2. godqueen kaguya otsutski

"Raven!" Zack's voice rang out in shock. He lunged forward, grabbing Kern and pulling her along, narrowly avoiding a spike of earth that would have impaled Raven's previous position. The mirror that had brought them here materialized slowly in front of them, almost as if it were conscious of their urgency. With swift determination, they leaped through its reflective surface.

"YOU WILL NEVER ESCAPE ME, RAVEN! NEVER! I WILL COME TO THAT OMNIVERSE YOU RUN TO AND CONQUER IT, LIKE ALL THE OTHERS, GODS OR NOT!" The ominous words echoed in their minds as they disappeared into the wormhole, leaving behind the threat and the turmoil they had just faced.

"Well, that's quite the farewell, isn't it?" Kern's voice broke the silence, attempting to lighten the heavy atmosphere. Her remark was met with icy glares from the other two, causing her to click her tongue in frustration. "No sense of humor in this hellhole. I miss Lord Jack," she mumbled under her breath, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

In the next instant, they materialized through a massive mirror, finding themselves in a resplendent golden chamber that seemed to have been touched by the hand of Midas. The room exuded an air of opulence, and its ambiance resonated with an undeniable sense of grandeur. The chamber's security was evident, with white Shedzu warriors adorning silver armor stationed at each of its four corners. Their imposing figures stood sentinel-like, their armor cleverly designed to accommodate wings, which protruded gracefully from the openings. Alongside them, body-length spears were clutched with an unwavering grip.

Raven's gaze swept across the breathtaking expanse, her eyes wide with wonder. Yet, amidst the lavish decor and armored guards, her attention was captivated by an intricate network of runes etched onto the walls. These arcane symbols pulsed with an energy she could not decipher, evoking a profound sense of curiosity within her. They seemed to represent an unfamiliar magic system, one that tantalized her mind far more than any other spectacle in the room.

A gentle nudge from her two "recruiters," Zack and Kern, prompted Raven to step forward, her fascination momentarily redirected. As she advanced, the magnificent doors of the golden chamber swung open, revealing an even more majestic sight beyond.

Before her eyes lay a palace, though the term scarcely did justice to its grandeur. This was no mere mortal construction; it was an architectural marvel of divine proportions. Towers and spires soared skyward, reaching heights that surpassed even the loftiest of clouds. Every inch of its surface was adorned with intricate carvings, an exquisite tapestry that seemed to depict the very creation of the universe itself. Raven was drawn forward, her senses overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence that stretched out before her.

Her steps carried her along a path, flanked by her guides who had guided her thus far yet seemed to have momentarily slipped from her thoughts. On either side, lush gardens burst forth in a vibrant display of colors previously unknown to her. They swayed gracefully in the gentle caress of a breeze, a living symphony of nature's beauty. At regular intervals, statuesque figures of winged guards stood sentinel, their presence lending an air of both majesty and protection.

Lost in the enchanting scenery, Raven's journey led her unawares to the grand doors of the castle. As she approached, her reverie was disrupted by an unexpected burst of brilliance. The statues of a resplendent woman and a noble man, poised beside the entrance, erupted in a radiant golden light. The dazzling illumination jolted her from her daydreams, grounding her once again in the reality of her surroundings.

As the statues came into view, her two guides promptly knelt, a display of reverence that Raven instinctively sought to replicate. However, before her knee could touch the ground, an unseen force halted her motion. A voice, resonating with an undeniable authority, emanated from the statues. "Gods do not kneel, to mortals or other gods. Even enslaved gods are to be shown respect. Not to mention, I am merely a statue imbued with divine energy." The voice held a weight of wisdom that transcended its stone form. "Please enter, daughter of Trigon."

With those words, the radiant light that enveloped the statues gradually subsided, revealing a pair of ornate doors that swung open before her. Raven could have sworn that the rocky visages of the statues held an enigmatic smile, a gesture that defied conventional explanation. Remarkably, there was no overt enchantment at play; this simple fact piqued her curiosity to no end.

I moved onward until I stepped into a hall of breathtaking grandeur, adorned in resplendent gold and pristine white. My gaze was drawn upwards, where the hall seemed to stretch into infinity, its numerous levels ascending to astonishing heights. Directly before me, a mesmerizing structure crafted from blue-white crystals commanded attention. These crystalline thrones stood as the focal point, with the central pair rising to unparalleled heights, their opulence undeniable. Radiating magnificence, the flanking thrones to the left and right, while slightly less extravagant, exuded their own allure. Adjacent to these crystalline seats, elegant staircases ascended to a raised platform adorned with ornate doors.

Upon this platform, beside the grand doors, another set of stairs awaited, continuing the architectural rhythm. This pattern was repeated in succession five times, creating a sense of majestic anticipation that culminated in a towering wall that seemed to materialize. From this vantage point, a network of beautifully wrought bridges spanned the expanse above, connecting various sections of the castle with an air of regal sophistication. The elevated walkways revealed tantalizing glimpses of the castle's interior, a testament to the wealth of chambers that lay concealed within its impressive walls.

Seated upon one of the central thrones was an ethereal woman with skin as pure as snow, her striking beauty accentuated by mesmerizing grey eyes that gleamed with a subtle violet luminescence. Draped in a flowing white robe, her countenance radiated an air of serene elegance, akin to the statues adorning the palace entrance. A smile graced her lips, imbuing her presence with an aura of warmth and approachability. As Raven's gaze fell upon this resplendent figure, an unexpected revelation unfolded before her.

