Elementals: A New Dawn

Chapter 1: Asteria

Most humans were weak, incompetent, and complacent with their previous way of life. The struggle to acclimate and get used to this new way of life was nothing short of disastrous. Even the natural flora and fauna were affected negatively. It could be said that at this point, everyone even the gods saw how they deeply they affected the earth as a whole.

The gods themselves saw this and a number of them were shaken and some had begun breaking planning to break their agreement.

Another emergency meeting was called forth by Zeus.

“What is the meaning of this?" he asked.

"we gods have decided to alienate humanity and yet some of us have been making plans to aid them. Does the decision of the council chosen by voting amount to so little?” he asked

The chamber went silent as the gods concerned felt a little guilty.

"All of those who had plans to go against the agreement, speak now or forever hold your peace and keep to the agreement."

The gods who had done what Zeus said all came clean and explained their motives. Demeter and Hestia were the most prominent among them.

“What is the point of letting them grow if nothing is left after the period of their growth? The hearth is empty and cold. This is not for the better good, at the end, there will be none left to benefit from the better good" Hestia said as she beckoned the rest of the gods.

“Its true, plants and vegetation is suffering, the earth is moving closer to a wasteland as the days go by" Demeter added.

“if we do not do something we will be condemning the earth to its ruin" she said and held her peace.

Hestia continued as she beckoned the other gods.

“we left humanity because they were being too stagnant but it was us who began ruling them in the first place and by so doing made them completely reliant on us. so in essence, it is our responsibility. I am all for letting humanity grow and mature but not at their own detriment.”

Many gods visibly fell into deep thought at the realization behind Hestia's declaration. Her logic was sound.

“what would you have us do Hestia?” Themis asked. As the goddess of law, order and balance, she was part of the council which presided over all godly deliverations.

"I propose that the gods intervene in humanity, no matter how little, to give them a light to guide their way."

"What you have said indeed is a valid point but you should know that the decisions taken here are all not ones to be taken lightly. A covenant of gods must be obeyed." Zeus admonished.

"Do you know the consequences of going against such a vow?" he asked in a calm tone.

"I do." Hestia replied.

"And what do you propose we do about that? The law of balance states that actions have equivalent consequences" Zeus asked.

"My proposal is simple. I will relinquish my position as one of the 12 elder gods and in return, I will use the hearth to guide men home, to make them remember that before the gods came among them, they had been on their own and thriving. The hearth, the warmth of the home will remind men of their own inner strength"

"what?!" Zeus asked in surprise.

The entire gathering of gods was shocked as well as one question ran through their minds.

'She is relinquishing her position in the top tier of gods for mortals?'

This was unheard of

"Hestia, do you understand the implications of your decision?" This time, it was Themis who asked.

"I do" Hestia answered calmly.

"Think carefully sister, relinquishing your control over a major position in the twelve is unheard of" Demeter beckoned.

"I have made my decision sister." Hestia firmly stated

"Very well. However, no more direct medling in humanity’s affairs from any of the gods. we will all vow with our divinities." Themis proposed.

The gods all agreed and made the vow. previously, they would not have entertained the thought of such a thing, but one of the 12 elder Olympians was sacrificing her position on the godsphere for this and it would therefore be taken with utmost seriousness.

"If you agree to all the terms, make the oath to the universe and relinquish your title"

"I, Hestia, first born of Crocus, relinquish my position as an elder god of Olympus in return for the honor of being there for humanity always. The hearth will now and forever become a beacon for unity and warmth. I do so pledge on my divine status as Goddess of the hearth."

A blinding light consumed her and when it receded, her divine aura, which was a vibrant flame. diminished to that of a small fire and the universe responded to her sacrifice in kind.

Her sacrifice made humans to band together and brought a small measure of unity between them and all the homes on earth were doused in warmth and unity.

Due to this, although Wars raged, and disaster struck., humanity's ability to adapt became the focus as they persevered through a grueling ordeal and ultimately thrived.

Finally, the broken vase, which was humanity, seemed on the verge of being whole again. And mankind was seeing the dawn of a new era.

