Chapter 41: Dreadful Offer

Two Weeks ago:

Rellgis Rillem-

Seated on a white chair in this huge backyard of mine. I gazed at the infinite bodies of stars, luminescing beautifully in the evening sky above. A thing that I did ever since I was a toddler, watching them with my father, Jagan.

Even when he abruptly disappeared when I was twelve, I continued doing so. Maybe to cope with the loneliness, him vanishing from my life. Or it transformed into a small tradition of mine. I honestly don't know.

My father was truly…a strange man. A person who always possessed a face of poise, untroubled in the slightest. His actions were enigmatic, he'd be a carefree individual, then smack my head with a wooden sword the next second. But still, he was a caring man, nonetheless. Always looking after my well-being.

I looked up to him, his strength was the mountain. My motivation, something I'm supposed to endeavor and conquer, exceeding past his own.

When he vanished, and me being so young at age, I was muddled. Was I not worthy enough to be his son? Did he decide to depart these planets and travel elsewhere? Or… did he simply not care about me in the slightest?

All of these unnerving questions stampeded my mind when I was younger. But it gradually turned into resentment. I grew to hate him; I despised my father with a fervent passion. Maybe he did too, after all, I'm basically the reason why my own mother passed away. All because she gave birth to me.

After many years went by, making friends, as well as enemies along the way. He hadn't returned at all, which made me conclude he either passed away, or traversed somewhere else. Yet, more than likely – dead.

As time went on, my own son had discovered this inexplicable mystery, the disappearance of Jagan. Which of course, was intwined with the other three deities as well. My father the Kitsune, Basem, Sun-Dragon, and Phoenix, all died by the hands of a peculiar woman. Nitanz.

Including a distant aunt whom I've never met. But Skysin did…and he seemed to have grown deeply attached to our relative. It pains me that I'll never get to see her, plus, my own father. Who sacrificed his life in order to save mine, the kingdoms.

Although, while it did pacify my mind that my own father didn't abandon me. Sin's information about this woman only released an abundance of stress. It's obvious she wants to conquer the kingdoms in a whole. Murdering godlike beings is already enough evidence to prove so.

But what's her reason for this? What is her goal in trying to attempt world domination?

Could it be the ring Skysin has?

Maybe… or yes?

There's no doubt that she's stronger than myself. She already proved that, annihilating deities whose powers are far greater than mine.

Still, what of my family? I can't let them get caught in this mess. I must protect them till the bitter end. After all, I promised Val's father, Astaroth, that I'd keep her, and my children safe from harm. But I simply can't allow my friends to die, who I also consider family.

Khufu, Raine, Nefertiti, Audrey, Savitra, Alzar, and Tenwrey. I can't go rogue and leave them behind. I already lost one friend whom I considered a brother, Sedreen, Crim's father and Savitra's husband. I refuse to lose them as well.

I closed my eyes and heavily sighed, trying to release this taxing stress. "…dammit…" I mumbled to myself, setting a palm on my forehead.

I lifted my head, staring at the celestial sky floating above once more. Letting these arduous thoughts stream through my mind all at once.

As I continued stargazing, a peaceful breeze flowed around me, creating a serene atmosphere. As if I was at a beach, feeling the calming winds blow as tranquil waves of the ocean met shore. Then, I closed my eyes, taking deep breathes trying to relieve myself, just for a small amount of time.

However, that's when I noticed something bizarre. I couldn't hear the tree's leaves, or twigs rustle together.

I quickly opened my eyes, observing the shaded line of trees. I was still capable of watching them move around. But still, no sound.

Digesting this abnormal occurrence, I stood from my chair. My eyes verting from one side of my giant yard, to the other. Attempting to examine anything else that would be odd.

My suspicion continued to increase, it felt as if I was being watched by a phantom. So, I quickly utilized my kinetics, coating my arm in crystal ice, transforming into a jagged blade of frost. "Who's there!" I shouted, eyeing my surroundings once more.

