"The End."
The very name mentioned by the gods exuded an ominous power, making both Klaus and Shade feel as if their skin was crawling. "The End?" Klaus asked, perplexed. "Who is that?"
The gods exchanged silent glances before Sol finally spoke. "The End... is the beginning," he murmured. "He is the first sentient being and the creator of the gods."
The sudden revelation left the demigods stunned. "What?" Shade exclaimed. "But I thought the gods existed solely because of their power?"
"That is not so," Abyss clarified. "Eons ago, we were all created with a specific purpose: to satisfy a certain hunger of His."
Klaus and Shade stood in disbelief, struggling to fathom the news. Olivia's words were beginning to seem more plausible than they had imagined, confirming the existence of a presence far higher than even the gods.
Klaus's mind raced with questions: Where is this being? Why hasn't he ever revealed himself? What kind of entity is he to threaten the very fabric of reality? However, Klaus quickly suppressed further inquiries, realizing there was a more important matter at hand.
"I think every demigod deserves to know about this," Klaus stated. "About everything related to this being and our past."
Sol agreed. "You're right. The demigods should not be left in the dark about his existence. We will arrange a meeting with all of you to address the situation, including the whereabouts of this being."
Sol then turned to the other gods. "But for now, we must deliberate among ourselves about what to do with this information concerning such future."
Abyss nodded in agreement, though Siege seemed preoccupied. "Hold on," Siege interjected, his eyes fixed on the demigods. "How did you come by such critical information in the first place... Spawn of Sol, Spawn of Abyss?"
Klaus and Shade exchanged glances, hesitant to mention Olivia, which they feared might be detrimental in the meantime.
"We discovered it because Ace Falcon accidentally traveled into the future after contact with his father," Klaus explained. "All he saw was destruction and a frightening presence he couldn't recognize. We initially hesitated to share this because we feared it would get him in trouble, but when we realized the severity of the issue, we knew we had to inform you all."
Siege glared at the two demigods, the intensity in his eyes clear, then sighed in annoyance. "Alright," he muttered.
"He won't be in trouble," Abyss assured. "You have my word."
Klaus nodded gratefully before a thought occurred. "That said," he began, "could it be possible to exempt Ace from being summoned to the meeting?"
The gods listened as Klaus continued, "He's not in the best mental state right now after witnessing what he did in the future. Would it be possible to give him some time to recover? I'll make sure he's informed of all the updates from the meeting."
The gods found no fault in Klaus's request. "Fine," Siege said, then turned away and began to depart. "If that is all, then you may be dismissed."
Sol turned back toward Klaus with a slowly growing smile. He was pleasantly surprised by how much Klaus cared about Ace's well-being, a quality Klaus had not been known for before. Witnessing his son show genuine concern warmed Sol's heart, marking a significant growth in Klaus's character.
"We will see you both soon," Abyss finally said before turning away.
The gods bid farewell to Klaus and Shade and departed to rendezvous with Siege. Left alone for a few moments, the demigods remained silent briefly before they eventually began to depart.
Klaus and Shade walked toward the transportation podium to return to the Exalted City. But before they could arrive at their destination, they noticed a certain familiar figure strolling through the streets of the domain of the gods.
CONVERSATION
Klaus: Rose?
Rose perked up at the sound of her name.
Rose: Klaus? Shade? What are you guys doing here?
Shade: That's what we should be asking you.
Rose: I always come here because I've been training with my dad.
Klaus and Shade exchanged shocked looks.
Shade: What? Since when?
Rose: *walking closer* About a week ago. I noticed my power growth was slowing down, and I wasn't improving as quickly as I wanted. So, I asked my dad for help, and he was more than happy to assist.
Klaus: Oh, wow.
Rose: Yeah, and it really made a difference since he had so much knowledge to share.
Klaus and Shade were not only surprised by Rose's words but also by her dedication.
Shade: *grinning* You know... I'm actually surprised, Rose. I never thought you'd ever prioritize training over the simpler things in life.
Rose's expression softened at Shade's comment.
Rose: Why's that? Do you just see me as another blonde bimbo?"
Shade's smile faltered.
Shade: That's... not what I meant.
Rose: Sure it's not. Apparently, everyone just sees me as this narcissistic, cheerleading prom queen who's good at nothing but flirting.
Rose raised her right hand and plucked a small section of her ponytail, tilting her head to the side as she twirled the hair around her index finger. A smile spread across her face as her tone shifted dramatically.
