[center][h1][color=Deepskyblue][b][i]Chailiss[/i][/b][/color][/h1][/center] [h1][center][b]&[/b][/center][/h1] [center][h1][color=DC143C][b][i]Homura[/i][/b][/color][/h1][/center] [hr] The God of Cold was busy at work, teaching the young Nisshi champion the ways of the world. After they had gone about burying the Bjork kit, the two had a long conversation about what had transpired. Chailiss had listened to the young spirit, offering advice and insight when he could, but he hid his own feelings upon the matter. She would not understand them as she was. The champion of his needed growth and experience in the world. Something that would only come with time and she had plenty of it. When the Bjork came and called upon him for guidance, he helped with what he could and reassured them that fire would be a fierce tool come winter. He helped the best he could and then the two wandered some, dwelling upon his failure to protect from another God, his worst fear realized. How could he have allowed such a thing to happen? That had been a few days ago now and the Nisshi had much to learn. She still had no name and she was growing frustrated, for Chailiss had said it would come in time. When she felt she knew herself well enough, the name would come naturally. They had just been about to cross the lake when something unexpected happened. Another fear realized. An explosion. But not just any explosion. He barely had time to react before the psychic blast assaulted him. He let out a grunt of pain as the world around him shuddered. Birds and beasts alike bolted and the Bjork took to the water. The spirit let out a cry of fear and zoomed about his head. “What that, papa?" She asked in a pained voice as she searched for the unseen threat. Chailiss did not speak right away as his divine perceptions took hold and pain became a dull ache. He could hear more explosions, light in the dark, pain in the- He snapped to attention and turned to her. [color=deepskyblue]”Listen to me. Listen to me carefully. I must go now, I fear something terrible has happened. Stay here, see to the Bjork. I will return!”[/color] and before she could protest, Chailiss took to the sky, and exploded down to the south, taking his divine form once more. It was only when he had grown higher that he could witness the devastation that occurred in the south-east and that was coming. Thick dust blotted out the sky, traveling at winds that would rip his trees apart and scatter them like fallen giants. Already he could see the approaching stone, cast like meteors beginning to rain down. What had happened? Could he even stop this? No! His demeanor hardened at once. He would not let more tragedy befall his realm, he couldn’t! Chailiss pushed, pressing himself to achieve speeds he had never gone before and to his luck, he managed to reach the ocean as the death cloud approached. He skimmed the water, his plan was to meet the storm head on but then what? What could he do? Then it hit him. He had to contain it. He pooled his divinity together, and from the winds that whipped around him, Chailiss fashioned a small icy box. The design was simple, unlike Zenia’s obelisk, but it would do the job- at least he hoped. He began to slow down once the dust cloud was near and then the god opened the box. There came a POP and then the box, like a vortex, began to pull the dust, debris, and everything else into it’s maw. Like a wolf it gobbled it down without care of what it was consuming. The god, in the meantime, was battered by intense winds and wisely, he began to fly backwards, save the storm engulfed him. He could not let it pass. [i]He[/i] would [b]not[/b] let it pass. This went on for a long while, as the clouds and Chailiss battled for control. Soon the box began to hum a sickly sound, glowing like a star with the amount of power it was consuming. This was not the end of the storm however, for though he was saving his land, there was more going west, south, and east. Whatever had caused such a thing had been most destructive. His mind flashed to Ruina… Perhaps it was another test? But this was… It felt wrong. He pressed on regardless, for the storm's winds began to change and the dust and debris were becoming thinner. It was yielding before his might! The artifact would be able to contain it all! He pressed his advantage, chasing it down now like a thunderous hunter. Then the box’s hum grew louder and louder, until at last, the lid shut with a tremendous clang, leaving Chailiss in the midst of what remained. With a powerful gust of north wind, he blew the rest that threatened his land away. He had saved his north, but not even he had been able to contain it all. Chailiss felt the drain then, as little as it was. He looked down at the box, brimming with chaotic energy and destruction. He could feel the danger within wanting out of its prison. He could never allow such a thing. But where to safeguard it? Where? He pondered the question as he turned to go back to his realm. Nisshi would be frantic, hopefully she had stayed where she was. [hr] Light emerged from the southern sea, radiant and red, and approached rapidly as the sky and water seemed to merge into a single crimson canvas. A second sun wandered across the sea accompanied by three colossal creatures that followed in its wake, and wandered directly towards the god of the cold. Closer and closer, until behind the veil of light, only perceived by divine sight, was a red goddess carrying a golden spear. Even from afar, unrelenting was her scarlet visage, graceful was her mien, and unforgiving was her fierce eyes. The God of cold had stopped to witness her. She spoke, and her voice reached his ears, and her words were as sharp as the spear she wielded. “[b]My name is Homura, and I come bearing gifts. I have no intention of harming you.