Teen TitansThe Chaos Round-Part Two Between Worlds, Against all Odds

by Inkblot24

Our heroes' plight continues as the Chosen's promised vow to a daemon of manifestation is tested -he's forced to fight his own sister to the death, an old enemy resurfaces, and a bond that could unexpectedly save his planet, is brought into question -find out the rest in part two! The chaos round continues, here!

7. Chapter 7

Teen Titans New Generations; The Chaos Round Arc; Part Two – Against All Odds – Chapter 6: Sipping on Moonshine – Lovers; Forevermore – Gods of Creation are born to Die.

/

Aiden had lost consciousness. He knew it by how the world had vanished all around him. His eyes were probably shut tight. The figure looming over them had…Powers that he now shared.

Of creation and destruction.

Of night, day, and the universe. What had he done to Raku? He'd made a promise. He'd…

He'd been a sucker all along. Raku was a branded man, a god without a council. A –

~STOP! ~

Aiden recalled his thoughts. Of going to the first school on earth that, one day, Raku could join. A normal…

No, but he wasn't a normal kid. He'd been cast into The Pit of Ends in his worst years. As the dragon Roku.

The pit signified the part of the void that was taboo, Aiden had learned from seeing the boy's history. The reincarnation of Raku, was no more. He could not live outside those walls, so his telepathic powers had found Deathstroke and they'd struck a deal, while the king was imprisoned for life.

If he could not reincarnate himself thanks to that brand, then that was because it was a full -fledged one. Hot as coals to the sundering -

Slade had been Roku's eyes from the outside, a way he could peer into the lives of those chosen to carry the aspects of his son; Rokuro Noburo, or Richard Ainsley. Aiden had heard of how his dad went plum - crazy and was haunted by the fictitious being for a longer time, even after he'd been born with Anna.

So, if soul – stealers took souls, then what could return them?

Raku had been upset when Aiden had not trusted his judgement, but he'd also pulled away. As if the pact could do damage that might harm his contracted. Was Astarte aware of what Raku…Had been unwilling to show Aiden? This, world…Was inside another plane. One CREATED from scratch by the boy. As a half – mortal prince.

So, Azag could do things like that. Aiden groaned as he stayed asleep and thought hard about his answer.

Azag, they called him a record – keeper, like Lord Dreamwake; the teacher of Lady Aluehainyu in the spirit world. When Ava had been with the teams on her world, he'd discovered a lot more about his sibling's allies than she'd known of them herself.

~Raku isn't going to hold onto these powers, but does that make it alright to take them away? ~ He wondered, carefully organizing his thoughts.

As it stood now, Aiden had to face the music. This Manifesto, Ignito crap was tearing him limb from limb. He grunted and felt the table with his hand. It moved, a jitter, then the man's finger's twitched back to life as he raised his head and gasped.

~AH! ~ He wheezed; it was hard to not feel like a fish out of water. The being that watched above him was there, but on the other side of the room. Back to being the studious Ignito. Thankful that Manifesto had gone back to sleep, Aiden looked with a squint at the book –

~Ah! ~ He shoved himself away from the stony thing. ~I…I…. My voi…. Voice! ~ He clutched his throat. He was using the speak. His lips had only gasped loudly in the candle lit room. His words, had all been telepathic.

~What…What happened to…How long… -

~Time stands here. ~ Ignito sighed and shut his manuscript with a loud 'thump.'

~ Your time will be for naught if you dawdle. ~ As if the hourglass were, running…Aiden noted the instance and immediately picked up on the rest of what the hermit was expecting of his newest muse to take to heart.

~Your mortality is bound for now, so that he can be saved. Our creator is not well, you are the cure. As I am sure that –

~Then, where do I go from here to stop them? ~ Aiden butted in, anxiously.

~You look a mess. ~ The seer frowned and decided to grant the traveler one last test.

~If you are to leave this space, try. I do not dare exit these walls willingly, ~ It said. Aiden did not know, but he guessed that it meant to try out his…Raku's powers.

~ I don't…I can use them? Are you sure –

~Why would you have caught our Lord's eye, otherwise? His last pick was a fool to turn down the offer, but then again, he was corrupted by fate –

~And that witch –

~She was a mastermind with a pained past, boy. ~ The daemon snorted. ~ Just, try it out for now. See what makes him tick –

~I'm just…~ Aiden stood up a bit, groggily though. ~I want to save him too. But I'll do it with my own twist. ~ He crossed his arms at the god figure and raised a brow. ~If you don't mind? ~

~Not at all, go wild. ~ The ancient alchemist shrugged nonchalantly.

~ You are your own teacher for now. True. We'll meet again. I am trapped as this fate allows it. So, you too are a part of this same fate... ~ The being was farther away, and dimmer now. This was it; it was time to leave this void and enter the light. Or, what was left of it. Aiden didn't wave back to his ally as the doorway to the king's alter's domain shut itself away. Forever locked up tight.

/

Ami had a plan, she had to use the mirror to get past the bad goons that had taken half of Tokyo by now.

Kaede was with her magic and weapons at her disposal. Richard Grayson, not knowing of the meeting place, still looked to keep Ami from the madness. For Vespa had been the one to have the tween cover her young eyes.

"What did he mean, by Cerberus?" Dick tried to tread carefully around the scythe wielding pup.

She shrugged and let the blade diminish as it was placed at her hip. She turned to glance the prior chosen's way.

~ It is a silly nick - name given to Veravakumu and I. ~ She said. ~We made a pact by our abilities to undo the wrongs of the council; by the good word of our leader –

~The scythe…! ~ Koko gasped. ~That belongs to wielders of –

~I am a keeper of that plane, just not the same in form. ~ Vespa interrupted. ~I do for the sake of my Elemental force of the dark. It is the same with your comrade Verra. ~ She did not mind saying it. She did not like him anyway. Ron and Kayu were hers to keep close. Verra was a poor bastard. He'd even stolen a body on Earth to conduct his silly experiments while the humans just sat back, bored with it all.

~That disorder he's brought to life, now extends itself to THIS timeline. ~ She turned to Richard with a frown. ~ Your guardian is no protector; he only protects himself. You were there to prove a point. He had a thing for the Dragon's mistress, right? ~ She asked with a pouting face. ~ Hah! Lori had it coming, and now my cousin believes he's more human than dog! Such a disgrace to our kind! ~ She snuffed.

~You are angry. Angry hearts will only fuel another side to –

~Koko, was it? You read me well, but I'm long gone. I can't fix myself even! ~ She heaved a sigh and put her scythe to the air to mimic Thor's mighty hammer.

~She can read my thoughts? ~ Koko gasped to her companions. ~We cannot let her touch our Ami -Chan! ~

~What? ~ Kaede looked over to Ami as the teen stood and took in the ranting with her ears no longer full of cotton. "Why is Miss Vespa so angry? Dad?" Ami turned to her father. He had to have known about her unreasonable side all this time. That made her an obstacle. A real –

"We are going back to stop the one who you SHOULD be punishing." Standing up, Dick pushed himself to force past the guardian of the underworld's presence. She was as a gust of wind and smoke that fed you lies, deceived your senses.

~ You'll try to back out, but not for the ones you love. ~ Vespa batted her eyes. ~Aww! You are such a great dad, right miss Amelia –

"Don't answer her, Amy." Richard warned his little girl from the side. Vespa sniffed as her coaxing wasn't very God – like. The invasion on her abilities was already getting worse. She had to fix it, now.

"But I think we can help each other. Didn't you say it too, dad?" Ami brought her big, blue eyes to look her father's way. It left him still, unable to move.

"I didn't know Vespa was against us helping the Titans. No." Dick heaved a sigh and put a hand to his face. What power took away your heart? Should he just, no. Ami had to know how this was connected later. Now, they had no time to –

~If you, little sun - stone, are so compassionate, by all means. I'm going to help you. Just for laughs… -

"No deal." Dick shot back, defending his kid's freedom. This thing, was not the real Vespa. Was Vespa this deadly? She had a vain side. Most of Vee's blood relatives did. No, then it must have been for another reason. He didn't want Ami to throw away her chance to get home.

~Ami – Chan.~ Kaede put a hand onto her charge's shoulder and looked distressed by all she had witnessed. ~Your father is correct. She'd only make it harder for Tokyo to be saved from this new evil force. ~

~I was going to SAY. ~ Vespa rolled her eyes as a portal opened up right behind her. Gods got bored easily. Had to be a case for this change of –

~I want the sun child to see my side of the illusion. When she is able to face us in the dark. For now, you may have your free ticket home. ~ She waved an arm gracefully forth, directing her hands to usher the group towards the spiraling portal. Of purple and red, green, yellow, white. All shades.

"What was the point of harassing us then?" Dick threw up his hands in protest. He felt like Cyborg; finding that most complex matters didn't have to be this way at all.

~I like to play out my character like in the movies. ~ Vespa winked at the ex – cop. ~It leaves the audience feeling speechless. Oh, so…My Lord Chronos is on your side, due to a priestess having flown from her roost without Lady Hecate's say. ~ She announced this as if it were a declared search and arrest notice. Dick squinted. His eyes did not trust Vespa as she was. Too tricky. Must have been why she went down such a slippery slope as an elite fighter in Israel's special ops. She had two homes on Earth. They'd met the vixen in San Remo back when Aggie G had been a big pop sensation. Ami had not been there yet. Dick Grayson, had not been without Night wing's word. He'd still been trying to shake off the dragon from his life. Even when Manifesto –

~Which priestess? Of your sect? ~ Koko asked curiously. She was a Universal being to some, but she had not to hide this fact from Vespa; Lord Chrono's watchdog and faithful vassal to be.

~Yes…And my competition at the time to be Lady H's vassal and right hand. ~ Vespa put in with a twinge of regret in her tone. ~We decided to take it all for ourselves. Having forgotten who were had been told to protect since the beginning. I was a class senior, but she was older. Time - forgotten and pitied by the Goddess. ~

"You must mean one other person, then." Richard nodded. "Cecilia."

~Well, you remember her name at least. But she's crossed the line this time. Thinly stretched. ~ Vespa gritted her jaws as a set of fangs protruded slowly from behind her lips.

~ Her vows were broken, to know of a forbidden love –

"It's happened before." Dick cussed at the fact that he knew who Cici had been in love with since her return to the 'dark side.'

