Hello everyone! Gracefulraven, here. Yeah, I know that it has been awhile but I have had severe writer's block in regards to this particular story, but now it has been rebooted and repaired. I would suggest that if you read the original that you reread the story for it has been significantly changed. I plan to have this story finished very soon and it's sequel will follow soon after. Please remember to review after you have read. There is no motivation like reviews to let me know that you like it or hate it. Anyway enough of my babble. Story on!
Disclaimers: I do not own the marvel characters only my story idea.
The Will of the Goddess
Chapter One: The Genesis
The year was 20 B.C. in Ancient Egypt, as the blazing sun trampled the mortals below. Dry desert winds kicked up sand whipping them in their faces. The men stop their strenuous work, looking toward the heavens to see as a silhouette of their goddess descended from the heavens. She floated above them the wind playing gracefully with her hair, and they blushed at her beauty. Her long raven colored hair, a single platinum steak running down the center, cascade in ringlets stopping in the small of her back. It contrasted gravely to her brightly colored robes of orange and red wrapped securely around her supple body. Her skin was a vibrant cinnamon tone glistening in the sun's rays. She looked down at them her eyes of white stern and her full pouted lips in a tight line. One toned bare arm crossed with the covered one resting under her ample breast. Her long toned legs came to pointed toes as she continued to watch the slaves below gawk at her.
"Get back to work peasants!" one of the bare chest guards yelled striking them with a bull whip. The slaves yelped as the whip met with their bare backs and they quickly got back to the work at hand. The guard gave the goddess a bow before whipping them again. A cruel smile played across the goddess's gorgeous face, as she took pleasure in their pain. Lazily, her glowing white eyes traveled to what they were constructing, a statue in her and her loves image on either side of the golden road that was completed only weeks ago.
The roads were made of gold stones through the Giza City walls, to the Ivory Pyramid Palace gates leading all the way to the palace doors. Her smile began to fade as she noticed a flaw in the construction.
"They have misshapen my nose, it is not shaped like that. They shall rebuild this statue and it will be perfect." She said menacingly to herself as the clouds began to swirl about her as she summoned a windstorm to destroy, in her mind, the horrible distortion. She raised one hand into the skies her ruby engagement ring caught the sun's glare as it waved about in the air. The slaves and guards below began looking up in terror at their goddess as the winds became more piercing. Thunder rumbled in the distance warning all to get away for lightning was coming soon behind it, but before she could release the tempest, she was interrupted by her love's telepathic message,
"My love, I require you in the palace." a deep voice rumbled within her mind. As suddenly as the storm began to build, the winds quickly died fading into a nonexistence.
"What ills you my love, has something happened in my absence?"
"The Council is here, and they wish to speak with the both of us."
"En Sabah Nur, you tell them we answer to no one! Disrespectful mortals! Who do they think they are? You are the great Apocalypse!" She raged through their telepathic link. En Sabah Nur snickered at her loving her for ferocity,
"We will handle this situation together my love, there is nothing we can not accomplish together, come to me now, my beauty. We will make short work of them."
"I will be there momentarily, my love." She looked in the direction of the ivory colored pyramid palace located in the center of the city. She looked back down at the workers,
"Continue your duties. I will return shortly. If I feel that you have done a more than sufficient amount of work on the constructions before you, I will reward you all with a celebration feast!" The men cheered yelling proclamation in her honor. Closing her eyes and raising a palm, she silenced the rejoicing of the men below, "However," she began opening her white eyes, "if I feel that your performance of the constructions is less than expectations . . . I will punish you." Thunder rumbled as she glared on them, "So please . . . my children . . . do not fail me."
"Get back to work you sniveling baboons!" a guard yelled, in terror of what was to come if they were to fail, striking his underlings with the bull whip. They screamed out quickly getting to work.
She turned in the direction of the palace taking off riding on the wind currents along the golden road through the palace gate. She ignored the huts and other small buildings on either side of her.
A smile crossed her face as she noticed a small group dirt covered human children below running to keep up with her. She was reminded of the child she lost seven years ago. She longed to have a child in the image of En Sabah and herself, but knew she must wait until the moment was right. She sent a small current of wind gathering them up gliding them across the ground. Their loud giggles and squeals made her laugh aloud. She spun them carefully in the air as she played with them a moment longer. She sent a small rain cloud above them drizzling the children and her with rain.
She deposited them at the trade market below in front of a cart of fruit. Her bright blue eyes that were once happy now turned harsh as she glared through her matted hair at the merchant, who had strange tufts of hair on each side of his head and bushy hair on his face.
