ARC 2: The God of Blood

Five thousand years ago as per written in history books, Ruan, Lithuasa and the Demon Continent were once connected with each other. It was during that time when the Gods were still roaming the Mortal Realm that the continent called Quan still existed.

The Continent of Quan was the smallest of all the continents that existed that time, yet it was of the most strategic importance. Strategically located in between Ruan, Lithuasa and the Demon Continent, it became the common passage of almost everyone in the Mortal Realm. With the Gods authority over the mortals, disputes due to the differences between races were minimal. History books called that time as the ‘Age of Gods’; some historians regarded it as the ‘Age of Calm before the Storm’.

The Age of Gods—the Age of Prosperity lasted for approximately two millennia. After thousands of years in the realm, the Gods became fearful of the mortals. God Alecto gained a premonition—a prophecy. It was a prophecy that depicted the Gods fade from existence. Specifically, it depicted the betrayal of one of the eight Primal Gods—Gash Laqua, the God of Blood.

According to the foresight of the Primal God Alecto, God of Darkness, the God of Blood used the body of a mortal to annihilate all of the Primal Gods. The foresight was not clear; it did not depict which mortal was used by the betrayer.

Such premonition shook all of them—Lesser Gods, High Gods, and even the Primal Gods; status did not matter. They were all mortified of the fact that it was possible for the Gods to be killed. It was a well-accepted fact the Primal Gods were immortal. They cannot be killed. Still, the prophecy stated otherwise. Moreover, it was their fellow Primal God that would be their own bane.

With abrupt actions, the rest of the Primal Gods formed a plan on banishing God Gash Laqua. They all knew that the God of Blood was the second strongest—next only to God Alecto. Even with their numbers, they were not entirely confident of their abilities to vanquish the threat. Still, they needed to eliminate the seed before it sprouted.

All of the 31 Gods combined their strength and tried to kill God Gash Laqua. It was an event that was later on described in history books as the ‘End of Time’. It did not pertain to the end of the world itself, but to the end of the Age of Gods.

The fight took its toll on the feeble realm of the mortals. The continent of Quan which was the most prosperous that time became the battleground. With the might of the Gods raging forth endlessly, Quan perished and became nothing but a single petite land compared to its former self. It had become a land devoid of life. To this day, it was called The Great Rift. Legends said that the resentment of God Gash Laqua still lingered in the area. Until now, mortals had never gone close to the island clouded in a mysterious fog—in fear of the God’s wrath.

After killing the God of Blood, the remaining Primal Gods created a gargantuan space in the endless void. They then created a separate dimension from it and named it as the Ethereal Realm. Using their excuse that the mortals should be left alone for good, they all fled towards the solace of their created realm. Unbeknownst to the mortals, the Gods fled in fear of the sword that might sprout from the Mortal Realm.

Thousands of years had passed since then. The name of the God that ended the Age of Prosperity became distorted with time. History books stated that the God of Blood was called Gash Laqua, but unknown to almost everyone, the God of Blood’s real name was Gashka. He was the God that was the first ruler of the mythical clan that practiced the art of Hiryu.

Approximately every three hundred years, the Gods took it upon themselves to eradicate the mortals that seemed capable of vanquishing them. Hence, three hundred years ago, The Great War was orchestrated.

****

[Hello~?]

Yuje stood in front of the translucent monster. Still bound by chains, God Gashka moved towards Yuje. The God of Blood was grinning.

[Welcome! Oh~ should that be the proper word? This is your domain too, after all.]

The creature tilted its head. It was beaming. It was definitely enjoying the unusual visit.

“You—” Yuje walked towards the still creature. Without a glint of fear, he stood face-to-face with it. It was quite an eerie feeling—staring at your own reflection. Grabbing the shoulder of Gashka, he gripped at it and spoke.

