Arc 7, Healthy Green Glow, Chapter 4 Demon and The Apostles
The low sheen of irradiated sewage filled the cavernous tunnel. Hard cement walls were coated in grime and layered filth from years of neglect. The rank stench of ammonia and feces filled the air. Two figures walked cautiously along with a dog sized rat leading the way, at the end of a rope. One was much shorter than the other. He wore a ragged cloak patched together from various discarded apparel. Wet matted fur bristled as a tattered ear rotated to varied dripping sounds. Clawed hands held the cloak firm, as they passed under a drainage pipe that acted more like a waterfall of filth. The ratlike face twisted with displeasure.
“Why do we have to go check out the sub-tunnels?” asked the rat man, peering at the taller person with his beady little eyes.
The taller man wore a hard hat with a flashlight on the top. It lit the way before them. A corroded red bio hazard suit covered his body. It clearly had not done its job from the long, fleshy limbs extending out where arms should be. Barbed sucker cups covered the slick tentacles, some even oozed a sort of mucus. His face was pasty, spongy, and bloated, making it disfigured like a waterlogged corpse.
He replied, “Reverend said we needed some more rats. Packrat, I thought you would be happy about this?”
“Well, it is kind of fun training them. Still, this is the Blood Rats we are talking about. These are the meanest fuckers down here.”
“Reverend looks over his flock. If you want to stay in the commune you have to listen to him.”
“I know. I didn’t mean disrespect. I owe him, after what that whore Glitter Kitten did to me,” replied Packrat.
“How are your legs healing?”
“About half of what they were.”
“Give it time, his glow heals all wounds.”
“I am still not sold on the whole Pluton thing.”
“All are children of Pluton. His glow is all around us, even now. His love, fills us, changes us.”
“Yeah, it certainly changed you. Sucker, how does it feel having tentacles for arms?”
He stopped, the slimy appendages slowly undulating, “It took getting used to. In some ways it is better, in others it is harder.”
“True, you don’t have hands.”
“That would be the hard part. But they do stretch and are rather strong.”
The rat sniffed the cement walkway, slowing as it listened. Sucker and Packrat stopped as well, “What is it, boy?”
Distantly, over the babble and gurgle of the waste river to their side, another sound became apparent, screaming. The rat bristled its fur, snorting, as it seemed on edge. He suddenly yanked at the rope and took off running down the corridor, squeaking, and chattering. Packrat gave chase and Sucker tried to keep up. The rodent rounded the corner followed by Packrat. He slowed and looked down as his foot crunched on something. A bone, which looked like it had been gnawed through.
“Lucky! Come back!” yelled Packrat, but the rat hound was already gone from sight.
“You lost him? Quick as always,” said Sucker.
He nodded, the mutant rats were very fast and strong. The wild packs were a serious threat if they coordinated with the larger alpha rats. Usually, the nests would have several of the horned beasts guarding and breeding. This led to large colonies of strong rats that could take over more territory. They were very territorial and would fight to the death with other colonies over hunting grounds. This tunnel, in particular, was off limits due to an exceptionally large nest deeper in. They appeared to have crossed the line and were now on the rat’s turf. It didn’t bode well.
It became very apparent that this was the hunting grounds for the rats. The worn concrete was grooved where they frequented. Their urine musked the air and stained the ground. The strange thing was that there were no scouts. Usually, on the perimeter of the larger nests, they would have guards set up. The sentries would squeal and alert the others. The absence was concerning, this was one of the biggest, if not the largest nest in the Bronson city sewers.
Ahead, a shrill scream rose. Packrat and Sucker looked at one another, that sounded like something fighting. The tunnel branched off, going three different paths. The one to the right was overgrown with some sort of flesh that pulsated and dripped all over. It was disgusting even more so than the usual down here. That being said it was not a rare sight. It was a good thing, leaving only two paths to choose from. The rats would not make nest in one of those infested tunnels.
Due to how heavy the rat traffic was, it was hard to tell which way the nest was. That is until a howl of pain echoed from the left path. Snarls and desperate struggling radiated from the darkness. They followed the agonized sounds through the dank sewer tunnel. It quieted down as the duo crept along. At last, it was replaced by a low crunching sound that bounced off of the walls.
