---

---

Hiyori sharply exhaled through her nose, dismissing the man's excuse for crashing. She didn't what the reason was or how it happened, all that matter was he crashed. End of story. Thankfully he went off to go check for a phone and that was the last Hiyori thought she'd ever see of that man.

Fueling proceeded and with Hiyori capping off her motorcycle, the man came back. It wasn't so much disdain for the man but her annoyance was clear through her helmet as she snapped her attention to the man. Of course that was before the offer of a free meal, even though Hiyori did not allow her expression to change. In truth, she was going to the exact spot this man was suggesting but with the offer of getting it paid for was nice. Her gaze turned away from the man and wandered down to the diner before turning back. "Fine." She said, albeit a bit abruptly in response. "Hop on. We'll head over." Without further pause, Hiyori mounted her bike and drove down the street to the diner.

Shutting off her bike and placing her helmet on her bike, she proceeded in, expecting the man to follow. She went ahead and picked out a booth off in the corner, by her bike so she could keep an eye on it. She slipped off her backpack and placed it beside her, consuming the rest of the room on her side of the booth just in case the man was some pervert who would sit there.

Hiyori rapped her fingers across the table while the two sat in silence for a moment. Again, Hiyori was expecting this man to be not too significant in her life so she shrugged off the uncomfortable silence for the moment. The not-too-busy waitress came over asking about drinks. "Coffee and a water." Hiyori said, scooping up a menu as they were placed on the table and focused on contents for awhile. Chicken friend steak, good enough. She tossed the menu aside and glanced out the window to where her bike was still present. Remembering and making the connection to her lunch date, she remembered the man's broken bike still laying on the side of the road. "So... guy." She didn't even know this guy's name still. "What are you going to do? Get your bike towed to San Fransisco and wait it out?"

Luke breathed a sigh of relief when the woman agreed to lunch. He hopped on behind her, hugging her loosely so as to not fall off. As he did so, a dance of colours passed through her vision without obscuring it, varying in intensity and movement as the sounds around them changed. The roar of the engine produced explosions of indigo as it sputtered, and a wave of goldenrod flowed past as he spoke: "Thanks again. It's just up the road." The sensation lasted as long as he touched her - as soon as he let go and hopped off the bike, the colours disappeared completely. Without a word, he followed her into the restaurant and to the booth of her choice.

He noticed her blatant you-can't-sit-here gesture, but decided not to say anything. He slid into the opposite booth and took up a menu as well. When the waitress came to ask about drinks, he let his companion order first. "Coffee, please," he said when it was his turn. "Just bring us the pot, if you can." His stamina was a lot more drained than he thought. Sixteen near-straight hours on the road will do that to you.

He glanced over the menu, unsure exactly what he wanted but not wanting to waste too much time. Cheeseburger, good enough. He set aside the menu as she addressed him.

Her question surprised him. "Are - are we close to San Francisco?" He could have sworn they were much further north... but Luke wasn't exactly a geography expert. He tried to form a map in his mind... no, he definitely passed the last sign for San Francisco hours ago. Where the hell were they, then, that she would suggest that?

He cleared his throat. "No - no, I'm headed north. I don't really care about the bike right now." His heart broke as the words left his mouth - aside from his family, he loved that bike more than anything - but it was the truth. Fixing the bike would mean a costly detour, and his wife would surely find out. She would worry, and probably come looking for him, and he just couldn't let that happen right now.

He paused. Up until this moment he hadn't actually thought about what he would say to her. "I don't have time to care about the bike right now. I just need to go north." Fuck, how could he explain it? Following a distant bell across multiple states sounded crazy even to him. He tapped on the table, trying to think of what to say. "I'm looking for something," was what he settled on.

God, Luke, how badly can you fuck this up?

@Pirouette

Hiraga - Not impressed

She smiled at the star god bitterly. "Well, they are not. I do not own the Earth, I am the Earth. I have been long before you were even wailing in our mother's arms. When you see your stars disappear, you feel robbed and angry. When a species dies out, part of me goes with it. Come judge me when you are as invested in your business as I am in mine. And humans? Why should a human deserve any more of my help than said ant? Just because most of you adore them doesn't mean I shall join you. I warded the Earth before they came to being, and will when they are gone. Now let Death speak!" Hiraga dismissed Stjerne along with his simplistic view of the matter. It was easy to judge when all you did was play with some stars and generally just observed what was going on down on the Earth.

They were then transported to where he and her son resided. She had to admit, the place was rather well built. She chose to reshape into her human form again, if only so that the premises would accommodate her. If she thought she was living in interesting times before though, it was all but confirmed when the god of anarchy actually attempted to instill order. It's not just 'what has the world come to', it appears to also be 'what happened to the sanity of my family' while our powers were gone. I suppose they still act like spoiled children, though. I should just be glad that they turned their antics on one another and not the planet.

Just when she was about to grab a bag of sunflower seeds and sit down to listen to their not-so-relative say his mind, she was distracted by a knock on the window. When she looked over, she could only describe the individual as someone with a trippy garden of color on their head. Still, being outside of the building this high up probably meant that they belonged here. Hiraga walked over and drawn a heart shape on the glass. It wasn't necessary to draw a heart, just fun. the glass seemed to liquefy under her touch, while strangely it held in place, allowing for a passage through. "And who might you be?"


A tuned up RX-7 pulled up at the lot. Shirley wanted to just drive in one go, but despite her breakfast, she was starving already - enough to eat the grass by the road if she had to. Fortunately, there was a food joint on the way. She briefly considered going to the drive-through, but her throttle foot was starting to be a bit sore, so she decided to go in and take a little break. Looking at the menu even as she approached, she pushed the door open. there was no queue, just two bikers by the corner booth, so she want straight to the cash register.

"I'll have two cheeseburgers, a taco plate, chicken bucket, a salad and two large drinks." she announced proudly, causing the cashier to look at her funny, until he was presented with a wad of cash.

"Food run for the kids ma'am?"

"Nope. I'm driving long distance and it's time for lunch." She grinned back as the cashier paled a little. Her order done, she headed for a free spot, which there were plenty, so she picked one near the door and waited impatiently for the food, her stomach an orchestra of growls.

