《The Tale of Hearne the Hunter》


 Prologue

    There was a woman in a beautiful tree house that she made herself. Getting ready for her next hunt, she was preparing to go out. She had cut her formerly long raven-black hair very boyishly, which framed her sharp features and added to her already fierce persona. Even with her body adorned with numerous scars, the remnants of her daring hunting escapades, she still projected an air of unwavering confidence and power that inspired respect.


    As she gathered her hunting gear, she slipped into a dark green leather vest and brown pants she usually wore when venturing into the forest. Despite the multiple poorly made stitches on the clothes, they were still better than nothing, and besides, when she returned, she would practice sewing more. She took her father¡¯s intricately carved wooden bow, a testament to his hunting prowess. She then grabbed several arrows, traps, bait, and snares.


    As she gathered more items for her hunt, she noticed a hooded forest-green cloak, a family heirloom. Her father used to tell her that the cloak could transform its wearer into any animal they desired, but she always thought it was a lie. Although she did not believe her father¡¯s stories, she did not dare to throw away the family heirloom, as it would be disrespectful.


    Nonetheless, she wore the hooded cloak, grabbed her supplies, and descended her tree house, she wandered through the forest looking for the tracks of animals, although she had a specific target in mind, lately she noticed a creature that left behind tracks of several animals. It was a bright day, and she had set her sights on hunting a tiger. She went through the dense jungle, careful to remain unseen and unheard by any potential prey. After a while, she spotted a majestic tiger, its orange and black stripes glistening in the sunlight. She followed it silently, her heart racing with excitement.


    As she followed the tiger, she noticed it suddenly pause in its tracks. She approached cautiously, but to her surprise, the tiger transformed into a peregrine falcon before her eyes. The creature took to the sky, soaring high above the treetops to places unknown to her. What she had just witnessed amazed her and from that day on, she became obsessed with finding the creature that had captured her imagination. She searched the jungle daily, hoping to glimpse the shapeshifter again. And today was no different. She was determined to find the creature, no matter how long it would take.


    The young woman strolled through the lush forest that had been at her home for as long as she could remember. She felt at ease among the towering trees and the gentle rustling of leaves. She was so familiar with the forest that she could confidently say she knew every inch of it, like the back of her hand.


    Every tree, every shrub, every river, and every hill was a part of her being. Despite her intimate knowledge of the forest, the woman had grown tired of the monotony of her routine. Every day felt the same, and she longed for something new and exciting to shake things up. So, when she witnessed a strange, shape-shifting creature lurking in the woods, she saw it as an opportunity to add some spice to her life. She couldn¡¯t resist the unknown¡¯s allure and set out on a hunt, determined to track down the elusive creature and uncover its secrets.


    If the creature could transform into a tiger and a falcon, what other animals could they transform into? With that in mind, she followed several animals to see if they deviated from expected behaviors such as eating, sleeping, mating, expanding their territory, and other such activities.


    After searching for various animals with no luck, she continued to move forward, determined and unbroken, until a dead antelope suddenly fell from a tree.


    She narrowly avoided the falling antelope, which put her on high alert. She knew that only leopards possessed the strength needed to carry prey up a tree, so she began scanning her surroundings. Looking upward and darting urgently, she scoured every inch for any sign of activity, but her search yielded no results.


    The leopard appeared to have left its prey behind, which was unusual behavior for a predator. The woman who came across the scene wanted to investigate further, but she was feeling exhausted and decided to postpone the investigation until the next day. Consequently, she built a small but reasonably comfortable and camouflaged shelter and went to sleep.


    As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the trees, she stirred from her slumber and began searching for the elusive shape-shifting animal again. With determination, she set out on her journey, fixing her eyes on the vast expanse of the forest, determined to find her prey. The air was heavy with the scent of pine and the sound of rustling leaves as she made her way through the dense undergrowth.


    She kept a keen eye out for any signs of movement or activity, her senses alert and her mind focused on the task at hand. After a while, she finally came across something that caught her attention - a set of faint leopard footprints etched into the soft earth. She followed them with a sense of anticipation, her heart beating faster with every step. As she moved deeper into the forest, the footprints became more distinct and easier to follow.


    She could feel the excitement building within her as she drew closer to her quarry. And then, finally, she caught sight of it. The leopard was a sight to behold - sleek and powerful, with a coat of fur that glistened in the sunlight. It moved with a grace and fluidity that left her in awe. She watched as it darted between the trees, its movements a blur of speed and agility.


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    Despite the danger that lay ahead, she remained focused and determined. She knew this would be no simple task, but she was determined to succeed. With a deep breath, she drew her bow, steadied her hand, and prepared to strike. She fixed her eyes on the magnificent creature before her. Without a moment¡¯s notice, she released the arrow, and it flew toward the leopard, but it bounced off its skin.


    Now, the leopard recognized the presence of the human and aggressively charged at her, fully intent on killing. Despite the odds against her, she refused to be killed easily. After a hard struggle, she used her rather impressive strength to strangle the leopard to death. As she triumphantly carried the lifeless body of the leopard, a sense of pride and accomplishment filled her heart.


    But her joy was short-lived as she soon noticed something strange happening to the beast. The leopard¡¯s body convulsed and twisted in her grip, causing an unsettling feeling to creep up her spine. Her grip faltered, and she dropped the carcass in shock. As soon as the leopard hit the ground, a strange and eerie metamorphosis began to take place. The once majestic feline transformed into a massive black dog with eyes that burned with an otherworldly fire.


    The hunter stood in awe of the colossal beast before her. Its massive frame overshadowed her, and its fiery eyes sent shivers down her spine. She felt trapped, unable to move or think clearly. As fear gripped her, she remembered the one thing she had abandoned long ago - faith. Summoning all her courage, she closed her eyes and called out to the gods, praying for their protection and guidance. She waited in silence, wondering if her prayers would go unanswered. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the forest, carrying with it a faint whisper of hope. The hunter¡¯s heart leaped with joy as she realized that her prayers had been answered. The wind carried a calm, reassuring voice that echoed, ¡°Be not afraid, child,¡± filling her heart with courage.


    Suddenly, a deafening roar shattered the silence as a massive creature charged towards her with lightning speed. Its jaws were wide open, revealing razor-sharp teeth that glinted menacingly in the dim light. But just as it was about to strike, a hail of arrows rained down upon it, each one striking with unerring accuracy and penetrating its seemingly invincible hide.


    The demon was undeterred though, and turned its gaze towards a shadowy figure that had appeared out of nowhere. With a lethal bow and arrow in hand, this mysterious hero was poised to strike, ready to take on the monstrous beast.


    ¡°Go back whence you came, foul creature,¡± he shouted angrily, gaining the creature¡¯s attention.


    The ground trembled as the ferocious beast let out a deafening roar, its fiery eyes blazing with rage as it charged toward the shadowy figure. But the figure was no ordinary mortal, moving with incredible speed and agility, dodging every attack with grace, and piercing the creature¡¯s black hide with several well-aimed arrows.


    The beast¡¯s wild movements gradually slowed down, and it finally collapsed on the ground, exhausted. But the battle was not over yet. The figure drew back its bow and fired an arrow straight into the creature¡¯s forehead, causing it to die a slow and painful death. It was then that the true identity of the figure was revealed - a god who had been watching the battle from afar, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.


    The scene was intense as the creature¡¯s body trembled and twitched, its fiery eyes slowly dimming until it took its final breath. The paralyzed hunter, who had been watching the fight in horror, was finally able to move, but she was too shaken to stand. Just when she thought the nightmare was far from over, a stranger emerged from the shadows to help her.


    He had pale skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes that shone brightly in the darkness. With great care and attention, he assisted the hunter, making sure she was safe and comfortable. It was a moment of relief that made her feel grateful to have someone by her side.


    He then looked at her with a gentle expression, his warm hand holding hers tightly.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry, my lady. You¡¯re going to be alright,¡± he said, his voice full of compassion. ¡°I can take you to a new home if you¡¯d like. It¡¯s entirely up to you.¡±


    ¡°I am staying right here. This forest is my home, and I refuse to leave.¡± The hunter declared with conviction.


    ¡°After the demon¡¯s demise, the forest can begin to heal from its corrupting influence.¡± The god spoke with a serious tone


    ¡°Then how come I didn¡¯t notice this corruption?¡± The Hunter asked.


    "It is imperative to grasp that certain phenomena are not meant for mortal eyes to witness."


    ¡°Can you provide me with a convincing reason I should leave the only place I¡¯ve ever known?¡±


    As she stood among the rustling leaves of the forest, she heard the voice of a deity speaking with great passion. He described a vast woodland beyond the horizon where countless creatures roamed freely. She could almost see the towering trees and hear the birds chirping as he spoke of the beauty of the place.


    But the god spoke not only of the animals but also of the possibility of meeting like-minded people in this enchanted forest, those who shared a deep appreciation for the natural world. she could already picture herself walking through the forest, engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow nature lovers.


    As the god spoke, the nearby animals congregated around them, as if eager to hear more about the wonderland that lay beyond the trees. She couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of awe at the thought of such a magnificent place.


    ¡°Is that all?¡± She interrupted, not because she wasn¡¯t interested, but because it seemed too good to be true.


    "I can bestow upon you the ability to transform into an animal, but it is exclusively intended for my most loyal devotees."


    ¡°How can I trust that everything you¡¯re saying is true?¡±


    ¡°Since you seem doubtful, I swear on my constellation, The Vermilion Stag, that everything I say is true.¡± After the deity swore upon his constellation, which shone brilliantly in the night sky, proving his word.


    ¡°Lead us to the promised land, oh mighty Lord of the Forest.¡± The hunter, with a playful glint in their eye, issued a command to the deity. To everyone¡¯s amazement, the deity obeyed, summoning a magnificent Red Stag. The hunter and the deity mounted the stag and set off towards the horizon, with a trail of curious animals following in their wake. The animals were eager to discover the wondrous land that the hunter had promised, and they trailed behind, their eyes wide with anticipation.

 Chapter 1

    Two people wearing green cloaks expertly blended into the forest surroundings as they strolled through it. The two appeared identical, but the older one had blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, while the younger boy had fiery red hair and captivating green eyes. But to call the younger one a boy is misleading as he only had one year left until adulthood.


    ¡°And that¡¯s how I met your mother,¡± the tall god joked while the young man simply rolled his eyes and kept walking.


    As they walked, they suddenly came across a small open area where a large group of rabbits had gathered. The older man stopped at a safe distance from the rabbits. The young man, understanding why, took out his bow and carefully pulled back the bowstring, ensuring it was taut and ready. He confidently aimed and fired his bow at a rabbit, swiftly killing it and scaring the others away.


    ¡°Good shot lad, you getting better by the day.¡± The tall god said with a grin on his handsome face.


    ¡°With or without your divine intervention?¡± The young man asked as he aimed and fired another arrow, killing another one of the scurrying rabbits.


    ¡°Why the question?¡± The god asked, all humor gone from his face.


    "You seem to have forgotten that as the god of archery, you can use your divine power me feel better about an unearned kill?¡±


    ¡°Don''t be smart with me, boy speak honestly." the god said, almost sounding insulted that his grandson didn''t trust him with something as important as this.


    "I think that you cheated me of a fair hunt." The young man spoke honestly, just like the old god wanted.


    "Since you do not believe me, then how can I earn your trust back again?" The godly grandfather asked again, as this was not the first time that this had happened For some utterly bizarre reason Hearne simply could not accept that he was a skilled archer, but confidence would come to him as he grew older and wiser.


    "I want to hunt alone."


    ¡°You can, but first I need to let you know something. I¡¯ll still watch you, stepping in only if necessary, and besides, if I don''t watch you, your mother will kill me, and I fear her anger far more than any god''s wrath¡± The god said, summoning a peregrine falcon and instructing it to watch over the young boy before he then disappeared, leaving no trace of his presence of than the boy''s memory.


    But in the god''s place came a magnificent wolf. The wolf noticed him and ran, igniting a ferocious chase. In the end, the boy emerged victorious, killing the wolf. He knelt before the wolf¡¯s carcass, thanking it for its life. He went on many similar hunts against vicious animals and emerged victorious, but still yearned for more.


    Feeling unsatisfied with his day¡¯s adventures, he decided to walk through the dense forest. As he wandered among the trees, he saw a great oak tree with a stag antler carved into it. Knowing its purpose, he approached the tree and reverently knelt before it.


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    Closing his eyes, he whispered a prayer to Lord Herne, the ancient god of the hunt, asking for a challenge to test his limits. The gentle rustle of the leaves and the distant calls of birds were the only sounds that accompanied him in his silent contemplation. After a few moments, he rose to his feet, feeling invigorated and ready for whatever challenge lay ahead.


    After the peregrine falcon flew away to hunt for food, the young boy bravely continued his journey then suddenly, a great red stag charged at him, to defend himself he held onto the stag¡¯s antler but despite the great strength he had cultivated throughout his life, he struggled to hold on to the stag by its antlers.


    It seemed that he was losing the contest of strength until suddenly an unknown strength burst through him but with this newfound strength came a violent rage which he used to bring down the stag and broke off one of its antlers, using it as a dagger and stabbing its neck multiple times killing it.


    After spending some time in a state of intense fury, he eventually calmed down and realized the gravity of his actions. He had killed a sacred symbol of Lord Herne, and he could not justify his behavior even to himself much less to an ancient god whose mood could change on a whim, and so he decided to confess the truth and accept punishment for what he had done.


    The young boy confessed his crime to the peregrine falcon and asked for its help to find Lord Herne¡¯s location. The falcon guided him to the destination, while the boy carried the heavy weight of the magnificent stag that he had killed.


    He felt the weight of his guilt growing heavier and heavier as he walked towards Lord Herne¡¯s abode, but he was determined to take responsibility for his actions. Finally, he reached the location, and the peregrine falcon perched on Lord Herne¡¯s left shoulder.


