X386

Four hundred years ago, there was a time where humans and dragons used to live among each other. Humans in particular were far more vulnerable beings during these times, so they were either watched over by dragons or hunted by them.

This era, dragons ruled the world. But it wasn't only those two races.

Among them was a third race, one not as populated as humans or dragons. They resemble humans but bear elegant wings and a halo above their head. They were known as angels. Beings who carry immense magic inside their bodies, far more than a human. They say an angel at an early age is able to utilize basic spells with ease, as well as gain the ability to fly when their wings develop.

Despite this, the angels mostly live in isolation. A typical human could live their entire life without seeing one. Angels bear immense power, but many don't use their full potential. This was especially true during the Dragon King Festival.

"Come on out! Sulis!"

High in the mountains, one that reaches above clouds, lays a settling that covers many peaks. It stretched out for miles, a small country governed by angels. Due to their isolation, many guards cover the area as they do not allow outsiders very easily.

Standing by the front entrance of town is a wizard with a bushy white mustache and dark grey cloak. He held his left arm which was limping, as it was injured. His worn out staff tied on his back.

"What gives…?" The wizard grunted, eyes filled with furious confusion. "I'm injured! Your goddess can heal wounds right?!"

One soldier points his spear towards the wizard. "Our goddess does not use her powers for outsiders like you, now leave at once!" He demanded, magic beginning to charge on the blade of the spear.

The wizard clenched his wounded arm tightly. "You angelic scum…! Don't you know what's even going on in the world right now?! We're being eaten alive everyday by those reptilian monsters! But now we were given a new fighting chance!"

Another soldier cringed at the sight. He glanced to his side, where a higher ranked angel stood. "It's that story again, sir…"

"Yes, this is the third time we've heard about this." An older angel with a white beard noted with his bold and rich voice. He bore teal armor and wore a metal helmet with a feather pattern on top. "You must be a war soldier, even more of a reason to deny your demand. Now leave." He directed at the wizard.

The wizard's eye twitched.

The older angel continued. "We do not participate ourselves in these ongoing affairs between races. Whether it be dragon or human."

At that moment, the angel's eyes flashed blue.

"Why you!" The wizard snapped, quickly grabbing his staff and aiming it directly at the guards.

"Sir Garlan! He's going to-" A soldier gasped.

Before the soldier could finish his statement, the wizard suddenly stopped moving. The human's body twitches while gagging. His staff suddenly split in two and in tandem, he collapsed. A small hole could be spotted on his throat.

Garlan held a pointed finger directly towards the wizard. "It takes a single action to swiftly take someone down. You should've reconsidered your fragility before resorting to anger…" He criticized.

The soldiers lowered their weapons and either frowned or sighed. Garlan crossed his arms and lowered his eyelids. "What a poor way to waste a life. Living your entire life and choosing to end it through violence." He placed his hand on his chest. "Let us pray, hoping his next life will be filled without regret.

The following soldiers proceeded to pray in unison.

After some time has passed, Garlan makes his way through the small country. He offers waves to the various people mingling around. Many more angels exchanged conversation with each other while others flew through the air. Some even appear to be bouncing on small clouds near their homes. The armored angel softly smiled, seeing the commotion earlier had no effect on the country.

Much of the country's architecture was built with wood or stone. Many homes were small. Despite being a somewhat large settlement, it wasn't built with money in mind. Stone-made fencing covered the entire area as a way to prevent intruders from barging in.

Garlan makes his stop for the day, a stone-built schoolhouse. He can hear the sounds of children playing in the back before entering the building. After some turns, he quickly finds the room he was searching for. Garlan lightly knocks but notices no one was inside, all except for one.

Through the door window, Garlan spots a man laying his head down on the teacher's desk. His long pink hair covering his entire head to the point of being unable to see his face. Sighing to himself, the armored angel enters the classroom and approaches the sleeping teacher. He could hear the snorts from his snoring while drool began to drip on the table.

"How can you fall asleep in the middle of teaching… Izanagi?" Garlan bewildered.

