Elinor’s green irises moved between the hundreds of bowing Ri’bot surrounding her, and it took a little effort to not allow a grin to spread across her lips. She retained her calm, pleasant demeanor, surveying the crowd with internal delight.
This isn’t a dream; they really think I’m some kind of goddess and will do whatever I say. I’m an Empress … it’s real, and this is the beginning of my expansion. By the end of the day … I don’t know.
Tiffany’s voice entered her mind as she requested a private conversation. “Dear, how would you like us to move forward? They’ve accepted you as their Empress.”
I don’t know, Tiffany; I half didn’t expect this to work in the first place. How do you even run a religion? No, give me a moment to think about this; I’m still wrapping my head around the implications.
“Of course, take the time that you need. In the meantime, I could address some elementary questions these Ri’bot might have, and cement the foundation onto Valdar. I’ve already had a few discussions with him on the subject, but we could work out some details.”
That’s fine, Elinor replied.
She sat on Quin’s hand, legs folded while Tiffany took command, and Elinor listened, trying to reconcile the split paths before her.
I hate the Ri’bot … well, more Krava and Fennel. Fennel imprisoned me … stripping me of everything but my parents, and then Krava sent Dalria, who killed my parents. My hatred for the Ri’bot race came from those two incidents, but it was so strong. Now, my abilities have tempered a lot of that hatred.
She scanned the surroundings, noticing the broken houses and dead bodies. There were signs of them rebuilding with forges, housing, and food being prepared. Her vision moved to the small Ri’bot, presumably children, huddled with their parents as they listened to Tiffany speak. A section of the stream running through town had been sectioned off, showing tadpole-like creatures she figured were their babies, which Ri’bot were silently caring for, still listening to the Witch’s words.
These Ri’bot didn’t do anything to me, and they’re just trying to do their best to survive, but it’s not like I couldn’t give the order to kill them all. They have some impressive physical feats from living in this harsh jungle; they’re far more deadly than humans in the wild. However, at this point, an entire Clan like this is nothing. Iris could destroy them without breaking a sweat.
Her mind returned to what Tiffany had told her. What kind of Empire do I want to create? I’m strong enough; I can control my wrath, and I’ll direct it to those that deserve it. However, I want to build, not destroy.
Perhaps this feeling comes from my Empress side, but killing these Ri’bot won’t bring me any satisfaction other than seeing someone resembling the people I hate dead. So, I’m going to build an Empire that reveres me as a goddess, but what happens when everything is under my control?
An answer didn’t come; the wind blew in from the large river, sweeping back her hair and veil as she waited, but still, nothing popped into her mind. Her focus moved to her lap, gut tightening as she pondered on the question.
I could rule the world, but for what purpose? When I was a kid, I’d say to make everyone happy or erase the gap between the poor and rich, but that’s a child’s daydream. Hatred, discrimination, among countless other negative things, is just a part of life. The only possible means I have of getting rid of that would be to subjugate the entire world … turning everything Undead.
Yet, at the same time, that defeats the purpose of creatures having the free will to choose their likes and dislikes. I’d be a god, dictating my puppets how I see fit, and I do enjoy the spurts of random conflict; Tiffany and Edmon’s bouts are more than entertaining, and I feel invested in it, but that couldn’t come without their unique blend of passions and apathy.
No, something like world peace is a silly concept, to begin with. In any realistic fashion, I’d need to separate the entire world into sections and do an exhaustive work of strict authoritarian oversight, and that doesn’t sound fun in the least, nor that productive to achieve a happy life. What would fulfill me, then?
Her green eyes moved to Tiffany as she explained the basics of this evolving religion; she wasn’t really paying attention to her words; she’d get the cliff notes later. Elinor watched her former mother’s bright expression and gestures; her mind returned to so many conversations she’d had with her mother.
Family. I want a family. Ironic, really; everything I wanted before changing seems so trivial now. Social media, friends, a boyfriend … I suppose they were connections I was trying to build. I want my kingdom to expand and to learn more about this world with my growing family. They also need something to do, and managing a religion could be fun for them.
Opening a link with Tiffany, Elinor said, Tiffany, what’s the next step to establish this religion?
The Witch paused in her explanation, turning to look at her with a warm smile that she remembered so well; she was having fun developing this plan.
