Cursed Queen: Battle Against Gods

Goddess of Time

"We're almost there. Go at full speed, Koryu."

Koryu obliged and glided as fast as he can. Hylus mountain is incredibly huge, but we managed to reach the other side of it within two days. Koryu was already fast yesterday, but I didn't know that he could go even faster than that! I had to grab onto his scales so that I won't be blown away.

"Hold on tight."

Who was that? Koryu?! He can speak?! I wanted to open my eyes, but the wind is so strong. I was certain that it was Koryu who spoke but that doesn't matter because he went even faster.

Karis held my waist because I was close to being blown away. I was small and light, so it was dangerous for me. Meanwhile, Cyrus hid inside my clothes. When we landed, I felt like I was about to vomit. I took a few deep breaths before getting off. I was still holding onto Koryu's body because that was a crazy ride. Ah, I feel like I left my soul up there.

I heard someone laugh. It was the same deep voice from earlier. Maybe that was Koryu. I looked at him and I can't explain it but...he seems amused.

I glared at him. "You could have slowed down a little, you know?"

"Forgive my insolence, Your Majesty..." he said.

"Who are you talking to?" Karis asked.

He can't hear him. I c****d my head to the side. "Koryu. He's speaking to me."

"What? But I can't hear anything," he replied, confusion was laced on his voice.

I looked at Koryu. Maybe he's speaking to me through my mind. I thanked him and looked around. There was a landscape and a small house. Wow. I didn't expect this kind of scenery. Since he's the god of fire, I thought this place would be more hellish or something. I thought there would be fire everywhere. But it's the opposite. The place looks like a plain old farm. There were a few animals, too.

"Where is that little dragon of yours?" he asked with furrowed brows.

I looked down on my chest and Cyrus showed himself. "Here."

His jaw fell as he looked at Cyrus who seems comfortable in my chest. I looked back at Koryu. He bid his goodbyes and flew towards the mountain. Oh, I guess he will be living there for a while.

"You insolent little dragon! Get out of there!" he shouted at Cyrus.

I glared at him. "Let him be!"

He clenched his jaw and surveyed the place. It seems like he was also shocked to see such an ordinary place. Who would have expected that the God of Fire, Flambe, would live in such a place?

Karis held my hand. "Come on. She might be in that house," he said as he pulled me towards the small house.

She...? I thought Flambe is the God of Fire? 

He knocked on the door. His hands were in front of me as if he was trying to protect me. I held onto one of the katanas on my back as I stood on my guard. I may still be weak here, but I can fight.

The door slowly opened, revealing a woman. She was wearing ordinary clothes and she looks like a... young maiden. I stared at her in complete confusion. Who is she...?

She bowed at us and smiled. "Who might you be?"

Karis bowed a little and lowered his guard. "Karis, Milady. One of the twelve." He took her hand and brought it to his lips.

"Oh, it's you..." The woman smiled at him and looked at me. She cupped my cheeks and stared at me. I was taken aback when she kissed me. I don't think I was the only one who was shocked because I hear a bunch of gasps.

She smiled at me when she backed away. "Flare? One can see that you are the chosen one. You must be hungry. Come inside," she said and pulled me inside the house.

"Wait, may I know your name...?" I asked hesitantly.

"Well, then..." She held onto the sides of her dress and bowed in such a feminine way. "Aiyana, the goddess of time."

I smiled and did the same. "Nice to meet you, My Lady. As you know it, I am Flare..."

"What just happened...?" Karis asked.

Aiyana giggled as she looked at Karis. I looked back at him, and he still seems dumbfounded. I snapped my fingers in front of his face and he came back from his reverie. He frowned and looked away, so I chuckled and ignored him.

Aiyana served some food for us. It seems like she hasn't eaten yet, so she joined us. She seems kind and I don't think she's lying but...this seems strange. I have a lot of questions for her, but it would be rude to ask while we are eating. Maybe I should wait until we have finished.

