Authors note: Alright not sure how this one comes across, so please let me hear some opinions. Also was wondering if you readers have an opinion on the title. I just put that up because I had to have a title, but if you think something else would fit better I'm open to suggestions.

And thanks for reading!

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Chapter 6

When the Gods made the Celestial Realm, they intended for it to be absolutely perfect. It had lush greenery, tall and healthy trees, and clear water.

When the Gods built their own temples to live in, each one picked a somewhat secluded spot.

In a meadow, surrounded by forests, sat one of those temples.

The building was constructed from a white marble that reflected the light. In the window panes was a soft red tinged glass, giving the interior a warm atmosphere.

In the temple grounds outside were many beautiful maidens. Each one emitted a sort of pureness that couldn’t be described in words. These maidens were tending to flowers, engaged in idle gossip, or just calmly drinking tea and relaxing.

This was Auromi’s temple, and while on the outside it looked like any grown man’s paradise, the inside of the temple was a different story.

Starting from when one immediately walked in you could tell that something was amiss. Flanking the entrance were two statues of a man clad in a majestic looking armor. On the walls were paintings of the same man’s portrait or figure. The entire interior was littered with such objects.

Truthfully it creeped people out. It was actually the reason one saw all the maidens outside. They couldn’t stand to be in the temple.

And the culprit for this disaster? It was none other than the Goddess Auromi herself. Ever since that moment Calgar saved her life she became obsessed with him. The feeling in her chest, that at the time she couldn’t describe, became clear as time passed on.

It was love.

So she made statues and paintings of him while his image was still vividly in her mind and placed them all over the temple.

Everyone thought it was just a phase. Give her time and it will cool off. That was centuries ago.

Now the Gods and servants just see it as the one imperfection on an otherwise peerless beauty.

But they made a mistake.

They underestimated a woman in love.

In a room near the center of the temple a ceremony was commencing. The only ones allowed in this room were Auromi and her most trusted maiden Helen.

“What do you think Helen? Does it look the same?”

“Yes Madam, while I cannot say it can ever match completely, I don’t think it can come any closer.”

The two women were looking over a female body lying on an altar. She had long brown hair and smooth skin. If you were to guess her age, earlier twenties would be most fitting.

“It’s such a shame this child died as a stillborn, but she fits my criteria perfectly.”

“Indeed. Manipulating the cells to grow to your will was wonderful to watch. If you had a mortal child this is most likely what she will look like.”

Auromi blushed. “A child you say… I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience.”

There was a slight pause.

“Anyway… Helen, is everything prepared?”

“Yes everything is ready.”

The mood grew serious. In the last three months the Gods had no luck in finding Luna or Sol, let alone Calgar. They had named Champions and had them sent to look for them but it wasn’t bearing fruit. Without knowing their targets goals and what they were trying to accomplish, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Auromi was getting frustrated. Her patience was running out. The one she loves could be out there somewhere and she was stuck here doing nothing but waiting. But it couldn’t be helped. The pact was made with the combined powers of the Gods and none of them could go against it alone.

Which is where this ceremony comes in.

Auromi had a thought. The pact was stopping her because she was a Goddess, but it didn’t stop them from communicating with their champion right? In that case why not modify it a little bit? Instead of communicating, just tweak it to controlling the champion directly.

Now, she couldn’t in all good conscience, take control over a sentient mortal’s body. So instead, she named a champion that she knew was going to die at birth and when they were disposing of the body, take it to the Celestial Realm.

This was the girl on the altar. The only thing left to do was manipulate the cells and genes to grow and function properly. It was now a perfect shell for her to use.

“Then let us begin.”

Arcane energy began flowing through the room. Auromi closed her eyes, focused on the body in front of her. It began to glow a soft pink color. The hair that was brown was instantly dyed silver.

Suddenly Auromi’s body went limp. Helen was quick to act and supported her Goddess. She carried her to a soft bed that had been prepared beforehand in the corner of the room.

While she was tucking Auromi into the covers, the lifeless girl on the altar slowly got up.

Helen turned to the girl. “Madam, is everything ok? Did it work properly?”

