It had been just under a week since Flage had proposed to Dawn, and now they were officially together. Dawn was filled with happiness like never before, while Flage, as usual, remained indifferent about the whole situation.
They continued living in the cabin for a few more days, but Dawn soon suggested they needed to move. She explained that if they wanted their marriage to work efficiently, they'd need to return to civilization. More importantly, she pointed out that the forest wouldn't be suitable if they ever planned to raise a child.
Flage resisted at first, explaining his disdain for the idea. His biggest concern was Dawn's powerful family, whom he believed would track her down, bringing unwanted attention he couldn't tolerate. But Dawn reassured him. She had walked out on her family, threatening to expose their secrets if they ever came looking for her. She was confident they wouldn't interfere.
After some back-and-forth, Flage reluctantly agreed, and the two moved into the city. Even then, they chose to settle on the outskirts, away from the crowded parts. Flage still went hunting occasionally, while Dawn found a job as a preschool teacher. A few months passed in relative peace before Sage suggested that Flage reveal his divine nature to Dawn. Reluctantly, Flage complied.
"What?" Dawn giggled, assuming Flage was joking. "Is this some sort of prank? Though I guess it's a good thing for all of us to see ourselves as gods, huh?"
Flage remained calm as she laughed, but suddenly, a powerful force filled the room. Dawn froze, fear gripping her as she turned to Flage, catching a brief glimpse of his true form. He stood at eight feet, with enormous white wings unfurled and a glowing vertical halo behind him. Unlike other gods who adorned armor, Flage's hunting clothes gave him a more menacing, raw appearance.
As he reverted to his human form, Dawn stepped back in shock. "What in the..." she stammered. "You... weren't kidding?"
Moments passed as she processed what she'd just seen. "Well," she said thoughtfully, "I guess that does explain a lot. Especially considering that I've seen you strangle a bear to death with your bare hands like it was nothing."
Her thoughts started racing, but one realization struck her hard. Understanding his divine nature, she fell to her knees in respect. Flage, puzzled, raised an eyebrow. "I didn't ask for your prostration," he said curtly.
Embarrassed, Dawn quickly stood, blushing. "R-Right, haha," she chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry."
The weight of the revelation sank in, and Dawn realized there was so much she needed to know. "I never imagined something like this could be real. I have so many questions. How old exactly are you? How did you come to be? And more importantly, why are you here, living casually like a human?"
Flage sighed softly. "Do not worry," he said. "I will tell you what I can."
Though learning Flage's true nature was a shock, it didn't change how Dawn felt about him. She had respected and cared for him deeply since they met, and that remained the same. But for Flage, something had shifted.
After spending so much time with her, and now sharing his secret, Flage began to feel something new. He found himself helping Dawn more often, stepping in when she was tired or unwell. He didn't have the words for it, but he knew Dawn was unlike any other human he had encountered, though not that many.
That feeling only deepened the day they went to the hospital. It was there that they learned Dawn was pregnant. While it didn't surprise Flage, the joy he felt when the doctor confirmed it was something he hadn't expected.
As the months passed, Flage's character had undergone a profound change. He couldn't quite comprehend it, but the closer he grew to Dawn, the more happiness he found in his life. Even though it was rare, Flage found himself smiling more often, as if he were no longer the same person. Initially, he had married her out of convenience, but now, after months together, he knew his reasons had shifted entirely.
Flage also decided to temporarily put his hunting on hold to spend more time at home. Knowing he would eventually return to Higher World, he wanted to cherish every moment with Dawn before that time came. He also wanted to support her more as her pregnancy started to take its toll, showing signs of strain.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Woods. You should be expecting twins," the doctor announced with a smile after the ultrasound.
The news took both Flage and Dawn by surprise. Dawn's expression wavered with a mix of shock and anxiety.
"T-Twins?" she stammered, unable to believe what she had just heard.
