AURORA


Today was the Dragon Race Finals!

I'm not usually one to get excited over stuff like this, but Kino really loved the races. And his enthusiasm kinda hooked me into it. Plus, it was really fun to watch. Better than any races we had back on earth. Not that I was a race aficionado. But in my opinion dragons with magical archers on their backs shooting each other off the sky was better than watching cars, bikes, or horses just zooming by.

"So, how do these races work," Mother asked me as we all sat down for breakfast.

"Oh, they are so much fun! First there are-"

"Volume, please," Ziva rudely cut in as she grumpily rubbed her head.

"Someone had fun again last night," Nicky giggled as Mom shook her head.

"Hope you didn't go overboard feasting on the locals again," she gave Ziva a knowing smirk. Like there was an inside joke they shared.

"You had a feast last night," I asked.

"Yes and no," Ziva grumbled. "Just... continue what you were saying, Aurora."

I knew she was trying to change the subject, but I didn't care. The dragon races were much more fun than any feast.

"Anyways..." I continued. "There are about 12 dragons and their riders in one race. They have to go through several giant rings in order to get points. These points are in the form of golden coins."

"The golden coins are within the giant rings. Floating around for the riders to grab," Kino clarified. Which shocked everyone since he usually was so bashful around Mom. Guess when it comes to things he liked, he got talkative.

"Ya. And if you don't get a coin, you don't get a point. If you go back to get a coin, you sacrifice time and distance."

"And don't forget about the magical bow."

"Right, the bows! The riders use them to shoot each other. Trying to knock off other riders from their dragon. Or shoot the pouches of gold coin so they will lose their points."

"These pouches are located behind the riders. So to shoot it, you had to be somewhat behind. Sacrificing position if you need to knock down your opponent's points. Which makes the lead a dangerous position since everyone will target it."

"Right, and you can steal your opponent's coins too if you are fast and good enough."

"Wow, that's not confusing at all," Ziva grumbled.

"Why don't you go heal yourself so you aren't so grumpy," I frowned at her.

"Haven't learned the skill. And Asha and the other local can't use their powers on us."

"Well, sucks to be you," I spat my tongue out. "Anyways, the riders who finishes the race first get extra coins. Which increases their chances of winning."

"Wait. You can finish first but still lose?" Nicky asked.

"Ya. The winner is decided by the amount of coins you have in the end."

"Seems fun," Mother said. But she clearly still is a bit confused.

"Its best if you watch it." I explained. "Then you'll see how it all works."

"Is Your Worship not racing this season," Kino asked shyly.

"Who me," Mother spoke. "I'm not the racing type..."

"Oh," Kino's head dropped sadly. Like he just heard some bad news.

"Do I...I mean the goddess...usually race?" She sked. Feeling guilty for making Kino sad.

"She does," Savara answered. "It was written that you were in a winning streak until you were dethrones by the legendary dragon rider, Kovin. But that was long before you went missing."

"You're races were legendary," Kino said, spark returning in his eyes. "No race since then could match the intensity of those you were in. The race against Kovin was the best amongst them all. Sadly, he won."

"Wait, is it allowed to win against a Divine?" Ziva asked. She seemed more invested in this now.

"Goddess Ophelia woudn't allow her people to let her win," Savara explained. "She said it would insult her skills."

"Wouldn't beating her in a race do the same."

"Our god isn't petty," Savara frowned slightly at the comment. But quickly shook it away as she was talking to Ziva. "Besides, Her Worship races in her mortal form. So even if she loses, the Divine doesn't really lose."

"Right," Mother sighed. "Unfortunately I am not the Divine. Or not yet anyways." She added for Savara's sake. "So I cant really join the race. Don't even know how to ride a horse. Let alone a dragon."

"Oh," Again, Kino pouted.

"But tell you what. If I do manage to ascend. I will race the next season. That I promise."

"Really?"

"Really."


..........


The stadium for the races were located by the cliffs at the mountain's side. That way the spectators could have a better view of the flying dragons. Its like watching from a large balcony with thousands of people around.

Since we were watching with Mother - the "Divine" - Savara got us a private viewing room. They were the equivalent to box seats back on earth. But this was many times better. Because once we were all on board, the platform we got onto started to float. Leveling us with the path the dragons would take.

"Cool," Sara and I spoke as one as we watched the ground drifted further away.

Instead of marble benches, like most locals would be using, which we used last time with Kino, here we had lounges aligned with soft silks, cushions, pillows and blankets. At the sides were tables filled with the most delicious snacks and drinks ready to be served by the diligent stewards. This was truly watching in style.

"Hey Kino, I meant to ask. You spoke of Mother racing like you were there. If the Divine was gone before you were born, how did you watch her race? You don't have TV here, do you?"

"I read it in the public library."

"You read it? Must be some great writing to make you so enthusiastic."

"The books he talks about are different from regular ones," Savara explained. "They were made with magic to immerse the reader within the written world the author created."

"How does it work?" I asked.

