Chapter 7- Of Past, Visions and Prophecies

Dear Diary,

Something strange has happened to Chand. I reckon that, since Orran...did
THAT thing to him, his soul has been enlarging, expanding. However, today, it
broke in two. I dont sense any loss or gain in his Soul Energy, but the energy in
the other piece is twice his own. And it began breaking as well. I am
quite...interested to see what will happen.
Today I paid another visit to Zalmon. I reckon that since I locked him in that
god-forsaken cell, he didnt move AT ALL! However...today he was standing
by the door, staring intently at me, no words escaping his mouth. He scares me.
Our baby...still lost in this big world.

Cheers,
Rosaline, Late Goddess of Souls.

XXX

Asmodai! Can you help me?! Inas cried, carrying Dimitri.
Whats the matter? the goddess asked.
This...idiot...has been experimenting in his own house again! And I believe hes
poisoned...can you...do anything? Inas asked, letting Dimitri fall on the stone.
Hmm... sighed Asmodai, touching his face.
Suddenly, a small, fluorescent glow filled Dimitris eyes.
See?! This is what I am talking about! Inas said.
Ah...he isnt poisoned! Tell me...has he been trying to...extend his lifetime?
Asmodai asked.
I...well...since we are Keepers...we should be immortal... Inas said.
Indeed...Immortal, but not invincible. What he...drank...is a special concoction
of Mandrake roots, Edelweiss pollen, rose thorns and opium poppy petals.
However...he left the brew in a warm place, if I read the signs correctly, and that
warm place was also humid and filled with magic, am I right? Asmodai said.
Considering the fact that he keeps this kind of potions in his house, in that
goddamn closet, yes, you are right... Inas sighed.
Indeed. However...he is not poisoned, as I said. This...concoction
he...swallowed...just began a transformation process of his essence. In a couple
of hours, if I reckon, the process will be finished Asmodai said.
And what does this process do? Inas asked.
Ah yes. It volatilizes his essence. However, he doesnt become a gas, he
just...transforms. This volatilization makes his body immune to any physical
attacks. So he will become invincible as well...in a way... Asmodai explained.
Oh dear... Inas sighed.
Indeed Asmodai giggled.
Now then...thank you for helping, Asmodai! Inas giggled.
Indeed... Asmodai giggled again, disappearing in a fit of black sparks.
That woman is insane. But you, my boy, are plain stupid! Come on, jump in the
bed! Inas called, pulling him by the collar and throwing him on the bed.
Two hours. You have two hours to wake up by yourself. If you are not awake
by then...ahh! The fun I will have! Inas laughed as she left.

XXX

With a powerful hiss and a sizzling light, the thunder crackled towards Minerva
and Crystal.
NO!!! called Minerva as the thunder hit the jar with her essence.
Suddenly, a yellowish glow enveloped both Minerva and the jar. They rose from
the ground and the jar broke. The spheres inside it spun around Minerva, but,
instead of combining with her essence, some more left her body.
MINERVA!! called Crystal, standing and looking helplessly at the luminous
spectacle.
This is not going to happen! a male voice called as the spheres began
spreading.
A yellow thunder leaped from the mans hand and jumped from sphere to
sphere, melding them together into one statuette depicting a Phoenix.
The thunders crackled again and one hit Minerva, sending her towards the
ground.
However, the mans eyes glowed yellow and Minerva stopped falling a few
inches above the ground.
However, another thunder hit the statuette and exploded.
Pieces of golden essence flew through the air, all stabbing Minerva.
Evan? What happened? Crystal asked, running towards the man.
I am sorry for this...electrifying welcoming...but the weather has been quite
vengeful lately. And...it seems we will need to mend the wounds our young lady
has achieved... the man called Evan sighed, motioning for the young princess to
come.
Her body floated towards the man and he smiled.
I am afraid our weather influenced her essences behaviour...in a way, and
forced it to merge with her body. However, it seems this...mixing did not work
as it should... Evan sighed, pointing at Minervas body.
Pieces of semi-transparent, golden crystals covered her body, making her glow
eerily. However, around a few pieces of this crystal, blood could be seen
shining.
Crystal looked at the blood, her eyes widening.
Shes bleeding. Why is she bleeding? WHY?! Crystal glared, turning towards
Evan.
It is not my fault! The storm caused this....and those storms have been ravaging
us since the Jewel had been stolen Evan sighed, raising his hands in defence.
...the Jewel?! Stolen?! Crystal gasped.
Indeed... Evan sighed again.

