Oh Hunter My Hunter

A clash of the gods raged, creation and destruction entwined in a relentless cycle. The Lord of Flames incinerated all that the Plant of Life birthed, and the Plant of Life flourished amidst the destruction, each struggling for dominion over the other. The flames surged, eager to consume the flourishing forest, while the plant countered, weaving new life into existence.

I know the gods despise Earth, but I don't recall any of them being born here, Tobi mused as he looked at the scene curiously.

Vines erupted from the ground, entwining his limbs, pulling him down with desperate force. Trees sprouted around him, constraining him where he stood as they all tried to hold him.

Something like this is far too convenient and utterly impossible. There are no gods born from Earth; at least there should be none, so tell me, what do you think, regressor? The god asked curiously and intrigued as always by the hunter's mind.

Tobi's body ignited, searing away any of the vines and bark that bound him to the ground and standing and shining brilliantly ablaze.

I'm sworn enemies with Fate. I told you that, no, he stated simply.

The hunter ascended, his fiery form a beacon of light, before plummeting like a meteor toward the Plant of Life, charging at breakneck speed for an attack.

You were serious, The god of flames laughed, at first dismissing the claim as mere bravado, but the weight of Tobi's words excited him to think a man would challenge a being that high. To kill Fate itself was blasphemy.

Tobi seized the plant of life, dragging it through its own domain, reducing all in their path to ash. The once-vibrant garden became a wasteland of soot and ruin as he wove havoc upon the life that it brought forth.

I know you spoke of taking Fate's head, but to possess the knowledge of what it is, you are more than a mere regresser, aren't you? To know that Fate is not a just a concept but a being, that possesses powers even greater than mine and for him too meddle in your affairs… What had you done? the Lord of Flames asked, his curiosity piqued.

Smoke veiled the world, yet the Plant of Life stood resilient even if wilted momentarily before blooming once more in all its divine glory and radiance.

I don't know; my memories haven't reached that far yet, Tobi admitted.

A root coiled around his leg. Despite the inferno surrounding him, it did not burn. With tremendous force, it flung him across the vast domain. He crashed through trees, turning them to embers, before regaining control by dragging his feet against the ground and using his fire, like thrusters, standing firmly despite the overexertion his body took from repeated use of a god's power. He wielded a god's power, but he was no god, and the Plant of Life had no true wounds.

This isn't going well for you, boy, the Lord of Flames remarked bluntly.

Tobi lunged again, but the Plant of Life conjured a wall of trees. He tore through them, but his momentum slowed and eventually halted as an arm of bark gripped his leg and hurled him skyward, slamming him into the dome above.

No, it's not, Tobi admitted.

A colossal root surged upward, piercing into him on impact as he was pinned against the apex of this dome.

You'll die before you accomplish that goal of yours and here I thought your will so strong, the god mocked, his grin vicious.

Tobi only shrugged.

His defeat seemed nigh, but soon a sun ignited in the sky, burning away the encroaching roots, as the sun descended the plant's domain and brought forth an explosion that reduced all life to ash, revealing the hunter once more.

Do you lack faith in me? Besides, don't act so arrogantly, god. If my will hadn't overpowered yours, you'd be free, wouldn't you? At this moment you're no better than any slave. Tobi said nonchalantly, having some fun in provoking the Lord of Flames, who scowled.

Bringing his hands together, Tobi summoned two blazing stars. He gritted his teeth, channelling his remaining strength as the fire turned a searing blue, then hurled them at the god.

Watch your tone, hunter. I can make this excruciatingly difficult for you. Don't mistake yourself for a god, the Lord of Flames growled, angered.

The Plant of Life stepped forward, absorbing the impact with ease as roots coiled around its form, expanding it into a towering colossus. Tobi gazed up at it, undeterred, as he had one goal at this moment.

You could but you won't. You like me too much. I'm your only friend, Tobi said playfully despite their serious talk.

A sharp pain coursed through him as he felt his body was burning, though to him it was more of an annoyance than a problem.

Would you rather be a slave? the hunter asked, his tone curious and feigning innocence.

The now massive plant brought its arm up before it swung down forth a hammer of bark and life to crush the hunter, whose power now waned as he could barely hold the fist.

Is this how a slave respects its master? Know your place, you damned god. I swear if I die, I'll drag you with me, he declared with no hesitation.

The Lord of Flames grinned wickedly as power surged through Tobi's veins. Laughter, loud and maniacal, resounded in his mind before the god finally spoke.

To think a mere man would be so tenacious and prideful; it's quite enjoyable, really, to think even after I weakened you like that, you still had the gall to call me your slave. Very well then, I accept you, friend. I shall give you all the power I have and access to my whole arsenal. I do hope you can handle it, he said warningly as his wicked grin widened.

Tobi's mask shifted from a smile to a blank slate before he laughed wondrously and with ease; he swatted aside the crushing fist.

Friend. That's better; you admit it now. let us bring forth chaos, Tobi declared proudly.

Both man and god laughed, unified in their madness and destruction. The Lord of Flames revelled in the havoc to come, his power surging through this human vessel. And as one, they would set this newly born god's domain ablaze.