“You think so?” Big Mother turned her attention towards the speaker. She wasn’t particularly good with names, even her own having been lost to time. Intentionally so. Real names held power after all. “A fool he was yes. A fool that at the end of it never understood his own importance. At least hard enough to fight for it.”
Listening to everyone talking bad about the Goddess. “I believe the Goddess thinks she has spoken the truth, but the arrogance forbids her to request help…only order. As it should be from a supposed hire being.”
Big Mother’s size changed again, perhaps to make herself a larger focus as she continued speaking.
“She tossed me into the body of Izana for me to feel his pain as he died. A punishment no doubt, and while it didn't have the effect on me that she wanted...I have started to consider our situation more intently after the Goddess suddenly became a lot more humble in her words. Fear is a powerful motivator and she reeked of it to the high heavens.”
She looked around the group to see who was listening. “Whatever the truth is in all of this, I believe we were dead and the ‘Goddess’ brought us back. That means a debt needs to be paid and I refuse to have something like that hanging over me. I intend to find this tomb and confront the Goddess directly and I do not much care what anyone else here is going to do. More fodder is welcome, but not needed.”
"I don't believe one could react quick enough to suddenly being thrown at our enemy in such a way." Silque spoke up, a quiet edge to her voice as she spoke calmly. Whether Izana could of been a valuable person to the fight mattered little now, but even if he was forced to the back instead of the front lines it'd have been better than needless bloodshed no doubt.
She glanced at those around her for a moment, then tiredly sighed. She needed to be strong and let Mother Mila guide her.
Else she might scream. She's unsure how long she's known them since reviving, but already she could tell that this would give her a horrible headache by the end.
"If anyone's hurt, I can heal them." She offered, staff held in a firm grip.
Ashe took a moment to try and quietly process their predicament. The former their looked down at his glowing hands for a moment. So, they were to find her tomb? But where would they even look? It had to be protected, such as the place the Holy Relic was in place of--
Wait. What if...what if what they find her tomb and lead this...this Devil to it? What were they supposed to do then?
' Wow Ashe, you're not going to become a Knight if you begin freaking out like this. It'll do no one any good if you continue with this line of thinking. Okay, first priority is to wait for now, I suppose. ' He thought with a sigh. He couldn't be much of a Knight stuck here either.
The Void
Time in the void seemed to work differently inside the void. Maybe the concept of 'time' didn't exist there. There were no clocks to count the seconds. No spinning stars to count the days. No creatures to live and die to mark the generations.
Maybe it had taken minutes for the first streams of colour to splash onto the white canvas of the Void. Or maybe it had taken hours. But as quickly as the Chosen had seen those first flashes of light, they felt a strange warmth wash over them. It felt like coming home.
Soon, these miniature threads of red, blue and green began to weave together, forming lively, dancing streams of light. They skated between the champions with the elegance of humming birds. They were like brushes slowly painting a picture.
As the streams of colour grew and grew, matter slowly returned to the void. It started with a few distant stars bursting to life in the distance. Then a nebula or two formed on the horizon. Black Space was painted in to fill the gaps between the starts. The universes that sat beside the Chosen had expanded to fill the space left behind by the Citadel.
The Chosen watched as reality was carved out in the nothingness before them.
"It's beautiful... but its dead... nothing's going to live her for millions of years... It's dead-space. Beautiful, dead space..."
[BOOM]
A shimmering silver ship appeared on the horizon, branded with the Golden Star-Crest of the Fellowship. Its engines roared as it soared closer with each passing moment.
"Come on... let's go home... the Council will be demanding on Hell of a report..."
_______________________________________________________ The Goddess Act 1- Emerald Dawn Episode I The Fastest Path Between Today and Tomorrow Turmoil has engulfed the Galaxy!
Hundreds of Worlds have fallen Victim to the mysterious
RED SKY CRISIS! Those lucky enough to escape their worlds
before their inevitable destruction have found themselves displaced
and alone.
Spared from the destruction of the Citadel by the might of the mysterious
and powerful GODDESS, the GODDESS' CHOSEN are escorted to the
Fellowship's new base of operations, the Great Temple.
The news they have surrendered to the HIGHEST COUNCIL has sent ripples
throughout both the SECULARIST and GODDESSIAN factions. This apparent
confirmation of the Goddess' strength has strengthened the divide within the
Temple.
The Spectre of Civil War has started to stalk the Council. As the Fellowship
is united once again to discuss the growing threat of the NetherWorld,
the Derogates fear its a matter of time before strong words are replaced
by stronger actions...
***
In the weeks following the Destruction of the Citadel, the Goddess' Chosen found their lives changed forever. The moment Eli's ship touched down on the Temple's landing pads and his report was submitted, the Chosen had their transportation rights revoked. They had been told by Temple officials that staying in the Temple was 'for the best', whilst the Council debated their next move.
The Goddess' grace proved to be both a blessing and a curse.
The attention they had received around the Temple was stressful enough. The Chosen had become celebrities overnight. To the Goddessians, they were Saints and Prophesised Heroes. They showered the Chosen with praise, prayers and adoration. To the Secularists, they were yet more false idols, spreading more lies surrounding a Goddess that could not possibly exist. Glares and curses were all they shared.
One could only image the attention they would receive on the outside. Reporters. Solicitors. Perhaps some worshipers on their own. Perhaps staying at home and wandering the Temple's endless, shimmering hallways was for the best.
Besides. Millions of faiths had passed through the Great Temple since its creation, and each had left its architectural footprint. Every wall had either a mural upon it or a mural leaning against it. The Church's tall, arching rooves were painting with the most amazing scenes and decorated with spectacular prism chandeliers. There were worse places to be trapped.
After a week of silent wandering, resting and boredom, you were called to the Highest Council's chamber. A private audience with the most significant religious figures in the Multiverse honour in itself. Eventually, you summoned the courage to enter the chamber and wait for the council to arrive.
__________________________________________ The Great Temple
The Highest Council's Chamber View attachment 4465
The Highest Council's Chamber was cold, bright and intimidating. On either side of the room, 6 large thrones resided, each watched over by an even larger marble statue of the Council Member's chosen deity. Despite the room's size, only 4 of the 12 council members were present. The rest were no doubt deployed across the multiverse, spreading their respective messages.
The Goddessian representatives sat on the left.
The Secularist representatives sat on the right. View attachment 4466 "Thank you for joining us, brothers..." Queen Veranke looked down at you from her elevated seat. "I assure you that the others will be arriving shortly. They wouldn't miss the chance to meet with you... We've all heard so much about you, after all. Your story is... unbelievable." Her tone was ambiguous. It to tell whether or not she was being genuine View attachment 4467 "So unbelievable, in fact..." Darth Nox interjected from the seat beside her. "That some might call it a load of Bantha Poodoo. Bullshit. A stinking lie."
"Nox--" Veranke cut off her fellow Secularist. "Watch your tone. So long as your are a member of this council, you represent our creed. If you're not fitting face for your faith, I'm certain there are many among the Sith who would kill for you seat-of-power."
Beneath his helmet, Kallig Nox rolled his eyes.
"Well then. If their story is true, I'm sure they won't mind telling us all what the Hell happened planet-side. No hyperbole. Just the brutal facts."
"Azrael's report--"
"-- it bored me. I want to hear it again from al of you. Tell me about this... Goddess Luthor loves to rave about. Tell me about Blackheart the Bastard, and most importantly.... tell me the truth about how you got the Fellowship's only seerkilled?"
__________________________________________ Council Members in session:
Cast List: @Raynar Saassin as CFW Magic and CFW Brave/ Compa and IF @amwexia as Roman Halliday and Madison Palmer @Yun Lee as Kolin @Crunch as Eliphas the Inheritor @Lucky as Jester Lavorre and Beauregard Lionette @Nightwisher as Dinasadhaka "Din" Vipatti @Crow as Omnimon and Dukemon @Jeremi as Big Mother @Minerva as Johanna @Takumi as Ashe and Silque @York as Kuro Kyoka
Once the CFW's, IF and Compa stepped into the chamber, only IF and Compa stared at awe. This place was more established and more constructed than even the Goddess Baslicoms back in Gamindustri. It was insane to even believe all of this, but they had no choice; they were dragged into this mess and now they had to figure out what was even going on.
"Thank you for joining us, brothers..." Queen Veranke looked down at you from her elevated seat. "I assure you that the others will be arriving shortly. They wouldn't miss the chance to meet with you... We've all heard so much about you, after all. Your story is... unbelievable." Her tone was ambiguous. It to tell whether or not she was being genuine
"Our story is unbelievable... All of this is unbelievable... Is any of this even real, Iffy?"
"I'm afraid it was, Compa. I thought stuff was weird back home but this is on a whole new level."
"All of this showing and nothing to back up. I'm also noticing a lack of guards. Are you so certain you know what you're doing?"
"Whatever the case may be, we are here as representatives of the great Arfoire, the Deity of Sin---"
"Can't you both just shut up..."
"Only if you can muster the strength to fight us without your Goddess allies, girl."
"So unbelievable, in fact..." Darth Nox interjected from the seat beside her. "That some might call it a load of Bantha Poodoo. Bullshit. A stinking lie."
"Nox--" Veranke cut off her fellow Secularist. "Watch your tone. So long as your are a member of this council, you represent our creed. If you're not fitting face for your faith, I'm certain there are many among the Sith who would kill for you seat-of-power."
"If all you know how to do is talk, then I will be very welcoming of your position... "Nox.""
"I will gladly fight alongside you, Magic, this is all a facade to stop us from our great destiny!"
"Agreed. If those Goddesses back home weren't a match for us, then what fare you?"
"Us. And everyone else here. I knew you both were trouble from the start ever since you defeated us time and time again."
"Iffy..."
"Hmph. You had best hold your tongue, girl. You lost to one of our own, remember? Despite his destructive tendencies."
"Oh that is it!!"
IF immediately exploded and lunged towards CFW Magic with her claws aiming to strike, only for her to be slapped aside by Magic's Scythe.
"Stupid girl. Know your place."
"Iffy!"
Compa immediately ran over to IF and helped her up, wrapping a bandage around a clean flesh-wound.
"Hmhmhm. Look at you tending to the fallen, powerless to stop us."
"Well then. If their story is true, I'm sure they won't mind telling us all what the Hell happened planet-side. No hyperbole. Just the brutal facts."
