How long has it been since they've last seen each other? The man she knew as her Lord may have forgotten, but not for a second did she forget.
Two years, give or take, when she last saw him. Odin was roughly on the mark in terms of time, but she likely didn't account for his age passing in the overworld. Or rather, since he disappeared. Then, 'The Final Death', a time where all should have been put to rest. And if she were to guess how old he was purely from his new looks, she would imagine another...three, maybe four or so years have passed? She remembered he was 18 when they parted. Barely even an adult in some parts of his world according to him.
Oh how time passed.
The Oracle nuzzled her head into his chest, caring not that his uniform was getting more and more damp from her tears. She has waited far too long to care about things such as 'holding back'. Her arms wrapped around him as she continued to cry, and not a moment later did she feel him do the same to her. He was hesitant, she could feel it from how gingerly his hands brushed against her. But the warm embrace from the man she came to know and love only further fueled her tear ducts. So despite him likely wanting to console her, it only had the opposite effect.
The Oracle didn't know how long she stood there. In his arms, letting the anguish of never seeing him for years get emptied out. But eventually, she managed to stop. Her eyes were likely red. Face definitely wet. And not to mention the snot that may or may not have oozed out. Quite un-ladylike, she had to admit. But while wiping away what fluids remained from her face, she gave her Lord a great big smile that could even rival some of the pixies or fairies within the Kingdom.
"Welcome back, Milord..." The Oracle once again greeted him, doing her best not to get choked up in tears after crying her guts out. "...We've all been waiting for you. For countless years. But we knew you'd come back one day"
Her Lord took a step back, his face unresponsive for a moment as he merely watched her. His lips were pursed, but there was a certain look of uncertainty within his eyes. She knew what it meant in her heart, yet it was a shame that it had come to this. Still, it did not matter. She promised she would help him regain his memories one way or another.
"I...Assume you have forgotten us, haven't you?" The Oracle gave a dry laugh as a sad smile formed. "It is to be expected, I suppose. After all, it has been a very long time. And...You've had a new life ahead. Judging from those two that you were accompanied by"
Her face briefly turned around, finding the crowd has mostly vanished from the gates, although there were a few that were still there, watching them. "I apologize for the unsightly behavior just now. I...was too caught up in my own emotions". She turned back around to face him, a now genuine smile gracing her lips, as she closed her eyes. "Let's be off, shall we? I shall, once again, do my best to accompany you. Tis' a celebration, you see. Everyone is quite excited to see you again. Why, even Alicia, who is usually cooped up in her own experiments, said that she-"
"...I remember you"
Her heart felt like it stopped beating. Time seemed to slow down as the Oracle's eyes shot wide open. "Wh-What...?" Her voice a whisper. Quivering, she took a step forward towards him. "T-Truly?"
The young man nodded, taking off his cap and gingerly staring at the Schicksal insignia. "There was, at many times, when I was so confused with my life. I kept question why there were so many lapses in my memory. Why, for brief moments, I would see a glimpses of certain people. People I somehow instinctively knew. I felt like I had a good leash on what I wanted to do in life. A...new purpose. But my past...It was nothing but a blank slate". He stops eyeing the insignia before folding and placing away his cap within one of the two inner chest pockets of his uniform, albeit with difficulty. "Until recently"
"It was you, wasn't it? The one who called out to me initially"
The Oracle gasped, to which the young man gently smiled and nodded. "I knew it. That voice that called me. It was gentle. The moment I heard it, I...I knew I had to find it. To find you. Something about your voice back then managed to bring bits and pieces of my memory back. I faintly, but suddenly recalled about a castle...a kingdom. With skies so bright and air so clean. And then when we first landed, I started to remember more"
"Fields of grass, flowers and a small wheat plantation close by. A riverbank with an aqueduct followed by...The Temple of Worship"
Another gasp escaped the lips of the Oracle as tears were threatening to escape once more. No way...He even remembered the site that was used to safely transport him into the Realm of the Gods. Originally a temple used used by lowly priestess like her to enact divinations from the multiple gods of the realm. Up until the prophetic vision she was given followed by the crackling of power from high above that split the temple wide open. Leaving the inside wide open as a powerful summoning circle.