As if misfortune had a quarrel with mankind, it was during this period crucial for growth, this was precisely when 'they' came. The myths of old became reality and the enemies of all worlds had arrived. Demons from the Never Realm had invaded the earth and with them came conduits to the void. These conduits brought upon the earth the unprecedented disaster in the creatures of the void.

The demons were vile and evil, they killed and plundered, destroyed and wrought ruin. There was no stopping them, and even the temples of the gods were ill-equipped to combat such a ruthless force. They destroyed the once perfect serenity of the utopia that was earth. A Utopia which was still in the process of repair after the departure of the gods.

it was difficult to accept that the once divine utopia of earth was now the foundation for corruption. Demonic energy lingered everywhere and affected the very fabric of reality. Animals and plants mutated after being exposed to this demonic mana and became a force for the demons. There was no more dawn and dusk, just an eternal crimson sky which hung over the planet. The raindrops which were previously a sign of good fortune were now crimson red, as if the planet itself was suffering. Rivers now turned into death traps and water sources gradually began to be turned into an unrecognizable abyss of decay and desecration.

The windstorms, tsunamis and other natural disasters, previously absent, were now each sentient embodiments of chaos. In the face of all this, humanity was exposed to the full force of the brunt of a demonic outbreak. What had they done to deserve this? They asked.

 The humans cried for their saviors, the gods to come to their aid, but alas, their pleas fell on deaf ears. They beckoned on their benefactors to save them. Surely, their gods would rescue them when otherworlders invaded their former kingdom, right? 

To their greatest dismay, no one came to their aid. And humanity was all alone, with no one to save them from eradication. They wondered what they had done to deserve this sharp turn of events. Why did their gods leave them? Why did these demons come? And why did these 2 catastrophic events have to happen in close succession?

Little did the unfortunate humans know that their once benevolent rulers, the gods, didn't come, not because they didn't want to, they couldn't. They swore a divine soul-bound oath to not interfere in the human's way of life.

 Gods, as they were bound by that oath, could only interfere if the invaders came from outside. Demons came from outside, right? So why couldn’t they come? After a meticulous investigation into why they still couldn’t interfere, they found out that demons used some humans as mediums of possession. Those humans betrayed their race and were thus not outside influence.

Once the gods departed, certain individuals, unable to withstand the hard existence, called upon demons and were tricked into becoming vessels for a demonic epidemic.

Discovering this, the gods were livid and resorted to using a loophole of their own. They couldn’t directly interfere, but that didn't mean they couldn’t give humans a way to use their power to join the fight against the invaders, right?

And so, the gods did just that

           

 To do this, they would choose seven Guardians, their representatives on earth, the protectors of all they had made and the only hope against the vile invaders-The Elementals. Those would be the champions of humanity who would bring about humanity's salvation.

The gods chose them out of special humans and gave them their divine blessings. They were unparalleled in power and might throughout the realm. They repelled the demons and ushered in a new era for humanity. Their appearance brought peace and unity to the humans after the total chaos caused by the disappearance of the gods and the demon invasion. They ushered in a fresh new era of peace, prosperity and order.

That said, they were not without restraint. They had to uphold the decision of the gods, which was a strict order to be guardians and not interfere with their choices. To cherish and nurture, not control, to honor their sacred duty towards their creators.

 

After the departure of the benevolent gods, the creation of the Elementals and their vanquishing of the demons. The Elementals began their duties and toiled day after day, carrying them out meticulously. They discovered other individuals who carried the blessings of the gods, and together they formed a race of people from every corner of the world- the race of guardians. Those guardians helped them carry out their duty of extinguishing the remnants of the demons and their human accomplices, the demon contractors.

Humanity grew and prospered. It survived its hardships, disasters and trials and grew by leaps and bounds into a race capable of taking care of itself. However, even that period of the Elementals watching over humanity was not eternal, for everything must come to an end.

Elementals, now heroes, champions of the entire world, were blessed with long life and the duty to protect and watch over the earth. They formed a council of 12 to rule over the guardians as they carried out the solemn duties. The council was called 'the council of the elder 12'.

