DDBIII -Chapter 2 (WIP)

# Chapter 2: Unplanned Brunch

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I teleported us down to my source star, hovering in front of the burning black sphere. I seized the two orbiting origin sources and stuffed them with more divine energy.

I had more than enough energy for Tier 2 and was just waiting for instructions on how to advance at this point.

The orbs were an ominous purplish-black, and a calm bluish-white. As they absorbed the influx of divine energy, they began to shrink in on themselves, becoming smaller and more dense.

Once they were both roughly ten feet in diameter, they burst outward, revealing a massive white phoenix and black, wingless dragon.

My phoenix matched the immortal celestial phoenix in appearance as an elegant combination of a large white eagle and peacock. However my phoenix had several streaks of ice blue in her feathers.

My dragon matched the immortal void dragon with a long, black wingless body and four relatively short arms. My dragon had a light purple underbelly however, where the original void dragon only had black scales with dark purple hues.

The wingspan of my phoenix matched my dragon’s length at one hundred feet.

Surprisingly, they had spawned at Rank 5. Divine beasts normally spawned at Rank 3, but from the sheer amount of divine energy I had pumped into them over the last few months, they gained an extra two ranks.

Given the fact that their origin sources were from immortal spiritual beasts, not divine beasts, they were bound to have some unique traits. And that was before I sampled their DNA for Pandora and Eve.

**”I am your lord and god, Aeon. You shall serve me and protect my pantheon.”**

I said with divine authority. The two divine beasts bowed in submission and bloomed in that familiar celestial glow.

The expansion principle took effect, and they began resonating with concepts immediately.

Their aspects did change slightly after I used them to create bodies for Pandora and Eve.

The phoenix touched the new creation concept from Hyperion and the dragon touched the destruction concept.

It made sense in a way. From what I understood, creation was a more complete version of our current celestial concept without a unique energy aspect, and the same was true for void and destruction.

Even with creation and destruction concepts, they would still utilize celestial and void energies.

Their ranks increased to 6, and my black orchid sigil appeared on both of their foreheads.

The phoenix shone in a blueish-white light as the dragon shone in a purplish-black one. They both shrunk and changed into gorgeous women.

The phoenix’s human form was buxom with long ice-blue hair and white highlights, and the dragon’s human form was petite with short black hair and dark purple underlighting.

They kneeled in the air before me. “We accept you as our lord and god.”

Hmm.. The dragon seemed a bit timid compared to the proud phoenix.

**”Izanagi, the Celestial Phoenix, and Izanami, the Void Dragon, I name you.”**

I said, teleporting us all back to the Moonlight Villas.

“Big sister,” Izanami gasped, approaching Eve.

“Greetings, big sister.” Izanagi said, hugging Pandora.

“Say hello to the celestial phoenix and void dragon.” I said with a laugh. “Since your bodies were made from their origin sources, I guess you’re related.”

“How adorable!” Pandora cheered, hugging Izanagi back tightly. “I can teach you so much—lots of magic and lots of pranks..” Pandora gasped. “We can have slumber parties! I can’t wait.”

“Thank you big sister, I am ready to learn.” Izanagi chirped happily.

Her personality was very different than Luna when she first became sentient.

“Very interesting, I suppose we do share an origin of sorts.” Eve said, eyeing Izanami. “I’d be honored to call you little sister.”

“Thank you, big sister.” Izanami murmured, her face flushed with embarrassment.

I considered if I should let them train with Zhinu for a month like Luna did. She benefited greatly and the only down side was being away from her.

I’d ask the next time I went to Artisan Lane.

“Luna wants a big sister too..” Luna whined.

Aria rushed over, and hugged her. “I can be your big sister.”

“How nice, how nice, such sincere bonds—you’re really bringing a tear to my eye.” Rhea said.

I smiled. Aria and Luna had built a relationship even before Luna had a human form. I was glad they had become so close and could be there for each other.

After the angelic races got situated in their new villas, Pandora, Eve, Aria, Rhea, Genesis, Luna, Izanami, Izanagi, and I went back to one of the gazebos in Eterna.

I sat at the head of the chaos marble table and Rhea sat directly opposite me. Pandora and Eve sat to my left and right with Izanami and Izanagi sitting directly next to them.

Aria and Genesis sat to the left and right of Rhea with Luna next to Aria.

Just as Aria prepared to pour out tea, Alice appeared behind me and clapped once.

Immediately, the seven Virtues filed into the gazebo in a single file line, carrying obsidian trays of refreshments.

They meticulously removed the old tea pot, and served each of us glasses of celestial water and fresh cups of tea from a new pot, then placed two very sweet-looking cream cheese pound cakes with a strawberry glaze on the table.

The dishes, saucers, cups, and cutlery were made from a chrystal-etched obsidian, created by the Twin Smiths. They had twisting orchid vine patterns running along the sides.

“This tea is utterly delightful, what is the leaf?” Rhea asked, inspecting the light gold brew with dark swirls in the crystal cup.

