Book 2/34 - Life and Nature

Ring - 1st
Realm - SOL

The Titans had incredulous looks on their faces. Hellion consistently cast a glance to Blaze and Thorin before looking back at the Big guy leading them to the next guardian or whatever.

Horkirk was a talkative. His lips parted and his words knew no end. When it seemed like his drone of topics were coming to an end, the Golem found something new to pick up on. It was a wonder how such a big creature has a lot to talk about but Blaze was not as loud as it.. All eyes consistently went his way.

"So big guy, you mentioned something about the Noble lands". The golem turned about to speak when Hellion raised his arms to calm him. "We know. We know. It was a ploy to find the chosen one". The golem nodded emphatically and Hellion mentally sighed in relief. That speech had been heard one to many times already. Creator's help it wasn't like the distance to their destination was short or something. 'Best to here about something actually useful to us'.

"So. The noble lands. What do you know about the races living here?".

The question either stumped the golem or actually put him into thought. Finally it spoke. Much to Hellion's sadness and Mera's amusement. When it started with its familiar phrase 'Far into the Lands' even Mera lost her amusement.

Horkirk began, Hellion kept only an ear on the story. His eyes travelling the realm. He felt like a rich young master and subordimates roaming the realm in search of fortune.

There were three main races of the supposed Noble lands. The first was the fellas the Denners referred to as the Lighted Ones . It was hard to get a description of them since Horkirk was Horkirk.

The Little I did get was simple. Thr Flareborn looked a bit like us with their cracked skin and magma glowing within them. The Solari were seen as the cousins of the Lighted Ones due to their Embodiment of fire. While somewhat Humanoid according to Horkirk's description they were made solely of fire. Their cousins the Lighted Ones were beings of Light instead. Just like the Solari were of fire they were of Light.

It was interesting to note. Hellion could see the Solari having impressive Fire manipulation skills while the Flareborn would be impressive either in earth or lava and probably fire as well. Th Lighted Ones though felt like the race he wanted to meet due to their use of light.

He couldn't help his grinning half way through the journey. Horkirk was a solid rank for them opening up Thorin to more fights and less defense. Monsters that looked nothing like the Sol creatures poured from across a bend. Their skin shifting and their presence wavy.

Hellion cut through them like while trying to practice his blade again. Stryder was a golden blur of death that left MOSMTERS dead where she passed. Mera was just a problem. Tossing beasts around with out a care. The truly wye catching Battle was Thorin's and Blaze. One called up the wrath of the earth and the other was a force of nature.

Thorin's hammer cracked skulls, his fist tore through abdomens and his stomp ended lives. He was immovable, the monsters thrown at him finding it hard to take him down. Like they were climbing a mountain and not a living thing.

Blaze was a whirlwind of inspiration and death. His arms lashed out even as his feet remained unmoving buried into the ground. Sol stones rose and impaled, his chains cut through some and turned them to ash, he formed walls of stone to cut off sowm monsters and trapped others. Funnelling them to him in a desired path and burying them alive.

When the fight was finished, the last looked like a natural disaster tore through their position.

"I need one of those domains". Mera murmured to Hellion. Stryder skidded tona stepp and folded her arms looking around with wide eyes.

"If all our domains are so disastrous or powerful. Then I understand why it's hard to get them".

Mera and Hellion glared at Stryder. Shared a glance then shrugged.

"Come Gods of Destruction. Let's go".

Horkirk led them across a mountain and into a large cave system. Even inside there the world was bright. If the Sol stones didn't ight up the area, some random stream flowing past did, if it didn't the very ground had a huge to it that illuminated and if even it wasn't enough their hairs burning like flames, glowing like magma and bright as light cast light around them.

Their journey was cut short as Horkirk stopped suddenly. His right arm rose slowly and his head tilted around in search of something they couldn't see nor hear.

"She knows we're here". His announcement sent wary and curiosity through the Pantheon.

"Who knows we're here?". Hellion whispered.

Horkirk stared up and the ceiling and all eyes followed. There was nothing there. Then the ground shook, dust fest and stones rolled like they were being magnetically pulled. Magma and fire blaze higher and brighter.

"Radha!".

The Titans drew closer eyes peeled and watchful. Like the name had summoned her the ground below their feet cracked and Hellion shouted. Parting in all directions the ground shuddered and then collapsed. Vanishing in dust and a rattling vibration.

The six stood watching and waiting for something. The dust cleared and no massive head or figure was revealed. Just a large hole.in the ground. They couldn't help but wonder if she was hunting them.

"Radha. Still dramatic". Horkirk boomed a laugh. "Vome. Come. She welcomes us". He paused unsure and looked back at them. "Well, me". His massive shoulders rolled in a shrug before he dropped into the hole.