    The young man came before the ancient god and placed the magnificent stag before his feet, its holy vitae permanently staining the deity¡¯s leather boot. The young man told the ancient god of his crime as he knelt before him, permanently staining his forehead with the stag''s holy vitae.


    ¡°Look at me, Hearne,¡± the great god commanded with a calm voice.


    The young boy obeyed, and he witnessed Lord Herne''s true form, a colossal man with the head of a red stag. It was a strange and uncomfortable sight, but it did not last very long. After witnessing the true form of his god, the young boy was thoroughly confused, to say the least, but he was even more confused by what Lord Herne said next.


    ¡°You have passed the test, Hearne.¡± Lord Herne said, his tone and appearance completely changing to that of a human instead of demanding god.


    ¡°A test?¡± Hearne asked, unsure of what he had just heard.


    ¡°Yes, this was a test for me to see if you were worthy of the honor of becoming my Godbound¡±


    ¡°What have I done to earn this great honor, grandfather?¡± He had committed a great sin, but he was being rewarded. It didn''t make any sense.


    ¡°You have proven your willingness to accept the responsibility of your actions, which is a very important trait to have as you grow into your divinity.¡±


    ¡°But I just want to know now that you can refuse my offer and continue to live a regular life if you want to.¡± Herne continued.


    The young boy thought about it for a couple of minutes and he made his choice. ¡°I am completely certain of my choice to become your Godbound, Lord Herne.¡± If Hearne had looked up at the night sky, he would have the stars reshaped into an instrument of his newfound divinity.


    ¡°Then please make yourself welcome, for I have much to explain to you, Godbound.¡± Herne said as he led the grandson inside his home to begin their lengthy discussion.

 Chapter 2

    Inside a small hut, two gods sat, and you could tell which one had just been elevated to divinity. The older, more experienced god sat confidently in his seat, used to the power that his divinity granted him, and the far younger and inexperienced godbound, did his best to sit as his grandfather did, but there were many flaws in his form, he had no idea what his newfound divinity entailed and though he did not show it in his face; he was excited to explore the newfound possibilities.


    The blond god started the conversation. ¡°There are many things that I must explain, but first I have a question.¡±


    ¡°What do you think gives a god their power, Hearne?¡± The blond god continued.


    Hearne thought about it for a while, but he was unsure of his answer. After a momentary pause, he wore a mask of confidence and answered the question.


    ¡°Why, of course, grandfather, the loyal worshippers that give the gods their power.¡±


    ¡°You are only a third right. Three things make up a god: their words, cult, and constellation.¡±


    The blond god continued ¡°Now since we both have the same words and I have already informed everyone of my choice to pick you as my godbound, your constellation is just the only thing left, but it will take time for both of you to come into your own so that is of no consequence right now.¡±


    Noticing Hearne¡¯s confusion, he added, ¡°I realize that I have just bombarded you with a lot of information, so I will let you ask questions now.¡±


    ¡°Can you please explain to me what words are and how you can tell we have the same words?¡± Hearne asked, unfamiliar with the new concept introduced to him.


    ¡°Of course, words or, in simpler terms, domains are what we gods are in charge of. For example, my words are bow, alacrity, and beasts. Now some words are misleading and others are very obvious.¡±


    Herne continued to speak barely pausing ¡°An example would be me because as I just said one of my words is Bow, which is very misleading as Bow puts me in charge of all forms of ranged combat, either with slings to whatever ranged weapon humans may come up with.¡±


    ¡°And as of how I know that we have the same domains, that is because we gods have a special ability to see what words other gods have, and godbound have it too although it is limited.¡±


    ¡°Why bother creating a cult when yours will worship me, anyway?¡± Hearne asked curiously, because why bother? He knew these people. He could probably convince them to worship him once his grandfather passed.


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    ¡°I have two points to make about this matter: loyalty and proof. Firstly, let¡¯s talk about loyalty. The cult that I have established is very loyal to me, which is beneficial to me. However, when I picked you as my godbound, I begrudgingly acknowledged that changes are inevitable and that conflicts may arise when you start doing things differently than I do. That¡¯s why it¡¯s important to have proof.¡±


    ¡°Proof is what your followers see. It is the reason they follow you. It is evidence that you can improve their lives in ways that other gods can¡¯t. Your actions, whether good or bad, will gradually attract followers and through the stories that your followers will make about you, my followers will slowly but surely turn to you.¡±


    ¡°I only used that example to convince my followers, but it can also help you gain followers. Let me explain: when I defeated the demon that was harassing your mother, it served as proof of my abilities. Then, based on her appearance and traits, I convinced her that she could have a better life if she joined me. This, of course, instilled loyalty. However, things outside the forest are far more complicated than this simple example.¡± Herne said, bringing to light stories of how Hearne¡¯s mother met Lord Herne. She recalled it as a shepherd bringing a lost sheep to join the herd, but the god made it sound as if it was a regular day.


    Now that the god had explained it to him, Hearne could see the logic in his words, how important going out into the world was, not only as a way to gain followers but also to know what they want and provide it for them.


    ¡°Thanks to your explanation, I know how important words and cults are, but what of the constellation? How is that important?¡± The young godbound asked as he truly did not understand how the arrangement of stars in the sky was so important.


    ¡°This subject can get very complicated so I will attempt to keep it as simple as I can when a godbound is chosen, stars from the constellation of the god that chose them separate and form an instrument of that god¡¯s divine power, you do not have a choice in what that instrument is, that is for the other races to decide.¡± Herne paused to check if Hearne had been keeping up with him so far, which he was much to the god¡¯s surprise, as even other gods did not think this was important.


    ¡°The constellation may not be as significant as your followers, but it serves as a reminder that your symbol is always in the sky. Now, moving on to the more obscure part, when a constellation comes to an end, like everything else, the god associated with the constellation becomes weaker. However, as long as their followers are still alive, they will gradually regain their strength. But when both followers and the constellation die out, the god dies soon after.¡±


    ¡°How do you know all of this, grandfather? Did you see a god¡¯s death personally?¡± Hearne asked, trying to add some humor to the painfully dull lesson.


    ¡°Yes, I did. The god in question was a rather close friend of mine.¡± Herne said as he looked down at his hands in focus, as if recalling an old, painful memory.


    ¡°Forgive me, grandfather, I did not mean to dig up old wounds¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s alright, I see what you were trying to do, but that is enough for today, too many memories for this old god.¡± Herne said as he struggled to get up from his chair, showing his age for only a brief second as he got up and quickly vanished leaving no trace of his presence behind.

 Chapter 3

    ¡°Your plan is foolish, but since you are so insistent, I will help you.¡± A young woman with long black hair that was tied into a neat ponytail and captivating green eyes said as she removed the excess clothes that she wore, not afraid of showing her scars to her son.


    ¡°You know that I am a godbound now mother. I have to experiment with my powers and see what I can do.¡± Hearne said as his mother stretched her body, knowing that this would be very hard, but she was willing to carry out this ridiculous plan.


    ¡°I understand, just don¡¯t start crying to Grandpa once you get a cut,¡± Hearne¡¯s mother said as she brandished her knife.


    ¡°Now tell me once you¡¯re done so we can get this over with.¡± Hearne¡¯s mother said as she got into a combat stance, ready to fight.


    ¡°I am ready Mother, do your worst.¡± Hearne said as he told his loyal peregrine falcon to perch atop a high tree to watch the fight, sensing that her son wasn¡¯t done, Hearne¡¯s mother watched as her son entered a trance where it felt like he was looking at her but he did not really ¡®see¡¯ her and while his body was unavailable, she knew where her son¡¯s mind was, he was in the skin of his loyal falcon and they watched her, waiting for her to fulfill her part of the plan.


    His mother made the first move and attacked Hearne¡¯s body with her knife in an attempt to end it quickly. However, his body managed to dodge the attack, albeit a bit slowly, according to their standards. Nonetheless, there was nothing that they couldn¡¯t improve in the year before Hearne reached adulthood and left the nest. And so Hearne watched from atop a tree as his mother attacked his body while he controlled it in the body of a bird, truly a series of fortunate events.


    Hearne had a dream that he was his loyal falcon. Through her eyes, he saw many landmarks that he could only dream of witnessing, such as The Golden City of the Grey Dunes, The Island Nation of Lunaria, and The Ice Palace of the Frozen Wastes, among other magnificent sites. When he woke up, his falcon was at his side, and he eagerly asked her where she had been. She answered and told him about all the places she had visited, which were the same places that he had dreamt of. Believing that he had accidentally developed a new ability, he tried to do the same thing intentionally.


    With the falcon¡¯s permission, Hearne attempted something he never thought possible - entering the bodies of animals. His falcon had agreed to be his first test subject. However, he did not know how to do it, so he simply stared at her until he suddenly found himself inside the body of his falcon but he soon found that he could not control his new body which Hearne deemed as a sign of his inexperience which was an error he sought to correct and that was why he told his mother about his ability.


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    While his mother wasn¡¯t a godbound like him, she had helped him master this newfound ability to where he could move his actual body which is why he asked his mother for help with this as she is a competent warrior and she had his best interest at heart so it did not take much convincing.


    After several days, this routine had become the new normal, and the results proved themselves. Hearn had more control over his body besides just dodging and he had gotten quicker too, but his mother had noticed something that he had not given enough thought.


    ¡°We need to put you on a very tight leash.¡± Hearne¡¯s mother said with a mischievous smile on her pretty face, still under the presumption that Hearne still had the same sense of humor as before.


    ¡°Speak clearly mother, you know that I have outgrown the use of sarcasm.¡± Hearne said seriously, his face never changing from the stone-cold mask that he had grown accustomed to wearing so that he would not lose control of his divine power.


    ¡°Of course, your newfound power gives you newfound responsibilities and you must attend to them but never forget to have a little fun. After all, life is too short for you to be serious all the time.¡± Hearne¡¯s mother said as she playfully pushed her arm on his side, trying to get an expression on that immovable mask that used to be a face to no success.


    ¡°That may be true for you Mother, but I am a godbound now. I will live a far longer life than you can ever hope to live, so I say to you, Mother, cherish every moment of your mortal life." He had become so adept at wearing his stony mask that when he realized his mother would pass away of old age while he would remain forever young, he only shed a single tear.


    ¡°Of course, the reason I started this conversation is to ask you to put restrictions on your skinchanging ability.¡± Upon hearing her son''s words, Hearne''s mother grew serious. She had attempted to make light of the situation earlier, but now the gravity of her mortality weighed heavily on her. However, amidst the fear that had been unleashed within her, she found comfort in knowing that she would be reunited with her late husband when she died. This realization gave her the strength to face her mortality with courage and grace.


    ¡°What restrictions would you like to impose, mother?¡± Hearne asked, distracting his mother from their morbid conversation.


    ¡°There are three restrictions that I would like to impose on you¡±


    Hearne¡¯s mother continued, ¡°One, you must not eat human flesh while skinchanging, Two, you must not mate with an animal while skinchanging and Third, you must not skinchange into another human being.¡±


    As Hearne considered these limitations, he realized their significance: they were in place to protect his humanity and prevent him from descending into the primal state of the creatures he possesses. Understanding this, he nods his head in agreement.


    Soon after, a very aged man with grey hair and dull blue eyes comes out of the bushes looking for something.


    ¡°Herne, is that you?¡±

 Chapter 4

    ¡°Yes, I am Herne, although my appearance does not show it,¡± Herne said as his hair gradually turned back into its bright blond, his skin slowly regained its color and life, and his eyes had already regained their bright blue.


    ¡°You look so¡­¡± Hearne said, confused at what to say next before the old man before him.


    ¡°Old, Weak, Pathetic even. If it makes you so uncomfortable, know that my appearance will return to its former glory.¡± Herne said, uncaring of what his grandson thought of his decrepit appearance, he was a god worthy of respect so he learned to ignore such petty differences as appearance, but even he knew the importance of being good-looking.


    ¡°The reason for my drastic change in appearance is that I expended too much of my divine power.¡±


    ¡°Doing what?¡± Hearne asked.


    ¡°I extracted the soul of your father from my afterlife. As for your mother, I will utilize an even more substantial portion of my divine power to ensure her soul reaches you upon her eventual demise.¡±


    ¡°Since you removed my father¡¯s soul from The Eternal Hunting Grounds, what do you plan to do with it?¡± Hearne asked, indifferent to his father¡¯s fate. He did not know the man, although he had heard stories about his father that portrayed him as an all-loving hero in one story and a heartless villain in the next, so he never had a solid picture of his father.


    ¡°I was going to give it to you, but that is unless you want it.¡± Herne said, giving the young godbound a choice. Still, they both knew that there was no choice because if Hearne said no then his mother would convince him to accept it, and besides Herne had already used most of his divine power to remove his father¡¯s soul from The Eternal Hunting Grounds and to not accept would simply invalidate his grandfather¡¯s sacrifice.


    Hearne said, ¡°Of course, I will accept it, grandfather.¡± Bringing a small smile to his mother¡¯s face as she realized that she only had to wait to be reunited with her beloved husband, but she would not end her life prematurely as she had promised before her husband¡¯s grave that she would live her life to its fullest.


    ¡°Behold the soul of Setanta, the Mighty Master of the Blood-Tipped Spear, the Revered Blood Brother of the White Wolves, the Fierce Hound of War, the Valiant Son of Herne, the Devoted Husband of A¨ªfe, and the Proud Father of Hearne,¡± proclaimed the Great God as he manifested a red and white orb that he placed firmly in Hearne¡¯s hand which was rapidly absorbed into his body, completing the sacred ritual.


    After several minutes, the young godbound fell to his knees as he writhed in agonizing pain and roared so loud that the roar of a dragon was simply pathetic in comparison. His mother had tried to do something about it, but Herne held her back.


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    ¡°Do you intend for me to watch my son scream and writhe in pain while I do nothing?¡± She said in anger as she tried to release the golden-haired god¡¯s hold on her. But he did not let go of her wrist, nor did he show any fear before her and he stared into her green eyes as if looking at her soul.


