The
universe is extremely complex, and seeps into many different dimensions, several
of which are incompatible with one another.
Sometimes, the energy frequencies of two divergent dimensions begin to
overlap, thus eradicating each. To
ensure the continued survival of all living things, the Vorae were created. The Vorae exist as spiral points of energy,
effectively separating our plane of existence with those lying pendulously over
it. Fueled by the energy of emotion, the
energy of life itself, these perpetually sustained, spinning vortices are the
only thing keeping the physical and nonphysical realms from slamming together in
a cosmic cataclysm.
Since
before the evolution of the consciousness of man, it was realized that there would
be those who would try and disrupt the natural balance, bringing universal
chaos to all living things. There arose
a need for stability, and thus, the Savem
were born out of this desire. Beings
sworn to ensure the natural order, they defend these universal pillars,
sacrificing their own aspirations for the good of all that is. They exist in both the physical and
nonphysical planes, each set carrying out their own mission.
Brandon Cho was dead; his soul appropriated
without the slightest consolation. Only
his arid body remained- a crumpled heap lying inanimately on his apartment
floor. A morose sense of despair filled
the once sanguine abode.
In-between
life and death, a group of spirits had seen the entire event play out. Some referred to them as watchers, others as
angels- but in truth, they were protectors.
Together, they defend the Earth from the wayward influence of deleterious
intent. Each has sworn an oath to ensure
the Earth’s survival for past, present, and future generations. United, their strength forms the Shian, the Savem protectors of spirit.
Zeal- the Shian of the Ruse
Allure- the Shian of the Azuis
Prowess- the Shian of the Lerum
Avail- the Shian of the Temin
Calibre- the Shian of Oren
Omen- the Shian of the Duran
Regard- the Shian of the Anmus
All seven Shian sat in
attendance, each with an elevated throne facing the center of the room where
they had witnessed the disturbing turn of events unfold on Earth. They communicated without words- the very
same as Brandon’s killer.
In the center
of the room, a young woman had watched the events transpire. She wore a white dress adorned with green and
gold accents, blonde hair pulled up to further emphasize her elegant figure. Though all the Savem could be said to be magnanimous, none so perfectly demonstrated
this quality as her. Her name was Avail, guardian of the Temin.
“The
first key has fallen into the hands
of the Manus. When will you yet listen?”
A woman wearing a silky red dress
stood up, and made her way before her colleagues. She quickly took center stage of the proceedings.
“And what would you have us do, interfere with human affairs? Emotion is clouding your judgment.”
Avail glanced at
the woman opposing her, but remained calm.
Her foil appeared in her later twenties, her statuesque figure standing 5’10”. Long black hair fell past her shoulders, wisping
down to her thighs. She had constant disagreements with Avail, since the younger spirit had joined the Shian.
“Zeal… I would
think the Shian of the Ruse to be the
first to back action. What we have just witnessed
is a being from the Paradeum
manifesting itself in physical form- something that is not only forbidden, but
as far as we know, should also be impossible.”
A man with the appearance of a shaman
mystic interjected into the conversation.
“They are expecting retaliation...
Without the Ancestor, our
powers have become weakened. I sense
that this may be a diversion to draw us out into the open.”
The Shian of the Azuis interjected, curious as ever.
“But, why?”
Avail continued, undeterred.
“We’ve known for quite some time that the Manus have been planning something big, but now it seems clear to
me. From what we’ve just seen, I would
guess that they mean to control the Vorae,
and...”
She was cut off. The room erupted into loud murmurs. Even the most advanced souls were in a state
of momentary disarray.
“…AND destroy our existence.”
Avail could
barely finish her thoughts. The room was
up in arms, personal conversations taking the center stage, rather than the
topic at hand. Finally, the most
distinguished of the Shian spoke.
“I’ve heard enough.”
The elderly
Asian gentleman seated across from Avail
silenced the confusion. He had come to
be known as Regard, due to his
inclination to scrutinize every situation.
Despite his initial displeasure, Regard
came to accept and welcome the mantle.
In appearance, he was a short man, no taller than 5’ 4”, his greying
medium-length hair pulled back over his collar.
He was draped in traditional Chinese garments- a purple hanfu embellished with floral designs,
and an opulence of extravagant nuances within the fabric. He was the oldest and wisest of all the Savem, having been in his position for
over a thousand years. While the Shian do not physically age, their
appearance is a self-reflection of their attitudes.
