Matweirden’s blight infused oblivion spell roared past me with enough force to send me stumbling. It was a strange sensation, being pushed by the mana pressure while also being pulled by the vacuum the magical void created.

  Once I recovered my footing, thanks to my talons and wings, I raced forward, hand extended. I needed to save her, perhaps more for my own sake at this point, but to do that I needed her in good condition, so I really only had one choice.

  So ??? Protection, it is!

  Still stuck in my kinda cruel traps, and continually restrained with paralyze, tase, and magnetic hold, she wasn’t really in any position to resist me much, especially since I was no longer directly in front of that disgusting set of jaws.

  As such, all Elguriad could really do was yell as menacingly as her vocal cords could manage, which morphed into a loud almost laugh thanks to the constant shocks applied to her muscles.

  But I’ve gotta be careful how I go about this, because God forbid I accidentally give the protection to Elguriad and create some sorta super demon or something stupid like that.

  Once I’d made contact with her rough and blood matted fur, I used both rebuke and smite to clear the area around my hand of the demon’s presence. I then unleashed ??? Protection on Matweirden.

  The rush of warmth from my core nearly took my legs out from under me, but I managed to endure the unexpectedly great strain and was rewarded with a dual voiced howl so unnatural that I was forced to accept that both Matweirden and Elguriad weren’t ever intended to exist in this world.

  I kept my eyes trained on her fur, hoping that the small white patch I’d created would grow, but instead it got brighter.

  Oh, geez, what’s–

  I covered my eyes as the light intensified, but it showed no signs of stopping.

  And it grew until the white light swallowed up everything and I felt myself fall–kinda like the sensation from a dream.

  #

  Matweirden was little more than a nameless monster when she began life centuries ago. She followed her instincts, hunted, ate, grew, and repeated the process countless times. However, she encountered a wounded creature, already close to death, that smiled at her as she closed in for the kill.

  “You’re only doing what you must… Cursed to die and return to dust… But eat of me… I hope you’ll live… Take this gift, that you too may give. I name you, Matweirden… And pray that the Creator will show mercy… .”

  Her bloodied hands gently wiped Matweirden’s orange fur clean while the lower body was devoured. She didn’t understand the words at first, but when the hands of her prey fell still, Matweirden felt a deep sense of loss and a powerful urge to eat the rest.

  Once she had finished, Matweirden fell into a sudden slumber, and when she awoke hours later, she became aware not only of herself, but of many things, including the gravity of who she had consumed.

  “The blood of the Elder beasts… Now flows through me. You were their child, and you died so that I could be reborn as yours, but it wasn’t enough… Mother, I’m still empty. Still hungry. But for you, for your sacrifice, I will resist.”

  She claimed that grove as her home, and as she grew she developed a following by protecting endangered people. She wasn’t selfless enough to let them eat of her, but pitied the settlers' weakness and ignorance and sought to guide them as her mother had for her.

  As the years passed, she developed a stronger will and deeper understanding of the sentience given to her. Unlike other terrestrial deities, she never ate people, and didn’t grow from consuming them. Instead, much to her surprise, she grew from supporting them, and slowly developed a more humanoid appearance. She taught them to honor the strong, who protect and provide, and to respect the meek, who serve and support. A doctrine born in honor of her unnamed mother who gave everything to feed her, and her own mission to protect those who now help to stave off her hunger.

  I am not a monster. You made me more than that. But the emptiness persists… I have no choice. I will grow and refine myself until the world itself has to accept that I have changed! That I have a place! That was your will. That is my wish!

  With her course set, she expanded her domain to stretch across the region that would become the empire, and ensured that her chosen were placed prominently within it.

  Prosperity followed them all, but her success gathered attention from the Ascendant faith as it spread to the empire’s lands. Not only was she a rival for followers, but her unique development garnered interest from the sadistic Ascendants and soon her days were filled with personal attacks disguised as territorial disputes.

