Welcome to part two of my series. Part two of however many.
-Elegant
Sora, Roxas, and Choco found themselves staring at a rather peculiar mist. The trio had been trailing a star which seemed up until this point as a straight shot. The Chocobo seemed weary of the mist and both boys knew enough to trust his reaction to things. As a mythical creature himself, he was much more in tune with nature than they were. Studying the mist further they saw that it began only where the forest was and it seemed to go on forever. Hopping off of Choco, they stared at one another, instinctively holding hands. Both could feel their hearts pounding in their chest, and as if things couldn't get any worse, both heard an ominous-sounding voice.
"Be careful, for this is no ordinary mist. You were right to trust in this Chocobo's instincts."
Both knew the voice and found themselves surprised to already be in The Morrigan's graces once again.
"Morrigan?" Sora instinctively called out her name and felt Roxas squeeze his hand. Looking into the blond's eyes, he understood that Roxas was still wary of her. Just because they were Gods now didn't mean they were equals.
The Morrigan smiled and then chuckled at the boys' reaction to her. "I thought we had an understanding- if we wanted you, we could've had you. And there are more important matters at hand." Reaching out to the mist, she could tell what unnatural creatures had spawned such a thing. Looking at Sora and Roxas once again, she decided to ask a favor. "There are creatures here that have... overtaken the village. We would be grateful if you'd help us in restoring the natural order."
"What can we do that you can't?" Roxas was confused. The Morrigan had emphasized the word overtaken. "What kind of creatures are they?"
"Banshee," The Morrigan gauged their reaction. Sora looked in a state between shock and awe and Roxas' jaw literally dropped open. Snickering at them, she smiled. "Were you mere mortals the task may have been dangerous. But you are both immortals now, Gods no less. You helped save our world from the threat of Ragnarok, would you turn a blind eye to a threat such as this?"
"We'll help anyway we can," Sora was confident in that fact. Looking to Roxas for confirmation, the blond nodded.
"I'm sure I don't need to tell you how dangerous banshee are, but we suppose a reminder should be in order. Do not give in to any thoughts or urges you may be overcome by to harm yourself or others. Try not to hear a banshee wail. It can induce despair and has been known to cause humans to die. And whatever you do, don'-" cut off before she could finish, the mist engulfed everyone and suddenly they were separated. The Morrigan blinked and it began. It started the same as it had every single time she had allowed these creatures to devour living creatures. The whispers, that started off soft and slow, a flutter on the breeze. Hearing Choco's afraid cry, The Morrigan looked over her shoulder and gently began to pet his head. "You needn't worry. Your owners will return and the banshee will not harm you." She promised.
...died. Cu Chulainn died... because of us...
The Morrigan couldn't help the laughter that escaped. It seemed all three sisters were laughing in unison, for it was a chorus of amusement. "Is that all you have to drive us mad? We knew that he would love us and know glory beyond any mortal's wildest imagination, or that he would spurn our affections, and die with us collecting his soul for eternity." She regretted absolutely nothing of their encounter. Cu Chulainn dying was a possible outcome she had foreseen but not unexpected.
Loki perished before his Ragnarok could unfold.
The banshee were getting more and more creative, with The Morrigan's amusement running out.
Sora found himself alone in the mist. No Morrigan, Choco, or Roxas. Calling out to them, he felt more and more isolated. Cupping his hands around his mouth, Sora deigned not to give up. "Roxas! Morrigan! Choco!" Had Sora not been busy yelling into the night he would have noticed a few of The Morrigan's warnings already at hand.
Roxas... died. Because of you.
"Huh? Who's there?" Sora still tried to call out to the others, hoping it was them instead of the banshee Morrigan had promised.
...your parents, Immortals and even Gods fell because of you. Death follows wherever you go, and stains like perfume!
The Banshee laughed at the young God she was now tormenting.
