Heaven

NONE BUT HER WILL REMAIN.

the cathedral has been abandoned for years. strange things have always happened here, and many say a ghost haunts its lonely corridors— yet you aren't afraid.

your parents told you never to come here, the superstitious fools. they talked of old gods that sleep in the catacombs, waiting to wake and destroy the true deities.

a ridiculous idea, of course.

who could kill a god?

the cathedral is decayed and crumbling, yet beautiful. the scents of rotten wood and leaves are heavy on your nose as you approach the doors.

the heavy doors are still intact, and you run your claws over the intricate carvings that decorate them. they're in a language you can't understand— a spell to ward off evil spirits, perhaps? you push, and with a creak, the doors swing open.

---

-ai generated-

"what have we here?"

you jump, scared.

"what is it, boy? are you frightened, or is this your idea of a fun time?"

The apparition stands in the doorway, grinning.

you know him.

You've seen him in the streets, leaning against walls, staring at people. He doesn't usually talk to people, but you saw him walking the streets that night.

"Hey, stranger, what can I do for you?"

"You're not a god, you know that, right?"

"Who?"

"The face."

"Oh, him. Yes, I am."

"You won't let me in, so I'm just gonna sit here and listen, thanks."

He sits down on a rock near the entrance.

"Of course, my dear."

You nod, but remain on guard. If he tries to attack, you'll try to fight him off.

"So you're not a god?"

"Not even close. I'm the worst person to be a god."

"Yeah."

"Well, in all honesty, the one thing I can't do is make a new god."

"What?"

"Gods are unpredictable. Their whims and their emotions are untrained, uncontrolled. It's the very nature of the gods to be perfect, but for all of them, you'll find that this is simply not possible."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean they can't create without an insane amount of concentration and attention. They need no food, and can live forever. They only sleep to gain a new perspective."

"You said—"

"My story," he says, "doesn't need to be told."

"How can you know that?"

He shakes his head.

"Just trust me."

"Well... why do you even bother pretending?"

"Oh, I don't know. The act of believing in something can sometimes be more powerful than believing in nothing at all."

"You're lying."

"Oh, I'm not. I simply want you to give me a chance. I really am good, deep down."

"Yeah, right."

"Very well."

He takes a deep breath.

"So I'm good deep down. But I do want you to give me a chance."

"What? I don't understand."

"It's quite simple. Come in with me."

You hesitate.

"Come in with you?"

He nods.

"Come on. I won't bite."

"But—"

"My promises, as all mortals do, are as frail as the promises of the gods. It is imperative that you come with me, or we'll both die. That is, if you want to come with me at all."

"Well, you have me at a disadvantage. I don't trust you, and I don't trust my choices right now. What if you're not telling the truth?"

"Come in with me, my dear."

"No. Not at all."

He sighs.

"Fine. If you're dead set on not coming in with me, that's fine."

"I see."

You stay behind the wall.

"Fine. I'll give you a chance, but it's up to you."

He doesn't come in.

You run off.

"You're not a god."

It's the voice from behind you. You can hear it clearly, even in the dark.

"I am not a god."

"What are you?"

"Just a man, what business is it of yours?"

"Your words are lies!"

"I am a liar, yes. But I am a truthful liar, as well."

"How do you do that?"

"What do you think I do?"

"I don't know. Like what?"

"Why?"

"Why what? Now if you've no business with me, I'd rather be left in peace."

You think for a moment.

"What do you want from me?"

"I want you to take a chance. And the way to take a chance is to believe."

"I don't. I won't."

"Why not? Because I don't believe in you?"

"Because you're a liar."

"Ha ha."

He has a laugh that could only be an evil one.

"I'm a good liar. I can lie with the best of them."

"But why?"

"Why do you ask me? Just come in."