Eros nervously looked upon her bed ridden friend. Ever since she had gotten home, Ares had fallen into a haggard slumber. She had done her best to keep her covered and cared for. Yet, the war goddess just got weaker. She was so scared. Gods didn't just get weak like this. A loss of faith might weaken a god. Perhaps another god infringing on their territory but to this extent? It would have to be something major and Eros hadn't heard of another war god about. She would be freaking out if she wasn't trying to put on a strong face for Ares.
Of course that didn't matter right now. Ares was asleep at the moment. Her labored breaths made Eros squirm uncomfortably where she stood. Seeing her so red in the face was worrisome. Thankfully she had someone to treat her.
Beside the bed was a beautiful woman, as any goddess was. She had long, flowing blonde hair that was looped into a number of braids. Her voluptuous figure was held within a sleeveless, white dress that cut low to her bosom. Her fierce blue eyes looked down at Ares in intrigue. She put a hand to her forehead.
"What is wrong with her, Brigid?" Eros asked.
If anyone could know, it was Brigid: Goddess of healing and poetry. She was a neutral goddess, befitting her role as healer. She spent most of her time caring for the current Chief God.
Brigid sighed and pulled back her hand, "If she were a mortal, I would say she caught a bad cold. However, it's not that simple. What's wrong with her is a lack of energy. A very sudden lack of it, so her body doesn't know how to deal with this."
"Lack of energy?" Eros tilted her head to the side in confusion, "But she has so many followers. She should be getting a ton of it."
"I know," Brigid said with a furrowed brow. Her hands lit up as she used a spell to scan the body once more, "But it's like someone's… taking it."
"Only another war god could do that," Eros said, "And there hasn't been one since the previous ages."
Brigid put up her hands in a 'I don't know' gesture, "I can't tell you anything else. She simply lacks the energy to move right now."
"We have to do something," Eros stomped her foot.
"Calm yourself, Eros." Brigid said.
Brigid pulled away the covers before putting a hand on Ares's stomach. The healing goddess closed her eyes and instantly, a bright light formed around her hands. Eros furrowed her brow, waiting for what was about to happen. Then Brigid pushed her hands into Ares's body. In any other circumstance, Eros would have dragged the goddess away. Yet she made sure to keep herself still. She trusted Brigid to know what she was doing. The goddess of health moved her hands about for a couple of moments before nodding. She pulled her hands away and the light was gone. Ares's stomach was just as whole as it was a moment ago.
Brigid turned to Eros, "I've done my best for her. She should be getting stronger from now on."
"So she'll be just as she was?"
Brigid shook her head, "Not quite. I couldn't fully stop this transfer. That's out of my hands until we find the god responsible. I was able to make sure the connection to her followers was more stable and strong. She should be able to do most of what she could before."
"Alright," Eros sighed. That was better then her worst fears, "Did-"
"I didn't find any link to the Fallen God or anyone else," Brigid said, "It would have been too obvious if it was anyone not a war god. No matter how strong they are, there would have been some trace to a god's element. Having it be another war god muddles the issue."
"We'll have to tell the others about this," Eros said.
"That we shall," Brigid started to walk out the door, "She should be up soon enough. I'll return soon to check up on her. Until then, the Chief God needs another check up. She gets ornery if I don't check up on her at least once a month."
"Maybe I should help get her mind off of this conflict," Eros said, "It would do her some good to be happy for once."
"She's too stubborn to listen but that would be appreciated," Brigid said, "Just make sure Ares gets enough bedrest. The Chief God isn't the only stubborn god in our pantheon."
Eros snorted in humor, "Tell it like it is."
She turned back to Ares. The war goddess seemed to be breathing easier now. Her face wasn't as flushed as before. She put a hand to her head. Much cooler than before. Good. Brigid knew her work well. She'd keep Ares safe and make sure to kick whatever war god's butt that tried to weaken her friend.
Pen met paper once again in the kingdom of Angleterre. Within the great capital, Glasgrovel, the castle of the king stood tall and proud. Within one of the towers was the king's own room. The king's desk was surrounded by a number of piles of paperwork. He penned another document before putting it aside. A sigh could be heard coming from him as he viewed another piece of paper.
The king was young. Barely sixteen at the moment. The hairs on his chin were just starting to sprout, which was honestly becoming a bit of a bother to him. He never liked beards so having to constantly trim his was not something he looked forward to. He made a mental note to find tonics to stop such growth or at least limit it. He was handsome as is. A beard would only obstruct his visage.