"Azrael's report--"
"-- it bored me. I want to hear it again from al of you. Tell me about this... Goddess Luthor loves to rave about. Tell me about Blackheart the Bastard, and most importantly.... tell me the truth about how you got the Fellowship's only seerkilled?"
"As much as I loved to put him out of his misery for believing he could stand up to such powers, I believe the real person you want to talk to about that fool "Izana" is her."
Magic exclaimed as she pointed a finger towards Big Mother before turning back towards the Council.
"Blackheart just attacked us out of the blue. We couldn't do anything against him, he just batted us aside and just caused everything to fall apart. Some strange lighting filled the clouds and all of his demons and him escaped."
"It was scary, but we weren't killed luckily~"
"You're right about that, Compa. I fear that we got lucky. He was just toying with us."
"Then it's just as I expected, girl. Even someone from another Universe entirely could best you without a second thought."
"Urgh... Why I...!"
"Iffy, please! You're still recovering..."
"Sit down, girl, and learn your place. Under Arfoire."
CFW Brave however looked towards Veranke and spoke confidently.
"Azrael was a strong warrior. Combined with me, we had slain everything in our path including a large demonic creature. We were a strong duo to be reckoned with. Wherever he is now, he has my respect."
"With the death of that fool, that 'Goddess' decided to kill herself. Directing us to some tomb without even properly revealing it's location. I don't care what I have to do, but I will find a way to revive my Great Goddess; Arfoire, and I will use any means of energy gathering to do it. Even if it means playing folly to that bitch's plans."
"I'm with my boss. I'll fight for her and whoever she allies with, no matter what."
The Void Time in the void seemed to work differently inside the void. Maybe the concept of 'time' didn't exist there. There were no clocks to count the seconds. No spinning stars to count the days. No creatures to live and die to mark the generations.
Maybe it had taken minutes for the first streams of colour to splash onto the white canvas of the Void. Or maybe it had taken hours. But as quickly as the Chosen had seen those first flashes of light, they felt a strange warmth wash over them. It felt like coming home.
Soon, these miniature threads of red, blue and green began to weave together, forming lively, dancing streams of light. They skated between the champions with the elegance of humming birds. They were like brushes slowly painting a picture.
As the streams of colour grew and grew, matter slowly returned to the void. It started with a few distant stars bursting to life in the distance. Then a nebula or two formed on the horizon. Black Space was painted in to fill the gaps between the starts. The universes that sat beside the Chosen had expanded to fill the space left behind by the Citadel.
The Chosen watched as reality was carved out in the nothingness before them.
"It's beautiful... but its dead... nothing's going to live her for millions of years... It's dead-space. Beautiful, dead space..."
[BOOM]
A shimmering silver ship appeared on the horizon, branded with the Golden Star-Crest of the Fellowship. Its engines roared as it soared closer with each passing moment.
"Come on... let's go home... the Council will be demanding on Hell of a report..." _______________________________________________________ The Goddess Act 1- Emerald Dawn Episode I The Fastest Path Between Today and Tomorrow Turmoil has engulfed the Galaxy!
Hundreds of Worlds have fallen Victim to the mysterious
RED SKY CRISIS! Those lucky enough to escape their worlds
before their inevitable destruction have found themselves displaced
and alone.
Spared from the destruction of the Citadel by the might of the mysterious
and powerful GODDESS, the GODDESS' CHOSEN are escorted to the
Fellowship's new base of operations, the Great Temple.
The news they have surrendered to the HIGHEST COUNCIL has sent ripples
throughout both the SECULARIST and GODDESSIAN factions. This apparent
confirmation of the Goddess' strength has strengthened the divide within the
Temple.
The Spectre of Civil War has started to stalk the Council. As the Fellowship
is united once again to discuss the growing threat of the NetherWorld,
the Derogates fear its a matter of time before strong words are replaced
by stronger actions...
***
In the weeks following the Destruction of the Citadel, the Goddess' Chosen found their lives changed forever. The moment Eli's ship touched down on the Temple's landing pads and his report was submitted, the Chosen had their transportation rights revoked. They had been told by Temple officials that staying in the Temple was 'for the best', whilst the Council debated their next move.
The Goddess' grace proved to be both a blessing and a curse.
The attention they had received around the Temple was stressful enough. The Chosen had become celebrities overnight. To the Goddessians, they were Saints and Prophesised Heroes. They showered the Chosen with praise, prayers and adoration. To the Secularists, they were yet more false idols, spreading more lies surrounding a Goddess that could not possibly exist. Glares and curses were all they shared.
One could only image the attention they would receive on the outside. Reporters. Solicitors. Perhaps some worshipers on their own. Perhaps staying at home and wandering the Temple's endless, shimmering hallways was for the best.
Besides. Millions of faiths had passed through the Great Temple since its creation, and each had left its architectural footprint. Every wall had either a mural upon it or a mural leaning against it. The Church's tall, arching rooves were painting with the most amazing scenes and decorated with spectacular prism chandeliers. There were worse places to be trapped.
After a week of silent wandering, resting and boredom, you were called to the Highest Council's chamber. A private audience with the most significant religious figures in the Multiverse honour in itself. Eventually, you summoned the courage to enter the chamber and wait for the council to arrive.
__________________________________________ The Great Temple
The Highest Council's Chamber View attachment 4465
The Highest Council's Chamber was cold, bright and intimidating. On either side of the room, 6 large thrones resided, each watched over by an even larger marble statue of the Council Member's chosen deity. Despite the room's size, only 4 of the 12 council members were present. The rest were no doubt deployed across the multiverse, spreading their respective messages.
The Goddessian representatives sat on the left.
The Secularist representatives sat on the right. View attachment 4466 "Thank you for joining us, brothers..." Queen Veranke looked down at you from her elevated seat. "I assure you that the others will be arriving shortly. They wouldn't miss the chance to meet with you... We've all heard so much about you, after all. Your story is... unbelievable." Her tone was ambiguous. It to tell whether or not she was being genuine View attachment 4467 "So unbelievable, in fact..." Darth Nox interjected from the seat beside her. "That some might call it a load of Bantha Poodoo. Bullshit. A stinking lie."
"Nox--" Veranke cut off her fellow Secularist. "Watch your tone. So long as your are a member of this council, you represent our creed. If you're not fitting face for your faith, I'm certain there are many among the Sith who would kill for you seat-of-power."
Beneath his helmet, Kallig Nox rolled his eyes.
"Well then. If their story is true, I'm sure they won't mind telling us all what the Hell happened planet-side. No hyperbole. Just the brutal facts."
"Azrael's report--"
"-- it bored me. I want to hear it again from al of you. Tell me about this... Goddess Luthor loves to rave about. Tell me about Blackheart the Bastard, and most importantly.... tell me the truth about how you got the Fellowship's only seerkilled?" __________________________________________ Council Members in session:
Cast List: @Raynar Saassin as CFW Magic and CFW Brave/ Compa and IF @amwexia as Roman Halliday and Madison Palmer @Yun Lee as Kolin @Crunch as Eliphas the Inheritor @Lucky as Jester Lavorre and Beauregard Lionette @Nightwisher as Dinasadhaka "Din" Vipatti @Crow as Omnimon and Dukemon @Jeremi as Big Mother @Minerva as Johanna @Takumi as Ashe and Silque @York as Kuro Kyoka
“Alright, here’s the fuckin’ tea,” Maddie begins, sucking on a new vape pen, “we all fucking died and this stupid hoe you call Goddess brought us all the fuck back,”
Maddie didn’t care about all this bullshit, so she tried to distance herself from these other chosen fuckers.
“So we were quote on quote rescued by this dumb cunt named Izana, fucker got cleaved in half he was so worthless, and he was so uppity and all that bullshit. The Goddess told us to not save this dude named Eli White and I said no because the bitch ain’t my mom. So me and a couple of others went and saved all the dudes there.”
—-///—-///—-///—-
ROMAN
Roman squeezes his stress toy as the other Chosens began to erupt into conversation and argument.
Dear Maol he fucking hates it here.
Since the resurrection he had slipped into a dark spiral of depression and alcoholism. He’s scared, absolutely scared, for his husband.
He has been sober for a week, which is an accomplishment, and has substituted his normal booze for water. He takes a swig of his bottle and turns to the four council members before his failed attempts to try and conceal his sobbing.
This depression causes his electricity powers to activate, zapping his water. He sensed this and threw his damn bottle across the room.
“Oh... I wish I was dead right now,” Roman weeped.
The Void
Time in the void seemed to work differently inside the void. Maybe the concept of 'time' didn't exist there. There were no clocks to count the seconds. No spinning stars to count the days. No creatures to live and die to mark the generations.
Maybe it had taken minutes for the first streams of colour to splash onto the white canvas of the Void. Or maybe it had taken hours. But as quickly as the Chosen had seen those first flashes of light, they felt a strange warmth wash over them. It felt like coming home.
Soon, these miniature threads of red, blue and green began to weave together, forming lively, dancing streams of light. They skated between the champions with the elegance of humming birds. They were like brushes slowly painting a picture.
As the streams of colour grew and grew, matter slowly returned to the void. It started with a few distant stars bursting to life in the distance. Then a nebula or two formed on the horizon. Black Space was painted in to fill the gaps between the starts. The universes that sat beside the Chosen had expanded to fill the space left behind by the Citadel.
The Chosen watched as reality was carved out in the nothingness before them.
"It's beautiful... but its dead... nothing's going to live her for millions of years... It's dead-space. Beautiful, dead space..."
[BOOM]
A shimmering silver ship appeared on the horizon, branded with the Golden Star-Crest of the Fellowship. Its engines roared as it soared closer with each passing moment.
"Come on... let's go home... the Council will be demanding on Hell of a report..."
_______________________________________________________ The Goddess Act 1- Emerald Dawn Episode I The Fastest Path Between Today and Tomorrow Turmoil has engulfed the Galaxy!
Hundreds of Worlds have fallen Victim to the mysterious
RED SKY CRISIS! Those lucky enough to escape their worlds
before their inevitable destruction have found themselves displaced
and alone.
Spared from the destruction of the Citadel by the might of the mysterious
and powerful GODDESS, the GODDESS' CHOSEN are escorted to the
Fellowship's new base of operations, the Great Temple.
