50 - The Primordial 2

Universe - The Star Rings
Ring - 4th
Reality - Mortal Plane
Solar system - Origin
World - Vaustaris
Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)
Main Continent Western Edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory
Village - Verdant Veil Forest


OZAI's POV


The forest I strolled through was a sprawling expanse of lush greenery that blanketed the landscape around. It was so beautiful. So entrancing. Looking at all this and knowing everything that lay across realities created a sense of appreciation for my mother's hard work.

Towering trees with broad canopies created a verdant canopy that filtered sunlight and cast dappled shadows onto the forest floor. The air was alive with the sounds of chirping creatures Akasha called birds, rustling leaves, and the occasional call of woodland creatures.

I could feel tingles in my feathers. The air and pure excitement. My eyes followed the trails and pathways that wound through the forest. "Should connect some locations or a place of living together." I had noted such pathways in the forest of the Divine realm.

I was calculating which way to go now or just if it was best to fly and find a habitat with actual living and many intelligent beings when a prompt appeared in my vision.

• *Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 2*
  

• **Subject: Urgent Prayer for Aid**
  

• **Recipient: Ozai, God of The Mortal Plains, Guardian of the Planes**
  

• *A mortal prayer has been received, beseeching your aid in a dire situation. A scouting party, separated from a larger Vaustari Goblin raiding party, Moniker-Red Ones, has launched an attack on a patrol unit consisting of two Argos of the Argonne race. The lead Argonne, Aeris Skylark, has suffered severe injuries to his Argannen and fatal stab wounds.*
  
• *His partner, Skyhorn Skyshriek, valiantly attempts to hold off the attackers and aid his friend, but the odds are becoming insurmountable. Immediate intervention may be required to prevent any casualties.*
  

"That's different. Why is this different?"

"Trying new things." Akasha popped into existence next to him. "So, will you help?"

"Should I?"

"Well, there's the fact that you're the god of the mortal plains. Your mother would put this entire realm in your jurisdiction sooner or later. But the main question is, do you want to?"

I paused to think. Really think. I did want something to do. Something that mattered. Haero as Molliwag said would rule. Tora had Akasha to herself in ways the rest of us wouldn't. Freyr was, well, Freyr. Freyja was the only reasonable one of us all but even she had her crazed moments.

I had nothing. And it seemed Mother was going to give this to me.

"Ozai. Everyone was born or made for a purpose. It might not be ruling or being sovereign. But I assure you, all your purposes are more than necessary for this universe to survive. You believe that I made you for nothing. Or left you without attention. I assure you that is not so. All this, all of it is for you and your siblings."

She paused and floated back. "So decide."

I thought of it. "If nothing else, I should help because those are lives. Sentient ones too. Right?"

Akasha gave me a look and just nodded. I sighed. "Then I accept. How do I help?"

She smiled and twirled. "Alright, been playing with all this boxes thing and this is something I want an opinion on. Think of it like customer service. Hehehe."

• **Options for Blessings:**
  

• 1. **Blessing of Cosmic Healing:**
  
• - Ozai channels cosmic energy to heal Aeris Skylark's injuries, restoring his Argannen (wings) and closing his fatal stab wounds. This blessing also grants temporary invulnerability to further harm.
  

• 2. **Blessing of Divine Protection:**
  
• - Ozai surrounds Aeris Skylark and Skyhorn Skyshriek with a divine shield, deflecting attacks and providing enhanced defense against the Vaustari Goblin raiders. This blessing also imbues them with increased strength and agility.
  

• 3. **Blessing of Celestial Flight:**
  
• - Ozai bestows the gift of enhanced flight upon Aeris Skylark and Skyhorn Skyshriek, allowing them to soar effortlessly through the sky and evade their assailants with ease. This blessing also enhances their combat prowess in aerial combat.
  

• 4. **Blessing of Elemental Mastery:**
  
• - Ozai imbues Aeris Skylark and Skyhorn Skyshriek with mastery over the elements, granting them control over wind, fire, water, and earth. This blessing allows them to manipulate their surroundings to gain the upper hand in battle.
  

