BOOK 2/51 - A Tale of Giants and Fire.

Universe Ticks - 4.17
Total Flow - 90 56

Millennium -1st
Realions - 5th
Aeus - 55th
Month -7th
Day - 21rd

Sometime Before the Alpha Testers

Ring - 1st
Realm - SOL


IGNIS POV


The realm shook for as far as it could be felt. The fiery Sol shook with shockwaves, stones and rocks bouncing or crumbling. Mountain peaks cracking and breaking off.

I watched from my cave, head peeking out and eye locked in the distance. The source of the tremors. Farsight, the horizon unhidden to me, let me see the monsters shaking the realm.

A behemoth, larger than anything I had ever seen and would see. Its legs stomped the Sol, each hoof raising storms of fire and tsunamis of destruction. It charged across the mountains, shattering them with a single step and flattening stones down to fiery dust.

A mane of fire or storms. I didn't know which it was as it changed with every step its hoof took. Its eyes blazed with a light that I could not call the Sol's. Its skin crackled and shifted like white sheets of an element I had never seen. Its hooves were as thick and dense, solid as the very mountains its passage razed.

It was the being that it charged that shook me to my very core. Blacker than the night. There was snow blackness that could hide this being. The night itself fled to his rear. At his chest was a dim star, not as bright as its size suggested. His eyes burned with the light of stars and the mane was that of higher beings.

The behemoth crashed into him and he took a single step back. I watched from a horizon but the mountains that formed, the valleys that rose, the rivers of Sol stream that were born in that single step scarred my mind. This was power.

The giant turned holding on to the behemoth's neck. Its lips, as black as its features parted, and I looked away from the void chasm that was its maw. "STOP THIS ZEUS!".

The voice was a gale. The pressure it caused created twisters.

"Come with me Zeus. My presence here grows more dangerous". The behemoth reared on its hind feet and dropped kicking at the giant. A boom rattled the newly formed landscape but the giant simply grabbed the behemoth's mane again. *WE MUST RETURN. BEFORE MOTHER REALIZES WHAT HAPPENED HERE".

The giant and the behemoth tussled some more. I watched from safety until, finally, both stopped. The giant held the behemoth and head-butted it. I stared, baffled, as the Behemoth head-butted him too. Then just like that, he patted its neck.


Present Day

"Have you seen a giant of night become as bright as the cores of Sol?". Ignis continued. His large serpentine head swayed lowering his gaze on his audience. None spoke. His chest shook and his throat vibrated in laughter.

"I knew then the weakness of dragons and the strength of Sol". Fire erupted in a soft flare out of maw. "The very fires of Sol crept up his void flesh like seeker vines. In the moment it took for me to register a thought, the Giant of the Void has become the Giant of Fire, of sun, of destruction itself. Hahahaha". Ignis adjusted, the weight on his wings shifting as his eyes turned to the entrance of his cavern.

"I watched him rise and fly. Over my mountain he passed and I got the stench of their blood. The Blood of A Primordial. So pungent if you ask me". He snorted.

"Why didn't you intervene. Stop. Their destruction?". Hellion asked. Ignis blinked a single eye. The other eye rolled and locked on Horkirk in a gaze that was questioning and full of disbelief. Then it rolled back to Hellion.

"HAHAHAHAHA!". It paced down and, like it was gagging, laughed deeply. Then it swayed and looked up laughing when louder.

"HAHAHAHAHA" It stopped and swiveled on Hellion. "INTERVENE?!!. And how pray tell would I now as I am stop two primordials in a clash?. How would I, as I am, even mar the flesh on a being made of void? Now, do tell me what a baby dragon would have done? ".

Hellion gulped as the dragon's head neared him. The breath washed over him as it breathed down on him.

"NOTHING". It drew back. "Climb as high as you wish. Gather as many of your cousins as you want. To feel a Primordial is unheard of. Why do you think they do not descend again?*. It tilted its head.