XXX

Darkness...darkness deep and thick as earth surrounded me...
Why?
Why am I here?
Why...why dont I feel anything under my feet?
Why do I sense a tingle throughout my body?
Why?
...
So many questions...so few answers...
Why?!
WHY?!!

XXX

Master.... I suggest trying to get rid of the girl now, as she has been
weakened... the old woman said, her slim form enveloped in the white robe, her
back straight and face beautiful.
Indeed, Hermione. We shall! I shall... Chand whispered, turning towards the
woman.
But try and be persuasive. She is weak and lost, thus she will follow! the
woman smiled.
Indeed... Chand whispered as he snapped his fingers.

XXX

Darkness surrounded Minerva, ebbing around her.
She was floating, held up by the nothingness itself.
Suddenly, showered in a column of white light, a figure appeared in front of the
girl.
It was a man. His face beautiful, he smiled towards her. His skin was white, his
hair black, his eyes bearing a silvery glow. The cloak ebbed around him, adding
to the eerie feeling.
Hello, My dear... he whispered.
Who are you? Minerva asked, startled.
Why...that doesnt matter right now... he smiled.
Snapping his fingers, he cocked his head to the side.
Minervas pupils, previously diluted from the lack of light, shrank until their
size resembled that of a fly.
He smiled again and offered his hand, whispering in a soft, singing voice.
Take my hand my dear!
Take my hand and join me in this dance of abhorrence! he laughed, beginning
to spin in a soft, slow waltz.
Follow me in the land where butterflies swim in seas of soup, where moles dig
their dungeons in mountains of poisoned fudge and where dolphins fly through
the flaming sky of the underground he continued, his dance becoming quicker.
Minerva smiled in return, cocking her head to the side, reaching her hand,
wanting to grasp the limb of the beautiful man whom invited her to dance.
Follow me where the ration is a mere burden he giggled, brushing Minervas
cheek with his cloak.
Let us explore the unseen depths of the sky and reach the unworldly heights of
the demolished mountain he laughed, spinning around Minerva now, his speed
mesmerising her.
Come with me! Come and see what nobody has seen! Come and hold the
source of all life in your hands! Come with me in the land where everything is
impossible, where you can do anything you want and nothing at all! he called,
touching Minervas fingers, spinning her slowly.
Come! Take my hand and join me! Come... he whispered as he jumped two
feet further from her.
Leave your ration in a jar, throw your sanity to the ground, leave anything that
makes you human behind. Follow me he called again, stopping, standing before
her with his hand outstretched.
Minerva, still under his spell, started pacing towards him.
She reached forwards with her hand, her head still cocked to the side.
Their fingers got closer, a mere centimetre splitting the air between them.
The space narrowed, until only a small thread of spider web could pass between
their fingers.
And then....Minervas skin met the mans.