"Hail goddess. What is your will?" he said calmly, although he was in complete and utter fear, bowing his head afraid to anger her, his dark brown hair falling into his eyes.
"Feed these little ones. Give them whatever they desire." She smiled to the children patting their heads while they picked and ate the fruit of their choosing. She looked at one of the little girls snacking on a piece of passion fruit and her eyes grew sad. The little girl noticed her mood shift her inquisitive larger brown eyes looked at her in question,
"What's the matter your highness? Why do you look so sad?" She smiled to the little girl bundling her up into her arms as she studied the small face of the child. She smiled at the little girl taking notice of her wet hair that was brown with a white streak in the front. The goddess tucked some of it behind her small ears. The child put her tiny Alabaster colored hands on the goddess's face,
"All is well. I had a little girl once, she died at birth and you remind me of her. How old are you?"
"I'm seven, my goddess." Oya smiled at her.
"Seven? Is that so? My little girl would have been seven . . . Child, do you have a family?"
"No." The little girl began, "My mother died giving birth to me I never knew her. My father was killed before I was born so Old lady Tyrie takes care of me." The goddess nodded carefully,
"So much sadness little one yet you are smiling."
"Because of you goddess," She said giggling playing with a raven colored ringlet resting on the goddess's shoulder.
"Little one, what is your name?"
"Marina"
"Would you like to live in the palace with me? You can be my little girl." The goddess attempted to bribe the little girl. The child's face lit up as she shook her head throwing her little arms around the goddess' neck. The goddess chuckled at the little girl's happiness. She placed the small child back on the ground. She looked at the merchant,
"Have the child and Old lady Tyrie at the palace before night fall and you will be rewarded for your kindness merchant." She said in a soft voice as she continued to stare at the child. "No. Better yet I will take the child with me," she said picking the little Marina up resting her on her hip, "have Old lady Tyrie come to the palace. She will be Marina's lady in waiting." The goddess said pinching Marina's cheek eliciting a giggle out of the little girl. The Merchant smiled on as he watched the goddess with the child,
"Yes your highness. It would be my pleasure." He said with a bow. The goddess looked up seeing the merchant smiling at her and the child and gentleness entered her heart.
"Merchant?"
"Yes your highness." He said immediately bowing his head. She raised his head by his chin so she could see his hazel eyes. They were magnificent to her. The fear he once had for her was now respect and she smiled at him.
"You no longer fear me do you merchant?"
"I respected you my goddess, but I am not foolish to doubt your power." She again smiled at this perplexity before her, tilting her head she asked,
"What is your name?"
"Logolas. Your highness."
"Logolas? I like that." She smiled at him. "Logolas what is your deepest desire?"
"To serve you my lord as a warrior. I just want to be a part of the Royal Army." She watched him carefully before speaking,
"A position in the Royal Army? There is something about you that I would like to learn more of . . . your wish is granted. I will make you my General, perhaps? Would that please you?"
"More than anything your lordship." She smiled at him.
"Open your shirt." He did as she commanded, "Marina turn your head." She placed a hand on his chest her ruby ring flashed brightly. Heat radiated from her hand causing Logolas to grimace but he did not cry out. "I have branded you with the royal symbol of a General. You are now a warrior for me. Do not disappoint me, Logolas." He shook his head no and she smiled at him again.
"Never my goddess." he said bowing his head in reverence. Oya took to the skies again with the child securely in her arms,
"Bring Lady Tyrie to the palace immediately and then there will be more that you shall receive, Logolas." She looked to the children again who watched her eagerly, "Goodbye children . . . I will have to take you flying with me again soon." With that she took flight continuing until she reached her ivory home landing at the large golden door of the palace.
Upon entering, the servants threw flowers on the ground. The goddess and Marina's bare feet walked on fresh African violet petals, her servants looked at the child strangely before throwing themselves down on the ground when they noticed the glare of their goddess as they walked along the black marble floors. Her cold blue eyes struck fear into those who dared look at the child strangely. The servants kneeled bowing in submission their faces on the ground as their muffled voices made proclamation of her glory as she and Marina continued their silent walk to their destination,
"Hail the Goddess of Storms, The Goddess of Change. The Will of the Goddess must be done!" She ignored their praises thinking them inferior creatures that were in need of her protection. She felt sorry for them for they were weak, her children to protect. A goddess must love and defend the weak I have to love my children she thought as a pair of large ebony wood doors opened for her. The goddess looked down at the child, who was holding on to the goddess fingers tightly. Marina raised her large brown eyes up looking into the goddess royal blues ones,
"Fear not child no harm will befall you." Marina smiled up at her as they began walking along the soft flowers beneath their feet.