No one spoke. No one knew.

"They've outgrown the realm haven't they".

"Sol's ash indeed. Now they possess or speak through their energy. How can you harm such a being?".

"I don't think this is that kind of world where taking down gods is gonna be easy". Hellion murmured.

"Good. Cause I wouldn't like it either". Thorin answered. Everyone looked at him.

"We've been on this realm for two days now. How long has that felt to you all? It feels like months to me. And yet we're only just ascending"

" After all that and some ERROR mortal comes kicks me down the curb. Yeah, I can see how that would not be appreciated". Hellion nodded.

"We've not even found what we need to cultivate". Stryder pointed out.

"Being an Elder Titan is hard". Hellion nodded.

" I bet being an Elder in all realms is hard. Hopefully the devs or the Creator doesn't spit on our hard work". Thorin murmured.

"What's with the mood?". Mera's voice boomed through the room.

"She breaks free". Ignis was already moving as the rest turned to stare at her. "Of Skies and Suns, yes". The dragon scanned her from all angles.

"Thank you Ignis".

*So, what can you do?". Hellion was between the dragon and the Titaness nearly in her face as he waited with curious excitement. Mera grinned widely.

" Oh I don't know. Maybe just...". Her feet left the ground. Hellion's brows furrowed as he watched her grow taller. He looked down.

"Oh my....she flies".

Heat filled the cavern. The cracks on her black skin glowed brighter, pulsing with light like it was trying to escape. Her eyes, her nostrils, and her mouth all glowed as light fought to escape her. Her hair became whips of sun strands and a golden red halo of light seemed to bun around her.

"Well, that's just me, and you left, buddy". Thorin clapped Hellion's shoulder.

"Forgetting Blaze".

"He's is a different case".

"Thank you Ignis". Mera cut off her show and landed.

" Yes, thank you for the story".

"What story?*. Mera frowned.

"Oh, Ignis was telling us about our Father's exploits when he was younger and still walked the realm" Hellion answered. Mara frowned.

"We should be going now we still have the other domains to get to".

Ignis turned his head to Thorin. "Yes. The other domains Giantson". The reptilian pupil narrowed. " Find the one who stands taller than the realms and as bright as the stars". The huge head retreated as its wings pushed it backwards and deeper into the cavern. " We will see again Children of The Giant. You have big shoes to fill.
".his voice faded.

The Titans turned away after watching the darkness Ignis retreated into for a while." So Horkirk. Any idea what he spoke of?. I mean the one taller than the realms and bright as stars?".Hellion asked.

The Pyroclastic golem stayed silent as it lumbered forward. When it stopped next to them, it paused and looked at the Titan. " He speaks of the Ember Head". It paused then spoke again. " It bears no reason and speaks no wisdom. If it indeed holds your domains, then I fear you are about to face your first true battle in this realm".

No one spoke. Thorin sighed. " Of course, my domain would need a fight".

"At least it's not stolen". Blaze spoke.

Hellion burst out in laughter and Mera smiled.

"Alright alright. Let's go see if we're gonna die or live".

"I like that. Doesn't aid a red flag much. Let's go see if we're gonna die or live. Hehehe". Hellion chuckled.


****


Ring - 9th
Realm - MURHIL

ATHENA'S POV

The dungeon army marched out of the entrance and lined up to the side. The Boss, The Celestial Sovereign, had stayed back, leaving another Throne Guardian to lead his former forces. I would have had him here, but making more of his spawn needed dungeon energy or something. He needed to be within the dungeon to do so.

I watched waiting as each last mob filed out. I felt him approach before he stood next to Tepes whom I rode on. "They're waiting". I turned to Ernwes. The worry in that single large eye of his was glaring.

"I promise whatever we discuss here will be yours and your Sykeri choices".

"At what cost?*. He asked. I pursed my lips.

"No matter your choice I can promise nothing bad".

