《The Last God (Excerpt)》Chapter 10: The Girl Who Texted
Advertisement
Almyra and I decided to go talk to the Impure Mildred had saved yesterday, but before we could even step on the elevator, my smartwatch rang. I answered the hologram call, despite the gravity blast to my chest, because I should have been the one who called.
“Ellie and your parents’ve been worried sick of you, Cael,” Tim said. And I guessed he was as well. Not that he’d admit it, though. He was too proud. But not a sinful pride, but more in the vein of I’m proud to be an Irish kind of way. His family was living in Colorado when Yellowstone erupted. His older brother told him to wait until he returned with their parents. They never came back. And he was forsook, just like Ellie, like those considered weak by the world.
“You didn’t even leave a note or something! Why haven’t you called them? What in the—”
“How about saving someone’s life?”
“So it’s true what they said at the news conference?” he muttered. “That you saved Almyra Bernhart instead of a Natural?”
“I did,” I declared, almost as if Tim had coaxed the Naturals and Impures into joining the Harmonists. “And if someone—”
And then Ellie arrived, wheeled herself next to Tim. And she doused the flames that formed in my stomach. Her eyes were shut, but when she opened them, they sparkled innocence. Her face, her smile gleamed as if we already rested in Heaven, with the Lord, the Virgin, and all the saints. And had left the iniquity of the Earth behind. She even wore a scapular, the Lady of Carmel One, to remind herself to offer her pain for the world, for me. She was only thirteen, but age did not impede holiness.
“But someone has a problem with that, Teacher. Not many in the districts feel that way,” Tim said, as he fingered his words into Ellie’s hand. In Braille. “Naturals are siding with the Harmonists, ‘cuz they think you’ll betray them. Or that you already have.”
“Assure them that I won’t,” I said. “That I’m with them.”
“You ask me to assure them, Teacher Cael,” Tim said. “But you’re there and not here. You saved a Bernhart instead of a Natural. How can I justify that? How can I justify that you’re gonna receive an award from the Zielkkenhom Foundation?” He shook his head. “There’s even talk about Congressional reform of the district system. And not a good one.”
Was that what Ashley had warned me about? Was that why I should have stopped investigating? But Samuel was innocent. And Mildred was alive. And I knew what it was like to be falsely accused of something. The bombs. The wails. The cries. They all pelted my mind, but vanished when I saw Ellie about to speak. Tim had asked her his question. An ice blade sleeted my veins. And I didn’t know why, but maybe because she was my práta, my source of strength, but I feared her answer more than anything Zielkkenhom could ever do. That she’d think me not worthy of being her brother, of being a Christian.
Advertisement
And one second later, her answer came. “You don’t need to justify anything, brother,” she said. It was as if gravity had lightened. “Jesus healed the Roman soldier whose ear Saint Peter sliced. That’s all you need to say.” And before I could even utter a sound, she said, “I admire you, brother.” She smiled. “Not many have the fortitude to help an enemy, jeopardize their reputation, everything, to help someone. It’s easy to help friends, but it takes the Holy Spirit to save an enemy.”
“You’re too good for this world, Ellie.”
“Perhaps, though I don’t think so,” she said. “But it’s the world we have to live in, it’s the world for some reason God wants us to live in right now, and make it a little bit like Heaven, so we can have a sip of it before the real thing, so we can all live in peace, as if we were seeds that God waters on Earth, but that will only see their true tree might in Heaven. That is my aspiration, a hope that will come true, though not because we wish it on a comet, but thanks to our actions, our goodwill toward others, and our prayers. But I know that it will take a long time, time you won’t be alive to measure, brother.” She chuckled.
So did Tim and I, because of her dream, but I guessed that was what God wanted, before Our Lord returned, as impossible as it seemed. But the gravels barreled at my heart, lacerated it. I kind of wished I lay back in the chaos. At least, that got my mind off them. Had that been a sin? Lack of kindness for Ellie? It had been involuntary, but still, I felt my soul squirming my nerves, coiling my heart, until I had none.
I even thought about saying I’m sorry, Ellie, but she would have said, What for? I would have answered, Because I laughed when you said your hope, as if it could never happen and she would have replied, Don’t be silly. It’s okay to laugh. Just because Jesus never laughed in the Bible it doesn’t mean it never happened. What I care about is your actions, what you do for others, what you do for God, how you follow Him, not if you chuckle or not.