• **Options for Active Aid:**
  

• 1. **Divine Intervention:**
  
• - Ozai descends from the heavens in a blaze of cosmic energy, wielding his divine power to vanquish the Vaustari Goblin raiders and protect the Argonnes. He engages the enemy directly, using his immense strength and cosmic abilities to turn the tide of battle in favor of the mortals.
  

• 2. **Cosmic Barrier:**
  
• - Ozai erects a barrier of cosmic energy around the Argonnes, shielding them from harm and preventing the Vaustari Goblin raiders from reaching them. This barrier also repels any attacks directed toward the mortals, giving them time to regroup and strategize.
  

• 3. **Divine Retribution:**
  
• - Ozai unleashes a devastating barrage of divine energy upon the Vaustari Goblin raiders, striking them down with cosmic force and divine retribution. His wrathful onslaught decimates their ranks and forces the survivors to flee in terror.
  

• 4. **Divine Guidance:**
  
• - Ozai offers guidance and counsel to Aeris Skylark and Skyhorn Skyshriek empowering them with knowledge and wisdom to overcome their adversaries. He provides strategic insights and tactical advice, enabling the Argonnes to outmaneuver and outwit their foes.
  

"Should I choose which one I will use or..."

"It depends. In the case of your victim being aware you could offer them the option. For the Argonnes one is out and the other is still in distress. Showing a prompt to an Argos in battle is a good way to get him killed."

"So I should select for them?"

"Probably, for now. Next time make sure to let them choose. Mortals here and in that other place have this thing for being and losing control." She shivered visibly. "Alright, I'm watching how it all goes."

I quickly turned to my prompt to see how this would work or how to use it.

Moving to one and focusing on it, the prompt expanded and showcased two names below it.

• **Aeris Skylark - Bless - Active Aid**
  
• **Skyhorn Skyshriek - Bless - Active Aid**
  

"I can't use more than one, or on a single entity. Must be the same reason I can't use Divinity much in this mortal shell.

"Wait. These options are tailored to both and not each. Aeris is injured and Skyhorn isn't. Using one option for someone who doesn't need it seems useless."

"Hmmh. True." Akasha blinked. "Thanks for the review."

The prompt options changed.

• **Options for Aeris Skylark (Argonne with injured wings):**
  

• **Blessings:**
  

• 1. **Blessing of Swift Healing:**
  
• - Ozai channels cosmic energy to swiftly heal Aeris Skylark's injured wings, restoring them to full strength and functionality. This blessing also grants him enhanced agility and speed, allowing him to evade further harm.
  

• 2. **Blessing of Resilience:**
  
• - Ozai fortifies Aeris Skylark's injured wings with divine resilience, making them impervious to damage and strengthening his overall resilience against attacks. This blessing also imbues him with a sense of determination and resolve to overcome his injuries.
  

• **Actions:**
  

• 1. **Divine Intervention:**
  
• - Ozai descends from the heavens to protect Aeris Skylark, engaging the Vaustari Goblin raiders directly. He unleashes his cosmic power to drive back the assailants and create a haven for Aeris Skylark to recover from his injuries.
  

• 2. **Cosmic Shield:**
  
• - Ozai erects a protective barrier around Aeris Skylark, shielding him from further harm and providing him with a temporary sanctuary to recuperate. This cosmic shield deflects attacks and repels enemies, allowing Aeris Skylark to focus on healing.
  

• **Options for Skyhorn Skyshriek (Argonne partner aiding Aeris Skylark):**
  

• **Blessings:**
  

• 1. **Blessing of Strength:**
  
• - Ozai imbues Skyhorn Skyshriek with divine strength and courage, enhancing his combat prowess and resolve to aid his injured comrade. This blessing empowers him to hold off the Vaustari Goblin raiders with unwavering determination.
  

• 2. **Blessing of Wind Mastery:**
  
• - Ozai grants Skyhorn Skyshriek mastery over the winds, allowing him to manipulate air currents and create powerful gusts to repel the attackers. This blessing enhances his aerial combat abilities and gives him an advantage in the battle against the raiders.
  