The girl looked at her hands and slowly clenched and released her fist a few times, then looked at Helen with her bright violet eyes.

“It seems it was a success.”

Auromi then looked to her body lying on the bed.

“It still feels very foreign though, it may take quite a while to get used to this.”

“It is a mortal body after all.”

“Indeed. My powers will be severely limited. But I will be able to find him that much quicker now.”

Helen grabbed a few papers that were lying on a table and looked them over.

“From what we could tell through limited surveillance, Luna and Sol likely ended up together and didn’t split up. This likely indicates that they knew to some extent where Calgar was.”

“The problem is where exactly did they go? We don’t know the exact location. To think the pact also prevents us from scanning for their souls because it counts as ‘interfering’. It seems there were flaws we never considered.”

Helen agreed then said. “As for where they went, could it be they relied on instinct rather than logic? They were made from Iusti souls after all.”

“Instinct…” Auromi’s voice trailed off.

She thought of all the possible places where Calgar might be, but none of them felt right. Then as if struck by lightning the idea hit her.

“Helen, the statue that we built in Calgar’s honor, it’s still there right?”

“It should be, however I am not completely sure…”

Auromi flashed a smile. “I feel like that is the best place to start. Something just tells me to go there. Call it my womanly intuition.”

Helen had a disbelieving face. “Is that so…”

“It is, now prepare the transfer gate. The magic in this body has settled down.”

Helen set down the papers and held both her hands in front. A bright light shone from her hands and a small sphere emerged. It slowly floated for a ways and then enlarged into the shape of a portal.

“It is done Madam. Please be careful and if you do find Calgar… keep it in moderation please.”

Auromi laughed. “Please Helen, I’m not like Raylen. I’m very responsible.”

She turned around and walked through the portal.

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The Lord City of Nishka. On the outer edge of the city, there exists a solid wall made from a magical ore. This ore gives the wall a certain degree of magical protection while also remaining strong against physical attacks. It’s a common site at lord cities within the country.

There are three gates in Nishka, a north, east and south gate. And at the north gate, there is a slight commotion going on.

“Hey what’s with this crowd?”

“It seems there is a gorgeous woman who got off the intercity carriage. Rumor has it she’s a high race.”

“Seriously?! Which one?”

“They say she’s a Ventris.”

“Oh damn, I got to at least catch a glimpse!”

In the center of the commotion was Auromi. Her long silver hair flowing in the wind, captivating the men in the area. Their ravaging eyes were memorizing her figure so they wouldn’t forget. Even the women were speechless at this beautiful girl.

However Auromi wasn’t paying attention to any of these people. Her thoughts were on tracing a magical presence.

“It seems the twins did go this way. The presence is stronger here. Could it be they are in this city?”

Auromi’s eyes scanned the crowd, but she didn’t notice anything strange.

“Well, to think I can track them to some extent goes to show that this was a good idea. To think that they did go to the statue… I was spot on. My only blunder was forgetting to put on clothes before I left, but nothing a bit of magic can’t fix.”

The clothes she wore now were a dark blue dress that cutoff mid-calf. Around her waist was a black leather corset, which pushed up her bosom, giving it a nice sensual curve. Her blouse was a pure white and quite generous with the cleavage. Adorned on her feet were tough, yet stylish brown leather boots.

While Auromi was thinking to herself, off in a slightly out of the way alley a sinister conversation was taking place.

“Oi, you lot, a big fish just swam in.”

The man in a dark brown jacket at the entrance informed his two companions.

“Really? What’s she look like…” The first man pointed and the second let out a low whistle. “A good way to start the day eh?”

“With a looker like her, the boss might not even care about this month’s quota.”

The first man turned around and faced them.

“You guys go inform the rest that I’ll be over in a bit.”

“”On it.””

He straightened his jacket and dusted off his shoulders.

“Time to get to work.”

He skillfully weaved his way through the crowd and approached Auromi. The man observed her carefully. He watched the way she scanned the surroundings, as if looking for something or someone.

I can work with that.

“Excuse me Miss.” He called out to her.

