We Are Taking Down the Goddess

Taking the Initiative

Tonight Ennore was brimming with lights. The lanterns fueled by magic, hovering in the sky became a focal point. The crossing bridges, magical waterfalls, perfectly constructed sky towers, and grounded buildings were the epitome of the elven kingdom. As if these pristine white avenues were never exposed to the deadly scourge that roamed the lands.

The roads laid empty. The citizens inside their homes seemed to be waiting for something. They heard the sound of boots long before they saw a mass of bodies gathering. Countless human beings stood in formation. Dozens of rows flocked the streets, their eyes trained to look ahead. The army was packed with men, covered in armor from head to toe. Their faces blanched, unreadable under the shadows of their iron helmets. To these soldiers, it was boiling hot outside. Their armor was too heavy and thick, trapping their body heat and soaking their skin with sweat. Nevertheless, their gaze remained resolute. They were obviously used to the heat.

Then, came another army. This one provided a completely different scenery. Men and women dressed in the most flamboyant outfits known to humankind came forth. Although they were not as diligent or steadfast as those who came before them, they still radiated an equal amount of dominance and perseverance.

Once both armies arrived in the square right under the floating palace, the noise came to a halt. After a brief moment, the main entrance swung open and out came a stunning woman, with a lustrous coppery red hair tousling in the wind. Her timid gaze spoke of intelligence, making it difficult to figure out her exact emotions that swam behind her alluring features. There was a softness in the way she walked. An enchanted essence tracked her every step, reflecting her movements like a magical projector floating in the sky. The way she held her body. She was obviously born and bred to walk the palace grounds.

The bright red dress sat upon her skin like a gentle rose petal. The tight fabric and highly exposed skin left little to the imagination. Adorned with gorgeous elven jewelry and a lavish circlet tiara, these handmade accessories fit her to a tee. Although she wore little, the countless golden hairpins, gems, and perfectly designed materials screamed royalty. Those who never laid eyes on the queen before were completely entranced by her timeless beauty. Men and women alike.

When the queen reached the end of the royal balcony, she could see the city below with ease. All the buildings and towers appeared as miniature dollhouses. Not long after, two others joined her at the balcony, a man and a woman. The woman was a lot shorter than the queen but equally well-dressed. The man, however, wore the exact same clothing as he always has. A traditional golden chimere embellished with elven runes, typical for an elven priest. Then came a voice.

-        “Adventurers, many would fight years to be where you stand. It would take them decades to accomplish what you have. But, you’ve shown the elven guard and the citizens of Azidora that you have what it takes to protect this kingdom. You’ve conquered numerous foes, and I’m certain that you can do much more. But, the time has come for you to receive a royal summoning. A quest, that is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

The queen’s voice had subconsciously invaded the minds of all those that stood in the streets of Ennore. She didn’t need to speak louder for them to hear. All she had to do was focus her attention, and her magic would flood the streets. Her words would echo in the minds of those nearby. Everyone heard her. No matter where they stood or how distracted they were by their surroundings. Her speech was simply unavoidable.

-        “Did you hear that?!

-        “Royal quest?!! You’ve gotta be kidding me!

-        “Oh my….I have to do this one! Who knows how much gold we are going to get. I could buy a mansion overnight!!!”

-        “Hell yeah!!! I’m opening my own brothel!”

-        “Well, I will be your first customer!”

-        “Count me in!”

-        “Me too!”

-        “I wonder what’s it all about?”

This golden ticket to success caught them by surprise. The chatter in the streets was full of eager expectations. A royal summoning certainly looked like a chance of a lifetime. Working for the queen herself meant that they could make any dream a reality. It would mean endless riches and glory for the whole guild. Seeing their guild masters on that balcony gave them that reassurance that this was in fact, the real deal.

-        “As you might have already heard, the cycle of the chosen ones has begun. The fate of the world has always rested in their hands. They would defeat each other and the winner would bring a new era. They would create peace so that the land will prosper. They would end the darkness to bathe the globe in light. But, this time, it is different. The war has ended a long time ago, and we have lived in peace ever since. What you battle are monstrosities we used to face long before the 5,000-year war ravaged our lands. The Goddess Elidy gave us everything we need to survive. She brought you here and gave you the powers you wield. Now, the chosen ones have come to end her reign. This is their destiny.”

-        “How is that our problem?”

One of the adventurers miffed and immediately received a slap at the back of his head. His friend that stood right behind him was worried that others might hear him.

-        “If Elidy falls, your powers will return to the cosmos.”

The queen answered as if she heard every word that the adventurer said. For a moment there, the young man shivered. The thought of losing his magic frightened him as well. There was no way he would give it up. Not now, or ever.

