POV: Statera Luotian
Tian stared silently at Inesa, the two of them standing above the Mortal Realm, Inesa watching the world silently. The wind blew gently, causing Tian's robes to billow ever so slightly, ruffling his silver-grey hair. He was nervous, his palms were sweating and he was inwardly trembling as Inesa slowly turned to meet his eyes. Her warm brown eyes almost melted him, his heartrate increasing significantly, and I was half tempted to start throwing cherry blossom petals at them, because if Tian failed to sense the mood AGAIN I was seriously going to flip my shit.
Tian said nothing, one hand gently reaching up and tentatively brushing a single strand of hair behind Inesa's ear. Then, ever so slowly, he started to lean forwards. Inesa smiled softly at him, waiting.
"Do it." I urged, leaning forwards in my chair as I watched from afar, spilling the snacks I had prepared for myself. "I've waited one and a half million years for this Tian, don't you DARE wimp out again..." I muttered, tensing. Tian hesitated, and I stood up, grinding my teeth, a vein popping out of my forehead. The ground beneath my feet began to crack, the tea I had set off to the side starting to boil once again simply from being in my vicinity. A small gust of wind gently rocked Tian towards Inesa, just enough to convince him to take that step...and he stole Inesa's lips for the first time.
"FUCKING FINALLY!" I shouted, throwing my hands up into the air. "I WAITED ONE AND A HALF MILLION YEARS FOR THIS, TIAN! I MEAN, FUCK! YOU'LL STAND AGAINST THE STRONGEST BEINGS IN THE UNIVERSE, BUT WON'T KISS YOUR GIRLFRIEND?! AND DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME THAT SHE'S NOT YOUR GIRLFRIEND, YOU'VE BEEN DATING FOR FUCKING EONS! EONS, TIAN!" My chest heaved and I glared at Tian as he leaned away, trembling ever so slightly, while a small smile danced upon Inesa's lips.
"Thank you." Inesa said gently. Tian hesitated for only a moment before he leaned in once again, and they shared another kiss.
"Yeah, bet you feel real stupid now, don't you?! Wallow in shame, Tian! You're the most powerful Immortal alive, and you only now, after one and a half million years - ONE AND A HALF MILLION, TIAN! - kissed the woman you LOVE! DAMN IT, MAN!" I let out a weary sigh and slumped back in my seat, glad that no one could hear me (except for maybe Randus) ranting.
Congratulations!
Through your repeated actions, both large and small, you have obtained a sub-domain! Sub-domains are just as they sound, domains that compliment your main domain but you have less control over, and grant less power. Whereas only the Origin Deity can have their main domain, other deities can obtain your sub-domains.
Your sub-domain(s) (Max of 4): Love
"DON'T YOU PATRONIZE ME!" I shouted at the box even as I felt my power grow as the sub-domain was added. I could practically hear Mr. Blue Boxes laughing at me.
I'm being serious, though. You really did earn this domain by doing many different things. First, having a Red String of Fate and ensuring it isn't cut over the course of millions of years. Second, having a hand in the marriage between deities. Third, playing matchmaker with innumerous mortals. And fourth, bringing together a mortal (though he's technically not mortal anymore) and a deity.
I glared at the box for a moment, just waiting for the snark to come through.
But still. You couldn't get them to kiss for a million years? You need to step up your game.
Ah, there it is. Screw you, stupid blue boxes. I took a deep breath, calming myself and ensuring that I wouldn't explode again, casting one last glare at Tian before turning my attention to more important matters - namely, deciding who would go with me to the meeting between origin deities. It's a very important matter, and I can't just take anyone. My list of candidates wasn't very big to begin with, and I'd narrowed it down a fair amount. Really, the list consists of any of my first four children, Kei, or Randus. Tian's too young, Morgan's still pouting about losing, and Gilles is...well, he shouldn't go first. The only one I really think is ready for the information that will undoubtedly be unveiled in the meeting is Alexander, with Kei being a close second just because she's so laid back.
Elvira's still a little childish and hasn't found her domain yet, though she is getting close. In fact, she undoubtedly would've found it by now had she not bit off more than she could chew in terms of enlightenment, extending the process of her gaining a domain. As for Keilan, he was in much the same boat, having not achieved his domain of Karma until around two hundred thousand years ago. Now, he was revamping the reincarnation process and making it much more streamlined, and dealing with the increasing numbers of souls entering the cycle of reincarnation with each passing day.
Reika, on the other hand, had achieved her Life domain over a million years ago, but was currently in the process of attempting to expand her domain to cover death as well, because the two do go hand in hand, and it would help her quite a bit. I was astonished that she managed to split the two domains in the first place, but living on the Life-Giving Tree has those kinds of effects, I suppose. I didn't want to interrupt her, but to be honest, I just didn't want to bring her. Nothing against her, it's just...she's not ready for that yet. She really needs to strengthen her heart before she can learn any truly world-shocking secrets. It'd...affect her too much.