Izanagi's ears twitch while he groans lightly. He begins to stir awake, rubbing his messy pink hair. "I-I'm awake…" He said groggily. While lifting his head, Garlan was taken slightly aback by the condition of Izanagi's face. The armored angel couldn't help but smirk.

"Oh… it's you, Garlan." Izanagi greeted him with a yawn. Two black circles were drawn over his eyes with marker.

"That's quite a flattering look for you." Garlan quipped.

Izanagi groaned, sitting up and stretching back. "Sorry, I haven't had a wink of sleep lately…"

Garlan does not respond, he simply pulls out a small mirror to show Izanagi's reflection. Izanagi pauses and stares at his own reflection. He slowly puts the pieces together while his mouth hangs open with confusion.

"... Huh?"

"HEY!" Izanagi shouts, kicking open a door to the school playground.

Most of the playground was empty, as if many of the students had left school already. However, Izanagi spots three more still present. Three boys, an angel, a human and a small blue dragon who had a black marker held in his mouth.

An angry mark bulged on Izanagi's forehead as he pointed at the three. "So you think you're really funny, eh?!"

The angel widened his eyes while chuckling. "Uh oh! Lay-zee-nagi finally woke up!" He teases, spreading his wings out.

The human boy hopped on the dragon's back. "We better hi-tail it!" He urges.

The dragon chucks the marker at Izanagi's eye. After he yelps, Izanagi notices the three boys flying away.

"Maybe don't take naps in the middle of class next time, teach!" The dragon laughs alongside the other two.

"Grr! Why you little!" Izanagi prepares to take off with a clenched fist.

"Izanagi." Garlan interrupts. "Perhaps you can worry about chasing down students at a later time?"

Izanagi slumped his arms alongside his wings. "Fine… what do you need me for?" He groans, turning towards the armored angel.

"I had been requested to escort you to the castle." Garlan reveals, turning to the side while still eyeing Izanagi. "Lady Sulis calls for you."

"Sulis? The Sky Goddess?"

Up in a worn out dark grey castle, where moss covered most of the structure, laid a wide balcony on the second floor. Many pots with plants and flowers rested around the balcony as the sun shone over the area.

A elderly woman was currently tending to these plants, watering them with a watering can. She has long greyish blue hair that stretched out to her upper legs. She wore a long white royal robe with light blue and purple sparkle patterns alongside it. The robe covered practically her entire body as it was so long it laid on the floor. Her wings were a brilliant silver, but rather small in size. Her halo was a golden color as it illuminated the area slightly.

As she was tending to her plants, Garlan and Izanagi arrived and gained her attention, the latter having washed the markings off his face earlier. She turned to them with her bright green eyes and warm smile. Izanagi immediately noticed her face being subtly more wrinkled than usual.

"Lady Sulis. Apologies for the delay, but I had brought Izanagi as you requested." Garlan reported, his arms behind his back.

Sulis placed the watering can down and slowly approached the two. "Thank you, Garlan. You are excused." She spoke in a pleasant but thin voice.

Garlan bows his upper body and takes several steps back before turning completely around, leaving just Sulis and Izanagi.

Izanagi held a concerned expression, scratching his forehead. "...Have you been hydrating lately, Goddess Sulis?" He asked.

Sulis chuckles. "That's quite a greeting, Izanagi. But no need to worry, I'm quite alright." She insists. The goddess walks closer to Izanagi, their heights matching, as she places a hand on his shoulder. "I apologize for calling you so suddenly, especially on a school day. But I would like to make a special request to you."

"A special request?" Izanagi raised an eyebrow.

Sulis slides her palm off of Izanagi and walks past him. She gestures her arm towards the staircase. "I would like us to walk around the village, just the two of us."

Izanagi was taken aback. "I… don't see why not. But why me specifically? Don't you have bodyguards that can escort you around?" He wonders.

Sulis looks away from Izanagi and holds her chin. "It's the strangest thing… Besides Garlan and the gate guards, all of my soldiers were granted the day off today…" She notes before glancing back at him with an innocent smile. "So I thought to give *you* this special privilege!"

"...You're just dumping this escort task on me on the spot, aren't you…?" Izanagi deadpanned.