  At first she proved more than a match for the mutant invaders, but as the days dragged into years and decades, as her attention became more and more divided by the steadily increasing frequency, the foundation of her followers was cut from beneath her, and her strength diminished faster.

  It was then that Gregorious struck. He made light of her plight, using it as a demonstration, an experiment, before a host of his unworthy underlings–speaking to them promises that he would never honor, whispering lies that led them further into self destructive obedience.

  Matweirden fought with all she had left, but she fell, and the demon Elguriad was infused into her.

  Then she learned a terrible truth.

  Those without souls were closer to demons than people, and if a demon managed to get past their defenses and invade their bodies, then resistance became meaningless.

  For all her long life, for all her effort in honing her will, for all the gifts her mother had given, nothing she had or did could slow or stop the demon as it usurped, regenerated, and gradually warped her body to its liking.

  Trapped in a dark dream, time lost all meaning. Was it days? Weeks? Years? Forever? She couldn’t know if the vague images of her suffering and failing followers that the shadows spat out were fabrications meant to torment her, her own nightmares and doubts visualized, or reality breaking through.

  The one who controlled her didn’t even speak to her. To that great darkness, she was merely a tool, a vessel to be used, abused, and perhaps one day discarded.

  Is this it? Is this my fate?

  Gradually, she got used to submission. Of feeling another call up her strength, move her limbs, and speak with her voice.

  I… regret only that I could not meet your expectations… I never really knew you, or your name, but… Mother. I am sorry. This is not what you wanted.

  She shut her eyes to the visions she couldn’t accept, and hung limp, little more than a puppet on the demon’s strings.

  But before she could fade into nothing, the light came.

  The shadow in her mind couldn’t hide it from her, and her tightly shut eyes couldn’t keep it out. Try as she might to sink deeper, that radiant form that now stood before her, that defied the very nature of the one that controlled her so completely, demanded her absolute attention until she relented and looked.

  You!

  Breath left her as instinct told her that this was the one. The one who could acknowledge her, the one that could give the life she lacked, who could complete her mother’s will, and grant her long abandoned wish.

  She still couldn’t resist Elguriad, so instead she raged within, surprising the demon with her support in the battle.

  This is it! This is my chance! I can at last prove myself worthy! I can win and take the life that I’ve longed for! Just one more hunt! One last battle! And I can be free of this demon!

  However, her long awaited prey proved a greater predator than she had anticipated. They were more than a match for her might combined with the demon’s, and once trapped, she sensed the impending death blow.

  Without the ability to cry out, or even struggle to free herself, she closed her eyes again–accepting defeat.

  So it was never meant to be. I tried my best, but that light is stronger. I’m sorry for my shameful display of subservience, mother, but I will accept the end as you did. You win.

  But death didn’t come. Insead, she heard and felt the demon scream, and trembled as it was partly pushed out of her as it had been during the fight. It still held on tight, for it had dug its roots deep, and its efforts tore at her being, but the light held it at bay and then took a different approach.

  Like the demon, it invaded her, but unlike the demon, it didn’t take–it gave. Unfailing strength to her and her weakened will, unshakable support for her to stand upon, boundless relief to her worries and woes, a seemingly invincible ally against the gloom that had ensnared her for so long.

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  It wasn’t instant, and the demon struggled for all it was worth, but in the end the light washed everything away.

  When the light cleared, she collapsed to the rippling surface that served as the floor as if dead. Too weak to move most of her body, she immediately knew that opening her eyes to look at the massive throne before her, and the white clad figure that sat upon it, would spell true death. But even without opening them, she still somehow knew that they were there, and what they looked like.

  Where am I? How did I get here? And who is this… this mighty one?

  Then, the luminous being spoke, and all doubt she had toward their identity was erased. “Matweirden? How are you feeling? Are you well?”