And Almyra would have thought I was insane, more than with that thing at the elevator. I glanced at Almyra. Hoped to distract myself until the gravels eroded. Even she had chuckled. But her eyes seemed like ponds, though she had not shed a tear. Her face, almost as if she believed in Ellie’s hope. But she was an Enhanced. Perhaps, there was still hope for the Enhanceds, after all. And the Harmonists were snatching that of the Naturals.
Advertisement
“I thank God you’re alive, Ágend Bernhart,” Ellie said. “Any survivor from those blasts is a miracle.”
Almyra could not utter a sound, not even thanks. Not because she hated the Naturals, I had seen she didn’t, but because hearing a Natural thank God for her life must have been like hearing Jesus say, None have condemned you. Go and sin no more. She must have thought the Naturals loathed the Achroites, abhorred her, but Ellie didn’t, we didn’t. I didn’t.
“Kudos, Teacher, for saving Almyra,” Tim said.
I sneered. “You’re only saying that because you want Ellie to like you, like you.” He didn’t finger that last part. I chuckled.
“And besides, brother,” Ellie said. “Tim is magnifying things. Some Naturals have voiced harsh words against you, but most support you. At least here in the district. Hunter even convinced a Harmonist adherent to reject their ways and denounce them for their violence. It’s mostly the Impures who are enraged.”
“Because I saved an Enhanced?” I said. “But they’re Enhanceds too.”
“Because you did not extort her for free Achroite Eugenex.”
Made sense, I guessed. The Impures sort of detested the Achroites. Internally, at least, even if outwardly they didn’t show it. The Impures would never so much as utter an unkind word against the Achroites, always bootlick them, but deep down, envy corroded the Impures. That they were not Achroites. The envy that pervaded all the classes.
I glanced at Almyra. “Don’t worry,” I said. “I won’t extort you. Definitely.” I turned to Tim. “Are my parents there? I want to—”
“They’re at St. Cruithnechán,” he said. “To calm down Harmonist rallies against you.” He hesitated a second, but then said, “I’ll take Ellie there later. She thinks the bastards will listen to her.” He chuckled. “I guess she takes her naiveté from you, but don’t worry, Teacher, I’ll protect her.” He fisted his heart. “On my life.”
“Thank you, Tim. Keep things in control in the district while I’m gone,” I said. “And tell all bridgers to locate Samuel and Mildred and inform you of anything,” I said. “That I asked them to.”
“So you want me to tell bridgers to do something because you said so,” Tim guffawed. “That might’ve worked yesterday, and that’s a big might, but it’s not gonna work today.” And he must have seen my face, for he said, “But don’t worry, Teacher, I’ll see what I can do. Just remember, Teacher Cael, death before sin.”
“I know, Tim,” I said. “Death before sin.” I paused for a second, to let my words sink in my mind.
“Godspeed, brother.”
“Godspeed, Ellie, Tim.”
I shut the hologram call, ready to head to the Impure’s lottery-won, subsidized apartment in the lowest Section, but Almyra stood, as a frozen flame. “Your family seems to love you, Mr. Cavanaugh,” she whispered, as if she wasn’t sure whether to tell me or not. “My mom did. Now, I am in mere remembrance of that feeling.”
I stepped toward her and hugged her. Perhaps she had a point. Her father hadn’t come, but I could not remind her of that. I just said, “I’m sure your father loves you, Ms. Bern … Almyra.” Even though I felt I was lying, because I wanted to soothe her. The first time I had called her by her name. But before she could even utter a sound, I got a text. Sleet shot through my veins when I read who had sent it.
Mildred.
Hi, my fellow bridgers! Thank you so much for reading The Last God. It means a lot to me that you took time to read my story. Being able to share this story with others has been an amazing experience.
I will appreciate your comments and reviews because my work is intended for you. I invite you to share this experience in social media through the links below. Every single review or share matters.
Thanks again for reading. May God bless you. Have a great day!