The news they have surrendered to the HIGHEST COUNCIL has sent ripples
throughout both the SECULARIST and GODDESSIAN factions. This apparent
confirmation of the Goddess' strength has strengthened the divide within the
Temple.
The Spectre of Civil War has started to stalk the Council. As the Fellowship
is united once again to discuss the growing threat of the NetherWorld,
the Derogates fear its a matter of time before strong words are replaced
by stronger actions...
***
In the weeks following the Destruction of the Citadel, the Goddess' Chosen found their lives changed forever. The moment Eli's ship touched down on the Temple's landing pads and his report was submitted, the Chosen had their transportation rights revoked. They had been told by Temple officials that staying in the Temple was 'for the best', whilst the Council debated their next move.
The Goddess' grace proved to be both a blessing and a curse.
The attention they had received around the Temple was stressful enough. The Chosen had become celebrities overnight. To the Goddessians, they were Saints and Prophesised Heroes. They showered the Chosen with praise, prayers and adoration. To the Secularists, they were yet more false idols, spreading more lies surrounding a Goddess that could not possibly exist. Glares and curses were all they shared.
One could only image the attention they would receive on the outside. Reporters. Solicitors. Perhaps some worshipers on their own. Perhaps staying at home and wandering the Temple's endless, shimmering hallways was for the best.
Besides. Millions of faiths had passed through the Great Temple since its creation, and each had left its architectural footprint. Every wall had either a mural upon it or a mural leaning against it. The Church's tall, arching rooves were painting with the most amazing scenes and decorated with spectacular prism chandeliers. There were worse places to be trapped.
After a week of silent wandering, resting and boredom, you were called to the Highest Council's chamber. A private audience with the most significant religious figures in the Multiverse honour in itself. Eventually, you summoned the courage to enter the chamber and wait for the council to arrive.
__________________________________________ The Great Temple
The Highest Council's Chamber View attachment 4465
The Highest Council's Chamber was cold, bright and intimidating. On either side of the room, 6 large thrones resided, each watched over by an even larger marble statue of the Council Member's chosen deity. Despite the room's size, only 4 of the 12 council members were present. The rest were no doubt deployed across the multiverse, spreading their respective messages.
The Goddessian representatives sat on the left.
The Secularist representatives sat on the right. View attachment 4466 "Thank you for joining us, brothers..." Queen Veranke looked down at you from her elevated seat. "I assure you that the others will be arriving shortly. They wouldn't miss the chance to meet with you... We've all heard so much about you, after all. Your story is... unbelievable." Her tone was ambiguous. It to tell whether or not she was being genuine View attachment 4467 "So unbelievable, in fact..." Darth Nox interjected from the seat beside her. "That some might call it a load of Bantha Poodoo. Bullshit. A stinking lie."
"Nox--" Veranke cut off her fellow Secularist. "Watch your tone. So long as your are a member of this council, you represent our creed. If you're not fitting face for your faith, I'm certain there are many among the Sith who would kill for you seat-of-power."
Beneath his helmet, Kallig Nox rolled his eyes.
"Well then. If their story is true, I'm sure they won't mind telling us all what the Hell happened planet-side. No hyperbole. Just the brutal facts."
"Azrael's report--"
"-- it bored me. I want to hear it again from al of you. Tell me about this... Goddess Luthor loves to rave about. Tell me about Blackheart the Bastard, and most importantly.... tell me the truth about how you got the Fellowship's only seerkilled?"
__________________________________________ Council Members in session:
Cast List: @Raynar Saassin as CFW Magic and CFW Brave/ Compa and IF @amwexia as Roman Halliday and Madison Palmer @Yun Lee as Kolin @Crunch as Eliphas the Inheritor @Lucky as Jester Lavorre and Beauregard Lionette @Nightwisher as Dinasadhaka "Din" Vipatti @Crow as Omnimon and Dukemon @Jeremi as Big Mother @Minerva as Johanna @Takumi as Ashe and Silque @York as Kuro Kyoka
"Goddess perhaps, but not all that calls itself a God is of the Divine. As for Izana, that was me. A theory I tested. Some would say foolish, I say provided a point." Big Mother walked in front of the rest of the group. Her size increased to that about 13 feet so that everyone could take a good look at her.
"What is there to say about the welp called Blackheart?" She spat out his name like a curse. "A dog who thought he could supper at the table with his betters. There is nothing to say. As for the Goddess. I believe in the existence of a being that claims the title but as it is I will not take a stance if she is of the divine...or demonic descent. That's for boring scholars to say."
Big Mother didn't wish to rattle too many feathers, but a few dashes of blasphemy here and there will keep the council on their toes. "What I do know is that I was dead and whatever power the Goddess has brought me back. This idiocy among the people here about us being prophets," She looked at the Goddessian side. "Or false prophets," She looked over to the Secularists. "Is just another boring game you mortals play. Religion loves to work by faith, but I will now give you some facts. Whatever the threat we are facing is real. A being that calls itself the Goddess exists. Fighting amongst yourselves out of jealousy and spite due to your beliefs. Idiotic. The threat is real and this Goddess seems to hold the key to the solution of the problem. Everyone's problem."
"I'm a pragmatic sort. It is how I have survived for millennia when the family around me has passed away. So if we all would try to be pragmatic," She repeated herself looking at the four in their seats. "The obvious choice is to find the tomb in which the Goddess is supposedly resting and get our answers straight from the source. We have won her "favor" one way or another so it would be pertinent for us to do this task. Or does the benevolent council have a better idea?" The demoness folded her arms like a mother waiting to hear why her child had their hand in the cookie jar.
This wasn't what Kolin had wanted. Not at all. All this attention, this praise, this scorn...being at the center of everything made the young woman nothing short of absolutely miserable. Why praise them, when the Goddess herself was the one who deserved it? When there was this horrid crisis going on through the Multiverse? Honestly all she wanted to do was return to her home. To see Gill again. Speak to him, do all she could for him. But no. She was left here, where she could never find peace.
The time before the council summoned their group she spent alone, or as alone as she possibly could be. Time was spent exploring the beauty of the Great Temple, admiring the artwork within. She had fortunately gotten hold of a Book of Miraha, which she would read cover to cover when the attention got too much for her to bear. This meeting would be a blessing, then, with how private it was.
Kolin listened quietly to what was being said. That Maddie girl...she was almost too vulgar. Kolin didn't like her at all. But what surprised her was Big Mother. Owning up to her sins. Being...rational. And oddly enough...Kolin found herself agreeing with her. What was this? It made no sense after what they had been through! But even so, Kolin decided to speak after she had. She didn't agree with Izana's death. But...did she really have room to judge? Even if her own sins were in the name of her and Gill's utopia...they were still sins, even so. She had been every bit as willing to abandon those soldiers, after all.
"Whether you choose to believe in the Goddess or not does not change the fact that whatever saved us in the Citadel called herself the Goddess." Helen was here, now, hoping to give a polite, but honest recollection. "I believe it was Izana's firm stance of neutrality that led to Big Mother's unfortunate decision to throw him to Blackheart, who declared that our souls were promised to him. Now, this Goddess also punished Big Mother by forcing her to endure Izana's fate herself before resurrecting her a second time, so there should be no need for further extreme punishment." Like it or not, Big Mother was one of the few people here with any real sense, even if she was grotesquely violent. "But it's as she says. The Goddess seems to know how to deal with this crisis, and surrendered herself to save us. But her parting words were to find her tomb and defeat a demon, which may be what will stop this. Goddessians, Secularists...it is so important that we all unite and look at the bigger picture, the key to these horrid displacements, and work to solve that before debating our stances on the Goddess. Billions are in danger unless we act, and act fast."
The Void
Time in the void seemed to work differently inside the void. Maybe the concept of 'time' didn't exist there. There were no clocks to count the seconds. No spinning stars to count the days. No creatures to live and die to mark the generations.
Maybe it had taken minutes for the first streams of colour to splash onto the white canvas of the Void. Or maybe it had taken hours. But as quickly as the Chosen had seen those first flashes of light, they felt a strange warmth wash over them. It felt like coming home.
Soon, these miniature threads of red, blue and green began to weave together, forming lively, dancing streams of light. They skated between the champions with the elegance of humming birds. They were like brushes slowly painting a picture.
As the streams of colour grew and grew, matter slowly returned to the void. It started with a few distant stars bursting to life in the distance. Then a nebula or two formed on the horizon. Black Space was painted in to fill the gaps between the starts. The universes that sat beside the Chosen had expanded to fill the space left behind by the Citadel.
The Chosen watched as reality was carved out in the nothingness before them.
"It's beautiful... but its dead... nothing's going to live her for millions of years... It's dead-space. Beautiful, dead space..."
[BOOM]
A shimmering silver ship appeared on the horizon, branded with the Golden Star-Crest of the Fellowship. Its engines roared as it soared closer with each passing moment.
"Come on... let's go home... the Council will be demanding on Hell of a report..."
_______________________________________________________ The Goddess Act 1- Emerald Dawn Episode I The Fastest Path Between Today and Tomorrow Turmoil has engulfed the Galaxy!
Hundreds of Worlds have fallen Victim to the mysterious
RED SKY CRISIS! Those lucky enough to escape their worlds
before their inevitable destruction have found themselves displaced
and alone.
Spared from the destruction of the Citadel by the might of the mysterious
and powerful GODDESS, the GODDESS' CHOSEN are escorted to the
Fellowship's new base of operations, the Great Temple.
The news they have surrendered to the HIGHEST COUNCIL has sent ripples
throughout both the SECULARIST and GODDESSIAN factions. This apparent
confirmation of the Goddess' strength has strengthened the divide within the
Temple.
The Spectre of Civil War has started to stalk the Council. As the Fellowship
is united once again to discuss the growing threat of the NetherWorld,
the Derogates fear its a matter of time before strong words are replaced
by stronger actions...
***
In the weeks following the Destruction of the Citadel, the Goddess' Chosen found their lives changed forever. The moment Eli's ship touched down on the Temple's landing pads and his report was submitted, the Chosen had their transportation rights revoked. They had been told by Temple officials that staying in the Temple was 'for the best', whilst the Council debated their next move.
The Goddess' grace proved to be both a blessing and a curse.
