Filii Noctis

Rebirth Final Act

By Benjamin R. Long Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved

Other Books in this Series Filii Noctis Genesis Filii Noctis Evolution Filli Noctis --Apocalypse Filii Noctis -- Rebirth Benjamin L. This title is part of the collection known as the Darkness Saga *** Disclaimer***
This story is classified as fantasy horror, it contains scenes of graphic violence and gore. It also contains strong religious references and possible blasphemies against some organized religions, if you are easily offended then do not read this book. This book is written as entertainment and should be regarded as entertainment. This book does not depict any real people or locations, however some characters and locations are inspired off actual places, events and people. Any similarity between any depicted person and reality is strictly coincidental and unintentional

Rebirth Listing
Rebirth....................................................................4 Chapter 1: Devastations Wake..........................4 Chapter 2: Surviving Annihilation...................36 Chapter 3: The Forsaken.................................67 Chapter 4: The Raising of Baldur..................100 Chapter 5: Wicked Plans...............................133 Chapter 6: Freya's Pain..................................164 Chapter 7: Blasphemy to Nature....................195 Chapter 8: Anne Defies Kross.......................221

Rebirth
Chapter 1: Devastations Wake It had been some time since the sun that was the center of the solar system went critical in the universe. The air was still saturated with the water that had once been in the seas. The land was barren and the life had been stripped from the surface. Even the buildings that once stood in the midst of metropolises no longer provided any evidence of their existence. It was as if the world revolted against itself and purged all the life from the Universe. At face value, there was no sign on life on the surface of the earth. More often than not one would have to look beyond the surface of things to see the truth of what was contained within. It was not about what was left on the surface that really mattered. It was about what was contained within the crust that really mattered. Even

though the power of the sun had obliterated the things on the surface, the war did not kill everything. No single force in the universe has the capability or the power to wipe out all instance of life. Nothing contains that level of power. The destruction that a person can bring would only be that for a short time. Once they depart the world, then so does their influence. Be the intent good or evil, the orlog that they bring to the world can only last for the life that they live. Those that wrote their ways in the past were powerless in this new world. For the dead have no power. It may be a sad fact; nonetheless, a corpse wields no power and has no value to anyone. The only thing that has value to a corpse is the memory in which it lived. Its body rots in the ground making its physical presence non-existent, as well as the spiritual essence that once made the hamr that animated the body eventually falls into the

shadow. It may a callous existence when one dies, yet it is the fact of the way the universe works. One may get angry; they may shake their fists at the sky. Yet death is inevitable, no matter how angry they get, it comes. There is no force in the universe that can save a person from it. Just as much as mortals die, things that are higher than us live to. The nature and details about their life cycle may be hard for us to understand, yet they are born and die at the same rate. There is no such thing as true immortality. Even the great tree Yggdrasil will die at a point. The very fabric our universe will one day end. We cannot prevent, nor can we predict it. Once it happens, we have to accept the fact that it is a natural process that must happen to preserve the integrity of reality. The people that survived the cataclysm that affected the Earth remain huddled in their shelters. The people that did survive were the

ones that were in facilities that could withstand the power of the Nova that scorched the earth. The earth was in a perpetual state of rain, attempting to return the water that evaporated from the bodies returned to the earth and gave water back to the land. Some of the military bases in the first world nations were able to survive much of the blast. Though their above ground facilities were incinerated the blast shelters and specially designed buildings held up against the assault. Many world leaders had sought shelter in underground bunker facilities from the effects of the blast. There were many survivors, Yet the ones that died were the ones that could not find a shelter to protect them from the blast. In the primary place where the battle was fought, which was the North American area known as Cleveland. There is ash mixing with water from the nearby Lake to cause a muddy ash like formations in the puddles on

the ground where it rained. In the area where the Holt Tower once resided there was a large concrete pad where the building had once stood. The people contained within steadfast waiting for the elven queens to give the word for them to go out and rebuild the world. It has been a while since the heat wave was felt; I wonder what it looks like out there? Sigrid asked. I imagine it is a cataclysm, Freya said. I never thought that something like this would happen in my lifetime, Sigrid said. You always have to prepare for catastrophe sister, it looms everywhere, Freya said. Well understand that small things like maybe some wars or occasional deaths, but something along the lines of this is just utterly devastating, Sigrid said openly. It is the natural order of things. These

