**Seirna**
"Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
The next thing I knew after I blacked out, was that I was looking unto the pearly gates of heaven, and the High King of the Gods stood before me.
"Milord…" was all I could say. When my senses fully returned to me, I immediately bowed in reverence, but the High King asked me to raise my head.
"I speak to you like a friend speaks to His companion," He said, even going as far as to sit on my side. "And, I commend you for holding firm to your principles."
"Th-Thank you, milord," I replied, though the realization slowly came to me. I was standing here, at the pearly gates of heaven, even though I didn't drop a visit on purpose. It only meant one thing; I was already dead. Still, I was not surprised. No one would really survive the contortion I made just to restrain that Void monster, not even me, whose god-power was resurrection.
"True," the High King commented. "And really, that is one nasty angle, Seirna."
"I…I only had to do what is necessary, Your Heavenly Majesty," I answered, though I could feel a slow, and creeping, sadness rose from within my chest. There was this part of me that said 'it's over now, your fight as well as your suffering,' while there was also the other that told me, 'Go back there and experience love!' Nevertheless, I was no fool. Appearing here was a one-way ticket; I died and would never return to the mortal plane.
"A sad moment, isn't it?"
I remained silent. Deep inside, I wanted to plead to the High King. While we didn't agree at first, it was only now that I began to realize, I had fun with that otherworlder—no, with Kuro—as well as with the other saints. And, though she pisses me off, I was starting to miss Cass. I was actually happy to learn that she was still alive, after her botched experiment to return to her world.
I want to return and experience my friends' love.
"Milord," I fell to my knees once again, even going as far as to kowtow before Him. "If I find favor in Your eyes, will you please grant my wish? Even if it's for the last time, or a short time, can I please return to the mortal plane to be with my friends?" My eyes suddenly began to tear up; it was a desperate petition.
"Seirna, my child," the High King tapped my shoulder. "You know the rules of heaven. Once a mortal died, you can't return, unless there's a pressing need for your presence."
"B-But milord…" That moment, I couldn't control my emotions anymore. I bawled my heart out, weeping on God's shoulders. "At least, let me say goodbye to them! Even just one time! Your Heavenly Majesty, please! Please grant my wish!"
I felt the High King's hand on my head. "You really have come to love those people, huh?"
"Yes milord! Yes, I love them!" I said between my sobs. "They accepted me even though we stood against each other before! Even when I caused untold suffering for many, including their loved ones! They forgave me! I was a fool for masking my true feelings, but I love them, milord!"
The High King of the God said nothing, just that His warm hands were on my head, gently consoling me for my tragedy.
"I'm sorry for wasting my chance! I'm sorry for everything! I love my friends!"
"Yes, I know, and I understand you," I heard the High King's voice. "Anyway, guys, have you recorded all of that?"
"Yes, Gaius had his camera on record."
"!!!" I was dumbfounded when Kuro's voice answered the High King's question. My tears immediately stopped, and I looked towards where I thought I heard it. And, lo and behold, the otherworlder—no, the Lord Kuro—stood there, and beside him, was my stepfather, Gaius Julius Caesar, in his usual lame floral shirt, sunglasses (though there was no sun), and a video camera.
"Such a cute tsundere we have here!" was his first words for me.
It was at this point I would get pissed and launch an attack against Gaius. However, I threw myself unto him, weeping. Likewise, my stepfather wrapped his arms around me, whispering…
"It's alright, little Seirna, please forgive me for hurting and using you."
"No," I replied, my words almost drowned by my tears. "I should be the one to ask for forgiveness; I overstepped my boundaries."
"Are we really going to keep apologizing to each other, or just enjoy our reunion?"
We both laughed. Gaius ruffled my hair, like he usually did when I was young. "You're really a lady now, Seirna," he mused. "Not even I can do what you did…such a brave soul you are."
"Yes," I suddenly remembered I was already dead. "But…as much as I wanted to spend more time with you, father, I will have to go."
"Go where?"
"I already died, right?"
"Yes, you're dead," he chuckled. "But, you know why this wimp of a human is beside me, right?"
Kuro threw a glare at Gaius, before turning to me. "Your Holiness, I already talked to the High King of the Gods. You're coming back to the mortal plane with us."
