A World Reborn: Deicide

To Antonio, whose screenplay made me look at my writing differently and inspired me to tell MY stories.

Hollywood NEEDS your work, I can’t stress that enough.

To my doubts and fears, which tried to be ‘donuts and beers’ when I tried typing this too fast.

To the former, you have my determination to defeat you.

To the latter, my determination to eat you.

Chapter 1: So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Calyra had told Reylon that there was no real point in him fishing for dinner. So much had happened and Conor had shown up after being gods knew where with Hope, babbling on about Rowan being in Murcluf, oh, and she had teleported him there, just to help her of course. She had tried to seem more enthusiastic, but after Arred had insisted that she go with Reylon when he asked, she was starting to wonder what a mess she was making of her own life.

Reylon told her he found the little dock when he and Conor had been out drinking the night before. He had carried two crates down with them, had turned one up with the opening up, the other down and told her to take a seat.

Why exactly do you need me for this again? Calyra bemoaned and Reylon had placed his hands on her shoulders and smirked, preferring to be mysterious.

Sit, he repeated, pressing down lightly. She sighed and sat, knowing that fighting him would only make this take longer.

Reylon stripped down to his loincloth and Calyra opened her mouth to protest.

Oh for the gods’ sake, you’re going to freeze if you go in there! Calyra called out in alarm but he shook his head.

No, I fell in already. Maybe Eden could freeze me, but this water doesn’t even register. Turns my hair into icicles though! Reylon laughed as her eyes admonished him.

Reylon, I could just use my magic if you want fish. The restaurants in High Loft serve it fresh! Calyra protested and this time, he came over and squatted down in front of her.

You’re adorable when you’re worried about me, but I’m telling you there’s a reason for this. Some things in life are much better not being served off a plate while you wait bored out of your mind, Reylon told her, kissing her head as he stood up.

I really don’t need a lesson like I’m some poor little rich girl. I didn’t have everything handed to me! Calyra protests.

Reylon stood with his back to her now, psyching himself up for the dive in by rocking and rubbing his hands together.

Just most things, Reylon teased back. Before she could protest, he had already dived in.

She watched the splash and the ripples on the ocean, the gentle waves dissolving where Reylon had broken the surface so quickly. She grew more nervous with each passing second and had stood and started pacing. After a couple minutes, she had made to use her magic to part the waves and find him but the water parted and a shimmery pink fish headed straight for her head. She had only moments to use her magic and her blast of water had wrapped around the fish, freezing it in the air and the fish had fallen into the open crate with a solid thud. Her eyes caught Reylon’s amused ones peeking up from the water and she jammed her balled fists onto her hips.

You could have told me you were going to do that! Calyra scolded. In fact, if her reflexes were less quick, she would’ve been unconscious and soaked in ice cold water. He laughed, a choking sound since his mouth was still submerged.

What’s the fun in that? Reylon asked, wading there. All right, if I can find one more that size, it’ll be plenty. Stay vigilant, love!

Just like that he was gone again and Calyra was seething. Once her anger cooled, she realized it had been just as beautiful as it was frightening, seeing that fish sail through the air. Still, if this was his idea of selling her on the do-it-yourself route, he was failing. Again, she tensed as time ticked and he didn’t show.

This time she was ready for the arcing appearance of a large fish, this one the deep blue color in her feathers and a few inches large than the other. Its tail hung over the edge because it was too large to fit. Reylon had pulled himself up on the dock and Calyra blushed at the way his skin glistened as he pulled himself up, the water so heavy on his loincloth that it threatened to fall away. She held her breath but it didn’t. He always teased her for her conservative views on the naked body but he had a very nice one. Her discomfort didn’t come from his nudity in itself but from her recollection on just how intimate she had been with it. She nudged the crate with her foot, acting like she was preoccupied with the fish inside it.

When she did look up, he had his fur pants on but his torso was still bare and his skin glinted like matte metal in the sunlight. She reached out absently and brushed some beading droplets from his shoulder, seeing his hair was grayish from the layer of frost that froze it solid. She touched it now and laughed that it was hard as a rock.

