POV: Statera Luotian

I frowned as I inspected the screen placed before me. It was an individual assessment, meant to provide more in-depth information on our own universes and abilities than what the rankings allowed. Speaking of which, those had been rather entertaining. Especially when the Emperor preened when he came out on top in a few of the rankings, such as the one that analyzed the overall effectiveness of the universal laws in place, or when the others got their number one or dead last spots as well. It was very amusing...the only one that didn't show a hint of any emotion was Shin, the skeleton dude.

I shook those thoughts out of my head and looked back at the screen, analyzing the information further. Currently I was reading about the depths of my domain, and how far it had advanced (while withholding specific information that might be detrimental to my growth, I noticed) in terms of my age. Honestly I wasn't too surprised at the results. It's not that strange for my domain to be as developed as it is, especially considering how much I'd gone through, but the imbalance of the Four Realms was stunting my growth.

Then were the small little notes about my possible sub-domains. Since I already had Love, there were a few others - like the Heart - that had advanced by leaps and bounds, but the closest to becoming a sub-domain was Fate, which Mr. Blue Boxes noted was quite the achievement for one so young. The others were relatively scattered, but I was actually getting a more concrete idea of what to go after now. I needed ones that both complimented and covered the weaknesses of my main domain. Fate would do that well, and also counter some of the imbalances Love created, but I needed more.

My thoughts were interrupted by the Mad Scientist, who looked to be getting ready to get into a fight with Skeleton Shin's subordinate, the kimono-wearing samurai lady.

"May I inquire as to what you two are talking about?" A sudden incarnation of myself asked, appearing before them. I rather enjoyed the surprised looked from the Mad Scientist and kimono-girl, especially when they realized I was still sitting at the table as well. My actions earned a few amused glances from the other origin deities, before they turned their attention back towards their own assessments. A small part of their attention was also focused on the conversation, however.

"As if you don't already...know." The Mad Scientist scoffed, fixing me with a glare. I merely motioned for her to continue, although it was the kimono-girl - Ze, Shin told me in a very brief mental message - who explained herself.

"I was merely attempting to correct a few of this one's faulty viewpoints." Ze said, looking me straight in the eyes with a hint of a challenge. I blinked at that, noting the pride Ze held herself with. I didn't know much about Shin's universe, but I could tell that Ze wasn't used to being around others with equal or higher standing than herself.

I turned to the Mad Scientist, who answered me promptly. "Arrogance..." The Mad Scientist hissed, glaring at Ze. I nodded, accepting the two's viewpoints. I wasn't so much as interested in the topic of conversation the two had as much as their reasons for arguing, which both seemed to understand. The Mad Scientist saw Ze as arrogant, as many mortals tended to do in the face of deities, while Ze simply saw the Mad Scientist as foolish, as deities tended to do in the face of mortals. It really wasn't an uncommon argument.

However, in this case, I wasn't wholly convinced that the Mad Scientist was on the losing side of the argument. For the most part, deities were correct in calling mortals foolish if not because they lived longer than because they understood far more and could see things that mortals could not. However, the Mad Scientist was experienced enough to no longer technically count as mortal, and had seen far more universes than either I or Ze...or, mostly likely, anyone in this room. That is what made her unique.

However, after reviewing their conversation, I thought I got the general idea of how the Mad Scientist considered Ze arrogant. They had been talking about life, and the importance of one person in the universe. Because of their vastly different viewpoints, however, they started to argue. Which I consider a petty thing for a deity to do. A deity arguing with a mortal was like an adult arguing with a toddler.

"I was merely explaining the fact that in the cosmic scale one life is relatively insignificant." Ze explained icily, as if deigning me with a response was an honor on my part. I sighed and shook my head.

"Well, you're not wrong. But you're not wholly right either. Remember, mortals don't live at the same rate we do, they live in the seconds. We tend to live in the thousands of years, which is enough for generations of mortals. However, what she was talking about wasn't just someone who makes an impact on a planet, and causes a shift in that civilization that is felt for thousands of years...no, she's talking about the impact a single person can have on a soul, even long after they have reincarnated." I explained gently. "So you're both right in a sense, one life is relatively insignificant on a cosmic scale...but it can mean everything to a single soul."

Ze opened her mouth to retort, but bit it back, not wishing to argue. I appreciated that, and continued. "Now, if you really wanted to, I could truly go in-depth on this subject, but I suspect you aren't quite ready for that mind-boggling idea as of yet. If you have thought of it then you haven't truly considered it. So I will simply ask you this; why did I bring a mortal to this meeting?" That caught everyone's attention, and the Mad Scientist glared at me.

