The Grand Weave

The portal closed and she leaned forward, dropping her face into her hands. Her partner swam to the surface and coiled around the throne, resting her head at eye level. It was a kind gesture and she reached out to stroke her scales, just between the ridge of her nose, where she knew Zolnja liked it best.

"We've certainly bitten off more than we can chew," Ysanna chuckled.

The storm clouds exploded as Zolnja's tail flicked in annoyance. The water around her scales vibrated into colossal waves as she growled.

"It might have been better to stay dead," she hissed.

It was an empty statement. Neither of them would have given up the chance to return to their people, especially with their chosen alive and whole.

"How's your grandchild?"

"A cautious coward," she spat. Her voice was sharp but it lacked bite. "Unsure of how to approach me, too meek for one of their lineage!"

"Oh please. Their long lost great-great-great something goddess grandmother not only returned after death but is both their goddess and their family. Do not blame a child for such things."

The look she received in return was one of utter betrayal. She took it with another chuckle and leaned back, watching the sunset once more.

Without the chaos of having mortals run amok in their soul realm, it was almost strange for it to be so empty. It was almost... desolate.

Despite the trouble he caused, Cyrus had lit a peculiar spark. From chaos, he brought new emotions and new experiences that were foreign to them.

They were cautiously welcomed even if they would never admit such dangerous thoughts.

The water responded to her command, dragging the coral and seastone throne toward the table still filled with food. Even if the one mortal–if he could really be called that anymore, treated her so casually, it was nearly heretical to act like them.

So now that they were gone she finally allowed herself to partake in the interesting collection of foreign cuisine. They smelled nothing like she had ever tasted, and the noises they had made had her hungry to find out.

"Are we really eating that stuff," Zolnja grumbled.

"Of course. Calstrax made these, might as well see if it's worth the high praises.

Her mention of the other god wasn't exactly comforting to her companion but she would get over it. For now, she had a choice, and a slice of 'laz-onia' was the first on the menu.

She held it to the light and sniffed, a strangely tangy smell entering her nose. With a shrug, she shoved the slice into her mouth and chewed.

"Oh thish if goofd!"

Her partner made a disgusted face and turned her nose high.

She swallowed and waved another plate. "Come on! There's no reason to deny ourselves some fun."

The sky turned pitch dark except for the eddies of electrified water illuminating the area. Her partner's scales were plasma that could melt through a mountain but their realm remained unharmed.

"We do not deserve such freedom," Zolnja rumbled.

The delicious noodles in her mouth turned to ash. She sighed and waved her hand. The waves rose and engulfed the table and brought it deep into their realm.

She'd have to enjoy the cuisine another day.

"You know it's not your fault or mine. We did what we could. And now we're alive and our people are thriving once more."

"It's not enough."

The same argument that had been plaguing them the moment they returned. She understood the problem, but there truly was no use in atoning for an impossible situation.

They had no chance to win, the duel would only ever have one outcome. The city and its people, their children, and faith had suffered but they saved who they could.

The very memories of those who once lived were preserved with them in the rift, forever honored for ages to come.

They did what they had to do and she wouldn't apologize for it.

But she would do better and help ease the burden her partner felt. It was the least she could do for someone who stuck by her side even in death.

"Are you ready for what's to come?" she asked as she stood up.

Zolnja returned to a calm state, with only the odd scale shifting into electric blue before returning to normal.

"I am. Let us be done with this farce."

Indeed.

The waters parted once more as she controlled the waves and brought to the surface the dungeon core and his fairy.

They shrunk away like frightened mice, a useless attempt to make themselves small.

When she spoke next, the realm shook under her power. The clouds swirled and the waves grew to titanic proportions. Zolnja's form stretched high, her tail snaking around the orb that was their containment.

It was all theatrics but they would not be allowed to cause any more trouble.

"Have you understood the warning you've been given? Did the god whose son you threatened make it clear?"

The dungeon core sank to the floor, unable to keep itself afloat. His fear radiated like a beacon, unmistakable and obnoxiously present.

But the fairy stood strong and floated before it, arms almost akimbo as if to protect its companion. It was sweet, but there would be no mercy.

"We understand! By the Weave we willingly part with our memories. We apologize for the inconvenience, Lady Ysanna, Lady Zolnja!"

