Chapter 6 - How it all Began

"Shut up…" the boy shrugged off his father's arms to his surprise, all while managing a smile through the drying tears. He couldn't truly be angry. I know my father! He knew that whatever happened, his father would never abandon them, not willingly. He hated himself for being weak, he hated himself for not being able to save his mom, and he hated the people that took the people he loved away… but he could never hate his dad.

"I'm good now, you old shit." His father looked like he grew a second head from the 'insult,' before erupting into a booming laughter. Benjin stared at his cackling father in confusion, before laughing himself. Why am I laughing?!

It's not like what he said was that funny.

As Solarin, or Seijin, or his dad… or whatever calmed, his previously jovial expression was replaced with sternness.

"Listen, I wish I could spend more time with you, I truly do… but my time here is limited, and there are things I have to tell you." What? Benjin stared intently at his dad, his entire focus on his next words.

His father, seeing the boy's reactions, took a deep, long breath before beginning. "In all the centuries of my life, I have watched Earthland from above. Despite their differences, the men and women lived in peace, but then… the war came."

The war? What is the 'war?'

"Never before did something on that sheer scale occur in all of history. We've left scars on the land that will never truly heal." Benjin scrunched in confusion.

"Wait, what does this have to do with me?" It was a legitimate question. Some war that happened hundreds of years ago… why was it important to him? Benjin continued to meet his father's gaze, only to shy away from the power and authority carried in his stare.

"Let me finish, and you will know." The boy could do nothing but nod.

"The war was the first of many events that would lead to me," His father gestured to Benjin. "To you." The war? What could have possibly happened for that to happen?!

"Now, allow me to tell you, what would become the greatest tragedy for the history of all." Benjin gulped, his heart quickening in anticipation.

Tragedy…

Roughly 400 Years Ago, The Realm of Heaven

Among a field of clouds, multiple peaks of white mountains could be seen while waterfalls cascaded freely down to the plains below. Among the largest of the mountains stood a golden palace that hovered right above the peaks. This was the palace of Empyrean, home to the Lord of the High Heavens.

The palace itself was lined with beautiful ornate structures. A beautiful fence that surrounded its edges came together to form a gate towering above its surroundings. It is within this, that all the gods residing in heaven would gather together for the first time in history.

"Everyone is accounted for my lord," an angel with twelve golden wings addressed the being sitting at the end of a rectangular table in the middle of a circular hall. This was Sirius - the archangel. The greatest of his kind after Solarin ascended to become the Light God. He stood as Solarin's right hand, sworn to serve his will.

Around him, sat many gods whom called Heaven their homes.

Aquos, the Goddess of the Oceans.

Staterius, the God of Order.

Ventus, the God of Wind.

Ventia, the Goddess of the Skies.

Kemokemo, the God of Nature

Stellia, the Goddess of the Stars.

Vitius, the God of Life.

"It's a shame that that Kaguya could no longer join us," An angel, one who wore silver armour while bearing translucent wings on his back closed his eyes. This was Vitius, The God of Life.

Kaguya was once the Goddess of Creation - her and Vitius once spent centuries creating the denizens that would later call Heaven and Earthland home. But ever since the creation of that, she was never the same.

"What she has done is treason! To abandon us for the realm of Nether! She should be executed for her crimes!" A heavily armoured figure exclaimed with righteous anger in his voice. Staterius, the God of Order was a strict enforcer of all the laws laid out by the council. He and his order did not show any mercy to those who would blatantly go against the will of Empyrean, often purging races that would dare to do so.

"Please Staterius," A soft timid voice spoke out. It came from Stellia, the Goddess of the Stars. She wore semi-transparent silk cloths that wrapped around her athletic form. An orb whose glow rivaled the ones in the night sky orbited around her. "She did not leave by her own choice."

"Indeed, we all know it was that blasphemous creation that caused her desertion," A white-haired man with cat ears spoke while narrowing his eyes. This was Ventus, The God of Wind.

"Big bro is right!" A similar looking woman with white hair and cat years agreed while lifting a finger to emphasize her point. This was Ventia, younger sister of Ventus, and the Goddess of the Skies.

"Aii Aii!" The voice of a small creature was heard. This was Kemokemo, God of Nature. He was a peculiar god; he took the form of a small flightless owl with a green heart shaped face.

"Free will or not, she holds secrets to the sanctity of heaven! She must be silenced!" The God of Order was stubborn, he was dead set in his notion of absolute 'balance.' For any that oppose their will should and will be silenced… if he had anything to say about it.