"Valin," Savara called a priestess who was writing something on a piece of paper. Apparently she was to record the game. "Do you have a sample for our Princess to see?"

"Uh...ya," Valin bowed timidly and brought over some papers from her sack. "Its uhm...my book. Its not yet... perfect," she blushed while handing it over.

"I'm sure its wonderful," I encouraged her while getting the pages. "So... I just read it?"

"Yes," Savara said. Smiling her beautiful smile.

Sara joined my side, and together we read the first line. As we did, the letters started to come to life. Suddenly, we found ourselves living what we read.

WE WERE IN THE BOOK!

"Awesome," Sara and I basked in awe as Valin blushed from our praise.

"What happened," Ziva asked. Curiosity catching her attention.

"We went in the book!" Sara answered. "Like we were in the story."

"Seriously? Let me have a look."

We handed her the pages, and waited as she read the first line.

"Damn...That's one hell of a way to enjoy a book."

"I know right!"

"You seriously get into the book?" Mother asked. Also curious. Heck. William, Mateo, Pav and Nicky were too.

They each had their turn and each were as surprised as us.

"The author's imaginations are infused in the pages," Savara explained. "The reader basically lives the writers' imaginations."

"I would love to have all my college history books written this way," William chuckled. "School would be more interesting."

"So the books recording my races were done in the same way as this?" Mother asked.

"Yes. We get to watch you in the eyes of those that recorded it," Savara clarified. "Valin will do the same here. So the future generation will see all this in her eyes. Which is lucky since the Divine will the watching with them."

"How come the books in the library aren't like this?" Ziva asked. "Would be much easier to learn its secrets if it was."

"They are, Your Grace. But they can only be accessed by the will of our Divine. That way its real powers and secrets are protected."

"Oh... Can we access it?"

"Of Course. Though you may need to bypass the lock your Mother put."

*TAAAA-RUUUUMMMM*

A powerful trumpet filled he air. Grabbing the attention of everyone around.

"The race is starting!" Kino said excitedly as he rushed to the edge. Followed shortly by Sara and myself.

Everyone else sat up or joined us. All excited to see their first dragon race.

Little did we know that what would follow would be more than any of us could ever expect.


..........


TOMMY


That was one of the best fucking I ever had. Definitely the top in my top ten. Hell, numbers 2-10 combined didn't even come close.

What she did with her tongue...

Fingers...

Ass...

Cunt...

Damn. I cant even explain it. It was purely divine.

After that night, that lady could ask me anything and I'd give her everything. So when she suggested I partner up with her on some scheme she had, I was more than eager to accept.

She needed my help to free a prisoner within the temple grounds. In exchange, she'd give me all the riches I desired before sending me back to earth. How could I not agree to that? That's all I wanted before Ziva turned me into a butt plug.

Ophelia and her girls could have this world. I'd make me fortune in earth.

The lady handed me a copy of her necklace. And instructed me to go deep into the temple. Once there, I had to open up the ground to release what's trapped inside. Both the location of where I needed to go and what spell I needed to use was implanted in my mind - the lady used the same mind trick the priestesses used.

I didn't know how she got her necklace, but I knew it was her source of power. Apparently it was also a copy of another amulet. And it was linked to that giant power bank Aurora made. She told me that she used the original to take as much of the Aurora's energy as she could and stored it in said bank before giving back the original amulet.

I had no idea what she was talking about, but I wasn't going to annoy the woman who gave me glorious sex by asking too many questions. Hell, she could be the craziest bitch alive. As long as she sucked me off, I'll put up with her.

So now I was deep within the temple and chanting out the spell the beauty taught me. Little did I know what I was really getting myself into.

As the last chant came out of my mouth, a magical circle with ancient writings littered the ground around me. It glowed a bright blue hue as the earth within it started to crack.

In shock, I back out of the circle. Watching as some sort of shadow started seeping out from the cracks. Then burst out in volume.

I was stunned in fear as I felt all sorts of horrid watching what I had released. At that moment, I knew I've done wrong. Whatever this was, it was locked up for a reason.

"Huuuumaaan," hissed a shadow as it approached me.

"S-stay back!"

"Aaaare yooouuu myyyy hosssssst?"

"H-host?"

"Yessssss."

Fear consumed me as the shadow dove in. I couldn't even react as I felt its unnatural, vile presence enter my body. Pushing my consciousness aside as it took over.

"Goooood," it rasped a horrid chuckle. "Nooow to freee theeee ressst of meee."


..........


SAVARA


The days were becoming more pleasant as Goddess Ophelia slowly started to warm up to the idea of being Divine. She hasn't fully accepted it yet, but at least she was trying to access her divine source. And I knew when she does, my Goddess will finally be back in full.

Now here we were, in a private booth, watching the finals of the Dragon Races. Her worship and the two new godlings were enjoying the thrill of the race.

"Whoa!" They all yelled in awe and excitement as one dragon rider did a daring move to get a golden coin.