“Raul’s eye sight.” Yuje was glaring. “There was no need to take it away right? I’ve examined his soul—it was capable of a half contract. There should have been no rebound if the two parties agreed with the rules.”

[mmfffttt…hahahahahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHA!]

The translucent apparition lowered its head, grabbed at its stomach and began laughing. After the series of unruly laughter, it glanced upwards towards Yuje who was silently gazing at the reflection.

[You know the answer to that right? Still—that sight. That sight when that weak kid cried! HAHAHAHA! Really~ why do you associate yourself with such trash?]

God Gashka raised its left hand that glimmered in translucent ivory white hue. Flicking its fingers, a cube-shaped box appeared beside him. Two exquisite antique clay cups appeared on top of the cube. It was filled with hot tea. Gashka grabbed one and casually gave it to Yuje.

[Here. Drink. This is our domain. Anything is possible. You should try it you know~]

Gashka summoned seats for the two of them. After sitting, he then leaned over the ivory chair and turned towards the man in front of him.

[I wanted to speak with you. That's why.]

Silence enveloped the room after those words. Yuje looked up and heaved a sigh. He knew where the current conversation was going.

“If you’ve wanted to speak with me, they you should have just done so—inside my mind. Why go through all these?” Yuje grabbed the cup that his reflection offered him. Gulping it in one go, he then steeled himself for the vulgar words that would soon come out from the mouth of the creature that resembled his appearance.

[WHY? YOU ASK WHY? YOU DARE ASK?!!]

Gashka stood up and hollered. With a grimacing expression that bespoke of anxiety and frustration, he began stomping upon the ethereal ground.

[THOSE BOOBS!]

Such vulgar words echoed throughout the whole domain. With nothing but perpetual translucent whiteness surrounding the two, they stood gazing at each other. Yuje heaved another sigh.

[I mean Onesa! Oh~ I can't wait. Oh~ oh~]

God Gashka licked his ivory white lips. Rubbing his palms together, he walked towards the place Yuje stood at.

[I’ll give back Raul’s eyes. In exchange, grant me a single day. Just a single day of total control over your body~ How’s that?]

The eyes of the feared God twinkled with malicious intent. Without it saying a word, its motives clearly emanated from its actions. If not for the ethereal appearance of the creature, it would have resembled a train molester.

“Some time ago you told me that you are a God.” Yuje closed his eyes in agony. “I find it disgusting that you are living inside my body.”

[Oh~ that hurts you know? I really am a God.]

God Gashka refilled his cup of tea. After gulping down he then made an expression that depicted sadness. It seemed that he wanted his human shell to sympathize with him. After a few moments, he realized that Yuje did not care. Making a subtle ‘damn’ sound, he snorted and spoke.

[Know what? You are actually the first one in the entire history of the clan that was successful of merging with my soul. After the Gods banished my existence, I became so weak that I had no choice but merge my soul with a mortal. Unfortunately, the first one I found that time was a human.]

“The Gods banished your existence?” Yuje asked. Putting down his cup he leaned on the cube that Gashka created.

[Oh that was a story thousands of years ago. Well…it sorta happened. I discovered what Alecto was planning. Shattered my peaceful skirt-chasing days. Sucks right? Until now those dumb Primal Gods probably has no idea on what Alecto has been doing behind their backs. Pity~]

“What was he planning?” Yuje listened to the now hushed voice of his inner self. “God Alecto. It was the God that governed the darkness if I’m not mistaken.”

[BOOOOOBS!]

The translucent figure began to make hand gestures that seemed to grab at thin air. Shaking its hips violently, it then made subtle ‘boing boing’ sounds. Afterwards, it grinned with drool on its mouth.

[Heh~ Heh~ Heh~ Fuehehehehe~]

“Hey.” Yuje said with blatant irritation. He was disgusted at the figure that resembled him that kept doing obnoxious things one after another. After God Gashka’s series of ‘Fuehehehe’ sounds, he turned towards his human shell.

