False Gods: Disciple

Chapter Eight: Darkness Rising

[Log Start] I've noticed that yet another disciple has emerged. It's concerning how many are popping up so quickly, and even worse, how many have grouped together. I'm hoping that something will change soon, otherwise, I may have to personally intervene. [End Log]

After several hours of travelling, Nemzio and the group finally arrived home. Hezikai lay Nemzian and Tenashi onto the bed gently. Nemzio carefully lowered Mizuki to the ground, allowing her to rest in a sitting position. He sat beside her,

"We made it back," Nemzio said softly. There was no response, she was already fast asleep. Sighing, Nemzio looked over at Hezikai, "Hey, those two are gonna be okay, right?"

"Yeah, don't worry, they'll be fine." Hezikai responded. Letting out another sigh, Nemzio shut his eyes, allowing sleep to take over.

"Nemzio," The False God's voice came from all around him, "I told you, you need to get stronger,"

"Let me rest, False God," Nemzio said coldly,

"I can't do that," It said, "You need to hear this,"

"What do you want?" Nemzio asked apprehensively

"That disciple that killed mine before," It started, "That was Zegita."

"You mean Zegita killed the previous disciple of light?"

"Yes, and beyond that, he killed the disciple of darkness, and electricity," It paused for a moment, "All at once."

"You mean he's that powerful?" Nemzio was terrified at the thought of fighting someone that strong,

"Yes," It responded, "That's why you need to become stronger, so you can stand up to him,"

"Why do you care?" Nemzio asked, suspicious,

"Because, I can't have two of my disciples killed by the same person," It responded, looking up at the blank, white, ceiling,

"There's something more to it," Nemzio decided, "Tell me, who was the previous disciple of light?"

"Fine, maybe you'll learn from his mistakes." The False God said, "He was a strong man. He was probably the finest disciple I've had. He invented techniques that I'd never have come up with. He made sure to keep his team in line, and took care of them. His brother fought alongside them, and they made an amazing team," The False God began to sound nostalgic, "He also passed boundaries nobody else would touch. He'd help anyone in need, and was respected across the wastes. But most of all, he did something no disciple ever did."

"What's that?" Nemzio was curious now,

"He was a good friend to me," The False God had lost its characteristic smile, "That's something no False God has gotten before,"

"Interesting," Nemzio said with an even tone, "That explains it. You want revenge for your friend."

"No!" It yelled, "You'll die too."

"Don't worry, I have no plans in helping you out," Nemzio retorted, "Besides, I'm nothing like this guy, I have no intention of being your friend." The False God looked away,

"I wasn't asking you to."

"Good." With that the room faded, and Nemzio was left to rest.

Hours later, Nemzio woke up. Feeling a weight on his left shoulder, he looked over to find Mizuki had fallen asleep beside him. He spent several seconds gazing at her sleeping form, strands of her mousy brown hair covering her face. Several minutes passed, the only noise being Mizuki's soft breathing. Eventually, Mizuki's eyes opened slightly, Nemzio quickly looked away, slightly embarrassed. She shut her eyes again, and drifted back to sleep, apparently seeing no problem with being so close to Nemzio. Nemzio let his gaze rest on Mizuki once more, the strange feeling in his chest igniting once more. Nemzio was uncertain what the feeling was, and it bothered him. He couldn't say he disliked the feeling, but accompanied by they warm feeling, was a feeling of emptiness he couldn't describe.