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" Baphomet and Isis ? ." Husker asked a little taken aback. " Aren't they..? "

" Silence Husker !" Shilo cut him off. " Their names are never spoken aloud nor will any questions asked of Ionna be of any use to you as she knows not the truth only the fantasy passed off to your ancestors. To speak their names aloud is to gain their interest and given the souls under your care I assure you that is something you do not wish. " She looked up to the city once more then began to move to the entrance. " We must go."

" That creature is really beginning to try my patience. " Husker quietly said more thinking out loud than to Ionna.

" I know what you mean but she may be the only chance of surviving what lies beyond the wall and getting everyone including my Mother back home safely." Ionna said watching the strange creature flutter about the doors.

" You're right and that's what worries me." Husker sighed then turned and signaled to Hammersnith to assemble the team and move to the doors. Once all were gathered and in position at the doors Shilo turned and addressed them yet kept her gaze focused directly on Lieutenant Husker. She had to raise her voice somewhat as the dark forest around them seemed to grow more louder and excited by the passing minute as if in anticipation of something about to happen.

" When I open these doors you must past quickly through as the beings, the madness and horrors, of this place we are now in will try to follow. This must not be allowed to happen or none of us will survive. Once we are all through and I've closed the doors you will be in the realm of the one Ionna has referred to as "The Green Man". Though not advised if you have to refer to him this is the name to use as it will not attract his attention as he is not aware of it."

" I say "He" as he has a masculine presence but truly in every sense of the term he is a Elemental being, a true force of Nature, and is everywhere and apart of everything in his realm. He is older and more powerful individually than both our creators and has a wrath unparalleled and unlike our Creators he is fully aware of all that transpires within his domain. To pass safely through his realm one must follow these simple rules. Do nothing to damage or harm anything willfully be it plant, dirt, or creature. If a natural thing blocks your passage go over or around do not force your way through. You are free to defend yourselves against any natural predators . I suggest in defending yourselves that you choose weapons that will not cause excessive damage or inadvertently endanger anything other than your attackers. Do not stray from the path I take and remember these rules and I shall have you where you need to be safely and quickly."

" Anything else ? " Husker asked .

" Prepare to move quickly and defend yourselves. Like I said the horrors out here will attempt to follow as soon as these doors are open. " Shilo smiled slightly. " This wall was not built for it's artistic aesthetics you know."

" Right.." Husker said with a " way to look like a dumb ass rookie " smile. " Hammersmith you're cover with me and Ennis rest of you take positions then fall back individually through the entrance as quickly as possible and then provide cover fire. Atkins and Fallon as medic and Psi you two will fall back first. OK.." He looked at Shilo who nodded. "..let's do this."

They were surprised as the doors did not open inwards or outwards, they didn't even rise up into the wall, they merely simply just turned to dust. Their surprise however lasted a mere second at best as their attention was snapped back as simultaneously the forest erupted in a deafening onslaught of sound and activity and the first bullet fired, by Ennis of course, rang out. In a second it was not alone. All Marines unleashed on full auto picking targets but not focusing on exactly what they were shooting for fear of exactly what they would see. Atkins and Fallon went through the entrance immediately as instructed and it soon became aware to Atkins why they were chosen first to go through. Fallon the team Telepath and Empath collapsed as soon as the forest erupted no doubt from what she was bombarded with from the screaming crazed entities. He couldn't fathom what she'd see or feel from them. He just knew it was his job as Medic to protect her mind. He quickly sedated her.

Husker and Ennis threw stun grenades into the horde to buy them valuable seconds to allow three more of his team through and Ionna. The diversion scattered the creatures or nightmares as he thought of them only for a few seconds then they were right back running flying walking crawling into the hail of bullets. These weren't like the creatures they saw walking to get here, though they were vile enough at times, these were something entirely different. All various shapes and sizes, multiple limbs or none, not one the same as the other nor any recognizable feature to properly describe them. Unnatural, unholy nightmares with just one thing in common getting through them and into the world beyond that wall.

" Fuck this shit !" Ennis roared and shouldered her assault rifle then swung round her flamethrower. She gave a quick look to Shilo who nodded as if giving permission. " OK people let me through or get toasted your choice !"

" Oh shit .." Hammersmith muttered firing his mini-gun completely shredding six things flying towards him and took off after her tapping some of those closest to the entrance to make their break for it. Callais dropped back to help Husker. Then the dark forest lit up as Ennis reaching the front of their defensive line let loose long powerful streams of flame along with equally colourful streams of obscenities and laughter as the nightmares screamed in pain and throes of death. Fiori and Kyoshi were covering the others and falling back themselves whilst yelling at Ennis to fall back as well but as Hammersmith knew once she was in the zone and enjoying herself there was no getting through to her. He signaled to Fiori that they should keep going and he'd get Ennis.

The forest was now ablaze and the sounds of screams and unseen beings moving away all around as he reached Ennis' position where she was still strafing the path and surrounds in front and to her flanks even though there was no more evidence of anything daring to attack. The stench of seared and melting, in some cases nigh on liquified flesh nearly made the big man vomit there and then but somehow he fought the urge back. Not wanting to be fried himself he made sure she could see him before reaching out to tap her shoulder to get her attention. When he had it it was like she was coming out of a trance.

" Time to go." He laughed as he saw the disappointment in her face like a kid who has been told to stop playing. " C'mon Ennis I'm sure there'll be plenty things to shoot at wherever we are going."

" Fine.." She muttered sulking. They ran back through the entrance and as soon as Husker and Callais did the same Shilo muttered something and the doors of the entrance rematerialized . Husker looked at Ennis and shook his head and almost laughed until Hammersmith shot him a look saying not a good idea. He turned away and found everyone else looking towards the city and he was not pleased by what he saw.

" Shilo what the Hell is going on here ? " Husker asked in disbelief. " Why is the city so far away when a few minutes ago it was right behind this wall ?"

" A mere illusion created by the Dimensional Wall Lieutenant. " Shilo replied ." A rather useful natural defense as well as like it has you it disorientates our enemies. Don't worry if we keep a steady pace it should not take more than twenty hours of your time measurement to reach it."

" Oh swell. " Husker shook his head. " I'll give the team a few minutes rest then I guess we should be on our way then."

" Very well." Shilo smiled. " Do not worry so Lieutenant I shall get you and yours safely to where you need to be."

She left him and went to Ionna. He sighed and then took in his surroundings. It was still a forest this side of the wall yet somewhat lighter than the one they just left. It was beautiful and did not seem as ominous or unsettling as the other. Though danger may still lurk within it did not feel like it was watching and waiting for a chance to drag them in. There was a canopy but it was broken in many places allowing bright sunshine in along what seemed like a well trodden dirt path that sloped downwards as if they were on high ground. The soaring city in the distance seemed deceptive as before surrounded by never ending forest . It's true distance a mystery to him just like the creatures flying around it. Just like this damn mission was quickly turning out to be. Enough sight seeing he thought to himself best get on with it.

" OK people breaks over." He signaled to Hammersmith to come over and to the others said. " Gear up and fall in it's time to get going." He was met with general Yes Sir's and a few grumbles which he ignored. Hammersmith joined him.

" I want you to keep both Ennis and Callais with you watching our sixes. " Husker said quietly. " Not only are they excellent in defense but I'd feel better after what happened before if they were as far away from Shilo as possible. Plus with you there I know they'll be less likely to get into trouble . "

" Well I'd rather be on point with you but if it'll put your mind at ease.." Hammersmith sighed. " She won't like it though you know that."

" I'll owe you one mate." Husker grinned.

" Big time." Hammersmith smirked then sighed again and went about sorting the team into their positions.

" If you are ready we will proceed." Shilo said. A few minutes later they were moving down the dirt path, Kyoshi on point behind Shilo, Husker Ionna and the rest following single file behind, Ennis and her complaining bringing up the rear. Two uneventful hours later they reached a canyon which cut across the path and stretched as far as the eye could see. About two hundred and fifty feet wide. It's depth could not be calculated but they could just make out the sound of water though they could not see due to fog and plants and trees, outcrops of rock, and structures and bridges of unknown origin. Along the opposite wall they could see both cave systems and dwellings and myriads of birds and reptiles both flying and crawling along and around them. An ornate stone bridge with two giant pillars on either end topped with an arch spanned the canyon in front of them. Another like it about ten minutes hike to their left . The bridge in front of them was covered in vines and moss and strange writing and symbols or carvings. The arch facade had a likeness of "The Green Man" and what seemed like an inscription to either side.

" What does that say Shilo ?" Husker asked.

" It is hard to put into your words but basically it says what I warned your people of before." Shilo looked away from him and then said. " Just make sure your people respect his rules and all shall be fine and everyone where they should be." With that she turned and started across the bridge.

" Where they should be ?" Flannigan , Weapons and Tech. Specialist, gave Husker a concerned look.

" You picked that up too huh ?" Husker asked.

" Yes Sir. Didn't sound too good to me." Flannigan replied.

" No it didn't. " Husker put a hand on his shoulder. " Fall into position behind me and if you "pick" anything else up use comm. channel six."

Flannigan nodded and followed Husker as he walked to catch up with Shilo and Ionna who were already on the bridge. Fiori and Kyoshi were next and everyone else fell in line. The now conscious Fallon joining Ennis, Callais and Hammersmith bringing up the six. Fallon didn't know why yet but she had an uneasy feeling that had nothing to do with the vile onslaught that attacked her on the other side. She couldn't mention anything yet to the Lieutenant at least not until she had something more than just a feeling. She was just glad at the moment she wasn't up near point.

Once on the other side of the bridge Shilo once again turned and addressed the entire team yet looked directly at Husker.

" Along this path there are many creatures of various species and plant-life. All are sentient, all are precious in their Maker's eyes, intelligence and intent as varied as your own race. I cannot stress enough adherence to the rules." Husker nodded and she continued. " After about five of your hours travel we will come upon a clearing where your team can rest and eat if they so choose. I do recommend it as this journey for those not gifted with flight quite often is rigorous and at times dangerous and may take it's toll. The clearing is in the territory of the animals you aided on your arrival and as their leader bonded with Dr Voss you shall be well protected by the pack."

" Sounds great to me. " Ionna said but was ignored by Shilo.

" After the rest we will continue on to the city. Again I stress.."

" The rules." Husker did his best to smile. " We understand."

" Very well then let us begin. " Shilo turned and began to lead them along the now ascending trail. No more than three minutes past than from the right hand side of the trail a wave of arachnid looking creatures about the size of a man's full average hand span ran out.

" What the..??!!" Fiori screamed as some ran across her boots.

" Nobody move !" Husker barked.

" They seem harmless enough." Ionna said to Husker. " I suggest we just wait it out then move on. Wouldn't be more than a minute or so would it ?" She looked at Shilo who just shrugged and made to move on then seemed to think better of it and waited a few feet up the path. She did not turn to look at them though.

Atkins hated spiders with a vengeance and was on the verge of losing it when it seemed that finally it was down to the stragglers of the bunch. A good thing too as some of them were adventurous and ran up his body a few times and came dangerously close to his face. Fucking disgusting creatures whatever planet they are from. He was rather proud that he controlled and faced his fear. That was until he saw the six larger spiders emerge, three times larger, and that they weren't as oblivious to the travelers as their smaller counterparts were. They didn't run across as the others did they instead stopped and looked up and down the line totally checking them out. Unlike the little ones these were not furry but more armoured like a crab or lobster or something. Their fangs dripping yellowish fluids and looked razor sharp. Atkins felt his fear begin to rise again.

The creatures jumped suddenly into the overhanging branches of the trees above then moved from tree to tree both up and down the line and back and forth leaping over them to the other side of the path and back. The whole team was on edge but kept somehow completely still. Shilo had turned and watched with mild amusement.

" Any suggestions ?" Husker whispered to her.

" Don't move." She answered dryly.

Hammersmith tapped his internal comm. piece and spoke directly to Fallon.

" Are you getting anything from these things? "

" Well I don't actually speak Arachnid Hammersmith but I get a general feeling which I think is curiousity." Fallon paused then sounded a little worried. " There's one, the black and red one, I'm getting a bad feeling now from it. I think it's the leader and it's sensing fear or something"

" Atkins right ?" Hammersmith asked.