"I have to admit, Aurora, this is way better than I imagined." Nicky, Her Worship's friend, said as she clings to the edge of the platform's railing next to Aurora, Sara and Kino.

"I know right!" Our Princess beamed. Her eyes never breaking from the clash that broke out between three dragon riders for an extra coin.

Shouts of encouragement, joyous cheers, cries of dismay and more sounds filled the air around as the race was coming to close. The contestants were racing like never before. They might not know that the shrunken Ophelia beside me was the Divine, but they knew she was watching. And didn't wish to disappoint. Each one eager to win the tournament in her name.

It was the last stretch. But just before a winner was decided, I felt something horrid turn my stomach. Then-

*BOOM!!!*

A great blast shocked us all from our entertainment as large chunks of marble started to rain down on the city bellow.

My attention was immediately drawn to the temple. Part of it was blown up. And out from the wreckage burst forth shadows in the form of dark beasts.

"Great Divine," I gasped. "Its free..."

My shock was instantly replaced by worry as my gaze fell on the Goddess. She needed to be secured. Still in her mortal body, she couldn't match the darkness that was quickly making its way here.

I needed to act.

"Silva, Akani, Rwana!" I instantly linked minds with the most senior, and powerful, priestesses. "Collect the clergy, make a perimeter around the temple, and hold back the shadows!"

Turning around, I looked with great grief at the now burning city. We needed to protect the people as well.

"Kori, Mena, Qin!" I linked my mind to the gifted, newly ascended, priestesses. "Gather the apostates! Protect and evacuate the people in the city!"

Then turning over the priestesses with me, I gave them the most important task.

"Asha, Valin," I gazed into their eyes intensely. "You will protect the Divines."

"Savara... we... we aren't strong enough," Valin said. Fear lingering in the back of her eyes.

"Have faith, Valin." I said. Smiling one last time at my goddess. "Our god is with us."

With that, I blinked back to the temple. Floating right at the center of the chaos.

"Oh great Divine, please empower your humble servant," I prayed. My body burning with the warm energy I drew from the Divine Chamber. "So I may vanquish your enemies."

Gathering the powerful energy in my fingertips, I blasted away several shadows. Drawing the attention of the others around.

"COME AT ME!" I screamed. Drawing more attention as I mentally delegated the clergy on what to do. Making sure they create a protective seal around the temple.

We needed to buy time for Her Worship to ascend. I had faith she would. Goddess Ophelia would never let her people die.


..........


OPHELIA


"W-what should we do?" Aurora asked. Shocked and scared at the sudden change of events. Shifting beside me, who was also shocked and disoriented.

"We must help Savara!" Ziva yelled. "I'm going to-"

"No," Asha cut in. "You must stay away, Your Worship."

"Asha I can-"

"No Ziva," Asha scowled. Surprising as all with her lack of honorifics, and intensity. "You are what they're after. All of you are. You must stay clear of them."

"Asha-"

"Asha is right," I finally broke out from shock. "We cant fight those things. We can barely fight back against the darkness in me. That there is an army of it!" I pointed to the growing black in the temple.

"Then what will you have us do? Run?"

"No." I strongly gazed at the city. "We help in the evacuation of the city. And protect the people."

Deep within me, I felt fear. But not fear of the darkness. It was like the those motherly instincts I felt when my girls were in danger. But it wasn't for them alone. It was for those in the city. The city itself. And this world. Like an instinct suddenly kicked in, telling me to protect it all. Protect what was mine...

"Ziva, go to the wreckage. Help all those who need it."

She was startled by my orders at first. But quickly focused up and she blinked away.

Then my gaze fell onto Aurora, Sara, Pav, Kino, Mateo and William. All still shocked and/or scared. "Aurora, I need-"

"Goddess!" Came a new voice not far away.

Turning around, I we greeted by five bowing priestesses and one priest. All towering above us since we were still common sized. They got here by blinking in.

"Savara sent us. We are here to escort you to safe place."

"That can wait," I frowned. "We need to make sure the people are safe first. " Then a thought came to mind. "I need one of you to show Aurora where this 'safe place' is. She is the only one who can teleport people in mass. Aurora, once you see the place, I need you to teleport people there. Can you do that?"

"Y-ya." she stammered.

"Good. Now link your minds and find this safe haven."

"Princess," one priestess spoke to Aurora. "Please, search my mind."

"Wait, I... I don't know how to do that. Cant you just put the location in my head."

"We can't enter our Divine's minds, Your Worship. You will have to enter mine."

"But..."

"Aurora." I held her arm. Smiling as I spoke. "I know you can do this."

Breathing in deeply, she shook her fears away and looked at me again. This time determination was written all over her pretty eyes. I was so proud of her at that moment.

"I can do this." She said strongly before regarding the towering woman before her. "I will do this."

Leaving them to work, I approached the other humans on our floating booth.

"Sara, do you still have that Amulet of Power?"

She just stared at me. Clearly too scared to talk.