[/b]” With each step upon the surface of the water, she drew near to him, and she seemed surprised to find her breath coalesce into mist and swirl in front of her face before dissipating. The three colossi behind her continued their march, yet to come near with their languid steps slowing their progress. Standing atop the heads of the massive creatures were simulacrums of Homura, indistinguishable in appearance, but lacking her divine aura. Strewn across the backs of the three titans were thousands upon thousands of sleeping creatures similar in shape to the goddess, but without any distinguishing features. They were blank, and seemed to desire to be sculpted into something more The red goddess came to halt, and gestured towards the parade of three colossi. “[b]These are my heralds; Courage, Kindness, and Fear. You will find your gifts upon the backs of those creatures, the sleeping humans. You may take freely, and mold them into whatever you wish, as it is my intention that humanity become the physically expressed vessels for the will of the divine.[/b]” She said, and awaited what the cold god would do next. The divine orb that he was, dissipated in a frigid swirl of snow until at last all that remained was a cloaked figure that had no discernable legs. He hovered down to the water, freezing it where he went only for the lingering waves of the colossi to break and grind them apart. He neared her, holding a box of ice within his grasp. His voice was deep when he at last spoke, with a lingering ethereal ring to it. [color=deepskyblue]”Greetings Homura, she who walks the scarlet sun.”[/color] He said, nodding his head in her direction before looking up at the colossi. [color=deepskyblue]”Well met, Courage, Kindness, and Fear.”[/color] He also gave a small nod to them before his attention fell back on Homura, not before he lingered upon the gifts she spoke of. [color=deepskyblue]”I am Chailiss, of the Northern Realm.”[/color] He paused, [color=deepskyblue]”I must say, it is not everyday a Goddess comes giving gifts so freely to my shores, but it is an occurrence of late. Tell me, my Lady, why have you taken this upon yourself? Why do you wish this for humanity? I am curious.”[/color] “[b]My honor compels me.[/b]” Homura answered after a quiet moment of contemplation. Then she slightly smiled, and held out her hand towards the cold god as though beckoning him. “I have heard of your work from a friend. I would be grateful if you accepted my gift, as she has, and that we would coexist in peace afterwards.” Her head leaned to the side, her smile tilted, and the intense fire in her eyes flickered. Chailiss glided forward to her, his shoulders slouching as if a great burden had been lifted off him. [Color=deepskyblue]"It is good to hear that Zenia is well."[/color] he began, [color=deepskyblue]"It is even better to hear of peace. After all that has transpired in this world so far, a heavy weight remains with foes openly declared and more remaining hidden. I will gladly accept this gift of yours."[/color] he came to a stop before Homura and looked to her hand as if unsure of what to do with it. He then spoke again in a quiet voice, [color=deepskyblue]"I must admit that I fear for the safety of all things, including this mighty gift. These humans, I have seen what fate might befall them when angry Goddesses lash out. And now," He looked to the source of the explosion, then the moon. [color=deepskyblue]"Especially now, after whatever this latest devastation. Something terrible has transpired, can you feel it on the air?"[/color] Shame simmered her gaze, and she hesitated with her hand anxiously withdrawing, but before she allowed herself to be defeated by cowardice, conviction returned and stirred her hope for the creation of a beautiful world instead of one left in ash and ruins. Her hand became steady, and her voice was strengthened with revived resolve. “[b]Then let us clasp hands in honor of peace, and as a symbol of a promise to protect life. I will fight for those that cannot fight for themselves. I will defend them from the terrors of the cruel and malicious. Will you fight beside me?