"That is...unappreciated." The Mad Scientist ground out. I simply chuckled and shrugged helplessly.

"This entire experience has been good for you, so don't be like that." I chided her. Ze was looking at the Mad Scientist with a blank expression, supposedly analyzing her, along with most everyone else in the room at some level. Some were more open about it than the others.

"She is a bit more powerful than your average mortal...closer to a Reaper than anything..." Ze muttered to herself. I just chuckled and let this incarnation begin to fade.

"I'll give you a hint; you're not looking in the right places." I said, and let my incarnation fully fade. The Mad Scientist hesitated for a split second before flying over to me in a few beats of her wings, shooting daggers into the back of my skull with her gaze the entire way.

"I...hate you." She hissed when she was close enough to whisper.

"I know you mean love!" I chirped, watching with my mind's eye as Ze snorted and disregarded my statements, further ignoring the Mad Scientist and moving to stand behind Shin. I smiled at her and swiped with one hand, dismissing my personal assessment. I had seen all I needed to, meaning I had read through it entirely. With a small smile I closed my eyes and leaned back in my seat, which was surprisingly comfortable. Waiting for the others to finish wouldn't take too long, and then I'd extend an invitation to Yueya, the elf, and perhaps Reilly because I liked the gambler/beggar deity, to visit my Realms to exchange ideas. Mr. Blue Boxes had already approved of the idea, so it was only a matter of actually extending the invitation.

Perhaps I'd invite Sylphina too. The butterfly's universe was the one who Mr. Blue Boxes had connected my universe to all those years ago. Speaking of which, I hadn't seen that elemental that had slipped through the cracks recently...where'd that one get off to? I'd make an effort to search them out when I got back.

After a few more minutes of waiting the last of us put away their respective assessments, all looking around expectantly. I could practically see the gears turning in everyone's head - most of us were chomping at the bit to get back to our respective universes and begin to put some changes in motion. I, for one, was relatively relaxed about it all. Yes, I wanted to change things, but there was an order that needed to be maintained.

You all are free to go, but also free to mingle for a little while longer if you so choose. The next meeting will be anywhere between 60-100 million years from now. It depends on how your universes develop from here. If you wish to leave simply stand before your flag, and you shall be teleported back to your universe.

I nodded towards the blue box and stood from my chair, noting that of the ten other deities present, only MR-10 and the Progenitor chose to immediately return to their universes. Yueya was looking towards me expectantly, and Reilly had jumped up on top of the table and was walking across it to reach me, an excited gleam in his eyes. As for the other deities, they were starting to make their own groups. Nxyteria and Sylphina - the bird and butterfly I noted with unfounded amusement - had grouped together, as had the six-armed Emperor; the oni, Rising Wind; and the elemental stag, Teva. That last one was actually kind of funny, considering all three represented something stereotypically prideful.

That just left...

"Behind you." A sudden voice almost made me jump. I hid my surprise well and turned to look at Skeleton Shin, finding myself a little interested in the black smoke that poured from his bones and his eyes. The flames in his eye sockets were actually filled with life rather than death.

"Shin. I assume you want to be a part of what I'm about to suggest?" I inquired. Shin nodded, and I felt as if his skeletal face was grinning. "Yueya," I began, turning to look at the beautiful elf, but found that she was standing right behind me.

"For someone so observant you're easily distracted." Yueya said with a smile. I blinked and smiled back.

"That's because there's no need to be so observant all the time. Right, Statera?" Reilly asked with a chuckle.

"Something like that." I said, not really wanting to admit that I just wasn't paying attention. Honestly, I was used to being the most powerful, afterall. This was probably just payback for me seeing through all of their domains. "So, I was going to suggest we all take a look at each other's realms, so long as Mr. Blue Boxes approves, and give each other suggestions based on our own experiences." I repeated myself.

"Mr...blue boxes? You mean the Great One?" Shin asked mechanically, the words pouring out of his open mouth. I nodded and shrugged slightly.

"Yes, that one. What do you say, sound good?" I inquired.

"I'm just tagging along for the ride." Reilly said with a twinkle in his eye. "And I want to know how you brew such good booze. It is just divine."

"It's a good idea." Yueya said with a shrug. Shin said nothing and I nodded, waiting patiently for Mr. Blue Boxes to tell us what we needed to do to get this done. Meanwhile, our four respective "plus one's" extricated themselves from whatever they were doing and positioned themselves behind their respective deities. The Mad Scientist had been behind me the entire time.

To visit another's universe, all of you must enter the portal at the same time. Your respective portals will remain open until you and your plus one are the only ones to enter the portal.

