Hope is a positive feeling of expectation and desires for something beneficial to happen.
A gentle but firm voice boomed across the throne room. It was a pure sound that was neither male nor female mixing together in harmony as the King spoke. "My children."
"My Lord. What is it that you have called us for?" Dawn spoke up first, and the Councilmembers gawked at Dawn's sudden brave outburst.
It was a miracle that Dawn wasn't shot down because of being disrespectful.
"Dawn!" Council Member Black hissed. He was shaking to get up but stopped himself because the King's presence was too powerful. "Do not speak unless spoken to!"
The King raised its hand, stopping Black from his outburst.
There was a sudden silence—for this had never happened before. Was it favoritism, or was there something more for the King to listen to the words of Dawn without correcting her? Many felt a stirring of unrest at this sudden change, for they have not seen this side of the King.
"Thank you, my Lord." Dawn smiled radiantly. She slightly raised up her chin, trying to get a glimpse of the King, but wasn't able to. It was as if she was showing off to the others that she could even attempt to look at the King without repercussions and reaffirming that she was special.
Many of the citizens were amazed as their opinion of her grew exponentially; her popularity growing by leaps and bounds.
"To answer your question," the King spoke. "I have called upon the council members and the citizens to announce your new seat. You will become the sixteenth member of the Council and my left hand to guide the new young beings."
The moment the King stated such words, power swelled around her and loomed outward in every direction. Everyone knew instantly the change in Dawn as well as the change in hierarchy. Dawn was given an extraordinary position, making her the youngest Angelous to be bestowed with such a monumental task.
The crowd gasped. Some of the council members held their tongues, but quite a few outbursts were apparent, Black among one of them. For someone so young to become the left hand of the King was indeed an honor. There hadn't been one until now.
"I cannot thank you enough for being bestowed with such an honor," Dawn replied with a giant smile plastered on her face; a hint of pride showing upon her demeanor. She seemed to straighten up even more to the point where she was three-fourths of the way up without completely bowing. Even the glow got stronger as if she was bestowed with more power, making her bright with dazzling radiance.
Whispers burst forth as the soldiers and the citizens gossiped among each other in excitement. This was a life-changing history in the whole universe, and Dawn was now the second in command in power.
The flow of history was changing, and Dawn was at the center of it.
Perhaps it was true that the King loved Dawn the best, but without the words of the King, they weren't entirely sure.
"Dawn's the youngest Angelous ever to be bestowed such a seat and to personally serve the King," one of the Crystals spoke with a daze. The light in her eyes was excited at what this means.
"It's crazy how quickly she became one of the King's favorites, especially to become the King's left hand! It would make sense on how she can get the last seat." The citizens spoke with fever amongst themselves.
"This is truly monumental. The first-ever in history."
"Yes. It is. I am truly looking forward to the future."
The words of the people were full of praise and joy. To be personally, the left hand of the King's was unheard of, and now she took that particular spot.
The King continually spoke, "You will be the morning star that brings upon the hope of the world. A guidepost where people will seek upon you during their darkest times for guidance. Let your music move people's hearts whenever you sing or speak for the element of sound will be your main element."
A whirl of wind entered the room and wrapped around Dawn's body. The dress that she was wearing was gone and. Instead, a different set of colored clothes wrapped around her frame, fitting her perfectly. Extraordinary jewels glittered on her dress that no one had ever seen before that radiantly sparkled, amplifying her beauty even more. Her clothes were mixed with an original floral design that covered her from head to toe. One would've thought that the clothes that she wore were already breathtaking enough, but the clothes that she wore now were enchanting to the point where nobody could look away. The beauty was electrifying as everyone stared at her with awe as they started to stand up from their bow to the King.
"My Lord, is this wise?" Councilmember Takeen replied with a hint of worry. He stood up but was still unable to look up at the King. The other council members also attempted to stand up but couldn't come close to Dawn. They dare not stand up completely in the presence of their King, for they know they will be blinded by his brilliance, and even their mind will become undone and disappear into nothingness.
"She's too young," said Councilmember Takeen, trying to persuade the King that his decision might not have been the best choice, "I know she is your favorite Maestro but still..."