"She's going after, after Lisa!"

/

As if there were earthquakes in every direction, Isa had fled with Agatha to the only safe location she'd gotten ahold of the coordinates to.

The Spirit world was cracking, breaking and bending as it stood waiting for the demise of peace to settle onto its shores.

Astarte had returned to the city of Sydney to contact one dog she knew, who could call on thunder by his mighty howl.

Ron was keeping his allies close; his enemies were outside the windows to the cabinet hall. The leader of this nation was beside himself. The rest pleading to ask the dog for his advice (Sayu's little lap dog on Earth.)

"You're not buggin' much of this. Are you?" One cabinet member nudged the blonde dog as he groaned softly from the reminder. "Andrew, we have no idea. What makes you certain I have all the answers, here?"

"You run with a dingo once, we call that bloke a meta – morpher." Andrew reminded his co – hort. "The public saw your face on the tele, an' every Sheila was on her knees praying. Like you were some gods' best chance at survival, and from any other lifetime, mate!"

"I…Had a big set of boots to lift, you know?"

"Righty, then." The council man gave up as soon as it was Ron's turn to speak. Yes. He'd been seen on a global rant, rushing through the streets with his ears and fangs on camera for all to bare witness. He'd made Sayu so cross, that her eyes had stayed slits for over a decade he'd believed. She was already pissed off for him not having filled the thunder god's seat. As an elemental of royal blood, he had to be a bit more commanding. Ron in the time the Titans had known him, was more like the wind to the mountains, beckoning to move forth into the unknown.

He didn't want his name in lights. He'd even traveled this world to find himself. All he had managed to find, was that Sayu had controlled his future and he'd only escape it through a single mark on his records.

Exile. Like Verra had in order to escape his ageless woe.

Yes. He felt trapped when he'd returned to New York, his guitar not to play such a tune as it had in the past. He felt used up. Run ragged because of his role beside Sayu. She was already going mental since her save from the disease that had warped her powers (past arc.) She'd taken half the senate hostage on her plane of existence.

He did not play by the rules of his ancestors. Foxes were to be heard, but never witnessed in their true form. To he, it meant keeping a low profile from now until his return to the spirit realm.

Sayu had been quite frank with her younger son, that he was to not embarrass her again. She'd done enough of that already; he wondered on to himself about that racket.

"We have given resources to you; our pledge still holds." Ron suddenly rose to meet the eyes of his spectators.

"My family's branch is of some nobility; you know of my decision to roam amongst –

"Then, you are another face!" One staff membered screamed out. Another gasped and covered her face, blushing.

"I, was not born on this pl-

"Alien scout, then? We have enough a' those." The cabinet leaders all squawked to one another. An alien? Was that what they thought? Oh, the humanity!

He had to speak, but these…These humans, they were bloody morons! Damned blokes.

"I'm not from this plane, that alien…. Plane, or even this time. Let's get down to business –

"Ronnie -boy?" The man; Andrew shrunk back, trying to understand the shock he'd been dealt.

"I told you what my heart said then." Shrugged the dog as his ears popped out. "I have to return to my home. It's not too late to save what's left of this one…"

/

That had, been a few days ago. The dreaded virus had revealed itself to have been a trick. The faces turned to shadow. Even though the majority of the humans remained dreaming.

Sydney's wavy - shored existence was constant. A quietude that lit a candle for the demons to witness from their hide – away nooks. The reef; the great barrier was glowing from the power it held. A totemic symbol of the old Dreamtime. Those who knew of the void's faint presence.

The seas were churned. Earthquakes had rocked the city – lined with a dozen times... Bodies from the sky screamed as tidal falls crashed.

Ronald looked to the air from his watery raft of driftwood. A dock's loosened plank from the nearest boardwalk had splintered away. He'd jumped right after it into the deepest cove before the cracking earth had gone to shudder back in defeat.

Ron had looked up into the sky and saw not a star to its splendor, only darkness that covered the moon. Cascading sea breezes were coming, signifying a turbulent storm approaching.

~It is, nothing…This island is a sunken treasure. ~ Ron choked back a sob. By gods…They were all dead because of him! Because of Sayu's weakness – it was what he hated about the sky. It rained now; a few drops now a thousand more. Tears from the universe. Who else could lose a loved one? Was this all he had left? His pride was to the depths. His honor…That, he had to salvage. This city was NOT under water yet!

He gasped and took in a breath.

~I'll go to the dead ocean if I have to! ~ The dog bellowed before his descent into the waves. All of back ink and riddled with red specks.

Blotches on - looking a pretty sky, now a picture of the netherworld's worst houses. Places even Izanami and the god's sibling could not journey.

Ron sunk as the waves carried him below. He had to get help. The sea of the Fourth. The southern wind….

The Sirens. He had to see if they could rise to save the human…

~What am I thinking? ~ He gasped and let his body twist out I an attempt to not float up. ~The sirens eat humans! ~

The waves emerged and pulled him up into the arms of something magical.

The sea foam being was something of two, not one.

Ron was upside down as the figures stood over the waves. The blue eyes, hair, and white dresses were something of a Greek origin.

~Ah! My dear relative! Don't worry! Mi hermano is back at the coast, he will tend to the hoards for us. ~

Ron…Recognized that sweet voice. Of a songbird's happiness. He gurgled out the water from his lungs. A trick to expelling venom or toxins from the body. A god's trick.

~You had us in quite a state, cousin. ~ The other voice was older. Mature and vain in more ways than one.

~Aria…and Esmeralda. ~ He grinned with his mouth open to the reunion. ~You…Are too late –

~What? We are stopping the real monsters! This is an illusion. ~ Aria exclaimed as Esme used her magic to drive away the beasts that were coming for the sleeping, floating bodies.

~What are they? Why is this. Not real, then!? I saw Aus-

~We were able to find the field that was kept to house each continent on this earth as a separate plane. ~

Esme explained with her arms really getting tired of playing shield to Aria's wants.

~We were sent to find you. Tokyo has been over - run by these shadow - dancing chimps. ~ Aria shuddered at the figures as they looked particularly hungry. Fish wouldn't cut it.

~As has Hungary, France, Britain, Italy, and Portugal; Europe's plane was unable to fight this new enemy. ~

Esme fought back her own tears as she held out, but…Her arms felt so heavy…

~Don't drop your guard! ~ Aria pushed up a wave by her magic and doused the demons with eternal waters. ~We cannot stay. The city is not dead. It is trapped in time. ~ She stated with a huff.

~Clifford can only keep the waters calm now, but they will gain strength –

~From what? ~ Ron gritted his jaw as Aria levitated him close to her nose. She looked him in the eye with a serious gaze that seemed to teleport them both. Something was off. She was very upset. Aria…Was doing the right thing?

~From the humans' dreams. That virus was no more than a detonator to this world. The humans are manifesting something that only the gods can in their domain. ~

~Chaos…~ Ron gulped, knowing that humans were dull if not sharpened over time. They could learn well, yet still find fault in every little instance. They were hungry, like these shadows.

~They may return to their lives only once they are freed from the ring master of this circus. ~ Aria knew a finale. She'd been the famous Andrea Grotto in the heart of Europe for a few years. She now ran a large talent corporation that had located Alicia's reincarnated self. Her vassal, Lisa Viscado.

Right now, Lisa could be in danger. A way to help Aggie to have her powers back, was through Alicia's influence. They had to merge their gifts… But now, she was all on her own. Somewhere in….

/

Lisa was sure that the wind would stop howling eventually. She'd left New York only a few days before the metropolitan center had been hit by a locust swarm so large, that it had blacked out the entire city's skyline in an instant.

As Lisa kept by her cell (which was charging up to max power,) the woman's bassist had gone down to check on the street for a better signal.

He'd not gone long, but he'd not come back now it what seemed like ages.

Her keyboard roomie was out in the lobby, trying to see about making it to the gym of the hotel's before they had booked it to Berlin's annual rock festival that late summer. Wasn't it autumn, though?

~It has not changed. The only change in your world has been its appearance. ~ The ghostly whisper of Alicia Daia did not end back at Andrea Grotto's corporate office. Even Piper had tried to explain that she'd been in a traffic jam on the way to the band's flight's take off. Thankful to her bandmates for coming to her rescue, Lisa refused to look out the window.

She had a feeling she'd regret that decision if Alicia's voice had been correct. Those words of warning had her hairs standing upright.

"What do I do…" Lisa bit her nails as she sat and waited for her band – mate to return. No one showed.

"I'm going out there –

"Clyde! Are you crazy, bro?" There, out in the hall, her two bandmates left came barging into her hotel suite. She jumped and was about to protest, but Dillon calmed her with as sigh. "Sorry, it isn't safe. We could not find…" He stopped. As Lisa nodded, the two men came in to sit down on the attached living area. It was a pretty nice place for a minimalist culture such as Berlin's. Or was it farther north?

Dillon DuPont glared at the bassist; Clyde Richards, as if he'd drag him back to his seat, kicking and screaming towards the door.

"Dill, I'm serious enough about checking on 'Timmy." Clyde rolled his eyes and huffed. "Tim may be a big boy, but he's prone to getting sucked into the next bi –

"Tim, is not a baby you can take care of." Dillon shook his head. "He's one of us, and we take care of each other. Lisa's been super chill till now. Hey, Lis! Anything by the window –

"Huh?" Lisa turned to Dillon and Clyde. Her drummer and her other main man on guitar waited on their esteemed vocalist to drop a rap.

"Tim soo has to be stuck out in the artist's alley or –

"And what if he is? Why are you flipping out? We called him twice. He'll get back to us. Not like he doesn't have reception and G.P.S."

Clyde snorted and waved an arm in the way, purposely to pick on Dillon for his own natural habit of bossing around his family.

This, was family. Wasn't it?

"As if Lisa is not afraid. She's got a bigger heart than you have right now –

"I'm not getting dragged into your fights." Lisa coughed and had the two quiet down. "We'll keep watch, but according to the news, we should stay in our rooms tonight."

"Why? Did you NOT see all of those wicked zombie films? Staying put is going to make us sitting ducks. Whatever got Tim is not coming after me." Clyde went for the exit, just as Dillon dragged his arm out to stop the drummer from making a fatal error that would ultimately, put them all in danger as well.

"You are goanna get him…-

The outside was like a cave that led past dozens of bats, rats, spiders and salamanders for some reason.