"Goddess Oya enters my lord Apocalypse!" a servant announced from his position against the wall. Oya walked with an arrogant swagger, her glacier eyes landing on five men dressed extravagant dark colored robes standing to the right of the stairs leading to the throne. Marina peered over at the men getting looks from them holding on tighter to Oya's hand.
On the throne sat Oya's life mate, who smiled at her his heart beaming with love for the goddess. He looked to the child instantly realizing who the child was. His royal blue eyes studied the child as they came closer. The muscles of En Sabah's shoulders tensed considerably.
"What is that child doing here my love?"
"She is going to be living with us, as our child En Sabah."
"We can not deal with a child now my love. We have a war with the Romans to deal with."
"Magnus is harmless, my love. He is just angry that I chose you."
"Yet, Oya, we do not have room in our life for a child."
"En Sabah, I feel such a connection with her. She reminds me of . . ."
"I know you miss your child but Oya . . . we can not risk the life of this child here in this palace."
"What place is safer than the palace?"
"My love~"
"En Sabah, I want her to stay!" she barked between their telepathic link. He closed his blue eyes relenting to the woman's will.
"If it is your wish . . . then she may stay."
"I love you En Sabah Nur."
"And I you." She stopped as the council came to stand in front of her blocking her and Marina's path.
"What is the meaning of this, Chianti? You dare enter the domain of a God and a Goddess and make decrees."
"It is not how you imagine your highness but your powers must be limited my queen. The whole council has agreed. A check and balance must be placed on your lords' power. It is for the good of Egypt, no for the good of all of Africa~"
"Or good for you?" Oya threaten taking a closer step to the five interlopers placing Marina behind her. Marina shrieked at the energy that began to crackle in the room hiding behind Oya's robes.
"Many of the other Gods are in accordance with us." Chianti threatening back, standing firm in his position. At this revelation Oya's energy took a massive plunge.
"And what Gods would that be Chianti?" En Sabah Nur asked his curiosity truly peaked as he rose from his throne. The massive god stood 7'0 feet into the air strange glyphs and markings ran across his smooth grey skin. On his broad shoulders, was the resting place for two silver shoulder pads, flowing from them was a purple cape coming to a stop in the middle of his powerful calves that were cris-crossed with leather straps leading down to black leather sandals. The black leather straps of the shoulder pads cris-crossed his bare chest that rippled with muscles a silver belt wrapped snugly around his slender torso above black leather loin cloth. His large head deprived of hair aside from a wooly braid in the center hanging below his shoulder blades.
"Lady and gentlemen let us calm down." His deep voice bellowed as he marched down the stairs taking his place beside Oya. The child peeked up at him and he gave her a subtle nod. Marina came out of her hiding place yet still hanging on to Oya's thigh. Apocalypse towered Oya's 6'0 frame as he wrapped a possessive hand around her waist.
He glared at the one of the council men licking his lips at Oya. Noticing Apocalypse's glare he quickly turned his head in fear. He extended a hand to the lustful man grabbing him by his throat with his mind.
"Is there something that tickles your taste buds Rebus?"
"No . . . my lord . . ." Rebus choked between breaths. The councilman's face began to pale due to a lack of oxygen.
"I think something does. What has your fancy, dear Rebus? Do speak up I can barely hear you."
"I . . . fancy nothing . . . your highness."
"So you do not find Oya beautiful?" Rebus eyes began to roll to the back of his head as his consciousness left him.
"My lord please!" Chianti pleaded with the ruthless god, who continued to choke him with his mind. "My lord Apocalypse, I beg of you. He had a moment of weakness."
"I figured as much." Apocalypse said with a turn of his head glaring at Chianti as Rebus fell from the air landing hard on the ground. The Councilmen ran to his side helping him to his feet. Oya chuckled as she ran her fingers through Marina's hair. Chianti glared at her and the child then back to Apocalypse. "What other gods or goddess wish to see us weakened? Speak Chianti! I'm growing tired of this!" His powerful voice echoed through the massive room. Chianti took a deep breath to settle his nerves.
"Xavion for one is not pleased with the two of you. Magnus and Phoenix are not pleased as well."