Fiala opened her eyes as she heard Goehearth's outburst. She looked toward him without moving her head, and smirked. "What's wrong, brother? A spot of bad luck?" Without lowering her arm, she snapped her fingers, locking him further into his form. It wasn't her fault to begin with, but she was more than happy to take the blame. And by her doing, it definitely wasn't a permanent lock... it would just be much harder to shift back when the time came. She threw her legs over the side of the chair and leaned back as far as she could, lowering her arm to drape it across her forehead. "Oh, whatever will you do?"

Hearing a knock at the window, Fiala shifted out of her dramatic pose just enough to glance toward the source. She returned the figure's wave, and laughed as she watched her sister struggle to enter the building. It reminded Fiala of Peter Pan, when Tinker Bell gets stuck in the keyhole and struggles to free herself, but in a less... fanservey way. "Iratze - I'd recognize that head of hair anywhere." She tilted her head slightly. The window pane would open easily on the next try - although if too much force was used, it would swing in such a way to knock the messenger aside. Returning to the Transatlantic accent, Fiala called, "Come join us, doll. Have some giggle water and hear Desious's tale."

Stjerne sighs when Geohearth finds he can't shift. "I wouldn't know, brother, I have no control on people's forms, though it might be that you and Aetherius aren't very compatible." Stjerne hands off the drink to Zencrux who nods gratefully. Zencrux watches the others, shaking his head and grumbling about if they break anything he'll toss them through a window. Zencrux looks towards the window, an irritated look crossing his face. Touching a button on his tablet he deactivated the security alarm for the window, and takes a sip of his whiskey. This family gathering wasn't something he wasn't prepared for. Ever since he lost his powers, he'd been working to stay a step ahead, whether it was finding Stjerne's lost temple or managing to run a successful Fortune 500 business from the shadows. At least with humans, a god could outwit them and corral them in the direction you wished them to go, but with his family and even Desious here on Earth for this long, something major was at play.

Death was about to begin when Goehearth and Vetra had their little stunt. Agitated as he was, Desious would say nothing but give them both disapproving looks. Then to his surprise, Iratze the messenger Goddess arrived. It wasn't hard to imagine how she found them, she was after all a messenger and if she couldn't find people then she would be a poor one indeed. Death was glad she had arrived, he had always been fond of Iratze. They chatted about many a thing in the olden days. He scanned the room again, making sure he had their uttermost attention. he would not be repeating himself. Brod however, was nowhere to be seen. The God of Creation was no longer with them, his nature of boredom probably taking root and sending him create once more. He wished that wasn't so, all he needed right now were new species popping up out of the blue.

Regardless, it would have to wait for now. It was time to begin, before any more distractions took place. Death waved his hand, and everything went black for those gathered.

His voice began distant at first but slowly rising, "Relax, let the vision come, do not resist. This is but a memory of events, but make no mistake, all of it was real..." Then the blackness slowly faded, revealing a rising sun.

The chorus of a new morning began to play. Birds began to chirp, a gentle breeze floated through their hair, and a small clear creek flowed by. The air was fresh and clean and carried the aroma of blooming flowers. While the grass was long and green before them. The sun rose even further, her rays illuminated the dark landscape that was hidden. The God's would see gentle rolling hills, sparsely populated with thickets of old oaks and wild flowers within the long grass. But Standing on the hill directly before them were two glowing figures, whose features could only be described as exotic. A man and women, one the sun the other the moon- their mother and father.

The two gods payed them no attention, for those that shared the memory weren't truly there. Instead the Sun and Moon were both smiling and talking in the old language, a forgotten language, one no one spoke anymore. Soon enough they clasped hands together, and both closed their eyes. Solaria began to sing, and the chorus of morning grew quiet at the sound of her pure voice. Lunus then began to sing his own song, and their melodies collided into colors beyond colors until the crescendo- harmony. Their song then grew softer and softer, until it ended on a somber note. They opened their eyes, looking a bit wearier and no longer glowing, and spoke one word in unison "Wake" and they did.

From the tall grass something stirred, and one by one, human heads began to pop up. Male and female, all naked with eyes of wonder. The Sun and Moon smiled and raised their hands towards them.

Then the scene faded into darkness and Death's voice came, "It was beautiful was it not? The first day of humanity, your siblings in a way, coming into a world they knew nothing about. I loved them from the start, with their innocence and freedom and willingness to live. They were fast learners as your parents soon found out and before long they had their own villages. They held balance in their hearts then, the animals would tell them secrets and the weather was never harsh. They tended to the land, and always gave back. I took them in my embrace gently when they passed, for all mortals know death, but they did not fear me then. That was a time I remember with fondness before your parents left, before you came."

The darkness faded into scenes of chaos, different memories flashed before their eyes, showing the cruelty of the Gods. Many of those watching would see themselves and others that they knew. One flashed of Goehearth, his anarchy corrupting the humans he visited, another showed Fiala laughing at those whose luck had gone dry for her own amusement, still another showed Hiraga punishing those who dared defile her Earth when they had nowhere else to go, Zencrux destroying villages with his storms, Cyl'Nyarlith giving them magic to use against one another, and Amos who sat above them all turning a blind eye to the plight of man. These images continued, showing twisted and dark things until they faded once more.

"Humanity became your toys, and I watched them become disregarded as the centuries passed. They were but children to you, and still you tore away the goodness in their hearts and filled that space with cruelty. They grew afraid of me, for they no longer had time to live and grow old in peace. More hated me because I took their loved one from them before their time. And most... Most of them only asked for death's sweet relief. What was life to live as slaves, or to be eaten and played with by monsters? They had lost their hope..." Death stopped talking but the darkness bore no light.

After a moment, Death spoke again, "I did what I had to do to ensure their survival. To make sure your parent's last legacy was not consumed by their first. So, I locked Heaven. The source of your powers, and the magical energy that flows between all worlds. Believe me, I did not want to. I knew that there were many who believed the same things I did, but there was no way of picking and choosing. For that I am sorry but not for what had to be done. You slowly lost your powers over the centuries and I watched the humans, hoping for their old ways to return. It was a false hope."

Light broke through the darkness once more, this time showing what humanity had become. From small villages, to sprawling cities. Small battles with swords and arrows, to the droppings of the atom bombs. The horrors of war, the cruelty mankind showed itself. Earth slowly losing its wild places, and corruption taking the heart of man. Darkness returned.