No one moved for a minute as they stared at the hole.

"Soo..do we ...like have to go in?".

"Yeah". Blaze stepped forward. No one liked the idea. Blaze dropping down the hole was enough to get them moving though. One by on2 thwy dropped down. The hole was not straight. Halfway the hot solid ground and rolled on down , gravity and the flow carrying them through a tunnel system that had been carved open and lead deeper into the Sol.

The moment Blaze fell out of the tunnel and hit magma he didn't hesitate to roll to the side. Mera fell out next.

"Move!". He warned. She rolled too late and Thorin fell in her.

"Oww". Stryder hit Thorin. " Owwwwe!". And Hellion landed on the pile. " I think I broke something".

The four laughed and even Blaze found himself smiling. One by one the pellet apart and stood to take in their location. It was a massive area. The ceiling going high up with spires dripping magma on the ceiling. Below were spires as well pointing up.

"It's like we're in the fanged maw of a collosal serpent". Stryder chuckled. "How crazy would that be right?".

She paused as all.eyes landed on her. "Very crazy,?".

It didn't take long to find Horkirk. The only problem being finding him led them straight to their dear host. Lying on its abdomen, a single large eye locked on their approaching forms, was the largest worm serpent they'd ever seen. It was more a work than a serpent though, with a large opening of a mouth and several spikes teeth all pointing to the center.

"No surviving a bite from that". Hellion warned.

No one replied Hellion's quip as they stopped a good distance from the highest worm. It accessed them and they accessed it.

"I sense Primordial Blood in you all". The voice was strong and thick. Hitting from all sides but never the front. "Good".

It moved, rolling against the floor. The Titans held their ground in frightand watched. It's one eye blinked. The lids closing sideways instead of normally.

"I sense she that has life. No test is needed". It's head turned slightly to the left and eyed the rest. "Interesting. I sense not the other in any of you but still her".

No one moved as the worm drew closer and closer until it's head was almost touching them. Then it's maw opened. Thorin crouched and tightened his grip on his hammer. Hellion pulled his sword and inch fom its scabbard.

A scroll appeared at Stryder's feet. Then another appeared next to it.

"Damn. Stryder best me to it". Hellion pushed his blade back in and Thorin rose confused.

The girl looked around in surprise and then back to the worm. "Both. For me?". It's body retreated giving the head space to turn and access her with the singular creepy eye.

"He energy you push to run is that which accelerates life. Your passing will bring the start of the season. From Summer, to the beauty of autumn and your loss the cold frigidness of winter". It got a bit more closer so the only thing visible to Stryder was the singular eye.

"Life is at the palm of your palm of your hands. Use it wisely". Obviously shaken she slowly leaned down and picked the two scrolls. Opening the first she stilled.

The large space vibrated. Red lines spread from.her feet in all directions. Everyone hear could feel a boost in their boy. Like their vitality had been Increased. Plants rose from the ground, vines from the earth wrapping up around the spires and even from the roof.

The scroll became red light motes that flowed and dances around her like flower petals caught in the wind.

When it died down she held the second scroll tightly. Stryder first looked to Mera who gave her a nod. Then to Blade and Thorin who waved her on. Finally to Hellion who glared.

"Waste more time and I'll help with you". He chided. Grinning she rolled it open. Her eyes went vacant onve more. The scroll melted into water that rained on the ground. Pants present grw larger and thicker, sowm becoming trees, more plants grew from nothing. Animals appeared from.thi airz insects and critters. Around them golden grass bloomed and hanging flowers appeared.

"I got it. Two domains". She jumped opening her arms with joy. Then she paused and but her lips. "Sorry I got all three".

Mera and Hellion frowned. Thorin sighed and Blaze chuckled.

"I wouldn't touch that Domain if it was the last one left". Mera huffed. Hellion nodded.

"I swing swords not give life. It's cute. For a girl". Both ladies turned on him and he raised both hands. "Not that you both are girls. Or that insee you as girls". The two girls took a step forward and Blaze stepped to them with a smile that was clearly holding back a full outburst of laughter.

"Time to get out own domains". He patted Hellion's shoulder.

"The next guardian is quite far". Everyone jumped as Horkirk suddenly appeared. Getting to them without making a sound with his hair and size was shocking. "Radha has agreed to escort us there. Make the journey shorter".

"Why?. I mean she doesn't look like she loves leaving her cavern". Thorin queried. Horkirk shrugged his large shoulders.

"Time is not on your side Son of Haero". The Worm's voice came from above. Its lower body was still in the ground but it had stretched its self so it's was looking down on them from above. " The Elders are here. The times are changing. With your presence moves have been made. Pawns shifted. Your ascension draws to a close". A low rattle like a deep breathing came from her.