    ¡°Yes, A¨ªfe, that is what I want you to do because if you do anything now, you could permanently damage your son¡¯s mind.¡± The god said as he watched, uncaring of his grandson¡¯s plight.


    A¨ªfe calmed down, trusting the word of the god in front of her as she watched her only son writhe in excruciating pain on the forest floor. It was something that she would never wish on her worst enemy, much less her child, and she hoped she would never witness such a thing again. But the sight did not last long as eventually the pain ceased and Hearne lay on the forest floor unmoving.


    A¨ªfe rushed to her son and put her ear against his chest to check for a heartbeat. At first, she couldn¡¯t hear anything. However, she didn¡¯t give up. She transformed into a cat and pressed her ear against her son¡¯s chest again. Finally, she heard a faint heartbeat. His heart rate gradually increased until it was like a beating drum. During this time, a white streak ran through Hearne¡¯s red hair and the young godbound woke up with a deep breath. A¨ªfe transformed back into her human form and cried tears of joy.


    ¡°Why do you cry, mother? I still live.¡± Hearne said as he hugged his mother and slowly rubbed her back, calming her down.


    ¡°Forgive me, I was so scared, I thought that I would lose you.¡± A¨ªfe said as she composed herself and wiped the tears from her green eyes.


    ¡°You will never lose me, Mother, because I am a godbound. And even after you pass away, you will always be with me until I create my paradise where you and Setanta can be together for eternity. So, please do not cry, Mother. All you have to do is wait.¡± Hearne said as he gave his mother a brief hug


    Speaking calmly, Herne conveyed no emotion in his voice, but the young godbound sensed his grandfather¡¯s sorrow as he bid farewell. ¡°You¡¯re ready now, Hearne, to make your way in this world.¡±


    ¡°Although I will miss home, Grandfather, I know that I am ready to begin my journey.¡± Hearne confidently summoned his loyal falcon and mounted a magnificent black stallion that emerged from the forest.


    ¡°Before I leave, Grandfather, I want to say something. Thank you for your guidance.¡± Hearne said gratefully, as he knew that he would have never gotten this far without his grandfather¡¯s help.


    Herne said, ¡°I do not need your thanks, Hearne. But if you want to prove your gratitude, then go out into the world and prove yourself worthy to be my successor.¡± The young godbound replied with a brief nod before he went to say goodbye to his mother.


    ¡°Farewell, Mother, until we meet again.¡±


    After bidding farewell to his mother, Hearne experienced a mix of emotions. He felt excited and apprehensive, but also a bit sad - which was to be expected when leaving the only home he had ever known. Nevertheless, he put his sadness aside and continued on his journey. He was about to embark on an adventure into the unknown that would not only shape him as a person but also as a god.


    As he raced ahead on his horse, feeling the wind whipping through his hair and the steady beat of his horse¡¯s hooves, he felt his heart pumping with anticipation. He rode with great confidence, announcing his arrival to all the gods, both near and far, with each echoing beat of his horse¡¯s hooves. The gods were aware that a fellow deity had been born, and they would soon learn that his name was Hearne the Hunter.

 Chapter 5

    The divine being, youthful and full of vigor, sat astride his majestic black stallion, its mane and tail flowing gracefully in the wind. High above, his falcon soared through the sky, its wings spread wide with effortless grace. They had journeyed for hours, traversing through unknown lands with unwavering determination. However, the young god decided to pause their travels, not because they were exhausted, but to take a moment to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the vast world around them. The view was truly magnificent, with sprawling landscapes and towering mountains stretching out as far as the eye could see. The deity felt an overwhelming sense of wonder and awe, and he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sheer scale and majesty of the world he inhabited.


    As the young god dismounted from his magnificent stallion, he made his way towards a large rock that stood nearby. He took a seat and gazed out at the breathtaking vista that lay before him. His falcon soared gracefully in the sky above, circling effortlessly against the azure backdrop. The god took a deep breath, feeling the stillness and serenity of the moment wash over him. This was his chance to connect with his father, Setanta, without any distractions or interruptions from their journey. The peacefulness of the surroundings offered him the perfect setting for a much-needed conversation with his estranged father.


    As they settled under the dark, velvety night sky, the stars twinkled above like tiny speckles of light. Hearne had constructed a small campfire, its flames dancing and flickering with a soft crackling sound. The loyal falcon remained by his side, watching the surroundings keenly, while the dark stallion grazed nearby, occasionally lifting its head to watch his master. Finally, with no interruptions, Hearne sat before the campfire, the warmth of the fire enveloping him. Soon, he saw a man with the same fiery red hair as his and the bright blue eyes of his grandfather sitting across from him, his mischievous smile revealing a set of pearly white teeth against his handsome face.


    ¡°Now who is this handsome red-haired, green-eyed fellow in front of me?¡± Setanta asked with a playful smile on his face


    ¡°I am Hearne, your son with Lady A¨ªfe.¡± Hearne hoped to evoke a memory in his father¡¯s mind by bringing up his mother¡¯s name. He wasn¡¯t sure if his father remembered her since it had been so long since he died, but he knew that mentioning her could strengthen his memory and their bond if he even wanted to strengthen their bond.


    Setanta stood before the deity, their eyes locked in a steady gaze, and he could just barely notice that the young god grew increasingly uncomfortable under his scrutiny. Just when it seemed like their tension might reach a breaking point, Setanta looked away, ending the tension and giving the god a chance to relax.


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    "You do not lie and please forgive me for making you uncomfortable son"


    "Do not call me your son, Setanta. After all, you can not speak of something that does not exist"


    Setanta paused, unsure of how to continue the conversation. "How is your mother, by the way?" Setanta asked as he tried to grab a nearby stick to stoke the campfire, but his hand simply passed through it as if he was not there.


    "She is still alive and hidden away in the safety of Herne''s Forest, along with all of Herne''s other worshippers, of course." Hearne said as he grabbed the stick that his father had failed to grasp and he stoked the fire instead.


    "That''s good, but why are you out of the bounds of Herne''s Forest? Is there a war to fight or is it simply to keep in touch with the rest of the world?" Setanta asked as memories of wars long since fought and won resurfaced in his mind.


    "I left the boundaries of Herne''s Forest because I have become a god and I must gain followers to become more powerful.¡±


    Setanta wore a curious smile as he addressed Hearne. "Ah, then my father has entrusted you with my soul," he said, his tone even. "May I ask what your plans are with it?" He leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on Hearne, waiting for his response.


    ¡°It¡¯s rather simple. I will tolerate you until I gather enough power to create my afterlife and send you there.¡± Hearne said in an icy voice as he looked directly into his father¡¯s blue eyes.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a rather cold way to speak to your father.¡± Setanta said with a smile, sensing that his son¡¯s emotions would reach a breaking point.


    ¡°I want to make something crystal clear, Setanta. You are not my father and I will never see you as one. You are no more than a stranger I put up with for my mother¡¯s happiness.¡± Hearne exclaimed angrily, causing all the nearby animals to become frightened by the sudden outburst, and noticing this, the young god swiftly calmed down.


    ¡°If that is truly what you desire, then why not condemn my soul to the deepest depths of Hell?¡±


    ¡°Let me be frank - I put up with you for my mother¡¯s sake and if sending you to the deepest depths of hell ensures her happiness, I won¡¯t hesitate to do so, but since it doesn¡¯t, I will bear with you.¡±


    ¡°Really? That simple?¡±


    ¡°It is that simple.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, what are their names?¡± Setanta asked, pointing at the two animals beside the young god.


    Hearne responded to Setanta''s question with a deafening silence. It wasn''t just because Hearne didn''t have an answer to his father''s inquiry, but also because he didn''t want to waste any more of his precious time on this individual who meant nothing to him.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll just leave you to it, then. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be able to find a name for them eventually¡­ hopefully.¡± Hearne had grown tired of his father''s presence and decided to dismiss him. He dismissively waved his hand, causing his father to retreat to the recesses of his mind. As Hearne looked up at the starry night sky, he started to imagine and think of creative names for his loyal beasts, and he was determined to pick the very best names for them.

 Chapter 6

    Hearne, the young god, let out a sharp whistle that echoed through the vast wilderness, signaling his animal companions to awaken from their slumber. Although blessed with divine powers that made them stronger and more resilient than their ordinary counterparts, these creatures still required rest, food, and water to survive. Hearne, mindful of the delicate balance that control of his power required, spoke to his loyal friends with a restrained sense of joy, announcing he had finally found names for them.


    Upon hearing the news, the devoted beasts were filled with such excitement and eagerness that they pranced and pawed at the ground to the point that Hearne had to use his divine powers to pacify them and after they had calmed down enough, he pointed his finger towards his falcon, who promptly glided to his shoulder, eagerly awaiting the bestowal of her name.


    "Dear friend," he said, "I will name you ¨®rlaith. Your feathers will testify that you are the golden ruler of your kind." As Hearne stood beside ¨®rlaith, he delicately ran his fingers through her feathers. In response to his touch, the feathers began to shimmer, turning into a magnificent shade of gold. After a moment of admiration, Hearne shifted his attention to the black stallion standing nearby.


    "I will name you Ahearn, dear friend, for you will also be the ruler of your kind." Hearne was struggling to come up with any alterations to make to Ahearn. Despite his best efforts, he couldn''t think of a single thing that needed changing. As a result, he decided to leave everything about Ahearn untouched.


    As the group became more confident with their newly chosen names, they continued on their journey with renewed vigor. However, they soon realized that they did not have a clear destination in mind. ¨®rlaith took to the skies to scout for the nearest human settlement to rectify this issue. Meanwhile, the other two members of the group remained behind, trusting in their friend''s abilities and eagerly awaiting her return. The vast expanse of the wilderness surrounded them, and they could feel the cool breeze on their faces as they waited patiently for ¨®rlaith''s return.


    Upon her return, ¨®rlaith conveyed some grave news that demanded immediate attention. "Master," she said, "I have discovered a small town nearby. However, it seems to be abandoned. What shall we do next?" Hearne took a long pause before responding to the question. He had always been a solitary person and never really formed close relationships with anyone other than his family in Herne''s Forest. However, despite his introverted nature, he was still aware of the people who lived there and the lives they led. Therefore, the notion of an abandoned place was completely foreign to him. He couldn''t begin to fathom how a person could exist in a desolate, empty space, void of human activity. The thought alone sent shivers down his spine, and he couldn''t help but wonder what kind of place could be so devoid of life.


    As he sat lost in thought, his mind wandered back to a time when Hearne was just a young boy. He remembered his mother carrying him on her shoulders as she led him to a beautiful tree house she had built herself. This special place was where many of his childhood memories were made; where he had taken his first steps, spoken his first words, and experienced many other firsts in his life. No matter what happened, this place would always hold a special place in his heart.


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    "Come on, Mother, why are we here? There is nothing here." The young god cringed as he remembered his childish voice, his lack of experience, his entitled attitude, and many other petty things. It wasn''t until he had left Herne''s Forest and, with it, his mother''s comforting lies, that he realized how rude he had been. Thankfully, he had grown out of such juvenile behavior.


    <div>


    As the young mother turned around, she uttered those words that he had heard several times before, "I wanted to show you something special, but perhaps another time." But the boy knew better than to demand an explanation from his mother, who was always full of surprises. As she turned around to leave, he noticed a twinkle in her eye that made him even more curious. He couldn''t shake off the feeling that there was something extraordinary about the treehouse that his mother had built for herself once upon a time. Despite his mother''s repeated attempts to lure him with promises of showing him the "special" feature of the treehouse, the boy couldn''t resist the temptation to explore it. So, he continued to fall for his mother''s tricks until the day came when his mother taught him something that he would never forget.


    "Mother, everyone has been using an unfamiliar word lately. Can you please help me find out what it means?" The young boy said as he looked down, unsure of if his mother would help him with such a petty thing, this was a time when he had been so unsure of himself even he couldn''t believe it, but godhood changes people and it had made him more confident whether this was a good thing or not was yet to be seen.


    "Of course Hearne, you tell me and I will help you"


    "The word that everyone says is abandon, please tell me what it means"


    After a short silence, the young mother replied, "To abandon something to give up on that thing or to stop looking after someone, but to me, it means a little more than that." She pauses again to catch her breath.


    He slowly awoke from that memory and finally grasped the lesson his mother had taught him long ago: to be forgotten, is to be abandoned, and one is only forgotten if they do not leave an impact. This presents a great opportunity to leave an impact. "Let us find those people and return them to their homes. If we are lucky, then I might even find a worshipper or two." With renewed determination, Hearne quickly mounted Ahearn and set off in the direction from which ¨®rlaith had returned. He was determined to confront the kidnapper of the citizens and put an end to their reign of terror once and for all. The fate of the abandoned towns was now in the hands of Hearne and his loyal companions.


    </article>

 Chapter 7

    As Hearne was on his way to the town, he started to notice a gradual rise in temperature. Initially, he didn''t pay much attention to it as it was normal for the temperature to increase as the day progressed. However, as time went by, the heat became more and more intense, making it almost unbearable for him. The hot and dry air made it difficult for him to breathe, and he started to feel a sense of unease. Even though Hearne had never been to a desert before, he had heard stories about the harsh conditions and extreme temperatures that characterize these regions. As he looked around, he noticed that the landscape was barren and devoid of any vegetation. The ground was covered with sand, and the sun was shining brightly overhead. If he didn''t know better, he would have thought that he was in the middle of a desert.


    A¨ªfe really should have told him that scorching temperatures also caused hallucinations, but that was a lesson that he learned now. The blazing sun was beating down on him with an intensity that made his skin prickle and his throat parched and he was lucky that this was all he suffered as he was certain that most mortals would have died by now.


    He knew that he had to find a way to cool off, and that''s when he decided to unleash his companion, ¨®rlaith, a magnificent golden-winged creature. With a swift motion, he released her from his side, and she took to the sky, soaring above them with effortless grace.


