Chapter 134: 2.11 Paradise (5)
Xander opened a portal to Athena’s personal realm to the bewilderment of his parents.
"Your Majesty, thank you for allowing our son to spend so much time with you. You’ve allowed him to visit your personal realm. It is such an honor and we appreciate you very much." Brie said with a silver tear of joy falling from her face.
Sora hugged his son and smiled. "When did you get the invite to her realm?"
"I can’t say, sorry. I promised Nana Fena I wouldn’t tell anyone."
"It’s ok Xander, your parents are coming. There are some things you need to know and I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask too much of you again, Sora. You already have enough on your shoulders with the prophecies of Exteria." Athena said kindly, failing to hide the sadness in her voice. "Please proceed through this portal."
Brie and Sora held hands with Xander and they entered Athena’s realm. They noticed they were much higher than the regular area of Paradise they lived in. The universes and planets were larger, easier to see and the entire space was beautiful.
Athena’s home was quite large and a phoenix nested on top of her mansion.
"Is that someone related to Ignis?!" Sora exclaimed.
"That is my Father’s original creation and my personal companion. Her name is Skylar. She can speak and is considered a goddess, not a mythical creature. But yes, she is a phoenix." Athena said merrily.
"She’s absolutely gorgeous! A white phoenix with pink feathers and teal flames?! I bet Ignis would drop dead seeing here," Brie giggled.
"Skylar is currently asleep, but we can catch up with her later. I need to take you inside and explain some things." Athena said while inviting them to her home.
"Is this where you and your siblings used to live?" Sora asked politely.
"Manners!" Brie whispered to Sora.
"It’s quite alright Brie. This was my father’s home. I’m sure you’ve learned of the Fallen and their anger with me for my Father granting me his power and realm while he went to rest. I believe there are some people you’d like to see inside as well," Athena smiled.
As they walked in, Cyrus, Aphrodite and Jessica walked up to Sora and gave him a giant group hug. They then went to Brie and showered her with love, affection and praise.
"There’s our little guy!" Aphrodite said with a giant smile as she picked up Xander, kissing his cheeks repeatedly.
"It’s great to see you all!" Sora said as he started tearing up. "Seriously, mom, I mean earth mom, thank you so much for all you did for me. I know it wasn’t easy for you to give me up but everything worked out didn’t it?"
Jessica embraced Sora in a long hug and whispered, "It worked out better than I ever imagined. I’m so happy for you. Brie is beautiful and Xander is amazing. He loves you both very much."
******
Athena directed them into a luxurious living area, where Brie sat next to Aphrodite and Jessica and Xander sat on Sora’s lap on a couch with Cyrus.
Athena took a deep breath before speaking.
"We must make a statement about those betraying Paradise. I’ve let this go for far too long. I know we’ve all been able to sense some of them, but Xander’s ability to see someone’s lifeforce and emotions makes this so much easier. What do we do with the traitors?"
"Shatter their souls. You’ve always been kind, your Majesty. Imagine how much different our lives would be had you shattered Hades soul when you had the chance," Cyrus wasted no time expressing his blunt opinion.
"That’s a lot of souls to shatter. Wouldn’t that take a significant amount of time and energy?" Sora asked. "I know I’m pretty new to this whole god thing, but it’s not like Athena can just snap her fingers and shatter 700 souls at once... can she?"
Aphrodite smiled, "Sora, I love you dearly but you really don’t know how powerful Athena is, do you? There’s a reason I stayed with my lovely sister. She deserved to become the next ruler of Paradise and Limbo. Hades always cooperated with our Father, who was his brother, but when my brothers and sisters joined him, he saw an opportunity to take control of Paradise, Limbo and the Underworld."
"Sora, you just watched her shatter those souls with ease. What makes you think she couldn’t shatter an entire planet instantly?" Brie said politely. "Not trying to be insensitive or rude, your majesty, I’m just guessing you have that much power."
"I am not as powerful as you think I am but I could certainly shatter plenty of the souls Xander identified with the snap of my fingers. The problem is what message does that send to the rest of Paradise?"
"That you don’t tolerate traitors and evil souls amongst the blessed ones?" Cyrus suggested. "Also, you’re too humble, your Majesty. You are unquestionably the most powerful being in existence."
"I think Nana Fena should do what Nana Fena wants to do." Xander said confidently.
Sora and Brie smiled.
"Athena, I have an idea, but it requires you to protect his children at all costs." Sora said calmly. "Have Lox tell you everything he knows, what he’s being forced to do and convince him his children will remain safe if he does so."
"That’s actually a really good idea. Xander, could you please portal Lox and his children here?" Athena asked politely.
Xander opened a portal and Lox looked in nervously.
"No need to be nervous Lox, please bring your children, Skylar is here. They will always be safe." Athena said with a kind smile.
Lox looked at his children and smiled. ’Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time before they found out. I’m going to miss these two.’
The dragons flew through the portal and tackled Sora while saying, "You’re friends with our mom! You treat her so well! Thank you so much for rescuing her! OH! There’s Brie! Hi Brie!"
The children flew over to Brie and gave her the same amount of love and attention.
"Seriously, we don’t know how to thank you! We thought our race was going to go completely extinct but now there’s a chance the dragons will fly the skies of Exteria again!" the children laughed with glee.
"Hello Lox, it’s been awhile. How are you?" Sora said kindly. "I know you’re in a tough position and no one here is upset with you. Having to choose between your children’s safety or the safety of Paradise... that’s an impossible choice."
"I agree, Lox. So please, I can ensure the safety of your children and inform you that your race will be reborn. In return, I ask for full transparency about who you are reporting to and who you are recruiting. Do we have a deal?" Athena asked politely, extending her arm out for a handshake.
"I ask for one more thing in return. Please allow me to say goodbye to Leila. She needs to know her children are safe and that I will no longer exist when she finally comes to Paradise," Lox said, tears flowing from his eyes. "If you will allow that, we have a deal."
Comments