Sora shuddered as he felt something behind him. Turning on his heels, he found himself confronting no one. Continuing to walk through the flooded marsh that seemed to be a fishing town of some sort once. Stumbling around in the darkness coupled with the fog, Sora scolded himself mentally. "Fira," producing a flame capable of illuminating wherever he was going, Sora kept walking forward. He noticed some parallel's to the dream Morrigan had first gifted him what seemed like forever ago. The way the thick mist lingered over the water that was ice cold, the darkness and being alone. But things were too quiet. There were literally no sounds of animals, no people, nothing. Just endless mist. Hearing a blood-curdling scream, Sora could feel his heart pounding against his chest and was surprised when the Keyblade of Light materialized in his left hand.
The voice spoke again, but this time she seemed eerily focused on the weapon in Sora's hand.
What is this? Precious stones in the hand of a heathen born...
It finally dawned on Sora that the Banshee had been trying her best to torment him. Were he a Demi-God he supposed he'd have trouble with her. But now that he knew what she was doing, Sora believed he had an edge over her. "Show yourself," Sora looked in all directions and called out to the supernatural creature that was trying to be his undoing.
...Sora gave his life for you.
Roxas could tell from the get-go that the Banshee was trying her best to manipulate him. Trekking through the mist and the water, he felt uneasy. He didn't like being in or on the water. The only exception would be showering or even the occasional bath. But being in a marsh with a Banshee was completely off the table for him. Feeling something touch him from behind, Roxas wasn't afraid. Producing the Keyblade of Darkness, he used the simple fira spell to conjure himself a light source. "Is that all you've got, Banshee? Come on, you can make me feel worse!" Taunting her, Roxas wanted to see the creature for himself. Morrigan was worried about her using powers not of this world and the blond was getting fed up. He didn't want to be kidnapped with his boyfriend by yet another supernatural creature that decided it wanted to kill them.
Ventus died before his rightful time...
Roxas couldn't help the laugh that escaped. "And we rescued him from the Underworld. Hel is one of our allies, the Gods who have lovingly accepted us into their ranks. What happens when The Morrigan finally has enough of her pet that won't listen to its master?" Turning the conversation to her, Roxas couldn't help but mock the creature that wouldn't show herself.
Letting out a laugh of her own that sounded like a witches cackle, the banshee took in a large breath, preparing for her shriek that disoriented even Immortals. Allowing herself to be seen, the Banshee, Roxas had noticed was like the tales of old. Red eyes, supposedly that way because of her constant weeping and wailing. Long hair with a hooded grey cloak that helped to conceal some of her features. A green dress under the cloak that seemed tattered. Being that she was no longer human, Roxas supposed she no longer cared for her appearance.
Unleashing her wail, Roxas couldn't help but shake. He covered his ears in a bid to try and silence her screams, but it was deafening. He felt like he'd been in a fight and they just got a good punch in his face and gut. After he crumpled to his knees, Roxas got back up and smirked at the Banshee. "Is that all you've got?" Surprised when he felt something on his face, Roxas wiped it away with the back of his hand and saw that it was blood.
Sora heard the sobbing first and was surprised to see a woman with her head in her hands, crying to herself as she flew by. Doing a double-take as he'd initially been concerned with the person in question, Sora instinctively began to take a few steps back from the woman. It proved to be a big mistake as she stopped her suffering cries to look over at him. The moment his eyes met her permanently red ones, Sora knew he would be in for trouble. She wasn't a Loa like Baron Samedi and definitely didn't seem friendly. His fears proved to be true and could do nothing but watch in horror as she reared her head back and let out an inhuman wail.
Covering his ears, and instinctively shutting his eyes, Sora still couldn't drown out the sounds. Hearing her scream made him want to shout as loud as he could just to ease the agony he felt in his heart and soul. He imagined that was the intention of the banshee- to make someone, anyone feel her pain for a moment. Sora could feel her despair and tears fell down his face. In part because of her pained cries but also because he was saddened by her fate. Banshee had been born of mortal blood and turned into something else because of circumstances. Some tales said she was a mother who lost her child in birth, others say she was granted her unnatural powers by divine intervention.
