Twisted Catastrophe

It was an average day in the twisted lands, they were as beautiful as ever. Trees swayed with the wind, and the grass came with many flowers of different colors. Far within the Twisted Land laid a camp, The Conduit Camp, as they called it. Many were there, from Death to Cooking, to Life, to Prosperity, many Conduits resided here.

There were tents placed about, Conduits walking in and out of them, talking and moving around the camp. However, on the northern side of the camp was a skeletal man shrouding his face with his robe. It was Death. He stood in front of a table with two others, Darkness, and Destruction. It was the big three all together.

“Did Knowledge ever give us that answer?” Death questioned as he looked over towards Destruction, who leaned against the wall.

“He said soon, though with how frequent these tremors are I’d say we’re in for a treat.” Destruction answered. Darkness rolled his eyes.

“This is no game, Walter. Many could die. If even a single one is let out of our grasp the catastrophe would be grand.” Death said, his tone ever so haunting yet serious. Destruction lowered his eyelids and with a sigh, he stood up fully, walking towards the table.

“I know it's no game. But you have us spread too thin. You have multiple of us going to Eden to find that child you’re so obsessed with, and then you have others all around the place looking for other Forbidden Conduits and crimes to take out.

With how these things hunt, the three of us will have no chance of stopping them all.” Destruction said. Death stared blankly at him for a moment before coming to.

“…He has a point. Let us focus on this task. Afterward, you can send them to do whatever it is that’s important.” Darkness agreed. Death gripped the table

“Alright,” he said. “We’ll deal with this first.

Darkness, gather Balance and Power. We’ll need them here.” Death commanded. “And be quick.” he said as suddenly the ground shook violently once again, it threw off almost everyone at the camp.

“I will.” Darkness replied as he faded into the shadows, disappearing. Death turned and exited the tent, Destruction following him soon after.

“Walter!” a friendly voice said, Destruction turned to see none other than Urien, Conduit of Extinction. Urien held up their hand, a smile hidden behind their plague doctor mask.

“Urien, glad to see you.” Destruction greeted. The two embraced in a hug before splitting apart. “I assume you’re training is going well?” He asked as Death continued to walk forward towards Life.

“It’s going well, hehe, soon I may be after your spot!” Urien chuckled jokingly. Destruction patted their back with a smile.

“I’m sure you are, after this whole ordeal we can put that to the test.” Destruction said as he moved passed Urien. Urien looked over to destruction, catching up to them. Though he couldn’t see it, he could tell they was confused.

“So…About that, what’s going on?” Urien asked with some worry behind their tone.

“A few months ago, Knowledge had alerted us to the possibility of Abominations running rampant across the twisted lands. With these tremors no doubt he was right.” Destruction said. Urien seemed taken aback.

“WHAT?!?” They exclaimed loudly. A few conduits looked towards Urien who seemed somewhat embarrassed but paid no mind to it.

“Yeah, but it's nothing you need to worry your head about. Hopefully, it’ll be over before any real damage is done.” Destruction said.

“That doesn’t reassure me in the slightest.” Urien said, crossing their arms.

“It’ll be fine. You don’t need to worry about us, we can take care of ourselves. You should focus more on your training.” Destruction said. “Which, by the way, why are you here?”

“Life had called me to come here, so I did,” Urien said, Destruction nodded his head along, though he could tell what was on their mind. “But-”

“We’ll be fine.” Destruction interrupted. Urien seemed bothered but they sighed in response.

“..Okay, just, promise me you won't go in recklessly?” Urien pleaded.

“..I promise.” Destruction said. Urien smiled, embracing Destruction in one more hug.

“It was good to see you Walter, I’ll tell my father that you’re doing alright.” Urien said as he let go of Destruction and walked away, waving to him one last time.

“..Yeah.” Destruction said to himself.

Over with Death and Life, the two were talking although Death seemed less than pleased.

“You want to what?” Death said, his voice sounding as irritated and gravelly.

“I want to talk with the Bio-Conduit.” Life said. Death looked at her as if she were mentally insane. Even some of the other Conduits around looked at her weirdly.

“You want to go talk to that fake? HA! Sounds like a waste of time.” Said Prosperity with a sneered smile.

“No, I forbid it. Orders are to kill that taboo filth before the world finds out.” Death said, his tone serious and posture almost intimidating, though Life didn’t seem phased.

“But he could prove a valuable asset to us! What if he isn’t as bad as you make him out to be? He is one of us, after all.” Life said.

