Dark Rain: Book 1 of The Aetherium Saga

by Jilly MacKenzie

‘You are completely right, my friend,’ Enki acknowledged, ‘it is true, the Anunnaki have broken more of the Galactic Council’s rules than Earthlings have. But they consider Anunnaki space engineering and travel abilities far superior to yours. They consider Earthling technology, in a way, primitive,’ he admitted with an apologetic expression.

  ‘So we are almost equal on the scale of their disdain,’ Marduk grumbled, leaning back in his seat and folding his arms.

  Wyatt sighed and shook his head slowly, ‘Rejects in our own galaxy...’ he muttered.

  ‘I have befriended many on the Galactic Council, I have seen their shared utopia,’ Enki proclaimed, ‘And it is a future of prosperity and security I would like to see for Anunnaki and Earthlings alike,’ he declared.

  ‘But how, grandfather?’ Horus puzzled.

  ‘After many discussions, the council have agreed that Tiamat, and any that continue to follow her on the path of chaos and destruction, are to be annihilated,’ revealed Enki.

  ‘Yes, that was already decided amongst us,’ Marduk bitterly explained, ‘But will the council help us?’

  ‘No,’ Enki confessed, ‘They deem this as something that only we should do. Anunnaki and humankind, together. They know we realise our past mistakes, and they know we fight for a better future.’

  His wise blue eyes flicked around the table, ‘Winning this coming war may cause them to reconsider their decision, and secure our membership into the allied worlds of the Galactic Council. If we defeat the Tiamatians, and save humankind, we are in,’ he met Lenore’s gaze, ‘Both of our kinds.’

  ‘Consider it done,’ Nergal stated with a grin, flexing his strong fingers, and low laughter resonated around the table.

  ‘There is one more thing,’ Enki added, ‘One more species, with whom I would like to include in the deal. To fight alongside us, for humanity, and for their own place on the Galactic council.’

  Marduk stiffened, he knew exactly what his father was about to say. And he didn’t like it.

  ‘The Igigi,’ Enki stated, and the assembly chamber erupted into vigorous discussion. Agreements and rejections. Enki slowly raised his hand and the assembly fell silent.

  ‘Marduk, you will be the emissary for that task,’ Enki appointed.

  Marduk snorted in retaliation, ‘They will not listen to me!’ he exclaimed, ‘I betrayed their leader. I’m the reason half their number perished on their way to freedom.’

  ‘They will listen,’ Enki assured, ‘You are my blood. And it is I, who made them.’ Marduk shook his head, unsure.

  ‘I am their enemy. They will not follow me.’

  ‘Enlil was their enemy. He was the one that tormented their days, enslaved their will, and took their lives. You will confess your past transgression, and if they wish future security for their kind, they will forgive, and they will join us. You will make it so.’ Marduk sighed, and reluctantly agreed. His past betrayal had been an ache on his heart, ever since he had awoken from his Fall. Even his baptism by Godric did not wash away all his sins. And this was definitely one which he had to wipe clean himself.

  Chapter 45

  Magnanimous

  The Eden Summit, ‘first of its kind’, had eventually concluded, and each designated leader of their respective faction, stood, and agreed to their decided roles in the war, and vowed allegiance to the cause. There was a small debate on whether Axel and his splice brethren were to be considered a separate people, but Enki assured that Axel was much more human than wolf. And Wyatt had even joked that the humans would adopt the splices and class them as their own, and that was the end of that.

  It was night when the assembly exited the great South Pyramid, and dispersed. Many aetherating immediately, and others choosing to walk, or stay in groups, discussing the day’s events. The three royals gathered after the summit, and found themselves a quiet place in a private walled garden. Anubis breathed in the warm night air, as Marduk joined with his father and son.

  I won’t be long, he mentally told her, smiling softly at her from across the stony plaza.

  Of course, take your time. I’m sure there is much to discuss, Anubis smiled as she watched them enter a walled side garden, taking a seat beside a beautiful trickling fountain. And they began to discuss godly topics which evaded Anubis’ comprehension, and of times that predated her species’ existence.

  Watching the three of them in the night-time garden, was a breath-taking sight. Three generations of Anuna, and all of them ethereally beautiful. There was no denying their royal heritage. Enki and Horus shared golden hair, but Enki’s was much longer, and like his huge beard, it was braided and entwined with jewels and gemstones. Enki wore little armour, as seemed to be the norm on Nibiru, and instead donned layered clothing of all shades of blue and green. It did not drown his form, and instead accentuated his large muscled body. And like Marduk, his bronzed skin displayed archaic symbols.