He nodded a bit of relief in his expression. I dismounted from Tepes and walked with Ernwes. The Impera Cervus followed. I didn't ride on him as I wished to have this discussion like normal folks. Which was impossible considering I was as close to the Primordials as anything would get for them.

The nine Sykeri were gathered. The two Sykerin and the other seven Sykeri. Each gave me bothered looks. Only that one Sykeri that has been at the depths of the battle looked calm.

I hope he's still as calm once we're done.

"I will go straight to the point. I've enjoyed fighting alongside you all. I might not have shown it but I'm glad you all were picked for my guard team. I have a proposition. Here me out before you turn me down. Hear everything I have to say, ask questions and then decide. Don't rush. I will only offer this ones and only this time".

I inhaled. From my inventory, I took out ten vials. Each vial I handed off to a Sykeri or Sykerin. When I gave Ernwes his I saw the recognition and fear in his eyes.

"First, anything you think it does or you know it does is wrong. I could shove it down your throats, but I'm an Elder Force, not a Tyrant. That golden liquid for those of you that didn't pick up on it, is my blood".

Everyone frowned. Some realised that they were right, and others understood what they held. I could see the why give us your blood looks forming.

"My blood does this". I waved to Tepes. " Well not exactly turns you into an Impera Cervus. It...evolves you. I want to evolve you all. I want you to march with me. In this realm, in all realms, and beyond". I kept silent while cringing at my words. Calm down. I have to do this.

Someone began speaking but I raised my palm. "Please wait. Before you refuse, accept or ask questions let me explain". I looked at all of them. "First, my blood evolves you. Makes you stronger, makes you...".

"Like Tepes".

"Yes. Like him. But, it comes with a caveat. It bonds you to me by blood, it makes you my kin, it makes you loyal. Like Tepes". Their faces scrunched up.

"I must say this. I could force-feed it to you all. But I don't want to be a Tyrant. I want to be the Elder Force I am. Ernwes already steps on his toes around me. I don't particularly find it nice to have a male so rigid around me. Right Sykeri".

"Well, it depends on the rigid". Lysandre shrugged and Miltrendi glared at her.

Coughing and clearing my throat I continued sharply. " Point is, I could force you all to take it. But I don't want forced loyalty. I want you to fight with me and for me the way you did in there. But I also want you to be able to stand up to the sort of creatures I can. Now if you accept to join me don't say anything. If you don't want to don't also say anything. Those who accept should meet me tonight in the courtyard. Those who refuse should meet Ernwes and hand over all of their vials to him. Think well, make your decision and find me when the darkness grabs the sky".

I paused and waved my palm for them to ask whatever they wanted to ask.

"You're going to attack Lord Gordorik aren't you?". The Sykerians all glared at Zarek.

"I have not decided yet".

"No. You have. You just don't want us to feel pressured into accepting right". Lysandre added. I glared and she shrugged.

"If you do attack him. Whether we are with you or not, please don't harm him. He just his people".

I didn't say anything. I just nodded.

"And I. Do I have a choice?". Ernwes asked carefully.

"No l... of course not. I like you too much to lose you Ernwes. You're staying. Drink up". The look of horror in his eyes made me sigh. "See what I mean". I wave at him. "He can't even take a joke. I'm joking". I reached out and took the vial for him.

"If you accept then come take it from me*. The raised their brows at me. " He might drink it all in fear I'll smite him". I turned away and climbed up Tepes back.

"My Lady". I met Ernwes eye. " Thank you".

"I still have the vial". The captain sighed.

"Thank you for letting us have a choice*. His eye drifted to the dungoen mobs.

"You're living, breathing, have emotions, and care for family which you have or do not have. That gives you free will and a choice". Tepes turned so I had the mobs in view. "Those, are constructs, made of energy to fight you. They lack feelings, individuality. They're not alive".

Tepes trotted off leaving Ernwes behind. I hoped they would accept. It would make what was coming next all the more easier.