[I don't intend to answer your question kid.]

Gashka resumed his former serious demeanor and also leaned on the cube, beside Yuje. Looking up as if reminiscing, he then grimaced for a second. Afterwards he resumed his beaming smile and turned towards his left—to Yuje.

[You will soon find out in due time. I am branded as the worst God in history, but I’m telling you, not all that’s written in history books are true. Such things handed down by the short-lived humans are not to be trusted upon.]

“I don’t care about the dispute between the Gods. Raul’s sight—return them.” Yuje said.

[I can easily do that. In exchange, I want to use your body for a single day. It’s not a bad exchange. You know that with this shackles, it’s impossible for the current me to totally take over your body. ]

Yuje heaved a sigh before he answered. He had an idea on what the God will do once it took over its human form. Those vulgar stuffs that would inevitably happen—just the thought alone made him shudder. For the first time in Yuje’s life, he felt fear.

Yuje turned towards the figure leaning beside him. He deemed that it was not such a bad deal. With resignation in his voice, he replied.

“…Fine. But never hurt nor kill any of them.”

[Of course. It’s a deal~]

****

Taki and the rest of the students tensely stood in front of the two figures. Raul and Yuje still had their eyes closed and was still enveloped by the translucent hue. With trickles of sweat running down their backs, they anxiously awaited the result of the ‘negotiation’.

After a few more moments, Raul abruptly fell flat towards the ground. Blinking his eyes thrice, he pinched his freckled face.

“This pain—this is real. I…can see.” Raul said in a bewildered tone mixed with bliss. He then turned towards the man with ash-brown hair in front of him. “Yuje! I can see! You did it!”

Everyone watched the scenario with fuzzy warmth in their hearts. They were all glad that their friend had finally regained his sight. The fuzzy feeling continued until their reality was shattered by the most surreal spectacle in their whole lives. Never in their lives had they dreamt of such a thing.

“BOOOOBIESS!!” Gashka shouted with his all. Facing upwards towards the heavens with his two hands clenched into fists, the man had tears streaming down his grey eyes. After the shout that seemed to have shattered the minds of everyone that heard it, Gashka turned towards Onesa. Licking his lower lips, he dashed towards the red headed girl and grabbed her enormous rack.

~GRAB

~BOING

~BOING

Everyone was dumbfounded by the scenario. Rubbing their eyes, everyone was unable to believe what they were seeing. Yuje shouting vulgar words and afterwards rubbing Onesa’s chest—it was so surreal that they were convinced that it was all a dream.

“E-eh?” Onesa forced the words out her mouth. With a flushed face, she let out a ‘fuah~’ sound as she felt all of her strength drain from her body.

“Hey?!” Mui regained her self and realized that everything was not a dream. Strengthening herself with magic, she dashed towards Gashka and released a punch with the intent to kill.

~Punch

The punch of the pale girl was blocked by Gashka with a single finger. Grinning from ear to ear, the demon stepped forward. He then grabbed the chin of the stunned Mui.

“Such a pretty face. Although you’re twins, you’re prettier than your sister—know that?” Gashka said as he smirked and licked his lower lips. Leaning his face closer, he then kissed the still stunned girl with night-black hair.

~Kiss

Gashka kissed Mui in front of everyone. A ‘shwack~’ sound was heard after the two lips parted. A mischievous grin formed on his lips as he tilted his head to one side.

“Hmmm…is that your first kiss? Heh~” Gashka placed a finger on his lips. “It is my first too. Or rather, this body’s first.”

Mui lost all strength from her body as she fell butt first unto the ground. Never in her life had she been touched by a man before. Unable to process what had just occurred, she just sat there, motionless and speechless.

“Who are you?” Taki broke the silence that enveloped the group. Though shocked beyond reason, the former farm kid was still able to maintain his calm.

