For nearly four hundred years, you and Ajak have assumed the roles of mother and son, a charade that began after the incident at Tenochtitlan. Living together in each chosen location, you both had to uproot yourselves whenever the local populace began to cast curious glances upon your eternally youthful countenances. It was a cycle of perpetual migration, moving from one place to another, year after year, never settling for too long. Eventually, your journey brought you to the bustling metropolis of New York City in the early 1900s, where you sought solace amidst the vibrant chaos of human progress.
As the war known to humans as the Second Great War erupted, you and Ajak strolled together, your steps in sync, along the bustling street. The storefronts displayed a flickering glow from the television screens broadcasting the latest updates on the ongoing conflict. Suddenly, Ajak came to an abrupt halt, her gaze fixed upon the numbers displayed, a somber reflection etched upon her face. The figures of those who had fallen in action and those who remained missing held a weighty significance that consumed her attention, momentarily pulling her away from the present moment. Time seemed suspended as she absorbed the gravity of the sacrifices made in the name of this relentless war.
A heavy sigh escaped your lips. The familiar gaze in Ajak's eyes did not escape your perceptive nature, for you knew all too well the internal struggle she endured. Since the days of Babylon, doubt had crept into her heart, as she began to question the decisions laid forth by Arishem. Yet it was the events of Tenochtitlan that deepened her introspection, as the connection through the sphere with Arishem faltered and ultimately ceased. The deafening silence that followed, an absence of reassurance and guidance, left Ajak submerged in a sea of self-doubt. With every passing day, the weight of her unanswered calls hung heavily upon her spirit, a testament to her longing for validation and understanding. The enigmatic figure of Arishem remained distant, withholding the solace she sought, as uncertainty continued to weave its intricate web around her consciousness.
"Ajak?" Whispering softly, you called out Ajak's name, positioning yourself behind her, both of your gazes transfixed on the images flickering across the television screen. Her eyes, still captivated by the display, slowly shifted towards you, seeking answers amidst the turmoil within her. With a calm conviction, she uttered your name, "Seidon... who are we?"
"We are Eternals," you responded, your voice carrying a sense of unwavering assurance, as if reminding her of an unbreakable truth that bound you together.
Her next question hung in the air, pregnant with longing for clarity and purpose. "What is our purpose and principles?"
Drawing upon the ancient wisdom that guided your existence, you shared the essence of your collective mission. "To correct excess deviation, stay out of human conflict, and, above all else, protect Tiamut."
Upon hearing you recite your mission on Earth, she fell silent once again. The weight of your shared purpose settled upon your shoulders, enveloping the room in a hushed reverence. The solemnity was punctuated solely by the ongoing news broadcast displayed on the screen. After giving one final glance at the TV screen, Ajak moved on, her gaze releasing its grip. With groceries cradled in your arms, you followed closely behind, stepping in sync with her as you continued your journey.
Returning to the comfort of your home, you discovered Ajak immersed in her serene meditative posture within the confines of her room. Knowing that she was once again attempting to reach out to Arishem, you decided to take this time to embark on your own meditation, seeking solace and a connection with the other Eternals scattered across the world. As you delved deeper into your introspective state, the passage of time became elusive, the outside world fading into insignificance.
However, the tranquility of the moment was abruptly shattered by a jarring sound—a sharp thud reverberated through the air, followed by a pained groan. Instantly snapped out of your meditative trance, you swiftly rose from your serene position, drawn to the source of the disturbance. The sound had originated from Ajak's room, and as you entered, a distressing sight met your eyes.
Ajak stood there, her knuckles raw and bloodied, the impact of her desperate blow against the unyielding wall evident in the broken skin and swelling. A mix of concern and empathy welled up within you as you observed the injured knuckle, the physical manifestation of her inner turmoil and mounting frustration. The delicate skin, now marred and wounded, served as a stark reminder of the pain that consumed her.
Approaching her with a gentle touch, you could feel the warmth of her injured hand, a stark contrast to the coolness that usually enveloped her eternal form. In that moment, the weight of her questioning and longing for Arishem's guidance became palpable. The unspoken anguish in her eyes mirrored the struggle she faced, the absence of answers amplifying her inner turmoil.