  Horus seemed to have absorbed his grandfather’s affinity for blue, along with Marduk’s gold. And his exquisitely styled hair was a shining aureate frame around his structured vanilla face. He seemed almost eleven in appearance, and his differing eye colours were an unusually beautiful feature. One blue, one grey. And both Horus and Marduk preferred their faces beardless; a fashion seemingly popular with the younger generation Anunnaki.

  No matter how many Anunnaki she saw, it was always Marduk that caught Anubis’ full attention. There was no question that he was the most striking of all the Anunnaki males. His tousled black and gold hair starkly contrasted against his porcelain skin and piercing blue eyes. It gave him a look of sharp ferocity. Beautiful and enticing. Dark, close-fitting clothing emphasised his masculine form, and where his bare skin showed, a cuneiform or hieroglyph revealed a personal part of himself.

  A soft female voice interrupted Anubis’ admiration, and she turned in surprise.

  ‘May we speak?’ Nanaya asked with a gentle smile.

  ‘Of course,’ Anubis nodded with curiosity, and followed Nanaya’s swaying, voluptuous form, to a smooth granite bench. If ever there was the perfect female silhouette, Nanaya possessed it. Anubis had never seen such an intimidatingly feminine being as the Anuna before her. Nanaya's long raven hair reflected the moonlight in its glossy sheen. Her silken white gown draped around her body in such a way, that it revealed the sides of her wide hips. Her bare bronze skin displayed narrow bands of pale cuneiform.

  Anubis sat beside her on the bench, underneath a group of tall date palms. The sweet smell of the figgy fruits filled Anubis’ nostrils and she quickly realised how hungry she was. During the lengthy summit, among the company of gods, she had almost forgotten she was human.

  ‘You are Marduk’s Chosen,’ Nanaya stated.

  ‘And you are his oldest friend,’ Anubis claimed.

  Nanaya smiled and looked up at the giant moons, ‘We were born during the same year. It was only natural we grew together. Moved through life together...’ Anubis got the sense that there was much more Nanaya wanted to say, but the female Anuna had quietened, seemingly troubled, and deep in thought.

  ‘Is... everything alright?’ Anubis probed, and Nanaya turned to her with large green eyes, full of sadness. An unspoken understanding washed over them.

  ‘You love him,’ Anubis implied softly.

  ‘Yes...’ Nanaya confessed in a faraway voice, ‘all my life.’ Anubis was suddenly faced with the painful thought of Nanaya and Marduk’s millennia of shared life and memories. And here I am, an imposter. For once, Anubis was thankful that Marduk had put a temporary block on their mental connection, while he spoke with his family. He would hear my raging jealousy right this second, she mused bitterly.

  ‘Are you angry?’ Nanaya’s question pulled Anubis from her thoughts. Though, once she had realised Nanaya’s question, surprise muted her for a moment. The solemn Anuna eyed her warily, expectantly, ‘You are, aren’t you?’

  ‘No!’ Anubis blurted, ‘W-why would you ever think that?’ she puzzled, ‘I mean… don’t you ha
te me? I’m a human, getting in the way of thousands of years of friendship. Surely your angry? Or jealous?’

  Nanaya managed a pained smile and slowly shook her head, ‘No,’ she soothed, ‘Anunnaki are above such useless emotions as jealousy. Nothing great is ever achieved in the name of jealousy. Love, yes. Even wrath, and greed. But not jealousy,’ she explained with a small smile.

  ‘No. To be jealous of you, would require me to have no respect for Marduk. And I hold nothing but the greatest respect and love for him,’ Nanaya added.

  Anubis felt a feeling she had not felt in years. Her heart was breaking for another. Nanaya was confiding in her, and revealing her pain. Pain that Anubis herself had played a part in creating.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Anubis croaked.

  Nanaya placed a comforting hand on hers, ‘Marduk and I were never meant to be. I see that now,’ her ancient eyes betrayed such a deep sadness within her. And yet Anubis could sense Nanaya was still holding back. Like some great secret or burden, which she itched to release and have someone, anyone, understand. Nanaya gripped Anubis’ hand firmly. Desperately. And it became clear that Nanaya was attempting to comfort herself as well as Anubis.