Mr. Blue Boxes oh so helpfully supplied. I nodded to myself and looked at our little group, wondering who would go first. After a moment of silence, Reilly spoke up.

"I'll go first, take one for the team as it is. My universe is relatively stable anyways." Reilly offered with a shrug. I looked at the others and they shrugged, finding that acceptable.

"Sounds good. To Reilly's universe it is, then."

POV CHANGE: Steward of the High Priest of the Nine Heavens

I stood silently, watching where our Lady and her advisor, the Gambler God Reilly, had disappeared and hoping for their swift return. It was not a disappointment, as in total they were gone for a whopping ten seconds. It seemed almost the instant the duo disappeared they reappeared behind the congregation gathered to send off the Empress of the Nine Heavens.

She reappeared, in all her splendor, in a swirling purple vortex, Reilly trailing behind and talking animatedly with the six new beings that followed them. I blinked in surprise even as the High Priest announced the Empress's return, prompting another cheer from the masses of white and silver-clad beings below. There were numerous deities, many Ascended souls, and innumerable lesser life-forms, all of which inhabited either the eighth or ninth heaven. It was surprising to me that the Empress brought back...guests. Or were they recruits? I would not put it past our Empress to have recruited whatever beings she came across in her journey to...wherever she went.

"How much time has passed?" Our Empress's gentle voice trickled down to reach my ears.

"Ten seconds, your holiness." I whispered back, sure that she could hear me even over the din of the celebrators and the roaring of the High Priest. He was singing her praises, especially the part where it took a mere ten seconds to complete her journey, rather than the worst-case scenario of ten thousand years. The Empress had stressed that she didn't know how long she could be gone, due to the nature of time in wherever she had ventured off to. She didn't respond, and instead turned to the beings behind her. With a wave of her hand, Reilly led the six beings off into the depths of the great Palace.

"Steward, you are to accompany Reilly. He had requested your presence in the Round Chamber." Our Empress said to me and me alone, floating down to stand beside the High Priest, her great silver wings fluttering slightly as she smiled at me. I bowed ever so slightly, not saying a word as I slipped away, leaving the Empress to do her thing. Although I was interested in what she had to say, I would not disobey her orders. I was merely a steward to the High Priest, after all.

My footsteps echoed in the deathly silent halls of the grand palace as I made my way to the Round Chamber, squashing my desire to admire the finely carved white-stone walls and exquisite artwork. I had been steward here for two hundred thousand years, but even now I found myself transfixed by the beauty of the Palace. The way the light from the suns danced on the floors, falling in a cascade of gold to illuminate the palace floors in very specific patterns and shapes...it was simply breathtaking.

In no time at all I found myself standing before the great, shining doors of the Round Chamber, the famous chamber in which the Empress was elected ruler of the kingdoms of the Nine Heavens, and in which the first of the Celestial Beings laid the groundwork for all of civilization. This was the birthplace of all that I knew...a holy place. I took a deep breath and allowed my wispy body to simply faze through the doors, looking in surprise at the seven beings that were seated around the large, round table, chatting even as light shone down and illuminated the holy table.

"It's brilliant," One of them, a purple-robed being with magnificent, curling horns, said slowly. "What you've done with your nine...Heavens. It's a structured karmic cycle with a whole bunch of luck mixed in, all set up and designed with maximum efficiency in advancing souls to higher levels of attainment in mind. The abnormal flow of reincarnation, and the random factor involved in which heaven the soul is reincarnated into...it's just so..." With that the purple-robed being sighed, shaking its head.

"I'm impressed that your incarnation magic is so advanced, for one. I mean, it's pretty obvious you'd have to get good at the magic with the way your realm is structured, but really? Twenty seven incarnations of equal power, one for each of our incarnations as you guide us through all nine heavens sustained and controlled simultaneously? That's just showing off." A beautiful pointy-eared maiden said with a voice that sounded like the finest of instruments. She was absolutely stunningly beautiful, which is saying something coming from me because I do not find many things...beautiful.

"I believe that one you sent for is here." Another physically attractive pointy-eared being spoke up, looking directly towards me. That prompted Reilly and half of the new beings to look at me, while the other half - the more powerful half, if their fluctuations were anything to go by - remained staring at the table with various expressions.

"Ah, there you are! Everyone, this is...well, everyone just calls him Steward. He's a shade, one of very few to have ever reached the Ninth Heaven. He's the first to have done so, actually." Reilly said happily, waving me over. I walked over, my footsteps still echoing.