It wasn't unusual to witness the Sky Goddess around town, but her presence was always met with overwhelming warmth and kindness. Just about every resident, whether it be human, angel or dragon would offer their greetings.

Izanagi had a feeling this escort would take awhile, as Sulis would give her time to every individual who offered their hellos or had a small request. The pink haired angel wasn't the most sociable type, so he'd mainly stood by the sidelines with a couple awkward waves.

While Sulis exchanged conversation with a young couple, Izanagi glanced over and saw several humans nestling against a green scaled dragon. Many caves were present in this settlement which was where the dragons would typically rest at.

"The village has been getting more populated lately…" Izanagi notes as Sulis walks up to him. "At this rate, we'll run out of homes to provide."

Sulis smiles weakly and eyes towards the village entrance gates. "Indeed, such is the burden during these long war times… We had opened this settlement of ours as a refugee spot for those unwilling victims who had no part in war, but we had also rejected just as many who are a part of the conflict." She elaborates.

Izanagi follows Sulis' gaze and crosses his arms. "The war against dragons and humans. Though it would be more accurate to say dragons who value human life and those who stick to the food chain." He states.

"You say that, but we had been hearing talks and whispers about what's been transpiring." Sulis chuckles, turning towards Izanagi. "Supposedly, the humans were granted a fighting chance. As one brought up the idea of dragons teaching them special magic specifically made to fight dragons." She reveals.

Izanagi shot his head towards the goddess with a shocked but uncertain expression. "You serious? I'm… not sure that's a great idea." He doubts.

The two continue their walk together as Sulis raises an eyebrow.

"Oh? And why do you believe that?" The goddess wonders with a smile.

Izanagi held his chin. "The fragility of human life is the main reason for this war. To protect that fragility." He sighs, looking down. "I'm all for preserving life. But would they be able to handle the responsibility of this new sudden surge of power after being belittled and discriminated against for so long?"

"Hm, you bring an interesting point." Sulis acknowledges. "If you were a part of this war, what would you do?"

Izanagi rolls his eyes. "Please don't make such ill taste jokes, goddess." He sasses with a friendly smirk.

Before the male angel could continue his statement, he comes to a complete stop as his ears perk up from a sudden soft noise. He turns his gaze towards a small house, and witnesses a human family leave said house holding a small baby girl. Izanagi could hear the coos coming from the baby in her slumber.

The goddess stands aside from Izanagi and smiles at the scene. "A new life, brought into this world today." She points out.

"... It never ceases to amaze me." Izanagi awestruck, watching the family walking further and further away. "A new person means new possibilities. That baby could very well change the lives of many people when she grows older. Even the little things can grant big change by just a single person."

Sulis chuckles. "Such is the value of life." She agrees before nudging Izanagi's arm. "Now come along, the day is still young."

The two angels arrive at a steep hillside that was completely covered with planted flowers of different kinds. They stretched down the entire slope, making it very distinct for those flying above them.

Izanagi took this opportunity to sit and take a break, observing the beauty of the moment. Sulis places her palms together and casts a spell. Her halo shines brightly and her wings spread out gracefully. She spreads her arms out, several petals being blown off as they drift towards the sky.

"I can never get tired of the world's beauty." Izanagi sighs in contempt. He proceeds to whip his hand, summoning a puffy cloud. It hovers over the flower fields and begins growing in size. He twirls his finger and the cloud begins to pour rain all over the flowers.

Sulis glances over at Izanagi with a teasing smirk. "I always thought you didn't like using your magic."

"If it's to give back to the world, I'll make an exception." Izanagi responds, not looking back at the goddess.

After a couple minutes of watering the fields, Izanagi closes his palm and shrinks the cloud. It vanishes in sight, a small rainbow forming over the fields.

"Izanagi, do you love this world?" Sulis asks.

"Of course I do. Why ask me that now?" Izanagi answers.

Sulis turns to Izanagi and offers a hand to him. "I'm glad you agree. Now how about we head back? I have something important to discuss with you."

Izanagi looks at the goddess with uncertainty.

"You're… dying?!" Izanagi exclaimed.

Moments ago, he and Sulis had returned to the small castle. They were present in Sulis' own bedroom alongside Garlan who stood by her bed in which she laid in.