The attention they had received around the Temple was stressful enough. The Chosen had become celebrities overnight. To the Goddessians, they were Saints and Prophesised Heroes. They showered the Chosen with praise, prayers and adoration. To the Secularists, they were yet more false idols, spreading more lies surrounding a Goddess that could not possibly exist. Glares and curses were all they shared.
One could only image the attention they would receive on the outside. Reporters. Solicitors. Perhaps some worshipers on their own. Perhaps staying at home and wandering the Temple's endless, shimmering hallways was for the best.
Besides. Millions of faiths had passed through the Great Temple since its creation, and each had left its architectural footprint. Every wall had either a mural upon it or a mural leaning against it. The Church's tall, arching rooves were painting with the most amazing scenes and decorated with spectacular prism chandeliers. There were worse places to be trapped.
After a week of silent wandering, resting and boredom, you were called to the Highest Council's chamber. A private audience with the most significant religious figures in the Multiverse honour in itself. Eventually, you summoned the courage to enter the chamber and wait for the council to arrive.
__________________________________________ The Great Temple
The Highest Council's Chamber View attachment 4465
The Highest Council's Chamber was cold, bright and intimidating. On either side of the room, 6 large thrones resided, each watched over by an even larger marble statue of the Council Member's chosen deity. Despite the room's size, only 4 of the 12 council members were present. The rest were no doubt deployed across the multiverse, spreading their respective messages.
The Goddessian representatives sat on the left.
The Secularist representatives sat on the right. View attachment 4466 "Thank you for joining us, brothers..." Queen Veranke looked down at you from her elevated seat. "I assure you that the others will be arriving shortly. They wouldn't miss the chance to meet with you... We've all heard so much about you, after all. Your story is... unbelievable." Her tone was ambiguous. It to tell whether or not she was being genuine View attachment 4467 "So unbelievable, in fact..." Darth Nox interjected from the seat beside her. "That some might call it a load of Bantha Poodoo. Bullshit. A stinking lie."
"Nox--" Veranke cut off her fellow Secularist. "Watch your tone. So long as your are a member of this council, you represent our creed. If you're not fitting face for your faith, I'm certain there are many among the Sith who would kill for you seat-of-power."
Beneath his helmet, Kallig Nox rolled his eyes.
"Well then. If their story is true, I'm sure they won't mind telling us all what the Hell happened planet-side. No hyperbole. Just the brutal facts."
"Azrael's report--"
"-- it bored me. I want to hear it again from al of you. Tell me about this... Goddess Luthor loves to rave about. Tell me about Blackheart the Bastard, and most importantly.... tell me the truth about how you got the Fellowship's only seerkilled?"
__________________________________________ Council Members in session:
Cast List: @Raynar Saassin as CFW Magic and CFW Brave/ Compa and IF @amwexia as Roman Halliday and Madison Palmer @Yun Lee as Kolin @Crunch as Eliphas the Inheritor @Lucky as Jester Lavorre and Beauregard Lionette @Nightwisher as Dinasadhaka "Din" Vipatti @Crow as Omnimon and Dukemon @Jeremi as Big Mother @Minerva as Johanna @Takumi as Ashe and Silque @York as Kuro Kyoka
"I don't exactly see how what happened is unbelievable when something like other worlds existing is taken in stride." Silque pointed out as she rubbed her temple, a small headache forming. Everyone was practically talking at once it felt like.
She had spent most of her time stuck here alone, and on occasion bumped into Ashe. Their conversations were brief, for the most part, but his company was nice for the most part compared to a couple of the louder members of the Chosen.
"Goddess perhaps, but not all that calls itself a God is of the Divine. As for Izana, that was me. A theory I tested. Some would say foolish, I say provided a point." Big Mother walked in front of the rest of the group. Her size increased to that about 13 feet so that everyone could take a good look at her.
"What is there to say about the welp called Blackheart?" She spat out his name like a curse. "A dog who thought he could supper at the table with his betters. There is nothing to say. As for the Goddess. I believe in the existence of a being that claims the title but as it is I will not take a stance if she is of the divine...or demonic descent. That's for boring scholars to say."
Big Mother didn't wish to rattle too many feathers, but a few dashes of blasphemy here and there will keep the council on their toes. "What I do know is that I was dead and whatever power the Goddess has brought me back. This idiocy among the people here about us being prophets," She looked at the Goddessian side. "Or false prophets," She looked over to the Secularists. "Is just another boring game you mortals play. Religion loves to work by faith, but I will now give you some facts. Whatever the threat we are facing is real. A being that calls itself the Goddess exists. Fighting amongst yourselves out of jealousy and spite due to your beliefs. Idiotic. The threat is real and this Goddess seems to hold the key to the solution of the problem. Everyone's problem."
"I'm a pragmatic sort. It is how I have survived for millennia when the family around me has passed away. So if we all would try to be pragmatic," She repeated herself looking at the four in their seats. "The obvious choice is to find the tomb in which the Goddess is supposedly resting and get our answers straight from the source. We have won her "favor" one way or another so it would be pertinent for us to do this task. Or does the benevolent council have a better idea?" The demoness folded her arms like a mother waiting to hear why her child had their hand in the cookie jar.
This wasn't what Kolin had wanted. Not at all. All this attention, this praise, this scorn...being at the center of everything made the young woman nothing short of absolutely miserable. Why praise them, when the Goddess herself was the one who deserved it? When there was this horrid crisis going on through the Multiverse? Honestly all she wanted to do was return to her home. To see Gill again. Speak to him, do all she could for him. But no. She was left here, where she could never find peace.
The time before the council summoned their group she spent alone, or as alone as she possibly could be. Time was spent exploring the beauty of the Great Temple, admiring the artwork within. She had fortunately gotten hold of a Book of Miraha, which she would read cover to cover when the attention got too much for her to bear. This meeting would be a blessing, then, with how private it was.
Kolin listened quietly to what was being said. That Maddie girl...she was almost too vulgar. Kolin didn't like her at all. But what surprised her was Big Mother. Owning up to her sins. Being...rational. And oddly enough...Kolin found herself agreeing with her. What was this? It made no sense after what they had been through! But even so, Kolin decided to speak after she had. She didn't agree with Izana's death. But...did she really have room to judge? Even if her own sins were in the name of her and Gill's utopia...they were still sins, even so. She had been every bit as willing to abandon those soldiers, after all.
"Whether you choose to believe in the Goddess or not does not change the fact that whatever saved us in the Citadel called herself the Goddess." Helen was here, now, hoping to give a polite, but honest recollection. "I believe it was Izana's firm stance of neutrality that led to Big Mother's unfortunate decision to throw him to Blackheart, who declared that our souls were promised to him. Now, this Goddess also punished Big Mother by forcing her to endure Izana's fate herself before resurrecting her a second time, so there should be no need for further extreme punishment." Like it or not, Big Mother was one of the few people here with any real sense, even if she was grotesquely violent. "But it's as she says. The Goddess seems to know how to deal with this crisis, and surrendered herself to save us. But her parting words were to find her tomb and defeat a demon, which may be what will stop this. Goddessians, Secularists...it is so important that we all unite and look at the bigger picture, the key to these horrid displacements, and work to solve that before debating our stances on the Goddess. Billions are in danger unless we act, and act fast."
"While I personally don't like what happened to Izana, what these two say is true. What everyone here said about what happened is true. As a child of Mila lying is something I don't do." She added.
"Even if working together would seem impossible for your factions, it'd make things go by faster so we could get some answers, and it could be temporary." Ashe spoke up, adding to Kolin's suggestion.
"If all you know how to do is talk, then I will be very welcoming of your position... "Nox.""
"I will gladly fight alongside you, Magic, this is all a facade to stop us from our great destiny!"
Great Temple
Highest Council Temple View attachment 4470 "Oh, I'm capable of war worse that foul words, cur--"
Nox spat as indigo lighting danced across his fingers. Light surged forth from every crevice of his helmet. The room grew hotter, the colder, then hotter once again.
"How does ten thousand volts of lighting sound? Or would you prefer me to suck that spirit of yours right out of the husk you call a body? Your choice." @Raynar Saassin
"What is there to say about the welp called Blackheart?" She spat out his name like a curse. "A dog who thought he could supper at the table with his betters. There is nothing to say. "
"Blackheart just attacked us out of the blue. We couldn't do anything against him, he just batted us aside and just caused everything to fall apart. Some strange lighting filled the clouds and all of his demons and him escaped."
"It was scary, but we weren't killed luckily~"
"You're right about that, Compa. I fear that we got lucky. He was just toying with us."
"Then it's just as I expected, girl. Even someone from another Universe entirely could best you without a second thought."
"Urgh... Why I...!"
"Iffy, please! You're still recovering..."
"Sit down, girl, and learn your place. Under Arfoire."
"Now, I hate to say I told you so..." A voice clucked from down the fall. "Actually, no. I won't feign humility. You should have listened to me." View attachment 4472 "You all should have listened to Alexander Luthor."
"Lex---"
"Don't 'Lex' me, your majesty." Lex snapped, his dark eyes piercing Veranke's spirit. "We had our chance to nip this threat in the bud. We could have shot Blackheart like the dog he was the moment he joined the wider council. But no. No. You made it clear to us all that the rights of the lesser faiths- 'faiths' like Blackhearts- mattered more than our right to a homeland. Than our right to security. You harboured a demon. And now, you're finally reaping what you've sown. How does it feel?"
"We couldn't have known--"
"Of course," Luthor groaned. "Of course, we couldn't have predicted Blackheart's attack on the Wider Citadel. Butsome of us knew he was up to something--"
"Your prejudices have blinded you, Predator!"
"And your 'tolerance' has blinded you, Skrull!"
The chamber went silent for a moment as the pair let their words fest. Straightening up his spine. Lex composed himself, and flashed his signature salesman's smile.
"I've gotten carried away again. And I've done it in front of guests. Forgive me!"
"Don't apologise, Luthor," Nox grimed beneath his helmet. "It was only a matter of time before the Kids caught Mommy and Daddy fighting. Who are we still missing?"
"Most of us are off-world. We'll work with what we have..."
"Excellent. Without further adieu…This council is now officially in session..." @Raynar Saassin
"The Goddess told us to not save this dude named Eli White and I said no because the bitch ain’t my mom. So me and a couple of others went and saved all the dudes there.”
