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Fetzen
Crusader Lord
Enzayne
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King of Rats
Jamesyco
Dark Cloud
Eviledd1984Intertwined
Chailiss did not react to the world as he flew south. He heard the words of the champion and felt something else amiss in the heavens but anything else was lost to him or set aside for later thoughts. His mind was a crypt of grief and anger. For his nisshi was dead and he was to blame for abandoning her as much as the green murder was to blame for letting her kill herself. So he flew and his mind turned darker. Colder. A precaution for whatever new insults Homura would throw at him.
He made landfall in the twilight, passing a sea of inland red. Stained like crimson in the deepening dark. Viho’s knowledge was sound and soon enough a glow lit the horizon. This Eternal Flame, protected by a red keep.
It was night when he finally arrived. The three familiar colossi stood near the shore, their massive hooves hidden beneath the deep red waves, but even they seemed dwarfed by the size of the citadel close to them. The walls were almost twice the height of the titanic creatures, and formed a great circle where more than twenty of the massive machines could easily fit within. The cubic keep itself seemed to stand even taller than the walls, but lacked any features; there were no windows or balconies, no architectural flourishes or designs. For all of its grandiosity, Keltra was an incredibly barren place.
The presence of Homura lingered all across the land, but it lacked the true power of divinity, informing the Lord of Winter that the red goddess was currently absent. However, noise could be heard coming from within the keep, and the familiar sounds of Courage, Kindness, and Fear as they conversed with others that spoke with similar voices reached Chailiss.
His divine form fell away as he approached the voices from the air. He took the guise of a tall Childan man, gaunt and haggard. His hair was white, there were fresh scars upon his chest and his icy blue eyes looked on with cold clarity. He wore his artifact like a medallion, far smaller than it ought to be but just as dangerous. It hummed with power.
His feet touched down inside the keep without sound. The mortals within did not hear his arrival, but the scarlet stone called out to him. The voices of thousands cried as they sensed the coming of their lost kin. His medallion and the keep itself had once been one, but now they were nothing more than shattered corpses that had been recycled by the Divine. The mark of the Calamity was not yet healed, the wound only festering as the gods warred with each other, and life was devastated in the crossfire.
Another sacred power detected his presence, welcoming him with its light. The Eternal Fire which sustained the life inhabiting the citadel was the only thing that did not seem macabre about the fortress, where the walls and structure had been forged from death, the burning monument had been created by Homura offering her own essence to the world.
By the large bonfire, the Heralds of Honor gathered and happily conversed about future plans for where they would visit, wondering about the sights they would see, and the people they would meet. Courage, Kindness, and Fear; all of them still wearing their blue crystal pendants, the last with her hand of ice, all bearing his power, then there were three more; two more simulacrums of Homura, and then a much more smaller, childish version of the red goddess.
They sat in a small area furnished with soft red pillows, and large white owl plushies resembling Viho, while a nearby table was laden with divine artifacts; an egg, a dark orb, a sheathed knife, and a wooden staff. Further within the vast hall, thousands more of the dormant vessels Homura offered were all currently sleeping. In one corner, there was a small room that seemed dedicated to one being that also slept peacefully.
His eyes went back to the smallest one. Memories of Nisshi came to his mind and he found himself staring at her. He felt a pang of regret at that moment. They looked nothing alike yet… She was small. Nisshi had been small too. It was enough for Chailiss to want to leave. The guilt was too much and he about did, as silently as he entered but he knew he had come too far now. It was too late to go back empty handed. So the god of cold summoned a small chilling breeze and sent it into the room.
It ushered a subtle disruption in their conversation, and caused a few to look towards the doorways where the God of the Cold stood. At first they hesitated, but Courage, Kindness, and Fear were quick to recover. They arose, and stepped closer before they bowed before the tall god. “Your grace, welcome to Keltra.” They said in unison.
The other three regained their composure and approached as well, repeating the same act of reverence that their sisters performed. All of them straightened themselves and looked at him with cheerful smiles which soon turned to concern when they saw his weary visage. “Are you hurt, your grace?” Kindness asked.
