As everyone staying inside Lumen’s realm felt the sudden explosion of power, they were suddenly on high alert. They had just finished a dangerous battle after all, and it could be argued they weren’t quite clear of the danger just yet. Even the people inside Selvaria’s pocket dimension felt the wave of power, though they had no idea what the reason could’ve been. It still alarmed everyone greatly. Still, there was something about the phenomenon that made everyone think it wasn’t an attack. Those that had not entered the pocket dimension heard Aurelie’s cries for help and rushed towards her. As she summarized what she had seen, the others could make the connection between Aurelie’s words and the explosion of power, and they rushed towards the place Dee had been waiting for them to finish preparations for departure.
Whether by accident or design, the people still staying outside the pocket dimension were mostly the dragons. Qazarass and Mneventh were the first to arrive alongside Aurelie, and they arrived just in time to see Dee slowly regaining a physical form. The process looked like a tiny star the size of a fist slowly sending out small trickles of energy that solidified into a living body. Dee looked generally the same, but there were some differences. The most obvious one was that she glowed. It was like every cell in her body was a small magical lamp, though instead of a warm and gentle light, this blueish-lavender tone felt more violent and untamed despite the otherwise gentle colors. She was also very naked, but that had never really bothered her before. It certainly wasn’t going to start bothering her now that the body she was forming was just a simple shell for convenience.
“Well, that was an interesting experience.” Dee stated, pre-empting some of the questions that were about to rush in with a wave of her hand. She was owlishly blinking her eyes, getting adjusted to her new body that didn’t quite work like her old one. The fact that walls did nothing to block her sight, for instance, required some getting used to.
Mneventh was the first one to speak. “I’m going to go ahead and guess that the explosion of power everyone just felt was your doing.” He also made a small gesture to indicate that she might want to put some clothing on.
Dee tilted her head a bit and placed a finger on her chin, not in thought but to test her sense of touch. At the same time, shadows around her crept up and formed into a simple dress. Ironically they also dimmed down her glow a bit. She had already checked that Croestia was still around, though something seemed to have changed between the two as if they had become one. It required further study and she wasn’t sure if Croestia’s storage function was still there. “Well, that’s a bit hard to say since I don’t know what you felt, but yes I suppose.”
What followed was a barrage of questions, which were repeated as later arrivals like Selvaria rushed in to check if everything was alright. Dee was purposefully vague on the details, though she did admit to her new status as what some would call a rank fourteen being. She was tempted to spill everything to spite Eternity just because she didn’t like having limits placed on her, but it would serve no purpose other than to make the god mad. While she didn’t like limits on her actions, she didn’t categorically think all rules were bad. And the three conditions Eternity had laid for her weren’t actually something she opposed. She had been asked not to do something and she decided to oblige.
She did do one thing that Eternity might be less wild about though. It wasn’t just against Eternity, but it was a clear statement about her future stance nonetheless. One of the first things she did after gaining her bearing was to cut the gods off from being able to observe her. She had allowed that observation because she had a mission to fulfill and sometimes it was useful if the gods were aware of what was happening. However, her cooperation with the deities was now over. Any further issues they faced were for them to solve on their own. If Eternity wanted to make sure she didn’t break his little rules, then he’d have to do it some other way.
The news about her elevation to become the sole rank fourteen being was met with stunned silence, followed by shrugs and statements that could be summed up with “That’s Dee for you.” At least, that was the extent of it in public. Some of those gathered had further ideas of course. Being the only rank fourteen being not imprisoned by the gods, a detail Dee did not share, meant that she was a rather large consideration when it came to the power balance of the universe. No one knew the extent of her abilities, although she had already been able to kill the Morningstar and lead an attack on Paradisia before her elevation.
As most people scattered back to finalize their preparations for returning, some of those more interested in power politics hung back. As the dragons were the most numerous ones present, they were the first to approach Dee. “So have we mentioned the fact that the Dragon Queen is about to pass away and that we need to select a new one? I can’t help but note that you’re also partially a dragon and a rare combination of an Astral and an Abyssal no less.” Qazarass broached the subject right away, his implication clear.
Dee’s response was rather direct and clear as well. “Fuck off.”
The old dragon was about to make another attempt but was silenced by a stern gaze from Dee. She had just finished her part in this mess and she wasn’t about to become involved in another one straight after. The leader of the red faction of the Assembly was nearby and had a rather amused grin on his face. Dee was a Lord of the Assembly. She might not be willing to take a leading role in things, but she was still a Lord. That meant that they already had a connection with her. There was no point in pushing things. Just her presence could be used to influence others.
