The Reapers and The Gods

CRASH  Dawn jumps awake in the early hours of the morning as a loud sound echoes throughout. She quickly hops off her bed, running out the room to…  Silence. As if no one else heard the sound. They all sat without a word. Celestial scrolled on her phone, Satoshi and Soo-Hun were looking at something on the table. The three adults stood in the kitchen muttering about something Dawn couldn’t quite hear.  “What was that?” Dawn asked fearing that she might be insane.  “Hm? Oh, I forgot there was another… Just ignore that, it’s Ramira.” Celestial looked up. Dawn stood silently before something clicked.  “Who’s Ramira?” The room goes quiet as they all look at each other.  “We forgot to introduce you to Ramira?!” Satoshi said in shock. Suddenly a presence was behind Dawn as she whipped her head. A young girl with short purple hair, caramel skin, and gray eyes framed under her glasses stood. But something was off. She has blood dripping off her head.  Dawn shrieked in surprise as the girl kept walking.  “Ms. Nia, I was havin them night terrors again. The bandages still in the same spot?” She asked in a calm tone.  ‘Night terror? Wait she’s bleeding??’ Dawn’s mind was overwhelmed. Just what the hell was going on?  “Yes, the bandages are in the cabinet. Ramira, you should really move your bed. It is far too close to dangerous objects.” Nia walks over and motions for Ramira to stay still as she checks the bleeding.  “It’s all cool Ms. Nia. The bleed ain’t even that bad.” She speaks in a soft tone as she heads over to the cabinet. Without care she bandages her own head as Nia sighs.  “That girl, she will be the death of me, I tell you.” She looks over at Dawn. “That is Ramira. Our current youngest member at the moment. She’s a handful but nice once you get to know her.”  Dawn seemed baffled by the entire situation unsure of what to say or do. There’s a whole other person and they just appear with what looks like literal brain damage and Dawn’s supposed to pretend that’s normal?  “Oh? A new face? Perdón, I shoulda introduced myself earlier.” Ramira comes out with a small smile and bandages wrapped around her head. “Got a name?”  Dawn stayed silent as Ramira tilts her head waiting. When she opens her mouth an undistinguishable sound comes from her throat.  “This is Dawn Hamasaki. Our newest member.” Nia responds for her. She nods along as Ramira hums in acknowledgement.  “Nice to meet you then Ms. Hamasaki.” She heads back toward what Dawn assumes her room.  “Don’t head to far. We have important business to discuss.” Nia said, her tone suggested it wasn’t anything good. Ramira pauses before nodding in acknowledgement.  Dawn sits on the couch as the others go silent waiting on whatever news Nia has to report. She stands in the center of the room, arms crossed. The moment Ramira returns, now fully patched up, Nia begins.  “To start us off, I will explain the full situation we are in for our newest member. The place you are housed in currently Dawn is one not seen to the naked eye. Celestial’s magic keeps us hidden for the most part. However, there are times her magic dwindles, after all no one can expect a mortal to keep expand their aura 24/7 no matter how strong they may seem.”  Dawn looks at Celestial in slight awe. ‘How can a young girl create a whole secret base?’ Her thoughts begin to run wild.  “Next up. We do have allies, The Kishimoto family is one. I am sure you’re familiar with them?” Nia asked. Of course, Dawn was, they are the richest family alive. The only ones who could rival their wealth was the Royal Family, Tejeda-Kamau, but they were all killed before Dawn was even fully conscious.  “Yes, I know the Kishimoto’s.”  “Good. Less explaining for me. Well, they keep our allyship a secret otherwise the Gods would smite them down. Their head reported that someone’s on to us. They plan to out us to the Gods, so we must strike first.”  “May I ask why? What would the Kishimoto family gain from risking their livelihood?” Dawn brought up. Nia paused her hand reaching her chin as if in thought.  “I am not quite sure what Ramira’s relationship to them is. She refuses to elaborate and I won’t push it. However, the Kishimoto’s have agreed, they will be our eyes and ears, if we keep Ramira safe from the Legion and Gods.” She said. Dawn’s attention turned to the Afro-Latina.  ‘Everyone in this group… are strange.’ She finalizes.  “Who is this person that we’re after?” Miu speaks up, her tone is oddly serious. Dawn perks up at her and notices her eyes, now a stern orange color.  “His name is Anuva. However, the one who is the real threat is his Lunar companion. Enmei.” She declares.  “Lunar? You want us to fight a Lunar?” Dawn speaks up. ‘Lunars are on another level. That’s why the Gods forced them to use Humans and Mages as host, so they couldn’t stand against them. Could we truly…’  “I want you guys to.” Nia motions to the younger members. The room goes quiet as the two adults look at each other.  “You want the children to fight Enmei… By themselves?” Miu muttered in shock as her eyes flashed gray with worry. Soo-Jin simply sighed, which was more than Dawn has heard her say since she’s been here.  “I wouldn’t worry so much Ms. Miu. A Lunar and his pet human? A breeze.” Ramira says. The room goes quiet once more, this time out of bafflement.  “Has anyone ever told you to shut up?” Soo-Hun scoffs.  “Plenty of times.”  “Well, do that now.” She bites. Ramira chuckles.  “You don’t want to hear my plan? I got the math for this whole situation right here.”  Dawn gawks. The lack of reaction to Ramira confidence seems to suggest this is normal.  “Well, if Ms. Smartest in the World has a plan, I think we have no worries.” Celestial jumps up as she stretches. “Please share then.”  Nia adjusts her umbrella before speaking up. “I’m going to watch the whole time.”  “And how the hell are you doing that?” Soo-Hun scowls.  Nia words leave her mouth before she could really think, “My all-seeing eye of course.”  The silence was deafening before it erupted. Soo-Hun jumped up in a rage as tension rose.  “All-Seeing eye like the Legion’s All-Seeing Eye?!” Dawn blurted out.  “What the-? Do you think we’re fucking idiots?!” Soo-Hun shouted. Chaos ensued as Soo-Jin sighed once more.  “It seems I spoke before I finished thinking.” Nia said as if this was something simple. “I suppose now I should explain what exactly is going on. I wished to save this for later…”  Most of them glared at her ready to pounce before Miu and Soo-Jin stepped in.  “I know how this may seem but let her explain alright?” Miu spoke up as Satoshi flared in shock.  “Did you two know??” He shouted. A simple nod from Soo-Jin was all they needed as Soo-Hun blew up.  “What the hell do you mean you knew? Mother, she is the very thing that placed us here and you want to collaborate with her?!” she stood in front of Soo-Jin. Soo-Jin didn’t respond, instead placing her hand on Soo-Hun’s head and patting it slightly.  “I say let’s give her some time to explain. If we do not like the explanation we can always kick her. After all I am the one who made this place.” Celestial said through the tension. Everyone whether it was willing or not seemed to agree and waited.  “I’ll start in the middle of the story to save us all sometime then. Around twenty years ago, The Legion was born. To spread justice through the universe and save the innocent. My wife and I recruited those we felt also wanted to prosper, so with my Veil weaving magic I used the All-Seeing Eye to see the near past and find the perpetrators. We were supposed to be an organization of good…” Nia took a breath as she sighed.  “But I suppose the Gods were not too kindly to our interference. The God of Control took over my wife’s mind and turned her into someone I barely recognized. She began recruiting those who could be easily manipulated by power. I tried to leave and take our children so I could devise a plan. However,…” Her voice sounds drained as she remembers the past.  “She found me and the Gods told her to kill me. That’s when I knew I could still save her. She fought back just enough for me to escape safely. So, I decided to make the Dragons to save her and the whole Legion. To expose who the Gods truly are. Clear our names.” She declares as silence follows.  “So what? We’re just your little pawns to you save your damn wife?” Soo-Hun questioned angrily.  “Ruby…” Miu sighs. She doesn’t try to convince Soo-Hun to not be upset. They all can understand, after all they all fear a little bit betrayed.  “I understand you do not trust my intentions Ruby. However, I believe you trust your mother, correct?” Nia responded. Soo-Hun goes quietly before a hmph leaves her mouth and she sits back on the couch.  “Even with all that… How can we trust you? I mean clearly you have no qualms about keeping things hidden…” Dawn spoke up. Truthfully, most of the others felt the same way.  “I’d say we are all hiding big secrets that might make the other people in this room hate us. Are we not all a bunch of hypocrites by keeping it hidden? If you want to solve this we should all admit our secrets.” Celestial offered.  Ramira chuckled at this. “If we did that no one would believe we’re telling the truth. After all we could just lie to one another. Well, you all could.”  “We can have a vote if you wish. If it is so serious and you think I will betray you all, I will leave.” Nia states. “So, if you wish for me to go please raise your hand.”  Moments pass but not a single hand gets raised. Soo-Hun who was the angriest sighed.  “As much as I think you’re aggravating for keeping that secret, my mother knew this whole time and decided to still bring us here and partner up with you. So, I will trust her.”  “I don’t think you’re a bad person, so I’ll trust my intuition,” Dawn said as Satoshi nodded along.  “Well now that we’re done being dramatic. Shall you all listen to my plan?” Ramira voice cut through as the tone shifted.  “Ramira. Learn to read the damn room.” Soo-Hun scoffed. 1 hour later.  The Dragons, namely the younger ones and Nia, stand at the front of an Icy and lonely tower. The very essence sending a chill down Dawn’s spine.  “Welcome to what is referred at the Reaper’s Tower. I’m sure you all know what a Reaper is.” Nia said.  ‘It’s when a Lunar has found a host. The host is then referred to as a Reaper. So, this is where Anuva and Enmei stay?’ Dawn thinks to herself.  “Yes it is.” Nia answers as Dawn jumps.  “H-huh?!” Dawn squeaks out.  “My apologies. You were lagging behind, so I read your mind to see if you were alright. I’ll try to refrain from doing so.” Dawn made sure not to be left behind again. The feeling of someone reading your mind is unpleasant.  “Okay. I will stay out here. I am sure your plan will work Ramira, but do not overdo it.” With that the five kids head inside the tower.  “So, you sure this plan will work? It seems very simple…” Satoshi questioned.  “Look, if y'all do what I said, we got a 88.4583% chance of winnin'. Don't mess the math up.” She responded.  “Did you pull that out your ass or something?” Soo-Hun grumbled. A laugh came in response.  They arrive at a throne room. Silenced etched through the walls, as a man sat peering down at them. His amber eyes dull, contrasting his bright blonde hair.  “Que Pereza… Anuva. You can stop wit this shit. We all know you’ll send out Enmei as soon as we start.” Ramira teased. The others stand in shock at her audacity.  “Excuse me? How dare you insinuate-“  “Now you throwin’ a whole tantrum? Qué pena. It’d actually be scary if you knew how to fight for real.” She keeps going. He stands and scowls down at her.  “Stupid girl. Fine I’ll give you what you want.” Suddenly the energy around them cracked. Lightning shook, as fire roared. When it cleared Anuva was there, but something was different.  His hair once blonde, now red bursting into flames. His eyes blue like the ocean, iced talons on his hands. Dawn recognized this Lunar, as the Elemental. Able to use any elemental power.  “Hello Dragons. It’s a shame our first meeting is like this. I wish not to fight but I cannot allow you to simply destroy my host. I hope you can understand.” He flies in the air before dashing downward toward them.  They all dash outward in different directions. And then they began. Lightning erupted from Satoshi’s body as he picked up speed and dashed toward Enmei.  Lightning magic: Erupting shock  Sparks flew from his body, but Enmei was prepared. He covered himself head to toe in stone reflecting off any of the lightning that aimed at him. Suddenly there was a crack as Enmei turned feeling Dawn’s punch, his stone body lessening the pain.  Dawn, who usually fought with a sword, chuckled nervously before she was thrown back. Blue energy glowed around her.  Water Magic: Shark  A shield was made around Dawn as she landed. Enmei’s laugh echoed in the halls. Something caught his attention; Ramira stood silently before slowly moving with grace and danced as fluid as the ocean.  Nature magic: Dancing stems  Branches rose from the ground and wrapped all around Enmei squeezing him. Suddenly Dawn could see it, she understood the plan now and nodded at Ramira before dashing forward.  “Here!” Soo-Hun shouted irritated as she threw her sword for Dawn.  ‘Clang!’ Dawn falls back as a sword ten times the normal weight her weapon was lands in her hands.  “What the- How do you carry this?”  “Hurry up!” Soo-Hun shouted back. Dawn nodded as she gripped tighter pushing her body to its limits. Celestial stood silently as she glowed.  “Huh? So that’s your plan?” Enmei scoffed. “How does it feel to have to play pretend? …Goddess.” He said to no one in particular. They all paused before a shout came.  “Ignore him, he’s trying to slow us-“ Before Celestial could finish Enmei’s body erupted in flames as he burned the branches into a crisp. He flew in the air sending fire bolts all around.  The dragons all scatter as Dawn attempts to get close. She drags the sword before branches lift her in the air. Jumping she infuses her water in her sword.  Water magic: Deep Reef Slash  Enmei laughed before changing his body to electricity aiming back. Dawn smiled when she suddenly disappeared.  Remembrance magic: Last Memory  Celestial takes her place as she shoots straight through his lightning knocking him down. He lands with a crash and laughs boldly.  “You think that’s enough to stop me?” He sees Soo-Hun before she can act and smirks sending bolts of lightning through her. Her scream echoes as she coughs up her blood.  “Gotcha, pendejo.” Ramira said simply. Enmei looks up confused before he’s grabbed. He looks down at Soo-Hun who smirks back.  