บท 8: Chapter 8: A Shattered World
I woke, happy and satisfied. That long stuffy feeling in me gone leaving me feel almost lightweight, free. I looked up to the beautiful sky above. The stars twinkling as I slowly remembered I was on a dying world. I could still feel the threads, maybe a tenth of the squidizens left after the cataclysmic battle.
The world was done for, I knew this, yet… Remembering the willingness, nay, the prerogative they had to sacrifice themselves at my whim. Had I not stopped them, they would have likely become extinct themselves. The thought, it made me proud, made me, jealous almost. Their sheer moxie made my heart pump! Or it would if I wasn't so exhausted. I played with the threads; my mind was already made up as I slowly stood.
They still felt like jelly. I wasn't hungry, but when I stretched my whole body crackled and cracked like bubble wrap under stress. Limbered up, and I made my way down to the core to survey the damage. It was a straight shot, gravity messed up as water flowed seemingly upward as I went down. Rainbows were everywhere, a perfect juxtaposition to the nearing end of the world. Assuming I was using that right, not like I had a thesaurus on me.
I touched down near the core, the remains of the cathedral crumbled around it like a shell. It was cracked, shattered in chunks. Flying closer I felt the pressure increase and distort as its mass tried to keep the gravity going, but with every second I could feel it drifting further apart. In a couple of days this would even be a planet anymore, I surmised.
Satisfied that I couldn't do anything, I was about to leave, when I felt something. Like an eye looking at me, many eyes. I look back, ready to blast it when I see a red glint from within the core. I pull closer and notice a familiar energy, the soul ball? Cautiously I touched it and realized that yes it was the soul ball. Or rather the crystallized soul of all the squidizens used in the soul ball.
I mean, I think I called it a soul bomb at first, but soul ball sounded better. Curious, and confused, I look at it. Feeling out the souls as they tried to tell me something. It was barely a whisper, fragmented images, but I think I understood. The core was dead, but they could revive it. Or rather, I could with some effort.
I could just leave, but… That didn't feel right. No, instead I'll make sure to do my best before I do leave. At least give these squidizens a bit of a push. I float to the top of the core and sit on it, or more lay on it. With a little effort I begin pouring my ki into it and the soul ball near the center. Nothing changes at first, but I can sense, nay, feel the pieces of the core slowly stitching back together.
Days, weeks? Perhaps even months I just lay in that spot channeling my ki. A loud resounding clunk, like the latching of locks signifies the end of my closed-door cultivation. The moment it does I feel a flood of power flow into me, but I know it's not mine. Instead, it belongs to the core, the world. My next steps are easy enough, the information and how to's fed into me by the newly made core.
I stretch and begin to locate the surviving squidizens. I found one cavern, or what used to be a cavern, its top shorn off, the top portion of the buildings simply gone. They see me and I could feel the worship radiating off them as I slowly land in their midst. They were weak, starving.
"Great One! You live!" One of the older squidizens say… say?
"Wait, you speak my language now!?" I was confused.
"Indeed, Great One! All of our people have found enlightenment in your godly language!"
I was going to question that, but apparently it was the cores doing. Somehow it managed to teach them my language… Weird.
"Well, whatever… Is this everyone?" The squidizen looks depressed?
"I'm afraid so Great One."
I look around to the emaciated forms… I sigh and point to the ground, I pour ki out and the core responds as food seemingly appears from nowhere. Their eyes widen at the display of godly might. They slam themselves down, one of the squidizens even knocking themselves out in the process.
"Pass out the food evenly, make sure everyone eats. I'll be going around to the survivors." He bows repeatedly swearing he would do so. Each group was more or less the same. I was expecting more, but apparently, they had just been soullessly staring around as they knew the world was going to die and there was nothing they could do.
Once I was sure they wouldn't just randomly die off on me I began the next phase, gathering them. Little by little, group by group I gathered them on the largest intact landmass. I could feel the core steadily replenishing the atmosphere, but despite that the only survivors were those talented in ki usage. Once I gathered them together, I made a declaration.
