The Celestials
The Year was 427 B.C. – The Sun beat down upon the rugged terrain of a Greek mountain; a Spartan army, a serpent of bronze and crimson, snaked their way along a narrow mountainous passage, the air crackled with the anticipation of war, the rhythm clang of shield and steady tramp of boots a grim soundtrack of their march.
Then…, the world convulsed.
A roar, a guttural sound that dwarfed even the war cries of the Spartans; the very mountain seemed to groan in protest as fissures ripped through the passage, swallowing soldiers whole – jagged rocks, once steadfast and solid, rained down like deadly hail.
Panic erupted; warriors, renowned for their discipline, became mere mortals, scrambling for survival – the earthquake, unnatural in ferocity and its pinpoint accuracy, left a trial of devastation in its wake.
Above, high on a craggy peak overlooking the carnage stood a figure clad in billowing robes the colour of twilight; the individual watched with an unreadable expression, as the Spartan army was decimated, a detached observer of tragedy to the unfolding disaster below.
Then, as quickly and silently as they had appeared; they turned, vanishing into the wind, leaving only the echoes of destruction behind.
Elsewhere, away from the devastation – the air was a taste of salt and brine; the cries of gulls replaced the sounds of dying men; here, within a secluded cove along the Greek coastline stood a gathering of being that existed normally away from the realm of humanity.
Elpis stood at the edge of the turquoise sea, her raven-dark hair cascaded down along her back like a silken waterfall; her violet eyes were fixed upon the horizon, carrying profound sadness – her faith within humanity was under immense stress, she had watched, listened, and it was all building, all threatening her faith in humanity.
Nearby, Nicon stood; a figure of imposing authority; his presence radiated strength that commanded respect; he listened to Gallus, a being whose mild appearance hid a sharp intellect and an unwavering cynicism “Nicon” Gallus began, his amber eyes glinting with a calculating light “The evidence is undeniable; Humanity spirals further into depravity; are we to stand idle as they tear themselves apart?”
Akaterine, her ethereal beauty underscored by the severity of her pulled-back hair and matching amber eyes echoed Gallus’ sentiment “The War is a testament to their inherent flaws; brother against brother, city-state battles city-state; they are consumed by greed and ambition; suggestions regarding them beyond redemption are not entirely incorrect”
Nicon listened patiently, his gaze occasionally drifting towards Elpis; he sensed her inner-turmoil, the conflict between her love of humanity and the growing disillusionment that gnawed at her soul – he knew that constant exposure to human cruelty was taking its toll.
As the debate continued on; a figure seemed to materialise from thin air; slowly, he moved forwards, joining the group – an unsettling grin present on his face.
Zor’Githas; a celestial being with an ever increasing desire for war, his presence caused a ripple of unease amongst the others; his eyes, usually violet took on a red glow – for a moment, his eyes set upon Elpis, lingering for a moment before he shifted his gaze to Nicon “Why do we waste out time on pointless debates” he questioned, his tone had become much more sadistic in recent discussions, his hatred for humanity had been growing “These mortals are little more than a disease; we should wipe them from this world, cleanse it of their pestilence”
An uneasy silence followed – Elpis, shifted her gaze finally from the horizon, her voice, usually soft broke the silence with a sharp edge of defiance “Eradicate them?” she snapped; her violet eyes flashing with indignation “Is that the only solution you envision?; to simply wipe them out as if they were insects!”
“They prove time and time again that they are nothing more than that” he snarled back; his eyes landing back onto Elpis; as he made a move forwards, Nicon’s eyes flared with a golden hue, it was clear; a warning to back down
Zor’Githas shifted his eyes for a moment, but he didn’t move any further forwards
“They are capable of so much more than what you all see; compassion and extraordinary feats of courage; they are artistic and the very stories they tell; what they don’t understand they try to discover a meaning too” Elpis spoke with a raised tone to her voice, but a tremble was still there “They are flawed beings; yes, they stumble and fall; but they rise, they learn and they strive to do better; they can be better!”
Her words hung in the air; a desperate plea for understanding despite the flaws, despite her growing weariness; despite those horrors she had witnessed, she refused to relinquish her belief in the potential good for humanity.
Nicon, who had stood silent throughout the discussion finally broke his silence – not with words of condemnation or agreement, instead, he rose his hand, his palm open towards Elpis; a silent gesture of support.
It was a subtle movement, yet its impact was profound; a clear indication that Nicon, the usual impartial observer sided with Elpis.
The others were surprised; Nicon was known for neutrality, his ability to see all sides of the conflict without taking a firm stance, but now, in this moment of escalating tension – he revealed his inclination.
He recognised the despair that threatened Elpis; the fragile hope she clung too despite overwhelming darkness, and he chose to stand with her.
Zor’Githas’ expression twisted to fury; he opened his mouth to protest, but Nicon silenced him with a stern look “Enough” he said calmly “Your thirst for destruction is concerning; this is not the first attempt you have made to push us to a war, the last time Gallus stopped you; this time, I am putting a stop to it, you have spoken, we’ve heard you counsel; now, hold your tongue”
Turning his attention to Elpis; his eyes seemed to soften, the violent flickers subsiding “The path ahead is unclear Elpis; humanity’s fate is, as you have usually argued, not ours to make; we are meant to observe, not destroy; for now, we shall not abandon them”
Turning his attention towards the turbulent sea; a mirror reflecting Elpis’ on turmoil; he thought for a moment “I shall take the time to walk amongst them, perhaps we have spent far too long from our lands of luxury”
Zor’Githas though, would not settle for this – he needed to change his plans, pushing for war wasn’t working; he would need a new approach – Nicon’s decision and siding with Elpis was a clear direction of were things would be going; he couldn’t challenge that, not yet.
Written By: Westley H.
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