"That's going too far, Staterius," Ventus stood up from his chair, slamming his hands on the table they gathered around. Despite having the power to destroy continents, many gods were either immature or biased. This was especially true among the younger deities.

The armoured rose to meet the younger's challenge, his hand reaching towards the spear resting on his back. "How do we know that YOU are not corrupt-"

"That's Enough." A voice filled with authority and finality interrupted. The gods turned to the voice and saw that it was spoken by the lord of the heavens himself. Solarin wore bright golden robes while carrying a staff of the same colours, topped with his symbol - a circle containing a simple cross, the sun circle. A long white beard covered to his chest while and a head of platinum blonde hair reached to his shoulders.

"I called upon you all to discuss matters of great importance. I will not tolerate such childish behaviour," The god glanced around his council, "understood?" Solarin's booming voice was laced with divine pressure that leaked with every word. Despite addressing other gods, Solarin was no doubt the most powerful. Even the most stubborn of lords held the utmost respect for him and his position.

His words were met by silence. A bead of sweat visible on the wind siblings and all around, the gods took formal postures, looking at Solarin with undivided attention. Once the leader was sure he had their undivided attention, he began.

"As you all know, the Dragons had been very bold in their advances within Earthland." Solarin's words caused many nods and words of confirmation to come from around him. "We have held our aggression, believing that the mortals were capable of solving this issue… however," Solarin narrowed his eyes, elevating the tension in the atmosphere. "That is not the case."

Vitius struck the table with great force, cracking where his fist met. "Untold millions have already been taken by those beasts!" The race of dragons as a whole was not revered by any of the gods. They were viewed as savages created from corruption. Beings that held no regard to life and only existed to satiate their primal desires… often at the expense of everything else. "We cannot let them continue as the-"

"Um… Do I really have to be here?" The voice of a young woman turned the heads of the other gods. It was a blue-haired mermaid wearing thin cloth that glittered like the oceans on her upper body. This was Arrieta, the Goddess of the Oceans. She did not look too interested in this meeting, considering most of the time she spent swimming endlessly in the mortal realm and occasionally attempt to… learn about human men.

Sighing while pinching the bridge of his nose, Solarin gave a stern glare at the uncooperative mermaid. "Yes, it is all of our responsibilities as divine beings to keep the balance of the realms," the younger goddess quickly snapped to a better posture. "If the creatures of the Nether refuse to stop, how do we know that they will be satisfied with just Earthland?"His voice was met with different reactions, the unspoken statement hanging in the air.

"An attack on heaven? Preposterous! I will personally exterminate their entire race!" Staterius was easy to anger, if not held back, he would likely follow up his claim as he was the second most powerful god - right after Solarin. Even the most powerful of the dragons, that they knew of, would only match the weaker gods, but only just.

"I am sure it will never come to that. However, this aggression by the dragons cannot be ignored. While it is possible that Pandemonium was involved, we must not act rashly until we know more." Solarin was wise, if anyone had the right to call himself an elder god, then it was he. For he understood the standings between the realms and the ever-rising tensions between the Nether and the Heavens. The dragons must be stopped but they cannot afford to instigate conflict. The lands will not survive one. Solarin put his fingers together, using them to hold his chin while narrowing his eyes.

Blind vengeance in the name of balance will only bring destruction.

"I intend to pay Nemesis a visit regarding the recent events. I need all of you to mobilize your forces; I want eyes and ears for all the happenings of Earthland. " The gods acted in shock, many gasping and some widening their eyes.

"You are to go alone? But what if they…" Stellia looked down in sadness as she spoke. The star goddess was too kind for her own good; she cared for the lives of the mortals as if they were her own. Solarin was definitely powerful, but was he able to stand against the forces of an entire realm?

"Stellia." Solarin gave a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine." Despite the dislike of each other shared by both sides, neither wanted to risk an all-out war - this would bring destruction to not just Earthland but all realms.

"Sirius," Solarin turned to the angel that stood behind him.

"Yes, my lord," The twelve-winged bowed to his lord.

"I want you to tell Uriel to look for leads closer to the Nether." Solarin was confident of Uriel's abilities. Even if she not the most powerful, she was the stealthiest. She could escape even the detection of the gods; topped with impressive speed, she was the ideal choice of espionage.

"Understood," The angel put a palm to his collarbone, signifying a salute. Without another word, he flew out of an open balcony to carry out Solarin's orders.