"You taught them these things and being human, they expanded upon them because they never forgot. The animals no longer talk to them, the weather is cruel, and balance is lost. But, there is hope for them. They do care, believe it or not, and they are beginning to change once again. I've seen this, kindness, love, compassion for each other. They grow older now, but I fear for their sake, if they cannot change it will be their doom. Therefore, I could never have allowed you to return to strength. It was an accident, a spirit stole my key and turned the lock halfway, he did not open it. But it was enough, magic flows once again. And my plans to wait a while longer have been thrown out."

The darkness faded, light streamed back into the building as the vision faded. Death looked incredibly weary, but he continued,"You're here now and that's all that matters. I won't expect you to understand why I did what I did, but now you have your answers. The question I'm sure you're all thinking is what now? I am not sure honestly, there are other things on my mind." He paused, "It's too late now to reverse the unlocking without consequences, the Earth is soaking up magic like cracked dirt after a downpour, soon creatures that have been forgotten will begin to wander the Earth once more and the Gods..." He sighed, "The Gods will change everything once again, for better or worse. I simply ask you take into consideration what has been discussed here before any questions arise. I will no longer remain on the sidelines and watch humanity suffer if any of you do not act wisely."

He looked at them all with sadness, "I'm afraid I overlooked something as well, something old. Hollow did not work alone, how would he get the Bell? Tell me, what do you know about the Void?"

@SpawnMeme@Lord Zee

---

"Pay? Now that would be amusing. The Wrath of Amos...I wonder what you'll do, hm? Well, try to entertain me then, dear brother or I might do something myself." With that said, Cyl walked back towards the center of the ancient stone monoliths. Last time may have been considered a blunder by some, but to them? Not a blunder at all. Merely a stepping stone towards their final destination. Certainly they could have made the journey in one jump, but with such a makeshift tool it was a guess at best at their destination. Having a place like this, though? He could make an extremely precise jump with this. Right on top of wherever the Bell was heard.

"Try not to interrupt me...and keep your arms and legs inside the circle lest one of them gets left behind." Cyl's tone was impish and playful as it ever was, never taking anything seriously it seemed. Without another word, Cyl placed their hands together in front of them, steadying their breathing. Most humans would likely need a few words and preparation time for something like this, but for Cyl? A god? This was child's play.

A quiet hum began permeating the area, and if Amos cared to pay attention they'd realize that Cyl was speaking in an incredibly ancient, or at least otherworldly tongue. Even as old as a god was, he might have trouble understanding it entirely.

"Mgepogor agll, llll nilgh'ri." If only they had their staff. It'd make this a tiny bit easier. All they'd have to do is give it a wave and the stones would have lit up like a Christmas tree and they'd already be there. Of course, once they dusted off the skills a bit, they could do it regardless. "Nafl'fhtagn ehye ephaii, ng mgah'n'ghft shuggog ymg." Cyl raised one hand to the sky, and the reaction upon the surrounding area was almost instant. The ancient runes and glyphs glowed a bright, pale yellow as life was returned to them. A few even levitated slightly off the ground as the entire air seemed to shimmer and waver in front of their eyes.

For a few moments, Cyl move their arms towards each of the rocks, as if doing something but not a moment later they stopped and smirked.

"Found you! Come then, it will only stay open for a moment." A portal opened in front of them, shimmering and connecting to separate points on earth. It was a far more refined version of the rudimentary one previously used. Simply put, it was a portal that connected this place with that of another. Cyl would be the last one through, closing the portal behind her. A pulse of energy spreading through the mountains before dying off, and the stones once again, becoming dormant and leaving only a scorched part of earth as evidence of their passing.

---

In the next instant, Cyl, Amos, and the Human should he still be with them, found themselves standing right in the middle of a street of some sort, in some city materializing right on the street in a rather conspicuous manner, likely getting the attention of anyone who had been looking.

"Here we are! Well, this is where the bell was rung anyways." Cyl said, stretching their arms. "Ah, how I missed such travel. Planes and cars are so inconvenient and slow." That said...the place looked fairly empty, save for an indentation in the ground. "...Hmm, tastes like space?" Cyl commented to themselves. Perhaps they were late? Or had they arrived exactly when they were meant too? So difficult to tell sometimes.

War will change Everything

Long had it been since the lord of war had been able to use his godly powers, but longer still had it been since he had heard that bell.
He had no hurry to flock to the bell right away, biding his time and finishing his dinner in the company of some of his mercenaries who were working for him in Syria.

Lucius Elium was his official name on ID cards, but amongst these mercenaries he was only known as Big G. His base of operations were an old excavation site inside a large cave, it had large rooms and storage space. It had served as a hold-out place in the various wars in the region.

They didn't know where Lucius, or rather Golkai came from, what he truly was planning to do in Syria. But people knew that he did pay good money for capable soldiers. He was known to meddle in various conflicts all around the region, to some extent didn't make much sense to most people. Some might even had wondered if he fought to end the wars at all.

Lucius, or rather Golkai as he had been called in the heavens, was someone whom truly wanted to fight forever. The return of his powers and the bell had however unsettled him. He had gotten used to his existance as a human, fighting wherever he could find a fight.

But as it now stood, many of the gods would surely seek revenge on Desious, he whom had exiled them all. Golkai was not fond of the idea of someone very passive or too kindhearted messing up the earth and all his fun, nor did he approve of the idea of someone who was out to destroy it.

All of a sudden as he had taken the last bite out of his piece of chicken he'd felt as if he was being watched. He figured it had to be one of his own kind paying him a visit, but for what reason? "All of you. Leave. I would like to be alone now." Golkai said out loud in a firm tone of voice, his mercenaries stopped in their talking and drinking, some may have thought of asking him why but quickly reconsidered. They began to leave.

"Me too sir?" One large fellow who was working as his bodyguard, not like he ever needed one. But he made a fine servant and could take care of minor tasks.

"Yes." Golkai said in a deep voice. Waiting until the bodyguard had left the room aswell before he turned his attention to the far right of the room.

"I know you are there. Show yourself." He said out loud and narrowed his eyes slightly. Behind a wooden pillar a figure stepped forth, clad in a long brown garment which resembled a robe, he carried a bag around his waist, seemingly with books. And on his lower back a wrapped package containing something the length of an arm and a half.

"It has been a long time, Lord Clash." A slightly echoing voice replied to him, in a clear but unmistakable tone which may have been sounding both polite aswell as high and mighty. Golkai awaited until the figure had fully stepped forth. His eyes scanned the figure carefully and the void-like hood, first not recognizing whom it was.

"Alternius..." He said softly, as if almost a whisper. The robed individual took a few steps further.