But when she turned to Flage, she saw a broad smile spread across his face. "Twins," he repeated with joy, turning to her with bright eyes. "Do you hear that, Dawn?"
She couldn't help but return his smile, though her nervousness lingered. "Y-Yeah, that's really something."
Flage stepped closer, wrapping her in a warm embrace. "This is excellent news, doctor," he said, his joy almost uncontrollable.
While Dawn smiled at his excitement, a deep-rooted fear gnawed at her. She had never expected this and felt overwhelmed, her tokophobia; the fear of childbirth; surfacing again. But seeing Flage's unbridled happiness offered her some comfort, and she decided to set her worries aside for now.
Life continued happily for the couple until the day of the birth arrived. At the hospital, Dawn was placed in the labor room, with Flage by her side to ease her anxieties.
"Don't worry," Flage reassured her, his voice steady and calm. "It will be fine."
Dawn looked up at him, smiling despite the tension. "Look at you, cheering me on," she teased gently. "Who would've thought you had it in you?"
Flage glanced at her with his usual stoic expression, causing her to second-guess her lighthearted comment. "S-Sorry," she muttered, her tone soft.
But Flage surprised her, his expression softening into a warm smile. "Do not apologize. You are right. Before I came to Earth, I misjudged all of humanity. You helped me realize that not all humans are worthless."
Dawn's smile widened, but before she could respond, her eyes flickered to the side, noticing a nurse who had overheard their conversation, her face a mix of confusion and disbelief. Flage caught sight of the nurse too, locking eyes with her, his expression suddenly cold and menacing.
"You didn't hear anything," Flage said, his voice low, almost hypnotic.
The nurse's eyes glazed over as she replied in a soft, entranced tone, "I didn't hear anything."
As the nurse resumed her duties as though nothing had happened, Dawn couldn't help but grin. "Okay, that is so cool," she said, her voice cheerful as the doctor finally entered the room.
The preparations for labor were quickly completed, and the process began in earnest. Dawn pushed with all her might, just as the nurses instructed, while Flage stood beside her, offering unwavering support. Time dragged on, but there was no progress. Minutes passed, and despite her efforts, there were no signs of the babies coming.
"I think she may be too weak to deliver naturally," the doctor finally said, concern evident in his voice.
"So what happens now?" Flage asked, his confusion clear as he looked to the doctor for answers.
"In this situation," the doctor began, "I would highly suggest a cesarean section. We'll need to create an incision in her abdomen to safely deliver the babies."
As the doctor's words registered, a look of horror spread across Dawn's face. "Oh no, no, no, no," she muttered in a fearful chant, shaking her head. "I am NOT doing that."
Flage, noticing her growing distress, turned to the doctor with concern. "Is there any other option?" he asked, his voice steady but tense.
The doctor shook his head gently. "If we continue without success," he explained, "it could be fatal for her and the babies."
Flage's attention snapped back to Dawn, her face pale with fear. Leaning closer, he spoke softly. "Calm down, Dawn. You're a strong woman. I know you can get through this."
Dawn's eyes welled with tears as she whispered, "I'm scared, Flage."
He remained silent for a moment, watching her, feeling the weight of her fear sink into him. He hated seeing her in such pain, and his mind raced, searching for another solution. But while he wrestled with his emotions, Dawn's eyes met his, and she could see the concern etched deeply in his expression. She suddenly felt a pang of guilt. She had vowed to stand beside him in his godly duty, yet now, she was too afraid to fulfill her part. Her fear began to shift, and determination slowly crept into her features as she turned to the doctor.
"Doctor," she said, her voice firmer than before. "How long is the process? And how painful will it be?"
Flage blinked, taken aback by the change in her demeanor, as the doctor answered. "You can choose to have numbing from the waist down," he explained, "or we can completely sedate you if you prefer."
"I don't mind either option," Dawn replied with a steady nod.
Flage, still stunned by her resolve, leaned closer. "Are you certain?" he asked, his worry clear in his eyes.