"Indeed. At most, she has a month left to live." Garlan confirms.

"But, I thought she was supposed to be immortal!" Izanagi doubts, spreading his arms out.

Sulis sits up on her bed and adjusts her blanket. "I may have the power of the sky goddess, but my body still ages. While I live longer than an average person, I am still an angel. My body will grow out eventually." She explains.

Izanagi's eyes darted at several places, the news hit him hard and unexpectedly. "Well… is there a way to prevent this…?" He falters, looking over at Garlan. "Can't your future sight see something that can save her?!"

"My Clairvoyance does not work that way." Garlan denies with a straight face. "It only allows me to foresee immediate danger and deliberate acts. Natural aging and progression I cannot foresee, as they are foretold."

Garlan gestures his arm towards the goddess. "In due time, her skin will shrivel up and expire. Meaning she would suffer from a slow death until her body cannot function any longer." He elaborates, in which Sulis nods in response.

Izanagi stares down in disbelief. "Then… What will happen to this land? Is there anything we can do…?" He hesitates.

Sulis smiles at the pink haired angel. "There is a way. A way to preserve my power and keep this land safe."

Izanagi raises his head and is met with Sulis gesturing her hand to him.

"We can birth a new Sky God. And you were decided as a worthy candidate." The sky goddess reveals, to Izanagi's utter shock.

Izanagi stammers, unintentionally taking a step back. "You want… me to be the next sky god?! But how would that even work?" He asks.

Sulis lowers her arm and leans back. "We perform an enchantment spell titled Soul Transfer. Where my soul will enter your body, allowing you to inherit my magic and extended life."

The goddess gestures to Garlan, who showcases a black swirl tattoo on his right hand. Izanagi raises an eyebrow in confusion.

"The transfer can only be done if both individuals allow it to happen. If one hesitates or rejects the transfer, it will not work." Garlan explains.

"When my being is transferred into you, it won't be long until I fade in your subconscious and pass away for good. But before that, I'd be still living inside you briefly." Sulis winks.

Izanagi blinks twice. "You will be… resting inside me?" He hovers a palm over his chest, staring down for a brief moment. He raises his head back up. "But, I still don't understand why you want me of all people to become the new sky god. I mean, do you believe I'll be able to handle that responsibility?" He wonders.

"You said it yourself, one person can make a huge change in the world and lives of others." Sulis reminds, causing Izanagi to gasp. "If you truly are hesitant, then let me ask you this…"

Izanagi held his breath in anticipation. Mentally preparing himself for whatever test Sulis has for him with this question.

"What kind of world do you desire?"

Izanagi was caught off guard. "Huh?"

"You were discussing the ongoing war with me earlier. Being a deity requires knowing full well what world you will work for, what you fight for. Creation is a part of being a god after all." Sulis elaborates, smiling softly. "So I ask again, what world would you desire to create if you were a god?"

Izanagi paused for a moment. But he quickly regained his senses, smirking confidently. "That's easy. I want to create a world where magic doesn't need to exist." He answers with a straight face.

Both Sulis and Garlan were next to be caught off guard. Garlan could not help but give his opinion on the pink haired angel's answer.

"The world itself is dependent on magic, the very air we breathe is what is used to create the magic we use in our everyday lives." Garlan argues.

"So? It's still air. We don't need magic to breathe, to eat or drink. We don't even need magic to create." Izanagi counters, crossing his arms. "Magic is the reason this war is going on. Dragons have overwhelming power which makes them feel superior, and humans want to inherit that same power just to live. If everyone is weak without any special magic powers, that would create a truly peaceful world don't you think?" He concludes.

Garlan lowers his head and lets out an exasperated sigh. He proceeds to turn his head away from Izanagi. "That sounds like a pretty boring world…" He quips.

"That's all you gotta say?!" Izanagi comically snaps, clenching his fist towards the armored angel.

Suddenly, Sulis puffed her cheeks and began bursting into laughter. Izanagi and Garlan turned towards the goddess, surprised at this uncharacteristic side of her.