Blood streaked across the floor, it squished below their feet. The two rounded the next corner to a large chamber. Sucker’s light trailed over the ground, revealing a grizzly scene. The floor sloped down, creating a small pocket where a pool of crimson glinted in the light. Pieces of meat and bones were scattered across the floor. Nesting material formed mounds and the low squeals of baby rats filled the air. Pitter-pattering feet scurried across the floor and several of the giant rats appeared from a side passage.
They were rugged, hulking beasts positively bristling with muscle. Each must have been as big as a bear. These were the den guards, the alpha rats. Each had a thick, bone encrusted horn jutting from their heads. They sniffed at the air, glaring at Packrat and Sucker, though they seemed more concerned about the way that they had come from. The three rats snarled, huffing and rearing up to show dominance. Packrat and Sucker took a few steps back. This was strange, they were in the nest and yet the rats were not attacking on sight.
Something thudded back where the rats had come from and the body of the largest rat either of them had ever seen flew through the air, splattering on the wall. Blood and gore shot out in all directions to the crunch of bones. The glowing rats went mad, screaming in terror. Another thud rose and that was when they realized it was footsteps. A massive blackened hand grasped the edge of the wall and another followed it on the opposite side of the corridor. Two more soon entered view, though they appeared to be smaller. The strangest thing that the two had seen all day appeared from the inky blackness, a face etched in white bone. It had subtle undertones and was hauntingly human yet, it certainly was not. There were too many eyes, four, no there were more where the top of the forehead should be. Another four expanded out like a crown.
The rats could not take it anymore and attacked. The three lunged tackling into the mysterious creature. Faster than could be registered, one of the hands slammed down, crushing the first of the mutated vermin. The next squealed as it was torn in half by the lower limbs, but the last one managed to sink its teeth into the leg. It hissed, pulling at the rat until the head ripped off, dragging out the spine, still attached to the leg. That was when the apparent humanity was revealed to be a lie. The fake face split in half, revealing the horrifying maw below. Mandibles clacked together ripping flesh and shattering bones. It feasted on the most recent prey.
“What the fuck is that thing?” squeaked Packrat, edging away.
“It, it’s a girl,” said Sucker.
Packrat stared at it, she, she certainly did have breasts. Now that the rest of her was in sight. There was a rather humanoid if not feminine form, granted it was covered in some sort of carapace. Draping from her back were tattered orange membranes, they were wings. A bulbous shape extended from her lower back and curled to stay off of the ground. When she shifted the ten tendrils that hung from the back of the elongated head wriggled through the air, dragging more food over to her waiting arms.
“I don’t care, that thing does not look friendly.”
“She is a subhuman, just like us.”
“I don’t know. I think she is feral.”
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“Maybe, but if she is not then we should bring her back.”
“You just like her because she has tentacles.”
“Pluton’s love encompasses all. It would be wrong not to bring this lost soul to be enlightened,” his face was a little red.
Sucker took a deep breath and stood, approaching the creature. Much to Packrat’s dismay. He stopped when she turned abruptly, taking on an aggressive stance. A low gurgling hiss rose from her throat. It was clear that she did no appreciate someone approaching her food. That was when the two antennae waved through the air from the top of her head. The mouth closed shut, giving the illusion of the human face again. She blinked at him, puzzled over his actions.
“Are you scared? Do you talk?” he asked.
There was definitely intelligence behind those eyes. Her mouth opened and closed several times and each time she made a sound. Like a child learning to talk. At first, it was the chattering of the rats until she mimicked, not only his words, but his voice, “Are you scared?”
“Packrat, she talks. Come over here,” said Sucker, turning his back on her and waving to him.
She caught his tentacle in one hand, peering at it and touching it with her own tendrils from her head. She seemed to be interested in the fact that he had tentacles too. After a few moments, she squinted and growled.
“Easy there. No one is going to hurt you,” said Sucker, feeling her grip tighten.
She might have been learning with a childlike enthusiasm, but that didn’t mean her intentions were innocent. The jaws opened again drool dripped on him. It was at this moment that he realized what she intended to do, eat. Sucker slammed his lengthy tentacles into her face. She reeled back, grasping at him as he fled. He managed to avoid the clawed hands and ran to Packrat, who had already gotten ready to run. The heavy blow had stunned her, however, it was short-lived.
“I told you, I fucking told you!” Cried Packrat.
“You were right, let’s get the hell out of here,” he said, rushing to keep up with the bounding ratman.