"So you're trying to tell me that The Goddess... an unimaginably powerful being who saved you from the jaws of death... a creature half the Fellowship would kill to have met... gave you one, simple command... and you just... ignored it?" Luthor stammered in disbelief. "I've studied the Goddess' texts. I know them like the back of my hand... but even I can't begin to imagine why on Earth she'd chose to save you..."
Now, this Goddess also punished Big Mother by forcing her to endure Izana's fate herself before resurrecting her a second time, so there should be no need for further extreme punishment."
"The extent Big Mother's punishment is for the council to decide, Kolin." Veranke snapped. "For now, she is on probation. We'll be keeping a close eye on her until our investigation has concluded. Should she harm our own again, this council will call for her execution." She turned her glare back to Mother. "Have I made myself clear?"
"Azrael was a strong warrior. Combined with me, we had slain everything in our path including a large demonic creature. We were a strong duo to be reckoned with. Wherever he is now, he has my respect."
"With the death of that fool, that 'Goddess' decided to kill herself. Directing us to some tomb without even properly revealing it's location. I don't care what I have to do, but I will find a way to revive my Great Goddess; Arfoire, and I will use any means of energy gathering to do it. Even if it means playing folly to that bitch's plans."
"I'm with my boss. I'll fight for her and whoever she allies with, no matter what."
"The Council personally selected Azrael for infiltration of the Fallen Citadel. We acknowledge his skill, but we'll take your words into consideration the next time a promotion is on the table..." "Yes, yes, Arzael can handle a sword. But that tomb.... now that's a mystery worthy of my attention." Nox's fingers drifted to his chin. "It could be anywhere. Korriban. Earth. It would be right under our feet and we would have no way of knowing... there has to be a missing piece... a single word, a clue we haven't noticed... if only you hadn't gotten our only source killed..."
"I'm a pragmatic sort. It is how I have survived for millennia when the family around me has passed away. So if we all would try to be pragmatic," She repeated herself looking at the four in their seats. "The obvious choice is to find the tomb in which the Goddess is supposedly resting and get our answers straight from the source. We have won her "favor" one way or another so it would be pertinent for us to do this task. Or does the benevolent council have a better idea?" The demoness folded her arms like a mother waiting to hear why her child had their hand in the cookie jar.
"You make it sound easy, Big Mother." Veranke sighed. "Ironic, considering that you were the one who made this whole situation far more complex that it needed to be..." View attachment 4481 "Please, Veranke. Don't be so dramatic."
"Don't test me Luthor..."
"Please. I never thought I'd say these words, but here they are: Nox is on the right track. Izana is our missing piece... The Goddess called to him, just like he called to the rest of you. He knows something. He knew more than he was letting on..." Luthor slipped from his seat and began to pace the hall.
"Pity he's dead, then, isn't it?"
"Oh, of course. Death is always tragic..." Luthor tutted semi-sarcastically. "But we need to look at the larger picture. Izana didn't fall down the stairs. He didn't choke on a chicken bone. He was killed by a demon. Do you understand where I'm going with this?"
"No.."
"Go on..."
"Blackheart invaded out capital. That was an act of war!" Luthor howled passionately. "He's killed one of our allies. Were it not for the Goddess, he would have killed a dozen more!"
"Nobody here is defending Blackheart, Luthor!"
"Except you are, Veranke!" The Predator spat. "The Multiverse doesn't need moderates! The Goddess didn't call cowards to her side! You know the legends- 'he who dies by the hands of a demon is barred from heaven. He who dies at the hand of a demon--"
"--Burns for all eternity." Nox grinned, crossing his boot over his knee and leaning forward. "I like where this is going..."
"What are you implying, Luthor?" View attachment 4480 "Blackheart has Izana's soul. We need Izana." A grin crawled across Luthor's cheeks. "It's been a long time coming. It's high time invaded Hell and took back what the Devil stole from us... Just like the Goddess prophesied..."
"So you're trying to tell me that The Goddess... an unimaginably powerful being who saved you from the jaws of death... a creature half the Fellowship would kill to have met... gave you one, simple command... and you just... ignored it?" Luthor stammered in disbelief. "I've studied the Goddess' texts. I know them like the back of my hand... but even I can't begin to imagine why on Earth she'd chose to save you..."
“Honestly, I wonder that, too,” Maddie says in agreement, “I don’t care about all of this, I just wanna go home and listen to Nicki Minaj. I don’t know why she thought I would be good to fight some holy war for her or whatever. I can barely operate a gun.”
She then retreated to the back, humming “Barbie Tingz” to herself, until Luthor spoke again.
"Blackheart has Izana's soul. We need Izana." A grin crawled across Luthor's cheeks. "It's been a long time coming. It's high time invaded Hell and took back what the Devil stole from us... Just like the Goddess prophesied..."
“Do we really need him, though?” Maddie called, “Do we? I mean, he had a stick up his ass and only cared about his own hair, fucker wouldn’t help us with anything. Also, I’m not going to literal Hell. No fucking way.”
She sucked on her vape pen and smiled. “You aren’t my fucking dad, either, so if you think I’m listening to any order you fucking give them you’re dead wrong.”
Great Temple
Highest Council Temple View attachment 4470 "Oh, I'm capable of war worse that foul words, cur--"
Nox spat as indigo lighting danced across his fingers. Light surged forth from every crevice of his helmet. The room grew hotter, the colder, then hotter once again.
"How does ten thousand volts of lighting sound? Or would you prefer me to suck that spirit of yours right out of the husk you call a body? Your choice." @Raynar Saassin
"Now, I hate to say I told you so..." A voice clucked from down the fall. "Actually, no. I won't feign humility. You should have listened to me." View attachment 4472 "You all should have listened to Alexander Luthor."
"Lex---"
"Don't 'Lex' me, your majesty." Lex snapped, his dark eyes piercing Veranke's spirit. "We had our chance to nip this threat in the bud. We could have shot Blackheart like the dog he was the moment he joined the wider council. But no. No. You made it clear to us all that the rights of the lesser faiths- 'faiths' like Blackhearts- mattered more than our right to a homeland. Than our right to security. You harboured a demon. And now, you're finally reaping what you've sown. How does it feel?"
"We couldn't have known--"
"Of course," Luthor groaned. "Of course, we couldn't have predicted Blackheart's attack on the Wider Citadel. Butsome of us knew he was up to something--"
"Your prejudices have blinded you, Predator!"
"And your 'tolerance' has blinded you, Skrull!"
The chamber went silent for a moment as the pair let their words fest. Straightening up his spine. Lex composed himself, and flashed his signature salesman's smile.
"I've gotten carried away again. And I've done it in front of guests. Forgive me!"
"Don't apologise, Luthor," Nox grimed beneath his helmet. "It was only a matter of time before the Kids caught Mommy and Daddy fighting. Who are we still missing?"
"Most of us are off-world. We'll work with what we have..."
"Excellent. Without further adieu…This council is now officially in session..." @Raynar Saassin
"So you're trying to tell me that The Goddess... an unimaginably powerful being who saved you from the jaws of death... a creature half the Fellowship would kill to have met... gave you one, simple command... and you just... ignored it?" Luthor stammered in disbelief. "I've studied the Goddess' texts. I know them like the back of my hand... but even I can't begin to imagine why on Earth she'd chose to save you..."
"The extent Big Mother's punishment is for the council to decide, Kolin." Veranke snapped. "For now, she is on probation. We'll be keeping a close eye on her until our investigation has concluded. Should she harm our own again, this council will call for her execution." She turned her glare back to Mother. "Have I made myself clear?"
"The Council personally selected Azrael for infiltration of the Fallen Citadel. We acknowledge his skill, but we'll take your words into consideration the next time a promotion is on the table..." "Yes, yes, Arzael can handle a sword. But that tomb.... now that's a mystery worthy of my attention." Nox's fingers drifted to his chin. "It could be anywhere. Korriban. Earth. It would be right under our feet and we would have no way of knowing... there has to be a missing piece... a single word, a clue we haven't noticed... if only you hadn't gotten our only source killed..."
"You make it sound easy, Big Mother." Veranke sighed. "Ironic, considering that you were the one who made this whole situation far more complex that it needed to be..." View attachment 4481 "Please, Veranke. Don't be so dramatic."
"Don't test me Luthor..."
"Please. I never thought I'd say these words, but here they are: Nox is on the right track. Izana is our missing piece... The Goddess called to him, just like he called to the rest of you. He knows something. He knew more than he was letting on..." Luthor slipped from his seat and began to pace the hall.
"Pity he's dead, then, isn't it?"
"Oh, of course. Death is always tragic..." Luthor tutted semi-sarcastically. "But we need to look at the larger picture. Izana didn't fall down the stairs. He didn't choke on a chicken bone. He was killed by a demon. Do you understand where I'm going with this?"
"No.."
"Go on..."
"Blackheart invaded out capital. That was an act of war!" Luthor howled passionately. "He's killed one of our allies. Were it not for the Goddess, he would have killed a dozen more!"
"Nobody here is defending Blackheart, Luthor!"
"Except you are, Veranke!" The Predator spat. "The Multiverse doesn't need moderates! The Goddess didn't call cowards to her side! You know the legends- 'he who dies by the hands of a demon is barred from heaven. He who dies at the hand of a demon--"
"--Burns for all eternity." Nox grinned, crossing his boot over his knee and leaning forward. "I like where this is going..."
"What are you implying, Luthor?" View attachment 4480 "Blackheart has Izana's soul. We need Izana." A grin crawled across Luthor's cheeks. "It's been a long time coming. It's high time invaded Hell and took back what the Devil stole from us... Just like the Goddess prophesied..."
Big Mother found it humorous that these beings in front of them were to pass judgement yet they barely contained themselves from ripping each others throats out. For her part, Big Mother listened to what they were talking about. This Luthor individual...he seemed like someone to keep your eye on.
When Veranke called out to her regarding her punishment the demoness looked over to her intently before replying. "Of course, you know best." A little bow for postulating. People on thrones liked that sort of thing.
At the mention of what she could only assume was an invasion. "Perhaps then a little show of force is what needed." She turned to face Luthor, it seemed that he was the only one among these three that was an actual threat. "Luthor is correct at the assessment. Blackheart is much like a child who thinks he can do whatever he wants. The attack on the citadel showed that. A little...humbling would know doubt do him some good. And a victory strengthens our resolve. Unless of course...his father chooses to step in and give his son a helping hand?"
