As Grimstrom closed the door, I was plunged into utter darkness. Not only could I not see a thing, but the place was unnaturally silent. There was no sensations other than my feet on the floor.

I waited for an age before growing frustrated and heading back to where the door had been. It was no longer there. I kept walking forward hands out in front of me expecting to hit a wall at any moment. When no walls greeted me after a dozen footsteps, I began to walk-in ever-increasing circles instead. Knowing that I while I may have been turned around as I waited, I would have to hit the wall at some point. It never happened.

Despite being an eight-foot demon man, in what was clearly an expansive space, the darkness seemed to close in on me, causing my old friend claustrophobia to rear its head once more. My heart picked up its pace while my lungs seemed unwilling to draw full breaths. To increase my anguish further, it was Natom’s words that came to mind on how to deal with the swell of panic setting in.

I focused on soothing and tampering down the turbulent core, swiftly bringing it under control again. Not stopping until it was fully suppressed.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” A tooth to rattling voice boomed, reverberating around my mind causing a lot of pain.

“Calming my neuma,” I strained to answer. Unsure of what else to say.

“HMMM, NATOM’S INSTRUCTIONS?”

“Yeah,” I said wincing.

“A FOOL WITH FOOLISH WAYS.”

“You think Natom is a fool?”

“HE HAS EVER BEEN A FOOL. STRIVING TO BECOME A GOD, BUT HE KNOWS NOTHING OF WHAT IT MEANS. HE IS A FISH LOOKING OUT FROM THE POND. ”

“Natom wants to become a god?” I asked, not really surprised by the revelation.

“OF COURSE. BUT TO BE A GOD YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE AN EXTENSION OF NEUMA AND NOT THE REVERSE. THIS IS WHAT NONE OF YOU MORTALS CAN COMPREHEND. YOU HAVE AN INHERENT BELIEF THAT YOU ARE THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE.”

Half way through his extend reply, I sank to my knees, blood began dripping from my nose, and my ears. “Sure,” I croaked. “That’s fascinating, but can I ask you a favor, your Godliness? Is there any way you could tone down your voice a little? I feel like my head is about to explode every time you speak.”

“You are not one of my followers, so it is likely you are less attuned to the power of my voice. Is this better?”

“Absolutely. Thank you so much. While we’re on the subject, you know Grimstrom damn near passed out when you spoke to him earlier? Could it be, that your followers are so enamoured with you that they don’t wish to criticize?”

There was a deep rumbling sound that put my nerves on edge. I thought I might have pissed Darkness off. But when he replied, he seemed fine still.

“I was unaware. I have billions of followers and I can feel them all of my followers all of the time. There are billions, so it can be difficult to pick out individual emotions. Thank you for letting me know this.”

“Well, I kinda have two people I made followers, and feeling just their emotions is confusing enough,” I replied. Then instantly regretted telling him. People generally didn’t like my soul bonding skills and I cringed at what his response would be.

“It is a great responsibility. I cannot imagine starting out again. I will tell you, as you attain more followers it gets easier.” He paused for a moment. “Though in some ways it gets, harder, like becoming somewhat disconnected from them as we’ve just discovered.”

“Wait a minute, you’re not going to give me a hard time for soul bonding people?”

The rumbling occurred again before darkness spoke. “What do you think every follower of every God is?”

“That’s different, though. What I’ve done is to actually make them servants.”

“Yes. It’s the same skill. When a follower prays to one of us, they unknowingly send an infinitesimally small tendril of their Neuma to our cores, which we then bind. The stronger they become, the more power we receive through the bond from them, which is one of the reasons why it is wise to invest back in them with powers they can actually access.”

“Wait up, so you're telling me, every follower is soul bound to their God, in the same way Sania and Grigor are bound to me?”

“Indeed. The skill will develop over time to allow your bonded to become more autonomous should you wish. Though you must work hard to get stronger. Gaining more followers is an excellent way to bolster that strength.”

I tried to think on if I’d become more powerful with Sania and Grigor’s bond. I hadn’t noticed an increase in power. Inspecting my core, I could feel Grigor’s bonds attached, and I could also see Sania’s, which was entwined with my own going back to her.”