She let them squirm, commanding the silence until both were suffieciently cowed.

"Very well. Then accept our mana and do not resist. This is not a suggestion."

Zolnja pushed her head to the bubble's edge, baring her large fangs in an angry snarl. "Begin."

Ysanna weaved a thread of mana into their forms, being polite enough to allow them to consent first before she siphoned the memories.

It was an awkward thing to do, and it wouldn't have been possible without Eraztis' temporary help, but it had to be done.

They vibrated as her divinity tore through them and ripped the last vestiges of emotions free. Once completed she withdrew the thread and watched them sink onto the platform below.

Zolnja's tail brought them closer, gently wrapping them in her scales. They were unconscious.

"That was rough," Ysanna admitted. "Not sure why Eraztis wanted the memories stored. He could have taken them himself."

"Best not question those two. We'd never understand," Zolnja said.

"True enough. Ready?"

"Always."

She placed her hand along her partner's back and closed her eyes. The throne carried her will, weaving the divinity into the mana and breaching through reality. As she traveled the pathway her consciousness slipped and she fell into the void.

When she opened her eyes of the astral avatar, the realm's gatekeeper greeted her with a baleful stare. The stone wolf's maws shone with cosmic light and she held out her hand.

"I give unto thee willingly. May my acceptance be the oath that binds for my duration in this realm."

The swirling cosmo sucked in her thread and spat out another. The crimson string wrapped around her wrist and solidified, tying itself in a seamless knot.

Zolnja did the same, the band moving to the tip of her tail, one far larger than her own.

With the oath made, they floated through the barrier and entered the arena. Many eyes stared back, not all humanoid, more than a few belonging to eldritch monstrosities that crawled from the deepest crevices of reality.

The arena itself was simply large selections of floating islands divided by separate pantheons. The space was impossibly vast but there was no ceiling and the sky showed an endless array of stars.

The islands rotated on their own accord, the stone and very environment changing to the divinities occupying them.

Not everyone was present. Some islands were empty, or lacking the full contingent of gods that made up the pantheon. And some islands were mere stones, singular platforms for solo gods–the Unbound.

She spotted her's, the Solunaria's pantheon being a shining spotlight of gold with rich vegetation and even brighter crystals glowing with radiant sunlight.

Eight platforms were filled, each a different light. Only the ninth was empty; her seat. She ignored the intense stares and floated upward. She reached the island first while Zolnja snaked around the stone.

Hard rock became vibrant blue water and trees made of lightning rose upward into fine points. Their canopies were clouds and even with the grays of the storm clouds blocking out the starlight, the sun from the central island pierced through.

Pure showmanship, unneeded and unnecessary peacockery that was an unfortunate part of this meeting. She detested it. But she was on trial here, among other things. There could be no mistakes.

As soon as her island settled, the fifth island, the one of verdant green fields and deep forests slowly floated over. Its owner waved and stopped at the island's edge.

"Permission to board?" the goddess asked, her voice soft and kind.

"Of course, Ulphinia. Is there something you need?" Ysanna asked.

Ulphinia hopped over, detaching from the roots that connected her foot. Her skin was pale green and unblemished save for the random assortment of flower-shaped tattoos and vines that coiled around her limbs. Green hair framed the two sets of lavender eyes and parted to display the great set of golden antlers she was known for.

She skipped and danced, stopping by Zolnja's tail before she dived to embrace it. Her partner dodged her attempt and sank into the water, scowling at the nature goddess.

"Oh come on, Zol. It's just a hug and your scales feel so nice!"

"Never!" Zolnja hissed.

Ysanna cleared her throat. "Ulphinia? Was there something you wanted?"

"Hmmm, a small one that Aurelion is too angry to ask right now. They thought it best they send me instead."

She already knew where the conversation was heading. In reply, Zolnja produced the core and its fairy, presenting it so that the rest of her pantheon could see.

"You may take them now. We apologize for the delay."

Ulphinia pursed her lips but as always, she smiled and grabbed them with roots from her island. They sank below the luscious grass.

"They're not harmed but..."

"After effects from helping Eraztis."

That wiped the smile off the goddess's face. For a moment, her soft eyes turned vicious red and the brown vines turned black and sprouted thorns. The change–the other half of her nature showed itself and disappeared within the next blink.

