”Alright everyone, it’s time to get a move on. Our leisurely trip back just turned into something quite a bit more urgent.” Dee declared as soon as the morning came. Morning was a bit relative in this case considering where they were.

“It seems your meeting was interesting. Weren’t you supposed to try and ask the gods for help with that?” Mit-Amen asked, pointing at Dee’s missing arm. At least it wasn’t bleeding anymore. It wasn’t regenerating either though. The big problem was that none of them knew why. Dee still considered the option of trying to burn the stump off and regenerating a new one from scratch, but if that didn’t work, then she’d be even worse off. Besides, while she was able to shut off her feeling of pain, just the mere suggestion had unnerved both Selvaria and Mit-Amen.

“The opportunity didn’t really present itself. Lumen was a tad too busy worrying about the fact that her believers are currently being hunted down like criminals, and Umbra isn’t really the healing type. Also, she was on a megalomaniacal bender, so there’s that.” Dee replied with a grimace. Truth be told she had forgotten her missing arm as well due to being distracted by the two goddesses.

“That’s…two very worrisome pieces of news.” Aurelie noted a bit pensively. “I’m not sure which sounds worse. The Goddess of Darkness getting megalomaniacal does have a pretty bad ring to it though. That’s likely not a promising sign to others. Any particular reason or is it just something usual for her?”

“I’m confident it’s for a particular reason. Not that she isn’t the type, but I think this time it might be earned. At least her plans might benefit us in the short term.” Dee replied with a shrug. She could already feel the power of chaos and change building inside her. The increase in strength wasn’t minor, and it would only grow. Which was good because she would need that power pretty soon. She was fairly new to the rank thirteen, but her position as the focus was already pushing her much further.

“Personally I find the other piece of news much worse. What do you mean Lumen’s believers are being hunted?” Mit-Amen focused on the other piece of news for obvious reasons.

“Exactly what I said. As it happens, it seems that the servants of Order have decided to pin the attack that destroyed the gates on Lumen’s servants. I’m assuming it’s mostly due to mundane political reasons but there a good chance the complex situation of divine politics is coming to a head too. I’m fairly sure the relationship between Lumen and Nasir-Sin is headed straight for a violent resolution. Though whether Nasir-Sin’s final enemy ends up being Lumen or Umbra is another matter entirely. Lumen is doing her best, but I’ll need to hasten my plans in order to help. If she loses all her followers, then I’m afraid Lumen will do something stupid and rash.” Dee explained curtly.

“And those plans are?” Mit-Amen asked in a worried tone. She knew Dee had bigger plans for the angels; Dee was the Champion of both Lumen and Umbra after all. She simply wasn’t sure what those plans were and that made her apprehensive.

“Something you might actually like as the pro-angel faction leader. When I was first blessed by Lumen, she gave me a mission. The angels need to be reminded of their original purpose as her creation. At first, I was planning on burning down Paradisia, but lately, I’ve considered other options. And I think I have a way to complete my mission without killing a huge swathe of them. If all goes well, we might end up saving many of Lumen’s followers at the same time. It should also help the Assembly when it comes to dealing with Paradisia. For a time at least.” Dee prefaced her point a bit.

“That sounds too good to be true, but you’ve made me curious.” Mit-Amen felt carefully optimistic.

“I’m going to lead a group of powerful beings into Lumen’s realm, which happens to be connected to Paradisia, and then I’m going to separate the two. Then, Selvaria here is going to use this fancy dimension of hers to give refuge to the angels loyal to Lumen and we’re all going to use my portal to get the heck out of there and watch the fireworks.” Dee outlined her plan in all its simplicity.

She wasn’t too worried about any of them leaking the plan, partly because ultimately it wouldn’t matter. The angels would realize she was up to something bad almost as soon as she started. Thus the element of surprise wouldn’t be an important factor during this attack. Not in that sense at least. There was plenty of room for other types of surprises of course. She also had some trust towards the people here. And besides, even though the plan sounded simple, in reality, it was anything but. Knowing the outline would not be enough to sway the result in any direction. First of all, she had to find enough allies to pull this off.

“I’m guessing I’m part of this group you’re planning?” Mneventh asked almost rhetorically. He was already resigned to helping Dee and Selvaria, so the question was mostly perfunctory.

“I’m pretty confident you wouldn’t miss this even if I hadn’t planned on bringing you along. Besides, it would make things easier if you could rope in a few powerful dragons to smooth the way. In return for allowing you to take the return trip inside this dimension, I’ll drop you off at the place where the negotiations between the dragons and the Assembly were being held before, and you can make your case. I’d be surprised if the negotiations had already finished.” Dee grinned at her little playful blackmail that was there just to give Mneventh an excuse to go along with things.

