Nezzar

Part Two: Marauders and Shields

Survival. From the moment Marduk was cast to earth, survival had been his goal. To survive in this floating sphere where power was absolute and hoarded by the strong. But that day when Marduk faced Insanity, survival had been at the back of his mind—forgotten. When he detached Insanity's hideous head from his neck and attempted to drain him as he had done with others, realisation struck like the blast of thunder.

Marduk was no match. He could have poured all he had into his escape and Insanity would have laughed all the while, watching him run circles in the palm of his hand.

Chattering. The sound persisted in this pulsing overpopulated place. All who Insanity forced to his unification were trapped in this cloying hive devoid of individuality. Despite the numerous changes, Marduk recalled this horrid place. Many centuries ago, he had been among this chattering population. One insignificant among many, until his craftiness created a path of escape and he ripped himself from Insanity's unity.

But Marduk's escape had come at a malignant cost. The madness of the hive had rubbed off him and even the ability he obtained from Insanity could not rid him of it. And that occasional madness was what led him to be bound in that atrocious cave.

In Insanity's hive, all present wore their hideousness. Scales, talons, fangs and all. Pretence was irrelevant but Marduk did not join the fray. Even trapped, he fought each moment to maintain his individuality, taking great pains to weave the outward appearance he loved to wear.

As Marduk sat quietly and alone in a corner, his long hair maintained a healthy shine, curling around his folded legs. His complexion remained smooth white. And the tattoos across his face were clear and distinct.

Marduk felt it. Hateful angry eyes on him. He did not need to confirm who gazed at him with such venomous contempt. Khonsu had made no secret of his resentment.

Clawed blackened feet stopped within Marduk's line of sight.

"You appear to be taking your imprisonment well."

"This is not imprisonment," Marduk replied with a bored sarcastic drawl, "it is unity."

That was one thing Marduk could at least appreciate about this place. The only one allowed to do the oppressing was Insanity himself. Khonsu could do nothing to him no matter the weight of his anger and loathing.

"I see you still cling to the lying appearance you once bore."

"Hmmm." Marduk shut his eyes and resumed his thought flow. So far, no solution has presented itself. He was well and truly stuck. If he could—

"Insanity demands your presence."

Marduk opened an eye and observed Khonsu. He appeared as several others appeared. Black leathery skin, large batty wings and a grotesque human-like face with protruding upward-pointing fangs and pointed tattered ears.

"Did I hear you correctly?"

Khonsu merely scowled down at him, saying nothing in response.

This, Marduk did not expect. If Insanity wished to see him, would a single thought not suffice to summon him? Why send Khonsu? Was he weakened?

"And how do we meet our great benefactor? Or did Insanity share a map with you?"

"Yes."

Marduk's jaw dropped. "What?"

"Walk behind me. I find the sight of you greatly displeasing." Khonsu turned and began making his way through the crowd. For one moment, one very stubborn rebellious moment, Marduk considered remaining where he sat in open defiance to Insanity. But he was not mad. Springing to his feet, he hurried after Khonsu.