"No, she doesn't." Pav replied for her, fishing out the amulet from within her blouse. "I do."

"Good, can you use it?"

"I-I..."

"With permission, Your Grace, may I use use it," Asha asked.

"I think that's best." I replied, knowing that the locals knew more about magic than even my daughters. Using the immense power source of the divine, they were surely more effective with the Amulet of Power.

Without delay. Asha took the necklace and stood before me in attention.

"Go help Ziva with the wreckage." I instructed "If you can, teleport as many people to safety."

"Will do, Divine." Her body glowed brightly before she blinked away.

My gaze then turned to the temple. Savara and the other clergies were able to set up a defensive perimeter around the it. For now they were holding back the growing shadow. But I knew it was only a matter of time before they got overwhelmed.

I needed to act. If I really was who they claimed me to be, then I had to access my divine source and ascend as a goddess. Somehow I knew only I could stop this.


..........


ZIVA


The city was in ruin. Buildings hit by the marble debris were wrecked. Burying the locals within them. Wild fire had somehow taken life, consuming anything it could. Inflaming buildings all around me.

Yet in all this chaos, the people remained ordered. The acolytes had spread throughout the city, helping and instructing the people on where to go and what to do.

Dragon riders littered the sky, carrying off children and those injured away from the city. The tamed beasts were also packed with people as well. Everyone doing what they could to help.

It was my turn.

Using my divine senses, I looked into the fallen buildings. Taking note of all those buried within. Then listened for a heartbeat. Taking priority on those that sounded the weakest.

I could free them. But I needed someone to heal them.

"Divine!"

"Asha! I'm glad you came."

With a relieved sigh, I saw she was wearing the Amulet of Power. That's good. She'll need all the power she can get.

"I'm going to free those trapped in the fallen buildings. I need you to heal anyone who needs it."

"Of course," Asha nodded. Her face beaming with determination and focus.

Without saying another word, I entered my divine state. Enhancing my senses to find all those trapped within the wreckage all over the city. Once done, I sent out my energy and wrapped it around each individual. Creating a protective barrier around them. Then using that same energy, I lift off the wreckage. Clearing a path for me to free those trapped.

As soon as I placed the injured back on the ground, Asha was already conjuring a bright green aura around them. Healing them instantly as I felt her draw power from me.

Once that was done, I changed my focus on the wild fire that was growing fiercer. I had to snuff it out.

There was several ways to put out  fire: cooling it, starving it, interrupt its combustion or smothering it. I could try to make it rain, but I didn't know how to change the weather yet. And even if I did, it would make things more inconvenient for those trying to evacuate.

Another option was to starve it by depriving it of oxygen. But that will harm the people around. The other option was to bury the burning buildings with sand. Again, its harmful and could destroy the local's property. Maybe I could just...

"Ya, that will do." I realized that I was a Divine. I didn't need to use human methods to put out a flame.

Wrapping my body with energy, I lifted myself up. Rising high until I was above the tallest tower. Once there, my eyes took note of the flames. Singling them out, I stretched my arms before me.

"Hope this works."

With a focused breath, I willed the flames onto my hands. And smirked as they started to come towards me in mass, pulling away from the buildings they were destroying. Within a minute, the fierce flames were nothing but a ball in my hand.

"Perfect." I regarded the ball of flame. "Might need you later."

"Ziva!" Aurora called me as she flew to my side.

"You shouldn't be here, Aurora," I frowned. "Its too dangerous."

"Mom sent me."

That caught me off guard. Did Mom seriously send her precious baby here?

"I am to give you the location to a safe haven. She wants us to teleport as many people there as possible."

"Oh, right." My eyes drifted to the injured locals Asha was healing. "We should do that."

"Give me your hand."

"Wh-"

"Just do it!"

With an annoyed sigh, I complied. As our hands connected, my mind was instantly flooded with the location of another temple far away from this city.

"That's where we need to bring everyone."

"R-right," I shook my head. Lightly dazed from what happened. Was this how the people felt when they linked minds? Once back in focus, I spoke. "Aurora, can you handle the people Asha is treating? They are our priority."

"Sure," Aurora nodded before flying down.

Turning my attention back to the city, I focused again. Locating all the people who haven't evacuated yet. I needed them close so I can teleport them. But how do I get them here? Mental link? I didn't have that ability yet. But Asha did.

"Asha," I called her. "I need you to link your mind to all the people still in the city. Tell those who haven't found a way out to meet us here. We'll teleport them out."

She nodded and obeyed.

This was going well so far. We were almost-

*BOOM!*

I felt the shock in the air. Turning around, my eyes grew wide as I noted a dark, menacing figure emerge from the wrecked portion of the temple to fight Savara.

"This is bad." My gaze instantly fell at me sister who was busy collecting the injured. "Aurora, better hurry and get out of here!"

"I'm almost done." She replied as her energy encompassed the last of the injured. "There." Her gaze locked on mine. "I'm going. You better come too. If you die here I'll come back and kick your butt!"