“You still barely comprehend anything about yourself,” Darkness said. “But there is still time. This war will not be won in a short span of time.”

“Why are you helping me? What am I, or what exactly is it that is in me that you're all so interested in?”

“Imagine a thermostat that controls the temperature of a room,” he said slowly as if explaining to a child. Which, considering the situation, was very apt. Then my mind came to screeching halt.

“Hold the fucking phone, Darkness. How the hell do you know what a thermostat is?”

The rumbling occurred yet again and I realised it was Darkness laughing.

“I am a God, Clive! Of course I know what a thermostat is.”

“There are non-here on Falritas, though. Have you been to Earth?”

“Do you truly know so little? There are three secondary planes that are directly linked to Onnerak. Falritas, Talitus and Galess. Each one very different from the other.

Talitus is far more technologically advanced than that of even your Earth. The people of that plane have been able to visit many of the tertiary worlds through space travel.

Galess is an ocean world. You probably wouldn’t enjoy it there,” he laughed in his rumbling way.

“You’re dropping some heavy info bombs here, Darkness. My head's spinning.”

“They aren’t secrets, Clive. But I will return to my point. The thermostat balances cold and warmth. I am cold, gods of light are of warmth. We each serve an important role within the universe, and should we fall too far out of balance, that will spell the end of the Universe as we know it. Creation was the thermostat and without him, things are slipping.”

“Why don’t you all just behave then? Balance yourselves?”

“Surprisingly, many of us are able to maintain a status quo. Light and I realise we do not exist without each other. But, Destruction is driven by her core reason to exist, which is to destroy. Justice is driven by the need to punish those who do not follow and agree to their tenants of belief.

“War must fight, and Peace must oppress to avoid conflict. We are not balanced deities Clive, our followers are not balanced either. But Creation was balance, he was the conductor of this great symphony, and he has left us for reasons none of us understand. All that remains of him is buried deep inside of you.”

We have all been searching for Creation in our own ways, Clive, and we have a pact not to destroy the seed once we find it. How each of the other gods wish to deal with you is not something any of us can control nor agree upon. We are too single minded and our inherent drives and motivations naturally conflict. Hence why Creation was so important.”

“Well, Destruction’s trying to kill me now, just so you know. And if Devotion knew, why did sell me out to Natom Fucking Hilgresh instead of trying something herself?”

“Devotion is generally the most wholesome of us. She won’t have sold you out intentionally. I imagine she felt if you stayed within her kingdom on Falritas, it would bring both Destruction and Justice to her doorstep. So, she sent you to the one person she believed may have been able to help and nurture your situation. Unfortunately, she’s always been a bit blind to how insane Natom Hilgresh actually is. He is also the strongest being on the planet. He has protected Knuntang extremely well, too. But all of his dedication to become stronger and develop has had a high cost on his mental stability.

“You’re telling me! Who goes around chopping people's legs off for no reason!”

“At least he left you alive.”

“Why did he? Do you know why?”

“I have little doubt his overall plan was to acquire the seed for himself, but there is no way to remove it until it begins to sprout. I assume the intention was to incapacitate you and leave you with Devotion until this happened. Of course, it could be because he is insane, and you can be infuriating by all accounts.”

“Infuriating? Me? Who said that?”

“You know, news travels. But take heed. Once he hears of your recent resurgence, I imagine he will come looking for you soon.”

“Ah shit. That’s not good.”

“Indeed. Which leads me to my proposal. Obviously, I didn’t ask you here for idle chatter.”

“Here comes the boom,” I groaned, to the familiar rumbling.

“There are wars taking place all across Falritas. Not just this corner. War and Desolation are pushing on Death. War is also at war with both Light and Peace. While Peace is pushing on Light’s borders. So far, only Life and Devotion are not directly involved. But that will not last forever. Yet I have mentioned there are three other planets where this is playing out. War has already removed the Goddess of Life from Galess and over a quarter of Talitus’s land has been destroyed.

