"The juxtaposition of day and night, darkness and light, the present and the past, the fundamental elements of earth, and the relentless march of time; these are the varied facets of existence. Whether by birth, through the course of life, or in the embrace of death, life is bestowed as a precious gift meant to be either explored or to serve as an enigmatic enigma waiting to be unraveled, a source of wisdom to be gleaned from, a testament to the resilience of survival or a challenge that may lead one to perish in the pursuit. The immutable laws governing fate and destiny are dictated by an enigmatic SUPREME being, shrouded in mystery and obscured from mortal comprehension".
The genesis of time heralded a new era, one that beckoned the dawn of human evolution, marking a juncture that instilled a sense of unease in the hearts of many, for mankind had transcended conventional boundaries. Such a monumental shift prompted the divine deities to contemplate a drastic measure – the decimation of a significant portion of humanity before they spiraled beyond control. Though this proposal lingered as a mere whisper among the gods, the ultimate sanction of Elderion, the venerable sage, was deemed indispensable, as none dared to incur his wrath. Thus, they awaited the imminent arrival of the eternal sage, poised to convene and deliberate upon this crucial matter.
The realm of Urn was a realm inhabited by both savages and gifted beings, some of whom were hybrids of human and divine nature. Considered cursed by many due to their ability to bring forth enigmatic life forms, they were banished by mankind to the desolate land of Urn. Here, they lived independently, embracing their accepted destiny and preparing for the unknown that fate held in store for them. Prior to the arrival of Equinox, the god of order and equality, his impending coming instilled fear and dread among the inhabitants of Urn. Each individual concealed their offspring and loved ones from Equinox, who deem them unworthy and unequal to exist in his presence and on mother Earth.Equinox is a genderless figure, representing the perfect balance between all things. He appears in multiple forms of himself.Having a symmetrical face with features that are neither overly masculine nor feminine, symbolizing his role as a neutral arbiter. Equinox's skin shimmers with a silvery hue, and his eyes are a striking blend of gold while his minions are silver, representing the duality of their power. They wear robes that are split into contrasting colors—one side pure white, the other deep black—further symbolizing their control over balance and justice. He brandishes a balance alongside his attendants to discern any discrepancies and eradicate them. When he utters his decrees, his attendants echo his words, instilling fear and discord among the inhabitants. "Let it be proclaimed that the unequal are aberrant and the deformed are accursed,"he proclaims as his minions encircle the environs of Urn. "Present to me those who are misshapen in body and spirit so they may be cleansed of their afflictions."
The multitude of Urn sacrified their offspring while numerous others defied his decree. Equinox raised his scale, which tilted askew, symbolizing the remaining discrepancies that needed to be rectified. Consumed by fury, his countenance hardened as his minions swiftly traversed Urn, selecting various misfit children who they swiftly dispatched, leaving grieving mothers in their wake. Once their task was complete, the scale remained unchanged, yet Equinox knew his minions had executed their duty meticulously. Serendipitously, a raindrop from the heavens landed on the scale, restoring its equilibrium. Equinox cast a final glance at the scale before nodding in approval, satisfied that his purpose had been fulfilled. With his minions in tow, he ascended on the clouds back to the skies.
While the urn were in distress, a dwelling was on the brink of welcoming a child, anticipating the arrival of Equinox, the harbinger of balance. The family, known as the dark songs, harnessed their primary abilities, known as "SOULFIRE,"to create a protective shield around their abode. This shield of SOULFIRE deterred the minions from scouring their residence, as this mystical energy was imbued with a potent curse that the minions dared not tamper with. Only deities of specific origins could exert control over it. However, wielding SOULFIRE demanded a substantial amount of energy. In light of Equinox's delayed appearance, the dark songs concentrated all their powers to conceal their true identities and the impending arrival of their child. As the newborn's cries reverberated throughout the household, his parents gazed upon him with tearful elation. Weakened by their efforts, they made the selfless decision to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their offspring. "What shall we name him?"inquired a sightless woman among the dark songs, her aged visage and stooped form hinting at the passage of countless years.
