I stare out into the eternal cosmos, watching the streaks of lights slowly revert back into simple dots. We had arrived at our destination, Tepessaulem, the Capital of the yoselvan. The Felixrians have not been here since the days of humanity's first appearance on the galactic stage, seventeen thousand years ago. Any cooperation with our sisters and brothers had all but stopped as we found closer allies in mankind than we ever did with our supposedly enlightened siblings.
I rose from my desk and approached a nearby mirror. The ark was set to dock soon, so I had to hurry my preparations. I grabbed a brush and began to smooth out my fur. It was a lengthy process but we had to appear as clean and divine as possible within the court of The Father. Not that I particularly cared for him. In fact, most of Felixrian society had grown a sour taste for our God. For countless millennia since the War of Heaven, we thought the curse incurable. We prayed and begged for him to save our Queen, and yet he never did. We had grown complacent and accepted the Queen's curse as a matter of life. To be proven wrong was a blessing and a curse in and of itself.
As I brush the long fur at the top of my head, my eyes wander to the window, and I see countless other arks leaving and entering the planet. The Yoselvan will spend decades on every individual ark, perfecting every little detail. Sails are made from the finest of wools, wood selected only from the sturdiest and most beautiful trees, and their greatest mages assemble the ark and enchant it.
I look back into the mirror and notice something I had not before. My fur was of a similar color as the wood the yoelvan used for their arks, a gentle off white. I let out a giggle. I would blend in perfectly with it had it not been for the black spots that peppered my body. I've always been proud of my appearance. My triangular ears are the perfect size and shape, my whiskers are beautifully straight. My tail, long and fluffy. I give myself a smug smile in the mirror.
My thoughts and grooming are interrupted by a loud knock from the door to my chambers. I take a deep breath and shout, "Yes?"
I hear the grizzled voice of my personal guard, Yunath, through the door. "My Lady, the yoselvan are requesting your presence at the docks!"
What could they possibly want so soon before departure? I throw my hands down in frustration and give out a long sigh before responding, "For what reason do they desire my presence?"
There is a moment of silence before she responds, "The human slaves are rioting as we speak. The yoselvan wish to bring the diplomats down to the planet as soon as possible, to avoid any incidents."
A common occurrence on yoselvan worlds and ships. Humans were a species all too easy to subjugate. Yet always, without fail, one would rise from within their ranks to break their shackles. An admirable trait. Truly, there was no practice sicker amongst the ranks of the Children of God than the yoselvan' love for slavery and subjugation, short of the posolmra genocidal zealotry. Should I have had the funds I would have purchased the freedom of every human aboard this ship. Alas, that is but a fleeting wish.
"I will be out momentarily. Permit me to at least put on a pleasant set of clothes." I responded.
Yunath replies "Of course, my lady. I will have the guard ready to move your luggage to your quarters."
I urgently finish brushing my fur and put on the standard diplomat's clothing. A fitted dress, with a draped linen midi skirt. With gold and black detailing, along with a strapped bodice and a flared circle neckline.
Once I've finished, I exit my quarters and am met by Yunath and two other guards. Yunath's stance is one of pride and dignity, she stands tall and ready for any possibility. She looks at me and asks "My Lady?"
I have always admired how much pride she took in her work. I smile before responding, "I am ready to go, Yunath."
She gestures to the other two, and they move to flank my sides before she takes her position behind me. I begin my walk down the beautifully and intricately crafted halls to the dock.
After some time, I finally arrive at the dock and approach my fellow diplomats. Each of them holds their head high, proud to represent their entire species on the diplomatic stage. I understand the feeling all too well, it's not easy to be appointed by the Queen to represent our great people. As the thought sinks in, a gentle smile curls my lips, before being ripped out of my thoughts by the insufferable voice of the kontreel diplomat.
"Whisker here! Take long enough! Think you died!" The words exit its mouth in a loud shrill voice. How could God have created such a disgusting creature, it can barely retain the saliva behind its mandibles. I watch as its many tentacles protruding from the back anxiously flick back and forth, as if attempting to hold itself steady with the air. The six limbs it uses to walk are barely any thicker than the tentacles, it is a miracle it can support itself. Then again, the creature is small, barely standing at my knees.
I take a quiet breath before stating, "My quarters were a bit further than the rest, my apologies for any possible delays."
The enafu speaks next, exclaiming in its gravelly voice. "It's always excuses with the otha children, none of ye could evva take blame and accept failure."
The arrogance of the enafu is stupendous, it rivals even that of the yoselvan. They think themselves immune to critique and failure. Yet if you dare mention something as petty as their height, the false facade shatters, and gives way to creatures of raw insecurity.
My eyes assess the enafu, he stands a little over half my height. His body is nearly entirely covered in coarse stone armor. The armor is hefty, with each step he takes you can hear the weight of his armor. My eyes shift to his intricately groomed beard, the sides are braided to twist in and out of the armor, fully emerging once more towards his torso and then being tied to the hair on his head. If I were to say one positive thing about the enafu, it would be their remarkable talent for grooming their beards.
I give the enafu a harsh look before responding, "I assure you, enafu, had this been my fault, I would have gladly taken the blame. Alas, it was not."
The enafu grunts before turning away. Before any more comments could be made, the yoselvan guards approached.
"Sacred Diplomats, the ship has been prepared for your transportation. If you would kindly?" He gives a courtly bow, and gestures to the ship's entrance. The enafu rudely makes his way forward with his chest puffed and head held as high as it could be, armor booming with every step. Without hesitation, he walks onto the ship. He was the only one without any sort of escort. I look back at Yunath to see her already being ushered away with all of the diplomats' escorts. The other diplomats begin walking into the ship, and so I follow.
We're escorted to a massive dining room, where a grand banquet of foods from every corner of the galaxy are beautifully and meticulously laid out across the table. The chairs are each custom made for all 10 diplomats. As I analyze the room, I realize the posolmran diplomat is nowhere to be seen. I suppose not the most surprising thing, any of the Children can deny the summons. I recall being told they have not attended a meeting since the tenth Era.
At this point everybody had taken their seat but me, and so I rushed to my position in the banquet in between the consagi and the lobrire. Every seat is raised or lowered in such a way as to guarantee easy eye contact between the members of The Children. I glance across the table to the empty seat in front of me, the one where the posolmra should have been seated. I wonder what happened…could it simply be they were too busy with their war?
The consagi takes notice of my fixated vision and says, "Personally, I am glad they did not come. Have you ever seen one in the flesh? Or have you only seen the depictions in your ancient texts?"
My mind ponders for a moment, I have seen them depicted plenty in records and legends but, it is true, I have never seen one in the flesh. "No I have not." I answer
He turns to look at the chair again before responding, "Wish that you never will, they have become abominations of steel and flesh ever since they began to use the machine parts of their fallen foes."
I take a moment to ponder on that. I had heard the legends that the posolmra used machines fueled by blood to empower themselves. Stolen from their greatest enemy, The Deus Machina. A machine turned god, it had exterminated the gyents alongside countless voidkin, whose names are now forgotten to time. It had nearly wiped out the posolmra, until they began to use the machine's own steel against itself. I could not imagine what the consagi meant by his words.