"That is one of my many names, but names can change over time as you certainly must be aware of." The robed person lowered his hood revealing his shoulderlong blonde hair and blue eyes. "Though change is not just limited to names alone. That can I, Delthrael promise you."

Golkai relaxed somewhat in his chair. "So... what can I help the Lord of change with? I cannot imagine you came to speak of days of old or have abit of food with me?" Golkai chuckled and took a swig of his alcohol.

"Oh nay, I came to here for another reason. You bear the means of swift travel, that is what I came for partly. I've known your whereabout for ages, since you tend to cause war wherever you walk. Time is of the essence however." Delthrael spoke out as a matter of fact.

"Is it now? What's the matter? Is Death going to die on us?" Golkai replied in a jesting tone, but also in a mocking sense. The blonde man in turn offered a faint smile, one which would send out a thousand chills through Golkai's spine.

"Perhaps. After all... nothing is truly eternal. We have walked here for a long time, yet all things have their ends. Now it is time to change the board abit. Rearrange the pieces upon it." Delthrael dramatically made a motion with his hands.

"Heh. So what are you going to do?" The god of war asked.

"Oh dear brother, it is not what I am going to do, but what -we- must do. First off all brother, you shall take us to where the bell was rung. Secondly we shall relieve Desious of his control over the dead. He deserves some rest after all. And a different scenery."

"Are you suggesting some kind of rebellion?" Golkai furrowed his eyebrows.

"Oh nay, I am not saying that. Yet sometimes one has to fight in order to achieve certain results. Change is required and sometimes sacrifices must be made to bring it about." Delthrael gave a smile which could only be described as that of a usurper.

"You know what? Now when I think about it. It would be fun to have a big damn war. A war of wars. A big and fun one. Tell you what, Delly. I will take us both to the place where the bell rung. I'll come back to you later on that other thing." Golkai reached the spearlike weapon leaning against his chair and allowed the banner to fall out. Displaying the uniformed insignia of the soldiers under his command. He then proceeded to move to the middle of the large room they've both stood within. "Come here then. Just don't do anything stupid before I've thanked Desious for all the fun and appologized for all the dead I've sent his way." Grinning as he awaited the blonde man to step forward. Delthrael raised his hood back up, letting it conceal his face as he walked up.

Then Golkai slammed the bottom part of his spear that the banner was attached to against the floor, causing them both to teleport all the way to the place where the bell had been heard. With a sound similar to a loud thunderclap they've appeared right in front of Amos, Cyl and David.

"Hahaha... well look at what we've got here! It's my favorite brother who knows when to shut up! Good job guarding the gate by the way." Golkai grinned and offered a thumb up in a somewhat mocking way, but the overall tone of his voice was in a good mood.
He then put his eyes on Cyl and David.

"Whose these again? Doesn't look like Carvux. Servix? What was his name again the star maker?" Golkai scratched his cheek as if trying to remember their names and faces. While Golkai was standing there pondering, the robed individual behind him stepped forwards, passing by Golkai on his left side and suddenly batlike wings potruded through his back and then he flapped them out in a dramatic display.

"My my, I do hope your time here on earth has changed your view on many a different thing?" He let the voidlike hood show his face as he looked towards them from under it with his ghostlike blue eyes, strands of blond long hair visible. Delthrael moved his wings closer to his body and let them fall slightly over his form almost as if using them as a shield. "Death requires a judge whom shall judge him, will you be that judge for all of us, brother Amos? Will you be the bringer of justice?"

Delthrael gave Amos, Cyl and David a faint smile which some might consider to be a warm smile. That or a venom dipped command.

Aid those who are in flight

Galviere had reacted very quickly to her powers returning to her, a sense of joy and new hope overcoming her. "Finally at long last!" She began to use her powers to treat the ill of the small tribal community she was living in before deciding that she needed to be off.

After all, she couldn't miss out this chance. She was not going to be powerless ever again. So she had to do all within her power to safeguard her being a goddess and that of heaven's purity. During all the years she had walked the earth, she had not much material belongings apart from her sword and some medicine, but she had enough to make a long trip.

She made her way through the jungle and then to a more modern community which had access to cars where she took a bus to a nearby airfield and got into a small airplane. This would take her to a larger airport where she could arrange a longer flight. Galviere cursed at herself for locating herself in such a remote location of the world. Because of it she would now possibly be late. Then she felt guilt, since she did enjoy helping those people and regarded them all as her family now.

But for now what awaited her was a long flight followed by another flight. Her sword would be taken along as a archelogical finding which she had permits for. She had arranged these many years prior when some have asked her about her weapon when she had carried it with her into a more modern community.

@Rune_Alchemist@Lord Zee (I cannot seem to find David and PC is lagging when editing text)

The tall god waited impatiently for Cyl to work her magic. While he waited, he pondered on her words, the wrath of Amos... He quite liked that, but their phrasing hinted at their own plots and desires. He was right to want tow watch them carefully. Cyl was dangerous, unpredictable, and magic only bolstered those claims. Their words sounded playful, almost happy in a way, as they told him to prepare. The words they spoke were unnerving to say the least, Amos did not know them, why would he? His magical capabilities used an entirely different source, one that he held at a high esteem.

His thoughts ran rampant and before Amos knew it, they had teleported. He blinked, seeing nothing but a indent in the pavement, there were no gods to be found here. Had Death left before anyone could find him? His frown deepened upon his face, as he looked at Cyl and spoke, "Yes. Such travel, so convenient." he said sarcastically, "It appears we are too late my dear sibling, Death is gone, however shall we find him now?"

Then in another flash, two of his favorite Gods appeared. Golkai and Delthrael, more siblings, more young fools. His frown turned into a grimace at Golkai's words, they were a low blow. Delthrael however perplexed him. Was he trying to show off with his bat-like wings? Or had that been how he had always acted? Regardless it left a bad taste in his mouth, he had never understood Change.

Regardless he spoke. "God of war, God of Change, welcome younger brothers. I'd ask why you are here, but it seems obvious with Delthrael's comments." He turned to Cyl, and the human who he realized had followed them through, "This is Cyl'Nyarlith and a human. Cyl is the youngest child of our parents, if you hadn't been so caught up in your petty skirmishes with trivial creatures, perhaps you would know that Golkai. As for you Delthrael, I am not a judge, nor justice. I am Valor and I will act accordingly to my station. Death is a danger, he will pay. And anyone else who stands with him, do I make my self clear, little brother?"