[/b]” She asked, and held out her hand once more. This time the God of Cold did not hesitate to clasp the Goddesses hand as he formed solid appendages. His touch was a cold one but perhaps not as cold as she had thought. Her own touch seemed to turn the ethereal wisp of Chailiss a purple as blue and red met. [Color=deepskyblue]"I shall when the need arises, for honor and peace. We must not let those who would bring about ruin and doom continue on their course unabated. We must find those who are like minded as us, so that we can come together against these forces. I do not wish for war or for further destruction but we cannot let the world we have labored over be threatened continuously. So yes, you have me, Goddess of Honor."[/color] Her hand still in his, she bowed before him. “[b]Then please forgive me, Chailiss, for I must make haste and cannot appreciate the beauty of your lands for as long as I had hoped. Perhaps we can continue this conversation elsewhere, do you have a dwelling or home you prefer? As I said before, you may have as many of the humans as you wish, I only ask that you give them meaning and many memories of all the wonders of creation.[/b]” She arose and let go of his hand before she looked over her shoulder at the three towering colossi that patiently awaited further guidance from the red goddess. “[b]Shall we?[/b]” [color=deepskyblue]”There is nothing to forgive, Homura. I understand completely. When the time is right and you venture into the North, only speak my name and we shall find one another again.”[/color] He nodded to her, [color=deepskyblue]”I shall honor your request. There is much room in my realm but the conditions are harsh. I think ten thousand should suffice for my purposes. But please, I know you are in haste, tell me more about these humans?”[/color] Homura held aloft her golden spear, and then pointed it towards the northern lands. She remained silent as the three colossi began their great march, the song of the sea disrupted by each of their massive steps. The waves that surged towards the two deities were either immediately frozen, or turned to red mist, and after the sea returned to its lull, the goddess answered. “[b]They are yet undefined and will yield easily to your will when you sculpt them. Though your land may be harsh, their minds are strong and they will strive to endure the trials of the cold, but… they are in need of guidance. Show them the sacred path, and they will follow it, and feel free to aid or hinder them on their journey. There is little else I can say, aside from there will be others also influenced by our fellow divine, and they will certainly differ.[/b]” Homura conversed while walking towards the shore, and even though she seemed at ease with Chailiss, her tone lacked warmth. [b]“I have ordered my heralds to bring your humans to land, is that acceptable? Such a small number of them should prove simple for you to transport, but I ask that you handle them with care while they sleep. Their lives are quite precarious, ever requiring sustenance to feed their animating fires. Perhaps you will change that though.[/b]” Homura continued until she quieted herself. “Keep them from the sea until they learn how to protect their fire, please.” She said, and then pressed onward. Chailiss said nothing for a time, as if intent to listen. When the shore came into view he spoke again. [color=deepskyblue]”Of course, this is acceptable. Do not worry, perhaps in time they will come to use the seas but not now. I shall take them inland and they will thrive there. I am cold, yes, but even I know it to be a precious thing.”[/color] He fell silent again for a time, then asked, [color=deepskyblue]”Is there anything I can do for you now?”[/color] She hid her feelings of shame behind an impassive mask, and considered his question for a time. “[b]I… hmm, have you heard what may have caused that attack upon the land south of here? I was too weak to prevent all of the destruction it unleashed, and had come here to help those that I had been unable to help before, but I still have yet to know the source of the attack. What was the purpose?[/b]” She asked of the god beside her, but also perhaps questioned the Monarch of All as well. She could not completely conceal all of her anger and sorrow in her voice then as memories of water polluted with death brought a sharp pain to her chest. Chailiss shook his head. [color=deepskyblue]”I know not what happened. I too, had to contain the blast.”[/color] he lifted the box to show her, [color=deepskyblue]”You came upon me afterwards. Do not blame yourself for what transpired. We did all we could do. Whoever caused it, is to blame and, when they are found out, they will be punished. I shall make a pact with you, like I did with Yoliyachicoztl, the goddess of heat. She gave aid to my lands after another Goddess murdered some of the inhabitants. We know not who, but if either of us find out we shall tell and give aid to another. I say the same to you, if I find out, or you, we shall tell one another who is to blame. Does this sound reasonable?”