion that brought a fleeting smile to my face. Lucifer’s fury simmered in the background like atomic radiation. His baritone reverberated from the confines of the Ninth Circle. “She barely had the power to drive my first fallen form off of Elysium! What makes you think you can add anything to our circle Owl of Discord?!”

    They still thought they could escape the Ninth. Replicate Thoth’s feat.

    That was not in the cards. For unlike Thoth? These evils had bound themselves to Abbadon willingly. Thoth had never made such a pact. I had checked. I glanced up at the Silver Lady, “Chronos’ tech and splicing gave Thoth human foundations. Could that have caused an unforeseen demi focus? Or awakening?” The Void Man pulled me to my feet, “….that is an angle we considered. Further investigation is required.” The Silver Lady touched my cheek.

    “Will you do this for us?”

    I replied, “I shall continue to Shield the Soul of the Infinite. Until the stars go cold.”

    I would not let Thoth bring about a 2^nd Shattering.

Issue 25: Here

Issue 27: Here

The Uplift Protocol The Ouroborous Chain: Issue 25

 

 Issue 25: UFO OH NO!

    Everyone wants to gain Dominion over all. Including myself. I was thinking too small but if I use my father’s knowledge? With the expectation he will stab me in the back? I can get ahead. What base to launch from?--Hilary Brookes.

    I know the Highest and his tricks. Those crystals are not the Tears. I imagine Abbadon already knows that. Sleeves dumped into the River. Nyx hopes to gain a distraction from that little maneuver. He only commanded me to find and pillage the resting place of the Avatar of Sands. Everything else is up to him. I wash my hands of it.--Lucifer

    Everything has been building up to retaking Elysium. With the Ark of the Covenant and a few other choice systems? It would be a beachhead to cleanse the corruption from the Multiverse. The one last remaining factor? The Climb from Helios.--Unseen Archives Vol 4

Elysium

Inner Sanctum

August 5^th 3266

    I rose stiffly.

    My shoulders popped as I entered the sigils to open the coffin.

    Two plump ducks landed in my lap. Trouble said, <<We brought a few items from the City that should help!>> Thronebearer wards shimmered as I floated upward.

    Elysium noted, <<Lucifer detected. Mid Shell. Operating at 1% of normal output. Soul Reserves: 0. Weave Integration: Minimal. No outside FTL source to Eden detected.>>

    It would take quite a bit of Light Shaman channeling to get this place up to snuff. I reached into the soul layer. Plucked one of my feathers from my wings. I blew on it. Not fully formed just yet. That would be for the final phase of my journey. It hung there then winked out. Jacob would know what to do with it. Had to stack the deck for the rebirth of the Soul Wardens. No matter what kind of demonic owl came a’knockin!

    My shadow expanded.

    Dexter was awake. Let the games begin.

∞

    Hilary Brookes phased through the deck plating.

    The darkened sphere of Elysium had swallowed her scout null ship whole. Her Keeper nodes pulsed along her back. A tenuous connection at best. This place was dormant but it was not governed by the Ilk of Chronos. Abbadon held sway here. She asked, <<These Eyes you want? Is it tech? Biological?>> Her humanoid skin itched. It was required. Abbadon didnt want her kind here. Chronos’ digits locked onto her shoulders. His dry cadence filled her mind.

    <<Abbadon does not hide the eyes within the Night Realm. He placed them within Lucifer. We must allow this Arbiter of the Sands to engage him.>>

    Chronos layered her mind with a clear picture. Two tall figures. One in black, gold and white armor. Egyptian in style. Anubis helmets covered their features. The other garbed in silver, white and gold. <<They come in pairs.>> Her father was holding back. Didn’t matter. For now. Chronos slyly added, <<When you see the spear tip ring out? Grab the Eyes from Lucifer.>>

    Hilary gawked. Abbadon had placed them within those massive black leathered wings.