As my thoughts shift from the posolmra to the consagi, I find myself observing him. His tall white ears erupted from his head, nearly half of his body was ear. The rest was a meek frame, covered in white fur. His eyes were black marbles, set just above a small pink whiskered nose. The consagi were impossibly fast, the best of the best could run across their entire planet in under an hour. It's an impressive ability I admit.
I ask him, "Whatever do you mean? The felixrian have also taken to using the technology of the voidkin, and yet you don't seem to view us with such distaste."
His eyes look to me with a mix of confusion and curiosity before he continues. "Ah no, it's not the simple use of it. They… They take the corpses of the fallen machines and force it into their own damaged flesh. The flesh and the machine appear as two separate aspects, both desperate to crawl away from one another, yet held together by a greater will."
My eyes light up in realization before I respond, "Like the cybernetics of mankind! I've never particularly found them quite repulsive, more fas-"
I'm rudely interrupted as the consagi states "I, too, have seen the voidsteels, it is nothing like them. Their work, however odd, has a craft. An elegance. The posolmrans have none of that. I cannot explain it. Perhaps one day, you will see it for yourself and understand."
The yapran on my left scoffs and states, "You know damn well that those heretics would never show their face around here, Carishou. It's been countless millennia since their last appearance on the diplomatic stage. The only place you would ever see one is on the battlefield." He reaches down to touch the hilt of his sword before continuing, "And our dearest…what is your name?"
I stare at him, and realize I was never informed of the names of the other diplomats. I straighten my back, puff my chest and say, "My name is Perlyla, diplomat of the felixrian species. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. And your name?"
"Ah yes, our dearest Perlyla here does not look to be the warrior type." he says with a smug smile.
It was true, I had never experienced any form of battle. And yet, the way he said it irked me down to my core. I take a deep breath before responding, "You are correct. From a young age, I was groomed to be a diplomat. I have never seen the fields of battle."
"I've always found it odd that the other children would not require all to be warriors. Though, perhaps it explains how voidkin could give you all trouble." says the yapran.
I bite my tongue before facing away. This is our first appearance in ages, I must make a good impression. I need them all to vote against the extermination. I shift the subject, "You seem to view the voidkin unfavorably. Is there a particular reason why?"
His eyes narrow, and only now do I notice that his eyelids close from the sides. My mind wanders once again as I inspect him. The iris of his blue eyes appear as horizontal lines. He's a tall, boxy specimen. His horns are massive, twisting and curling all around themselves before ending at an extremely sharp point. His white fur is long and coarse. It has clearly been well maintained. He wears a simple golden chlamys.
He lets out a forced chuckle before saying, "There is no discussion to be had, the council has already determined my vote… I am simply here to enact their will." A sadistic smile forms on his lips, before another chuckle escapes him. "That being said," he continues, his voice a low rumble. "To even consider allowing the filth that destroyed two of the obelisks to live is sacrilegious! Because of them, we now suffer more losses under demonic incursions than ever before! They simply must be made to pay."
I look away in frustration, and my eye catches the yoselvan diplomat entering the room. His coat flows behind him like angelic wings, and the jewelry adorning his body sparkles as if challenging the beauty of stars themselves. The mask he wears radiates perfection and elegance, the eyes a deep white that overtakes you, the markings all depictions of angels and spells, each representing order and law. He approaches his seat, every step meticulously calculated, every breath methodical, even the swaying of his arms were coordinated.
Upon taking his seat across from me, he gently removes his mask. With a simple flex of his hand, he shatters it into dozens of shards, all of which recede back into his coat. His eyes are a glistening golden yellow. They slowly scan the entire table, before he takes in a breath and speaks in a proud and powerful tone. "A pleasure to see you all here. It would appear that we have a full house," his tone quickly shifts to one of snark "Or as full as we could have, given the state of everything." A moment of silence falls upon the room before he looks at me, and continues, "A pleasure to be hosting an enafu and felixrian diplomat. It has truly been too long since these two species have made an appearance before the House of God. Please, make them feel welcome!" His voice is one of professionalism and respect, but his eyes tell a different story. As they meet mine, I can sense nothing but venom and malice.
I feel as if he's been locking eyes with me for a little too long. My breath grows short, and my claws begin to gently flex. The moment feels like an excruciating eternity, before it is broken by the enafu.
He shouts in a boisterous, angered voice. 'Listen here and listen well, you prideful arrogant knife-ear. I am NOT here because I want, I am here because you are threatening the business of all me clans! So can the fake fockin' act and let us eat in peace. I don't wanna talk to your kind anymore than I have to!"
The yoselvan maintains his calm demeanor. But I can see his eyes, filled with a furious blaze. He says calmly, "Very well. Let us eat, praise be to the father for our blessed meals."
As we begin to eat, the tension in the room is unfathomable. I feel the pressure on my lungs with every passing moment. Not a single word is uttered until finally we arrive at our destination. As the boat is landing, the yoselvan announces one final message. "Tomorrow, we will begin the meeting when the first ray of sunlight has risen over the horizon. We shall meet at the House of God. Rest well, and may you all make the correct choice."
I am escorted to a house, modeled after ancient felixrian architecture. As I enter, I feel more like I'm in a museum than a home. My luggage has all already been unpacked and put away. Somehow, this gesture makes me feel more uncomfortable. I check every corner of the bedroom, not sure what I'm looking for, but it makes me feel more comfortable at the very least.
I try to relax and enjoy some ancient human literature. Recently, I've developed quite the fascination for it. More specifically, literature of stories in the cosmos. Humans never discovered the existence of extraterrestrial life until extremely late in their development. Many had chalked it up to human incompetency, yet the blame lies on an ancient barrier that had engulfed the home of the young species. Many scholars, both voidkin and children, have attempted to learn of the origins of this barrier. Yet none ever could.
This is why their literature is so fascinating. All their stories in this sense carry wonder and uncertainty. Some feared what could lie beyond the stars, others embraced it. A common philosophy of early human development was that there was no point in going to the stars. Oh, how I love the strange madness and perspective brought on by humanity! Before I know it, the sun has disappeared under the horizon, and I head off to rest.
I awaken before the crack of dawn, and quickly rise to my feet. I brush my fur and straighten my whiskers, and I prepare my most beautiful gown, slipping it on. It is my favorite, the deep crimson of the dress is beautifully contrasted by black stripe that circles the wasteband. Flowers are embroidered along the end of the short sleeve. As I admire the dress I turn to see my knife laying on the table. Should I bring it along? Perhaps it would not be the wisest decision. Though…I would feel safer. I grab the knife and hide it under a flap on my dress. With one final glance in the mirror, I head outside.
I'm met by two yoselvan, their demeanor curt but professional. "Are you ready to travel to the House of God, felixrian?"
I look around, expecting to see some sort of vehicle to escort me, but see nothing.
I tell them, "I was under the impression there would be some mode of transportation? I am not prepared to walk."
"Worry not," one of them says. "There will be no need for long distance walking."
"I see," I reply. "Well, then I suppose I am ready." I say, with an awkward half-smile.
"Very well." The yoselvan exchange looks before stepping to the side. They extend their hands in unison, gesturing elegantly as a warm glow emanates from their palms. In front of them, the space splits into an ovular portal, its rim glowing with the same energy in their palms. . I watch in awe. I had not known such a thing was possible! I stare into the portal, and on the other side, clear as crystal, the entrance to the House of God. I look back and forth between the two yoselvan, who simply beckon me to enter. I step to the other side, and as my tail passes through, the portal closes behind me.