• **Actions:**
  

• 1. **Divine Guidance:**
  
• - Ozai offers guidance and tactical advice to Skyhorn Skyshriek, empowering him with the knowledge and wisdom to effectively support Aeris Skylark in battle. This divine guidance helps Skyhorn Skyshriek anticipate enemy movements and strategize his actions.
  

• 2. **Divine Vigilance:**
  
• - Ozai watches over Skyhorn Skyshriek as he fights to defend Aeris Skylark, granting him heightened awareness and perception to anticipate incoming threats. This divine vigilance allows Skyhorn Skyshriek to react swiftly and decisively to protect his injured comrade.
  

"Do I know where they are?" He asked. Then almost immediately, he could feel the presence of the two far to the Northeast. They were like dim golden hues through the forest. Several red-like hues surrounded them. I could see that one of the hoes was on the ground and its light was faint.

"I could just fly there fast and heal him before using a blessing to aid him."

"Loophole. I guess it could always be an extra doable option. I'll let it stay for gods that want such."

With a smirk, Ozai's wings spread out. Filling it with divinity, the wings glowed bright right before he flapped. The snap of wind against his wings and ground was like the crack of thunder. He vanished in a blast of wind shooting through the sky.



****


SKYHORN'S POV

"Aerondam. Aerondam. Aerondam." I mentally cursed as I swung around. The scouts had thinned down their attacks, fortunately, but it didn't do anything to stop their attacks. Standing back, they pelted me with arrows and also showed intelligence by firing at Aeris to distract me.

Aeris lay there bloodied and his wings crooked. The forest grass and soil below him were soaked in red.

I needed to get him to safety, but the scouts were not letting me get away with him. I wasn't leaving him, and that was certain. I was bloodied as well but nothing like Aeris. An Argos' pride was his wings and an Argns' pride was her wings. Just as it too was our greatest weakness.

I panted, exhausted. My vision swam from the small amount of cuts and arrow stabs leaking blood. "I...can't...". I stumbled backward and fell to a knee, my hands shaking.

My wings, golden and black, dropped down and embraced me in an instinctive protection. My mind went to the villages. No one knew why the scouts had kept us here for this reason. Sure, the Skyshriek would have warned them, but without more concrete information, they wouldn't know what hit them.

"We're not warriors."

"We're not... warriors."

A sound like an arrow but louder came from above. I raised my head in curiosity. The red ones followed too. All eyes above and I saw it. We saw it. A red streak of gold, white, and red flashed through the sky like a...

"Is'teh'azit." A comet. One that curved right above us and then shot down. My eyes widened. That's if the red ones did as well. The streak shot down growing from a thin speck to a large one. I saw wings unfurling as I tried to get away.

"Aeris!" Alarmed, I rushed for him. Throwing my body over his and spreading my wings on him, I covered us as best as I could.

BOOOOMM!!!!

The ground shook, hot air raced past me, and my wings shivered at the force it felt.

Then, to my greatest disbelief, I saw it. Something rumored and spoken of as Aerondir's secret to power. Words.

• *Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal 3147*
  

• **Subject: Divine Blessing Received**
  

• **Recipient: Skyhorn Skyshriek**
  

• *We are pleased to inform you that the prayer for aid made by your friend Aeris Skylark has been answered by the divine being known as Ozai, God of The Cosmos and Guardian of the Planes. In your time of need, Ozai has bestowed upon you a blessing to aid you in your struggle against the Vaustari Goblin raiders.*
  
• *You have been bestowed with the Blessing of Strength. Your combat prowess and resolve have been enhanced by divine power, empowering you to stand firm against the Vaustari Goblin raiders and support your comrades in battle. May this blessing give you the strength and courage to protect your injured comrade with unwavering determination.*
  
• *May the blessing of the divine guide and protect you in your time of need.*
  

• ---
  

• *As a blessed, you have been awakened.*
  
• *You have awakened Abstract - The Will of Transcendants granted to mortals.*
  
• *To see your Akashic Record, please mentally, verbally, or intently state so.
  