The mother said "His name would be Kaelan.....Kaelan Darksong".she finalized.
"I hear faint echoes, time bends and eras unfold beside your son; his essence is a dual-edged sword. Whom it shall favor remains veiled from us,"the old woman murmured. Drawing closer, she tenderly caressed his brow, addressing the darksongs, "Do you wish for him to thrive and fulfill the prophecy?"
"Yes,"the mother affirmed, with the father silently concurring. Raising her index finger, the old woman conveyed her intent, signaling a convergence of their powers to aid Kaelan.
Breaking a fragment of her walking stick, she ground it to fine powder before extending her hands towards them. In unison, they reached into their chests, extracting their own Soulfire stones, which the woman then meticulously blended with her wooden remnants. Infusing her blood into the amalgam, a necklace materialized, the Soulfire within flickering with hues of life and death. With reverence, Kaelan's parents adorned him with the necklace, preparing to spirit him away from the grasp of the divine.
"May your son unearth his destiny,"the old woman whispered as she dissolved into the ether.
With the absence of their soulfire Kaelan parent lifetime can only withstand a few hours without the stone before they perish, quickly preparing their child for take off. Other habitants of Urn were envious and felt deceived by the darksongs. They raided their abode and assaulted everyone. The father chose to remain behind to buy time as Kaelan's mother fled from the conflict with her child into the wilderness, pursued by a few who caught sight of her.As they journeyed through the wilderness, Kaelan's mother's energy waned and her body began to falter. Despite this, she was resolute in taking her son to safety as she outran the pursuers ,pondering why destiny had marked their child as an outcast. She gazed at her son as he glanced back at her, observing her tear-filled eyes as they brimmed with sorrow. Lost in her thoughts, she tripped over a fallen branch, but instinctively shielded her child from harm as they tumbled down the hill together.
Unfortunately, she collided with a pointed trunk, causing damage to her stomach as she let out a groan of pain, her mouth releasing a trickle of blood onto her son. "So, this is the end, Kaelan... I regret that I will not be able to accompany you through the tumultuous journey of life".She said as she stroked her child once more who was in deep tears before she gave up and turned to dust.Her last tear dropped on Kaelan's forehead as he stopped crying, giggling and waiting for fate next move.As Kaelan lay amidst the remnants of his mother's sacrifice, a gentle breeze carried whispers of ancient prophecies that foretold his destiny. The Soulfire necklace, pulsating with ethereal energy, bound to him a legacy of power and purpose. Unbeknownst to the inhabitants of Urn, Kaelan's existence marked the convergence of celestial forces, a harbinger of change that would ripple through the fabric of reality.
With a newfound resilience stemming from tragedy, Kaelan's gaze gleamed with a determination surpassing his tender age. The reverberations of his mother's parting words echoed within him, kindling a flame of bravery amidst the encroaching shadows. His destiny unfolded unexpectedly as he encountered a solitary wolf of formidable stature, its eyes locking with Kaelan's in a mixture of skepticism and compassion before finally breaking the silence to engage in conversation.
"You seem to be a lost soul, young human,"Orin declared as he transformed into his timeless human form. His cascading hair moved as if with a mind of its own, framing his vibrant green eyes that gazed intensely at Kaelan. In response, Kaelan's eyes gleamed with a fierce determination, while his crimson necklace emitted a radiant glow. As Orin reached out to touch the necklace, a sudden burst of fire erupted from it, enveloping Kaelan in a protective shield while Orin found himself on the defensive, his hair entangled among the surrounding branches a short distance away.