"Who am I? Who are we? Who are we to them?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, as if caught between her own thoughts and the world around her. But you understood that she was directing those questions to you, seeking solace in the shared uncertainty that weighed upon both of you.
"We were their myth," you responded softly, your words carrying the weight of the truth you had come to realize. "But now, we are outcasts on this planet, forsaken by those we were once destined to guide." Observing the absence of any immediate reaction from her, you gently pressed on, determined to provide support.
"Ajak?"
Her gaze remained fixed on her hands, pulsating with cosmic energy, as if trying to comprehend the immense power they possessed and the profound responsibility that came with it. A sense of sorrow etched itself onto her features as she spoke, her words laden with a profound longing for a world free from the shackles of violence.
"Druig was right. It breaks my heart too, seeing them killing each other," she confessed, her voice tinged with a mix of despair and compassion. "I've wanted to intervene ever since back in Babylon..."
"Ajak..." Your voice was gentle, a mere murmur in the air, as you sought to guide her thoughts toward a different path. Raising your hand, you gestured for her to pause, to take a moment of respite from the tumultuous whirlwind of emotions that consumed her. In that silence, you posed a question that had been lingering in the depths of your being, unspoken until now. "Are they worth it?"
Her response was resolute, her determination unwavering. "They are. I know they are."
"But there is no way for us to prevent the Emergence from happening, and we're still remain bound by our own limitations, cannot directly protect them from their own conflicts..."
Her eyes searched yours, seeking reassurance, a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming uncertainties. You met her gaze with unwavering conviction. "Then we will find a way. Together."
The expression on Ajak's face shifted, a mixture of surprise, gratitude, and perhaps even a flicker of newfound hope. She had not expected such unwavering support from you, and for a moment, she seemed unsure of how to respond.
"Seidon, you standing by my side all these years has already meant the world to me," she admitted, her voice laden with emotion. "I cannot ask you to defy Arishem's will, to tread the path of uncertainty with me."
Raising your hand, you gently interrupted her, your eyes filled with determination. "We'll find a way, Ajak. Together."
"Our bond, forged through centuries, goes beyond our roles as Eternals. We will navigate this labyrinth of existence, facing the challenges that lie ahead hand in hand."
For the past several months, your daily routine had included keeping a vigilant eye out for any signs of propaganda or war-related brochures. In this ever-evolving world of conflict and chaos, you sought a glimmer of insight, a small window through which you could indirectly extend your help to the humans you were bound to protect.
Today, as you strolled past the bustling streets, your attention was drawn to the army recruitment center, a hub of activity where eager young souls sought to join the ranks. Your eyes were inexplicably drawn to the announcement board, adorned with a medley of colorful flyers. With a quick glance around to ensure your actions went unnoticed, you gently plucked one flyer from its place, skillfully concealing it within the depths of your pocket.
Arriving at the comforting embrace of your home, you closed the door behind you, casting a keen gaze around the familiar surroundings. Ajak, your steadfast companion in this millennia-long journey, had yet to return, leaving you alone with your thoughts and the enigmatic flyer tucked safely within your grasp. The anticipation and curiosity tugged at your consciousness, urging you to uncover the secrets it held.
With a gentle exhale, you pulled the flyer from your pocket, delicately unfurling its corners to reveal a tapestry of words and images. It was a window into the human world, an invitation to witness their struggles and aspirations firsthand. Your eyes darted across the intricate details, absorbing the information that unfolded before you.
"Strategic Scientific Reserve is looking for scientists, security personnel, and retired army personnel to join the war effort. The organization is also seeking test subjects to undergo the Super Soldier Project. Sign up by reporting to the recruitment center for more information."
(Strategic Scientific Reserve...)
(Maybe this is the breakthrough we're looking for...)
You tucked the flyer into your pocket again and waited for Ajak to return home.
Several hours later, the sound of the door opening and closing reached your ears, followed by the distinct rhythm of footsteps. Eagerly, you retrieved the flyer from your pocket, knowing that Ajak had returned home. You handed it to her, the anticipation building in your chest.
"On my way back, I spotted this recruiting advertisement called the Strategic Scientific Reserve," you shared, your voice carrying a hint of excitement.