We quietly ate and it felt awkward because of the tension between the two. The table has four chairs and I'm in the middle of the two. I would see them exchange glares. But when they see me looking, they would give me a fake smile. I sighed. What now...?

"Aiyana..." I called after we finished cleaning up. I heard Karis scoffing from behind me, so I glared at him.

"What is it?"

"I was told that the God who dwells here is Flambe..." I said hesitantly.

"I was mistaken for him?" She laughed. "A fire broke out some years ago due to Koryu's clumsiness. Maybe that is where the rumors came from."

"Oh, I see. How long have you been staying here?"

"I think I have been here for centuries now. Ever since the war of gods finished, I have lived here. Since I am the goddess of time, I cannot die. I will continue to live for all eternity...alone."

My mouth went agape as I stared at her. She smiled sadly and wiped her hands. She must have had a hard time, living here all alone. The dragons might have kept her company, but she sure felt lonely.

I held her hand and squeezed it a little. "Why don't you come with us to the city?"

She shook her head. "That I cannot do. I am a goddess. Nothing can change that. I will only end up destroying the balance if I come."

I pursed my lips and stared at her. I feel bad but I can't do anything about her situation. She smiled and continued acting enthusiastic. It seems like that's what she wants so I went along with it.

"So, what brought you here?"

"Teach me how to use and control my powers," I said and expressed my unyielding resolve.

She stared at my face and clapped her hands. "Hm. However, you need to learn the truth about the gods first. You will go back in time and see the war that took place here in Plaisiria with your own two eyes. That way, you will be able to understand us. Bythos also participated, so it will be a perfect opportunity for you, Flare. You will witness how powerful he was. I have lived since the day this world was made. Only I, the goddess of time, can grant you this privilege."

Before I could say anything, she created a magic circle with a clock inside. She closed her eyes and peculiarly moved her hands. The hands on the clock started moving counterclockwise. That was when I realized that she's sending me back in time.

"Flare!" Karis shouted. I looked at him and tried to reach for his hand but before I could do it, everything went black.

When I woke up, I found myself lying on the ground. I'm still wearing the same clothes, buthere was a lake near me, so I went there and looked at my reflection. I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw that I still look the same.

I looked around and surveyed the place. This place doesn't seem familiar to me. Maybe it has changed after decades or it's just that I haven't been here. I looked at the lake again so I can wash my face.

"Ah!" I jumped when an alligator suddenly rose from the lake.

What the hell is an alligator doing here?! I took my sword out and took my stance. This may be a magical beast because I was told that during this period, they roam free while the war of gods is taking place somewhere.

My brows furrowed when the alligator slowly turned into a woman. Is she a member of The Zodiac? I think that's the only possible reason for her to turn into a human. It seems like she couldn't see me because she didn't even look at me. I am literally in front of her, but she walked past me and picked her clothes up. I waved my hand on her face, but she didn't even bat an eye.

"Ha, I wish they'd hurry up and end this war. I'm sick of it."

I stared at her. I'm right. The war is currently happening. When she finished putting her armor on, she slowly walked in a certain direction. Since I don't know where to go, I just followed her.

"What if I die...?" she mumbled.

"No, you won't. All of the twelve are still alive even after decades have passed," I replied, fully aware that she can't hear me.

She sighed. "There's no point in this war at all. Why do they bother fighting if they're going to die anyway? But...I could ask myself the same question."

I see. She's tired of this situation. I mean, who wouldn't? But since she's a member of the twelve, she can't disobey her master. What's the purpose of this war anyway? I'm curious but Aiyana sent me here for a purpose. I can't just do whatever I want.

"Hang in there," I cheered for her. I chuckled because this feels silly. She can't hear me yet I'm still trying to talk to her. Maybe I'm just comfortable with the twelve of them.

After walking a long way, we arrived at a castle. It looks the same as the one from the city. But there's no city here. All I see is a castle and forests. There are no guards, too. Does it mean that...only gods lived here? Where are the humans?

"Alice!" someone called.

Alice, huh?