• ---
  

• **Blessing of Strength for Skyhorn Skyshriek:**
  
• The Blessing of Strength bestowed upon Skyhorn Skyshriek by the divine being Ozai imbues him with enhanced combat prowess and unwavering resolve. This blessing manifests as a surge of divine energy that courses through Skyhorn Skyshriek's body, empowering him with increased physical strength, endurance, and courage. His muscles become infused with celestial power, granting him the ability to perform feats of extraordinary strength and resilience in battle. With this blessing, Skyhorn Skyshriek stands as a stalwart defender, ready to face any challenge with unwavering determination.
  

• *Skills gained from the Blessing:*
  

• 1. **Enhanced Physical Strength:** Skyhorn Skyshriek's muscles are infused with divine energy, granting him superhuman strength beyond that of ordinary mortals. He can deliver devastating blows, wield heavy weapons with ease, and overpower opponents in hand-to-hand combat.
  

• 2. **Heightened Endurance:** The Blessing of Strength grants Skyhorn Skyshriek increased endurance and stamina, allowing him to endure prolonged battles without succumbing to fatigue. He can withstand physical exertion and injury with resilience, continuing to fight with unwavering determination.
  

• 3. **Courageous Resolve:** Skyhorn Skyshriek is infused with divine courage and resolve, bolstering his mental fortitude and determination in the face of adversity. He remains steadfast and unyielding, even in the most dire situations, inspiring those around him with his unwavering bravery.
  

• 4. **Battle Prowess:** With his enhanced strength and courage, Skyhorn Skyshriek becomes a formidable warrior on the battlefield who leads charges, breaks enemy lines, and rallies allies with his inspiring presence, turning the tide of battle in favor of his comrades.
  

The Blessing of Strength transforms Skyhorn Skyshriek into a mighty warrior, capable of confronting any challenge with valor and determination and ensuring the safety and protection of his comrades in the face of adversity. When facing untold odds, Skyhorn Skyshriek gains increased rewards for fighting, helping, or winning.

My attention was drawn away from the test as I felt a sensation, unlike anything I knew rush through me. My muscles, my bones, and my body all felt better, lighter, and filled with more energy. My wounds weren't healed, but my mind seemed to lock them away.

I looked up, curious to know what had landed that brought this as well. There in front of me, facing a crowd of petrified and shocked Red Ones, was an Argonne.

'No, not an Argonne. The Argonne.' He was huge and tall. Easily 7ft and higher. His muscles were not bloated but lean and powerful. His eyes shone like white pools of light. His wings.

'Aerodam those wings.' They were what all men wanted, huge and wide. The perfect tool. What all women wanted in wings. Various colored feathers littered them and filled his very head. He tilted his face slightly to the side and locked those eyes on me with a side glance.

"Wake your friend!" He spoke, his voice normal yet bearing an undertone of power that shook me to my very bones. I turned to Aeris, more to look away from this perfection of an Argo than to wake him. I froze as I noticed my friend snoring softly.

His body was healed. His Argannen fixed and straight. "Aeris! Wake up! Aeris! Wake up, Aeris!" I shook him. His eyes opened, and I could see something there. His formerly dull and common brown hue was now bright and gray.

Were my eyes the same?

"What happened?" He sat up, then froze as his eyes caught what was behind me.

"Yeah. That happened!"

The Argonne was yet to move. His figure stood perfectly still as he moved his eyes from one goblin to the other. The Red Ones remained unmoving, he too remained unmoving.

When Aeris and I got to our feet, his head turned slightly a single eye locking on us. His beak moved and we heard his voice. "Return to your village, warn them." The moment his last words reached our ears, he moved.

In his hands was a Yotke, Aeris' Yotke. A goblin lost its head as the Yotke passed through its neck. Another was impaled, and a third halved. The next tried attacking back, but the Argonne simply ducked his strike and backhanded the goblin.

He stopped and looked at us. "Your village is under attack. Go!"

Aeris and I shared a glance, and without any more hesitation, we both dashed off and took to the skies. It was strange and different flying with the blessing. My flaps were more powerful, and I made more distance with each flap than before. It was so great that it was massive and noticeable.

While Aeris didn't have the same improvement, it was clear that his flight had also changed and that he was quite better at it.