XXX

BANG!!
The doors slammed open, Thanatos storming in the room. From the expression
on his face, he was angry...
HELOISE!!! How can you be so...such an IDIOT?! he glared, roaring.
However, when he noticed Rosaline, he stopped.
Heloise isnt here, mdear! Rosaline smiled.
I...see Thanatos said.
Thats when he noticed the woman that sat next to Rosaline.
Ah! Thanatos! This lady here is Miss Martha Delaney! She is a very old friend
of mine... Rosaline giggled.
Why yes, indeed! the so-called Martha smiled.
Uh...Rosaline? Werent the Delaneys one of the royal demon families?
Thanatos asked.
Why! We sure are demons....I dont know about the royal part however! The
last time somebody called me a princess was when I baked some cupcakes for
my brother, Cole. Ah....he was such a sweetheart! the woman laughed.
I see.... Thanatos sighed.
Anyway, why did you call Heloise an idiot? Rosaline smiled.
Because...because its her fault Garnet is almost in a state of comatose!
Thanatos glared.
How come?! Rosaline asked.
Come... Thanatos sighed.
Oh... Martha dear...excuse me a bit... Rosaline smiled.
Why, theres no problem at all! But I feel like having a teeny-tiny walk myself,
so can I join you? the demon woman asked.
For sure! Rosaline giggled.
The two stood and followed Thanatos to Garnets temple.
However, when they opened the door, rumbles, banging and booms could be
heard.
Oh my! What could be possibly happening? Martha asked.
Its because of the Twins. Phobos and Deimos...since Garnet takes care of
them, well, since they were born, he hasnt got even a second of sleep!
Thanatos sighed.
Oh! You said children? Martha beamed.
Indeed... Come and see! Thanatos said, beckoning them to follow him upstairs.
However, when they got upstairs, they were greeted by a hysterical Garnet that
had two babies clinging to him, their cries overwhelming.
Have you seen that goddamn toy?! WHERE IS THAT TOY?! WHERE!?
Garnet cried, walking to Thanatos, staring in his eyes with anger and hitting the
gods chest with his fists.
AAAH!!! Garnet cried, whirling around, making the babies laugh. He
launched himself headfirst in a frantic search for the toy. However, Martha
stepped before him.
GET OUT OF MY WAY! Garnet shouted.
I MUST FIND THE TOY!!!! he glared.
Aw come on! You know what? Keep calm and give me the kids already!
Martha called, taking the babies.
NO!! I MUST TAKE CARE OF THEM!!! Garnet cried, scratching at the
demon woman.
If I werent the best babysitter, chef and many other things in this goddamn
Heaven, Hell and other worlds, I would have been dead. But I am, my dear
child! Martha smiled, snapping her fingers in front of Garnets face.
WHAT?! Wha...wha...wh...whaaaa.......? Garnet sighed, his head growing
heavier, leaning forwards.
Yeah....well, that should do the job! Martha laughed as Garnet collapsed on the
floor, falling asleep on the puffy carpet.
What have you done? Thanatos and Rosaline asked.
Just a small demonic spell demon mothers use on their children when they cant
sleep. It seems to have worked on Garnet too... Martha giggled.
Ah...and who will take care of the children now? Thanatos and Rosaline asked.
I will do that! After all, I am the best in what I do! Well...the second best at
babysitting, since you, my dear Rosaline, beat me when you became the Divine
Nanny! Martha giggled.
Please, my dear Martha! Dont remind me of those awful times! Rosaline
smiled.
I will not! Well then...I shall go and take care of these naughty pests! Farewell!
Martha smiled, fading into a spark of red flames.
And gone she is.... Thanatos said.
I love that woman... Rosaline sighed.
How come?! I thought you loved Zalmon! Thanatos teased.
You are so perverted sometimes....I love Zalmon, of course, but you dont find
a woman to take your burden off your shoulders every day! Rosaline smiled.
Indeed... But I dont understand a thing though... She is a demon, a Delaney.
But shes nice? Thanatos asked.
Ah...shes...youll see! But for now, take your Sleeping Beauty and take him in
the bed before he catches a cold! Rosaline smiled.
Still like in the old times.... Thanatos smiled to himself.
He bent over and picked Garnet from the floor, smiling to himself as he carried
his lover in the bedroom.
When he reached the bed, he carefully placed the younger gods body on the
mattress and covered his frame with a warm blanket. Then, sighing deeply,
Thanatos kissed Garnet on the cheek and pulled a chair next to the window.
He sat on the chair, covered in a blanket as well, watching over his lovers
slumber.