“He is NOT one of us. He is a walking jinx! He was never supposed to exist!” Death exclaimed, his mind looking for any and all excuses.

“Yet he lives, designed after us. Haven't you heard the expression Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? What if he could prove himself worthy? All life deserves a chance, at least once.” Life said. Death looked away in a puff of irritation. Life raised her hand to his head, gently moving it to face her.

“You have yet to give him that chance.” Life said. Death grabbed her hand, putting it off his robe.

He knew, in his head, that no matter the answer she wouldn't be stopped. With a sigh, he looked away. “Do what you want. But, You are not going alone. Do you understand?” Death said. Life smiled, clasping her hands together.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be bringing Urien along, just in case.” Life assured. Death looked to Urien who was walking towards them in the distance.

“...Just be careful. You don’t know what that…thing… will do.” Death said as he left. Life looked over to Urien who gave a small wave.

“You’re just in time.” Life smiled.

“Yeah, I kind of just waited until Death left. So, why have you called for me?” Urien asked with curiosity in their tone. Life motioned Urien to follow her and the two began to depart to Eden.

“Around seven years ago, we Conduits felt a large power that felt familiar to ours being created.” Life said.

“Like, another conduit being born?” Urien interrupted with confusion.

“Yes, but no. A Bio-Conduit, made by one of the gods. Death found out but thankfully nothing tragic had happened. I wish to confront the Bio-Conduit and ask him to enter our group. I wish to give him a chance, one that no one else normally would.” Life explained. Urien nodded along.

“But then why bring me?” Urien asked.

“Precaution. This boy hasn’t had the best interactions with us, and in case he’s prone to attack, you’ll be there to help.” Life said as they continued walking. “And unlike most of the others, you’re quite open-minded. I appreciate that.” She continued. Urien smiled as the two walked. Eventually, they would make it to the citadel.

Back in the Twisted Lands, Death, Destruction, and a few other Conduits stood by Cooking’s tent, who was making tasty power treats for everyone.

“How long is this going to take?” Destruction groaned.

“You cannot rush art. You wanted these, you be patient.” said the Conduit of Cooking as Destruction rolled his eyes.

“Don’t even know why I asked in the first place.” Destruction said as Death looked at him.

“Couldn't fathom it either.” he said.

“Hmph, I doubt I’ll ever need to eat your disgusting food.” Prosperity said holding her hips with her second pair of arms while she crossed her third pair of arms across her chest.

“And I doubt I want my perfect food touching your disgusting lips.” Cooking said. To which Prosperity gasped.

“Hmph! The only thing disgusting here is your shit-filled cookies.” Prosperity snarled in annoyance.

“Dammit, woman! I’ll show you why they don’t let you’re kind cook anymore!” Cooking exclaimed, raising a spatula towards her.

“Try it, shrimp.” Prosperity said as she lowered his success of moving towards her a zero percent, which made Cooking trip onto the ground.

“Stop fighting, you’re both acting like retards.” Destruction said, getting up.

“Then get this self-centered whore away from my area!” Cooking exclaimed.

“With pleasure, it’s hard to breathe with all of this stink around.” Prosperity said as she turned her head and walked away with sass in her steps.

“Do we have to have her here?” Destruction groaned.

“Please, your offspring are just as annoying.” Death replied.

“Tch, yeah, whatever.” Destruction said, rolling his eyes.

That's when the tremors started again, though this time it was more violent, they could feel the pressure rise and cracks began to form in the ground. Shrieking roars ruptured the air from the distance.

“Dear god…” Destruction said as other Conduits began to group up like Pride and Greed.

“How many of them do you think there are?” Pride questioned as the shrieks began to grow louder, angrier, hungrier.

“Hopefully not a lot.” Destruction replied. Death stared towards the direction, his body unmoving.

“Let’s get moving.” Death said as he grabbed his scythe before vanishing.

Everyone stood around, looking in the direction of where the abominations roared from. Destruction looked to them. “You all brain dead? Let’s go!” Destruction said as he then blitzed away with Prosperity, and greed while others stayed behind.

As they approached, they could hear the horrific screams of the abominations mixed with the screams of agony and fear of the townsfolk. It had already started.

Abominations rampaged the town, screams ruptured from within as people were mauled and torn apart. “DEAR GOD!! HELP USS!!” Shouted one of the townsfolk as an abomination clawed and tore the person apart.

“CALL THE COND-“ shouted another before his abrupt end.