Auromi turned to face him. “Are you talking to me?”

“Yeah, I happened by and I noticed you look a little lost? Or perhaps looking for someone?”

Auromi raised her eyes. “My, how perceptive of you. Yes, I am indeed looking for someone. Two people actually. They are female twins. One likely has dark hair, and the other a blonde. I’m sorry it’s vague, but by chance have you seen someone like that?”

The man pretended to think for a while and then snapped his fingers.

“Come to think of it, two people matching that description went into that building over there.”

He pointed to a tall building, located behind the stores on the right side of the plaza.

Auromi looked at the building. “Is that so? Maybe I should take a look then.”

The man smiled. “If you’d like I can give you a hand?”

“Really? I’ll take you up on that then.”

Got ya.

The two walked to the edge of the plaza and the man led Auromi to an alley.

“We can get there through here.”

The two entered and after a few left turns and right turns they were in front of the building. The man knocked on the heavy metal door rhythmically and it opened.

He then gestured for Auromi to enter. “Ladies first.”

“Thank you.”

Auromi entered the building and the first things she noticed was the smell. It reeked of Alcohol. It was hard not to immediately pinch her nose in disgust.

There were many men seated around tables, drinking and playing cards. Upon noticing the new arrival, they all paused and looked over. They weren’t prepared for what they saw.

A Goddess, walking among mortals. It was the thought all of them were having. Just as quickly that thought was replaced by vulgar ones. How she would feel. How she would taste. It was written on their faces and they didn’t bother hiding it.

And yet Auromi just looked around the room, ignoring the stares.

She turned around to the man that led her here. “It seems that they aren’t here.”

He pointed over to the stairs in the corner. One led up and the other to the basement.

“There is a parlor downstairs maybe they went there?”

“Can’t hurt to look I suppose.”

Auromi headed to the stairs leading down. With her back turned the man made subtle gestures with his hands. Four people slightly nodded and got up to follow them and another moved to block the door they had come through.

At the bottom of the stairs there was a thick looking door, and a muffled sound could be heard on the other side.

Curious, Auromi opened the door and entered the room.

What she saw were ten naked women locked in a cage in the back of the room. Their hands and feet bound in shackles connected with a small chain. In their mouth was a stuffed clothe, held in place by rope. Dried blood and bruises could be seen on their bodies. Dried tears could be seen running down their cheeks.

Auromi was stunned for a moment, and then approached the cage. Behind her were the man and four others. They closed the door and spread out blocking it.

The man asked with a wicked smile. “Now there are many ways we can do this… which do you prefer?”

Auromi turned to look and the five men. “You deal in slavery?”

He chuckled. “What gave it away?”

She let out a sigh. “It seems Measha has been slacking off.”

“Trying to act calm? No need for that just-.”

One of the men behind him interrupted. “I can’t take it anymore. It’s going to burst out of my pants! Let’s hurry up and defile that beautiful body of hers.”

Auromi rested one hand on her elbow and one on her cheek. “I have a better idea. [Imperium Cogitari].”

Her violet eyes sparkled and the five men stopped moving. They were stiff like a board. She pointed to the man who was about to assault her.

“Do me a favor, can you stab yourself in your crotch until you die?”

The man immediately unsheathed a knife and stabbed himself in his privates over and over. Blood spurted all over the ground. The women in the cage behind Auromi let out muffled yells at the horrible display before them.

The stabs grew weaker and weaker until finally he bled out.

She turned to the other four. “How many operations like this are in this city?”

“There are four other smaller groups, but this is the main one.” One of them replied instantly.

“The leader of your group, is he here?”

“Yes, upstairs. I was to bring you to him when we were done securing you.”

“Well then, let’s not keep him waiting. Oh and you, free these women and give them clothes.”

“Your will be done.”

Auromi and three men ascending to the ground level, leaving the other behind to complete his task.

As they appeared from the stairs, the men had confused looks on their faces. Why did the woman come back up? And why is she not in chains?”

Auromi clapped her hands. “Can I have your attention? Everyone please look here.”

She confirmed that they were all looking at her.

“Very good everyone. [Imperium Cogitari].”