Alice straightened and spoke with a calm professionalism. “Oolong with black orchid petals, madam goddess. I will let Mirabella and Isabella know you enjoy it.”

“Please do, please do.” Rhea chirped, sipping her tea and watching the Virtues cut slices of the cake. “It is quite good.”

I was just now noticing that the maid uniforms worn by the Virtues had been sewn by Celty. The astral glow of her thread magic was present in the seems.

The outfits were form-fitted, sleeveless black dresses that ended a few inches above their thighs, paired with a generous amount of cleavage and black thigh-high stockings.

They had short white aprons adorned with frilly black lace and a little bow shaped like a blooming black orchid around their waists.

Matching white lace headpieces, chokers, and thigh garters helped add a sense of sophistication and flirtation to the unnecessarily sexy nymph maids.

“This reminds me of living with my family in the castle.” Pandora said next to me.

I held her hand reassuringly and Izanagi watched us closely.

“I’ve never experienced anything quite like it.” Eve said.

“Me either, I didn’t even ask them to do all of this.” I said awkwardly.

Once they were done serving us slices of cake, the Virtues spread out in the four directions around the table. Prudence fell in line with Alice behind me. I got the feeling that Prudence was the second-in-command.

Both of them had a goth aesthetic with dark eyeliner and lipstick, but Alice had her platinum blonde locks under her big witch’s hat, and Prudence kept her silky violet hair in a high ponytail.

Justice and Temperance stood to the left, looking very opposite of each other. Justice had a short, green pixie cut, with a bright smile and what I could only describe as optimistic energy.

Temperance was a tall, mature redhead with long curls. Her eyes were a piercing shade of jade green, and when she wasn’t giggling with the other nymphs, her expression was very serious.

Valor and Faith stood to the right. Valor was very fit without being bulky—her abs were visible through her tight maid uniform, and honestly comparable to my own. She had wavy indigo hair and a confident demeanor.

Faith was short with long yellow pigtails. Her wide-eye expression gave the impression that she was just waiting to be told what to do.

Hope and Charity stood on the other end, behind Rhea. Hope was very shapely with thick thighs and wide hips. Her hair was blue and styled in long box-braids.

Other than the thick orange hair, Charity was the most regular looking out of the seven, but that didn’t detract from her beauty in anyway. She was short and busy with an understated presence that was difficult to explain.

“You know brother Aeon,” Rhea started, glancing at the Virtues. “They say a window into a god’s true desires are the nymphs he manifests.”

I choked on my tea and the Virtues giggled.

“I’ve taken the liberty of having the Sister Chefs prepare you all a small brunch.” Alice said formally, changing the subject. “The menu consists of light sandwiches and grilled burgers with leafy greens and baked sweet potato fries for sides.”

I could see Aria pursing her lips at the other end of the table. I would need to have a talk with her about this competitiveness she has with Alice.

When Alice’s words registered with me, I blinked in confusion. “Burgers?” I asked.

“Yes, my god. From one of the animals you so graciously brought from my old realm.” Alice answered.

My brows furrowed. “But, beef burgers? Like bovine, from a cow?” I asked.

“Yes?” Alice asked nervously. “If you’d like something else I can have—“

“No, no, that’s not it. I love burgers.” I assured her.

“He’s concerned about the cow-kin sisters slaughtering and cooking a cow.” Pandora said, holding in a laugh.

“Oh, brother Aeon” Rhea laughed. “Beast-kins are not the same as mundane animals. That would be the same as calling dear Luna here a puppy.”

“Luna is Luna.” Luna frowned, causing the rest of the table to chuckle.

My cheeks heated before Aria came to my rescue. “He’s just doing what he does—caring for others and their wellbeing.” She said with wide doe eyes.

The other ladies in my pantheon agreed in soft tones and my cheeks heated even more.

“A lot of this stuff is still new to me, remember?” I said, shaking my head.

“Oh my, oh my, this cake is heavenly.” Rhea swooned, completely forgetting what we were talking about.

Luna scarfed hers down in one bite, while Izanagi and Izanami watched Pandora and Eve closely, mirroring their movements.

“It is very good,” Aria said, eating daintily.

“The Twilight Battle Maids and the Misfit Crafters have really been a boon to the palace, I’m glad we found them when we did.” I said honestly.

Alice didn’t speak but I could feel her pride and excitement pouring off her in waves, without even turning around.

I tasted the cake and my brain nearly melted. I never had a cake with fresh ingredients before, but I immediately tasted the difference. The rich, decadent, dessert melted in my mouth. Sweetness attacked my taste buds then immediately mellowed because of the slightly tangy cream cheese.

It was all tied together with the smooth flavor of vanilla and the tart strawberry glaze, and I found myself reaching for another slice before Prudence had a chance to cut it.

“Tell Mirabella and Isabella this cake is amazing.” I told Alice.

“Of course, my god. They will be overjoyed you like it” She said, nudging Prudence.

Prudence took a step closer, probably to cut the next piece if I reached for it.

“Anyway, Alice tells me the phase elementals reached Rank 2.” I said to Pandora and Eve.