There were at least four, five, or maybe six abominations running rampant within the town, three others escaping and spreading chaos as they ran. The grotesque creatures grabbed soldiers and townsfolk alike, ripping their insides out

Some people were in their homes, basements, and other protective shelters praying that they’d be safe, staying as quiet as they could be. Unfortunately, the Abominations tore through homes looking, searching, for anybody they came across. Many were unlucky.

Some abominations played with their prey, oozing their way into their bodies until they exploded into nothing but flesh and blood.

The conduits quickly arrived onto the scene, destruction firing a large destructive orb towards one of the abominations, destroying a large chuck of its body. However, the damage would ultimately be minimal as the abomination healed almost instantly.

The abomination stopped what it was doing and looked towards the Conduits. It’s eyes drooping with a wide smile. That’s when it ran full speed towards the Conduits, opening its mouth to reveal two rows of teeth. As destruction was about to send out another blast, Death appeared right in front.

“Fall.” Death said. As soon as he finished that word, the abomination suddenly stopped dead in its tracks and fell over, a giant THUD when it hit the ground.

Death turned towards the others. “Get the ones that are leaving. They’re heading for the other towns. Stop them at all costs.” He said, his tone ever so haunting.

“You have it handled here?” Destruction asked.

“We do.” Said Darkness as he suddenly appeared with Balance and Power.

“Alright, you heard the tombstone, let’s go.” Destruction said as he blitzed towards the abominations.

“We’ll take care of this easily.” Balance said as he crouched down and jumped into the air, using his power to create a wave of balance across the town, affecting most of the Abominations.

“Surely.” Death said as he swung his scythe at the abomination's head, killing it.

“Let’s hurry this up, I have better things to do after this.” Power shouted as he jumped up and smashed his fists into an abomination only for it to heal from the injury quickly. Power jumped back in shock.

“Don’t be rash. Let’s focus on the moment.” Balance said as he saw Darkness rush in. Darkness conjured orbs made of pure darkness that enveloped two of the abominations. To which Death sliced right through one of them while Darkness crushed the other.

That’s when Balance heard the crying of children near the edge of the town. The Abominations heard and began to run towards the children. “PLEASE HEL-“ shouted a man only to get torn through by abominations on their way.

Balance quickly moved, grabbing the children and running fast to the other side and put them down. “Stay here.” He said only for an Abomination to come through. Balance quickly dodged but as he did the abominations bit the children and tore them open, their cries slowly becoming silent.

“Damn you…” Balance said as he brandished his sword. He blitzed towards the abomination, slicing it from the head down, only for it to heal from the injury, albeit slowly. The white knight quickly acted, backing up only to suddenly appear behind the abomination. Balance hit it with yet another balance beam, lowering the power of the abomination.

That's when Power came in, punching the weakened abomination with all his force which practically shattered it. The abominations looked towards their fallen comrades, and with a devastating roar, the ground began to shake once again.

“What now?!” Power said as he and Balance jumped to the walls of the town only to see more abominations come spiraling through a large hole in the ground. Roughly three or four more.

“More abominations…” Darkness said as he overlooked to the fields of the Twisted Lands.

“We’re lucky they’re not grouped up, let's keep it that way. Let's go, half and half.” Balance said as he and Power turned to the last three weakened abominations while Death and Darkness rushed toward the fields to take on the others.

Back with Destruction, Prosperity, and Greed, the three conduits held back the three Abominations from going back to the town. They roared as if they knew their kin were in trouble.

“Keep them here, we cannot let the disease spread.” Destruction ordered as he fired destructive beams from his palms that tore through the Abomination's flesh only for them to continue healing.

“We can’t do shit if they keep healing from our attacks!” Greed exclaimed with annoyance. Just then, one of the abominations rushed towards Greed, only for Destruction to push it back.

“They won’t be anymore.” Prosperity said with a smirk as she lowered the success of the abominations recovering quickly.

“Good work, now try to keep them in place, it’ll be easier that way.” Destruction said as the abominations spread out, each one attempting to take one on.

“How about we make this easier on us.” Prosperity said as she then raised her arms, to which, plant life came spiraling out of the ground like tendrils, wrapping themselves around the abominations who squealed and screamed as they struggled to get free.

“We have them right where we want them!” Greed said as she gained a burst of power. She and Destruction moved swiftly, firing beams of destruction at the struggling Abominations who roared, sending them flying back.