“Ah, hmm, let’s see … I’ve laid the foundation that you’re basically the will of The One Above All, and that to hear your words is like hearing that of their god himself. There are some things to work out with this Speaker business Valdar mentioned, but it should be simple to fit into the equation. No, hmm … the next step will be…”
She paused, and Elinor felt a private communication pass from Iris to her. Tiffany glanced at the Queen before her orange irises fell to Camellia. Her lips became a line as they communicated, causing a hushed whisper of confusion to pass through the Ri’bot as they waited for them to speak.
Something wrong? Elinor asked.
Tiffany hummed thoughtfully. “Just something that needs addressing. Camellia will be transforming back, which might cause a stir, and Iris brought up a fair point to consider. They’re obviously taken with her appearance … she really is quite stunning, I suppose, and not only in her human form.”
Oh?
The quick glare Tiffany shot at Edmon was almost unnoticeable, but Elinor knew the Gatekeeper caught it. Her features brightened, and clearing her throat, the Witch spoke to the crowd. “Direct your eyes to Supreme Chief Iris.”
She gestured to the white-skinned Ri’bot, and Elinor caught more than one Ri’bot swallow as they turned to face the Thélméthra; it was hard to miss everyone swallowing, accompanied by a blink, and more than one gray-skinned Ri’bot’s color lightened.
“You may have thought we Supreme Chiefs would appear just like you, Ri’bot, but that is a more recent and false tradition. Among the Ancient Chiefs are many races, and Supreme Chief Iris personifies the beauty of them all.”
Gasps swept the throng as Iris transformed into her human form before jumping into the air, black film enveloping her body again before she landed in the center of the circle, long razor-sharp feet biting into the ice, sending chunks scattering.
No one spoke as Iris shifted her body to observe the crowd, and Elinor could sense a bit of amusement coming from her connection to the Queen at the fear her presence caused. Only the Ri’bot closest to Camellia realized her own change after she’d removed her garments; Elinor couldn’t help but smile as Tiffany intentionally moved her spider mount to block Edmon’s view of the girl’s naked body.
The Witch continued to speak while the Clan followed every smooth motion of Iris’ legs. “Supreme Chief Iris can take on the most elegant form of any species.” She turned to stare down at Valdar to her right, “Why are the Supreme Chiefs not all Ri’bot?”
Valdar cleared his throat, stepping forward to explain to the crowd. “The Supreme Chiefs, including the Empress, are not only the guiding hand and power of the Ri’bot but all creatures. We have all lost the way, and so, Empress Elinor, in her infinite wisdom, has come herself to guide us back to the noble path of serving The One Above All, her brother, and counterpart. To speak to the Empress is to speak to The One Above All. Honor forever.”
“Honor forever,” the crowd repeated, all dropping their eyes and heads into the dirt while facing Elinor.
Smooth. Elinor mused. You were saying something about Speakers, Tiffany?
“Speakers are Ri’bot that supposedly hear their ancestors or the Chiefs in the sky, whispering things they must do. I have a few theories about it.”
Edmon spoke up, walking around Iris to jump back onto his Thélméthra ride before turning to observe the crowd. “Demon?”
“That’s one of the possibilities,” Tiffany muttered, sending a message to Iris that she’d explained the transition adequately enough. She opened communication with Valdar. “If you could continue educating the Lethix Clan on a few points, clarify the Pits and what happens to those sent and brought back.”
“Of course, Supreme Chief Tiffany.”
“Oh, Darling, just call me Tiffany. I’m not into the whole titles thing; it takes too long.”
“You’re most gracious, Tiffany. I will remember it for the future.”
Iris returned to Tiffany’s side, sending her previous ride back to the group waiting at the jungle treeline, and Valdar’s link to the conversation was cut as he started his lessons. The Ri’bot tried their best to focus on the explanation, but everyone’s eyes flicked to them from time to time.
“Too long?” Edmon chuckled, drawing Tiffany’s orange irises. “With the time it takes for you to explain things, I’d expect you’d love exasperatingly long-winded titles.”
“Then you’d be wrong, as is oft the case,” Tiffany sniffed. “Getting back to the point,” she glared at Edmon, “yes, I suspect Demon has made a habit of managing global events. Since he has such a broad scope of the world’s events, sending a Ri’bot somewhere or manipulating a Clan to strip a certain resource like fish could have lasting effects down river, causing changes in the ecosystem.
“I also suspect that the Ri’bot may even hear what they want to on the wind, or there may also be another being that is like Demon out there. It would serve us well to be cautious about this land.”