I raised a brow when I saw the woman who paralyzed me. What was her name again? Was it Kath? She looks as mischievous as ever. She draped her arm over Alice's shoulder. The latter only looked at her with a stern look on her face. I chuckled. She's kind of cute.

"Do you need something?" Alice asked.

Kath chuckled. "Everyone's waiting for you. Let's go! His Majesty will be dining with us."

She pulled Alice towards the castle, and I followed. My mouth went agape when I saw all twelve of them. This is my first time to see them complete. Karis looks as childish as ever. He was arguing with Drake over a chair. It was the left one beside an unfamiliar man.

"Now, now. Karis, you can sit on the left. Drake, take the right one."

I stared at him. He doesn't look familiar at all but his voice... He's Bythos! He has long, blonde hair that seems to be...shining. His eyes were golden, and his skin was pale. He looked like someone gentle and sweet. When he looked in Alice's direction, I'm not sure but I think I saw him look at me. I might be mistaken because Alice was beside me. Just to be sure, I stood beside him and stared at him. His eyebrow twitched and I saw him glance in my direction.

"So, you can see me?" I asked, irritated.

I know that this Bythos is from the past, but I can't help it! He passed his responsibilities to me for what reason?! I do know that there should be some reason for this, and I think I deserve to know.

"They cannot see you. We shall talk after dinner."

Oh. He spoke to me through my mind. I shrugged and looked at the food. Strange, I don't feel hungry. Maybe it's just my soul that traveled back in time. I looked at the twelve who are peacefully eating. I have never seen the symbol of the Zodiac that they are representing. There should be one, I think. I... want to see it.

"Please do not do what you are currently thinking."

"What? I was not going to do it," I said defensively.

The only ones in here that I recognize are Karis, Drake, Kath, Sheena, Bren, and Alice. I don't know the others. Although, I can see what animals they were. A man with the tail of a scorpion is seated between Alice and Kath. Beside Alice was a man with a fin. He's probably a dolphin. There was a guy with the ears and tail of a fox beside him. On the other side of the table, a girl with rabbit ears and tail sat beside Drake. Beside her is a pale guy with wings. Maybe he's a swan? Meanwhile, the guy between Sheena and Bren has the ears and tail of a lynx.

So, these are The Zodiacs. Their aura and presence seem powerful. Meanwhile, the god that they are serving was the complete opposite. But I'm not underestimating him. They said he's the most powerful god to have ever lived during this era.

"That has to be a compliment. I sure hope I'm not mistaken."

I laughed. "It sure is. But how come that powerful god had to step down and pass his responsibilities onto me?" I said with a sinister smile on my face.

"Your Majesty! You look pale. Are you okay?" Karis asked worriedly.

He smiled. "Yes, please continue eating."

They were still worried, but they continued. When they finished, Bythos excused himself and went straight to his room. I followed him and gave him a glare when we were left alone. He laughed awkwardly while I crossed my arms over my chest. It seems like he's aware of the reason why I'm looking at him like this. Can he leap towards time, too? Or is he just aware of what's going to happen?

"Flare. That is your name. And I passed everything onto you. The future, my powers, my title. As well as my curse..."

My eyes widened. "You did what?!"

"There is a good reason for this. Please calm down," he said softly and held my shoulders. He made me sit on the bed while caressing my cheek. What the hell...? "You see, if I continued to bear that curse...this whole world would have been wiped out."

I gritted my teeth. "Why? And it wouldn't happen now that I have it? What the hell does that mean?"

He smiled and rested his forehead on mine. "Two curses were placed upon me. One, the curse that I passed onto you. That is...chaos. The other one is to lose my immortality. I only have two centuries left to live. If I were to die without passing it onto someone before it awakens, this world will turn upside down. Or worse, collapse. It had to be you. No one else can bear this curse. If I passed it to anyone else, they would wilt and die..."