@Dezuel@Rune_Alchemist@SpawnMeme




Keyla's grip on the couch tightened as she felt the vision take her senses. It was such an weird experience, she felt there but at the same time she knew she wasn't. Her brain desperately tried to make sense of the situation, but the words and images that Death spoke and showed, did not leave her. The Sun and Moon looked vaguely human, but their presence was immense, she could feel them. One of warm places, a a cozy fire to warm up too, another of watching stars under a full moon. When they sang, she became breathless, it was so hauntingly beautiful that she almost got lost in their voices. But something gently prodded her away from listening too deeply, what it was she did not know, but she was thankful.

As the images changed, a Death's voice came she shivered at the sadness in his voice. At the cruelty she saw enacted on her ancestors by the people in this very room. It was all making sense to her, slowly but surely. It was ironic that Death could love, but he did and she smiled softly at that, how it must have hurt to be him.

When the images finally faded and light streamed back into her vision, she rubbed her eyes, surprised to find tears. So humanity had been created by the Sun and Moon, so much for God she thought. She looked at all of those in the room and felt unnerved, but it quickly passed. She was surrounded by killers and monsters, but they didn't look like it. Perhaps they had changed? Given enough time, anyone could but they were never Human. Keyla at once got up and went over to the bar, looking for anything to drink before she found some whiskey. The girl looked silly trying to get it open but when she did, she took a deep gulp. It burned her throat, and she coughed, but it was definitely needed after hearing all of that.

@GrizzTheMauler@mercenarius@Forsythe@Dealdric@Eyeris

---

---

"Well... yea but I'd rather stay in San Fransisco than some shithole in the woods."
Hiyori explained, believing the rural sector of the world was just dull and simple compared to the life she had grown up in. After she spoke, she considered her companion's choice of words in silence. He didn't care about his bike? No, he didn't have time to care about the bike judging from his words so why the urgency? Just something was certainly not enough reason to abandon your vehicle because of a day or two delay. What was he hiding?

"Oh yea?" Hiyori spat in a challenging tone as glared at the man. Even by his lack of specificity, she could tell he was up to something. While Hiyori was indeed in a business of minding your own business (unless it conflicted with your business), her thoughts went back to the weird mental trip she experienced during the short drive over here. She never had a desire to partake in some of the shit others wasted their lives on but she certainly felt as if she had been slipped something on that ride. The weird thing was, it passed the moment she got off the bike and away from this guy. The lack of truth this guy and the fact that he had certainly done something to her on her bike was starting to piss her off.

She leaned forward, bringing her face closer to the man and then in a hushed volume, she formally challenged him. "Bullshit. Finding Something is not a good enough reason to abandon a investment like a bike." Hiyori sneered, becoming rather snarky when she mimicked the man's earlier words. "I'm not an idiot, what are you really after?"

In truth, she did consider that the man was maybe not telling her because he thought she was an idiot, which did little to cool her temperature. More importantly, however, was the fact that Hiyori, too, was on some reckless quest to find something and the fact that this man had some type of beyond coincidence aura to himself, something was up. For a breath moment, Hiyori considered her next words carefully but it wasn't out of some concern what the man might think about her. She didn't give a shit but rather, it was a concern about what might be the relation of the bell. Was it competitive by nature? Cooperative? What even was it other than possibly the most alluring thing in Hiyori's life right now.

Hiyori glanced down at the table and leaned back in her booth. She rubbed her eyes for a moment as the waitress dropped the coffee pot off before leaving them again. "You heard some fuckin' bell, didn't you?" Hiyori's comment came in a quiet tone, glancing behind the man to make sure nobody's attention towards them at the mention of such a thing. Considering that this was a blind fire and not knowing how the man would react, she subtly lowered her hand to her bag and by extension, the handle of her blade which was still secure in its sheathe. Consider it paranoid but Hiyori's life up to this point rewarded her paranoia.

@mercenarius

Golkai and Delthrael

"Cyl eh? Oh yes, there was one called that..." Golkai said with some pondering before offering a wide grin.

"As for petty skirmishes. They are alot more fun than standing looking at a gate everyday. So... have you found a new gate to guard while having been down here? I cannot imagine you would have partaken in these petty skirmishes during all these years? Mighty Amos."

He said through his grin in a somewhat mocking but amused way. "As for trivial creatures. What's the matter with this human here?" He blurted out all of a sudden.

Delthrael in the meantime would have stood silent waiting for Golkai to finish his talk before replying to Amos.

"Oh your words are clear brother Amos, yet be your mind as clear as those words? Pray tell, how exactly will you make Desious pay? At what price?"
Delthrael threw a glance over to Cyl and David. "What of you Cyl'Nyarlith? Do you stand with brother Amos?"
"Do you all be prepared to see the very heavens ablaze to do what is required?" Delthrael spread his arms wide and his wings spread widely as he did.

He then began to call forth his seized power, the one who he had taken from the god of dreams. A powerful illusional thing which changed those under it's perception of the world around them until they've took damage.The power itself would not be causing any harm in the physical sense, but it would show things which could emotionally or mentally affect those under it. Delthrael used the power to display their old home and the beauty held within the place, a thing none of them had seen for so very long.

It was still embedded within the power he had stolen so long ago. A vision of their old home and the beauty within it.
He attempted to affect those present with it. Golkai, Amos, Cyl and David. Giving them a brief glimse into it, even the human who had never seen the place before.

Amos you were and still be so strong in body and soul, yet so weak in brainmatters. This has not changed over time. You have not changed the slighest. You are still like you ever were. Predictable. That is why you would be the most suitable piece to move in to take Desious out. Giving me the opportunity to take his domain from his hands. I shall use you like a puppet.

Then you'll be changed yourself or you will vanish along with the rest of the old world. I know now why Solaria and Lunus are gone.
The earth has flourished despite the absence of the gods. They are no longer needed. Yet some things the gods possess are outside of earth matters. Death. Change. And a couple of others. Thus these are required to exist for as long as time marches onwards.
He thought to himself as he watched the scenery he had not seen for so long.

"You humans desire the truth. Now that you know it. Do you curse it? Or will you crave poison to cloud it?"

Delthrael offered a soft smirk to David as his ghostly stare moved to all present.

"Think of what is at stake my kin." He finally said and let the illusion fade away and returning those affected back to the reality.