"Fascinating…" I whisper to myself. In front of me is the entrance to the House of God. A monolithic structure, made of marble and gold infused with some sort of blessing, allowing it to glow against the star-speckled sky. Its pillars stood wider than homes, each individually so tall, they could touch the clouds. Every inch of these pillars are meticulously and beautifully crafted, etched with millions perhaps billions of depictions of angels, heaven, Children, symbols of order and spells. The pillars were monuments to the history of our universe. However, next to the greater structure, the pillars felt like such a small aspect. The building itself stretched for countless steps in either direction. I could see it vanish into the distant horizon. Countless ornate stained glass windows decorate the length of the walls, each depicting battles and heroes from the War of Heaven. The sight makes me wonder to myself where our beloved Princess Sylvee could be upon it. My gaze shifts upwards, and beyond the pillars, the roof rises into the atmosphere, and even beyond that the bell towers reach further still. Each of them houses bells, the size of castles. Finally, the steeple which breaks through the very atmosphere of the planet, reaching into the cosmos themselves.
Two more yoselvan appear and say, "Now that you have witnessed the splendor of The Lord, allow us to escort you to the discussion hall." They open another portal into a dark hallway. I enter the dark portal, and am left in complete darkness for a brief moment before a light erupts from the ceiling, shining on a doorway at the end of the hall. I take a deep breath, and open the doors, revealing a massive dome room with a vast window, stretching all its diameter. With a large roundtable, an odd hole in its center. All the other diplomats have already taken their seats. The layout is identical to the table on the boat.
I approach my position between the yapran and the consagi. As I take my seat, the yapran speaks with a venomous tone. "I see you've finally decided to show your face, felixrian."
I feel my claws instinctively flex, before I consciously retract them. I respond with an equally vile tone, "Is there something wrong with my timing? As far as I can see, the sun has yet to arrive and the moon has yet to rest."
The yapran snorts with disapproval before replying, "You see, in more civilized species, it is customary to arrive here in the beloved home of our lord BEFORE the moon has begun its descent. You arrive just before it's vanishing. Quite disrespectful."
My claws once again flex, and this time I can't seem to retract them. "Is that so, yapran? Well most intelligent cultures don't waste hours SITTING IN A CHA-" I'm interrupted by a beam of the sun's light, hitting a stone, hanging from the center of the room and emitting a blinding white glow. As I gather my composure, I witness a golden circle form at the top of the room, expanding into a portal. For the first time in my life, I see the city of heaven, only for a brief moment before an angel descends. Its magnificence steals my breath, and hurts my eyes. I can feel my very soul quivering from within.
It delicately floats down to the center, its tattered avian wings sprawled out behind it, gently emitting a soothing blue light. Its body glowed a brilliant silver, as if it's very being was made of the finest alloys. Along it's arms ran golden lines, shining with the brightness of a star. It's face had no recognizable features, only the cross, a symbol of absolute order, was placed right at its center, protruding outwards from the face. Above his head was a golden halo, made up of ancient runes, unrecognizable to me. The limbs of the being were made of thousands of small cubes, each making up the shape of arms and legs. Upon its body were white robes that remained still, completely immune to the environment which they were in.
After a moment too long, I was finally able to compose myself. The angel looked at us all, and spoke in a voice that commanded my very soul. "I am Mettatron, Angelic emissary of God, here to oversee the meeting of The Children! Rise ye mortals, preordained to defend the cosmos from the demonic . Rise ye mortals, born to carry out the will of God, within the cosmos. Rise ye mortals, destined to protect the heavens with your souls."
With no thought, with no will of my own, my body stands simultaneously alongside all the other diplomats.
His voice booms once more, "In ages gone by, God himself would oversee these discussions. However, his duties to creation continue to pull him away. Thus, I shall oversee the discussion proposed by the yoselvan on this day! Now, identify thyselves in the standard order!"
First goes the yoselvan. "I am the yoselvan diplomat Rodas, here to represent the royalty!"
Then, the dracotias. "I stand as dracotias' attache Leuria, here under oath to the Great Dragon!"
One by one, each of them continues.
"I am the enafu diplomat Gyeofinn, here to represent my clans."
"I am the consagi diplomat Carishou, here to represent my people."
"I am the akocran diplomat Imaoen, here to represent the emperor!"
"I am the lobrir diplomat Atsement, here to represent the tribes."
When I am presented, I quickly stand and shout my line, "I am Perlyla, emissary of our beloved Queen Sylvee!" and quickly sit back down.
"I am the yapran Jarl Bjortok, here to enact the will of the council."
"Kontreel Rivia! Here for Fabrication King!"
The angel glances to the empty chair where the posolmra should have been before announcing, "Allow the meeting of The Children to begin!"
Rodas stands and lays out the agenda of the day. "My fellow Children! Today we are here to discuss a prevalent issue that has plagued our galaxy for over a generation!" A silence falls over the room as we wait for him to continue. "We are here to discuss the human problem! And my solution… Their complete and total extermination."
Whispers overtake the room before Rodas raises his hand to silence the whispers. He continues, "For over an entire yoselvan generation the nuprim have terrorized this galaxy! From their very first arrival they have caused conflict and destruction wherever they've gone! One of their very first appearances led to the destruction of an entire assault moon! While I care not for the ancient vile ships of the primosen, this surely must be seen as the very first omen of humanity's impact upon our galaxy! What followed was a bloody, chaotic war between the voidkin empires, that even my kind had to step in to help bring to an end!"
Gyeofinn erupts from his chair and screams, "YOU BASTARDS TOOK PART IN THE WAR BECAUSE YOU WERE SEDUCED BY THAT VOIDSAINT!"
For the first time I see the yoselvan's face betray him, and a deep anger expresses itself for all to witness. "Nuprim propaganda! Nothing but falsehoods made up by those abominations!"
Gyeofinn lets out a bellowing laugh before slamming his axe into the table, "Roight! I'm sure that's why you were all groveling at his feet!"
A snarl forms on Rodas' face and he says, "Enough of these falsehoods, enafu scum!" The words come out of his mouth like venom.
Bjortok looks between the two before closing his eyes and calmly stating, "Those that sided with the Saint were weak, pathetic. They deserved to be slaughtered by the voidkin."
As smoke emits from Leuria's nostrils she says, "This discussion has lost its course, we are here to discuss the nusen, not the Saint wars."
Carishou stands, and speaks, ignoring Leuria's comment. "Our records very clearly state that the yoselvan had sided with the false saint alongside groups of dracotias, lobrir, yapran, consagi and…" he pauses for a moment, before reluctantly finishing his statement. "Some angels…"
For the first time since the meeting had begun Metatron twitches, ever so slightly, barely conceivable.
Atsement, the lobrir, speaks. "We sincerely believed the Saint to be some messenger of God. We now see our mistake and deeply regret the decision. We swear eternal loyalty unto God and will work endlessly to pay off our sin."
Bjortok turns to Atsement, drawing a knife and laying it on the table, Atsesment recedes into his chair and Bjortok calmly but viciously says, "You lobrir are filthy deceivers. The only species capable of telling untruths, why should any word that comes out of your snouts ever be believed?
Atsement ears fall back and with an echo of shame in his voice he says, "My apologies."
I turn to gesture towards Leuria and say, "I believe Leuria was correct. The Saint War was a mere aspect of galactic human history, we should continue."
