Chapter 3: Siege

Nada

It's been nearly three hundred years since the last war with the Goddess and this is the first time that we've ever been able to step foot in this world. Her weakening powers are enough for us to strike. Taking over her throne and those that follow the darkness were easy enough. The only person we have to worry about is the troublesome scapegoat the Goddess had chosen. She knew we were coming and used her remaining powers to bless a child. Ironically, that child was my sister, Relaria. If that fool, Nefal, hadn't found her sealed away, this world would be ours already!

This world is filled with such fools as he. None are able to resist the temptation that is Chaos. As soon as Nefal unearthed the seal, his body was subjected to vast amounts of Chaos, turning him into the man he is today. His ambition carried him to defeat and absorb Abaddon, the World Eater. The demon was weakening anyways and needed a new host. When I kill Nefal, I'll absorb all that power for myself. The Chaos Throne is looking weak these days with my father atop it. I'll even kill my Father and take full control of the Throne. None will be able to withstand my power!

Thickening clouds gave way to menacing purple lightning. Our power is growing in this world and nearly swallowed the Goddess' army. Sadly, they all came to their senses and are now putting up a pointless defense. My sister is leading the charge. Sadly, a common undead soldier can't strike her down nor can any of our generals kill her. She may weaken, but only a Fell Dragon can kill a Fell Dragon. Sixteen years of war and we're finally getting to the destructive phase of it. I can't wait to see my sister's face as she dies by my hands.

"Daughter." Father steps outside, "Perfect weather for conquering." His massive pitch black armor is silent as he takes his place next to me, "This world will finally be ours after thousands of years. This world will be perfect for my children."

"You mean child." I correct him, "My sister has taken a different path."

"That matter has been discussed with our top mages." A low guttural growl seeps out of his helmet, "She'll join us and take her place beside you."

"You sure that's the right decision?" I ask as the wind grows stronger. The storm is beginning to take shape finally, "I don't think she has any Chaos inside of her."

"She does and will submit to us." He says bluntly, "The Goddess is keeping the Chaos powers inside of her sealed. A fight with one of us should awaken those powers. Don't ever question my decisions. You may be my daughter, but I won't hesitate to cut you down."

Even with Father weakening by years of war, he's still a frightening sight. Most would flee upon seeing him, others submit to him, becoming a mindless soldier sent to die in these wars. If my father is right, Relaria...no Rias, will fight for us. She doesn't deserve to be called by her real name. The human world granted her a new name, as such, that will be her name from now on.

"I've asked this multiple times, but why won't the other Gods intervene?" I want the real answer, not the answer he's given to me when I was young.

"Chaos is the most powerful form of energy in the universe." He states, "Even the Gods are subjected to it. Every negative thought and action adds onto the Chaos. As such, we're the most powerful entities to exist. None stand in our way."

"Except the Goddess of Light." I laugh under my breath, "Light and Darkness has always been in a perpetual battle. Never ending, always fighting."

"It's been that way since the dawn of time." He sighs, "Finally, this war will end and we can focus on the other Gods."

"You have plans to conquer the others?" I lean in closer, "Mind telling your daughter?"

"No." He says flatly, "I'll need someone to govern this world while I'm away. You'll stay here and make sure that no one raises a blade at us again."

"If war makes us stronger, I won't mind that every once in a while." I chuckle, "And if my foolish sister wins the war? What then?"

"Then she'll be the rightful ruler and she'll become the most powerful God to exist." He turns and heads back inside the castle.

I turn back towards the oncoming battle. If she's strong, she'll end the war by killing Father and I. If she's weak, she didn't deserve to be born.

***

Fire erupts behind me as a fireball explodes into the mass of troops following me. Grotesque monsters sprint down the hill north of the city with the ancient Dwarven defenses firing their massive ballistas, striking down multiple monsters in an instant. The only downside to the defenses, is that they take minutes to reload the next massive arrow. I hold an Elven shield on my left arm and Artenagon unsheathed waiting for the first barrage of demons. Everyone shifts uncomfortably in their place as their snarling beasts draw closer. They outnumber us, but with the Goddess' help, we can win this.

Trust in the hearts of the soldiers. Trust in yourself young one. I will devote the rest of my power to you. Do not let this city fall into Chaos' hands.

I close my eyes and breathe slowly letting the Goddess' powers flow through my veins. When I opened my eyes, the Goddess' armor slowly forms on me and my hair turns a light blue. A powerful light surrounds me. As the first line of walls fall easily to the demons, I hold my sword and give a battlecry, running towards the hideous beasts.

I meet one midair, stabbing it through its mouth and collapsing on top of it. I roll off of it and swing Artenagon at another. It's legs are easily sliced off and the beast is finished off my an Elven arrow. The rest of the soldiers enter the fray with battle axes, hammers, and swords meeting flesh. Arrows rain above, shadowing the blackening sun. Thick smoke erupts from the fireballs that were unleashed before the charge. A demon on my right leaps at me. I catch its jaws with the small shield. It's acidic saliva eating away at the shield, I stab Artenagon through its eye. It's lifeless body falls in a heap on me. I struggle as more demons surround me, creating a circle like I'm their entertainment.

Finally, I push the demon off of me and turn in circles waiting for the next attacker. The dog-like demons are many, but weak. In numbers, they can be a problem like they are now. I take the battered shield off and throw it at one of the demons hoping that it distracts them. I didn't want to use the Goddess' powers this soon into the battle. A magic circle manifests itself over my left arm. Energy courses through my arm and into my left hand. The demons around me, fearing for their life, begin to charge. I slam the ground with my hand. Pillars of white-blue energy rise out of the ground surrounding me in the Goddess' powers. The demons around me instantly evaporate from the energy.

I fall to my knees, out of energy. The battle around me had settled into nothing but a few skirmishes. We've somehow driven back the Chaos army for now. The few demons that are left are surrounded by Dwarven and Elven soldiers. I struggle back to my feet, using Artenagon for balance. Lightning crackles and my right shoulder flares in pain. I stumble backwards as Artenagon clangs to the ground. I look over at my shoulder. Blood gushes out of a hole from an unseen attack. Away from the army, I'm all alone and no one can save me right now.

"We meet again, Rias." It's Nada, "Your paltry defence of this city is futile. The Goddess' army barely held off these lower creatures with no intelligence. What happens when we send our generals into battle? What then?"

With shaky breaths, I fall to my knees once more, "Oh, that looks like it hurts...a lot." This time, she's real, "If only you gave yourself up a couple days ago, no one would have to die."

Every time I was injured, I would bounce back stronger than before. This time, the wound doesn't close, the bleeding won't stop...I feel real pain. My right arm useless, I pick up Artenagon with my left hand. If I can put a stop to Nada right here, right now, then my friends will be spared.

"Too scared to say anything?" Her face twists into an evil smile, "You may be special, but you can still be hurt by me!" I block an unseen spell only to be sent flying into the city walls from the force of it. I peel myself away and rest my good hand on my knee. I spit blood onto the demon blood soaked ground.

"I can't lose...I won't lose." I barely get the words out.

"What was that, Relaria?" Everything goes black as I stumble forward. I scream out in pain as the next wave of demons wait at the top of the hill.