Share it:

We've all seen him before.

Sometimes we see him in a film. If you're lucky you may even see him walking the streets of a busy city. The banner he holds proudly proclaims, "THE END OF THE WORLD IS NIGH". Nobody listens or stops to talk; they've heard it before.

For millennia people have believed that the world will end on some portentous day. It never happens. Some even claim alien beings from out-of-space will descend on planet earth, with intentions of wiping out the human race. They never come.

There are even others that say the fateful day is written in the Bible, or maybe hidden in it's text using some kind of secret code. That final day never arrives, so they just choose another date and keep on believing.

#

Edward was a believer. He had waited for this day for a very long time. Edward wasn't a Christian or a Jew but he believed the written word of The Holy Bible to the very letter, and he studied that holiest of books every day without fail.

Edwards chosen day was the 6^th of June 2006, or as he liked to refer to it, 06/06/06. Ring any bells? You probably remember it from the Omen trilogy of books and films and this famous quote from the bible, "Here is wisdom. Let him count the number of the beast: for it is the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six." It was from Revelation 13.

So that was it, Edward had made his mind up and the early summer day of the 6^th of June 2006 was going to be it. The end of the world as we know it. Edward didn't mind he had nothing to live for anyway no friends, no family; they had all died years ago.

All except young Danny.

Danny was Edward's fourteen year old stepson and they had lived together, in a run down council flat on a large housing estate for years. Danny's real father had left when Danny was only two years old. His mum died of cancer when he was nine.

Danny was an idiot, he wouldn't listen, Edward had told him time and time again, "And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him."

Danny never listened, it just went in one ear and out the other. He said ‘he'd heard it all before from that bloke Nostradamus and all them religious nutters from America. They all said the world would end too.'

The thing is, deep down Edward was terrified of dying and didn't really want the world to end, that would mean facing his maker and confessing his sins, something Edward was horrified by. But Edward knew that on sixth of June two thousand and six, it was all over and there was nothing he or anyone else could do about it.

Nothing.

#

Sunday 4^th June 2006

That was until he went to a car boot sale in his local public house car park. For it was here that he came across a Secespita. A Secespita, for us laymen would just be an antique Roman tool not unlike a small dagger or knife, but as soon as Edward saw the Secespita he had to have it. The Secespita was used in Roman times by priests to sacrifice human victims. It had a long blade with an ivory handle not unlike a large letter opener, except a lot sharper. The man selling it from the boot of his Ford Escort didn't know of its significance, but as soon as Edward showed an interest he put up the price. He ended up paying twenty pounds for it, which for helping save the world was a bargain. He also bought a new toaster.

That evening Edward sat down in his favourite chair, he always sat in the same chair, it had moulded to his shape and you could even see a dirty patch where his head rested. He reached down under his chair and brought out the Secespita and placed it into his lap. He ran his finger along the thin blade. It felt cold to the touch; a bit like his toast he made nearly half an hour ago.

Edward came to the conclusion that evening, that maybe he could be the one who could prevent the end of the world happening, you know just like in the films Danny's always watching, where a beefed up hero manages to save the world just at the last minute, and makes off with the leading lady in his arms. Maybe this was his calling? Yeah, that was it. This is why he was on this God forsaken planet. Mind you he would have to make sacrifices. They all would.

Now all he needed was a lamb.

Not just any lamb of course but a young lamb that has not been used or sullied.

But where to find such an innocent young thing?

#

It had to be fate. It just had to be, because just after Edward had decided he needed a sacrificial lamb, then one was delivered to his doorstep.

‘Edward this is Gemma,' said Danny introducing his new girlfriend.

‘Hi,' said Gemma.

Edward felt a hot stirring in his groin at the sight of this young sapling of a girl, but tried to remain calm, and focused.

‘Nice to meet you,' replied Edward.