You fear the dark, yet braved our domain... Even now I can hear that deific heart beating.
The Banshee seemed to take joy in the fact that she was inflicting harm on Sora. Of course, she was somewhat sadistic. What kind of creature could kill human beings indiscriminately and still remain pure?
"I came because I was asked to. I knew the dangers and the fact that we'd be here in the darkness..." Sora's grip tightened on the Keyblade of Light as he stared her down. He was actually starting to get mad. The Banshee was getting ready for another wail, and Sora decided that he couldn't withstand another. He hated having to do such a thing to her, as she suffered in life and inflicted torment because of that. But Sora knew she didn't belong in this world any longer and because of that fact, he knew what needed to be done. Casting one of the most basic spells he had, Sora was astonished to find there was an upgraded version. Ruinga. Reciting the words, he was surprised to find that not just one ruin blast had come out, but a large sphere that encircled and exploded on the Banshee and caused her to cry out in agony.
Rearing her head back for another wail, Sora began casting some of the nastier spells he had in his arsenal, each time earning a pained cry from the woman. Using some of his hybrid spells, he was surprised to find that fire-based spells seemed to work the best. Casting the spell Flare that he'd used on Jormungandr, Sora was still in awe of the fact that it was a reddish sphere that was see-through save for the smaller circle inside that appeared to be filled with magma. Detonating on contact with the Banshee, she let out a high pitched screech that caused Sora to cringe but not as much as her full-on wail.
I had forgotten the taste of divine wrath... It's been so long since a God other than Morrigan had an audience with us...
The Banshee collected herself and stopped what she was doing. She knew that she was outmatched and would return to the Underworld awaiting orders to torment more humans. With her exit, the unnatural mist began to dissipate for Sora, revealing parts of the town that had been clouded over.
Roxas was unfortunately still fighting off his Banshee. He had learned through trial and error that ice spells didn't seem to work against her. In fact, they seemed to heal her.
You hurt your brother in a dream and it caused a rift between you two...
Her hoarse whispered voice did nothing to stall Roxas. Ventus had said he forgave him before The Morrigan took his soul. Shaking his head to clear out the irrelevant thoughts, Roxas tried to focus on the fight and what he knew about Banshee. He knew enough to not let her yell again and to that end, he kept casting spells. Eventually switching to fire, he grinned when she cried out in agony. "Gotcha."
You told your brother Santa wasn't real...
Roxas snorted. "Is that really all you have left? And that's really not even much of a sin at all so much as telling him the truth." All of the seriousness of the moment faded away and he couldn't help his laughter at her attempt to make him feel guilty. She likely ran out of bad things that he'd done at this point and was grasping at straws. From a young boy, his grandmother had told him stories of creatures like the Banshee which helped prepare him for some of the more... interesting situations Sora got him into. Now, for instance.
The Banshee knew that if she screamed again she'd likely cause him great agony and she sucked in a lot of air in preparation.
Roxas wasn't going to let her get out that scream. If she could do this much damage to him, a young God, then he didn't want to find out what else she was capable of. Just as she was about to let out her unworldly screech, Roxas dashed at her with inhuman speed. Striking her with the Keyblade of Darkness, he was surprised at the hybrid attack that escaped the moment it touched the Banshee. Initially, he had intended for it to do a flame oriented attack but lightning also escaped, causing even more damage to her.
"'The dead are meant to have their rest'," Roxas found himself quoting Hel as he stared down the Banshee in her red eyes. Refusing to waste any more of his time on the Banshee, Roxas kept hitting her with everyone he had until she was dispersed and the unnatural mist disappeared. Catching his breath, Roxas' legs gave way and he found himself falling. To his surprise, right before he hit the ground, someone grabbed onto his hand. When that 'someone' turned out to be Sora, Roxas couldn't help the smile that escaped. "How do you always end up saving me?"
Sora shrugged and wore a carefree smile in response to Roxas'. "It's fated." Helping Roxas up, he was glad the two of them were together again.