    <<Does he know?>>

    Chronos replied, <<Not in the slightest.>>

∞

    Dexter Murphy held the black chalice to his lips. It did not lie. The Scythe hung over the Piper. His sister’s rage would hide the transference. He ran his index finger over the lip of the cup. Gulliver and Trouble did their duty. His sister was distracted. Lethe interjected, <<You want Hilary to get the Eyes?!>>

    Dexter remained resolute, <<Yes. They were never made for mortals or Thronebearer Avatars like us. They are only meant for the Oversoul.>>

    Chronos would drink from the forbidden cup. Evil was selfish. In desiring knowledge only meant for the Creator itself? They would form the final barrier between the three layers of Mortal Kind and the great Overward. He needed the old scholar. Much like he required the old Arbiters of the Arcane Order. C’alain. Ta’mathon. His power would be in the combined might of old souls. For death was a necessity for any cycle to function. From creation era to the far future. It wasn't in his sister’s nature to understand. Each would be judged. The Piper was called. To lead others to Dexter’s banner. When the time came? They would be prepared for the Climb.

    Final death would be for those insane enough to follow Chronos into the mists.

∞

    “I know that look.” Lethe turned. Her eyes darkened.

    I continued, “Dexter has to get dangerous.” There was no need to elaborate further. Trouble interjected, <<What about the shield matrix itself?>>

    I pressed my palm to the main sigil. “Still charging.”

    Gulliver quacked, <<I can bring up all of General Whitehouse’s markers….>>

    I shook my head, “No. The less those fiends notice them…..” My throat tightened. Our timeline was still on course. I focused on the heartbeats of those I knew best. Each thump reminded me of what I was fighting for. The pillar opened. A white orb the size of my fist exited. It floated there. I examined the symbols.

    3 hours.

    They would survive. I was worried about the Fleet. It was the largest ever amassed. Not only from the Edenverse but collected from all the Gilgamesh sectors across the mutliversal spheres. Ones not contaminated by Unity or Abbadon’s machinations. We had the numbers. The magic. The technology. Faith. Abbadon controlled a full third of the multiverse. He abused each body beyond its limits.

    Consumed shards to increase his power. Using the owls as his eyes and ears. They didn't exist within Edenverse or our Thousand Primary alternatives. Thanks to our odyssey within the past. It was why the United Earth Front counterparts recognized us even in the early days. The Banner years. Lorain squeezed my hand, “You are still the Star Spangled Banner my dear.”

    I smiled, “I cannot escape it. Nor would I wish to.”

    I shivered as the black chains echoed. Sightless eyes upon my back.

    Flashes of the Climb. What would happen if I failed.

    Lethe spoke, “I know that expression as well. It will consume us all.”

    I would shield them.

∞

    Aether held his hands high. He had not forgotten his old mortal shell. The Director was within Elysium with his fallen daughter. His blood sympathy boiled as the jagged resonance shook through his entire body. His Thronebearer senses detected Lucifer. He cupped his chalice. Knelt before the doorway of the Golden Host. A set of whiskers tickled his leg. He glanced down. “Little one!” Ichabod circled, “We need your help!”

    The Piper appeared from the shadowed alcove just outside the glow of the doorway.

    “I know my path.”

    Aether’s eyes rose to the set of Scythes floating above the former Scholar’s head. Piper held out his hand, “Uriel.”

    That one word. Spoken sincerely.

    Uriel rose, “By the will of the Highest and Oversoul. You have it.”

    Dark tendrils rose. Two blood red orbs wreathed in flame and smoke followed.

    “How delightful! I get to kill you both. That Spear will not avail anyone.”

    Claws tipped with white shells formed.

    The wind howled through old bones of the undying specters floating overhead.

    Lucifer spread his wings wide.

    “It has been ages dear brother!”

    Liquid heat poured from Uriel’s chalice. Lucifer’s outer tendrils smoked.

    Uriel stated calmly, “You shall not breach this sanctum.”

    Pustules burst on the demon’s back. The Piper let out a simple trill on his flute.

    White flames danced. Forming into an endless sea of rodents. Their bright eyes sharp and knowing. The Piper’s Song changed. Its melody quickened.

∞

    I pressed the last sequence into place. Here we go! The disk shot skyward. Through each layer of Elysium. The air above us was filled with the shouts of battle. I hurled my spear skyward. It bisected a multi limbed skeleton. Bone crunched under my boots.

    I sent the alert out to the Fleet.

    ///Operation Anubis Activated.///

    I aimed a kick at the middle head of a cyclops. Its eyes bulged as the force of the blow sent it sprawling into the dead forest behind me. Much like the creatures we had fought so long ago on Tarvel. Nola’s voice rang out via the silvered mirrors rising before me.