"The temple had many statues of gods. Yet I could tell who they were without reading the official signage. And when I saw Fortuna, as in the flesh...I felt the cogs in my mind suddenly turn. And then I laid my eyes upon you"
He smiled briefly, but was followed by a frown. "I could tell it was you. The voice that called out to me. Someone special. Someone I know I relied on. Someone I know was important. And yet..." He gritted his teeth as a pained expression overcame him. "...And yet I could not know why. I know you're important to me. My past self is likely screaming at me, having forgotten your name. But no matter what I do, I don't know why you're important. As if...As if the last puzzle piece I need is missing even though the picture is so clearly in view!"
"That's why...I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I betrayed your expectations"
The Oracle stood there rooted, unable to tell if she should cry in frustration, anger or sorrow. Her mouth moved like a fish, opening and closing repeated as if she wanted to say something but couldn't. But after what felt like forever, she took a breath and sighed. No...He clearly remembers her. It was just that he was having a hard time understanding why. Yes, that was the reason. And with a quick nod, mainly to herself, she steadied herself and faced him head on. There were a few ways that one could restore memories. And with the help of some of the Gods, surely there was some spell that could help.
"No...It is fine. Hearing you say that you remember me...It's more than enough for me understand" She smiled, confidence brimming once more. But as quick as it came, her expression morphed to one who was thinking intently. "I know we all can help you, Milord. There are some ways that we can use to...kickstart your recovery, so to speak. A blindfold, not the literal kind as it is more of a memory shard, do exist. And if that doesn't work, we could always take you around the realms to help you"
She muttered a few more ideas while disregarding others, until one moment she remembered something. It was a far-fetched idea, but it could work.
"There...is one method that could work. But...For now, I shall hold off that idea. The relic has been inert for a long time, so we have no idea what could possibly happen if you were to..."
The young man raised one of brow in a questioning gaze before the Oracle shook her head. "Never mind that. If all else fails, that would be our last option. I don't think it will be dangerous, but as I said, it hasn't been used for a long time". She sighed before shaking her head, smiling at him. "Shall we head in, Milord? This celebration was a combined effort and to celebrate your return. It would be a shame if you don't come"
There was a brief pause between them as the young man looked ahead anxiously. His eyes darted back towards the lady in blue as he smiled. "...Please do take care of me"
A giggle escaped her lips. "Of course, Milord. I always have and always will". She turned around and started walking, but stopped midway through the motions. "Pray tell, Milord. Do you...still remember my name?"
"...I think so?"
"Hmm...That's reassuring. Then let us go, shall we? The celebration would be quite dead if they learned you skipped it"
"Of course. And thank you once more..."
His lips moved. The words came out. Time felt like it stood still for a moment. But she smiled upon hearing her name.
Nothing changed. He was still him.
-Meanwhile-
Mei couldn't help but marvel at the inside of the city-state's walls. It was almost as if staring at a fantasy setting come to life, which ironically was the case from how she saw things. A few mixed races and different walks of life. Casual usage of magic ranging from handing of groceries to construction. She wasn't exactly a huge fan of the trope, but she had to admit, it was fairly nice to see something else aside from the hustle and bustle of their home world.
And speaking of technology, it was quite the oddity to see some modern ideas and spun into their own version. The clean water that was provided came from a nearby lake, purified daily by several woodland sprites, before being transported through a Greek aqueduct. However they had a complex filtration system that involved something similar to using multiple meshes to 'catch' impurities, whom had its own set of trained professionals handling equipment. According to Odin; of which Mei found a little weird talking to considering the origins of the name of their work, there were multiple sets of purifying magic layered on top of one another within the system. Each would detect, purify, notify and contain certain levels of impurities, which would then be sent to another treatment zone to be tested for human consumption.
