The darkness of limbo stretches beyond sight. From the countless souls that inhabit this frigid space, ten have been chosen to participate in the gods amusement. The combatants will soon awaken to the world that will be their battleground. The prize is freedom. True salvation.
A lightning bolt descends from the midday sky, striking and piercing a hole through the roof of a majestic mansion. In the room below, Ramiel crawls away from the fragments of tiles and ceiling debris. The dust clinging onto his brown skin makes him look ashy. Splinters poke out of his loose trousers.
'That was a rough landing. A little sore, but okay.'
The light falling from the hole in the ceiling illuminates the room. Its curtains are closed. Paintings, chests and junk are spread around the perimeter of the large space. A rush of footsteps can be heard from the commotion below.
Ramiel shuts his eyes, expecting the impulse of limbo to jerk him awake. It doesn't. Finally, he can sleep again. But not right now.
'They threw me straight into trouble. Petty gods.'
The stampede quiets. Ramiel gets on his feet and walks towards the window. He pulls the curtains aside. Outside, several maids run with two children in tow. A knock turns his attention to the door across the room.
'They said my powers will soon return to me. What timeframe is soon?'
Few seconds pass before the door blows open. It almost breaks off its hinges. A stoutly man strides in. He wears a long, dark grey overcoat. Ramiel marvels at this squarish presence.
The man observes the apparent hole in the ceiling that extends to the roof.
"My lord did wish for a sign to begin remodelling the place," he says. "Thank you for your service. So, who are you? Explain yourself."
Ramiel ponders whether he can explain his situation without sounding silly, but a glint of metal hanging around the man's neck catches his interest.
"A fire pendant. You're a follower of Bastet?" Ramiel asks.
"Yes, what of it?"
"She and her friends from on high were the ones who sent me plummeting to my death!"
"That is hard to believe. Do not slander my goddess' name."
Ramiel chuckles, "Keep me in your prayers. Tell her Ramiel says hello."
"I will do no such thing."
"There's still more I want to say to that harlot--"
With surprising speed, the man dashes towards Ramiel.
'It seems we're moving to a physical confrontation. This is going to hurt.'
The man throws a straight punch which Ramiel blocks with his forearms. Its power sends him crashing through the window and onto the porch roof below. Ramiel screams. His left arm and back burning with pain.
Dropping down from the window, the man lands in front of Ramiel. He grabs him by the shirt and says, "I will not tolerate your disrespect. After you regain your senses, we're going to have an interesting conversation."
Ramiel laughs, wincing with every gasp of air. "Once my powers return. You'll be sorry." The man slings Ramiel over his shoulder like a rucksack, and leaps off the roof to the stone brick pavement.
'Why did he attack me? But no matter, I can rest for now. I wonder where Zera is?'