The introduction of Luthor to the mix was well-received by Kolin. He seemed to be rational, compared to the others gathered. The only one to seem to want to actually DO something about this whole situation. "The Goddess' texts? If only there was enough time...I would very much like to read those, myself, if permitted." Of course, the Goddess was not her deity, no one would ever be able to usurp the place her emperor held in her heart. But she was a deity she could trust, and one she owed her very life to. If the Society was to make its impression on the Multiverse, it would need to ally with benevolent beings. Perhaps the Goddess was one?
But the mood was quickly soured. Kolin's lip curled as something Luthor said caught her attention. Not even Helen could ignore it. "Pardon me, sir," she said, looking to Luthor. "Did you say that...Blackheart was a member of this council?" Revolting. Utterly reprehensible. Her opinion of this council waned with every minute. But what could she expect? When you put your faith in mortals, all they would ever do was disappoint. War and blood and disaster and tragedy...it was a stench that clung to foolish mortals and made the divine that much more immaculate.
Something else clicked within her mind, then. "If that is the case...then let me repeat something I'd mentioned before. Blackheart told us that our souls had been promised to him. If that is the case, then we must act quickly if our next order of business is to rescue Izana. He may not be the only member of this organization to have turned agajnst us for their own agenda."
Great Temple
Highest Council Temple View attachment 4470 "Oh, I'm capable of war worse that foul words, cur--" Nox spat as indigo lighting danced across his fingers. Light surged forth from every crevice of his helmet. The room grew hotter, the colder, then hotter once again.
"How does ten thousand volts of lighting sound? Or would you prefer me to suck that spirit of yours right out of the husk you call a body? Your choice." @Raynar Saassin
"Now, I hate to say I told you so..." A voice clucked from down the fall. "Actually, no. I won't feign humility. You should have listened to me." View attachment 4472 "You all should have listened to Alexander Luthor."
"Lex---" "Don't 'Lex' me, your majesty." Lex snapped, his dark eyes piercing Veranke's spirit. "We had our chance to nip this threat in the bud. We could have shot Blackheart like the dog he was the moment he joined the wider council. But no. No. You made it clear to us all that the rights of the lesser faiths- 'faiths' like Blackhearts- mattered more than our right to a homeland. Than our right to security. You harboured a demon. And now, you're finally reaping what you've sown. How does it feel?"
"We couldn't have known--" "Of course," Luthor groaned. "Of course, we couldn't have predicted Blackheart's attack on the Wider Citadel. Butsome of us knew he was up to something--"
"Your prejudices have blinded you, Predator!"
"And your 'tolerance' has blinded you, Skrull!"
The chamber went silent for a moment as the pair let their words fest. Straightening up his spine. Lex composed himself, and flashed his signature salesman's smile.
"I've gotten carried away again. And I've done it in front of guests. Forgive me!" "Don't apologise, Luthor," Nox grimed beneath his helmet. "It was only a matter of time before the Kids caught Mommy and Daddy fighting. Who are we still missing?"
"Most of us are off-world. We'll work with what we have..."
"Excellent. Without further adieu…This council is now officially in session..." @Raynar Saassin
"So you're trying to tell me that The Goddess... an unimaginably powerful being who saved you from the jaws of death... a creature half the Fellowship would kill to have met... gave you one, simple command... and you just... ignored it?" Luthor stammered in disbelief. "I've studied the Goddess' texts. I know them like the back of my hand... but even I can't begin to imagine why on Earth she'd chose to save you..."
"The extent Big Mother's punishment is for the council to decide, Kolin." Veranke snapped. "For now, she is on probation. We'll be keeping a close eye on her until our investigation has concluded. Should she harm our own again, this council will call for her execution." She turned her glare back to Mother. "Have I made myself clear?"
"The Council personally selected Azrael for infiltration of the Fallen Citadel. We acknowledge his skill, but we'll take your words into consideration the next time a promotion is on the table..." "Yes, yes, Arzael can handle a sword. But that tomb.... now that's a mystery worthy of my attention." Nox's fingers drifted to his chin. "It could be anywhere. Korriban. Earth. It would be right under our feet and we would have no way of knowing... there has to be a missing piece... a single word, a clue we haven't noticed... if only you hadn't gotten our only source killed..."
"You make it sound easy, Big Mother." Veranke sighed. "Ironic, considering that you were the one who made this whole situation far more complex that it needed to be..." View attachment 4481 "Please, Veranke. Don't be so dramatic."
"Don't test me Luthor..." "Please. I never thought I'd say these words, but here they are: Nox is on the right track. Izana is our missing piece... The Goddess called to him, just like he called to the rest of you. He knows something. He knew more than he was letting on..." Luthor slipped from his seat and began to pace the hall.
"Pity he's dead, then, isn't it?" "Oh, of course. Death is always tragic..." Luthor tutted semi-sarcastically. "But we need to look at the larger picture. Izana didn't fall down the stairs. He didn't choke on a chicken bone. He was killed by a demon. Do you understand where I'm going with this?"
"No.."
"Go on..." "Blackheart invaded out capital. That was an act of war!" Luthor howled passionately. "He's killed one of our allies. Were it not for the Goddess, he would have killed a dozen more!"
"Nobody here is defending Blackheart, Luthor!" "Except you are, Veranke!" The Predator spat. "The Multiverse doesn't need moderates! The Goddess didn't call cowards to her side! You know the legends- 'he who dies by the hands of a demon is barred from heaven. He who dies at the hand of a demon--"
"--Burns for all eternity." Nox grinned, crossing his boot over his knee and leaning forward. "I like where this is going..."
"What are you implying, Luthor?" View attachment 4480 "Blackheart has Izana's soul. We need Izana." A grin crawled across Luthor's cheeks. "It's been a long time coming. It's high time invaded Hell and took back what the Devil stole from us... Just like the Goddess prophesied..."
Big Mother found it humorous that these beings in front of them were to pass judgement yet they barely contained themselves from ripping each others throats out. For her part, Big Mother listened to what they were talking about. This Luthor individual...he seemed like someone to keep your eye on.
When Veranke called out to her regarding her punishment the demoness looked over to her intently before replying. "Of course, you know best." A little bow for postulating. People on thrones liked that sort of thing.
At the mention of what she could only assume was an invasion. "Perhaps then a little show of force is what needed." She turned to face Luthor, it seemed that he was the only one among these three that was an actual threat. "Luthor is correct at the assessment. Blackheart is much like a child who thinks he can do whatever he wants. The attack on the citadel showed that. A little...humbling would know doubt do him some good. And a victory strengthens our resolve. Unless of course...his father chooses to step in and give his son a helping hand?"
“Can I just go home?” Roman said, completely done, “I don’t want to go to hell... I don’t want to... I’m just...”
He breaks down, trying to hide his sobs in his shirt. He doesn’t want to be emotionally weak around these religious nut-jobs. He tries to swallow his tears, because he doesn’t want his “allies” to look at him and berate him as weak and worthless.
Even though he knows he’s weak and worthless.
Why him? Why? He’s literally a nobody. He has never heard of the Fellowship before now. He’s a member of a religion that worships trees and wants to heal the world. He has no combat abilities... well... had, but he can’t control his electric powers.
Speaking of which, electricity begins to crackle and spark throughout his entire body. Before long, a large burst of lighting strikes the roof. It wasn’t strong enough to damage the room, but it was noticeable.
"Blackheart has Izana's soul. We need Izana." A grin crawled across Luthor's cheeks. "It's been a long time coming. It's high time invaded Hell and took back what the Devil stole from us... Just like the Goddess prophesied..."
"Finally. This Blackheart may have toyed with my enemies---"
"*Our* enemies, Magic."
"Hmph."
"If Blackheart is our objective, then we shall eliminating him and anyone who stands in our way."
“Can I just go home?” Roman said, completely done, “I don’t want to go to hell... I don’t want to... I’m just...”
He breaks down, trying to hide his sobs in his shirt. He doesn’t want to be emotionally weak around these religious nut-jobs. He tries to swallow his tears, because he doesn’t want his “allies” to look at him and berate him as weak and worthless.
Even though he knows he’s weak and worthless.
Why him? Why? He’s literally a nobody. He has never heard of the Fellowship before now. He’s a member of a religion that worships trees and wants to heal the world. He has no combat abilities... well... had, but he can’t control his electric powers.
Speaking of which, electricity begins to crackle and spark throughout his entire body. Before long, a large burst of lighting strikes the roof. It wasn’t strong enough to damage the room, but it was noticeable.
"Woah there, calm down."
"You'll be fine! You have us! Me and Iffy will protect ya!"
"We'll do our best to protect you. You don't seem to be able to control yourself. Do you know any basic hand-to-hand Combat? I could teach you if you want it."
"All that power and only to use it as a threat."
"Magic, perhaps it would be best to heed these requests."
"Hmm. Very well Brave."
"Finally. This Blackheart may have toyed with my enemies---"
"*Our* enemies, Magic."
"Hmph."
"If Blackheart is our objective, then we shall eliminating him and anyone who stands in our way."
"Woah there, calm down."
"You'll be fine! You have us! Me and Iffy will protect ya!"
"We'll do our best to protect you. You don't seem to be able to control yourself. Do you know any basic hand-to-hand Combat? I could teach you if you want it."
It was after a couple of minutes of sobs that Roman was aware of Compa and If’s presence. The girl from earlier. The weird one who trusts way to easily. She’s fine, he guesses.
“I-I... I don’t know how to fight, not even self defense. I can’t control my p-powers either. Th-they only came in after... after the explosion...”
He looked at his hands, which was sparkling with electricity.
“Th-Thank you for the offer,” Roman turned to the two girls, “but I’m fine as it is,”
It was after a couple of minutes of sobs that Roman was aware of Compa and If’s presence. The girl from earlier. The weird one who trusts way to easily. She’s fine, he guesses.
“I-I... I don’t know how to fight, not even self defense. I can’t control my p-powers either. Th-they only came in after... after the explosion...”
He looked at his hands, which was sparkling with electricity.
“Th-Thank you for the offer,” Roman turned to the two girls, “but I’m fine as it is,”
"Alright then. You know, we really don't run into too many men."
"Only the nice guards at the Basilicoms and some citizens."