Similar concept, different execution.
Still, that last part got to her. 'For human consumption'. It was a given of course, but Mei found out that due to the large amounts of mana circulating through practically every living or non-living thing, even something akin to pure water was poisonous. Humans were just incapable of taking in the large doses that were within. Small amounts were fine and in fact beneficial, as Mei noted since she found out the average life expectancy was far greater than on Earth, reaching up to 100 easily with elderly folks still being relatively fit. However, at a certain point, it would became inconvenient to one's life at best. And fatal at worse.
Mages, Priests and other individuals who had the propensity for magic usage, had a larger depth so to speak. So they could take in more mana without any adverse health risks. Still, it was often advised to not take in too much otherwise their body would take it as a sign of danger and just empty out all the mana inside, almost killing the individual. Like a Pythagorean Cup in theory. Take in too much, of which Odin roughly surmised to be about 200% of one's capacity, and the goblet would spill every drop of wine.
"Which is why you Herrschers are interesting to me. No doubt to everyone else. In essence, you are like us. Magical beings" Odin briefly states, putting emphasis on the word with a slight Germanic intonation. "But to think your kind was originally meant to bring about the ruin of humanity"
There a sad smile that briefly flashed across the Gaia's face. "Indeed. Unheard of within the realms. But what's done is done and you two have changed into something better. Protectors. That's what matters". However in the end, Earth's Deity frowned. "But I cannot in good conscience agree upon the methods taken. Experimentation? Deceit? Why, if I could only go there...!"
"Relax, All-Mother" The vampire princess places a gentle hand against the shoulders of the great deity. "I'm sure your children had no choice. It was either that, or die groveling at the hands of certain doom". Her gaze briefly locks onto Mei as a grin formed, revealing her sharp fangs. "But that is why you love them so much, no? Their tenacity, unparalleled. Ingenuity, unquestionable. They'd rather stare down the face of death and die protecting the ones they care. Talons so sharp, ferocity in the face of adversity...You'd almost mistake them for animals"
Mei felt a bead of sweat drip the side of her head. "Aha...You make it sound like we're barbarians" She jokingly states before chuckling and smiling as well. "But it is as you say. If it weren't for the Captain, my friends and family...I don't think I would have become the person I am today"
"You'd be surprised to hear your Captain was very much the same" Calamity chuckled as she ducked past a group of balloons held by some children, waving a hand at them. "The Celestial Lord himself fought tooth and nail to bring about the peace you see here. I still remember him struggling when we first met. His body was incapable of handling my miasma"
"Is that why there's this weird purple glow to you?" Elysia wondered as she gently floated towards the Demon Queen. "I quite like your sense in fashion, but Mei and I couldn't help but notice how your...clothes would mend and break continuously. Like...whisps of a fire"
The Demon Queen giggled. "It very much is. Long before, many years ago, this miasma of mine used to cover the whole lands of my Kingdom. It enveloped everything and everyone, which was why I used to rule with an iron fist. But..." She stopped for a moment, her face becoming distant as she reminisce the past. "...He changed everything for me. Despite my rule, I was told I was loved by my people. Yet they all could tell I was suffering. For all the power I held, even I could not see that I was in pain. But when he first came to the lands of the Demons, I found him strange"
Elysia giggled. "Oh I bet. He has that effect on people when they first meet him!"