“This’ll be easy, let’s hurry it up.” Prosperity said, using her abilities of success in their favor. Destruction saw as Greed moved forward, swords in her hands as destruction fired his Essence towards the swords, imbuing them with his power.

“I wouldn’t want my hands to touch such disgusting things, you can handle this.” Destruction said. Greed smiled as she got close to the Abominations, slicing them in half one by one until the abominations would be completely destroyed by the swords imbued by Destruction.

“Is that all of them?” Prosperity asked as the group looked around.

“Looks like it.” Greed replied

“Good, let’s go back and regroup.” Destruction said. Prosperity groaned as the three quickly made their way back to the town.

Moments later, Death greeted Destruction by the town walls. “Walter. How did things go?” Death asked.

“Went well. We caught them before they could reach any settlements. I take it you dealt with them here?” Destruction replied as Greed and Prosperity looked around.

“Yes, though there were more than expected, but little to no survivors. All of them, infected with the AIDS disease.” Death said. “I sent Darkness and the rest back to the camp. I suggest you three do the same.” He continued as Prosperity and Greed looked over.

“What about the infected?” Greed asked.

“That is what I want Walter to take care of.” Death said as Destruction stared at him. “Destroy the town. Destroy any trace of it. Nothing is to survive.”

Destruction stared at Death then looked to the ravaged town. “…Alright.” Destruction said. Death nodded as he motioned to the other two to leave. Destruction looked to the town, empty and burning. Dead bodies, blood, intestines, and other bodily things scattered across the streets and houses

Destruction made his way to the highest point, overlooking the town. From there he could see bodies seizing. It seemed the disease was already affecting the corpses. “Perhaps…you’ll bloom into something beautiful.” Destruction said as he raised his arm.

Destruction created a large orb that dwarfed the town then fired it, leaving nothing behind. Destruction continued to stare at the crator he had just created before he turned away as he then walked back to the Conduit camp.

Destruction made his way to the Conduit camp, being greeted by Death once again. “I’ll assume you did the deed.” Death said as Destruction simply nodded.

As they entered O’Brien sat by a tree, his journal open yet his eyes stared at the rest of the Conduits. “Hmph, about time.” he thought as he watched them from afar.

“O’Brien.” Said a feminine voice from behind the tree.

“Envy.” O’Brien replied.

“Look at you, back into your diary the moment you got a chance alone.” Envy sneered with a wicked smile.

“Instead of bothering me, why don't you go bother the bag of bones you desperately cling to down there.” O’Brien said

“Hmph, maybe I will.” Envy said, moving her head away from the bookworm as she strutted down the hill towards the group.

“Yoooo whoooo.” Envy smiled as she walked towards the group.

“Great.” Destruction grumbled as he and Death groaned at the sight of Envy walking towards them.

“Looks like your admirer finally arrived, hehe.” chuckled Bastian. Death looked towards him.

“Watch it, or I'll put pickle jars into your tent again.” Death said.

“SO YOU WERE THE FUCKER WHO WAS DOING THAT!!” Bastian shouted in anger as Destruction and Prosperity laughed

As they laughed Envy quickly moved behind Death, wrapping her arms around his robe. “He-“ but before she could finish Death was nowhere to be seen…only to then show up behind Bastian.

Destruction eyed Envy as she just smirked towards Death. “Has Life returned yet?” Death asked to which Envy shrugged.

“I didn’t even know she left. Hehe, maybe she did it to get away from you. Guess you’ll have me all to yourself.” Envy smirked but as she was walking towards death, she tripped and fell over.

“Oops, my bad.” Prosperity laughed. That’s when Envy looked up at her with an angered look.

“YOU WHORE!” Envy shouted to which she would steal Prosperity’s power of success to make her get knocked over as Greed walked by.

“I'M THE WHORE?!? YOU’RE THE SLUT ONE AROUND HERE!” Prosperity shouted as the two began to get into a cat fight. O’Brien watched from afar but scoffed, going back to his journal while the other conduits watched, with some just laughing along.

“ENOUGH!” Death shouted as he slammed the bottom of his scythe into the ground, causing a shockwave. The two women stopped fighting, looking towards the haunting image of Death.

“Go back to your tents.” Death commanded as he walked away towards a different tree.

“Looks like he’s going to his brooding spot.” Balance said as he cleared out of the area. Envy and Prosperity stared at each other, like when two cats meet for the first time, cautious and ready to pounce. Destruction looked back towards the direction of the town before returning to his tent.