Past Darkness: Darkest end

By Steven Bazydlo

This anthology has stories pertaining to creatures and characters from my Darkest end series. So please read that novel prior to this so as to not spoil anything. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Bazydlo
• Release date: Mar 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201439620

Book preview

Credits

TCTcomics- Publisher

Cori Coia- Editor

Lemseh Carothers-abdule- Graphic design

Tales

All Kids Go to Heaven

Shipping Order 13666

CCTV

Love Me

Cordycepic Change

The Nameless

All Kids go to Heaven

When I was growing up, I lived in a very strict, religious home. We had to abide by the teachings of our Lord, or else face punishment. The punishment usually was more severe than the slights my brother, sister, and I would inevitably commit, as we were just children doing childish things.

One day, I was playing baseball with my friends. I was maybe ten or eleven at the time, and I was stuck playing catcher. I hated it because I was always getting plowed over by the bigger kids as they slid home or hit by the ball from a bad pitch. On this particular day, I had made a joke towards one of the bigger kids.

I know, not one of my brighter ideas.

Anyways, I squatted into my catcher position and prepared for the pitch. The first two slid right by.

I thought you liked hitting those big balls.

The kid turned and looked at me like I was going to punch a baby or something, then tightened up for the last pitch. The ball came screaming in fast past the bat, then everything went black.

I woke up to a bright white light.

Where... Where am I?

Relax, my son, you are okay.

Dad?

Not quite, but I have many names. If it makes you feel any better, you may call me Azron.

Okay? Where am I, Mr. Azron?

Well, my child, this may be a bit of a shock, but you are in the After.

Huh? What do you mean? I'm not dead.

Look around you, my child.  What do you see?

As my vision adjusted to the light, I saw what I could only describe as a vibrant white and gold room. The walls were pure white stone statues and art depicting mythological type creatures. Everything was beautiful. I felt a sense of joy and sadness as I trailed my eyes around the room, until they fell on the two doors that towered over a desk that held a large book. The door on the left was a huge golden gate with a mirror-like finish glowing with a bright light.  The other door, however, was made of a dark iron metal, its cavernous background shrouded in what looked like moving shadows.

Have you seen enough, my child?

What's that?

That is the Tomb of Judgment.

I know I wasn't the perfect kid, but, am I going to Hell?

A smile came across Azron's face.

No, my child.  See, here, all children are innocent and are granted access to what you would call Heaven.

But, how...?  I paused, unable to verbalize what had happened.

How did you die?

Yeah.

Come, I will show you.

Reaching his hand down, Azron helped me to my feet.  It felt warm and welcoming. As I stood, he guided me to the altar where he turned the pages of the book.

Here you are. It says here that you were hit in the head with a bat by a boy in anger.

Wow, I thought it would have been a little more exciting than that, I snickered.

There are billions of souls on the earth, and the book only tells me a short list of transgressions, whether you repented for them, and cause of death, all of which is here in this book, past, present and future. So, as you can guess, there is limited space.

I guess you're right.

Follow me.

Please tell me we are going through that door, I said, gesturing to the door on the left.

Yes, my child.  Come and see the wonders that await you.

As we passed through the gate, I was greeted by the sound of beautiful music. Clouds of pure white fluff floated like a fog across the floor.  Doors lined a great hall, leading to a large glowing light.

What's that? I asked.

That, my child, is the eldest of us all. He is the Great Creator.  Your people have several names for him.  You may call him your God.

No way, I said in disbelief.

My child, there is much for you to see. Wonders beyond your wildest dreams.  Please, feel free to go wherever you want.  There is endless joy for you to explore.

Tears welled up in my eyes as the realization that my life had been lie, but also that I was killed, and, now, I will forever live in eternal bliss. The enormity of the situation was just too much for me to handle. 

Thank you, sir, I said, as tears rolled down my face, dripping to the floor only to vanish into thin air.

I understand that this is a very emotional time.  Take all that you need before proceeding further. I must go attend to my post; souls won't sort themselves, you know.  With a smile, Azron walked back through the gate and left me alone.

I stood there for who knows how long.  So much was thrown at me that my body was still in shock, I guess. The solitude of where I was only seemed to compound the longer I waited to move. I watched as children of all races walked from door to door, entering with no hesitation, laughing with not a care in the world.

I decided to explore some of the doors I saw when I first walked in. The first few led to rooms full of endless games, movies, and food. Every pleasure imaginable seemed to have its own door.  Everyone here seemed so happy

This is amazing! I never thought I’d ever be this happy being dead.

One by one, I peered inside, until I saw a door that seemed out of place. Curious, I approached the next door and gripped the handle, when a hand came from over my shoulder and held it closed.

What the...? Hey, what's the...?

A large, winged being stood towering over me.  His armored chest plate shined as bright as the sun.  His hair flowed like a river of silver, and his face was that of a chiseled statue.

Do yourself a favor, leave this door closed, he advised.

Why? I thought we were allowed to go anywhere here.

Kneeling down, he placed his hand on my shoulder and with a low whispering tone said, Sometimes, not all gifts and miracles are beautiful. Sometimes, they are denied and must stay hidden in order to keep the greater good in check until needed.

I guess you would know best.  I'm sorry I questioned.

It's quite alright. You were not told so, it is not your fault.  With a stern look, he stood, and with a huge gust of wind, his wings raised him up and he flew off into the distance.

I spent the remainder of what I assumed was the day exploring, but that door was always a thought in my mind.  What's in there? I wondered. Could it be something that only God and his angels can enjoy? Maybe it was a punishment for those who disobey the rules here.

I did what I could to push the thought from my mind, keeping busy, until eventually deciding to try and sleep. The cool thing was, all I had to do was think of sleep, and the clouds around me formed a pillow bed for me.

Over the course of some time (I assumed a week), I explored several interesting and exciting things. There were areas of endless forests to wander