[/color] Homura nodded in agreement as she walked, but the dread she had known upon birth, the fear of inevitable war and the annihilation of all life, had bothered her. It pierced her calm visage, and rushed was her answer. “[b]I will offer as much as I can, but I have very little. I was foolish and allowed myself to naively believe that only other honorable aspects existed. I promise I will provide you with any information I discover. I am truly grateful for your support, it will be needed when discord rears its ugly head.[/b]” [color=deepskyblue]”We are all young, Homura. You are no fool for thinking such a thing and now you know better. Wisdom shall only come with age and honor, with it.”[/color] They arrived upon a sandy beach, tall foreboding pines before them. [color=deepskyblue]”And here we are, in agreement upon the shores of a cold harbor.”[/color] “[b]Will such words bring consolation to those that have suffered for our hubris, our ignorance, our selfishness? I have proclaimed myself a goddess, and cannot allow such devastation to happen again. I cannot.[/b]” Homura stepped upon the sand, so similar to the land she had come from, but colder. The trees differed, though they were still beautiful, and their presence evoked a yearning to truly explore this unknown realm before her; to see what waited beyond the boundaries. “[b]I will teach the first tenet of honor here in this realm: the truth of the self. I will return, but could you assist my heralds with transporting your humans. I must confess, I am curious how you will shape them.[/b]” The red goddess stepped farther. Chailiss nodded. [color=deepskyblue]”Of course, take your time.”[/color] the god of cold said, flying up to her heralds. Before they could reach the shoreline, Courage, Kindness, and Fear were visited by Chailiss, and all three immediately bowed. Each of them introduced themselves to the Lord of Winter, and offered their service. “The other divine simply lifted their gifts with their magic, your grace.” Kindness explained, while Courage interrupted her. “We’re now protecting our kin, and helping to direct the colossi.” The brash simulacrum of the red goddess, demonstrating by striking stony spires that protruded from the head of the colossus she stood upon. The creature seemed to react, and turn in the direction Courage had struck, then turned back to its original course after the human hit a different pillar. “Be careful, Courage!” Fear shouted, scolding her sister. The three colossi were close to each other, and the center colossus Courage controlled almost collided with the one Fear controlled. Courage laughed, and felt her face heat up with embarrassment. “Sorry! Sorry!” Kindness simply smiled, and spoke to the god once more. “How can we help, your grace?” She asked. Chailiss chuckled and flew up to get a better view of the colossi and their passengers before flying back down to float in front of the middle one. [color=deepskyblue]”Remarkable, truly. So alike but different all the same. I too have a champion of my own, a spirit I fashioned from the winds and cold. She would have liked to have met the three of you I think, but alas, I had to leave her behind. One day, if fate aligns, perhaps you will meet?”[/color] He focused on Kindness after a short pause. [color=deepskyblue]”Magic? Yes, I suppose it would be called that. To make reality bend… Ah, Kindness, Courage, Fear. I require ten thousand of your sleeping kin.”[/color] He then turned around and lifted a hand, before the Colossi came a mighty crack and water droplets hanging from the mist of the air and the trees began to coalesce into a large sheet of ice before them. When the sheet had completed, it resembled a very shallow bowl, with a lip to keep anything from falling out. The ice hovered before them, then floated closer to the still Colossi. More droplets formed an icy bridge that further became a sort of docking area for the Colossi, allowing easy access to the sleeping dreamers. [color=deepskyblue]”Will this suffice?”[/color] he asked them, floating closer before stepping on the central bridge. Courage suddenly chuckled while Kindness and Fear answered his question with respectful bows, “It shall suffice.” They both said, which only elicited more laughter from Courage. Between giggles, she spoke and pointed at the circle, “Suffice! Like ice!” and laughed again without repentance, as her sisters sighed with shame. Kindness looked to her sister, Fear, and smiled. “Shall we?” She asked, unintentionally imitating Homura’s earlier proposition to Chailiss. Feeling the presence and power of the cold for the first time, the eyes of the three champions widened with surprise and they looked between each other as though seeking an answer that none of them had. Courage was the first to step upon the bridges, and she quickly placed her palm against the ice to ascertain its integrity. She was filled with mirth as her sisters joined her, “When we’ve finished, the last to unhand this ice will have to sing with Wanderer when we return to Keltra!” she challenged, but found defiance in their fiery eyes. “We accepted!” They both answered back, and then the trio began their work of carrying their sleeping kin to the great circle of ice. They leapt and