" Right. He's getting pretty worked up, can see the sweat dripping off his face from here. " She watched as the Leader spider jumped to an overhanging branch right above Atkins position. " Oh shit Hammer it's gonna test him I think, show it's dominance over him like it would another of it's kind to reinforce the fact that it is the strongest. If Atkins freaks out it'll attack him."

" Shit!" Hammersmith tapped his comm. again and switched to Atkins channel. " Atkins hold it together son. According to Fallon it's a test and the lead spider is trying to show how strong he is to the others by punking you out. No matter what just hold yer ground and nut it up till it gets bored and goes away. Don't freak or lash out unless it attacks you. Don't want to break the rules do we ?"

" I'll do my best Hammersmith." Atkins shitscared reply came.

" Oh no.." Fallon whispered.

The spider lowered itself from the branch by a strand of dripping flesh like substance from its rear and came to a halt about an inch from Atkins upturned face. It's myriad eyes, cold and alien, holding his fearful gaze. As if sensing Atkins absolute terror it playfully tapped each side of his face lightly with the dagger like tips of it's forelegs.

" Atkins listen to me ." Fallon raised him on his comm. " Slowly drop to a kneeling position and lower your head to show submission. Locking eyes with it like you are is like challenging it and it's gonna get pissed if you don't stop." He didn't reply. " Atkins do you hear me ?"

" He's choked it ." Ennis said out loud to Hammersmith and the spiders reacted to her deep rough voice. Two ran off after the little ones , the other three hissed from the trees above and the one hanging over Atkins raised it's forelegs screamed then slashed downwards slicing Atkins cheeks open to the bone. The other three launched themselves towards Ennis, Callais and Hammersmith.

Atkins lashed out and knocked the spider back off his face but it merely swung back and slashed at his face. Fallon raised her 9mm but couldn't get a clean shot. Callais and Hammersmith didn't have a problem with their attackers, single shots shattering the creatures whose guts splashed over all of them. Ennis, the ever warrior, didn't use a gun but pinned hers to a tree catching it mid leap with her trusty hunting knife. Proud of herself and grinning like a cheshire cat she turned to receive her expected praise when she was sprayed with blood from the tree as she pulled her knife out. In her shock she watched in horror as the spider attached to Atkins face plunged a leg into his screaming mouth as Callais and Fallon were trying to pry it off. When it came off it took Atkins face with it. Callais and Fallon threw it to the ground and Hammersmith put a round in its eyes.

" Thanks for the help guys .." Hammersmith started as he turned to address the rest of the team not involved with the fight. He was stopped though by the sight of a wall of gnarled, twisted and intertwined tree roots barring the path and separating them from the rest of the team. " Oh fuck..Where'd that come from ?"

" It shot up when I killed my spider and Atkins was killed by his. " Ennis said wiping the sticky thick blood from her face." Poor bastard."

" Ennis what the Hell ? Is that your blood? Are you hurt ?" Hammersmith scared at the sight of so much blood on her.

" No I'm fine. " She said " It's the .." She started but he wasn't listening anymore.

" What the Hell is this shit. " Hammersmith growled and kicked the tree root barrier and thorns began to emerge from the roots. " We were defending ourselves we didn't break any precious rules. We're totally cut off ."

" Hammersmith calm down ! " Husker ordered via comm. " I can't get to you so I need you to pull it together so we can figure this mess out. OK ?"

" Yeah..OK. " Hammersmith took a moment to compose himself." I'm fine. So what happened ? Why are we cut off ? Thought we were allowed to defend ourselves if attacked ? "

" I know . Did Atkins make it ? We heard a godsawful scream but couldn't see as Fallon and Callais were blocking our view and then this damn barrier grew out of the ground in a split second. Did he make it ? ''

" No LT, died instantly when the fucking spider thing ripped his fucking face off !" Hammersmith's anger rose again but more out of disgust with himself for allowing a soldier under his charge to die.

" Shit ! " Husker muttered. '' Sorry Hammer. He was a good kid and soldier. Nothing you could do my friend so don't blame yourself. No way you could know what those things would do . Everyone else OK ?"

" Yeah Callais and Fallon are OK just a little shook up. I'm fine and so is Ennis except for being pissed at being covered in blood." Hammersmith allowed himself a smile at that last bit.

" Covered in blood ? Whose blood ?" Husker asked after a thought led to a answer he didn't want to hear for the current situation.

" She was about to tell me before I went off on one. Just a sec. " Hammersmith turned to ask her again when he saw blood slowly oozing from a puncture in its bark down to a large pool of blood on the ground and surrounding splatters and spray patterns across the path where Ennis was standing. " Oh no. You stabbed the fucking tree ?"

" I used my knife instead of a gun not wanting to tear the place up. Pinned the fucker mid air and thought it would drop straight down given the size and wait of it. Guess I threw it too hard. Fuck's sake Hammer how was I supposed to know it would kill one of these old gnarly trees ? "

" Shit Ennis.." Hammersmith sighed. " Husker.."

" I know buddy Shilo just told me." Husker interupted. " Ennis lucked out though as it was an accident and the tree suffered only a minor wound. " Husker shook his head at that last bit. Something he'd never dreamed of having to say. " However.."

" We can't proceed. The Green Man doesn't want us in His garden right ?" Hammersmith guessed.

" Yes and no. " Husker answered. " Shilo says you may not proceed with us but are being given a second chance to prove yourselves worthy by taking a second path. "

" OK .." Hammersmith sighed already over this fucking place and mission. " Where's this second path ? Please don't tell me we have to find it ourselves ?"

" No buddy you don't. " Husker laughed. " Go back over the bridge and take the second bridge we saw."

" That's it ? " Hammersmith was taken back. " That's all we have to do and we'll meet up with you guys again ?"

" That's it buddy. Well that and I suppose doing it without damaging or killing anything along the way." Husker said. " Shilo say's that's your path and only way."

" Don't know if I like it. Sounds a little too simple to me and between you and me I don't really trust our "guide" too much either."

" Well she hasn't led us astray yet and I can't see a way over or under or around this barrier so we ain't got much choice I'm afraid." Husker said matter of fact.

" OK then LT guess we'll see you soon then." Hammersmith said not convinced of the truth in that.

" Don't take the scenic route just get back as soon as you can . Good luck Hammer . Husker out ."

" Yeah thanks buddy." Hammersmith grunted to himself. He turned to the others. " OK kids turn around and go back over the bridge. We've got to go over the other bridge to meet up with the others now. Any complaints see the lovely Ennis. Oh and Ennis if something attacks us again just shoot the fucker will you."

" Whatever .." She mumbled sulking.

" Are we going to bury Atkins first ?" Fallon asked.

" Are we allowed to ? " Ennis asked.

" Don't think it matters as there isn't anything to bury." Callais said. " His body is gone."

" What ?? " Hammersmith turned quickly and looked where a second ago Atkins body lay. " What the fuck happened ?"

" Don't know and to be honest boss I don't fucking care. This place gives me the creeps and I just wanna get outta here." Callais answered. " Bug lady says it ain't our path it ain't our path so lets just get going and find the right one ok ?''

" Fallon ?" Hammersmith asked. " Any ideas ?"

" No. I'm with Callais." She looked him straight in the eyes and he saw fear. " Let's just get out of here ok ? "

" OK. I will need you to get your gift into gear though Fallon and quick smart. I know we've been through the wringer but this shit keeps getting weirder and weirder and I'll need my PSI more than ever if we don't all want to end up like poor Atkins. All of us from this point on have to pick up our game understood ?" They all nodded.

"Good. Callais take point, Fallon you and Ennis next, I'll cover our six. Let's get the Hell out of here. " He looked back and said quietly to where Atkins had been. " Sorry Atkins." He crossed himself though didn't really believe himself yet he knew Atkins did. " Hope you're in a better place buddy." With that he turned and joined the others.

They crossed the bridge and reached the other bridge without incident. It was similar to the other bridge yet seemingly older and more beaten in appearance. It also did not just span the distance like the other but instead inclined down to what seemed to be a entrance in the opposite canyon wall . The bridge appeared to become apart of a platform of stone not unlike a large balcony with pillars in a semi-circle supporting a stone roof covered in vegetation . It seemed clear of life, no guards or creatures crawling or flying around near it. It looked like it hadn't been disturbed in anyway for centuries and didn't have a welcoming presence to it either though there was no real reason for this feeling either at least to the naked eye.

" Any thoughts Fallon ? " Hammersmith asked.

" I'm not picking up any obvious threats. I'm not picking up any thoughts or life around it at all. For all I can gather it is what it is just a structure in the side of a mountain canyon." She shrugged. " Nothing to say not to go down there. "

" OK.." Hammersmith said. " Personally I get a weird feeling from it but then again that could just be because this whole damn place is weird."

" I hear that ." Callais said.

" Well if it's passed PSI inspection I guess there's only one thing to do. " Hammersmith gestured to Callais to lead the way. Ennis strode after him and looked at Fallon as if to say " you better be right about this ". Hammersmith gave her a look also but to say " Ignore her" and then followed Fallon onto the bridge and began the descent. Though a few curious flying reptilian creatures came close a couple of times they made it to the balcony structure with no incident.

The structure was covered with dust and there was moss of some sort growing in the cracks of the stone floor. The ceiling looked like it once had a mural of some kind painted on it but most of it had either been eroded or covered with creeping vines and other growths. At the inner wall there was an archway with a facade that had corroded and crumbled so the once carvings and statues resembled nothing now. There was no door only a dark tunnel stretching back as far as they could see.

" Nothing LT. " Fallon said feeling him about to ask. " I don't feel anything at all."

" But ? " Hammersmith pushed seeing a slight concern in her eyes.

" I don't like it. Nothing I can put my finger on, nothing DMC PSI Intel would recognize as a reason for not going in, nothing at all. " She looked hard down the tunnel. " It's not right. I should at least be picking up residual energies or incidents, structural memories from the past, but I'm getting nothing at all. It worries me sir. It's just not natural."

" Well be that as it may, and I'm not ignoring your feelings and expertise, unless there's a direct threat I'm just going to have to go with the plan. Not like we have much choice really." Hammersmith said looking down the tunnel.

" According to Shilo." Ennis muttered.

" I don't fully trust her either but like Husker said she hasn't led us wrong yet. " Hammersmith replied. " So let's get a wriggle on people and get this over with. Sooner we do sooner we're back with the family."

" Let's hope so." Ennis gave him a unconvinced look.

" Be positive kids." Hammersmith winked at her. " I'll even take point."

" I feel better already." Ennis quipped as he strode into the tunnel all gung-ho. The others smiled then fell in behind him letting Ennis watch their backs and feeling reassured by it. Barely a minute later all that went out the proverbial window.

" Where the fuck are we ?" Callais asked a little nervously.

" I have no idea. " Hammersmith said whilst trying to take everything in. " I guess we are meant to be here and somehow it'll lead us back to the others."

" Bullshit." Ennis chimed in. " Bet that moth bitch set us up. Does this look like remotely anything like the forest to you Hammer. Seriously man just take a look around."

He was already and truly didn't like what he saw. From the tunnel they found themselves in what looked like an old village main street lined with two and three story structures like something out of ancient Europe Pre- Cataclysm. Something that would have horses pulling wagons or be plagued by Dracula or something. Though those would at least have people or at least a sense of life. This didn't. It reeked of decay , disease and death. A vile rotting stench that just hung there seemingly as there seemed to be no hint of a breeze. No lights , electrical or otherwise, no daylight just a overcast gloom like before a miserable storm or week of rain.

Everything was hued in gray, black or blues. Wet too. He could see between the buildings what appeared to be the surface of a large lake maybe even a port. It was hard to tell as it seemed below like the town was on a hill and of course it was shrouded in mist. It was cold and depressing to say the least . It seemed at least to him both in appearance and feel dead. Just simply dead. Then from a window he saw a flicker of movement, then another, and then all of a sudden it was like a black mass swarming down the wall. When it reached the sidewalk it broke up and scattered in different directions.

" Oh great. That's just great !" Ennis grumbled standing next to him. " Fucking roaches ! You sure take me to some wonderful places Hammer you really do."

" This place is one friggin cesspool alright." Callais said quietly. " Wonder when the rats will show."

" Probably as disgusted by roaches as I am." Ennis said dryly. " What do you think Fallon ? Not like you to be so quiet. "

She turned to look back at where she Fallon was standing and when she saw her she saw fear.