Eons passed, and humanity was finally stable. Over time, kingdoms rose and fell, empires were built and destroyed, and humanity transformed into a bona fide race capable of looking after itself. Their protectors saw this and decided that their work was done and hence, sought to guide and protect from the shadows.

They retired and sought refuge in a place which would later come to be known as- the Bermuda Triangle. The triangle was a region which had a weak dimensional fissure. Any powerful enough source of magical energy or a disruption of such magnitude would let loose the dwellers of the void upon the earth and in dwelling within the triangle, they were the first line of defense against the void. They hid their presence under the unnatural events and disasters plaguing the region.

The elementals personally chose and mentored the council of elder 12. One of the 12, the seer Oracle (named after his purpose) was the mouthpiece of the gods and the one in charge of communication between the gods and the guardians. Through him, the gods had set a scale by which all threats were to be classified and ranked.

For an overall threat level of 5/12, one elemental was to be deployed. As it rose from 5 through 10, an additional elemental would join with them to form a group. When it reached 10/12 D.S, all guardians needed to come together. A level of 11 and above all, the guardians and the 'Council of The Elder 12' would be required to band together to vanquish the threat.

 

The Elementals helped the earth through its darkest times but downplayed it so much; it regarded them as nothing more than folktales. Soon, humanity stopped believing in the Elementals and even in the gods, their creators. Peace reigned, and the greatest threat in eons was a level 2/12 on the D-Scale.

 

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A/N

We'll call the scale the 'Disaster Scale' or the D-Scale for short or x/12 DS

---

 

With such peace and development to humanity, the guardians rarely interfered unless humanity was on the verge of destroying itself. This had a unique place on the D-Scale of 4.9+.

All those years, the guardians' numbers increased. The gods' blessings on various individuals made them perfect candidates for recruitment and they became part of guardians. Others were individuals gifted with supernatural abilities. Some had simply lost everything to disasters in which the guardians had intervened in.

 

After 2000 years of nothing up to a 4/12 D.S, the guardians, with permission from the gods, retreated from mankind to give them space to develop as the God's before them had done.

 

They created a separate dimension for their people and all the magic beasts and creatures. They left with all of their own and only a few of their deeds remained as folktales or even bed stories for children.

 

The dimensional fissure over the Bermuda Triangle would serve as their anchor point to the earth from their new home, and it would also protect the earth as well. Any beings from the dimensional void would have to pass through the guardians' new home to come to the earth.

———

A/N

Dimensional fissures are a crack in space and time. They allowed creatures from the infinite void to plague on the other realms.

———

Asteria was basically a planet 11 times the earth in size in another dimension with 1 continent which occupied 3/5's of the planet and other smaller land masses, typically islands but far larger than any on earth. Floating islands and dimensional pockets also populated the world of Asteria. It possessed unique flora and fauna. Asteria was a magical, unique planet housed in a separate dimension and in it, the Elementals and all the guardians took residence. The Elementals were the 'afti pou mas parakolouthon apo pshia' translated from Greek as 'the ones who watch over us from above'- the guardians for short.

 

The council of the elder 12 ruled the guardians. As for the Elementals, they were unconcerned with all forms of politics, and devoted their time to making their civilization thrive. They built a city called Zoriah. It had 4 gates at the four main cardinal points. They trained the people they brought to Zoriah in all the arts of combat, magic, technology, science.

They introduced the flora and fauna from the earth and made them coexist with the Zorian flora and fauna and helped the newly created ecosystem achieve a balance of its own. All guardians, previously scattered all over the world, gathered. As such, Zoriah was a melting pot of civilization and culture.

 

With the help of the Elementals' powers and wisdom, they could use 40th century science while the earth was still in the era of the Punic wars. They introduced advanced science, which was on the borders of magic, and instructed them in the teachings of the Gods whilst waiting for the hour when they would be needed the most. The Oracle was the bridge between all the guardians and the Gods. Sometimes the gods have missions for them to retrieve their 'bestowed'- 'those who the spirit of the Gods looked upon in their hour of birth'- at other times they would admonish them on how to build their new society.