I was so overwhelmed with joy, I found myself unable to say anything for quite some time.
----------
**Kuro**
And so, after the defeat of the Lady Arame, Gaius' wife, and the infamous Seductress, everyone went home and lived happily ever after.
"…"
Well, not quite. It would be nice if that happened, but yeah, eventually, reality kicks in, and once we returned to our own businesses, we were confronted with our problems. Although it was nothing big, it remained as it was: unresolved issues. And I'd just tell you how some of those ended…
With the recapture of Cherflammen, the demon race had their desert home once again. The reconstruction began almost immediately, with the Lady Helgath lending her god-power to move stones, building blocks and even mountains to provide materials to rebuild the demon cities lost to the Seductress years ago. The famed cities of the Saint's Tower, Helfan, Darkmoor, Orcdwelt, Goblinhom and Fangborough rose from the sands once again, and now, with a newer addition, the Ghoul city of Kuroe, which was…well, named after me.
Good lord, this is embarrassing.
Honestly, I had no qualms with the Lord Vitalis honoring my name; it was rather a great form of flattery. However, I still cringe whenever I hear people talk about the 'ghoul city of Kuroe.' Well, no matter. As a sign of perpetual friendship with them, Maddie and the other human leaders signed a treaty that gave the entire lands north of Chersea as demon territory, but a place where other races could intermingle as well. Kind of like the Shanghai International Settlement of the pre-World War 2 China, but without the unequal and unfair treaties. Likewise, the demons reciprocated by giving the humans the city of Darkmoor as a 'tourist concession' for them, since 'experiencing nighttime' later became a trend to the wealthy, the nobles and the royals of the human realm.
Yeah, the phrase Chersea and the Other Realms became Chersea and the Four Realms once again…
"…"
The kingdom of Cherwind and the Beastman Republic to the north became allies, especially after Queen Ursura led the reconstruction of the latter after the bloody Grand Rampage. There were 'hiccups' in their inter-state relations later on, but it was nothing major that led to destructive wars, unlike in my world.
The elves of Cherwoods were slowly supplanted by their kin from Chersea through immigration and assimilation, who regained their ability to 'speak' to the trees. In due time, the latter became the dominant group in that realm, and the former got to keep their separate culture only through the 'designated reservations' scattered throughout the ancient forest. The Lady Hinwe's legendary drawing skills preserved the 'old elvish' culture and her works on that was well-known throughout the five realms. Additionally, her graphic novels and stories became 'classics,' similar to Greek literature in my world, which was often made into required class readings for every mortal enrolled in elvish schools.
For Cherhom, the religion of the Black God slowly spread from Montserrant to every corner of the dwarf realm, eventually replacing the faith of the Golden Hammer. The dwarves were zealous evangelists, though never violent, and they worked to show to everyone the benefits of worshipping the Black God, the protector of the Five Realms. Nevertheless, in honor for the work of the Lord Louis, the Lady Helgath sought to create a secret shrine for him, located in the underground chamber in Hemelin where she once slept.
The institution of the saints remained, though after the ascension of the Black God, they were relegated to 'messengers of god' role. Still, the ladies who became saints after Maddie, Ruro, Natasha, the Lady Hinwe and the Lady Helgath wielded god-powers, which many (not all) used to develop their people.
Everyone is working together for their future. And it's all fine for me.
"…"
Wait. Where am I in all of this?
----------
"Kuro, are you sure about this?" Gaius asked when I revealed to him my plan for my future.
"Why not? I see no problem with that arrangement. Chersea and the Four Realms will still have its god, and I'll have my dream life with my loved ones until I die."
The former god smiled and just shook his head. Then, after an initial moment of silent, he commented, "You're really one person who doesn't wish for fame and glory, huh?"
"I'd always prefer the humble life," I pointed out. "If anything, I'd like for the people…for everyone, to forget about the Lord Kuro of Arles, and just look at the Black God. And I, together with my ladies, will live our days together, with our children, of course."
"Well," Gaius raised his hand, totally giving up on convincing me. "You already made your decision, and technically, you're already a higher existence than me…even when you're still a mortal. As such, I can't stop you from what you're thinking."