Looking back to the gods, Solarin glanced at each of them before continuing, "Is everyone clear of what they are to do?" Solarin was sure the gods understood. Despite some of their personalities, they were competent and intelligent. Even then, I sometimes have my own doubts.

"Sure, whatever."

"Understood, my lord."

"I will complete the task to the best of my ability."

"What my brother said!"

"I will quell any insurrections without fail."

"I will do my best!"

"AYE!"

Each of the gods answered in their own way. Despite quarrels that appear from time to time, he was happy with who his allies were. Perhaps he would even call them… his friends.

No matter, he had to prepare; despite his own strength, going alone into the heart of enemy territory was dangerous. However, the meeting with Nemesis was inevitable. There had to be a way for the dragons to cease their aggression, even if he had to do so with underhanded tactics.

For all's sake, he wished that it will never come to it.

The trip to the nether would be a lengthy one. Earthland was connected to both realms through many weak points in between dimensions. It was impossible to simply walk from one realm to another but, anything with a shred of true power could easily force open a portal at these points.

Travel between the Nether and the Heavens was a different story; the only method to travel without alerting the entire realm of his presence was through a small space that joined the tips of Heaven and the Nether.

The Realm of the Celestials.

As Solarin began to fly towards the end of Heaven, he began mentally preparing himself. He had to be subtle, indirect. From what he remembered of Nemesis; he would take anything as an excuse for war. But why did he not strike now? Solarin furrowed his brows. If Nemesis had the strength, he would have attacked regardless of what he said. So why? Nevermind that, he knew that if he said the wrong words, it could spark a conflict that neither side could afford to have. The creatures of Earthland was not a personal concern, but it was his duty to protect them in the name of balance.

The entrance from Heaven to the Celestial Realm was a sight to behold. It was a dark-blue sphere surrounded by endlessly flowing currents of translucent light. Each wave of energy dissipated into the distance, all while emitting a low humming noise. Solarin stopped his flight in front of the sphere, then gently floated through the dimensional crossing

Instead of cloudless skies with an everlasting day, the Celestial Realm had an everlasting night. Stars and many other cosmic bodies blanketed the skies above. Luminous structures created from starlight decorated the space. He had not been to Stellia's home many times, but every time he did, he would be mesmerized by its beauty.

Perhaps he would visit Caelestus before making his way to the Nether? It was courtesy to exchange pleasantries when passing through his realm after all. Solarin gently floated towards a rainbow-stone path sitting on top of a cosmic sphere. He wanted to admire the scenery, but he remembered that time passed by slower in this realm. Taking to the air once again, Solarin quickly flew towards the central palace.

As he reached the castle like structure, he noted that most of the pillars were transparent. He knew however, that this was simply the exterior design. Despite looking that way, the buildings throughout out the Celestial Realm were indeed solid. Entering a long hallway decorated by statues of every shape and size, his gaze fell on the red-carpet road leading towards the hall.

Inside, a large mustached figure rested on a large throne.

"Greetings, Caelestus," Solarin addressed the Spirit King, who stood from thrones to his full height. Caelestus wore full body plate armour with a long-tattered cape reaching down to his calves. He had a helmet with thick curved horns where a star rested on his forehead.

Raising both of his palms in a welcoming manner, the Spirit King responded, "It's been a while since your last visit, old friend." The hulking figure walked with his fists closed at his sides. When the distance was closed, the two deities stared at each other in silence.

"150 YEARS!" Caelestus opened his arms for a hug, a wide smile on his face. "It has been way too long!" Solarin put both of his hands up as he deadpanned at the other god.

"Indeed, but really there's no need for-" He was cut off as his friend picked him up and began squeezing him into a bear hug. Solarin was having his breath squeezed out of him by the much larger deity. A handshake was more than enough, there really was no need to for this much… enthusiasm.

The Spirit King let loose a loud booming laughter that echoed throughout the palace. "How's Heaven? Has my daughter been good to you?"

Panting in relief from Caelestus' relaxed grip, Solarin responded, "Yes, yes. Stellia has been a very great help lately despite things being a little… tense."

Nodding in understanding, the Spirit King let the smaller God go and began stroking his mustache. "Its Nemesis isn't it," the larger god gave a gander at the crossing between his realm and the Nether, before scowling. "It's always Nemesis."

Solarin hardened his expression. "Yes and no. The dragons from the nether have been showing aggression in Earthland… I suspect he was somehow behind this." Although he did not have any proof, he believed that the dragons wouldn't one day decide to invade Earthland in numbers without some sort of motivation, one that could have been easily provided by their lord.