events have happened before. Things will return and then when they grow they will eventually end with what you have witnessed, Freya said. Think of it this way, it would be even more tragic if the world was allowed to grow without restraint, imagine a world where there are millions of deer, but nothing to eat. Would you want them to continue to live with the pain of starvation, or would you prefer that they be obliterated so they do not suffer? Hela said to Sigrid. I get your point, but it just seems so harsh, Sigrid replied. Life is harsh and cruel, it is simply what is, sometimes to have compassion you must be cruel, Hela replied. There would have been greater cruelty had the world continued on its present course Sigrid. Imagine a world that is over crowded with people on top of people, spreading disease

and pestilence because the population is simply out of control, Albert said. Exactly, you may want people to live, but then when they have lived their life it must come to an end. Imagine a world where nothing can die. Would it be practical if death ceased to exist? Life would grow to a point where it would no longer be able to sustain itself and then it would atrophy under the attempt to feed the whole instead of preserving those that deserve to live, Hela said. Everything is a delicate balance Sigrid, If death died then so would life as they are interdependent on each other. You cannot have one without the other. You stop people from dying then they would live until they exhaust everything and then eventually they would come to the very thing you attempt to stop, death, Freya said. To respect death is to respect the eternal cycle of life and death, When

something dies it is a blessing as it moves on for something to replace it, there is no shame in death; it merely the cycle that never ceases, Hela said. It is our job to bring new life to those that died Sigrid, both the light and darkness must come together to rebuild the things that we cherish. We cannot do it alone, many people that we love and care about died, yet they can be replaced. It is Natures Eternal Religion, something to be sung about. Life and death are the most sacred things to us, Freya said. Yay, I get to make pretty stuff, Sigrid said as she smiled. Well it is more about establishing balance and order, the things that you create must have purpose. You simply cannot create things at random. You have to be able to create things that serve a purpose in the greater scheme suit the design of the universe, Freya

said. Of course, I know I have to create things that are functional and fit in with the ecosystem that we are trying to build, I am just happy to do so, Sigrid said with a grin flashing on her face. I am gratified at your enthusiasm sister, Freya said. It just makes me happy to do what elves do, Sigrid said. Richter walked up behind Sigrid and locked his hands around her. She purred affectionately as he embraced her from behind. Victoria looked over and rolled her eyes as she crunched on a carrot. Sigrid saw Victoria eyeballing her and laughed, Hey Victoria are you still upset? No, Victoria responded. Awww, I am glad that you are acting more like an elf, Sigrid said, Maybe I can play some mus

Victoria immediately cut her off before she could finish her statement, Turn on that vile music player and I will shove it Girls calm down, Freya said as Victoria started getting hot under the collar. Sigrid pouted a little as she shrugged her shoulders. She then in turn smiled and pecked Victoria with a kiss on her cheek. Victoria pulled away a bit, but let her kiss her on the cheek. It is almost time for us to return to the surface and restore life to the world, Freya said. Of course, we all have a duty to restore life now that the purging is finished with, Hela said. Life will begin in this area and then we allow it to grow out from here until Midgard is replenished, Freya said. It is so great that we are duly chosen to restore life, it makes me so happy, Sigrid

said as she clapped her hands. It is our purpose in life, our purpose is to create and perpetuate life. It is our sole existence in the universe, Freya said. Death is at an imbalance at the current moment, the world will not truly be restored until we bring the balance back, Hela said. Life begins with a single seed that blossom into something truly great, Freya said.

Beloved follows in Christ, the Lords judgment is complete, Flowers said to the congregation. It is now our duty to walk out into the paradise that the Lord will create for us and then it will truly be paradise on earth! Anne said fervently. Rejoice in the Lord my Brothers and Sisters, the world is now ours, the wicked has been judged, all that remain are the few that fled from the wrath like the cowards that they

are, Flowers said. Follow us and lets go out into the world and create the paradise that the Lord has promised to his children! Anne shouted. With that, Anne and Flowers led the congregation to the doors that allowed them access to the world above them. A group of able bodied men help push the doors open that had become partially lodged with some of debris that had blocked them. They exited the shelter and looked around at the world around them. There were some looks of disbelief as they looked around. The temperature had restored itself to a tolerable level. The land and terrain were scorched and burned beyond recognition. There was no life. It was a barren rock with no signs of life in any direction. Many of the people in the congregation were disappointed with the state of the world as it was. I thought we were to go to paradise,