"Yes, but I'll always see you as a friend," I reiterated. "And that will never change."
"Thanks man!" He smiled, and gave me a hug, which I reciprocated, of course. Then, after that, Gaius asked me, "You ready?"
I only nodded. Assured of my decision, the former god activated the spell that we made earlier…
"Arise, Black God! Bane of the Void, protector of the mortals! Let your deeds be known, yet name forgotten in the annals!"
My body glowed in bright white, which lasted for a while, before eventually dissipating. Then Gaius checked on me.
"Is that it?" was my first question to him. "I feel nothing strange."
"It should be," he answered, his voice unsure. "We might not see it immediately, but the spell should've caused collective amnesia to everyone, save for your loved ones and those who knew you personally."
"Hmm…" I looked around my body to make sure nothing was amiss. "Well, I guess I have to trust you on that. And because of it, my real adventure in Chersea finally begins!"
"Eh?"
"I'd like to explore a lot of places here," I told him, with excitement written all over my face. "You know I love history, and there are many that piqued my interest, starting from the golden fields of the Desolate Wastelands, down to the tunnels beneath the dwarf mountains. And I can't do it when people are always following me, trying to get my blessings as their god."
"Heh, you one sly fox!" Gaius chuckled. "But, yes, you deserve it, Kuro. I'll support you in that."
"Thanks!" But then, I remembered something. "Ah, wait!"
"Hm?"
"Now that Seirna has given me the god-powers of resurrection, it's time for me to come back for someone important in my life."
"You mean…?"
I nodded. "Dusis Luisa, the former Marquise of Monfort."
"Yeah, that girl that had her existence deleted by Seirna," Gaius shook his head. "I really apologize for her actions."
"It's fine," I took a deep breath. "But, I guess, judging from my previous experiences, we can't allow her to return here, no?"
The former god shook his head. "A new timeline's been created. It'll trouble the weave of history of this world if you inserted the lost lady once again."
"So, can I 'resurrect' her in another place, then?"
"Well yes…" Gaius smiled. "You can resurrect her in our world, and have her properly born there as a new human. I'll just talk to its god after; I'm sure he'll understand. We're not dealing with anything Void-related at the moment, anyway."
"Ah, thanks a lot, my man!" I tapped his shoulder. "Well then, I shall prepare the spell to 'wake her.'"
"No problem!" the former god chuckled. "Though, before you come back to reality, I'd like you to set the settings on this tablet."
"Huh?" I was surprised by the tablet computer on Gaius' hands. "What's this?"
"Come on, man! Don't tell me you intend to enjoy your life as a human, and not automating your duties as a god? At the very least, set how 'you' would answer your people's prayers, tend to the worlds' natural events, and similar stuff, until you have the time to do so yourself!"
"Aww…do I really have to? Sounds like that's a lot of work!"
"That's why you're automating! Then you can enjoy!"
Taking a deep breath, I could only scratch my head as I begrudgingly took the tablet computer from Gaius' hands, and checked on the items to properly automate my 'god' duties.
----------
***The Shrine to the Golden Hammer, beneath the caverns of the dwarf city of Hemelin…***
Kuro never forgot his promise to the one who 'slept' in that place.
"…"
Having carried the 'soul' of the Lady Helgath for several generations, the golem known as Martelle Hughes 'lost' her 'life' as she returned the Dwarf Saint's consciousness to its original giant body. Nevertheless, in all the times they shared together during their adventures in Cherhom, Kuro and Lily grew to like their dwarf companion.
This is also why he is determined to find Seirna. Kuro doesn't know how to use her god-powers of resurrection, and he is afraid to cast the wrong magic. The Great Rising of the Undead are still fresh in his memories, after all.
And with the Overseer Saint back from the dead and recovered, Kuro asked her to come with him to that chamber, and teach him to cast the god-power.
"You're adding someone to your harem once again?" Seirna put it bluntly to him. "You really are building an army of your descendants."
"Where did that come from?" he shot back. "Whoever Lady Martelle loves when she regains consciousness, I have no business with him. I decreed that everyone shall be free to love, as long as it goes with the heavens' rules. And that includes you!"