“Agreed,” Edmon stated, bypassing her jab, which he knew would infuriate her more than anything else. “So, Tiffany, we have the people, they believe the Empress to be divinity, rightfully so, which leaves us where?”
Sucking in her left cheek, Tiffany surveyed the group, holding herself back from a biting remark; Elinor calmly listened, allowing the emotions they felt and the games they played with one another to entertain her. “I’m considering the options. Theoretically, I think we need a bit more of a direct indication that they’re willing to serve the Empress, which is why I’m having Valdar prep them.”
Their attention moved to Iris as she spoke. “If I am correct in my analysis of this System that you’ve explained to me, then the Empress’ desire will mold this religious sect. Correct?”
“Mmh,” Tiffany folded her arms under her chest, sucking in her lips. “This is going to be a bit more complicated than normal. It’s a relationship, in a manner, which opens up quite a vast array of possibilities. How they view the Empress, and the religious rites we develop will expand the influence and power of the religion itself.”
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Elinor’s eyes narrowed as a few thoughts popped into her mind. “Wait, Tiffany, are you saying that there’s actual power that will come from this religion I’m forming? I can give my followers powers, even if they’re alive and not connected to my network?”
“Ah,” Edmon nodded, sounding more like the father Elinor knew as his tone shifted dramatically. “This is actually … Tiffany, you’ve dazzled me with this plan.”
The Witch’s orange eyes sparkled. “Oh, you’ve discovered what I’ve been experimenting with? It should work in theory, but I wasn’t positive.”
He didn’t respond right away, giving it a second examination, and Elinor waited patiently for the reveal. “Nexus of the Empress links all the Undead serving under her, which was crafted to direct her minions’ movements. With this Religion experiment, you’re seeing if we can develop a Religious System that will connect the Empress to all those that believe in her in much the same way.
“With your Witchcraft, you can develop a ritual that will link the belief of the religious rite with the powers granted by your station as the Royal Ritualist, linking these individuals to the Empress’ network and spreading the seed further.”
Tiffany nodded with a beaming smile; Edmon’s praise was like honey on her tongue. She shifted her position to face the armored Doom Guard, plucking at the end of her shirt before fixing her thick black hair.
“It’s just a theory, but it’s possible this experiment will work, which could birth a whole new type of System. We know this seed can spread, but how it does it is still somewhat vague. I can grant individuals abilities if they pay the price, and I have the right medium to pull energy and skill classification.
“Belief is a powerful thing. However, there are bound to be a great many failures while I sort out the proper function to these types of rituals; we’re branching into a new field that I need to increase my Proficiencies in. The initial success chance is,” she turned away, smacking her lips, “not good.”
Elinor’s fingers tightened in her lap. It’s based on the image I develop. Right? If I’m The Supreme Chief of the Pits, then I rule over death, and that’s the image they’ll have?
“It’s much broader than that,” Edmon noted with a thoughtful hum. “You’re a judge that determines if those in the afterlife can go up or down. As Tiffany has explained to Valdar, you not only can return the dead to life but also allow them into heaven if they pay for their crimes. Hell is not so eternal, after all. There’s hope for forgiveness, even if one fails in life.”
“A sound belief, huh?” Tiffany giggled. “Hope is a powerful thing. The Ri’bot are far more religious than I first thought. Look at them,” she stared around at the throng, eating up Valdar’s words, listening to him explain the very thing Edmon and her were mentioning.
“Their fallen ancestors can be redeemed, and who can pardon them? They thought normal Chiefs had that authority under specific circumstances, but only to the living; once a Ri’bot dies, his fate is sealed by this river they had to cross, and now, they know the one that pulls them down or allows them to pass into paradise, is you.”
Edmon’s tone made it clear he was smiling. “And you’re not happy with the Ri’bot, yet came down yourself to guide them back to the proper path.” He shifted his hands behind his back, glancing back at the fish that had been prepared to be gutted. “Tiffany, do you suppose we could guide them on a Death Goddess’ path?”
“Oh? Hmm … it wouldn’t be that difficult.” Her orange eyes narrowed with curiosity. “Why?”
“What if we started this religion with the founding principle being that death brings all spirits to the Empress’ seat.”
Iris asked the question Elinor herself had. “Isn’t that already being touched on?”
