We Are Taking Down the Goddess

Cruel Secrets Better Kept Hidden

Musical vibrations synchronized with Aiko’s soul. The gentle, relaxing melody created an infinite ripple of petals and blooms. Every motion and every vibration sounded enchanting. It reverberated in her mind, causing a single tear to slip by. That sound. That sweet tune was too familiar. The girl turned around to find a stunning young woman brushing her fingers against a well-made string lute. An instrument with a neck similar in length to that of a guitar but without the frets. She sat on the riverbank, enjoying the morning light.

-        “Daisuke would have wanted that. Can I…?”

Aiko murmured. She wanted to walk closer to the girl to get a better look at that instrument. Ever since he was a little boy, Daisuke longed for it. He wanted to hear that beautiful melody. But, couldn’t do it with his make-shift lute. That’s when, Yakeru placed his firm palm on her small shoulder, putting an end to her mindless babbling.

-        “That’s a shamisen.” – he explained. “A traditional instrument. She won’t give it to you. If that’s what you are asking.”

-        “No…I just…”

Then, the girl felt another warm palm. Soft skin pressing gently against her cold exposed nape. It was Kana’s alluring touch. It kept her mind at ease. Aiko raised her head and took a good look at her surroundings. The place she overlooked because of the hypnotizing music was now a remarkable masterpiece.

There was a hug of houses packed in a tight space. Buildings made of erected wooden columns over a flat foundation of stones. Each house stood over the tranquil canal waterfront. Reflecting its walls and windows in the crystal-clear water.

Countless trees, flowers, and immaculate bushes decorated the place. Bringing forth a perfect smell. But, there was nothing more captivating than the cherry blossom trees planted one after the other across the riverbank. The wind carried the delicate flowers all around the village. Their pink petals came as a serenade, creating a remarkable lavish spectacle. But, the moment a petal fell from the tree, another grew in its place. Every flower here was in full bloom. Never withering. Never fading.

The men and women who lived here were like family. Their facial features were quite familiar, making it difficult to distinguish one from the other. They all radiated a stunning beauty. Unearthly charm. They minded their own business. Bathing in the river, sitting by their houses, enjoying their meals.

Although it looked like a typical village in Azidora, the air felt somewhat captivating. Shining with charisma and temptation. At a first glance, it felt similar to the Demon’s Apple. Yet, the atmosphere here seemed timider compared to the succubus inn. 

-        “This is Hanami. Home to the nymphs.” – Kana smiled. “To be honest, this is the only place in Elidy that reminds me of home. If only more villages were like this.”

But Aiko didn’t seem at all fazed by the attractive faces and astonishing surroundings. Her mind was stuck in the past. That’s when she recalled the last conversation she had with Tabarg, the elder of Ringborg Cay.

Right after she woke up, the cyclops waited for her by the campfire. This time, Aiko didn’t have the courage to approach him. But, when Kana teleported back, she took her by the hand and her heart welcomed the sorceress’s warming presence. Together, they faced the giant. 

-        “Sit.” – he said. His voice as firm as ever.

Aiko glanced at Kana. After a reassuring nod and a calming smile, the girl felt safe again. She took a seat by the campfire with the sorceress by her side. Ren gulped but joined them soon after. Landing in Aiko’s warm lap.

The colossal being bent over, placing his massive palm over the girl’s head. His enormous hand cast a shadow over Aiko, covering her from head to toe. If he wanted to, he could squash her like a little bug. Aiko just stared into his chapped skin. That’s when she felt it. Mana oozing out of his fingers. Sparks of glistening white energy found their way towards her forehead and seeped into her skin. When the glow dimmed, the giant opened his eyes. There was a hint of surprise in his pupils. He never expected to witness what he saw.

-        “Pure? You are still innocent and pure?”

It was her life. He witnessed every fraction of her being. Everything she saw, everything that ever happened to her leaked into the cyclops mind. All those memories, behaviors, emotions that she remembers were now clear as day. Tabarg never anticipated such a blissful sight. 