"Eww! What is going on!" Dillon slammed the door shut before Clyde could get them into even more trouble.

"Lisa, we'll go through the window…. Do you have the sheets from your hotel bed? Good, use them to make a rope. We are not going to end up spider chow." Very frank and - to the point – all -hands -on – deck Dillon brushed back his long dark hair and swept it into a bun. He'd gotten into the habit on their run around Argentina. A very fun fashion to the sports crowd.

"Did you get that bright idea from one of those Japanese escape games, dummy? -

"Quit it, yeah. An' so what?" Dillon spat at the negative Clyde. "You come up with anything, then let me hear. Cause' I'm the only one besides Lisa who actually gives a flying fuck!"

Lisa and Clyde quickly took to his advice and fastened the line with a swift knot here and there. This had to be a mistake. The TV…Did not say that they'd end up inside another dimension!

/

As Kori looked to Cyborg for their next answer, and Raven, she had this sinking feeling in her chest.

A rumble broke the moment they had to call it, peace for now.

"What! Dude! The dog is in the sky! Look! Is that…"

Gar gawked and pointed while the Titan newbs stared out from the sidelines.

"It's not just Kay, Changeling." Dami pointed at a darker steam of energy that was right beside the eastern dragon. Yup. The boys were back in town –

"Take cover!" Blue beetle saw the two and panicked. They were getting ready to dive bomb the Tower!

"I'll stop them." Raven nodded as Kori and Zatanna jumped on board. "Damian, watch the city. Cyborg, keep Kori and Dick's kids safe."

"No problem." Cy nodded and Damian got to work doing what he did best.

"Go team! Kick those dogs to the curb!" Gar hollered up at the Titan women before Miss Martian had the sense to psychically box him for the comment. "They are our allies. We have to find out what they want before we can brand them as full – fledged enemies." She said this wisely, dictating that no one was more loyal than a guardian dog. As if they had no other choice.

/

~H- How did we teleport?! Doogs!~ Hakuro shouted as Kayu kept the kid company.

~Cool it, you white washed newbie! We are just getting the Titans' attention. Vee's just going to push their buttons so no one's –

~How horrific! ~ Gawked the light being in a desperate way. ~ You are truly more youkai than gods! I should report this! You hear me! ~

~I read you loud and clear, you lil' louse! They took the bate. Kay? Talk him to sleep, would you? ~

Kay's dragon ears fumed full of smoke as he snorted out angrily. ~Well! I'm for sure not repeating goddamned history in the worst of times! Leave me be! –

~We cannot fight! This only fuels the enemy's strength! So…

STOOOP!

He wailed out, as if that power could not be kept silenced by the pup's promise. Verra had lost control and could not see. His light, Hakuro's magic was too bright! Now he really was going down into the tower! For real!

/

Kori swooped in as Raven readied her magic. She had no reason to fear. Love and loss, she had her –

It was just a mirage. As Raven dropped her hands, trying to lift them back up, but…She saw him…. Her…

~Mal…Malchior! ~ Her eyes were wide, tears almost slid down her cheeks, had it not been for Zatanna's shout out to her senior.

"Raven! Are you ok!?" Raven was shocked as the figure's face soon slowly disappeared from the air. She'd definitely seen him. His magic…She soon recovered hers and lifted up her arms. A curse instead of a casting though, clouded her thoughts as the empath braced for impact.

~ Azarath Metrion ZINTHOS…MORTIX!~ She gasped at the last word; an old friend had…. Possessed her mind. Her casting backfired. He was still the one that held the former child of Trigon back.

She gasped and treaded water as the sea was able to catch her. Kori rushed in, but the waters had arms to pull you down. ~RAVEN!~

As Raven spat out her lungs and was pulled deep, deep below the waters of their harbor, she pleaded one last time…

~Let me see his face… I want to know that it wasn't a lie…~

~I'd only lie under such short circumstances, love. ~

Raven turned her head and saw him. His body cast in that silver armor as both Rorek and Malchior, his cursed body that was rarely a threat.

~Why did you come back? Is this all because of Eris's magic? ~ She questioned; her eyes still open as she crated a force field to keep the dying souls away. He looked to her from on a rock in the water. A cliff as she looked him in the eye.

~I'm a ghost, actually. ~ He told her truthfully. He checked out his arm and she saw how intangible he was. Her heart almost sank as she tried to stay alive in those dark waters. ~Are you here to kill us? To hurt my friends? ~

~I'm here to boost your magic in any way that I can. Hakuro's light in a way, made this all but a reality. ~ He said this with a bit of hope in his dragon eyes. ~ I want to help you, Raven. Just tell me what I should do. I've sworn an oath to be your right hand. Even in death. ~

~Why? ~ Raven was speechless as she tried to grasp why his puppy dog days had not died with his sacrifice.

~Why are you torturing yourself like this? If you don't move on, you could –

He swam up to her and she, had trouble being close to those eyes. They were Malchior's, not Rorek's. Yet she'd loved the dragon side more than the wizard…Hadn't she?

~Love in your world certainly has its boundaries, though I recalled once, one simple mistake at the time of my death. ~ Raven's eyes narrowed, hoping he was lying again like he always had…

~I died, yet not as a hero. I was no more a soul – less wanderer. So, as punishment for my ungracious leave, I am sure you'll love this –

~No, you are too late…~ Raven shook her head. He had to be crazy. This had to be Hypnos's work! Where were her friends! She couldn't face the past, not yet! The city was still in need of –

~I'd never really gotten to be that hero from your dreams, Lady Raven. ~ He knelt onto his ghostly knee to have her tremble at his stance.

~I was fighting for her, the council's catch and…It wasn't the same…-

~You wanted Ravenna, that's why I was just there to help you see her again –

~That, was how it began, at least…It was supposed to have ended with her having forgave my transgressions. Yet, I did not love her as I may have not been quite honest with you then…~ He smiled the way Greg did behind the scarf on his face. Hiding his dragon's fangs for life.

~You were my everything. I was, just a soldier who'd stood frozen or ran off before discovering my true feelings. THAT is why I cannot move on, until I have finished my last and final task. ~ He roe, as she could only feel the hopeless array of trust in his tone. His, love…Had always been her…Rorek was the one who'd said it…But, they were one in the same…

~Raven, provided I can only do good on this new divide from hereon, I wish to become your protector. ~

This was just like Chris and Ava. She was almost hearing that warning in the back of her mind, but…It wasn't loud enough.

~Only; Only until I've finished with my fabled quest and then…~ He sighed as if this were his time to expire. ~ Being that I must, remain yours, however you wish of me. ~ Raven put a hand to her mouth. No, that was…She was going to keep him? Like a familiar? She was a witch, not a demon!

~Malchior…This, this is not a good time to –

~I can grant you my magic rite. ~ He said this in exclamation.

~If I am rejected, then I will not be allowed my journey onwards as you spoke. Death summoned me when I'd destroyed my brother Kyrios in that world that Roku had summoned up form his memories of that taboo plane of existence. I was beside myself, thinking only of what you had wanted. That I was supposed to find my way. Death however, would not allow me rest. As he said clearly; I am still of sin's wrath and will only be well to move on unto the afterlife, once my inner struggles have all been but realized. And then, it hit me whilst I stood gawking. I was not able to stop the dragon as we'd promised. Raku now, the rumor goes, is still all – powerful. ~

~Wait! ~ Raven halted his explanation. ~Raku, you know his real name? ~

~We all did for a time. When a child of the dragon's is sired, he's cursed to seek out his king or to perish. So, the Forbidden Myth tells it. ~

~As if you returned to the void…. Of creation! ~ As the color in Raven's drained, she realized that her time here would be cut invariably short, should she drown while greeting the once love of her interdimensional life time.

~I'll save you, so do consider my offer. If Malchior thrives, I'd not know what to call of my future. For you see, the reason I want to reincarnate, is because…~

He was disappearing, just as he'd used his magic to lift her safely to the shoreline.

~Goodbye for now, sweet Raven. I'll pray for your success, even in death, should my soul eternal be disregarded…. ~

She closed her eyes and said in a whisper. ~ I will, you need me and…. I also, do…~

/

Slade's first response was to duck. While Cici's was to have her spider end the existence of every drone protecting Eris's domain.

Raku held close as Eris's cage could only be altered, not torn apart. Raku swung as an ornament from the priestess Crescendo's neck. A nice touch to hopefully fool Eris as she sat and awaited their arrival in silence.

~ That…That killer – bee disgusts me. I knew she was nothing but a broken toy, a voice I could not hope to squash. Oh well. Medusa! ~ She commanded her ally to come by her throne, and the snake woman did.

~ Yes. Lady Eris –

~ We'll have none of that, today. ~ Eris waved her palm and turned the snakes on Medusa's head to violently attack each other. She laughed with her burning eyes on the scene. Her dais a metallic gold, just as her glittering apples. She pulled out one and twirled it in her palm. Looking down at Medusa, before talking into the apple's hand with a frown on her face.

Medusa panted as she had gotten to her knees, knowing of the transgressions in her past with Athena…

She could not be the one to make that mistake of harming the reputation of another female goddess.

~I…. Am very sorry, my queen! ~ She bellowed out as Eris rolled her apple gently in one hand. The snakes had regrown themselves. A curse on her by a difficult other, sibling….

~Do be, you let the only one capable of usurping my rule, escape! ~ Eris tossed the apple at the snakes as they bit into it. Getting uglier and larger due to their lack of character. What would a magical snake wish for, you ask?

~ And the stupid girl Daia, has joined him! I am surrounded by morons like you…Who cannot hold your all in this modern era. ~ She piled on the insults, the guilt, the ridicule. Medusa had been in charge and had left the door wide open. Why had she revived a silly gorgon? As if they shared a past! She'd also been raped by the god of the sea! Medusa should have woken her arse up in time, but no.

~ The harpies are on them as we can –

~The god awful 'screech - owls? ~ Eris laughed. ~ They are pitiful. The ring leader is a man with asexual tastes. HHhhhhh09u80hvuuyHhHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhjhhnjjjj

Medusa opened her jaw to protest, but Eris summoned up another apple to toss not to the snakes, but to the tortured Medusa.

~My queen, there must be some –

~Are you questioning your ruler? I have granted you that apple because I know you cannot fail. ~ She smirked from her throne. ~ Athena was cold, I shall be just. You will denounce your silly faith to that owl witch eventually. ~ As Medusa gulped, she saw that Eris was true to her promises.