”Nothing that won’t heal in time, dear Kindness.” He said, forcing a small smile. ”Viho delivered Homura’s message. Here I am but where is the Lady of the keep?” He asked, changing the subject.
The smallest champion moved to the front of her sisters. “My name is Pride, and I’m the Keeper of Keltra, your grace. Our mother said she was seeking an audience with the King in Heaven, and will return soon. I’ve been told to inform you of her future intentions regarding the Green Murder and your role as the one Whose Breath Bears Icy Winds.”
He knelt before the small champion and nodded. ”Pride. You were mentioned as well. But before you tell me this,” He said, ”Who might be your other two sisters? I have not met them.” He looked upon the two whose names he did not know.
“I’m Curiosity! Nice to meet you!” The first announced, and almost jumped with her unbound enthusiasm, the sister next to her was much more subdued and simply said a single word while Curiosity poked and prodded her to get her to introduce herself. “Wanderer.” The reticent champion murmured softly. They seemed to be opposites in personality and demeanor, but their love for each other was there, hidden beneath the masks they presented.
“We heard about your land from our sisters, and we'd like to come visit sometime! Mother also promised to show us snow when she gets back!” Curiosity continued, and looked eagerly between her sisters and Chailiss. The others remained unfazed by her jubilant excitement, and stayed both polite and formal around the god. “Easy, sis.” Courage commented, but then they all awaited an answer from the God of the Cold.
”Curiosity. Wanderer. Well met.” The god tilted his head to them, eye lingering on Curiosity. Her joy, excitement… Nisshi. He went silent for several moments then gave her a small smile. ”You and your sisters are always welcome in the North. Just… Let me know if you ever come.” His gaze fell back upon the trio he knew first. ”I heard of an ill fated journey. Tell me, Fear, how is your hand treating you? Are you well? And you Courage. Are you well? Who was it that saved you?”
“I was saved by another goddess, her name was Sala. She brought me back, and reunited me with my sisters. I’m doing well, ya.” Courage answered, and a hint of sorrow slipped in her voice at the end. She stepped in between Kindness and Fear, and placed her hands on their shoulders. Her anxious sister then spoke, looking at the hand of ice that served as a replacement for her lost appendage. “I’m doing well, your grace. Your gift has really helped me. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for what you did.” Fear allowed herself to smile, and placed her frozen hand over Courage’s.
He gave a nod and then his icy gaze fell upon Kindness. ”I can only imagine what must have gone through your mind. All of your minds. Be gentle and kind to one another, for life is fleeting.” he blinked and looked to the floor. ”It can be taken from us without a moment’s notice. Hang tight to those that you love and let them know love all the same.” A frozen tear shattered upon the keep floor and Chailiss took another moment to steady himself before he looked upon Pride. ”What would your Mother expect of me then?”
The six champions looked among themselves, before wordlessly approaching the deity. Each of them embraced Chailiss, Courage tossing Pride up so that she could hug the tall god properly. “Before that, rest, your grace. Even the Divine need their moments of respite.” The small champion whispered as she clung to him. Kindness was the first to let go and spoke softly. “It is not your fault… What happened.” Curiosity joined her. “It’s not your fault.” Then Wanderer, who offered a solemn nod. Last was Courage. “Don’t blame yourself.” The usually brash champion spoke much more gently. Fear and Pride continued to hold onto Chailiss, refusing to let go.
The God of Cold did not know what to do. It was in his capacity to understand what a hug was. A sign of affection, for comfort and warmth. But to a god? So he let himself be hugged for a time, neither moving or breathing. The fact that these mortals had hearts larger than any divine, was not lost on him. For they were the future and what they all should be fighting for to protect. Even if Homura’s champions did not know the true depth of his pain or even the cause of it, they recognized something was amiss and had acted. What a gift it was. What a gift.