-        “What do you mean?” – Aiko was stupefied.

-        “For real?!” – Yakeru chuckled. You came from Wolfmore, kid. A slave. Didn’t you?”

-        “Yes.”

-        “How is that even a thing?!”

-        “I don’t understand…”

-        “Ehm… Aiko is fine. She doesn’t need to worry about that.”

-        “Worry about what, Ren?”

-        “Oh, I see. You kept her safe all this time.” – Kana smiled.

-        “That’s what I’m here for.” – the pup let out a proud giggle.

-        “So, that’s why you like that place so much. It all makes sense now. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, kid, but you have to learn things the fast way.” – Yakeru brushed his fingers against her hair.

-        “No! I won’t let you do that!!!”

Ren let out a low rumbling growl. He curled up his gums to reveal sharp white teeth. The pup stared into Yakeru’s eyes, mana oozing from his pupils reshaping his furry little paws into dangerous claws. Ren already knew his fate. If he were to fight this adventurer, he would surely die in the process. But, at least, he could try to rip his tongue out so he wouldn’t speak. His breathing got quieter. All he wanted to do was stop them from saying anything more. Ren's actions took the young girl by surprise. This was such a sudden change in pace.

-        “What is going on? Ren! Stop it! What truth?! I know everything about Wolfmore. I grew up there. I’ve been there my whole life.”

-        “Aiko! There is no need to listen to their nonsense. Just follow me. We will get out of here. See? I have my mana back. I can morph into my main form and get you out of here. I can protect you. Let’s go!” – Ren reached out his paw, his voice was shaking. He was obviously panicking.

-        “Ren!” – she smiled and hugged the pup. “I’m so glad you can be yourself again. I can’t believe a week passed. Maybe even more… We got beaten up so many times, it’s normal for your mana to take its time.” – she giggled. “But, remember what Kana said? I have to see everything to the very end so that I can change this world. I want to help these women. I want to do something. Isn’t that right, Kana?”

-        “Yes. Remember, Aiko. Whatever happens, I will stay by your side.” – the sorceress gave her a reassuring smile.

-        “See? She is strong. She can keep both of us safe. Do you trust me?”

-        “Are you sure?”

The pup raised his head to meet her eyes. Those cute puppy eyes of his were desperately trying to hold the tears in. Aiko was worried for a moment, but brushed it off and hugged him even tighter. 

-        “I’m sure.”

-        “Of course, I trust you silly…”

-        “Then, do it. Tell me.” – Aiko faced the cyclops brimming with confidence.

-        “I won’t tell you. I will show you.”

The elder woke up the dancing flames once more. The heatwave brought forth a new image, the streets of Wolfmore from days long past. The place was noisy, construction and digging were in full swing. There was so much life in this place, it was just like her memory. It warmed her heart to see it once more. The mines where Daisuke and she used to spend the time. The tunnels they used to mine. All the people she called family. They were all there. As if the monster attack never happened.

That’s when she saw herself. A four-year-old child sitting in the middle of the desert. Devoid of any sustenance. Yet dressed in proper attire, adorned with bright beautiful colors. It was a classic ruffle dress, typical for a child born in the middle class. Since rarely any humans had the opportunity to prosper in these lands, the girl looked relatively blessed. If it weren’t for the hunger written all over her face, she would have easily passed as a child of a traveling merchant.

To her, the sandy dunes looked like pudding. The wind that brushed it away made it appear like fried rice. Aiko couldn’t remember the last time she had a filling meal like that. But, her younger self knew that taste all too well. She longed for the smell of a home-cooked meal. One that she used to have.

All those forgotten feelings and emotions swirled into Aiko’s head. Everything that her younger self felt was now embedded in her mind. As if Aiko was right there, reliving these moments one more time. The toddler was scared, yet calm at the same time. Waiting for someone to come and get her. Aiko couldn’t remember who she waited for back then. But, in her little mind, there was a figure she desperately wanted to see. Unfortunately, she never came back. The only person she met was an elf guard from the Wolfmore mining village. The elf took a good look at the girl and briefly scouted her surroundings. She was all alone.