“HAHAHAHAHA!” Gashka boisterously laughed. “As expected of Taki~ always calm no matter the situation. Heh~”

Gashka walked towards Raul and stopped in front of him. He then turned around towards the group and opened out his arms wide.

“HAHAHAHAHA! I am Yuje!” The man merrily declared. His eyes danced back and forth as he gazed upon Onesa.

“Liar. You’re the creature inside Yuje right?” Raul belied the man’s statement. The actions of the man were reminiscent of the creature he had encountered not long ago.

“Bingo! Heh~” Gashka reached his hands towards Raul. Extending a finger, he then placed it on the man’s forehead. “Yuje has a message for you.”

Suddenly, the voice of Yuje resounded inside Raul’s head.

[The creature inside me had agreed to return your sight. In exchange, I granted him the freedom to use my body for a single day.]

Raul recited the message out loud for everyone to hear. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. It was clear then; the man in front of them was an entirely different entity. Those vulgar actions—it was not done by Yuje but the creature inside him.

“Who are you?” Taki repeated his question. He then calmly walked towards Yuje.

“Taki.” Gashka instantly disappeared. He then reappeared right in front of Taki. Placing his arms around the brown-skinned man, he asked. “Don’t you want power? Once I’m free, I would need my very own soldiers. You—become my right hand.”

Taki was surprised by the sudden offer. It was suppressed, but everyone clearly felt the tremendous power inside Yuje’s body. It was different from before. It was a power so vast that they were unable to grasp and understand it.

“…No.” Taki paused before he replied. “I’m pretty much content with what I have right now. I’ve been friends with Yuje not because of his power. It’s because I felt right being beside the guy.”

“Eh? Sucks~” Gashka made a subtle ‘che~’ sound. “Such a shame. You have potential you know? I’ve been observing you for quite some time. I’m pretty much sure that you have the talent for a full blood contract. Think about it—you could become around S rank in an instant. With proper training, it’s not impossible to attain the SS rank.

Everyone was shocked at the nonchalant utterance of the offer for power. The creature that took over Yuje’s body seemed to have been telling the truth. Just the suppressed presence alone made everyone understood that what the creature had told them was possible.

“I ask again…who are you?” Taki said. He was not interested in the offer.

Gashka heaved a sigh of resignation. He then walked towards Onesa and Mui. The two took a step back as the man approached them. Both of them had a flushed look on their face. Gashka walked pass them and leaned on the metallic barouche.

“I am Gashka, The God of Blood.” The grey eyed man nonchalantly said. He then looked up towards the sun that hovered above the sky. Squinting his brows, he turned towards the group. “I have no time to waste. Wait here.”

“God?” Mui asked. Even with a stiff body and flushed face, her curiosity made her ask the creature.

“Yes. God. You must have heard of the God named Gash Laqua right? That’s me.” He said as he pointed a finger on his chest. “It’s actually Gashka, not Gash Laqua.”

“The worst God in history? The most evil God that had ever existed?” Mui asked in a horrified tone. Her stiff body trembled from the revelation. “The God that vanquished the entire Quan continent thousands of years ago?”

“Oh~ so I’m now the culprit behind the destruction of Quan huh? Really—humans kept distorting history.” Gashka walked towards a large cliff. After reaching a certain distance from the group, he glanced back and said. “I must go somewhere for the day.”

~RUMBLE

~RUMBLE

The ground below Yuje began to disintegrate into dust. Afterwards, countless minute crimson particles began to cruise towards the grey eyed man at tremendous speed. In just a few moments, a gargantuan sphere was on top of him.

“A bird? Hmm…should be good enough.” Yuje said. He then raised an arm towards the crimson sphere that hovered in the heavens.

~SHHUUUAAKK!

The colossal crimson sphere distorted and began to form a figure that resembled a phoenix. Crimson feathers that seemed to flutter by the wind added towards the creature’s regal beauty.

~SCREEECHH!