Again her eyes sparkled and everyone was affected.

“I have two simple instructions for you all. First, is to completely eradicate all slavery organizations in this city. Handing them over to the authorities is preferred but I don’t mind you killing them either. Second is to devote the rest of your lives freeing slaves from captivity. Perform well enough and you might even get in to the Celestial Realm. Do you all understand?”

“’’’’’’’’Yes our Goddess!’’’’’’’’’

She turned to the man who led her to this place in the beginning. “Your name.”

“It’s Jebb Madam.”

“Lead these men and redeem yourself for your crimes.”

“With pleasure! Oi you lot get it together! We have work to do!”

The men scrambled around, grabbing their gear and getting organized. While this was happening Auromi went upstairs. There was a hallway with three doors. The first was a bathroom. The second was a lounge. After opening the third door she saw an older bald gentleman behind a desk.

“What the hell is going on down there with all the noise… Wait a minute, who are you?!”

“Me? Oh I’m unfortunately the one person you shouldn’t have tried to make a slave.”

The man was shocked. “Who are you? Did the Lord send you?! Damn it! I thought we were in the clear!”

He hit the desk, sending a few papers flying about.

“No, nothing like that at all. Just think of it as retribution incarnate.”

He pulled a sword from his waist. “Like hell I will. You’re just one woman. Once I’m done with you we’ll have to relocate. More work I don’t need.”

“Then you should take a nap. one of the eternal kind.”

She readied her finger and with a snap “[Nolite Corde].”

The man twitched and grasped his heart, collapsing to the floor. It was an immediate death. Probably better than he deserved.

Auromi sighed as she walked to the window behind the desk. From here she could oversee the entire plaza.

“What a waste of time…”

She was about to turn back, when her eyes caught a figure in armor. It stood out in the crowd of people. Majestic, strong, and powerful, the armor emitted such an atmosphere. More importantly she recognized it.

“Could it be…?” She lightly touched the glass separating her from the figure below.

And then it looked here. Even though the face could not be seen she felt it. A commanding gaze, that sent a shiver down her spine. Her body grew hot and her breathing unsteady.

This feeling, I know this feeling, and only one person can make me feel this way!

Auromi ran out the room and down the stairs, racing out of the building. She ran while winding through the alleys until she entered the main plaza.

“Calgar!” She called out as loud as she could.

The people around her gave her strange looks, but she couldn’t care less. She pushed through the crowds until she reached the spot where she had seen him.

“Calgar!...Calgar!...”

But there was no answer. She looked around desperately but couldn’t see him anywhere.

“No, where is he? I know I saw him. I know that was him. Where, where did he go?”

Tears threatened to burst out. He had been so close, but she couldn’t find him.

What if she was just seeing things?

That dark thought invaded her mind. She closed her eyes.

No! I know I saw him!

It’s just your mind playing tricks.

It can’t be! I know that feeling. Only he can give me that feeling.

He’s probably still dead.

No…

This is a waste of time.

You’re wrong…

GIVE UP ALREADY.

Auromi sunk to her knees. Her heart ached. Every time she thought of Calgar, her heart would ache like this. Every time she could see him, but not touch him the pain would come again.

Yearning for him hurts.

Longing for him hurts.

Thinking about him hurts.

Loving him… hurts.

Maybe… I should give up…

As Auromi was having these thoughts, a sudden gust of wind blew across the plaza. It blew her hair into her face. She slowly brushed aside her hair and noticed something. It was a new magical presence, different from Luna and Sol.

It swirled around her, enveloping her, and her first thought was…

“It’s warm…”

And then her eyes grew wide. It was his presence. It was Calgar’s! Then it was real. What she had seen wasn’t a lie!

A stranger had approached her when she was on the ground. “Excuse me Miss, are you ok?”

She wiped away the tears and stood up. “Yes, after all this is the happiest day of my life.”

The stranger gave a confused look as Auromi walked away. From what she could tell from his presence Calgar had left the city heading north.

Auromi wore the brightest smile seen in ages. “Wait for me my love. It won’t be long before we can finally be reunited.”