For now though, he was looking through the myriad of papers to rule. He could always pawn this off to other men and women. There were a good number who could look at finances better than he or listen to the common folk's requests with more haste. However, he was a young king. He wanted to prove some of his own worth before he went about delegating everything to someone else. It was proving to be a hassle but ruling a nation was never going to be easy.
Suddenly a knock came from the door. The king quirked an eyebrow as a young messenger girl popped into the room. She was waving around a single letter.
"A message for the king," she shouted with gusto.
The young king held out his hand, "Very well. Give it to me."
The messenger quickly did as instructed. The young king eyed the letter warily. It could be anything. He didn't waste any more time than that simple thought before he opened it. Best to get it over with. His eyes scanned it as he started to read. Then a quirky grin spread across his face. He gave a small laugh.
"You have done well," the king said with a nod, "Go to the royal treasury and ask for a bag of gold. One as big as you can carry."
The messenger's eyes widened, "I don't think-"
"The news you have brought me is worth that sum," the king said. "Go and spend it wisely."
The messenger smiled before heading out of the room, "I will, Your majesty."
"Good," the young king laughed as the door closed behind the girl. "This is just what I needed."
"You seem in good spirits, King Robert." A deep, masculine voice said.
King Robert Laxley turned his head to one of the mirrors. The surface of it shimmered before a red eye appeared. The king had seen it many a time before so he was not scared. He simply held up the letter.
"The king of Marseille is dead," King Robert Laxley said, "It is as good a time as any to rejoice. Our plan is going as well as we predicted."
"Oh please," the eye narrowed. "The plan was so simple, a child could do it. That king of Marseille was an imbecile. You might have actually had an easier time taking the country with him alive."
"Perhaps," King Robert leaned back into his chair. He was confident no one would be coming for a while so he didn't lower his voice, "But the ensuing chaos benefits us. Less eyes will be on our country so we can move with a bit more wiggle room to build up our forces. I'd thought you'd be happier with this."
"There have been complications," the eye spoke. "My power was nearly cut off at the source. I won't be able to get as much energy as we planned."
King Robert sighed, "I told you about the dangers of greed. You didn't listen and thus paid the price. How much longer have we been pushed back?"
"Perhaps a decade," the eye responded.
"A decade is manageable," the king said, nodding to himself. "I was hoping for your emergence in a couple of years but with this timeframe, we can make it work. Whether it's tomorrow or twenty years from now, a god's reawakening shall aid my conquest. Even now, you've been helping to push humanity back into the arms of war."
"I am Mars," the eye said. "The true god of war. Unlike my sister, I do not shy away from it. I shall teach her and that ungrateful Chief God a lesson for trapping me here."
"I would like it if you kept your vengeance to your sister," the king narrowed his gaze. "God or not, this land follows the Chief God. Her presence shall always remain here."
"Ha," Mars laughed, "Even imprisoned in here, I can tell when someone doesn't truly mean something. I'll hold off on her. At least for a little while after my release."
"Good," King Robert nodded, "Until then, continue to exert some control. We need more conflict but don't overextend yourself. Ares may be weakening but she still has allies in high places."
"I know," Mars scoffed, "Weaklings they may be, but I'm not stupid. We will have victory, that I assure you."
Death isn't always the final destination. In this world, new life is always sure to follow. He knew of this. His wife was a skilled mamono Witch. She told him enough to know what to expect after death. So he wouldn't be surprised by what came after. What he did fear was the afterlife itself. Would he be punished for his misdeeds or simply be left in peace, to await his wife one day. Not that he wanted her to die but he would like to see her once again. Perhaps that would lead to him being reincarnated. Not the most ideal. He liked how he was now but then again, he wasn't the best humanity had to offer. A second chance might not be so bad when you took that into account.
However, what he felt then didn't feel like how he expected the afterlife to be. He couldn't feel a thing, for starters. Yet he 'could' sense things around him. It was like his whole body was functional but extremely numb to the world. Perhaps that's how souls worked down there in the Underworld. Yet it still felt so odd to him.