Calmity laughed. "Yes, it truly is. Still I wondered, why would a man, a pure human not even from the Realm of the Gods, come so willingly to meet the Demon Queen? Back then, we were on not so friendly terms. But that did not stop him from establishing connections with us. Slowly but surely, the Demon Realm began to change. And soon enough...so did I"
She reached out and gently grasped the hands of Demise and Vielle, smiling warmly at them. "These two...They sought him out in secrecy, asking for a request. And in the end, he promised them. Promised them that he would help find a cure for me. A cure to help rid me of the very thing that plagued me. But while it did not come to pass, he did the very next best thing he could and eased my burden. He did everything not purely for his or his kingdom's benefit. He did it out of the kindness of his heart. He reached out into the depths and pulled me out. He went through so much just to help us Demons. Which is why I love that foolish man...He-"
"-...Saved you" Mei finished, smiled. "I think I get it now why all of you have such deep fondness for him"
Vielle adjusted her glasses as she smiled in return. "It's as you say. The Demon Realm hasn't been the same since he arrived. The quality of life has improved substantially. Other Realms formed treaties with us. The paperwork was hell, as you could imagine. But I can safely say that things came for the better. There's even a saying that goes around the Realm of the Gods"
""Those touched by his kindness know nothing but joy""
Demise also piped in alongside Vielle, as the two giggle. "It especially became more popular as more and more learned of his campaign to unite the many realms! Some gods even nicknamed him the, 'King of Heaven', because of a prior legend!"
Mei and Elysia's eyes widened in huge surprise. "King of Heaven!? I-Isn't that a bit too much?!" She tried to mentally reason, but the more she repeated the words the weirder it became. She also couldn't even believe it since her Captain didn't seem like the kind who'd be king.
Odin shook her head, chuckling. "I remember that! The first time I heard of such a term, I thought some of those gods had gone crazy. Took the Lord many, and I mean, MANY months to try and convince them he was no King. But then a separate name arose that began to stuck, more so as it felt more quaint"
"Oh no" Mei subconsciously replied, bracing for whatever it could be.
"Child of Light"
"Oh. That's...better?" Mei awkwardly tried to smile. She didn't know how to feel about this epiphany. "It...still feels weird"
"I think it's nice. Definitely better than the first name they gave him" Elysia nodded before she felt a bead of sweat drop down her forehead. "S-Still...Who would have expected our Captain to be such a bigshot? If I knew he was royalty, I would have asked for prettier clothes"
The group laughed at the joke but everyone mentally agreed with one notion. That man, their Lord or Captain, was likely seriously against being called as such.
A little longer than a few minutes and the group came to a halt. It took Mei and Elysia to moment to notice the massive shadow that stood before them, suddenly gawking at the massive bridge. Despite being further up, just beyond a small moat and a little bit of walking, the large castle drew their breath away. It's walls, while showing its age, stood tall and grandiose as it looked like it has yet to lose its luster. The banner that hung between both ends of a section that connected to the drawbridge showed what appeared to be bird wings with fire emanating from it and a lone halo atop.
People came and went from beyond the large, imposing entrance to the inner city grounds, with a multiple armed guards by the tip of the drawbridge and by the end where the it connected to another section of roads.
"If Kiana or Bronya were here, they would be freaking out over how amazing this place is" Mei chuckled as her eyes scanned the perimeter. Multiple stalls were selling quality goods and street food that seemed to accompany a grand celebration. The small moat just beyond had two boats with a few individuals on it, scanning for something amidst the waters. "We've been to multiple events and city-wide gatherings. But do all celebrations here in this realm have to go this hard? Honestly it's quite endearing"
Surprisingly, it wasn't Odin who answered, as it looked like she was busy chatting with someone, stopping behind the group for a moment. Mei and Elysia couldn't quite get a good view who it was as there were too many people walking about. Instead, Shion, the petite girl Queen who had been mostly quiet, was the one who replied.
"Not all. Just those that are tied to a special time within the year" She explained, waving a hand to a guard who then proceeded to salute, smile, and move aside. Shion then ushered the rest of the group to continue their trek. "Today is just extra special. I'm sure you know why"
"Indeed. While many of the maidens and humans can be quite...excitable, today is truly an outlier as we have all survived 'The Final Death'. It is a joyous occasion, so everyone is going all out" Calamity added. As they crossed the threshold, the Demon Queen bowed slightly to Mei and Elysia as a sad frown formed. "I'm sorry the three of us couldn't accompany you further. We're involved in the banquet within the castle and something had just come up. I hope you can understand"
Mei raised her hands and shook her head. "No, it's perfectly fine. I have a feeling we will see each other later anyways"
Demise wry smiled. "You bet!". She then stopped hovering above the Demon Queen as she places an arm around her, locked in an embrace. "We still a lot to talk about!"