Looking down on his friend, the Spirit King put on a small frown. "Am I right to assume you are planning on going to the Nether alone?" Out of all the gods in heaven, he was the only one strong enough to venture into enemy territory and make it out alive. If he took others with him, they will simply become liabilities.

"Unfortunately, yes." Solarin looked up to Caelestus. "I am the only one capable," the light god narrowed his eyes at the portal leading to the nether.

The spirit king sighed. "I wish I could help you…" The Spirit King's eyes wandered to the floor, "but I cannot leave this realm on my own will." He too, turned his gaze to the portal that seemed to ooze with energy. "I hope you know what you're doing, Solarin." Due to nature of celestial spirits, he himself could not leave the realm physically unless he was summoned by an awakened celestial spirit wizard - and the only one that fit the description had already passed away.

"If not anything else, I and the others shall pray for you." Solarin smiled.

Prayers to gods were not just words. Regardless of who they were, prayers gave gods the tiniest fractions of power. Sometimes that will be the difference between success and failure.

"Thank you, my friend," he said as he made his way towards the portal resting outside the palace garden. He could see the area surrounded by spirit warriors all guarding the portal.

"Farewell." Solarin could see his friend putting a hand to his collarbone - the universal salute for those sided with Heaven.

Nodding in response, he stepped through the portal.

Till we meet again.

Entrance of the realm of Nether

Solarin stood amongst a plane of darkness and fire. Behind was the portal he entered through the Celestial Spirit Realm. In front, laid endless reaches of rocky peaks, pools of magma, and lifeless forests filled with darkness.

I am not very fond of this place…

Taking a deep breath, Solarin flew past the empty valleys towards Pandemonium. Despite being one of the most powerful beings in existence, Solarin himself, was weary of this place. Nemesis knew that very few dared to even come to his realm, for that reason alone, there were zero guards.

The Nether, while seemingly bleak and demonic in nature, there were certain valleys and landscapes that could have been mistaken for Earthland… had he not known for sure. He could feel the tainted energy all around him. If not for his divinity, the corruption from the oppressive air would have already began attacking him.

Soon, the edge of a large lava pool came into view. In the heart of what seemed to be rings made completely of magma, laid the palace built with grey stone.

Pandemonium…

Inside the Palace

A large figure sat on a throne that seemed to be forged by tens of thousands of swords, skulls, and bodies of the fallen. To his right sat a demon with flames constantly dancing around his skin and to his left sat a grotesque demon, sporting dozens if not hundreds of horns.

Letting a wicked smile adorn his face, the center figure spoke with a low rumble. "It seems… that the Lord of the Heavens has decided to pay us a visit." A chuckle escaped his voice. "Let us give him a warm welcome."

The heat around the palace was enough to even make him sweat. For someone who co-created the sun to feel hot was impressive. Despite his dislikes of demons, Solarin had to admit they were very thorough with passive defences.

No doubt they already know I'm here… so why is there no reaction?

Solarin narrowed his eyes. If he was walking into an ambush… what then? If Nemesis gathered the great three, he would be hard pressed to escape. No, I cannot doubt now! Shaking his head, the light god advanced, taking in the sight, hideous and magnificent as he flew.

Unlike his own palace, Pandemonium was far greater in size was seemingly impenetrable from the exterior. Great spiked walls of Nether stone lined the outer edges as guard towers extended into the darkened sky. A glittering arch gate of gargantuan proportions rested on top of a platform covered to the brim with lacrimas.

All of those, are cannons?!

There was no sign of aggression from the portal all the way to here; either Nemesis truly did not intend to attack him, or it was simply to lure him into a false sense of security. Either way, he had to speak with him. If not for duty, then for his own peace of mind.

Nemesis… just what are you up to?

The interior was the exact opposite of what the outside appearance would suggest. Beautiful chandeliers lined the ceilings while a opulent hall extended from the entrance all the way to the back. On the outer lays of the room, a balcony surrounded it on all sides with church like seats for spectators. With the way the room was laid out, it was almost as if… it was a stadium.

Typical.

"It has been too long… Solarin." A wave of shadows, seemingly out of nowhere, materialized from the in front of the Light God.

The black smoke converged together to form a figure of black; easily the size of the spirit king while a potent black aura danced around him. Serrated black horns stemmed from his head and curved in such a way that it resembled a helm. A full suit of ebony armour covered his form; two pupilless eyes stared at the light god with hostility… and interest.

