The change of a god

Later that day, Priscilia found Henry in a secluded building on Coastline Alley. 

"I will have to take you to the outskirts" She said. Convincingly. 

"Ok, is he gone?"Henry concurred.

"Yes" 

***

Priscilia guided Sterian through Waverton's winding paths, leading him to a secluded cave on the outskirts. As they approach there was a nearby stream. The stream's soothing hum and wildflowers' sweet scent filled the air. It rushing sound flowed unhindered.

"Thank you for saving me," Sterian said, eyes still wary.

Priscilia smiled warmly. "You're welcome. We need to talk."

Sterian nodded, and Priscilia began.

"After your departure, the gods' realm changed. Warmonger's influence spread, fueling conflict and chaos. The realm is divided."

Sterian's interest piqued. "Tell me more."

"I am Fergina, god of weakness, i was isolated. Ben Tirex, shapeshifter god, pledged allegiance to Warmonger. Tony Kator, god of thunder, serves as Warmonger's enforcer."

Sterian's eyes narrowed. "And what does Warmonger want?"

Priscilia's expression turned grave. "He seeks domination, sparking wars and strife. His powers grow stronger with each conflict."

Sterian's face set in determination. "I must find refuge, regroup, and plan my return."

Priscilia placed a hand on his arm. "I can help. But understand the risks. Your presence puts me and others in danger."

Sterian's gaze locked onto hers. "I won't put you in harm's way. I'll leave."

Priscilia's grip tightened. "No, Sterian. You can't. Not now. You're the only one who can help me stop Warmonger."

Sterian's eyes searched hers. "How?"

Priscilia took a deep breath. "You were cast away for a reason. Your actions threatened the balance of power. Warmonger manipulated the others, fearing your influence."

Sterian's expression turned bitter. "I was blinded by my desire to help humanity."

Priscilia's voice softened. "Your heart was pure, Sterian. But the gods' realm is complex. Alliances shift, and motivations hide behind masks."

Sterian's shoulders sagged. "What do I do now?"

Priscilia's eyes locked onto his. "Seek refuge anywhere. I'll figure out other plans. We can't let Warmonger win."

Sterian nodded resolutely. "I'll leave tonight."

Priscilia's grip loosened. "Be careful. Warmonger's agents are everywhere."

As the sun set, casting the cave in orange, Priscilia's expression turned thoughtful.

"Sterian, I've been thinking," she said.

Sterian's eyes met hers. "What is it?"

"We can't just hide you. We need to change who you are."

Sterian's brow furrowed. "Change who I am?"

Priscilia nodded. "Yes. It's the only way. Warmonger's agents are everywhere. If they find you..."

Sterian's eyes flashed with determination. "I won't hide forever."

Priscilia stepped closer. "You'll assume a new identity, one that will protect you and allow you to move undetected."

Sterian halted, gaze piercing. "And what of my true self? My people?"

Priscilia's expression softened. "Your people need you, Sterian. But they need you alive. This ensures your survival and reclaiming your rightful place."

Sterian's mind whirled, the prospect thrilling and terrifying.

"Tell me more," Sterian said.

Priscilia's eyes sparkled. "We'll create a new identity, complete with a new name, backstory, and appearance."

Sterian's determination solidified. "Let's begin."

Priscilia's smile widened. "Together, we'll bring hope back."

As stars twinkled, Sterian steeled himself.

"I'm ready," Sterian said.

Priscilia's eyes locked onto his. "Then let's start your transformation."

"Let's start with your new name," Priscilia said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"What did you have in mind?" Sterian asked.

"I was thinking... Asher," Priscilia replied.

Sterian's brow furrowed. "Asher?"

Priscilia nodded. "Yes. It's strong, yet unassuming. Perfect for a god in hiding."

Sterian considered it for a moment. "I like it."

Priscilia smiled. "Good. Now, let's work on your backstory."

"What kind of backstory?" Sterian asked.

"One that will explain your presence in Waverton," Priscilia replied. "We'll make you a traveling merchant, seeking refuge from the wars."

Sterian nodded. "That sounds plausible."

Priscilia's eyes locked onto his. "And finally, your appearance."

Sterian's gaze narrowed. "What do you propose?"

Priscilia smiled mischievously. "A disguise, of course."

Sterian raised an eyebrow. "A disguise?"

Priscilia nodded. "Yes. We'll change your hair, your clothes, everything."

Sterian's mind whirled, imagining himself in a new identity.

"Let's do it," Sterian said finally.

Priscilia's smile widened. "Excellent."

Together, they set to work transforming Sterian into Asher. Priscilia went back to town, and brought some clothes. Henry wore some of the clothes and looked distinguishable. 

As the night wore on, Sterian gazed at his reflection, hardly recognizing the person staring back.

"You're a natural," Priscilia said, smiling.

Sterian chuckled. "I feel like a different person."

Priscilia's eyes locked onto his. "You are, Asher. You're a new man, with a new purpose."

Sterian's determination solidified. "I won't let Warmonger win."

Priscilia's smile widened. "Together, we'll bring hope back."

And with that, Asher's journey began.

Asher's eyes scanned the reflection, taking in the changes. His once-sharp jawline was now obscured by a scruffy beard, and his piercing blue eyes were hidden behind a pair of worn leather goggles.

"You're unrecognizable," Priscilia said, smiling.

Asher nodded, still adjusting to his new appearance. "I feel... different."