The sky goddess wipes a tear off her eye. "Well now, that certainly doesn't sound very godly! But, maybe the world needs one like you…" She proceeds to offer a hand to Izanagi. "If that is your ideal future… then lead them towards that future, Izanagi. Lead the people of this world to make your vision a reality."

Izanagi stares at Sulis' arm, noticing her skin becoming more dry and wrinkled. He closes his eyes and deeply sighs. He proceeds to gently grab Sulis' arm and firmly shakes it.

"I'll do it. I'll create a world where it remains like days like today. Thank you for everything, Goddess Sulis." Izanagi vows to the sky goddess.

The weeks pass by at a rapid pace. It wasn't long when Izanagi accepted Sulis' proposal of becoming the next sky god. Because of that, the Soul Transfer was a success.

Meaning Sulis the Sky Goddess was laid to rest.

Up on a podium by the castle entrance, a celebration of life was held in honor of Sulis. She was laid in a stone coffin on top of the podium as various residents placed flowers or other miscellaneous items of tribute.

Up on the balcony where the potted plants were, stood Garlan and Izanagi with a slightly new look. His wings grew in size and changed to an elegant silver color while his halo was brighter and gold. His skin had white feather patterns on his arms and legs.

Izanagi could see a large crowd gathering down below, awaiting to see their new god. Angels, humans and dragons alike. He hid behind the shade, feeling intimidated by the amount of people who showed up.

"...I'm not sure what to say." Izanagi hesitates, scratching his forehead. "I'm not exactly great at speeches, and this many people too…"

Garlan sighs. "Just say what's on the top of your head." He advises, glancing at him with a smirk. "Or was that confidence from weeks ago just bravado?"

Izanagi side eyes Garlan. "You think that was just bravado huh? Fine, I'll show you." He bets.

The crowd's murmurs begin to quiet down as they witness Izanagi step out of the shadows. Despite his new appearance, many were able to recognize him.

Izanagi swallowed and exhaled. "Here goes…" He thought.

As the new sky god spreads his arms out and announces his presence, Garlan suddenly feels a twitch of pain on his forehead.

"I know the current state of the world is scary right now. Especially due to our unfortunate loss of our beloved sky goddess!" Izanagi begins.

Garlan's eyes flash blue and a precognition appears in his mind. However, this one was covered by many amounts of static where it was difficult to fully see it, making his head ache even more.

"I will not lie, I am afraid too." Izanagi admits. "But I made a promise to Sulis as she placed her immense faith in me!"

Garlan could faintly make out a dark skinned man wearing only a black cloak, and drenched in blood.

"I have a goal, an ambition! To create a world we all deserve! A world of quiet and peace, free of the shackles of magic!" Izanagi continues, his voice rising in confidence.

The dark skinned man had scales growing on his body. His sharp fangs showed with a grimace.

"A world where the war between humans and dragons is a thing of the past! One without needless discrimination and over-reliance on power!" Izanagi clenches his fists.

The man did not speak a word. He only let out grumbles and roars, as he tore down anyone in sight carelessly.

"So I ask you people! Humans, dragons, and angels too! Please, work with me! Work with me to create this new world in which you all deserve!" Izanagi booms. "I will do my duty as the new sky god to show you the way forward and pave for a new era!"

The last thing Garlan could make out is a field of flames with that same cloaked man standing in the middle of it, bathing in the blood of a dragon he just murdered.

The crowd roars in cheers and applause. Many angels were flying up in excitement. The noise snapped Garlan out of his Clairvoyance, the aching in his head fading. He looks up at Izanagi with sweat dripping from his forehead.

Izanagi lowers his arms and sighs in relief. The speech took a lot out of him as he appeared exhausted. He stares down at the crowd with a warm smile.

"Sulis… please watch us. A new era is coming." Izanagi vows in his mind.

"...A new era."

Izanagi's vision was blurry and his ears rang loudly. He almost fell over once he stirred and stood up. His head felt like it could explode at any moment from the aching. He found himself leaning on a stone wall, only for it to crumble and causing him to fall over.

His vision and hearing slowly returned to normal. He could only see utter devastation and the sounds of fire cackling.

