We Are Taking Down the Goddess

First Trial

The mining tunnels became the arteries of Wolfmore, blackened by the abuse that’s been going on for years. The beatings and torture behind closed doors went on and on without end. The only ones who were exempt were the little children. While the corpses of those who tried to retaliate were fed to the lizards that lived nearby.

Every day more humans died but were quickly replaced by new ones recently captured during an elven raid. In just two years, the slaves lost their will to fight back. They decided it was best to surrender and live their lives to the fullest. All for the sake of the children.

Aiko stared in horror. Then, the girl stood up. Every muscle in her body shook. Wolfmore was nothing like she remembered. What she had for this mining village was only a childish image. A foolish expectation. Fleeting hope.

-        “What is this?! Ren? Is this…is it true?”

-        “I’m sorry, Aiko. That’s why I didn’t want you to know.”

-        “No…that can’t be right. Everyone was happy there. It was a good place. We all lived a good life. I mean, yes, food was scarce, but…Daisuke. His parents… they.”

At that moment, her eyes widened. She recalled the faces of Daisuke’s parents. Both of them were born in Wolfmore. They fell in love and built a family together. A good life. In that single second, Daisuke’s short elven ears broke the girl’s heart.

-        “How do you think Daisuke was born?”

With that simple sentence, Ren had rubbed more salt on an already open wound. Aiko was mortified. Daisuke’s parents were human. But, he was a Halfling. Half elf-half human. How come she never realized that before? The girl was devastated. Everything she thought she knew wasn’t real. It was a made-up life to make her feel safe.

These memories. These secrets were supposed to reveal her past. They were supposed to show her who brought her there. But, the image in the fire showed nothing of use. Only broke Aiko’s heart. It caused irreparable damage.

-        “If my theory is correct, youngling, you have something that no other chosen one does.” – the cyclops explained. “Luck. An absurd amount of luck. A godly blessing.”

-        “I…don’t understand.” – Aiko just stood there. Her feet stuck in place. Her eyes locked to the grisly images in the fire.

-        “You ending up in Wolfmore. The slaves giving you a real life. Shielding you from the darkness. Ren, being there. Befriending such a powerful beast. Kana coming to your rescue in the nick of time. Your luck ensured your survival.”

-        “Luck?! How is losing Daisuke luck? How is abandoning my family luck? How are those monsters chasing me luck?!!! The succubus… they all died because of me! Because I was there! That’s not luck! It’s a curse! I AM a curse!”

-        “Don’t say that Aiko!!!” – Ren cried.

-        “If the Breach never happened, the people of Wolfmore would have kept living in misery. Masking their true feelings from their progeny.” – Kana added. Her firm voice immediately silenced the young girl. “The succubus defended their own tavern. They always defend what’s theirs, no matter who attacks. But, this time, my power was sealed. Their blood is on my hands.”

-        “Then how am I supposed to change this world? Why should I be the goddess? I have nothing. I can offer nothing!”

-        “Your power is a blessing. You are a blessing.” – Kana continued.

-        “How?!!!”

-        “You never saw the real world when you were growing up. That purity…” – the elder barged in. “…that goodness inside of you will make you an outstanding goddess. You can bring forth a new era. Something this world has never seen. But, only if you remain what you are, can you make that a reality.”

-        “I can’t do anything!!! I can’t control my healing! I have no idea how to resurrect people. I have no clue what I’m doing. How is that supposed to create this “new era”?!!

-        “You kid, are a ticking time bomb.” – Yakeru added. “When shit goes down, you rage quit and light destroys everything in your wake. I know what you did in Blue Lust. You poked a hole in their roof. Quite a big one, actually. Or so I heard.” – he giggled. “Right now, you are useless.”

The girl bit her lips in anger and lowered her head. What he said resonated perfectly with the way she felt. He was right. Without complete control, her immense healing powers are useless. No matter how much power she has, if she can’t use it, nothing good will come out of it. 

-        “Yakeru!!!” – Ren yelled. He was now furious.

-        “But…” – Yakeru approached the young girl and lifted her chin. They were now looking into each other’s eyes. “I don’t give a crap what’s going on inside that little empty head of yours. If Kana says you will make a fine goddess, then that’s exactly what you are going to be. She is never wrong. Got that?”

Although his words hurt, they felt oddly reassuring. He had just as much faith in Kana as Aiko did. They both depended on her judgment, and so far, the sorceress has never let them down. Of course, there were casualties along the way, but Kana did her best to save anyone who needed help. She protected Aiko and made sure Ren would survive. She transported the slaves of Wolfmore to a more welcoming place. She fought alongside Xeneth to defend the succubus from a terrible fate. Everything she has ever done, she did it for the good of others.

-        “I know… I just don’t know how to make that happen.”