"Oh yeah, that's how it looked. Almost had forgotten. That's what happens when you have too much fun. Oh right. You and fun never did go well together Amos." Golkai chuckled slightly.

@Lord Zee@Rune_Alchemist

For lack of a better facial expression, Fiala pouted as they returned from Death's vision. Sure, humans suffered at her hands, but not nearly as much as they suffered at the hands of her siblings - nor, for that matter, more than they suffered at the hands of other humans. Still, she understood why Death did it... even if she knew she wasn't really to blame. It didn't matter to her anyway, at least not as much as it mattered to some of her brothers and sisters - she didn't care much to return to the Heavens, and she fought once for her 'toys', as Desious called them. If things came to it, she would fight for them again. Her power matched that of the other gods (albeit in less obvious ways, but that hardly mattered). Even if not every human survived, she would at least ensure the survival of some.

She sat up properly, turning her attention to the only demigod present. Wow, that must have been rough. She watched as Keyla got up and crossed to the bar... yeah, rough is one word for it. Fiala stood and followed her, mostly hoping to make a gesture of friendship, partially because her siblings had yet to hand her a drink. Leaning on the bar as the child found a bottle of whiskey and swigged from it, she smiled wryly. "Whiskey sour, doll?" she said softly in her Transatlantic accent, refusing even now to abandon the character. "That's easy, I could make it for ya. Here." Gently, she took the bottle from Keyla, and moved behind the bar. Silently, she mixed two particularly strong drinks, and offered one to the demigod. "Good for what ails ya." In a rare moment of discretion, she stopped herself from adding even if what ails ya is the company.

Even with her earnest attempt to give full attention to the meeting, Fiala still found herself bored. Desious told his tale, but other than explaining his position and where her power went, he didn't say anything she didn't already know. Her ear was still turned to the rest of the room, but she knew where things would go from here: petty squabbling, tit-for-tat between her siblings... although Death's concluding question piqued her fading interest. She knew nothing of the Void, other than the word brought up during her passing attention in meetings long since passed.

@Lord Zee@GrizzTheMauler@Forsythe@Dealdric@Eyeris


Luke couldn't help but chuckle at the woman's comment about where they were. Not the words he would've chosen, but this place was pretty scarce. She was right - he was much more likely to find a good mechanic (and particularly one that was familiar with bikes) in San Francisco than he was in... wherever they were... not that it mattered much anyway.

She leaned forward and called bullshit. Luke crossed his arms, but otherwise did his best to restrain his anger. From the corner of his eye, he saw a young woman walk into the diner and find a booth not far from them. He didn't immediately pay attention to her, instead focused on his companion as she said her peace. He didn't think her an idiot - but he wasn't sure how else to approach the peculiar situation he was in.

The waitress stopped by, and, after nodding his thanks, he poured a generous mug of coffee and immediately gulped the whole thing. Without returning the mug to the table, he filled it again and sipped it more slowly. What was he really after? What could he say that wouldn't make him sound insane?

Then she mentioned the bell. He froze for a moment before putting down his mug. So he wasn't the only one who heard it. That didn't give him any clue to the bell's origin, but at least it gave him reason to not doubt his own sanity. Perhaps he could talk to her about it.

His gaze instinctively returned to the only other patron in the diner, his eyes narrowed without turning his head. He took a deep breath, thinking hard about what he wanted to say before answering.

"I thought I was the only one." His hushed tone matched hers, making sure the newcomer couldn't hear. To be sure, he leaned forward slightly as well. "You know, then. You need to find it too." He paused, sipping his coffee. He thought about asking immediately to go with her - they were clearly headed to the same place. But he thought about it, and it would probably be worth it to probe her a little further. "What do you know about it?"

This couldn't have worked out better. What chance - running into another who heard the bell, who not only saved him from the side of the road, not only agreed to lunch, but also, for whatever reason, volunteered the information first. His mug, still lifted to his mouth, hid a smile as he waited (patiently, for the first time since the accident) for her answer.

@Pirouette@Forsythe

The naturegoddess watched through the illusion, uninterested. She knew all of that of course, how could she not? Instead she was looking at Desious the entire time, judging his body language and mannerisms, trying to figure out what to do next. And, more importantly, where do you get your powers form? All of us were rendered inert, why not you? And - how can I achieve the same? And, if he is as old as you, mother and father, where has Huseror been the entire time, why is there still an Earth for me to be? He would never have another chance to undo everything that is. she mused, wondering just how much of this she should ask of the glorified spirit taxi driver and how much to keep for herself.

"Oh for Heaven's sake..." She shook her head. "You are infatuated with humans, we get it. Some of them I am keen on myself. You know what else I like? Javan tigers. Tasmanian devils. Sea minks. They're all extinct, because of them, and because I wasn't there to prevent it. So I sank a ship with hundred refugees. Out of seven billion, to save the last of a plant species they would have trampled to death. How about all of the tsunamis I settled before they reached Japan? I did not differentiate humans form other life then, and have no intention to start. And now I need to start healing this world they broke! Do you intend to stop me from doing so?" she asked, her arms falling alongside her body from where they have been folded on her chest. Hiraga did not wish to fight, but this was what she was born to do. Her purpose. It was all she had. And for that, fight she would.


"Mmmmhm! that hit the spot!" the woman hummed, momentarily happy, although she knew that if this day was any indication, it would not last. She picked up one of the sodas and slurped loudly from it. "Bucket could have used less wings and more drumsticks though." she made the offhand note to the waitress.

Who, at this moment, was staring at her empty tray utterly and completely gob smacked. "Sweet fortune, ma'am! How did you pack it all away already?!"

"And act like it was nothing?" The cashier added, looking more pale than when Shirley ordered.

The eater gave them a sharky grin. "Well, my momma claimed to be the goddess of nature, so who knows? All I know - I am a competitive eater, but never have I been hungry as I am since yesterday. Hey, sugar, can I have a bag of cheetos with me for the road? It's a long way to where the bells ring." she said cryptically. The employees looked at the for a second, then at each other, shrugged, gave her the cheetos and wished her a safe trip.

@SpawnMeme@Lord Zee@Dezuel

---

Hm, not here? Then where had Death scurried off too? It was an amusing thought, hunting down death when death was normally the one to do the hunting. He had to wonder if Desious would agree...likely not. Still, that left the problem that if they weren't here, then they had already moved. It would be difficult to find them, then. Were had they gone? They couldn't have just upped and vanished unless Desious finally decided to reap the lot of them.