It took only a single night. Even after weeks of preparation after Garlan's Clairvoyance warning. There was nothing they could do.

It was foreseen that a young man with dark skin and dark blue hair would show up at the settlement for the sole purpose of slaughtering everyone present, specifically the dragons. Whether big or small, old or young, it did not matter.

Izanagi pulled himself back up again. He checked on his physical condition and he realized that he hadn't sustained heavy damage to his body. In fact, he could still move just fine. He took this opportunity to walk through the area, in hope of finding survivors.

Despite the man specifically targeting dragons, he did not spare anyone else. It was like he treated humans and angels as obstacles in his way. Izanagi and the soldiers of the village had attempted to fight back and protect as many citizens as possible. But his power was far too much, and it seems he only grew stronger as the night continued. He never even uttered a single word.

Izanagi recalls getting a brief look at his face. Despite having characteristics of a human, he had dragon fangs and scales. His body appeared to be going through a somewhat metamorphosis from human to dragon.

As the sky god traversed through the devastation, filled with flames and crumbled homes, he remembers an exchange he had with Sulis, the former goddess.

"Supposedly, the humans were granted a fighting chance. As one brought up the idea of dragons teaching them special magic specifically made to fight dragons."

Izanagi makes a complete stop, realizing he's in an area he recognizes. He slowly turns his head to the right. He saw the school he used to teach at, rendered to debris where it was almost unrecognizable.

"...Why?" Izanagi asks himself, turning his whole body at the school. "Why was everyone slaughtered?"

"Why could no one stop him?"

"Why did the dragons teach humans such dangerous magic?"

"Why did years of building and creating this settlement get rendered to nothing in a mere night?"

"Why… am I the only survivor?"

Izanagi kept asking himself. It didn't make sense, he was given the power of a god. The power to pave a way to a better future. Yet he was as worthless as a fly. He lowers his head in distraught, yet he could not cry or even scream.

Suddenly, his ears perk up. Izanagi could overhear a soft noise coming from behind. The god quickly turns around and flies over to where the noise is coming from.

He lands where the sound was coming from, which was underneath two unidentified corpses. Izanagi shakily clenches his fists and gently moves the bodies. What he saw caused his heart to stop.

It was a small baby, the one he saw weeks ago. He could hear the soft murmurs from them. The baby was miraculously uninjured and appeared bright in the midst of this destruction.

Izanagi's body shook to its core. His eyes sank deep. He slowly hovers his arms over the baby.

"How cruel… You were asleep the whole time, not knowing everything in your life was ripped away from you." Izanagi lamets, his arms getting closer. "You don't deserve to stay alone after this."

Izanagi lightly grabs the baby's body and stares at it for a moment. Before he could do anything else, he realizes what he's doing. He lets out a loud hitched gasp and lets the baby go, falling on his bottom and scooting back. He makes a loud noise in the process.

The baby's eyes flutter open, yawning softly. Izanagi's chest was burning, his breathing rapid. The sky god began to panic, looking both ways unintentionally to see any non-existent witnesses. He heard the baby make louder murmurs.

Without thinking, Izanagi took off. He left a blue streak behind, alongside the baby.

Izanagi flew down the mountain and into the forest. He was so filled with panic and despair that he didn't fully pay attention to where he was going. He smashed into several branches and even through some trees. He collapses and flies out of the forest, landing by a cliffside.

The sky god moaned, rubbing his face which was covered in cuts. Once he opens his eyes, he lowers his brow, as he could see nothing but more devastation in even the forest. Smoke and flames cover the area.

"Sulis… I couldn't change the world…" Izanagi regrets. He plants his face on the muddy ground.

"I was too weak… no, it was because I was too strong."

Sometime during the X400s

Years flew by ever since the Dragon King Festival ended. It ended with a complete annihilation of all the dragons that roamed the world. It was said that it was all done by a single man, named Acnologia. Over time, he too became a dragon. However, ever since then, he completely vanished from the world. No one knows if he is still alive.

Wearing nothing but torn robes and rags, Izanagi wandered Earthland with no real destination in mind. Everything was taken from him.