”Sweet things.” he began, ”The world can be a dark and cruel place but you make it better. Compassion, empathy… Kindness. These are the virtues we must hold so dear. Without them, all else seems lost.” He sighed. ”I will tell you something, for your Mother must know as well… I have met the Green Murder, she is the one who has scarred me so. And she… My… Daughter, Nisshi… She died trying to kill her. Died… Trying to avenge the death of her friends.”
The four sisters that gazed upon the god and the two that held onto him found themselves confronted by what they had been dreading ever since their mother taught them the cruelty of the world. Like before, they refused to surrender to despair, and thought they could not understand the pain Chailiss felt. They could not completely understand this divine being they inherently loved, but they could love him completely. They silently offered prayers for their fallen sister, hoping their mother heard, that the King in Heaven heard.
Pride felt the tears trail down her face, and pain constricting her throat, but she would not let such deny her the ability to articulate her feelings. “I’m sure she still loves you. She’ll love you always.”
“The Shepherd’s lost… and his home is far… The night is long… and the path is dark… Look to the sky… the dawn will come.” Wanderer sang, and then her sisters joined her.
“Shadows fall, and hope has fled… ice your heart… the dawn will come…”
Then Fear let go, and looked to Chailiss. “You saved me. Let us save you.”
As mortals, there was nothing more they could do. They stood by him, and offered their support. They were all aware that they lacked the ability to undo the damage, and that they could cause more harm if they tried to simply erase the pain. However, they would remain with him. They would always be there when he needed them.
Chailiss sat in silent reflection, shedding but one more tear. For the loss of his daughter, for the beauty he witnessed from mortals who had never even met her. His heart and soul felt the warmth of their song and touch. Perhaps his grief could be shared after all, whether he spoke or not, they did care. ”All of you remind me of her.” He said after some time. ”I think she would have liked to know you all. Perhaps even building a lasting friendship. Here…” An idea came to mind, and Chailiss waved his hand. From the ceiling came small snowflakes and then a story.
The snow acted as a medium. It showed a small wispy creature, more of a cloud or made of smoke. It danced around another figure’s head, Chailiss in the form of a bjork. The bjork disappeared and she took different shapes. A small bjork, a smaller mink, a chirping bird, and a fawn. All the while she played within the snowy images, brushing the red hair of Fear and Kindness as she danced around the room. Then the form dissipated into a poof of snowflakes that fell around Curiosity.
”A parent should only want what’s best in life for their children. I failed my daughter, for I was not there to protect her from such… Needless cruelty. Take heart, Daughters of Homura. You have pried my heart open a little, allowing warmth in again. For this, I shall always be thankful. Know that you are all beautiful souls and any parent would be proud of you.” Chailiss gave a small smile to them.
Love and grief tasted bittersweet, and though their hearts ached, there was an inner feeling that consoled them, comforted them despite the pain. “Your words bring us much joy, your grace. We can’t understand the burdens you carry, but we can pray that an angelic light guides you. As Keeper of Keltra, know that you’re always welcome here.” Pride said, unable to ascertain whether she was crying because she was sad or happy.
Then the six champions looked to the doorways, where the darkness of the night had been banished by an otherworldly light. They sensed the return of their mother. Chailiss sensed the return of Homura.
The red goddess descended towards the entrance of the keep, appearing in one of the many southern doorways where she alighted on the ground. Daybringer illuminated the world around her, and all of the dancing shadows within Keltra retreated into the Eternal Fire where they hid from the stern visage of Homura, as she approached the denizens gathered around the large bonfire.
“Brother.” She greeted him with only one word, as she stepped towards him and bowed.
Chailiss rose from his knee, his expression becoming hard and gave her a respectful nod. ”Homura. I must thank you for extending an invitation to visit your home. Your daughters and I were just about to discuss the topics you had in mind.”
