Chapter 28: The Wrong & Righteous (5)

"Wow.." Yuna whispered in amazement. She had a front row seat to the spectacle. She wasn't the only one who'd been amazed though. Several NPCs that walked by gawked in amazement, and those that walked too close hurried away.

A woman across the square that had been sweeping the storefront was actually staring. A devilish grin appeared on Thadius' face as he winked at her. The woman flushed red and withdrew into the shop as she fanned herself.

Thadius laughed as he made his way to the temple. He still needed to see the blacksmith, but he put that to the side for now. It wasn't long until he was standing in front of an all white building, where a young woman was outside selling flowers.

With a woven basket in her hand, she pleaded to anyone within reach to purchase flowers for the church. Her blonde hair appeared dingy, as if she'd fallen to the ground several times. There was a pained expression on her angelic face as everyone denied to buy any, and her sightless blue eyes desperately searched the void for anyone who would aid her in her endeavor.

"Who's that Thaduis?" Yuna whispered from above. She was still riding his shoulders, determined to stay in her spot for a long as possible.

"She's very similar to you, in a way. She used to pray to Tegaia, but she was caught and punished for it. The Gods took her sight..."

Yuna grit her teeth. The more she learned about the Gods, the less respect she had for them. After she met Tegaia, she knew that there was something going on behind the scenes in the Tower of the Gods. Unfortunately, she'd been cast out before she could satisfy her curiosity.

Thadius patted her on the leg. "You don't need to worry about her. Tegaia will right this wrong soon enough."

This work is hosted on mananovel.com

Thadius cautiously approached the woman, wary of the effect his Fighting Spirit would have. Christina must have sensed his presense, for she turned to him as soon as he stepped into her direction.

"Excuse me, but..." she paused as she entered Thadius' range. She seemed shaken, but she pressed forward as she raised a flower in her trembling hand. "Would you like to buy some flowers? I know they aren't m-much to look at, but all the money goes toward the church."

"I could just give the money to the temple instead. Its right there." Thadius replied honestly.

Christina bit her lip as her eyes glistened. She hadn't sold any flowers in a long time, but she refused to give up. It was the only way she could return to the God's favor.

"Please sir! Something tells me you are a man of faith. I know its selfish to ask when the church is standing in front of us, but your kindness would be a personal help to me."

"I'm sorry, but your flowers are wilted."

"I know....I'm sorry." Christina lowered her arm in dejection, she knew by now when she should try someone else. She closed her eyes and whispered a silent prayer to strengthen her resolve.

"How much for the rest..."

Christina could hardly believe her ears. Only one other person had ever bought all her flowers at once. She was overjoyed as she quickly blurted out the first number that came to her mind. "Four coppers should suffice!"

"Four? Last time it was three. Are you trying to swindle me Christina?"

"....!" Christina froze as a wave realization washed over her. It was followed by a violent skip in her pulse. Could it possibly be? The man that had befriended her was said to have perished on the mountain. Dare she hope?

Christina reached her out her trembling hand once more. Thadius had Yuna jump down as he grabbed her hand and guided it toward his face. It didn't take long to convince her. She knew as soon as her fingers traced the smile on his face.

The torrent of emotions that she had endured for years gushed out as she fell into his arms. Joy, relief, frustration, anger. She'd kept it all in, and smiled only for her father. So to have Thadius, whom she trusted, return to her in the midst of all of it, was nothing short of a miracle. She didn't know that the miracle had yet to come.

"Why are you crying Christina? Today is a good day." Thadius whispered to her.

"I don't know," she cried. For her, it just felt good to let everything out.

"Well, just stand here for a moment. I come bearing gifts."

"What is it?" she asked as she brought her sobs under control.

"You'll have to see it to believe it."

Christina had a confused look on her face as Thadius broke away to address the small crowd that had gathered.

"Hear me people of Yune! Hear me!" His echoing shout drew in more people. His alignment and charm worked together to hold their attention. "You all know that this young woman has sold flowers for the church for years! But how many of you actually know why!? Do you know!?

Thadius pointed at the nearest man, who shook his head desperately. Many others in the crowd murmured amongst themselves.

"Then gather around as I tell you. Do not be afraid. For what you feel in my presence is the strength of my spirit and my faith." Thadius said as he walked amongst the crowd. With his height, he could see over everyone, and it was a simple task to gather the audience he needed.

"I must first warn you my friends. What I'm about to tell you is something the church would rather hide from you..."

The crowd was drawn in further. The mysterious man before them couldn't be ignored. Even the people who were just passing through, had stopped to see what the fuss was about.

"Young Christina was in training to become a priestess. She prayed and toiled more than any other priestess in the temple, but she was punished unjustly! Her supposed crime was that she prayed to the Gods equally. In truth, she was struck blind because she was caught praying to a single Goddess. Tegaia."

Now the crowd murmured in confusion, and the noise of the crowd drew out some of the people from within the temple.

"Who is Tegaia? I'm glad you asked." Thadius continued as he flashed a smile at the crowd. Everyone in the general vicinity smiled in return. "Tegaia is the Mother of all Creation. She is also the Goddess of Humility, the Goddess of War," Thadius stared the nearest woman in the eye," and the Goddess of Love."

