The Forgotten Zodiac

((Enlighten me so I know? xD I'm not 100% certain.))

"The dogling is correct. Both of you have done things I would be ashamed of, though I will admit that Snider, your sin is greater in my eyes. While Cyprus has merely ignored his proper duties, you have actually caused harm amongst the mortals. You shame me further by even suggesting the slaughter of those who simply know no better. The Demigods were meant to be my most loyal of worldly subjects, those who maintained a connection between Heaven and Earth. But you both failed me."

Her words were delivered in a quiet tone, but for all they knew, she could have been shouting.

((The Goddess? He'd recognize her voice in an instant. Easy peasy. But then he'd immediately beg her for help, to free him from Veros. Whether she can/will or not is your choice, but it's certainly a crossroads for him.

Also, don't forget they both devoured their counterparts, basically. Whether or not that means anything to her is again up to you, but...I would totally kill him. Or at least smack him and banish him or something. HE MUSH BE PUNISHED.))

"I...can do nothing but beg your forgiveness," Cyprus bowed his head again, closing his eyes.

Snider couldn't stop shaking, his hands balled into fists as he returned his line of sight downwards. "I was...more foolish than the humans I was sent to guide. I allowed my power to go to my head. I..." He trailed off, unable to continue. There was no point in lies or blame anymore.

((Oh. Okay.))

Aveta was still for a moment longer, then said "Come with me. Both of you. There are young mortals recovering in this room." She led them both outside, where they immediately dropped to their knees before her. "Cyprus, you have disappointed me, but you have not made the mistakes Snider has. You are not without punishment, however, for you still consumed your counterpart. Snider, your time as a demigod is done. Your memories and powers are forfeit. I'm sorry."

It was over in an instant. Snider's life-force was destroyed, without time even to plead or argue or fight it. He just...disappeared. Returned to the Heavens in the blink of an eye.

Cyprus silently observed the empty space where Snider had once been. Though the evil Demigod had caused him a lot of grief and pain in the past, he still felt sorrow over the loss. He was the last remaining Demigod.

And that might not be for long. With the Goddess back, he didn't need to exist. And she had said herself, he would be punished for absorbing Yemara. Yet still, he kept his composure. If the Goddess was done with him, then so be it. He still couldn't stop himself from asking. "What...what is my punishment to be, Mother?" He inquired with the quietest of voices, silently noting that they were being watched. Who? Oh. Obelisk. He was, surprisingly, behind a Gryphon statue nearby. Hiding was far from normal for him, but...oh, whatever. Cyprus turned his full attention back to the Goddess as she spoke.

"Cyprus. Listen to me. Though I may be 'back', it is not permanent. Neither do I have the full extent of my powers. I'm confined to a body that, while more powerful than a normal mortal, could never hold my complete abilities. I will have to leave soon, but Luna will be left behind as my mouthpiece. Before I go, however, I must ask something of you. This is your only chance to redeem your mistakes. I ask that you will guard Luna and make sure her connection to me remains solid and unaltered. She must retain her connection to me. It can't be broken. Do you understand me?"

Cyprus thought it over for a moment, then nodded furiously. "I will, mother. I'll watch over her from here on out. I'll put off my other duties and stay by her side, no matter what." He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it gently. "I will, I will, I'll do nothing but protect her, body and mind as one. That is my new mission in this life, and I'll do everything to see it through." He bowed again, tears welling up in his eyes. He wiped his eyes, sniffing a bit. "I-I'm sorry, I'm just...so happy."

((Obelisk is still back there...genuinely scared now that she destroyed Snider without even batting an eye. xD))

((Yep, I didn't forget him. She'll talk to him once Cyprus leaves.

Also, Cyprus is such a cute little dork. x3 ))

"It's all right, my child." She stroked a hand lightly through his hair, then said "Just do your best. This is a very important matter. Now, I need you to return back inside. I'll be in shortly." He, of course, agreed and left at once, leaving her apparently alone.

"Come out, Sharp-Spirit. Surely you did not think your presence was hidden from my senses?"

((Did Obelisk ever get a normal body back again (again), or is he still bandage-like since Remor ran around?))

Aveta tilted Luna's head, staring down at the man with a curious gaze. "Very well then," she said, lifting a hand and pointing it right at Obelisk's forehead. He felt the power building, gaining in its sheer might, ready to strike him down in an instant, as quick as it had Snider.