For miles he could only see devastation. The results of the festival. He would occasionally spot a carcass of a dragon. The more he would travel, the more he truly realized that dragons were indeed becoming extinct.

Despite this, humans seem to be thriving more than ever. Their population began to steadily increase while more towns were being built. The sky god would watch the humans prosper, smiling to himself that at least one race was still able to continue on. However, the sky god hadn't spotted any of his own kind yet. Because of the fact that angels weren't as populated as other races, he didn't try as of yet.

Occasionally he would drop by a small village or town in search of food. He wore a hood over his head to hide his halo from normal people, since angels are known for their increased magic powers and he had no intention to use his new sky god magic. He was able to consume air so he would never go hungry, but not all air was edible. Plus the taste would become bland so every so often he would desire proper food.

Izanagi would find shelter in shaded areas, whether it be in alleyways or caves. He kept this routine for several years. At one point, he started to wonder what was the point of continuing this.

However, one day, during a routine drop by a large run down town in search of shelter and food. An incident occured.

Izanagi in a bar, consuming a meal. He managed to acquire some jewel so he was able to afford a proper meal this time.

He sat alone by a small round table. Much like the rest of the town, the bar was run down. Some parts of the wall and ceiling were broken, a bucket was laid on the ground to catch dripping from outside, and the food was subpar. Of course, Izanagi isn't very picky.

During his meal, he was suddenly approached by a young boy. His pants had many holes on them, showing the poor nature of this town. The boy tugged on Izanagi's robe, which got the angel's attention. When he lowers his head, the boy knocks over his hood. Revealing his halo for all to see.

"Woah! You *are* an angel!" The boy marvels. "I was told you guys are like super rare!"

Izanagi puts his hood back on and looks away from the child. "I am indeed an angel, was that all you wanted from me? I'm sort of in the middle of eating here."

The boy climbs up to the other chair and sits across from the sky god. "So, are you guys like… super strong right?" He noses in.

Izanagi eats a part of his meal and looks back at the boy. "I guess you could say that." He spoke with his mouth full. His expression was blank.

"Well… do you fight bad guys?" The boy asks.

"I don't fight. I don't enjoy using my magic. In fact, I don't like magic all together." Izanagi answers bluntly.

The boy flinches, but he continues talking to him. "What if… you can use your magic to help others…?"

Izanagi peers his eyes up towards the boy, his expression still blank

"You see, this town didn't always look like this…" The boy rubs his arm. "This guy showed up who had the power of a dragon, and he started attacking our homes and stealing our valuables!"

Izanagi perks up at the mention of a dragon, perhaps the same one who attacked his home?

"He visits every so often and my home gets more destroyed! We don't know what to do, can you please help us?" The boy begs, leaning over and gently grabbing Izanagi's dirty hands.

Izanagi instinctively shoves the boy off of him and crosses his arms. "And why ask me, a complete stranger? Is it only because I'm strong?"

The boy looks down. "Um… because…" He then looks back up at the sky god. "You look like a caring person!" He smiles.

Izanagi raises an eyebrow at the boy's comment. He lowers his head, scoffs and leaves his table. "Very well, but the town will be paying for my meal."

Izanagi stood by the end of the town, a crowd of people behind him. Word spread of an angel visiting the town who was requested to take down the rogue dragon slayer who had been ransacking the town. He wasn't sure when he would arrive, but he stood and waited.

Miraculously, it didn't take long to wait. A figure suddenly lands right in front of the sky god, leaving a crater below him. The crowd backed away, murmurs of panic were heard. The dragon slayer stood up, his light skin being apparent. He had brown scales growing on his arms and legs as his expression was a scowl. He had devious yellow eyes and bushy brown hair, similar to that of a lion's mane.

"... It's not the same one." Izanagi said out loud. "I take it you're from the war years back?"

The dragon slayer cackles, pointing at the angel. "Well well! Don't see your kind everyday! Yeah, I was gifted the power of the stone dragon! I proved myself as a real dragon slayer by taking down the one who gave me this power!" He gloats, spreading his arms out and showcasing his sharp claws.

Izanagi glares at the man. He takes a step forward and summons his elegant silver wings. "I no longer desire to converse with you. People who use magic for strength are no less than scum in this world."

