Order and Chaos

Nothing.

I was beginning to realize that, even though I was now a god, in reality I was powerless.

There was no way I could truly influence the outcome of events. The best I could hope to do was keep other, more devious deities from interfering. I'd diverted Greg's attention already, but I knew there were other matters to take care of. Matters like...

Nothing.

I knew it was here, even though I couldn't actually pinpoint its location. Lurking. Watching. Waiting to make its move.

Just like I was, come to think of it. We were both just waiting and watching. But what were we waiting for?

Nothing.

When you came down to it, we weren't, really. There was no particular moment that was more opportune than any other to make a move. So as the mob approached Mary, and started striking her with their fists, feet, and whatever weapons were at hand, we both made the same decision.

Nothing.

We let it play out, without any interference. And after an hour, as the army started gasping for breath, Mary was still fine, seemingly unharmed and full of energy.

"Is that all?" she asked. "What else do you have for me?"

Nothing.

They were out of energy to object. Mary had made her point. Of course, the whole army being exhausted meant that they'd need a day or so to rest, but it seemed she had their loyalty. Or at least fear, but that had worked well enough for her father.

But wait. She seemed disappointed.

"Well, that was hardly painful at all!" she grumbled as her exhausted army started slinking away. "Seems mortals can't do enough harm to me. I'm going to have to find something monstrous, or possibly divine. But what sort of creature could be around here that might pose a threat to me?"

Nothing.

And then it was upon her. This was the moment it had been awaiting - when Mary was alone.

Except she wasn't. I was still here, and I could surely find some way to protect her...

But my thoughts were suddenly diverted as I became aware of a new domain being appended to my title. I was now Milton Felus, God of the Apocalypse.

My first thought was that Greg had been right - with De in charge, nobody wanted the job, and like all the other throwaways, it had been tossed in Felus' direction. Which is to say, mine.

Except. Now that it was my domain, I was acutely aware of the progress of the apocalypse. The gods might not be working towards it, but it had already been set into motion.

I was going to have to stop it. But how? And was there any way I could help Mary while I was at it?