To say that Gavin was thrilled was an overstatement. He groaned as he hung his head. "Another blasted god?"
Kara whirled around and pinned him with a withering glare. "I suggest you find a different tone if you want to keep that head on your shoulders."
Estelle heard Gavin's comments. She turned around and lifted one regal eyebrow. "If you want to learn just how weak and insignificant you are here and now, then keep talking. Otherwise shut your mouth and follow." With those cold words spoken she spun around and continued walking towards the black and gold elevator.
Erza took Gavin's hand in hers. "Come on, might as well get this over with." She pulled him gently along. But I agree. Just how many more gods and goddess are we going to meet this summer?
Gavin stayed quiet. I'm so sick and tired of being pulled around by all these gods. Can't I just live my life the way I want to?
Unfortunately, it seems your path in life is a lot more chaotic than that. You have a destiny and fate that few people would wish for, let alone survive.Stay strong Master Gavin. We will get through this together, like always.
You know, that was strangely comforting Veronica, thanks. Gavin smirked as he felt her cooling presence in his mind. Always got them words of wisdom don't you?
I try my best. Someone has to be the source of reason to your recklessness.
Erza noticed his random smirk and leaned in close. "Veronica?" Her tone was a quiet whisper. It feels so weird, knowing that there is another voice inside his head.
Gavin nodded. "Just some smartass words of encouragement." The faintest smile curved his lips as he squeezed her hand reassuringly.
Erza chuckled quietly as they walked. "Sounds like one of us already."
Gavin remained quiet as the elevator dinged and the doors swung open. Estelle led the way inside and was followed by Kara, Erza then Gavin.
Gavin had time to see Aria rushing towards the elevator with a panicked look as the door closed and the elevator started to rise. "So, am I allowed to ask why this goddess wants to meet with me?"
"You don't have the right to question any of the gods. You exist to obey." Estelle's cold dismissive attitude was beginning to grate on Gavin's nerves.
Red hues of mana filled the elevator as Gavin's annoyance and anger surged. "I bow to no one, elf." His voice dropped an octave and his eyes glowed their vibrant red.
Erza's eyes widened in alarm and Kara stepped between them. "Not now wolf!" Her words were harsh and biting as she gripped his chin. "Do nothing to get excommunicated, or not even I can help you."
Gavin gritted his teeth. Kara's grip was a vice; strong and unyielding as she held him firm. She forced his gaze to lock onto hers. "I can only do so much. If you get excommunicated for violating Sanctuary law, no one can help you."
Erza placed her hand on his shoulder as the mana display faded in the cramped elevator. "For once, can you try to not be so reckless?" She felt some of the tension under her hand leave as he forced himself to calm down.
"I will never bow to anyone." He said again as he locked eyes with Estelle. No idea what this elf's problem is, but her attitude is getting old. "I get the feeling you have a problem with me."
Estelle narrowed her eyes and smirked dismissively. "You are arrogant. Brash. Reckless to the core of your soul. The dossier from the goddess was accurate to the letter." She leaned against the wall of the elevator. "You bring chaos and destruction everywhere you go. You upset the natural flow of the world. You shouldn't even exist."
Erza glared at the elf as she stood between them. "What gives you the right to pass judgement on someone you don't even know." Her tone was brittle. Cold. Like a barely contained storm about to unleash its fury.
"It's my job to assess, observe and pass judgment." No one could ask any more questions as the elevator came to a stop. The doors opened and she strode out like the confrontation in the elevator didn't just occur.
Kara let out a sigh. Her shoulders were straight and tense as she followed after. "Come on."
Gavin walked out of the elevator. I don't know what I expected to see, but it wasn't this.
Compared to the magical realm that Lunaria had, this was boring and mundane. It was a simple office. A desk was near the back of the office and a few tables lined one side of the walls. A love-seat, couch and lounge chairs filled the space. It was simple, yet professional in its design.
Seated at the far end of the room behind the desk was the most exotic woman Gavin had ever seen. Long blue hair framed a dark tan face with delicate features as she looked over documents scattered around. She looked above the rim of her glasses at their arrival.
"Thank you Estelle, you may leave us." Her voice flowed with a musical lilt as she spoke.
Estelle nodded as she turned and ignored the glare from Gavin as she entered the elevator and the doors closed behind her.
"Step forward, young Gavin." The woman's voice was soft, yet had the kind of authority that went without question.
Gavin hesitated for a moment. The woman lifted one regal brow in response while she waited. "I suggest you don't keep me waiting, mortal."
A shiver ran down Gavin's spine at her words. They carried weight, ancient and powerful as she set the documents to the side and focused entirely on him. He swallowed against the lump in the back of his throat. This feeling, its different than when I met Koray or even Lunaria. This goddess… she's a different kind of dangerous.
Gavin squared his shoulders and strode forward. "I'm assuming you are Tempestra?" his words were blunt as he stood before the desk.