"Seems like." Roxas nodded and looked at their surroundings a little more once he was back on his own two feet. Sora refused to let go of his hand and Roxas was grateful for that. It made sense that he'd been scared of being separated, Gods, even Roxas was scared. "So what happened for you? Was it just walking around in the mist?"
Sora shook his head. "No. I had to deal with a Banshee."
All humor died away for Roxas when he heard those simple words escape Sora's lips. "Are you okay? She didn't hurt you did she?" Instantly inspecting Sora, Roxas was glad to find no visible marks.
"Her scream really messed with my head but other than that, no." Sora could see from Roxas' aura that he was instantly worried. That, and a little bit scared. Which is why Sora wasn't surprised when he found himself pulled into a hug. One that he quickly reciprocated. "I'm okay," He said more for Roxas' benefit than his own. Truth be told, he did feel okay.
"I'm glad." Roxas had no trouble admitting that out loud because they were alone. Shutting his eyes for a moment, he wanted to savor the moment before things started getting out of hand and crazy again.
"And we're fine." The Morrigan hated to spoil the moment, well actually she didn't. She had somewhere to be and taking care of a Chocobo wasn't part of her plans.
"Of course we were worried about you, too." Sora pulled out of the hug, his cheeks getting hot that they'd been caught doing something private. It wasn't a kiss or something uber embarrassing, but he had still 'jumped' the moment Morrigan spoke.
"I'm sure you handled her just fine." Roxas' red cheeks were a little more visible to The Morrigan as opposed to Sora's. Grinning like a fool, the blond still held Sora's free hand in his own.
She smirked. "We are the sovereign of Banshee, ghosts, witches, demons, and... many more things we won't get into." The Morrigan paused as she saw more shooting stars land. "Your journey takes you to a crossroads... be wary of lurking dangers. Ragnarok was only the beginning of something, never the end. We ask that you put your plans on hold and visit an old friend of ours."
"Old friend?" Sora was instantly intrigued. Glancing up at the sky he could see that the shooting stars were still going and maybe they'd continue until they were finished in another quest of The Morrigan's. Determined that they get her task done so that they could finish their own, Sora was excited.
The Morrigan nodded. "She's ancient. Like most Primordials, she won't be telling you her real age. But she's in need of your assistance. Will you heed the call of another?" Morrigan knew Sora's answer had been a, yes, but this time her gaze switched to Roxas.
Roxas was almost as excited as Sora, he just didn't show it. "Any chance we can learn the name of this 'friend'?" He wondered if she was one of the many Gods he'd studied. Having found a lot of the pantheons, he was fascinated in particular with Sun and Moon deities. And the occasional Oceanid.
"Yemoja, Mother of the Orisha. Goddess of Rivers, streams, and many more callings we're sure you both know." The Morrigan handed over Choco and offered her forearms to both boys so they could grab onto her. As they did so, both boys and the Chocobo were teleported to a temple. Beautiful and intricate, Sora and Roxas were in awe. Everything within the temple looked like it was carefully and specifically chosen to appease Yemoja. The beautiful river stones that shone unlike any other, natural spring that glimmered with the same crystal clear purity of Artemis' within the temple Sora, Roxas, and the Goddesses had stayed in.
"She will take you to Yemoja while we adjourn elsewhere. Quickly now. Time waits for no one, not even children of destiny." The Morrigan enlisted her own crow to aid with the efforts this time. As if on cue, the bird cawed at Sora and Roxas, tilting her head to the side as if asking if they were ready.
Sora looked to Roxas who nodded. Sora grinned. "We're ready." About to say his goodbyes to The Morrigan, he and Roxas were surprised to find that she'd already gone. Once both boys got on Choco the crow took off into the sky, her speed matched by their Chocobo. Eventually leading them to the water, she disappeared from sight altogether, the familiar choosing to rejoin her master. Just as they had arrived, Sora and Roxas were amazed by the giant monster that was attacking Yemoja. The large woman was doing her best to keep it at bay but it seemed her efforts were in vain.