Carishou adds, "I think the one critical thing to acknowledge during the Saint War is the fact that much of the effort on both sides was led by a miniscule number of humans. Just those few humans were able to bring entire factions under their influence and lead to massive galactic change. The matter of fact is that even if the vast majority of humans are non-threatening, there are always a select few capable of shifting stars."
Rodas' face shifts into one of disgust and amusement before he says, "Please. You give them too much credit. Their success rides on pure fortune. The pathetic creatures can hardly control their souls."
Imaoen's feathers rise, doubling her height before she speaks, "Why?" An aura of silence hangs over the room before Imaoen continues, "Why does mankind have souls? Our scholars have sought answers for countless cycles and have yet to find why. Mankind has not just a soul, but a connection to the Plane of Sinners. Or as they themselves have dubbed it, The Ideosphere."
Imaoen turned to Mettatron before continuing, "We have questioned even the angels and are met with a cold silence. We have sought to understand every aspect of the cosmos since our birth into this realm, and yet for many cycles now the greatest mystery, one connected to the very heavens, eludes us, because the heavens themselves refuse to give us answers. Was it not stated by God himself that only his children are to be blessed with souls. Why does mankind have souls, one could say they are a forgotten child… Yet, that does not explain their connection to the Plane of Sinners. Perhaps they are fallen children, traitors to God, similar to the Forgotten. Then why do the majority stand firmly against Lucifer's plans? None of it makes sense."
I add on my own thoughts, "Not just them, every creature that hails from their homeworld holds a soul. From the largest beasts, to the smallest insect. On top of that any voidkin that crossbreeds with a human develops a soul as well, and can pass it onto their children-"
Bjortok rudely interrupts me, "Their so-called souls are false imitations of our true purity."
Rodas stands and excitedly says, "And I can provide proof!" He waves his hand, releasing a small white orb that darts off into another room. After a few minutes the orb re-enters with a small, frail human following behind. Rodas approaches, and the human says in a weak, quiet voice. "You called My Lord?" Rodas wordlessly raises his palm to the slave, and begins to close his fingers. As a silvery substance begins exiting the human's body, he collapses and begins violently convulsing on the floor. I stand up and scream, "STOP IT, YOU'VE TAKEN ENOUGH!" Rodas shoots me a look of disgust, before stopping and responding. "Oh, my dearest apologies, Perlyla." He says with a wickedness his voice. "I wouldn't want to harm your kind's beloved pets."
I look at the human on the floor, still violently convulsing while Rodas stands over him, holding his soul. I begin to move towards him, before the angel's voice booms, "Felixrian! Perlyla! Do not abandon your seat during a demonstration!"
My chest tightens and a flame of wrath burns in my body as I sit back down, shaking. I stare as the human slowly stops and closes his eyes. It's hard to tell if he's asleep or dead, from this distance. Rodas holds up the soul and declares, "Observe, the human soul." In his hand was a small glowing silver orb. It slowly pulses, and small, gentle wisps of the soul ripple and flare from the orb, before retreating back in.
He then holds up his other hand and proclaims, "Now observe the pure soul of God's Children!" In his hand was a pure, white sphere. Unshifting, unmoving. Though small, it felt infinite. Rodas continues, "Witness, compare. Ours is pure, elegant, beautiful! Theirs is corrupted, a hideous, dark gray. Ours is calm, collected, representative of the order and law God represents. Theirs is unruly. It attacks aimlessly around it, violently whipping back and forth. Corrupted by chaos, no doubt."
I know man holds no relation to the demons of chaos, chaos tears into them as it does into all. I slam my fist and shout, "Humanity has killed countless demons, they have no alignment to the Infernal realm."
Bjortok lets out a snort as he spins his knife and declares, "The demons themselves are in constant war with each other. Why would humans be any different? In fact, they often infight amongst themselves, another strike against them."
Rodas dismisses the human soul into the aether, then claps his hands in glee before adding on, "We have borne witness to many civil wars amongst humanity. All of which have left the galaxy in ruin. Planets cracked, lifeforms driven to extinction, stars annihilated, existence itself deleted. Carishou, I'm positive you have knowledge on the human civil wars."
Carishou takes a moment to think before responding "Yes, indeed. The Unification War, The War of Bishops, The Assimilation War, The Gene War, The Golden Star War, The Twilight War…" He contemplates before adding one final thing, "Not to mention that disaster not too long ago, when that human, The Nightmare, found the final shard of The Hero's sword."
I recalled the Felixrian embassy being in a buzz during that time. The humans were unsure how to treat Nightmare. I heard The Daybreaker had made an attempt on his life and their fight led to the shattering of every planet in the solar system. If I recall…
Suddenly Rodas' voice booms, "They destroyed one of our ancient colonies that had been in that system! The planet was left completely shattered!"
Carishou raises an eyebrow, before sarcastically asking, "The abandoned one?"
Rodas' eyes narrow as he stares directly into Carishou and says, "Once our territory, always our territory."
Gyeofinn slams his hammer into the table before arguing, "So this is all just about getting your territory back? What a pathetic waste of time! The enafu will not lose our greatest trade partner, so that you can feel big and mighty."
Rodas calmly sits back down before saying, "How utterly pathetic. You would trade with those that took such a large sum of your territory?"
Geyofinn's eyes narrow before he states, "We lost our territory due to being needlessly dragged into your war." There is a pause before he continues, "What a joyous day it was, when our contract was finally expunged yoselvan."
"You are simply blaming us for your own inadequacies during our war on humanity." Rodas says mockingly before laughing. "The yoselvan suffered only one loss for every ten suffered by your kind, we are simply better warriors, not fools who charge in like a mindless animal!"
Geyofinn's eyes widened with hatred and he grabbed the chair, launching it across the room at Rodas so fast it looked like a blur. The chair breaks on Rodas' body, knocking him to the floor.
From the floor Rodas shouts, "YOU BASTARD! YOU ENAFU ARE BARBARIC MONGRELS!" He screeches in pain, hurting my ears. I cover them with my paws, slightly drowning out his shrieks.
I look at Mettatron who remains still, completely disinterested in what just happened. In the corner of my eye I see Rodas standing up again, blood covering his face. He uses the table to support himself, heaving, desperate to catch his breath.
Gyeofinn smiles, one of hatred and anger. He says "Inadequate you say? WE LOST COUNTLESS INNEALRY FIGHTIN' THAT WAR WHILE YOU HID BEHIND YOUR PRETTY LITTLE CASTLES!"
Rodas stood there, wiping the blood off his face and taking deep breaths. Blood seemed to be spilling out of his mouth through clenched teeth.
The room had frozen into a deathly silence. None dared to move a muscle, the only sound was the faint hum of the angel and the gasps of Rodas.
Leuria spans her wings, demanding everyone's attention before finally breaking the silence. "The nusens are a brutal kind. We dracotias have sacrificed a large tally of our race in wars."
I speak up, "The felixrian have never once warred with mankind, they have been close allies to our kind for a very long time. After all, they cured the Queen's Curse when none other could." My tone had accidentally shifted to one of contempt.
The kontreel Rivia finally spoke, "No understand the queenly obsession. When fabrication king die, we replace with better! No need for rebirth."
Such a statement was sacrilegious. My blood boiled. Our beloved queen had guided our way ever since the king's betrayal and all her reincarnations were to be treated with love and respect. They are not just something to be thrown aside unlike the kontreel with their Fabrication King.