So far the wars are being played out on the secondary planets, but sooner or later it will spill over onto Onnekus. I won’t try to fool you into thinking there is a right and a wrong in this. There is no blame. We all do what we are destined to do. But now there are no checks in place up on us the result is clear to see. Some revel in the new power they are able to obtain others want only for the status quo to be restored. I am of the latter, which is why I want you to become that thermostat we spoke of.”

“Would you still want status quo if it wasn’t your land being taken over by both Destruction and Justice?”

“Invest in Intelligence at the next available opportunity,” Darkness replied. His voice showing a brief flare of irritation. “Light and I were the first made by Creation. We are the oldest and most powerful. Kalabri could handle either of their forces independently, but remember, I want balance to be restored, which means destroying either of them would be counterproductive?”

“But they’re taking over your land. There won’t be much balance if they conquer you.”

“The surface is not too much of a concern for me right now.”

“I’m sorry I just don’t get it. Grimstrom and the other dwarves said the same thing but it.”

“Until you can be trusted it would be foolish. Can you be trusted Clive?”

“I honestly don’t know,” I replied after some thought.

“Then let me discuss my proposition. I want you to flourish and grow into someone who can fill the void that Creation left. It will be a long and dangerous road on which I cannot intervene directly, which is the only reason Natom Hilgresh still lives.”

“Why can’t you intervene and why are none of your followers as powerful as Natom? It seems insane that this could happen.”

“Neuma is largely inaccessible to people. Unless, as you’ve discovered, they are intoxicated in some way. It is exponentially easier to use the power sent by one of the gods. But that power is limited. We can only push so much through the bond. So no matter how strong any of my followers become they will always be second best to Natom Hilgresh.”

“That seems like a massively bad oversight, Darkness.”

“Indeed, but this has never happened before. Not here, nor on the other secondary planes. Only Creation’s early mentoring allowed Natom to reach the levels he has now. The only hope of Natom being defeated on Falritas is you.”

“So what? You want to hide me away?

“If only. But how would you grow stronger. Even if I was to give you enemies to kill. You would not develop as you should.

No. What I want from you is to continue building your Fortification in the mountains. My followers will help you with suitable materials, trade, and a more direct route from Nuinaer to you. I also want the Neutral races who walk the lands of Kalabri to be able to find refuge with you as Justice and Destruction push further into those lands. Is this something you’d be able to do?”

“Fill the void left by Creation? Absolutely not. Build the fortification in the mountains. Probably not. You see Joel, our builder is here to ask for a portal home and I intend to do everything I can to ensure he gets one. Even though I don’t want him to go,” I laughed sadly.

“King Oblitifist can arrange a new builder and if you agree, I will have my followers create the portal you need.”

I nodded, more to myself in the darkness. “What about if Natom comes for me?”

“The Dwarves of Nuinaer will be on guard for the settlement as you would be a valued trading partner and ally to Nuinaer. He will have to think carefully on his actions so as not to make a direct enemy of Kalabri and me.”

“So all you want me to do is get stronger and build a Fortification for the refugees of Kalabri? Oh and become the God of Creation to save the universe?”

“Exactly. Though focus on the getting stronger first. I cannot know for certain bu I suspect that your body will not be strong enough to hold the power of Creation until you are at least rank 3.”

“Is that Nephilim?”

“Or Baatazu.”

“This all sounds bonkers, Darkness. But I agree. We need all the help we can get up here to survive.”

A bony hand of similar size to mine came out of the darkness and it was creepy as fuck.

“Shake?”

I really didn’t want to. Not only the act, but also what it might mean. This fucker could be tricking me. An obvious idea clicked into place.

“I will shake as long as you swear you are not tricking me or have any nefarious plans regarding me. If you do, I am absolved of all promises made here. Also, does this deal include the portal home for Joel?”

“Yes it does, and I swear to everything you just said and agree to your terms.”

I shook his hand with far more conviction than I felt at the deal I’d just struck.

“Hey, I know this is gonna sound crazy. But can I pop through back through to my world too and grab some clothes?” All I have to wear is these ripped hemp trousers and deerskin poncho.