I looked down and covered my face with my hand. This is burdensome. This world's fate rests on my hand. If I fail, it's all over for everyone. And I don't want such a thing to happen. That would make me more of a horrible person. I already am but...I don't want to make things worse.

Dead silence followed. Bythos didn't say anything. He only sat beside me and hugged me while tapping my back. I don't know why he's doing that but I'm comfortable with it, so I didn't push him away. His touch was gentle and sweet, so it felt comforting.

"What do I have to do to keep myself from going out of control?" I asked.

His face brightened as if he's found hope. "In two days, the gods will be fighting until only one of us remains here. The ones who fall will find peace and ascend to Celestia. No one knows that except the gods who are involved. That is why the people and other tribes find this war 'meaningless'."

Oh. That explains it. Alice was muttering things about this war having no sense at all. I thought they were fighting for the throne. Tsk. I was quick to judge. I should fix this nasty little habit of mine.

"This means a lot to my fellow gods. They cannot die by old age. And they refuse to take their own lives. This is the only way for them to be able to find peace."

I nodded and smiled. Fellow gods, huh? He didn't include himself. So, it is meaningless for someone like him. He's the chosen one that should stay here and be the king. He cannot find peace and ascend. He seems sensitive to the topic, so I didn't mention it. I mean, he doesn't look like the type who gets mad easily, but I don't want to take my chances.

"I see. But where are the people and the other lives."

He licked his lips before answering. "The Zodiacs created a safe domain for them to stay in. It is very far from this place, do not worry. They are safe and sound. I made sure that they would not be affected any further."

"Anyway, let's go back to the topic. Am I going to just stand there and watch you fight?" I asked with an annoyed look on my face.

He nodded innocently. "You cannot use magic here, after all."

"What do you mean?" My brows furrowed.

"There are two reasons why. One, I am currently using it. Two, this is not your physical body. You are merely a soul. And you are here to witness how the greatest god to have ever lived fights. Do not take your eyes off me," he said in a very serious manner.

I nodded. "Won't the other gods see me?" I asked hesitantly.

I don't think it changes anything since this is only my soul. However, it's better to be safe than sorry. Who knows, they might even be able to alter souls or something. Nothing is impossible with the gods.

Bythos held my hand when he noticed the fear in my eyes. He looked genuinely concerned. His face is so close and all I could think of is his pretty face. Whoa. The gods sure are pretty creatures. Meanwhile...I look like some sort of gangster.

"Do not fret. Only I can see you. Perhaps Aiyana can. She was the one who sent you here after all. But let us not assume things or we will end up outing ourselves. If something unexpected happens, I will take full responsibility and protect you."

His words sounded sincere. I had a hard time trusting people, but I know that he is not lying. This is a very important matter. No sane person would lie about such a thing. But I am also an overthinker. I need to ask him certain questions

"Okay. But do you have proof of your curse? I couldn't feel or see anything in my body that's related to it."

His face turned red, so I was confused. What? Is it in a place that shouldn't be seen? He swallowed hard and stood up.

"If you're not comfortable, it's fine. Just tell me more about it. That's all I need."

He shook his head and slowly unbuttoned his top. I just stared at him, unbothered. This kind of sight isn't new to me. Karis and Matteo would always walk around without clothes, so I got used to it. Since he was conscious of my stare, I looked away. Ha, what an innocent child.

"I am... not a child," he murmured.

I chuckled and waited for him. He was upset because of what I said but it amused me. He was so formal a while ago. Seems like a person who is always calm and composed. So, seeing him getting flustered was surprising. I thought he would be nonchalant about this.

He subtly glared at me. "Why would I be? I have no experience."

I burst out laughing because of what he said. "Experience? Excuse me? What are you trying to say?" I asked, still laughing.

"P-please do not laugh at me..."

I stopped laughing but the grin didn't fade. When he removed his top, I finally got to see the mark. There was an image of a moth on the right side of his chest. On the left side, there was a black circle with eight arrows in it.

"I feel like I have seen that before..." I trailed off.

He sighed heavily. "It is the symbol of chaos..."