“Hmm… I arrived at an appropriate time then. Allow me to explain my reasons for calling you here. First: I have learned the identity of the Green Murder. She is our sister, Phelenia, Goddess of Plants and Animals. For her crimes against life, she will stand trial and answer to justice. I require you to provide testimony as evidence, so you are being summoned as the Guardian of the North and all life that dwells there. I must ask, and know that I mean no offense, but do you still claim what you once said to me; that you will protect life? If you claim otherwise, I only require your testimony and you need not attend the trial in any other greater capacity than that.” Homura explained, her ever impassive mask and tone giving no hint to her thoughts on the matter, or regarding the one she spoke to. She was neither warm or cold, she seemed robotic in her presentation.
Chailiss nodded. ”I still claim it.” He put simply. ”As I told your daughters, so I shall tell you. I fought Phelenia. She returned to the north and summoned a flood to wash away the bjork. Too late I arrived to stop the flood outright but I did what I could to help those who suffered… Too late I arrived to stop my own daughter from dying when she tried to kill Phelenia. I… Almost killed her myself. But it was not my place to be an executioner when she had not yet been judged. I told her as much. That you would judge her. All I ask is that you do so.”
The red goddess remained silent for a moment, evidently pondering his words until she finally spoke. “She has committed greater crimes than I thought. Your daughter will have to attend the trial as well. Her attempted murder is still a crime, but as a child, she shall simply be lectured and taught the proper path. Phelenia will now face judgment for three crimes. Though it may not be worth much, you have my condolences for the pain she has caused you and your family.” There was emotion in her voice then, and a look of understanding in her eyes as she listened to Chailiss.
”Nisshi is dead, Homura. She cannot attend a trial. Her soul is elsewhere. Nor can she be lectured or taught the proper path. Her actions were born out of revenge for the loss of a friend and she, as much as I hate to admit it, paid the ultimate price. Let the dead rest.” he said in a quiet whisper.
“Hmm… I apologize, as I apparently was not clear. She will be attending the trial. That is the truth. I will speak with our brother, Voi, about the fate of her soul, as that is his aspect. Whatever ultimate price you speak of, it is nonsense. There was only theft. Phelenia stole a life that did not belong to her. I digress, if it pains you, we may move on to the second reason for why I called you here?” Homura replied, unfazed and stern once more. Her eyes burned like shimmering rubies in the light of the Eternal Fire, and they were not the eyes of a mortal that did not understand the meaning of their existence. They were the eyes of one that had stared into the blazing sun without being blinded, and saw its light.
Chailiss stared blankly back at her, unfazed. ”So wise is the judge of the Creator. Indifferent, as any good judge should be.” He said coldly, giving her another slight bow. ”I was not aware of Voi or his aspect. I will be most curious to see what he says. It does give me hope… Now, what is that reason?”
“The second reason: I wish to share information. I have encountered a few of our other siblings and ascertained their aspects and alignments. There are our brothers; Voi the God of Souls, Voligan the God of Earth, Iqelis the God of Doom, Jiugui the God of Wine, Apostate the God of Defiance, and Tuku the God of the Hunt. There are our sisters, Zenia the Goddess of Revelry, Yudaiel the Goddess of Prescience, and Sala the Goddess of Salt. I have yet to meet Yoliyachicoztl the Goddess of Heat, or Astus, Avros, and Ruina; of unknown aspects. I do not know how many other deities exist in our pantheon, but our allies are few and two of us have been slain by our own hands. What helpful information do you possess, brother?” Homura asked.
”Yoliyachicoztl is an ally, I have not met any others save Zenia. This is all I know, besides the stench of death and decay in the north. If it is another God, I have not found their identity.” Chailiss said absentmindedly.
“Hmm… Voi, Voligan, Zenia, and Apostate have agreed to protect life. I am uncertain regarding Jiugui, Tuku, and Sala. Iqelis and Phelenia advocate death and despair, and Yudaiel has a violent temperament. I would not be surprised if she is willing to sacrifice many lives in order to achieve her goals. I wish to discuss the nature of the role our Lord has given you. I do not intend to enforce you into obedience, but we must cooperate. I ask that you grant me permission to visit the north, so that I may help those that are suffering there. Know that I do not desire to intrude upon your domain, and will inform you of my every intention while I am there. Please, brother.” Unlike the two deities that easily stood and faced each other while they talked, the six champions found that attempting to remain still and standing was rather arduous. They silently bowed and stepped back to allow the two deities to continue their conversation without an audience.