"If you say you're okay, then we'll take you on your word. But we're here if you want us."
"I'll make sure everyone here is healed and looking good!"
"So long as you're not afraid of giant needles and being bandaged, haha."
Jester had taken some to get herself ready and composed before she finally decided to ask her question. " Wouldn't it be smarter to find the tomb first and than invade Hell? That Blackheart guy seemed pretty powerful when he attacked the Citadel and killed Izana. I can't imagine he would be weaker on his own turf. We can't just break in and expect to have an easy time fighting him.... but if we have to invade Hell and help maybe some of us should also look for the Goddess tomb?" She asked.
"I got to agree with Jessie here, going to hell seems dangerous. We all got pretty caught up and those demons were powerful. And that was away from home. I can't imagine we would be better on their home turf. "
“Do we really need him, though?” Maddie called, “Do we? I mean, he had a stick up his ass and only cared about his own hair, fucker wouldn’t help us with anything. Also, I’m not going to literal Hell. No fucking way.”
She sucked on her vape pen and smiled. “You aren’t my fucking dad, either, so if you think I’m listening to any order you fucking give them you’re dead wrong.
Great Temple
Highest Council Chamber "Despite his... quirks..." Luthor groaned. "Izana had his uses. He was a seer, and an accurate one at that. Whatever's coming our way, its dark and dangerous enough to send shivers down the spine of a God. You'll have to forgive me for looking for advantages, wherever they may lie..."
"We don't give orders, Maddie. We're not a military. You're not conscripts, and we're not the Coalition," Lex drifted across the chamber with his hands joined behind his back. His black eyes met Maddie's. "But I think part of you wants to see how this story ends. The Goddess gave you a second chance at life. That's something most beings would kill for. Why not use this chance to fight for something more. Why not use it to be something more. You have the chance to save the world. Better yet, you have the chance to change it. I won't force you to come with me... but I hope you'll change your mind." Lex turned away from the girl and made his way back across the hall. "Marching into Hell might not sound fun, but it beats a life of insignificance. Of that, I'm certain..."
"Perhaps then a little show of force is what needed." She turned to face Luthor, it seemed that he was the only one among these three that was an actual threat. "Luthor is correct at the assessment. Blackheart is much like a child who thinks he can do whatever he wants. The attack on the citadel showed that. A little...humbling would know doubt do him some good. And a victory strengthens our resolve. Unless of course...his father chooses to step in and give his son a helping hand?"
"You don't have to worry about Mephisto…" The towering doors of the Council Chamber came swinging open and, from the blinding light of the waiting room, the silhouette of Eli White emerged. "There's a Civil War going on in Hell as we speak. Blackheart has gone to war his dear father, and Mephisto is responding accordingly. The war has freed a fair few souls, too. It's a mess down there. Quiet... hellish..."
"Ah, Captain White, you've arrived!" Lex directed Eli towards the rest of the Chosen. "I trust that you remember our Saviours?"
"I don't know about Saviours, Lex..." Eli offered his hand to the nearest soldier. "But some of these men saved my life... that gives them a pass in my book. It's good to see you all again. And that's something I don't say often..."
"It's strange to see you playing nice with a Secularist, Luthor..." Nox's brow grew tense. "I suppose we'll find Hell frozen over when we arrive..."
"You're willing to go back there, White?" Veranke scowled and thinned her eyes. "You're siding with Luthor?"
"Lex briefed me this morning. If his plan ends with Blackheart getting his just deserts, I'm in."
"Your team is starting to grow, Luthor..." Nox laughed. "You can count me in too."
"You'd turn your back on the Secularists? You'd throw away our fragile peace? We need to work with Mephisto. His world still holds some sway in Hell. Most of the Netherworld still sees him as the realms legitimate leader. If we work with him, we can free Izana without starting a war, or raising any alarms with the UN, or the Kanzukis, or the Coalition!"
"Sorry, your majesty, but Big Mother is right. A little 'war' could do the Fellowship some good. I never thought you'd be the one arguing against a plot of vengeance. Besides, Blackheart's head will fit nicely on my mantle..."
"Did you say that...Blackheart was a member of this council?" Revolting. Utterly reprehensible. Her opinion of this council waned with every minute. But what could she expect? When you put your faith in mortals, all they would ever do was disappoint. War and blood and disaster and tragedy...it was a stench that clung to foolish mortals and made the divine that much more immaculate.
"Blackheart was never a part of this council. He lacked the influence. He lacked the prestige." Luthor rested his cheek on his fist. He smiled lackadaisically, and lowered himself back into his chair. "His authority was confined to the Wider Council.
"The Fellowship is organized like this:
"At the top of the hierarchy, sit the Highest Council. Upon it, 6 Goddessians and 6 Secularists sit. We debate the issues that matter, and then we pass our decisions on to the Wider Council. They're given the chance to overrule our decisions, but they rarely do. The Wider Council find themselves in disagreements more often than we do, if you can imagine that, and they can rarely secure enough votes over rule one of our decisions. If the Wider Council fails to overrule one of our decisions, our orders are passed on to our agents, and changes are made.
"Blackheart proved himself to be an... influential figure within the Wider Council. We was good at getting his fellow delegates riled up. He got them angry. Active. His manipulations almost pushed to Wider Council to overrule a decision or two. Almost. I believe Blackheart grew tired with all the bureaucracy that sat between him and a seat on the true council. It might have been one of the factors that pushed him to separate himself from the Fellowship.
"Well, that and his undying hatred of the Goddessians. But that's different story"
Jester had taken some to get herself ready and composed before she finally decided to ask her question. " Wouldn't it be smarter to find the tomb first and than invade Hell? That Blackheart guy seemed pretty powerful when he attacked the Citadel and killed Izana. I can't imagine he would be weaker on his own turf. We can't just break in and expect to have an easy time fighting him.... but if we have to invade Hell and help maybe some of us should also look for the Goddess tomb?" She asked. "I got to agree with Jessie here, going to hell seems dangerous. We all got pretty caught up and those demons were powerful. And that was away from home. I can't imagine we would be better on their home turf. "
"I'd love to find the tomb," Luthor sighed. "But it's not that simple. We don't know where it is. The Ancient Goddessian Texts we discovered tell us so much, yet so little about the Goddess' first 'life'. The details surrounding her death are vague, to say the least. Her ancient followers weren't the best book keepers, and time has left wounds in their spoken histories. Without Izana's power, finding the Tomb of the Goddess in an infinitely large, ever expanding multiverse would be like trying find a specific atom in a hay stack. Like it or now, he's our best lead."
"As for the war effort, we have allies across the Multiverse." Eli added. "Last time we fought Blackheart, he caught us by surprise. He won't have that advantage this time. We will. The Demons won't know what hit them. Besides. I have some friends on the ground who can lend a hand when the fighting starts. Luthor's scholars will have plenty of times to study the Goddess' texts whilst we're on the ground. In the mean time, we need to focus on recovering the seer."
"If that is the case...then let me repeat something I'd mentioned before. Blackheart told us that our souls had been promised to him. If that is the case, then we must act quickly if our next order of business is to rescue Izana. He may not be the only member of this organization to have turned agajnst us for their own agenda." @Sark@Jeremi@amwexia@Takumi @Everyone
Nox leaned back in his chair and pressed his fingers together. For a moment, he fell uncharacteristically quite, and simple observed the Chosen from his throne. "That's... troubling. If Blackheart believes that he has a claim to your souls, then, sooner or later, we're going to have a fight on our hands. Demons take what they're owed, without fail. I should know. I... dabbled in some soul-dealing in my youth..."
"It begs the question- what creature has promised your souls to the devil?" Veranke muttered, her lips pursed and light. "And how have they done so without your knowing?"
"We have more mysteries than leads, Your Majesty. It's time we changed that. Kolin's instincts match mine-- he could have spies within our midst. Blackheart's rabblerousing has left its impact on the wider council. They're using it as a rallying point. We could be witnessing the birth of a New Faction within the Fellowship." His eyes grew thinner. "A collection of faiths who've rejected the teachings of the Goddess and the Order of the Secularists. A cancer to bring the Fellowship to its knees. Radicals. Rabblerousers."
"Care to place a name to your pain, Luthor?"
"What would you call them? Seperatistis? Blackheartians? Blackheartists? No...To side with a man like him, to reject the Goddess, to take a knee before a demon... they're Godless. We need to nib this threat in the bud before their forces grow. We need to purge the Fellowship of Blackheart's followers and prepare for war!"
"I can't allow that, Luthor. We can't throw away all we've built! The Fellowship is our Birthright! It's the accumulation of decades of work. It's ours greatest hope of bringing honour to our Gods and making a difference in the cursed multiverse! And you're willing to burn it to the group in the name of revenge?"
"Don't go soft on us now, Skrull."
"There was a time when I would have been the one leading the charge, Darth," Veranke spat. "But my people have lost too much fighting for so little to throw their lives away in another pointless conflict. I won't bring shame to my people, my faith or my faction. I won't go to war with Blackheart!"
"It's not down to you, Veranke." A sinister smile crawled across Lex's cheeks. His eyes rose to meet the Chosen. "It's theirs..."
"You can't expect the Goddess 'Chosen' to vote impartially. We need to wait for the rest of the Highest Council. We Need to consult the Wider Council-- "
"Nobody votes impartially, Veranke." Luthor snapped. "The Chosen will vote on what they've always believe to be true. Every second we wait, another world is wiped of the map. Obliterated! We can't just 'wait' for the others. Consulting the Wider Council? We might as well send scream out plans into the nearest Hellmouth. He still has his loyalists within the Wider Council. Spies.
"The most democratic thing we can do now is gather a handful of delegates from a handful of worlds. Those who's loyalty we can confirm. Those who Blackheart has no love for... those he has already tried to kill once before..."
"The Fellowship's Texts allow for a temporary War Council to be formed in times of Crisis. Like it or not, we can only truly trust a handful of delegates. Most of them are inside this room. I vote we go forward with the formation of the a War Council, composed of the survivors of the Second Citadel Attack."
"That's two votes to one, Veranke. A temporary War Council is hereby formed from the Goddess' Chosen!" Luthor slapped the arm of his throne before the Skrull could object. "And we pass the choice of to them."
"Fine!" The Skrull hissed. "We pass the burden of this world changing decision onto the Chosen. We've both said our pieces. It's their call now."