~If I am to succeed, I will be forever yours, my queen…~

Eris bubbled up with joy. Her cherub body was thankfully, now taller than it have been upon her arrival. She'd gotten her dark looks back, and soon. When this world no longer existed, she was bound to incinerate it all.

~Go. Erase Miss Daia, and leave my treasure for your queen to punish as she sees fit. ~ With a curtsy, Medusa vanished into the halls, just as a few more were by her door.

Waiting to snatch up the golden god's apple of discord, she'd be the last to fall by a god's wrath. She'd only fall to one other. Her beloved Athena. That sadistic prick of a deity.

/

Koko had a reason to hurry through the portal along with her companions. As an unofficial Universal by rank and title, her father would need there to be cooperation with the new Guardian heir; Ami Grayson. She was not Japanese, but had clairvoyance and the ability to call on the gods of that plane to the east. It might have been a mistake by the last Amaterasu, however, she had her dogs from the spirit domain to keep her company. A strange blight on the once – great goddess's good name.

Ami was cute, but nothing like the goddess of the sun. Her allies; ally, Kaede, was a kitsune with only a few extra tails that she'd earned from having protected the heiress of Amaterasu's legacy.

Kaede had lost a sister. Haru was the actual younger, and from what Koko had learned, the two had been more so twins of the lunar cycle.

Yet, Ami was supposed to inherit the sun's rites. So, why did the foxes fall under wood and the moon?

/

Dick stood as they fell, onto a flat sheet of fractured concrete. It over looked from the sight, Titans Tower in the distance. They were in California. And Vespa had stuck around, to their dismay.

~She's planning to pull that scythe out on one of us. ~ Dick gritted his teeth and dared not show his doubt to his youngest child.

Kori floated above. Her eyes shone as she tried to use her inhuman strength to redirect the body crashing forth as…

Kay's dragon?

"Dad!" Ami finally spoke without a need for the speak to reserve her magic energies. "Why is mom fighting –

"I don't know yet, sweetheart." He said to his little girl, who was already fourteen. She'd never grown too old in his eyes. Her naivety was still there. Fresh in his mind as a young fawn to its parent, wary of the world surrounding it.

Here was a place Koko had only heard of from an old ally; Malchior of Knoll, on the battlefield against the dreaded army of the once – despised Dragon Lord Roku. She had tended to the exiled Lord of Knoll's wounds within that encampment as a healer from the east. For she was. She was stronger, while he…

He'd been something of an anomaly. A creature with very little to reveal. His essence had changed, but the dragon in him had lost its power, in the end…He'd been absolved towards stopping the evil madman and Prince Kyrios. His own blood, lain to the dead lands for all eternity. Kyrios was Greek for King. Yet, he'd been coerced by the same evil forces that had taken Lord Malchior's mother and his kingdom away, so the legend went.

Kyrios had also turned into a dragon, and so, the two had died together. While neither of their souls had been spared by the keepers of the Afterlife.

He'd also had a mistress, or so this story lost itself to a brief pause.

Kori gasped as the wall of the tower was hit by Verra's unpredictable massive head. His dragon form was blinded by a strange light as Starfire screamed out for Raven's aid. Dick and Ami, Kaede, they all covered their faces while running towards the glaring lights above.

Vespa looked from behind her scythe as it deflected the blaring signs, that the trouble maker was NOT a guardian. She smirked as he tried to fall back with his magic. At least, no a guarding force that was supposed to be present at the time. She noted that this figure was he – the light hermit and former aspect of the dragon's son Richard Ainsley.

~He'll be put back into that white room without a fight from me.~ Vespa saw how the kitsune sided with the most troubling of the group. And that girl, Ami? She had goddess – magic in her body and bones. Vespa saw this as a mistake on the dying Universal's part. Never entrust the rites of the Eternal to mere mortals.

Again and again, they were living safe – houses for the Elemental of Shadow's kin. They were easier to have, though could not be kept. The humans today did question fate out loud. Even Vespa had fallen prey to this rogue expression of free thought. It had left her a drunken soldier; come back from war with her arrows a -quiver in her steely grip.

Vespa did not understand why Kay had stayed. Why Veravakumu encouraged the pattern.

Why she, somehow wanted to know what it felt like to be, again. All her work was for Chronos to dictate to his pupil, was that no soul was guilty until proven otherwise. Thus, she questioned her place.

Now, this father and daughter who stood before Vespa had her question a deep part of herself. Had she even known her parents? What was her younger self like? Was she just as untrusting as her elder form?

Vespa, again had no answer to that. Nor did Chronos; he who had the world in his palm.

Ami, Grayson, the fox and her wolf sister. Koko had an interesting aura up close, she noted. Compared to Ami, Koko had a royal raiment above her skull. A showing of such power, a god's relic.

She was no ordinary ally. But, more.

Vespa shrugged and rushed in after Kaede, who gave the shifting soul -taker a wild look. As if her guard was on full – throttle. They'd met in Tokyo before the fall of the human race. She'd been in the form of a high school gyaru. A title next to Beverly Hills and its fancy- free characters. Stereotyping was all fun and good, until someone lost their heart along the way. Heck, Kay was a fool for having left without a …. She had left much sooner, to find her new teacher.

She had to say nothing, but nodded as if to not look directly into the fox's vision. She was a hound. The fox could outmatch her wit, but not her speed.

/

Raku, Slade, and Cecilia were not the only three to fall from grace. Sten, Abeni, and Klara had met their matches in each of the foxes' designated holes in the ground.

Klara was busy testing her wiles against Lothos; a reborn maniac in the form of a painful story he did not wish to relay. Actually, the Lothos that Anna had fought was close to the same, astrally projected by the witch Eris and her magic powers.

This Lothos was like the one that had faced the Titans earlier, a real dare – devil in action.

She shouted to the ones still unpossessed by this new threat's power, her eyes not torn from their suffering as another dog's might have. She started to burn at her core. Icy feeling could not catch her.

Yet her country, was overrun by…. By, monsters!

~You have no choice but to surrender, little girl! ~ Lothos cackled from his cloudy street corner. The illusion of fog over the area made it possible for him to be everywhere at once.

~No! ~ Klara shouted back, her fists shaking angrily.

~I will face you, demon! You will hand back over their minds and hearts! These humans, I protect until my day to depart! –

~Why not today?~ The evil astral – born male grinned and sauntered by without a care. The demons the shadows had been born into; their human hearts mashed as bile to a ripe banana, Klara forced herself to stand up for her belief that humans, were not the cause of the god's demise from the heavens.

~You were a king in those legends. ~ She said this quietly. Lothos strained an ear to hear the child's babble – talk.

~A king does not kill because he enjoys the screams of his people. That is a murderer! You are no royal – the great wars have ended. There is no more –

~Wrong, child! There is! And he…Has the power to end this illusion…~ He smiled. Klara's eyes were tricked by the blanket of darkness across his back. Wings, or a cape. He was a sorcerer. An evil magical being. He could care less what happened to the gods!

~The true ruler hath no form. He is not a he. Nor a you, nor I. It, exists to wander, to seek and to relent and to thrive. As a virus trapped in that throat in which you hope to awaken your kin, with that pretty voice…~ He hissed back.

~You make little sense, monster. ~ Klara gulped, a little spooked by the story. ~Then, what are you doing on this plane? ~ She instigated a way to have him, spill the beans. ~ Why are you telling me such tales? ~

~I don't think a lamb should question her fate…~ Lothos slid back as his claws came out from amid the shadowy cover. ~Before her dying day! –

~Don't try anything, monster! ~

Klara gasped as a spirited tan fox hit the evil miser in his right side. Like a ball of lightening, Abeni too had come to her senses.

~Abeni! You came? What about –

~We are being tricked. ~ Abeni snarled at the ghastly figure her ally had been forced to face on her own.

~Ahh?! But, what about these people? ~ Klara exclaimed, worriedly all around the two.

~We will free them…but for now, follow my lead! ~ Abeni saw Klara nod and shift into her fox counter - self.

~I will save my country. You are right! ~ She sniffed and with a grin, the two took the initiative. Verra was counting on them. Going back, Abeni had only just met her allies months ago, it seemed.

Now, they were fighting a really powerful foe, together. The odds of a win weren't enough. The foxes had to form a ring around the Earth. Abeni soon had an idea.

~Klara! Your song! It can unite the masses and break the demon's spell! ~

Klara stood, dumbly trying to grasp the idea that SHE was the incarnation of the goddess Athena. But the other Athena was weaker, more spiteful. How could she be the same figure?

Maybe love wasn't lust or desire, but the drive to connect.

She started to shine. Her eyes were light. Her pink hair was a – lit as well, her feet did not touch the ground as her magic came forth. Abeni nodded and brought her hands out to her sides. ~ Elemental siblings!...WE CALL UPON THEE TO PROTECT THIS PLANE! THE THREAT IS REAL! FIGHT! BE AS ONE! PROTECT THIS EARTHEN DIVIDE!~

She felt her earth- magic growing. A neutral stance as she called out to the foxes as she'd proposed. World – wide, they would save the humans from total obliteration.

/

When you take the pain of someone else's, does it really make a difference? Are they like you? Trying to find something that makes them happy? Wanting to be where they are, instead of…Disappearing?

Aiden had trouble seeing through the end of anything he'd set out to accomplish. Shit, he'd believed that having Raku away from his oppressors was enough. It was never enough. Raku had still been captured, against his real desire to be like everyone else, without a fighting chance.

Aiden had to un - do his mistakes. Raku's dark magic was not his anymore, or rather, the torch; the tween's light magic of the hidden sun factor, was his to hold onto. That way, the darkness would not eclipse the eclipse god's sun.

~It did that to his dad, and that's why he couldn't protect kid Raku in the past. The darkness of his own power took over and he killed himself trying to keep it away…~

Aiden wondered if this fight could finally prove that he WAS serious about helping to save his new…Contracted? Was that why Raku had refused to undo their bond? Did he expect things to go so sour?

~He can't protect anyone like he wants to. ~ Aiden decided to drop when the time came to fall. The forever, winding tunnel wasn't a normal passageway as the floating topple from before into Ignito's domain. Yet, what were….Those gates so golden? By no means could he hope to place it.

