God Hunter

Chapter 6: God in Chains

Re awoke at the normal time she always did. The sun began to rise and soon night would fade. Aurbis, however, was still awake. Only during the times of dusk and dawn were the siblings awake at the same time. Re looked weakened. The room she was trapped in was pure white all around with the exception of a giant wooden door. She pulled on the chains around her arms.

"You always try to resist sister and each time no progress is gained," said Aurbis.

Re glared at him in silence.

"Father will be visiting today."

Re gasped and pulled on her chains more frantically. She then fell to her knees.

"I cannot face him," she said quietly.

"I am sure you will be fine. You are his favorite child after all," Aurbis yawned and began to leave.

"Wait! Before you go! Please, just let me see my children! At least once!" Re pleaded.

"That is something for father to decide. Not me."

Aurbis then left the room. Re held her head in her hands and sobbed. Soon a figure entered the room. His skin was blue as was an eye with the other being golden. His chest was bare and he wore a long black and white checkered kilt that reached down to the floor and seemed to sink into it. He carried a tall golden staff with two gold spikes at the end of it. Floating behind him was a large golden wheel. Re looked up at him terrified. He moved close and towered above her.

"Oh, my dear daughter. It has been some time," he said.

"F-father," Re stuttered.

"I do not understand why you are so overcome with fear. I only wish to speak with you and understand."

"Understand what?" Re asked.

"Why did you betray your family? Why did you procreate with a mortal?"

"I sided with my sisters because it was the right thing to do. I wanted to preserve brother's memory like them!" exclaimed Re "As for why I started a family with a mortal, it is because I love him! I love each one of my children and my stepdaughter! You would not know anything about love!"

Her father grew angry.

"You dare accuse me of not knowing love? Mizami and I produced many of you together. Had I no love for your mother none of you would exist!" he growled.

"I am not talking about mother and you know that!" yelled Re.

He gritted his teeth and raised a hand when a female voice suddenly called out.

"Enough Izami!"

Re gasped and Izami turned around.

"Mother!" exclaimed Re.

The Goddess was wearing a long dark red kimono with a purple belt at the waist. She kept a fan in front of her face. The back of her long black hair was pinned up while the front was two long strands that reached her brown sandals. Her eyes were pure black with specks of light, like staring into the night sky. Mizami approached Re.

"Oh, my beloved ray of light," she hugged Re.

Re was surprised but she leaned into her mother's embrace. Mizami then began to weep.

"What is wrong mother?" asked Re.

"I hate seeing you in this state. I wish we did not need you for the Rebirth," she said.

Re's eyes widened.

"Mother...where are my children? May I see them?" Re asked.

"Yes. I will permit you see them despite the protests of your father," she said.

"Thank you," Re said crying "I have not seen them since I was brought here."

"Yes. It is rather sad they are required for the Rebirth as well. Enjoy the time that you have with them my ray of light," said Mizami.

Mizami put her hands together and a large black orb appeared. She gently placed it down and all six of her children emerged. Recrim, Laylah, Ailya, Tyren, Silanya, and Skylah all quickly rushed to their mother. The younger ones hugged tightly while the older ones moved more gently.

Re smiled at seeing them all again.

"I never thought I would see you again momma!" said Skylah crying.

"I am glad we are all together," said Recrim.

"Who are they?" asked Laylah.

Mizami and Izami began leaving the room.

"Wait! Mother! Father! What is the Rebirth?" asked Re.

"You will know when the time is right," said Izami.

Soon the gods left and the large wooden door was closed.

"Are they?" asked Recrim.

"Yes. Your grandparents," she said.

"So we really are trapped here in the divine realm," said Laylah.

 Re then gently placed a hand on her stomach and winced a little in pain.

"What is wrong mom?" asked Ailya.

"Nothing. I just realized Illya is not among you," she said.

"If she is not here" began Tyren "does that mean?"

"Yes," said Re "thank you Jahlan," she whispered.

Re then looked around at her family. She smiled and she hugged each of them tightly, not wanting to let go. She attempted to conceal the physical pain she had experienced seven other times.