"It's almost disconcerting that you can hear his footsteps, when he has no legs." The horned being said, looking at me with the most piercing eyes I had ever had the horror of encountering. My "blood" ran cold, and my form stopped moving entirely as I stared at the horned being, eyes wide. Not even Lady Empress could see through my illusions, so how did...?

"Oh...now that you mention it...that's a pretty impressive illusion." A hooded being spoke in a rasping tongue. I almost felt...drawn to the being, as if my own darkness was drawn to the darkness within that being. Something was calling to me from within it, making my illusion flicker and fade away, revealing my true form - that of a darkened shade, nothing more than wisps of smoke and red, glowing eyes.

"Dammit, Statera. What do I have to do to trick your eyes, roll a pair of sixes?!" Reilly cried in frustration, sending his Lucky Dice skittering across the table. They landed on a six and five, indicating that Reilly was truly feeling lucky today. The horned being, Statera as it was identified, smirked at Reilly before looking back at me. "Fine, fine! Then you tell me what's so special about him! If you get it right then it just proves that I'll have to roll a twelve in order to have a chance at tricking you. Stupid...have to deepen my domain, dammit..." Reilly muttered.

I floated backwards gently, but froze when Statera snorted. The sound caused my mists to coalesce, making me appear as a dark ball of matter rather than smoke, and sending tendrils of fear into the core of my being.

"Well, it wouldn't matter what your luck is anyways. It's a bad draw against me at the moment - after all, I've had plenty of time to look at you." Statera said with a kind smile that almost, almost, made me fear it more. "Steward there is part of the Shadow of the Nine Heavens." Silence reigned, and I felt as if at any moment the Heavens themselves would reach down and smite me.

"What the fuck." Reilly deadpanned. "How in the blue fucking blazes did you figure that out?"

"What's the Shadow of the Nine Heavens?" The beautiful being asked.

"Yes, I am wondering the same." The hooded being repeated. Statera and Reilly shared a look and shook their heads.

"The answer to your question, Reilly, is because I have already completed that task...and Yueya, Shin, I am not at liberty to tell you. You'll find out soon enough, I presume." Statera said rather calmly, leaving my mind reeling. Who were these beings?!

"What do you mean you already 'completed that task?'" Reilly asked, his eyes narrowing. Statera just smiled at Reilly, an unseen conversation passing between the two of them and causing Reilly's eyes to widen ever so slightly. "Steward, come sit down. How are you three enjoying the Nine Heavens?" He said in an abrupt subject change. I quietly and silently floated over to the table, standing behind Reilly and feeling all too exposed.

"I like it, but I don't think I'll be able to use any of your systems in my world. It's just too different. I might be able to adapt on your reincarnation flows...but I don't know. It's given me a lot to think about." The beautiful being said slowly, opening her eyes to stare at Reilly.

"I have similar circumstances. Your system of 'karmic luck' is rather intriguing, however." The hooded being said slowly. Reilly chuckled and nodded his head.

"I'm rather fond of it. All I did was make the flow of 'luck' throughout the multiverse even more pronounced in this realm, and tied it in with the karma system. It takes quite a bit of pressure off of the native spirits that run things, but puts a lot more pressure on the Nine Heavens themselves. Which is why the realms are structured as they are, with positive luck being more prevalent in the higher heavens...so as to relieve some of that pressure." Reilly explained. I nodded, recalling the origin story of the universe. It was a known fact to those in the upper echelons of the Ninth Heaven that the Nine Heavens themselves, and everything therein was created by Lord Reilly...though it is the Empress who keeps everything running.

I'm not certain as to what it is Reilly does anymore.

"Mm. I really like the karmic luck thing you've got going. I'm going to have to implement something similar in my Realms, the spirits are overworked as is." Statera said with a thoughtful frown. Finally, after much consideration, I began to piece things together. Statera and the beautiful being both mentioned their 'world,' and 'realms,' so does that mean...they are like Lord Reilly? Creators of their own universes? No, I shook my head. That can't be possible...can it? The group all sat silently for a few moments before Reilly stood and clapped his hands together, startling me out of my thoughts.

"While our incarnations are running about, let's go explore some other parts. What do you say?" Reilly asked.

"That is an excellent idea, Reilly." Statera said, standing up. Silently and without argument, the others all stood as well, looking towards Reilly expectantly.

"Steward, lead the way! We're going to the suns first." Reilly said with a smile, looking at me pointedly. I nodded numbly, turning and promptly beginning to walk out of the Round Chamber. I was supposed to be a guide, then. For one of the most powerful beings in existence and others who might be just as strong. I shuddered inwardly. No pressure, Steward. None at all.