Ascension

Arella looks around in a panic, her blue glowing eyes darting around. A strangled gasp comes from her mouth as she attempts to speak. You quickly move over beside her, careful not to touch her corrupted arms. “You’re safe now, they’re gone.”

She shakes her head, giving you with her gaze. As she does, a soft voice fills your mind. “It’s too late…I feel it inside…”

Before you can say anything, however, you hear a familiar voice. “She’s right, Josh. The seeds of her corruption cannot be stopped.”

You turn to see Bast walking into the room, a look of sadness on his face. He walks over to Arella, gently touching her cheek. “I am sorry, my dear. You didn’t deserve this.”

Looking up , he locks eyes with you. “I’m sorry for you as well. This was something you should not have had to deal with. I could not see inside the barrier until you destroyed those abominations.”

Sadie steps forward. “But now you can save her, right? You’re a powerful god!”

Bast shakes his head sadly. “I am but a shadow of what I once was, but even at my best I could not reverse this.”

He turns to Mayella, his voice harsh. “Where did they find this?”

Mayella shakes her head. “I do not know. Hektor went on many expeditions to acquire new magic before we fled.”

Bast sighs. “This corruption is from beyond these lands, and I have worked hard to keep it away. To have it appear here without my knowing…fortunately it seems to have been dealt with.”

Sadie looks at Bast sadly. “So…she’s dying?”

Bast nods. “She must, or the corruption will spread, and turn her into a perversion of what she is. Even now, she speaks to my mind, begging to end it. I’m sorry, Sadie.”

Bast holds a hand over Arella, and once again you see what must be her godly essence flow from her into his hand. You see the tension leave her face, and a small smile curls the corner of her lips. With a sigh, she falls limp, and her body turns quickly to ash, leaving nothing else behind.

Bast stands still for a moment, and everyone remains quiet, respectfully waiting his next move. He looks back up with sad eyes. “I liked her. She was always playful and happy, but willing to do anything to protect those in her care.”

Turning, he looks at Sadie. “Traits I see reflected in you, young djinn. Tell me, would you be willing to take her place as goddess?”

Sadie gasps, looking at Bast with wide eyes. “Me? What?”

Bast nods. “You are strong, and you have the right heart. Will you accept?”

Sadie blinks, still stunned. “Will I have to leave Joshie and the family? We barely see Ruka anymore…”

Bast shakes his head. “Nothing can make the lady of the wind go somewhere she doesn’t want to be. You simply must watch over the creatures of the air.”

Sadie nods, then gets a sly look on her face. “Can I ask one more thing?”

Bast chuckles. “I see that look, and I know your thoughts. There is no god of sex, but you’re welcome to name yourself such. It will give you no extra powers, however.”

Sadie giggles. “It was worth asking! But yes, I will accept. I hope I can honor Arella with my actions.”

Bast smiles. “I’m sure you will. You have a good heart, young djinn. Or should I say, young goddess.”

The power flows from his hand to Sadie, and she gasps slightly as it flows through her. She shivers slightly, then stands proudly. Bast nods, then looks to Maya. “Don’t look so jealous, lady of scales. Your turn is coming…”

Before anyone can ask, he snaps his fingers and vanishes. You sigh. “He does that all the time!”

Meanwhile, Sadie giggles.