-        “Without your magic, you become no one. The humans you used to be before you came to our world. Most of you will return where you came from. While the rest will fall under the monster’s feet.”

The chatter in the crowd became unsteady. There was an air of uncertainty, anxiety, and worry. Not a single soul who stood there wished to give up their powers. Let alone go back home. Elidy has already become their homeland.

-        “Blue Lust and Storm Oath Guild, I welcome you to our ranks.” – the queen continued with a raised tone. “Together with our elven army, you will help us defeat the chosen ones and ensure that Elidy remains on the throne. For that, you will all receive more riches than you can spend. More glory and honor than you can ever earn. Tell me. Will you accept this quest?”

The cheerful sounds of the crowd became the center of the metropolis. The positive shouts reverberated across the streets, reaching even the buildings to the far end.

-        “I am very fortunate to have heroes such as yourselves.” – she smiled. “Then, take a look at these faces. These are your targets. The only ones who stand between you and eternal splendor.”

Magical fragments merged in the sky, painting an impeccable image of a couple of people somewhere in Elidy. William, James, and Baro were in that crowd. The moment they focused on these fragments, they immediately recognized one of the faces. Her golden strands and innocent green eyes shocked them. Their brain stuttered for a moment, and a wash of cold came over them.

♣

The fog from the bridge slowly lifted. The battlefield in Hanami village lay quiet, for it became a graveyard for millions of unburied monstrosities. Their corpses shattered, broken, barely recognizable. The moon shone brightly on the world below, as the wind blew the stench away. While the cracks in the sky still remained, like a scar visible to the naked eye. A panting Ren could be heard in the distance. His furry body covered in blood. Luckily, none of it was his own. His legs and paws shook from exhaustion, his lungs gasping for air. While, Kana and Yakeru just stood there, collected. Despite the massive battle that just emerged, the village behind them remained spotless. The creatures never managed to scratch a single wall nearby. Then, a warm breeze covered the land. A couple of footsteps came from the bridge. As they were closing in, so did Kana focus her gaze ahead. Soon, a young girl came, accompanied by every nymph in the village.

-        “Aiko!!!!” – Ren yelled as loud as he could.

Her brows creased. Her face was serious all the way from the eyes to her mouth, no happiness at all, not even a disguised smile. The moment that logical segment of her brain held her childish persona captive, Aiko appeared to be a changed person.

-        “Are you all right?” – Kana asked.

Yakeru was puzzled by the girl’s eyes. What used to convey an aura of gullibility and naiveness was replaced by an overbearing impatience. But, Ren sensed something else. After being together for so long, he could read her like an open book, which is why he saw something in Aiko’s eyes that no one else could. She was afraid. She was truly terrified, but for some strange reason, she decided to keep that fear all to herself.

-        “We need to go. Will you come with me?”

Kana nodded without hesitation.

♣

In the expanse of the drawing-room, though he stood very still, prince Folwin felt his soul growing restless. The splendid greenery and countless flowers in bloom created a serene environment. The art on the wall was covered by many vines, each giving the canvases a unique and stunning border. Although the paintings looked centuries old, there wasn’t even a layer of dust that coats them. The rest of the house was equally well-kept, with the flowers and trees being intentionally left to grow wild. Someone put in a lot of effort to take good care of it even if no one lived there.

-        “Ah…it’s been a while.”

The woman’s deep voice and heartfelt sigh echoed in the chamber. It was the kind of voice that was nurturing but hurting at the same time. The prince immediately bowed, his knees touching the floor, never daring to look directly in the eyes of the entity that stood beside him.

-        “Goddess! The purge has begun. Let us take care of you as you’ve taken care of us for all these years.”

-        “My dear disciple…”- she let out another sigh. “I wish I could give you an easier path. I wish I could do this for you, so you or our people wouldn’t have to suffer. I wish I could tell you what reality is. I wish I had the power to show you how to choose the path that will guarantee success. An option that will help you avoid the chasms that await. The truth is, each and every one of us hopes to be on the right path. We convince ourselves that we are doing the right thing. We create these stories that make us feel whole again. We justify our actions with every wholesome goal we make. When, in fact, we are all doing the bidding of the darkness that already picked out our fate. Unless we repaint that darkness, we will never see true light.”

-        “Goddess, don’t worry about us. We will finish what you started because you were there to give us a chance. We will do whatever it takes.”

-        “I know. But, what you and I are fighting are foes I wouldn’t wish on my greatest enemy. Tread lightly, and make sure you are ready before you take on the responsibility.”

-        “My goddess, I swear on my family’s bloodline that I will triumph. In your name.”