"Oh my gods, I'm like tots crushing hard right now, guys," Rose said, her tone mimicking a Valley girl accent. "I'm like totally falling so hard for Jason from class. The way he like protects me and stuff, he's like my daddy."
She dropped her hand and adjusted her stance, her expression turning annoyed as she reverted her tone. "Is that what you guys think of me?"
Shade exchanged a glance with Klaus, both clearly surprised by her comment. After a brief silence, Rose suddenly burst into laughter.
"Oh, come on, guys," she teased. "That was an obvious joke, relax."
Rose laughed heartily at Klaus and Shade's awkward silence, which left them momentarily speechless. Noticing their stunned reactions, Rose turned to them in astonishment, a wide grin forming on her face.
"No way," she continued, teasing. "Are you telling me you guys like that kind of thing?"
"We didn't say that," Shade quickly replied. "We were just... caught off guard, right Klaus?"
Klaus paused before murmuring, "I... guess?"
"Uh huh, sure," Rose said with a smile, then shifted the conversation. "Now, back to my question from earlier."
"We came here to deliver some important information to the gods," Shade explained. "We had to hurry because it was urgent."
"Oh, I see," Rose exclaimed. "I'd ask what the important information was, but I'm guessing you'd already told me if you could."
"I honestly could," Shade replied, "but I think it's better you wait until later today when the gods hold their meeting. It's a long story to tell right now."
"That's fine," Rose said. "But in the meantime, since I'm about to head back to the Exalted City too, do you guys want to hang out? We could catch up while we're there."
"That'd be awesome," Shade agreed, turning to Klaus. "How about you?"
"Sure," Klaus confirmed with his usual calm expression.
The three demigods soon returned to the Exalted City, then made their way to the Apartment Building where they stopped at a lounge room. There, they gathered to catch up on their recent endeavors.
Rose described her training experiences, explaining that ever since she learned to control her emotions, she began to perceive things more maturely at a rapid rate, completely transforming her personality compared to when they first met. She also mentioned that mastering her abilities was much more challenging than she had anticipated, requiring both intensive physical and mental effort.
Klaus and Shade were clearly impressed by how far Rose had come, noting that her mastery might even surpass theirs. However, their thoughts failed to remain in the conversation as they recalled everything the gods had shared with them.
Rose noticed that the brothers weren't fully invested in the conversation and seemed lost in thought, but she made sure not to press them on it, respecting their boundaries for the time being.
Shade then began recounting how his month had gone once Rose finished sharing her update. He made sure to share everything except any details about Olivia, understanding that her situation was still too risky given her unknown nature. Klaus also mentioned his visit to Under World and his spar with Ash and Drake, which explained his damaged state, something that had piqued Rose's curiosity earlier.
"I actually forgot to ask," Shade began, "but how did the fight go? I mean... I know it wasn't completely in your favor, but what was it like fighting someone like Ash or Drake?"
Klaus paused to collect his thoughts before replying softly, "Honestly... it was a bit horrifying. I was on the brink of death multiple times, and it was hard to accept at that moment that I was clearly outclassed. I failed to land a single strike on Ash, and every attack Drake landed on me seemed effortless to him."
After a moment, Klaus continued, "But it was also very informative. It showed me just how far I've come since the Cosmic League and the Divine Tournament, and it reminded me how much more I have left to grow. In a way, I'm glad I got to remember what it feels like to be outmatched."
Rose and Shade smiled at Klaus's words. "Yeah, that feeling sucks," Rose agreed. "It's one of the reasons I keep pushing myself to get stronger. That being said, I'm glad that being a demigod means I can maintain my perfect physique without getting overly bulky, despite all the intense training."
"Damn," Shade added, "compared to you two, I haven't been training much at all. Maybe I need to get back into it soon."
"Honestly, it's more fun than I'd initially thought," Rose said with a smile.
"It's not supposed to be fun," Klaus replied.
"Okay, killjoy," Rose mocked with a big grin.
Suddenly, the group's attention was caught by a telepathic call that transmitted directly into their minds.
"Greetings, demigods," the voice of XVII announced telepathically. "If you're hearing this, your presence is urgently required at the Arena of Valor, as requested directly by the Pantheon. Please make your way there from your designated location immediately."
After the connection was severed, silence filled the room. "You guys heard that too, right?" Rose asked.
"Yeah," Shade confirmed with a nod from Klaus.
Klaus and Shade exchanged glances, aware of the purpose of the meeting. Rose, noticing their lack of shock, recalled what Shade had mentioned earlier. "I'm guessing this is what you guys were talking about," she said.