XXX

Rosaline has just let Albus free in the Heavens, as he has reached his Symbolic
Age. She sighed deeply and smiled, knowing that the small god was the last for
some time.
However, like a response to her calm, a black bundle floated through the air,
hovering over the ground, landing before the woman.
She sighed again and smiled to herself.
Oh...I think I am not done yet...Mother... she smiled as she picked the bundle.
Looking in the babys deep, black eyes, she smiled. The baby started giggling as
well, his joy making Rosaline feel warm.
She unveiled the baby and taking a small vial from one of her pouches, she let
one droplet of the silvery liquid land on the kids forehead. She then placed her
finger in the droplet and started drawing a small, intricate pattern on the childs
forehead.
Using the divine power that I was granted, I, Rosaline, known as the Divine
Nanny, grant thou the name of Thanatos, Ruler over the Element of Death. Thou
shall grow strong and powerful, healthy and sane, and become a powerful God
of Death! Rosaline whispered, touching the childs forehead again.
Thy eyes shall see the clearest... she said, touching both the babys eyes,
placing soft kisses on his eyelids and pouring one droplet of the liquid in each
eye.
Thy breath shall be calm and soft, thy lungs powerful and thy sense of smell
clear... she continued, touching the small nose of the baby with her lips.
Thy limbs shall be strong and powerful, thy body strong and healthy.... she
sighed, caressing his limbs and body with her touch.
Thy mind shall be clear and sane... she continued, touching the babys
forehead.
And thy heart shall be loving and pure! she finished, placing her palm over the
boys heart.
The silver drawings made by the goddess glowed white for a second, then they
faded into black and sunk in the boys body, reinforcing his essence.
Rosaline smiled and covered the baby with the blanket again.
She sighed and turned towards the great mansion.

XXX

Miss Rosaline! Can I come and see too? the young boy asked.
Thanny! I told you to call me Rosaline! And...yes, you can come with me the
woman smiled.
The boy beamed and ran outside, standing next to the white bundle that had just
landed in front of the mansion.
Rosaline followed, picking the bundle and uncovering the babys body.
She smiled, seeing as the baby was a girl, and began chanting.
Using the divine power that I was granted, I, Rosaline, known as the Divine
Nanny, grant thou the name of Astrid, Ruler over the Element of Peace. Thou
shall grow graceful and elegant, healthy and sane, and become a beautiful
Goddess of Serenity! Rosaline whispered, touching the childs forehead again.
Thy breath shall be calm and soft, thy lungs powerful and thy sense of smell
clear... she continued, touching the small nose of the baby with her lips.
Thy limbs shall be strong and elegant, thy body graceful and healthy.... she
sighed, caressing her limbs and body with her touch.
Thy mind shall be calm and sane... she continued, touching the babys
forehead.
And thy will shall be sparingly and peaceful! she finished, placing her palm
over the girls chest.
Thanatos sat through the whole process, looking at the small girl his Nanny
held.
Now, Thanny! I want you to take care of this girl. After all, you are three years
old now! Rosaline smiled, taking the two children and walking towards the
mansion.

XXX

And thy name shall be Garnet, and thou shall become a powerful God of
Hatred! Rosaline finished, covering the small babys body with the crimson
blanket.
Rosaline...who is this baby? Thanatos asked, looking closer at the small bundle
Rosaline carried.
This, my dear Thanny, is Garnet. You will be great friends, believe me!
Rosaline smiled.
Okay dokay! Thanatos giggled as he ran into his room.
Ten years have passed since Thanatos has come for Rosaline to raise him. Seven
years have passed since Astrid came as well. Now, ten years later, another baby
has come.
His name has been given. He was Garnet.
And Rosaline felt the power hidden within his heart.
She smiled as she placed the baby in the cradle, covering him with another
blanket.