" Damn girl what's wrong ?" Ennis asked genuinely concerned. The others looked too hearing Ennis' tone.

" Shit Hammer she's shivering." Callais said.

" Fallon ? " Hammersmith walked over to her. She appeared not to even notice. " Fallon talk to me."

" Like she's in a trance or something." Callais said.

" Fallon snap out of it !" Hammersmith yelled. " Josie !"

" Josie ?" Callais asked.

" Her first name dumb ass. " Ennis shook her head.

" Also her trigger word." Hammersmith said quietly to Ennis. " See she's coming out of it."

" What the..? " Fallon said a little groggy.

" You spaced on us girl. " Ennis said with a little relief . " What's the deal ? "

" Sorry about that. " Fallon sounded tired but more like herself again.

" Were you attacked psychically like before ?" Hammersmith asked.

" No. At least I don't think so." She thought for a second then said. " It was like I was many people from different times and places. One after another after another, seeing what they were seeing and feeling what they were feeling like I was living a history slide show. People from different worlds and eras yet somehow all here. It doesn't make sense. "

" If they were here they ain't here no more girl. " Ennis said. " This place is deader than Disco girl. Except for the roaches that is."

" We don't know that for sure Ennis. " Callais said. He actually seemed a little nervous.

" What's up ? " Hammersmith asked picking up on it.

" Not sure boss just got a feeling like.."

" We're not alone." Fallon interrupted him.

" Where are they ? What do you sense Fallon ? " Husker asked whilst quickly adopting a defensive stance and scanning the area.

" All around us." Fallon whispered nearly starting to feel like her energy was being drained. " Not the same as before. Guns won't help either. We've got to move now."

" Where around us Fallon ? I can't see anyone. " Ennis asked.

" You won't . You'll feel them though soon enough. You may even hear them like I'm starting too. " She stood up and started to walk down towards the end of the street. " We've gotta go now !" She called back over her shoulder.

" Shit !" Hammersmith ran after her with Ennis in tow. Callais fell in behind. Ennis suddenly stopped and swung around.

" What did you just say to me you piece of shit !" She yelled getting right up in Callias face.

" I didn't say a word Ennis. Back the fuck off. " Callais said but wished he hadn't as he saw that look that Ennis got when she was about to serve whoever pissed her off their balls. Then suddenly he was ripped off his feet and slammed hard backwards onto the ground .

" What the fuck are you two playing at ? " Hammersmith yelled. He stopped dead in his tracks when he felt something lick his face then a female voice whispered in his ear " I'm gonna play with your insides ".

" Who..? " He swung his left arm as if to knock whoever away but of course there was no one there.

" Guys come on ! " Fallon screamed back at them from the road just past the last building. " Now before they get too strong. Move it !!"

" C'mon Callais get up. " Ennis reached down and grabbed him by his chest armour and wrenched him to his feet. Attempted to at least as she was suddenly hit and knocked down on top of him by unseen hands. Callais' head hit hard and though wearing a helmet the jolt still dazed him. Suddenly he was dragged from underneath Ennis and picked up , held high in the stale reeking air for a few seconds, then thrown with incredible force against the wall of a building to the right. He hit the wall slid down then folded like a concertina file. Ennis meanwhile was on her feet lashing out like a mad woman. Fallon keeping her distance looked frantically for some way to help them.

Hammersmith under sporadic but increasingly strengthening blows from unseen assailants made his way over to the stunned Callais. Ennis pissed off even more by the apparent lewd groping, judging by the stream of profanities pouring with a lyrical fluidity from her snarling mouth, seemed to have decided it didn't matter that she couldn't see them or even it seemed hit them she was going to try and torch them anyway. Maybe she'll get lucky Hammersmith thought to himself as he used smelling salts to wake Callais up. Callais let Hammersmith help him to his feet though seeing Ennis wielding the flame thrower like a woman possessed he began to think he was better of unconscious. Then he saw them.

At first seemingly like tricks of the light from the flames in the gloom then more and more solid. Shadows taking form, dark forms taking on features, then faces. Mad both as in "insane" and "enraged" faces. Some Human , some Humanoid, others just plain nightmarish. A few at first then quickly becoming in the multiples of ten. Fallon's voice came and startled him over the comm.

"Callais Hammersmith ain't answering or maybe not even listening so you have to. "

" What is it Fallon ?" Callais grunted suddenly feeling all the soreness of the beating he'd taken.

" You have to get Ennis and Hammersmith out of there now. I'm not just stating the obvious or telling you for obvious reasons like safety but for the fact that if they stay there any longer you are all going to be torn apart. Those are manifested spirits given power and form from the emotions those two are giving off."

" Hey I'm pretty pissed at these things too ya know." Callais replied.

" Yeah but you aren't an adrenaline junkie borderline psycho with white dreads and a honour driven warrior in love that psycho. Her fury is powering them, his fear for her being surrounded and nigh on out of control and not knowing what to do about is likewise as strong. They are just giving more power so more can manifest."

" Gotcha." Callais said. " So Hammer and Ennis huh ?"

" You truly are clueless Callais." Fallon laughed in amazement. " Just get them outta there."

" What are you gonna do ?" Callais sounding a bit upset at her comment.

" I'll try and create a brief diversion. You just do your bit OK."

" Yep." Callais shook his head . Looking at the mad woman slowly being surround by wailing and screaming things he thought to himself . " No problem"

He shook Hammersmith who seemed to be in a world of his own and totally not the man of action he's used to seeing . When that didn't work he smacked the big man hard on the back of his helmet.

" What ! Callais what the fuck ?" Hammersmith snapped to.

" Good to have you back boss. " Callais feigned dodging the expected punch . " C'mon we gotta grab the Warrior Princess and regroup with Fallon before we get overrun with ghosties"

" Does Fallon have a plan ?" Hammersmith asked. " It's gonna be tricky getting through all those things."

" She said she'd cause a distraction ." Callais said.

" How ? " Hammersmith asked.

" I don't know." Callais shrugged. " Hey if these things are taking real forms, real solid forms, does that mean we can shoot them ? "

" I don't know. Maybe. Why ?" Hammersmith asked .

" Duck ! " Callais said bringing up and aiming his assault rifle right at Hammersmith's head. Hammersmith dropped down into a crouch as the blasts of Callais double tap cut off all other sound momentarily. Unfortunately it didn't prevent him from feeling the wet splats and light pats on his back of whatever Callais just shot.

" Up ya get boss ." Callais tapped Hammersmith's helmet. " I think I've just created a diversion of my own."

Hammersmith swiftly stood then started unleashing short bursts from his mini-gun into a group of freaks. Body parts went flying then turned mid-flight into tendrils of shadowy matter. Then those tendrils started to seek out and unite with others and begun to take form once more. A figure like siamese twins with no eyes just gaping maws with nasty looking jagged teeth appeared from the union of shadow tendrils. Callais blew both heads off.

" We can't keep doing this." Hammersmith said and tapped his comm. " Ennis burn the fucking things already and join us we're regrouping with Fallon !" She didn't reply. " Ennis comeback over ! "

" What ? " She finally replied. " I can actually burn them? I thought the light was just keeping them at bay. Why didn't anyone tell me before ?"

" Just do it will you and don't waste time admiring your handiwork either. " Hammersmith said. " You can shoot and burn them mess them up real and good but they've got a nasty habit of reforming. "

" Gotcha. See ya in a sec. " With that she strafed a stream of fire around the faces of those closest then quickly moved towards those in the direction of her team and unleashed the full force of her flame at those blocking her way instantly incinerating them. She ran through the still boiling remains and wispy dark tendrils dropping a flash grenade as cover . It went off as she reached Hammersmith and Callais.

" What the fuck is Fallon doing ?" Ennis asked catching her breath. " She doesn't even have her weapon drawn. "

" She said she was gonna create a diversion. " Callais answered. " Looks like she's meditating."

" Either she's flipped or she's doing her PSI thing either way it's time for us to move. " Hammersmith said pushing Callais towards Fallon's position and out of his line of fire. He got off three bursts and Ennis who had switched to her rifle took out another few wailing and clawing rag wearing peasant types. They actually looked normal if you forgot the fact that they were dead. He signaled for her to fall back with him when suddenly a light came from behind them, not unlike sunlight, and the once again massing hordes froze when it bathed them in it's glow. He chanced a look back and saw that the light appeared to actually be coming from Fallon herself. " What the Hell ? "

" Who fucking cares. " Ennis smacked his rear. " Let's book already."

Within a few minutes they'd covered the two-fifty meters to the end of the row of buildings where Callais was standing giving cover to Fallon. He pointed down towards what looked to be a wharf with two large warehouse type buildings out in the lake and a long boardwalk one person wide snaking it's way across the lake back to the mist enshrouded shore. There seemed to be light coming from the furthest of the buildings. " What do ya think boss ?"

" A good a plan as any at the moment buddy. I just hope these things don't follow. " Hammersmith caught his breathe then turned to Fallon. " Fallon you sure are full of surprises girl."

" It's a trick my Mother taught me which she learned from studying The Arts on Homeworld." She answered . " Projecting the Light of the Soul to repel Darkness. I hadn't enough power within myself to do it alone so like these entities I drew on your emotional energy. Hammer your fear for those you love and Ennis your rage. I also had to eventually influence Ennis to calm down enough so you guys could get her to listen to you and that also she didn't give these creatures enough power to be unstoppable. You can't kill spirits after all. The energy I channeled from you guys and deprived from the entities combined with my own enables me to project the pure Light of The Soul which as corny as it sounds holds the Darkness and those that dwell within at bay."

" Well unless you can do it running stop now cause we are leaving." He said secretly hoping she could do it running.

" Get ready then cause once I stop they're gonna come for us like a bullet train. " Fallon said sleepily sounding. " I'll need help getting up too."

" After what you did I'll carry you hon. " Ennis said. " Say when."

" When.." Fallon answered and the light vanished. Ennis swooped her up with one arm and they all ran down where the street turned and descended towards the lake. The wailing and screams erupted once more and came closer each passing second. As they ran down the atmosphere changed slightly and Fallon felt a sensation run through her not unlike a mild electric shock. Then the memory of something else her Mother had taught her came back to her and she opened her mouth to yell stop but it was too late. Then they were falling. Then they hit hard and all went black.

She woke to the godawful smell of smelling salts and the groans of Callais massaging his right shoulder and Ennis holding her middle back. She looked around and saw mud, bit's of metal and wooden debris, rotting vegetation, buzzing insects and what looked like giant worms. From the smell besides the rot she wouldn't be surprised if excrement was to be found in the mix. It reminded her of a disaster aftermath and a rubbish tip.

" Next time you can run yourself Fallon damn near crushed me girl ! " Ennis grumbled. " What the fuck happened ?"

" Passed through a spell barrier I think." Fallon answered groaning under her own aches and pains. " One that keeps both those entities out . Beyond that I don't know. I can still see the town and it didn't feel like we passed through a dimensional wall or portal. So maybe just an extra defense to fool people into thinking there's a road when actually it's a damn sheer drop. I really don't know."

" So basically we just jumped off a cliff to escape those things and survived. " Callais grinned. " That's pretty fucking cool and a win in my book."

" Outstanding.." Hammersmith laughed and shook his head at Callais. " OK then buddy as you are enjoying this so much you can take point and we'll head over to that wharf we saw."

" You got it boss." Callais grinned and saluted.

" Fallon dare I ask ?" Hammersmith smiled whilst adjusting his gear.

" Death, decay, stale, cold, emptiness, ominous, eerie.." She grinned.

" Smart ass." Hammersmith rolled his eyes. " So nothing that us "normal" people don't already know ?"

" Actually there is something but at the moment it's masked to me. " Fallon said trying to concentrate. " Can't get a fix or an idea whether it's one source or more."

" Let me guess where it is." Hammersmith sighed.

" I wouldn't let Callais run off too far ahead by himself." Fallon smiled.

" Let's get after him then ." Hammersmith waved her on in an "after you " gesture. Ennis was already halfway to where Callais stood on the beginning of the boardwalk.

The wooden structure wasn't that high above the still rank dark water but at least it seemed sound. As they drew closer to the wharf itself they noticed wrought iron fencing in the water either side of the walk which seemed to form a semi-circle pen to each end of the main wharf structure which was raised much higher than the water surface. Callais was using his weapons torch to scan the deck above and located a ladder at the end of the walk leading up to the deck about ten foot up. Then he held up a hand signaling them to wait and shone his light through the iron fence to his left.