Dee could read his thoughts from that small grin and decided to prevent any bright ideas from forming. “Incidentally, I should mention that since I’m the faction leader of a new Assembly faction dedicated to the freedom from the commands of everyone who might want to try and control us, I will not be supporting any aggressive action taken by the Assembly. In fact, unless my home within the White City is threatened, I might decide to ignore everything. As the faction of freedom, any member of my faction is free to act as they please, but they will also carry the consequences of their action on their own and I will not be making up for their mistakes.” She decided to make her stance clear. She knew the other would sooner or later try to implicate a member of her faction just to pull her in as the one responsible. She knew enough about politics to realize that much.
Now it was Fawwaz’s turn to frown while the Dragon Aspect of War grinned. Dee’s declaration was rather clear in that she would not involve herself in the matters between the two parties unless things got completely out of hand. Besides, the two groups had a third target, so there was no need for things between them to get messy at this point. Dee was also connected to some members in both groups, so she had ties to them both. Considering that, the fact that she was officially a Lord of the Assembly didn’t really mean that much. Both groups realized that the best path forward was to just tread carefully and avoid involving Dee’s acquaintances.
Without anyone noticing, Lumen’s realm had already drifted away from Paradisia. Even though the realm wasn’t moving quickly when it came to its physical location, on a conceptual level the two places had already drifted apart completely. In fact, no one besides Lumen was aware of where they were currently. That didn’t worry Dee though. As soon as the preparations were complete, she simply gave a wave of her hand and a portal between Lumen’s realm and the world they had designated as their destination formed. The portal still went through the Astral Sea, but the distance between the two portals was so small that they looked like a single gate. Dee had gained a much better understanding of space, although it still tasted weird in her opinion, and a trip like this had become trivial.
Selvaria rubbed her forehead in a frustrated but silent gesture for a moment. “You know, I didn’t actually need to get everyone inside my pocket dimension. You could’ve just waved your hand and everyone could’ve stepped through. You wouldn’t have needed to carry anyone. Hells, you’re not even in your dragon form!”
Dee was actually a little unsure of how long it would take to assume her dragon form currently. Forming a new body had taken quite a bit of effort, and doing it again didn’t quite appeal to her. She would do it eventually, but why do something today when you can push it off to tomorrow? The old Dee had a mission! The old Dee did everything as fast as possible and as effectively as possible to avoid problems! The current Dee wasn’t the old Dee though. This was the vacation Dee. “Yeah, but that would’ve been less amusing. Imagine their faces when you order them out only minutes after you got them all inside.”
“I am imagining it, and while it might be amusing to you, I assure you that it will be much less amusing to me.” Selvaria continued to grumble as she passed through the gate and prepared to face the ire of all the powerful beings that was sure to follow.
Meanwhile, Dee turned around to look behind her. She had sensed the presence of the Goddess of Light. The goddess didn’t say anything as she stood there watching Dee leave. Eternity had already informed her and Umbra about the deal that had been made. As such, both Dee and Lumen knew there was a good chance this was the last time they met. Dee was still the Champion of Lumen, but she had clearly signaled her desire to be left alone. As people found out about Lumen’s Champion being rank fourteen, it was unlikely the goddess would have any need for her services. Dee was already something like a testament to Lumen’s glory just by existing. There would likely be stories, songs, and legends written about her. Not all positive of course, but in all of them, she would be powerful. And her victory could not be denied. No one would want to pick a fight with the goddess who had a Champion like that.
Lumen could use Dee’s help with the current situation being what it was, but she knew better than to ask. They had already asked enough. Dee wasn’t a magical solution to all the problems ailing the universe. She could be a solution to many things if she so desired, but that would mean sacrificing her life to such pursuits. And despite everything Dee had done until now, she wasn’t the sacrificing type. Not when she didn’t need to be.
“Thank you for everything. Maybe we will see each other again before you leave. Just to catch up and talk this time. Remember, I’m only a prayer away, and we all know how sincere your prayers are.” The goddess finally spoke.
Dee slowly released a deep exhale. Apparently, she didn’t need to breathe either but did so out of habit. “I should thank you as well. Despite the way I spoke on many occasions, your help was important. I’ve left you a rather grand mess, and I wish you luck in cleaning it.” She gave a small grin. “I’m not going to help, but I do wish you luck. And don’t worry, we’ll meet again. I’ll be sure to keep spreading the rumors about you and Umbra. That should bring us in contact sooner or later.”