" But the fight has only just begun". Horkirk finished.

" When you stare into her eyes, the waters that she shed will show you what comes".

" Her eyes?".

" Whose eyes?".

Radha withdrew and lay out on the ground next to them. "Let's go". Horkirk urged them forward.

"I hope that was no prophecy. I hate prophecies".

"Radha doesn't see the future. She tastes the times and senses what is coming".

"Sounds quite like seeing the future to me". Mera grumbled and Hellion nodded.

"Come on guys. Like she said our Ascension is almost complete. Whatever it is that comes. We'll face it together. With Stryder we'll definitely come out victorious".

As the climbed up to.the serpents back either jumping or getting assistance from Blaze's Earth Hellion couldn't help but realize.

"Stryder is our trump card now, isn't she?".

"Grab the insides of her scales and hold on". Horkirk warned. Everyone gave him a look but Mera asked the question.

" You've done this before?".

" Yes. Not pleasant". Everyone scrambled for spots to hold as Radha shook herself violently. An earsplitting shriek tore through the cavern and then her body baulked and reared up. The sound of earth getting shattered and torn apart was all that they heard as darkness descended around them. Fought off only by the subtle glows of their cracks and hairs.

"Hellion's right. With her speedz and her domains. She's the only thing that's going to be keeping us from sure death".

Everyone turned to the Titaness who gulped audibly. "No pressure right".

"Just be yourself". Thorin smiled from across her. " Between my defence, Blaze's range and Hellion's sword you won't have to worry about anyone".

"I suddenly feel so useless". Stryder chuckled and Hellion tapped her shoulder.

" I don't think so". Everyone turned to Blaze. " We all have our positives. Thorin's out wall and shield. His domain agreed with that. Stryder is both out savings grace and hidden one. Hellion, you're made for wars and fights. You're not as strong as either Mera or Thorin but your sword proves your lethality. Mera you're both the hopenof this group as well as it's light. You're the most bubbly of us all and I know we all appreciate it".

Mera had a grin on her face as she darted in and hugged the Titan. Blaze simply patted her back and nodded as she drew back.

"That's more words you've said in a moment than the entire time we've traveled". Thorin chuckled and Hellion giggled.

"Any bets on who gets a domain here".

"Considering each guardian seems to be holding on to wo domains each. I'm pretty sure my odds are on you or one of them. Can't be sure". Hellion pointed.

"Could be any of them".

"We'll just have to wait and see".


****

The Star River
The Atlan - The Oasis


The four Deities stood inside the hole blocked off by the Oasis. During their fight for the Trident Corvus had noticed something that his greed torn mind has ignored. As such all four stood facing the wall that had a singular carving on it. An indent of their tridents. Just one though. The question was whose trident or the original complete Trident.

Akari went forward first. Trident raised she tried slotting it into the indent. The thing was tugged sharply and into the space with a clang. One second she stood surprised, the next she vanished into the ground. Mahtela darted forward with a scream. The ground was normal when she got close. No sign that it had taken a Deity anywhere.

Corvus stood aside as Ithraes rushed after her. Mahtela was right on the door Akari was taken when her Trident flew out of her grasp with a hum and clanged into place in the surprisingly empty indent. She helped as she vanished into the ground.

Ithraes skidded to a halt outside the spot. Corvus scoffed from behind. The Trident was tugged out of the deuty's grasp and into the indent. Ithraes hadn't seen Mahtela's vanish. Instinctively he jumped trying to get away from his postion. The Deity vanished mid air and Corvus burst into laughter. He stepped forward even as his shoulders shook. The process repeated and the large space was suddenly silent and empty.


****


Ring - 9th
Realm - MURHIL

The Sykerians and yan unconscious spasming deer were dragged into the next floor the moment Athena recuperated from the healing session. With the Celestial Amulet it was instant. The entrance to the next floor turned out to be the hole the Sylvan Matriarch duggef itself out of.

The party climbed down and found themselves in the thrift floor. A vast and beautiful cavern system, illuminated by Divine stones embedded in the walls and ceiling. They could see Liquid light flowing in all directions and the dripping, tapping sound of water falling to the ground.

The first enemies that showed themselves were the Crystal Titans. The Battle was arduous as the Sykerian spears bounced off their hard exterior. The Force found herself using a large hammer to crack and chip away at crystal titans.

By the time the met the second move the Titans were defeated. The light bats were annoying little creatures that blinded their prey with bright flashes, shattered thir balance with sonic screeches and then swooped down to take a bite and drain vitality.

Mindful Restoration got an improvement when she dragged the vitality of the bats back into herself using it as energy to heal the wounded and weak. The bats tell fast and soon the third move appeared.

Divine Slimes.