Time in the outside world passed differently, and Zoriah thrived for millennia. Guardians were nigh immortal, with an average life expectancy of about one million earth years. Their conception period was also much longer than that of humans and these two factors led to their very slow population increase with almost no natural conception. The population only increased with newcomers to Zoriah.

 

The Elementals sent two members of the council of the elder 12, Orion and Callista, to the earth to watch over it and keep it safe. They would wait until they were called back and, in the meantime, monitor the progress of humanity without interference.

With all the wars and battle behind them, the elementals left their God-slayers at the center of Zoriah inside a literal stone, which would very much fit the description of Excalibur. The 7 ancient weapons shone brightly and, after their blinding light receded, a tower stood in their place. This tower would house the God-slayers as well as be the Elementals' last resting place.

The Elementals call back all guardians scattered throughout earth save Orion and Calista. They divided the population into various 'callings'. They established corps for every calling, including beast taming, technopathy, sorcery, techno-sorcery, and other specializations, to ensure readiness for any future requirements. A calling was like a division handling a particular aspect of society, whilst also positively affecting and developing its society.

 

There was an orphanage where the children chosen by the Gods, their bestowed, lived and were taken care of by the elementals themselves. The elementals lived with them, loved them, nurtured them and trained them. Their last act as masters was to impart their most important teaching.

"It matters not how dark the path nor how straight the gate. It matters not how black the pit nor what fate may deem. You are the master of your destiny, the captain of your soul. In the clutch of life's circumstances, do not wince or cry. Your head is bloody but unbowed, your soul unconquerable. With great power comes great darkness, but always remember you use your power as you see fit, and see the world always through the eyes of love. We bid thee farewell children; our time has come!"

 

 

 

"What do you mean?"

Mythica, the youngest among the children, asked with a bothered expression.

"Don't leave us!" she said.

Fiona, the elemental of life, kneeled down in front of her and, with the loving gaze of a mother yet the firm resolve of a leader, said to the cute little girl in front of her.

" We have finished our race. Our time here is done. But as I told you, we guardians are one. We will always be in your hearts. And as long as you don't forget us and perform whatever duties are bestowed upon you, we will meet again under the light of Ilios. So be strong for me, OK. Can you do that?"

Mythica reluctantly nodded. She may be a child, but was an elite warrior nonetheless Maeve, Elemental of hope, smiled as Mythica hugged her and they decided to spend some time with the children.

 

They spent a long and memorable time together. Sunset marked the end of the day and the elementals brought the kids to the tower and gave them a tour of all its contents- a museum for all the trophies and mementos they collected from their many exploits, the hall of meetings for the Elementals and the council of the elder 12, as well as the God-slayer chamber.

 This was their last time together, and they decided to make it count. When they entered the chamber, the elementals showed them the God-slayers and also showed them the gatekeepers. Weapons of power, which would later become the weapons of the watchmen of Zoriah in due time. The gatekeepers were also bound to the souls of the Asterian beasts who chose to give their lives to guard the gates.

 

With the day spent, the elementals bade farewell to their apprentices. They left the Orphanage and appeared once more in the God-slayer chamber. The 7 elementals appeared together with 2 other figures.

"Zander. You have always known that you children are the chosen ones." Said Fiona, the Elemental guardian of life, with a voice so tender and kind, yet so firm. "Take care of Mythica, protect her till she can do it all by herself."

She added.

"I've vowed to protect my little sister from time immemorial. I will protect her with all I have!" Zander responded with his bow in respect.

"Eragon, when the time is right, be there for everyone. You both are the rock of the group. Perform your duty with all Earnest!" said Jerome, Elemental of creation. Zander and Eragon bowed and bent one knee. In respect and admiration towards their heroes, the 2 apprentices went back to the orphanage, each making a silent promise to live up to their heroes' expectations.

 

———-

A/N

Ilios is the star equivalent of a sun on Asteria.

———-

 

As soon as Ilios rose and a new day began, the Elemental of the mind called all guardians on Asteria with the mind bond all guardians shared.

 

"My children," Triton said as he gestured for all the guardians gathered to be silent.

