WebNovelParagon48.61%

34

Sitting in my home, a wave of concern washes over me as I realize the full extent of my newfound power. With the establishment of my realm, came a sudden awareness of all the lone gods who now fell under my authority. These were the gods who were either inactive or not part of any pantheon within their own dimension.

I shared this information with my three loyal goddesses, knowing that it may bring about new enemies. The Eternals, in particular, intrigued me, I was not afraid of their power, but uncertain of how to handle them.

But for now, there was one god I could talk to. "Hey Ion," I say to Lilly, using her goddess name playfully. "Do you know where the Alpha Flight base is now?"

Lilly smirks and responds, "Why yes, my Lord All-Father. I have the information on hand."

Focusing on the location in my mind, I realize they are having a meeting. This could be interesting.

Within an underground base in Canada, the members of Alpha Flight. Vindicator, Shaman, Sasquatch, Aurora, Northstar, and Snowbird, discuss the possibility of bringing someone from Gamma Flight into their ranks.

Suddenly, the space around them begins to distort. As Shaman quickly reinforces enchantments and Northstar and Aurora reach for each other's hands, Snowbird throws herself in front of her teammates and faces the newcomer.

But before anyone can make a move, Snowbird screams for them to stop and drops to one knee in front of the teenage-looking figure.

"Aww come on," I think to myself. "She spoiled my fun."

"Goddess of the Inuit Pantheon, Narya," Snowbird speaks with respect towards the newcomer. "I apologize for any offense we may have caused with our actions."

Vindicator catches onto something that Snowbird has left unsaid and immediately drops to a knee, with the rest of the team following suit.

"Oh come on," I say, not wanting them to kneel. "You spoiled my chance for some fun. Stand up, I'm not into the whole kneeling thing. Greetings Narya, I am Lord Paragon, All-Father of the Solar Pantheon and I have seen you."

The rest of Alpha Flight stands as Snowbird slowly rises to her feet, muttering to herself but loud enough for her team to hear. "Solar Pantheon... so powerful..." She hopes that her team understands the gravity of the situation.

Knowing that they will not speak first, I decide to take charge. "Snowbird and Twoyoungmen, as you both are aware, you now fall under my authority," I turn my gaze towards Shaman who begins to feel his body melting in pain. He grits his teeth as he struggles to stay standing, while Snowbird silently signals for the rest of the team not to interfere.

As suddenly as it started, the pain stops and Shaman lowers his head in gratitude. "My thanks for your mercy, Lord Paragon. I apologize for our disrespect."

I give a small nod, my eyes darting between Snowbird and Shaman. "Am I to assume that unlike some, you will continue on as you have, and understand that is you take an active role in gathering divinity you need my permission first?" Snowbird's gaze flickers towards Shaman before returning to me. "Yes, M'Lord." A hint of uncertainty lingers in her voice.

"Very well," I say with a sudden decision. "But I feel you need something to ground you here." In a swift motion, I weave a cocoon at my feet. It is slightly transparent, allowing glimpses of a human male shape within. As Snowbird watches in amazement, tears start to fall from her eyes. She doesn't even realize she is crying until her own hands are clenched tightly together. Suddenly, there is a cough from within the cocoon and Doug Thompson claws his way out.

Snowbird throws herself at the man, embracing him tightly as she continues to cry. Doug looks around in confusion, wondering how he has returned. Then, they both notice the small bundle snuggled next to Doug, a baby boy.

"You did well," I speak again, causing them both to look up in surprise. "It was unfair of them to bring only you back." And with that, I disappear from the room, leaving behind a new family reunited after their untimely deaths and resurrection.

As I made my way through the vast, barren Australian outback, a small but cozy house came into view. Its walls were made of sturdy wood and the windows were adorned with colorful curtains. Sitting outside was a captivating woman; her blonde hair cascaded down her toned shoulders and her body exuded strength and determination. She was completely absorbed in her drawings, seemingly lost in her own world.

