A Lesson in Power
The wasteland around them remained eerily quiet, the last human settlement still barely visible in the distance. The humans walked ahead, their postures tense as they occasionally glanced back at Spotty and Ila. The earlier exchange about gods and power clearly lingered in their minds, leaving them both awed and uneasy.
Spotty remained calm, her crystalline blue eyes sharp yet amused, while Ila seemed to take their reactions as an opportunity to shift the conversation in a new direction.
Ila’s Perspective
Ila grinned, her amber eyes catching the light as she glanced at Spotty. “Alright,” she said, her voice light but carrying an undertone of seriousness, “let’s try a less philosophical approach.”
She gestured toward Spotty, who raised an eyebrow in mild curiosity. “While we’re not goddesses strictly speaking,” Ila began, addressing the humans, “we are some of the most powerful beings in the multiverse. Especially my philosophical friend over there.”
The Humans’ Perspective
The wiry leader’s steps faltered slightly at Ila’s words, his grip tightening on his crossbow. Most powerful beings in the multiverse? he thought, his mind racing. That’s a claim. But after what we’ve seen so far… maybe it’s true.
The older woman from earlier furrowed her brow, skepticism etched on her face. If they’re so powerful, what are they doing here? she wondered. And why would they care about us?
A younger man in the group whispered nervously, “Do you think she’s serious?”
“Shut up,” the leader snapped, though his own doubts mirrored the question.
Ila’s Storytelling
Ila’s grin widened, sensing their doubt. “You know the big, scary corporeal First Evil?” she asked, her tone conversational but laced with subtle authority.
The humans stiffened at the mention of the First Evil, their eyes widening in recognition.
“Well,” Ila continued, “this one”—she nodded toward Spotty—“let it hit her with all its strength. And guess what? She was barely scratched by it.”
Ila’s amber eyes twinkled with amusement as she added, “And don’t even get me started on her more esoteric powers. Let’s just say there’s a reason she’s considered one of the most dangerous entities in existence.”
Spotty’s Perspective
Spotty chuckled softly, shaking her head as she listened to Ila’s impromptu speech. Leave it to Ila to make me sound like some kind of unstoppable force. Not that she’s wrong, but still.
“Really, Ila?” Spotty said, her tone wry. “You’re going to tell them about that?”
Ila shrugged, her grin unrepentant. “They’re already scared out of their minds. Might as well give them something accurate to be scared about.”
The Humans’ Thoughts
The leader swallowed hard, his throat dry. She let the First Evil hit her? And she’s still standing here, perfectly fine? He glanced at Spotty, suddenly noticing the subtle strength in her posture, the unshakable confidence in her eyes. Maybe she really is that powerful.
The older woman’s hands trembled slightly as she gripped her crossbow. We’re dealing with something far beyond our understanding, she realized. But if they wanted us dead, we’d already be gone.
The younger man whispered again, his voice trembling. “If she’s that strong, why would she even care about us?”
“Shut up,” the leader hissed, his mind racing with similar questions.
Spotty’s Response
Spotty smirked, her crystalline blue eyes sparkling with amusement as she looked at Ila. “You know, you’re making me sound a little intimidating.”
Ila raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you?”
Spotty tilted her head, pretending to think. “Maybe. But I prefer ‘most powerful, bravest, and craziest’—oh, and smartest and most beautiful.”
Ila’s Thoughts
Ila rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a chuckle. She always has to throw that in, doesn’t she? Not that she’s wrong.
“Fair enough,” Ila said, her tone playful. “But you’re still a show-off.”
The Mood Shifts
Despite the tension, Spotty and Ila’s banter seemed to lighten the oppressive atmosphere. The humans, though still wary, began to relax slightly, their nervous glances becoming less frequent.
The leader finally spoke, his voice cautious. “If you’re as powerful as you say… why are you here? What do you want from us?”
Spotty’s smirk softened into a more neutral expression. “We’re here to help,” she said simply. “But first, we need to understand what’s left of this world—and who’s still fighting to save it.”
The leader nodded slowly, his skepticism giving way to reluctant trust. “Then we’ll take you to the elders. But don’t try anything.”