"Silence you idiot!" Kara snapped and grabbed his arm in a tight grip, her fingers digging into his skin.
"Release the wolf, Kara." Tempestra's, softly spoken voice could be heard by everyone clear as day.
Kara immediately obeyed and released Gavin's arm. He rubbed the sore spot from her grip as he glared at her. "Don't even start with me wolf." Kara whispered harshly and avoided his gaze.
"So," Tempestra spoke and then paused as she raked him with a curious stare. "You are the infamous Alpha puppy that my little brother found."
She gestured for him to approach. "Tell me, pup, if I decided here and now to end your life, and those of the women you came here with, what would you do?" A surge of deep blue mana filled the room. A pressure so vast and deep crushed everyone down to their knees except for Kara. Sweat rolled down her face as she struggled to maintain her footing.
Erza felt like she was drowning. Her heart raced as she struggled on the ground to rise to her feet. The pressure was immense against her chest as she gasped and choked for air. She clawed at her throat, desperate for any small trace of air to enter her lungs. Tears stung her eyes as she tried to reach for Gavin.
Gavin's eyes instantly shifted as his mana surged in response. He would not just sit by while someone threatened his people. Divinity or not. Human or monster. He would fight to his last breath. He cried out as knees slammed into the floor along with Erza. Try as hard as he wanted even he couldn't find the strength to overcome whatever pressure Tempestra was conjuring.
"Gavin!" Erza cried out as her head slammed into the ground. He could hear the fear and panic in her tone, and that pushed his control over the edge. His hands clenched and he ground his teeth in frustration. He growled low and deep in his throat while his entire body shook all over.
"Enough!" Gavin roared in fury as he shifted in all his might in front of Kara and Tempestra. A chaotic maelstrom of red mana filled the room, clashing with the deep blue from the goddess as bones broke, flesh tore, and black fur manifested over his body. "Release your spell, or I will tear this building down brick by fucking brick." Blades of red mana slashed along the walls of the office. Book shelves shattered to the ground, the floor crumpled in response to the overwhelming power on display in the room.
"Gavin! Don't be stupid. This is a goddess!" Kara screamed over the chaotic storm. What is the right thing to do? Lady Lunaria ordered these two under her protection, yet Lady Tempestra might just kill them all now. Please my lady, tell me, what am I to do?
Tempestra sat behind her desk, the perfect epitome of calm boredom as she witnessed Gavin countering her mana. She noticed it became easier for the female behind him to breathe as his red mana wrapped itself around her, like a protected shield.
His hand shook, trembled ever so slightly. Even as he feels my power clashing with his, he recognizes he has no hope, yet still he persists. Curious wolf, very curious. "Tell me wolf. How do you intend to survive the wrath of a goddess?"
Gavin glared at her, his lips rose to reveal his sharp canines. "I will find a way, but you will not hurt my mate." The blades of mana vanished as his mana concentrated around Erza in a protective cocoon.
"If you are allowed to live, the world may be changed beyond repair, beyond recognition. Tell me wolf, how will you protect that which you claim to love so dearly from a world thrown into chaos?" Tempestra lifted one regal eyebrow as she fixed her blue eyes on him.
Kara stood there in silence as she watched the tense stand off between eternal divinity and an agent of the gods, protected by two. That's when it struck her. She saw the faintest hint of a smile at the edge of her mouth. She's testing him.
Gavin stepped forward. He held his head high as he refused to back down. "I will do whatever is within my power to keep my people safe; from psycho terrorists, from corrupt governments," he paused and locked his eyes with Tempestras', his resolve setting like concrete. "Even from capricious and callous gods."
"I don't think you realize exactly what the mission my baby brother entrusted to you fully entails. If you go through with this, you will have the entire world against you, and not just the humans. The world has maintained this balance for too long to easily be changed." She stood up then, the chair creaking against the wood as she pushed it back. The pressure from her mana faded instantly as she walked over to stand in front of him.
Erza gasped as she was able to breathe freely and without any difficulty. Her body shook as she fell onto her hands, her palms scraped against the damaged wood floor. She weakly lifted her head, all she saw was a wall of black fur and muscle in front of her.
"I'm not a complete idiot." Gavin's words were a softly spoken admission. "I know this quest will be next to impossible. But I don't have a choice. You gods tend to just yank me whenever you want, wherever I am. So I will find a way to do what he asked. I will find the right people to join me, for I know I can't do this alone. I will find a way to ensure peace between the Demi and the humans, this I promise you." Gavin's mana flared out around them as those words were spoken.
An ancient promise, forged in power and dedication.
A response to the divine.
A wide smile spread across Tempestra's face. She clapped her hands once and the damage to the room was instantly repaired in one brilliant flash of light. "You have passed my test, wolf. Congratulations. I don't have to kill you." She reached out a hand in offering to him.
Gavin hesitated as he looked at the tanned hand. His eye twitched as he smirked. "Glad to still be alive, for now." He reached out and shook the offered hand. Her grip was warm, soft and strong.
