61 Raiden's Origin

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"What? What do you mean, Raiden Kagawa? That's me, why would I?!" said Raiden in confusion. He was absolutely shocked; for some reason, he was too emotional, beyond his usual self.

"My cherished one, you have awakened to the stark reality of our future. This path we tread is the most likely outcome, where despite your noble intentions, you faltered in safeguarding our shared home, your kin, and ultimately, myself. Darkseid's formidable presence overcame you, igniting a consuming fury within. You grasped the essence of the emotional spectrum, drawing strength from every corner of the universe, rendering yourself invincible. With boundless power, you vanquished Darkseid and claimed the Anti-Life Equation, only to judge all existence unworthy and bring about the universe's demise," spoke Gaia. Each word she said shocked Raiden even more, and he even started to doubt himself.

"Is it possible for me to do such a thing? To destroy everything in rage? What kind of thing would lead me to such a path?" questioned Raiden, but before his mind could process everything, Gaia spoke. "Indeed, my chosen one, this realm we find ourselves in is but a potential future, not yet realized. Before this juncture, do you recall where you once dwelled? Reflect upon the journey that led you here, the paths taken, and the choices made. The past holds the key to understanding the present and shaping the future yet to unfold."

As Gaia asked, Raiden tried to recall. After thinking for a few seconds, he remembered. "I was fighting Manchester; he somehow bypassed my mind protection and invaded my mind," said Raiden, to which Gaia nodded as she spoke. "It was I who untangled the threads of your mind's protection, my child. I sought this moment to commune with you, to share vital revelations about the path ahead. Trust in my guidance, for together we shall navigate the intricacies of fate and forge a brighter destiny."

"Raiden, you are indeed my chosen one, but not the sole recipient of my favor. Throughout the eons, I have summoned numerous heroes, granting them access to the esteemed Throne of Heroes. My aim was to craft my Champion, a guardian who would defend me and my children. Yet, none have approached your prowess, your dedication, your valor. You stand unrivaled among them, destined to fulfill the sacred duty entrusted to you."

Gaia used her powers to change the world they were in. As if everything vanished, a new world was shown, multiple people were shown fighting with almost the same powers as his, but they all looked a bit sloppy, weak. They were using their powers, but they weren't bonding with the servants; it's as if they think the heroes are just powers to wear," said Raiden as he observed them, to which Gaia nodded. "Indeed, their grasp of the power of the Throne remained incomplete, unlike yours, which you wield with mastery. The distinction likely stems from your origin within the world where their concept was conceived. Understand, the Throne is not inherently mine; I acquired it through a forbidden ritual from a separate plane of existence. This act, though taboo, was undertaken out of necessity to safeguard the balance and ensure the protection of all that I hold dear."

"When I ventured into the forbidden ritual, the Quintessence, guardians of balance, would have intervened. However, they have perished, consumed by the darkness they sought to thwart. It is this same darkness that threatens our existence, the force against which I strive to endure. Remember the vision you beheld, the end of all things, when the 'Presence' uttered 'Let there be Light.' It was the erasure of that darkness. And now, it seeks to reclaim what was lost, to envelop us once more in its shadowy grasp."

Hearing Gaia's words, Raiden was absolutely confused. She had said so many things too quickly for him to even understand, too many strong entities that he couldn't even hope to challenge at his current form. "Fear not, my child, for I do not task you with confronting such a formidable foe directly. Indeed, darkness holds no sway over one such as you, as long as life endures. It is this inherent resilience that renders you impervious to its influence. Darkseid, the mortal vessel of Darkness on this plane, seeks its power relentlessly, drawn to its essence buried deep within my heart. Your mission, then, is clear: safeguard me, Earth, and all life within it from the encroaching darkness, and thwart Darkseid's ambitions at every turn."

Hearing Gaia's words, Raiden finally understood what she wanted from him, but he still couldn't help but ask, "Why me?… I mean, I understand that I have the power too, and that I'm currently the only one that can truly control the throne, But why me specifically? There are millions of people on earth that could be better than me, smarter, much stronger." Hearing that, Gaia smiled as she said, "Indeed, the criteria for purity transcends the conventional notions held by humans. True purity lies in the simplicity of living a moral life, devoid of pretense or grandiosity. While many perceive purity through the lens of heroic deeds or religious devotion, it manifests in the ordinary actions of everyday individuals, who uphold basic moral principles and lead modest lives. And yes, such individuals are abundant on Earth.