    “Do not let him break Uriel’s Chalice!”

    The copper tang of blood flooded my nose.

    Scholar blood.

    I howled, “Lucifer!”

∞

    Gen. Whitehouse dropped to the deck as a silver burst of light flowed over his team.

    Arthon recovered first. He motioned quickly. To the Arbiter!

    The Silver Sigils of War were plastered all over Star.

    Coms filtered in.

    //Fleet Alert: We stand with you brothers. All units! Advance!//

    The outer shell of Elysium vibrated as endless waves of ships jumped in. Colors flashed as every available Defender materialized. Bardaxians of every shape and creed clustered around Whitehouse.

    Marvin barked, <<First Floridian division reporting!>>

    Vibrations shook the earth as a clairon call formed. From each strike of a spear.

    Arthon ran forward. Whitehouse and dozens of Bardaxians on his heels. A silver and gold building stood taller than the rest. A wall of water rose behind it. The Golden Host.

∞

    Judgment clawed his way past the final wall. The energy was nearly unbearable even with his magical wards. Black armored hands pulled him up. He blinked away the afterglow. Dexter’s Anubis helm, forged within the armories of the Golden City, drank in the light. Black as space itself. The son pulled his father closer to the battle. Eliza’s blackened spear scored another hit as a creature of ash, smoke and flame bellowed. Its eyes murderous.

    “BROKEN! Half remembered dream of a dead god!”

    Her silver Anubis helm protected her true identity. Her reply was modulated.

    “I am the Arbiter of the Sands. You hold no dominion here. Fallen of Abbadon.”

    Lucifer snarled, “I care not where you hide that crippled demi!”

    Sulfur filled the air as Eliza scored another hit. Each faster than the first.

    Morningstar bellowed, “Your hits mean nothing. I shall consume the last of my brothers!” Thomas focused his magical senses on her spear. The rest of the Host was dormant within. This output was all Eliza.

    Red mist coated her right arm as Lucifer lashed out with white tipped claws.

    His maniacal laughter spread, “See! MORTAL AFTER ALL!”

    Eliza switched hands. A blazing silver shield formed over her wounded side.

∞

    I controlled my breathing. Just as Dexter taught me. The wound on my arm already knitting. I had to delay Lucifer. Give our forces the breathing room to get into bombardment range. Elysium stated, <<Arbiter. Current demonic layer shield weakening. Soul Warden markers present. Outer Soul Layer detected.>>

    Good work Jacob!

    Black wings reformed into spikes. They shot out past me.

    Time slowed. The Piper met my gaze. It flickered to Uriel.

    Nola’s warning rang in my ears. I used my body to protect Aether’s Thronebearer form.

    My spear rang out as I blocked the vine like whips aiming for Piper.

    That old red headed Scholar smiled at me. The words formed on his lips.

    “Thank you.”

    His hands fell. Blood ran down his mouth. Anguish tore through me.

    Lucifer mocked me, “Forgot a certain layer dear Arbiter?” Sparks of the Weave Realm smoked as the vines twisted and reformed into wings on his back. Sentinel growled within the back of my mind.

    I turned. The rage formed behind my helm.

    I planted my spear and shield into the ground. It cracked the metalwork surrounding the building.I launched myself at Lucifer. Those eagle bright red eyes widened as the full force of my hit struck him across the jaw. My eardrums burst from the force of the blow. These tears were not my own.

∞

    Judgment's jaw dropped. Each hit shook the shield world itself. Refuse of demonic energies sloshed off buildings. Trees. Suns. Animals. Where once was void? Life renewed. Still his daughter continued her assault. Her knuckles split down to the bone under those gauntlets.

    His expression darkened as the Piper’s life drained away.

    He shouted to his son, “Where is Doctor Impossible?!”

    Dexter pointed, “Keeping our Fleet alive.”

    This battle had only just begun.