I’m surprised you don’t sink, Calyra mused and he smiled, grabbing her waist and pulling her close. She was wearing enough furs that she wouldn’t get wet but she shrieked anyway. He pressed his nose to hers.

Make me warm, Reylon purred and Calyra felt shy and pushed at him.

N-no! It’s too cold! Calyra protested, but his lips came down on hers, hard and frozen.

At first, it was like sucking on some strangely pliant ice cube but as his lips sought hers again and again, his mouth warmed and became hot. She felt him purring the whole time again and it soothed away the edges of her mind. She felt her reason slipping as he rocked her on her feet and she finally found the strength to push away, but couldn’t speak right away as she caught her breath.

We should head back, Calyra finally said, her voice soft as her thoughts drifted to Arred. It didn’t matter that he was okay with her having other lovers, it never felt right to her. She wanted what her parents had and this definitely wasn’t it. This was beyond extravagant and the only one bothered by it was her.

Calyra… Reylon started and her head snapped up in defiance.

No! No more! she snapped but her mood softened seeing how his eyes fell submissively. Sorry, I… I’m just not sure I’m ever going to be okay with this.

Reylon grabbed her wrists gently and held her gaze.

It’s okay. I’ve been pushing you too much. I promise I’ll back off, okay? Reylon assured her, bending to grab his furs and get dressed. Calyra grabbed the empty crate while he grabbed the heavy one holding the beautiful fish and they headed back in companionable silence.

She felt disappointment nibble at her now. She wondered if it were just impossible to ever be satisfied.

The mystery of which room had actually been Reylon’s was solved and he had used the generous kitchenette there to clean and gut the enormous fish, then he filleted them and seasoned them, prepping the stove for frying.

Calyra hadn’t fancied him as handy in the kitchen but he handled it with the same ridiculous ease he handled his heavy metal spear (that had once been a vase). She watched him, mesmerized by his domestic skill and when he glimpsed over at her, he did a double take, smiling sheepishly.

Don’t get used to this, darling—I might know a thing or two about helping around the kitchen, but I’m still a Hunter, he scolded playfully.

Mmm-hmm… Calyra murmured doubtfully. No one is that good in the kitchen from just helping.

Reylon flung a morsel of fish at her and laughed as she caught it in her mouth with a skilful bend.

Can’t get one over on you, he lamented. Gather the others for me, I’ll be done soon.

Calyra had to pass him to leave the room but she stopped and hugged him from behind. She felt him tense and it struck her as odd. He stood there with a wooden spoon hanging from his mouth and craned his head to the side.

What’s this for? Reylon asked, his voice soft with masked confusion.

For getting me out of my own head for a while, Calyra replied, releasing him and heading out. He stared at the door for a few seconds after she closed it.

It’s… what I’m here for, Reylon said to the empty room.

The dinner was a welcome relief from the trials of traveling and Calyra finally understood Reylon’s conviction that this was more important than the food itself. Conor had been off in his own head and had smiled at Calyra when she talked to him, but quickly wandered off in his own thoughts. Arred and Fenec were arguing over the values of strength and speed in combat (considering Arred was a giant of a man with a sword that weighed nearly what she did and Fenec was a man of average height and a slight build that used tiny deadly daggers and speed, she had to admit she would’ve liked to see them spar). Fenec couldn’t eat but it didn’t dampen his spirits. Reylon seemed content just to eat and receive compliments, winking at Calyra every once in a while through the boisterous discussion. When Calyra was done, she took Conor’s dish and hers and made to wash them, but Reylon leapt up, taking the plates from her.

No way, you’re my dinner guests, Reylon insisted and she tilted her head.

You cooked for us, you shouldn’t have to clean up as well, Calyra pushed, but he shook his head.

We have an early departure, so get some sleep. I’ll be up for a while since I slept in, Reylon finished. Arred handed over his empty plate as well and snatched Calyra away before she could protest and thanked Reylon for the both of them. Conor had sent his thanks and sulked off as well. Reylon had thought Fenec might have left already but was shocked to turn and see Fenec leaning against the countertop, frowning at him.

