This chapter finally answers the questions as to what happened to the other characters who were left behind in their realms. Also, many talks are in order and a plan is formed. From here the group splits up, each with a specific goal in mind. The stakes are high, but the reward is even greater, as all of reality hangs in the balance.
Ending Part 2
Leena felt bodiless and empty for a second, but when the dizzy feeling subsided she noticed that she was in a place she'd never seen before. It was a pantheon-type structure with six thrones in a circle facing one in the center."Are you ready?" came a voice from the center throne. The figure of Trutin looked positively pleased to see everyone again.
"Yes, sir," Leena said, bowing.
"You do not need to bow. If anything, I should bow to you, for you are the hand that shall save this world."
Although Leena did not like the prospect of correcting a god, she felt as though she had to say something else.
"No sir, we are the hands," she said, indicating the figures behind her. Trutin chuckled and the laugh made Leena's heart jump to her throat. Was he pleased or angry?
"You are quite right. Those people behind you are champions as well."
"And they should be. A champion's true strength is that she never fights alone," came a voice that sounded like the crashing of an ocean. Scyllor had emerged from his throne as if it was a doorway.
"Ha ha ha! The champions have come to the home of the gods!" a cheerful voice nearly screamed. It was the goddess, Ganta.
"It is about time!" snapped the nasty voice of the goddess Kylin, her raven hair fluttering around.
"Well, looks like it is about to end," Mephos said from his throne. He was shorter than the other gods, which made Razzly feel a little better. He may have been small but he still had power. That made the fairy believe that she could do it as well.
"I am getting fired up!" came a shouting female voice that sounded like fire crackling away at dry wood. The beautiful Pyrika, Maiden of Fire, came out from her throne, a form fitting red dress dominating her figure.
"Although I am sure that there will be death, that is part of the scheme of things," came the soft, friendly voice of the god of life, Pallad.
"A gathering of gods and men," Norris noted.
"Gods yes. But there are not enough men. You will need all the help you can get," Kylin said, waving her arms in a circular pattern in the sky.
"Indeed," Scyllor confirmed. "Your friends and allies do not want you to face this alone." He raised his sapphire staff and a gateway opened beside him.
"Sir Trutin?" Leena asked.
"Just watch," the supreme deity commanded. The rest of the gods created portals of their own and figures started stepping through.
"Riddel!" Norris shouted. He had been facing Pallad and the first person to step through the gateway was the beautiful Lady of Viper Manor.
"Glenn!" Leena exclaimed. With sword in hand, the young knight was first through gate, taking it upon himself to make sure it was safe for the others to follow. More and more figures emerged from the gates until everyone who had come to the island of Perfidia, minus Serge and Lynx, were standing in the abode of the gods. Strangely, the room didn't feel crowded, despite the small nature of the place. It was designed for only seven gods, yet an infinite amount of mortals could occupy it without feeling cramped.
"But sir, I don't understand..." Leena started. "I didn't know everyone was going to help me."
"If we had told you everyone would be alright, who would you have picked as your champions?" Pyrika asked.
"Would you not have picked people you were comfortable around? That is not always the best choice for a champion," Mephos added. Leena acknowledged the validity of this point.
"Then why did we go through the realms and fight the guardians? Schala nearly died!" Miki demanded. She was a little upset that the gods were holding information.
"You have every right to be angry," Pallad said, his tone softening her nerves until she was relaxed. "But we needed to test our champion. We needed to test her resolve, her spirit, her strength, and her wit. The champion, no, all of you champions, have performed superbly, better than we could have imagined."
"You lose the pool, Pyrika!" Ganta shouted hysterically. The goddess of fire fluffed her hair and muttered a curse to herself but she wasn't really upset. Her bet was pathetic and now all the heroes were able-bodied and ready. The wager was meaningless and privately Pyrika was glad she lost.
"So, tell me. What are we all gonna do?" Schala "Kid" Zeal asked.
"I am afraid that is up to you, or rather, the champion, to decide," Trutin responded. He came over to Leena and surprisingly took her hand and kissed it.
"She's got a thing for you," Norris said as a joke.
"She?" Leena wondered. She saw the supreme being of all and nothing as a young man. She knew Norris was a bit of a skirt-chaser, but to call the divine god a woman?
"Yes, she. Miss Trutin is female, and a very attractive female at that," the soldier responded. He saw the being as the goddess Trutin, a beautiful brunette woman wearing a form fitting rainbow robe and sash that barely hid her breasts. She had legs that went all the way up. However, the sleeveless robe also showed trim and well defined muscles and her legs displayed as much strength as beauty. There was also another type of power, an energy Norris had never encountered before, in the entire figure of this woman, from her eyes to her feet. A quality that meant she was a person to be taken seriously. She was a beautiful woman with a seductive smile but she was not a woman to be crossed. Or betrayed.
