Chapter 72
Chapter 72
A Thousand Years Later...
The once bustling city of Air Town had transformed into an awe-inspiring sight over the course of a thousand years. The city had evolved into a massive castle of white and gold, standing tall and proud atop the floating landmass. The castle's design was a testament to the architectural prowess of the gods, a dazzling display of their powers and creativity.
As the years passed, the Old Gods had worked together to rebuild and fortify the city, turning it into a grand castle that now served as a symbol of hope and unity for the people. The castle was adorned with intricate carvings, intricate murals, and magnificent sculptures that depicted the stories of the gods and their heroic feats.
Redundant bastions encircled the castle, providing layers of defense and protection. Each bastion was equipped with powerful defensive mechanisms, relics from a time when the city had been threatened by vampires and other malevolent forces. The castle was a formidable fortress, a beacon of safety which floated high in the sky. The wealth of towers and spires that adorned the castle reached towards the heavens, each one representing a different god or goddess who had played a crucial role in the city's history. Some towers glimmered with golden accents, while others sparkled with crystalline formations or emitted a soft glow of their own. It was a testament to the diverse and powerful abilities of the gods.
The interiors of the castle were just as magnificent as the exterior. Grand halls with intricate arches and beautiful murals adorned the walls. Marble floors reflected the golden light that filtered through stained-glass windows, casting a warm and enchanting ambiance.
In the heart of the castle stood a grand chamber, called the Nexus, where a massive crystalline sphere floated gracefully. This sphere housed the combined powers of all the gods, a reservoir of divine energy that continued to fuel the floating city. It was a symbol of the Old Gods' everlasting presence, their essence woven into the very fabric of the city they had protected for generations.
Emilya stood alone in the Nexus, wearing a bralette, a short skirt, and tall boots; all black and embroidered with golden thread. She marveled at the Heartcrystal.
Through a window came a mass of purple smoke, which swirled and danced on the air to Emilya's amusement. She smiled brightly as Varasta descended and assumed human form once more. He wore a magnificent green robe. He said, "Hey there, airhead." Emilya giggled.
"Hi, Mister Airhead. I'm Missus Airhead."
Varasta put his hand on the back of her head, and kissed her deeply; longingly. When they finally broke free from their embrace, Emilya was smiling brightly.
"You never get tired of me, do you?," she asked him. "Not even after a thousand years."
Varasta chuckled. "You remember how opposed Helion was to making you an immortal? I spent years wearing him down. Had to try two hundred times."
Emilya looked upwards, lost in thought. "Oh, yeah! But once he made me an immortal, he had no trouble making me a real blonde. Isn't that funny? I just wish he would have given me some powers or something."
Varasta smiled widely. "I'm awfully glad he didn't. You would have misused them." He took hold of her waist.
She laughed. "You know, sometimes I think I love you. But just sometimes." Varasta smiled even wider.
Without any ceremony, Chronus materialized in front of them. He was regaled in a long black coat adorned with useless golden zippers and black belts. A pair of round, black sunglasses were poised on his nose. "Every time I stop time," he began, "You two are in a kissing scene."
"Why do you keep doing that, anyway?," Emilya asked him. Chronus shrugged his shoulders. Varasta chuckled.
"Because he's a pervert," said the sky god.
Chronus adjusted his glasses. "You're the one with the human trophy wife." His countenance betrayed a smirk.
"Oh yeah," said Varasta, "where's your girlfriend? I'm going to find her and tell her to break up with you."
Chronus raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure she's around here somewhere," he replied casually. "You know how she likes to keep me on my toes. She's got an advantage."
Emilya laughed, enjoying the playful banter between the two gods. "Oh, come on, you two," she said, trying to diffuse the tension. "Let's not start another godly squabble. We have more important things to discuss."
Varasta winked at Emilya. "You're right, my dear," he said, his sarcastic tone giving way to a more serious one. "Speaking of important things, how is your relationship with Materiya holding up? It's not easy being in a thousand-year-long romance, not unless you're me."