Just as my words echoed, I felt a minacious presence steadily build. Causing the miniscule hairs on my neck to instantly spike like a porcupine. Whoever this person – or thing was, is utterly menacing.

At that moment, I knew exactly who it was.

Suddenly, a divinely lavender sphere began to gleam brightly, only a few meters from myself. As it came into form, I could only sigh, making the ice blade on my arm disappear.

A petite, well-developed woman whose height even rivals my own wife. Her keen, watermelon-colored eyes, gazing at me like a pair of heated knives. Keeping a smile plastered on her face, her pink lips curved to her rosy cheeks. Hands clasped behind her back in an elegant, graceful manner. Her head held high, installing a feeling of empowerment, and dominance. Sheer confidence in the direful power she possesses.

"Hellooo Rellgis." She playfully waved, progressively walking towards me.

"Nitanz." I worded flatly. Staring at the silver braids plaited on the sides of her head, falling back and over her small shoulders. 'It looks just like that mans…' I spoke in my thoughts.

Standing before me, her head near the bottom of my chest. Nitanz looked up to me, as if she was studying every single feature of mine, including my thoughts in a way.

"It seems I startled you a bit." Nitanz worded in a humorous tone. Her smile widened - shaking her head, "I can assure you, Rellgis. I'm not here to quarrel. Only but a simple conversation."

Immediately, I rotated and grabbed the chair that I had sat in. I walked to Nitanz and placed it behind her. Then, as I stood in front of her. I grabbed another for myself and took a seat. Patiently, yet anxiously waiting for what she wants.

Nitanz lightly tugged the sides of her vermillion regal dress and took a seat. "Such a gentleman – as expected from a fine man as yourself, Rellgis." She chuckled, setting her hands on her thighs.

My expression glowered, clasping my hands, I spoke, "so, Nitanz? What exactly brings you to my home so late at night?"

"Boredom had struck, so I figured I'd pay you a visit." She smiled, examining her nails. "Plus, I think I should meet the off-spring of my 'uncle'."

I feigned a composed expression. But my mind was certainly in scrambles, trying to decipher this woman. "Why did you kill her – Taekhyu? Your master, or supposed mother?"

Nitanz overdramatically sat the back of her hand on her forehead, making a mournful expression. "Oh…you're just trying to make a pretty woman such as myself cry, aren't you Rellgis?" -Her face changed to a look of unconcern- "I loved my mother very much… but I have my reasons for why I did so. Nothing more, nothing less."

Just as I opened my mouth, she spoke once more, "but I must say…I'm quite baffled you didn't try to murder me. With reasons being that I'm the one who killed your own father. And I am your 'enemy'." Nitanz gave a light chuckle crossing her legs.

I frowned from her words. As much as I'd want to kill her and avenge my father. Sadly, that won't be possible. For one, its blatantly obvious she's leagues ahead of my own strength. Secondly, my family is present, I can't let them get caught in such a futile battle.

Nitanz observed my facial expression, releasing a small chortle as she tilted her head. "As I stated once more, I won't try to murder you, Rellgis."

I sighed, "to be honest, I'm quite shocked as well. I didn't expect you to be so…conversing. At first from my son's words, I imagined you to be some type of evil empress, hellbent on destruction."

"Don't let my looks and attitude deceive you Rellgis…" Nitanz's facial expression completely altered; her sharpened eyes narrowed, transmitting a threating glare. "If I wanted to, I could destroy all the kingdoms."

Heeding her words, my body became tense, feeling small bits of cold sweat materialize on my forehead. Still, I discreetly prepared myself for battle. If this woman desires to do so, I'll have to protect my family.

"Pfft." She covered her mouth, trying to control her laughter. "Hahahaha, I'm just joking silly. I won't do such a thing."

'This woman is nuts,' I mumbled in my head with a scowl, crossing my arms. "What's your goal in all of this? Is it the ring you're looking for?"

"That's a wonderful question…"-She sat her index on her lips- "I think it's obvious that I'm going to take over the planets and kill the leaders of these worlds – but I don't plan on telling you any other information. As for the ring, I'm in no rush for such thing. I already know that beautiful son of yours has possession of the ring." She added.