His words caused the Overseer Saint to be silent, unable to say anything back. She just continued to follow him as they made their way down to the chamber. Seirna only broke the ice once they stood before the big oak doors that barred anyone inside.
"Hey, Kuro."
"What?"
"Uh…uhm…" the Overseer Saint squirming. "B-Before we head inside, uh, there's s-something I-I'd like to ask you."
"Yeah?"
"C-Can I…"
"Can I what?"
Seirna then took a deep breath, before saying with confidence, "Can I be part of your house? Can I become your la—!!!" Though she said those loudly, her face was red in embarrassment, which went even redder when Kuro interrupted her.
"S-S-S-S-Stop," he quivered. "L-Le-Let m-me ask…I'm the guy, a-after all. Ahem." Kuro straightened his clothes, and fixed his posture, before gathering his courage to put the question on his lips. "Seirna Stephanie, will you marry me?"
"Y-Y-Y-Y-Y…" the Overseer Saint couldn't believe that she kept stammering on her answer. She tried once again, but all that she could say was, "Y-Y-Y-Y-Y…"
And it was also getting awkward for Kuro.
"Argh! Damn it!" Seirna blurted out, smiling to hide her embarrassment. "I'll join your harem, Kuro! I'm yours! Love me till the end of our lives, just like how you love the others."
"You know," Kuro smirked, "you're really cute when you're blushing."
Seirna's vision went dark after that.
----------
When Seirna finally recovered her consciousness, she was on one of the platforms inside the chamber where the shrine of the Lord Louis was located. A few distance away was Kuro, who just watched over her as she slept.
"Finally awake, huh?" he smiled at her.
Then, the Overseer Saint remembered what happened, and she buried her blushing face in her hands. However, Kuro drew near her and gently tapped on her shoulder. Seirna realized that they were there for another reason…
"…"
On another platform near their spot was a body of a dwarf, seemingly asleep on the stone bed that served as her resting place, illuminated by the blue crystals that filled the chamber. Kuro led Seirna as they made their way to that spot, for even when the place was clear of rubble and rocks, the floor was still uneven to walk upon.
"So, how do you resurrect people?" he asked her.
"Well, theirs is only one 'resurrection,'" Seirna corrected him. "But, two ways of 'reviving' a dead person."
Kuro said nothing. She took it as a sign that she could continue.
"See, the god-power of resurrection has two important requirements," the Overseer Saint explained. "The first, and the easiest, is the magic to 'bring life.' You have already seen this; the Great Rising of the Undead is its effect."
"Oh…" was all the Duke said. Deep inside, he was unnerved by her revelation, for he always had the impression of 'life' as something positive. Kuro had no idea that it could also mean the creation of 'zombies.'
"Well, science is way too different from faith," Seirna added. "Basically, the first only involved the magic to 'turn on' the bodily-functions that ceased after death."
"That's one way to put it," the Duke chuckled. "So, what's the second one?"
"A resurrected person becomes truly 'alive' only when the deity or saint like me would give him/her a 'soul.'"
"Soul? As in spirit?"
Seirna nodded.
"How do I do that?"
"As someone that is 'holy,' you can always part with a portion of your soul," the Overseer Saint pointed out. "So, to bring back someone from death, you have to: first, 'turn on' body functions, and second—as well as the most important part—give a portion of your soul. It's not that much; but yes, it will take a few from you."
"An interesting concept…"
"Even as I have long served the heavens, there are still a lot of mysteries waiting to be revealed to me," Seirna said. And then, she stopped before the body of Lady Martelle. "Are you ready, Kuro? Activate my god-power now."
The Duke nodded, and cast the god-power of resurrection. His hands glowed red, which transferred to the sleeping golem. "Am I doing right?"
"Yes, for the first part."
"What about the second part?"
"Kiss her."
"What?"
Seirna chuckled, "You heard me right! How else can you transfer part of your soul but kiss her?"
Kuro took a deep breath, moving stiff, for it was awkward for him. Nevertheless, he wanted to give 'life' to Lady Martelle. So, he leaned over and did what the Overseer Saint tell him. And indeed, there was a sensation of something that left his body, even if it was just a short peck on the sleeping golem's lips. After that, they waited for any reaction.