    As ¨®rlaith continued to fly above them, Hearne felt the relief that he had been longing for. The scorching heat was no longer oppressive, and he could almost imagine a cool breeze on his skin. He continued his journey on foot, his eyes fixed on the horizon, and his heart full of hope. The two continued their journey on earth while ¨®rlaith soared above them, providing much-needed relief from the relentless sun.


    As Hearne trudged along the deserted road, boredom began to set in. Seeking a brief respite, he decided to skinchange into ¨®rlaith. But, as he did so, a sudden commotion broke out. Out of nowhere, a towering man with azure hair emerged, his fists clenched tightly in rage. The sun beat down mercilessly, making the already arduous situation even more challenging. To Hearne''s surprise, his body had defended itself against the skinchange, leaving him powerless. He could only watch in helpless horror as Setanta, the entity that had taken control of his being, prepared to defend himself against the blue-haired stranger. In a flash, a heavily pregnant woman appeared out of hiding and bravely held back the belligerent man with all her might. The scene was chaotic and terrifying, but the woman''s bravery and determination were admirable.


    ¡°Jonathan, stop this madness, can¡¯t you see? He¡¯s not one of them.¡± The young woman, her blond hair and blue eyes shining, struggled to restrain the enormous man Hearne presumed was her husband, all while the intensity of the scorching sun seemed to wane.


    ¡°Please forgive me, good sir,¡± He pleaded with an apologetic tone. ¡°Monsters have been ceaselessly plaguing us, and I had mistaken you for one of them.¡± Jonathan bowed and then offered his hand. Setanta took a deep breath and relinquished control of his son¡¯s body, which Hearne gladly accepted.


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    ¡°Forgive me for the pause. I had to regain control of my emotions.¡± Hearne lied as easily as he breathed, for he did not know these people and while they seemed like nice people, one of them had just attacked him, but that did not mean that he could be rude, so he shook Jonathan¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Excuse me, could you please tell us the location of the nearest town? If you cannot do so, then please point us in a general direction. I understand that we may be asking too much, especially after I just attacked you. You have every right to refuse.¡± Jonathan asked politely, patiently waiting for a response and the young blonde repeatedly rubbed her pregnant belly in an attempt to calm down her growing child, which worked for the most part.


    ¡°Of course, just keep going east until you find the town, but I will warn you though that it is completely vacant, so I don¡¯t recommend going there unless you¡¯re really¡­ desperate.¡± Hearne said as he looked at the pregnant woman and noticed how close to her pregnancy she was, which meant they would most likely go to the safe but vacant town rather than stay in the lively and dangerous wilderness.


    ¡°Thank you for the information, kind stranger. We will be on our way now¡± Jonathan said as he carried his pregnant wife on his shoulders and prepared to continue their journey, but Hearne stopped them.


    ¡°We have the same destination, and to be brutally honest with you two, you both aren¡¯t exactly fit for life in the wilderness, so I will be your guide out of the wilderness." Hearne said as he looked at their clothes for the first time. He didn¡¯t realize what he had said until Jonathan responded.


    ¡°That¡¯s very nice. You look like a man familiar with the wilderness, so we will very much appreciate your guidance.¡±


    Jonathan asked, ¡°If it is alright with you, can my wonderful wife please ride on your fine specimen of a horse?¡± Through a connection to Ahearn''s mind that Hearne had forged during his creation. Hearne asked Ahearn if he would be fine with a stranger riding atop him, Ahearn wasn¡¯t okay with the arrangement, but it was the nice thing to do as letting a pregnant woman suffer was a good way to be hated by both the mother and child and it was also because he felt a kind, motherly aura from her and Hearne agreed but he wouldn''t say that to them at least until he knew them better.


    "Yes, of course, although it is Ahearn''s first time being ridden by a stranger, but my presence will pacify him." Hearn said to the strangers, as they did not need to know his divine powers and status.


    "That''s a rather strange name." The female stranger said as she had a curious look on her face as Jonathan put her on Ahearn.


    "In my people''s language, Ahearn means Lord of Horses, and as you can see it''s true to life." Hearne said complimenting Ahearn, who liked the compliment.


    Erina stayed silent as she managed to get more comfortable. "I know that you have been very forgiving of us and I swear on the Joestar name to you pay you double for what you have done for us." Jonathan said


    "Well, if you want to pay me double for what I have done for you would need to know my name." Hearne said aggressively hinting to the Joestar that he still has not asked for his name.


    "Of course. I would like to know your name. It is just that current circumstances have made me forget my manners, so I shall introduce my wife first. Her name is Erina Joestar, formerly known as Erina Pendleton and my name is Jonathan Joestar, but my friends call me JoJo"


    "Well met JoJo, my name is Hearne. Now we must go while there is still daylight." Hearne said as he grabbed Ahearn''s reins and led the Joestar family out of the wilderness.

 Chapter 8

    Hearne had been tasked with guiding the Joestars out of the wilderness, and as several days passed, he began to realize that there was something special about them. Their abilities were nothing short of supernatural, leading Hearne to believe that they must either be divine beings or priests of their gods. He couldn''t help but wonder if they were related to the gods themselves, as there seemed to be no other explanation for their powers. Then, something strange happened. Through an ability that Hearne had forgotten he possessed, he suddenly knew that Johnathan Joestar was a fellow godbound whose words were Sun, Might, and Sword. Erina, on the other hand, was merely a descendant of a minor god of health and fertility.


    This revelation was both amusing and intriguing to Hearne. He found it funny that they had never questioned the origins of their abilities and simply lived their lives. However, he knew that just living their lives wouldn''t increase their godly power. But even if the Joestars knew about their divine connection, they would likely have faded into obscurity, living happy, content, and long lives pretending to be regular people. It was a strange and interesting situation, and Hearne couldn''t help but feel curious about what other secrets he might find as he explored the world.


    As he led the party through the dense forest, he realized that it was not his responsibility to reveal their divine nature or his own to them. His foremost duty was to ensure that they reached their destination safely. He performed his task admirably, tackling every obstacle that came their way with expertise and calmness. However, his attention was divided when he noticed that Erina, the only woman in the group, struggling with her pregnancy. She appeared to be on the verge of giving birth several times, and he knew that he had to get them out of the forest as quickly as possible. Erina''s strong willpower was the only thing that prevented her from delivering the baby in the dangerous surroundings of the forest not to mention all the delays caused by Erina''s cravings, which included some sort of weird concoction that Hearne had wanted no part of.


    As he pondered over Erina''s situation, he realized that he could now understand the pain that his mother went through when she was pregnant with him. He couldn''t fully relate to Erina''s predicament, but he could empathize with her and her struggle. He felt grateful for his mother''s sacrifice and carrying with him for nine long months. Despite the urgency of the situation, he remained calm and focused, determined to fulfill his duty and lead the group out of the forest safely.


    As Hearne emerged from his thoughts, he finally managed to leave the wilderness behind, and in the distance, he could see the familiar outline of a town. Relief flooded him as he realized that his duty had been fulfilled after several long days. However, as he took a deep breath, he couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling that plagued him. He couldn''t stop thinking about Erina Joestar and her unborn child. Of course, it wasn''t his responsibility to watch over them - after all, Jonathan would protect them with his life and more, but Hearne''s conscience told him that they would never truly be safe until the kidnapper of the town''s citizens was caught.


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    And so with a heavy heart, Hearne decided to extend his duty. Despite the challenges ahead, he knew that the safety of the town''s people, including Erina and her unborn child, rested on his shoulders. He was determined to do whatever it took to protect the innocent and uphold justice. With a strong sense of duty and purpose, Hearne embarked on his journey. As he made his way through the town''s perilous terrain, he couldn''t help but notice the patterns of his behavior emerging. He became even more careful and vigilant in his quest to keep everyone safe. He knew that every step he took had to be taken with caution and precision and he grew more confident with using his powers as he constantly exercised them, no matter how little he used them and the unfortunate trait of being involved with people far more than what was necessary but he was ready and willing confront that part of himself at a later date.


    As the party made their way towards the town, they moved quickly and with purpose. Before they knew it, they had reached the town gates in what felt like no time at all. As they approached, they noticed that the gates were wide open and there was no one around to greet them. The silence was eerie and the lack of activity only confirmed that the village was completely uninhabited. They were not shocked as they already knew that the town was deserted. Still, they continued onward, cautiously exploring the empty town.


    "Have you made plans for where you will be staying for the night?" Hearne asked in an attempt to get rid of the Joestars while he conducted a more thorough investigation of what happened here. Not that he did not like them, it was just that he trusted his own senses far more than the help of strangers, no matter how long they had been together.


    "We plan to stay in the barn. It wouldn''t be right to sleep in vacant houses." With Erina in his arms, Jonathan made his way towards the barn. As they walked, he noticed that his wife tire much quicker than usual but that was a consequence of pregnancy and they were willing to bear to bring a new being into the world. Their journey had not been an easy one, but Jonathan was determined to make it a little easier for his beloved wife. With each step, he could feel the weight of fatigue bearing down on her. He could sense that his wife was struggling, So, he kept quiet and continued to carry her, making sure to support her properly and ease her burden as much as possible.


    "But where will you sleep, Hearne?" Erina asked as she dozed in and out of consciousness, but she stayed awake a little longer to hear the answer to her question.


    "I will not sleep tonight, Lady Erina, because I have work to do," Erina now having the answer to her question finally slept as Hearne left the Joestars at the barn to begin his mission.

 Chapter 9

    Hearne had thought of tasking Orlaith with searching for clues. Still, he wasn''t confident giving her this mission as this was very unfamiliar territory for the bird so he relied on his hunting skills, skills that he had developed ever since he was old enough to walk and had been used to find food for the Joestars when he masqueraded as a regular human. Still, it was not so easy to find clues as this terrain was unfamiliar to the young god. He briefly considered calling out to Setanta for help, but the mere thought of asking him for assistance attacked his pride. Still, he was a stranger in a strange land and so he would need all the help that he could get, so he put his pride aside and reached into the depths of his mind and an outline of a man appeared in front of him.


    "It is good to know that I am of service once more, master." Setanta said with a hint of humor as he bowed before him.


    "I brought you out for a reason, so do your damn job." Hearne said through gritted teeth, still angry that he needed Setanta''s help at all, but he was careful not to be too mean to him, otherwise, he might lie to him just to be petty.


    And so the tour commenced and Hearne found himself feeling a sense of familiarity as Setanta showed him around. The Smithy, the Tailor''s Shop, and The Apothecary''s Shop were not entirely new to him, and he quickly grasped the significance of each place. At the Smithy, skilled artisans had forged essential weapons, which held different levels of importance based on the deity worshipped by the people. Similarly, the Tailor''s Shop was where meticulously crafted clothing was made, its value also varying based on the worshipped gods. Lastly, the Apothecary''s Shop served as a space for those learning the healing arts, a revered skill regarded highly regardless of the deity people worshipped.


    He found himself in a perplexing situation as he gazed at the Bank and after walking for a while he soon looked at the School, and so he pondered their purpose. His curiosity drove him to ask Setanta about the origins and intent behind the construction of these enigmatic establishments.


    "A Bank is a grand building where prosperous merchant families, who have established trade routes far and wide, gather to exchange a specific amount of currency for a piece of paper certifying their ownership of that amount of currency," Setana explained. Initially, the young god found this concept absurd, as the entire operation seemed to hinge on a mere piece of paper. However, after a moment of reflection, he began to see the logic behind it.


    "And what about the School?" Hearne asked his wayward father, who provided him with a quick answer.


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    "A school serves as an educational institution where the offspring of affluent families are provided with opportunities to delve deeper into their religious convictions, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become educators and ambassadors of their faith eventually." Setanta said with a matter-of-fact tone that showed neither love nor hatred for the concept, but Hearne was utterly confused, if people wanted to learn the ways of their gods could they not just talk to them? Or even better, could their parents not teach them the ways of their god or gods?


    "I believe that its main goal is to remove any obstacles to the firstborn''s authority by training second and third children for other things, paving the way for the firstborn to take charge of the family business or noble title."


    "And how do you know that?" Hearne asked, interested in learning more about his father''s past, but to him at least they were not close enough for him to ask him about it directly, so this would most likely be the only time he would hear about it at least until they knew each other better.


    "I encountered several men and women who went to these schools on my travels. Many of them did not like me but I made many friends among the ones that did." Setanta said as memories of his friends flooded through his mind. Still, they had no impact on his life now as most of them were probably dead and even if they had told their descendants about him, they were most likely living their lives. They would certainly not care about a family friend they had no relationship with and only heard about through stories.


    "Let us continue our mission" As they pressed forward on their mission, Setanta silently concurred, and together they pressed on. One striking commonality among these distinctive buildings was the presence of symbols. Though their meanings remained a mystery to Hearne, he was open to the idea that these symbols might represent various gods. The notion of followers of different deities coming together in one place and choosing to coexist puzzled him, leaving him eager to uncover the reasons behind this unique phenomenon.


    But then suddenly Hearne heard a loud scream and that could only mean one thing, that Erina was finally giving birth, now he would be the first to admit that he did not know what to do during this situation but that did not mean that he would not be able to help in some fashion, So he ran to the barn where he had left them but by the time that he got there Jonathan was next to Erina as he held her hand as knelt while praying to any god that could help his wife. Hearne could do little but comfort Erina as she tried her best to bring her child into the world.


    Jonathan''s prayers were finally answered when, not long after he had been praying with deep earnestness, a woman he didn''t recognize entered the barn unexpectedly. The dress she wore was a simple white dress, and in the middle, there was a red cross that had been sewn onto it.


    "Avert your gaze, for the birth of new life is bloody work." she declared, her entire focus devoted to assisting Erina through the birthing process. Meanwhile, Hearne escorted Jonathan out of the barn, casting one final glance back at the scene, reassured that she was in capable hands.