but this is worse than anything I have ever imagined, One of the men said as he looked at the devastation around him. There was an intense level of moisture in the air, as if the atmosphere was resettling itself from have the water bodies vaporized and now was coming down as rain and fog that obscured the world around them. The temperature was still relatively hot, but it was no hotter than an August day. It may look bad my brothers, but this is the power of our Lord! We were not meant to have the world handed to us, but to build a better world free from the sins of the past! Flowers said. The people gathered in a circle and started singing some songs to the testament of the power of their Lord. Even though there was no resources and they lacked the capability to build more resources they still were convinced that Flowers would be able to

provide for them. Even in the despair of the times Flowers convinced these people that there was still hope even when they had nothing and could make nothing. The people looked towards Flowers for salvation so that they could continue to predicate their existence.

So when do we resurrect Baldur? We need leadership in these Dark times, Valkyrie asked the Elven Queens. We shall do so soon, before we depart this structure we shall bring Baldur back to life, Hela said. I will construct a vessel for Hela to place his soul in. It will take some time to create a vessel strong enough to contain his spirit, Freya said. That is correct; the average Light Elf would be unable to create a vessel suitable to contain a spirit as powerful as Baldurs. The only person that would be able to create such

a vessel would be Freya herself, Hela said. Of course, only the source of life would be able to create such a fine vessel, any other vessel would rupture from the power that it would contain for such a spirit, Freya said. This is true, the more powerful the spirit the stronger the vessel must be, Hela said. The spirit is quite a powerful source of energy. When utilized properly it is a veritable source of power, Freya said. Of course, this usurping of the dissolutive ond presents quite a situation for us. If we do not regain access to that source of energy we may not have the power to bring back too many life forms if the energy is being diverted for alternate purposes, Hela said. It has to be Kross, he seems to pursue power no matter where it is. He probably has interfered with the flow of power being that he

has access to it now as a Dark Elf, Albert said. I cannot assume anything I cannot prove, if he is trying to overthrow me then he will be punished, Hela said. He is out there somewhere, we must be careful out there as not to interact with him to in depth unless he confronts us directly, Albert said. There is no real value in combating Flowers unless he becomes a legitimate threat, Hela said. I agree, if we focus on him exclusively it will take us away from the things that we need to do to restore the world, Albert said. We must set precedence to the things that we need to do, Freya said. Kross is not an immediate threat at the current moment. We should only deal with him if he threatens us, Albert said. Of course, that is logical. We should

not worry about what might happen, realistically we need to focus on what is necessary, Hela said. Shall we go outside then? Albert asked. Of course, Freya said. The Light Elves formed up with each other as well as some of the humans to help go out on an expedition to the outside. Albert opened the blast shield that protected the shelter from the elements outside. When he opened the blast door, there was a wave of hot air that hit everyone that was accompanied with a wave of moisture that made everyone feel as though they were sticky. It is relatively hot, whats with the water in the air? Richter asked. The water on the planet boiled and went into the environment causing massive amounts of moisture which is going to fall back to the earth in precipitation, Freya said.

I wanna do something! Sigrid said cheerily as she ran over to a rock formation and waved her hand over the ground causing some grass to grow. Thats nice Sigrid, yet you should observe this Freya said as she pointed at the ground and a large pine tree grew out of the ground and grew to 30 feet in a few seconds. Ooh, thats impressive and pretty, Sigrid said. Perhaps Victoria should try growing something? Freya said. I will try Victoria said as she pointed to another rock formation. As she concentrated a small juvenile sugar maple grew from the soil about ten feet tall. You are getting the picture Victoria, it is imperative that we create things that are necessary to the proper functioning to the planet before we create anything else. Without

a base the other life forms would be unable to survive, Freya said. It was the first thing that came to mind, Victoria said. That is great Victoria, I trust that we will make great progress by the end of the day, Freya said. While the Light Elves were busy creating plants, Hela walked up to each creation and touched them and they developed a sort of hue that gave the a unique life and animation that brought them to life. Each creation that the Light Elves created had a unique life quality added to it that defined it through the definition of the animation that was given to it. The elves of both the light and

dark had come together to create a unique life that was animated by the very essence of the universe. Ohhh that is pretty Victoria, Sigrid said as she smiled.