I quickly questioned her, "still, it's a ring of eternity… if we were to give you the ring, would you leave these planets alone?"

"No." Nitanz uttered tersely.

I slowly rubbed my temples, undeniably loss of words for what to say. Her answer shattered my theory. It doesn't make any since, if not the ring, then what could she be searching for? The Promethians? Maybe it's something they possessed? "Is it about the Promethians?" I warily asked.

She smiled sitting forward, her eyes staring directly into mine. "Now let me ask you a question, Rellgis? Do you think Promethians were the only godlike beings, who walked these planets?"

Her question instantly caused my mind to swivel around like a tornado. What does she mean by that, is she a part of another lifeform? There weren't any others but the Promethians. Except other normal beings called the Maurves. But the scriptures said they killed them all when the Maurves decided to go into a full-on war with the Promethians.

From the look of my face, she could clearly tell I was shocked by her words. She chuckled, "hahaha, now this is funny. But that's a conversation for another time - I have an offer for you."

I averted my eyes to the shaded grass, then, looked back up, viewing her face hold a smile filled with treacherous machinations.

"Now, if I was in your shoes, Rellgis, I'd be exactly how you are now, feeling dread…but I'm not."- She shrugged her shoulders- "However, that doesn't mean you can't escape this impending doom. So, why don't you join me?"

While I remained silent, she continued, "I promise, your family will not be harmed by my forces. In fact, you'll be placed in my palace, staying there with me. Your family will be safe."

Her offer, it's really making my mind turn tides with each other. My family would be ok, no one would harm them, and they could live peacefully. But what of my friends here, who're also family. Plus, knowing Sin, more than likely he'd stay. To protect others like Elaine, Cleo, and his friends.

"Nitanz, what exactly would we be doing there, staying in your palace?" I critically questioned.

"Well, your wife Valentine would surely be a great teacher at my academy. You, Rellgis, will be my personal guard. As for your kids, they'll be trained to grow higher in the ranks. Especially your son, Skysin."

I just can't stop contemplating about this. But I can't leave my friends here to die. Skysin is already resolved that he would battle this woman. Plus, Valentine needs to stay with Melluna. "I have my own proposal as well Nitanz. If you'd so kindly listen to it?"

She extended her arm, gesturing her hand for me to continue. "Please, as long as it doesn't deviate this discussion. Do go on."

"I'll have to somewhat deny your offer, I can't leave and basically betray my own planet and friends. But I do have my own. I want you, to 'only' bring Valentine and Melluna back with you."

She sat her finger on her small chin, "I can allow that. But what of your precious boy?"

"Do what you must. He's always been an irregular child, if I fail… he'll be the one to end you."

"Hahahaha, that's a great joke. I have other plans for that boy of yours Rellgis. He'll be used for something else."

I simply just shook my head from her sentence. It's not like she'd inform me what she'll plan to do.

Nitanz erected to her feet, "well then, it'll be dawn soon. It was a pleasure to meet you, Rellgis. I wish you luck, for when that time comes. And I'll be sure to bring Valentine and Melluna back with me." As she rotated, walking away, she placed her slender arms behind her back.

When her body steadily gleamed in purple, she waved goodbye with a bright smile. Vanishing in a flash.

As she did, I perceived the faint rustles of leaves and branches colliding into each other again. I grounded my teeth and gazed at the vague horizon. A sense of defeat rose, slithering through my head. I felt vacant, just a mindless soul. Staring afar in silence.

I have no idea what to do next. This war will grow to be a calamity, worse than the Tyrant war against Tellund. It'll be best for Valentine and Melluna to go with her. It hurts, but I should keep this to myself, so I don't worry Valentine anymore. I'll explain to her that she should escape with the kids to the dimensional highway, although that's not the actual plan.

Suddenly, I heard a door shut.

I looked over my left shoulder, seeing Skysin walked over to me. Not only my son, but the future.

I showed a wry smile, "hey son, couldn't sleep either?"