 Chapter 10

    After escorting Jonathan out of the barn where his wife was giving birth with the aid of the unusual yet competent midwife, Hearne proceeded to explain his mission to him. He made it clear that the primary goal was to locate the missing residents and elicit support. Hearne didn''t sugarcoat his words and presented the mission as it was without any embellishments.


    "I need your help with finding the missing locals and besides, it''s not like you have anything better to do other than worry about your wife."


    Johnathan''s heart raced with a mix of anticipation and fear as he prepared to join Hearne in their daring mission to save the villagers. Despite his determination to help, an overwhelming concern for his wife''s safety weighed heavily on his mind, manifesting as a cold, gripping sensation in his chest that refused to let go.


    "I know that it may be hard to believe, Jojo, but your wife is in capable hands, so let us leave the midwife to her work and focus on other, more important things." Hearne said, making sure to add the right amount of emotion to his voice because while he certainly liked the Joestars well enough and he could sympathize with his struggle, he simply did not care, but he would never let the Joestars know that.


    Jonathan either did not hear or willfully ignored the last part of the sentence but that did not matter as Hearne acquired his help and they began their search which eventually led to them going into the empty homes of the town which Jonathan did not like but realized that it was what he had to find for information about this strange event.


    Soon Erina''s screams stopped, which could only mean that she had finally given birth and Hearne was surprised that Jonathan had not immediately left him to go be with her, to see his child and although Hearne did not even ask, he soon got a reason.


    "The main reason I''m not with Erina right now is because I want to find the thing that caused the chaos in the town and put a stop to it. Once I accomplish that, I can meet them knowing they are safe." Hearne could suspect that there was also another reason, but it was not his place to question and so they continued their mission.


    They had searched every place in the town, which was easy as ¨®rlaith had led them to those places, but there was nothing that could continue their investigation. There was no secret text about some ancient monster that was awoken by village fools that was later defeated by powerful heroes, or anything of the sort, absolutely nothing which is suspicious.


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    Throughout their investigation, an ominous demon trailed their every move, its malevolent aura intensifying with each passing moment. This creature, born from the nightmarish imaginations of the villagers, grew stronger with the infusion of power at its birth from an ancient being that surpassed even the mightiest of gods. Its form remained elusive, morphing and contorting as it drew nearer.


    Although Hearne could not sense the presence of the living nightmare, he did not need another divine ability to feel when he was in danger but he did not want to alert the predator of his knowledge of his suspicion so he wordlessly communicated with Jonathan of the monster''s presence, Jonathan was a bit slow but he eventually caught on and they formed a plan.


    As they devised their plan, they strategically led the monstrous creature into a narrow, dimly lit alleyway. Unaware of their intentions, the creature followed, and to its great astonishment, Jonathan, taking a deep breath, gathered the radiant energy of the sun into his fist. Upon impact, the creature recoiled in pain as the power of the sun surged through it. Seizing the opportunity, Hearne infused a nearby stone with his divine energy, causing it to radiate a deep forest green hue. With precise aim, he hurled the stone at the monster''s chest, instantly vanquishing the demon. In the aftermath, as the dust settled, the true nature of the town was finally revealed to them.


    The town had revealed itself to be a blood-soaked hell with demons in every corner and its very existence had brought fear into the hearts of the two godbound, Jonathan, with a great start, ran to his wife and children, but Hearne, using his full speed, had disappeared in a green blur and made to them before Jonathan. The midwife who was with them had disappeared but that did not matter as the sleeping woman and the child who instinctually knew of the town''s corruption cried to no end which awoke the sleeping mother and Jonathan had finally made it to them.


    "Ride Ahearn and get your family out of here!!." Hearne had almost practically into Jonathan''s ear as he shoved Erina and his newborn child into Jonathan''s arms, his usually stoic mask beginning to crack, he had never felt such an overwhelming, fear in his life and he would likely never reach such a sense of terror again.


    "What do you plan to do, Hearne?" Jonathan said as he held his family close when the earth had started shaking, The ancient monsters and demons beneath the earth were getting ever closer and Jonathan was not helping by being present.


    "Get Your Family Out Of Here Now JoJo!!!" Hearne said as his mostly stoic mask devolved into utter panic, leaving Hearne to his mad panic Jojo soon found the dark stallion and rode away as fast as he could, his overwhelming fear had aided him in this endeavor.


    "What should I do?, What should I do?, What should I do?" Hearne mumbled as the menacing demons advanced toward him. Paralyzed by fear, he only managed to move when ¨®rlaith pecked at him so much that it drew blood, jolting him out of his paralysis. Using his divine power, he dashed away in a blur of green, never once daring to glance back at the demonic horde.

 Chapter 11

    The bloodthirsty demonic horde relentlessly pursued Hearne, driving him to surpass his physical and divine limits as he finally broke through the town gates to safety. The demons, thwarted by a mystical barrier, were unable to follow, their frenzied attempts to escape halted. Meanwhile, Jonathan escorted his family to safety, remaining steadfast by their side. When Hearne emerged from the demon-infested town, he appeared unrecognizable. His clothes, once pristine, were now in tatters, torn by the demonic assailants. Emaciated and wearied, he bore the unmistakable signs of prolonged hunger and exhaustion from his harrowing ordeal, struggling to remain on his feet, by the time Hearne had escaped the demon town and when he saw Hearne, he looked like a different man. His clothes were torn and in tatters, as those were the only things those demons could grasp, and he looked like he hadn''t eaten for weeks on end. And he was so tired that he could barely stand.


    Jonathan rushed over to Hearne to offer his assistance, but Hearne, unwilling to show any signs of weakness, initially refused. However, as he attempted to stand on his own, he stumbled and fell facedown. It was then that Jonathan stepped in to help him up, understanding the urgency of the situation. They both sensed that the spiritual barrier protecting the town was rapidly weakening. Despite the lingering fear and unease about the ominous town, the terrifying realization that such a malevolent place existed and that a demon could be unleashed into the world left them filled with dread.


    "Don''t worry," she said softly to her sweet prince, her voice carrying a soothing tone, assuring him that everything would be alright.


    "I have several questions," he began, his brow furrowed in concern. "But above all, how do we put an end to those... creatures?"


    "We have to destroy the town because we can''t let such creatures out into the world."


    "But who else other than a god would have the power to do such a thing?"


    "I would as I am a god." Hearne said confidently although he was not certain if he could destroy the town as he was only a godbound, that did not mean he would not try his best.


    "I will help you, Hearne." Jonathan said as he stepped up ready to go back into the town, Erina was prepared to say something but Hearne spoke for her.


    "No, you will stay with your family. I am far more experienced in these matters than you are." Which was a bald-faced lie but since someone was going to be in danger, he would rather it be himself instead of the new father.


    "I have special powers of my own, I will not be useless." Jonathan said as he demonstrated his divine power by making a miniature orb in his hand. Its heat was dreadfully hot and it was so bright that even the demons could see it and they recoiled from the sight of it.


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    "And are you just going to leave Erina to raise your child on your own?"


    "I do not plan on dying today, Hearne" Jonathan then turned his attention to his wife as he looked at her bright blue eyes. "I swear on the Golden Sword that I will come back, my love."


    "I know you will Jojo" Erina said as she gave Jonathan a quick kiss on his cheek and she soon rode far away from the town on Ahearn


    "I hope you enjoyed that kiss, Jojo. It could very well be your last." Hearne said with a small smile, happy to see that love still blooms in these dark times


    "I loved that kiss and I will spend the rest of my days with my family when I survive this."


    Hearne looked at Jonathan and said to him. Hearne looked at Jonathan and spoke to him, saying, "Jojo, mentally prepare yourself. These creatures are abominations, not meant to exist. You can feel their profane existence in your bones, which instills fear in our hearts. Let us glut ourselves in their blood and bones without consequences." As Hearne''s impassioned speech escalated into a frenzy of bloodlust, he channeled his divine power into his arrows. With unparalleled speed and precision, he unleashed a relentless barrage, each arrow finding its mark amidst the chaos. As the lifeless forms of the demonic creatures piled up, Jonathan watched in astonishment at the sheer ferocity and determination with which Hearne decimated the enemy forces. However, as the arrows dwindled, Hearne abruptly left Jonathan behind, heedless of the possibility of replenishing his arsenal. Instead, he sprinted into the heart of the town, driven by a consuming thirst for battle. His once-handsome visage was now twisted in a mad grin as he wielded his bow, each strike infused with divine power against the relentless onslaught of demons.


    Jonathan was astonished by how quickly Hearne had gone from standing still to running back into town. As he realized his own inactivity, he swiftly followed suit, eager to complete his mission. Engulfing his body in a radiant, golden aura, he released the self-imagined limit that he had placed on his body. He proceeded to vanquish hordes of demons, causing them to flee in fear. Meanwhile, Hearne had continued what could only be called a slaughter, his body drenched in the blood of countless demons, his clothes stained and tattered. Unfazed by this development, he continued to unleash lightning-fast attacks, moving with such speed that he appeared as nothing more than a crimson blur.


    .In the ominous and shadowy demon realm, time appeared to lose its grip as Jonathan and Hearne valiantly engaged in a relentless battle against legions of demonic creatures. Hearne''s sinewy form moved with swiftness and agility while Jonathan killed with bone-crushing strength. As the weight of their fatigue bore down on them, they stood undaunted, fighting shoulder to shoulder until they achieved a triumphant victory by vanquishing the final demon.


    Jonathan was so tired that he could barely speak even so, the words he whispered were heard by Hearne. "I am so bloody exhausted mate. "


    "It seems we are not finished yet, Jojo," Hearne declared as the two witnessed numerous piles of bodies created by the godbound merge into an amalgam. The resulting grey giant with three eyes emerged, and even though weary and unaware of its power, the two godbound were ready to confront and fight this new foe together.


    "This Is The Final Battle, Now Face Us, Foul Creature!!!" Jonathan proclaimed loudly with all the strength his body could muster all for a fight that he would not get as he immediately fell into a deep slumber when the creature opened its evil eye which was placed on its forehead and stared at him, Hearne soon shared the same fate, It seemed that this battle would not take on the field of war but in the dreams of men.

 Chapter 12

    Hearne awoke in a dimly lit room, the absence of company palpable in the stagnant air. His gaze soon fell upon an object before him: a lamp, whose design eerily resembled a fiery eye. For some inexplicable reason, he felt a pull toward the curious object, coaxing him to reach out to it, covet it, and claim it as his. However, when he extended his hand to claim this peculiar treasure, he immediately felt an icy chill on his wrists before unseen forces abruptly restrained him, his wrists bound to the wall by invisible chains, thwarting his attempt to approach the enigmatic lamp. After a while, a figure burst out of the lamp that stood in front of the chained god in a pillar of fire that illuminated the dark room, revealing itself to be a grand and spectacular throne room that seemed to exist only in a dream.


    As they strode with unwavering confidence, the figure made their way to the imposing raised platform and ceremoniously took their seat upon the ornate, majestic throne. From this elevated vantage point, they looked down upon the deity, who was firmly restrained by invisible chains discernible only to the sovereign.


    The king stood boldly in front of a fabricated sun, its golden glow casting an ethereal light that masked his features. Despite his obscured visage, his commanding voice reverberated with a horrific combination of Jonathan''s voice and that of an otherworldly creature impersonating a human. Still, it resonated with an unmistakable tone of contempt as he addressed the captive deity. "I have restored your ability to speak, Hearne, son of Setanta. Use it for what it was made to do and speak," the king demanded.


    "Who are you? And what have you done to Jonathan Joestar?" Hearne bellowed with a booming voice, which was further enhanced by his divine power, attempting to assert his authority as a god, but the king remained unfazed by the petty attempt.


    "I am Balor of the Evil Eye." The King said as he dispelled the fabricated sun, revealing his features. He bore a striking resemblance to a younger, slimmer version of Jonathan, with chiseled features and a commanding presence. However, his decidedly inhuman appearance set him apart. His pallid, almost lifeless, grey skin seemed to reflect distant sorrow. His hair, a radiant white, glowed like freshly fallen snow. What was most striking were his three eyes¡ªthe first two a deep, piercing blue, while the third remained closed on his forehead. Even in its dormant state, an unspoken malevolence emanated from within, casting an unsettling aura around him."And the body of Jonathan Joestar shall soon become my new host, through which I will rule the world."


    "So I shall wake you from this dream because you shall be my messenger, Hearne," Balor said solemnly as he rose from his imposing throne. In a swift and eerie transition, he materialized in front of Hearne''s face, causing the chained deity to startle. Despite the suddenness of Balor''s appearance, Hearne managed to conceal any sign of surprise or fear.


    His voice echoed with seething fury, each word like a dagger cutting through the air. "Ensure that this message transcends every boundary of this accursed world. Let all bear witness to the imminent arrival of their new sovereign, and let them tremble at the mere mention of his name, Balor the Fomorian." He then opened his evil eye and Hearne woke up to Erina''s face in a tent far away from the town that the two godbound had fought in.


    "You were asleep for quite a while, but worry not; we are far away from the town, and we have done our best to care for Ahearn." Erina said while tending to him, not realizing Balor''s sinister plan for her husband''s body. Meanwhile, Hearne was hesitant to inform her about the plan, unsure if doing so would hasten its execution.


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    "I truly hope that Ahearn has not troubled you."


    "Oh no, nothing of the sort." Erina said after she finished tending to Hearne, "Although when you were unconscious, he was depressed but recently he has been happier but since you are awake now, he will be the happiest that he has been for days."


    "I have been asleep for days?" Hearne questioned, taken aback because, in his dream, time went by much more quickly than two days.


    "Yes, you have." Erina was about to say something more when her son started crying. She quickly went to tend to the baby, but Jonathan was already approaching her holding their son, and they bumped into each other, which made the baby cry even louder. Erina simply took a deep breath, picked up the baby from Jonathan''s arms, and went out of the tent to nurse her child.