The colossal phoenix that spanned over a hundred meters screeched in a high-pitched tone. Everyone covered their ears. The aura of the crimson creature alone created a subtle fissure onto the ground below it.

“See ya. I’ll be back by evening.” Yuje hopped on the phoenix’s back and grinned. “Don’t die.”

Following those words, the colossal phoenix flew eastward with tremendous speed, leaving behind great wreckage at the canyon it passed through.

The entire group was stunned speechless. Two of the girls were left agape, their faces flushed red.

****

~SCREECH!

A loud screeching sound echoed throughout the entire mountain. All of the birds that resided within the forest flew away in fear. The monsters trembled as they hid from the colossal monster.

“Hey there~” Gashka hopped down from the crimson phoenix. Upon landing, he was greeted by a figure of a child that was adorned by a blazing robe.

“Gashka. So you’ve finally gained a body.” The child said. He greeted the God of Blood with a merry smile. His fiery red hair glimmered under the hovering sun.

“No this is temporary. I have only a few hours at most.” Gashka sat on top of a rock beside a large cedar tree. He then flexed his fingers as he gazed at the small figure that slowly walked towards him. Each of the steps the figure took scorched the forest ground. “I was desperate. I needed to speak with you Agni.”

“I know. Shepa told me that we would meet. She also told me the fate of us Primal Gods.” The child said. He now stood in front of the God of Blood. “She told me that everything was Alecto’s scheme.”

The child looked upon the heavens. Fighting back the tears that streamed in the corners of his eyes, he clenched his tiny fists.

“I now understand why all of the lamias were suddenly ordered to be executed.” God Agni said. “Everything…everything was done by Alecto.”

“That’s right. I don’t blame you or the other Primal Gods. Alecto was our leader after all.” Gashka lifted a finger and ordered a fruit from a tree some distance from him to cruise towards him. He grabbed it and bit out a big chunk. “Coupled with the prophecy he had shown you guys, of course everyone would believe him.”

~BLAZE

A gargantuan pillar of fire rose towards the heavens. Afterwards, it spiraled with Agni at its middle. The God of fire was crying.

“I’m sorry!” Agni fell on his knees. His shoulder shook as he tried to suppress his emotions. “I betrayed you—my most precious friend! Instead of believing in you, I believed the lies created by Alecto!”

~THUD

Gashka threw the fruit had had been eating towards the crestfallen child. Agni was surprised by what Yuje did.

“HAHAHAHA! Crybaby!” Gashka jeered at the God of Fire. With his tongue sticking out, he snorted loud enough that it echoed in the entire forest.

“YOU!” Agni’s face became red with embarrassment. The atmosphere moments ago were so grim, but God Gashka suddenly took such childish actions. “And I was seriously apologizing! You never change!”

Agni grabbed a stone and threw it towards the man in front of him at a frightening speed. Gashka dodged the stone that pierced through a dozen trees before finally disintegrating to dust.

“Hahahaha! Why are you so serious?” Gashka boisterously laughed. “You’re still a child! Oooppss! Sorry I thought you were a child—I mean that figure. HAHAHAHA!”

“GASHKA YOU LITTLE!!” Agni roared.

~BLAZE

~SLASH

~BLAZE

~SLASH

The entire mountain range became the playground of the two reunited beings. Broadly grinning from ear to ear, the two delightfully played pranks with each other; tearing the mountain apart in the process.

~SLASH

~BLAZE

The series of pranks accompanied by laughter continued for quite some time until half of the mountain range that once bordered the town of Yesnia was ravaged. The forest was scorched and the mountain top was split in half.

“HAHAHAHA! That was fun!” Agni said with glimmering eyes filled with bliss. He dusted off the dirt that covered his blazing garb.

“Yeah~” Gashka replied. He let himself fall unto the dirt-ridden forest ground. Everything around them was ravaged beyond recognition.

“…Gashka.” Agni turned towards the figure lying on the ground. “Really…I am so sorry.”