This was a tunnel. A place to find the time when the light at the end reappeared, and to –

~There! I'm coming, guys! –

A shadow pushed at Aiden as he sprawled forth. His eyes still on the glowing appeal of his only way back to Earth. ~Huh?~ Aiden quickly looked behind his shoulder. He saw only the dark that he'd breached; the tunnel vanished as it wavered on throughout his vision. The laugh he heard, however, was too mcuh.

/

~Oh, my! You must be…. Aiden? Haha! Welll….. Funny! ~

The freak in the mirror.

The demon from Apep's last list of digested materials. Aiden shook his head and clawed at the ground where he'd fallen to his knees. ~No…No, you…You aren't here! ~ He refused to believe a dark side could win out and return. He viciously shook his head. Once taken, it could not be returned, that was what everyone had said.

~Did your big sisters leave us behind, bro? I'm here, and I won't ever let you go again…~

Aiden scuttled on the floor backwards. Looking for the dark to open up that light a little bit…-

~Agh! ~ Aiden's leg was pulled forth into the view of that silver – tongued devil's view. He hissed, grinning, then frowned and scowled at how he could not grasp Aiden's attention so easily in this, body he possessed for himself. He was of doubt. Of a lack of control and a rage Aiden had denounced as a mistake. His existence was NO error. He was alive and ready to take back his role. As a regulator for the Universal gods.

The alter -self known as Aiden Grayson would PAY for tossing away shadowy dark side like that. He was a part of Aiden. A soul that existed as each person too owned a demon to help with their growth. A life lesson not yet learned; and because of Aiden's new abilities in Manifestation magic, he still had a lot of lessons to dish out before the kid could save anyone's soul from heading straight for the pit.

~You let that stinking, damn god use me as a toothpick! I'm you! ~ He cried out and slammed a palm into Aiden's shoulder. Knocked back a few feet, Aiden was closer to the doorway home than the damned shadow of himself…. Wanted.

Why?

~I'm not going to apologize. ~ Aiden shook his head and huffed, holding his shoulder as he chose to rise. He'd find his time to run towards the door. It had to be soon, or Raku would…

~I heard it all. ~ The shadow rolled its eyes and remained rigged. Leaning forwards as if he were thinking about something, he instigated more; hoping Aiden would instead make him a bargain to get free.

~You would rather help the one who got ME put away, rather than put HIM behind bars! You loser! That's sympathizing with a killer! If only you'd trusted me! I could have stopped him! I'm that strength! I'm your fire, your courage to do away with the unknown…~

He came; fists bared and full of fire - power. Aiden ducked a blow and played a - MayTricks (Matrix) Reloaded on the guy. He had been worried before that Raku had once also had a dark side. Yet, he'd given the kid a chance. His dad had failed in doing so, so Roku had never been stopped. His son had even tried, and had been ripped from existence for doing so.

All those souls, selves, anyone who couldn't see the child crying out, he must have been tired of fighting.

Raku wanted to prove himself, but his past and his powers had gotten in the way. He wanted a normal life, deep down.

And this shadow he fought? Aiden's dark side? It just wanted to appeal to the one who'd gotten stronger – to find the easy way out. The ones who had wanted Roku destroyed in a violent end to end….

Aiden stopped himself.