The absorbed the fire she attempted to melt them with and spat it back out. They corroded any pieces of herwill weapons she used in them. Except fi4 the sword. The fight turned into a large fight if movement where Athena found herself cutting flashes through the slimes and burning off the parts while evading their attempts to consume her.

The final slime burst apart when her Sword finally reached its core. The end of the room was blocked off by a large gigantic Crystal Titan with a golden orbin its chest.

The fight was long and hard. The hammers fought to crack the things shell. Leaning that her will have her constructs strength in this battle made her focus more on the fight. Even with Reality Flux changing things around the effect or the strikes were just to weak against the creature.

In a deadly combo of Mind Sculpt, Suggestion and her improved Mindful Restoration, Athena kept the Titan distracted while she siphoned off its vitality into her and a will sphere made to contain vitality.

It's core was her reward for defeating it.

The Crystal Titan's body blocking off the wall was shifted with her chains to reveal a hole. Crawling through revealed a long windy tunnel that aggravated the Force as it seemed unending. Finally the party popped out at the ledge on a mountain face. Ahead of them was a long rope bridge connecting their ledge to a mountain peak far across.

A peek showed white clouds that covered the mountain tip leaving only the top to be visible. Flying around and above the peaks we're creatures that were too large to be bats. The bridge looked weak as well


***


[FLOOR 4]

Hildelith took slow, calm steps as the Iron Tyrant crawled away from her. Black blood trailed after him as he fought to escape her clutches. Her mind was filled with so many ideas on how to proceed that she missed the question thrown at her.

A repeat of the question with a loud and rough voice stopped her disrracted thoughts.

"What am I?". She asked to make sure she heard correctly. The Demon nodded painfully.

"Right now. I'm just a mere Elder Titan. One of the races in my universe. Rare races".

"You...can change forms?".

She nodded at the question stopping at his feet. " Why not use your real form?". He asked with a labored breathing. Hildelith was sure a bone or two had been broken in his body.

"I've never fought with my true form". She shook her head. "Sometimes I use it for benefits but never had a true fight in it". She titled her head as she watched the Demon rise to his feet. The chains that held his sword to his hand already snapped and the links scattered around. He raised his arms in a brawler style.

"I'm sure you're truly weak and cheating with your shape shifting abilities". He growled.

Hildelith frowned. The first time he'd handled her to prove her worth had another her even if she didn't understand the feeling. Akasha had. Akasha knew what the feeling was. Arrogance. And not undeserved. Akasha knew Hildelith saw herself as both strong and invincible and yet never dared cross the line of recklessness. IT was why when when fighting unseriously she wass always ready to act.

Having a demon whose army she'd wiped out ask her to prove herself when she'd barely lifted a finger irked her in a way she couldn't explain. Her arrogance and appreciation for what she as a Creator Player could do felt ignored.

He had learned the error of his ways. Or atleast she had thought so. Calling her a cheater proved he knew nothing.


[Godform - Elder God]


"This is another one of my childre. The weakest if you ask me and yet the ones with the most potential".


[Godform - Elder Psion]


The familiar sensation of bonenans skin shifting, breaking and mending was ignores as she kept talking. *This one...". She tipped her head to the side avoiding a powerful punch that shook the air behind her "...is another race on my universe. Physically weak ina weak but making up for it with their minds". Her body faded and The Iron Tyrant spun to find her behind him calmly.


[Godform - Elder Divine]


A shield flared to life as he rammed his fist at her. The shield surface rippled and spread like waves. Her golden pupils flashed with a spark and the shield disappeared. The demon's punch was caught and lightning rushed through him. His teeth were bared and a roar ripped through his teeth.


[Godform - Elder Force]


The iron Tyrant didn't see the change but felt it. One minute he was reeling from the shock and the next a voice laughed in his head.

'BOO!'.

He jumped even as the entity before him changed again


[Godform - Elder Demon]


She was now as pale as snow. "I would use this form but it's just cheating".


[Godform - Elder Magi]


Pointed furred ears, nine tails and green orbs. Her lips moved and he felt the air around him cease. There was nothing to inhale and his lungs clamped up. She spoke another word and his lungs burned with fire. He wa son his knees when the feeling abated and he looked to see her back in the first form.

He grit his teeth and pushed to his feet. With a roar he ran forward z arm held back. When he arrived he swung. The being before him melted like goop. One second she was bone and flesh the next she was nothing. A pool of darkness that reminded him of the portals his people used to get around back into in day.

Then a grating warbled speech, one that was not meant for anything to hear or understand shook his ear drums. His brain liquifeid and he was on his knees jerking as a stroke paralyzed him.

Then the pain and shock was gone and he was awake on his knees looking up at the being that had killed' him by just showing him her true self. By just speaking in her true voice.

The Iron Tyrant struck his forehead to the ground.