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She then stepped through the gate and let it close in front of the cursing goddess.
--------
“So? What actually happened once you returned?” Moirai asked. She was having a cup of tea with Aurelie and Faylen while Dee and Selvaria played around with Viansola. It seemed that Selvaria considered Viansola something like a grandchild or a niece.
“Well, the Fallen and the angels that we rescued were given a safe place with the Assembly for the time being. The angels quite happily joined the Archangels of Hope and Mercy in exile, and they have been given a rather nice world to inhabit near the White City. They actually expressed interest in staying inside Selvaria’s pocket dimension but were booted out. According to what I heard, Lumen is aiding them in getting settled, though no new Paradisia this time. The Fallen have joined Mit-Amen as part of the white faction, and the white faction has finally come out as the haven of the Fallen in general. I heard Mit-Amen used to have a different name and she used to be a rather big shot among the Fallen a long time ago. She ran into some differences of opinion and brought those that thought like her to Assembly. While the Fallen are currently thankful to her, it’s likely that those opinions have not disappeared.” Aurelie shared some of the news. Notably, her sash had changed color to the same lavender Dee’s faction used.
Moirai looked thoughtful for a moment and ran some likely scenarios in her head. She didn’t have enough information to make any firm guesses, but she was still a psion and could estimate the most likely outcomes. “Why do I have a feeling that the black faction will soon see an influx of new members from among the Fallen you rescued? It would make sense. They used to be part of the hells before, and while they aren’t all that pro-demon anymore, I would assume they still get along. It would be somewhat symbolic if the white and black factions were both made up mostly of Fallen that simply had a different opinion when it came to angels.”
“Yeah, but aren’t the angels somewhat different now as well?” Faylen pointed out. She was somewhat out of the loop but found the topic fascinating. “I mean, didn’t the majority of the still remaining angels just become refugees? And Paradisia is now filled with Fallen, although Fallen that are likely hostile to those within the Assembly.”
Aurelie grimaced. “Yeah, it’s a huge mess alright. There are still angels in Paradisia as well as they didn’t all Fall. There’s at least one Archangel remaining as well. Yet it’s not like those Fallen in Paradisia suddenly became friendly to the old Fallen either. This will take a lot of time to work out.”
“How are the dragons and the rest of the Lords taking things?” Moirai asked.
“The Dragonflight launched a renewed offensive against the old angel controlled worlds. Despite their advantage, the progress is slow as they need to establish new gateways everywhere they go. They aren’t facing much in the way of resistance though. All defending forces are completely demoralized as they have lost both of the gods they used to serve and most of them have become Fallen for reasons they are unaware of. Nearly all of the defenders surrender immediately. Incidentally, the Assembly has taken a more humanitarian approach. They are claiming to be taking over the worlds just to help them. They provide a very one-sided story of everything that occurred and encourage all of the angels to join the refugees led by Rahmiel and the Fallen to join Mit-Amen in the white faction. The rescue effort approach is working wonders. Some of them actually need rescuing.” Selvaria stated as she got back to the table. She wasn’t able to keep up with Dee and Viansola horsing around and needed some refreshments.
“I notice the use of the word ‘they’. You aren’t using your robes anymore either.” Aurelie pointed out. Selvaria had officially left the blue faction and joined Dee’s faction along with Aurelie, though neither of them actually wore the robes all that often outside the White City. Aurelie simply did so this time as she was visiting and thought she needed to be presentable.
“Well, I don’t really carry much of a grudge, but they did leave me imprisoned for several decades. I’m still angry at Mneventh too, although I accepted his explanation and non-apology. Although I won’t say much against them, I still feel a little bad wearing the robes or counting myself among them. Incidentally, what do people wear these days? I’ve used the robes for as long as I can remember.” Selvaria asked with curiosity. Currently she was wearing something rather revealing Dee had pulled out of her storage that was confirmed to still work. It was a rather fancy dress but didn’t really suit the occasion or fit all that well, mainly because Dee was so much taller.
“You barely remember yesterday most of the time!” Dee yelped from the side as a slight barb.
“Her hearing has become annoyingly good too.” Selvaria grumbled.
“I don’t think she actually hears the way others do. I asked about it and the explanation gave me a headache. Something about sounds tasting magenta.” Moirai gave a small shudder. “Anyway, I think we can manage a shopping trip. Pantheon has everything.”
“You look a little weird.” Aurelie pointed out looking at Faylen.