Alexander has been busy these past years. He's been ensuring the spread of his people, both the draconians and dragons, both few in number with there only being a few hundred true dragons and a few ten billion draconians, and managing the entire Spirit Realm for quite a long time. Recently he's been pleased with the growth of the angels and spirits in general in the Realms, though there have been a few pockets of dark spirits popping up that he's been attempt to, if not purify, then certainly suppress. He's just the same as ever; loyal to a fault, trusting beyond all belief, and wise enough that even I can go to him for advice on more...serious matters. (Though to be honest it's more of gaining a new perspective on the situation.) Most recently, he's been helping me deal with Morgan, who's been showing signs of progress the past hundred thousand years.
As for Kei...well, she's just Kei. She never takes much interest in much of anything besides running around playing with all the various creatures of the Four Realms. Of all the Big Five, she is the furthest away from gaining a domain, simply because she has no interest in it. Her philosophy on the matter is "I'll gain one when I need one." Which really isn't a bad philosophy, though it annoys the other deities to no end. Most of them aren't anywhere close to being so laid back.
"Ma'am," Randus said, appearing behind me. I turned to look at him inquisitively, wondering if someone had come to visit or something. He was on the list to go with me because he's Randus, my self-proclaimed butler. He'll find out at some point or another. "You requested that I remind you of a, and I quote, 'super-important decision deadline.' That deadline is this year." He said, bowing again. I nodded and sighed, knowing that it was time to make the decision....we'll start with Alexander first.
Closing my eyes I sent out a silent call for Alexander, and in but moments Randus disappeared to lead him into my observatory. (The observatory was really just a relatively empty room with a giant crystal screen floating mid-air that I could link to my vision. I can observe anywhere in the Four Realms, but not many deities can. So, naturally, it's very convenient for when I want to show them something. And it also feels nostalgic...kind of like a home-theatre.)
"You called, Father?" Alexander, in his draconian form, asked as he entered the room. Randus glanced into the room for a brief moment before closing the doors behind him, leaving Alexander and I alone.
"Yes. I was wondering..." I paused and looked at him heavily, my eyes flashing as I peered into his fate. Alexander shuddered slightly at the feeling, but didn't resist. With a frown I made a few hand gestures, and time began to warp around us. It was very difficult for me to look into the direct future of a being as powerful as Alexander, but immediately upon seeing him I got the feeling that something wasn't right. Most specifically I looked into his possible futures, and what going to that meeting would do to him...the results were less than satisfactory. That's not to say it would be bad, per se, but...I don't know. It just didn't feel right.
He'd certainly grow more powerful, but he'd also grow more reclusive than before. That much was painfully obvious, something that I shouldn't have had to peer into the future to figure out. There were a few other not-so-good paths that Alexander may take if he went to the meeting now, far more than the truly beneficial paths.
"Hmm. Sorry, never mind. There's a few other things I need to check out first, but I may call you again." I said, shaking my head. "Ah, but if I were you, I'd try sending an incarnation or two to live as a mortal. It might be beneficial to you. Food for thought." I added as an afterthought, glancing momentarily towards where Randus had dissappeared to. Then I shook my head. No, I don't think he's a good choice. Maybe for a later one, but...not now. With another long-winded sigh I disappeared once more, in search of the one I'd take with me to the great meeting.
POV CHANGE: Elvira
I sat lazily in my chair, listening to the two deities before me bicker and argue, all while wishing to be anywhere but here. I'd already forgotten what these two were fighting about in the first place, and there were a good number of other issues I'd been needing to handle. For one, there had been a few dark angels popping up at the edges of the Four Realms that have been causing mischief. While it wasn't a pressing matter, I did want to go see the extent of their actions. Unless they're really doing damage I want to refrain from sealing them away like we initially did. Sealing...doesn't help fix the problem dark angels present.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Sealing dark angels away does prevent them from dragging down mortals, but surprisingly it doesn't do as much as you'd think in stopping the spread of darkness. That is mostly because it sets a bad example for the mortals; i.e. if something is evil imprison it and never let it see the light of day. And mortals, being the moronic creatures they are, tend to have a very skewed definition of evil. If anything sealing away the dark angels propagates the spread of negativity just as much as the dark angels themselves, albeit on a different playing field.
Additionally, dark angels that are sealed away are notoriously harder to redeem than if I were to, say, repeatedly suppress, but not seal, one over the course of a few eons. But even that isn't a permanent solution, because as soon as that dark angel re-entered the cycle of reincarnation it started to walk the path of evil once again. It's...aggravating, and finding a way to truly redeem the dark angels is a very difficult task. The only solution I've been able to come up with boils down to beating them down until they ask for forgiveness and walk the path of "good."