Issue 24: Here

Issue 26: Here

The Uplift Protocol The Ouroborous Chain: Issue 24

 

Issue 24: The Coffin Conundrum

    Lucifer recovered the Union Bonded items. Before he ran off to Elysium. These are not the Arbiter and the one known as the Lady of the Isles. This reeks of the Highest. Why would they give up these artifacts to sell a lie? I will throw these items into the pits of the Night Realm. Let this come back to haunt Abbadon.--Sister Nyx

    There was nothing for Sister Nyx to use. I know she holds back information but what kind I wonder? Lucifer brought back the artifacts buried within the Golden City constructs. They think to harvest my power. Fools. If he wishes my sight? He will have to earn it.--Abbadon

    Dear Nyx, his eyes aren't within his head. Oh no. They reside within another kind of pocket.--Chronos

    I still remember that line, “It's not who he is. It's what he wears.” Which did Cooper mean? Chronos? Thoth? Abbadon? The answer would unfold later. It was an item of note. One passed down across the cycles. Eons in the making.--Unseen Archives Vol 4

The Night Realm

River of the Lidless

    Sister Nyx dissected every inch of the “sleeves.”

    The two forms had nearly fooled her. The angelic embryo’s reaction had given it away. As its blood flowed through the sleeves? The inert reaction from the Arbiter of the Sands Sleeve confirmed it. Anyone or anything with that level of Arcane Order upgrades would have had a reaction to the influx of near Thronebearer level angelic interference. What a waste. Why place these Union pieces with the Sleeves? Nyx hissed as the Light Shaman wards faded.

    No information remained.

    The bodies sank into the River of the Lidless. Nyx hurled the Union pieces in as well. She watched as the bracelet and circlet crossed paths then sank under the raging flow of the brackish black waters. Whatever trap was inside could fester for Abbadon.

    Nyx patted her belly, “Hush hush little one.”

∞

    Abbadon brought the memory orb to his chambers.

    Far below the necrotic energies fed. Each soul writhed then gave up its last spark to fuel his dark mirror network. Soul energy was the peak prize within any universe. Once he had the Thronebearer who dared to take the mantle of Death? Everything would end. Then he would continue on. Reshape the fabric of all reality. The slap of tentacles upon a marbled floor drew his attention. “Ahh. Nyx. So why did you throw those sleeves into my river?” Spikes shot out. The sudden intake of breath let him know she was immobilized.

    Nyx simply stated, “Because I need your eyes.”

    Abbadon whirled as the void walker spat out an abundance of white liquid.

    It writhed and continued its advance across the floor. Abbadon raised one hand.

    Nyx’s head twisted to the side. Sparks rose from her neck. They met the undulating white liquid. Abbadon raised his personal shields. He sank into the obsidian wards behind his throne.

    “Insolent She-Cow!”

    Nyx’s words broke past torn lips, “You are not the only one with Sleeves my lord.”

    The liquid was sinking into the stone! Past his defenses!

∞

    Nyx sent the final codes to the Sleeve. She had to admit? The humans had given her the idea on how to use such a thing offensively. The price would be paid. She was not concerned about her soul. Keepers were beyond the providence of the spirit. Leave that to the old world of Abbadon.

    Blood dribbled down her chin as her nanites attempted to stave off the hemorrhages within her brain. It had to be done. In the distance, Abbadon’s mighty fortress shuddered. Just long enough to bring his network down. She pried open the two circular doors. A simple yellow orb sat on a docking pedestal. That was the bait. She flowed past it. The embryo squirmed as she transversed the great hall.

    Images writhed, constantly shifting. She paused.

    Where would he hide the eyes?

    She only wanted a tiny sliver. The world beyond the Oversoul would be theirs.

∞

    Abbadon reached out. Drawing upon all the stolen Typherian souls.

    He lifted the white liquid from the ground. Examined its contents. Down to their atoms.

    His lantern eyes rose to the three broken circles stationed above the iris.

    “All according to plan.”

    Chronos would be the blunt instrument to pluck out the Oversoul’s connection to everyone. Delicious. Now to sell the rest of the plan to the Sister. He summoned Mordred, “Take her for a ride my boy. Let her see all that she desires!”

    Let her see a future where Chronos ruled.

    Abbadon muttered, “Oh do shut up.”

    Mordred bowed. Careful to keep his eyes downcast.

    The half burnt sleeve continued to smoke upon the central dais.

    Thoth’s efforts to retake his body were gaining ground.

    How interesting!

    Morded allowed the necrotic energy to envelope his feet.