”Tell me one thing. How would you help those suffering?” he asked, looking her in the eye.
Homura gestured for him to follow her outside of the keep, and answered while she walked. “I must inform our brother, Jiugui, that he is no longer considered the one that holds jurisdiction over the Bjork. That is now your responsibility. Then I will provide life with the resources it requires to sustain itself. This cycle of cannibalism ends now, and our children will no longer have to eat each other to stay alive. I will teach them the arts, communication, and how to protect themselves from evil. To do this, I need to establish an embassy, where I can manage the details of the operation, and exert efforts into restoring peace. Whatever nefarious plan you thought I would conjure, it will not happen. I advocate sacred change, and spiritual growth. Perfection is not a word I employ in my vocabulary. It sounds too similar to perversion. Does this explanation suffice?”
Chailiss looked off into the distance now. ”And what if the denizens of the north do not want your aid? Would you become a tyrant and enforce such change? Would you kill those that disagree with you?” he sighed. ”I never thought you nefarious. You just think so differently than any others when it comes to how mortals should be and act. You gifted humans to many gods, and yet you were disappointed when you learned how they would be living and cannibalizing, as you say. Why give them at all if it pains you? I simply cannot wrap my mind around you or your thoughts. You wield so much power now Homura, as Judge, to any of we gods would listen to you- Your words will carry weight.”
She closed her eyes and contemplated his words, letting their lingering silence be overwhelmed by the song of the night. The sea beyond the wall with its waves washing along the shore, and the sky filled with the whispers of the wind. She listened to its voice as well, and felt the weight of the world.
“I am not infallible. I have made mistakes, and I will make many more, but that is why we must cooperate. I will not heed only one voice, I will hear all of the desperate pleas, the furious curses, the hopeful prayers, and the unheard cries of lost children. I would seek wisdom before making any decision. I… I understand your apprehension. I am also concerned. I originally thought that all of our siblings would be worthy of the gifts I shared, but I was wrong. I did not want this power, and it means nothing if I ultimately fail. Know that I cannot lie, and my previous words spoken on those cold shores still hold true. If you think I am a threat to life, do what you believe is right.” Homura looked at one of her hands, both were hidden beneath scarlet wraps, and she clenched her fist with a mix of sorrow and frustration. Her gaze turned to Chailiss, as she presented him with the decision of her fate once more.
He stepped forth and laid a hand upon her shoulder. ”My heart could not bear the weight of more death, and to take away your daughter's Mother. I would be no worse than Phelenia or Iqelis.” He let his hand drop and looked back out at the expanse. ”The fact you yourself are concerned speaks volumes. Even the noblest of intentions can be led astray and down into a darker path. I would hope clarity and reason would preserve if it ever comes to that. You may have access to the north, as a sign of good faith between us. Only know that if your methods become a detriment to the peoples of the north, then you will have to go. And I would prefer to have a voice within whatever council or body you elect to run your embassy.” he rubbed his temple and looked back at the smaller Goddess. ”I am putting a lot of trust within you, Homura. The North has suffered enough from those wanting to teach lessons without giving anyone a choice. Do better.”
Homura smiled slightly, and her relief was apparent. “Thank you, brother. I will endeavor to help those in need, and will only act to guide them, not control them.” As she spoke, she revealed a shiny stone in her hand, shimmering like the moon in the night sky. She held out the stone to him.
“I hope I can help you reunite with your family, as you have helped me with mine. This stone is a promise of aid from our sister, Yudaiel, and she will know how to find Voi. I will give you this, and you can call upon her to help you. I must speak with our other siblings, but we should reconvene either here or in the North after you have spoken with Voi, and I have met with those that will work with us. You can always call out to me, and I will come as soon as I can.”
