Chapter 43.
The gods stood, they looked down at the demi gods with stern faces. Leading the way was Gaia, however, Bad realized Death was nowhere to be seen! Brutus was snickering though. "You lack respect for the gods, they will kill you!" he laughed.
But was swiftly struck over the head!
Gaia gave him a good hit with her staff. "Speaking of manners, yours have been terrible. I have warned you time and time again about how to conduct yourself!" she stated.
Her look then came to Bad, he lowered his head as best as possible. "I'm sorry…" he was about to apologize again for his lack of greeting.
Gaia on the other hand laughed aloud. "Please do not be so formal with me! We have seen you, and your manners. My legions sing your praises every day to say the least, you have never insulted or assaulted them. That alone speaks volumes to me."
Bad raised his head and smiled to her. "They have taken such wonderful care of me, I am truly grateful." He said.
Brutus sneered.
"Now then, arise demi gods. Today is the day we unmask your auras. However, if there are those who wish to remain covered, you are permitted so."
Bad's hand went up. "I don't wish to be unmasked please,"
Gaia nodded in understanding, none of the other demi gods wished for it, so their auras were revealed.
It was like a rush of air, that a pressure came over his brow. The power that was confined in these people was strong! 'Shit, I feel that from here!' said Garou.
As the demis were revealed, Bad was stunned to see Brutus was the demi to Gaia! He proudly flexed his power, he was the strongest out of all of the others. However, to Bad, not so much.
He even turned and smirked at Bad before stating. "I wish to challenge him to a duel!" he announced and pointed right at him.
The demis were smiling wicked grins of anticipation.
The gods however fell into a stunned silence.
"Are you a fool?" Gaia demanded of Brutus. "You do not know what he can do and you wish to duel him?"
"What has you so upset? He's just a fat underling. Easily dispatched, he isn't the first demi god I have challenged." He said with a laugh.
But she didn't share his confidence.
Bad on the other hand didn't know what to say or do! "Uh, first time being challenged, what do I do?"
Gaia sighed. "Since he has challenged you, you are able to accept and state the conditions." She explained.
"Cool, sure I accept, but in 8 months from now!"
The room paused. "8 months? Why 8 months?" Brutus demanded.
"I'm hopefully going to lose some weight by then, cool?" he asked and stuck out his hands.
Brutus smirked. Yet before his hand could reach Bad's a strange surge came off both their hands. "This is a binding contract, no backing out. We go until one side cannot continue, you and your minions against mine." Brutus said and then the smile grew, just before he touched Bad's hand he said. "Loser looses their minions to the victor!"
"Wait what?!" Bad demanded.
But their hands locked.
A strange surge went over Bad as it did Brutus, the contract made. However, Gaia shook her head in disbelief. "What… have you done?" she demanded of her underling.
Then, the room began to grow dark. The demi gods all froze in fear, even Brutus as he found himself bought back to his knees. He walked in so casually, without an ounce of concern or fear in the world.
Death.
He wondered in and peered down at the demi gods. "Still the same I see, except for that new face there…"
He was playing dumb to it all, Bad was grateful, if not, it would have been awkward to see Death just dotting over him! Death wondered about, took some food off the tables to eat for himself before he turned to Brutus. "I see you are as bossy as ever, aren't you?"
Brutus was sweating!
Bad couldn't even believe it.
"I… I wish you well in finding a new Shadow King…" he said fearfully.
"It's greatly appreciated." Death then wondered over to Bad. "Such an odd looking demi god isn't he?" he said and gave Bad a wink.
"Be that as it may, his appetite is one that cannot be quelled so easily. And no, he isn't mine" said Pig God.
Gaia nodded. "Everyone, this concludes the feast. I hope to see you all soon again… dismissed!" she tapped her staff, the room was cleared out of everyone but Death, Gaia, Pig God and Bad!
"Whoa… what?" Bad muttered.
Death smiled to him. "I have spoken with Gaia and under her guidance and suggestion, you are going to remain here until you are ready…" Death explained.
"Whoa, wait, what about my sister? What about Botan?" he asked.
"Sister? Who is Botan?" Gaia asked.
"His sister is named Zenko, he has a son as well named Botan."
She was stunned to say the least. "I will permit mortals to visit him, but he cannot leave this realm. He must be tended to!"
"Uh…" Bad said nervously.
Gaia turned to him. "You are the first demi to ever get pregnant, no other has even tried or wishes to try. However given your story. You will remain here until it is time for you to have your children. I can provide all you need without trouble!"
"Thank you?" Bad said nervously. "I just feel like I will overstay my welcome…"
"Nonsense!" she protested. "My legions adore you! You have shown them kindness and respect where no other but me has!"
Well, it wasn't hard choice to make for Bad. He knows he's eating a lot more, and that appetite is only going to grow. He stressed out his own legions trying to keep him full, they couldn't despite their best efforts. He peered up as Gaia smiled to him. "You don't eat out of greed for yourself, but your family. I would be more than happy to provide you with the bounty of this earth…"
Bad smiled. "If you will have me, then please… take good care of me and my family…"
Gaia blushed. "Oooo this is so exciting, I get to be part of this!" She tapped her staff, the dining hall changed instantly to a rather stunning seating area. It would be like a mansion's living room! Bad sat on the softest sofa, a large table set up before him as Gaia was planning the meals.
Death smiled to it all. "I do owe her a favor after this, just so you know." He whispered to Bad. "I promised not to kill her plants for a whole 10 years!"
"Huh?" Bad asked with great confusion.
"Oh that's right, you see, sometimes Gaia asks us to assist in her cultivating… I am not very good at it needless to say… black thumbs!" he laughed. "So I promised I won't help her with such a thing, but… perhaps that's something a family could help her with…"
Bad got the hint, but he agreed. "It's the least I could do for her!"
"Very good. Now, you are going to be in her care from this moment on… until you are ready to have your family. Remember, mind your manners!"
He nodded as Death said his goodbyes and took his leave. Pig God on the other hand smirked. "I envy you." He said. "It's not every day a goddess gets excited to tend to demi, I will be certain to bring Zenko and Botan here to see you, they can visit but cannot stay."
"I appreciate that, thanks"
Pig God vanished too, Bad always wondered how he could just appear and disappear, he does so easily apparently!