"Rubbish! Father, nor my sister, would not oppose us! They wouldn't dare!" Oya shouted her irises disappearing leaving eyes white with power. Apocalypse hugged her to his side whispering in her ear his reassuring arm squeezed her waist instantly calming her. The ruby ring on Oya's hand resting on Marina's shoulder glowed a moment then faded. Chianti frowned at the ring before his eyes met with Apocalypse. The god's eyes hardened at him forcing Chianti to look away quickly.
"Xavion is my Father! As well as a close ally of my husband. He wouldn't do such a thing!" She continued in a more calmly manner.
"If that is what you believe my lord then that is upon your head, but we are prepared to do whatever it takes to get your cooperation, my lordships. Whatever is necessary." Chianti said lowly the men behind him preparing themselves. Oya grabbed Chianti by his collar holding him in the air with one arm the other calling forth lightning. Electricity crackled throughout the room as the scent of fire rolled around as her skunk colored hair danced wildly in the wind. At this, Marina began to cry and instantly Oya tossed Chianti to the ground tending to the little girl.
"It is okay little one. I will not let anything hurt you. Come . . . I will take you away from here." She said picking Marina up. Chianti watched from where he laid on the ground, a startled expression hanging on his face, as the goddess turned to walk away.
"Rebus, do it! Do it now!" the council man jumped into action pulling out a pipe from his robes firing a dart into Oya's neck. She placed Marina on the ground summoning forth dangerous winds rising off of the floor but she did not get far before she passed out. Chianti breezed past the angry god, catching the falling goddess into his arms pushing Marina to the ground. Apocalypse eyes glowed an angry red before he reached out his hand. His large sword levitated over to him with incredible speed from his throne. Apocalypse prepared to swing the sword down on the mortal but stopped when Chianti pulled Oya head into the crook of one of his arms preparing to snap her neck,
"I wouldn't do anything hasty my lord or the Goddess of Change will change forever by leaving our plane through death."
"Xavion would not be pleased if you harmed one of his daughters."
"For the safety of Africa, I will do what is necessary. Xavion said that the only way to beat the pair of you is to separate you. That is when you are vulnerable. What better way to separate you two than by killing her." Chianti spoke looking down at Oya before catching Apocalypse's eyes. Marina groaned where she lay on the ground. "This beautiful goddess can be killed! So can you." he said menacingly pulling the unconscious goddess closer to him.
"I have lived many centuries, you pathetic mortal . . . and I will live more! You unhand her or I will make you suffer!" No one noticed Marina's skin glowing as she was balled up on the floor.
"We will give you the choice . . . save yourself or save Oya?" Apocalypse glared at the council men. The god felt a strange surge of energy that the mortals in front of him could not sense. He looked down at the child and noticed black veins stretching across her small body. He chuckled evilly striking fear into the councilmen,
"You have balls of steel, Chianti!"
"My lord, we need your answer." Chianti said calmly reaching into his pocket pulling out a drought of black liquid removing the top and opening Oya's mouth, "Or we will choose for you." Apocalypse looked down at the whimpering child. She looked at him a moment before looking at the councilmen then back at him. Her teary eyes filled with fright she looked over at Oya. Apocalypse smiled at the child before speaking,
"Take me instead." as soon as the words were spoken a dart was fired and En Sabah Nur fell to the ground unconscious his sword clanged loudly when connecting to the earth. Chianti smiled triumphantly and gave a nod in the councilmen's direction.
"Do it." He said simply and Rebus picked up Apocalypse's sword from the ground thrusting it into the slumbering god's chest. Rich dark blood oozed from the opened wound running down his chest.
"It is finished." Rebus said tiredly. Chianti shook his head no.
"No . . . it is not." Chianti poured the liquid down Oya's throat anyway the other council men looked on in fear and confusion, "Sorry my queen but you are much to dangerous to keep around. You must die so that Africa can be free from your tyranny. This council will rule Africa." He laid her body on the ground stepping away from her, pleased with himself. Marina began to cry again wailing loudly as she ran to Oya's side trying desperately to wake her up.
"Chianti! What are you doing! You have brought a curse upon us! You have brought a curse upon all of Africa! You can not betray a god or goddess!" Oya's body twitched and writhed as if in pain then it moved no more . . .
Ororo jumped in a cold sweat as her chest heaved in terror. Her royal blue eyes were wide in terror and confusion. She looked in the direction of the stray thunder outside that rocked the X-Mansion. Taking slow deep breaths, she began to calm herself and the traitorous weather outside down. Ororo raked a hand through her wild white locks.
"What is wrong with me?"
Did you like the changes? I hope so. Tell me what you think.
gracefulraven,
Out!