"I see. Well if he demanded something there's no helping it! Good luck during the interrogation!" She leaned in and put a hand to her ear. "Remember, we're here to support you!"

"Ulphinia!" Aurellion shouted.

"Oops! Gotta go."

Ulphinia returned to her island and settled into position. Aurellion spared her a glance, before locking eyes with Ysanna.

He wasn't angry but enough frustration showed through his eyes despite his island remaining serene and unchanging.

Time passed and more divinities showed themselves. With each new island, a new buzz added itself to the great static in the air. Some openly taunted their rivals, nearly provoking fights in useless displays of power.

But all noise ceased as Eraztis appeared in the center of the arena. He stepped onto the main platform and his island rose through the throngs of the others. Much like his realm, the island was made of stars and the void, glowing orbs sprouting as ever-changing vegetation.

Any power the other gods accidentally leaked faded, leaving just Eraztis' domain to dominate the field.

"The council has begun. The gate will be sealed off and we will not leave until this matter is settled," he spoke, his voice booming through their minds.

What is he doing?

A few spoke out in outrage but Eraztis clapped his hands and the stars above shifted till only the endless black loomed over them.

"There will be no interruptions unless permission is granted. I will not repeat myself. Those who break this rule will be barred from entry for the next decade."

There were a few grumbles but none dared speak out.

Aurelion raised his hand, his island flashing to grab Eraztis' attention.

"Aurellion? You may speak."

"Does a misunderstanding truly require such restrictions?" Aurelion asked.

"Tell me. What do you think is the reason we are here?"

The sun god froze, his aura flickering with instability before he mastered himself and crossed his arms.

"We are here because Ysanna and Zolnja kidnapped a dungeoncore."

Rumbling laughter filled the area, Eraztis' tentacles writing along his neck.

"You think such a singular action is worth the calling of a council? One that involves all the gods?" Eraztis paused, but he didn't wait for Aurelion to answer. "Your pantheon may show promise but you are far from the most important thing on Inoria. Get over yourself, whelp."

Flames flashed, dancing across Aurelion's skin as a sun grew behind his head. But again he calmed and glared.

"Not all gods are here."

"Pedantics. Would you really request the premise of that fox? I didn't take you for a fool."

Most of the divines in attendance cringed at Eraztis' words. Some openly flared their auras in response, directing their ire toward Aurelion while more than a few shuddered at the thought.

Memories flashed along with the feeling of the heat that scorched her realm. Those flames that gnawed at her divinity like hungry wolves, the pressure that affected even her and her companion despite being goddesses, they brought a shudder to her spine that she repressed.

And to think I'm indebted to that fox... If only they knew.

Aurelion backed down and Eraztis turned, spinning so that every god and goddess could see his form. He raised his hand and snapped.

A replica of Inoria appeared, the globe spinning lazily through the air.

"We shall begin the discussion on something that affects us all. Some of you may have felt it, most of you are too inexperienced." he paused and let the uproar settle before he clapped his hands and the globe froze in place. "The real reason we are here is to discuss the Grand Weave interfering with this world."

Neltesh, a member of the eastern continent's pantheon, raised his many limbs.

Eraztis nodded. "Speak."

"What do you mean the Weave has interfered?" Neltesh burbled.

"I speak of the incident four days ago. When the Grand Weave froze all of Inoria."

"What?!"

Damn. He really said it.

Zolnja's tail nudged her elbow and she glanced behind her. They shared a look and schooled themselves, calming their auras and retracting their mana.

She paused as a tap against her psyche rang like a war drum. She allowed the connection and looked to Eraztis who was standing still, waiting for the contingent of gods to settle down.

"Yes, Eraztis?"

"You're welcome. Now remember the promises you made. Don't expose yourself, and mention nothing of Cyrus and Calstrax," Eraztis replied.

"I know. You don't need to remind me."

"Good."

Eraztis clapped his hands and rose into the air above his island. The arena responded, forcing a silence through the ether.

"If you wish to speak, activate your island's enchantments."

Nearly all the islands flashed and he slumped forward.

"Just be happy you don't have to be the one to do this," he whispered into her mind.

"Thanks."

"Mmmm."

He clapped his hands once more and pointed to one of the western pantheons. "You may begin..."