Diana was right next to Victoria as they pretty much kept each other company most of the time. Diana put her finger into a puddle of water and some green algae started to color the water. That is good Diana, one of the fundamental building blocks to life is the small organisms that make life possible for the larger ones, Freya said. I figured that something small like bacteria and algae should be created. There is more to the natural cycle of life than just trees and animals, Diana said. Everything in the natural world is interdependent on each other. Just because something is large, does not make it more important in the natural world, Freya said. The life that would create would be unable to exist with the power that I lend it, Hela said as she put her finger into the water and it started grow exponentially.

This is true, Freya said. The life that we create would be useless if there were no spirit to animate the vessel. The light elves may be able to create vessels, yet they would be powerless to animate them without the aid of the Dark Elves. There is a particular balance in the universe that everything is related to, Hela said. The balance that we maintain is the ecosystem that we maintain, it is important to keep everything that is supposed to function in the ecosystem working properly or the system fails, Freya said. How will we know whether what we create will be harmful or not? Victoria asked. What you create will be mandated by the will and edicts of fate, you cannot create something that fate would not allow, Hela said. We are all bound to the will of

destiny, it would be impossible to step outside the confines of our destiny. If we were not destined to do something then we would be unable to do it, Freya said. The Three goddesses of Destiny have already prescribed the things you need to do as they have prescribed all our fates, Hela said. I think I am starting to understand this whole destiny thing, Diana said. Whether you understand the will and mandates of destiny are irrelevant. It is impossible to violate destiny since the reality is written by destiny. If the Goddesses did not will it then it would be impossible to happen, Hela said. The rest of the female light elves fanned out in the area and started to create more life and organisms. After several hours there was life built up in the area that looked like a primordial development of a new world. The organism started frown in the soil and started

to take root. Richter walked about the garden that the girl elves created. He stood about looking and guarding the girl elves from any forces that would seek them harm. He looked over the group of elves as they worked. Occasionally he would keep an eye on Sigrid, making sure that she was safe. The other male elves dispersed themselves amongst the crowd so that they could maintain a defensive response in the event that there was something to happen. Elrick walked up to Richter and patted him on the back. Hey, it looks like the girls are going to be busy with their duties. It is doubtful that we will get attacked, yet we must remain vigilant, Elrick said. Of course, there is a very good possibility that Kross is still lurking about. That man is pure evil, Richter said. Well he may be evil, but what I

understand, men like that do themselves in. His greed is unsuitable. He will continue to consume until he gorges himself to the point of death. It is the natural order for men like him, Elrick said. I suppose that you are right, I wonder how many people he will take with him until he finally destroys himself, Richter said. The people that he pulls down with himself are destined for their fate. The wolf does not change its fur, Elrick said. Of course, Kross is the same thing that he has always been, he was born a monster and he has lived the life of a monster. There is no changing that. It is sort of the story of the Frog and scorpion. The Frog promises the scorpion to take him across the river as long as the scorpion does not sting him. Yet he got stung anyway, It goes to show you that people do what they are born to do. If a person is born a monster then it is natural for

him to behave as a monster, Richter said. Well the world is a predatory place. If you are born to be an unstoppable killing machine then that is what you are going to be. You are merciless to resist the call. Eventually all creatures succumb to the nature of what they are. The lion can only go so far without eating before it ravages the lambs, Elrick said. Of course, if dont do what you are programmed to do then you die. We all have to do what we are intended to do. Whatever we do must be in accordance with the mandate of Destiny. If we chose to resist we would be compelled to do it against our will, Richter said. Of course, it is futile to fight destiny, in every scenario all creatures carry out the will of destiny. There is no way to cheat destiny as there is no way to cheat death, Elrick said. That is absolutely true; it is one of the

constants in the universe. All things must face the ultimate destiny of things, you cannot cheat destiny, Richter said. Even in this devastation there is hope, the ones that have been selected are the ones that have been chosen to rebuild the world, our purpose is to help those that have perished and carry on the legacy by which they have lived in a new world, Elrick said. The losses have been tragic, but those deaths had to happen, had they not then it would have been possible that there would have been even been a greater tragedy, Richter said. Even though they died, we will live on and honor their memory, Elrick said. Those who die in honor will live forever in the memory of those that cherish their deeds, Richter said. Sigrid roamed around the area pointing her finger at random rock formations and she waver her hand over the formations and various