"You do that," I smirked. "Now go."

In a blink, she and all the injured were gone.

"Asha, are you done as well?" I didn't have to ask. I could already see people making there way over. Clearly they got her message.

"They are coming, Your Grace."

"Good, we need to finish things here. Fast."

"Ziva!" A familiar voice called. Looking over, I saw someone familiar.

"Lea?" It was the girl who found Aurora's Amulet of Power. "You made it out!" I flew towards her. "What about the other passengers? Were they..." i was too scared to finish that sentence.

"No," She huffed. Out of breath from running all the way here. "Not many people were in the temple this morning. They were either exploring the city or watching the race. Those that stayed were quickly evacuated. I was one of them."

That made me sigh in relief. "Good. Stay close to me. I'll send you off to safety with the first batch of people."

"There is nothing I would want more," she smiled. A little to eagerly. But I guess anyone would be eager to escape.

My eyes drifted back to the temple where Savara was doing a valiant effort in fighting back the darkness. I knew she was proficient in magic. But actually seeing her was another thing. She was definitely more skilled than Aurora or me. And she wasn't even a Divine. But despite her efforts, the darkness looked like it was slowly getting the upper hand.

Savara needed help. But how could I...

"The Amulet of Power." My eyes turned to Asha.


..........


SAVARA


The shadows kept coming and coming. No matter how many times we blast them, they came back. Like black tar oozing back together to continue the fight. That was a luxury we didn't share.

One after the other, I had to watch my beloved sisters and brothers fall to the darkness. As much as my heart ached watching them meet an agonizing end, I knew I had to stay focused or we all die here.

The entity wasn't fully out yet. Though it was slowly escaping through a door someone opened. The more shadows came out, the stronger the Darkness became. In comparison we were getting weaker and fewer. Time really wasn't on our side.

*BOOM!*

Just in time, I managed to conjure a protective shield to block a powerful blast of dark energy.

"Yoouur talennnteeeed, youung one." A hoarse voice hissed. Out of the black mass flew out a man wrapped in shadow. "Buut yoouu aare noo maatch for uusssss."

"Shut up and fight." I conjured another light of energy. Prepared to face this new foe. I couldn't be distracted by it for too long. If I was, then it will allow more of the darkness to escape.

"Wwhyyy fiiiight? No neeed too die. Joooin meee, aaand I'lllll giiive yooouu whaat yoouuu desssire."

"I desire your death. Can you give me that?"

"Huumor. Thaat'ssss nicccee. I love-"

*BLAM!*

I blasted him back into the temple. Not giving him a second to recover as I flooded the area with spears made out of light. Shredding every darkness that came in contact with my attack. But the more I fought, the more I felt the energy in the Divine Chambers diminishing.

I had to let up soon or I'll drain what little energy we had left. And that corrupted man knew it. As I neared my limit, a powerful blast came at me. It took all I got to block it. It was so strong that I felt its weight against my body. It was like being slammed by several horses.

"Yoouu wassste youursssself sssservving Ophhheliaaa. Sshhee hassss abaaandoned youuu."

"You're mad if you believe I'll loss my faith."

"Yoouuur faaith willl killll yoouuu."

"That's still better than serving your master."

"Fiiinneee. Thennn let'sss maake it sssoo."

I knew I couldn't defeat it. It had a level of energy that I couldn't match. And this was only a portion of the darkness entity's power. If it was to escape in its full form, then we would all be dead.

I gritted my teeth and cursed inwardly. I wasn't going to give up just yet.

"Come at me you abomination!"

He raised his hands. Conjuring another powerful blast. One I knew I wouldn't be able to block. And just as I thought I was about to breath my last, a sudden flash appeared before me. Blocking the horrid energy thrown my way.

"Savara, you alright?"

I had to blink twice to fully grasp who floated before me. "Asha?"

"High Priestess," she smiled. "I have a gift from Divine Ziva."

She stretched her arm. Offering me a necklace similar to the one she was wearing. "T-that's-"

"Her Worship, Ziva, believed it would be better in your hands."

I smiled while taking the necklace in my grasp.

"Recover yourself, Sister. I'll buy you time."

Instantly, Asha started to rain down holy fury onto the embodiment of hatred and despair. Leaving me to catch my breath and examined the amulet given to me.

As soon as I wrapped it around my neck, I could feel the source of Lady Ziva's power. It was grand. Like a pool the size of a galaxy. So vast that it terrified me.

This was nothing like the Divine Chamber's limited energy source. With this, I could hold back the darkness.

"Thank you Divine," I whispered a prayer as I summoned as much power as possible.

We couldn't destroy the darkness. But we could contain it within the temple. Buy enough time for Goddess Ophelia to awaken and properly put this abomination back in its cage.

So that was what I did. Using this new source of energy, I conjured a protective spherical barrier around the temple. One that wouldn't be easily broken. One that all High Priestesses learned for a moment like this.