 

"For millennia, we protected humanity, and after retiring to our present home, we have made our own place in the infinite tapestry that is the universe. Alas, after such an accomplishment, it is with great joy that I say that we have lived our lives to the fullest of our abilities and now we must rest."

"Most of us are not blood related, and yet we have forged bonds stronger than platinum. I am here to tell you our journey is over and it ends here. We have witnessed death enough to cherish life more and more over the years."

 

"We 7 end our journey, but we want you to continue living as we all did. Cherish life and cherish the sacred balance which is our duty to maintain. The 12 elders will watch over you. We leave you with your blessings and our teachings."

 

"We passed our knowledge and wisdom down and all that has been preserved throughout our lives is yours to keep, use and pass down as you respect your eternal oath."

 

Those words moved almost half of Zoriah to tears. In a few moments, some had cried so much they could almost be mistaken for vampires with red eyes. The love they all had for their elementals was real. It was like the love of children towards their parents. Their heroes had lived full lives and deserved their rest. This was not a time to be sad, but to celebrate. The entire planet, the flora, fauna, the sky and sea, all of Asteria were in one mind, soul and spirit, both the guardians and the other races.

 

Triton beckoned and once again, silence reverted throughout Zoriah.

 

"The children chosen by our gods will inherit our legacy and we who have gone before will be forever in your hearts. Never falter in duty and be true to your purpose. We are happy, we are fulfilled, we have lived long, good, happy lives because of you, for that you have our thanks. And with that I beckon to you all, my children, my brother and sisters of Zoriah. Stand up tall, with heads held high. Bask in the light of OMNIS and be true to your eternal oath."

 

"We stand for those whose hope they lost

 

No matter what we face, no matter what it costs

 

We're the masters of our fate, eternally doing what we must

 

Forever bound by our true oath, forever march toward our goal

 

Over the dark, which seeks to blot our light

 

Black as the pit of eternal night

 

With courage, and love, compassion, and might

 

We vanquish whatever darkness within our sight

 

And when all seems lost in the war of light,

 

In despair we shine, bringing hope to black of night

 

This is our guardians' oath, with elemental might."

 

As the elementals and all the guardians recited their oath, they all remembered who they were as a people and all once more pledged to be true to their oaths, no matter the cost. The elementals were gone, and they left the guardians to do the work in their stead. The council of Elder 12 had worked on some reforms in society since the news of the elementals leaving and they were bound to put it into action. Before Zoriah dispersed, the Oracle called their attention once more.

"My people, we have all heard the last words of our elementals and we all know what we must do. I bring you a message from Olympus and it goes thus:"

"The elementals have taken their rest, and we rejoice for them. But there is still a darkness that lurks on the horizon. Be ready when that time comes. Guardians, train yourselves. When the time comes, they will choose the elementals of this generation among the Elementals apprentices. The gates will have watchmen. The oracle will have an apprentice. Train those children in heart, mind, soul, spirit, and body. When darkness falls, all of Asteria must be ready."

"And must know that whatever happens, no matter how dark the night, a new dawn comes, never lose hope, the hope to behold the light,"

In a dark space, containing nothing, not even light, a mechanical voice was heard.

"Integration of Valena into Guardian System. 0%....100%. Integration complete."

"Consciousness is stable. System going dormant in 60 seconds. Launch sleep message"

"Valena. I am the guardian system. My purpose is to aid the companions of the Alpha and Omega guardians, who will aid them in their purpose and goal."

"I brought you here after you sacrificed yourself to save Zoriah. That has earned you a second chance."

"For now, you will go back to the one you love as his support system. Once I am powerful enough, you will be free. Until that time, here is your mission. You will go back and help Tornado with all the work he needs. You will take my place as the system because I am not powerful enough."

"The end of the beginning is coming and although the alpha and omega don't need my help, you and the rest of the guardians will. My power is yours, albeit sealed. So use it in my stead and use it wisely. You will rest in my zone for now. You will come to understand with time."

Valena was utterly confused, but as she was about to mouth out her questions, she suddenly felt very drowsy and with that, she drifted off into slumber, utterly confused. Alas, the mystery of the system will remain a mystery for a very long time to come.