"Squidizens! I Rettas have gathered you all here today for one purpose! To remake the world!"
The cheers were, decidedly less enthusiastic than they should be, but that didn't matter. First step wasn't to build a city. Instead, it was to build a massive pyramid shaped building in the center of the continent. They were, well, confused for sure, but did so without complaint. I was almost tempted to replicate a feat from an anime, by having it be built by the hands of children and be star shaped, but apparently the basic pyramid shape was best. Plus, it wasn't like we had many children anyway. Nor did I have the time to wait for enough children for it to make sense.
The point of the pyramid wasn't noticeable to the average squidizen, but it was to those stronger ones. It was a dragon vein anchor, or whatever. A fengshui power point? Either way, the core told me that it would help it better focus energies for healing and such. The monument was made as less of a tomb and more as a place of worship.
I had fun posing for statues in my Saiyan and monkey form. It was called the, Temple of Rettas! Ah-ha-ha!!! Ahem, anyway with the central point done enough the land took a massive shift with the ground practically growing food on its own as the squidivators poured key into the power point. More points, more like temples were placed at key points through the landmass.
These temples were obelisk shaped, often inscribed with various parts of my story or accreditation to the various squidizens who helped build it. Every power point added to the network had magical effects on the landscape. Soon enough the squidizens were mass breeding, their numbers improving massively.
Which helped when it came to the next big project. Their children grew at a prodigious pace, becoming mobile and self-sufficient within weeks instead of months or years. It meant I could fulfill my desire, and on a necessary project. A landmass bridge. It wasn't large, a mile long at least to connect the main landmass with another piece.
It was, uh, not a smart idea even if the finished bridge did have a unique quality to it. The bridge of Children… uh, right… Apparently it did make them more gung-ho to rebuilding the world. Eventually even managing the projects with the bare minimum of my interference.
I took the time to help build them up culturally. One of the sites built early on was actually placed within the landmass at the heart of it. An arena where ritual duels were concluded. Energy discharged here helped feed the veins, and deaths even more so. Making it an important central part of their future culture. A culture that was quickly becoming more and more militaristic.
I trained them in Ki, taught their scientists basics in technology. Even fetching my attack ball and having it placed in the main temple to help teach scientists through POWER POINTS! No, seriously it had a built-in projector. Even a guy that taught basics in science math and such… How over engineered were these things!?
The world was slowly being stitched back together, wildlife once more finding its way, somehow… Bridges connected errant landmasses and monuments were built to help guide the slowly healing dragon veins. The once dead world is slowly coming to its own. My favorite landmark was called the Valley of the Monkey! Or Oozaru… Whichever works. It was a massive trench in one of the landmasses that nearly split in two. In order to better connect them a rather smart Squidizen wanted a massive temple dedicated to my monkey form built.
When it was done, it was spectacular. A massive monkey temple stood, even making monkey noises as the wind blew through the cavern… No, actually, what shocked me most was how fast ki cultivating squidizens could work. Mountains were carved, blocks of stone cut perfectly within minutes. They could move tons of stone between them with incredible ease.
If they were normal people, well, lets be honest I'd already be out of here. Instead in just a short time we had the world nearly entirely stitched back together. Save for one last project. On the horizon, was one last massive landmass. What separated us from it was the battlefield between me and the Kaiju squid.
And for the first time, my squidizens question me.
"Godqueen!" yes, I was apparently a godqueen now…
"We can't do it! The distance is too far!" He was partially right, but, "I plan to throw my own hand in, it can be done and will be done. Unless you don't want the world healed?"
He shuffled unsure, nobody knew what was bothering them, but hearing them argue felt, odd? Perhaps I would have slapped them silly before, but after this time with them it felt… strange?