Kara let out a sigh of relief. "My lady, you had me worried for a moment there." Kara straightened the wrinkles of her dress as she found her voice again. Her voice shook ever so slightly as her racing heart calmed down.
Tempestra laughed, sounding soft and carefree as she turned. She clapped her hands in front of her face with a bemused smile. "Sorry for dragging you into my little test Kara. But, thank you for not ruining my fun."
Gavin's jaw dropped as his shift ended. Fur vanished and he returned to his normal height. "That was all just a test?" He turned to cast an evil, angry glare at Kara. "You knew?!"
Tempestra chuckled as she spun dramatically, spreading her arms out. "That it was wolf. I was curious about your determination, your spine if it were. To see how far you would go, even when you are hopelessly outclassed and out gunned."
Gavin groaned as he turned to help Erza off the ground. He reached out and grabbed her hand in his. "I take it we passed your stupid little test?"
Erza's eyes glowed brown as she stood beside him. He could feel the way her body trembled. Knowing her, she's as pissed off as I am. Naturally she does a better job controlling her emotions. He smiled and kissed her cheek in understanding as they turned and faced Tempestra together.
United as mates.
Tempestra's features softened as she glanced to their intertwined hands. "You managed to impress me enough wolf. There have been many so called agents of the gods that have stood there and lost all control of their bowels." She sighed wistfully as she hopped up and sat on the edge of her desk. "Made a serious stink of my office."
Gavin scrunched his face up at those words. "You're kidding me?" He couldn't imagine someone actually doing that in front of the goddess.
Tempestra nodded. "I shit you not." She smirked at her bad pun. Kara groaned as if physically wounded.
"That was not funny my lady." Kara complained as she walked over to take a seat on the couch.
"Oh you hush. It was hilarious, even if I say so myself. Oh wait. I do say so." She laughed again, more carefree and relaxed as she studied the couple in front of her.
Gavin's jaw dropped. "You, are not like any of the gods I've met so far." She acts normal, like she' someone our age and not… however old the goddess actually is.
Tempestra waved her hand and snorted. "Kara didn't warn you about me?" She turned to admonish Kara. "Why didn't you warn your charges?"
Kara gritted her teeth. "I didn't expect you would actually summon them. You can appear at any of the Sanctuary Clubs across Elyndra at any moment." She let out a defeated sigh as she continued. "So how would I know that you would be at this club tonight of all nights?"
Tempestra nodded as she rested a finger on her chin. "I suppose you have a point." She turned to face Gavin. "To answer your question, wolf. I hate all that prim rigidness of the other gods. I prefer to live my existence by chasing the dopamine." She gave them a wicked grin which showed off her perfectly pearl white teeth.
"Now for the reason you are actually here. I have a warning for you wolf." Tempestra began, and Gavin felt his heart drop. "I don't have exact specifics yet, but my info network has heard rumors of an attack planned on the magical academy of Allario. The same one I believe you are planning to attend in the fall?"
Kara sat up instantly at alert, as did Gavin. "Any idea who is behind it?" Kara's voice was sharp, clear and focused as she went from night out having fun, to hardened, centuries old Valkyrie warrior.
Tempestra looked at Gavin. She didn't blink or pull back. "I don't have exact information yet. The rumors are still just that, rumors. But from what I can gather, it's the same group that you encountered just days after your birth."
Those words hit Gavin like a semi-truck. His heart raced and blood burned. His anger was right there, just below the surface as he digested those words. The same people that also attacked the studio. Why do I keep running into them? His body shook with barely contained fury as he clenched his fists by his side.
Erza grabbed his hand in both of hers. "Easy baby. We will figure this out." She felt the way his body tensed up and the pale color of his skin as he heard the goddess' words. He was on the verge of lashing out again, and they couldn't afford another outburst.
"The Were-Cat is right wolf. Focus on the important task at hand. I understand you are to be trained by Kara and Astrid over this summer?" Tempestra's question was more of a statement as Gavin nodded.
"How did you know that?" His words were a whisper as he forced himself to calm down. He inhaled, held it a moment then exhaled. He allowed Erza's hand to ground him. They aren't here, there is no fight right now.
Tempestra laughed softly. "Perk of my business. The Sanctuary clubs across Elyndra act as an information network. If you follow through with the plans the Valkyrie sisters have for you, and survive your training. Then you shouldn't have any problems if something were to happen in the fall." She waved one finger up to stop Gavin from interrupting. "But know this. As you are right now, you would be slaughtered like your family was. You must grow stronger than anyone else in your clan's history if you hope to complete the quest."
Gavin stayed quiet as he listened. "I… understand. I don't like your methods, but I do appreciate your advice."
Tempestra inclined her head. "No one ever likes the methods of chaos. But they produce such wonderful results. Now, go. Get some rest, I believe you have training in the morning."