  Their voice was kind, like a friend after years apart. Their voice was gentle, putting her at ease. Their voice was strong, instilling respect and fear. Their voice commanded all, churning the stars all around them through the expanse of darkness like so many lightning bugs through the forest at night.

  This is… This must be… She gulped. The Creator God whom my mother burned into my memory. Whom I just tried to– to kill, and eat. So why do they ask these questions? Don’t they already know the answers? The pressure of their presence alone has left me powerless, so why do they show concern? Is all this meant to put me in my place? They did that during the battle! By making me aware that I can’t even look their way!

  Hesitantly, she shouted–though it came out as a murmur. “I– I submit. Mercy… Mercy, please.”

  It is only right that the weak serve the strong. I’ve said so for so long. So I will serve, at your pleasure, as you wish it. Again she shut her eyes, accepting the exchange of one master for another, yet still she saw the maker kindly smile–and she felt a pair of long forgotten hands embrace her from behind. M–mother?

  Then the Creator said. “In her honor, I name you Cassandra. Now go, and bear it well.”

  Warmth spilled from the touch, erupted from her core, and filled her until the gnawing emptiness that she had long kept at bay was no more. Is this… what I've been missing? Mother… Is this… Your name? Is this… the life you wanted to give me? Her lower lip trembled. It… it is all I’ve wanted… and so much more!

  #

  The light made me feel a bit disembodied, but I didn’t have time to worry about that. Almost as soon as it enveloped me and the falling sensation started, a jet of darkness erupted outta nowhere and tried to latch onto my face.

  I held it off as best as I could but it had a wicked grip, so I was left with little choice other than to try to crush it since I got the feeling that ripping it up would just multiply the problem.

  It wriggled and writhed through my fingers, all while attempting to worm its way into my nose and mouth so I gave it a good wringing out, like an old towel.

  It shrieked unintelligibly, expanding to try and restrict my arms, so I used the opportunity to finally wrench it free of my face, before setting to the task of scraping the unsightly shadow into the palms of my hands.

  I had to call up more of my warm power to hold it steady and force it away, but in the end it was defeated–though it still fought me and the white light I manifested.

  Light and darkness. Something and nothing. Existence and nonexistence. They are two ends of a scale. They are opposite, but that doesn’t mean that they should clash like this.

  “Know your place.” I tightened my grip until I felt the two forces crack and snap in my hands. “I am setting you apart. A place for each. Day and night. Dark and light. Neither wrong, but both needed for things to be right.”

  I released them and they exploded outward, covering all in the glittering beauty of space.

  I sighed. “Good.”

  Exhausted, I sat back and a familiar seat greeted me. Oh! I know where I am! This is the same place I met Calden at when I first healed him! It’s been a while.

  I watched the new backdrop churn in this place without a visible floor, spinning from night into day, and back again as if I were the axis upon which it hung.

  Oh! Ha! I’m not alone here either!

  Like Calden, a tiny version of Matweirden, sans the demonic coloration and alterations, lay sprawled out at my feet like an exhausted kitten too tired to even move. I knew she was awake though, so I asked. “Matweirden. How are you feeling? Are you well?”

  It took her a bit, but eventually she managed to mutter. “I– I submit. Mercy… Mercy, please.”

  I was a bit taken aback, though I refrained from showing it thanks to my own fatigue. I guess we were just fighting, huh? From her perspective it probably seems like I’m trying to humiliate her… So what can I do to set that right?

  I got the feeling that the system was about to say something, but instead of a voice, I just suddenly remembered naming Silvia.

  That was it.

  No other context or message.

  I guess I could try to name her too. It did make Silvia so much stronger, and I could use that if my horrible hunch is correct. So what do I name her? What do I– Oh! Who have we here?

  Behind Matweirden sat a single soul. I almost missed her as she was quite transparent and just as small as Matty, but she watched the tiger deity with all the love and affection you’d expect from a departed parent.