At the same time, I linked myself to all the my surviving brethren. Healing, empowering, and teleporting them to a safer place outside the containment field.

"Asha," I called out to her mind. "That's enough. Withdraw!"

In a blink, she was floating beside me. And with that, I closed the barrier. Sealing the entity inside.

"RRHAAAAAAAAA!" The darkness screeched as it pounded against its spherical prison.

"That should hold it back." I huffed in relief. "Where are the Divines?"

"Ladies Ziva and Aurora are teleporting the last of the citizens. And Goddess Ophelia is back in the southern temple. She is trying to ascend."

"Oh Great Divine, I pray she succeeds in time. This barrier wont hold for too long."

"Can't we fight it? We now share the power of the Divine."

"We share it, yes. But we are no match for those that know how to truly use such power. Think of us like babies with a sword facing a veteran of many wars. Same weapon, but vastly different capabilities."

"Well, if-"

Suddenly, another horrid feeling coursed through our being as we felt the connection with the Ziva's energy source waver. In that instant, my fears went towards the Divines.

"Ziva," Asha gasped in fear then blinked away.

I followed shortly after.


..........


OPHELIA


Aurora and Ziva spent the next few minutes teleporting in as many people as they could to this other temple. The priestesses and acolytes present did what they could to manage and help the growing crowd. As for me, I tried to connect myself to my source of divinity.

I was back to my giant form and seated, crossed legged, at the center of a large empty hall. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find a way to bypass the shadow guarding my power. Also my mind was too occupied with worry for the people and especially my girls. Focus just alluded me.

"Mother!" Aurora called out as she blinked in the room. She was still in the common size.

"Thank goodness you're safe!" I sighed with relief upon seeing her. Reaching out to hold her in my palm. "Where is Ziva?"

"She is just dealing with the people in the other room. She'll be here shortly," Aurora spoke as she grew back to my scale to give me a proper hug. "Any luck with your ascension?"

"None," I frowned. "How about Nicky, William and the others? Are they alright?"

"Thay are safe."

"And Savara?"

"I gave her an Amulet of Power." Ziva spoke once she blinked in, giant sized already. "So she's alright. But that doesn't mean you should stop trying to ascend."

"Of course," I couldn't help but sigh.

"Aurora, let's deal with this shadow once and for all. And help Mother ascend."

"I'm afraid I cant allow you to do that." Said a voice that sounded too familiar.

In unison, we turned around to see someone, common sized, walking towards us.

"Lea!" Aurora smiled. "Its so good to see you're alright!"

"No need to worry about me, Your Worship." She smiled. "I'm much more durable than I look. And I too am glad to see you all here. Together."

Suddenly, her eyes glowed red as she slowly elevated. Dark shadows sipped out of her as they dances around her body.

"This will make things easier."

My eyes grew wide as I saw a dark blast shoot off from her outstretched arms. Flying straight at us. Instinctively, I jumped to protect my girls.

But Ziva was quicker. She pushed Aurora towards me as she stepped before us. Her hands stretched out as fierce flames shot off to meet the enemy attack. The impact sent a shockwave that pushed us slightly.

"What the hell do you think you're doing," Ziva barked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Lea chuckled as her body grew to match us. "I'm trying to kill your Mother. Cant have her ascend. That would ruin our plans."

"Your plans?"

"My Divine is trapped within this world. And all my efforts to free him has been stalled, thanks to you. But it doesn't matter, I can feel its power coursing through me. All I need to do to properly free it is to deal with the one who imprisoned it. Once free, my Divine will conquer the realm of gods. And together, we shall rule it."

"Lea," Aurora cried out. "Why? I thought we were friends?"

"She is not our friend," I spat. "I don't think her name is even Lea."

"Oh don't worry, Young One." The woman looked as Aurora. Causing me to pull her closer to my body protectively. "We have grown fond of you both. Young Divines haven't been produces since over two millennia ago. If you choose, both of you girls can join us."

"Like we'll ever do that!" Aurora barked back as she pushed herself off me. Her eyes glowed bright green as large amounts of energy started to collect around her hands.

"Aurora..." I tried to pull her back. Fearing the worse if she joins the fight.

"I'm ok, Mom." She said with such strength and calmness that it took me by surprise. "I'll be alright."

"I'll make sure of that," Ziva grinned at her. Then me. "Mom, if you really want to protect us then find a way to ascend."

"But I-"

"Just do it!" Aurora said as she threw a powerful energy blast at the lady of shadows.

In that very instant, all hell broke loose. And I couldn't do a single thing to help.

My girls are right. I need to ascend.


..........


AURORA


Ziva and I threw everything we got at this false Lea. But she blocked it like it was nothing. Smirking the entire time. In fact, it looked like she made an effort to get in front of our attacks just to mock us!

As we fought, Mother made her way to the other side of the room. Sitting with her legs crossed, she was attempting to reach her divine source. Which I hoped she'd accomplish soon because it became apparent that Ziva and I weren't going to beat this woman.