Advertisement
Breaker of Chains
**** This is the 2nd book in a series, the 1st book can be found here. http://royalroadl.com/fiction/8513 - Curse of the Forsaken **** The betrayal and murder of a wise king chosen by the gods condemns all of mankind in the world of Althos to pending extinction at the hands of a terrible curse. Abandoned by the Gods, Fate and Hope, humanity descends into madness and immorality. Now, with most of humanity living as slaves of other races and the great human kingdom but a memory in legend, the scattered remains of the free humans cling desperately to a life worse then death. Prophecy spoke of their redemption and salvation, but as the years grind past, and humanity fades away, no sign of salvation appears. Unable to wait any longer, the last dregs of a once great people attempt to ignite prophecy on their own by summoning a young man against his will from modern day earth. Their goal is to coerced the young man into a fight for the survival of mankind in a fantasy world which is not his home. Taking a new name for himself, Jace traveled across the face of this new world in search of a path home. However fate and prophacy block his paths forward entangling him in the world against his will. Surrounded by a human race warped by crushing poverty, desperation, and immorality, can he survive without losing his dignity and morality? With prophecy involved does he have a choice? Warning: Tagged 18+-this work contains mature scenes involving sexual content, torture, foul language, death, slavery, rape, cannibalism and horror. I apologize beforehand and suggest that you not read if you are offended by any of these topics.
8 176Fantastic Advancement
Waking up naked, alone, and confused, Vincent finds himself on an alien planet with an environment and rules he does not understand. Join him in his process of discovery and mastery of the inscrutable and ill-understood laws and principles that will come to govern his new life. Right now (Aug. 2019), each chapter is an average of ~3.5k words, and I update two or three times a week. NOTE: Cover art is a Creative Commons image, from https://www.photosforclass.com/search/insect/1 EDIT: I am not Kate Banner. I did not publish this work under the title "Advancing in a Legendary World".
8 216Final Realms - New World
Earth wasn't the same as the way it was when the Creator of Life decided to bring forth a new cycle of life, cease gods, humans, and demons from its existence. Thus, a NEW WORLD arises after gods and demons have merged into human reality. Twenty years after the catastrophe, neo-human was born. A superhuman who rivaled a godly strength and acclaimed themselves as the only surviving species in this rebooted world. The daughter of both gods and demons, Cynthia was born simultaneously. Her parents left her in this newborn society among with minority of other gods who seclude themselves from neo-human sight. Her power prevailed when her age turned eighteen. A power that could seize everything under her grasp as her ability was destined to become the crowned head of neo-humans and demons.
8 198The Faceless Minion
In a world of superheroes, the great mastermind behind it all is...that faceless minion over there?! Enter into a world of superheroes...and supervillains. A world of chaos and action, of battle and glory, of plots and danger. Watch as heroes rise, villains fall, and the normal people strive to live their lives in between. But... Behind it all... Deep within the shadows... There is one who stands above all others. A master manipulator. The one who holds the fate of nations in his hands. The one who plays with the course of history as he pleases. Neither hero nor villain can withstand him. No one can put a stop to his plans. His name is... ... Um, what was his name again? ... What do you mean we don't know the name?! Why didn't you tell me?! What do you mean I never asked?! Go find out what his name is, you stupid minion! I shouldn't assume he's a he if I don't know who he is? I don't care, you useless twap! Just get me a name! Don't you know we're live now!? ... Gah, now this intro is ruined. All because of that stupid faceless minion. An expansion of my response to https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/tokpk6/wp_you_are_the_worlds_most_successful/ [participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge] And finisher!
8 1021Hero? I'm assassin, but that's the same right?
Pyro is quite a notorious assassin on Earth, and was enrolled in the 'Black hands' in the 'Arachne' Division as one of the best assassins at that time, and the most secretive one. He has different set of values and in some cases lacks common sense, but as being the one who get the job done by any means necessary was one of the reasons to his fame, or infamy, depending on who you would ask. It's year 2026, and the third world war will soon commence, but before that Pyro has a target to eliminate... or two. *** As I am new to writing and not a native english speaker, there is bound to be mistakes, not critical though mind you. Oh and comedy is there just bacause I will try to make MC funny... and happy-go-lucky... probably... oh and he will be/is OP... There's no point in weaklings, right?
8 153Undead Girls: A different change
Follow the story of some very different type of friends. A story filled with sadness, madness, depravity, and more. And yes... There will be undead
8 74