types of vegetation started to grow from the ground. She smiled as the organism took root and other things started to foliate the area. Victoria and Diana hanged around each other talking to each other. They as well were helping life grown in the area. I just want to thank you Diana for being there for me. You have always listened to me, Victoria said to Diana. Victoria, no matter how alone that you feel that you are, you are never alone in this world. We share the same spirit, the same blood we are of the same identity. The fact is that we must be strong together, Diana said. I love it when you speak to me Diana, it is almost as though you are lending me your strength, Victoria said. You have always been strong Victoria, it is the fact that Kross suppressed you for so long that you truly lost who you were and became someone else. You became dependent

on him, and then he betrayed you. The pain from such a thing would be unimaginable, Diana said. I know it hurts; it still hurts. I have learned to deal with this pain. I wonder what he is doing, what he is planning? Victoria said. The logical assumption is that he either plans to kill or enslave us, Diana said. Of course, his madness is beyond comprehension, Victoria said. I imagine he is in some hole preaching to some Jebus freak survivors that think they have been raptured Diana said. I would hate to be them when they run out of food, Victoria said. The cannibals will start feasting upon the flesh, Diana said. More than likely, I wonder if the Dark Elves eat like us? Victoria said. Ask Hela, Diana said.

Of course, I suppose that she would know about that, Victoria said. Has Tod been around Victoria, Diana asked. I havent seen him in a few months, he was so sweet, but I suppose they have him doing things, Victoria said with a dismal look on her face. Of course, these are busy times, maybe you can visit him sometime when there is time, Diana said. I still wear that pendant he gave me. He was so nice to see me when I was so sick, I wish he was with me now, Victoria said. Well it is daylight out Victoria, he would go dormant if he were out in broad daylight, Diana said. Of course, I still miss him, it has been a few months, Victoria said. Well we got things to do, these plants need some tender loving care, Diana said.

These plants seem to have a unique purpose; I have never admired their beauty before. It seems that they have formed a unique bond with me, Victoria said. Well this is what we are now Victoria, as Sigrid said; we cant help what we are. Diana said. Victoria frowned when Diana mentioned Sigrids name, but resumed what she was doing, I suppose Sigrid would know. I know you dont like Sigrid, but she is special in her own way, Diana said. She is annoying, as far as hating her; I find it hard to hate her. The fact is that she always manages to piss me off. For some reason when she is in my presence it is as if there is a child sitting in a seat bawling its eyes out and there is no way to control the volume. Some of the things that she does is absolutely torturous, Victoria said. Well still, she is a child, I understand

you find children distasteful, but again she will not be like this forever, Diana said. I suppose you are right, but it is just so hard at times, Victoria said with some tears forming on her cheek. Dont cry sister, Diana said slipping an arm around her shoulder. Victoria leaned her head into Diana and just spent some time with Diana. How is it going sisters? I trust you

are working well? Freya said as she approached Victoria and Diana. The girls reciprocated by hugging Freya and giving her some kisses on her cheek. We are fine, Diana said. Freya looked at some of the tears on Victorias check and smiled at her, Why do you cry so dear sister? Oh, It just seems that things get to me from time to time, Victoria said. You should not cry over things that

dont matter sister. It is futile, you can beat your head up against the wall and beat yourself up all day long, but the only thing it accomplishes is a headache, Freya said. Well sometimes it makes me feel better to get it out, Victoria said. Getting it out is one thing, but even when you cry the problem is still there. The only way truly to prevent tears is to solve the problem. If you sulk about it eternally, the eternal pain is your reward, Freya said. I understand what you are saying, but it seems as though I want to run at times, Victoria said. There was a verse that Odin said a long time ago: The sluggard believes that he would live forever should he run from the fight and a thousand spears spare his life; but the gift of age has not granted him peace, Freya said. What does that mean? Victoria asked.

You cant run from battle, you run and you will be pursued, you may evade thousands of attempts on your life. Yet in the end it only takes one successful attempt to kill you, Freya said. I see what you are saying, I guess I never thought of it that way, Victoria said. It is always wise to heed the wisdom of those that dwarf you, the things that Odin taught us is beyond comprehension. We shall mourn his passing, Freya said sighing.