Gods and futures

You make camp that evening and everyone gathers around to discuss what happened. Ruka speaks first. “I’m sorry, Josh. I had no idea that Koras would take an interest in this meeting.”

Maya nods. “And I’m sorry I didn’t think to talk about the gods of the old world. It’s something we should have discussed.”

You smile. “No need to apologize, it just caught me off guard. So, there’s gods, and they just walk around like everyone else?”

Yura speaks up. “Gods are not born gods. They are mortals who transcend their mortality.”

Maya nods. “Generally, they’re people who gain enough power to become representatives of a concept or place. For example, Koras was a bear boy, a rare male birth from a monster girl. He was a powerful druid, even as a young boy. Eventually he grew in power to become the embodiment of the forest.”

Clarissa chimes in. “Forgefather Unir is a god as well. God of earth and the forge. Only he can create Daughters of the Forge like myself.”

Kali nods. “And the demon lord is a god, god of demons and ****. He was once human, it is said. He transformed into what he is now through magic, and spawned the race of demons.”

Even Sadie has something to say. “Don’t forget, there’s goddesses too! The goddess of wind lives in the north, in Poilevil! That’s why it hasn’t been absorbed by the demon lord or the Abandoned Empire.”

You nod. “So, they’re not gods like omnipotent beings, they’re essentially extremely powerful people?”

Clarissa nods. “And, according to the prophecy, you and Kali have the potential to become gods yourselves.”

Everyone goes quiet. You look between Clarissa and Kali. “Really? What do you mean?”

Clarissa smiles. “According to one potential future, Kali could become goddess of healing and protection. As for you, Josh, it’s much more vague. You could become a god of peace, or of war. It depends upon you. That’s assuming you survive the coming war, however.”

You sigh. “All I ever wanted was a safe place for my family. For all of you.”

Uzume smiles. “Some things need to be fought for. If it’s that important, you do what needs to be done.”

You smile at the Oni, and she grins back. You look around, and everyone looks at you expectantly. You laugh. “If you’re waiting for some grand proclamation, you all know you’re wasting your time. Hell, the way things are going, I’m more likely to be god of sex!”

Everyone laughs, and Maya leans against your shoulder. “You’re already that, my Josh.”

She whispers in your ear. “And you’ll always be my Josh, no matter what you become to others.”

You put your arm around her, as the conversation turns to plans for your return to human lands. Everyone agrees that a visit with Elys is important, if for no other reason than to share Maya’s news. After that, back to Trevor to plan the campaign against the resurgent HPP.

It would likely mean war, and though you didn’t look forward to it, at least this time it wouldn’t be a surprise to you.