He looked upon the stone, thoughts twirling and running in his head. But then he shook his head. ”That was intended for you, Homura.” He gave her a small smile. ”I thank you regardless. I will meet this Yudaiel in time, for if what you say is true about her, I do not want to be indebted to such a Goddess. As for Voi, now that I know he exists It is only a matter of time before I find him. There are strange happenings in the North, perhaps it all ties together.”
“So be it. Finally, my third reason for summoning you has been partially handled. You have a weapon to defend yourself with now, but I wish to offer some of my own power to further increase its potency. Will you accept this offer?” Homura replied, and then asked as she gestured to the cold medallion around his neck.
Chailiss clutched the medallion and felt its power thrum. ”I am not sure… It is a dangerous artifact, Homura. Forged of destruction and violence. Yet my soul is wary of the times yet to come. If Phelenia ever returns I have a feeling she will not be so ill prepared as last time. She will want revenge, for one as misguided and cruel as she cannot change for the better.” The medallion came loose around his neck and he clutched it by the straps, showing it to Homura before nodding.
“For now, we must be ready to defend ourselves, but I hope for a future where peace and prosperity has been established, and all among the pantheon work together to create wondrous beauty. This fortress was forged from the same calamity that echoes in this relic, but such terrible violence… I pray it will forever remain a bitter memory.” Her hand reached out, and began to pulse with divine power, radiating celestial light that transformed into glowing rivers which swam towards the artifact, then pierced it. Time slowed, as it seemed her actions had released the ferocious storm held within and powerful gales of frost spread in all directions, but as the destruction spread, the air that had been around them did not stir, and the land was not shook or torn asunder. The storm within the artifact did not touch the world, as though it were only an illusion.
“Hmm… I do not have enough power to complete my work, but I think you will appreciate what I have done. Your weapon is dangerous, but only to those that you deem an enemy. Its strength and rage will not harm the innocent any longer.” Homura explained, as what little of her remaining power receded back into her.
”That will suffice. Thank you.” Chailiss said, and placed it back around his neck. ”Was there anything else you wished to discuss?”
“Nothing necessary. I wished we had the time to share ideas and create a better world together, but I am afraid that is not an option. We must rush to those that suffer even now, since that is our duty as the Divine. I wish you good fortune on your journey, brother. We will need it.” She answered, peering back into the warm confines of the keep where her champions waited, then her attention turned to the west where the presence of another god reached her senses.
“Iqelis is here. You should take your leave, and find Voi. Find your missing daughter. We will meet again, Lord of Winter. It brings me joy that this farewell ends with hope instead of anger.” The red goddess continued, holding her spear tightly as she prepared for the arrival of Doom.
”I would stay and help you but I know this is not my place for now. So I shall go. But.. Ah, I am not without gifts of my own before I leave.” From his hands came a swirling of mist that grew larger and larger. He held it up into the sky as she spoke and it formed, ”Your champions are always telling me they wish to visit the North. I know not how you will feel about this gift, Homura, but do not judge it so harshly as you would others. Even young women need time away from home.” Before them came a sleek and narrow boat of dark pine, oak and cherry. Large enough to fit five or so humans comfortably, wide enough for only two to sit side by side but with room for cargo more at the narrower front. A layer of frost began to cover the hull and from the underside came flurries. At the back there was a rudder and a spot for someone to steer the ship by controlling it. When it was completed he looked towards the interior of the keep and shouted, ”Daughters of Honor! Come and visit me!” before he turned to Homura, winked and then dissipated into a flurry of snowflakes that formed into his divine form and vanished into the night.
They emerged from their home, and saw the ship that was near Homura. Their eyes widened, and they looked at the snow swirling in the air left in the wake of the Winter Lord’s departure, and their eyes alighted with even greater wonder. Homura merely shook her head with a content sigh. “So the cold has a sense of humor… Chailiss has given you all a gift. Do not break it while I go on a walk.” She said, as her champions all bowed to her before loudly calling out to the heavens in hopes that he may hear. “Thank you, uncle!”