They glanced over their shoulders to see her hunched and scuttling towards them on all six of her limbs. They moved in ways that only some sort of bug could. Almost mechanical in how fluid and rhythmic the motion was. Shivers ran rampant through them, for something so big, she was incredibly fast. They rounded the corner at the split in the tunnels. Lucky sat there, scratching his ears. The moment he saw them, he bolted, squealing in a different direction. The rat ran away down the left tunnel, but the way that they needed to go was to the right.
“Lucky, you little shit!” yelled Packrat as the rodent fled.
“Forget the rat, let’s go!” motioned Sucker, he didn’t slow down at all, barreling ahead down the tunnel to the right.
The scraping of claws filled his ears as the creature bore down upon him. Lucky was on his own, decided Packrat. He scurried through the foul waters, easily catching up to Sucker. The reason they had run this way was because of the heavy bulkheads that separated this section from the upper sewers. They were good enough to keep the rats out, hopefully, they would keep that thing out as well. At the very least, it would slow it down.
They arrived at the bulwark, the foreboding metal door was several feet thick and slightly ajar from their earlier arrival. Sucker opened it and Packrat quickly darted in. He stepped in getting ready to close it, when he stopped.
“Where did she go?” He asked.
Sure enough, the large form was nowhere to be seen. Her heavy footfalls and the scrape of claws on cement was no more. She had been right on their heels and yet now only the gurgle of the water could be heard. Something so big couldn’t have just vanished. It left an eerie stillness.
“I don’t know. Just close the damned door,” said Packrat.
He pulled and the door got stuck. They both looked up, finding the claws at the top lodged in the gap to keep it from sealing shut. The door groaned from the pressure exerted. Suckers limbs strained fighting her over control of the opening.
“I can’t hold this! Packrat, help me.”
He backed away and clambered up the ladder. “You can hold it. I trust.”
“Packrat! You traitor!” shouted Sucker, losing his grip as the door ripped off of its hinges.
He started up the ladder, quickly ascending as the creature tried to squeeze through the narrow opening. She got stuck, ripping at the walls and bashing into the concrete to gain access to the smaller cylindrical shaft. She howled clawing and raking down below. Sucker managed to get to the top dragging himself onto the shelf leading to the next door. It was sealed shut.
“No. NO!” cried Suckered rushing to try and open it.
His tentacles wrapped around the circular locking mechanism and he twisted desperately. The jarring sounds of claws stabbing into the concrete filled the chamber. He turned as she crawled up over the side. That face creased with a sickening smile that stretched nearly off of her head. She huffed, it sounded like laughter. The antennae squirmed as she approached.
“Pluton. Forgive me.”
A sudden shift behind him made her stop. The heavy door opened and a green glow blinded them, casting away the darkness. A figure entered, radiant mist pluming from back vents on the plated suit. Pitted dents and rusted joints creaked with his movement. He raised his hand gusting out a corrosive fog. It narrowly missed Sucker and washed over the creature. She screamed, rearing up. Her head smashed into the solid roof, part of the mask like face bubbled and melted.
“Begone foul demon! Back into the depths of hell with your abominable soul!” shouted the newcomer.
Another blast of the cloud drove it back. The creature fled back down into the lower tunnels. Sucker held his chest, breathing deeply. He took the hand of the man, “Thank you, Reverend.”
“Of course my brother. To think a demon would find its way into our sanctuary.”
“Where is that treacherous Packrat?”
“Who you calling a traitor? I went and got help.” Said the rat man, peering out from the side.
“You left me to die!”
Atomic Knight placed his hand on Sucker’s shoulder, it seared the flesh making him wince, “Forgiveness my brother. We must forgive. Come let us pray for our salvation. Pluton has set this demon upon us as a trial of our faith.”
Sucker sulked for a moment before reluctantly, shaking Packrat’s hand. The rat man said, “Sorry, I should have left it open for you.”
“I forgive you,” said Sucker.
“Come my brothers. A new initiate has come to us from above.”
“Somebody fell down into the sewer again?” asked Packrat.
“She was delivered to us by Lord Pluton’s grace,” said Nuclear Knight leading the way.
Sucker looked over his shoulder, “Reverend, what about the demon?”
“Seal the lower tunnels for now. I shall deal with it later. If it can be made to repent, then perhaps it can join us.”