Tiffany was about to respond, then paused, fist pressing against her chin as she thought on Edmon’s proposition. “Founding principle … the foundation of the religion is that everything that dies must pass through the Empress … a gateway. That could … oh, wow, Edmon!” Her smile broadened. “That’s brilliant; I knew that pretty face wasn’t just for show!”
Elinor was slightly more interested in watching the emotions transfer between them than listening to the plot they’d worked out. They’re so cute when they get along, and the flirting is priceless … of course, so is the jealousy. She mused, glancing at the massive armored spider trying to follow their mental leaps.
Edmon puffed out his chest. “If we focus on this aspect as the cornerstone of their belief, then the Empress will have a source of constant Death Energy.”
The statement fell flat against Elinor’s skull. Wait, huh? What are you two talking about?
“I second that,” Iris stated. “I thought I knew where this was going, but now, I do not understand this System you’re trying to create in the least.” The Queen’s front left leg twitched once, showing how much this was getting under her exoskeleton.
“Ah, sorry, sorry,” Tiffany chuckled, but Elinor could feel her doing victory laps through their shared connection. “If we make the foundation of the religion about all Spirits going through you to receive their happiness, and they must pay a price, Life Force. Now, we’re not talking about much … minuscule, really, to begin with, the Level and Proficiency will need to increase, but the foundation will grow with the religion and expand.
“Naturally, this isn’t true, all dead things don’t go through you, but this will translate as a base religious rite, all believers participate in. Meaning, everything your followers kill, gives a portion of their Life Force to you through the Religious System link they share. Every fish they slaughter to eat, the animals they kill to protect their people, and insects they step on, all of it will give you energy.”
Elinor hummed, vision shifting to the now melting ice covering the muddy earth. That would help a ton with expanding the Empire and also gaining me Exp. That’s right, isn’t it; I’ll get Exp from my link to them, too?
“Oh, I did kind of leave that part out,” Tiffany chided herself. “Yes, yes, you will! This will help you level up and build your Empire at an accelerated pace. You’re limited on the amount of Undead you can generate and maintain, but with this Religious System, there is no limit. In fact, the more followers you gain, the more opportunities you have at expanding that power. Your idea of sending out missionaries has so many implications to it!”
Wow… Elinor mumbled, imagining the amount of work taken off her minions by making this a Religious Empire. So, I’d only need my soldiers to keep the peace while leaving the citizens to what nature intended, survive, and they’ll feed me Death Energy.
“Ah, but there’s more.” Edmon’s low chuckle turned their attention to him. “We can not only make it about Souls going through the Empress after death but also recount their experiences.”
Tiffany’s mouth dropped open. “A judgment session where they must honestly recount their lives to the Empress as she weighs their deeds! Brilliant, just brilliant! Not only will Elinor get Death Energy, but a portion of that creatures’ experience points, in addition to what the follower gained.”
“I know what you’re discussing,” Iris muttered. “However, I do not understand how this will work in practice. This great power will be created at the start of this religion?”
Tiffany sucked in her lower lip, crossing her arms before pushing up slightly on her chest. “Mmh, it will require some careful tailoring, but this shouldn’t be any different than the current game-like System we’re connected to.” A devilish grin lit Tiffany’s lips. “This might even open up the path to true deification,” she stated, glowing orange eyes lifting to focus on Elinor. “We can start with this foundation, and I’ll continue to puzzle out how we can magnify it further. Would this be suitable?”
Deification? Elinor thought, pulling back from the linked conversation. Could this System we’re a part of really lead me down the path to becoming an actual goddess, and what kind of goddess would I be then? It would most likely follow the direction I’m heading … I’d become a Lich Goddess, transcending a Holy Empire. Is that what I want?
Her green irises lifted to view her three Royal Court members as they eagerly awaited her decision. Tiffany, what will happen to me if I go down this path and really am deified?
Tiffany’s eyebrows creased, and her eyes dropped to her lap. “I, umm … don’t fully know, to be honest. I mean, it would require an extreme amount of energy to transform you further; it’s how I theorize that seed was given in the first place, and upon pondering Demon’s interest in it, things started to align. My guess, you’d be able to extend that godly power to your minions, and start a path upon becoming the Empress of gods.
“Now, whether there are other godly beings or not seems to be a moot argument. We’ve already seen Demon, and experienced a ton of other supernatural aspects, so I can’t rule it out. Therefore, I don’t think it would be any different than being an Empress; you’d just be moving onto a higher plane of existence to further develop your powers. Perhaps ascend Spirits to godhood rather than just raising them to their former glory.”