" What the fuck..." He looked back at Hammersmith in disbelief. " Tell me I not hallucinating."

They all shone their weapons lights where he was pointing his then scanned them around then Ennis turned and did the same to the right.

" They are babies right ? Hundreds of friggin babies?" Callais sounding like he hoped he wasn't crazy.

" Yeah they're babies all right. " Ennis shivered. " What sort of fucked up place is this ?"

As if in answer the infants that were laying atop and breaking the waters surface all screamed and reached towards them. All four marines nearly jumped out of their skins. Callais aimed his rifle at the closest to him as did Ennis hers. Hammersmith just felt disgust and even more so when he saw in the light that they had been in his mind violated by some twisted mind as some had eyes and mouths sewn together with wire, others hooks through their foreheads or nails driven in. Skin pale, mottled or raw, translucent or festering. Every movement and every cry driven by and causing further pain. One made it up to the bars of the fence and reached through and split and filthy nails raked the top of Hammersmith's left boot.

" Sweet Jesus.." Fallon breathed.

" Don't worry they won't harm you they're just attracted to your Light.." A soft but warm female voice came from somewhere above them making them all jump again. ".. and you young lady watch your language around the children."

" Who ? " Callais swung his light to the deck above.

" Don't be tiresome boy." The woman answered." Stop agitating the little ones and come up so we can talk properly. Don't worry I won't hurt you I promise."

" Fallon ?" Hammersmith whispered. She shrugged. He wasn't surprised and just waved Callais up. They walked around the left side of the first building and could see light shining from under the awning that ran the length of the second building. Down the end there was a figure sitting in a large chair or throne of some kind looking not at them but out across the water. A hand lazily waved them to come down. They walked cautiously scanning both sides and as they drew nearer they could see more baby pens in the water.

They kept their distance but finally stood in front of the mysterious woman who just lazed in the chair with a slight smile which was both welcoming and one of amusement. She definitely was not what they expected. Fallon could not help but admire the woman's elegance and beauty, the finery of her robes and jewelery. Her red long curls and alluring green eyes set off her flawless porcelain skin perfectly. She also noticed she had four arms one of which had a gaping vertical wound like a suicide slice and that if she actually stood this woman wood be about nine and a half feet tall. Yet for all her beauty and warmth there was a darker side or feel about her alluded to by the mischief in her smile and also in the other items of clothing she wore from the black leather corset which did not cover or support her breasts and the stripper tape over her nipples. She was smoking what looked like a joint whilst eating what looked like apples. There was also a book in her lap beautifully bound and decorated but reeked of blood and skin.

Her head dress and clothes also had symbols and writing that if not for what Shilo had said a few hours ago Fallon would have interpreted as from darker beliefs as well as a few from the light. A being of duality for sure. Though aren't we all she heard her Mother say in the back of her mind.

" Did your Mother not also tell you it's rude to stare dear ?" The woman said with a broadening smile and a wink. " It's OK though I don't mind and you're a lot more polite in your thoughts than young Callais over there."

" So .." She paused to drag on her joint. "..we don't get many of your kind through here. A matter of fact it's actually unheard of. You must be lost am I right ?"

" Yes you are." Hammersmith answered. " We were separated from our team in the realm of the one we refer to as .."

" The Green Man. Very cute." The woman said not sounding impressed. " Let me guess you were in the Elemental One's realm being guided by a creature who calls herself Shilo right ?"

" Right." Ennis said. " I think the bitch set us up."

" You'd be right." The woman smiled. " She'd have definitely taken a disliking to you being as strong and defiant a free spirit as you are being that she is a bottom feeding lying ass kisser of that frigid arrogant bitch up there in her lofty tower."

" You mean Isis ?" Fallon asked.

" I told you to watch your language around the children." The woman gave her a look that spoke of a final warning." It's bad enough being what you are is upsetting them and yes I mean ..her."

" You keep saying our "kind"." Callais asked." What do you mean ? Do you mean Human ?"

" I'm surprised you noticed that seeming as you struck me as being otherwise mentally occupied." She smiled at him and he nearly melted with embarrassment and infatuation. " To answer your question Callais no I don't mean Human. I mean Alive."

" You seem to know our names yet you've yet to introduce yourself." Fallon said.

" Does it really matter that much sweety ?." Her green eyes glinting partial mischief and annoyance. " Very well you can call me "G". I'd tell you the full version but you may not like what it means in your language and I don't want you mislead by the fiction you've been fed over your species history. " She looked long into Fallon's eyes. " If you truly wish to know that much just use your gift."

" You know I can't read you." Fallon eyed her back.

" Yes I know. " G replied grinning. " Forgive me my teasing but if you like and haven't guessed by then once you are on your way I shall tell you and only you. Deal ?"

" Fair enough." Fallon said feeling a warmth from the woman but not truly certain of it's sincerity. " Another question then. Aren't you "Alive" ?. Aren't those "children" "alive" ?. You certainly feel alive to me and the children... "

" Well yes I am. " G responded happily. " I sometimes forget though given the surroundings that's hardly surprising is it ? As for the children well let's just say they've not yet begun to live."

" Come again ? " Callais totally confused asked. " They definitely looked active to me. "

" So do Zombies dear boy. " She sighed. " Did Shilo happen to mention The Last Child ? "

" Yes she did. I wasn't really listening that closely though." Ennis answered.

" The Last Child literally was the last spawn of Isis and Baphomet. When she decided she would no longer create new individual life she decided to make herself barren and removed her eggs and placed them here. When Baphomet discovered this he was furious and without her knowledge advanced them to their current physical development. His idea was to use them as new vessels for those loyal to him which would later fall at the hands of that self absorbed arrogant peacock bitch when they finally came to blows over their differences. Alas it didn't come about except once or twice but that was way before my time here. So you see they are without soul, pure empty vessels with one basic genetic instinct which is why they are drawn to you and your light. They were created to house souls and the first time in thousands of years in walk four bright if not slightly flawed examples of what they were made for. "

" So why are you here ? " Callais asked. " Did Isis.."

" No boy she didn't though she certainly tried. " G looked uncomfortable talking about it but she continued. " She wasn't always like she is now. There was a time when she accepted Baphomet for the primal creature he was and thought nothing of his dalliances as she knew his love was hers alone and she also sought experiences with others. They had a harmony and when the created life together they created wonders. Then one day another being of which you'd view the way you see Isis or Baphomet. A god or something akin, ancient and powerful, a creator in it's own right. He spoke of his creations and of others throughout the vastness. He encouraged them both to leave their own and go experience, learn from, and then create new wonders of their own out there. Baphomet was happy where he was and far older than Isis he had indeed traveled like this being suggested now when younger. Those days behind him and settled in his ways he declined but said if Isis wished too she should. How he would regret that decision. She went on her travels and did not return for two thousand of your years. In her absence he pursued his primal nature and had many a harem. When she returned she was changed and full of lofty ideas, full of herself and tales of what she had achieved and created, and what she had planned for them and their future and how he had to change.

He of course did not and their relationship disintegrated into what it is today. I was the last and closest of his secret partners and when she finally found out about me she tried to have me killed but Baphomet hid me till she finally ceased trying to find me. Then once the Sleep of Regeneration was upon her as happens to all beings of their kind Baphomet gifted me power and immortality and hid me away here in this forgotten realm where Isis' loyal and not even she when she would awake once more would find me. He visited me secretly until he too fell under the Sleep and said once he awoke he would leave and take me with him to start anew. They both still sleep and that is why I'm here."

" How sad." Fallon said genuinely. " Where exactly is here ?."

" Back when they created life together both in the city above and surrounding worlds and dimensions under their dominion they like any being or creator had successes and failures." G took a drag of her joint which never seemed to change in size ." Unlike a lot of others though when one of their creations died out for whatever reason they didn't just shrug and try again or just move on they actually looked to see why. If they were able to discover exactly what went wrong and if the creation had shown great potential whilst they were in their prime they resurrected them here. A vast realm which they increased in size to embrace more and more later creations not after they failed but just as they began to fail.

Here these races, beings, creatures are collected and because of what was once seen as potential by their creators are forced to live and die over and over again until they actually succeed their predicted heights. The idea was once this happened they'd be moved without their ever knowing any different back into the known realms. A few succeeded and were relocated as planned and thrive to this day. The rest however were unlucky as when Isis and Baphomet began their conflict they were forgotten and now both Sleep they are doomed to either repeat their mistakes over and over again or succeed and battle to stay alive so to speak until either Baphomet or Isis or both deign to remember and or pass judgment. As time has passed and without care and attention from either Isis or Baphomet the barriers between each realm have been failing those races are not only facing their own flaws but more and more their once unknown neighbours both from close and afar. More and more this is becoming one world the size of a universe. Here where we are is the gateway to it all and those you faced up there the ones that escaped through the ever increasing cracks. It's all I can do to contain them and also protect the children."

" As I know you are big on names Fallon the closest word I can find to truly do this place justice is Limbo."

" That's just fucking great. Can this mission get any worse? " Hammersmith asked no one in particular.

" Yes. " G answered. " Now that I have answered your questions how about you answer my original question of why you are here ?"

Hammersmith related an abbreviated version of what had transpired in answer.

G sighed. " Shilo lied to you and your people and she did so to keep those she was with trust. Ennis broke the rules of the Elemental's realm and as not to alarm your friends she used her talk of "Paths" and not everyone takes the same path etc to hide the fact in her eyes she was sending you all to your death and carrying out the Elemental's will. Ahhh I also see in both Ennis' and Callais' minds that they wished they could've shot and killed Shilo like they wanted to when you first met her and that she knew that. Ennis and Callais were doomed from the start, Hammersmith because she sensed your emotional ties with Ennis and you dear Fallon because she feared your gift."

" I wish I had let them shoot her now. " Hammersmith growled.

" Hindsight as they say.." G raised an eyebrow questioning. He just looked away. " As for this scientist whose daughter brought you here I do believe she would have ended up in the city but where I do not know. As I said the creators still sleep so she would not be with them. Maybe with The Last Child where I think she would be safe. If not then she may very well be dead."

" Awesome." Callais whispered to himself. " I'm gonna die for nothing."

" Don't all soldiers ? " G asked him. She received no reply so continued. " Well now that I know why you are here and how I best point you on your way as you cannot remain here nor can you return the way you came. I do not take pleasure sending you into the madness that Limbo has become or into dangers that you will certainly face. Unavoidable they are being that you give off the light of true life and all manners of beings will be attracted to you. I take some solace but only a little that you are warriors."

" Is it possible to reach the city from in there ?" Hammersmith asked.

" I believe it is possible yes but which way or how long it will take you I do not know. " G replied honestly. " I know the Baphomet and Isis used to enter from time to time before I was here but I do not know how or from where. I believe though your greatest chance will be Fallon and her gifts. That's all I can honestly offer you in your quest ."

" Fair enough." Hammersmith's disappointment not very well hidden in his voice. " Well then we best get started. Thank you "G" for your help . If you could just point us to the entrance we'll be on our way."

" Think nothing of it. It's been a pleasure believe me. " She smiled warmly. " The portal into Limbo is here to my right. The empty fenced off area closest to the wharf. Dive in quickly as not to disturb the children in the next enclosure."

" The portal is in the water ? Seriously ? " Callais shook his head. " I don't believe this."

" Well let's go then people. " Hammersmith said. " Thank you again G we truly appreciate it." She smiled and nodded and smiled at both Ennis and Callais as they thanked her and then walked with Hammersmith to the edge of the wharf.

" You my dear are their true hope. Trust in yourself and I believe you all may get through what you face alive." She said to Fallon as Fallon was saying goodbye.

" You really think so ? " Fallon asked.

" Trust me." G smiled and motioned for her to join the others who were calling for her to hurry up.

Hammersmith clipped a cable to each of their utility belts to reduce the possibilty of their getting separated. Whilst he was counting down to them jumping in all together Fallon suddenly remembered something.

" You said you would tell me your name as we were leaving ?" She asked G using telepathy. She felt a sigh then got the answer.

" My name is Gehenna."

" Why would..oh wait.Doesn't that mean.. ? " Fallon started but didn't get to finish or hear the reply as she was pulled in by the others into the portal.

" Yes my child it does."

TO BE CONTINUED.....

