As both Erica, and Katie returned to the shrine. They noticed Aiden collapsed to the ground one hand on the pedestal. He jerked than slowly stood up. He blinked his eyes owlishly, than looked around seeing the women. He gave a tentative wave, than started to proceed to the general store. Erica smoothly stepped into his path saying. “So what happened?” Aiden looked at her just replying. “I’m a disciple of Hephaestus now. Excuse me I need to get back to work.” He smoothly sidestepped Erica continuing on to the store.
Erica returned to Katie saying in a low tone. “Am I crazy, or does that guy give you creepy vibes? The voice alone doesn’t fit, but he’s very anti-social.” Katie nodded saying. “I knew of him online he was a different person then. I think the change has made him more of an introvert. He will be a mad scientist in a tower in a couple years.” They both reached out touching the column at the same time.
Sitting on his throne brooding the eternal lord of poison, venom, medicine, and a few hundred more epitaphs. He had to admit he was a little bored. Being connected to hundreds of worlds, on his command alone. Vast oceans of blood would flow. But it wasn’t very fun anymore. There are only so many ways to kill someone. He needed a little excitement. He knew that the Earth had been reopened to divinity again. That was one world he had been connected to eons ago. Simpler times, when just being a large snake was enough. He had yet to find any decent disciples on Earth.
A presence he had not felt for many years appeared before him. “Ah Mythra to what do I owe the honor of a visit from you?” Mythra stared up at the lord of venom saying. “Earth has finally been returned to the cosmos. I have an interesting champion there. He has gathered a group to expand my influence. One of his companions would be a good disciple for you, maybe even a champion if you choose it. The only issue is that the shrine is dedicated to me, so you will be a secondary pillar of the shrine. I felt it was prudent to visit you first, before expecting you to take a supposed subservient role in this shrine. I did not want any misunderstanding between us.”
The lord of venom looked down smirking slightly, replying. “I go by Lord Viper now. Is this companion worthy?” Mythra's face gave nothing away, but he felt the relief anyway. “She is a former soldier, she has had many years of experience fighting monsters in mock battles. But she is limited in effectiveness, without patronage. Your blessing would go a long way towards protecting the group. I have already convinced Hephaestus to help her mate. I shall ask other members to join my growing pantheon, to assist as needed.”
The lord settled back thinking, brooding almost. Finally he shrugged nodding. “I shall grant this boon, perhaps I could even enfuse some of my essence into the shrine. You look like you could use it. How long has it been since you received real power?” Mythra tilted her head lower just slightly, replying. “A very long time, I shall never be limited to a single world again. I have connected to a couple of worlds again. But not all, soon the shrine shall be strong enough to reconnect me to the rest of my worlds. But for now I must wait.”
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The lord showed no visible change in his demeanor, but his smirk grew just a touch. “I shall accept this disciple when she asks. It is always fun to return my influence a former home world.” With a small bow Mythra disappeared. Mere moments later he felt the touch of a request. He reached out teleporting the woman to his throne room. He looked down upon her. Then had the strangest encounter of his admittedly long life.
Mythra returned to her temple. Looking out upon a sea of flowers. The faint aroma filling her with joy. Only one more connection to go. The druidic arts had been destroyed many years ago. She knew of many God’s who might fill the role needed, but was as yet unsure which would be the best to associate with. Gaia was the obvious choice especially since this was her only world. But the last time they spoke, she had been just as decrepit as she was just a few short months ago. Perhaps she should visit her first to see if she had revived. She sent out her power into the deep forests searching. Finding Gaia's presence she teleported herself to the location.
Mythra appeared in a very strange setting. Looking around, the area was a forest, but smelled wrong. The formerly green trees were drooping half brown. Much leaf formed detritus covered the ground. She looked down upon a brown desiccated form. The former beautiful green skinned Goddess before her looked closer to a pile of refuse. From under the pile a single blue eye peeked out. A faint gravely voice emerged. “Have you come to finish me off? It would be a mercy. My power is almost gone. The humans have almost killed me for good.” Mythra almost wept, but steeled herself replying. “No my old friend, I come bearing a gift. The world has been returned to the cosmos. Mana has returned. Soon your child shall be revived. Soon you yourself shall be fully revived.”
The midden heap moved suddenly a boney arm reached out the hand a frightful claw. A single claw pointed at Mythra. “Lies!! Do not toy with me girl. Finish me off, so I may die with a touch of dignity. Nothing may save me now. There is to much damage, even if I had a disciple again. What could I offer them to stay with a dying former Goddess?”
Mythra reached out touching the hand slightly. She poured a trickle of power into the hand. Not much, as her personal reserves were still low. Just enough. The claw visibly softened into a hand again. Not quite green yet, but better than before. “I will be adding you to my shrine, I have a disciple in mind. A very powerful woman. She will be a perfect choice for you. Maybe soon she will be able to visit you. But until you are revived I will handle the ceremony.” As Mythra turned to leave she heard faint weeping behind her.
Katie would be able to provide enough to reverse her old friends demise. She herself would have to provide the power needed to make the connection. It would limit her ability to help her own champion for a time. But adding another spark of divinity to her shrine would enhance that shrine. That alone would allow her to give all of them the one thing they needed to become strong enough, fast enough to survive. With her champion's survival, her own survival was assured.