Mneventh simply groaned in acceptance. He wasn’t all that positive about recruiting any other dragons though. He wasn’t very popular and this wasn’t the sort of thing you bullied others into, not unless you wanted to risk traitors. On the other hand, this would be a good opportunity to strike at the angels, so that might get at least one or two Aspects interested. Dee’s unique heritage might also pull in the Silver Dragon Aspect. The draconic deities seemed to be supporting Lumen and Dee anyway, so as the designated representative of the gods the Silver Dragon might go along. Still, that was the hopeful estimate.

“Do you know what this will do to the angels?” Mit-Amen suddenly demanded a little heatedly.

“Exactly? No. But I have a pretty good guess. The other method of completing my mission would involve a lot more dead angels though, so I think you should be relatively pleased.” Dee countered with a light tone.

Suddenly Mit-Amen grinned. “Pleased? I’m ecstatic! You do realize that separating Lumen’s realm will essentially retract her grace from the race and condemn all of them? Most people might not realize what that means, but I do. Lumen is still their creator and a direct and open condemnation like this will have a very specific effect. It means there will be a ton more Fallen in this universe pretty soon! And to get back into her graces, they’ll have to personally strive for redemption through action and renewed faith in her. Renewed faith in Lumen just might help pull them back towards a better path. Or they could remain Fallen. It’s not so bad once you get used to it. In that case, they can’t really complain about other Fallen. Count me in!”

“Well then, could you and Aurelie approach the leader of the red faction and maybe some of the other powerful Lords? I’m pretty sure you can make a good case about all the potential benefits and the more strength I can get behind me, the easier the whole thing will be.” Dee proposed. Once again she wasn’t too hopeful about getting that many Lords to join, but it was worth a shot at least. And the two could be persuasive when they wanted to be.

“It would go down much more easily if you were to join us.” Aurelie pointed out.

“I might join you later. Before that though, I have some other things I’ll need to deal with. Selvaria, would you like to join me?” Dee looked towards the person that had helped start this so long ago.

“I’m guessing we're going to Pantheon then?” Selvaria asked with a complicated look.

“Indeed. I still have a few friends there that might help. I will also have to collect on a debt. Before that though, I need to find a significant place of power. I’ll have to spend some time making sure I’ll be as strong as possible personally. Allies are great, but I’ll most likely have to face the biggest opposition myself. If I can’t handle it, then the whole thing is doomed to failure.” Dee argued.

She still had to absorb the power from the Morningstar’s soul, the last remaining souls from the hells that Selvaria had left her, as well as finish absorbing all the benefits she could from becoming the focus. She’d also noticed a weird connection that she seemed to have formed with the realms of the gods she had killed. Maybe that connection was worth exploring? Maybe she should ask Umbra? The Goddess of Darkness seemed more likely to give a straight answer to such a question. Lumen would’ve most likely already told her if she was going to. She approved of the fact that Lumen volunteered some information at least, but it was easier to get Umbra to talk about some subjects that seemed forbidden. Or perhaps Death might be willing to help? She might even direct more souls Dee’s way if asked.

“I think I know just the place.” Selvaria stated with a grin. When she had created this pocket dimension, she had needed power from multiple different elements just to balance the small world and the star in the pocket dimension correctly. The place was a little off the beaten path, but it was filled with power.

---------

“I still can’t believe we’re back so soon.” Moirai blurted out. “We were supposed to return after we had the ability to take revenge on the Solarians for Nyx’s death, and it felt like something that would take years.” The group of four had just used Dee’s portals to return to Pantheon. With her upgrade in strength, Dee’s portals were now a faster method of travel than the normal gates. Moirai was bringing Nyx back to the Five Winds. On the other hand, Araqiel has stayed in the White City to take care of Rahmiel. The news about the deaths of so many of Lumen’s worshippers had caused the Archangel to collapse with misplaced guilt.

“Well to be fair, we were supposed to return when YOU had the ability to take revenge. You still can’t. And won’t for some time. We both knew it would take a much shorter time for me to gain the required level of power. Arguably I was already on the border when we left. If we waited for you, it would still take years.” Dee shot back.

“Yeah, yeah, rub it in, won’t you. We can’t all be such gross monsters as you. I think my progress has been just fine.” Moirai said defensively. She was correct of course. She was growing in strength relatively quickly. Dee was just a bad person to compare to.

“I think the more important question is, what happened to you Dee? It’s barely been eight weeks since we met and you feel completely different. To be more precise, you don’t feel of anything at all, besides a bit holy.” Nyx pointed out. Dee had been radiating an oppressive feeling when she had left the White City to negotiate with the dragons, and now that oppressive feeling was gone almost entirely. That was a humongous change in such a short time.