Suddenly, a harmonious duet of voices resonated from behind her, speaking in perfect unison. "Greetings to the creator goddess Kaguya Otsutsuki." The voices belonged to her two steadfast guides, their words offering an unexpected twist to the unfolding scene. Raven's mind raced, grappling with the realization that this serene and majestic figure before her was none other than Kaguya, the very deity instrumental in the creation of their race.

"Hello, I see your mission was successful. You didn't have to deal with any unsavory elements, I hope?" spoke the goddess, her words carrying an air of curiosity and concern. Responding to her inquiry, Kern gracefully rose from her kneeling posture and began recounting the recent events, her narrative punctuated by a flair for the dramatic.

"And then, the colossal form of the crimson Trigon emerged, his six malevolent eyes fixated on us. The very essence of malevolence seemed to emanate from him, an amalgamation of the darkness of the Abyss itself. It was as if all the demon kings of that accursed realm had converged into his very being!" Kern's words flowed with an enthusiastic flourish, her tale spinning an elaborate tapestry of danger and intrigue.

"Oh my!" exclaimed Kaguya, her eyes widening in astonishment as she brought a delicate hand to her lips. Her reaction mirrored the gravity of Kern's narrative, even though the embellishments were apparent. "Oh my indeed, Your Highness," Kern continued, playing along with a theatrical grin. "I genuinely thought my time had come to an end."

However, Zack's patience wore thin as he interjected, his voice tinged with a sense of exasperation. "Stop, stop! Your Highness, none of that actually happened. Kern has an... imaginative way of recounting events." A wry smile crept onto Kaguya's lips as she chuckled in response. "I suspected as much," she replied, her laughter bubbling with amusement. "Nevertheless, the story itself was certainly entertaining."

The comment managed to coax a smile back onto Kern's face, the playful banter between them momentarily mending any irritation caused by Zack's interruption. Amidst the lighthearted exchange, Raven stood in a state of bewilderment. The rapidly shifting dynamics between these beings left her puzzled. One moment they were kneeling in solemn reverence, and in the next, they engaged in jovial banter with the very deity they addressed with utmost respect. Lost in her thoughts, her contemplations were abruptly interrupted by the sound of Kaguya's voice, calling her name.

"Raven," Kaguya's melodic voice resonated through the grandeur hall, drawing Raven's attention. The goddess regarded her with an inviting smile, her ethereal presence lending an air of warmth to the surroundings. "Welcome to the Divine Realm, the heart of our pantheon's dominion."

Raven's gaze shifted from Kaguya to the intricate surroundings, her astonishment evident as she took in the splendor of the hall and its magnificent features. The intertwining emotions of curiosity, uncertainty, and awe painted her expression. She hesitated for a moment before addressing Kaguya, her voice carrying a blend of wonder and apprehension. "This place... it's beyond anything I could have imagined. But I must admit, I'm still trying to comprehend... everything."

Kaguya's smile remained reassuring as she gestured for Raven to approach. "I understand that this is a lot to take in. The Divine Realm is a reflection of the aspirations, dreams, and power of our pantheon, a testament to the beliefs our followers hold dear."

As Raven approached, Kern and Zack took their positions on either side of Kaguya, their expressions transitioning from jestful to attentive. "Raven, daughter of Trigon," Kaguya's voice carried a serene weight as she continued, "We brought you here not only to offer you sanctuary but also to extend an opportunity."

Raven's curiosity deepened, and she regarded Kaguya with a mixture of interest and caution. "An opportunity?"

Kaguya's eyes held a gentle intensity as she explained, "You possess the potential to become a deity within our pantheon, a god whose divinity reflects your unique qualities and experiences. The path you choose is yours to shape, and we are here to guide you."

Raven's thoughts raced, grappling with the enormity of the proposition. She had spent a lifetime navigating the complex dynamics of her world, and now, she stood on the precipice of a new reality—one where she could potentially ascend to godhood. The weight of the decision ahead settled upon her, and she spoke softly, her voice tinged with a mix of uncertainty and determination. "I've always felt the pull of darkness within me, a legacy of my lineage. But I've also sought to wield my abilities for good, to protect those I care about."

Kaguya nodded, her expression compassionate. "Your journey is your own, Raven. Your past does not define your future. Within our pantheon, you will have the opportunity to harness your innate abilities and find your own path of divinity. Whether you choose to embrace the shadows, empathize with the suffering, or forge your own unique path, your choice will shape the legacy you leave behind."

Raven's gaze shifted between Kaguya and her two guides, the weight of her decision heavy upon her. As uncertainty and resolve intermingled within her, she took a deep breath and met Kaguya's gaze with newfound determination. "I may not fully understand everything yet, but I'm willing to explore this opportunity. To discover the path I'm meant to tread as a part of your pantheon."

Kaguya's smile grew, and her eyes sparkled with approval. "Your willingness to embrace the unknown is a testament to your strength, Raven. Know that we will support you every step of the way."

Raven nodded, a mixture of emotions coursing through her as she embarked on a journey that would redefine her existence. The Divine Realm, with its intricate beauty and enigmatic inhabitants, held the promise of new beginnings and untold possibilities.