Leena, however, saw a youthful man with short brown hair. The rainbow robe was open at the chest but Leena could not pull herself away from his eyes. The eyes were the windows to the soul she heard. Leena didn't know if gods had souls but Trutin's firm gaze reflected a will of iron that neither the full fury of nature nor the strength of fierce men could deter. But smiles came easily to this god and the savagery of his spirit was matched only by his compassion and understanding. This man would have been the most dangerous enemy were he her oppressor, but here he was the greatest ally Leena could have ever hoped for.
"Lady Leena, my champion. It is time for you to decide what to do. Lynx has not moved outside of Chronopolis, but from there he will attempt to merge FATE's soul, or mind, with the supercomputer's core. Lynx must be stopped and FATE must be destroyed."
"I understand. I think I know what to do but I must make a plan."
"Then let us know when you are ready."
At Leena's bequest the Viper Manor devas, along with Glenn, Riddel, Radius, Viper, and Guile, came to the champion's side. The air was tense, the way it was before a large-scale battle. It was a tension that made the mouth taste like metal from nervousness and adrenaline; this was a battle they weren't sure they were going to win.
"We must plan a strategy," Norris said. Viper nodded.
"Let us also inspire the troops. Some of them feel divided into human and demi-humans. And some of them are scared. We do have children in our ranks as well as soldiers," Riddel said.
"Yes, I think that we can inspire them, though. We must. If we fight divided, FATE has won," Glenn said. "Lady Leena, my sword is yours. What should I do?"
"Let's plan a strategy first. By the way Trutin spoke, it sounds like FATE is split into at least two pieces," Guile said.
"Let's first talk about the people. A strategy will do us little good if no one will follow it," Karsh replied. Marcy nodded, clutching her hands together. She, with a mermaid mother, was part demi-human, and although she felt accepted by humans, demi-humans were not so kind. She was sure that the demi-humans would not accept a human strategy.
"A DEMI-HUMAN WOULD NOT ACCEPT A HUMAN STRATEGY OR LEADER AND VICE VERSA," Zoah responded, folding his massive arms across his chest as he echoed the younger girl's thoughts.
"Who could lead this army?" Riddel asked, scratching her head in thought.
"Leena, you must be the champion," Guile answered. "I can sense your magical flow and abilities. You have power that even I could not hope to gain in my study of magic. The Champion of the gods should be the Champion of all races."
"That is true, but the demi-humans..." Viper started.
"We must cast aside these boundaries," Leena said with resolve.
"Prejudice does not belong in the new world," Miki added. Razzly, who had been silent, nodded emphatically. She could get along with humans but they would need some help to convince the others.
"Let us plan our strategy now," Glenn advised. "If it is sound, perhaps everyone will follow for the benefit of the world."
"Yes, and there are many untold dangers in Chronopolis," Leena said. The group then broke down into strategic planning.
"Alright, I would like everyone's attention!" Riddel shouted, using a spell to augment her voice. Everyone in the crowd, small children, normal people, and demi-humans, were focused on the group at the far end of the round pantheon. From right to left stood Riddel, Karsh, Guile, Leena, Viper, Glenn, and Norris.
"We are about to combat a danger threatening our very existence," Riddel said, her hand firmly on her wand.
"An untold evil, the supercomputer FATE, is about to be resurrected. If the process is allowed to complete the world as we know it will cease to exist," Glenn said, his stern eyes captivating the crowd.
"We are fighting for something special," Norris said, pacing around but still keeping his eyes on the crowd of people. "We fight neither for land nor for bragging rights. We fight for something far more important. We fight for the power of will and our ability as denizens of the world to have the freedom of choice."
"I look around here and I see a unified people of the world," Viper said, his tone carrying the voice of a man who had the experience of giving these types of speeches before. "I fail to see a demi-human and I fail to see a human. I see denizens of this planet and that is all we are. We are no longer from Guldove, Termina, Marbule, or any specific homeland. We are children of this earth and nothing more."
"We have been given gifts from the planet and from time," Guile started, floating ever so slightly. "These gifts, granted by our precious earth, have been passed down through the generations. These are the gifts of life and thought. At long last, after millennia of evolution and selection, the planet bestowed these traits upon us. It's time we use these gifts for our mother earth to repay her for what she has given us."