XXX

Ragnar! Stop picking on Garnet! Rosaline called, scolding the older boy.
She sighed. She hated when Ragnar picked on Garnet. The little boy was such a
sweetheart! He didnt deserve being picked on by the older God.
However, Ragnar merely glance in Rosalines direction. Then he turned back to
Garnet, mocking him.
The younger boy was tugging on his small toy. It was a gift he had received
from Rosaline when he reached his tenth birthday. It was a small, crimson, stone
egg.
Garnet whimpered as Ragnar caught his long, crimson hair and pulled.
OW!!! Stop...that hurts!!!! Garnet cried as Ragnar pulled his hair.
However, the older boy merely cackled, scoffing the younger boy, and pulled
harder.
Stop said a voice, no emotion showing in the tone.
Ragnars grasp faltered as he turned around. What he saw surprised him.
Astrid stood before him.
Her long, white hair was tied in a braid that reached to her ankles.
Her white eyes shimmered, the green tattoos around her sockets glimmering.
She scowled and snapped her fingers.
Ragnar gulped, but did not let Garnets hair go.
I told you to let Garnet alone! Astrid snapped, her voice shrieking.
Silvery chains emerged around her, swallowing Ragnar and tying him to a tree.
Youll be able to get down when you feel like apologising to Garnet! Astrid
growled, patting Garnets cheek.
Now, sweetie, lets go and find Nanny! she giggled, taking Garnets hand.
Okay... the young boy whispered.
Astrid smiled and paced towards the mansion.

XXXTWO YEARS LATERXXX

The cold air rushed past Garnet, making him shiver. Snow was falling from the
sky, landing on the ground and on the bench occupied by Garnet.
He sneezed, feeling a bit dizzy.
Suddenly, he felt a warm body sit next to him.
Youll catch a cold if you stay out like this... the figure said in a distant voice.
Yeah... Garnet whispered, sensing the scent of lavender and cinnamon that
came from the other boy.
Thanatos sighed and shifted closer to Garnet, scooting the younger god in his lap
and wrapping his arms around his small frame.
If you insist on staying out....at least you wont be cold now... Thanatos
sighed.
Garnet flinched when the god touched him, but then he melted into Thanatos
warm embrace.
You smell like cinnamon and lavender... Garnet sighed, twirling a strand of his
hair around his finger.
And is it bothering you? Thanatos asked in a soft voice. His tone showed he
was worried.
I...like it.... Garnet said in a whisper, blushing, his face reddening like a
tomato.
Thanatos smiled widely, hugging Garnet closer.
He felt so happy...being able to hold the boy he loved, but never dared to
confess it.

XXX

Astrid parted the heavy, crimson velvet curtains, a heavy scent of vanilla incense
greeting her. She breathed deeply and went past the arch.
Welcome, my Goddess... a soft, female voice whispered.
Hello, Clairvoyant... Astrid whispered.
I have foreseen thy...arrival. Show me that which thou desire the Clairvoyant
whispered.
Astrid fidgeted and took a small vial from a pocket.
This, Clairvoyant, is a vision. This is a memory. My memory. I have dreamt
this vision for years, and every time, the stone slab faded before I could find out
its meaning. Can you show me the rest of the dream? Astrid asked, her voice a
bit trembling.
She knew she shouldnt have done that. She shouldnt have taken Garnets
dreams, trying to reveal their meaning. But...she couldnt help it. She had always
been fascinated by them.
I am afraid I cannot. But I might be able to tell you the meaning of the symbols
engraved on the stone the Clairvoyant whispered.
Show me... Astrid coughed.
Very well then... the other woman said.
She took the vial from Astrids grasp and poured its contents in the bowl of
incense that sat on the table. The scent of vanilla became heavier as the
Clairvoyant raised her arms.
The red sleeves of her garb slid, revealing her tanned skin, with tattoos adorning
her forearms.
Spirit of Dreams, great being that you govern over the Realm of Visions, bring
forth thy knowledge, shine thy wisdom and grant us with this dream! the
Clairvoyant called.
The smoke of the incense sticks grew heavier and dense, swirling around the
woman. Her tattoos began glowing with a dark red light, snaking over her arms.
She closed her eyes, the smoke encircling her lips. She inhaled, breathing in the
scent of vanilla.
Suddenly, her eyes began glowing white.
She started humming, trembling, leaning forwards and spinning her arms. She
looked like a possessed human.
However, as soon as it has begun, the spell broke.
The smoke faded and the Clairvoyant opened her eyes.
However, they were glowing with a white light. And when she spoke, her voice
was anything but human.
Dark is their Destiny, for from Death and Hatred War shall sprout, and Peace
shall vanish from the Land Demon! her voice growled, ebbing and echoing like
a menacing prophecy.
Astrids eyes filled with tears as the smoke grew dense again, and the
Clairvoyant returned to her former state.
Have I fulfilled my mission? the woman asked.
Thank you, Clairvoyant... Astrid coughed, standing.
Farewell, Goddess! the Clairvoyant whispered.
Farewell... Astrid gasped, leaving.