I speak through clenched fangs, "Listen here and listen well, kontreel. Say one more thing, just one more, and I will tear the tentacles off your back and strangle you with them."
Gyeofinn lets out a bellowing laugh before adding, "Perhaps the felixrian have changed for the better after all!"
Bjortok adds, "Or perhaps they are beginning to follow the path taken by their male kin during The War of Heaven."
I stand, unsure of how to respond. We had been taught to treat the males with more respect, but the cultural distaste still stands. "The male felixrians have been forgiven for The King's mistakes during The War of Heaven. Their betrayal is ancient history and efforts are being made to reintroduce them into our society."
Rodas attempts to speak, but is interrupted by blood forcefully making its way out of his mouth. He takes a moment before finally choking out what he needed to say, "So your road to damnation begins here… Pitying the ancient traitors because some inferior humans requested it of you." He coughs before continuing, "I must say, this has soured my taste for your kind. Perhaps the next action after the extermination of man will be denouncement of you beasts."
I look at him as one would look at a rotting pile of flesh. "Please Rodas, your kind's taste for mine had soured millenia ago when the males were deceived into following Lucifer and his primosen."
Bjortok snaps, "And why shouldn't it have? To go against God is to spit in the face of he who granted us life. We only kept your kind around on the condition that the males would never be allowed a place in your society again."
I snap back, "Who is this 'we'? The felixrians made the contract with God himself, not the rest of you."
"SO YOU ADMIT TO VIOLATING A CONTRACT WITH OUR LORD HIMSELF!" Bjortok screams.
"Our so-called Lord has been absent from the cosmos for eons, as if he would even notice." I take a deep breath before continuing, "The felixrians will go through with reintegrating our men into society regardless of the thoughts of the other Children."
Carishou smiles before adding, "The time for change is here, the Era of God came to a close long ago, it's time to accept and move on. The consagis have also been making efforts to form a closer bond with humanity."
Rodas slams his fist, "Do not speak such preposterous shit! There is no such thing as an end to the Era of God! Our Father is eternal, everpresent, all knowing!"
Rivia begins making strange clacking and sloppy noises before shouting "MEETING DRAGS! IRRELEVANT ARGUMENTS!" He slams his body into the table in frustration before recollecting himself, "Rivia suggest end worthless discussion. Cast vote."
Metatron finally chimes in, "This discussion has been a foolish exercise in pointing fingers and throwing accusations. Perhaps the kontreel is correct. The vote will now be held. Please announce your votes in the standard order."
Rodas stands, "I vote for the nuprim's Extermination!"
Leuria says, "I, too, elect their slaughter."
Gyeofinn states, "I will not have the business of the clans be ruined, humanity will live!"
Carishou nods, "Humanity has helped us, we will help them. There will be no extermination."
Imaoen's eyes remain closed in contemplation before saying, "The mysteries of humanity will not remain unsolved. They will live"
My chest fills with relief and joy as it seems the vote tilts towards the sparing of humanity. I know Bjortok favors their extermination but surely Rivia or Atsesment must see reason and spare humanity.
Atsesment awkwardly stands before saying, "I believe that humanity has been overall…" suddenly he freezes in what seems to be fear. I look to where his gaze is caught and witness Bjortok staring directly into Astesment. He stutters before finishing his statement, "I…I believe that the nuprim are a threat and must be exterminated."
My chest tightens, this can't be happening… I need Rivia to vote against the extermination. If the vote goes through, the room's enchantment will trigger, and every single member of the involved species will be robbed of their individual wills, mindless drones to whatever purpose is decided here.
I stand and cast my vote in the most confident voice I can muster, "Humanity will not be exterminated! They are close beloved allies to us, and surely they can assist all of you as they did us!" I hope that I can sway Rivia with that final statement.
Bjortok stands and says with a merry tone, "Humanity will be eviscerated."
As expected, now all I can do is hope. I begin to shiver, this can't be happening. I'm so terrified, this can't be happening. My vision begins to fog and a chill runs up my spine. It…feels so real? Am I afraid or…Am I cold?
Rivia stands, his eyes and tentacles dart back and forth before he declares, "Human exterm-"
As my heart drops the door flies off its hinges, falling to the floor with a thunderous bang. Everybody's gaze shoots towards and an icy fog emerges from the doorway. A massive figure stands in the shadows with some sort of pile of… Corpses behind him? Before a word can be spoken, two decapitated heads are launched into the room, perfectly landing at the angels feet.
From the shadows emerges the large hulking figure, covered in white fur, black clothes and metal. His body seems to let out a subtle whirr of machinery. The beast's maw is shaped into a toothy smile before letting out a deep breath that chills the room further. He's massive, standing nearly three times my height. My eyes drift to his face and we make eye contact. I feel my muscles freeze in terror, it's eye is an eternal void, I feel as if my soul is being pulled towards it. The upper right half of his face is mechanical, with a red glowing eye at its center but… It's not properly integrated into his body. The machine is forced into his skull, held by tendrils of flesh and wires wrapped around each other.
Eventually I break the gaze and look at the rest of his body. It's hard not to. He has a long black cloak that covers much of his body, his fur contrasts with its brilliant white. But somehow, that's not its most striking future.
Rodas shoots up from his seat but stumbles back, falling to the ground. He awkwardly stands up again before screaming, 'Y-You killed my guards, posolmra! Th-They d-d-did nothing to you!"
The posolmra chuckles, he stretches his arms and cracks his neck before mockingly responding, "They told me I was late for the meeting, refused me entry." As he walks towards his chair, I see two brutally mangled corpses being dragged behind him. It was impossible to tell that they had ever been a yoselvan.
The angel's wings fanned out across the entire room, emitting a blazing white light. His voice boomed from everywhere and nowhere, from within and from outside my mind. "POSOLMRA! CEASE THINE FOOLISHNESS AND LEAVE THIS SACRED GROUND."
The posolmra slowly turned to face Mettatron, when his gaze met the center of the light he growled and his machinery whirred. "I will not. This seat is mine. And I have yet to cast my vote." Mettatron reaches into his chest and draws out an angelic weapon, a beautiful incandescent blade.
Mettatron guides his blade's tip to face the posolmra. "I will not hesitate to put you down posolmra, the laws of God's temple are not to be defied."
The posolmra's smile did not even budge, in fact, it had grown. He lets out a loud grating laugh. "Go ahead… We looted a few tools from the Angelic Humiliation."
My eyes widen as I feel the sudden pressure in the room squeeze my body. Everybody's eyes lock onto Mettatron. His body remains perfectly still, as if frozen in time. We experienced a moment of eternity before Mettatron's arm twitched ever so slightly. Before anybody could process that subtle movement, the poslomra had already repositioned a distance away and raised his metallic arm, exposing a cannon. From the corners of my vision I see 3 more posolmras emerge from the shadows all with cannons pointed at Mettatron.
"My name is Inukagai, and I will have my vote." He casually lowers his weapon and confidently approaches his seat. None dare to move a muscle. As he sits, he snarkily asks, "What are we discussing today."
Mettatron, still standing completely paralyzed, responds "The extermination of mankind…something your kind is quite fond of…"
He lets out a hearty laugh, repeatedly slamming his first into the table. Then suddenly with no warning he ceases and says in a sinister tone "Indeed, vengeance shall not go unsatiated." I notice his eyes are focused directly onto Rodas.