He could hear muttering in the distance. Was that other souls like him, trapped down here? Now that was a sobering thought. Oh right. He couldn't drink down here. He'd moan about that later. He opened his eyes. Best to get this over with. What he saw above him was the top of a ceiling cave. Not that odd. It was the Underworld after all but he expected the cave to be bigger. Much bigger.
"Ah," a slimy voice said, "You're finally awake. Good. A part of me was worried I'd have to use a spell to wake you from your slumber. Consuming business that would be."
The mercenary captain wanted to turn his head but he found that he couldn't. The only thing he could control was his eyelids and his… This was odd. He wasn't breathing. Then again, he was dead. This was to be expected but it was an odd experience nonetheless.
The owner of the voice turned his head for him. What he saw was extremely surprising. It was a man in fine, purple clothes. From his pants up to his shirt, he had green tentacle shapes on them. Gemstones were displayed on his three rings on his right hand: two purple, one green. What was most striking and damning about his appearance was that his 'beard' wasn't made of hair. It was made of living tentacles the same pasty color as his flesh.
The strange man chuckled, "I'm so glad we were close by when you died. We don't usually come out this far. Far too dangerous for us but I had a revelation from one of our gods. That I'd find a useful tool for us."
The mercenary captain hadn't panicked before. He felt like he should now. This was starting to sound like he wasn't in the Underworld like he was supposed to be.
"Hel may claim the souls of the dead but there are ways around it," the mysterious man chuckled. He pulled out a book, "Our benefactors gave us the tool to enact my plan. Lord of the dead upon this planet, I shall be. You shall help me with that. My strong champion."
The mysterious man tapped the mercenary captain's head, not caring for how distressed he was. In fact, it was probably true that he just couldn't tell. His face couldn't move at all at the moment.
"I'll just need to work on things," the mysterious man said, "I can't have the rest of my kin find out about this. Now Rick-"
The mercenary captain's eyes widened. How did he know his name?
"-I just want to say, thank you for your body." The mysterious man said with glee, "Going through your mind was a treat. You have the potential for greatness and I shall unlock it. However, I think I need you to be compliant. Sadly that means I'll be pushing your consciousness into the back of your mind."
Rick, the former mercenary captain, wanted to struggle. To choke this man. Yet he couldn't do anything at the moment. He was at this mad man's mercy. Was this how it was going to be? Brought back without a means of being with his wife? No… no, that shouldn't be how it was.
"Necromancy is such a chore but I think I'm going to grow to love it," the mad man chuckled, "Now let's get to pushing that mind of yours back. The Old Gods will thank you for your aid."
Audrey was incredibly lucky that the dwarven beds came in her size. She was half expecting them to be tiny things. It would have made her legs rather uncomfortable but now she was rather at peace. Well as at peace as she could be in this situation. Sleeping in a dwarven city made her skin crawl. She still wasn't sure of the dwarves' intentions. No doubt some of them might take out their anger about humans on her.
Yet her only insurance of safety was one being: a mamono. The very creatures she was raised to hate. The irony of that. Thrown away by other humans, only to be housed by dwarves and protected by a kunoichi. Said kunoichi was sleeping on the floor at the moment. She only had a blanket to cover her. Other than that, it was just the hard, flat floor.
Yua didn't seem uncomfortable. She just gave her a smile and said, "Good night."
Audrey didn't know how to take it. When she had first arrived in the room, she thought that Yua would try something. She didn't know what, but she was worried all the same. Maybe she'd corrupt her or just go through with an assassination. The last one was silly given she saved her, but her worries were getting the best of her. Then Yua had surprised her. She had taken to the floor and let her have the bed. Audrey couldn't believe it. She wouldn't try anything. Was she not worth it?
She shook her head. No. She should be happy. The mamono was away from her while she slept. That was the best option. Yet, it felt bad. That was her savior. She wouldn't be here safe and sound without her. Yet she was also a mamono. It was so aggravating. Why couldn't this be simple? She sighed. Her life would never be simple again. That she knew very well.
She looked over at Yua once more and bit her lip. Hogging the bed didn't sit right with her. Mamono or not, she was raised with common decency in mind. She took in a deep breath and steeled her nerves. What she was going to do next was terrifying.
"You can… share the bed." Audrey blushed before turning away, "Just lay on the other side."
"Are you sure?" Yua asked, "You aren't that comfortable with me yet and I really don't want to impose."
"I was raised to help others," Audrey said, "So just let me help you a little, okay? Just… keep your distance."