"Look around. I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming here. Here's to our victory and the resounding peace it will bring," Leena said, bowing her head. After a moment of silence she raised her head up, and in her eyes was a fire that burned with the will of the entire planet. She was no longer the wayward village girl daring to fight FATE to rescue her boyfriend. She was the Champion, the Leader of Worlds, and it was by the will of her heart that the world would be either saved or damned.
"Ladies, gentleman, people of our world...TO WAR!" she shouted. A roar sounded from the crowd as weapons rose to the sky. Swords, axes, staves, and other fighting implements filled the air, as the din of the warriors of the world grew louder. There was no doubt in anyone's mind anymore; this was an army that was ready to fight, an army that would make no distinctions between its soldiers.
After the speech Leena sat down for a second. Trutin allowed her use of his throne while she rested.
"Is it difficult to be the champion of the people?" Karsh asked her.
"Yes," Leena affirmed. "I'm not used to such a thing. But that doesn't matter, does it? I will fight for the world and whatever power I have is a power I will use."
"Vous truly are ze strongest woman, non, ze strongest person, zat I 'ave ever known, in more wayz zen one. I waz right not to stand in ze way," Harle's soft voice sounded behind Leena.
"Harle...I think you're the strongest person I've ever met..." Leena started.
"Pleaze, ma soeur," Harle said, using a term to affectionate their sisterly bond. "Zere iz no need to be a modest champion."
"Agreed." Steena had come over to encourage the champion with Guile on her heels. Karsh left to discuss something with Riddel.
"Lady Steena, Sir Guile," Leena said respectfully.
"Milady Champion, we have thought of a plan and I wish to give you these," Guile said, holding out his hands. Leena picked up a set of charms, six in all. Each one of them was a necklace with a pendant in the center. One was a gold necklace with a symbol of a lightning bolt surrounded by a cloud of dust. The second was a silver chain with a picture of a haloed man smiling. Third came a platinum necklace with the symbol of a flame embedded in the metal. Next was a simple leather strap with a thin piece of iron attached. The iron had a symbol of a tree on it and its rustic design suggested that someone who revered nature made it. The fifth was a copper chain with the symbol of a snarling horned head; the sight of it almost made Leena look away in revulsion. The final one was made completely of black pearls, with the pressed onyx charm in the center depicting a single snowflake within a crashing wave.
"What are these?"
"Charms. Amulets of protection. Use them wisely. Also, for Lady Harle, take this." Guile handed Harle a small element. Leena could sense powerful magic about it simply by looking at the diminutive black sphere.
"This is a powerful spell that will seal all magic in an area. It will only last for a limited time, though. Use it in conjunction with the amulets," Guile instructed.
"This plan will assuredly work, for I have seen its effectiveness first-hand," Steena responded.
"Thank you. I will use this plan," Leena said, glad that these two intelligent wizards were able to help her prepare for what was going to happen.
"Leena," Harle said.
"Yes, ma soeur?" Leena responded, tripping up a little on the language. Harle smiled.
"Let uz zpeak to ze gods. We are ready."
"I want you to send all of them to Chronopolis, save the champions who came with me through your realms, Schala, and myself," Leena said to Trutin, not realizing she was giving orders to the supreme being. Kylin looked appalled at the lack of respect but Trutin was all grins. He knew she had a plan and that she had her confidence; a little lack of respect was nothing his dignity couldn't take.
"Alright. What about you and your champions?" Scyllor asked.
"We...we will move when the time is right. For now, we will stay here."
"Impressive," Pyrika noted. She thought their plan was gutsy and daring, which of course made it amusing.
"Would you like to place a bet?" Mephos asked.
"Not the time!" Ganta said.
"I think a bet is in order," Pallad said.
"What are you blathering about?" Kylin asked. Only she would address the god of life without complete respect. That was because they were opposed. One couldn't exist without the other, so they could get under each other's skin without fear of retribution.
"What I mean, simple and foolish woman," Pallad started, dropping all niceness as he addressed the raven-haired goddess, "is that we stake our very lives on their success." Such an insult Kylin would never allow to slide unless it was the blonde god of creation speaking.
"How...interesting," Scyllor said with a smile.
"Explain further," Pyrika demanded.
"If Lynx revives FATE we will lose everything. It is not like walking as a mortal; our future would be a cold, restless oblivion. He will erase so much of us. You all have seen the Tesseract, dear friends. Could you imagine being stuck there forever: powerless and alone?"
"How would he do that?" Mephos asked.
"I thought..." Ganta started.
"What he means is that Lynx will gain the power to change everything," Kylin said, now as serious as Pallad. "He could even change the past. He could unravel the time when we gained our power. Nothing is certain, but we all know firsthand that the power of FATE is near limitless. The Tesseract is where destroyed time goes and that is where we will be plunged, into darkness and silence, should the feline win."