“Can’t you just get some clothes from Nuinaer? I’m sure the tailors there will be happy to account for your size.”

“Yeah, sure. It’s just… well, the clothes here are a bit shit.”

Darkness actually sighed.” Grimstrom will be able to open a portal at a destination of your choosing for a maximum of twelve hours. That is the longest it can be held open for. He will also have to come through with you.”

“To be fair, a dwarf will probably draw less attention than me and Sania in a public place.”

“You intend to go to a public place? I assumed you would choose the house where you keep your own clothes.”

“They’re gonna be too small, but it’s a good point and buying clothes for an eight-foot dude isn’t exactly going to be easy, either. It’s not like I can order anything online in twelve hours. At least I don’t need socks or trainers anymore.

“I really don’t need to hear about this, Clive,” Darkness sighed. “I have one last thing to cover before you go, and I feel it will help you on your path. We mentioned at the beginning that you are an extension of your Neuma and not the other way around. It is not something to be controlled, it is something to embrace and be one with. Now, Focus on the Meridians in your hands.”

I did as he asked, curious. “Okay. Doing that.”

“Now let it pour from your meridian and out of your hand.”

“How do I do that?”

“It requires no teaching. This is the point. Just let it pour out.”

“You’re not gonna nick it are you?”

“We have just agreed on a deal. Is your trust so fickle?”

“Probably. I have ingrained paranoia, from years of experience,” I replied still trying to force the energy to just flow out of my hands.

“Still nothing?” Darkness asked after several more seconds.

“No! And I’m trying everything.”

“You do not need to try. That is the whole point. To let something fall away, you just relax, and let it go.

I tried to remove all expectation and desire, and imagine what it would be like for the Neuma to just pour like a river from my hands.

When it actually worked, I was elated. That feeling was quickly replaced by terror as my core began shrinking. It was as if my meridian had suddenly become a bucket with a big hole in it.

The rumbling started again. Darkness laughing. I panicked as I desperately tried to stop the flow, but it was no use. It continued to spill on the floor uncontrollably.

“That’s it! Feed me you fool! Give me all of your precious Neuma!” He growled the words hungrily.

My fear went above anything I’d ever felt at his words, which caused something to click in my core. All of a sudden, the flow reversed and the Neuma was sucked back into me at a frightening speed.

“What the fuck!” I screamed at Darkness as I began staggering backwards from where the skeletal had had appeared earlier.

“My gift to you, Sapling of Creation,” he said with humor in his voice. “Now you know how the Neuma should flow.”

“What? You mean you didn’t eat any of it?”

“No. I was merely inspiring you to reclaim your Neuma, through the natural process of fear. Now you know how it feels to recall the Neuma, you should be able to do it next time with a little more finesse. Not everything can be taught with words, Clive.”

“I don’t know what to make of that. I think I may have shat my only trousers, Darkness.”

“I must leave now. My time here is limited, as is yours.”

“Well, thanks Darkness. I hope we can make a good partnership here. You seem like a genuinely good guy, and apart from the whole eating my Neuma gag at the end there, it’s been great speaking to you.”

I waited for an answer, but none came. The next sound I heard, other than my own scuffling and breathing, was the sound of a door opening.

Grimstrom stood at the door that hadn’t existed a few moments ago.

“Where did the door go earlier?” I asked as I made my way over to him.

“The door remained where it was, you however took a little trip to a halfway house between Onnerak and Falritas. It’s the only way Darkness would have been allowed to speak with you.”

“This place is mad. Why can the gods not act directly down here?”

Grimstrom laughed. “Why do you think? How long do you think us weaklings would last if they were down here bickering and fighting. From what I understand, just being in a god’s direct presence is enough to kill one of us from the secondary plane.”

“That actually makes a bit of sense, Grimstrom,”

“Damn right it does. Now come on Clive. Tell me all about it. I hear I have a portal to make for you and I got the message with no pain. Do I have you to thank for that?”

“Who knows?” I replied with a wide smile. “Are we doing the portal straight away?”

“Twelve-hour portal? Nah, that’s gonna take a day at least to prepare. I’ll take you to your accommodation for now.”