Your selection as my chosen one was not based on the magnitude of your deeds, but rather on a singular act of selflessness. In a moment of crisis, you sacrificed yourself to save a young girl from a tragic fate. This act of pure altruism, occurring shortly after my visitation to your world, caught my attention. While some may argue that there are others more deserving due to their grandiose accomplishments, it was your genuine selflessness that resonated with me. Do not underestimate yourself, for my choice reflects the will of the world itself, and I have never erred in selecting someone unworthy of the task at hand."

Hearing that, Raiden's old memories started to finally return to him. Just as Gaia had said, there was no big secret that he had; he was a simple guy, lived a life that would be called the most average, a European college student. One day he was passing the streets, when someone lost the brakes in their car and couldn't stop. He rushed to push the little girl that was about to be hit, but ended up getting hit himself. He died on impact, and he couldn't even blame anyone; the car lost its brakes, so the man wasn't truly responsible. I mean, sure, he could have taken care of his car better, but it wasn't like something like this was common. 'Well, at least I saved that girl… So I was nothing special. Not that I mind, I suppose this life, I should cherish it. Gaia has finally told me of the real reason I'm here. I usually wouldn't be so trusting of someone like her, but I don't know, I owe my life to her. Sure, she picked me randomly, but that just means she saved my life. I don't know if I truly deserve this or not, but I will fulfill my duty, not just for Gaia, but for humans and for me. I want to live happily.'

"Lady Gaia, I don't know how to express my gratitude for all you have done for me. You've given me a second life, and more than that, the ability to fight back in this world. I will cherish your mission and put it to my heart. I will make sure that the future you showed me can never come true. I'll be the sword of Gaia, the true protector of Earth," said Raiden as he kneeled in front of Gaia. Gaia placed her hand on his cheeks as she said, "Do not kneel, my champion, not even before me. As my chosen one, you are the embodiment of this planet's hope, and perhaps, its sovereign. I place my trust in you, unwaveringly, despite the future I have glimpsed. Stand tall, for you are the beacon of light in the darkness, the protector of all that I hold dear."

Hearing that, Raiden got up and looked at her. Gaia smiled as she said, "Now armed with the truth, I bid you farewell on your journey, my champion. May victory be yours, for you are the final hope, the guardian of all that I cherish. Go forth with courage and determination. Good luck."

"Thank you, Lady Gaia, for everything," said Raiden as the world started to break and he regained his powers

…

The battlefield crackled with energy as Starfire hovered in the air, her hands pulsating with glowing energy ready to strike. She was panting heavily, and beside her, Raven stood, her cloak waving ominously behind her, dark energy swirling at her fingertips as she too looked tired. They had finally gotten rid of all the aliens that Menagerie summoned. The Elite members were unfazed by the challenge, spread out in a defensive formation around Manchester Black, who was focused intently on Raiden. "Manchester is taking too long, and we're not supposed to harm that hero. Those two girls will come for Manchester. Your aliens couldn't handle them, and now we're pushed to the defensive," said Coldcast as he eyed Menagerie. "My aliens aren't supposed to be that strong, but we've already exhausted them. It's time we strike, instead of just defending." "I'm with Menagerie on this one. My powers aren't exactly meant to be defensive anyways. Besides, we could always teleport the leader if he is in danger," said The Hat. Hearing that, Coldcast nodded as he said, "Fine, you two attack them."

Raven's cloak waved ominously around her as she summoned dark energy to her fingertips, while Starfire's hands shone with glowing energy, ready to unleash her blasts at a moment's notice. With a shared nod, they surged forward, launching a coordinated attack on their adversaries. The Hat, a master of manipulation with his magical headgear, conjured illusions to disorient Raven and Starfire, as he planned to teleport behind them, but the duo remained focused, their minds shielded against his tricks. Menagerie, meanwhile, unleashed a horde of ferocious aliens as she said, "You think I have run out of them?" The horde distracted them, but Raven's telekinetic abilities repelled the beasts, smashing most of them on the walls of the alleyways while Starfire's energy blasts kept The Hat and Menagerie at bay.

Coldcast, observing the battle from afar, intervened with well-timed energy blasts, providing support to The Hat and Menagerie on shifts. His attacks kept Raven and Starfire on their toes, as they had to fight the two enemies while protecting against Coldcast's sudden attacks.

As the battle raged on, Manchester Black continued to exert his mental powers on Raiden, his focus unwavering despite the chaos unfolding around him. Raiden, caught in the midst of the mental struggle, finally opened his eyes.

"Archer-class Servant. I have been summoned for a while now, but I suppose you were busy, I don't really have a name. Someone once called me Pretender though."

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