Solarin scoffed at his welcoming. "Not long enough, Nemesis," Despite him being the embodiment of darkness and his polar opposite, Solarin respected his rival as the dark god held power nearly equal to his own.

Letting loose a dark chuckle that echoed through the entire hall, Nemesis put up his hands in mock offense. "Oh? Is this how you speak to someone that welcomed you with open arms?" The much larger god began pacing in a circle around the smaller. "I could have made your life very… difficult when you arrived."

True to that statement, Nemesis was someone who operated in the shadows; his movements could only be speculated and even the other gods could not sense him if he didn't want to be found. Which bid the question, what could he possibly be thinking? It was Solarin's wish to put an end to this charade of mystery. Even so, he had to cautious, yet firm enough to not show weakness.

"Enough games," Solarin spoke with finality. "I'm sure you know why I came here." The light god flared his aura to emphasize his tone.

Emitting his own aura, Nemesis put a hand behind his back, the other mockingly gesturing towards Solarin. "And what could that possibly be?" Solarin glared in response, causing the dark god to chuckle. "Humour me."

Sighing deeply, the Light God crossed his arms. "The Dragons." His words caused Nemesis to look towards him with interest. "They are overstepping their boundaries… recall them at once!" Nemesis' booming laughter once again filled the halls.

"Dragons are a primitive species, they are unlike us Gods, or perhaps even demons or angels… whatever those lizards are doing in Earthland, was not of my will."

Solarin intensified his glare. Considering the nature of the dragon race, it was indeed within the realm of possibilities for them to act on their own accord… but why? Despite his rivalry with Nemesis, he dealt with him enough to know that he was not the type to outright lie. Half-truths yes, but not lie. The other god said it was not the result of his actions that the dragons were present in Earthland; however, it was very possible that other gods residing in the Nether may have influenced the dragons.

Which means if someone like Diablo ordered it… Nemesis could have purposely played the fool.

Or perhaps, it was the dragons themselves that decided on attacking in force. The majority of their race were barbaric and incapable of intelligent thought, at least above their own instinct. However, it was well known that there were several dragons with the potential or on the verge of ascending into godhood despite their primitive nature. It was very possible that one of these dragons rallied the others together without any manipulation from the dark gods.

Closing his eyes in defeat, Solarin relaxed his form and spoke. "Very well…" It was an extremely thin ice they had between the Heaven and Nether, whether or not Nemesis had urged the dragons to attack did not matter. He did not wish for war to erupt between the two realms. The light god gave an observing glance to his rival.

I can only pray that you wish for the same.

Exiting his thoughts, his expression morphed to one of sternness. "I do not intend to allow the Dragons to decimate the balance between life on Earthland. I must demand your inaction when we force them away from Earthland."

Nemesis narrowed his eyes at his words, before flaring his own aura. "I'm afraid I can't do that." Solarin gritted his teeth at the response, anger and frustration began welling up in his as he prepared himself for the next words he would hear. "Dragons. Primitive or intelligent, are creatures of the Nether. Savage or beastly, I cannot allow you to attack those under my rule."

Solarin could do nothing but seethe in anger from his statement; he knew what it meant if he were to do anything against the dragons. Damn him! Damn him to the voids itself! If Nemesis acted upon his threat, all the realms would suffer if he attacked the dragons. What was he to do? He was the Lord of Empyrean! Yet, he could do nothing, lest he waged war.

This was what you intended the whole time… Solarin widened his bloodshot eyes. Curse you, NEMESIS.

The two god's powerful auras filled the entire castle. The floor rumbled as cracks began stemming around them.

A battle right here would be at Solarin's disadvantage; he could not afford to fight the entire forces of Nether by himself. Not only that, if he were to be slain here, the heavens would retaliate, and all of this would be for naught.

Breathing deeply, Solarin began to calm himself, relaxing his aura, which Nemesis returned in gesture.

"That is all I had to ask. Thank you for meeting me, I shall be on my way," Despite his calm words, great anger threatened to erupt at any moment. Self-control was all the only thing preventing the deaths of further untold millions, and he would be damned if something this stupid sparked an incident.

"Perhaps…" A soft chuckle escaped the dark god's maw. "The next time you visit, we could have a drink, just like old times."

Giving one last glare to his rival, Solarin left through where he came, and flew towards the heavens.

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Chapter 6 finished! Next Chapter: Tensions rise, spark of conflict is lit!

Which one of you were able to figure out who said what when they were replying to Solarin? Hopefully the short descriptions were able to gauge their personalities enough :D

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