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Continued from [link]

" Baphomet and Isis ? ." Husker asked a little taken aback. " Aren't they..? "

" Silence Husker !" Shilo cut him off. " Their names are never spoken aloud nor will any questions asked of Ionna be of any use to you as she knows not the truth only the fantasy passed off to your ancestors. To speak their names aloud is to gain their interest and given the souls under your care I assure you that is something you do not wish. " She looked up to the city once more then began to move to the entrance. " We must go."

" That creature is really beginning to try my patience. " Husker quietly said more thinking out loud than to Ionna.

" I know what you mean but she may be the only chance of surviving what lies beyond the wall and getting everyone including my Mother back home safely." Ionna said watching the strange creature flutter about the doors.

" You're right and that's what worries me." Husker sighed then turned and signaled to Hammersnith to assemble the team and move to the doors. Once all were gathered and in position at the doors Shilo turned and addressed them yet kept her gaze focused directly on Lieutenant Husker. She had to raise her voice somewhat as the dark forest around them seemed to grow more louder and excited by the passing minute as if in anticipation of something about to happen.

" When I open these doors you must past quickly through as the beings, the madness and horrors, of this place we are now in will try to follow. This must not be allowed to happen or none of us will survive. Once we are all through and I've closed the doors you will be in the realm of the one Ionna has referred to as "The Green Man". Though not advised if you have to refer to him this is the name to use as it will not attract his attention as he is not aware of it."

" I say "He" as he has a masculine presence but truly in every sense of the term he is a Elemental being, a true force of Nature, and is everywhere and apart of everything in his realm. He is older and more powerful individually than both our creators and has a wrath unparalleled and unlike our Creators he is fully aware of all that transpires within his domain. To pass safely through his realm one must follow these simple rules. Do nothing to damage or harm anything willfully be it plant, dirt, or creature. If a natural thing blocks your passage go over or around do not force your way through. You are free to defend yourselves against any natural predators . I suggest in defending yourselves that you choose weapons that will not cause excessive damage or inadvertently endanger anything other than your attackers. Do not stray from the path I take and remember these rules and I shall have you where you need to be safely and quickly."

" Anything else ? " Husker asked .

" Prepare to move quickly and defend yourselves. Like I said the horrors out here will attempt to follow as soon as these doors are open. " Shilo smiled slightly. " This wall was not built for it's artistic aesthetics you know."

" Right.." Husker said with a " way to look like a dumb ass rookie " smile. " Hammersmith you're cover with me and Ennis rest of you take positions then fall back individually through the entrance as quickly as possible and then provide cover fire. Atkins and Fallon as medic and Psi you two will fall back first. OK.." He looked at Shilo who nodded. "..let's do this."

They were surprised as the doors did not open inwards or outwards, they didn't even rise up into the wall, they merely simply just turned to dust. Their surprise however lasted a mere second at best as their attention was snapped back as simultaneously the forest erupted in a deafening onslaught of sound and activity and the first bullet fired, by Ennis of course, rang out. In a second it was not alone. All Marines unleashed on full auto picking targets but not focusing on exactly what they were shooting for fear of exactly what they would see. Atkins and Fallon went through the entrance immediately as instructed and it soon became aware to Atkins why they were chosen first to go through. Fallon the team Telepath and Empath collapsed as soon as the forest erupted no doubt from what she was bombarded with from the screaming crazed entities. He couldn't fathom what she'd see or feel from them. He just knew it was his job as Medic to protect her mind. He quickly sedated her.

Husker and Ennis threw stun grenades into the horde to buy them valuable seconds to allow three more of his team through and Ionna. The diversion scattered the creatures or nightmares as he thought of them only for a few seconds then they were right back running flying walking crawling into the hail of bullets. These weren't like the creatures they saw walking to get here, though they were vile enough at times, these were something entirely different. All various shapes and sizes, multiple limbs or none, not one the same as the other nor any recognizable feature to properly describe them. Unnatural, unholy nightmares with just one thing in common getting through them and into the world beyond that wall.

" Fuck this shit !" Ennis roared and shouldered her assault rifle then swung round her flamethrower. She gave a quick look to Shilo who nodded as if giving permission. " OK people let me through or get toasted your choice !"

" Oh shit .." Hammersmith muttered firing his mini-gun completely shredding six things flying towards him and took off after her tapping some of those closest to the entrance to make their break for it. Callais dropped back to help Husker. Then the dark forest lit up as Ennis reaching the front of their defensive line let loose long powerful streams of flame along with equally colourful streams of obscenities and laughter as the nightmares screamed in pain and throes of death. Fiori and Kyoshi were covering the others and falling back themselves whilst yelling at Ennis to fall back as well but as Hammersmith knew once she was in the zone and enjoying herself there was no getting through to her. He signaled to Fiori that they should keep going and he'd get Ennis.

The forest was now ablaze and the sounds of screams and unseen beings moving away all around as he reached Ennis' position where she was still strafing the path and surrounds in front and to her flanks even though there was no more evidence of anything daring to attack. The stench of seared and melting, in some cases nigh on liquified flesh nearly made the big man vomit there and then but somehow he fought the urge back. Not wanting to be fried himself he made sure she could see him before reaching out to tap her shoulder to get her attention. When he had it it was like she was coming out of a trance.

" Time to go." He laughed as he saw the disappointment in her face like a kid who has been told to stop playing. " C'mon Ennis I'm sure there'll be plenty things to shoot at wherever we are going."

" Fine.." She muttered sulking. They ran back through the entrance and as soon as Husker and Callais did the same Shilo muttered something and the doors of the entrance rematerialized . Husker looked at Ennis and shook his head and almost laughed until Hammersmith shot him a look saying not a good idea. He turned away and found everyone else looking towards the city and he was not pleased by what he saw.

" Shilo what the Hell is going on here ? " Husker asked in disbelief. " Why is the city so far away when a few minutes ago it was right behind this wall ?"

" A mere illusion created by the Dimensional Wall Lieutenant. " Shilo replied ." A rather useful natural defense as well as like it has you it disorientates our enemies. Don't worry if we keep a steady pace it should not take more than twenty hours of your time measurement to reach it."

" Oh swell. " Husker shook his head. " I'll give the team a few minutes rest then I guess we should be on our way then."

" Very well." Shilo smiled. " Do not worry so Lieutenant I shall get you and yours safely to where you need to be."

She left him and went to Ionna. He sighed and then took in his surroundings. It was still a forest this side of the wall yet somewhat lighter than the one they just left. It was beautiful and did not seem as ominous or unsettling as the other. Though danger may still lurk within it did not feel like it was watching and waiting for a chance to drag them in. There was a canopy but it was broken in many places allowing bright sunshine in along what seemed like a well trodden dirt path that sloped downwards as if they were on high ground. The soaring city in the distance seemed deceptive as before surrounded by never ending forest . It's true distance a mystery to him just like the creatures flying around it. Just like this damn mission was quickly turning out to be. Enough sight seeing he thought to himself best get on with it.

" OK people breaks over." He signaled to Hammersmith to come over and to the others said. " Gear up and fall in it's time to get going." He was met with general Yes Sir's and a few grumbles which he ignored. Hammersmith joined him.

" I want you to keep both Ennis and Callais with you watching our sixes. " Husker said quietly. " Not only are they excellent in defense but I'd feel better after what happened before if they were as far away from Shilo as possible. Plus with you there I know they'll be less likely to get into trouble . "

" Well I'd rather be on point with you but if it'll put your mind at ease.." Hammersmith sighed. " She won't like it though you know that."

" I'll owe you one mate." Husker grinned.

" Big time." Hammersmith smirked then sighed again and went about sorting the team into their positions.

" If you are ready we will proceed." Shilo said. A few minutes later they were moving down the dirt path, Kyoshi on point behind Shilo, Husker Ionna and the rest following single file behind, Ennis and her complaining bringing up the rear. Two uneventful hours later they reached a canyon which cut across the path and stretched as far as the eye could see. About two hundred and fifty feet wide. It's depth could not be calculated but they could just make out the sound of water though they could not see due to fog and plants and trees, outcrops of rock, and structures and bridges of unknown origin. Along the opposite wall they could see both cave systems and dwellings and myriads of birds and reptiles both flying and crawling along and around them. An ornate stone bridge with two giant pillars on either end topped with an arch spanned the canyon in front of them. Another like it about ten minutes hike to their left . The bridge in front of them was covered in vines and moss and strange writing and symbols or carvings. The arch facade had a likeness of "The Green Man" and what seemed like an inscription to either side.

" What does that say Shilo ?" Husker asked.

" It is hard to put into your words but basically it says what I warned your people of before." Shilo looked away from him and then said. " Just make sure your people respect his rules and all shall be fine and everyone where they should be." With that she turned and started across the bridge.

" Where they should be ?" Flannigan , Weapons and Tech. Specialist, gave Husker a concerned look.

" You picked that up too huh ?" Husker asked.

" Yes Sir. Didn't sound too good to me." Flannigan replied.

" No it didn't. " Husker put a hand on his shoulder. " Fall into position behind me and if you "pick" anything else up use comm. channel six."

Flannigan nodded and followed Husker as he walked to catch up with Shilo and Ionna who were already on the bridge. Fiori and Kyoshi were next and everyone else fell in line. The now conscious Fallon joining Ennis, Callais and Hammersmith bringing up the six. Fallon didn't know why yet but she had an uneasy feeling that had nothing to do with the vile onslaught that attacked her on the other side. She couldn't mention anything yet to the Lieutenant at least not until she had something more than just a feeling. She was just glad at the moment she wasn't up near point.

Once on the other side of the bridge Shilo once again turned and addressed the entire team yet looked directly at Husker.

" Along this path there are many creatures of various species and plant-life. All are sentient, all are precious in their Maker's eyes, intelligence and intent as varied as your own race. I cannot stress enough adherence to the rules." Husker nodded and she continued. " After about five of your hours travel we will come upon a clearing where your team can rest and eat if they so choose. I do recommend it as this journey for those not gifted with flight quite often is rigorous and at times dangerous and may take it's toll. The clearing is in the territory of the animals you aided on your arrival and as their leader bonded with Dr Voss you shall be well protected by the pack."

" Sounds great to me. " Ionna said but was ignored by Shilo.

" After the rest we will continue on to the city. Again I stress.."

" The rules." Husker did his best to smile. " We understand."

" Very well then let us begin. " Shilo turned and began to lead them along the now ascending trail. No more than three minutes past than from the right hand side of the trail a wave of arachnid looking creatures about the size of a man's full average hand span ran out.

" What the..??!!" Fiori screamed as some ran across her boots.

" Nobody move !" Husker barked.

" They seem harmless enough." Ionna said to Husker. " I suggest we just wait it out then move on. Wouldn't be more than a minute or so would it ?" She looked at Shilo who just shrugged and made to move on then seemed to think better of it and waited a few feet up the path. She did not turn to look at them though.

Atkins hated spiders with a vengeance and was on the verge of losing it when it seemed that finally it was down to the stragglers of the bunch. A good thing too as some of them were adventurous and ran up his body a few times and came dangerously close to his face. Fucking disgusting creatures whatever planet they are from. He was rather proud that he controlled and faced his fear. That was until he saw the six larger spiders emerge, three times larger, and that they weren't as oblivious to the travelers as their smaller counterparts were. They didn't run across as the others did they instead stopped and looked up and down the line totally checking them out. Unlike the little ones these were not furry but more armoured like a crab or lobster or something. Their fangs dripping yellowish fluids and looked razor sharp. Atkins felt his fear begin to rise again.

The creatures jumped suddenly into the overhanging branches of the trees above then moved from tree to tree both up and down the line and back and forth leaping over them to the other side of the path and back. The whole team was on edge but kept somehow completely still. Shilo had turned and watched with mild amusement.

" Any suggestions ?" Husker whispered to her.

" Don't move." She answered dryly.

Hammersmith tapped his internal comm. piece and spoke directly to Fallon.

" Are you getting anything from these things? "

" Well I don't actually speak Arachnid Hammersmith but I get a general feeling which I think is curiousity." Fallon paused then sounded a little worried. " There's one, the black and red one, I'm getting a bad feeling now from it. I think it's the leader and it's sensing fear or something"

" Atkins right ?" Hammersmith asked.