"Oh? Preaching to me eh? Listen up, angel!" The man points at Izanagi. "In this world, it has always been kill or be killed! Survival of the fittest! We humans were just dragon food for far too long!"

Izanagi lifts an arm, the air beginning to circle around the two.

"And now that I have power, I can live how I want! This world doesn't benefit the weak, eventually they'll all die anyway!"

A large magic circle appears in front of Izanagi.

"And if you want to preach about the world, you better prove it with strength alone! Roar of the-"

Izanagi flew for miles, his hands shaking. He clenches his teeth tightly, furious with himself. He lands on a faraway mountain, looking behind him instinctively.

The battle with the dragon slayer did not last long, in fact it ended before it could begin. It only took a single spell from the sky god to completely annihilate the man. However, he underestimated his own power, and took the town alongside with it. He conjured a large tornado, and it sucked everything in its path. Many bystanders were caught inside, Izanagi is unsure of their condition.

The moment he whisked the tornado away, he flew off in a panic. He left the destroyed town behind him. Their attacker was dealt with, but with great accidental cause.

Izanagi collapses on his knees and slams his fists on the ground. "Damn it! My power… it's too much!" He laments, slamming his head on the ground. "It's not fit for someone like me!"

The sky god's breath hitches. He lifts his body and leans it back, still on his knees. He began to recall that day his home was destroyed. He remembers a question he asked himself.

"Why was I the only survivor…?"

Izanagi lowers his head, covering half his face with his palm. "I survived, and I'm still alive… because I'm strong. Because I have great magic power…" He bites his lip furiously, drawing blood. "Damn it, that dragon slayer was right… this world is not what it used to be…"

A world where strength only mattered. Izanagi was alone, but he was still alive. Because he's an angel and a god. He couldn't starve because he can eat air. He couldn't succumb to injuries because he can heal himself. He could travel anywhere because he can fly. The relaxing and beauty of the world he once knew was long gone.

While lamenting, Izanagi spots a lone blue tulip on the ground. He picks it off the ground and stares at it for a long period of time. The clouds begin forming above him, fading to a dark grey color. The sky god clenches the tulip stem tightly as his hand shakes.

Izanagi looks up in the sky and yells out. "Sulis! I wasn't able to fulfill my promise! This world… I cannot change it!" He yells out, his voice echoing far and wide.

At that moment, when he saw the clouds, something clicked in him.

Izanagi stood up and went to the edge of the cliff. He hovers his arm and casts a spell. A cloud grows out of his palm and pops out. He lifts his leg and walks up the cloud over the cliff. He creates another cloud and has it merge with the one he stood on. He continued forging clouds until it was large enough to fit a building. The angel stomped his foot on the clouds he stood on and saw how sturdy and tough they are.

"I cannot change the world…" Izanagi begins, staring up as he splits the dark clouds above away from each other. "But, maybe I can… create one." The sun's bright light shone down on the god.

Izanagi's wings spread out wide, shining brightly alongside his halo. He begins to curl a wide smile. "It's far too late for this world to gain any semblance of peace, with its rampant magic around. The dragons have been taken out, it would be a matter of time until us angels meet that same fate! Me being here wouldn't change things, so I'll create a brand new world! High in the sky where no man can reach! A world where angels can live in peace, free of their burden of overwhelming magic! A country on the clouds, where life can be simple and no need of said magic!"

Izanagi rockets up high in the air, spinning and laughing to himself. "I'll search for fellow angels and invite them to this world they all deserve! We'll live and prosper, much like the humans! Please continue to watch over me, Sulis! Garlan!"

The angel lowers his arms and stops spinning, basking in the sun's light.

"A new era is coming, an era of world peace. The world of Exahelm."

~~~Author's Notes~~~

My goal in mind was to get this done before the end of the year and somehow I managed to do it. I feel like I could've added more but I didn't want to drag this chapter out too much, it's already the longest chapter in this story.

Now my main goal for next year is to finish this story. There isn't many chapters left so we're at the home stretch! I thank anyone who left their thoughts and have been following this story still despite the slow updates. Happy Holidays.