You trouble that girl too much, Reylon. You said it was a one-time thing, Fenec scolded. Reylon put down the plate, leaving the water running over it.

Tell me you’re not jealous, Reylon teased and Fenec rolled his eyes.

No, I worry about her. She’s been too distracted, too jumpy, Fenec defended.

Reylon went back to washing the dishes but smiled.

Conor seems to be worse off than her right now, but I don’t hear you advocating for him, Reylon pointed out, wondering what Fenec was getting at. Say what you mean, Fenec—I’m not getting you right now.

Fenec grabbed Reylon’s wrist and pulled him close.

If you’re done playing with her, I want what we have to be real, Fenec growled grabbing Reylon’s face between his hands. Reylon was stunned, but embraced Fenec, running his wet hands over his back.

When did things get so serious between us? Reylon whispered, his mouth hovering near Fenec’s.

About 30 minutes ago. I’m a sucker for a good cook, Fenec teased, closing the gap between them and kissing him passionately.

Pretty words from someone who can’t even eat, Reylon gasped against his lips.

Reylon undid Fenec’s pants as they kissed and reached in to grasp Fenec’s cock, feeling the electricity surge through it. He laughed against Fenec’s mouth and Fenec shot him a dark look.

Not the best time to laugh, Fenec growled and Reylon shook his head, giddy with an unspoken thought.

I can’t ever get over the visual that I’m sticking a fork in a toaster when I do that, Reylon shared and Fenec laughed, husky with his increasing arousal.

You’re an asshole, Fenec added and Reylon shook his head.

Not this time, love. Tonight you get to be the asshole, Reylon replied.

Love… That’s another thing. I… I love you. I think I skipped that part, Fenec admitted and Reylon spun him around and bent him over.

Only you… Tell me that again, Reylon demanded, freeing his own cock and poising himself for entry.

I love you. Tell me it’s not one sided, Fenec shot over his shoulder angrily.

It’s not one sided. I love you too, you needy bastard, Reylon shot back and sighed as he slid into Fenec.

Calyra laid beside Arred, curled into the crook of his arm, tracing his fingers over the muscles on his chest and torso, while he tickled her arm. She never tired of these quiet moments in the afterglow where she marveled at how perfect he was. Still, her mind was troubled. As much as she tried to chase away the thoughts, if only because these might be their last moments of peace before they faced a corrupted goddess, it was a useless battle. She felt his chuckle, heard it rumbling in his chest and looked up at him with curiosity.

What’s funny? Calyra asked.

I can actually feel you frowning in your thoughts again. Should I get Reylon because I need time to recover, Arred asked.

Calyra folded her arms over his chest to prop her chin up and look at him.

No, this whole arrangement is what bothers me. It doesn’t get any easier, no matter how much you two insist it’s okay. It’s not okay for me. I love you too much and I don’t want to separate it from the physical just to rationalize it, Calyra poured out emotionally. His hand brushed through her hair.

Then you don’t do it. He’s not invested in this, Calyra, it was always up to you. Just please don’t think you need to feel guilty for pacifying the visions, Arred told her gently.

Calyra climbed up to his mouth to kiss him and her eyes softened with relief.

Thank you… Calyra said, between short soft kisses.

You say that like you needed permission, Arred said, his eyes squinted on the verge of laughter.

I know you keep telling me I won’t, but I’m terrified of losing you, Calyra told him, tracing his jawline with her fingers.

His face sobered, but the smile lingered there.

Calyra, no matter what happens, I am always with you, Arred assured her.

Don’t say that! It doesn’t count if I can’t feel you next to me, Calyra admitted with frantic passion.

His hands traced the curve of her hips.

We have now… The future is never promised, but I would give you that too if I could. Don’t waste it on worries anymore. I know that’s how you are, but I’ll do everything I can to make you forget, Arred swore as he lifted her effortlessly to straddle him, holding her hands to his chest to admire her naked body. Tears rolled down her cheeks and he wiped at them.

Don’t do anything stupid, Calyra warned him, her lip quivering so she bit it.

Arred laughed now.