Gemma looked older than Danny, maybe about fifteen or sixteen. She was quite pretty, and like Danny she was dressed all in black. Edward had a brief memory that he had met her before, but it faded as soon soon as it appeared. They all look the same these days, Edward thought to himself.

‘We're going to my room,' said Danny.

Edward followed them and took Danny by the shoulder and whispered in his ear, ‘Flee fornication. Every sin that a man does is without the body, but he that commits fornication, sins against his own body.' Danny sneered and shrugged Edward off, took Gemma by the hand and led her to his room. When they reached Danny's room Danny turned, smiled and gave Edward a sly wink. They both entered and Danny closed the door.

#

Danny's room was really small and box like, with posters of various heavy metal bands plastered all over the walls. It was tidy though.

‘Nice room,' said Gemma as she sat down on Danny's bed.

‘Thanks, I tidied up especially,' replied Danny ‘So what happens now?'

Gemma didn't answer, she looked as if she had something else on her mind.

‘What's up?' Asked Danny.

‘I'm sure I know him?'

‘Who Edward?'

‘Yeah.'

‘I doubt it he never leaves the flat.'

‘He must go out sometimes.'

‘Not unless he needs more booze. Anyway forget about that old geezer, we've got much better things to think about', they both laughed. Danny slipped his arm around Gemma's neck and moved in to kiss her, but she moved her head to the side.

‘What's up? Your not worried about him are you, he won't bother us,' Danny moved in again.

‘No Danny, not now it doesn't feel right,' said Gemma pushing him away.

Danny sighed and slumped back on his bed.

‘Don't be like that Danny, maybe later, yeah?'

Danny turned to Gemma and smiled.

Edward spent the rest of that evening reading his Bible and praying. Praying to his God that the boy would not spoil everything and let his evil young lust ruin his plan. He read Zephaniah. "The great day of the Lord is near - That day is a day of wrath a day of trouble and distress, a day of desolation, a day of thick darkness." Edward started shaking. The lamb must be kept innocent and pure.

#

Monday 5th June 2006

In the morning Danny and Gemma crept down the hallway giggling and holding hands. They peeped into the living room and there was Edward, asleep in his favourite chair as usual, empty silver cans of cheap super strength lager at his feet. They both walked past him and left the flat.

Edward opened his eyes and felt a bolt of pain shoot through his skull. He tried to lift himself out of his chair but his legs didn't work. He looked at the clock, early afternoon, Christ, how how long had he been here? Edward forced himself out of his chair knocking over the empty cans he left there last night, and went to knock on Danny's room.

Reaching the door of Danny's room Edward banged, there was no answer so he looked in. It was empty, Danny must have taken Gemma home late last night; good lad. Edward started to feel sorry for Danny, after all here was Danny with a new girlfriend and in two days time the world was going to end.

Well, **** happens.

#

Danny pushed through the double doors that led into the foyer of the flats where he lived. He banged the button of the lifts but nothing happened. Broken again. He walked to the stairs and started to climb, the smell of piss followed him up each step. Danny reached his front door and placed his key in the lock, he opened the door and walked into the flat. The smell of alcohol and cheap cigarettes greeted him as he walked into the kitchen. Danny grabbed some crisps and a banana and turned to walk back out. Edward stepped out of the living room.

‘Hello Danny.'

Danny jumped, ‘for fucks sake Edward you scared the **** out me.'

‘Oi mind your language,' said Edward.

‘Look if you don't mind I've got stuff to do and Gemma's waiting outside,' said Danny as he walked to his room.

‘Danny?' Said Edward.

‘What?' Danny replied sounding pissed off.

‘You couldn't do us a small favour before you go out could you?'

Danny sighed,  ‘What is it now?'

‘Well I was thinking of going down to your mothers grave just to have a tidy up and was wondering if you could lend a hand?'

‘You haven't been down there for ages why today?'

‘I don't know, but the doctor said I should get out more.'

‘Look I'm really busy can't you do it another day?' Danny said trying to shut his door.