    He commanded, “Take me to Nyx.”

∞

    Dexter waited until all he could hear was the low level groaning of the “river.”

    Even the sleeves had shadows. The point wasn't to get anything Eliza or Doc had past Abbadon. He needed a foothold in this realm. He pulled the Sleeves to the darkest alcove. That was where the light would creep back into this world of misery. He placed the Sleeve forms back to back. In “Eliza’s” left hand he placed a crystal. Then the circlet in her other. For “Lorain?” He wrapped the bracelet around her right arm. One crystal in each palm. A perfect circle. Their forms sank into the bedrock of the river until only the barest hint of the crystals remained.

    A glint of light pulsed.

    Pale fingers stretched out.

    Dexter disconnected from the Sleeves.

    This River of Souls would soon be given a choice.

∞

    Nyx examined the film covering her body.

    Microbes attacked her thickened skin. She would not be denied. Within this soul conversion chamber was the Sight that would allow Chronos to see beyond the Oversoul’s nets. It allowed Creation to expand but only according to its will. Or Abbadons. Each was a parasite to true expansion. Abbadon only wanted ultimate control of the Oversoul’s Design. Chronos wanted to go beyond it. She reached out as a mosaic rose from the floor.

    It was Abbadon’s origin.

    Nyx hesitated. Her fingers just above Abbadon’s helmet.

    No, he wouldn't keep it here. That would be far too obvious. Her eyes scoured the rest of the mosaic. The angelic embryo stilled as her hand passed over the moon’s shadow. Her lips pulled back as she leaned in to sniff the mosaic. A sharp scent of oranges, pears and apples with a hint of cinnamon.

    Why would the Strand of the All-Seeing have any kind of aroma?

    She plucked it from the mosaic. A single sample.

    Mordred whispered, “Because our minds are attached to such things.”

    She glared at him. “Keepers have no such….”

    He reached out to tap her belly, “That does.”

    She hissed. “You presume too much Carrion Eater!”

    Mordred’s lips pulled back. His smile as cold as the void.

    “Be seeing you. Pit Mother.”

    Mordred knew the title wouldn’t be understood. He knew their fates. All of them.

    Cat quick he leaned in and cupped her face. His mouth opened. Green mist flooded the room. She would understand. After that door closed. When the abyss consumed her.

    Nyx flinched. Her vision cleared. White pillars. Clear waters ran along each side. Above? Endless stars. A girl with light blue wings walked ahead of her. The taller woman leaned down. Another angel. Guardian Class. Nyx clawed at her belly. The embryo! Not possible. Her dark gray tentacles shot out. She howled as an invisible wall crushed the tips of the longest. What living nightmare had Mordred sent her to? The crippled Thronebearer walked through Nyx. She shouted, “You were mine!”

    Murphy didn’t turn. She walked further ahead and scooped the child high onto her shoulders. Nyx trembled. Murphy’s face. The hair was silver white. It wasn't the age that terrified Nyx. It was the aura around Murphy. Eliza glanced heavenward. “Here. Take your girl.”

    The mother curtsied.

    Eliza scooped up the water from the right side of the expanding marble corridor. It changed constantly. Black. White. Purple. An endless refrain. Madness. Mordred had granted her insanity. This was the path to Chronos’ victory? Hardly!

    She flinched as that gaze passed over her. Murphy was talking with another entity.

    Those gray irises had flecks of gold in them. Urraden blood cleansed of Abbadon’s influence. The black sclera of her Typherian heritage only accentuated the unsettling features. This was not the same Eliza Murphy who flew the skies of New Ashbury. Spouting ridiculous platitudes of “I am here to help!” and “I will destroy the Living Stone as necessary.”

    This was a paladin for the light of Creation.

    A creature that had seen the Cliffs of Helios and survived.

    Nyx shuddered. She must warn Chronos!

    This was the purpose of the Highest’s convergences. To forge Eliza Murphy into a weapon! One that even Abbadon would succumb to. Pain erupted in her belly. Those eyes pinned her to the floor.

∞

    I knew that stench. It had been countless eons.

    The Sister. Not as she was. No, this was the moment my brother warned me of.

    Mordred’s gaunt face materialized. The fires of the Ninth Circle flitted across my vision.