It always got your attention before, Arred reminded her and she shoved at his chest with a pout.

I was always angry at you, Calyra reminisced.

Angry sex is pretty hot too, Arred teased.

Some other time then. Right now I just want you slow and deep, Calyra invited, and he lifted her onto his waiting erection to save that conversation for later.

Reylon cradled Fenec’s head in his lap, flipping through a book and pouting at it.

Oh, for the gods sakes, what part confuses you? Fenec finally asked.

Reylon grinned broadly and laughed shortly.

All of it. I can’t read, Reylon admitted, and Fenec was shocked, rolling onto his back and cocking an eyebrow while Reylon tossed it aside.

I’m dating a bimbo… Fenec teased.

You’re dating a warrior, Reylon shot back.

You can’t even read a recipe? Fenec asked.

Well, I know numbers well enough. I guess if it’s simple enough. You don’t need to read to be a good cook though, Reylon defended.

Apparently not, Fenec replied, his eyes becoming far off. We should probably head down to meet the others.

Do you want me to hold your hand so you can claim me in front of Calyra? Reylon joked again.

Fenec grabbed a pillow and whacked Reylon hard enough that it jerked his head back and jumped to his feet to head down to the car.

So that’s a no? Reylon called after him.

Chapter 2: All Roads to Nowhere

Eden had slinked off while Seije, Arden, and Solis had set about loading the car. She had insisted that Solis not avoid them and she made him promise not to hold any more secrets from her.

Bendruil itself was on a lower part of the neck of the continent at a low elevation so there were no gusty winds here. Eden enjoyed the peace where she sat on the cliff that dropped to the ocean below and when she heard a crunching behind her, she didn’t bother turning. They were watching her like a hawk, as much as they pretended they weren’t, so it would only be one of them.

It was Arden that sat down beside her and took her gloved hand in his.

Arden… Eden acknowledged, unsure of what more to say. Even though she thought of him as an uncle too, he thought the uncle title made him feel old, so she never used it with him. He squeezed her hand and she hoped he wasn’t here to lecture her.

Do you remember the Top of the World? The Diviners’ village? Arden asked her now. She smiled faintly.

Not well. It’s been… 14 years? Eden asked, shocked that so much time had passed. She had been four years old when they made that journey. She had just met Uncle Melchior and learned that magic still existed. They had gone to look for answers. They had said they didn’t find anything, but now that she was older, she wondered if they had just kept that from her too.

Yes… 14 years… Arden echoed, his voice drifting off. His beautiful hair was blowing lightly with a breeze.

Can I braid your hair? Eden asked, an impulsive request but he smiled and reached into a small pouch on his belt and handed her a hair tie, swinging around so she could. It was a small thing, but it touched her heart—he had started carrying a hair tie in that pouch since she was very little, for that very reason. That he still did when she hadn’t asked in years had meant more than she had imagined.

Does… Uncle Seije still have the book? Eden asked as she finger combed his hair to separate it for the braid. She blushed, thinking of how once she told herself that touching Arden’s hair was better than touching skin. Now that she had felt Solis’s skin on hers, she had to amend that.

He would never lose that thing, Arden replied. Eden nodded even though he couldn’t see it.

Does he talk to you about it? Eden wondered.

Arden kept quiet for a moment and she thought he wouldn’t say more, but he sighed softly.

You know it’s a sort of… mystical book already. It started off just a regular book, one that Krose started writing after the Goddess had taken over, always intending to give it to your mother. He had loved her from the time he met her and wanted to be sure she could keep the truth for herself. Before he gave it to her, the Goddess had given it a power—to keep writing Rienna’s story. For a long time, it did just that, but… Seije said when the Goddess slept, the words would stop sometimes too, or fill in quickly or… they started to become garbled and stopped writing her story. The Goddess’s own thoughts were filling the pages and going away and Seije had feared that Viper had somehow infected her. The Goddess would call him her lost love and talk about being sure her secrets were kept…

Seije had known the minute that the cottage had been flooded that his suspicions were true and the Goddess was moving. He didn’t want to take you north right away because he didn’t want to attract attention and he wanted to look into what became of Melchior and your mother. If they lived, he needed to know what to do. The book only really hinted that the Goddess was mysteriously unable to travel north of Nocturna. There was some sort of old barrier made long ago that kept the old gods from finding the Diviners and that restriction had passed to her, Arden explained.