‘Please it would mean a lot to your mother, you know she didn't like a mess.'

‘Yeah well mums not here is she,' said Danny trying to close the door again.

‘Please Danny?'

Danny let out another long sigh, ‘All right, but hurry up cus' me and Gemma have got a lesson at two o'clock.'

‘You're a good lad Danny, I'll get me coat.'

#

It was one fifteen in the afternoon, the sky was a dirty shade of grey and it felt like it was going to rain. If you didn't know better you would think it was evening time. Edward, Danny and Gemma had to walk about two miles to the cemetery but it didn't take them long. Danny wheeled Edward's small wheelbarrow with the garden tools in it, chatting and laughing with Gemma, whilst Edward hobbled along behind.

‘Look I know it's boring but I promised him ok,' said Danny.

‘Whatever,' said Gemma.

They arrived at the cemetery and it started to rain. Danny looked around; he hadn't been down here for ages. He thought of his mum. Danny held Gemma's hand as they looked around the gravestones.

‘So many dead people,' said Gemma.

Danny said nothing; just stared ahead.

They both walked to the far end of the cemetery where it was dark and sheltered under some large very old looking trees. Danny and Gemma turned around to see what was keeping Edward. He was on his knees looking towards the sky. Edward started shouting,

‘The dead shall awake. Some for everlasting life.'

‘Here we go again,' said Danny as he walked towards Edward to calm him down.

Edward continued, ‘and some to shame for everlasting contempt in the second coming of Christ.' Danny walked towards Edward smiling.

‘Come on, lets just get started shall we,' said Danny.

Just as Danny reached him, Edward swung a spade from underneath him. It smacked Danny straight under the chin splitting his face and breaking his jaw. Blood spurted from Danny's mouth as he spun round and collapsed to the ground, blood pulsing from his broken jaw and cut mouth.

Gemma screamed and tried to run but Edward was fast; much too fast for his sixty years. He sped after her and grabbed her by the shoulder, forcing her to the ground. Edward climbed on top of her and placed his yellow tobacco stained fingers around her throat. She could smell his rotten, alcohol tainted breath as he pushed his face towards her. Gemma thought he was going to kiss her, so she spat in his face. Edward used his other hand to wipe away the mucus, then pulled his head back and butted her square on the nose. Gemma's nose exploded in a bloody crimson mess, she could taste the coppery liquid running down her throat. She could not breathe. Gemma lost consciousness.

#

Tuesday 6^th June 2006

Gemma tried to open her eyes but they were glued together with dried blood. She finally managed to open them and looked around, she was in a woodland clearing. The place seemed deserted but she could see a small fire in the middle. Gemma struggled to move but she was tied down. She looked down towards her feet.

She was naked.

She started to cry and whispered, ‘Danny?'

There was no answer.

‘Danny where are you?' Still no answer. Gemma started screaming, ‘Danny, Danny, please somebody help me please?'

‘Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace, shall surely be the Lord's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.' It was Edward, standing behind her.

‘What the **** have you done with Danny, you ******* psycho?' Gemma screamed. Edward continued with his speech,

‘And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed.'

‘Don't you ******* touch me,' screamed Gemma.

Edward spoke softly, ‘I'm very sorry dear, but this has to be done. I have seen the fate of this world and if by making this small sacrifice, I,' Edward laughed, ‘Sorry you, should I say, can save the fate of humanity.' Gemma struggled to free herself but the ropes that bound her tight cut further into her skin.

Edward looked at his watched, 23:50.

‘Where's Danny?' Gemma screamed.

‘Dead my dear,' replied Edward. ‘I didn't mean to kill him but he just wouldn't wake up.'

Gemma started crying and sobbing uncontrollably but then went quiet as she watched Edward reach into his coat and bring out a large knife which looked very old. It gleamed in the moonlight.

‘What are you doing?' Gemma shouted.

‘The one who has stolen,' Edward was shouting now.