Rivia angrily convulses for a moment before he speaks up "My vote! I must cast! Exterminate the man-things!"
My mind is overwhelmed, my blood freezes, the world spins. I clutch my head, overtaken with an intense guilt. How could I have failed?
Inukagai throws his head back and lets out a loud sigh "Who has voted to protect these pathetic worms." Nobody dares even draw breath. Inukagai looks around the table before he roars out, "WHO!"
Bjortok quickly in a shrill pathetic voice points at me and says "THE FELIXRIAN! NOT JUST HER! THE CONSAGI, ENAFU AND THE AKOCRAN!" His breath shakes before he continues "They're traitors to us all, pathetic excuses for children of God!"
Inukagai's eyes narrowed, his toothy grin slightly receding. He slowly stands from his chair and speaks, "Traitor… Heh… You speak of betrayal… I know what this meeting is truly about, I knew it the moment I received the summons." He begins to slowly walk around the table. "My kind were betrayed millenia ago, by the very same species that sit in this room." As he went by me I could feel the frost of his breath freeze the fur along my neck. "Millenia ago, a species of voidkin rose from the dust of the cosmos. A common occurrence, one that none would pay the slightest thought."
As he continued his target became apparent. Rodas prepared a spell as Inukagai grew closer and closer. "They thought themselves special, they insisted they could claim the galaxy for themselves." By now Inukagai was standing directly in front of Rodas. "And so they began to take and take, exterminating anything that stood in their path. Not a single planet in their path was left unclaimed. They destroyed entire ecosystems and replaced them with that scorching inferno they called nature. Soon they came to the border of the Giyent's territory. Do you know what happened?" Rodas twitched his hand preparing to cast a spell, and suddenly with a massive burst of wind, Inukagai was holding Rodas' now broken arm.
Rodas let out a chaos summoning scream before blurting out, "YOU BEAST! METTATRON, REMOVE HIM! THESE CREATURES NO LONGER DESERVE A SEAT IN THE COUNCIL!" He let out another demonic screech. My gaze turns to Mettatron who still stands perfectly still, the three other posolmra still aiming their cannons at the angel. I looked back to Inukagai who had picked up Rodas by the throat. He let out a deep frosted breath before continuing, "The Giyents were burnt… Every… Single… ONE!" his roar shakes the room. "Their homes, their elders, their children, infants and unborn. All exterminated. My ancestors tried to help. They sacrificed countless but soon realized they could not win this war… Not alone. So they requested help from our so-called brothers and sisters. And instead of coming to their aid, the haughty yoselvan claimed a vote was necessary. There was no time but they did not care. The ancestors thought perhaps the others would immediately lend their help… But nobody came. We fought, claw and soul, desperate to protect our beloved siblings while the rest awaited countless cycles for some pointlessly bureaucratic meeting. By the time the yoselvan had finally begun the meeting, there was none left to protect. Do you know what your kind said that day, yoselvan?"
Rodas' eyes were filled with perfect hatred, unmarred by any other thought or emotion. A flicker of flame began to form in his free hand. Inukagai chuckles before saying "Better make it count."
The flame explodes in size and Rodas launches it directly towards Inukagai's face but, before it can reach, with another gust of wind, Inukagai is standing behind Rodas. The flame strikes the ceiling and before Rodas could even realize what happened, he is pushed face first into the floor. Inukagai snarls, "I recall my ancestors' memories perfectly. 'True children of god would not die to some accident of the cosmos.'"
He slowly raises Rodas to meet his eyes and continues, "I have no doubt that you would have said the same, Rodas. And so I will meet your generosity in kind." Inukagai dropped Rodas, his body crashing into the floor. "When the infernal creatures came for my ancestors, they defended their lands with all their might. Still none would come to their aid, so they did what they must. They changed, they began to use the tools of the enemy and so the tide of battle turned. The vengeful extermination of those beings was their only goal. Our people slowly shifted, we understood that every voidkin must be exterminated, lest this happen again. So with hearts of hatred, we nearly annihilated the fools. It was then that they created their great machine, The Deus Machina. The machine had begun to fight their war for them, its creations fueled by the blood of my kind. Not too long after they were consumed by their own creation. The fools grew complacent, and were punished by the cosmos." Inukagai raised his hand and announced, "The nuprim will not be exterminated… Not yet. The yoselvan will learn suffering, they will be forced to change, or face a pathetic extermination. Not one of a species but of a culture. You will erode, collapse and be integrated." With his vote cast, he walked away, his soldiers following behind.
My terror is slowly replaced with an all encompassing sense of relief. Relief that the beast is gone, relief that humanity will not be exterminated, and relief that I remain unharmed. The room was still, the only sound the muffled groans of Rodas. Gyeofinn stood and bellowed, "Well that's that! Humanity will not be exterminated, I will be taking my leave now." He headed straight for the door before turning around to look at Mettatron. The angel's body twitched ever so slightly before he flew into the portal closing it behind him.
Carishou takes a deep breath before adding, "I supposed that is that, I'll be on my way." As he walks by me he whispers, "Would you kindly meet with me at my residence?"
I nod, and he continues walking. Everybody rises from their seats and mumble among themselves. I scan the area on my way out and my eyes are met by Bjortok, who holds a furious hate in his eyes. I quickly look elsewhere and continue to walk away. I open the door to the room I had entered from and glance around, but am met by darkness, only dimly lit by the light of the meeting room. I slowly bring my paws together focusing my soul into them. With a deep focus I transfigure the soul into a spell and cast it upon myself.
Now that I can properly see the room I look around and spot the mechanism the yoselvan use to open portals, a large elliptical structure made of a strange bone-like material. Needless to say every bit is beautifully sculpted and chiseled with many sacred symbols. A small white button protrudes from the left half of the device. I push it and the portal opens, revealing the bright blue sky of the planet. I hop through and close my eyes, taking a deep breath of fresh air.
The bustling sounds of ships flying overhead, yoselvans walking and carriages passing through is a relieving change. Only when I reopen them do I notice the staring. Looks of repulsion pierce into my character. As I look around, a realization slowly washes over me… How do I get back to the house? I looked around, attempting to find some indicator on where to go. I begin pacing back and forth. What to do, what to do? As a yoselvan passes by me, I tap their shoulder, hoping to ask for direction. Instead, their voice spits a venomous comment, "Do not touch me, beastkin!"
I stand there, eyes wide and mouth agape. The yoselvan truly are the most narcissistic beings in the universe. I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around to see Imaoen the akokran. "The yoselvan are quite the pleasant kind, are they not?" She says. Her beak opens slightly and the feathers on her head flatten down, her species form of expressing joy. I chuckle and respond "Indeed they are, I wouldn't suppose you know how to return to the embassy houses?"
Her eyes slowly close before she says, "No unfortunately not, this is also my first time here, and I have a feeling the only ones who would be kind enough to give directions are long gone, though there's always the option to simply follow the others back."
"Then we will do that." I declare. Imaoen sits down in that strange way that her kind does. Her body lowers to the ground, concealing her feet under layers of feathers. I sit next to her, and we wait.