Then it was gone. And he was still alive.

"You believe I'm going to kill you?" she asked, lowering her hand. "You have long since been forgiven, Dark One. Continue on the good path you tread and I promise you, your sins will fade to mere memories."

((Ah, okay.))

"The past is such for a reason. You have suffered, and suffered greatly, but now you've found something to live for. I would never be so cruel as to tear one away from the people who love them. All I ask for in repayment is that you continue to help this little gathering of friends and family survive. They will need your help more than ever."

She lifted her hands again and this time gently placed them on his cheeks, bending her head down to kiss his forehead, ever so softly, eyes closed.

((Oh u. -hand wave-
I'll do it. Though of course, I always have that problemidea of "WILL PEOPLE THINK WE'RE ODD FOR NOT KILLING OFF PEOPLE EVER?" Then I think, "Why do I care what people think?" xD))

"Do not fear for her. She is happy. Just as all who have come home to me are happy," she said. "She wishes for you to be happy here, as much as she misses you and Malice." She blinked her solid-white eyes at him, then said "If you were to choose, what would be your choice? To take her back, or to let her rest?"

((Just to let you know, he'll only get her back if he says the let her rest one. You'll probably pick that one anyways, but oh well. .w. The more you know.))

"That, my dear Obelisk, is why I will return her to you."

The words made him pause instantly, as if hit by the most powerful of freezing spells.

"The test, tiny as it was, was passed. If you are willing to let her spirit rest, then I know you truly are one that cares deeply. Most would choose to take their loved ones back, and that is deeply understandable. But if you are willing to let go, then that truly is an admirable trait worth reward."

She blinked her eyes. That was all it took. Suddenly, Fawn was there, curled up in a limp, sleeping heap on the ground. Whole and hale, as healthy as ever.

Obelisk slowly turned, his eyes locking on the sleeping woman. Dressed in a gorgeous white gown, a veil of soft lace over her face. He instantly knew who it was; who else would it be but his beloved, returned from the grave? It hit him like a solid wall. Fawn. His dear Fawn, the precious woman whom he had taken for his wife. Obelisk didn't even pause to look twice before hurrying forward. He scooped her into his arms, tears welling up in his eyes. "Oh Goddess...thank you, thank you, thank you," He gasped, breathless from the shock of seeing Fawn here again. Alive. Not ill, hurt, or dead. Breathing, sleeping, smiling. The ancient one rocked her back and forth, a smile planted on his face as he moved the veil and kissed her cheek, forehead, lips, neck. Feeling her pulse and breathing beneath his touch. Filled with such a great relief that it was nearly impossible to do anything but sit there and stare at her.

"Please, do not thank me. Such a deed is a mere trifle to perform." She closed her eyes, saying "My time is short. I must return to the sky. Luna will be left behind as my mouthpiece. I will see you, Obelisk. Fawn." She turned and walked back inside, her step so soft and graceful that it seemed like she were floating.

Obelisk cradled the sleeping Fawn in his arms, rocking back and forth and singing softly to her. Eventually she stirred, opened her eyes, and smiled. She was as wordless as ever, but Obelisk didn't care. He held his wife close, choosing now to weep over the time they had spent apart.

"Is everything alright?" Cyprus tilted his head as he heard the crying. But something else was alerted to his attention; very dark activity in the dungeons. He would have said something, but the Goddess would already know...

Aveta headed right for the dungeon. As she approached, a pair of guards moved as if to stop her, but instead sank back, eyes wide and staring as she passed. The same with the guards inside. It appeared none could even think to try and touch the creator of the universe, even if she wasn't at full power. She walked fearlessly; for what did the Goddess have to fear?

Even the Striders, whom had been tasked with watching Cynyr, shrank back at the sight of her. Most of them hissed and one let out a quiet wail that was silenced by the other three.

It wasn't a pretty sight. The demon had grown since the last encounter; its huge jaws fit around Forin's entire torso, where it was clamped down tight now. Forin was hanging from its mouth in a bloody, wheezing mess. He managed to look up, only seeing Luna. His shadow magic was fighting hard to keep his body from being crushed, it couldn't be bothered trying to sense who was actually there. His eyes alone didn't register the truth.

"Run," He managed to gasp breathlessly, tears streaming down his cheeks from the pain. "Lu...na....run..."