    "Hey you, you are finally awake," Jonathan said in a gruff voice than usual to make Hearne laugh, and it seemed to work because Hearne just started laughing uncontrollably Jonathan laughed along, but soon the laughter died down.


    "It seems that this is where we part ways, Hearne."


    "Yes, it is, but before I go, I would like to give your son a gift."


    "Really? I can give it to him for you"


    "No, no, I would like to do it myself."


    Jonathan led Hearne to where Erina was after they left the tent. Erina put the baby to sleep and then went to bed, wrapping herself in a blanket. Not wanting to disturb the sleeping mother, they had done their best to be as silent as possible. Hearne looked at the child for the first time. The babe had inherited his father''s azure hair and though he could not see it, he could guess that the boy inherited his mother''s blue eyes.


    Hearne paused, thinking of the perfect animals for the young boy. It immediately came into his mind, a cat and a dog that would serve and grow up with him and his family. They would live for as long as any typically fit human would, and when they died, their descendants would take their place and loyally serve the Joestar Line, no matter what the currents of time had in store.


    And so, through the use of his divine power, he called out to any puppy and any kitten that was alone or abandoned by their parents and he promised them a home, where they shall want for nothing, that they will be fed and taken care of for the rest of their lives and in exchange all they have to give is a solemn promise that they and their descendants that they shall loyally and faithfully serve the Joestar family lineage in whatever way they can and they shall only be free of this duty when the very last Joestar is dead.


    It is quite understandable that the overwhelming majority of forsaken puppies and kittens roaming the forest did not conform to Hearne''s desires and instead opted to go their separate ways, driven by their deep-rooted distrust of humans. Nevertheless, in this sea of defiance, two remarkable beings stood out - a puppy with striking black and white markings and a delightful ginger kitten.


    "These two are my gifts to your family, Jojo, but one last thing before I continue my journey." Hearne said bringing out a dagger from one of his many sheathes and pricking Jonathan''s finger, drawing a single drop of blood which fell on the puppy''s forehead, tying the dog''s bloodline to the male Joestars and he did the same for Erina although very quietly as to not awaken the sleeping mother, tying the cat''s bloodline to the female Joestars.


    "Very well Jojo, I am off to the next grand adventure." Hearne said, finding his Stallion Ahearn rather easily as his pitch black color stood out in the day, and as he got on his saddle, Jonathan called out.


    "Please let me return this great favor in whatever way I can, Hearne."


    "The one thing that I ask from you, Jojo, is that you and your family never forget me, and if your child wishes to worship me, please encourage it and build a small temple in my honor if that is within your means and never forget should you or family need my help, I am always one prayer away," Hearne rode off into the distance to find a way to rid Jonathan of Balor''s influence.

 Chapter 13

    Time back on the road had given Hearne the time and focus needed to calm down and think about what happened in his dream and Hearne could honestly say that he was a fool for immediately trusting the words of such an obviously malevolent creature but that did not make the threat of his impending arrival any less true in his mind but first, he needed to find a God of Dreams who could perhaps limit Balor''s influence to only dreams as that was where he had encountered Balor but if Balor''s words could be believed then he had two pairs of eyes that could watch the Joestar family for any signs of his possession, The reason for why he could be found in a simple phrase. ''Hope for the best and prepare for the worst'' He wished to believe that Balor''s words were a lie, but there was always a sneaking suspicion that his words were true and maybe that was what the demon wanted, for Hearne to doubt himself and descend into a spiral of madness and mistrust but Hearne did the best thing that he could do at the time which was to convince two animals that would serve as his eyes and ears when it comes to the Joestar family so when Balor probably possesses Jonathan he could put a stop to it.


    "Master, please take your mind off of this exhausting affair." Ahearn, the faithful stallion said to his master, concerned for his master''s mental health and, quite frankly, annoyed at his master''s over-worrying antics.


    With a sharp exhale of breath, Hearne responded, "Alright fine, I will put this matter to rest and move forward." He said certain of his word and he continued on the road while putting it out of his mind by convincing himself that any mention of Balor gave him more and more influence in his dreams, yes that was a very believable excuse.


    "Hold on a moment," Hearne exclaimed, his voice echoing through the air as he sat proudly on his majestic black stallion. It was at that moment, after all the chaos and excitement, that he finally recalled his dear friend, ¨®rlaith, who seemed to have gone missing.


    "She is dead, master," Ahearn, the loyal stallion, answered with as little emotion in his voice as possible, as if to further drive the point into his, at times, thick skull, that ¨®rlaith was dead.


    With a look of bewilderment on his face, Hearne turned to his stalwart stallion and asked, "How? When did she die?" As he pondered the timing of her demise, a sudden realization dawned on him. It must have been when he fled the demon-infested town. The image of her being torn apart and mangled by those fiends filled him with fury, though he also found solace in the memory of him and Jojo banding together to defeat them. However, it left a dark mark on his conscience. He had always struggled with his anger, reflected in incidents like when he had killed his grandfather''s sacred red deer and his recent outburst in the town. It was a facet of himself that he intended to address under better circumstances, but for now, his concern was focused on what to do with ¨®rlaith.


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    "You can do whatever you want, master."


    "Even resurrecting dead animals?" Hearne asked himself, not really paying attention to his stallion anymore. He was wondering if he could do that. He resolved that he would never know unless he tried, so he stopped Ahearn on the road and he found a small river nearby, and sat on the shore, he grabbed a small amount of clay and shaped it into a vaguely bird-like form and he immediately fell in a trance, absorbed in his recent venture, his hands moved carefully and elegantly as he slowly and surely he molded the clay into a detailed replica based on his memory of his golden friend. Some small woodland creatures endeavored to leave their home in the bushes to watch this act of creation with great interest. The young god did not notice them; he was more focused on his creation. Finally, the clay replica was complete.


    He paused, feeling the weight of his exhaustion as he wiped the beads of sweat from his brow. Taking a moment to appreciate the intricacies of his craft, he exhaled deeply, unaware of the profound consequence of his breath. Unintentionally, his breath seemed to infuse life into the once-pliable clay replica. As time passed, the clay hardened, resembling stone, and began to tremble with almost violent energy until it abruptly ceased, giving way to a series of fractures that propagated through its form. Finally, ¨®rlaith, the golden bird emerged from the shattered remnants of her confinement, her gaze meeting that of her creator once more.


    "How do you feel, ¨®rlaith?" Hearne asked, his curiosity piqued. He was eager to discern whether this ¨®rlaith was the same one he had gifted to him by his divine grandfather, or if she was a completely new being created solely from his abilities. Based on what he had just witnessed, it seemed like a merging of both, as he had reformed her using his memories of her and had also shaped her using his powers alone.


    "I feel unique and reinvigorated" Orlaith expressed slowly as she was relearning how to speak following a long period of silence and so for the sake of convenience he had reforged the mental connection that he once had with her where she had a much easier time expressing her thoughts while her body was given the time it needed to recover from the shock of being reborn and he expanded it to include Ahearn as well.


    The young god was soon approached by a small contingent of individuals who belonged to a race similar to humans in appearance. These beings were tall, had fair skin, long blonde hair that reached their neck, enchanting green eyes, and pointed ears. Upon revealing themselves, they humbly knelt before the god.


    A female of this unfamiliar species who Hearne guessed was the leader said to the youthful god "Oh Great Lord of Beasts, please accept us as your loyal worshippers?"

 Chapter 14

    "What are you?" Hearne asked, curious to know what these human-like beings are.


    "Humanity and other younger races commonly refer to us as Elves, but we, the Children of the Forest, choose to use this term when speaking of ourselves." The Elf woman said as she bowed before the young god. It was truly remarkable to witness the immense amount of respect that was shown to him, and this contributed to a truly unmatched experience. It wasn''t that he had any qualms about earning respect; rather, it was the random nature of it that made him feel uneasy. Despite this, he was determined to conceal his emotions from the Elves and made a deliberate attempt to do so.


    "Forgive me, but can you explain to me what you want again"


    "We want to worship you as our God."


    "Why me? What have I done to deserve your worship?"


    "To be honest, my lord, you lack confidence. You have just brought a clay bird to life, yet you doubt your worthiness of praise."


    "I suppose that is deserving of praise, and yes, I accept you all as my loyal worshippers." Hearne declared and after that, all the animals that had witnessed the rebirth of Orlaith had bowed before the Elves, paying respect to the first worshippers of Hearne, much to the Elves'' amusement and surprise.


    "Now my loyal worshippers tell me how I can help you?"


    "In your presence, my Great Lord, I am reminded of the countless curses that have plagued our ancestral home, sentencing it to eternal sorrow and corruption. I humbly entreat you, my lord, to shepherd us towards a new dwelling, where the scars of the past can be healed, and a new chapter can be penned." The Elf leader reverently knelt alongside her cohort before their god, clasping their hands together in prayer. Despite their god''s inability to physically hear their prayers because of his inexperience, he sensed an overwhelming flood of their collective passion, hopes, dreams, goals, aspirations, and adoration converging upon him. This tidal wave of emotions was so powerful that, as an inexperienced deity, he felt as though he might burst with the intensity. Fortunately, he managed to quell these surging emotions, and with a newfound sense of serenity, he addressed his devoted followers.


    "Children of the Forest, do you believe in me?" Hearne asked as he put on the facade of a more experienced, wiser god that had seen all the world had offered and despite his young appearance they seemed to hang on his every word.


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    "Of course, we do, my Lord."


    Children of the Forest, if I told you to do something, would you do it?"


    "We will, my God."


    "Children of the Forest, do you trust me to lead you to your new home?"


    "Yes, we do."


    "Then submerge yourselves in the water." His words initially confused the Elves, but their trust in their god led them to obediently lower themselves into the cool embrace of the river. Standing at the riverbank, Hearne extended his hand and touched the water, infusing it with the power of his divine word, ''Beast.'' This act bestowed upon his devoted worshipers who had submerged themselves in the sacred waters, the unique ability to transform into an animal of their choosing. In the moments that his hand met the water''s surface, Hearne observed the manifestations of his followers'' chosen animal forms. Half of his faithful followers had embraced the freedom of flight, opting for the graceful realm of birds. The other half had sought the strength and agility of the creatures of the land. A small minority had sought the mysteries of the sea, choosing to embody the otherworldly form of the creatures of the sea.


    "Children of the Forest, I command you to rise from the Waters." And following his commands, his worshippers had arisen from the waters in their natural forms and walked on land, but they had remembered their animal forms. Instinctively they had transformed into their animal forms, those who had chosen to transform into birds and beasts of land were fine. Still, the small minority that chosen the mysteries of water had struggled to breathe and soon they flopped their way to the water and stayed there for a long time until one male elf had emerged from the water.


    Before Hearne, the male elf knelt, making his plea much to the shock of the Elves. "Oh Awesome God, let it be known that we do not dissent, but we ask that we separate ourselves from you and our kin as we have embraced the ever-shifting sea as our new home."


    "I accept your separation from me and your kin, but know this, should you ever require any assistance from me and your kin, blow on this horn and I shall hear it." Hearne said as he gifted the kneeling Elf his Hunting Horn which he had made from the horn of a great beast, but the worshipper who held it as if it was made of glass "Never forget although we may be separated from each other by natural barriers you all are still my worshippers and should you and any of your followers choose to live on land once more than you shall be accepted with open arms but if you simply want to meet us again, then come here and we shall always be available."


    "Now go on, for you and your followers are no longer Children of the Forest but instead you are now the Lords of the Sea." Hearne said giving the male Elf one last hug and soon all the Elves even the ones that hid in the sea in fear of Hearne''s wrath had all gathered in one great hug but that did not last forever as the Children of the Sea had dove back into the river and were carried away to the horizons beyond their wildest dreams.


    Noticing the sad faces of the Elves who had been separated from their kin. "Do not mourn the separation of your kin, for they have gone on their own path, and we shall meet again, but first we must find a home for you, my worshippers." Hearne said confidently, knowing that he would lead them to their new home.

 Chapter 15

    Hearne was beginning to get rather suspicious of his growing fortune, after all, good things seemed to happen to him one after another, first, a group of elves showed up, From the stories his mother had told him about the Elves they were always mysterious, longlived beings with plans that spanned centuries upon centuries but the ones worshipping him now seemed little more than humans even though they were taller, likely stronger, faster and older than the average human. Then what great luck it is that countless curses ravaged their ancestral home, rendering it impossible to return to and putting them in his path. Then he began to answer his own questions, perhaps these elves under his great wing were younger than the elves his mother had told him about and perhaps the original god of the elves had done their best to exorcise these curses, and in the end, they lost so they made their home of their followers inaccessible to them so that they would not suffer and these Elves before him were the offspring of those original followers but that was the thing with luck they can always be explained away by coincidences and guesses but he would never truly know unless he asked but he cannot simply ask until he provided his followers home and so he put his thoughts behind him and turned to his followers.


    "When you bathed in the waters of this river, I bestowed unto you the ability to change your form into an animal that reflects your deepest self, and I want you to remain in your animal for as long as it takes to find your new home." Hearne told the Elves to help them become more comfortable in their animal forms. The Elves followed their god''s instructions, and it was clear that they had a special gift to quickly understand and use an ability that took his mother several attempts to master. He was not angry, just amazed at their fast progress though he kept it to himself as they did not need to know his true thoughts, and if he was going to share his true thoughts with someone, he would rather it be with a person that he trusted and the closest person other than his family was Jonathan Joestar and he had his family and speaking off he had not seen how they were doing for a long time but that would be done when the Elves had their home.


    The ability to transform into an animal in an instant did not guarantee mastery of how each animal moved. Take birds, for example, soaring high above the clouds with their expansive wings, or the beasts of the land, gracefully navigating the earth on all fours. Even as Hearne observed their worshippers clumsily imitating the movements of these creatures, he couldn''t help but smile. It was a reminder that even the most gifted individuals had much to learn and eventually master.