"Yeah," Shade replied. "We better get going."
The group left the Apartment Building and made their way to the arena. Upon entering, they were greeted by several other demigods who were already there. They approached and mingled with the others while awaiting the arrival of the missing demigods and the start of the meeting.
While the meeting was being set up, Shade caught up with Quinn, Link, Tyler, and Trent, reconnecting after not seeing each other for a long time. Klaus and Rose stood together at the front of the arena, the silence between them comfortable rather than awkward, both at ease in the preferable atmosphere.
After a few minutes had passed, Klaus began scanning the arena, noticing which demigods were absent. In doing so, his eyes landed on Iris, someone he hadn't seen in months, standing with Piper and Mia in conversation. A few moments later, Iris looked his way as if she instinctively recognized his gaze.
As their eyes met, Iris offered Klaus a grin. Before Klaus could say or do anything, he heard his name called from beside him.
"Klaus?" Riley said from his left, standing with a smile. "You okay?"
"Oh... hey," Klaus replied, caught off guard. "My bad. My mind was elsewhere."
Riley's smile widened at his strange reaction. "Well, considering how you addressed things between us earlier, I'm not exactly surprised by your lack of awareness," she teased.
Klaus's expression darkened slightly as he recalled what Shade had said before they left their home. "About that moment," he began, fixing his gaze on Riley, "I just want to tell you that I..."
"Klaus?" Rose suddenly interrupted from the other side. "Uhh... who are you talking to?"
"Huh?" Klaus asked, turning briefly to Rose before returning his gaze to Riley. "I'm talking to..."
But when Klaus looked back at Riley, she was no longer by his side. Suddenly puzzled, his right eye began flashing a deep purple, catching Rose's attention immediately.
Before Klaus could say another word, he felt a pair of arms drape over his shoulders from behind him. "Hi, hermoso," Iris said with a smile, her chest pressing against Klaus's back. "Did you miss me?"
"Seriously, Iris?" Rose said from the side, her tone laced with disdain. "What did you do to him?"
"Oh, tranquilos, chica," Iris replied with a smile. "I was just having some fun."
"Why would you do that, Iris?" Klaus asked sternly, clearly annoyed at being enchanted by her power.
"Come on, mijo," Iris said with a playful smile, "I saw you from afar and noticed you looked so frustrated. I thought I'd help lighten your mood."
Iris's smile broadened further. "Though I didn't expect you to choose that person as your desired presence," she added, hinting she had seen what Klaus had experienced.
"Still," Klaus said firmly, his expression serious. "I hate when people manipulate me."
Iris's smile faltered at the seriousness in Klaus's tone. "Fine, lo siento," she said. "I won't do it again, I swear."
Her smile returned as she added, "At least not without your permission."
Klaus was clearly annoyed by what Iris had done, but he knew her nature well enough that scolding her would be futile, so he let it go.
"Come on, Klausito," Iris continued, releasing her arms from him and walking to his side. "I haven't seen you in a while. How've you been?"
"You couldn't have started with that instead?" Klaus retorted.
"But where's the fun in that?" Iris teased with a grin.
Soon, Iris turned her attention to Rose, who had remained silent throughout. "Aww, what's wrong, mija?" Iris asked in a teasingly worried tone. "Why the long face?"
"You realize you're being a nuisance right now," Rose replied before growing a smile. "Then again, I guess you're used to it."
"Ohh, is that so?" Iris questioned, her grin growing once again. "Because it didn't feel that way last time when we..."
"Okayyy," Rose interrupted immediately. "How about we just move on from this, huh?"
Iris burst into uncontrollable giggles as Klaus stood in silence, processing what she had meant. "I did not see that coming," he admitted.
"I did," Iris replied, her smile unwavering.
"It was a long time ago, and I was curious," Rose admitted softly. "Don't judge me."
After a few moments of conversation, Klaus suddenly heard another call. "Klaus Walker," a voice called out.
Klaus turned to see Ash, whose unexpected presence caught him off guard. All the demigods present glanced at Ash as he walked toward Klaus, his expressionless eyes conveying nothing.
"Hey, Ash," Klaus said, still slightly shocked. "It's been a while."
"I saw you yesterday," Ash replied in his characteristically light, hollow tone.
"Right," Klaus admitted, acknowledging the truth.
"Wow, Ash Brimstone," Iris interjected in astonishment from the side, catching Ash's attention. "Such a rare and delicious sight."