"You bring shame to the Divines!" Lea mocked us. "All that power and all you can do is use some pathetic tricks."

She clapped her hands, sending a powerful shock that knocked us back and caused my ears to ring.

"This is how you use power from a Divine."

Her eyes grew darker red as the shadow around her started to collect before her hands. The air around us got uneasy. Feeling like we were about be caught up in a powerful storm.

"Let's see if you can protect yourselves and the people you tried so hard to save."

My eyes grew wide in fear as I felt this immense power gather around her. Paralyzed in place as I watched her glow darkly. She calmly brought her hands together, compressing the energy further.

"Aurora!" Ziva screamed. "Blast her with all you got! Don't let her finish that spell!"

Knocked out off my daze, I joined Ziva in showering her with all the energy bolts I could muster. But it was a mistake. Our attacks were only absorbed into the ball she was creating. Making it bigger and stronger.

"FUCK," Ziva screamed as we both stopped.

With a smirk, and a teasing wink, Lea pulled the packed energy ball apart. Releasing its overwhelming might like a nuke.

"GET BACk!" Ziva screamed. Jumping before me as her hands shot outward - conjuring some sort of shield.


..........


"Ziva! Aurora!" Mother called us.

"Ma..." I mumbled. Trying to get up, but was instantly met with excruciating pain. "Over here..."

"Oh god!" Mother shrieked in despair as she approached us.

"Ma..." I fearfully said while seeing the tears in her eyes as she looked our way.

Mustering my strength, I looked around. What I saw stopped my heart.

Everything before me was blown away by the powerful blast Lea made. There was absolutely no trace of the temple. The people. Or anything else. Just a crater in the ground.

The only things that remained was the area behind Ziva's protective shield.

Wait...

"ZIVA!" Mother screamed as she raced over to the limp body before me.

"Ziva..." I whispered. Not believing what I was seeing.

"This didn't have to happen you know," Lea said as she descended towards us. "I only want you, our great Goddess Ophelia. Not your girls. They can live if they only agree to join me."

"FUCK YOU!" Mother screeched, tears running down her eyes as she clutched Ziva's body close to her.

"Vile words mean nothing to me. Not when they come from a dead woman." Lea smirked. Dark energy collecting before the hand she was currently pointing at us. "Good bye, Goddess. Go with your daughter to the eternal sleep."

Sorrow and fear gripped me to the core. I could do nothing as I watched the energy blast fly towards us. But before it could make contact, it was knocked aside.

"What the-"

*BOOM!*

Came a powerful blast that hit Lea squarely on the chest. Throwing her away from us.

"Ziva!" Asha appeared out of nowhere. Still in her priestess scale. "Oh no. Please no!"

"Great Divine," Savara appeared. Her eyes wide in shock as she regarded the ravaged land before us. Then agony soon followed as she saw Ziva. "No..."

"You finally decided to join the fight." Lea chuckled as she flew back to us. "My dear Savara."

I saw Savara's eyes grew wide in disbelief as she regarded the woman of shadows. "Liana..."

"The very same," the lady laughed louder. "Surprised?"

"W..what... You did this... Why?"

"Come on now, Savara. You should know why. Its the very reason I was kicked off out my title and the temple. I found a better Divine to serve."

"No. This isn't you. You are loyal to our Divine. That darkness corrupted-"

"That darkness freed me from my narrow views! Tell me, Savara, why are we forced to serve that woman when there are millions of other Divines out there? Why cant we choose who to serve?"

"Goddess Ophelia created us!"

"We didn't ask for it! Yet now we are bound to serve her? What folly!" For the first time, I saw the woman's, Liana's, smirk disappear and replaced with a hateful glare. "What's more, after she forced us to serve her, she abandons us! Tosses us aside like trash as she goes gallivanting in other universes making pathetic Divine babies!"

"There was a reason she left! Besides, she is back n-"

"Back too late," Liana snarled. "I've moved on. Found another Divine who cares for me."

"That darkness doesn't care for you! Its goes against its nature to care. Its only using you to be free. Wake up, Liana! You are being controlled. Cast aside the darkness and reclaim your sanity!"

"I've never been more sane, Savara. Now prepare yourself. I will not go easy on you."

"Good. Neither will I," Savara's hands started to glow bright yellow as she collected power.

"As if you can defeat-oof!"

Liana was knocked back by a powerful blast from Asha. The priestess ascended skywards, glowing brightly from the overwhelming energy she cultivated.

"Like hell I'll let you harm them again!" She spat. Rushing forward to continue her assault.

As they fought, Savara quickly turned to us.

"Divine," She spoke in her all so collected and loving tone. "Fear not about Ziva. She is fine."

"H-how do you know?" I asked as Mom cradled Ziva's head besides her chest.

"We draw our power from her," she raised her hand. Showing us a glowing ball of energy. "As long as we can, it means that Ziva is still lives."

"Cant you heal her?" Mother asked. Tears still pouring from her eyes.