"Ohhhhhhh....ohhh...ohhh..ohhh,"he erupted into laughter. "To think that such a young human child could evoke such fear in me, you are truly quite amusing."With a graceful descent back to the ground, he approached the infant and lifted him gently. "Do not be afraid, for I harbor no malevolence."Kaelan's smile conveyed reassurance as he tightly clasped Orin's tiny finger, the exchange of smiles between them speaking volumes. However, their tranquility was soon disrupted by the distant voices of other humans. "The fact that you have been brought here unaccompanied suggests that someone is deliberately keeping you away. Fear not, little one."Orin, in a swift motion, set the child down, transforming into a wolf as a soft growl escaped him. After one final glance at the baby, he made the decision to scoop the child up and swiftly disappear into the depths of the dark, foreboding forest.
____________
""Hey! Hey!... awaken from your slumber,"a voice resonated as Kaelan reluctantly opened his eyes to the break of dawn. Disoriented and drowsy, he shifted on his comfortable resting spot, disregarding the persistent call. "Rise, my son, it is time for your training,"Orin's voice urged from nearby.
Gazing at the radiant sun, Kaelan squinted, his hand shielding his eyes as he groggily responded, "What is it, father?"
"Awaken, son. The forest beckons with vitality, yet here you lie, languid and half-asleep,"Orin chided.
As Kaelan attempted to retreat back into his slumber, a slimy sensation slithered across his body, jolting him awake. Startled, he found himself face-to-face with a serpent. A piercing scream escaped his lips, prompting Orin's swift intervention and ensuing laughter.
"Papa, help me! The creature will harm me,"Kaelan pleaded in distress.
"Rise early, my child, and such encounters will not startle you,"Orin reassured, his hand gently caressing Kaelan's hair."Indeed, natural creatures seldom pose a threat unless provoked,"Orin added, extending his arm towards the serpent, which gracefully departed without incident.
""Yes, you have mentioned it to me on numerous occasions but...."
"Undoubtedly, my son, nature is a welcoming entity,"he expressed with a smile as he stood up. "You are maturing, my son, as you enter your sixteenth year, and there are many lessons I must impart to you about the forest".
Kaelan ventured deeper into the forest under Orin's guidance, he encountered a myriad of mystical creatures that roamed the ancient woods. Each encounter served as a lesson in understanding the delicate balance of nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings.Orin's teachings extended beyond mere survival skills; he imparted wisdom on the importance of respecting the spirits of the forest and the need to maintain harmony with the natural world.Through Orin's guidance, Kaelan learned to communicate with the animals of the forest, forging bonds that transcended language barriers. The whispers of the wind and the rustling of leaves became his allies, guiding him through the dense undergrowth.Honing his abilities and embracing his unique home, he felt a growing sense of responsibility towards the land that had sheltered him. The echoes of his mother's sacrifice resonated within him, fueling his determination to protect the wilderness that had become his home.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor, Kaelan stood tall beside Orin, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The epoch of awakening had only just begun, and Kaelan's soulfire burned brighter than ever, illuminating the path to a future filled with promise and purpose.
"Papa.""Hmmmmmm, lost one"Orin remarked as he deftly manipulated sturdy vines around him to draw Kaelan nearer. "What is it that troubles you, my son?"Feeling a glimmer of joy, Kaelan gently stroked the vines while gazing into Orin's emerald eyes, a smile gracing his lips. "Is there another being among us?""No, my son. Why do you inquire?""I hear voices,"Kaelan confessed, touching his temple as Orin regarded him with a furrowed brow. "Voices,"he reiterated, "two voices within me,"he concluded, pressing Orin's finger against his temple.
"Ah, I see. And what do these voices convey?"Orin inquired with keen interest.
"I don't understand them"He replied.
Orin observed Kaelan with a mixture of curiosity and concern, pondering the significance of the voices that echoed within the young soulfire bearer. As the forest enveloped them in its tranquil embrace, a subtle shift in the air hinted at unseen forces at play. Kaelan's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, his expression a blend of determination and apprehension.
"Listen closely, my son,"Orin's voice resonated with a soothing cadence, "for the whispers of the forest hold secrets beyond our understanding. Embrace the harmony of nature, and the voices within you will reveal their true purpose."