The bed was thankfully big enough where that wouldn't be an issue. She could hear Yua move around and get into the bed behind her. Her body shivered. So close to a mamono. In the bed with one, no less. She would be executed for sure if she went back home. Then again, there was no reason to go back there. Nothing awaited her.
"Thank you, Audrey." Yua said, "Please get some rest."
"I will," Audrey nodded.
She felt a little happy but she wouldn't show it. This was still a mamono and it would take a while for that to change for her. Yet, a small part of her knew that would not matter to her one day. Not in her new circumstances. Should she be afraid of that day? She wasn't sure. Until then, she'd wait and see how this would play out.
Priest Norscrim briskly walked through the dark hallway. He made a mental note to complain about the lighting later. Then again, this might be a deliberate choice on Doctor Leevelee's part. That man had a few screw looses but he produced results. So therefore Norscrim didn't have him executed. He still thought about it from time to time. His inner musings were cut short as he finally came to his destination. The door at the end of the hallway was simple. Anyone could enter. Thankfully there were spells put in place around the area to make sure no nosey pedestrians came looking.
A few guards here and there also helped with that. He knocked on the door and waited. A moment later, the door suddenly opened. It was Dr. Leevelee himself. The man wore pure white robes that had golden stitches decorating the ends. A purple staff with a green orb at the end was held in his left hand.
"It is delightful to see you on this fine day, High Priest." Dr. Leevelee said, bowing his head.
"I was told today would produce results," High Priest Norscrim said as he walked inside, "I expect to be impressed."
"Oh you will," the Dr. said.
The room they walked into wasn't too impressive. It was spacious enough for a few seats. A dining table could be set up and Norscrim had used one here on occasions. Now wasn't the time for pleasantries however. He glanced at the large enchanted glass window. On the other side was a much larger room. Inside were several cabinets and material that Norscrim did not want to think about. Dr. Leevelee's trade was disturbing enough to witness at times. The High Priest didn't want to know everything he was capable of for his own sanity.
Norscrim took a seat, waiting for the event to happen. Thankfully he didn't have to wait long. Into the room was pushed a table on wheels. On the table was a young lady. She couldn't be older than sixteen. She was tied down and gagged but even then, she struggled against her holdings. Her eyes were frantically looking around for escape. Given how red and puffy they were, she must have been crying before she was brought in. The priest couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow.
"Why is she not sedated?" He asked.
"I've found that the tests work better without the aid of sedatives or even spells," Dr. Leevelee said, "I haven't found one that really works without hampering the experiment. Besides, it allows me to see the effects of the transformation from the patient's perspective bit by bit. How very charming this is."
High Priest Norscrim inwardly sighed. He honestly doubted there was no way to sedate the subject. Dr. Leevelee most likely just liked seeing them squirm and writhe in pain. Norscrim didn't care too much for these subjects. They were commoners after all but it was still disturbing nonetheless.
"Are you sure this one will work?"
"Absolutely," Dr. Leevelee said, rubbing his hands together as he chuckled. "I've finally figured it out. Age is the real issue. We needed a body that's young enough to grow into the transformation but also one old enough to survive the effects. You read the reports, correct?"
"You went into great detail with them," Norscrim nodded. He really didn't want to think about some of those reports. Reading about how a three year old boy literally blew up after half an hour of screaming in agony wasn't something he wanted to spend his day doing again.
"I always make sure to capture every moment," Dr. Leevelee seemed pleased with himself. "I even ordered memory balls in order to showcase them later. I'll give you a few once they arrive."
High Priest Norscrim held up a hand, "No thank you. I'm good as of now with just the reports."
"Of course," Dr. Leevelee said, "I best be on my way. The experiment is about to start. I have high hopes for this one."
Norscrim watched the doctor rush out of the room. Not long after, he arrives inside the one he was looking down on. The girl seemed to jerk away from him as though he was literally the Demon Lord himself. Muffled screams could be heard.
"Good, good." The Doctor smiled, "You still have such fight in you. You'll need it."
Behind him entered another rolling table. On it was a large canister. The doctor moved over and tapped it. The canister moved in response. The doctor laughed.
"Just as lively," the Doctor said in joy, "You'll make the perfect pair once you're fused."
The patient started to cry again.
"Tears of joy," the doctor grinned, "Yes, this is perfect. Do not fear. After twenty three attempts, I've finally got it down. You won't die like the rest, I assure you."