Hah, now there was an amusing thought.

And what was that faintly cold, but star-scented smell that hung in the air? It was familiar yet he couldn't quite place it...

"Ah..." Cyl turned their attention to the two newcomers, recognizing them instantly as their thoughts were interrupted. Golkai and Delthrael. Two of her older siblings. War and Change, respectively. Both of who, had proven to be infinitely entertaining in the past. Especially Delthreael. Change was always something they were in advocacy of, if only because change brought new and interesting things with it and it was always entertaining to see how people, especially humans, reacted to such things.

"You don't remember me? I'm wounded, brothers." Cyl chided playfully. "Ah, ah, not that I can blame you. Whoever remembers or pays attention to the runt who doesn't want any to begin with? Hehe, I certainly wouldn't. Or maybe I would. They might have proved entertaining." Of course, before he could get another word in edgewise, Delthrael seemed to attempt to show them some form of illusion - Cyl recognized it as such immediately.

His eyes may have been dulled, but she was not blind. Considering they didn't care one bit about what happened to Heaven so long as magic remained, his older brothers illusion would likely have far less of an impact than he had hoped it would, even if he hadn't been able to immediately see through it. Still he let the God of change say what he would. Instead he focused on trying to pinpoint that smell...

...ah wait...wasn't that?

"Aha...found you...!" She giggled, turning to Delthrael. "Me? Stand with Amos? Why, it's like you don't know me at all, brother dearest. I'm quite frankly shocked and appalled that you'd think I'd stand with anyone...but in this case you are actually quite correct. At least, for the moment." He flashed the God of Change a toothy grin. "After all...Amos might show me something interesting, and I would quite like to know the outcome."

What was this interesting thing he might be shown?

Why, the death of Desious, of course!

"Ah, ah, but that aside my not-so-friendly siblings...I think I have found Desious in the others." He took a deep breath. "I'd recognize this starry scent anywhere. Stjerne likely showed up and they left us all here by ourselves. Talk about rude. I can follow him of course. He's not exactly subtle."

@Rune_Alchemist@Dezuel@Lord Zee

Evil

The sound of choppers over the video-feed was a delightful sound as he saw from the commanders perspective that they were about to land. "Go, Go, Go!" and they filled out. Huseror had given them the means to find the welps, but they wouldn't know it was magic. They went to the coordinates, but the welps weren't there. The commander brought out the device, the disguised relic, and it pointed them in the direction. "They're close, start runnin'!"
Thirty minutes later, they were surrounding the festival as quietly as possible. The commander asked over the comms, "We're in position sir. Ready on your mark." Huseror leaned back with a devious smirk. He looked at the purple gem in his hand, his eye, and twirled it around. "Now. And don't show any mercy."

---

Anarchy

*sniff*.... *sniff*...."I smell chaos."

It took days for regales to finally find his artist. He had to search high and low for his artist and soon found out that the artist was actually homeless and stole so he could buy food and spray paint and continue making challenging art. He was walking into an empty warehouse where his artist slept every night. He made sure to look calm and come to him as he keeled down and said "my such a talented artist is actually came from a checkered background. That will make you an inspiration when you make it big" the man jumped and grabbed his broken bottle ands aimed it at regales in defence but regales simply help his hands up and took a steep back.

"I don't know who you are but I am not gonna let you fool me!" He called out clearly defensive about what little semblance of home he had but regales simply smiled "oh don't be so defensive I'm here to change your life I am a renowned artisan and I know talent when I see it I came here to see you properly bloom" he said and the man was still defensive but at least he littered the bottle at the idea of actually getting out of this hole.

Stjeren was silent through the vision. He remembered all of this, having observed it all from his Hall. As Desious showed the images, he squeezed Zencrux's shoulder. He knew the man regretted what he'd done then. Stjerne himself knew he wasn't to blame, he'd always been there helping the humans. He was no fighter, so directly confronting the gods on their actions was out of the question for him, he despised fighting. That didn't mean he didn't have strength, he was easily one of the stronger gods, though that strength was amplified at night, aided by his countless stars and their Constellations. He had but one other thing there, and it brough him confusion. "Void... But I thought it was inert? Father told me that it wasn't that dangerous. I was told to observe it... But Father never gave an answer as to what it was...."

Zencrux however, was disgruntled by the vision. He knew then, with Death's words, what he'd have to do. "I think before we can go about seeking any kind of retribution, we have to deal with what's on hand. Huseor and whatever this Void is. IF we ignore this for petty revenge, we'll be blindsided by the real problems." He scanned the faces of those around him. He fully understood Death's reasons, he also understood what his mother was getting at. But he wouldn't sit idly by this time. He would protect Stjerne and stand with Death. Something big was happening, and he knew that if they didn't work together, they'd be wiped out. Hiraga may have defeated Huseror before, but it came a cost too, he was no pushover.

Golkai's mocking tone was not unheard by Amos, he scowled at him in return. The God of War could be useful when it mattered, but now he just saw him as an inconvenience. It was true however, his vocal attack on Golkai could have been stronger, but Amos had always preferred action to words. He would just have to remind Golkai why he was given War, and not Valor. One day soon.

Then Delthrael did something Amos was not expecting, he showed him home with a cryptic warning.

Amos fell to his knees as he looked at the Heavens once again. They were just as he remembered, beautiful and vast, stretching on for miles. How he craved to return, to protect it once again, to see his home and gardens in there splendor. But his quick glimpse shattered as Delthrael's voice broke the illusion. Ah yes, but an illusion. Golden tears flowed from his eyes as he blinked back to reality, the image had awoken strong feelings inside of him, ones that had laid dormant for centuries. Ones that reminded him of his true purpose.

As Amos gathered himself and stood up, his gaze fell upon Delthrael, and it was a look of hatred. "Such lengths will not be necessary, brother. Mark my words, Desious will pay for what he did, no matter what. He looked up at the sky, "I will go to great lengths to achieve that but if Heaven is ever touched, then I will bathe this world in blood. Do I make myself clear?" Amos looked back at Delthrael and smiled wickedly, "Come now brother, do you think me a fool? You have your own agenda don't you? Ah, yes, change. It would be foolish to think otherwise, with your ghostly stare and cryptic words. I will be watching you now. I don't want changes to interfere with my plans after all."

