"So, where are we going?" As we walked back into the village, I asked, both girls still holding my arms.
"There is a place just outside of the south side of town. There is a big monument to an old ruler that everyone had forgotten the name of," Annie explained, and I nodded.
I wasn't very interested in an old statue, but it was something the girls wanted to do, so I didn't mind. I was happy where I was at the moment, but I never imagined that having friends would be like this.
"The statue is of an old God that failed the world long ago, but he had still been a good God. His name had been forgotten now, but all the stories told of his deeds are remembered," Tracy explained, and I nodded.
"If he was so great, how did he fail?" I asked.
This was something that I was curious about, as well as what Gods actually did for their worlds. Could they do anything?
It would be pretty silly for them to be called a God of the world, but they have no power in it. What would be the point?
"This was long ago. He guided a Hero that only worked on defeating the Demons that plagued the lands. The Hero refused to help the people and ignored those that requested their help," Tracy explained, and my blood ran ice cold.
This story sounded a little too familiar for my comfort, and now I was more than interested in seeing the statue here. If it was of Gaston, then I was the reason that he failed, but was that truly all that he could do?
"Is something wrong? You look like you saw a ghost," Annie asked, looking up at me, and I nodded.
"Something like that. More of a ghost from my past coming back to remind me of my past failures," I explained, feeling heavy in my heart.
"Why? It's not like you did this, right?" Tracy asked as we left town.
"Let's just wait until I see the statue. If it is who I think it is, then I am the Hero that failed this world, not the God," I said, feeling my feet start to become heavy.
I didn't want it to be true, and every fiber of my being was pushing for me to stay away from this place I was going. Nothing could change the past, and I was here now to fix my mistakes, but that wasn't enough to lift the lead on my heart.
The girls didn't ask any more questions as they led me out to a rise that had a ten-foot-tall statue on it. Its back was facing me, but I could already tell it was him from his robe and posture.
"This is the Old God of this world," Tracy said as we walked in front of the statue.
"This Old God's name is Gaston, God of the Two-Handed Viper Snake, and I was his blessed Hero. I am the one that failed this world," I said, looking up into the jovial face of my once guide.
"You are really him?! I thought that your story sounded similar, but I didn't want to say," Tracy said, and Annie looked up at me with concern written all over her face.
"Don't worry, I already have mostly come to terms with what I did. I plan on doing better this time, even if I'm not the Hero. This time I have a better understanding of what this world needs from me, but I feel sad that Gaston was the one that was blamed for this all. What is it that a God actually does for the world?" I asked, looking between the girls.
"They bless things of their choosing, but they can't use them all the time, from what I understand, right, Tracy?" Annie asked, and Tracy nodded.
"What kinds of things can they bless?" I asked.
"Crops, fights, relationships, competitions, and other things of the sort," Tracy explained, and I nodded.
That made sense, and I was starting to get a picture of the purpose of the Gods, or at least the use. I don't know if the world really needed them, but I would hold my judgment for now.
"Hmm, I see. What has Jessel done lately for this world, or would you know?" I asked and then said, "Sorry to ask all these questions."
"Don't worry, we understand. You are trying to figure out if there is anything you can do to help," Tracy said and then looked at Annie, asking, "What is the country's name that has Jessel's favor?"
"Keshel, there is supposed to be a God Blessed Hero there, but I haven't heard anything past that," Annie replied, and I looked between them again.
"What do you mean, favor? Is she only helping that one country? What about all the rest?" I asked, and the girls both shrugged.
"I have no idea what Gods think or why they do what they do," Tracy said, and I nodded, feeling frustrated.
"We should head back. Supper will be soon, and Tracy and I should help dad in the kitchen," Annie said, and I nodded.
"Sure, I am starting to get hungry again. I can also help since we are all staying in the nice room. I'm not sure what I can do, but I take orders pretty well," I smiled as I looked up at Gaston one more time.
I had failed him once, but I would figure out some way to repay him later. Maybe he was in a new world, and I could help him, but he might not want my help.
That was something I could worry about in the far distant future. I had the girls to worry about and a new mission.
Regardless, I just had to keep moving forward. That was all I could really do, and I was starting to enjoy the relaxed pace, but it had been less than a full day, so it might be early to tell.