" Right. He's getting pretty worked up, can see the sweat dripping off his face from here. " She watched as the Leader spider jumped to an overhanging branch right above Atkins position. " Oh shit Hammer it's gonna test him I think, show it's dominance over him like it would another of it's kind to reinforce the fact that it is the strongest. If Atkins freaks out it'll attack him."

" Shit!" Hammersmith tapped his comm. again and switched to Atkins channel. " Atkins hold it together son. According to Fallon it's a test and the lead spider is trying to show how strong he is to the others by punking you out. No matter what just hold yer ground and nut it up till it gets bored and goes away. Don't freak or lash out unless it attacks you. Don't want to break the rules do we ?"

" I'll do my best Hammersmith." Atkins shitscared reply came.

" Oh no.." Fallon whispered.

The spider lowered itself from the branch by a strand of dripping flesh like substance from its rear and came to a halt about an inch from Atkins upturned face. It's myriad eyes, cold and alien, holding his fearful gaze. As if sensing Atkins absolute terror it playfully tapped each side of his face lightly with the dagger like tips of it's forelegs.

" Atkins listen to me ." Fallon raised him on his comm. " Slowly drop to a kneeling position and lower your head to show submission. Locking eyes with it like you are is like challenging it and it's gonna get pissed if you don't stop." He didn't reply. " Atkins do you hear me ?"

" He's choked it ." Ennis said out loud to Hammersmith and the spiders reacted to her deep rough voice. Two ran off after the little ones , the other three hissed from the trees above and the one hanging over Atkins raised it's forelegs screamed then slashed downwards slicing Atkins cheeks open to the bone. The other three launched themselves towards Ennis, Callais and Hammersmith.

Atkins lashed out and knocked the spider back off his face but it merely swung back and slashed at his face. Fallon raised her 9mm but couldn't get a clean shot. Callais and Hammersmith didn't have a problem with their attackers, single shots shattering the creatures whose guts splashed over all of them. Ennis, the ever warrior, didn't use a gun but pinned hers to a tree catching it mid leap with her trusty hunting knife. Proud of herself and grinning like a cheshire cat she turned to receive her expected praise when she was sprayed with blood from the tree as she pulled her knife out. In her shock she watched in horror as the spider attached to Atkins face plunged a leg into his screaming mouth as Callais and Fallon were trying to pry it off. When it came off it took Atkins face with it. Callais and Fallon threw it to the ground and Hammersmith put a round in its eyes.

" Thanks for the help guys .." Hammersmith started as he turned to address the rest of the team not involved with the fight. He was stopped though by the sight of a wall of gnarled, twisted and intertwined tree roots barring the path and separating them from the rest of the team. " Oh fuck..Where'd that come from ?"

" It shot up when I killed my spider and Atkins was killed by his. " Ennis said wiping the sticky thick blood from her face." Poor bastard."

" Ennis what the Hell ? Is that your blood? Are you hurt ?" Hammersmith scared at the sight of so much blood on her.

" No I'm fine. " She said " It's the .." She started but he wasn't listening anymore.

" What the Hell is this shit. " Hammersmith growled and kicked the tree root barrier and thorns began to emerge from the roots. " We were defending ourselves we didn't break any precious rules. We're totally cut off ."

" Hammersmith calm down ! " Husker ordered via comm. " I can't get to you so I need you to pull it together so we can figure this mess out. OK ?"

" Yeah..OK. " Hammersmith took a moment to compose himself." I'm fine. So what happened ? Why are we cut off ? Thought we were allowed to defend ourselves if attacked ? "

" I know . Did Atkins make it ? We heard a godsawful scream but couldn't see as Fallon and Callais were blocking our view and then this damn barrier grew out of the ground in a split second. Did he make it ? ''

" No LT, died instantly when the fucking spider thing ripped his fucking face off !" Hammersmith's anger rose again but more out of disgust with himself for allowing a soldier under his charge to die.

" Shit ! " Husker muttered. '' Sorry Hammer. He was a good kid and soldier. Nothing you could do my friend so don't blame yourself. No way you could know what those things would do . Everyone else OK ?"

" Yeah Callais and Fallon are OK just a little shook up. I'm fine and so is Ennis except for being pissed at being covered in blood." Hammersmith allowed himself a smile at that last bit.

" Covered in blood ? Whose blood ?" Husker asked after a thought led to a answer he didn't want to hear for the current situation.

" She was about to tell me before I went off on one. Just a sec. " Hammersmith turned to ask her again when he saw blood slowly oozing from a puncture in its bark down to a large pool of blood on the ground and surrounding splatters and spray patterns across the path where Ennis was standing. " Oh no. You stabbed the fucking tree ?"

" I used my knife instead of a gun not wanting to tear the place up. Pinned the fucker mid air and thought it would drop straight down given the size and wait of it. Guess I threw it too hard. Fuck's sake Hammer how was I supposed to know it would kill one of these old gnarly trees ? "

" Shit Ennis.." Hammersmith sighed. " Husker.."

" I know buddy Shilo just told me." Husker interupted. " Ennis lucked out though as it was an accident and the tree suffered only a minor wound. " Husker shook his head at that last bit. Something he'd never dreamed of having to say. " However.."

" We can't proceed. The Green Man doesn't want us in His garden right ?" Hammersmith guessed.

" Yes and no. " Husker answered. " Shilo says you may not proceed with us but are being given a second chance to prove yourselves worthy by taking a second path. "

" OK .." Hammersmith sighed already over this fucking place and mission. " Where's this second path ? Please don't tell me we have to find it ourselves ?"

" No buddy you don't. " Husker laughed. " Go back over the bridge and take the second bridge we saw."

" That's it ? " Hammersmith was taken back. " That's all we have to do and we'll meet up with you guys again ?"

" That's it buddy. Well that and I suppose doing it without damaging or killing anything along the way." Husker said. " Shilo say's that's your path and only way."

" Don't know if I like it. Sounds a little too simple to me and between you and me I don't really trust our "guide" too much either."

" Well she hasn't led us astray yet and I can't see a way over or under or around this barrier so we ain't got much choice I'm afraid." Husker said matter of fact.

" OK then LT guess we'll see you soon then." Hammersmith said not convinced of the truth in that.

" Don't take the scenic route just get back as soon as you can . Good luck Hammer . Husker out ."

" Yeah thanks buddy." Hammersmith grunted to himself. He turned to the others. " OK kids turn around and go back over the bridge. We've got to go over the other bridge to meet up with the others now. Any complaints see the lovely Ennis. Oh and Ennis if something attacks us again just shoot the fucker will you."

" Whatever .." She mumbled sulking.

" Are we going to bury Atkins first ?" Fallon asked.

" Are we allowed to ? " Ennis asked.

" Don't think it matters as there isn't anything to bury." Callais said. " His body is gone."

" What ?? " Hammersmith turned quickly and looked where a second ago Atkins body lay. " What the fuck happened ?"

" Don't know and to be honest boss I don't fucking care. This place gives me the creeps and I just wanna get outta here." Callais answered. " Bug lady says it ain't our path it ain't our path so lets just get going and find the right one ok ?''

" Fallon ?" Hammersmith asked. " Any ideas ?"

" No. I'm with Callais." She looked him straight in the eyes and he saw fear. " Let's just get out of here ok ? "

" OK. I will need you to get your gift into gear though Fallon and quick smart. I know we've been through the wringer but this shit keeps getting weirder and weirder and I'll need my PSI more than ever if we don't all want to end up like poor Atkins. All of us from this point on have to pick up our game understood ?" They all nodded.

"Good. Callais take point, Fallon you and Ennis next, I'll cover our six. Let's get the Hell out of here. " He looked back and said quietly to where Atkins had been. " Sorry Atkins." He crossed himself though didn't really believe himself yet he knew Atkins did. " Hope you're in a better place buddy." With that he turned and joined the others.

They crossed the bridge and reached the other bridge without incident. It was similar to the other bridge yet seemingly older and more beaten in appearance. It also did not just span the distance like the other but instead inclined down to what seemed to be a entrance in the opposite canyon wall . The bridge appeared to become apart of a platform of stone not unlike a large balcony with pillars in a semi-circle supporting a stone roof covered in vegetation . It seemed clear of life, no guards or creatures crawling or flying around near it. It looked like it hadn't been disturbed in anyway for centuries and didn't have a welcoming presence to it either though there was no real reason for this feeling either at least to the naked eye.

" Any thoughts Fallon ? " Hammersmith asked.

" I'm not picking up any obvious threats. I'm not picking up any thoughts or life around it at all. For all I can gather it is what it is just a structure in the side of a mountain canyon." She shrugged. " Nothing to say not to go down there. "

" OK.." Hammersmith said. " Personally I get a weird feeling from it but then again that could just be because this whole damn place is weird."

" I hear that ." Callais said.

" Well if it's passed PSI inspection I guess there's only one thing to do. " Hammersmith gestured to Callais to lead the way. Ennis strode after him and looked at Fallon as if to say " you better be right about this ". Hammersmith gave her a look also but to say " Ignore her" and then followed Fallon onto the bridge and began the descent. Though a few curious flying reptilian creatures came close a couple of times they made it to the balcony structure with no incident.

The structure was covered with dust and there was moss of some sort growing in the cracks of the stone floor. The ceiling looked like it once had a mural of some kind painted on it but most of it had either been eroded or covered with creeping vines and other growths. At the inner wall there was an archway with a facade that had corroded and crumbled so the once carvings and statues resembled nothing now. There was no door only a dark tunnel stretching back as far as they could see.

" Nothing LT. " Fallon said feeling him about to ask. " I don't feel anything at all."

" But ? " Hammersmith pushed seeing a slight concern in her eyes.

" I don't like it. Nothing I can put my finger on, nothing DMC PSI Intel would recognize as a reason for not going in, nothing at all. " She looked hard down the tunnel. " It's not right. I should at least be picking up residual energies or incidents, structural memories from the past, but I'm getting nothing at all. It worries me sir. It's just not natural."

" Well be that as it may, and I'm not ignoring your feelings and expertise, unless there's a direct threat I'm just going to have to go with the plan. Not like we have much choice really." Hammersmith said looking down the tunnel.

" According to Shilo." Ennis muttered.

" I don't fully trust her either but like Husker said she hasn't led us wrong yet. " Hammersmith replied. " So let's get a wriggle on people and get this over with. Sooner we do sooner we're back with the family."

" Let's hope so." Ennis gave him a unconvinced look.

" Be positive kids." Hammersmith winked at her. " I'll even take point."

" I feel better already." Ennis quipped as he strode into the tunnel all gung-ho. The others smiled then fell in behind him letting Ennis watch their backs and feeling reassured by it. Barely a minute later all that went out the proverbial window.

" Where the fuck are we ?" Callais asked a little nervously.

" I have no idea. " Hammersmith said whilst trying to take everything in. " I guess we are meant to be here and somehow it'll lead us back to the others."

" Bullshit." Ennis chimed in. " Bet that moth bitch set us up. Does this look like remotely anything like the forest to you Hammer. Seriously man just take a look around."

He was already and truly didn't like what he saw. From the tunnel they found themselves in what looked like an old village main street lined with two and three story structures like something out of ancient Europe Pre- Cataclysm. Something that would have horses pulling wagons or be plagued by Dracula or something. Though those would at least have people or at least a sense of life. This didn't. It reeked of decay , disease and death. A vile rotting stench that just hung there seemingly as there seemed to be no hint of a breeze. No lights , electrical or otherwise, no daylight just a overcast gloom like before a miserable storm or week of rain.

Everything was hued in gray, black or blues. Wet too. He could see between the buildings what appeared to be the surface of a large lake maybe even a port. It was hard to tell as it seemed below like the town was on a hill and of course it was shrouded in mist. It was cold and depressing to say the least . It seemed at least to him both in appearance and feel dead. Just simply dead. Then from a window he saw a flicker of movement, then another, and then all of a sudden it was like a black mass swarming down the wall. When it reached the sidewalk it broke up and scattered in different directions.

" Oh great. That's just great !" Ennis grumbled standing next to him. " Fucking roaches ! You sure take me to some wonderful places Hammer you really do."

" This place is one friggin cesspool alright." Callais said quietly. " Wonder when the rats will show."

" Probably as disgusted by roaches as I am." Ennis said dryly. " What do you think Fallon ? Not like you to be so quiet. "

She turned to look back at where she Fallon was standing and when she saw her she saw fear.

