Chapter 4: Mystery Child
(Heaven Spéir)
I found myself walking among the three I once called friends, now nothing more than empty shells of the powers that occupied them, long stripped of their humanity and left as cold, emotionless machines.
Everyone, including myself, had changed so much since the day we left this realm.
We had only come back because we had made a decision. We would meet up once every five hundred years to discuss what was happening on our continents.
It began as a festive celebration to mark the passage of time for us, but, over the years, it slowly devolved into an emotionless procedure of routine.
“So, Miklaus, what have you been up to for the last five hundred years?” I heard Hikarus ask as we continued to walk down the golden halls of the home we’d made together.
“The same thing I’ve been doing for the last fifteen hundred years: finding different dimensions to travel to and judging their inhabitants.” Miklaus answered coldly.
It had become harder and harder to keep my sanity throughout the centuries of isolation we had all imposed on ourselves. I suspect our personalities hadn’t been fully eroded simply because something had protected our minds this whole time, but even that protection was slowly wearing off. The effects of this were clear.
The three of us, other than Miklaus, had all seemed to retain some semblance of life due to this. For some reason, however, it seems Miklaus had lost this protection and, with it, any sense of his previous self. His actions were a stark contrast to his previous being.
Miklaus was someone I had looked up to as a big brother, always so welcoming, kind-hearted, and warm. Now, his gaze was permanently cold and unfeeling. He sent chills down my spine; that all loving aura replaced with bloodlust so thick it was palpable.
“We’ve all four lost our humanity, but it still amazes me at just how much of a monster you truly are.” Hikarus gave his reply with a chuckle, which I had to agree with.
“And you’re one to judge?” Miklaus said without a change of tone in his voice, “The only difference between us, Hikarus, is you have others do your dirty work for you while you watch from the sidelines, yet I do it myself.”
“He’s got you there, Dwarf.” I replied with a slight laugh, knowing that insult would piss him off royally.
“Who are you to laugh, Witch? You love the bloodshed caused by war, and my manipulation leads to wars so you get entertainment out of what I do. We could even be the perfect partners. Whatta ya say?” Hikarus said as he looked at me with an evil grin.
Hikarus, the youngest of us four, had always held a class clown like personality. He was the shortest of the four back when we were humans, but always had the loudest voice. Now, he was nothing but a cruel, manipulative bastard, stirring up wars between god and man alike.
“Don’t ever try to compare me or rope me into your silly little games, you little shit!” I yelled letting my aura flair out a bit as Hikarus responded releasing some of his as well.
“Ah a fight among the True Gods, this is the most entertaining thing that could happen. Mind if I join in?” Miklaus said with a smirk as his eyes turned into slits.
“Alright you imbeciles knock it off before you destroy everything!” Reiji yelled, snapping us out of our little dispute.
Reiji, a man who had always loved life and everything it had to offer. Someone so optimistic now carried only a blank look of depression and sadness. The thing he loved the most was kept away from him due to his powers.
“Reiji is still playing the voice of reason I see.” Miklaus responded as he relaxed.
“If I didn't, all of reality would be in danger with you three hot heads.” Reiji responded matter-of-factly. “Now let’s actually talk about the things this meeting is for.” Reiji added
“Hmph, fine. You can start Heaven.” Miklaus said as he took a seat.
Then there was I, the only female of the four who mainly just loved to eat sweets and joke around. I was quite the pacifist back when I was human, at least I think I was. Isolation had eroded not just our personalities, but also our memories.
Though I still loved my sweets, just as much as I used to, I had become infatuated with the wars of Gods and humanity, and admittedly loved the bloodshed. The way people screamed out in pain while their faces contorted inhumanly when they were tortured, the tears they shed while begging for mercy, and the look of despair in their eyes when any hope of peace is bled dry, it was all music to my ears. It was all so… beautiful.
I cleared my throat with a slight cough and began, “Well, the war between Hikarus’s continent and mine seems to be growing by the day. With thousands falling, along with the crusaders meting out their idea of divine judgment and spreading my religion, I’d say it’s progressing how I thought it would.”
Suddenly, I felt a power spike come from my continent. It was a source that I hadn’t felt before. While not a power close to rivaling myself, I had to admit it definitely piqued my interest.
“In addition, the implementation of the 4 divisions has been a huge success within the religion."
"So I've heard." Hikarus said with a sly smile painting his face.
The reports continued, but none really interested me. Miklaus wasn't too interested in what's currently happening; too immersed in his bloodlust, and Reiji was… well, he wasn't too thrilled in sharing his thoughts, not that I cared.
After concluding our reports, Miklaus signaled for us to leave with the formation of a rift.
“Hey, uh. You guys go on ahead of me. I'm going to look around a bit, I'll be back shortly.” I said as I changed into my hummingbird form and flew down towards my continent. Hikarus raised his eyebrow slightly, but continued walking on into the rift with the others.
Seconds later, I had arrived at quite the sight. Rain was pouring down in torrents while fires were ablaze. The sky was black with smoke and ash as I stood in what used to be a village of some kind.
Then, I saw the reason behind my intrigue: a young, beautiful girl who looked no older than 18. Her body seemingly cracking on the surface with a glow radiating from the seams.
I observed her closely as I approached her, wondering what had caused a mortal woman to have such a powerful outburst, leaving her in this state.
“I guess I should peer into your memories while you’re still unconscious.” I knelt down and began imbuing her with some of my power.
I watched through her memories as the prior day unfolded before me. I saw her birthday party with friends and family, the trial, her finding the cave, eating the fruit, and then the trip home to find the village and everything else set aflame.
“That’s how you gained this power, huh. How interesting indeed.” Then a thought came to my head and I could feel a devilish grin spread across my face.
“This power would most certainly end your life soon as your mortal body can’t handle it. However, luckily or unluckily for you, you’ve gained my interest.”
I extended my hand out and started to put seals on her power until the time came when she was ready for it. I then began strengthening her body so she could reach that point.
‘I never would have thought someone would find that cave and eat the fruit. Now what will you do with these new powers and life you’ve been given. I look forward to seeing it with my own eyes.’ I thought as I prepared to go back and inform the others about this girl.
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