Dawn offered him a reassuring smile, though her fear lingered behind her eyes. "My fears shouldn't stand in the way of your plans," she said softly. "No matter how scared I am, I'll fulfill my duty as your wife."
Flage could see through her false bravado, but he admired her determination. She was pushing past her fear for his sake. Though he didn't want her to take any risks, he understood that this was something they couldn't avoid.
"You will be fine," Flage said, his voice steady, though his heart was heavy. "I promise."
The doctor cleared his throat gently, his expression urgent. "Sir, you'll have to excuse us. The procedure is critical, and we need full concentration to ensure everything goes smoothly."
Flage was about to refuse, unwilling to leave Dawn's side, but she cut him off with a calm smile. "Don't worry, you can go," she said, her voice soft but sure. "And the next time we meet, it'll be with our two children."
He hesitated but eventually nodded, returning her smile briefly before leaving the room to allow the doctors to begin the cesarean section.
Flage found himself pacing the reception area, a storm of worry and agitation brewing inside him. Minutes ticked by slowly, each one heavier than the last. He couldn't shake the pressure building in his chest, so after a while, he decided to step outside for fresh air. The hospital walls felt too confining, and he needed space to clear his head.
The night sky cast a serene beauty over the city, the stars twinkling like scattered diamonds above. Flage wandered for a while, his steps slow and aimless, until he found an empty bench near the hospital entrance and sat down. Though the air was still, a sense of unease weighed heavily on him. He tried to dismiss it as overthinking, willing himself to calm down. But just as he began to settle, his instincts flared, and he turned his attention to a shadow behind him.
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A tall, imposing figure loomed in the darkness, standing with unmistakable purpose. Flage blinked in surprise before recognizing the presence of Nekro, another of his kind. Slowly rising from the bench, he addressed his fellow god with measured calmness.
"Nekro," Flage greeted, his voice composed. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"Indeed, it has, Flage," Nekro responded. His powerful voice carried an air of familiarity. "How has life on Earth been treating you?"
Flage paused, considering the question. His answer came after a thoughtful silence. "I didn't expect to admit this," he began, a hint of surprise in his tone, "but I was wrong. My time here has been… far better than I could have imagined."
Nekro's lips curled into a faint smile at Flage's admission. "Hearing that makes me glad," he said genuinely. "You seem happier than usual too, so I can believe your words."
Flage nodded, acknowledging the truth in Nekro's observation. Over the past few months, a deep sense of contentment had settled within him, something he hadn't experienced in a long time. "I suppose you're right," Flage murmured, almost to himself.
The two gods exchanged brief reflections on their experiences, the conversation flowing with ease until a question formed in Flage's mind. "So, what brings you here, Nekro?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
As soon as the words left his mouth, Flage's eyes were drawn to the object in Nekro's hands; the scythe, Banisher. "Ah," Flage remarked, attempting a lighthearted tone. "It seems your duties leave you no rest. Indeed I can't say I envy you for that."
Flage hesitated before continuing, a tinge of uncertainty creeping into his voice. "Though I must admit," he added, "I don't recall hearing of any fatalities in the hospital that would require your presence."
Nekro's face darkened, the shift in his expression undeniable. A heavy silence settled between them as Flage's earlier calm began to unravel. His heart sank, a creeping dread taking hold.
"No," Flage whispered, the realization hitting him like a wave. His faint smile faltered, twisting into a frown. "It can't be."
"I am so sorry, sibling," Nekro said, his voice soft and laden with sorrow.
"It's impossible!" Flage's voice rose in desperation, his gaze darting between Nekro and the hospital. His chest tightened, panic swelling within him. "She was fine! She said she could do it!"
"Calm yourself, Flage," Nekro urged gently, trying to steady him.
Flage shook his head, refusing to accept the words. He turned towards the hospital, his footsteps urgent as he moved closer. "I have to stop her… before it's too late."