Vielle couldn't help but sigh, but much like Demise, a wry smile also formed. "Unfortunately, I have to agree with her. Talking about your world in a short span of time has gotten me interested. Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from you overworlders"
Elysia chuckled as she grasped Vielle's hands and gently shakes them. "Un! It's been fun talking to you two cuties. Promise we'll see you again"
"The feast we all planned out will be the largest banquet the Kingdom has ever done. I'll be surprised if you two DON'T go. But even if so, I'm sure it's for good reason"
Mei smiled as she looked back towards Calamity and shakes her hand. "Thank you once again for the warm greetings, Lady Calamity". Her smile went lopsided for a moment as it looked like she had a hard time trying to take herself seriously. "...I still won't get used to calling someone that"
The Demon Queen laughed as she and her two ministers walked off towards a different section within the castle grounds, waving their hands in good towards the group. Everyone did the same for a while before they silently agreed to continue on towards the inner sanctum of the castle. The walk wasn't too long as there was the side paths that led to what appeared to be specialty shops and delights that led further inwards, and then the main path which was a straight shot to the castle itself. But unlike the first inner section of the Kingdom, which had a lot more humans, the second inner section was more crowded with Valkyries.
Well, the Celestial Kingdom's Valkyries, as Mei had to mentally remind herself.
A colourful cast of individuals that seemed to be perpetually busy as each one was either helping some of the humans, transporting items, flying overhead, having discussions and even butting heads with one another, which thankfully didn't end in a fight. The flow of magic or mana within this section was particularly stronger, likely to help try and accommodate everyone that was around.
A select few were also heading inside the castle, bringing items of noteworthy interest such as stuffed bags. All the while, Mei and Elysia noticed Fortuna standing by the entrance alongside one other lady. The woman had pantone-coloured hair and sported a regal, albeit revealing to her chest and midriff, light green dress. By by her hair on both sides of her head, was a heart-shaped pin, which also features a pair of grapevines. Placed against her shoulders, as she looked to be checking a clipboard that Fortuna handed to her, was a large wooden staff; the tip that was facing her was curved into a crescent shape and in the middle, embedded into the wood was a large blue crystal that gave a small glowing aura.
"Oya? Who is that pretty lady besides our bunny lady" Elysia wondered, pointing a finger towards her.
"Oh! I haven't seen her in a while!" Hades commented as she waved her hands towards them, flying slightly higher above the group. "I like her. She's quite nice to everyone, even me!"
Odin chuckled as she too waved a hand over to the two ladies, though her head turned slightly to whisper something to Mei and Elysia. "She says that because everyone likes to bully her a little. She gets all grumpy and makes a fit, but everyone including me does it to tease her for being cute"
Elysia in particular took this to mind, as she giggled. "Noted. She is definitely cute"
As they got closer, they noticed how Fortuna had a huge grin on her face, contrasted to the soft and motherly smile of the other. "Heya you two. Took you long enough"
Mei shook her head and sighed, a small wry grin forming. "I cant believe you just left us earlier. Without so much as a peep"
"Like I always say, Oni-lady; Fortune favors the bold. Ahaha!" Fortuna loudly laughs at her joke like before, earning the laughter from everyone else. "But hey, glad you two made it. I was honestly wondering if both of you wanted to head on back to your world, considering how hard you were brooding about stuff earlier"
"Well, we wanted answers, including our Captain's past. I'll...reserve my judgement and thoughts regarding him when we go back"
Fortuna's grin widens. "Hoh? Even after learning that many of us are gunning for him? Even me?"
This time, it was Elysia who answered, as it seemed that Mei was slightly flustered from the question. She had a smile, but her gaze hardened, as if silently challenging the goddess. "Of course! You girls aren't the only ones who like him" She giggles as Fortuna chuckles.
