Chapter 2 Reborn

Purpose

 

Gaining focus, awareness of a single area. Not just a solitary nexus for this world’s mana flow but the Prime Nexus. Perceiving the imperceivable mana flowing from all regions of the planet and gathering in this colossal area where it takes the form of an August Dragon.

This cycle is where the mana pools, mixes, and purifies. Soon after, the mana is amplified and redistributed throughout the world. 

The Prime August Dragon may only exist for a fraction of a second. The mana intensity of the planet is too much for a single Dragon. The Prime splits, becoming the August Dragons. These Dragons will each create nexuses, distribute, record, and purify half of the world's mana flow.

Upon creation of a nexus, magic of a certain type becomes available to use by those that know how to do it. There are many diverse types of magic and the nexus for each are scattered across the planet. Each planet with mana will have a primary focal point. This Prime Nexus is where the August Dragon must exist in order to maintain the flow and balance of the world's mana.

The August Dragons will spawn several children, typically after creating a nexus. These dragons are the embodiments of specific aspects of worldly magic. They establish domains near their represented nexus.

Each August Dragon creates a powerful defender. Each of the dragons will create many lesser defenders, which can also be entire species of creatures or monsters.

My purpose has changed. I was this great flow, now I am of it; connected to, now apart. Looking upon the world for the first time using my eyes. I’m much smaller than the world now. Yet I feel as if I’m much more of an integral part. There is no understanding of this role I’ve been fated to fulfill. Do I even have a choice? Unsure is my answer.  

Gazing at the immense worldly mana flow, the August Dragon, and still not yet understanding my purpose. Do I even have one? Has the Dragon bestowed a great purpose on me? No, I just want that to be true. If nothing else, I will create my purpose. I will protect that which I am a part of, the Dragon, the mana, the lifeblood of the world. 

So, what do I do now? No one answers. I guess that is a decision assigned by and to myself. With this life, I wish to be happy. A pleasant feeling tingles throughout my body. That’s nice. A smile stretches across my face. I like being happy. I am curious. I want to see this ever-changing world with these new eyes. I want to feel the world with this new body. Curious, what do I look like? 

While I cannot see my face, my inner peripheral vision shows that there is a protrusion. This common feature for many species on this planet has many names. I’ll adopt one and call it a nose. They come in all sizes and shapes. I think mine looks short and squat but it’s hard to tell from this perspective. 

Sniffing the air, my new nose detects a bouquet of sweet and floral scents. The realization that I stand within a meadow of sorts, all types of strange and beautiful flowering plants. Each offering their scent which combines into a melodic symphony of aromas. This is another beautiful aspect of this world that makes it easier to keep my smile.

Looking down at my skin, it is the color of an almond nut from a tree fondly remembered. Fine, white, and golden hairs cover certain locations across my body.

Wildly swinging my arms around sparks laughter and pleasant feelings. Hands at the ends of these arms, I can use these to grab and pick things up, how novel. Slender fingers that can wiggle will allow me to get into no end of mischief or aid those in need. The ends of my fingers have a hard enamel that is colored gold and shines radiantly like the sun. With minimal effort, the luminosity of my nails and fur is easy to adjust.

Two legs stretch from my torso to the ground, knees in the middle of them which allow bending. Feet at the end of these appendages to aid in standing. The protrusion sticking from my backside is furry and white with glittering gold stripes, my tail. It can wag. What other kind of mischief will I be able to cause with it?

Realizing that I look like a blend of thrak, elf, and a touch of feline; how will I blend into their societies? Where will I belong? I’ll have to be careful. 

Despite all that… Smiling at my appearance; I truly am unique.  

The August Dragon speaks clearly, it had never done that before. It names me Misae, the White-Hot Sun. Realizing my purpose or choice. I choose to be its guardian. 

What was that? A fleeting dream?  

No longer Misae.

Once again, returning to nothing. 

But it’s more than that, now. 

Awareness. …And a chorus of screaming.