Blood Magic: Returning Fire  With that the blood from her mouth flares up and wraps around both of them as Enmei’s eyes widen.  ‘Hell no. You’re by yourself Anuva.’ Enmei claims giving Anuva control at the last minute. 1 hour earlier.  “So, The plan?” Celestial asked.  “It’s quite simple. Anuva is high-key useless. He can’t fight himself, so Enmei does everything. The moment they face a critical situation, Enmei will ditch his ass. Now everyone state your magic. I already know who has what but it's better everyone is on the same page,” Ramira begins.  ‘She knows my magic? But we’ve never even talked before…’ Dawn wondered. “Water.”  “I have Lightning and Aura… but I am unsure how to use the latter, it was given to me by someone else.” Satoshi admits a little sad.  ‘Someone gave it to him. That means that person is… dead.’ Dawn thinks feeling sympathetic.  “Blood magic.” Soo-Hun states bluntly.  “Remembrance magic.” Celestial smiles.  “What does that mean?”  “Like memories and stuff.” she answered, her jaw tensing, as she refused to elaborate.  “Good. Mine is Nature, but in order to use it I have to dance. Annoying I know. So, onto the specifics. Enmei is an elemental meaning the three of us with elemental magic can be both effective and a hindrance. So, we will be bait.”  She continued, “Make it seem like Dawn is the wildcard and force him into electricity. Of course, Celestial can use her magic to make sure you don’t actually get hurt. Speaking of, Celestial, you've never missed a shot, correct?”  “Nope. Never have, never will.” She scoffed.  “Good. Keep him on you two. Satoshi we only need your lightning don’t worry. You and I will be the ones who force him to keep changing forms. As for you Soo-Hun. You will be our true wildcard. Allow yourself to get hit, we need a huge explosion.” Present time  Soo-Hun laughed as her blood closed in before... ‘KABOOM!!’  A large fiery red ball enclosed before expanding outward. “Dawn now.” Ramira yelled as both she and Dawn used magic to make shields.  As the air clears, Soo-Hun stands blood covering her body as she breathes heavily. In front of her lay Anuva’s body, no trace of Enmei.  “Is he…” Dawn starts.  “Dead? Sí, he’s definitely ghost.” Came Ramira’s swift reply.  “Did we really have to kill him…?” Satoshi wondered. To that there was no response. Truthfully, he didn’t want one because he knew the answer was yes. A swirl approached them as they tensed up before they recognized it.  “Ms. Nia’s umbrella. I suppose this is our way back.” Celestial spoke. They all looked at each other, questions still in the air.  Did Anuva truly have to die? Was this the end of him? Just what did Enmei mean by the Goddess of Freedom?  They just decided it wasn’t worth asking at this moment and just headed back in silence. The three adults waited and as soon as they walked through Miu rushed past to hug Satoshi and make sure he was okay.  “I’m fine mom.” He reassured her. Soo-Jin, who had still yet to speak, floated over and frowned as Soo-Hun’s bloodied state.  “I know I’ll clean it off.” She grumbled as Soo-Jin frowned. “…No, I’m not hurt.” A nod and a small smile came.  ‘Even though she hasn’t spoken Soo-Hun seems to understand her perfectly.’ Dawn wondered. ‘Would I be able to understand my mom if she didn’t talk.’  “You guys did great,” Nia said, but her praise didn't reach her eyes. They were hard, simmering with a sudden, sharp anger. “Something wrong?” Ramira asked, her voice tilting with caution. Nia didn’t look at her. Her gaze was locked on the group of teens. “Tell me. Is what he said true? Are one of you truly the Goddess of Freedom?” She spoke politely, but the underlying hostility made the air in the room feel heavy. The kids stood in a suffocating silence, glancing at one another. As the seconds ticked by, the irritation in Nia’s expression sharpened into a scowl. “You! Answer me now!” she demanded. The outburst startled them; none were used to the composed leader raising her voice. They seemed to shrink under her glare. “Nia, back down. That could have been a ruse,” Miu spoke softly, her eyes turning a comforting, soft gray. She stepped between Nia and the children. “Soo-Hun and Satoshi are my own blood. Dawn is undeniably Mizu’s child. Do you really think Ramira or Celeste would lie about who they are?” “Well, then they can simply say they are not,” Nia scoffed, her hands trembling slightly. “Can’t they?” “You’re right. I shouldn't let others take the blame for what is rightfully mine,” a voice rang out. Everyone froze as Celestial walked forward. There was no hesitation in her stride. “Especially after suggesting we all share our secrets anyway.” In a flash of pure rage, Nia lunged. She gripped Celestial by the collar, slamming her back. Her scowl was deep, her knuckles white. The others rushed forward to