Chapter 650: “Aren’t you afraid I’ll betray you?” (1/2)
”Here we face the battle to one's might, the battle to test the worthiness of the heroes, a battle/glance into their future. Who will come out on top, Gophy's minions or the might of the heroes… Join us after the break.”
”Break already?” the tongue clicked; ”-I'd like to know why I was transported unexpectedly.”
”Follow me to the castle,” *Snap,* beautifully inlaid structures and works of art stood against a lonesome pillar. ”-Look at that,” complained Gophy, her side-glance towards Athena, who also followed the group, ”-she's decided to make the Shadow Realm her storage place.”
”Well then,” back to his feet, ”-the whim couldn't have been at a greater time,” closer inspection of the paintings tugged on the heartstrings, no matter one's knowledge of art, the pieces were beautiful and attracted attention from the start.”
Two deities approached from the back, the first, a lady bearing a golden chest plate layered by white clothes of which reached her feet. Perhaps ornamental or perhaps real, an owl of symbolic value perched atop her plated shoulders, a rounded shield nicely fitted her back. Aside from war and wisdom, her hobby of arts and craft stapled her station in the world of the upper beings. The facial features were very foreign, long hair of which curled at the tips was allowed freedom along with the shield, the sightly tanned complexion and menacing yet gentle stare would either make or break a person's trust. Most of her accessories were gold, a color befitting her station and grace.
Next to her, the rather inconspicuous Nike, a goddess many know as having fallen for Zeus's whims. Compared to her friend, her robes were short above the knees and simple. Most of her definition hailed from medium-sized white wings, a golden laurel and symbol of a torch displayed her identity. The goddess of speed, strength, and victory. Them both as pair would ruin any chance of winning a peaceful contest or otherwise. Her hair parted and curled into a tangle at the back. The emotions, akin to rock, were hard to grasp.
”Good to see you, pops,” said a vibrant voice.
Footsteps scattered to a leap, ”-long time no see,” he replied to catch the energetic brat. Saniata followed in at a normal pace accompanied by her griffin. The gathering of companions was one to admire.
”I ought to supervise the tournament,” said Gophy, ”-come on Miira, Intherna, let Lilith handle things here,” and so, as her meaningful look scattered beyond giant doors, Igna heavily inhaled. 'Where's Lilith?'
”Up here,” came a whisper, ”-I'm trying out new spells,” a swing and she landed, ”-I know Gophy told me to watch over…” her eyes narrowed, ”-I've sort of misplaced Beelzebub…” in a single motion, Draconis and Saniata followed her lead. The tension built, the guests were unknown and unjudged.
”Finally,” said Athena, ”-the room's cleared a bit,” the golden shield hued periodically as she stretched or had major movements, ”-Igna Haggard, the reincarnation of Staxius Haggard. Your daughter, the Librarian of Nexsolium has been very generous in recounting the countless adventures. The record is very impressive, and I see the Shadow Realm is nothing to laugh at either. A mere amber in a sea of flames, and amber fueled by strange powers. I also know about the betrayal; I know how my father allied to the demons in order to steal the symbols of power. My dearest friend, Nike, seems to have taken a great liking to you,” in when those words echoed, the goddess in question, inched to stand behind Igna, ”-she's picked her side. I understand her actions fully, a betrayal by father, he who she lovely cared and stood by, suddenly slew her for speaking to Death.”
”Quit with the baseless words already,” sighed Igna, ”-are you friend or foe, no scrap that, how did you enter?”
”By asking Lixbin,” she shrugged, ”-that god is a shrewd piece of work. I know not his allegiance or motives – I but had to ask nicely and a temporal pathway opened to the realm. The immensity of the power has fueled Nike's soul to be reborn, goes to show, anything is possible with the right about of power.”
'My other self,' the eyes shut, '-my body chills at her words, the aura and way of speech are familiar, I can't help but be impressed. Please, come forth and take the reign, I wish to rest, and think of precautionary measures.' *thud,* crimson bleached to crystal white, ”-greetings Athena,” said he smugly, ”-what business has the two-faced dog of Zeus wish with me?”
”Origin…” her brows rose, ”-father as beckoned thy aid so many times, and thee chose that thing as the successor?”
”Yes, and please,” the face boldly said to keep quiet, ”-don't insult me or my companions. He everything to embrace my whim, a wish I'll never forget. So, does the two-faced mutt have a scheme in mind?”
”Not really, I came on a whim. Father's gone insane at the moment; he's relapsing from having slain demons. The supreme realm waits till he reawakens. Without orders or entertainment, I sought out to find Death or his heir. Even if I want to cause chaos, the dominion is under four high-tier being's control. One is enough, but four, tis jest for surely, no great being would stoop low as to serve you.”
”In the greater world,” voiced Origin, ”-nothing matters. Gods have no sense of right or wrong, their actions are selfish and truly meant to satisfy their needs. Reverence is a reason enough. The human heart has the power to manifest their greatest desires, a weapon god or demon can never understand.”
”And what does it pertain to me?” she paused.
”What I mean to say is, gods have no concept of reality, they're too busy wandering the skies above and passing judgment on the weak. The four who've willingly given Igna their support have lived and embraced the mortal realm. They can live as gods, extradite their powers as deity, granted tis the Shadow Realm alone, and visit the mortal realm for a home visit or plain ol' harassment. Goddess Nike's sure to join our family, we bear no allegiance to gods or demons, our sole purpose is the safeguard of our family. Hurt one of us, and face the wrath of us, and everyone in the Shadow Realm. This, obviously, includes the realm of monsters.”
*Gasp,* her face froze, ”-r-realm of m-monsters?”
”Yes, the world the God-slayer has worked thick and thin to safeguard and evolve. Guess what, the inheritor of Scifer's will is none other than Igna himself.”