Sora and Roxas ran as fast as they could to reach the Goddess but it seemed their efforts were in vain.
"...I pity... your arrogance..." Yemoja fell, the Goddess for once unable to keep her composure.
"Yemoja!" Calling out her name in unison, both boys were surprised when she made eye contact.
The Mother of the Orisha barely managed a smile before she was consumed. Their jaws dropping in horror, both of their hearts sank and they were left to deal with something that seemed capable of destroying Primordials.
Sora was shaking. His eyes were hidden by his hair so Roxas couldn't tell what he was feeling. Part of the blond wished he had Sora's aura reading ability as it was kind of a cheat sheet in these moments. Roxas gasped when he saw the Keyblade of Light materialize in his hands and he began to cast dark magic. "Poisonga." Sora was angry now. So angry in fact that he ignored the dangers and began to fight.
Roxas was in awe. Not only was he casting dark magic, but he was also very clearly upset. Making a mental note to never hurt Sora's feelings, Roxas felt the Keyblade of Dark materialize in his hands. Aiming to help their efforts, he stood beside Sora and began to cast buffs.
"Imperilga, Slowga, Defaithga," Casting some of the nastier spells to remove magical protections on the monster, Sora began to use fire and lightning-based spells as he figured they'd hurt the creature in question. His magic became easier to use once Roxas used a spell Sora was unfamiliar with. The word he caught which seemed to be the effect was 'haste'.
Sora cast his spell Flare and Roxas used the most powerful thunder spell which was Surge. After their combined spells weakened the creature, Sora and Roxas were surprised when the one they were supposedly trying to avenge stood next to them.
Yemoja smiled at their reactions to her. "You two have made me so proud," Her smile disappeared once she stared at the great sea creature that tried to eat her.
"How are you back?" Sora's grip on his Keyblade lessened and all of his anger boiled away. There was something about Yemoja's smile- and abrupt appearance that soothed him.
Yemoja couldn't help the chuckle that escaped. "We Primordials are different... Even Gods who are supposedly our peers are different. You see, when a God of a particular calling dies, they go to the Underworld. But Primordials are deathless. Our essence inhabits a new vessel upon our destruction." Turning her attention over to the creature that deigned fit to attack her, Yemoja glared. "While your efforts were great, Lamia, it seems our time to play is at an end." Yemoja stepped into the waters, which immediately began to bend to her will. "Behold! Yemoja's fury!" Lifting either hand to the sides of her head, the water separated into two waves and drained until the ocean floor could be seen.
"Lamia? Did she just say 'Lamia'?" Sora whispered to Roxas as he stared at the sight before them. Roxas nodded and swallowed nervously.
"As in," Roxas paused as he swallowed nervously. "Devourer of children, Lamia?"
Yemoja clapped her hands together and the waves engulfed the monster. She knew she couldn't kill Lamia by drowning but Yemoja essentially crashed two tidal waves down on her which would have done substantial damage to any creature. It seemed to have done Lamia in as she cried out in agony and disappeared. "Despair warped her into the wretched creature that once stood before you two. Her children were taken as penance for her transgressions with Zeus. She tore out her eyes and Zeus turned her into that monstrosity so that she could devour the children of others. I'm sure she won't be missed."
Sora knew that she had somewhat of a bias because Lamia tried to devour her, but Yemoja seemed to have a dark side like Persephone. Thinking fondly of his maternal aunt, Sora wondered if he got the family temper. Artemis had one. Persephone certainly had one. Glancing at Roxas, he felt inclined to ask. "You don't think I got mom's temper, do you?"
Roxas stared blankly for a moment. He didn't say anything for what seemed like forever and when he finally spoke up, Sora didn't get the answer he wanted. "Are you going to smite me if I say 'yes'?"
Sora's jaw dropped. He knew he could be a handful if he got upset, which was pretty rare but to be told that you have the temper of Artemis herself was a new one. "Really?" No offense to his mother, but Sora knew how wrathful she could be.