With a newfound resolve, Kaelan closed his eyes, allowing the symphony of the forest to envelop him. The rustling leaves, the gentle hum of insects, and the distant call of a nightingale intertwined in a melodic dance that resonated deep within his soul. Slowly, the two voices within him began to harmonize, their disparate tones merging into a unified melody that spoke of unity and balance.
"Listen closely and deeply, converse with them lost one".
Kaelan's necklace beamed once again,fearful of another surprise attack,Orin gave life to nature around him if things go out of play,he always knew Kaelan has a negativity and positivity in him but he wishes to see him triump over any obstacle fate brings before him.
"Deep breath son...deep breath and ....converse".
Orin sensed a subtle vitality pulsing within him, yet he had always understood gifted individuals to possess a singular energy. However, Kaelan's essence differed. A potent force surged within Kaelan, his veins aglow with a fusion of light and darkness emanating from the core of his heart. Orin pondered whether this core harbored both a cursed and chosen energy, each vying for supremacy within Kaelan. The notion of dual power intrigued Orin deeply.
As the night deepened and the stars cast their radiant glow upon the forest, Kaelan felt a surge of power coursing through him. The voices within him swirled with newfound clarity, guiding him towards a revelation that would shape his destiny.The whispers of the wind carried cryptic messages, urging Kaelan to heed the call of his soulfire and unlock the dormant potential that lay within.
"I sense the dialogue of light and dark figures,"Kaelan articulates, his gaze deepening in concentration.Abruptly, Orin interjects, grasping Kaelan's hand, "Do not delve too deeply, my son."With the conflicting voices serving as his internal compass and Orin as his unwavering guide, Kaelan stands resolute at the threshold of a new chapter in his odyssey. The era of enlightenment has just commenced, resonating with the reverberations of his mother's selfless act that ignite his resolve to embrace his destiny as a harbinger of soulfire.
"Why did you stop me,papa?".
""For the better my son, you are not yet prepared to fully unleash the latent powers within you, for they possess the potential to rupture your veins should you delve too deeply... we shall await the arrival of your 18th birthday."
"Ah, I understand, father... may I pose a query? In the realm of beings and creatures you present to me, do they not each possess dual facets of their existence?""Are you referring to like a mama and papa figure?"Orin inquires, momentarily distracted by the wonders of nature."Yes... a papa and a mama"Kaelan responds, Orin grappling with how to elucidate the concept of a mother to the young child. "What is mama, father?"Orin halts his activities, uncertain of how to portray the essence of a mother to the innocent soul, regretting the mention of this unfamiliar term.
"Ummmm...a mama is someone who would.....ummm sacrifice herself for the betterment of their child,a mama loves her child and would die protecting him".
"Ohhhh.....where is mama then papa?".
Orin's gaze softened as he spoke of Kaelan's mother, a somber tone enveloping his words. "My son, your mother was a beacon of love and sacrifice. She bestowed upon you the greatest gift a parent can give—her life. Though she may not walk beside us in physical form, her spirit lingers in the whispers of the wind and the rustling leaves. She watches over you with unwavering love and pride, guiding your steps through the trials that await,and besides I'm not your papa your parents are gone.I am only your guardian."
Kaelan thought about Orin's words,gulped down his saliva as he burst into tears,Orion bewildered did not know what to do or say to the poor child.
"There's good news lost one,you can see your parents one more time....but in a spiritual way".
"When can I go?".
"No you're not going....it's too dangerous and you are not yet capable of defending yourself".Orin says as he stands majestically about to head back home.
"But wait...papa what do I have to do?". Kaelan says as he struggle to keep up with him.
"I don't know..... become stronger?".
"Why ?"
"Because son The weakling are trembled upon in this verse of life...come along,let's go prepare dinner".Orin lectured as they both take off together.
With his 18th birthday on the horizon, Kaelan stood at the precipice of a new chapter in his journey. The echoes of his mother's sacrifice reverberated within him, a reminder of the strength and resilience that coursed through his veins.