The Bewitching smile was too much for her, and she had to a step back to collect her wits.

"BLASPHEMER!!"

The entire crowd turned in surprise as the High Priestess walked out from the temple. Her robes were more intricately designed than the other priestesses, and there was a look of disgust on her wizened face. She walked up to Thadius, appearing completely unbothered by his Fighting Spirit. "What are you all doing here listening to this fool? This 'Tegaia' is obviously a figment of his imagination. No such Goddess exist!"

"Oh she exists, priestess. And she is far more powerful than the so called 'Gods' you worship."

"Listen to this! He actually thinks that there exist a being more powerful than the Greater Gods!?"

While she spout her lies, trying to convince the populace of her 'truth', Thadius pulled out a simple leather bound book.

[

Book of Tegaia

Type: Divine Text Durability: ? /?

Quality: Divine

A book filled with the history of the Heavens as seen through the eyes of the Goddess Tegaia. The words are written in her own blood, giving the book a part of her power. The book was requested by her most devout follower, Thadius. It cannot be destroyed, and the book will return to him if parted for more than 24 hours.

+Able to wield the power of the Goddess Tegaia

Power: 1000/1000

]

"Watch closely good folk of Yune! You are about to witness the power of my Goddess, and see once and for all the lies this woman has fed you!"

Thaduis walked out of the crowd and over to Christina. She hadn't moved an inch since he started talking. Yuna stood quietly behind her.

"Christina. The gift I've brought for you is the sunlight. It is through the power of Tegaia that I give you this. Now close your eyes. The first rays of sunshine after years of darkness can be quite painful. Trust me, I know."

Christina closed her eyes obediently. She had heard every word of his speech, and if what he said was true, then she would readily accept his gift.

Thadius covered her eyes with one hand as he raised the book in the other. A blinding light engulfed the area as he opened it to a random page. He didn't need to read anything, but the light added flair.

"Tegaia, this one has been wronged by the very Gods she served! By your power, I return what has been stolen from her!" Thadius raised his voice for all to hear. They had to know that it was Tegaia that deserved the credit.

Swirling light transferred from the book to his hand that covered Christina's eyes, and with a snap, he closed the book. With the blinding light fading, the crowd would open their eyes the same time she did.

[-175 Power]

Christina opened her eyes immediately. She felt none of the pain that Thadius had talked about. It was as if she had only closed them for a moment. She looked at the bewildered faces of the crowd. Not a single person could believe what they were seeing. Yet there she was, looking them in the eyes.

Then she turn to Thadius. Garbed in a vibrant white robe, he looked down at her. He was just as she had pictured. The kind smile that brought joy to others. His tall and sturdy physique that offered protection and a shoulder to cry on. What she hadn't expected, was the stabbing pain in her chest when she looked into his eyes.

A stake had been driven into her heart, tethering her to his existence. In that brief moment of eye contact, she knew that wherever he went, she would follow.

"So do you like your gift?" Thadius asked.

"Yes." She answered immediately. Gone was the blind flower girl that worked tirelessly to please the Gods. Her baby blue eyes were filled with divine light and purpose.

"Good." Thadius replied, turning back to the crowd.

"This is the power Tegaia holds! With it, she will turn the Heavens upside down! Christina is only the first to receive justice! Yuna!"

Yuna instantly appeared beside Thadius. There were multiple gaps coming from the crowd.

"I see some of you recognize the Goddess of the mountain! She was cast out for simply befriending Tegaia! So ask yourselves..." He turned to look at the High Priestess. "Is your God a just God!? If not, then I strongly suggest you believe in another because the unjust will not survive the wrath of the Goddess of War."

[Your impressive display of the power of your Goddess has earned you a new title.]

[Hand of Tegaia

In Tegaia's name, you march forth, correcting wrongs and turning the masses from the false Gods that abuse their power. When you speak of your Goddess, your words carry weight and power. Your religious sermons and speeches will be more effective.]

[You've created a historical moment that will live on in Yune for centuries to come. They will mark the day that the Hand of Tegaia healed the blind.

+500 Fame ]

[The voice that commands attention. The presence that cannot be ignored. Your eloquent speech and compelling performance have unlock the Charisma stat.

+15 Charisma]

'All in a day's work' Thadius thought as he looked into the clear blue sky. The day was still young, and Marshal would want to hear the good news.

As he began to make his way back toward to the dispersing crowd, he stopped beside the dumbfounded High Priestess.

"An old man told me that you treated Christina well before you found out that she prayed to Tegaia. It leads me to believe that it was the Gods influence that caused you to react the way you did. High Priestess, did you really want to take the sight of such an earnest girl?"

"No.." She replied solemnly. She had never been one to ask questions, but when Christina was stricken blind, even she started to have concerns. Yet, she remained faithful, as priestesses should. Today had truly shaken her, and it would take her time to sort out her feelings again.

Thadius was satisfied. and with Yuna and Christina behind him, he walked through the crowd that opened had opened a path before him.