pull her off, but Celestial didn't fight back. She simply looked down at Nia with a calm, unnerving detachment. “Well?! Speak!!” Nia’s voice bounced off the walls of the hideout. “You have thirty seconds to explain yourself. START TALKING!” “It’s strange,” Celestial said off-handedly, a ghost of a smile on her lips. “Watching the child I taught... attack me.” Nia recoiled as if she’d been burned. Her grip loosened just enough for Miu to notice the shift in the room’s energy. Miu looked over at the silent, floating figure in the corner. “Soo-Jin,” Miu whispered. “You know something, don't you?” Soo-Jin didn't speak, but her somber nod was enough. Nia turned her head back to Celestial, her teeth gritted. “I swear, if you don't—” “Quit the damn yelling,” Celestial interrupted. “I asked her to keep me a secret. It would be quite a shock to learn your old teacher is not only a god but appearing younger than you.” Nia and Miu exchanged a look of pure bewilderment before turning back to Soo-Jin. “One of you better explain right fucking now,” Nia snarled, though her voice lacked its earlier conviction. “Do you remember the Reformatory you and Soo-Jin attended, my dear Nia?” Celestial asked. Nia’s eyes widened. The color drained from her face. “You aren't... you couldn't be. That woman has been dead for years. There’s no way you’re...” But as she stared into Celestial's brown eyes, the similarities became undeniable. “Soo-Jin?” Soo-Jin nodded again. Nia’s hands dropped from Celestial’s collar. Miu, equally stunned, looked between them. “Wait, she’s the woman who oversaw your group? How many people knew?” “Soo-Jin, Mizu, Rosemary, and Marisol,” Celestial answered. Nia let out a bitter scoff. “Of course. The two Tejedas knew. What didn't they know?” “I should explain my position now that you’ve put me down,” Celestial said, smoothing her clothes. “I am Celestial Seuguinne Marianne Neuville. The Goddess of Freedom—the ‘half-bred’ mage. Whatever else you know me by. My father was not the Universal Lord like the other Gods; he was a human. As such, Phanes hates my existence.” She paced the small room, the glowing chains on her outfit clinking softly. “He keeps me around only because of my mother. My siblings don't even bother to hide their spite. Their actions, the Lunars, the mind control... I despise all of it. But alas I am the weakest of the gods. So, I realized long ago that if I helped the people who want them gone, we could finally win.” She then muttered something under her breath, but through the shock no one bothered to question her. Nia’s fists tightened, but the rage had been replaced by a deep, pensive silence. Finally, she let out a long breath. “Fine... You gave me the benefit of the doubt when my past with the Legion was revealed,” Nia stated, her voice returning to its steady tone. “I will do the same for you. But” she glanced around, “I cannot speak for the others.” “Tch... what is this craziness?” Soo-Hun broke the silence, looking exhausted. “First we have a Legion founder, now a God. What’s next?!” “Well, if it makes you feel better, we might have more pressing matters,” Ramira interjected, her gray eyes sharp behind her glasses. “What do you mean?” Miu asked, her eyes blazing a warning orange. “Old man Anuva got a daughter. I heard her when we were leaving. She sounded pissed.” “He had a child?” Dawn shouted in disbelief. “And we just...” “Adopted daughter,” Ramira corrected. “Her name Skarlett. She got art magic, and she clearly comin’ for blood, she was mutterin curses unda her breath. Plus, if her pops found us, what’s stopping her?” Satoshi looked at Ramira, his emerald eyes squinting with suspicion. “How do you know all of this, Ramira? And why didn't you mention it earlier?” Ramira sighed before shrugging, the weight of her words making her frown. “I suppose since we’re revealin secrets... I’ve been cursed with knowledge beyond the mortal brain. I see the threads of how things go down before y'all even think 'em up.” Dawn leaned back against the wall, sliding down until she hit the floor. “This group gets weirder by the second.”  “I say we all just head to bed,” Miu offered, her voice weary but firm. “We’re all frustrated, and we’re all tired. Nothing more will be solved tonight if we keep going.” No one argued. The tension that had nearly snapped moments ago transformed into a heavy, collective exhaustion. One by one, the Dragons drifted toward their respective corners of the hideout. Dawn dragged her feet toward her room, her limbs feeling like lead. The weight of these past two days —the trial, the fight with Enmei, and the realization that she was living with a Goddess—finally crashed down on her. She barely made it to the edge of the mattress before her strength gave out. Falling forward, she lay half-on, half-off the bed, her eyes sliding shut before her head even hit the pillow.