I had been resting my eyes but something felt wrong, it was dark. I opened my eyes and see a massive iceberg overhead. Then I notice my frosted breath. I stand up, backing away from the iceberg. A familiar whirring draws closer before the doors of The House of God fly open. Inukagai walks out with his three soldiers behind. He slowly turns to look at me and Imaoen with a puzzled look in his eye.
"Little felixrian and young akocran, how strange that you would still remain here. Are you perhaps lost?" He asks, his voice deep and rumbling.
"Uh, I-" The words struggle to leave my mouth, "Th-The way… I'm not…" My breath grows quick and shallow.
Imaoen says, "We would simply request directions, Inukagai."
Inukagai's lips slowly curl, revealing that sharp toothy smile before answering. "I can do better." He takes a deep breath before releasing an ear splitting roar.
I cover my ears and watch the yoselvan on the streets all begin to panic and run, they shove each other out of the way, crawling over their wagons and abandoning their friends, desperate to get away.
I notice the iceberg begin to lower and stairs of ice descend from the ship. The three soldiers all uniformly walk up the stairs, disappearing into the ship. Inukagai gestures for us to enter and with a scattered panic in my voice I say, "oh no no no, we simply request directions."
Suddenly I thought, could he take this as an insult? I must correct this, "I mean no rudeness, we just do not wish to intrude on your ship, Inukagai."
"Oh. your presence would be no intrusion. Come come, I would strongly advise against walking."
Imaoen taps my shoulder with his claw and whispers, "Come now, I do not wish to anger him."
My hands ball into tight fists, and I bite my lip before saying, "Thank you Inukagai, we appreciate the transportation." I begin to walk up the stairs, with Imaoen following closely behind. The temperature drops further and further as I approach the entrance to the ship. When I finally reach the inside, I enter into a massive room, the walls lined with countless items. It's only when I take a closer look that I realize these are all trophies of slain enemies. Skulls, weapons and armors of countless species and origins. Inukagai approaches the collection and takes a deep breath before saying, "I recall each and every one of these battles as if I had slaughtered them with my very own steel. In fact, many of them I did."
Two ice seats manifest from the floor and Inukagai says, "Please sit, the embassy is not very far."
Imaoen hesitantly shimmies onto the seat before sitting down. I slowly begin to sit down, and as my body makes contact with the chair the ice sends a jolt of pure chill into my very soul. The resistance put up by my body is fierce but I'm able to force myself to sit. Upon being fully seated, the engines roar to life and the ship slowly begins to move towards its destination. Now all I can do is wait.
Inukagai stands near the trophies admiring them before suddenly the chairs move across the ice towards them. By pure instinct I attempt to jump out but ice has strapped my body down. Once the chair reaches its destination, Inukagai begins to speak, "My apologies. I had not meant to startle you, I simply wished to ask a question Perlyla. If you would permit it?"
Why? What could he possibly want to ask… I suppose there's no harm in going along, "Of course, go ahead, ask your question."
His eternal smile widens and he asks, "Humanity are quite formidable allies," he turns to his collections, gently leading his hand across his trophies before stopping at a familiar human sword. He grabs it and presents it to Imaoen and I. The blade is a gleaming white, masterfully crafted by humanities finest machinery. The pommel is a beautifully designed piece of art, with the depiction of their first star. The hilt itself is also etched with human runes, I can even make out a few from here. Warrior, Fury, Light.
He runs his hand along the blade, drawing his blood before adding, "And quite formidable foes. A soldier wielding this blade very nearly struck me down. He had been driven to madness, watching the rest of his battle brothers fall. I had managed to wrestle victory from the jaws of the inferno and win that battle. But what shocked me the most was their demigods reaction upon coming across the scene. The fool looked upon me and his fallen soldier, and he said, "What is this utterly pathetic display! You are my elites, greatest among the best!" and the soldier responded. "Please save me from this xenos filth and I shall prove myself worthy once again!" Without hesitation the demigod descended to slay his very own. His ire immediately redirected to me and I knew I was to be the one where my memoryline ended. Yet fate had different plans, the soldier had given himself to a sin and so he rose once more and began a fight anew with the demigod. I retreated but from the glimpses of the battle I did see the soldier was ripping apart the so-called demigod."
What a terrifying story, I had not heard anything of the demigods slaying their own soldiers. I began to think of all the demigods I had met and I just can't imagine any of them doing such a thing, there are many of which I had never met.
Imaoen chirped in, "That was the battle in the blood stars! I recall reading of a sin titan appearing just before humanity launched their new weapon."
To think, humanity had the capability of building a weapon capable of annihilating existence itself. The rest of the galaxy can only hope they come to their senses and destroy that… Abomination. I know they are scared but to build such a thing is to go too far.
Inukagai nodded his head approvingly, "Indeed, that is where humanity struck their new weapon, though that is of no relevance right now. Now for my question Perlyla. Do you believe humanity could ever be annihilated?"
A strange question indeed, any species could be exterminated could they not? Surely there must be some trick to this question. But…I just can't think of any. I answer, "Of course humanity can be annihilated."
Inukagai's toothy grin devolves into a simple smile and he says, "Indeed they can but, only from two sources. The posolmra, of course, can exterminate humanity. I admit it would be a war that would last half of eternity, yet eventually humanity would fall to our might. However the second source…is humanity itself. They're chaotic, dangerous and kill each other more than any other. Only when humankind has no enemies, will they be consumed by the evil of their own lips. This is the simple truth the thoughtless yoselvan have not considered in their infinite wisdom."
I ponder the suggestion, of course the posolmra could not defeat humanity, that was simple ego. However… Humanity being its own greatest enemy? I refused to believe it, but there was a piece of me deep down that doubted.
With a jerk, the ship ceased movement and Inukagai proclaimed, "We have arrived at your destination." He gestures towards the door and says, "A pleasure to speak with you both, and may we never meet again."
When we reach the bottom of the stairs they immediately retract back into the ship before it blasts off into the sky. My fur is still standing, ready to cast. Ah, I just remembered I need to meet up with the consagi! I look around trying to identify the consagi's residency. I spot a white wooden building with grass growing from the roofs and a garden of gorgeous flowers. That must be it
My feet begin to move towards the building before being interrupted by Imaoen, "A pleasure to meet Perlyla, may the winds care for you as they do me."
"Gracious thanks Imaoen, may The Queen permit our meeting once more." We share a look before going our separate ways. I wonder how she feels about what has happened today. It certainly must have been a stressful day for her as well. While walking past my residency I notice my guards.
"Yunath!" I quickly run over to them and begin checking them for any possible injury. "Where have you been?"
"My lady, we are fine. The yoselvan escorted us to a barracks with many of the other diplomat's guards." There's a slight tremble in her voice, immaculately hidden but I've known her for so long. Though I would not wish to pressure her, so I will not pry. I let her arms go and say, "I'm glad you three are fine. I have a personal meeting with the consagi diplomat, if you would kindly accompany."
"Of course my lady. We have been informed that the transportation ship will leave tomorrow upon the first ray of day."
So long as this meeting does not drag, I should be able to sleep a comfortable amount. "Thank you Yunath. Come, I must see what it is that Carishou desires."
Yunath stood proud and said, "Of course, lead the way."
She's such a wonderful guard, I hope someday she may join the ranks of the 99 Claws. My thoughts shift to the meeting. Presumably this has something to do with humanity. If I'm lucky he'll speak of a formal alliance! Oh I'm certain to get a promotion if I bring such wonderful news. I hadn't noticed that my walk had quickened into a skip.