Chronus leaned against the wall, his coolness still intact. "It has its challenges, of course," he admitted, "but we've learned to navigate the complexities of being immortal beings. Materiya's shy nature and her ability to see anywhere can be a bit overwhelming at times, she can spy on me easily, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Emilya, always perceptive, could sense the depth of Chronus's feelings. "It sounds like you really care for her," she said, her voice soft with empathy. "But I can imagine it must be tough to maintain a relationship when you both have such unique abilities and responsibilities."
Chronus nodded in agreement. "It's true," he said, "but we support each other, and that's what matters. We have a connection that transcends time and space, and that's something truly special. Plus, we've both seen Rome."
Varasta smirked, nudging Chronus playfully. "You never did tell us about those romantic time-traveling adventures you two have," he teased. "Maybe now's the time to spill the secrets of your eternal love story."
Chronus rolled his eyes, but a hint of amusement danced in his gaze. "Some things are meant to remain private, my friend," he replied cryptically. "Let's just say that our love story is a tale for the ages, a journey through time and emotions that has shaped who we are today."
Emilya grinned mischievously. "I can't help but wonder about all the grand gestures and heartfelt confessions that must have taken place over the centuries," she said, her imagination running wild. "You must have quite the collection of love letters stored in your tower."
Chronus couldn't help but chuckle at Emilya's enthusiasm. "Perhaps," he replied with a knowing smile. "But some things are best kept between two souls who have loved each other for a thousand years."
Varasta chuckled darkly. "You're always keeping secrets, aren't you, Aleister?" Chronus shook his head.
"I'm hardly Aleister anymore. We gave up those names a millennium ago, when the public discovered us."
Emilya looked disgruntled. "Boys, boys, when will you learn? All this time and you haven't stopped bickering. You're his real wife, aren't you, Chronus?"
Chronus smirked, his cool demeanor unwavering. "In a way, I suppose I am," he replied with a hint of amusement. "Though we never had a traditional marriage ceremony, our bond runs deep, deeper than any mortal union."
Varasta chuckled, playfully nudging Emilya. "You hear that, my dear?" he said with a teasing glint in his eyes.
Emilya grinned, her playful spirit undeterred. "Well, lucky for you, I'm an immortal space cadet, and I don't mind a bit of eccentricity," she said, leaning in to give Varasta a quick kiss. "Not one bit."
Chronus watched the interaction with a soft smile, appreciating the genuine affection between his two friends. "It's always fascinating to see how you both navigate the complexities of your relationship," he remarked. "Love takes on a different meaning when you have eternity to explore it."
As the playful banter continued, the mood shifted, and the three gods turned their attention to more pressing matters. Emilya brought up the threat of Kalki and Hel, whose army of mutants had conquered all of the world, except for their home continent of Agartha. Varasta crossed his arms, his sarcastic tone replaced with seriousness. "Kalki and Hel have become a force to be reckoned with," he said. "Their army of mutants is unlike anything we've faced before."
Chronus nodded in agreement. "They've grown stronger over the centuries," he added, "and they seem to have an unyielding thirst for power."
Emilya's expression turned grave. "What are we going to do about it?" she asked, concern evident in her eyes. "They've already conquered so much, and they won't stop until they've taken everything."
Varasta's eyes gleamed with determination. "We need to gather the other gods and devise a plan," he said. "If there's one thing we've learned over the past thousand years, it's that we're stronger when we stand together."
Chronus agreed, "Yes, and we must also consider the possibility that Kalki may be stronger than Helion. He has powers that we've never encountered before, and we can't underestimate him."
Emilya took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. "Then let's rally the gods," she said, her voice firm. "It's time to face this threat head-on and protect what's left of our world."
A thunderous voice boomed through the Nexus. "Way ahead of you," said a disembodied Helion. "We are gathering now in the Great Hall. Come join us."
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