"Right, you two!" I barked, startling the two deities out of their argument. I almost started laying into them about their pointless argument, but a flash of shadow and a glare from Gilles (who had been hiding in the corner of the throne room) reminded me to be nice. "Play nice. I realize that your domains are a bit conflicting, but that's no excuse to start a fight with one another. If you can't get along, just leave each other alone. You are dismissed." I said, waving my hand. A gust of wind spread throughout the room, picking up the two deities and throwing them out of the main entrance. The doors slammed shut with a loud thud and I sighed, sinking into my comfy chair and wishing I could just relax a bit.
The throne room, as it had come to be called, was large and grand, made out of white marble and decorated with many different fine paintings and treasures. Large white pillars were erected on either side of the long room, more for decoration rather than for structural support, and ending with me on my gilded throne. I hated the stupid chair. It was a joke that had gone too far, and it was too late to back out of it now. I didn't want to be seen as some sort of Queen of the deities....now I see why Father was so adamantly against it...
"Having fun?" Gilles asked, stepping out of his shadowy corner and ascending the steps to stand next to my throne. I shook my head vehemently. "Thought not. If it bothers you that much, you really should just lower the throne. It doesn't need an entire staircase leading up to it." He suggested for the umpteenth time.
"I've tried," I groaned, "but the other deities keep rebuilding it. They just need to...stop." I groaned. Gilles chuckled and put one hand on my outstretched wings, stroking the feathers. I hummed lightly, enjoying the feeling.
"You do have a rather...rabid following. Not like Keilan at all. He's got a more...practical approach to things. If I had to explain it I'd say that you're a Queen, and he's the CEO of a large corporation." Gilles mused, scratching his chin. I groaned again and shook my head. It bothered me that I couldn't even refute his claim. Gilles chuckled and moved to start kneading the base of my wings, where the limbs connected to my back. I groaned and nodded my approval, pushing into his knuckles.
"Don't -" Whatever it was I was about to say died when Father abruptly appeared in mid-air before me, a pensive look on His face.
"Ah, don't mind me. I'll only be here for a second." He said, waving His hand dismissively. Space and time distorted as Father exerted a small portion of His power, and I sucked in a breath. Gilles and I both shuddered when we felt the tell-tale signs of someone looking into our Karmic Paths, and from there our futures. My first instinct was to resist, but that feeling was forcibly suppressed as Father was the one looking into our futures. He frowned slightly and shook His head as the feeling faded away, space and time returning to normal around us. I let out a breath and looked inquisitively at Father.
"What was that about?" I asked, startling Father out of his senseless mutterings.
"Hm? What was - oh, that. Uh..." Father paused and looked at me deeply, His green eyes peering into my soul in that eerie way of His. "Well...I'm going to go on a little trip here soon, and I'm thinking about taking someone with me." Father finally said, picking His words carefully.
"A...trip? Like out into the Void?" Gilles rasped.
"Something like that," Father replied, looking directly at me. "Unfortunately I haven't found anyone yet. None of your siblings are eligible, and I don't feel that taking either you or Gilles would be wise." He explained. I sat up and glanced at Gilles, who was frowning. I could practically see the calculations running through his head as he tried to figure out Father's game. A fruitless endeavor, I'm sure, because I honestly doubt Father is playing any sort of game.
"Do you have to take someone with you?" I inquired.
"Well...no. But I'd like to." He whined, slouching and pouting like a child. I rolled my eyes and stood up, floating up to stand before Him. "But...it's probably wise that I don't." He said with a sigh of resignation. He then turned His face skyward, staring at the ceiling of my palace in contemplation. "Or I could pick someone completely random. Any suggestions?" He asked. I was...uncertain if he was talking to me or not. The answer to that question ended up being a resounding "NO," as Father got that faraway look in His eyes that said He was looking at something only He could see...
This one in particular I hadn't seen for a long time, it'd been growing less and less frequent as time wore on. It was as if he was reading something...Father revealed a strange expression, and I raised my eyebrows.
"What?" I asked.
"I...uh...well I think I just found the person to take with me." He said slowly, drawing out each word as if even He was confused by this revelation.
"Who?" I inquired.
"I don't know." He said, which only confused me further.
"You don't know, or you don't know why it's that person? Or, it's someone who you normally would never have considered?" Gilles asked, picking apart the hidden meanings in Father's statement. He looked at Gilles and smiled a little tiredly.