As I recompose myself I finally reach Carishou's residency. It is a humble round hut with a thatched roof and no windows. The wood seems to be the same kind that the consagi's use to craft their ships. Around the building is a beautiful garden being tended by slaves. Among them, humans, orechiax, mankai and crrisyulats. My soul aches for these poor creatures, damn the yoselvan.
The door gently creaks open and I see Carishou's ears pop out before being followed by his head. He smiles before fully opening the door, and gesturing me in. "Welcome, Perlyla! Worry not, this should be quick."
With a smirk I reply, "Quick is what your kind does best, is it not?"
"It's our greatest skill indeed."
Upon walking in I take the time to admire the furniture and decor. Beautifully woven grass cabinets, each lined with countless books on Consagen history. The couches are made of a fur-like substance pressed together. I run my hand along the armrest and shiver from its cloudy softness. I must get one for my home. I turn to my host and ask, "Carishou, would you mind informing me how I could get one of these for my home back on Dealixria?"
Carishou sits at the table and pulls a notebook towards him. "I'll have one sent to you as a gift."
Oh, how I love gifts! My whiskers quiver and my claws protract. "Oh that would be wonderful, I'll send something of your desire back in return!" Carishou's ears fall back behind his head before he says, "Oh there's no need, think of it as a token of my appreciation for coming here today." Ah well, it would be rude to insist. "Very well, what was it you wished to discuss, my friend"?
I watch as he swiftly analyzes the text on his notebook before speaking. "As you know, our fellow Godborne have recently been making more and more hostile moves on humanity-" he takes a deep breath, before continuing, "I've been thinking, perhaps it's time we start deploying info networks and developing tactics for defending ourselves against the other Godborne. I fear their hostilities may be turned towards us if we refuse to engage in their wars. We were lucky the vote didn't pass today."
"Carishou, what you speak of is heresy… To turn blade unprovoked on another Child, is to turn blade on The Father."
"I understand your concerns but we cannot simply wait for them to attack us.
They would strike, quick and brutal, leaving us annihilated before we could respond. If our survival required heresy then the consagi leadership will be heretics, we hope Queen Sylvee may understand".
I weigh the thought. The reintegration of men could already be considered heretical, justifying a crusade on my kind. Perhaps having defensive tactics with the consagi would be wise. I close my eyes and envision the conversation with Queen Sylvee. Her face rapidly fluctuates between anger, joy, confusion, concern and exhaustion. My head begins to ache from the thoughts.
When I open my eyes, Carishou is patiently sitting on the couch, watching. I look away and lick my arm before saying, "I will inform Queen Sylvee of your offer, we will send out a diplomat to discuss with the Representative of your people. A formal alliance is desired but… Defensive contingencies are…"
The disappointment in his eyes was evident, he seems to notice I've caught it and recomposes himself before responding. "Ah well, not what I had desired but nonetheless, this is progress." He walks over to the shelf and grabs a brick shaped object, he examines it for a moment before approaching me and placing it into my hand, "No need for a diplomat, this is a new invention from humanity, a shaazhan edspeaker, it connects to humanity's xalweb with no need for the standard infrastructure. We've had one of their computer devices installed in The Grand Burrow. The comcode is already entered into the device, simply dial us when you are ready".
I look down at the device in my hand, it's much heavier than I had anticipated. Quite large as well, nearly the size of my head. The longer I hold it the more I sense the mechanism's soul, coursing through its wires, ready to cast the necessary enchantment and spells when called upon. The device itself is fashioned from an alloy designed by humans. I've spoken to a human about it before, but I can't recall the specifics of it. If my memory serves me correctly, I believe it was made of Holy Iron and something from The Infernal. I tried learning about humanity's machinery but it was far too difficult to comprehend, I prefer to stick to their history and culture.
My eyes meet Carishou's and I respond, "Very well, I'll consider it a gift to Queen Sylvee." I bring my fist to my head and lightly tap my forehead against it. "A pleasure meeting with you in private Carishou." He approaches me grabbing my arm and licking my hand, a strange but endearing gesture of respect from his kind. He looks up and says, "I pray by The Father's will that our meeting won't be in vain. My deepest gratitudes Perlyla, and may the journey home be a grassy field."
I nod my head and say, "May yours be as well." With that I begin to walk towards the door. As I reach for the doorknob, I hear a commotion outside.
I swing the door open and see one of the slaves being dragged away by two yoselvan guards. I can only imagine what horrid plans they have for it. I watch as it repeatedly attempts to strike and free itself. How utterly vile, but here… Maybe I can do something. I run over to the yoselvan and command, "Leave this slave alone, I will purchase its freedom."
He gives me a nasty look before responding, "Not for sale, we don't own this one."
I press with a stern tone, "Then tell me who does?"
They look at each other before one of them quickly draws a knife and pierces into the alien's body, what appears to be its head, and it falls to the ground with a miserable thump. I take a step back, my vision quivering before one of the yoselvan say, "Sorry, this one seems to be out of commission, unless you'd like to buy the corpse?" With a sickening laugh they turn around and walk away. For a moment my hand reaches into my dress before I come to my senses. I close my eyes and feel a tap on my shoulders. I turn around to see Yunath with an equal sadness in her eyes. We both look at the corpse and Yunath begins to cast a spell, one that lights the body in a brilliant flame, reducing it to ashes. With the glittering gesture of another spell, she sends the ashes soaring into the sky to be spread across the world. "The least we could do is give them a proper send-off" she says with a grim tone.
I give her a pat on the shoulder and respond, "I thank you Yunath, for indulging my eccentricities. Now we must be on our way."
And so I walked to my home, allowing Yunath and her other two subordinates to rest in the spare rooms of the home.
I awaken in the early hours before the sunrise once more, still exhausted, and head straight for the ship that will take us home. The check-in was uneventful and I was guided to my room. Yunath and the others were taken to the barracks, and I took another nap. Upon awakening I gathered my pencils and papers and began filling out my reports.
My paperwork is interrupted by knocking from my door. I get up and head over to answer it. Yunath is standing there waiting, "Ah Yunath, a pleasant surprise!"
She nods and says, "Good day ma'am, I came to check in on you." I wonder if she thought I could be in danger. Though, I loathe to admit that perhaps a dispatched assassin wouldn't be the most absurd thing. I smile before responding, "I am well, Yunath. However, I do appreciate the concern."
She examines me before responding, "That is relieving. That you are physically well, though I also came to check on your mental wellbeing. I heard rumors of what happened in the discussion hall."
Indeed, the events of yesterday were stressful. But in the end, I came out unharmed. "I am well mentally Yunath, no need to concern yourself. I will make sure you are paid a grand bonus for this job."
The excitement in her eyes was glowing. She thanked me, before turning back to her duty as a guardian. I close my door and return to my paperwork.
As I filled out my reports I couldn't help but wonder what the future had in store for us all. I can't help but feel the galaxy is a field of dry grass, waiting for the match to be struck. I bury that paranoia deep, and raise hope to the surface instead. No matter what happens I'm certain a better future is possible, one where no slave suffers, no species must breathe its last breath, and the end of wars gives way to peace and unity.
If such a belief is foolish, then I will be the grandest of fools! A better future is upon the horizon, I can feel it in the depths of my soul. I can only dream that others will reach into their own souls and find that hope within.