"Wait," Nekro called out, his voice heavy with regret. "That isn't what causes it."
Flage froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. Slowly, he turned back to Nekro, his world spinning out of control. "What do you mean?" he demanded, his voice rough with a mix of anger and fear. "What caused it then?"
Nekro hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke, his words slow and deliberate. "Her family," he began, watching as Flage's face contorted with shock. "They've been hunting her ever since she cut ties with them. She holds dangerous information about them, and they see her as a threat."
Flage's eyes widened in utter disbelief as Nekro's words sank in. The shock of it all seemed too much to bear, but Nekro continued, his tone steady as he revealed the grim truth. "They paid a doctor to sabotage the fluids being administered to her," Nekro explained, his voice heavy with the weight of the revelation. "But... they infused a drug that will take her life painlessly. They still see her as their daughter, even in this."
Horrified, Flage could barely process what he was hearing. The very idea that someone, even a human, could do this to their own child was unfathomable to him.
"No," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with cold fury. His gaze snapped back toward the hospital, and without hesitation, he took a step forward. "If that is true, then I will go in there and cave that mortal's skull in."
Before he could take a third step, Nekro's voice rang out with urgency. "You can't do that," he said, stopping Flage in his tracks.
Flage spun around, rage blazing in his eyes. "Why not?" he demanded, his voice trembling with barely contained anger.
"Because you can no longer interfere in the situation," Nekro said softly, the pain in his words matching Flage's own. "Not now that I have told you all this."
Flage's breath caught in his throat as the weight of Nekro's meaning struck him. His eyes flared with disbelief. "You expect me to just stand here while my wife is murdered by her own family?" he asked, his voice like a growl.
Nekro didn't answer. His silence echoed louder than any words. The quiet stretched between them, a painful acknowledgment of what they both felt. "You know I have no power to stop this, Flage," Nekro finally said, trying to soothe his friend, though his words felt hollow.
Flage's shoulders slumped, the strength draining from him as his legs threatened to give way. His face remained frozen in disbelief, eyes staring ahead in utter shock as the silence that persisted became oppressive.
"It can't be," he whispered, barely audible. "Not her. She doesn't deserve this."
"I'm sorry," Nekro murmured, sorrow dripping from his voice.
Flage stayed rooted in place, his world unraveling in silence. Nekro, with a heavy heart, began to walk toward the hospital, moving past his grieving companion. As Nekro slowly passed, Flage's hand shot out, blocking his path.
"No," Flage said, his voice low but unyielding. Confusion flashed across Nekro's face as the God continued. "I can not... I will not allow this."
Nekro stared at Flage, momentarily speechless. But before he could respond, he felt a sudden shift, a tremendous force stirring in the air around them. Alarmed, Nekro jumped back in response, watching as Flage's form began to change. His eyes closed, and when they reopened, they were devoid of pupils, glowing with a divine intensity.
Before Nekro could react further, Flage's body began to grow, his height increasing as massive white wings erupted from his back, unfurling between him and his massive halo that spawned with a celestial glow. The binds that had suppressed his godly essence had shattered, leaving Flage in his full, terrifyingly divine form.
"I will not let you take her soul," Flage declared, his voice a razor-edged promise.
Nekro stared in horror, realization dawning on him as he witnessed Flage take his natural form. "Do not do this, Flage," Nekro pleaded, his voice thick with desperation. "Do not forget the oath you swore against interfering with humanity."
Flage's wings flared wider, the fury in his eyes unmistakable. "My oaths," he spat, his voice brimming with anger, "can go to hell. I will not let that woman die."
The air around them crackled with energy as Flage's rage built, his face twisted in an expression of pure wrath. Nekro, knowing the consequences of Flage's transformation on Earth, tried once more to reason with him.
"Please, Flage," Nekro pleaded, "do not..."