Once that was said and done, Amos looked to Cyl and nodded, "Good, very good Cyl. Though I would like to have my sword for what comes next, I will have to be creative. Shall we dep-"

Next came a rain of bullets as the world was suddenly engulfed in chaos. Soldiers had come. Amos smiled, finally something to lighten his mood.




Keyla found herself smiling as Fiala made her a drink, a whiskey sour huh? She had never even consumed alcohol in her life, yet here she was, sipping whiskey and getting a drink made by a Goddess. It was enough for any human to probably faint, especially after that vision, but she wasn't any human. She wondered if being a demi-god meant not getting drunk? Regardless, she took the cup from Fiala, "Thank you, milady." She did a little bow and almost lost her balance. The whiskey was kicking in so fast? Well, oh well, wasn't like she was in anymore danger, she hoped. She took a sip of the drink, it wasn't as strong as the whiskey, but still packed a bunch she admired. She walked over to the couch again and got cozy, wondering what would happen next.

Death relaxed, this was good. The only one with major problems, at least for the time being, was Hiraga. Her concerns were real ones, and they would be addressed.

"Hiraga my dear, you must realize that I find all life is precious. It pains me to see what has happened to the Earth without your care but could you really stop every single species from dying? You've killed before with impunity as I recall. Species die that cannot adapt to change, and as much as it pains me to say it, humans have mastered that art. We can discuss in private what must be done to please us both, but for now we have more pressing matters. Matters that could leave you with nothing outright." he turned to Stjerne and Zencrux, "Your father was mysterious was he not? His words held a double meaning, something I discussed with your parent's before any of you were born. The void is all around us, we exist with in it. Every planet, star and celestial body fill the void with life. It can be everything and nothing at the same time. However, your stars are being devoured by a creature that once called the void home before it was full of life. And soon, I fear it will come here, if not already. We must prepare all the Gods, to stop it, only then can we look for the future. Now I have a pl-"

Death froze as Anarchy spoke. He felt them die, one by one.

"We need to go back! Now!" he shouted.

@GrizzTheMauler@Dealdric@Rune_Alchemist@Forsythe@mercenarius@Dezuel

"I have not forgotten you, Cyl. Nor any others of our kin." Delthrael said in a reassuring tone.

He began to walk around the group slightly while looking everyone over. "I knew you once. Now? It would be folly to say I do. Time changes things. Yet along the way there shall surely come a point where you need to make a stand." Delthrael walked up close to Cyl.

"Even if that choice would result in remaining neutral. It is still a choice which bears consequences." He said the last part of the sentence in a soft tone of voice before walking over to Amos.

"How good to know that you have not lost your way, brother. Your words are as clear as ever." Taking a brief pause as he watched Amos smiling wickedly. "Yet drowning this world in blood is exactly what the dark one would have wanted done."

Delthrael knew fully well what he was saying, and how that would likely make Amos feel and think. Comparing his promise to that of the wishes of the dark one. Huseror. He whom craved nothing but the destruction of everything that was.

A world consisting of 'nothing' did not appeal to Delthrael. He also had to make sure Amos would not stray from a spot where he could more easily be directed. His vengeance could possibly drive him to the dark and consume him, this would prove dangerous for the existance of not only himself and the other gods but also for the future of everything.

Trying to compare Amos to Huseror would prove useful in strengthening the former's resolve. Since he would resist that very thought and ponder on it while marsching onwards. He needed to have a -clear- mind for what was ahead. A easily read mind was a good mind. Using his brother. No, not only him. All of them as if they were pawns in a game was a terrible thing.

But in order to safeguard the existance of everything and that time would move onwards and that things would ever be changing. He had to make sacrifices if it was needed.

"Indeed." He then said out loud, taking his time to continue speaking. Giving Amos some time to ponder if he replied to thinking him to be a fool or if he had an agenda of his own.

"Much like all beings of this world and other worlds, I have an agenda. Can you claim you lack such yourselves? Besides... none can prevent change forever. Such as how Solaria and Lunus be not longer here with us in that sense. Not to mention our exile. Change is however not necessarily a bad thing, dear brother."

His eyes would dart directly into Amos' eyes. "A change of plans may at times save you from ending up without any plan at all. And you will be watching me from now on? Ought you not to focus rather on the task at hand which is Desious rather than let yourself be distracted?"

You may feel free to watch me as much as you'd wish. It does not matter how much you stare at a riddle if you are incapable of understanding how to solve it. Or even read it. The god of change mused inside of his head.

"This is all very interesting..." Golkai yawned and stretched his arms. "But weren't we kind of going somewh-" His sentence was cut short.

Both Golkai and Delthrael glanced around them. "Allright we got some fun coming our way! Fighting time!" Golkai let out a yell of joy and slammed his banner into the ground and summoned forth approximately a hundred winged soldiers. Their energy wings, metal looking armor and claylike flesh would seem out of place moreso than even some of the gods present.

With spears and bows would they fly out to attack the incoming soldiers. Golkai was one of the few gods which didn't dread revealing his powers to the mortals, even if he never took on his true form on earth he was fine at using his powers in plain sight.

"This should be somewhat fair. Don't need to summon the entire army for this little thing!"

@Lord Zee@Rune_Alchemist@Dealdric

@Lord Zee@Dezuel@Dealdric

---

Ugh, all this talk of agendas and ulterior motives were getting boring. Of course people had them. Everyone did. Cyl couldn't claim to entirely be innocent of that fact either, but he liked to think of themselves as the least scheming of all of her siblings. As far as secret plans and whatnot went. He was at least honest in the fact he could only be trusted so long as something was entertaining. Which was why he wasn't listening to the conversation any more.

Something was coming. He didn't know what, but as his siblings conversed they moved aside only slightly, putting some distance between them. No sense in being sitting ducks grouped together, no. He could feel the magic being called upon. Oh, how lovely. Someone was going to be using his gift against them...well, if they wanted to find her, she'd oblige.

"Oh...I wonder...Huseror? Ah, it doesn't matter." A grin spread across Cyl's features as Golkai summoned his troops. He might not have had physical combat prowess and couldn't summon things from nowhere without a little preparation, but what did that matter when you could just wave your hand and send a searing inferno towards a person?

"So...what shall we do then, my siblings? Are we to fight it seems? I could certainly use the target practice...maybe test a few new spells I've been considering all these years." He wasn't too fond of fighting in and of itself, but it was always a good opportunity to test things...such as the pain someone can tolerate before they pass out, heh.