‘Please, no,'

‘What was set apart for destruction,' Edward brought the Secespita down in wide ark and plunged it through Gemma's heart. Gemma gasped as blood spurted from her mouth and covered Edwards face. Edward smiled and tore the blade free.

‘Will himself be burned with fire.' Edward prepared to plunge the knife in again when he was tackled from behind.

It was Danny.

Danny jumped on top of Edward, ripping the weapon from his hands as he threw it aside.

‘What have you done?' Screamed Danny as he stood up.

‘Danny, I had to do it, the world its going to end we don't have much time.' Edward pleaded.

‘Your insane you've killed her,' said Danny.

‘Danny please forgive me but you'll see soon.' Edward looked at his watch. 23:55.

Danny left Edward and ran back to Gemma. She was still alive but her breathing was shallow.

‘Danny?'

‘You're gonna be ok,' said Danny.

‘No Danny listen, I told you I knew him.'

‘Who? What do you mean?'

‘Edward,'said Gemma.

‘I don't understand,' said Danny.

Gemma's body convulsed and then went still.

Danny's legs gave way but he managed to stay on his feet. He limped over to Edward. Edward was laughing and staring at his watch.

‘I have done it Danny.'

‘Your insane, I'm going to call an ambulance and then I'm calling the police.'

‘I don't care Danny it doesn't matter now. It's over.'

Danny walked away, crying.

He took his mobile phone from his pocket and was just about to dial when something fell from the sky and landed before his feet. He looked down and saw it was a dead crow. Danny walked on, but there was another thud as more things fell from the sky. Another bird, then a bat.

There was a smell too. A putrid stench, like rotting meat.

‘What the **** is going on?' Shouted Danny. He could hear distant screams, getting louder as people started to realise what was happening. Danny started to shiver. He could see ice forming on his breath. The air had turned freezing cold. Something touched Danny's leg, so he looked down and saw things crawling at his feet. There were shapes coming up from beneath the ground.

They were dead animals.

Danny screamed, ‘This isn't happening,' and turned towards Edward. Edward was on his knees clawing at the ground which had turned to ashes.

‘This is your fault, you screwed her didn't you?' Screamed Edward.

‘But,' Danny stammered.

‘She wasn't clean Danny, she had to be pure, what have you done?'

‘But I never touched her,' screamed Danny.

‘Liar!'

‘I swear on mums grave.'

‘Liar!'

Edward charged towards Danny wailing. Danny tried to dodge, but Edward slammed the Secespita straight through Danny's neck. He fell to the ground clutching his throat. Danny stared at the sky as his life ended.

#

There was panic everywhere. People were screaming, cars crashing and sirens echoed around the local park. Edward sat on the ground as the world turns to fire around him. What have I done? Edward thought, What went wrong? Danny swore that she was pure so why this? Why is this happening?

Maybe the girl isn't dead?

Maybe there is still time?

Edward crawled over to Gemma's body and looked down at her face. Her eyes were still open but she was no longer breathing.

She was dead.

Edward looked at her face, she looked so innocent; somehow younger. There was something in her eyes, the way they stared through him. Her eyes did not sparkle any more as if they showed no emotion.

Edward's body started to shake and convulse as the realisation of his crime sets in.

He had known her before, he remembered now.

He had raped her eight years ago.

Keyword: Horror bible

Report this story | Add to Favorites | Send to Friends | Author's Profile

No Comments posted

Comments (2)

Posted by celtic1888 2008-03-16 16:54:36 .... A good story, a fine portrait of an evil and/or insane man depending on your views, well done + Report this comment
Posted by Bronson1 2008-03-22 03:53:04 .... Thanks, i'm very new to writing. Have written a few others which i will post soon. My main issue at the moment is trying to "show" what is happening not "tell" the reader what is happening. Ant tips would br gratefully recieved. Jim + Report this comment

Post a comment

Post a comment