But before another word could be said, Flage moved faster than nearly any being could comprehend. The God of Hunting charged forward with aggression, a massive spear suddenly materializing in his hand. The force of his movement was immense, and before Nekro could even realize it, Flage struck with terrifying precision. The spear connected with a devastating blow, sending Nekro hurtling into the sky, the force of the impact propelling him upwards.
Flage's strike sent Nekro hurtling through space faster than he could comprehend, the sheer force of the blow propelling him beyond the solar system in an instant. The shock of it left Nekro disoriented, but as soon as he regained his senses, he teleported back toward the Earth, attempting to regain control. His wings unfurled in the skies above the city as he used them to stop himself, but the impact had still shaken him.
Flage was already ahead of him, hovering effortlessly, his massive spear still in hand, his wings spread wide but motionless due to his use of levitation.
"What are you doing, Flage?" Nekro shouted, his voice filled with shock. "Do you not see the error in your actions?"
"I don't care," Flage replied, his voice cold, unwavering. Without hesitation, he charged at Nekro.
Flage swung his spear with unmatched force and speed, and Nekro, wielding Banisher, could do little more than block and deflect the relentless strikes. Flage's fury was palpable, and every swing carried with it a raw, unyielding rage. Nekro held his ground, but the overwhelming power behind Flage's attacks left him struggling to maintain his defense.
Nekro knew that he couldn't remain defensive much longer. Flage's reputation as one of the most aggressive fighters among the gods was well-earned, and Nekro needed to act. Seizing a fleeting opening, he shifted to offense, managing to land a hit with the hilt of his scythe that forced Flage back, creating some distance between them.
They hovered in silence, staring at one another. The clash had been so intense that only a second had passed since Flage's initial attack on land.
The quiet was broken by Nekro's voice, filled with frustration. "It's not too late, Flage. Please, I do not want to do this."
Flage's expression darkened further at Nekro's plea. Letting out a deep breath, he released his spear, causing it to vanish out of existence. Nekro's eyes widened in shock as Flage stretched both hands in front of him, crossing them at his wrists with his palms wide open.
From Flage's hands, two massive, identical black blades slowly began to materialize, summoned from the Divine Arsenal. The swords, though not long, were bulky and menacing, their dark steel adorned with intricate golden designs, giving them a royal and terrifying appearance.
"Vanquisher?" Nekro whispered in disbelief. His heart sank as he realized how serious Flage was. "Flage, listen to me. If you keep using your divine power, you'll shorten the time you have on Earth, along with the others!"
"I don't care anymore," Flage said, his voice colder than before. "There's nothing left for me if I stop now."
Without warning, Flage appeared beside Nekro again, swinging the heavy blades, Vanquisher, with blinding speed. Nekro barely managed to evade the first strike and block the second with Banisher. The gods clashed again, their weapons sending shockwaves through the air.
Nekro tried to maintain his defense, but Flage's relentless, oppressive assault left him no room to breathe. He realized that if he didn't take this fight seriously, he would be overpowered. But he also knew what that meant. To survive this, he might have to initiate Ouroboros. The one thing he had hoped to avoid.
Nekro barely managed to evade each of Flage's relentless strikes as their battle raged miles above the Earth. His mind raced, trying to comprehend how things had escalated so far. How could a single mortal's death push Flage, one of the most unyielding gods, to forsake his sacred oath? Worse still, Flage had summoned Vanquisher, a Weapon of Imperium, a move that made it clear he was beyond reason.
Amid the chaos, Flage landed a devastating blow, the edge of Vanquisher tearing through Nekro's armor and biting deep into his chest. Nekro staggered back, clutching his wound, the pain flashing through him like fire. Before he could catch his breath, Flage was already at his side, his assault unrelenting.
There was no more room for hesitation. Nekro closed his eyes, taking a single, steadying breath. When he opened them again, his gaze was sharp, his resolve firm as the halo behind him began to spawn from nothingness. Suddenly, a faint, bell-like sound echoed as he raised Banisher to meet Flage's incoming swing.