Priscilia's expression turned serious. "You must be careful, Asher. Warmonger's agents are everywhere."

Asher's gaze hardened. "I won't underestimate them."

Priscilia handed him a worn leather satchel. "This contains your new identity papers and enough gold to get you started."

Asher took the satchel, feeling a sense of determination wash over him.

"What's my story?" Asher asked.

"You're a traveling merchant from the south," Priscilia replied. "You've come to Waverton seeking refuge from the wars."

Asher nodded, committing the details to memory.

"And what of you, Priscilia?" Asher asked.

Priscilia's smile was enigmatic. "I'll be watching from the shadows, guiding you when needed."

Asher's eyes locked onto hers. "Thank you, Priscilia."

Priscilia's expression softened. "You're not alone, Asher. We'll bring hope back to the realm."

With that, Asher stepped out of the cave. Priscilia came towards him. 

"I think this is goodbye till we meet again" she said. Then disappeared.

The sun was rising over Waverton, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets. Asher blended in seamlessly, his new identity masking his true self.

As he walked, Asher felt a sense of purpose growing within him. He would stop Warmonger, no matter the cost.

Asher navigated Waverton's winding streets, taking in the sights and sounds. The few merchants in town hawked their wares, while townspeople hurried about their daily business.

As he walked, Asher noticed a group of guardsmen gathered near the town square. Their conversation was hushed, but their glances darted nervously around the crowd.

Asher's instincts prickled. Something was amiss.

He approached a nearby vendor, a grizzled old man selling fresh bread.

"Excuse me, friend," Asher said, adopting his new persona. "What's the news?"

The vendor eyed him warily. "You're new around here, ain't ya?"

Asher nodded. "Just arrived. Seeking refuge from the wars."

The vendor's expression softened. "Ah, poor soul. You've come to the right place. Waverton's safe... mostly."

Asher's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

The vendor leaned in, voice barely audible. "Yesterday, a strange thunder attack hit the eastern district. Buildings shattered, people injured. Some folks say it was no natural storm."

Asher's grip on his satchel tightened. "What do you think happened?"

The vendor's eyes darted around nervously. "I don't know, but it's got everyone spooked. Guards are investigatin', but no one's talkin'."

Asher's mind whirled. A thunder attack that wasn't natural?

"Thanks for the warning," Asher said, nodding.

The vendor nodded back. "Stay safe, traveler. And find shelter soon. Another storm's brewin'."

Asher glanced up at the darkening sky. Clouds gathered, their undersides lit by flickers of lightning.

Suddenly, a thunderclap shook the air, making Asher jump.

"Looks like the storm's here," the vendor said, hurrying to secure his wares.

Asher hastened toward the nearby inn, The Wanderer's Rest.

The sign creaked in the rising wind: "The Wanderer's Rest."

He pushed open the door, stepping into the warm glow within.

The innkeeper, a stout woman with a kind smile, greeted him. "Welcome, traveler! Room for the night?"

Asher nodded, adopting his Asher persona. "Please. I'm just passing through."

The innkeeper's eyes sparkled. "Well, you've come to the right place. I'm Elara."

Asher smiled. "Asher, at your service."

As Elara led him to his room, Asher couldn't shake the feeling that the strange thunder attack was more than just a coincidence.

The storm raged outside, lightning illuminating the dark sky.

Was it just paranoia, or was something more sinister lurking in the shadows?

Elara handed Asher a warm lantern, lighting his way up the creaky stairs.

"Supper's at seven," she said, smiling. "Don't be late."

Asher nodded, grateful for the hospitality.

As he entered his room, Asher bolted the door shut, exhaling deeply.

The storm raged on outside, but Asher's mind was elsewhere.

The vendor's words echoed in his thoughts: "A strange thunder attack... not natural."

Asher's instincts screamed warning. Something was amiss in Waverton.

He moved to the window, gazing out into the stormy night.

Lightning flashed, illuminating the dark streets.

Suddenly, a figure darted across the street, weaving between buildings.

Asher's heart quickened. Who was that?

The figure vanished into the shadows, leaving Asher wondering.

Was it just a townsfolk seeking shelter or something more sinister?

Asher's thoughts swirled, his grip on the windowsill tightening.

He must investigate further.

The storm raged on, but Asher's determination grew.

Was Warmonger descending his anger on all Waverton because of him?

***

Asher paced his room, mind racing.

He had to find Billy.

And protect him.

From the unknown forces lurking in Waverton.

But there was more.

Asher knew his true identity.

He was a god.

A being of immense power.

And he had a nemesis.

Warmonger.

A dark deity spreading chaos.

Asher's plan formed.

Find Billy.Reveal his true identity.Unite against Warmonger.

The storm raged on.

But Asher's determination burned brighter.

He would stop Warmonger.No matter the cost.

Tomorrow Asher would set his plan in motion.For now, He focused on Billy,His friend,His ally.

And the only one who knew him as Henry.

Asher's thoughts turned. He imagined what he would say.

"Billy, my friend."

"I have a secret."

"One that will change everything."

"You know me as Henry."

"But that's not my true name."

"I am Sterian."

"A being of steel."

"Forged in fire."

"Tempered by will."

"And I've been hiding."

"But now."

"It's time to reveal."

"My true power."

"Together."

"We'll stop Warmonger."

"And bring peace."

"To Waverton."

The storm subsided.

Sterian's resolve hardened.

Tomorrow.

A new dawn.

A new battle.