Chapter 5: The Earth Goddess
“Oww.” Lily said.
She heard the rustling of chains and looked up.
In front of her was Dale.
“You look pretty much the same as I remember. Just older. Hey, Dale.” Lily said, smiling.
Dale grinned as well.
“I could say the same thing to you. How are you, Lily?” Dale asked.
Lily shook her head.
“I’ve been having a few problems, but nothing too bad. How abou-Wait, those chains.” Lily said, standing up quickly.
She grabbed Dale by the wrist and scowled.
“What the hell have you done to him? Come out from wherever you’re hiding!” Lily shouted.
A figure stepped into view from a dark corner.
“Darn. I didn’t think you would figure it out so quickly.” The figure said.
“Who are you? Why did you do this?” Lily asked.
Dale looked back and forth between the two figures, confused.
“What’s going on? Wait, you’re Maya, right?” Dale asked.
“Dale, shut up for right now. Let me talk to-” Lily started.
“Don’t be a spoilsport. Let the boy talk. Or I’ll tell him how you feel towards children, Ms. 22-year-old reincarnated hero.” Maya said.
Lily's eyes widened, and she drew her sword.
“How do you know about that!? Who are you?!” Lily growled.
The figure sighed.
“Does this remind you of anything?” The figure said, pulling out a machine.
Lily lowered her sword slightly in a mix of confusion and surprise.
“No...That’s a microphone and whatever you call them, right? How do you have that?!” Lily asked.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“Does this give you any clues?” God asked, holding the mic to her mouth.
“.....I knew something was weird when you suddenly talked to me. Especially for a reason like that....” Lily said, disappointed in herself.
“Weird? How was I weird? I thought my acting was great!” Maya said.
“God doesn’t care about clothes, and God is definitely aware of this sword. He gave it to me, after all.” Lily said, pointing the sword’s tip at Maya’s throat.
“Well, shit. Also, it’s rude to point your sword at someone. That’s bad mann-Woah!” Maya said, dodging something that flew past her and exploded a wall.
Moonlight flooded the room, forcing the dark shadows to retreat, and illuminated a gruesome picture.
Lily grimaced at the sight before her.
“So that’s what the smell was…” Lily said, disgusted.
She shook her head.
“No. I can think about that after we fight. How did you dodge that, by the way?” Lily asked.
Maya ignored her.
“Tch. Moonlight. You know, I’d really rather you guys behave,” Maya said, snapping her fingers.
The wall that had just been blown to smithereens immediately put itself back together.
“Do you understand your situation now, little hero?” Maya asked.
Lily's mouth fell open, trying to find words but repeatedly failing.
“You...You...What are you doing here? That body isn’t...Where is...No. No way.” Lily said, shaking with a mix of horror and fear.
“No matter how much you try to deny it, you already know the truth, don’t you?” Maya whispered into Lily’s ear.
Lily tried to whip her head around but froze.
Lily dropped the sword and raised her hands.
“Fine. What do you want?” Lily asked.
“Break the chains,” Maya said.
“....Who are you?” Lily asked.
“I already told you, didn-” Maya started.
“I meant your real name,” Lily said.
“You aren’t really in a position to ask me questions, but fine. I'll be nice. I’m Gaia. It’s nice to meet you again, Lily.” Gaia said.
“You’re...A major god? What the hell are you doing here?” Lily asked.
“Hmph. I answered your question. Just do what I told you to already. It’s easy. Simple. He passed out ages ago, anyway.” Gaia said, referring to Dale.
“Fine. Will you let us go if I do?” Lily asked.
“Of course n...Yeah, actually. I don’t really have a reason to keep you, and you guys kinda annoy me. So yeah. You can go. Good luck with trying to live a normal life, though. The world has already been informed of the true Avatar on the main god. Everyone will be looking for you.” Gaia laughed.
Lily undid the chains and picked Dale up.
“Why are you doing this?” Lily asked.
“I didn’t really want to, but...Eh. Not much choice. Oh, you might know this if you studied out religion, but I’m not the cruelest person. I’m not interested in pursuing you any further. I don’t really play with my food too much.” Gaia said.
Lily looked at the only small pile of melted, dissected, and tortured bodies that were still visible in the dark room of the Depressed Cathedral from a small beam of moonlight that shone through a tiny window.
“I beg to differ.” Lily said bitterly.
“Yeah, yeah. Look, I’ll be honest. I actually do value life. I’m not even supposed to be letting you guys go. So you best run like hell when you get outside. They might send me after you. Or worse.” Gaia shrugged.
The front door creaked open with a clap of her hands.
She pointed to the door.
"Run." Gaia said, grinning.