Why would the Diviners want to keep the old gods away? Did they not have the blood of the gods in them as well? Eden asked. Her books had never hinted at any such restriction.

It wasn’t the blood, but the elemental magic they had successfully blocked, maybe something older, considering the source. It was why the old gods had tried to rid themselves of it, only the act of making the elementals did not give them the freedom they had hoped and it had only caused them to sleep, Arden told her and Eden nodded again. It made sense now, only it didn’t tell her why.

As for why… no one seems to know for sure. They think that the gods were trying to breed with their own children to perfect a race that would enable them to transcend the limitations the originals had imposed upon them. The Diviners feared that the old gods would simply take their bodies once they did. The Diviners had been able to use the wild magic to further limit them, but it meant that they had to protect their secrets. It was why Lyria’s mother had such a hard time leaving with her daughter. They believed that anyone passing through the barrier would break it, but that was superstition. Lyria ended up being instrumental in the destruction of the old gods and the end of their curse, Arden supplied.

Eden had finished the braid and pushed him to signal she was done and he turned to sit beside her again.

Yet the Goddess was still not able to travel north. Even when their powers disappeared… Eden added.

Yes, and we know why now—it didn’t include wild magic. It is possible the Goddess has discovered what the old gods wanted so badly and it had made her desperate, Arden said.

Something that means she has to kill everyone who knows about her, their children, dissolve wild magic… and something the Diviners don’t know about or protect religiously, Eden whispered. Arden nodded this time and grabbed her hand again.

Do you feel better knowing? Arden asked her now. Eden’s face fell and he regretted saying anything.

No… I was so sure I would, but to be honest, I just want to be free of magic and find a place to call home again. None of it has been worth the ones lost… Eden confessed.

Caius appearing startled Eden into hugging Arden. She magically threw snow in his face to show her displeasure, but Caius laughed. He had changed a lot since he started traveling with them.

Sorry for the scare, Eden. I’m moving on to the Top of the World ahead of you, seeing what I can find before you get there, Caius said, wiping the snow off of him.

You’re not traveling with Hope and Tia? Eden asked.

Caius shook his head.

Rowan is with them now, so it’s a crowd, Caius informed her. Eden sprung to her feet.

Rowan? What about Elm and Birch? Eden asked, excited.

Caius’s face closed off.

No. I couldn’t save them. The Goddess found them, he told her quietly. He had to grab her upper arms to steady her.

Stay on guard, okay? She may not be able to reach you here, but I have no doubt she has others on your trail, Caius warned. Eden touched his arm with concern.

She killed them… Do you think she might have had something to do with the white wolves that attacked us twice already? Eden asked.

Caius frowned.

It is possible. But she is capable of so much more. Your mother wouldn’t have told you about it but… her and your father Ashe had discovered a place called Calderon where they found unicorns. When the gods were annihilated they had summoned Melchior to free them and to do so she had taken one, a young male named Osharus to stay by her side. He was the one that almost killed Rowan. He was… corrupted by whatever seems to have changed the Goddess, Caius explained and Eden shook her head now.

No… I do know about Calderon. Not because my mother told me but I had found one of her journals before. I know about Krose and my father and… and Arden and then Melchior too. She wouldn’t write about the first one though, just that the catalyst for her journey became the bane of her womb. Makes sense now that I know what Erised did…

Eden had been the only child her mother could have. Her womb had been destroyed, only protected enough to bear her before it was sterile. She had always envied the others for having other siblings. Tia had Darien, Solis had his twin sisters, Conor and Calyra had each other, Hope had four brothers. Her heart sank now. Had. It wasn’t enough that she lost Reese, but she lost two of the triplets too.

Arden had become somber, shocked that Eden had known about the affair he had with her mother.

Wait, you said Rowan was almost killed by Osharus? Does that mean they are delayed? Eden asked now.