"If that is your will Godqueen." He finally says with a bow. Soon enough work begins, I find myself channeling an absurd amount of ki into the core to help fortify the bridge. Often having to hold it up as they keep building it up. Squidivators moving blocks of stone and workers on massive floating boards work the stone into place and pave it over.
Easily the longest project. At about the halfway point we almost lost the bridge. The massive distance causing it to bow despite the absurd amount of qi within, but only by mobilizing nearly all the squidivators do we manage to keep it stable, slowing the latter portion down, but once we do get it done. Instantly everyone felt it, the planet underneath pulse as we connect the final landmass.
The stone underfoot hardening, even glowing as the veins run through it connecting the two landmasses pulling them in as they stretch out. It only takes a few months more for the rest of the monuments to be built. The bridge was named The Heaven Spanning Bridge. Idly looking down at the remains of our fight I notice something odd. The water seemed to flow oddly in the area, and the longer I looked the more I noticed.
I find myself laughing, the squidizens near me look at me oddly before looking down too. Soon enough I could sense their awe. The battlefield was made into a large projector replaying the battle for future generations. The core of the planet, or perhaps the planet itself, seemed to preen as I praised it for a good job.
More time passed, making the rebuild effort maybe taking a few years. I should have left by now, the projects now all done the planet improving and even growing stronger by the day. It's just… Something held me back. It wasn't the power, no. As long as I stayed on this planet, I could pull on its power, but it wasn't my power. Even attempting to make it my own would only make me lose myself.
Even then, whilst on this planet I had incredible power, power infinitely close to what I assume a super Saiyan may have. But I could never reach that level here. I had the home field advantage, I wasn't up against the wall and definitely wasn't pushing myself.
I ate, I feasted, I trained. I slept in fancy bedrooms. Everywhere I went people bowed and scraped. Even then I wasn't satisfied and not just because I couldn't get a good fight in… Instead, it was like something was missing a final piece in the puzzle before I could leave happily and without issue. A problem that scratched at my mind, itched and burned like lice.
It was one of many days, sitting outside my temple, an array of squidivators holding their arms to the sky. Spears and halberds gleaming in the sun as they stand at attention. In pairs they fought, sparred, and trained. Less for the technique and more for the discipline I suppose. I wasn't really sure myself why. As they fought some would break through, some would fight with their lives on the line.
Watching them made me reminisce on my recent fights. A now familiar twinge in my being urging me, begging me to not stay here. To wallow in this life. I imagine I gained some weight, the most damnable thing of all since my stay here. I watched them fight, the sweat fly. I felt my finger twitch as a decision came to mind, I stood. As one they stopped and stood at attention.
"One by one, come up here and I will duel you." It was a first. I trained and spoke of ki, occasionally helping sense, but never sparring. They looked perturbed, worried, yet still did so. None of them caught my eye, glaives and spears casually flung aside as I beat them. The army slowly dwindled, no deaths among them making them bolder, surer of themselves as they threw themselves at me.
Until finally, the last squidizen came up. A runt really, I could see the dismissive gazes, the mere fact he was even up here almost an affront. Truthfully even I thought so, my dismissive glance, almost uncaring attitude as I waved him to attack. I was planning to ditch after this. Simply leave.
I could see the squidivator shake in rage, their eyes roaming over their colleagues. I had given them attention, even given them some pointers. This one though, this one I had ignored. Not out of malice or any ill will, but merely because I didn't see the point. Perhaps because of this, when the squidivator charged forward, weapon in hand. Instinctually I swung out, shattering their blade, the metal pieces flying out.
I stared at the squidivator as it stared at me, its eyes almost quivering, but what truly mattered was that gaze. That intent, murderous intent. The whole crowd shuddered, those in the back unsure, but those in the front fully aware of the affront the squidivator I faced had committed.
He dared harbor malice towards our god, or so it goes. I extended my hand, fully prepared to simply kill the fellow. When he spoke.
"I swear! I Guglor will end your reign of terror! You are no god, only a tyrant!"
In that moment, all ideas of killing him faded. Replaced with a sudden rushing understanding as I grinned.