"Now that's what I want to hear!"
The lady next to Fortuna cleared her throat, bringing attention to the slight tension between the pink elf and the goddess of luck. "Now, now. Friendly rivalries are nice and all, but we're here to celebrate. I'm sure the Celestial Lord has more than enough in him for everyone to share"
"Kinky" Odin commented, a shit-eating grin plastered on her face before a small ball of light hit her in the hear, causing her to go reeling for a moment.
"Oh shush you. I didn't mean it like that". The lady once again cleared her throat before her smile returned to one of vivid warmth. "Apologies for that, you two. Odin means well". She bows her head slightly and curtsies. "I am Freyr"
Mei, with regained composure, felt her eyes widen in surprise. "The Norse God of Prosperity and Good Harvest? Freyja's twin sibling?"
"If that is what humans within your realm call me, then yes. Though I am but a humble harvest deity within the Realm of the Gods, repaying the Lord's goodwill to the forest" She nods her head, pleased with what she hears. "As for Freyja...You would be surprised to hear that she isn't. We may act like sisters, but if you manage to catch a glimpse of her, you would know we are not twins"
Mei was thoroughly confused. She was about to ask why when a hand reached out to tap her shoulders. "It's kind of hard to explain. But to give a...surmised version, you can expect each God or Goddess to be a sole incarnation of themselves, tied to their legend. While others may exist alongside them, they may not coincide with the legends or myth of others. Like...An arrow, you could say. Their story can exist in parallel with others, but some aspects may not meet, even if they should. Which is why for Hades, while in your world she is married to Persephone, within the Realm of the Gods, the two act more like...sisters"
Odin tried to explain it the best she could, clutching her nose as if trying fix it from being broken earlier on, but even Mei was having some trouble imagining it. Who knew if Elysia managed to understand. "That is...confusing to say the least" Mei noted, nodding slowly. "Is it because technically, every instance of every god is from a different world or universe?"
Odin scrunched her face. "I...suppose you could say that? While some individuals grow in strength and in tandem, their form changes, there are others who straight up pop into existence". The Goddess of Magic sighs. "The Realm of the Gods is fickle like that. I tried once, alongside help from our Lord, to understand this concept. But in the end, I and many others ended up getting a headache. So we simply resort to ignoring it for the most part"
Freyr nods. "It makes out lives easier. And besides, you would be glad to know Freyja is not so different from her legends. She can be quite headstrong, to the point many think she's but a brute, but make no mistake she is a Goddess of beauty and love"
"And fertility. Much like you, harvest god" Victoria states with a deadpan look before a small smirk forms across her face. "Don't try and wiggle your way out of this"
A blush grew across Freyr's face she everyone chuckles. Hades floats up to give the lady a hug before the Harvest Goddess managed to regain her composure, using the tiny Infernal Queen almost like a plush. "A-Ahem...In any case, since you are our guests, please, let me escort you inside". She hands Fortuna the clipboard, as the Goddess of Luck looked on in confusion. "Besides, this little bunny needs to pay her dues. Gambling your luck can only get you so far"
"E-Ehhh? Do I have to? I want to join too!". The Goddess of Luck whined before sighing as it looked like there was no use complaining, since Freyr made up her mind. "Fine. Guess I can man the fort"
Freyr clasps her hands together before ushering the group inside. "Come friends. I still have much to oversee, but this helps to break the monotony"
As they were starting to leave and enter the castle, Fortuna, who quite frankly really wanted to join, couldn't help but sigh in defeat. Though, despite this, she did manage to spot with her eyes, over in the distance, a flock of people congregating around a few individuals. Fortuna smirked as she couldn't help but wonder how the other Valkyries under his banner would react to seeing him when they reach the second inner zone, as she liked to call it. He was, after all, older and more handsome. She had to force herself not to swoon when she first made eye contact with him, just to sell the fake persona for even a short moment.
Ah well. At least it would make for an interesting show.