“They are progressing incredibly quickly.” Pandora said. “Their magic and spiritual arts manipulation are innate. All they lack is experience and time to cultivate.”

“The same is true for their aura training.” Eve said. “Sage, Quinn, Amber, and Jade are staying appropriately ahead of everyone else in terms of martial arts, but I’d like to give them more personal lessons in the training chamber.” She suggested.

“That makes sense,” I said looking over at Genesis. “Grant the queens access to the training chamber through the astral roots.

Only the residents of Aoife Island were able to visit without explicit access.

“Right away, master.” She answered.

“I toyed with the idea of giving them rooms in the palace before, what do you guys think?” I asked.

“We would have to grant the generals rooms as well, and they just moved into their villas.” Eve reminded me.

“Give the queens their own villas.” Pandora suggested.

“That makes the most sense and it would keep things fair.” Aria added.

“Okay, I’ll make four more later. I doubt they’d use them much, but I’d like to grant them something for taking on the role of queen.” I mused aloud.

I could make the queens villas larger and more distinct than the others.

“Excuse me, my deities. Brunch is served.” Alice said, her eyes glowing blue.

The Virtues disappeared before quickly reappearing holding obsidian trays stacked with a wide array of sandwiches.

Small finger sandwiches were placed on one end of the table—filled with fresh egg salad, chicken salad, cucumber with dill cream cheese, rainbow salmon and capers.

Large toasted and buttered croissants and slices of ciabatta filled with ham, turkey, and roast beef paired with swiss cheese, pepper jack, and gouda were placed on the other end.

A large tray of grilled burgers with brioche buns sat in the middle surrounded by baked sweet potato fries, various spreads, mushrooms, truffles, and sliced pickles.

Small bowls of colorful salads and cups of chopped fruits were placed in front of all of us.

For a simple unplanned brunch, the Sister Chefs had outdone themselves.

“Thank you ladies, this looks amazing.” I said to the Virtues.

“We live to serve you master,” They replied in unison, and Alice nodded approvingly.

“If I may, I would also like to add something for you to try.” Genesis said nervously.

“Sure, I assume you grew all the fruits and vegetables here anyways.” I said.

Genesis smiled, and a crystal urn of swirling clear liquid, emanating a prismatic aura appeared on the table. It was slightly fizzy and tiny bubbles floated up, lifting out of the top of the urn and popping into small spectral rays.

Rhea gasped. “You’re able to make ambrosia already?” She asked Genesis.

Genesis looked away blushing, and nodded slowly.

“What is it?” Pandora asked.

Rhea smiled brightly. “Ambrosia. Think of it as divine wine; nothing as strong as what Ogun makes, but it’s produced based on the happiness of your tree spirit, and its flavor is based on your divinity.”

“How can my divinity have a flavor?” I asked bewildered.

“It just means no two ambrosia’s taste the same, and they can have some.. unique traits.” Rhea pulled out a glass jar containing a swirling purple liquid filled with shimmering silver sparkles, and placed it on the table.

“You can taste mine to compare.” Rhea said. “Its unique trait is a small healing effect that lasts for a few hours.”

Prudence brought me a glass of both ambrosia’s, and the other Virtues poured glasses for everyone else.

I tasted Genesis’s first. The flavor was explosive—very sweet with complex fruity undertones and a hint of alcohol. Strawberry and citrus were the most prevalent flavors and the whole flavor profile fit well as a midday refresher.

“That’s delicious Genesis,” I said, smacking my lips. “I could drink this every day.”

Genesis beamed, “Thank you master, there’s more where that came from.”

Rhea chuckled to herself.

I tasted Rhea’s next. The flavor was deeper, like a red wine that happened to be purple. It was also sweet but it was more muted and sophisticated. There were hints of something floral, and the overall flavor would pair well with a red meat dinner.

“This is very good as well, sister Rhea. The flavors are nothing alike, but I enjoy them both.” I said.

“I agree, Genesis’s is closer to a spiked juice while Rhea’s is more like traditional wine, both are very good though.” Eve commented.

“I just hope we don’t get sucked into a dream again.” Aria muttered.

“Divinity is so strange.” Pandora joked. “It can make its own alcohol now? Don’t get me wrong, it’s delicious, but how is this possible?”

“It’s a byproduct of sorts of your origin tree.” Rhea explained. “It means you are keeping Genesis here happy and your soul realm is very fruitful. You can expect the flavors to change as you grow and tier up.”

“More!” Luna belched “Luna loves this.”

“Ah, I think we need to cut her off.” I said.

“No! Master please!” She pleaded.

I chuckled. “I could do without any alcoholic foxes.”

I looked over at Izanagi and Izanami, they were perfectly content, snacking on sandwiches and ignoring the ambrosia all together.

As I was taste-testing, Prudence had prepared me one of everything on the table. I had several plates stacked high in front of me.

I personally found it amusing that we were having ambrosia, the nectar of the gods, alongside burgers—it was a fun juxtaposition that made our little brunch all the more memorable.