  Though it doesn’t look like that relation is blood bound, since the soul is clearly avian, not that it matters to me. Love is love, and that’s good stuff!

  Again, I felt like the system was going to speak, but this time my eyes were drawn to the soul and I didn’t so much hear, but rather felt, the name ‘Cassandra’.

  I smiled. That’ll do nicely! Especially if it was the soul’s name since, given that hug, it looks like she wants Matty to have it!

  “In her honor, I name you Cassandra. Now go, and bear it well.”

  I was honestly being a bit dramatic, since the moment was so touching and all, but it actually was the end of our time here.

  The bright light abruptly returned and I felt my detached consciousness racing back to my body.

  Oh well, it was nice while it lasted. Time to take back up my troubles I guess.

  #

  The blinding light faded, and I nearly collapsed. Panting, I forced my wobbling legs to hold me up through willpower alone, and I managed a half smile at what I saw before me.

  In Matweirden’s massive place, still clad in the ruins of her corrupted armor, now lay a simple, and totally regular sized, white haired torathan woman. The features of her upper body were basically the same as before, tanned skin, braided hair, round tiger ears, same facial and upper body structure. However, she now had a very muscley set of otherwise normal legs–complete with a bushy white tiger tail, and a series of white tattoos on her limbs, back, stomach, collar, and face.

  And oh lawd, she’s got no pants!

  Weakly, I dropped my satchel from my back and managed to drag out a blanket to cover her with, because, as you might expect, her fur didn’t magically transform into clothes.

  Though it would’ve been great if it had, oh well, guess I’ll just have to be happy with saving her life… A stupid grin crept onto my face in spite of my rather bleak situation. And I totally am. Though I forgot that Silvia didn’t wake up instantly, so this plan is kinda a wash… Resigned to my failure, I sighed. Live long, young one. Now, I’ve got no time to lose.

  My fatigue meant that I was going to be in trouble if another fight broke out, so I used syphon to quickly drain all five crystals of their mana until they crumbled to dust. It helped a little, as some strength returned to my fingers, but it wasn’t enough.

  I’m not really lacking mana in the first place. Yes, I used a good bit of it, but I wasn’t feeling too tired until I removed the demon. Which means I used up a whole lotta that other stuff… So there’s no way I’m in any condition to fight anything even remotely that strong again–especially not if their blighted. I glanced over at the soundly sleeping, and newly named, Cassandra. And now I’ll have to protect you too.

  As if waiting for me to finish accepting my current situation, space distorted several feet away and my heart dropped into my stomach as I watched two white clad figures appear.

  They were unmistakably Ascendants, just like the one I saw in that premonition I had of Kormath’s destruction–in fact, one was that very Ascendant herself.

  Uriel buzzed twice–I didn’t even have to ask.

  I frowned. Good to know that Cass’ domain is clear and isn’t causing errors anymore. Though, I guess my comprehension and understanding abilities aren’t high enough to see everything because those two no doubt have high leveled authority abilities.

  Gregorious scoffed, but failed to hide his gleeful undertone. “What? Not happy to see us Anon? I can call you Anon, can’t I? It is your name right?”

  I ignored him and his childish attempt at provocation, I doubted that I could talk my way out, and I didn’t have enough strength left to waste time flapping my gums. Should I fight with my all in the hopes that I can break through and run? Or do I make a show out of resisting and pretend to be defeated in hopes of escaping when their guard is down? Then there’s Cassandra to consider. I can’t just abandon her after doing all that work, so which choice would make it easier to protect her too? Josephine shifted, and my extended awareness showed me the truly hideous forms beneath their veiled bodies, but for now I focused on her eyes. She’s watching him, warily, it seems. So their allies, and their loyal to none title is accurate. Which means I could try to pit them against one another, but to do that I’d need to figure out what they want. Maybe I can talk this out after all? Though if I do, that’ll be it. All or nothing. If I fail I’ll have wasted my strength, and need to escape or get captured–or killed.