I approached her cautiously and took a seat on the wooden railing next to her. It was clear from the carefully arranged objects around us that this was not a solitary woman. Various tools, artwork, and personal belongings were thoughtfully placed within arm's reach.

My eyes wandered to the many drawings scattered about, my mind reeling at their content. "Centuri-Six," I muttered under my breath. "Too late for regrets now, they're all dead." The woman turned to me, her expression curious and gentle. "You seem to know about it?"

"I do," I replied. "In fact, I know much more than what you see here. And if you're willing, I can make sense of it all for you. But first, I must give you a biological body and welcome you into my Pantheon."

Realization dawned on her face as she spoke softly, "You're an All-Father... How rude of me." She attempted to stand up, but I gestured for her to remain seated.

"After you remember the truth of your time on Centuri-Six," I explained, "you'll be relieved to leave behind the machine body they created for you."

Her brow furrowed as she asked, "This is the second time you've implied that I'm not alive. Can you prove it?"

Fortunately for me, Thena was more understanding when she wasn't in a state of fury. "I can show you," I said cautiously, "but it may come as a shock."

A gentle nod and a small tilt of her head towards me, her expression almost endearing as I reach out to touch her. Despite the lack of physical contact needed, I still feel the urge to make some sort of connection. With a wave of my hand, I show her the destruction of a planet, the birth of a new celestial being, and the process of their creation, their memories wiped clean before being sent on new missions.

To my surprise, there is no reaction from her.

"Do it, please," she says simply.

I nod in understanding. "This will greatly increase your power. Your weapon creations will be even stronger and you will possess the ability to use magic and empower other warriors. You will become the True Goddess of Wisdom, War, Tactical Warfare and Heroic Endeavour, Athena."

As I speak, I create a biological body identical to hers and carefully transfer her memories in the correct order, including her godhead from my pantheon. As an act of kindness, I also include her clothes in the transfer.

She looks up at me with a grateful smile. "Thank you for your blessing, All-Father." But behind that smile, I can see sadness in her eyes, a perfect recollection of her past now. At least now she can face it with newfound strength.

With a sudden surge of cosmic energy, her old body disintegrates into dust as I absorb and copy her energies into myself and return them to Athena.

"You are most welcome. However, you may want to explain things to him," I nod over to Gilgamesh who stands nearby with his mouth agape and a blank stare in his eyes.

Athena laughs lightly and makes her way over to him for what seems like a long conversation ahead.

After a lengthy conversation, the two of them make their way over to me. "Hello All-Father," Gilgamesh greeted me with a respectful nod. "Athena has explained a lot to me. I have a few questions that I was hoping you could answer." As Athena begins to tidy up her drawings and straighten the house, Gilgamesh launches into his inquiries.

"Now that Athena remembers the truth, do you know if anyone else does?"

"Ajak does," I reply calmly. "As your leader, she has always been aware of the truth. However, in a few decades, she will have a change of heart and confide in Ikaris. He will ultimately betray her and feed her to the last remaining Deviants, as it is his belief that the Celestials must be obeyed at all costs. And unfortunately, his devoted admirer Sprite will support him in this decision."

Gilgamesh looks at me incredulously. "My goddess of Magic possesses the Time Stone and Time is part of my personal force," I state, as he clearly wants to ask about our ability to alter or prevent this future.

"I would suggest you reunite with your friends and uncover the truth for yourself," I advise him. "Ajak should have known that Athena's old self had perished, so it would not be unusual for you to find them now. Remember, you are always welcome to call upon us for aid."

Gilgamesh nods, clearly troubled by the grim fate I have described for him. We spend the night in the cozy house before bidding our farewells the following morning. As we journey back to my island home, I can't but wonder what challenges lay ahead for us as we fight against destiny and attempt to rewrite our futures.

I seriously consider waiting on his return before seeing any more lone gods, let's see what happens for now.