"Back there when Yemoja was in trouble you got... upset." Choosing his words carefully, Roxas didn't want Sora to be upset with him. Which was a first as he usually didn't care about most people's opinions? "Some of the spells you were using are pretty vindictive. I'm not saying they didn't work or that you were out of place for getting upset. I'm just saying that I didn't expect to see that side of you. Ever. It's kind of refreshing." Roxas smiled. So what if Sora got a little emotional from time to time? Roxas knew what he signed up for.
Sora couldn't help smiling after the last part. "Nice save."
"Thank you. Years of practice." Lost in their own little world while they continued their back and forth, Yemoja finally cleared her throat, which surprised and immediately made both embarrassed.
"I must get back to my temple. It seems Poseidon is upping his game." Yemoja sighed, this time in a suffering manner. Rubbing her temples, the ancient Primordial Goddess could feel a headache coming on.
"Can we come with you?" Sora asked excitedly.
"Of course you can. You are always welcomed in my temple. It's not every day a son of Artemis or descendant of Aine are in my midst." Yemoja offered her arms to the boys with Sora and Roxas placing their free hands on Choco so he'd teleport with them. Returning to her temple, Yemoja looked at some of the offerings her people had given to her. Usually, she looked forward to such things. But things were not so simple right now.
"Back there... You said Poseidon is upping his game. What do you mean?" Roxas was interested in what the story was.
"A little... dispute we're having. He claims the oceans and yet does not pay tribute to Yemoja. I am much older than him and I remember a time where we got on just fine without a King of the Ocean." Emphasizing the words 'dispute' and 'King', Yemoja sighed once again.
Sora didn't know what to say. Poseidon was his Great Uncle and he didn't know much more than that about him. Well, he knew stories because of his parents who made sure he and Vanitas learned about as many Gods as possible. Starting with the Greeks, of course. "Oh!" Sora exclaimed out of nowhere, startling both Roxas and Yemoja. "I almost forgot!" Grinning like a mad man, Sora put his hands behind his back and conjured something. Sora excitedly showed the item in question which happened to be ambrosia, the delicacy of the Greek Gods.
"A gift? For me?" Yemoja was pleasantly surprised. She figured the Greeks would have either gotten involved on Poseidon's behalf or stayed neutral. Her face immediately lit up. "Thank you. It's not every day I'm brought and able to enjoy ambrosia. I will savor this." Taking the item from Sora, Yemoja smiled gratefully.
"No problem." Sora once more found himself caught up in her simple gesture and smiled back. "If you don't mind, Yemoja, we were actually about to resume our journey to find a fallen star."
"I don't mind at all. You'll find your fallen star near your mother's temple. The one with the impossibly pure spring. Which, by the way, was a gift from me. Poseidon tried to give her saltwater but didn't understand that people can't drink that." Yemoja shook her head. How is it one could be a God and so foolish at the same time?
Sora and Roxas laughed because they thought it was a joke. When Yemoja's demeanor didn't change they understood that she had actually been serious. "Oh. Didn't he make that mistake before?"
Yemoja laughed and smiled for what felt like the first time in forever. "Yes! And you'd think he would have learned that. He's stubborn like the current that one."
"Do you think he'd listen to us?" Roxas asked. He had said 'us' but he more or less meant Sora. If anyone was capable of reasoning with an Olympian it would be one of their own. Plus Poseidon had helped in their efforts to avoid Ragnarok. Surely he could be a reasonable God, couldn't he?
"We could try and speak on your behalf... after we go after our star" Sora lit up. Meeting more family? That sounded like fun. Maybe they'd speak to Hera before trying that idea. He also couldn't wait to see this falling star.
Yemoja knew it may be in vain, but he was the son of Artemis and seemed to be beloved by everyone. Gods and mortals alike. "Okay. If it's not too much trouble. Do not concern yourself with this right now. Find your star."
"Thank you." Sora and Roxas left Yemoja's temple with Choco and continued their journey toward the falling star.