"So what will it be?
"Do you vote 'Goddessian', and send the Fellowship off to war with Hell?
"Or do you vote 'Secularist', and prepare to work peacefully with Blackheart's foe and father, Mephisto?"
Highest Council Chamber "Despite his... quirks..." Luthor groaned. "Izana had his uses. He was a seer, and an accurate one at that. Whatever's coming our way, its dark and dangerous enough to send shivers down the spine of a God. You'll have to forgive me for looking for advantages, wherever they may lie..."
"We don't give orders, Maddie. We're not a military. You're not conscripts, and we're not the Coalition," Lex drifted across the chamber with his hands joined behind his back. His black eyes met Maddie's. "But I think part of you wants to see how this story ends. The Goddess gave you a second chance at life. That's something most beings would kill for. Why not use this chance to fight for something more. Why not use it to be something more. You have the chance to save the world. Better yet, you have the chance to change it. I won't force you to come with me... but I hope you'll change your mind." Lex turned away from the girl and made his way back across the hall. "Marching into Hell might not sound fun, but it beats a life of insignificance. Of that, I'm certain..."
"You don't have to worry about Mephisto…" The towering doors of the Council Chamber came swinging open and, from the blinding light of the waiting room, the silhouette of Eli White emerged. "There's a Civil War going on in Hell as we speak. Blackheart has gone to war his dear father, and Mephisto is responding accordingly. The war has freed a fair few souls, too. It's a mess down there. Quiet... hellish..."
"Ah, Captain White, you've arrived!" Lex directed Eli towards the rest of the Chosen. "I trust that you remember our Saviours?"
"I don't know about Saviours, Lex..." Eli offered his hand to the nearest soldier. "But some of these men saved my life... that gives them a pass in my book. It's good to see you all again. And that's something I don't say often..."
"It's strange to see you playing nice with a Secularist, Luthor..." Nox's brow grew tense. "I suppose we'll find Hell frozen over when we arrive..."
"You're willing to go back there, White?" Veranke scowled and thinned her eyes. "You're siding with Luthor?"
"Lex briefed me this morning. If his plan ends with Blackheart getting his just deserts, I'm in."
"Your team is starting to grow, Luthor..." Nox laughed. "You can count me in too."
"You'd turn your back on the Secularists? You'd throw away our fragile peace? We need to work with Mephisto. His world still holds some sway in Hell. Most of the Netherworld still sees him as the realms legitimate leader. If we work with him, we can free Izana without starting a war, or raising any alarms with the UN, or the Kanzukis, or the Coalition!"
"Sorry, your majesty, but Big Mother is right. A little 'war' could do the Fellowship some good. I never thought you'd be the one arguing against a plot of vengeance. Besides, Blackheart's head will fit nicely on my mantle..."
"Blackheart was never a part of this council. He lacked the influence. He lacked the prestige." Luthor rested his cheek on his fist. He smiled lackadaisically, and lowered himself back into his chair. "His authority was confined to the Wider Council. "The Fellowship is organized like this:
"At the top of the hierarchy, sit the Highest Council. Upon it, 6 Goddessians and 6 Secularists sit. We debate the issues that matter, and then we pass our decisions on to the Wider Council. They're given the chance to overrule our decisions, but they rarely do. The Wider Council find themselves in disagreements more often than we do, if you can imagine that, and they can rarely secure enough votes over rule one of our decisions. If the Wider Council fails to overrule one of our decisions, our orders are passed on to our agents, and changes are made.
"Blackheart proved himself to be an... influential figure within the Wider Council. We was good at getting his fellow delegates riled up. He got them angry. Active. His manipulations almost pushed to Wider Council to overrule a decision or two. Almost. I believe Blackheart grew tired with all the bureaucracy that sat between him and a seat on the true council. It might have been one of the factors that pushed him to separate himself from the Fellowship.
"Well, that and his undying hatred of the Goddessians. But that's different story" "I'd love to find the tomb," Luthor sighed. "But it's not that simple. We don't know where it is. The Ancient Goddessian Texts we discovered tell us so much, yet so little about the Goddess' first 'life'. The details surrounding her death are vague, to say the least. Her ancient followers weren't the best book keepers, and time has left wounds in their spoken histories. Without Izana's power, finding the Tomb of the Goddess in an infinitely large, ever expanding multiverse would be like trying find a specific atom in a hay stack. Like it or now, he's our best lead."
"As for the war effort, we have allies across the Multiverse." Eli added. "Last time we fought Blackheart, he caught us by surprise. He won't have that advantage this time. We will. The Demons won't know what hit them. Besides. I have some friends on the ground who can lend a hand when the fighting starts. Luthor's scholars will have plenty of times to study the Goddess' texts whilst we're on the ground. In the mean time, we need to focus on recovering the seer."
Nox leaned back in his chair and pressed his fingers together. For a moment, he fell uncharacteristically quite, and simple observed the Chosen from his throne. "That's... troubling. If Blackheart believes that he has a claim to your souls, then, sooner or later, we're going to have a fight on our hands. Demons take what they're owed, without fail. I should know. I... dabbled in some soul-dealing in my youth..."
"It begs the question- what creature has promised your souls to the devil?" Veranke muttered, her lips pursed and light. "And how have they done so without your knowing?"
"We have more mysteries than leads, Your Majesty. It's time we changed that. Kolin's instincts match mine-- he could have spies within our midst. Blackheart's rabblerousing has left its impact on the wider council. They're using it as a rallying point. We could be witnessing the birth of a New Faction within the Fellowship." His eyes grew thinner. "A collection of faiths who've rejected the teachings of the Goddess and the Order of the Secularists. A cancer to bring the Fellowship to its knees. Radicals. Rabblerousers."
"Care to place a name to your pain, Luthor?"
"What would you call them? Seperatistis? Blackheartians? Blackheartists? No...To side with a man like him, to reject the Goddess, to take a knee before a demon... they're Godless. We need to nib this threat in the bud before their forces grow. We need to purge the Fellowship of Blackheart's followers and prepare for war!"
"I can't allow that, Luthor. We can't throw away all we've built! The Fellowship is our Birthright! It's the accumulation of decades of work. It's ours greatest hope of bringing honour to our Gods and making a difference in the cursed multiverse! And you're willing to burn it to the group in the name of revenge?"
"Don't go soft on us now, Skrull."
"There was a time when I would have been the one leading the charge, Darth," Veranke spat. "But my people have lost too much fighting for so little to throw their lives away in another pointless conflict. I won't bring shame to my people, my faith or my faction. I won't go to war with Blackheart!"
"It's not down to you, Veranke." A sinister smile crawled across Lex's cheeks. His eyes rose to meet the Chosen. "It's theirs..."
"You can't expect the Goddess 'Chosen' to vote impartially. We need to wait for the rest of the Highest Council. We Need to consult the Wider Council-- "
"Nobody votes impartially, Veranke." Luthor snapped. "The Chosen will vote on what they've always believe to be true. Every second we wait, another world is wiped of the map. Obliterated! We can't just 'wait' for the others. Consulting the Wider Council? We might as well send scream out plans into the nearest Hellmouth. He still has his loyalists within the Wider Council. Spies.
"The most democratic thing we can do now is gather a handful of delegates from a handful of worlds. Those who's loyalty we can confirm. Those who Blackheart has no love for... those he has already tried to kill once before..."
"The Fellowship's Texts allow for a temporary War Council to be formed in times of Crisis. Like it or not, we can only truly trust a handful of delegates. Most of them are inside this room. I vote we go forward with the formation of the a War Council, composed of the survivors of the Second Citadel Attack."
"That's two votes to one, Veranke. A temporary War Council is hereby formed from the Goddess' Chosen!" Luthor slapped the arm of his throne before the Skrull could object. "And we pass the choice of to them."
"Fine!" The Skrull hissed. "We pass the burden of this world changing decision onto the Chosen. We've both said our pieces. It's their call now."
"So what will it be?
"Do you vote 'Goddessian', and send the Fellowship off to war with Hell?
Maddie remained unflinching as Luthor got all up in her face. She smiled, sucked her pen, and exhaled the smoke out her nostrils.
“So, Izana’s a scammer...” she mutters to herself as Luthor floats across the room away from her.
As the conversation moves on, her attention waned. Luthor was being rather obvious. Her life had no meaning, as does any life. What a fucking dunce.
The vote came upon her, and she knew exactly what it was she was going to vote for.
“I vote against the Goddess. I want a bed to sleep in and a roof over my head, and I highly doubt there’s a hotel in Hell. Besides, even if I go to Hell my life would still have no purpose. ‘Everyone dies, the end’ is the universe’s life story, so stop denying it.”
CFW Magic and Brave listened in intently to the group's discussions. The thought that all of this was going on, and this mention of the multiverse was incredibly tedious to Magic's plans to revive Arfoire... However, if they were forced to do this, then they must. The two of them stepped forward.
"I choose to vote Secularist. As much as I'd love to wage your little war in behalf of the Deity of Sin, I want all of this to be wrapped up as soon as possible in order to guarantee my chances."
"I stand with Magic. I shall slay all her enemies with my blade in her name and of the Great Arfoire!"
Meanwhile IF and Compa were contemplating their next course of action.
"What should we do, Iffy?"
"I don't know Compa... I still can't believe all of this is even happening. First this Goddess resurrects us after we die somehow, then all this regarding the CFW's striking again? And now this Blackheart and council? I don't quite know what to do in this situation."
"But this Goddess must of revived us for a reason, right? If she chose us, then we must be really special right?"
"Compa..."
Compa stood up and walked forward to the council while IF watched.
"I want to work with the Goddess! If she chose us, then we need to work together to beat all the bad guys!"
IF then stood up and stood beside her, the two of them holding hands.
"I'm with Compa. If this is how we must work, then we're with you all the way. We'll beat the ones who want us dead, then we'll go after you two."
IF exclaimed which caught the attention of Magic and Brave.
"Hahahaha. You truly believe you two are capable of the feats that you're sprouting out of your mouths? Your ignorance is bliss."
"We'll make sure you never live again, Magic! Right, Iffy?"
"That's right, Compa. You may of gotten the upper hand on us before, but we've grown stronger since then. Just you wait."
"Hmhm. You are merely stepping stones to the mantle of Arfoire. For your own sakes, you had better watch your backs."
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