dashed with haste, competing with each other until the massive disk was laden with ten thousand sleeping humans, and the three champions turned to the Lord of Winter with expressions of jubilation on their faces. While they had worked, they had seen the shores of the northern realm from afar. When they had beheld its beauty, they paused their task in order to honor the other creations of the divine with reverent bows. “Those trees must be twice the height of the trees near Keltra!” Courage had exclaimed in awe, as Kindness remained silent. Fear whispered words of wonder to herself, a deep yearning to return to this realm and explore had manifested in her heart. They joined the dreamers upon the circle of ice, and awaited what Chailiss would do next. Chailiss hummed with approval from where he stood upon the ice, walking over each dreaming human as they came. When the task was at last done, he came in front of the three heralds and there he outstretched his free hand. [color=deepskyblue]”You have done well, Kindness, Courage and Fear.”[/color] His gaze fell upon Fear in particular for the briefest of moments, as if he knew in her heart what she desired but then it moved on. From his hand, droplets came to form crystals of shimmering blue that were swiftly contained within a strange metal. Three pendants of deep beauty, a stark contrast to the heralds of scarlet. [color=deepskyblue]”I thank you for this help of yours, please, take these pendants for your own. They will provide cool comfort, a reminder of this realm, even in the hottest of places.”[/color] Each of them received their gift, and bowed their heads in gratitude. “You honor us greatly with these gifts, your grace. Thank you.” Kindness said, and then the three arose with delight in their eyes, as they immediately adorned themselves with their pendants and smiled at each other like fools. “We will cherish them.” She continued, and looked to her two sisters that had begun poking each other. “Oh, yes! We will! Thank you!” Courage said after she heard an unspoken word from her sister. “Thank you, your grace.” Fear followed after with an abashed look. [color=Deepskyblue]”You are most welcome.”[/color] the god said, his hand falling back to his side. [color=deepskyblue]”Now… Let us awaken your kin.”[/color] With a wave of his hand, the ice bridges shattered, disconnecting from the Colossi. Then there came a great lurch and they began to descend to the shore. It was a slow fall but when they at last reached the bottom, the ice settled into the sand. Chailiss next flew above them all and a cool wind began to blow towards them from the trees. It carried the refreshing scent of pine and sap. Next a strange change began to overcome the sleeping dreamers. Their bodies… Began to grow. Taller than the heralds, and taller still with lean, athletic bodies. Their proportions and appendages matched their newfound height and when that was finished, their skin began to take the shadows of light and deep browns and tans. Hair burst forth from their heads, all lustrous, thick and long, in shades of darkest black, to lightest brown. It mattered not their gender. Their faces were the last to form, with high cheekbones, many almond shaped eyes and other pleasing features that made these people attractive in their own right. When these changes had at last settled, Chailiss hummed a subtle melody and weaved a bit more of his ‘magic’, or at least they thought so. As it seemed the very air swirled about each of them, rustling their new hair. The god then outstretched both hands and his own form changed to reflect the new people. But he was somehow grander, taller, but with striking blue eyes. His voice then rang out, [color=deepskyblue]”Awaken my Children, awaken and breathe the fresh air.”[/color] And they did. Slowly at first, the first few yawned as they sat up, followed by more and more. Courage had hastily dashed to a few, then helped them rise to their feet, speaking words of encouragement and offering guidance. “There is no need to be afraid, welcome to the waking world, my brothers and sisters.” She said softly, and smiled as her sisters joined her in assisting their kin arise from their long slumber. “They all seem so different, and yet so alike. It is strange and overwhelming.” Kindness whispered to her sister, Fear, when they were close, and gestured to the myriad of shapes and tones among the many altered humans. “Is that so wrong?” Fear had asked, and her sister contemplated the question while they continued to show how to stand, and how to walk to those that had never stood or walked before. Chailiss descended as well and walked among his people for the first time. He spoke as they looked at him with reverence and awe in their eyes. [color=deepskyblue]”I am Chailiss, god of Cold and Lord of these lands that you will come to know and call home. You will come to love these lands as I do and thrive within them. I shall walk with you and teach you all that I can in the days to come.”