" Damn girl what's wrong ?" Ennis asked genuinely concerned. The others looked too hearing Ennis' tone.

" Shit Hammer she's shivering." Callais said.

" Fallon ? " Hammersmith walked over to her. She appeared not to even notice. " Fallon talk to me."

" Like she's in a trance or something." Callais said.

" Fallon snap out of it !" Hammersmith yelled. " Josie !"

" Josie ?" Callais asked.

" Her first name dumb ass. " Ennis shook her head.

" Also her trigger word." Hammersmith said quietly to Ennis. " See she's coming out of it."

" What the..? " Fallon said a little groggy.

" You spaced on us girl. " Ennis said with a little relief . " What's the deal ? "

" Sorry about that. " Fallon sounded tired but more like herself again.

" Were you attacked psychically like before ?" Hammersmith asked.

" No. At least I don't think so." She thought for a second then said. " It was like I was many people from different times and places. One after another after another, seeing what they were seeing and feeling what they were feeling like I was living a history slide show. People from different worlds and eras yet somehow all here. It doesn't make sense. "

" If they were here they ain't here no more girl. " Ennis said. " This place is deader than Disco girl. Except for the roaches that is."

" We don't know that for sure Ennis. " Callais said. He actually seemed a little nervous.

" What's up ? " Hammersmith asked picking up on it.

" Not sure boss just got a feeling like.."

" We're not alone." Fallon interrupted him.

" Where are they ? What do you sense Fallon ? " Husker asked whilst quickly adopting a defensive stance and scanning the area.

" All around us." Fallon whispered nearly starting to feel like her energy was being drained. " Not the same as before. Guns won't help either. We've got to move now."

" Where around us Fallon ? I can't see anyone. " Ennis asked.

" You won't . You'll feel them though soon enough. You may even hear them like I'm starting too. " She stood up and started to walk down towards the end of the street. " We've gotta go now !" She called back over her shoulder.

" Shit !" Hammersmith ran after her with Ennis in tow. Callais fell in behind. Ennis suddenly stopped and swung around.

" What did you just say to me you piece of shit !" She yelled getting right up in Callias face.

" I didn't say a word Ennis. Back the fuck off. " Callais said but wished he hadn't as he saw that look that Ennis got when she was about to serve whoever pissed her off their balls. Then suddenly he was ripped off his feet and slammed hard backwards onto the ground .

" What the fuck are you two playing at ? " Hammersmith yelled. He stopped dead in his tracks when he felt something lick his face then a female voice whispered in his ear " I'm gonna play with your insides ".

" Who..? " He swung his left arm as if to knock whoever away but of course there was no one there.

" Guys come on ! " Fallon screamed back at them from the road just past the last building. " Now before they get too strong. Move it !!"

" C'mon Callais get up. " Ennis reached down and grabbed him by his chest armour and wrenched him to his feet. Attempted to at least as she was suddenly hit and knocked down on top of him by unseen hands. Callais' head hit hard and though wearing a helmet the jolt still dazed him. Suddenly he was dragged from underneath Ennis and picked up , held high in the stale reeking air for a few seconds, then thrown with incredible force against the wall of a building to the right. He hit the wall slid down then folded like a concertina file. Ennis meanwhile was on her feet lashing out like a mad woman. Fallon keeping her distance looked frantically for some way to help them.

Hammersmith under sporadic but increasingly strengthening blows from unseen assailants made his way over to the stunned Callais. Ennis pissed off even more by the apparent lewd groping, judging by the stream of profanities pouring with a lyrical fluidity from her snarling mouth, seemed to have decided it didn't matter that she couldn't see them or even it seemed hit them she was going to try and torch them anyway. Maybe she'll get lucky Hammersmith thought to himself as he used smelling salts to wake Callais up. Callais let Hammersmith help him to his feet though seeing Ennis wielding the flame thrower like a woman possessed he began to think he was better of unconscious. Then he saw them.

At first seemingly like tricks of the light from the flames in the gloom then more and more solid. Shadows taking form, dark forms taking on features, then faces. Mad both as in "insane" and "enraged" faces. Some Human , some Humanoid, others just plain nightmarish. A few at first then quickly becoming in the multiples of ten. Fallon's voice came and startled him over the comm.

"Callais Hammersmith ain't answering or maybe not even listening so you have to. "

" What is it Fallon ?" Callais grunted suddenly feeling all the soreness of the beating he'd taken.

" You have to get Ennis and Hammersmith out of there now. I'm not just stating the obvious or telling you for obvious reasons like safety but for the fact that if they stay there any longer you are all going to be torn apart. Those are manifested spirits given power and form from the emotions those two are giving off."

" Hey I'm pretty pissed at these things too ya know." Callais replied.

" Yeah but you aren't an adrenaline junkie borderline psycho with white dreads and a honour driven warrior in love that psycho. Her fury is powering them, his fear for her being surrounded and nigh on out of control and not knowing what to do about is likewise as strong. They are just giving more power so more can manifest."

" Gotcha." Callais said. " So Hammer and Ennis huh ?"

" You truly are clueless Callais." Fallon laughed in amazement. " Just get them outta there."

" What are you gonna do ?" Callais sounding a bit upset at her comment.

" I'll try and create a brief diversion. You just do your bit OK."

" Yep." Callais shook his head . Looking at the mad woman slowly being surround by wailing and screaming things he thought to himself . " No problem"

He shook Hammersmith who seemed to be in a world of his own and totally not the man of action he's used to seeing . When that didn't work he smacked the big man hard on the back of his helmet.

" What ! Callais what the fuck ?" Hammersmith snapped to.

" Good to have you back boss. " Callais feigned dodging the expected punch . " C'mon we gotta grab the Warrior Princess and regroup with Fallon before we get overrun with ghosties"

" Does Fallon have a plan ?" Hammersmith asked. " It's gonna be tricky getting through all those things."

" She said she'd cause a distraction ." Callais said.

" How ? " Hammersmith asked.

" I don't know." Callais shrugged. " Hey if these things are taking real forms, real solid forms, does that mean we can shoot them ? "

" I don't know. Maybe. Why ?" Hammersmith asked .

" Duck ! " Callais said bringing up and aiming his assault rifle right at Hammersmith's head. Hammersmith dropped down into a crouch as the blasts of Callais double tap cut off all other sound momentarily. Unfortunately it didn't prevent him from feeling the wet splats and light pats on his back of whatever Callais just shot.

" Up ya get boss ." Callais tapped Hammersmith's helmet. " I think I've just created a diversion of my own."

Hammersmith swiftly stood then started unleashing short bursts from his mini-gun into a group of freaks. Body parts went flying then turned mid-flight into tendrils of shadowy matter. Then those tendrils started to seek out and unite with others and begun to take form once more. A figure like siamese twins with no eyes just gaping maws with nasty looking jagged teeth appeared from the union of shadow tendrils. Callais blew both heads off.

" We can't keep doing this." Hammersmith said and tapped his comm. " Ennis burn the fucking things already and join us we're regrouping with Fallon !" She didn't reply. " Ennis comeback over ! "

" What ? " She finally replied. " I can actually burn them? I thought the light was just keeping them at bay. Why didn't anyone tell me before ?"

" Just do it will you and don't waste time admiring your handiwork either. " Hammersmith said. " You can shoot and burn them mess them up real and good but they've got a nasty habit of reforming. "

" Gotcha. See ya in a sec. " With that she strafed a stream of fire around the faces of those closest then quickly moved towards those in the direction of her team and unleashed the full force of her flame at those blocking her way instantly incinerating them. She ran through the still boiling remains and wispy dark tendrils dropping a flash grenade as cover . It went off as she reached Hammersmith and Callais.

" What the fuck is Fallon doing ?" Ennis asked catching her breath. " She doesn't even have her weapon drawn. "

" She said she was gonna create a diversion. " Callais answered. " Looks like she's meditating."

" Either she's flipped or she's doing her PSI thing either way it's time for us to move. " Hammersmith said pushing Callais towards Fallon's position and out of his line of fire. He got off three bursts and Ennis who had switched to her rifle took out another few wailing and clawing rag wearing peasant types. They actually looked normal if you forgot the fact that they were dead. He signaled for her to fall back with him when suddenly a light came from behind them, not unlike sunlight, and the once again massing hordes froze when it bathed them in it's glow. He chanced a look back and saw that the light appeared to actually be coming from Fallon herself. " What the Hell ? "

" Who fucking cares. " Ennis smacked his rear. " Let's book already."

Within a few minutes they'd covered the two-fifty meters to the end of the row of buildings where Callais was standing giving cover to Fallon. He pointed down towards what looked to be a wharf with two large warehouse type buildings out in the lake and a long boardwalk one person wide snaking it's way across the lake back to the mist enshrouded shore. There seemed to be light coming from the furthest of the buildings. " What do ya think boss ?"

" A good a plan as any at the moment buddy. I just hope these things don't follow. " Hammersmith caught his breathe then turned to Fallon. " Fallon you sure are full of surprises girl."

" It's a trick my Mother taught me which she learned from studying The Arts on Homeworld." She answered . " Projecting the Light of the Soul to repel Darkness. I hadn't enough power within myself to do it alone so like these entities I drew on your emotional energy. Hammer your fear for those you love and Ennis your rage. I also had to eventually influence Ennis to calm down enough so you guys could get her to listen to you and that also she didn't give these creatures enough power to be unstoppable. You can't kill spirits after all. The energy I channeled from you guys and deprived from the entities combined with my own enables me to project the pure Light of The Soul which as corny as it sounds holds the Darkness and those that dwell within at bay."

" Well unless you can do it running stop now cause we are leaving." He said secretly hoping she could do it running.

" Get ready then cause once I stop they're gonna come for us like a bullet train. " Fallon said sleepily sounding. " I'll need help getting up too."

" After what you did I'll carry you hon. " Ennis said. " Say when."

" When.." Fallon answered and the light vanished. Ennis swooped her up with one arm and they all ran down where the street turned and descended towards the lake. The wailing and screams erupted once more and came closer each passing second. As they ran down the atmosphere changed slightly and Fallon felt a sensation run through her not unlike a mild electric shock. Then the memory of something else her Mother had taught her came back to her and she opened her mouth to yell stop but it was too late. Then they were falling. Then they hit hard and all went black.

She woke to the godawful smell of smelling salts and the groans of Callais massaging his right shoulder and Ennis holding her middle back. She looked around and saw mud, bit's of metal and wooden debris, rotting vegetation, buzzing insects and what looked like giant worms. From the smell besides the rot she wouldn't be surprised if excrement was to be found in the mix. It reminded her of a disaster aftermath and a rubbish tip.

" Next time you can run yourself Fallon damn near crushed me girl ! " Ennis grumbled. " What the fuck happened ?"

" Passed through a spell barrier I think." Fallon answered groaning under her own aches and pains. " One that keeps both those entities out . Beyond that I don't know. I can still see the town and it didn't feel like we passed through a dimensional wall or portal. So maybe just an extra defense to fool people into thinking there's a road when actually it's a damn sheer drop. I really don't know."

" So basically we just jumped off a cliff to escape those things and survived. " Callais grinned. " That's pretty fucking cool and a win in my book."

" Outstanding.." Hammersmith laughed and shook his head at Callais. " OK then buddy as you are enjoying this so much you can take point and we'll head over to that wharf we saw."

" You got it boss." Callais grinned and saluted.

" Fallon dare I ask ?" Hammersmith smiled whilst adjusting his gear.

" Death, decay, stale, cold, emptiness, ominous, eerie.." She grinned.

" Smart ass." Hammersmith rolled his eyes. " So nothing that us "normal" people don't already know ?"

" Actually there is something but at the moment it's masked to me. " Fallon said trying to concentrate. " Can't get a fix or an idea whether it's one source or more."

" Let me guess where it is." Hammersmith sighed.

" I wouldn't let Callais run off too far ahead by himself." Fallon smiled.

" Let's get after him then ." Hammersmith waved her on in an "after you " gesture. Ennis was already halfway to where Callais stood on the beginning of the boardwalk.

The wooden structure wasn't that high above the still rank dark water but at least it seemed sound. As they drew closer to the wharf itself they noticed wrought iron fencing in the water either side of the walk which seemed to form a semi-circle pen to each end of the main wharf structure which was raised much higher than the water surface. Callais was using his weapons torch to scan the deck above and located a ladder at the end of the walk leading up to the deck about ten foot up. Then he held up a hand signaling them to wait and shone his light through the iron fence to his left.