  ‘Everything happens for a purpose. We all must stay true to ourselves and our destinies. I know mine,’ she softly proclaimed, rising to her feet, ‘And yours is entwined with his... Look after him, Victoria,’ and Nanaya let go of Anubis’ hand, leaving to rejoin the group and return Lenore and Deacon back to Earth.

  Deacon looked upon the brilliant Eden night once more, etching it into his memories forever. And with a nod from Lenore, Nanaya gently grasped the both of them. A gust of warm air hit their faces, and the cosmic aroma engulfed their senses, as they were instantaneously transported back to the Overlook Mansion foyer.

  It was dark on Lundy too, and raining heavily. The drops could be heard rapping against the windows, and thunder rumbled in the distance.

  Deacon stooped forward, catching his breath, and saw both Axel and Wyatt briefly gasping too from their arrival via Nergal. Lenore hoped they would not be experiencing aetherations again any time soon. She saw Marduk appear with an unaffected Anubis, and Lenore didn’t know how she could withstand it so effortlessly. Perhaps her connection with Marduk eases the transition somehow.

  Cat skipped down the great stairway, and greeted Axel with a giggling run into his open arms.

  ‘Where’s my welcome?’ Wyatt pouted, and Axel nudged him with a grin. Lightning flashed through the windows, illuminating the mansion with white light, and the group stared in awe at the wall behind Anubis and Marduk. Nergal was curious, and Nanaya had a small, melancholy smile. Anubis looked behind herself, confused, and it wasn’t until another flash of lightning brightened the room, that she realised, and remembered. My shadow man. In place of her own shadow, was Marduk’s familiar shape. Clear and imposing. Unmistakably him. And beside it, in place of his true shadow, was a smaller, feminine silhouette. Me.

  ‘Ankida,’ Nanaya stated in a low tone.

  Anubis turned to Marduk with watering eyes, and saw his knowing smirk. She took his hand in hers, and felt complete. Seeing his shadow again had brought back memories of Drakestoke. Years of loneliness and isolation, comforted only with occasional sightings of a shadow. Him.

  All this time, I’ve seen you, she recalled.

  And I’ve seen you, Marduk affirmed. They held each other close, as another flash illuminated their embracing shadows.

  ‘That is so weird...’ Wyatt jested, gazing uneasily at the wall where their swapped shadows were revealed moments before.

  ‘It’s incredible!’ Deacon gasped, moving to brush his hands over the wall, looking back and forth between the wall, and the embracing couple.

  ‘We should be going, Nanaya,’ Nergal suggested, ‘We have work to do.’ Nanaya nodded, and gave a mournful look at Marduk and Anubis, before aetherating away, followed by Nergal.

  A sense of achievement momentarily echoed through the thoughts of the group as they pondered their new working relationship with the Anunnaki, and were filled with renewed hope. The previous apprehension and tension about the coming apocalypse no longer consumed them, and the future seemed bright.

  Chapter 46

  Angel Of The North

  Anubis hurtled through a thunderstorm in the arms of an angel, and the only way she could describe the euphoric feeling was, birth-like. She was warm, and safe in Marduk’s strong embrace, but the surrounding night was loud, and periodically dazzled with frequent lightning bolts. It was exciting, and frightening, and fast. So very fast. The cold air rushed by her face at such speed that she occasionally forgot to breathe. And although Marduk’s flight was horizontal, she had the constant startling sensation of falling. It was an overwhelming transit which, some deep part of her thought, she may not survive.

  You’ll be fine, Marduk mentally laughed.

  You sure? she screeched.

  He hugged her closer, kissing her head, as his huge black wings propelled him effortlessly through the stormy sky, I’ve got you, he purred, I’ve always got you.

  They had only been flying for a few minutes, and Anubis could already see the bright expanse of Newcastle ahead. Marduk suddenly took a hard right turn and slowed. I think I’ve passed it, slightly, he chuckled.

  I thought you used to live there? she mused.

  I did, he defended, the land has changed greatly since the year 1170... wait, what’s this? Marduk dipped and descended quickly, and Anubis suddenly noticed that the rain was in fact sleet. Not quite snow, though not rain. But the remains of previous snowfall was still visible in uneven patches in the grassy clearing they were descending down onto. Winter is finally lifting, she guessed. Lightheaded, and reeling from Marduk’s sudden descent, Anubis clung onto him as he lowered her to the ground. He held her until she was steady, then he left her, walking forward slowly.