-        “That’s why he is here.” – Yakeru used his hand to turn Aiko’s head. The girl was now looking straight into the cyclops who sat nearby.

-        “My kin has seen all the gods and goddesses of this world ascend.” – Tabarg continued. “We’ve walked these lands since the beginning of time. This was our planet before they decided to create a new world here. That’s why we’ve seen every single one of them ascend. Our fire has kept these memories through the ages. We may be mortal, but the memories in the fire are undying. The wisdom and knowledge of our ancestors live on. I can help you acquire that wisdom if you trust me.”

-        “Why Tabarg?” – Aiko released herself from Yakeru’s grasp. She finally had the opportunity to ask what was on her mind ever since she set foot on this isle. “Why do you want to help me? Why do you bow down to Yakeru? Why do you do what he told you to? Who is he to you?!”

Kana smiled at those words. She knew Aiko had many questions unanswered. But, seeing her get that courage to face a cyclops was something the sorceress wished to see. In her mind, it was this bravery that will shape her into a different being. Something she was born to be. Finally, Aiko is no longer the defenseless little girl she found at the mine. She now has the audacity to stand in front of a terrifying creature. A giant with unfathomable power. Kana knew that Aiko felt safe because she was there. The girl trusted the sorceress with her life.

-        “Do you see that scythe Lord Igarashi wields?”

-        “Yes.”

-        “It was the weapon that belonged to Vurog the Sacker of Kingdoms. The Edge of Eternal Glory. Vurog never had the strength of other warriors of his kin. He never had the height to fight those bigger than him. But, he had the skills that would compensate for his weakness. The scythe gave him that perfect opportunity. It closed the gap between his opponents and him. That weapon was a blessing from the God of Time. The more souls it took, the stronger it became, giving Vurog immortality. Eventually, this scythe became the epitome of power.”

-        “How is that possible?! Isn’t he dead?!”

-        “I’m afraid I don’t have an answer, child. It still remains a mystery. But, if Vurog somehow chose him, then his word is absolute. And why I help you? I help you because I see something in you. If you become the goddess you are meant to be, you can return our brethren back to us. Don't forget what you saw here. Don't forget us.”

-        “I see… Then, what do you think I should do?”

-        “To use your magic, you must control your emotions. Opening the door to your past was just a stepping-stone. When you know the truth, it is easier to plan the future. But, to master your power, you must test your mantle. The only thing that makes you stand out from all the other chosen ones.”

-        “Ah yes… Aiko thought to herself. The other chosen ones. They keep saying that over and over again. Who are these people? Why should I get stronger? Wouldn’t they be a better choice at becoming gods? Why me?!”

-        “Luck.” – added the elder. “Your godly blessing will bring out your true potential. To test it, go to the place that’s closest to the gods. The nymphs in Hanami are a personification of nature. Pure perfection. They are the only ones who can come and go to the godly realm as they please. To ascend, you must pass the Trial of Luck. Tell them who you are. They will guide you to it. Only then will you be able to learn the truth. Nothing but the truth.”

The memory of her last conversation with the cyclops ended. Aiko now stood in front of a bridge, right in the middle of Hanami village. This ancient, but stunning piece, was decorated with traditional paper lanterns. It combined the architectural style of an arch bridge, beam, and floating bridges. Its floating section was supported with countless stone piers, wooden boats, and pavilions. It stretched across the horizon with no end. The light and pavilions complemented each other. Together with the reflection in the crystal-clear river, the bridge created a spectacular landscape.

-        “We are here. Welcome to the Trial of Luck, chosen one.” – one of the nymphs that guided them there pointed forth. Her calm eyes and warm smile radiated a welcoming beauty.

Ren, Kana, and Yakeru stepped onto the bridge. But, were immediately met with a giggle.

-        “I’m afraid only the chosen ones can walk this path. If you keep going forward, you will never reach the end.”

The three were taken aback by what they heard. Ren gulped as he retreated onto solid ground. Yakeru and Kana soon followed suit. They didn’t like the idea of leaving Aiko behind. But, there are things that even they couldn’t change.

-        “Come, chosen one. Take your first step.”

The nymph reached for the young girl. The girl was hesitant at first but decided to take her hand. When Aiko stepped onto the first stone pier, the water from the river got sucked into a massive ball and entered the bridge. The magical waves formed a long water trail, creating a unique path. Aiko trod as lightly as she could. The water held onto her feet, wrapping around her skin. This unfamiliar magic, it scared her.

Suddenly, the air felt different. The smell changed. Instead of the flowery scent that spread across Hanami village earlier, Aiko now felt nothing. No smell. No air. She could breathe, but her surroundings seemed unreal.

-        “Ren! Kana!”

When she turned around to face her friends, she realized there was no one there. She stood all alone on this odd water bridge. The girl gulped. The only thing left for her was to walk forward. Her soles moved upon the liquid path.