The air around them erupted as their weapons collided. Each clash of the two Weapons of Imperium sent ripples through the very fabric of reality, cracking the sky itself. Their speed was beyond comprehension, their movements a blur to any mortal eye. With each impact, the Earth below trembled as if it sensed the gods' fury.
Nekro fought with calm precision, his scythe cutting through the air with focus, while Flage swung his twin blades with unbridled rage. They moved like lightning, their strikes so powerful they parted clouds, shook mountains, and sent shockwaves across the globe. The battle raged on without a care of location, their actions moving with such speed that the fight began to span through various continents.
The Gods arrived at a location where their clash caused thunderstorms. Nekro swung Banisher with tremendous force, but Flage dodged the attack, the scythe's momentum so great it parted the same storm clouds around them, clearing the skies in an instant. But they did not pause, not even for a moment.
Their battle took them to the farthest reaches of the planet: a frozen tundra, where Flage's fiery strikes from Vanquisher melted the ice beneath them despite remaining airborne. Their battle eventually found itself at a hillside, multitudes of hills and mountains littered around the scene; the same towering mountains that crumbled into dust under the weight of their blows.
Night gave way to day, and then to afternoon, as their battle spanned entire time zones. Silent deserts, raging seas, bustling cities- these all became backdrops to the chaos as the gods clashed across the globe. Each strike tore at the seams of space itself, threatening to unravel the world with each microsecond that passed. The fight raged on, but even the fiercest battles must find an end.
Flage swung the blade in his left hand with brutal force, aiming at Nekro. The God of Fire parried the attack with Banisher, but Flage quickly exploited the opening. His right-hand blade slashed Nekro's left arm, cutting through the armor and wounding the god. But what Flage didn't realize was that Nekro had anticipated this move.
Nekro twisted his body in a sudden, unpredictable motion, deflecting Flage's initial left-hand strike and setting up his counterattack. He readied his scythe and swung it upwards with devastating force. The edge of Banisher cut deeply into Flage's left side, slicing from his chest and continuing upward until it reached his eye, cutting through it. With a final, brutal motion, Nekro slammed the hilt of his scythe into Flage, sending him crashing to the ground below.
As Flage plummeted into the earth, a wave of realization hit Nekro. His eyes widened in horror as he understood the gravity of what he had just done. He had fatally struck another god. In a surge of concern, Nekro descended instantly to Flage's side.
Flage lay in a crater, writhing in pain, as Nekro approached. "Flage," Nekro called, his voice trembling. "Are you alright?"
Flage remained silent, his body sprawled on the ground. As Nekro got closer, his shock deepened. Flage's left side was marred by a horrific scar that stretched from his chest to his face, his left eye now a disturbing blood red from the cut due to its contact with Banisher. Nekro's heart sank as he saw the pure white blood seeping from the wound.
"Flage, I..." Nekro began, reaching out in apology.
But Flage's response was swift and harsh. He slapped Nekro's hand away, his face contorted with anger. Rising to his feet, Flage glared at Nekro with a look of unrestrained fury. Nekro could only stand in silence, his own sorrow evident. Without a word, Flage turned away and stretched his wings.
"You're pathetic," Flage spat, his voice filled with disdain.
In an instant, Flage used his wings to propel himself away, disappearing from the Earth and, eventually, the realm altogether. Nekro was left alone, stunned by the consequences of his actions. The weight of his mistake settled heavily on him. He had never meant to cause such harm. He simply only wanted to stop Flage.
Nekro looked up at the sky, overwhelmed by the uncertainty of how to address the other gods about the tragedy. After a deep, calming breath, he closed his eyes and reappeared at the hospital in a single, sorrowful moment. With a heavy heart, Nekro knew what he had to do at that moment.
He took a measured step forward, his face a mask of grief as he entered the hospital to face the task ahead.