“And what happened to your tails? I liked your tails!” Moirai pointed out a little desperate. She really did enjoy Dee’s fluffy tails, even though she rarely got to touch them.

Dee’s now single longer tail suddenly split into usual thirteen. “They’re still here. See?” The fan of tails returned to a single tail again. “It seems there are certain changes when one becomes stronger at rank thirteen. I think some monk would yammer something incomprehensible about returning to the origin. Personally, I think it’s just a result of turning into some sort of energy being internally. Since my body seems less and less like an actual body and more like a shell, my power is manifesting in different ways. I can bring all of that back if you want.” Dee suggested playfully. The oppressive feeling returned just for a fraction of a second and then vanished again.

In fact, the intensity of her aura had started declining rapidly after becoming the focus. Mneventh had explained that the phenomenon was actually quite common, though not universal. Powerful rank thirteen immortals like him and the Morningstar didn’t have a very prominent aura. To be exact, Mneventh was still a giant dragon so he naturally had a large presence because of that, but he wasn’t as oppressive as one would assume based on his level of power and size. Dee remembered that the leader of the red faction also had a subdued aura. Some rank thirteen beings retained their powerful aura, but apparently, that was due to a personal choice.

Dee’s tails seemed to follow the same pattern, although they were still there, just out of sight. She actually manifested them most of the time, but a single long tail drew less attention than an enormous fan of thirteen tails. It was also easier to manage. She was still far from stealthy thanks to giving off the aura of a holy saint, but that drew much less attention. In fact, it seemed to help counter some of the feeling of danger Dee would still usually give off.

Dee was also still missing one of her hands, which was why she only showed two. Even Lumen had been unable to tell why the hand was refusing to regenerate. All the gods seemed equally stumped. Apparently the problem was somehow tied to the Morningstar’s personal techniques, and unfortunately, none of them were clear on how those techniques worked. The sad fact was that the only ones that might be able to help were the Archangels related to Order, and Dee was not going to even bother asking. She was simply coming to terms with the loss. She had endless invisible hands anyway.

“So where are we exactly?” Nyx asked. The area was full of mana so they knew they were in the first circle, but there was very little in the way of buildings around. In fact, there was only a single rather moderate fortification a short distance away.

“That should be one of the entrances to the headquarters of the Crimson Witches.” Dee pointed out. “At least that’s where it used to be.”

Dee estimation was proven correct as they approached. They were quickly surrounded by a large group of crimson-clad warriors, but luckily there was a familiar face among them. “Dee? Aren’t you supposed to be wreaking havoc somewhere around the universe?”

“Anastasia. It’s good to see you. I come bearing gifts.” Dee pulled out a rather ornate gift basket she had procured in the White City. “I need to have a word with Teresa.”

“She’s doing a good job on the havoc thing by the way.” Moirai commented and promptly got ignored by everyone.

“Well, you’re in luck. She’s here and getting bored to tears. Your little fight with the Celestial Emperor left the whole Day city way too quiet. I’m pretty sure she’ll jump at any proposition you’re here to make. I’m assuming it’s something that involves fighting.”

“I was somewhat counting on that.” Dee stated with a grin, her words having a dual meaning.

Anastasia was proven correct. As soon as their group entered Teresa’s office the blonde warrior yelled to her assistant. “I don’t care what paperwork you want filled next, you’ll have to do it yourself. You’re better at it than me anyway. Duty calls.” She then got her sword down from its holder on the wall and grabbed Dee’s gift basket. “Well, whatever it is, please take me away from here right now before my assistant can stop us. I don’t care who I have to kill, just no more paperwork. Anything you’ve cooked up is bound to be better than this.”

“Alright then. I’ll keep it a surprise.” Dee just turned on her heels and walked out to the amusement of everyone present. By the time they got outside, every numbered Crimson Witch was following them, along with Anastasia. Nobody asked any questions as Dee formed a portal that might take them anywhere. They were just as bored as Teresa.

-----

“So I was hoping you were taking us to battle, but I’m not sure if I should be happy or disappointed that you led us straight to the Solarians. On one hand, it’s bound to be a good fight, but I was hoping for something a little fancier. Like five headed ancient dragons or maybe some completely unknown entities.” Anastasia stated as the group appeared above a large glowing palace made of flames. The heat around the area was almost high enough to match the elemental plane of fire.

All the stars orbiting Pantheon seemed to be focusing their rays on the place. The large building could be called a palace, but it wasn’t really all that fancy aside from seemingly being made of solidified fire. Instead, it was more like a large group of buildings joined together into one incoherent whole. A relatively limited number of beings were rushing about below them. The weakest of them were rank seven humanoids that looked more like well-tanned elves or humans. They were accompanied by stronger beings seemingly covered partly in blue flames that looked up at Dee’s group with clear worry. Finally a handful of beings made purely of solar flames approached their group.