~End to end all ends…. That was it! We can't kill him! ~

The shadow saw the hope in his creator's eyes and flew after the other blonde.

~~~You won't escape here…. Without saying that I'm you! That I deserve to return! NOT…THAT… TRAITORR!~~~

Aiden tried to think as he dove again and rolled out of the way of the blonde shadow's blow. His shoulder was bruised up, he had to think harder.

Or the Earth would not make it to tomorrow!

/

Finally; back to Berlin's angst filled, hide – away…

Slade had to keep an eye on Cici for a lot of reasons. One; she was a liability. She had a throne, a mother who had no disowned her eldest child. A goddess who still wanted her pupil back (as far as the rumors had been throughout this awful adventure,) and a devilishly diseased, mutated deity who believed that Cici had betrayed her trust. Cecilia was a walking target. Slade could go if he wanted to, but the curse was not lifted completely until Eris fell from her chair.

A very, high chair for a very petite child at heart. A dour sort of white knight at her side (Ares,) may have placed the idea in her thick skull. Slade could tell she was not the plan it and make it big sort of goddess. He on the other hand, was a war god. He had a reason to rip the Earth from its place in the wide solar system.

Technically, he was an alter from a separate time -line. Maybe even a dog in disguise. He certainly looked like a comic book character. Just like the rest of –

~We've made it. ~ Raku saw as well, as Slade was pulled from his thoughts to find a new door. One that was similar to the doorway that had kept all of an Interdimensional hell (Trigon's hell) in check.

From behind its walls, there could only be something precious that the Goddess of Chaos wanted kept from plain sight.

As Cecilia touched the frame of the doorway, she suddenly shrunk back, a mutation had been awakened as the door turned into something more than what it seemed.

~Oh, the thought of it all, non? You; three anarchist souls, going against our queen –

It was not a door, but a replica as Charl appeared with his witty charm and eyes held directly at the trio.

/

~Caught up, are you? What are a princess; a death – row escapee, and an inexpensive assassin, doing looking for trouble? ~ He enjoyed pulling out that word, not realizing that Slade was not a friend to banter -boys and their silver tongues.

~ You don't look very threatening. Now, hand yourselves back over and stop running away –

~We are here to undo Eris's plans. We were running from far worse than you can hope to imagine. Being safe in her arms is an illusion, Imp sire. ~

Cici said this to make her point clear; imps were those who feared enough to follow, never lead. Her regality showed by her limitless confidence. When before; she'd sensed something to be amiss by her powers of keen observation and perception, here, she'd not needed a series of guides to follow along to.

~Well, my dear. Seeing as I should be the one to break it to your heart; is it really the wisest choice to trust a turn - coat? Or a killer who took your sibling's life for granted –

~We'll discuss a punishment for either reason back in our realms, respectfully. ~ Cici frowned with a low growl in her throat. She did not like to decide on punishing anyone here, nor should she have to. Charl was the one who needed to step away from the real door he'd been guarding.

"You are not being cautious enough." Slade strolled by and used his persuasion to waltz close up to Charl's snobbish face. "We aren't going to budge. What about you? Wouldn't your queen be unguarded if you let us by?" He prodded unforgivingly at the ex -knight's chest. Asking for a fight, knowing he'd have his chance to push long enough to keep Eris's path cleared for their arrival.

"Why are you trying to hide how weak you really are? She's already an open target thanks to your wasted efforts…"

~A demon speaks with you voice. ~ Charl nervously chuckled. Amused by how this human's voice held a lure overhead. He was more power - source eater than the demon's queen. Humm…

"Why not win back your freedom with a duel? ~ The shifter imp smirked, eye to eye with Slade and his mask- less appearance. Getting to stand a few feet back now, Slade stood and snorted at the stuffy evil, before turning away with his dingy trench coat hitting the floor.

"Who's fighting? You?" Slade cocked a brow and thought the monster was wasting time by his antics as he chuckled that retort. Surprising Cici by his cocky appearance. Eris would be sentenced, just as he wanted to go back to his droll existence as a retired killer for hire. Some place cold, in the northwest? No, in a hell colder than his current plane of "existence."

~No, no! It would be…My queen, of course –

~We'll have her then. You are simply saying you'll expose her to us. ~ Raku looked to Cici and nodded.

~We won't be in her way long. She'll have sworn her own end with her silenced vows, entitled as a goddess. I know of these roles the high orderlies play. No questions to remain. Should we then, take this imp's word as to pardon his impudence? ~

Slade grumbled to himself as Charl tapped his foot. The door was closing and this smelled like an obvious trap. Charl was no rat. A fat house pet, but not a rabies – prone rodent. It was too soon as his lips geared towards a widened grin again.

~Well! A great deal of heroes would have fallen into the River Styx to have such an honor! You, are the first to call your luck, petty. Insulting. Ah…Right then, there will also be –

"We'll go. And I will have two more fighters. Not just one, so shut up and lead us inside." Slade demanded, last but quickly. Charl raised a brow; not of his own intent, only following orders. ~And who will be your partners? ~

Cecilia was still not ready to push past her limitations. She could fall by Eris's tricks. But, Ares….

~Make it a three – way duel and we can start from there? ~

Slade nodded back, as did Cici and Raku.

Charl rubbed his chin in deep thought. With a wild smile, he had their attention.

~ Haa… Catchy... ~ He rasped.

Raku surprised everyone with his concise demands. ~If we win, you'll have Eris speak to me directly. We'll dissolve this mess in an instant. Earth will be returned to the state it had been before your drawn -together plans, not a soul left out of place. ~

His eyes were fixated on the imp's. He'd done unspeakable evil before. Charl didn't want to bow to a coward. Yet, he'd respect a hero…One who wasn't all there.

Slade looked to the boy inside the glass bobble as the grin Charl held was now back into a straight line. Neither male had expected much from their latest catch.

~Fine. We will see you inside, don't make a fool of yourselves! I'd hate to be an embodiment of the great Hermes, here. ~

Snickering under his breath, Charl; as he swept through the real doorway, beckoning the team of killers through it as well. Waving them to come along, to seal their fates.

~This is too soon. ~ Cici whispered to her companions, softly enough to keep from the imp. ~We are indefinitely being deceived –

~ And yet, he may know that already. ~ Slade frowned through the speak, temporarily and tried to not look her way, no matter how much her aura coaxed him back. He fought the moon child's lure.

He didn't know if he'd win against her strength, though that did not seem to matter as Charl had been eyeing this meeting like a spectacle - bedazzled and draped with lights as far as the eye could see.

Cici shockingly, saw to her flawed response and turned beat red. Slade cleared his throat and realized her power of seduction was still active, thanks to Eris's unwanted gift.

~We cannot focus if your minds are far too active. ~ Raku sighed and sat cross legged within the bobble. He reflection was that of a wiser male, one he'd not tapped into as easily as Hakuro had been capable of doing.

~I rest my case…We'll fight, though no one is to desert the other. ~ Slade agreed with Cici's quote. He was no wild beast, not an underdog. He could leave when the world was saved, plain and simple. Where though, were the Titans? He had to ask if they weren't going to be the ones to free the universe from Eris's master plan.

/

As Aiden's fight went on, as Eris's wait prolonged itself, a spook had set its sights on the villain's last master.

He'd lied and it made the creature vomit profusely. ~I…Evil…So, weak…~ Hypnos had been a double agent for another god of his world. He'd lied and brought the humans to their knees. Though, it was a time bubble. They'd be back to themselves once the Titans of Earth had completely erased all traces of the real mastermind's threat.

Eris was not the one. She'd started the war, but she'd not be the one to control the humans at will. Something else drove her. She wanted to rework the Earth; till it all over again and…

~Lord Erebus!~ Hypnos bowed low and gasped as the shadow cast was not his, but another's attempt to control the order of this plane by sacred means.

~I have made contact with the earthen foxes. The hounds were addressed. Yet, the guardians are not together to stop this criminal from its wants for chaos to rule. You have only made a mess, for the Eternal child of the Barrens is now without –

~Her protector was a threat, my lord. ~ Hypnos spoke out of turn to explain. ~She was in danger, so I brought not the worst from them, yet their resolve hath returned. She is freed of Hati's evil influence. The Chosen was swept through into a new world to find Ignito as you predicted.~

~Yet, his shadow was still. ~ Erebus frowned. ~ It still walked beside the boy with your eyes blind to this transformation. The sun god can rise again. The god Apep may eat his power away, yet it will always return to the bearer. ~

~Sir! The Chosen's then…!~

~Yes, his Shadow was not destroyed. This power is not to the kin of humanity. It was given as a metaphor of transformation. ~ The wise god said clearly.

~Even the son of Azag has a shadow… They cannot vanish for longer that it is dictated. The sun and light would not exist, and lo. I exist, so it shall not pass.~

~Then who would take light from the worlds? Eris is of Chaos, though she cannot…~ He was unable to talk. For he knew what light and life meant to a goddess.

~She intends to become a creator goddess. To birth a generation, just as we deity have stood long unto this era to allow… And the last…Oh gods, up high…I have failed you a you say, My lord…What must I do?~

~Rise, Hypnos. Brother to Death and his offerings. ~ Erebus waited for Hypnos to collect himself. This human plane was dangerous to the spirit and gods. That, and it could cause regret to form in your mind forever.

~I do not wish to serve her, this cover will be kept. Eris will be brought before the council…!~ Hypnos finally concluded as Erebus puffed out his chest. With a nod, he knew what came next better than his ally on the floor.

~See to it that the Chosen succeeds in stopping the true war criminal, for they are prone to outbursts much larger than that of a lone goddess's nature of intent. ~

/

Raku gulped as the deed had been done. Eris was going to push until there was nothing left to say or do.

Raven had definitely not seen a true spook. Malchior had been in those cold waters. She'd not decided him a dead man; not while she'd had the ability to sense the dying, and that fact that Immortals could not entirely go without good reason was maybe why his spirit still haunted her waking hours.

Maybe now it did. He'd even come to the conclusion that he'd loved her and not her reincarnated self; Ravenna of Asterion. A renowned prophetess and sorceress to the cult of Dodona. The Oracles of Delphi in the past's spirit world had predicted many events. One had been Ravenna being reborn more than she was willing to accept.

Prince Richard Ainsley had met Ravenna of his era in Ancient Spain. She'd been a seer to a king and queen who opposed the rule and name of the red lord. There had been a rebellion, and in this time – line, the few had also met The Puppet – master. His real face was a mystery, since Ravenna's time was a renaissance era. She had been very fond of Malchior of Knoll once he'd joined their merry band. Similar to….

The present day's predicament.

/

Gar watched as Ava paced the floor. Her cloak dragging behind as her eyes stayed fixated on the good and the unthinkable. Her brother was still not here. They'd made it through, but not –

~Dude! ~ Gar saw as the foxes had become active again. His hummingbird form swished over to the monitor. Raven had helped to put them to sleep, but the dogs were reckless. Hakuro was unconscious as well, save for Starfire who'd found Dick and her youngest daughter's team of kitsune and wolf – folk on the other side of the wide bay.

~Richard! ~ She called out onto the intercom. Ava looked up with a gasp. ~Dad! ~ She tried to see what the mess was that she'd avoided to see.

~What's happened to the guardians?~ She saw how they looked to have swarming, black flies all around their bodies.

~Garfield! ~ Cy called to B as he jumped up in surprise. ~ We're gonna go help out Rae and Star. You in? ~

~Old timey reunion? Uh, heck yeah! –

~Then, take me with you, please! ~ Ava begged from he sidelines. Raven's voice came back in waves through the monitor's speakers.

~No, it's too dangerous. The guardians were infected by something. Don't come outside the tower. Anyone else. ~ She warned as the swarm grew in height and mass, crushing out the connection.

~Turn away now, please!~ Kori screamed as the skies went dark with the presence of a forbidden evil. One that made the other ex- hero and his little miko daughter covered their faces from the blow -back of silt and water from the bay. Kaede and Koko acted and picked up both Dick and his kid, saving them from the shouting typhoon coming their way.

~But, mom!~ Ami channeled her shout out into the wind as it never reached her mother in time. The girl's tears were real as the dark waters and dozens of soul-less insects dragged down the two female Titans.

~Mom! Auntie Rae!

~Mother! Hang on!! ~

Another shout had Ava look to the other direction. It was….!

/

Hakuro winced. Something was to the south, coming in as hot as a flying fireball from the –