“You would make her repent?”
He slowed for a moment, “All are children of Pluton, no matter how sinful a soul might be. It can be purified through his holy glow.”
The vault-like bulkhead closed shut and locked. They made their way through the tunnels with Nuclear Knight at the lead, lighting the way with his natural bioluminescence. This tunnel was cleared of debris and refuse. The channel to their side flowed with green waters and the occasional barrel with the BAI logo on the side. From whence the sewage flowed they traveled until the tunnel stopped at a makeshift wall. He knocked on the door. It opened after a moment and a disfigured person stood there.
“Reverend you have returned. Sucker, you are safe. We were worried,” smiled a woman whose face was sideways and had an extra arm sticking out of her back. It waved happily at them.
She led them through the barrier then went back to keep watch. The sanctuary opened up into a large cavernous dome. It was an intersection that had three other paths to take. That was not the prominent feature of this place. Shacks lined the walls and near the center was a pool of radioactive fluid, unlike outside it was pure and tainted. It gave the whole room a green glow. Above this pool, there was a platform with a pedestal, chair, and table. To the side a woman sat in a grimy cage, looking around terrified.
Nuclear Knight took his place atop the stage. He raised his hands and the inhabitants gathered around the pool, kneeling and worshiping him, “Tell us the word of God!” cried out several of the mutants.
“My brothers and sisters, we are all gathered here in this holiest of places, to give thanks for the bounty that our Lord has given unto us. We must give thanks for all the wonders that Pluton has graced us with.”
“We give thanks.” Chanted through the crowd.
“Now let us join a lost soul into our merciful flock,” he said stepping down and setting the woman free from the cage.
She screamed, “Let me go! Please, please I have money. I won’t tell on you!”
“Be cleansed of your sins.” Said, Nuclear Knight.
“No! You freaks let me go! You won’t get away with this!” She struggled and tried to run only to be dragged back by the grasping hands of the crowd.
Her pleads and tears fell on deaf ears. He lowered her struggling mass into the foul irradiated waters. Making sure to bathe her completely and thoroughly, “Through his glow, we are reborn.”
“We are reborn! Reborn!” fanatically wailed the wretched figures.
Bubbles boiled up as she writhed below the surface. Then it slowed, the waters became tranquil and he pulled her from the muck. She lay still, unbreathing. They gathered around her, touching her with their varied appendages. Nuclear Knight lay his hand on her chest, pushing until she coughed. She rolled, throwing up and trembling.
“The glow brings us light and life. It changes us and fills us with his love,” he said, rubbing her back, “Take her to be with the other initiates.”
“Let, let me go home,” she weakly said.
“This is your home. We are your family now. In time you shall see. For now, rest as you change.”
“Change?! What did you do to me?” she cried.
“Welcome sister, are you hungry?” asked a little girl, with spines extending from her back and a jagged tail swaying behind her.
The woman was taken away and Nuclear Knight turned. His suit plumed for a moment, expelling corrosive mist. He took a moment, lifting a tattered book from the table, “Gather around brothers and sisters. Let us hear the word of Pluton. It was many years ago that he let his presence be known to us lowly mortals. He came with blinding light and a thunderous roar. His rage at the arrogant humans made the earth tremble and his holy glow filled the land, changing all life that it touched. But Man in his arrogance fought back and contained the flow and sealed the font of Pluton’s power. They fought his chosen and have banished us below the ground. We will never forsake his touch and even now his holy water can be found on the surface. Bronson Atomic Industries, they horde his power and we shall set it free once more. The world must be washed in his holy glow. All shall know his love.”
“His love is light. His glow fills us!” chanted many, holding each other’s appendages.
“Lord Pluton is a merciful God! But he is also a wrathful God. He is angry that we have not done more to bring his light to the world. To share his love with all the lost lambs on the surface above us. They live in sin and decadence!”
Several of the mutants cried out, “Reverend, what shall we do?!”
“Fear not my brothers and sisters! We shall save them from themselves!”
“How? How, will we save them?”
“With the love of our lord,” said Nuclear Knight, lifting up a container of radioactive waste, “With this Holy Water that we have been gifted from on high. With this nectar of Pluton, they will be saved, forcibly if necessary. We are his Apostles!”
“We are his apostles!” bristled through the crowd.
“It is our privilege, nay our duty to bring his light to the world!”