    After a period of stumbling and fumbling in their unfamiliar new bodies, they gradually began to gain mastery over their newfound forms and soon after, they became divided into two groups based on their abilities: one group could transform into birds, with Orlaith as their leader, while the other group could shift into the beasts of the land, under the leadership of Ahearn. Both groups were guided by Hearne, who oversaw the entire cohort.


    This part of the journey is a highly debated topic, known only by Hearne, Ahearn, and Orlaith. They remain tight-lipped about the actual events, What everyone agrees on, however, is that the Elves had to endure five trials before reaching their new home. In service of Hearne''s goal, he stripped them of their five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell and he also made it so that they could not transform into their native forms. They would only regain their senses and control of their bodies once they successfully passed the Five Trials. The absence of sight left them blind, the absence of hearing left them deaf. Their tongues had lost their taste. They moved cautiously because they had lost their sense of touch, while their nostrils had lost their scent. Only by overcoming these challenges would the Elves reclaim their senses, and ultimately, their rightful place in their new home.


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    In the first trial, known as the Trial of Touch, the Elves were faced with the daunting task of identifying a variety of objects solely through the sense of touch. The trial required them to navigate through a dark and unfamiliar environment, relying entirely on their tactile perception. Ahearn''s group, equipped with innate dexterity and sensitivity, managed to maneuver through the challenge with relative ease. However, Orlaith''s group, accustomed to a form that heavily relies on sight like birds, found themselves at a significant disadvantage and struggled with the task. Despite the formidable obstacles, both groups persevered and ultimately triumphed over the trial.


    After successfully completing the Trial of Touch and having their sense of touch gradually restored, the Elves eagerly prepared for the next challenge - the Trial of Hearing. As their tactile senses returned, those with exceptionally acute hearing would instinctively reach out and feel for the subtle vibrations in the ground, enabling them to discern the nature of the creature causing the tremors. Despite Ahearn''s group initially having a distinct advantage due to their newfound abilities, Orlaith''s group once again defied their inherent limitations and emerged triumphant from this trial.


    After the Elves had their sense of touch and hearing restored, they eagerly took on the Trial of Smell. This challenge involved using their heightened senses to identify a mysterious creature. Ahearn''s group once again proved their prowess by successfully completing the trial, while Orlaith''s group found this challenge to be comparatively easier than the previous ones they had faced.


    After three of their senses were restored, the Elves eagerly proceeded to the Trial of Taste, a challenging test where they had to rely on the four senses they had recently regained to identify and discern mysterious creatures and plants. Ahearn''s group, known for their keen abilities, consistently found these challenges manageable, swiftly identifying the creatures and plants presented to them. Meanwhile, Orlaith''s group, though facing greater difficulty, persevered and ultimately succeeded in passing this trial, showcasing their determination and resourcefulness.


    With their sight, hearing, touch, and taste all restored, the elves faced one final trial: the Trial of Sight. Hearne, the god who had been guiding them, finally returned their sight. As their eyes beheld the new land that was now their home, they were filled with wonder and awe. The elves found themselves surrounded by an endless, breathtaking forest, and it moved them to tears. Overwhelmed by the beauty of their new home, they knelt before Hearne, offering their deepest respect. At that moment, they bestowed upon him a new name, spoken only within the Elven community. In their ancient language, they named him Tauron, signifying "Lord of Forests" in their hearts and minds.

 Chapter 16

    As Hearne restored the sight of the Elves, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears streamed down their faces as they beheld the sheer beauty of their new home. The vibrant colors of the land danced before their newly awakened eyes, filling the air with a sense of wonder and awe.


    Hearne himself was unable to contain his own emotions, for this act symbolized his ability to lead his followers. The weight of responsibility lifted from his shoulders, and a sense of accomplishment filled his heart. Though unaware of the exact number of Elves who had perished on their arduous journey, he felt it was only right to honor them with a burial mound.


    With great reverence, Hearne began constructing the mound, a solemn task that spoke volumes of his respect for the fallen, whether they were human or otherwise. As the Elves watched, a profound realization washed over them. Their god truly cared for them, and his actions carried consequences that would forever shape their lives. This newfound understanding deepened their connection to Hearne and would undoubtedly shape the fabric of their entire culture.


    Guided by an unseen force, the souls of the fallen Elves, which manifested as mist-like beings, converged upon the burial mound from every corner of the world. As they gathered, a profound silence settled upon the scene, accompanied by the gentle whispers of the wind, carrying the earthy scent of fallen leaves. Gradually, an overwhelming multitude of Elven wraiths materialized before Hearne, their ethereal presence taking tangible form. Kneeling before him, they transformed into a majestic army, visible only to Hearne. And it was to them that Hearne spoke, his words resonating with a sense of reverence and ancient wisdom.


    "I have brought your kin together once more, reuniting you in this tranquil meadow. Your arduous journey has come to an end. Now, you may find solace and rest," The whispered words carried on the soft breeze. The dying sun''s gentle rays painted the meadow with a warm, golden hue, enveloping the Elven wraiths in a serene glow. As the wind caressed the tall grass, a gentle rustle created a soothing melody, harmonizing with the whispers of the ancient trees. The air was filled with the delicate scent of wildflowers, their fragrance embracing the weary souls and instilling a profound sense of tranquility. The wraiths did not reply to Hearne. Instead, they nodded to each other and came together to transform into a great mist, their ethereal presence concealing this sacred haven from unwelcome, prying eyes.


    As the thick mist slowly dissipated, it left behind a lingering magical aura that seemed to envelop the entire scene. Hearne, with his sharp senses, could feel the lingering effects of the mystical phenomenon in the air. The Elves, who had never before witnessed such a wondrous event in all their centuries-long lives, were filled with awe and delight. They joyously began to celebrate, dancing and reveling under the moonlit starry sky as the mysterious mist continued to spread its enchanting influence.


    The merrymaking continued, and before long, a peculiar drowsiness descended upon the Elves, much earlier than they were accustomed to. Some valiantly fought against the unfamiliar lethargy, but one by one, they succumbed to the irresistible charm and drifted off into slumber. Remarkably, Hearne, being a deity, and the Elven wraiths, being of a different sort of being, were the only ones capable of resisting this mysterious assault on their consciousness


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    As the pack of just five wolves ventured through the landscape, shrouded in a mystical mist, Hearne''s attempts to establish dominance as the Lord of Beasts fell short. Another already held the pack''s loyalty, and his sharp eyes were captivated by a figure amidst them - a solitary woman, gracefully navigating the terrain with otherworldly elegance. The air carried a sense of mystery, the dampness of the mist clung to their fur, and the faint sound of their paws on the ground created a haunting melody. Despite the humble rags draping her slender frame, there was a certain allure that captivated Hearne. Her stormy grey eyes seemed to hold the secrets beyond his imagining, reflecting the enigmatic beauty of the moonlit sky above. The wind teased her flowing, jet-black hair, each strand resembling the darkest of midnights. The sight of her was like an enchanting melody that repeated in his mind, and before he could further comprehend the depth of his fascination, Hearne, the revered God of the Hunt, Archery, and Alacrity also known as Tauron amongst the Elves, succumbed to a profound and otherworldly slumber.


    As he opened his eyes, a magnificent palace materialized before him, its grandeur overwhelming. The opulent halls were adorned with intricate tapestries, shimmering with gold and silver threads. The air carried a subtle scent of jasmine, soothing his senses. Soft music resonated from unseen corners, creating a tranquil ambiance. The plush velvet carpets under his feet provided a comforting warmth, assuring him that this was a safe haven for troubled dreamers. It reminded him of the palace that Balor had once shown to him, yet this place emanated a genuine solace, shielding dreamers from the torment of cruel nightmares, perhaps even he would be welcomed here.


    As he stepped into the grand palace, the air grew heavy with anticipation. Following a meandering path of vibrant red thread that suddenly appeared before him, he found himself standing in the opulent throne room. The scent of polished wood and fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the faint sound of distant music. His eyes locked with the captivating woman, exuding an aura of confidence and power, who gazed at him intensely. It felt as if the weight of her grey stare pressed against his skin, waiting for him to utter the first word.


    Hearne soon gave into the pressure and he spoke the first word, although he made sure to be respectful when talking to a woman as his mother taught him to be. "My Lady, please forgive me and my followers for any unintentional offense we may have caused to receive such a strange punishment."


    "I''m truly sorry if I made it seem like you did anything wrong. I was curious upon seeing the arrival of strangers in a hoary forest such as this and, also because it was getting close to the witching hour, which is when I am most active." The woman''s voice was unlike any that Hearne had ever heard before. It was like a beautiful melody that echoed through his mind, captivating him with its exquisite and enchanting tones. It felt as if he could listen to it forever, lost in the soothing waves of sound that emanated from her every word.


    "Please accept my apologies for my lack of hospitality thus far. To make amends, may I inquire about your name?"


    "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hearne. It would be wonderful to discover the name of such a beautiful woman like yourself." She did not respond to his statement almost as if she did not quite, as if she did not believe Hearne''s compliment about her beauty but she soon recovered herself.


    "Excuse me, I apologize for my momentary distraction. My name is Euphemia, which in my people''s language means ''well-spoken.'' Now, if you''ll indulge me, let''s delve deeper into our acquaintance, enveloped by the enchanting night sky." With a gentle wave, she transformed the throne room into a breathtaking balcony, through which they could see the twinkling stars and a radiant moon. The soft whispers of the wind embraced them, carrying the scent of blossoming flowers. As they settled into their surroundings, a profound and intimate conversation began to unfold.

 Chapter 17

    "If you would like to, I would love to hear of your story" Euphemia asked, her piercing grey eyes locked onto Hearne. The moon shone brightly, casting an ethereal glow upon the scene. Hearne could feel a slight chill in the air as he faced her, realizing why she had changed the setting. It was an intentional move to intimidate him, reminding him that he was in her realm. Despite their growing acquaintance, Euphemia''s sovereignty in this realm was undeniable, and she made sure that he was acutely aware of it.


    "Without a doubt," Hearne began to recount his incredible journey. He started from the moment he bid farewell to his Grandfather''s Forest, describing the lush greenery and the comforting whispers of the ancient trees. He then vividly detailed his encounter with the formidable Balor, who had captured him in a dream and ordered him to spread the word of his arrival.


    As his narrative unfolded, he described the enchanting encounter with the Elves, their ethereal beauty, and how he had led them to their new home. Euphemia remained completely absorbed in Hearne''s storytelling, her eyes filled with wonder and her expression reflecting her awe. Hearne''s tale held her rapt attention as he narrated the challenges he faced and the friendships he forged.


    Hearne''s voice grew more compelling with each word, captivating Euphemia and pulling her deeper into his world. As he finally reached the conclusion of his tale, a profound sense of exhaustion washed over him, as if he had been speaking for an eternity. Yet, despite his weariness, a newfound vitality surged within him. He realized he no longer needed sustenance or rest, for he was sustained by the prayers of his followers, who must have awakened before him.


    Euphemia''s voice carried a hint of jealousy as she spoke, though she managed to conceal the emotion behind her beautiful face. "Don''t you feel it now? The prayers of your followers," she asked, as her body slowly collapsed into grey sand. "Each day, as the sun rises, my strength wanes, which is why I cannot continue this conversation. Yet, I eagerly expect our meeting tonight, where I will share my story with you and offer my assistance against this Balor of the Evil Eye, Hearne, son of Setanta."


    As she finished speaking, Euphemia opened her hand, revealing a pile of grey sand. With a swift motion, she blew the sand into Hearne''s eyes, jolting him awake from the dreamlike world Euphemia had created. This sudden awakening surprised the blonde-haired Elven woman who had been caring for him in the small house that was constructed while he slept.


    "What has transpired during my slumber?" Hearne questioned, his voice laced with unintentional anger as if a dormant volcano had erupted. The Elven woman, attuned to the subtle nuances of emotions, sensed his frustration and felt a wave of relief wash over her as she observed that Hearne, like any other being, became irked when abruptly awakened from a blissful dream which ironically humanized him despite his divine nature.


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    "In simple words, my lord, you were still, so completely still, that even I mistakenly believed that you were dead but your animal companions told us that you were simply asleep and that you needed someone to care for you while you slept, naturally I volunteered for the role, but If you wanted to know what we were doing in general, while you slept, Lord Tauron, we were building our homes," Confusion washed over Hearne as he looked out the window to witness the sight of his people diligently constructing their new homes which they would never have to leave again and while they did not show it on their faces, he saw how this simple act meant so much to them.


    But soon after he focused on a rather peculiar word which was "Tauron" as it had never reached his ears before, leaving him bewildered. Nevertheless, he chose to remain silent, recalling his time in Herne''s Forest, where he discovered that the distinct tribes that worshipped his grandfather Herne called him a different name, each name in their own unique language. Though he couldn''t comprehend the practice as they were all worshipping the same god, so why not use the same name? But as he grew older, he reasoned that naming their deity in their native tongue fostered a profound connection to their god, at least in their eyes.


    "What is your name?" Hearne asked as he quickly went through his memories to find it but he found nothing, which is when he realized that this was something that he needed to change as what kind of god did not know the names of his followers or at least the names of his most important followers.


    "My name is Artanis, which means "Noble Woman" in the language of the Elves." Artanis said in a harmonic voice though her beauty and voice paled before Euphemia''s brilliance.


    "Thank you for sharing your name, Artanis. I will make sure to remember it as a token of gratitude for caring for me in my time of distress."


    "You need not present me with a token of gratitude for tending to your needs. My compassionate nature as a healer and helper knows no bounds. Whether you were a diminutive dwarf, a modest human, a towering giant, an ethereal elemental, or any other creature or being in distress, my care would remain unwavering." Artanis wistfully said to her god, but there was an unspoken prayer, hidden within her heart, which resonated silently towards her god, Tauron.