"Oh?" I said, my killing intent leaking out like a living thing, constricting the fellow. Like poison it flowed down the steps of the courtyard making the squidivators shudder in fear, some even swearing the initiator out for killing them all.
"So, you plan to kill me, is it?" He, it? Struggled to speak, to breathe before forcing out the words.
"YES!" In a defiant shout. I stared; my face marred by a vicious grin as I looked at him like a wolf eyeing a meal. I could sense his will firm, even as his body failed and darkness threatened to make him collapse, just before it did, I eased the pressure, he falling gasping for breath as I laughed.
"Gugor, was it?"
"Guglor!" He argued back, may as well make an attempt to remember it. I could sense the eyes on me, the squidivators the world as my ki moved according to me intent. I ignored him and turned to the crowd, a crowd that bowed under the weight of my gaze. I looked over them, scanning them, weighing them.
"You…" I started, addressing them all. "Are all Squidivators. The greatest of your species the strongest geniuses of your kind." My words caused anxiety and some relief as they looked at me in confusion. "And yet, you lack backbone." My words, I could feel them dip their head in shame.
"The world, the universe, existence is not a kind place. It is not a place where you can calmly build your strength and challenge people, it is a place of cruelty, a place where children murder their parents and where siblings kill one another for the barest scraps of meat." My words echoing in the deathly quiet courtyard.
"You, all of you are squidivators. You cultivate, you gain strength, but for what purpose do you gain strength? To serve? To fight? To live!?" I let my words hang as I pace.
"That is not what a squidivator is! This runt here, is what a squidivator is! A squidivator seeks! They Hunt! They defy! I fought the Kaiju squid, not for you, nor for anybody except my own sake!" My words were like thunder, like crackling lightning impacting a lake. The results visible and audible.
"I am Rettas, A saiyan. The godqueen of you squidizens. She who lifted you up from nothing into the society today. And today, is the day I leave."
A riot erupted. But quieted down as I looked to speak again.
"Many gods, when they leave give commands. Orders, or some kind for decree. One country was told that they should never invade another country until I come back… Only for that man to never come back. I have stayed here longer than intended only because I felt something lacking, missing.
Now I know what it is. DIRECTION!"
The world shook, the wind howled, thunder crackled.
"IN the basin of gods, the center of the heaven spanning bridge, a tower will be erected by my word. And at the top of the tower, one may meet me, or perhaps a copy of me. A copy whom if you defeat shall relinquish control over the world to the winner.
Now, this may sound odd. A god, willing giving up control, power? Well rejoice! For I am not a fearful god! No! Instead, I am a god that seeks! I seek stronger foes, I seek those who wish to better themselves! I seek iron to better sharpen myself on and as such ask, nay DEMAND! The same for all of you!
Should you defeat the copy, I will be alerted, and be certain, I will come back to reclaim my throne. Is that not a fair opportunity Gulug?"
The squidivator, the runt looked at me in total shock.
"Well? Do you dare say you will beat my clone, claim the heavens and defeat me in the future?"
He shook. "I DARE! I will take back the heavens from your grasp and slay you!" I laughed at the boldness.
"And what if we choose not to fight you?" My laughing was cut short by the inquisitive squid. I looked over mildly annoyed.
"If that is your choice you may request something. A wish if you will."
I saw interest, greed.
"The tower will not be easy to climb. The interior populated by foes, its scale increasing with the participants. Regardless of how many make it to the top only one can make a wish, and only one can duel me. Numbers will not help; connections will not help. What matters instead is your own strength!
Now, GO! Grow Stronger and meet me in the heavens beyond for glorious combat!!!"
They cheered and exalted, the word spreading as the planet echoed my sentiment. I flew to my attack ball, opening it with ease and prepping it for my escape. Soon enough I found myself once more travelling into space, into the great unknown!
Elsewhere, plans were made, pieces put into place. A journey was being written up, the journey of Rettas!
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