-        “Another pig to the pile.” – he chuckled. “They toss them out like some sort of garbage. Fitting. At least, I should put her to good use.”

-         “To gain a power that rivals the goddess, you must ascend.” – continued the elder, while Aiko was staring at the vision in the fire. “Ascension will release you from your body. Your physical limits. Everything that’s caging you to this mortal realm. But, to ascend you must learn the truth. You must embrace your past to learn where you came from.”

That’s when a memory came swarming back. That figure she saw after the shuriken pierced her skin. That stunning young woman with flowing golden curls, ivory skin, and piercing white eyes. Her words rang in her mind like a quiet echo.

-        “Remember…Remember your past. Remember how you ended up in that mining village.”

-        “Maybe that’s why I’m supposed to see this. Maybe…just maybe, the image will show who put me here.” – the girl thought to herself.

-        “Revealing your past is the first step to your journey. But also the most important one.”

The flame took her attention away. She felt the elf’s firm hand pressing against her fragile wrist. It was strong. His fingers wrapped around her skin like iron shackles. He dragged her through the streets of Wolfmore and tossed her in front of a familiar hut. She tumbled to the floor, ending up with a bruise on her left knee. Her beautiful dress was now smudged. Dirt covered those pretty frills. The sound of the girl hitting the floor startled the residents. A woman rushed out. Her husband quickly followed. Their facial features were nostalgic. Their eyes reminded her of their endless wisdom and love. Although they looked years younger, she immediately recognized the figures in the fire.

-        “Miss Lena and Mister Ron!” – Aiko laughed. Their appearance warmed her heart, vanquishing that pain in the knee.

-        “Clean her up. I’ll take her to Glanaram tomorrow. There is a slave market planned in a couple of weeks' time. This one is a good catch.”

There was no emotion in the way the elf talked. At this moment, his dark twilight eyes were like a gateway to his soul. In his mind, this little defenseless girl was no more than a thing. Merchandise that should be sold.

-        “Please. Let me take care of her, instead. She will make an excellent miner. Let me teach her our ways and she will give you profit beyond measure.”

There was kindness in Lena’s eyes, a pure gentleness. It was the eyes of the one who has seen the pits of hell but wanted to protect that innocent little child from experiencing it herself. She was the kind of person who believed she could bring this girl into a different world. She could give her a different life, and keep her safe at the same time. In her mind, the upbringing she offered would be worth it in the long while.

-        “Lena!!!”

But, the emotions in her husband pictured a different story. He was horrified. Nothing could calm that fear that bottled up inside. Ron, grabbed his wife by the hand and pulled her back inside. All in an effort to stop her from refusing the guard’s order. But, before she could fully retreat, the guard’s fist landed in her stomach. The elf punched the breath out of her. Ron was petrified.

-        “Are you certain?” – the elf let out an evil smile.

-        “Yes!” – the woman coughed blood, but didn’t waver. “Do whatever you want with me. Just, let her go.”

-        “Please…Lena. Stop. Stop this. It’s not worth it.” – her husband sobbed.

-        “Fine. Then meet me in the chamber to receive your punishment. Feel free to join us if you like, filth.”

The elf turned around to face Ron, his sickening smile unchanging. Then, he tossed the little girl inside and turned around to leave.

-        “Stay here.” – Lena gave Ron a gentle smile. “Remember, every life is precious.”

-        “But…” – he couldn’t stop the tears streaming down his face.

-        “Trust me, my love. It’s worth it. Every child should have a good future. It’s up to us to give them that.”

Aiko was now frozen stiff. The vision in the flame made her blood run cold. Anxiety leaked through every section of her system coursing through her veins, like a devastating poison. A poison so strong, it took over her body. Her limbs felt like they were torn apart, and her upper body was now useless.