The God of Blood gazed at the moist eyes of the child at his right. Heaving a sigh, he replied. “Now…I told you. I understand. It’s not your fault okay?”

“UWAAAAHH!!!” Agni dashed towards the lying God and flung his self towards him. With a loud ~thud sound, the figure of a child wept. Snot kept falling on Gashka’s tattered cloak. “amuummm sshhwwoowwyyy…ammmm showwrrryyy…”

Gashka patted the back of the still crying God. Gazing upon the sun that would soon be gone, he spoke.

“It’s fine. It’s fine. I really wanted to see you…my dear friend.”

****

It was evening. Everyone anxiously awaited the return of Gashka.

“W-what do I do?” Mui kept walking back and forth from the colossal barouche. Twirling her fingers, she kept huffing as she reminisced the scenario that occurred a few hours ago. Her face flushed deep crimson as she thought of the memories.

~SCREECH!

A familiar screeching sound was heard coming towards their direction. Soon enough, they saw Gashka on top of the crimson phoenix. His black cloak was scorched beyond repair.

“Hey kids. Waited long enough?” Gashka grinned. He then raised his left hand. “Phoenix, grab them.”

The crimson phoenix hovered lower and soon enough its tails grabbed the group of students underneath it. It then placed it on top of its back along with the lambards and the barouche. Afterwards, it flapped its gargantuan wings once and flew high up on the sky.

“Nice scenario isn’t it?” Gashka spoke. His disheveled hair was fluttering from the wind.

Ironically, although they were moving at such a fast pace, everyone did not felt the need to grab at the phoenix in order to maintain their balance. No matter what kind of movement the gargantuan mythical creature made, it did not affect them at all.

The night sky of the Demon Continent was even prettier up close. The three moons that hovered above seemed so close that they would be able to grasp it. Coupled with the soothing breeze, everyone was in euphoria.

“Where did you go?” Taki asked. He was beaming from the great spectacle presented to them from above.

“That’s a secret~” Gashka replied. He then walked towards Onesa and placed his arms around her. “How are you? So cute~”

Onesa’s face became red from those words. Her body became stiff as she tried to utter a reply. The memories from few hours ago kept flashing through her mind—the feeling of Yuje’s hand on her chest.

“A-aaa o-ookay.” She was unable to utter a proper reply. Her red hair glimmered under the regal rays of the three crimson moons.

“Stop that!” Kath and Mui said in unison.

Gashka looked towards the direction of the voice and grinned. He then walked towards the woman from before, Mui.

“Hey~” Gashka greeted. He then leaned his face close towards the suddenly stiff Mui. “How’s your first kiss? Oh, I forgot to tell you—it’s my pleasure.”

“T-that…” Mui lost her strength as she tried to confront the man in front of her. With wobbly legs, she had almost fallen down to her knees if not for the timely support from her sister. Kath immediately dashed towards her sister Mui.

“Stop harassing my sister! Pervert!” Kath glared at Gashka. Ironically, she too had a flushed look on her face.

“HAHAHAHA~ such cute darlings! It was fun watching you all throughout the entire journey!” Gashka placed his hands on his hips as he kept his unruly laughter.

“So what’s the plan now?” Raul asked. “I’m sure Yuje won’t let you control that body any longer.”

Everyone looked towards Raul. Those words gave them hope, especially the girls. Such actions from the current Yuje were too much for them to process. It was entirely different from the man that they had travelled with.

“By morning I would be gone. Relax. As for now, I’ll shorten your travelling time.” Gashka leaned on the giant crimson feathers of the phoenix. “The one month travel towards the city of Po—I’ll reduce it to just a single day.”

With a mischievous grinning face, the God of Blood looked towards the horizon and muttered.

“Today was worth it. It was definitely worth it.”

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Author's note: RRL's not working properly. Whew. Need to constantly edit it even though the preview was alright. It changes once posted