~Wha! Did you see that! ~ Gar gawked and refused Raven's warning. He dove down to check on his family. This wasn't real. It had to be some illusion –

~Danggit! Sit tight is an order, Changeling'!~ Cy gripped the back of the hero's neck and even let him throw his mini retaliation until he'd tired himself out.

~But…. It has to be a fake illusion! We can't lose them! ~

~Not likely…Look! ~ Damian Wayne removed his arm from over his eyes and saw Hakuro raise his hand and fall to his knees at the sight of one more ally.

~It…. It is! ~ Ava was ecstatic; relief washed over her face. Her brother, was finally home.

/

Raku shrugged off the feeling that something was amiss, his eyes did not see that danger above his temporary team's heads in time to have it mean anything at all to their circumstance.

Eris was ready, and her magic was painfully vast. It greeted the night as a cloud watched over the living dawn; never to awaken, the end was growing far too soon to stop it in its tracks.

And Raku knew that his, Slade's, and Miss Crescendo's wishes were divided. They could bring the goddess down, or themselves if they failed to immobilize her.

Ares was sometimes too close for comfort as well. He and his crew could slip between voids, as if two faces in the crowd. Divided, yet never apart. Yet…

Raku sensed in Charl an impatience that was not unfamiliar to his evil – soul – self, Roku. Roku had known Charl as the shiftiest of the imps. He'd not originally been such a thing. In fact, he was no more than a turned human who identified as a real shifter- being. Yes! A copy - cat demon who had the human face to grace his public with a smile.

He was getting better at keeping that poker face. Much, better.

Raku wondered if Eris knew about Charl's adoration for other con artist kings and queens. That he'd wring her dry once the goddess had allowed this fiend a taste of her thanks.

Raku blinked. Why was he thinking of such suggestive ideas? The idea was…. He spoke then. Slade heard it, and even Cici gasped and was aware of the spell work.

~ Reveal thy figure. ~

Charl soon changed, as if on command by another master - for that had been just it!

Eris heard the racket outside her door and frowned.

She snapped her fingers and let the magic she wielded, currently do the talking.

Slade eyed the glass bobble prison as it expanded, letting Raku have enough room to grow. As if a creature encased in an amber glass so thin, it could shatter and blind the bearer of such a cursed punishment.

As Slade took note, he grabbed Cici by the shoulder and shoved them both from the explosive awakening.

Raku coughed as soon as his body could be found; his eyes peering back at a dozen reflections of himself from with all those amber shards on the floor. So many faces looking back. He jumped. Eris laughed as the doorway opened. Charl soon screamed as his body returned to a form that she favored most. Slade covered his face, just in case there was a catch. No gorgon tricks.

A long tailed, bat winged, dog faced monster that was a lap – pet at best was what replaced Charl. It scurried over to Eris as the wide doorway provided plenty of cover. Raku gazed back, dazed by the events once the shock had died down. It was quiet. Eris smiled with a toothy grin. She inhaled and then let out a long sigh.

~Ahhh…. You are just in time to see the end come, in My name. Won't you let it go, already? ~ She cocked her head Slade and Raku's way. Acting surprised, Charl in his doggie form clambered up Eris's young arms. He easily looped himself around the goddess's pale neck. As if she were in need of a warm-blooded reminder. A stole. He'd been bought and sold by HER protection.

~WE are here to defeat y –

~I will fight you, but I don't think it appropriate to not act like…Adults –

~ Are you saying you know of anyone else who fits that description, little girl? ~ Slade asked with his eyes as terrorizing as Roku's had been in Eris's past.

A snake in her doorway. Just a thought to put night…mares…Humm….

~Well, I could let you in…Or keep you out. Your choice, Patchy –

~Have their heads added to your offerings, my queen! ~ Charl said in his impish tone of voice. A scratchy, evil talk that knew nothing of pity towards the enemy.

~Hush, baby…I'll do what is right to own this land as my own…Now, go to sleep…~ She waited as Charl soon drooped, with his lids finally shut altogether. As Eris petted her pretty ferret, Cici spoke up. This all, reeked of chaotic energies. Eris wasn't at all immune as she'd explained before. It was all as if she were…Part mortal?

~You broke my heart, Daia. ~ Sighed the goddess to her forever - foe. ~ We had something special. Why'd you side with them? I thought you hated that mean dragon? –

~I did so, to undo the present that was strung before my eyes. ~ Cici said this carefully, but the words were there. She had no need to show her support to anyone who'd call her pretty.

~As thin as spider's silk. You hath unwoven the tapestry with your own hands. ~ Eris said this in a voice not at all as young as how she appeared to her enemies' eyes.

~I did not want love, only a truth I could not forsake…Yet, I had lost sight of it. You led my mind to grasp love as a way out. I chose something that was ultimately my demise. ~

~We could have worked out the rough edges in your thread of life. ~ Eris replied, smooth as spider's silk herself. ~I would have kept you away from those who had caused you to starve yourself in the first place. ~

~Not that it matters anymore to her. ~ Slade stepped in front of Cici as she shrunk back. It made sense. The moon goddess had a maiden's hair still left on this ones head. She was still to innocent to denounce the wrong persons for the right reasons. Poor lamb.

~So, will you know how to evade my curse? The power of love is lust, it is not within reason. It is of seduction, to ravage and to own or discard. ~ She stepped back and let the doorway widen a crack. Leaning against it, as if to beckon on Cici's sensual side to take a bite.

~I learned to perfect my spells due to being taken by the beast you now allow to guide your sorry souls. ~ Eris continued. ~ You; on the other hand, would turn to a man for advice? Why not make him yours, already?~

She snarled and let the step back turn into a leap for the dais. Eris returned to it, then placed Charl into the seat before returning to face her enemies in their spare hour. Her blue and red eye, respectively, were alight with discordant energies.

~I won't fight you alone. First up! ~ She clapped her hands as torches flickered throughout her domain.

Eris called on a crew member who had a bone to pick with Patchy – Galore.

~My queen hath made it very clear. ~ Two harpies and Medusa in her battle armor of a fallen priestess stepped out from before the dim light. Slade too stepped forth. He'd face them first, but Cici instead seemed to want this time un – wasted.

~Allow me. ~ She bowed a slight and gave the male a small smirk. ~Medusa and her kin are mine. ~ She proclaimed.

As Raku's form had also returned, Slade awaited another chance to step out of the shadows.

~Wheee!~ The younger Gemini twin and Ares stood before Slade's eyes. Much stronger by how Eris had wanted to see if her brother was so loyal.

Slade grunted and got ready to double in his hits. He'd have to be stronger than the war god, and faster than a Universal reject.

As Eris saw her chance to shine, she did so by wings of golden. She had a bone to pick with Raku, once and for all…

Raku gasped and readied his manifesto tome. His eyes soon died to ruddy brown and maroon. He blinked and gawked at the fact that…His magic was not working?... It was not there…. His book!

~Looks like you'll accept your divine punishment after all! What a sad end for you…Monster! Daemon – pig! ~

She stormed over at him and had the tween reach into all his strength, just to find a fleck of his craft still intact.

It was a spark, and if reeked of another's essence. Raku looked at his chest, white as a sheet.

~No…You…You promised me! No!~

She laughed over his body, but found his cowering to be too boring after the fight seemed to be a joke. It seemed to tire her to tears. It was, not what she hd expected. He'd broken himself? Where was the credit to go now!

~You are probably getting low with your…. Sugar! ~ She tugged out her apple of discord and grinned.

~See? You took them from my family, then you tried to use my golden lovelies to make your silly death – sauce! ~

Life wine…. From chaos? Raku looked up with his eyes bloodshot. No magic….As if starving from the inside…Why did his body reject him now?

~It did not work, though…You were a failure as a scientist, and a failure as a king! So, eat defeat! ~

The apple was shoved towards the crying pre -teen as he pushed her arms away. Somehow, she was not having much fun. He…. Was….

~Shit! ~ As Eris shouted and smashed the apple to the ground, she saw it in a mashed view and realized a solid blow was not the way….

~Come here….! ~ She dragged out her tendrils of dark magic to strip the brat of his tunic, though he had to bite her – and he won that way to avoid the same…. Raku could not stop. The panic was a mortal's fear! What was happening!

~Oh gods! ~ Raku screamed and fell to the floor, bawling and making his comrades anxious.

~Get it together! You are acting –

~Agh! ~ Slade felt the lightening strike at his back and spine.

Cici shoved the snake woman to the ground and sounded a spell by her lips.

~Dagger to the Alpen mage; heal my brother and remove what ails! –

~Sorry, sweetie!~ The harpies hugged at her torso, feeling all over.

~We are not satisfied! We want your flesh to burn!~

Now, SHE screamed, Slade growled out before shouting his cry to war, and Raku…

Eris stood with her fists crunched painfully to her sides. She shook, enraged by this freak – off.

~I…. WANT…. A REAL FIGHT! FIGHTME! FIGHTME!FIGHTMEEEEE!~

She whipped Raku with her magic tendrils. Ove and over and over, and over until his crying turned to gasps.

Yes…A little more…But…. But no! She had….

~HOWCANYOUBESOOOSICK!DIEDIEDIE!DAMNYOU!~~~

Ares shut his eyes from her fight and took after dragging Slade to his knees. The Gemini twin was having a real fun time, his tongue flippant and his wails of joy; sheer disbelief –

Then, his belly grew tender.

He fell, his face not planted far from the filthy earth.

~What's wrong? ~ Ares saw this and gripped Slade by his collar and dragged him in his strongest arm. The other, reached out towards the Gemini twin.

The cosmic order was strange. Slade had relived that feeling with Trigon's rise and Roku's fall. Yet, this was a stronger action than Raven becoming a portal.

With more gore as the twin's stomach split open, birthing a biting, pale silver blade with a golden light.

~AAAAAAGGGHHHHHH!~

The twin was in anguish all over again. Not only had a putrid intruder come through the veil of time and space, yet it had been the one to execute Kaien's role.

The twin had blood as speckled with stars and the arts as tar to shining crystal droplets. He fell to his demise into the sludge crusted earth, the same that had mocked his time here while he lay away -clinging to the past and future.

His past, not his future. He would die as stars always did. Into nothing.

Ares was in shock. Blood this well spilt was a carnal thing. It should be for lessons beyond a warrior's skill, he'd been taught.

Eris stood and her eyes were wet with the tears of a mad woman, a deadly adversary who'd lost her chance at happiness.

~If anyone is going to kill that slime ball of a king, it should be me…~ The dopple of Aiden's avarice had found a wormhole leading to this place, but Aiden had made it to his destination without…. Well, it was a creature of sin. He didn't care if it lived on his boots or not, under them as he walked towards Ares's outstretched pointing arm.

~You…. We can do away with the king, return to your shadow -land where ye hath been cursed to remain! ~

The evil sided blonde chuckled. He looked the same age as Aiden, not looking too beat up in the process. Manifestation. Raku was in tremors as he realized why his powers could not be summoned.

They were not his to command anymore.

Manifesto had chosen a new ruler to see to its completion. Aiden had been –

~Ah, then you want to beat him up too? I allow it! ~ Eris dragged her tentacle projectile to wrap round Raku's leg and pull him close; upside down and not a tear in his reddened eyes. He was unable to look away. He'd caused Aiden to…But, he'd been careful to hide his secrets! No one had to…

The Gemini twin done, Ares did for what he could to intimidate the intruder. Even if Eris liked how vile he was. She was done losing to her foes.

~Come, warrior. ~ She beckoned. ~ Ye shall assist your allies in laying siege to this world. We intend to birth another upon it! ~ She twirled over to Ares's arm and did not hesitate to bat her eyes his way.

~Right, brother? Beloved? ~

~Incestuous love…~ Cici saw this and gulped. ~You were already in love, why triangulate it at all? ~

Slade had a bad feeling about it as dark – Aiden looked over, uninterested in their petty ideals.

~Can I try something out? Won't hold up your, moment? ~ He asked this in a quick of wit way, trying to keep the bubble of Eros in check –

~Calm yourself, soldier. You do not want just this terrible dragon to skin…~ She swiftly mad her way back to her prey. ~You need the whole set to complete your task! Isn't that right, Patchy –

~You think I c-

~Agaacghh!~ Ares choked the male a bit to quiet him. Being a tall and giant man, he could do better against this meta – mortal by rite.

~Well, you seem to know more than I, so why not! Who is going to capture him? Your weak little posse? ~ Dark – Aiden proposed.

~No, no! And steal the glory? I have someone better…~

~Lady Roko!~

Roko was always to follow, for a curse was a curse. Raku lowered his gaze away. The blood rushing to his skull.

~I'd be delighted to show you punks how its done. Just, give me a door to enter…. ~ she said this, as if a shadow in the darkness. Stepping in heels that made your skin crawl.

Slade tried to pinpoint her location. Cici dragged her hand to touch the ground, alighting the torches, revealing the mistress's location.

She grinned back, almost a newly born Lilith in her stance. Such pomp and circumstance. Look, look at her powerful guise! She wanted to be seen. The dark was no place for a ruling force.