    He alone possessed the discernment to perceive her deep yearning and unspoken plea for inner strength. Contrary to his assumptions, she wasn''t seeking strength to dominate her adversaries. Instead, she sought the confidence to make an incredibly challenging decision ¨C to part ways with her people and commit herself to the noble cause of healing the creatures of the earth. After Artanis dutifully provided unwavering support to her people and served as a beacon of hope in times of distress, Tauron led them to a new home. She felt that her mission to her people had been fulfilled, and now she was prepared to devote herself wholeheartedly to the earth and its inhabitants, embracing her inherent calling to nurture and heal.


    "As it is not in my nature to not reward assistance, I thought of something to give you but when you revealed to me your desire to heal creatures of all manner and make, I then realized the perfect gifts for you, but first you must kneel before me Artanis." Hearne stood firmly on his two feet, concealing any signs of struggle and there could be no sign of struggle in this moment as this was an important moment for him, as he would answer his very first prayer as a godbound and becoming one step closer to a real god.

 Chapter 18

    Despite claiming to have the perfect gifts for Artanis, Hearne found himself unsure of what to give her. However, upon reflecting on her prayer, he began to imagine the specific situations she might encounter, leading him to figure out the ideal gifts finally. it also assisted him with a newfound goal which was to separate himself from his grandfather''s shadow as much as he could without renouncing the god not because of any malice but simply because he had to grow into his god. He could not do that while he was still trapped in his grandfather''s image. He had already unknowingly committed himself to this path when he gave the leader of the Lords of the Sea his hunting horn, but this was a deliberate act to further separate himself from his grandfather''s image and grow in his own god.


    "My first gift to you is my boots, which will grant you speed surpassing that of the fastest beast in the land." Hearne said, imbuing his boots with the power of the word of Alacrity.


    "My second gift to you is my cloak, which will connect you to the beasts of the wild and also keep you hidden from those who would seek to do you harm." Hearne said, imbuing his cloak with the power of the word of Beast.


    "My third and final gift to you, Artanis of the Elves, is my bow, which will never miss its target." Hearne said, imbuing his bow with the power of the word of Bow.


    "With your gifts given, settle your affairs with your kin and heal the world in my name," Hearne said as he watched Artanis remove her old boots and cloak to replace them with the ones that he had just given her and already he could tell that he made the right choice.


    "Thank you for these gifts Lord Tauron" Artanis said with the quiet dignity of an Elf and she soon left the little apothecary to settle her affairs and begin her journey, but still Hearne had not expected that little of a reaction but maybe that could be because he was raised by humans and humans tended to thank their gods in more obvious ways, such as sacrifices and such but for now quiet respect was fine and he preferred that kind of worship anyhow.


    Hearne then sat and wondered about Jonathan and his family, and how they were doing, so he entered a trance, bringing himself to a calm state of mind as he faced the direction in which the Joestar family or more specifically the dog and cat that he gave to them were and his eyes had turned a milky white and he was with the Joestars taking over the mind of his dog and his cat, he did not know whether he could do it so he took the chance to experiment and he soon realised that he could, and it was as exactly awkward as he thought it would be but luckily he controlled his new bodies quickly enough.


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    "Hello Lord Jonathan and Lady Erina, i sincerely hope that all is well with your son." Hearne said through his two new bodies to the two Joestars in their bedroom as they were waking up from their sleep, terrifying the couple, Erina screamed hiding behind her massive husband, while Jonathan immediately attacked Hearne who controlled his two bodies to dodge out of the way just in time.


    "I truly hope that you remember who gave you these gifts, which you would so easily discard." Hearne said making the Joestar family realized their mistake, as Jonathan picked up Hearne''s dog body and Hearne controlled his cat body to comfort Erina who petted the cat as she usually did when scared.


    "My Lord, we heard Lady Erina''s scream and rushed here as soon as we could, is everything all right?" A man who Hearne had assumed to be a household guard announced barging into the room with a sword in hand, ready to fend off any would be assassin.


    "Thank you Kyle, but your help is unneeded, my wife simply had a terrible nightmare, but she has calmed down and now she would like to be with family right about now" Jonathan replied as Kyle put his sword back into its sheath as Kyle looked at the young lord in his wooden shelter


    "Of course, i shall bring the little lord to you now with no further delay." Kyle said walking to bring the babe to his parents, which did not take long as the young lord was in the room with them asleep, soon after placing the babe into Erina''s hands, he woke up and began crying and Erina began her mother duty.


    "Thank you Kyle, your job is finished now leave us." Kyle did as ordered and he left the room leaving the family and their strange pets together in the room and as soon as he confirmed that no one was near them Jonathan talked to Hearne.


    "Hello friend, i did not think that, you would come to us like this" Jonathan greeted


    "Please don''t worry about it, my intention was only to visit and see how you are doing, and it appears that you are doing well. Nonetheless, I ask that you refrain from overreacting as you did just a few minutes ago when I come back." Hearne responded quite miffed that he had been attacked on sight.


    "Of course, never again" Jonathan swore


    "Now i must leave, I have other affairs to attend to brief as they are, so goodbye and tell the little lord i said hello." Hearne said returning his mind to his original body and soon his eyes began to hurt, but he supposed that was a result of experimenting, so he let his eyes for a while and soon he looked over in the general direction of his grandfather''s forest and took over a raven and what he saw was something he believed was fake but it felt too real.

 Chapter 19

    In the skin of a raven, Hearne witnessed something that should not be and that was a pure black hole that was floating above his grandfather''s forest with the echoes of beating war drums a horde of red demonic warriors burst forth from the black hole, and slaughtered every being that sheltered beneath its trees from beasts to people, and only a rare few could even put up a fight, a particularly memorable group were the White Wolves, a group known and feared by Herne''s worshippers and the rare outsiders that knew of them as peerless warriors now fought against scores of the blighted creatures but they all eventually met their ends until the last member who released one final howl before being cut down by a nameless demon''s black blade.


    Upon witnessing the death of the White Wolves, Hearne flew away hoping to find more people that he could potentially help but all he found were corpses and he slowly began to lose hope until he found another person who dared to fight against the rampaging horde was Aife, his mother.


    She was now surrounded by the corpses of five of the unholy abominations. She looked exhausted and ready to drop any moment. After dropping to the ground and resting against a tree, and before Hearne could guide his mother away from this place, another demon arrived dropping after making an incredible leap which caused Hearne to hide away. Still, this one''s appearance and attitude differed considerably from its brethren''s.


    The creature had red skin like the rest of its accursed siblings, but this one''s skin was several shades darker. Unlike its brethren, this creature was covered in bronze armor from the waist down. It had skeletal wings that remained restricted. This creature was bigger and taller than its siblings. It was most certainly stronger than them as well, but the most startling difference was that it could speak.


    "Pray to whatever god you think will protect you from our wrath, woman." The demon said with a condescending voice, making fun of Aife for her beliefs but knowing that she could not fight anyone in her current state she quickly prayed to Herne, her father-in-law, and the god who had saved her life and exposed her to a new way of life through worship of him.


    But she did not make her prayer long as she was currently on a battlefield and she did not trust that the creature before wouldn''t kill her while praying but the demon did not move and neither did it make any other attempt to do anything, it simply watched her pray with a mocking smile as if knowing something that she didn''t.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The demon waited some time for her prayers to reach her god, and they did reach Herne, who rode a red stag, a symbol of his godhood. While his appearance remained the same, all who were present knew that they did not need their eyes to see that the god before them had weakened with age.


    "Rider of the Red Stag, did you not hear the prayers of your people as my army slaughtered them?" The demon asked but Herne did not react to the question almost as if he was not paying attention to the demon at all but to someone else, unknowing of Herne''s disinterest in his questioning the demon continued with another one "Why did you only respond to the prayers of this one woman?"


    "Demon, what do you see when you look at the night sky?" Herne deflected, causing the demon to look up. After staring at the sky for a while, it lowered its head and replied to the weakened god.


    "I see your fading constellation, I see your death at my hands, I see the end of an era"


    As the demon''s words echoed in the air, Herne erupted into a hearty, booming laugh that filled the room. Aife couldn¡¯t help but join in, her laughter ringing out like sweet music. She laughed so intensely, her cheeks flushed and her eyes gleaming, that she soon felt overwhelmed. Finally, unable to contain her mirth any longer, she collapsed to the ground, unconscious from the sheer joy of it all. After a while, once the echo of laughter had faded, Herne composed himself, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes, and turned his attention back to the demon, ready to respond.


    "You are so focused on my end that you fail to see the new beginning, but it''s not like you''ll live long enough to see it," Herne said, conjuring his bow from thin air ready to fight the demon before him but he quickly realized that Aife was there, and if she remained there, then she would hold him back so she needed to be removed


    "Hearne, take your mother out here"


    Immediately Hearne morphed and twisted the raven through which he saw what was happening into an exact copy of his physical copy. He picked up his mother and ran away leaving only a green blur, taking her to a far enough distance that she would no longer be a liability. Still, he did not just leave her without protection. He left her with an adult brown bear he conjured and after its birth, Hearne commanded the bear to guard his sleeping mother which it obeyed.


    Seeing that his mother was as safe as he could make her, he immediately ran back to assist his grandfather in combating the demon general, leaving both the bear and his mother in his dust.

 Chapter 20

    Reaching his grandfather, Hearne witnessed an impressive sight. The demon commander was pierced in several vital areas with arrows and it stood on one knee exhausted, but it smiled with masochistic glee as it enjoyed the pain that it was enduring, and, it spoke to Herne who knelt before his broken bow while they were recovering from their exhausting fight.


    "Your movements have grown slower, Rider of the Red Stag," The demon remarked.


    "I have honored your delusions of defeating me because they were entertaining, but now, I grow bored," The demon said, standing up and removing the arrows that Herne had placed into its flesh with its hands and dropping them on the ground.


    "Perhaps it is time for the young god to face me." The demon said after noticing Hearne.


    "No, your fight is with me, and it can only end in two ways," Herne said, picking himself up despite his exhaustion. He picked up a rock from the ground and put it in a sling, a weapon that he had not used since his younger days. He spun it with confidence, determined to defeat the creature before him. His grandson chose to stay back, knowing that he would only be a hindrance as he was not in his main body and he was only in the skin of a raven had twisted beyond what it was meant to be and thus it would not be stronger than his actual body.


    "Then fight well."


    After the demon had said those words, it burst forth with impressive speed. Still, from the perspective of both gods, it was slow and easy to dodge as Herne did. As he dodged the demon''s swing from its mighty mace, he unleashed the stone in his sling right in the demon''s jaw, causing it to stagger. In that brief moment, Herne picked up another rock, and he placed it in his sling and released the rock from the sling and right into the demon''s chest, and with a loud snap, one could hear the breaking of a few bones. Still, the demon fought on, ignoring its pain, and it swung a blow at Herne''s leg knowing that Herne''s speed would cause him trouble and he decided to get rid of that problem early, and it struck true breaking his leg and causing the wounded god to scream in pain and Hearne confident that his grandfather could somehow grasp victory from the jaws of defeat prayed to him.


    With renewed strength from his grandson''s prayer, he did not scream for long as he quickly grits his teeth and despite his broken leg he managed to evade another of the demon''s mighty swings and with a sadistic smile on its red face; the demon once more swung down at Herne''s other leg, breaking it, causing the god to scream again and seeing that his options were truly limited, he picked up a nearby stone and hurled it right at the demon''s head causing it a great amount of pain and the vanquished god smiled one last time knowing that he gained at least a small victory over the triumphant demon.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Thoroughly infuriated, the demon discarded his mace and bore down on the defeated god with its bare fists, leaving the defeated god a pulverized corpse, after its rage-induced outburst, it calmly lifted its mace with its bloody hands, and forcibly sprouted its skeletal wings. He then turned to Hearne and said.


    "My work here is done, but I feel that I have yet to leave a lasting impression." After hearing the demon''s words, Hearne, in a rare emotional outburst, charged the demon and he was promptly defeated and laid flat on his back, but that was not all as the demon plucked out Hearne''s eyes and crushing them, leaving the raven whose body Hearne was puppeteering blind.


    "Now my work is finished," the demon said, leaving in a burst of flapped wings, and Hearne heard the war drums that heralded the arrival of the demonic army once more before it became silent once.


    "How are you going to find your way out of this forest? You are blind after all," Another familiar voice in Hearne''s mind asked making itself known after a long silence.


    "Do not forget, Father, my main body was never here and I must return to it quickly but first, I have to deal with something" Hearne said, whistling and calling for birds to come to his aid and many birds did come to his aid and he asked all of them for help.


    "Birds, My sleeping mother is being guarded by a bear and I need you all to wake her up to lead her and any other survivors of this tragedy to where my main body is." The birds from what he could hear, all flew away to complete their mission except for the vultures who quietly supped on the flesh of Herne.


    "Now I can go back to my main body," Hearne said, finally letting the raven whose body he had twisted beyond repair die in peace but as soon as Hearne returned to his original body he realized that he was blind in this body as well.


    "These are consequences of ignoring my orders, Son of Setanta. " A familiar sinister voice said, making itself known once more.


    "I will never become your servant, Balor."


    "What else will you be? My Killer? Ha, you better go back to that moon goddess of yours because the only place that is happening is in your dreams."


    "You know what, Balor? I will kill you. I will go to wherever prison you are in and kill you myself."


    "I quake in my boots at your thunderous words," Balor said, not taking anything that Hearne said seriously and leaving his mind with a burst of echoing laughter.


    "Now that I have come to recognize the frailty within me, I shall embark on my transformation into a new kind of god," he proclaimed with unwavering conviction. As these words left his lips, a constellation suddenly burst forth in the heavens, its brilliance illuminating the night sky. Mortals, skilled in the ancient art of star reading, and gods well-versed in the mystical energies of the cosmos, gazed in awe at this celestial formation. They named it the Blind Archer, a symbol of strength born from vulnerability, destined to inspire legends and worship among mortals.