Kaleidoscopic blues molded into an orb of chaos raced through open, clouded passages lined by ashen columns standing strangely upon their platforms of air. Vapored trails of sky-blue shimmered in a fading line from the orb’s very essence seeping from its confines. Just beyond those dissolving trails chased a large fox, paws casting ripples through the colorless air and its twin tails bouncing energetically as it attempted to gain ground on its fleeting prey. The pursuit lit a fire beneath the orb and its speed was kicked up a notch as it whistled through an arch that led into strange corridors of gold-gilded crimson.

At last, it found itself before two arching doors. Elaborate obsidian traceries collided with the matching deep red hues of the walls just beyond in brilliant fractal patterns over silver so pure it outshone even the most beautiful golds and jewels. A pulchritudinous sight to behold, yet the orb cared not. It was beyond those doors that the being sought.

Heavy, the monstrous mechanisms swung inward as the scintillating orb grew near. Cogs moved against each other in murmured clanks. Danced in synchronicity so perfect that it bled celestiality. Flush rose carpets stirred at the wind beneath the azure sphere as it sped down the center. Parting holy strands in its haste before coming to an abrupt stop in front of the being it had searched so desperately for.

The fox entered shortly after. Desperate gasps for air turned to struggling wheezes as the creature drew itself up. “Sire,” it started once its breath had been returned, “I humbly apologize for the intrusion. This little one,” it flicked a shaky paw towards the trembling orb, “separated herself from the Fray. I shall return her at once.” The fox stood up on its hind legs and strode elegantly across the room. Padded paws made not a single sound as it did so.

“Still yourself, Malekai,” a worn, scarred baritone interrupted. The sound resonated around the room. Shook glass cases that housed artifacts, scrolls, and tomes with its power. It demanded attention, obedience. “It is very rare that one should find its way out of the chaos of the Fray. I find myself rather intrigued by this little one’s tenacity. I wish to hear her desires.”

Malekai blinked in confusion. “Sire, she should not be this far from the Fray. She could begin to shadow. Deteriorate. She is unstable, Sire. What will the others think of such negligence? Please, allow me—”

“Malekai,” the being addressed once more, neither volume nor tone changing its voice.

Those without experience would be unable to tell of his mood from voice alone, but Malekai could see it in those stormy lilac eyes.

“I am aware of the boundaries of our world and the rules set by those I am to abide by. Do you not believe your God a competent one?”

Malekai immediately recoiled, utterly appalled. “Surely you jest, Sire!” he howled with a bitter snarl. “I’ve been with you since the beginning. Stood by your side after the great war, and opposed the heavens when the blood baths subsided and you decided the victors to be unjust.” He huffed indignantly. “I’ve never doubted your competency, nor your morality. ‘Tis why I, alone, am still here.”

Silence could not quiet the rolling waves of appreciation glowing from within the god’s eyes. It could not dampen the smile that stretched from chiseled jaw to chiseled jaw. Nor could it keep the thundering of Malekai’s small heart at bay.

“Then, please, my most loyal subject. Allow her an audience with the god she so fervently sought.” His voice was softer this time. Tender with a warmth greater than that of her Highness’s great phoenix. He turned his eyes upon the shivering orb, its pulsing light showing her nervous demeanor. “So, little one. What is it that brings you away from your deserved rest and into my chambers?”

Long strands of brilliant rose swirled around the being on whispered currents of air as the large golden clock beyond the God counted seconds. Tic, tok, tic, tok. Lilac shimmered with shards of the sky as the god’s attention stayed bound to his visitor. The silence stretched out.

Malekai looked to his master, impatient and annoyed as their conversation continued in the quiet stillness of the throne room. When it felt as though the fox servant was going to break under the pressure of the silence, the god erupted into laughter. His eyes crinkled as he laughed, crow’s feet that dug trenches from the corners nearly all the way to his full hairline. Malekai was confused, but he knew better than to speak before this moment had passed.

As all things must, the god’s laughter faded to nothing more than a single huffing sigh. “You understand the risks of this endeavor, do you not?”

Bright blues shimmered over the orb’s surface in response.

The god sucked in a sharp breath and his eyes grew pained. “The strength within you is something to behold, young one. Cherish it. Dig deeply to remember it when your mission proves difficult—and do not be deceived. This endeavor will be difficult. There is no room for you to believe otherwise.”

Another dance of azure, though specs of indigo darkened this response.

Malekai dreaded what was to come as his own experiences begged him to object. A stunt like this would attract the eyes of unwanted individuals. Especially if it collapsed the way he truly believed it would. Still, he trusted his master and held his tongue. Waiting for orders he knew he was about to receive.

Above spun the mirrored reflection of this fragile world turning ever-so-slightly. Attracted to this god’s warm, life-giving light. Or so Malekai liked to imagine. He knew his master only held such power because of what side he chose to stand upon. Those of whom lacked the righteousness they preached unto those willing to listen having destroyed the very few who stood against them.

Knowledge of such vicious claws suffocating the Earth ushered the god’s anger regularly. Wrath he could never release. Many a time had the god wished he’d stood firmer against the campaign to dispose of the Great Creator. But, alas, that was long past. A sorrow the god could never resolve. Forgiveness that could never be given.

“A shame for you to have left at such a tender age. However,” he grunted, returning his straying gaze to the waiting orb, “I shall see to it that your noble request is granted.”

A pause. Then, the orb raced around in elated circles. Blues of every shade scintillating across its surface in mosaic waves, delighted at such easy acceptance. Malekai continued watching, an ancient ache in his heart. There were reasons this was considered taboo, and it broke him knowing what this little soul was in for.

“Sire, I am to accompany her, correct?” Malekai verified tentatively.

The god nodded, lifting his hands to the world as he turned his attention back onto the excited sphere. “I give you a single year to rescue he who you determine worthy enough to risk your very soul to save. Though this journey has been granted to you, be wary of your time. It slips away faster than you may realize, and the longer you spend away from the safety of the Fray, the more likely your soul is to be lost forever. Or worse.” His eyes narrowed. “The more likely another God is to stumble upon your unprotected form.”

The orb—no, the soul—stopped its carefree waltz. Dull splashes of deep violet spread over her as she properly grasped the severity of the situation. The god beckoned for her to approach.

Malekai reached forward, uncertainty needing reassurance for this decision. “Is there no other way, Sire?”

Sorrow weighed on the simple shake of the god’s head. “No. Her desire to return, to save the soul she believes is in peril, is too strong for me to deny. To return her only begs for another escape. We cannot risk others freeing themselves in her wake. This is something she must do in order to rest in peace, and it is something we must allow.” He looked to the fox and gestured for the soul to join his faithful servant. “If you would, Malekai. Recite the hymn that will guide this little one back from whence she came.”

Malekai heaved a defeated sigh as he walked towards the crystalline case that held a worn, leaf-green leather-bound book with a gleaming white crystal carefully set into the center. Removing the heavy tome, he returned to the soul, gently resting the crystal against its pulsing energy. With a pained expression, he began to sing the song that would lead the young soul back to where she once called home and, possibly, to her demise.

As his voice softened and gave way to silence, the small orb dissipated, leaving the god and his servant to watch as she disappeared. Each of them remained quiet in the painful silence. It’d be a waiting game. To see if she’d have the strength to resolve this heartache and return to her well-deserved afterlife.