Caius shook his head but released Eden now that she seemed steady.

No, Tia was able to heal him when I… When I went to report back to Dinsch, Caius said. It wasn’t like him to hesitate, but he seemed shaken by the incident. From the looks of it, it wasn’t the first time he had to tell Dinsch bad news. Eden grabbed his hand now and patted it.

I know you probably have a lot to do, so I won’t keep you. Be safe, Caius, Eden said softly and touched his cheek. He leaned into it, smiling, and disappeared again.

Eden hung her head and stayed quiet, hearing Arden shift uncomfortably behind her.

I didn’t know you knew about… your mother and I, Arden finally said.

Eden turned around to look at his face and smiled, shrugging.

I might never have brought it up. It’s pretty embarrassing admitting I read my mother’s intimate journals for any clue of the things she hid from me. I expected to learn that maybe he wasn’t the great man she made him out to be, instead I… I found my mother was a girl who had to make a lot of hard choices… She loved each of you no less than the other, but Melchior… he is really something, isn’t he? I wonder if Solis can be that man for me… Eden shyly wondered. Arden lifted her chin with his gloved hand and smiled.

He already is. Time… time is the tricky part. A lot can happen that can change plans. Your mom… she was always conflicted by both good memories and harsh realities, Arden said, looking boyish with the struggle to explain. Eden reached out and touched his arm now.

You don’t need to defend her, Arden. I love my mother and I know she always did what she thought was best. She did all she could to protect me but fate had had other plans for me too, Eden reassured and Arden looked relieved. She heard more shuffling and Solis joined them now. Eden’s cheeks flushed with the flutter of her heart.

We’re ready to go. Are you okay, Eden? I thought I saw Caius here, Solis asked now, pulling her into a hug.

Mmm, yeah, it’s… it’s okay. We can talk in the car, Eden said, lifting her head to smile up at him. He kissed the tip of her nose and pulled her towards where Seije waited with his usual stern impatience intact.

Caius hadn’t told Tia he was leaving and it had angered her at first. Once that simmered and cooled, she just missed him. He had done little but agitate her, always insisting on talking to her when she wished he would just shut-up. She would be rough with him and he would smooth away the edges. She could admit that maybe she was trying to make him less than what Reese was to her, but he had easily dismissed the attempt and carried on like he usually did—with cryptic outbursts and strange purpose. She was always used to being the aggressor but Caius took as well as he gave and it confused her.

Pillow talk was just as weird with him. He had wanted her to talk to him about her parents and Darien. Again, with Reese, she had just hoped he wouldn’t want to talk at all—with Caius, that anxiety sobered into something else. It had stabbed at her that with all of the things that happened, she had barely thought of them at all. She had tried to be curt and abrupt but he would be more specific: what did you like to do for fun with Darien? Did you get your temper from your mother? How was your father overprotective? He didn’t just want to know her, he studied her. He remembered things she liked in bed (or whatever surface they screwed on) and would do them better next time. He had tried to serenade her with her lute a time or two and she had gotten angry and embarrassed at the gesture. He had teased her then and made up songs about lust and what he wanted to do with her body instead while she chased him (both of them completely naked) trying to snatch the lute back. He would let her catch him but he would have his way with her. She had been annoyed at every turn but now it was a heavy absence knowing he would be away from her for a while.

Tia had asked Hope why she didn’t just go on ahead too, but she knew better; Hope would never leave Bullet and her one remaining brother behind. It had been a hard blow for her when she saw the two of them together and thought this is all that is left of Dinsch’s children. They had been a lively bunch, reduced to this in so little time.

Despite the fact that Arred had assured them that Tia’s stars had healed Rowan as well as he could have done, Hope had insisted they stay another night just to make sure he could make the trip. Tia had let her fuss over him on her own, just checked in from time to time and when night came, she had snuck out onto the roof and called her stars to watch them hover surreally in front of the ones so far away. She sprawled out on her back, her ankles linked and her hands behind her head. With a heavy sigh, she wondered where Caius was now.

She had lingered in her thoughts for a while and it took a heavy thump off to