The subject started to thrash again. This time, however, the other aids pushed her down. The doctor tutted.
"Please stay still," Dr. Leevelee waved a finger in her face, "I need you to be at peace as I work. Otherwise I might make a mistake. It will get pretty messy in here if I do."
She whimpered.
"Don't worry," Dr. Leevelee said, "You have such high affinity for this. You'll make it. Once you do, you'll be a great asset for our country. A literal weapon to use against the monsters that threaten our very country. No, our very species. Yes, yes! You will be our shining star that will vanquish our foes, no matter who and where they are."
He leaned forward onto the table, "Think of it. Hybrids between Elementals and humans. Then spirits and humans. Maybe even the gods and humanity!" He held up his hands.
Norscrim frowned. His words were blasphemous but he produced results. So he didn't just kill this man, even if he really wanted to.
"We will remake you and you will pave the way for a greater future," the doctor said.
He walked over and opened the canister. His staff started to glow as he lifted up what could only be described as a purple, gelatinous blob. His smile was so wide it threatened to split his face.
"Behold," he said, "A poison elemental. Not many around these parts so it was quite expensive. So survive this. I won't be able to get another one for, let's see, a month. I'd be so bored until then. My list of subjects is growing thin. Might have to do some more collecting since our head priest doesn't like me touching any of the prime material."
He meant the nobility. It was true that nobles and those of high standing usually produced greater characters. In magic, body, and everything else, nobles performed better then commoners. Of course, there were exceptions. He used those exceptions to his benefit as High Priest of the country. Still though, he couldn't let the doctor use a noble person's child. Too messy and could easily backfire.
"So now," Dr. Leevelee ignored the muffled cries of panic and tears as he grinned. "Let's see. Should we get to combining now or cut you up a bit. Choices. Choices."
High Priest Noscrim could never let this get out. His reputation would take a nosedive. Yes, the nobility didn't care about commoners in general. Yet he knew that even with that, these experiments went too far. Still, he needed stronger soldiers to keep his power. Not just from outside forces but to keep those in the country in line. He would live and die as the most powerful man in Lascetie. That much as assured.
Eliza held her adopted son close to her in the dead of night. Only a candle illuminated the room from the moonless darkness. The hero was only wearing a simple brown shirt and skirt at the moment. She leaned back into the chair. Her maid and daughter were both asleep so she tried to keep herself as quiet as possible. She couldn't sleep that night so she wanted to see her little boy.
He was such a small thing. It was hard to think he'd be a dragon one day. A giant, fire breathing, city crushing dragon. A small part of her still thought this was foolish. She was a hero. This was a monster. It was better to get rid of the threat now then let it grow up and become a nuisance. Yet as she watched his small, cute face in slumber, she knew this was the right choice. A smile blossomed on her face as she hummed in delight. A song passed down for generations, such by parent to child.
There was a reason Eliza couldn't sleep. Why she was holding her son in her arms. She was so tense at that moment. It was like a divine revelation was coming to her but she didn't know the details. She just knew things were going to go wrong soon. Maybe not tomorrow but one day. Her family was never going to be safe anyways. She was a Hero. That meant every day could be her last and that doom would follow her. That was the crutch all heroes had to bear as they went along this journey.
No matter what came their way though, she'd be ready. Even if she gave her life doing it, her family would grow up to have happy lives. That much she swore. She turned her head to look out the window. A hateful glare came to her features.
'I don't care what you throw my way. Be it human, monster, or even the gods themselves. I'll be here with my sword at the ready. Not a single being will touch my family. Not ever again. I swear upon my soul.'
Eliza meant every word. With that promise made, she held her baby boy closer to her chest.
"No matter what anyone says, Draco." Eliza said sweetly, "You are my son. I know you'll have a good heart when you come of age. Just remember to keep being the sweet little boy you are now, okay?"
A little gurgle came from his mouth. He must be dreaming. Eliza softly giggled. It was moments like these that made life worth living. She would cherish every one of them as long as she could.
And with that, we're done with the intro arc. Thank you all for reading. This chapter may seem like a collection of short bits but these plot points will all come into fruition in later arcs. Next we'll timeskip a few years (unless I really want to do another small chapter or two about the intervening years). I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment. Your thoughts are always appreciated. Thank you.