“It is the oath of the Shian
to remain impartial in matters of the Matadeum. If we allow our emotions to control us, then
the Manus have already won. Remain in check for now; we cannot afford to
divert our attention from the Vorae with
our hierarchy in a state of such disarray.”
Avail did not hide her displeasure in
the verdict. However, she didn’t have
to. Another of the Shian spoke in her place.
“I must insist- it was my confidant that was stripped of his body and
imprisoned. While I believe in measured
response, I condone our action to be a requirement in this situation.”
His name was Calibre, the most imposing of all the Shian. His appearance was
that of a distinguished British noble in his early 40’s, his dark brown hair
was kept short, parlaying into a small, neatly trimmed beard. He wore a blue overcoat, with a white necktie
and dark grey pants. Standing 7’1”, his intense
eyes glowed a vivid electric blue, nearly taking away from his enormous
stature. He commanded the most respect
of all the Shian, with his voice
booming inside the minds of all in the room.
He had the attention of the council,
however, Zeal remained unconvinced. Still standing at center stage, she quickly
retorted.
“We
are at a disadvantage. Without the Ancestor, we are at a loss. Do you think it coincidence that our enemies
strike now?”
Calibre
addressed the woman in a respectful tone, but there it was no secret that he
did not approve of her.
“I do not understand how one with so much passion may act so cold. This is more than an act of preservation; it’s
an act of loyalty. With the first key to the Vorae fallen to the Manus,
it is obvious that they will come for the others. It will be an all-out coup.”
Regard took
over the conversation once again, the only hope they had of maintaining order.
“We will ignore the matters of the Matadeum
for now. To awaken any one of the Kara is to strip away their choice, and
dissolute the life they have chosen.
They did not ask for the position, and should be a last resort.”
Ever the gentleman, Calibre did not lose his
composure. But still driven, he refused
to let go of his point.
“Sir, I beg you reconsider...”
Regard, having
a great respect for Calibre’s
intransigent nature, would
normally have listened to the resilience of the hardened Shian. However, they were about to be at war, and
with the Ancestor missing, his will
was sovereign.
“The decision is final. Any who would
disobey will be subject to punitive measures.
Under no circumstances is anyone to have contact with the Matadeum. We are adjourned.”
With that, all of the Shian vanished, returning to their
duties- all but two. Calibre and Avail remained behind, sensing an urgency in one another to take
action. Each respected the other
immensely, and shared a slight disregard for the rules.
“I
stand with you, Avail. Something must be done, even if it requires a
sacrifice. My key is gone, but my protégé remains. There is only one way to stop this demon of
the Manus… I believe it is time to awaken the Kara.”
Avail looked
up at him deeply. He was absolutely
certain, unyielding, even to the point of self-destruction.
“I would agree, but it comes at a stiff
price for you. Are you willing to lose
everything?”
Calibre nodded
solemnly.
“My
duty is to humanity. As I’m sure both of us have found throughout our
many lives, conforming to will of others is rarely the correct course of
action. Sometimes, one must follow the
beat of his own drum.”
A slight smile found itself creeping
across Avail’s face. Though breaking rules brought her little
satisfaction, fighting for what she believed in did.
“Then
I too will share in this disobedience.”
“Not
yet. We do not know what the Manus are planning, though we can speculate. I have never been one to play my hand all at
once. We may need an ace in the hole
later.”
Avail agreed
concordantly. While she backed action,
she had a duty to protect the people of Earth, and realized this was in their
best interest.
“Very well, we will play it your way for now. I will do my best to distract the others…”
Calibre shook
his head.
“For
now I think it best for you to remain out of the loop. I will surely be punished for my actions, and
there is no reason for two of us to act at this time. Right now we have only seen one Manus warrior capable of interacting on
the Matadeum, though I am quite certain
there will prove to be others.”
“And
should your assumption become affirmed?”
Calibre
paused. An army of ethereal warriors wreaking
havoc on the Earth was an alarming thought, and something that once seemed
impossible. However, it was now a very
real threat. Though with no real
information to go on, he knew he would have to alter his vantage point of the
situation first.
“Then
we will plan our next move. For now, take your leave, and I will alert you when
I have made contact in the Matadeum. It is time to fight back- it is time to
awaken Emphamy.”
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