“I heard that the Solarians evolved while they grew in age and power but we see them so rarely that I wasn’t sure.” One of the Crimson Witches stated in slight surprise.

Dee recognized the male figure leading the group of powerful Solarians as the Young King. He wasn’t the strongest of the group but he was leading them nonetheless. Likely because he had the most experience in dealing with other races. Dee could clearly feel the differences in power between the Solarians, something she would have been unable to do just a few weeks ago. All of the others were stronger than the Young King, who in turn was stronger than Teresa, but all of them were also weaker than her. Significantly weaker. ‘Huh, the power of being the focus really shouldn’t be underestimated.’

“Dee. I’m fairly sure we had an agreement. You would stay away and we would look after your old community.” The Young King stated. “And yet here you are, breaking that agreement.”

“An agreement forcefully made under duress and with hostages is not a very good agreement. Now things are different since the power balance has shifted. You owe us a debt and I’m here to collect.” Dee stated, purposefully making sure not a bit of her power leaked out. The complete lack of pressure unnerved the Solarians more than the old pressure she used to radiate would have. That’s because they knew the significance.

“And what debt would that be?” One of the other Solarians appearing as nothing but flame asked a little acidly. He wasn’t used to being on the weaker side. Even with six rank thirteen Solarians present they were unsure of their victory. Truthfully he also didn’t know what Dee was talking about. He had not taken part in the attack against the Celestial Palace and hadn’t been consulted.

“The debt of making a sneak attack during our struggle against the Celestial Emperor. Your act of cowardice cost the lives of several good people, including one of my dearest friends.” She neglected to mention that the friend was now back to life. “An act truly befitting the number one community of the Day city. Then you decided to make me into a scapegoat to appease the angels, just because it was politically expedient. Well, I don’t know if you’ve heard but the angels are currently in a very bad situation. And I happen to be a faction leader among the Assembly and popular with several of the Dragon Aspects.” Again, not entirely true, but no need to go into detail. “So how did that act of political cowardice work out for you?”

The angry Solarian was about to retort but suddenly a large pillar of flames shot down from the sky. The beam of light held the form of a woman, and the woman radiated the kind of holy power only Dee had felt before. All the Solarians knelt down in the air and on the ground while Dee’s companions took some distance. “Sol-Invictus.” Dee stated, looking at the woman inside the pillar of flames. “I did not expect you to make a personal appearance.”

“What do you want with my people Godslayer?” The sun god asked, emphasizing the title just so everyone was aware of the danger Dee presented. “Can you really afford to make another enemy at this time?”

“Make an enemy? You misunderstand me. I’m actually here to make an ally. At least a temporary one. But now that you are here, you might as well make your own choice known. It’s time to pick a side. I’m sure you’ve already felt the chaos and the shadows stirring. Umbra will make her move and anyone standing in her way will have a really short future. Many of the other gods can afford to stay neutral, but I doubt you will be able to. I’m not a fan of the phrase ‘you’re either with us or against us’ as the world isn’t so black and white, but in this case it seems to apply.”

The goddess decided to avoid answering but knew Dee had a point. How could she not sense the danger from the shadows? She also knew that without her, Nasir-Sin had little chance of victory. The God of Order had many light side gods under his thrall, but the most powerful deities all knew which way the wind was blowing, and the alliance between Umbra, Lumen, and Death seemed unstoppable, so if she joined in then Order was doomed to failure. On the other hand, making the opposite choice might not help and would put her in danger as well. “So what do you want from my children?”

“I want the debt they owe me repaid. They can repay with the head of the Solarians responsible for the cowardly attack and my banishment.” They all knew this demand was impossible.

“Or?” The Young King asked. He was one of those on the chopping block.

“Or, you can help me finish this. Since your debt is due to an unexpected surprise attack, you’re going to help me by making another one. This time on my behalf. Seems fitting does it not?” Dee made her proposal.

“You’re going to attack Paradisia.” Sol-Invictus realized. It made a certain amount of sense. Now was the perfect opportunity to strike at the angels.

“In a way. Do not worry; I’m not trying to start a genocide against the angels, even though some would argue them deserving. But I will make sure this fight comes to a conclusion. Who knows? You might even be able to resolve the schism between the gods as well. Likely because one of them will be dead, but still.” If the Solarians agreed, it would also firmly place Sol-Invictus in the camp opposing Order. Two birds with one stone. Or a countless number of pigeons as it were.

“Fine. Have it your way.” Sol-Invictus agreed. In truth, she had little choice. What she decreed, the Solarians would follow. Now Dee had most of the allies she needed. Even though their reliability was questionable, they would at least make one attack and work as a distraction. And that’s all she needed from them. She would make that one attack count.