[/color] His gaze fell upon the Heralds and with his free hand he pointed to them. All eyes fell upon the shorter trio as Chailiss spoke. [color=deepskyblue]”These are the ones who protected and cared for you in the journey of dreams. They are Kindness, Fear and Courage. Names that describe their very being and ideals you will strive for. Yet there is one who you shall know as equal to me, Homura, the Scarlet Sun, protector of life. She is Honor itself and this shall be the highest tenet of your people. One you will have in your hearts and know with your minds.”[/color] The three champions gathered near Chailiss, and bowed before him once again in order to demonstrate the way of honor. “Your words are very generous, your grace. We will strive to exemplify such sacred standards, and promise we will return to your realm again to provide proper respect.” Kindness said, as her two sisters held a hushed conversation between themselves. “Maker’s breath! I do not think I can remember ten thousand names, and they have differing faces! This is insanity, and I love it!” Courage whispered to Fear. “They are endless, Courage, and I can feel all of their eyes on me. What if I stumble?” She whispered back, but Kindness had already arisen, and they arose with her. “If I may ask, where is our maker, your grace?” Kindness asked. Chailiss let his hand fall once more and turned his head to the trees. [color=deepskyblue]”Within. Her first edict flows.”[/color] he said cryptically. “Then we shall await her return upon the colossi. If you would excuse us, we shall make our departure.” The champion replied and remained calm, unlike her two sisters which wore puzzled expressions after hearing the answer of the god of cold. The trio looked to the trees, and wondered where Homura had wandered to, but they were not told to follow. Their gaze turned to the mass of humans along the shore, and then they bowed before they leapt from the land back to the massive creatures that stood still over the sea. They waited until scarlet light poured forth from between the trees, the many branches casting a sea of shadows upon the bustling shore. The light announced the return of the red goddess, as she emerged from the forest and approached Chailiss. Her radiance receded in the presence of the humans, until she seemed no different from her champions aside from the golden spear she carried. “[b]So it is done, brother. You have sculpted such diverse life in this land, and I have been both humbled and dismayed by what I have seen.[/b]” She said, in a voice that subtly conveyed emotions as conflicted as her words. “[b]Your garden is infested with a mockery of our work, but perhaps I do not understand the purpose of bringing forth such creatures. As you have said, we are all still young.[/b]” Her tongue seemed as sharp as her spear, and she stepped close to Chailiss, and spoke softly. “[b]Have you seen these creatures that call themselves the children of the singing maker? Hmm… perhaps you have detected their stench?[/b]” She sardonically asked. With his new human body, Chailiss was capable of emoting by more than just words and body language. At first he raised an eyebrow, but it slowly fell and his face became hard. [color=deepskyblue]”They are called the Bjork. I know not why they were made but they exist now and have as much a right in this world as any other. Is that so wrong?”[/color] Homura closed her eyes, and breathed slowly after she had realized how foolishly she had presented herself. Upon opening her eyes, she spoke firmly, but without the vile that had previously laced her words. “[b]No, it is not, but has another god decided to insult me indirectly? Our creations capable of such potential as the shepherds of our gardens… reduced to animals that mindlessly war with the beasts and plants around them? This singing maker has abandoned his children, and the world suffers for it! Starvation, violence, and death, as despair and greed run rampant! How can we call ourselves divine if we let such mindless sorrow continue?[/b]” She asked as she answered, and allowed her impassive mask to conceal her ire from the humans around them to avoid frightening them. Chailiss was silent for a moment, as if in contemplation. [Color=Deepskyblue]"We strive to do better."[/color] he started. [Color=deepskyblue]"There is no insult to you, Homura. I have walked amongst the Bjork for a time and I can assure you, what you see upon the surface goes much, much deeper. They are a people with a culture, traditions, experiences. They feel loss, happiness and anger. They may wear the fur and look of animals but they are alive and deserve a place in this world now. It wasn't their fault that their god created them and left. That is why we, you and I or any others must strive to protect all life. Regardless if it is deemed inferior. If we don't, then we are just as worse as those we fear will destroy everything. We must be better."