Chapter Text
The wind causes the branches above me to dance with the sunlight that peaks through as I lay beneath the large cherry blossom tree. The warmth of the light threatens to lull me to sleep as I relax with my arms tucked behind my head.
Not sure what I want to do with my day, I ponder my options.
I could sneak away to the human realm, they tend to be welcoming. Or I could swim in the lotus pond, that's always nice and refreshing. Maybe I'll go for a walk in the meditation garden, the flowers should be in bloom by now.
I sigh as I try to make up my mind.
The serenity of the moment is interrupted by hurried footsteps headed my way.
"My Lady," my servant says out of breath, bobbing a quick curtsy, "there is an urgent meeting. All the gods and goddesses are being summoned."
"And just as I was making up my mind," I sigh as I stand. I tower over her, standing at my full 5'9" height, as I stretch, "thanks, Mae. Now relax."
She takes a deep breath and i watch as her posture relaxes a bit.
"There you go," I smile and pat her shoulder as I pass.
I head to where I can see other's also making their way to. I lazily put my hands behind my head, elbows in the air, as I move unhurriedly.
What could be so important that they feel the need to summon all of us?
I join the herd of people flooding into the auditorium, taking a seat in the back and propping my feet up on the back of the seat in front of me. I cross my arms as the seats in the front fill up. Within ten or so minutes, everyone meant to be here, is here and somebody start to speak over a microphone.
"Thank you all for coming," she begins, "I apologize for the sudden summon, but this was urgent."
I roll my eyes. Probably just another festival in the upper pantheon that they want to send one of us to. Again.
Elisa stands taller as she collects her words, her dark skin glowing against the stage lights.
"Its has been decided by the God's of the Upper Pantheon that The Ragnarok will be fought."
All of my attention is suddenly on the Goddess on stage.
Ragnarok? Why would the God's agree to that?
"We have been offered the opportunity to send one representative of the Lower Pantheon to witness the battle," she continues, "and after careful deliberation and discussion, we have chosen our representative."
Then why summon all of us?
Right. Theatrics.
I roll my eyes again.
"We have chosen our representative carefully to find the god or goddess most suited for the task that will also help to benefit our pantheon."
Just get on with it already.
"Our representative is the Goddess of the Harvest, Fertility, Celebration and Good Fortune," my eyes widen, "Marlis."
The auditorium is alive with quiet murmurs and whispers as heads turn my way.
"What?" My voice echos and carries throughout the room.
Elisa looks at me like shes shocked I'm not honored to be going, her plump lips opening and closing like a fish a few times before speaking.
"You have the great privilege to journey to the Vallhalla and witness The Ragnarok—"
"Great privilege my ass," I shout, bringing my legs down from my lounging position.
"You will meet me in my office," her words are curt and precise, leaving no room for argument before she addresses the rest of the room, smile once again on her face, "there will be a broadcast of the fights presented here in the auditorium for those who wish to witness this historic event."
She blabbers on about how Ragnarok works and what to expect; Complete human annihilation.
Damn. I like the humans and their realm. And they want me to watch first hand as they fight until their extinction.
The meeting eventually comes to an end and I leisurely make my way to Elisa's office.
"Do you do nothing with haste?" She hisses at me as I enter the room.
"No," I smile and put my hands in my pockets.
A throat is cleared.
I look to the right to find a man standing there.
"Hello, Lady Marlis," he slightly bows then straightens, "I am Hermes. I'm here to collect you."
I look back to Elisa with a smirk. "Wow, really didn't want to give me a chance to breath did you?"
"I know you and your habits of running from responsibilities," she eyes narrow at me.
I sigh with a chuckle.
"Do I need to pack or will shit be provided for me?"
"You can bring whatever you would like," Hermes answer, "but there will be things provided regardless so you needn't worry about too many things."
"Sweet," I turn to leave, "I'm bringing my own clothes."
"You can't just leave, there are things that need to be discussed," Elisa says firmly.
"Watch me," I leave the office and head down the hall without another word.
~~~~~~~~~
I stand in the office of Lady Elisa, perplexed, as I watch the young Goddess leave.
"She's surely an interesting choice to send," I turn to Lady Elisa with a raised brow.
She sighs.
"I'm aware," she sits at her desk, "but it was agreed by the council of the Lower Pantheon that, despite her short comings, she is the best fit."
She presses a button on her desk phone and it begins to ring. The intended recipient doesn't answer so she tries again. She rubs her temple as the call is again ignored.
"Oh this girl," she presses another button and the phone begins to ring again.
This time the call is answered on the last ring by a small, hesitate voice.
"Lady Elisa?"
"Hello, Mae," Lady Elisa greets her sweetly, "please inform Lady Marlis that she needs to return to my office when she has packed."
There's a bit of noise on the other end accompanied with what sounds like Lady Marlis whispering "I told you not to answer that" before the Goddess speaks in the phone herself.
"I'll be there shortly."
The call cuts of abruptly and Lady Elisa groans.
"She's going to be the death of me."
"If I didn't know any better," I speak up, "I'd say you were trying to get rid of her."
Her brow furrow at the accusation.
"God's no," she shakes her head. She fumbles to find words before sighing finally speaking again, "The council wishes to give her the opportunity to prove she is worthy to stay within the upper pantheon. If she can do that, then maybe it can be a gateway for some of the other gods and goddesses to also join the upper pantheon."
"Ah," I nod. There's always and angle to be played when it comes to Lady Elisa. "So you're trying to send your best goddess to try to worm her way in."
A grin spreads on her face.
"No," she folds her hands on her desk.
"I'm sorry?" My brows furrow, mimicking her earlier expression.
"No," she repeats, "we're not sending our best," her grin grows larger, "we're sending our worst."
"Now why would you go and do a thing like that?" My eyes narrow at her.
"Because," she leans forward just a bit, "if she can prove herself, then any of the gods here can."
I think about it for a moment.
"I must say," I raise my knuckle to my chin, "while is almost seems counterintuitive to do so, sending your worst may prove to be useful." I grin, "we shall see how your little game plays out, My Lady."