" What the fuck..." He looked back at Hammersmith in disbelief. " Tell me I not hallucinating."

They all shone their weapons lights where he was pointing his then scanned them around then Ennis turned and did the same to the right.

" They are babies right ? Hundreds of friggin babies?" Callais sounding like he hoped he wasn't crazy.

" Yeah they're babies all right. " Ennis shivered. " What sort of fucked up place is this ?"

As if in answer the infants that were laying atop and breaking the waters surface all screamed and reached towards them. All four marines nearly jumped out of their skins. Callais aimed his rifle at the closest to him as did Ennis hers. Hammersmith just felt disgust and even more so when he saw in the light that they had been in his mind violated by some twisted mind as some had eyes and mouths sewn together with wire, others hooks through their foreheads or nails driven in. Skin pale, mottled or raw, translucent or festering. Every movement and every cry driven by and causing further pain. One made it up to the bars of the fence and reached through and split and filthy nails raked the top of Hammersmith's left boot.

" Sweet Jesus.." Fallon breathed.

" Don't worry they won't harm you they're just attracted to your Light.." A soft but warm female voice came from somewhere above them making them all jump again. ".. and you young lady watch your language around the children."

" Who ? " Callais swung his light to the deck above.

" Don't be tiresome boy." The woman answered." Stop agitating the little ones and come up so we can talk properly. Don't worry I won't hurt you I promise."

" Fallon ?" Hammersmith whispered. She shrugged. He wasn't surprised and just waved Callais up. They walked around the left side of the first building and could see light shining from under the awning that ran the length of the second building. Down the end there was a figure sitting in a large chair or throne of some kind looking not at them but out across the water. A hand lazily waved them to come down. They walked cautiously scanning both sides and as they drew nearer they could see more baby pens in the water.

They kept their distance but finally stood in front of the mysterious woman who just lazed in the chair with a slight smile which was both welcoming and one of amusement. She definitely was not what they expected. Fallon could not help but admire the woman's elegance and beauty, the finery of her robes and jewelery. Her red long curls and alluring green eyes set off her flawless porcelain skin perfectly. She also noticed she had four arms one of which had a gaping vertical wound like a suicide slice and that if she actually stood this woman wood be about nine and a half feet tall. Yet for all her beauty and warmth there was a darker side or feel about her alluded to by the mischief in her smile and also in the other items of clothing she wore from the black leather corset which did not cover or support her breasts and the stripper tape over her nipples. She was smoking what looked like a joint whilst eating what looked like apples. There was also a book in her lap beautifully bound and decorated but reeked of blood and skin.

Her head dress and clothes also had symbols and writing that if not for what Shilo had said a few hours ago Fallon would have interpreted as from darker beliefs as well as a few from the light. A being of duality for sure. Though aren't we all she heard her Mother say in the back of her mind.

" Did your Mother not also tell you it's rude to stare dear ?" The woman said with a broadening smile and a wink. " It's OK though I don't mind and you're a lot more polite in your thoughts than young Callais over there."

" So .." She paused to drag on her joint. "..we don't get many of your kind through here. A matter of fact it's actually unheard of. You must be lost am I right ?"

" Yes you are." Hammersmith answered. " We were separated from our team in the realm of the one we refer to as .."

" The Green Man. Very cute." The woman said not sounding impressed. " Let me guess you were in the Elemental One's realm being guided by a creature who calls herself Shilo right ?"

" Right." Ennis said. " I think the bitch set us up."

" You'd be right." The woman smiled. " She'd have definitely taken a disliking to you being as strong and defiant a free spirit as you are being that she is a bottom feeding lying ass kisser of that frigid arrogant bitch up there in her lofty tower."

" You mean Isis ?" Fallon asked.

" I told you to watch your language around the children." The woman gave her a look that spoke of a final warning." It's bad enough being what you are is upsetting them and yes I mean ..her."

" You keep saying our "kind"." Callais asked." What do you mean ? Do you mean Human ?"

" I'm surprised you noticed that seeming as you struck me as being otherwise mentally occupied." She smiled at him and he nearly melted with embarrassment and infatuation. " To answer your question Callais no I don't mean Human. I mean Alive."

" You seem to know our names yet you've yet to introduce yourself." Fallon said.

" Does it really matter that much sweety ?." Her green eyes glinting partial mischief and annoyance. " Very well you can call me "G". I'd tell you the full version but you may not like what it means in your language and I don't want you mislead by the fiction you've been fed over your species history. " She looked long into Fallon's eyes. " If you truly wish to know that much just use your gift."

" You know I can't read you." Fallon eyed her back.

" Yes I know. " G replied grinning. " Forgive me my teasing but if you like and haven't guessed by then once you are on your way I shall tell you and only you. Deal ?"

" Fair enough." Fallon said feeling a warmth from the woman but not truly certain of it's sincerity. " Another question then. Aren't you "Alive" ?. Aren't those "children" "alive" ?. You certainly feel alive to me and the children... "

" Well yes I am. " G responded happily. " I sometimes forget though given the surroundings that's hardly surprising is it ? As for the children well let's just say they've not yet begun to live."

" Come again ? " Callais totally confused asked. " They definitely looked active to me. "

" So do Zombies dear boy. " She sighed. " Did Shilo happen to mention The Last Child ? "

" Yes she did. I wasn't really listening that closely though." Ennis answered.

" The Last Child literally was the last spawn of Isis and Baphomet. When she decided she would no longer create new individual life she decided to make herself barren and removed her eggs and placed them here. When Baphomet discovered this he was furious and without her knowledge advanced them to their current physical development. His idea was to use them as new vessels for those loyal to him which would later fall at the hands of that self absorbed arrogant peacock bitch when they finally came to blows over their differences. Alas it didn't come about except once or twice but that was way before my time here. So you see they are without soul, pure empty vessels with one basic genetic instinct which is why they are drawn to you and your light. They were created to house souls and the first time in thousands of years in walk four bright if not slightly flawed examples of what they were made for. "

" So why are you here ? " Callais asked. " Did Isis.."

" No boy she didn't though she certainly tried. " G looked uncomfortable talking about it but she continued. " She wasn't always like she is now. There was a time when she accepted Baphomet for the primal creature he was and thought nothing of his dalliances as she knew his love was hers alone and she also sought experiences with others. They had a harmony and when the created life together they created wonders. Then one day another being of which you'd view the way you see Isis or Baphomet. A god or something akin, ancient and powerful, a creator in it's own right. He spoke of his creations and of others throughout the vastness. He encouraged them both to leave their own and go experience, learn from, and then create new wonders of their own out there. Baphomet was happy where he was and far older than Isis he had indeed traveled like this being suggested now when younger. Those days behind him and settled in his ways he declined but said if Isis wished too she should. How he would regret that decision. She went on her travels and did not return for two thousand of your years. In her absence he pursued his primal nature and had many a harem. When she returned she was changed and full of lofty ideas, full of herself and tales of what she had achieved and created, and what she had planned for them and their future and how he had to change.

He of course did not and their relationship disintegrated into what it is today. I was the last and closest of his secret partners and when she finally found out about me she tried to have me killed but Baphomet hid me till she finally ceased trying to find me. Then once the Sleep of Regeneration was upon her as happens to all beings of their kind Baphomet gifted me power and immortality and hid me away here in this forgotten realm where Isis' loyal and not even she when she would awake once more would find me. He visited me secretly until he too fell under the Sleep and said once he awoke he would leave and take me with him to start anew. They both still sleep and that is why I'm here."

" How sad." Fallon said genuinely. " Where exactly is here ?."

" Back when they created life together both in the city above and surrounding worlds and dimensions under their dominion they like any being or creator had successes and failures." G took a drag of her joint which never seemed to change in size ." Unlike a lot of others though when one of their creations died out for whatever reason they didn't just shrug and try again or just move on they actually looked to see why. If they were able to discover exactly what went wrong and if the creation had shown great potential whilst they were in their prime they resurrected them here. A vast realm which they increased in size to embrace more and more later creations not after they failed but just as they began to fail.

Here these races, beings, creatures are collected and because of what was once seen as potential by their creators are forced to live and die over and over again until they actually succeed their predicted heights. The idea was once this happened they'd be moved without their ever knowing any different back into the known realms. A few succeeded and were relocated as planned and thrive to this day. The rest however were unlucky as when Isis and Baphomet began their conflict they were forgotten and now both Sleep they are doomed to either repeat their mistakes over and over again or succeed and battle to stay alive so to speak until either Baphomet or Isis or both deign to remember and or pass judgment. As time has passed and without care and attention from either Isis or Baphomet the barriers between each realm have been failing those races are not only facing their own flaws but more and more their once unknown neighbours both from close and afar. More and more this is becoming one world the size of a universe. Here where we are is the gateway to it all and those you faced up there the ones that escaped through the ever increasing cracks. It's all I can do to contain them and also protect the children."

" As I know you are big on names Fallon the closest word I can find to truly do this place justice is Limbo."

" That's just fucking great. Can this mission get any worse? " Hammersmith asked no one in particular.

" Yes. " G answered. " Now that I have answered your questions how about you answer my original question of why you are here ?"

Hammersmith related an abbreviated version of what had transpired in answer.

G sighed. " Shilo lied to you and your people and she did so to keep those she was with trust. Ennis broke the rules of the Elemental's realm and as not to alarm your friends she used her talk of "Paths" and not everyone takes the same path etc to hide the fact in her eyes she was sending you all to your death and carrying out the Elemental's will. Ahhh I also see in both Ennis' and Callais' minds that they wished they could've shot and killed Shilo like they wanted to when you first met her and that she knew that. Ennis and Callais were doomed from the start, Hammersmith because she sensed your emotional ties with Ennis and you dear Fallon because she feared your gift."

" I wish I had let them shoot her now. " Hammersmith growled.

" Hindsight as they say.." G raised an eyebrow questioning. He just looked away. " As for this scientist whose daughter brought you here I do believe she would have ended up in the city but where I do not know. As I said the creators still sleep so she would not be with them. Maybe with The Last Child where I think she would be safe. If not then she may very well be dead."

" Awesome." Callais whispered to himself. " I'm gonna die for nothing."

" Don't all soldiers ? " G asked him. She received no reply so continued. " Well now that I know why you are here and how I best point you on your way as you cannot remain here nor can you return the way you came. I do not take pleasure sending you into the madness that Limbo has become or into dangers that you will certainly face. Unavoidable they are being that you give off the light of true life and all manners of beings will be attracted to you. I take some solace but only a little that you are warriors."

" Is it possible to reach the city from in there ?" Hammersmith asked.

" I believe it is possible yes but which way or how long it will take you I do not know. " G replied honestly. " I know the Baphomet and Isis used to enter from time to time before I was here but I do not know how or from where. I believe though your greatest chance will be Fallon and her gifts. That's all I can honestly offer you in your quest ."

" Fair enough." Hammersmith's disappointment not very well hidden in his voice. " Well then we best get started. Thank you "G" for your help . If you could just point us to the entrance we'll be on our way."

" Think nothing of it. It's been a pleasure believe me. " She smiled warmly. " The portal into Limbo is here to my right. The empty fenced off area closest to the wharf. Dive in quickly as not to disturb the children in the next enclosure."

" The portal is in the water ? Seriously ? " Callais shook his head. " I don't believe this."

" Well let's go then people. " Hammersmith said. " Thank you again G we truly appreciate it." She smiled and nodded and smiled at both Ennis and Callais as they thanked her and then walked with Hammersmith to the edge of the wharf.

" You my dear are their true hope. Trust in yourself and I believe you all may get through what you face alive." She said to Fallon as Fallon was saying goodbye.

" You really think so ? " Fallon asked.

" Trust me." G smiled and motioned for her to join the others who were calling for her to hurry up.

Hammersmith clipped a cable to each of their utility belts to reduce the possibilty of their getting separated. Whilst he was counting down to them jumping in all together Fallon suddenly remembered something.

" You said you would tell me your name as we were leaving ?" She asked G using telepathy. She felt a sigh then got the answer.

" My name is Gehenna."

" Why would..oh wait.Doesn't that mean.. ? " Fallon started but didn't get to finish or hear the reply as she was pulled in by the others into the portal.

" Yes my child it does."

TO BE CONTINUED.....