Ash stood silently, his lack of response as clear as his expression. "Sure," he finally muttered after a moment.
"I'm also surprised you're here, to be honest," Klaus said.
"The importance of this meeting was emphasized by my father," Ash explained before falling back into silence.
After a brief pause, Rose spoke up from the side. "Wow, you're even more emo than Klaus," she teased. "And that's saying something."
Just then, a voice suddenly called out, "Ash Brimstone! Who would've thought!" This drew everyone's attention as Lance and Arthur began walking toward the group, with a smile on Lance's face, the owner of that chant.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Lance asked as he got closer.
Ash glanced at Lance in slight confusion, almost as if he hadn't recognized him. After a brief pause, however, Ash sighed before addressing the demigod. "Drake says you're Lance Knight," he said softly.
"That is correct," Lance confirmed with a confident smile. "I'm glad I was remembered by a worthy adversary."
For a moment, Ash remained silent, the presence of so many demigods feeling strange and different from what he was used to. Then he recalled Klaus's final request from the day before, which had been about him getting to know the other demigods better.
"It's... nice to meet you, Lance Knight," Ash finally said.
Lance smiled warmly, extending his hand. "Likewise," he responded as Ash accepted the handshake.
Lance then pulled Ash closer and draped an arm across his shoulders. "You should come to Higher World more often," he said. "It's a shame you and X are barely ever around. I'd really appreciate some new sparring partners."
Arthur frowned from the side. "Are you trying to say my efforts are unsubstantial?" he asked, arms folded in annoyance.
"It's not like that, brother," Lance replied. "I'm just looking for a different fighting experience."
Turning back to Ash, Lance added, "I'm still not satisfied with how my last battle with Drake ended. Who knows, maybe we'll get a chance to rematch sometime."
"Don't give him any ideas," Ash replied in his usual monotone.
The demigods continued catching up on their experiences from the past few weeks. As expected, Ash barely contributed, while Lance and Iris did most of the talking, but he didn't mind this at all.
With most of the demigods now present, everyone awaited the start of the meeting. As Klaus waited, his attention suddenly shifted to the newest arrival: Riley.
Riley entered silently, briefly meeting Klaus's gaze before looking away. A smile spread across her face as Piper and Quinn approached to greet her warmly. Klaus felt compelled to speak with her, feeling guilty about how things had ended between them. After a moment, he walked over to her while Rose watched him leave from the side, mid-conversation with the others.
"Hey, Riley," Klaus said after he stopped beside her. "Do you have a minute?"
"Gee, I'm not so sure," Riley replied, keeping her gaze directed ahead.
Quinn glanced at the two before tapping Piper. "I think we should give them some space," she said.
"S-Sure," Piper stammered, following Quinn.
"What do you want, Klaus?" Riley asked softly, her eyes still cast away from him.
"I want to say that I'm sorry," Klaus expressed.
"For what, exactly?" Riley pressed. "Is it for avoiding me all day? Or is it for implying that I'm not in control of my own feelings?"
Klaus fell silent as Riley, growing frustrated, turned to him. "You see, that's your problem," she spat. "You don't even understand how painful it is for someone to doubt your feelings for them."
"It's not like that," Klaus protested.
"So how exactly is it?" Riley demanded. "Because this scheiße really hurts right now."
After a moment, Klaus admitted, "Look, I'm not good with these situations, and I haven't been for a long time. I don't know how to explain everything from my perspective. I've never been used to having people around who truly care outside of my family. Ever since my powers manifested, or even when I started having those stupid dreams about giant men, I never had anyone I could genuinely call a close friend."
Riley raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what do you mean by 'dreams about giant men'?" she asked.
Before Klaus could explain further, a noticeable force enveloped the arena, and a beam of light shone down at its center. Soon, a being descended rapidly from the light, their massive wings spread wide before retracting, and a halo vanished from their back. The demigods watched in awe as Zenith, the god of Nature, appeared before them.
"Dad?" Riley called out softly in surprise as Klaus turned his attention toward the god.
Zenith stood tall and impassive, his stern expression commanding attention as he said, "Good day, demigods. I hope you are all well."
After a brief pause, he continued, "I understand you all have questions about why you were urgently summoned, but I assure you, this meeting is of tremendous importance."
All the demigods listened intently as Zenith added, "After thorough discussions among the gods of the pantheon, we have concluded that it is essential for you all to learn about the history of this reality and its origins."
The demigods remained silent as Zenith concluded, "I am here as a messenger... to provide you with the history of the realm and the being who created it."