Faylen on the other hand was looking at Dee playing around with Viansola. “Well, I mean, it’s a little bit odd thinking that the most powerful being in the universe is currently horsing around with my daughter. She’s glowing again too.” Dee still didn’t have complete control over the glow, although she was getting better.
“She managed to change forms quite quickly despite her earlier protestations.” Aurelie pointed out. Currently, Dee was in her kitsune form, though she had shrunk herself to the size of a large-ish cat. A cat with fourteen tails the size of its body.
“That’s because Viansola was rather angry at her due to her favorite aunty staying away for so long.” Moirai laughed. “The form change was to placate the girl. Which worked I should probably add.”
“Where are you staying by the way?” Faylen asked innocently. Now that Dee had finished with her duties, her acquaintances were almost certain that she would find someone to settle down with. Settle down, in this case, meant designating a home and moving around all over testing all kinds of foods and fun, but that wasn’t the reason Faylen raised the question.
There were betting pools popping up everywhere on who Dee was going to settle down with and when. Many had bet on Aurelie as the most obvious candidate, though there were many other candidates. The Sidhe woman Eilian had gotten several bets, and some wild ones like Mneventh had actually suggested Mit-Amen. Someone had floated the idea about Selvaria, but that had been shot down as an option as it was likely that Selvaria would live in close proximity with Dee, but just as family. Nessera was a fairly popular pick although the succubus had not been seen for a while which reduced her chances.
Oddly the ‘someone else’ option got almost zero popularity. Partly that was because everyone knew Dee was more likely to settle up with someone who knew her before she had reached her current lofty position. There were several reasons ranging from avoiding gold-diggers to many people hating Dee for everything she had done. Trying to find someone new in the circumstances would be fairly difficult, to say the least.
Faylen and a few others like Razark had placed their bets on Moirai. The two had been close for a long time and there was a sort of tension between the two. It had all been pushed back because the two used to be a master and a student and because they had been rushing from one danger to another, but it was undeniable that the two were close and had helped each other through many difficulties. Moirai was pointedly very quiet as she heard the question.
Suddenly Dee appeared next to the table carrying Vinasola on her entirely humanoid shoulders again. “I’m going to keep my home in the White City. I really enjoy the place and the Living Mountain wants to stay there. The mountain also threatened to blow up any other home I try to build, so the mountain is my home for now. Apparently, others will be living on the mountain with me. Aurelie already moved her tower there, as did Selvaria here with her pocket dimension. You’re welcome to join us Moirai. You too Faylen, although I suspect your husband will want to stay here. Oh, that reminds me!”
Dee led the others outside. The nearby garden stones suddenly lifted into the air and formed a simple arch in front of Dee. With a wave of her hand, a portal appeared inside the arch, showing the insides of a rather large room on the other side. Some of them recognized the room as being the entrance chamber inside the Living Mountain. “So this should make travel a little easier so you can visit anytime.” Dee stated. She didn’t mention that she would be visiting Viansola a lot as well. That was implied even without words.
“Is that…?” Aurelie asked with a little weirded out voice.
“Yeah, it’s a stable portal between the two places. Incidentally, the endpoint will move around if the mountain does.” Dee stated. “It’ll stay open until I decide otherwise and it draws power from the Astral Plane. Very little power. It’s surprisingly simple once you know the trick. I set a couple defenses around the area as well so none of the denizens of that plane will approach either.”
“You can do that now?” Aurelie asked as her eye twitched a bit. Forming connections like this would be a revolution of rather epic proportions if revealed and correctly applied.
“I just did.” Dee stated simply and pointed to the portal. Then she pointed upwards. “And we seem to have company.”
As she spoke, a figure some of them recognized landed in the garden. The Young King had led the other Solarians away as soon as Dee had allowed them to leave. As such, his visit was a little unexpected. After exchanging greetings he went straight to business. “Dee. I’m here as the official representative of the first circle communities. We have decided that there’s no point in having any community you join battle for ranks, so any community you join will be declared as the number one ranked community in the Day city.” The Solarians were honestly trying to avoid confrontation.
However, Dee realized that this offer had some hidden parts that were not there out of any maliciousness on the part of the Solarians. They were just the natural result of a high rank. For instance, the first ranked community was expected to help defend Pantheon. The position also carried a whole host of responsibilities and would be the target of envy and many attempts at manipulation.
Dee had no such plans and had her response ready. A response she would have to use quite often in the coming years. “Fuck off.”