  Anubis’ eyes quickly adjusted to the dark clearing. It was damp and soft underfoot from the melting snow, and the falling sleet was beginning to finish. She found Marduk in the darkness, and immediately realised where she was when she identified the towering sculpture before her. Reaching up to the tumultuous black sky, more than 60 feet tall, was a giant, steel angel. Rust red, with great wings reaching out from both sides.

  ‘The Angel of the North,’ Anubis breathed, in recognition.

  ‘This is new,’ exclaimed Marduk in amazement.

  ‘If you think things built in 1998 are new...’ she joked, the warmth of her breath created a frosty cloud, which was quickly carried away on the strong wind.

  ‘That’s like a nap to me,’ he chuckled, but composed himself when he noticed her sad expression, briefly seen through her buffeting brown hair.

  ‘It’s a lifetime to me,’ she lamented.

  He quickly strode over to her, and drew her into a comforting embrace, ‘And I will be with you throughout all of it,’ he promised, and she sighed and nodded.

  ‘I’m already getting older... today was my 26th birthday.’

  ‘Of course it is,’ he recalled all of her March birthdays throughout her life, and was irritated with himself for letting the Eden Summit consume both his mind, and her entire day. But he also knew Anubis deeply, and she had not enjoyed her own birthdays in years. He vowed to change that fact. He wanted nothing more than to see her happy for as long as she lives. He also fought to drag his own mind away from the cruelty of it all. He would one day watch Anubis die. They were captives of their species, and chained to the limitations of their biology. One mortal, the other immortal. And love was the curse that bound them to their inevitable pain. He secretly cursed his father for restricting the human lifespan to such a meagre amount of years.

  ‘What are you doing?’ she quizzed, unamused, as he marched to stand in front of the angel.

  ‘You said this is an angel?’ he checked, and she nodded with curiosity.

  ‘Let me show you a real angel,’ he asserted, turning to face her with a mischievous grin. And she watch
ed on in fascination as Marduk lifted himself into the air, and hovered in front of the angel, spreading out his great black wings to match the statue’s. He slowly lowered his head, then in a beautiful flash of blue aether and golden fire, his head snapped back up to meet her gaze. His eyes and tattoos glowed a brilliant electric blue, and golden armour, complete with a horned helmet, quickly encased him. He shone and burned, as beautiful flames licked his wondrous form, and he smirked within his own inferno.

  The brightness of his power illuminated the rusted steel figure behind him, and Anubis was completely transfixed by the dazzling display. Marduk suspended himself there a few moments, before the Angel of the North. A shining golden god, backed by a glowing red giant. Anubis smiled, mouth agape at the divine sight, and Marduk slowly dimmed in luminosity, sinking slowly to the ground.

  There it is, he soothed, walking towards her, wings folded back, and his body still fully armoured. He caressed the corner of her full red smile with a thumb, and his obsidian horned helmet receded, revealing his face. He leaned down and kissed Anubis softly on her lips, ‘I love that smile of yours,’ he whispered. She could smell the aether on him. The attractively primal scent of petrichor. And she was compelled to embrace him. Warm, hard armour and all. Her heart could burst with the love she felt for him. And also break with the realisation that mortality will eventually part them.

  You will take me to Nibiru after all of this. Won’t you? she begged.

  Of course, he agreed.

  And I will live longer?

  You will.

  The heat of his armour emanated visible clouds of steam into the cold night air, until he eventually willed his armour away, revealing his usual dark Nibiran attire. Marduk never felt right wearing his armour around Anubis. Or Nanaya. It made him feel like he was hiding from them, and he preferred to be himself in their presence. Only around them did he feel truly at ease, with nothing to hide, and nothing to prove.

  ‘Ready?’ he asked, stroking her hair.

  ‘Yes,’ she affirmed, and he grasped her close as he pushed off from the ground with his legs and wings. He had chosen to fly to the resting place of his weapons, instead of aetherating, in order to conserve his stored aether. But after the display he had just performed, he could feel his power waning. I have to be more careful. I’ll need to soak in an aether-pool on Nibiru again very soon, he thought to himself only. He had foolishly forgotten to replenish his aether from a pool after the Eden Summit.