[/color] His words hardened her gaze, however she remained silent as he spoke while the cold caressed her skin and diminished her rage with its calm presence. She allowed frost to form across her visage, and the ice sank its fangs deeper into her. The fires of heaven within her burned, but the hurried and fervent dance subtly slowed until its graceful motion would be imperceptible to all, yet still exuding the same possessive passion. “[b]I have promised to protect life, and I shall, but I will not condone a cycle as cruel as what I have seen here. Faith will fester like a wound as sin seeps further within this system that perpetuates hatred and strife. Each generation begets a greater division between the divine and mortal until that which is sacred will be forgotten, and only the profane satiation of their carnal desires persists. Would you have these humans emulate that forsaken path as well?[/b]” Homura gestured to the gathering, but her sight never strayed from Chailiss. Something seemed to click on the god of cold’s face. A deeper understanding of the dilemma he found himself in. He matched her gaze with the same intensity. [color=deepskyblue]”You would wish for everything to be the same, wouldn’t you? Not in appearance, but as we are- Without needs, simply being. Would you give them the same powers as we? So that they might never grow bored of their stagnation? Would you have it be forever cold? Forever warm? No need to eat? No need to drink? No need to reproduce? With no struggles? With no meaning? What did you intend by giving us humans as a gift? They are mortal, their lives are short, should they live forever in bliss without choice, or should they be given the tools to make their own? To have their own purpose? Their own lives?”[/color] His voice became softer, [color=deepskyblue]”What you see as sin, Homura, I can only see as beauty. This world… With these gods, it could never start out as you wanted, but perhaps in time… I will not pretend to know what He intended for us to make, but do you think He would prefer a stagnant beauty, one that never changes, that is perfect beyond all accounts or one that is imperfect and can be improved upon, together? You may think me a fool, Homura, but even paradise would have flaws.”[/color] he grew quiet then, as the humans around them watched and waited. Her hand raised, Daybringer raised, and the weapon was pointed. Homura held it outward, its shaft stretched towards him, while its shimmering head came to halt before her heart. “[b]You have become a fool, brother. Filled with delusions that have corrupted your divinity and I know no cure for such. I shall say it once more, with these mortals as witness to my words. I shall never bring harm to the denizens of your realm, and will protect them from the threat of annihilation. Should you lack faith in my oath and believe I will ever betray it, then strike me down now![/b]” She shouted and let her words carry far. She stood steadfast while the weapon awaited the will of the god. Chailiss’ face became as hard as ice. He looked to the shaft and then to her before shaking his head. [color=deepskyblue]”The only fool I see is the Goddess who would have herself killed needlessly. We may disagree, Homura, but that doesn’t mean you need to die.”[/color] He turned to the side, as if to leave, but gave her one last look. [color=deepskyblue]”Our oath will remain. Now leave and do not return until you see reason.”[/color] His words had become cold but with it said, Chailiss put his back to Homura and left her. The red goddess seemed as still as stone, unmoving for a time until she swiftly turned and strode away from the cold shore. With each step, her radiance returned, farther and brighter she became, but too far from the eyes of mortals for them to perceive. The three champions atop their colossi were confused by the lack of any ceremony with their departure, and waved in farewell as they followed after their maker. [hider=Summary] Chailiss saves the north by using that precious vigor. Boom bam bim. Next Homura comes and they chat about stuff and other stuff like the danger of other gods and the need to protect everything. Homura goes off into the Northland and Chailiss gets her heralds to give him some humans that he then makes into giants; humans with cold resistance. Homura then returns and she is disgusted by what she’s seen. The two have a very tense talk where Homura offers Chailiss the chance to kill her, (lol 4th god down??) but he refuses and tells her to leave. They still might be on good terms though. [/hider] [hider=Vigor] Cycle 1 Chailiss Vigor total: 4. -2 to create the artifact ‘Box of Calamity’ When the explosion of the south threatened to consume the North in fire and dust, Chailiss contained all of that energy into the artifact. As such it is a dangerous item, capable of unleashing desolation. -2 to upgrade a select few humans to Extraordinary status. (1 vigor went to making them giants, standing 9 to 12 feet tall as a basis) (1 vigor went to making them heavily resistant to cold temperatures. Due to their increased body sizes, their inner fires burn warmer and will forever more. Cycle 1 Homura’s Vigor total: 0. Vigor spent: 0. Remaining Vigor: 0. Courage, Kindness, and Fear gain 2 Spirit. [/hider]