XXX

Oblivious! shrieked Astrid, thrusting the silver chain coiled in her hand
towards the Demon.
The silver coil began glowing wildly, silvery-yellow light showering it.
The chain spun, forming a perfect spiral, arching towards the Fiend.
This is such a foolish thing to do when you are dealing with a Demon! Orran
cackled, pulling out his scimitar.
He sidestepped and the chain fell on the ground.
Astrids eyes glowed with hatred as she let go of the chain.
Now, why do you keep defending the boy? After all, he has never been
anything more than a mere burden! Orran smiled, licking the blade of his
scimitar.
He wasnt! He has never been a burden! Without him, I would have probably
been a lonely lunatic now! Astrid growled.
She turned towards Garnet, who was standing behind her, his eyes wide with
fear.
Go! Go to Rosaline! Leave! she called, her eyes glowing.
Garnet nodded and turned around, running away.
We are alone now... Orran smirked, sliding the blade of his scimitar over his
lips.
A small, red line could be seen where the blade slid, blood showing from the
wound.
Orran licked his lips and smiled.
The taste of blood.... I love it! And you shall satisfy me! he called, launching
himself towards Astrid.
The goddess closed her eyes, holding her hands before her.
Orrans body slammed against an invisible wall that surrounded Astrid.
I see you like to play dirty, little girl. Then let me show you how dirty I can be!
Orran cackled.
He laughed and merely punched the wall, breaking it.
The force of the explosion caused Astrid to fall to her knees, sharp shards of
divine glass cutting her cheeks.
Orran leant over to her and placed his hand under her chin.
What, little goddess? Are you crying? Are you afraid? Orran growled, his
menacing grin spreading over his face.
He slapped her, sending her to the ground.
Then he hit her in the stomach, causing her to grunt in pain.
The shards that flew in the sky started falling, stabbing the goddess, cutting
small slits in her skin.

XXX

The pain....
It was unbearable.
I...I couldnt help but cry.
And...even if my tears burned, I couldnt stop.
Why?
Why was he such a bastard?
Why couldnt he leave us alone?
Because we are...different?
No...
I cannot give up.
Not...not now.
Not before...before I take my revenge!

XXX

Astrids tears were streaming on her dirty face, burning her wounds.
However, in spite of the pain, she shifted.
She tried to stand, bringing her hands under her body.
Orrans eyes were glowing with delight as he savoured the pain the girl was
experiencing.
However, the jolly look in his eyes faded as the girl began glowing.
Spirits of Peace! Beings of Serenity! Bring forth thy pure light, bring forth thy
strong chains, bind this Devils son, bind him, tie his rotten soul in the deepest
corner of his own, sick and twisted mind! Make him unable! Take his weapons!
Leave only his hopeless, destroyed mind! Come, Spirits! Grant thy Mistress
wish! Astrid called.
White light surrounded her, small, white orbs flowing from her body.
They melted, chains and ropes forming around Orran as the spheres disappeared.
Small, winged spheres appeared, surrounding Orran in a great cocoon. He
screamed in agony, however his cry remained unheard.
Farewell... Astrid whispered, as the white spheres flowed from her body.

XXX

I have decided...
I have acted...
I have sacrificed myself.
May my sacrifice be heard of through this damned land of Demons and Gods!
May they remember who has died, for History will never change!

XXX

Astrids body floated upwards, shining weakly.
The spheres broke from her essence, her form fading.
Until nothing remained.
Orran erupted from the cocoon, standing tall.
However, when he tried to pull his scimitar, it didnt come out.
Curse you, Goddess! Curse you, little girl! he called towards the skies, until his
voice was hoarse.

XXX

Youth with the broken essence,
Protect the world from utter evanescence.
Take thy weapon, hone thy soul,
Descend skyward into the Land below.
Bring forth the light, the truth shall show,
Surrender it under the sacred Pole.