"…"
At first, Lady Martelle's fingers moved. It was a minute twitch, yet Kuro and Seirna clearly saw that, which brought relief to the Duke. Then, soon, her legs bended as she stretched her arms. After that, the golem—now a full-fledged dwarf with flesh, bone and blood—opened her eyes.
"W-Where am I?" were her first words.
"We're your friends," Seirna spoke to her, then pointed to Kuro. "And this guy saved you."
"Who am I?" came Lady Martelle's next question.
Bewildered, Kuro stared at the Overseer Saint, who added, "Ah yeah, since you just 'made life' from a golem, technically, her old memories were that of the Lady Helgath, whose soul controlled this body before. Think of what happened as you putting in a fresh memory stick unto her mind. But hey, look on the bright side! At least, she's alive; you and the Iron Princess can make another set of memories together."
"I…I see," there was a bittersweet expression on the Duke's face. Yet, he smiled and kissed Seirna's hand. "Thanks for the help about your god-powers."
The saint blushed once again, "Er…uh, and that's one way to pass part of your soul to someone."
"Wait, you just said 'one way.'"
Seirna laughed, "Yep! It's just one way; so basically, you kissed her!"
----------
***The Chamber of Time…***
Suitcases nearly filled the doorway to the chamber of the Lady of Time. Inside, Time herself sat on one of the chairs facing the multitudes of spinning wheels where timelines were created. Up until the last minute, she did her duty with utmost devotion, even fitting new wheels with empty spools, ready to weave another fabric where history of worlds was written.
Nevertheless, when she felt the hand of the High King of the Gods touch her shoulder, Time knew it was her chance to go.
"Will the chamber be okay when I leave?"
The High King smiled, "It is not your concern anymore, milady. I have already found your replacement; go and live your life as you see fit. You've done a great job protecting these worlds I entrusted you."
Deep inside her, the Lady of Time had slivers of regrets. Now that the Black God had returned, and the wheels of time were safe from the incursions of the Void, her determination to step down as the keeper of the timelines wavered. After all, old habits die hard, especially those that she had been doing ever since she gained consciousness.
"Because of his decisions, Kuro, the Black God, created new timelines for himself," the High King revealed. "And you can go to one of those, if you wish to be with him…or one of his other 'selves.' But before that, let Me bless you with something…"
He asked the Lady of Time to stretched out her hands, which she did, albeit with her eyes closed. A few shuffling sounds, and she felt something heavy and hard on her palms.
"You can open your eyes now."
Time was overwhelmed with happiness as she saw a beautiful rapier, resting on her hands. Its scabbard of red and gold surely was striking, and its white blade was enough for her to realize the favor of the High King that rested upon her. "Milord," she couldn't believe her eyes. "This is…"
"The sword forged by the Black God himself, which he requested to give to you once everything is over. Of course, I imbued it with power, for I will never leave My children alone."
At that moment, Time never stopped herself from hugging the King of the gods, to which, He reciprocated in kind.
"I told you, you've done your duty well; you deserve a good mortal life," the High King reiterated. "And I bestow upon you a name. From henceforth, you shall be known as Temei'ru—brave, and reckless, a fitting name for your lone stand against the horde of the Void."
"Temei'ru…" the Lady of Time, now Temei'ru, repeated her new identity. She couldn't describe the emotions she had in her heart; it was all flowery and exciting in one moment, yet bittersweet in the next. After all, her journey as the keeper of time had ended.
"Everything ends, and is replaced with something better," the High King winked at her. "That is, if you'd follow the heaven's decrees. Have a good life, Temei'ru! I shall see you again once your mortal life ends. Until then, have fun with the man you love!"
Temei'ru smiled, and grabbed her suitcases. As her vision turned to white, she suddenly remembered…
"Ah! Your Holy Majesty, I can't carry all of my stuff! Can I ask Gabriel to help?"
At once, the whiteness disappeared, and the King of the gods was bewildered. Nevertheless, He just laughed it off as He called for one of His angels to help the former lady of time descend into the mortal plane.