    <<You will keep your end of the bargain?>>

    My brother had promised Mordred a less unfortunate role within the Ninth Circle.

    I forced myself to peer directly into his wasted features.

    <<Yes. As was promised by the Arbiter of The Way. Your scales shall be rejudged.>>

    They would never get my brother’s true mantle name from me. Or anyone. Not even for this. The phrase, “Trust but verify” came to mind.

    Mordred examined my unflinching countenance. <<You don’t agree with him.>>

    I answered truthfully, <<No. Each within the Ninth earned their place long ago.>>

    Mordred replied, <<You still seek Thoth. That last Knot that escaped Final Vigil. Will you judge him as you did me?>>

    My voice grew distant, <<By all that remains. Yes. Help us find him and I will throw my vote behind my fellow Arbiter. You will not escape the Ninth. You will be granted reprieve alongside Ta’rammon and J’anu.>>

    A spark of humanity entered those orbs.

    He placed a hand over his fist. <<You shall have it.>>

    Mordred shuddered as Throne Sight pierced what remained of his soul.

    Little as it was.

    This Eliza, the one at the end of the Vigil? Reforged into a shield that never moved. Nyx was a moron. That Thronebearer wasn't dangerous because of her offensive abilities. He recalled the Climb as well. She had borne the sacraments made to bring forth all from that darkened realm. Not only pulling innocent souls from damnation. Taken by Unity at Abbadon’s behest. But those who had been condemned by following the Evils of the world.

    The Ninth Circle was an improvement.

    A shield forged in fire. One who had seen beyond the realm of the Oversoul. Just as he did. But where he had desired pure power? She had taken the path the Highest had granted. To guard people from Chronos’ folly.

    I concurred, <<Indeed. The Veil beyond the Oversoul is not meant for us. Even I dare not peer into that dimension for too long.>>

    Mordred concentrated, <<The 42^nd has the data you need. Start there.>>

    I turned. Pitched my voice low.

    “She is not yours to keep. Pit Mother!” My lips pulled back into a snarl.

    I focused on the bright spark within Nyx. I cradled the half formed soul shard to my chest. I drew forth my spear, “Begone.” The tip grazed her eyebrow. Add that to the collection instead demon!

    The Sister’s twisted pitiless orbs widened as the force of my command sent her back.

    Dexter’s voice flowed over me, >>Which era do wish the Brothers to send her?<<

    Lethe phased in. Her hands clasped over mine, “Let me cleanse...”

    Additional layers formed over the child’s shard.

    “Take her to the Twilight Throne.”

    Lethe pressed a thumb to my forehead. Just above my inner eye.

    I leaned forward, pushing against her callused finger, saying, “Make sure that Capt Overwatch….”

    Lorain and Lethe’s voices chorused together, “...removes the memories of her abduction. I know.” She touched my cheek. It was the little one’s wish as well. The naming would come later. I used Throne Sight to guide Lorain to the hairline fractures. Lethe gained dominance as she used the three Tears of Creation to reforge the little one’s inner barriers.

    I would not stop. I would not surrender.

    I recalled my parents smiling faces.

    We would meet again.

    Lucifer’s mocking laughter rippled from the deepest reaches of the Ninth Circle.

    <<You still believe in Hope? Charity? Mercy? While you lock us up in the Circle?! F’ah! Holier than Thou patriots of a bygone age!>>

    This was an old game. He howled in response as I let him have a piece of Throne Sight on full blast. His form twisted. Into a giant bat. His laughter followed. An ugly undercurrent brushed up against my barriers. He crashed into the side of a broiling volcano as I sent him a reflection of Sol. The words of my youth echoed, “I still believe in Truth, Justice and the American Dream.”

    I exited the Soul Layer.

    The Curator glanced up from his monitors.

    Back to the 42^nd. Its why we had to plant the idea I couldn't interact much with this era.

    My three Sleeves looked up from the Sleeping in Starlight Memorandums.

    I spotted Gulliver, Black, White and Cooper toting additional recording spheres into the room. Black groaned and asked, “Do I want to know?”

    Gulliver deadpanned, “Nope! Carry on!”

    My dear duck brothers. I smiled. “My friends! Quick question…..”

Issue 23: Here

Issue 25: Here