"Interesting. So the fate of the gods is dependent on the fate of man," Mephos said.
"It has always been that way," Pyrika responded. "What good is godhood if there are no people to preside over?"
"But the world has never had a battle like this." Scyllor was beaming; he had never been so excited and neither had the rest of the gods. Even Kylin was smiling, although her smile was strangely beautiful yet frightening.
"I have never been so anticipative. I do not know how this is going to end," Pallad responded. "This is the most fun I have had in eons."
"Yes!" Ganta shouted. "I will take it! I will bet my life that Trutin's champion wins!" She thrust her hand into the center of the circle of gods.
"Same," Mephos responded, as he placed his hand on top of hers.
"And me," Scyllor said.
"I shall put down my chips," Kylin responded.
"I proposed this bet and I too will bet my own," Pallad added.
"Just because I answer last does not mean my answer will change. Count me in," Pyrika said. The six hands of the six elemental gods joined together in a bet that would change all of reality.
"Trutin?" Scyllor asked. The being of all and none paused for a second.
"You all know I am not one for betting games," Trutin responded.
"Yes, we know. We do not care though! This is not for trifles like that!" Ganta shouted. Trutin chuckled. She had a point. He placed his hand on top of the group.
"The bet has been made," Trutin said. "Mortals fighting mortals with the universe and the gods as the ante. I must say this is quite entertaining."
"I never knew the gods enjoyed to gamble," Leena mused.
"That is why it is not forbidden," Pyrika said calmly.
"Alright, we're ready!" Karsh called out.
"Yes, we must move quickly," Riddel affirmed. "We will buy the Champion all the time we can."
"But be careful," Leena said. "We must survive. All of us."
"We'll do our best to keep ourselves out of trouble," Karsh said with a wink. He returned to the crowd and the six elemental gods started chanting. A bright white light enveloped the crowd, and as quickly as the light appeared, it vanished, taking the mass of people along with it.
"Alright, Leena," Miki said, as she and the rest of her companions came over to Leena. "What do we do now?"
"FATE's soul must be merged into something, correct?" Leena asked the supreme god.
"Correct."
"And one part is in Chronopolis?"
"Yes."
"Where is the other?"
"You should remember the spot. It is very near where you originally found your body," Trutin returned.
"Then that is where we will go," Leena decided.
"You are very brave and bold," Trutin praised. He held out his hand to Leena and she noticed that he was holding the single piece of jewelry the deity wore. It had the appearance of a plain wedding ring, but its colors seemed to shift at the slightest breath of wind.
"There is an ancient tradition among the inhabitants of your world," the diving being explained. "If I remember correctly, it was among a tribe of fierce warrior women. They would go to war with a favor from their King, who happened to be the only male of their tribe. Champion, the world is in your hands. No matter what, know that the people of the world, and the very gods themselves, pray for your success. This ring was made at the beginning of time. It has no real power but it is important to me because we as gods do not own many physical things. Take this ring from me, from the hand of a god, as a favor for this battle and as my blessing."
"Although I have known you for your entire life, Lady Leena, I feel strangely enlightened to have met and spoken with you. I shall send you all off now and may Fortune smile upon you."
Leena took the ring and slipped it on, curtseying appropriately to the god. She too felt enlightened to have met the gods and was pleased that Trutin himself was being very formal with her. In fact, if she did not know any better, she would have thought he was hitting on her. The champions grabbed hands and looked at the smiling, grand figures of the gods for one last look of approval. Trutin shut his eyes, nodded his head, and waved his hands. Bright light enveloped the crowd and all color seemed to disappear, with the exception of the shifting, phasing colors of Trutin's ring.
With hands clasped, they were no longer a group of daring people led by a brave maiden. They would now decide the fate of the world, with Leena, the Maiden of the Gods, ushering them toward an uncertain future: a future that was a battle they had to win. This area of the universe was the space beyond reality, a place darker than a thousand nights. Leena clutched her hands to her chest and Trutin's ring, with its shifting colors, became the beacon of light that everyone could follow.
Soon the group found that they could move simply by thinking, their bodies moving in concert with their minds. Leena took the lead, moving in the direction her heart steered her, as her friends followed in tow. Besides the heroes themselves, the darkness was empty; whatever part of FATE resided here was not in plain sight. But then again, this place was vast, darkness spreading out like a blanket in all directions. None of these heroes expected, for even a second, that the battle would begin immediately.
"We must do this for all of our dreams, because we have not lost yet. Lynx, FATE," Leena said, her eyes narrowing as her will was cast in steel, "we're coming for you!"
By: Matt620