Elinor sat back against Quin’s hand, staring at her twisted hands in her lap. First, I found out I became a Lich; then I discovered I have the power to create an Empire … to be the girl ruling it all, and now this. Playing a goddess is one thing, but actually being a goddess … it’s something else entirely. There are still so many questions, but … why would I hesitate? If it just means I’ll have more power to protect the things I care about, then…
Looking up at Tiffany, Elinor’s ghostly green eyes hardened. Let’s go down this path and see if I can become a true Empress of the gods themselves.
The pride that welled up in Edmon and Tiffany’s chests hit Elinor more than she was expecting, and even if Iris didn’t fully understand the path, she grasped the implications of that statement.
“We follow and obey.”
Tiffany, Edmon, and Iris retreated to a private conference to discuss the details of how to initiate the plan, and after a good ten minutes of discussion, made their decision.
Elinor’s body felt tense, even if she knew others would perceive her as perfectly serene upon Quin’s unmoving hand. When Tiffany and Edmon explained the fundamental principles to be taught to Valdar, Elinor listened for a moment. However, it soon became apparent that everything they told Valdar rested upon his shoulders; Valdar would become the first High Priest, instructing others to spread the word.
In general, the whole process was independent from Elinor or her Royal Court, which left Tiffany to her own devices to develop the rituals needed to create living warrior zealots for her Undying Empire. The first eight sacrifices to participate were volunteers that jumped upon the opportunity Tiffany presented.
She looked upon the eight warriors selected from over fifty Ri’bot that had leaped forward at the opportunity. Tiffany had Valdar be extremely selective of the group, only going after the more weak warriors, knowing success was so slim that risking the stronger candidates would only be a waste. Among the eight chosen was Yeppa, which was just about as brainwashed as they come, eager to serve; Tiffany had told the volunteers success was dependent upon their faith.
Upon finishing the first selection, Tiffany sent them to the fortress to spiritually prepare themselves for what was to come. They were told to seclude themselves, purifying themselves within and come to its center when night had fallen.
Elinor finished her time among the Lethix by sending her butterflies between the bodies of their fallen during the storm, assessing their strength. All of them are weak … of course, it’s to be expected that they weren’t the Clan’s highest quality since they died so easily.
Turning to Chief Utren, Elinor smiled into his blue irises. “Rest assured, your brothers and sisters have come before me; they have accepted me and received their reward beyond the Great Heavenly River. Be of good cheer; they rest with their loved ones in peace.”
Once her words finished, a bubble seemed to pop in her core, causing her eyes to widen for a moment; she could feel the emotions welling up within the chests of more than a hundred Ri’bot before her. The heat rising in her breast raged past Emotional Loss, breaking past the skill to bring soft tears to her eyes.
She reached up, pressing her hand against her chest while doing her best to stay composed; Edmon, Tiffany, and Iris stiffened beside her, giving her concerned expressions. Emotion … how could I forget this hurricane in a single day? So, the Religious System was just formed. To feel again, even through others … wow. What a pleasant surprise. Still, this is not something an Empress should do; hopefully, this is only a temporary thing with this new System’s creation.
The Ri’bot’s tear stricken faces and the wave of relief, joy, and love more than doubled, as they watched her share in their overflowing hearts, continuing to wash over her. She could feel Valdar’s own emotions flaring.
A hard swallow fell down Chief Utren’s throat, and every Ri’bot bowed again. “E-Empress, is it proper to send them off with a song?”
Elinor could feel Camellia’s excitement peak at the word, standing close by after being called by her mother, but she remained silent, and Tiffany reached over to dry her tears with a bright smile. “I was not expecting the changed emotional field they’d generate with that link. I apologize for not giving you a proper warning.”
No, it’s nice feeling something this strongly again; I’m sure Emotional Loss will grow even stronger because of this. Elinor mumbled. Just … not all the time. Addressing the Chief, Elinor nodded, keeping her voice in check. “Of course, I love to hear the melodies you create to see your loved ones off; they hear every note.”
She could feel the strength of her bond to her new followers continuing to grow with her show of compassion, and more Ri’bot were slowly being converted as the ceremony went on. Tiffany made careful note of the proceedings, coming up with ways to further utilize their traditions to enhance the effects, and after thirty minutes, it concluded.
Elinor took both Chief Utren and his brother, Welix, with her to meet with the Flex Clan. Now, how will their brother-Clan react?