Ajak's voice was barely above a whisper as she read the words, "Super Soldier Project..."
You continued, your words laced with determination, "Even though human technology has greatly advanced, without Phastos's or our help, they won't be able to raise heroes on their own." Pausing, you studied Ajak's expression, searching for any sign of agreement.
"Our purpose and principles state that we stay out of human conflict, but it does not say anything against getting involved in non-conflict-related matters."
With the flyer still clutched in her hand, Ajak moved to the sofa and took a seat. The weight of contemplation filled the room, stretching the minutes into what felt like an eternity. Finally, her response emerged, resonating with conviction.
"Then we'll help raise heroes of their own."
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The Next Day...
As you stood in line at the recruitment center, your eyes wandered to the adjacent line where men were undergoing physical tests for enlistment in the army. Among the crowd of towering figures, their strong builds exuding confidence and vigor, there was one individual who seemed out of place. This man possessed a diminutive stature and appeared physically delicate, his frame standing in stark contrast to the others. Yet, it was in his unassuming presence that an aura of resilience emanated, capturing your attention like a solitary flame flickering amidst a storm. Despite his apparent physical disparity, there was a certain magnetism about him that set him apart from the rest, creating an air of intrigue and curiosity.
As you observed the recruitment process, the men who successfully passed the physical test proceeded smoothly through the line, eager to join the ranks. However, the steady progression came to an abrupt halt when the familiar man you had noticed earlier stepped forward, determined to convince the registration staff to grant him a chance to take the test. A fiery exchange ensued, frustration etching deep lines across his face. Eventually, defeated, he conceded his place in line, retrieved his shirt from the bench, and departed from the center with a mix of determination and despondency evident in his gait. In that passing moment, you couldn't help but notice a subtle yet intriguing distinction about him, though its elusive nature prevented you from grasping its essence. Deciding to set aside the curiosity for the time being, you redirected your attention to securing your own recruitment.
True to your expectations, your eternal physique effortlessly gained you immediate acceptance into the esteemed ranks of the Strategic Scientific Reserve, granting you the position of a newly recruited security staff member with seamless ease, akin to a hot knife gliding through soft butter. Stepping out of the center, the ambient soundscape was abruptly punctuated by the raucous echoes of a scuffle emanating from a nearby alley. Intrigued by the commotion, you instinctively followed the source, only to discover that the same man who had encountered obstacles earlier was now cornered by a menacing group of thugs.
With relentless determination, the man endured blow after blow from the thugs, refusing to yield to their aggression. Each time he was knocked to the ground, he defied the odds and rose to his feet once more, displaying an unwavering spirit. In a display of resourcefulness, he seized the lid of a nearby trash bin, employing it as an improvised shield to ward off the assailants' attacks. Amidst the chaos, his voice rang out, defiantly responding to their taunts, refusing to be intimidated.
"I can do this all day."
You took a deep breath, preparing to intervene, but were abruptly pushed aside by another man clad in an army uniform.
(They appear to be friends) you mused, observing as the man in the army uniform extended a helping hand to the petite man, lifting him from the ground while simultaneously shooing away the retreating thugs. Seizing the opportunity, you stepped forward, seizing the moment to introduce yourself to the two individuals who had just crossed your path.
"You've got quite the will to stand up to thugs three times your size," you remarked to the petite man, admiring his resilience. "Are you alright?"
Adjusting his weight on the man in the uniform, the petite man pushed himself away, offering a nod of assurance. He extended his hand towards you, a gesture of camaraderie and gratitude.
"This ain't my first rodeo when it comes to people trying to discourage me from joining the army and serving my country... I'm Steve. Steve Rogers," he introduced himself as you firmly shook his hand.
Steve then turned towards the man in the uniform standing beside him. "And this is James Buchanan Barnes."
"Sorry for shoving you aside, but I had to help my friend," Barnes apologized sincerely as you reciprocated the handshake.
"The pleasure is all mine," you responded warmly, appreciating their presence in that moment.
"I am..." you paused momentarily, contemplating which name to share. After a split second of consideration, you made your decision, opting to use the same name you had used moments ago inside the recruitment center.
"I'm Arex,"
"Arex Hayek."