Her delusional state had granted her the right to oppose Eris whenever she could. For, she knew Eris's one weakness, not this dramatic ending before her eyes.

Something, far edgier.

/

~Are you, my escort? ~ Frowned Dark – Aiden as he looked her over with a low whistle. She grinned but not for him. ~ I will be, and the Chosen will be ours to rip apart as well. Follow me…through the dark…~

Cici's spell wore off as the torches went out, then the light returned – while Eris stood gawking.

Roko and Dark – Aiden had disappeared.

/

While Anna had been given her task deep underground, she found that a light at the end did not lead to the surface above.

Instead, it was a passage that wove into the earth. As if through…

Magic.

Her first instinct was to light the way by her powers once it grew too dark to navigate, though she saved her strength for the final battle.

Aiden would be ok. Ava, Aunt Rachel, Amelia, Uncle Garfield, Uncle Vic, Robin, Grandpa Wayne, Great Grandpa Pennyworth, her mom and dad, her crush from the squad, Chris if he wasn't….

Too long. She could pout about it later.

A narrow door that was battered and wooden was planted at the bottom of the tunnel. It could lead to anywhere. By magic. She gulped and summoned her courage. The door creaked open slowly…

Anna had seen this sort of scene in a movie once. As if Transylvania had met Ancient Egypt, she was not all that impressed.

~Who goes? ~

Anna turned to see a man with spectacles close a book in his hands, then the door slammed, while candles lit the room all over once it did.

She saw this defiant eyed figure as an unusually, relatable person. He was deep into his work; like her father or Shoji in his lab. His eyes were near red but, she choked. Roku!

~Don't take a step closer! Stay back! –

She was cut off as the figure turned of his torch lit halls to shine one eye over the quaking, angry woman. He knew her. Or rather, his counter – self knew.

His eyes scanned her as animal would corner its late-night snack.

~Hmm, you resemble the shining child. I was wrong to –

~Why are you talking to me? ~ Anna snipped back. This was the dragon, it had to be! Why had her inner voice told her to com here? Where was HERE anyway?

~Rude. So was he, maybe…~ The figure shifted and slowly slipped back, the lights returning softly on as Anna unfurled her fists.

~ What are any of us really doing here, I agree. ~ The male shrugged and shook his head, plainly detailing this event, as another would and could arise from this particular meeting.

~ You, read my thoughts…~ Anna gawked, her good plan to act on her idea of being a Chosen's protector…All squashed. Mind readers. Great…

~ I read books, and humans. Though I have something to –

~ I don't care what you want. Right now, I was…~ For once, she could not say it. Not to that face. It seemed clueless, unlike that dragon's toothy smile…

~Was…You did want to come to see us, right? ~ Roku in this time, wasn't the same. She could not place it well, but he seemed more like the guardians; miserable and standing alone prettily, wishing for a freedom that could never be.

He was not Roku…

~Then, what am I to you? Phoenix – accused? ~ Ignito wondered as his eyes lowered to meet hers. Anna could not hide her distress. He wasn't human.

~Sorry, I thought…. I was supposed to hate you. Am I –

~You look like someone HE knows, for sure. I just keep count as my creator allows. ~ The being shifted over to a shelf that housed a few unknown tomes. Well, he knew their pages. Anna had never stuck her nose into such a copy. A copy of The Apocalypse Crimes; the fourth was out on Earth in her, time…

~Who is He? He sounds like, God or something –

~He is he; I am…Well, I am him too you could say. Do you know of the self, the ego, and the aspects of the soul that all humans may perceive as a solemn truth? ~

~I think, it sounds like something my aunt…. Wait…Are you an aspect? As in HIS! –

~Well, that was short lived…~

Anna's feet toppled as the spell made the red head trip onto the stone ground.

~Quit it! Hey! No magic! I'm –

~Why are you so testy all of a sudden! ~ Chuckled the wise spell caster. He looked like a fox in man's skin. Like a mythical being come to push her buttons. Too many of Ami's posts had gotten into Ann's mind.

~I'm …I'm a human and so far, I found out why you messed up my brother's head; you aren't so tough. You needed a shield; A human one! ~

~liar. ~ The daemon dropped its arm. Manifesto was being taunted; he'd harm her if…-

~Stay back…~ He rasped and sent Anna's body into the wall away from his beakers and bobbles.

~ Door, go! ~ He used his other arm to open the doorway to the other side. ~Too…Many times…Manifest…. My slumber…. Do it! ~

Anna screamed as the doorway became a suction filled vortex as if ready to swallow her up.

~I hate magic!~~ She shouted as the rest had ended.

As the door slammed, Ignito shuddered the evil Manifesto's energies away. His head cleared; Raku had been he in a life after this. He'd always wished to evaporate into rain, falling onto an oasis where his memory was devoid of meaning.

~It is too much to feel. I want to sleep again…~ Grunting, Ignito steadied himself long enough to find a vile of the stuff Aiden had sipped.

It wasn't there.

He saw a trail of it had fallen, into the vortex….

~Oh no…Not good! ~ Ignito rustled his tunic nervously as he realized that the vile could do harm upon that girl's return to Earth.

~What to do…Yes. I shall. ~ He decided to stay calm here. That, was a Phoenix – touched child. A relic's avatar and one day, a being of magic. Anna hated witch -work, but it was not up to her to undo this fate. She'd sworn to a goddess that she could stand on her own two feet. A goddess's oath was far greater. The mind could shatter, or the heart could tear.

~Stay safe. Keep an eye on things from afar. That is my role. ~ Ignito turned to his tablets and scrolls. The earthen girl was in good hands. At least, Manifesto had not cursed her wings of a high order's flame.

She could still fly home, right into her brother's sights.

She had no where left to return.

Then again, why did we exist? The question could haunt the living. Raku knew the answer, yet as Ignito; which is why he never left this sacred place, why his tomes were a comfort. A wall against the true invaders...

His face was that of a hermit, the wisest sort of fool known to mankind.

/

Okay! So, besides Eris being an abusive prick, she also had a soft spot for Cici? I could think it the Greek harem of her era, maybe. But, Cici was not attracted to her, but now Slade? It's got to be the curse Eris placed on her prisoner and ex- partner.

Manifesto would be an alternate version of Roko or Roku, while Ignito was to Raku (and the king's eclipsed son turned hermit,) he WOULD have been had he not left the dune capital and joined Lilith. (Wattpad story!)

Ares is revealed as Eris's incestuous lover. Yup, we went there.

The Gemini twin was ripped in two by…. Dark – Aiden? His shadow was devoured after it tried to help Apep to get even with Aiden as the hidden antagonist of the blonde. His corrupted shadow is more like an eclipsed version manifested into form by Aiden's rage and anger, distress, etc. So, it is base on the same magic that made Roko really, being Raku was almost convinced that he should kill the jackal man who'd raised him, and killed his mother. Lilith was the one who laughed last, here. Raku had the ability, but never knew until it was too late. Rokou, Roko, and Hakuro, as well as Rokuro's dark self were all proof that his son had the same ability. The only one who did not have this power, was Malchior, Alicia, the two he'd discarded before considering them a later threat to his plans.

In a way, Alicia was not the only one; her father was a man who she'd never met. He was also a body snatcher who took the face of Catalina's husband and made it so Cici would not discover this truth first. In other words, she is ALSO the only one who turned and gained her abilities in a way that opposed Roku. She tried to play a Veronica and go rogue. Alice never came that close. However, Arisu was the one reason why she did have some of those same manifestation abilities. Roku was able to catch her in the act, and reacted by trying to have Richard Ainsley and Allie tie the knot because of their blood.

That, will be a let's just let that die moment. It wasn't going to happen. Richard was in love with Arianna of the Star Capital. Allie was disregarded as a bother, or a suck up to her father.

/

Kay. Vee, and Ron are all living in a time unlike their original time lines. Aria is still on their side. She has a business to run and a bank full of big money. She'd rather let the world stay in one place since the time she'd stayed with Sayu had made her a lesser figure by her temperament. As Andrea Grotto, she has more power than as Aria of the Southern Isles.

Ami; Amelia Grayson now has her dad back, her fox ally and Koko from the Ainu okami clan's past, and is hoping to save Amaterasu with her last breath.

Anna; Has a lot to take in. She'd gotten to the same doorway that Aiden had, only to receive and different greeting from that world's inhabitant. He treats her like a greatly respectable face, or just an old friend. Remember! Ann fought Roku to save Aiden from his influence. (These new years, part two?) Roku is not Ignito, so he tells her that, yet he is the one who houses also Manifesto, who IS basically Roku in another form.

She dodged a bullet by letting Ignito send her packing. If Manifesto had gotte loose…Ugh…Can't type it! Anna is a rebel! I respect her, dangit!

Ava; she lost her best friend, her ally and partner Christopher Jean. Only thing? He wasn't all himself thanks to Hati's wolf form and its way of sapping your life force over time. As many times as Ava had Chris return from dusk, she also made it possible for Chris to turn into a threat. He actually did die when Aneiu summoned him. (Part two these new years and one.) He was fighting his chronic illness and lost to it, only to be given life in another world. Sound familiar? IF he protected Ava, which he failed to do once Hati had taken over the castle.

So, Ava also has a history. She's not herself, she's actually an incarnate (replacement) of Lady Reia. Any memories she has are not all her own. They are past visions of Reia's time as the Barren's protector. So? Is any of that plane even there? That question Ignito brings up to Anna is about existential existence. She'd not get it because it is occult know how. So, Anna actually will replace a guardian in the near future. She'll have to use magic too or in the end, will become a disaster lying in wait.

Aiden promised Raku that he'd become a retainer of his powers of manifestation. That concludes the incident with Aiden having rebirthed his dark – self. He went through a tunnel. That tunnel is between life and death. Just as he went towards the light, he left the Underworld with his demon in tow. He escaped it, but rage is a great enemy in the hearts of warriors, great and small. So? He busts out of his prison and ends up doing so, least as calmly or in a composed fashion. Heck, who wants to stay in the ground or in the afterlife!

Bringing us to lastly, Slade, Malchior, Raku.

Slade wants out and just is helping the others so he can speed up the process. So far, he's gotten sloppy, and he scared poor Cici shitless.

Malchior is dead to Raven, but getting back to his role? He wanted too protect Raven so that Ravenna would, at the time, notice. Yet, he changed his tune and was all for team Raven. Now?

He died in the wrong place, but Death had other plans. He thinks that Malchior did not do the right thing the way the fates had decided, so now since he's back, he has to prove to his boss that he can go down swinging in the fashion of a real hero.

Again, leading us to Ignito's mention; why are we here? So, that is Malchior's demon to pursue and hunt down blindly.

Raku; a kid on everyone's shit list.

Raku had a terrible life he led because he wanted to be anything but vulnerable, yet he did not want labels even as Roku. He chose to be alone to figure out just WHAT it was he wanted, and that ultimately backfired. Why? Because he was trying to make Lilith see him as better than her, it was her wish. Not his. He wanted freedom, which he got at a price. Now, Raku is stuck with wanting his magic to protect him, while he wants to have a simpler life like Aiden ha lived. He cannot have it both ways, according to the gods. If they took his powers, he'd again be vulnerable. He is lost with a love – hate relationship in the divine.

So, he is not only reliving the pain he's caused his other victims (mostly women or gender fluid males,) yet those he sired and gave their own set of prejudices for having had their dad leave them to figure it out on their own. Think, an animal that births young, then throws them to the wolves or to be cared for by the other parent, guardian. When they are old enough, the go to seek out their daddy and end up either convinced that they have no future, or that they can defy the fates and stand up to their sire.

Sounding more like teenage rebellion to me. Raku was always on the move, he rarely stayed in one location. His mind was a mess, so his actions were erratic, chaotic. Eris hates being upstaged, but she was also taken by him on a journey when she'd been banished from her home for conspiring with mortals on Earth.

She remembers the snakes that did terrible things, but could that evil actually be…. Azag? He was a serpent of the desert who was cursed with a near -turned dark side. Was Raku actually remembering his own face, or is Eris just manipulating his thoughts by how screwed up she was about being violated by a monster.

Remember in Wattpad, Azag was coated with miasma whenever he returned from a time line. It could be that he was corrupted enough to let himself perish to spare his own kin and kingdom the shame.

We may never know but again, why are we here? To find out what happens to our heroes! Of, course!

So, stay tuned for chapter eight; a greater time to cry – when wishes take form. Working on it! Stay curious and read on, stay safe everyone!