"We cant use our powers on the Divine. Or rather, we don't know how to heal a Divine." She spoke more gently. "My Lady, we need you. Liana is too powerful. She was always leagues beyond me. Now she is drawing her powers straight from the dark entity. I don't believe we can defeat her. Plus, its only a matter of time before the darkness breaks out of the barrier I trapped it in."

For a moment, Mother only stared at Ziva's limp body. But then she carefully laid her down and dried her eyes. Sitting up, she spoke "Just do what you can. Buy me a second."

"Of course," Savara smiled. "My Goddess."

"I'll help too!" I finally regained my strength once I saw Mother's resolve.

"No, you stay here," Mother ordered.

"Ma I can-"

"I need you here to protect your sister!" Mother spoke strongly. "You stay."

"O-of course."

"Leave it to us, Young Goddess. We will not allow Liana to approach you."

With that, Savara flew off to join the fight.


..........


SAVARA


Fear gripped me as I faced Liana. Just as I'd predicted, we were no match for her. All our blows, all the attacks we sent her way, nothing could harm her.

She was also so quick that I couldn't trap her in the same manner I trapped the shadows in the temple. And all the magic I conjured, was easily dealt with by her own superior spells.

Attacking her physically wasn't even ideal. Because even in martial prowess she dominated us. At least we were given the ability to alter our size. If we were still in our respective priestess size then we would be facing a giant as well.

"You should stop now," Liana laughed as she gracefully dodged another volley of attacks Asha and I sent her way. "You are only embarrassing yourselves."

"Shut up, you traitor!" Asha screamed. Throwing another bolt of energy at her.

Again, Liana blocked it and/or dodged before landing on the ground.

And just as she did, Asha countered. Calling forth the roots deep within the earth, they shot out and wrapped around Liana. Taking her by surprise.

"Savara, seal her now!"

I complied. Conjuring another spherical prison around the entangled Liana. But before I could trap her, she blasted free and blinked out before the prison closed. She was quicker than the corrupted man I fought earlier.

"Where did sh-"

*WHACK*

I felt my body break as a fist made contact with my side. The powerful blow threw me on the ground. Rendering me breathless and in great pain.

As I looked up, my heart stopped. Liana had caught Asha.

"No..." Was all I could say before watching Liana shot an energy blast through Asha's midsection, ripping the young priestess in two. "Asha!"

I bolted forward. Mustering energy in my fists as I made contact the bitch's side. I followed up with energy blasts of my own. But each time, Liana somehow absorbed the attack.

That's when it clicked. That was why we weren't damaging her with our energy attacks. She was absorbing them! That is why only physical attacks works!

*WHAM!*

I got knocked away again. My body in greater pain as it made contact with the ground.

"Finally realized what's going on?" Liana smirked as she floated above me. "Let me show you," she pulled out a box-like-thing as big as her hand. "Aurora made this. A really ingenious thing. It can absorb Divine energy and store it to be used. And you know what she used it for? To charge earthly devices." Liana laughed. "Pathetic isn't it? Anyways, I tweaked it for my own use to show you all how to properly use a Divine's creation."

"Damn it," I cussed. With that thing, all my long ranged attacks were useless. I needed to get physical with her.

But that made things worse for me, I was no match for her in a physical fight.

"That's right, Savara." Liana laughed louder. "Realize and accept your inadequacy."

"Fuck you!" I cussed while ripping apart the ground. Using energy to wrap around the giant chunks of earth, I threw them at the bitch. She might be able to absorb our magic, but a bolder to the face would still hurt. Before she could counter, I rushed at her in the sky. But found no one.

"Nice of you to adapt to the situation." Liana whispered in my ear.

I froze. How did she get behind me so fast? Before I could react, I felt a cold, sharp spike pierce my back.

"Its over, Savara." Her lips kissed the side of my neck. "I win."

"I wouldn't be celebrating just yet," came a voice that sounded so familiar, yet absolutely different.

Before I could figure out who it belonged to, Liana was yanked from behind me and tossed aside. Leaving me suspended in the air. And in that moment, I saw her.

There, floating before me in all her glory, was Ophelia. But not the one I've grown accustomed to seeing. She was beyond refined, elegant, and beautiful. Her hair defied gravity, floating gracefully around her gorgeous face in the most sensational manner. Her body was more nubile and seductive. Radiating an appeal that evoked awe and admiration. Her clothes, and skin, seem to glow. Making her appear nothing short of divine.

As gravity pulled my body down, I felt myself get caught in the warm embrace of my Goddess. She held me like a babe, close to her breasts. It felt gentle, loving and absolutely heavenly. So much so, that I had to fight myself from swooning.

"You alright," she spoke with the most soothing voice as a smile like no other stretched her luscious lips. "My precious little priestess?"

"I...I..."

I was too starstruck to speak. Overwhelmed by all the glory, beauty, and power radiating from her. And beyond ecstatic to see my Divine had finally awoken.

"I am..." I finally managed to mumble. "Goddess..."