"A little bit of everything." Father said, and then turned away. "See you later, I have...something to find." He said and vanished. I let out a hum and looked towards my husband, raising one eyebrow. He simply shook his head and I floated over to him, draping one arm over his shoulders and wrapping my wings around him, one tail curling around his legs. He chuckled a little and I gave him another inquiring look.
"Hey, I don't know either. I've had some suspicions for a while, but I won't say anything. If I'm right, She is probably correct in keeping it a secret. For now." Gilles said cryptically, prompting a snort from me.
"I'll get it out of you eventually." I countered.
"Maybe, but for now, you need to get back to work. Open up the audience session again, some of the angels are just dying to have a chat with you." He teased, and I groaned. The work...it just never ends...
POV CHANGE: ???
The Avians are a peculiar race. Not as peculiar as the Karae, mind you, but seeing as how the Avians are my natural race I have a better understanding of the Avians than the Karae, and thus trust my observations of the Avians moreso than the Karae. Back on the subject of the winged race of Avians, they are...peculiar. Not that our wings and feathered tail and generally aesthetically pleasing appearances are peculiar, but rather the nature of the people called the Avians is very strange, full of paradoxes.
In a generalization (excluding outliers as there always tends to be in any group of people, no matter how small) of the species I have observed thus far, they are solitary, yet never distant from their loved ones. They are happy yet incredibly solemn, ready to celebrate at a moment's notice, yet never really wishing to do so. And in terms of their cultivation...they approach it rather uniquely. They do not view it as a means of getting stronger, but rather as a highly spiritual practice that purifies the body and soul, and are willing to aid one another in this practice rather than beating each other down for the sake of growing stronger.
What really makes them peculiar, and stand out amongst even the noble Fae, is the fact that mortal Avians tend not to be quite as...looked down upon. They have more of a place in society than being where cultivators come from and handling the more mundane tasks...not only are they aware of the existence of cultivators, but they also intermingle with the cultivators and aid with low-tier alchemy, blacksmithing, and even scribing for cultivators. However, this is all conjecture based on my limited scope. This planet is primarily dominated by the Avian race, with Fae, Karae, and Elementals taking up a much smaller percentage of the population, so therefore I cannot properly speak for the other races, as my time among them has been limited.
Perhaps the Fae have their own actions with the mortals that are different than the Avians? Elementals as well, curious beings of pure essence that they are, likely have very unique approaches to cultivation as well. And the Karae...they are intriguing, with their rather abstract viewpoints, as if they can see far more than any other race. Or, perhaps it is simply that they see something else entirely.
I took a bite out of my food, a deliciously cooked meal courtesy of my favorite mortal restaurant. I myself, being a relatively high-level cultivator, am privy to information not normally accessible to the masses, so I understand that this is a small planet, and the four races on this small marble stretch out into the starry skies above and below. I can only wonder how much is myth and how much is truth...such as the rumor of a great Tree in the center of the universe, and how if one were to reach the top, they would ascend to another Realm altogether. Or, perhaps a bit closer to home, the rumors of a Celestial Court that controls the cultivation world, and all Immortals therein. As no Immortal has ever come from my planet, I can only postulate the truth, but I suppose there is something out there like the Celestial Court...or many smaller alliances claiming grandeur.
"Hello there." A voice said, drawing me out of my musings. The being that sat before me was a rather gorgeous Fae, with long, silky hair, two gleaming black horns to match, and forest green eyes that peered into the soul. Not that they could peer into my soul, however. The Fae's facial features were rather androgynous, making the Fae either a rather effeminate male, or a masculine female...but that only seemed to add to its beauty, as if the being transcended gender altogether.
"So who are you?" I asked, my voice coming out before I even realized I was speaking.
"Right to the point, hmm?" The person asked. I studied the being, reading the Fae down to its most minute facial expressions. The smile seemed genuine, "That's because it is." The Fae interrupted, most likely reading my thoughts off of my body language. I did not feel any probing in my mind that would indicate mind-reading.
"How may I help you?" I amended, trying to get a read on the being's aura. It blended seamlessly into the world, and if I simply focused on sensing the being with my coresense, I had trouble determining where the world ended and the Fae began. Does this mean the being is an immortal? That would be rather interesting, seeing as how I was just thinking about immortals.
"Hold still for just a second, I have a little something I need to do first..." The being said, and I stiffened as I felt someone peering into my future. Suddenly the Fae stiffened and stared at me blankly, a slow, radiant smile stretching across its face. "Well now, aren't you an interesting one? I think I will take you with me." It said, reaching forwards and touching my forehead. Before I could even blink everything was gone, and I was standing in the starry sky above, the Fae standing before me in billowing purple and silver robes. Even against the sun that hung in the sky, the being was radiant.
A wry smile stole my lips. "And who might you be?"
"I am Statera Luotian. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance...whoever you are. Do take care of me."