"Takeen, do you question my words?" Something about the way the King had stated his words brought chills to everyone who was listening. They knew he had overstepped his boundaries.
"No. I certainly do not," Takeen quickly replied, shrinking in size from fear. Everyone felt the silent power that crept out over their body and soul, squeezing them to the point where no one could breathe. Their King's presence was horrifying as if a small glimpse of the universe weighed down upon it.
"I cannot read the minds of our Lord, nor fully comprehend the greatness of what you have to say," Takeen hurriedly replied.
The King was pleased with Takeen's words as the pressure started to dissipate, allowing everyone to breathe. "From this day on, Maestro Regis will become one of the sixteen council members. Her words are second to mine. Do any of you disagree?"
Nobody disagreed with the King's decision. Even if they didn't understand the King's words, thoughts, and actions; everyone knew that the outcome was always favorable to all living beings.
"No, my Lord. We gladly accept your decision," the council members said in unison.
The King was silent for a moment and said, "My second reason for bringing you all here is to tell you that the new World Heart has been flourishing. An intelligent young new species called Aidans has finally taken root. I have toiled to make the world habitable for this particular new life. For I have blessed them to rule this new world," the King's words were loud and clear. "Now, I need to rest."
"Aidans?" Council Member Takeen's voice was filled with confusion, but what caught everyone's particular words after was the word: rest.
Their King never needed rest—the King was a being that they could never understand.
"What do you mean? Don't we already have many 'Outsiders' that have already been created?" Takeen asked, trying to decipher what the King was trying to say. "My King, if you rest, who will take care of this universe?"
"Outsiders?" The King rolled the words in his tongue, not quite liking the name itself.
Takeen caught himself and gulped. He was nervous about what the King was thinking of. His face hardened, his body tensed, and he bowed a little deeper than before. "I mean to say the privileged creatures."
"They are just a small fraction of my grand plans, Takeen. This has been the second time you have questioned my decision. Are my words not enough?" The King's words were sharp, making everyone listening very uncomfortable. They knew that questioning the King was something close to a death warrant, even though the King didn't use its power for such a small reason, it was still fearful to know what the King could do with a snap of the finger.
"Absolutely not, my Lord." Takeen quickly said, trying to cover up his doubt.
"Then, from henceforth, the moment the new race of Aidan is born; all Angelous, Daemons, Djinns will prioritize to serve them as if they are a part of me. For they are a small fraction of my own reflection until they have reached their highest potential."
A loud gasp of disbelief could be heard. To serve a lesser being was unheard of—especially to prioritize a specific species over all the other species in the universe. Nobody understood what made them special. Some started to doubt their ears when they heard the order of their King, but they didn't refute or were brave enough to say anything.
"My L-Lord, did you mean to help them like we do with other races?" Takeen was fidgeting at what the King had spoken, making him crinkle up into a slight frown.
"Yes."
Everyone let out a slight relief, but the majority of them were still confused. To help, to deliver, and even guide was what both Daemons and Angelous have been doing. Now to individually pay attention to one race for a duration of time was unheard of. Even for the fickle, Djinns—who helped in their own way—were brought into servitude, for they were creatures of pride and were not so easily persuaded.
Outsiders that lived in the City of Beginning were also in shock when they heard of this strange order.
"Dawn."
"Yes, my Lord?" Dawn's voice sweetly called out like a bell as she stepped forward. She was brimming with confidence.
"You will guide the Aidans to their new home in their small sanctuary as their guardians. Your first job is to watch over the children of Aidan. Will you be able to do this?"
"Yes, my Lord." Dawn spoke out clearly. Her face sparkled with a radiant smile that beamed with pride at the job that was given. Many were jealous at the thought of watching the new species that their King had personally ordained as unique. The laws of politics in the City of Beginning were complicated, and to get favor from the King was rare.
"I will gladly take on this task." Dawn gracefully bowed. One could tell that she was excited about this job. She glowed even more pleased with the gift that she was bestowed upon.
"I am glad to hear of your dedication. Take a handful of your closest confidants with you to work on this task, because you are the only one, I believe to be able to assist them to their greatness."
Such bold words from the King made everyone curious about how Dawn was the only being to be able to affect such people in such a great way. There was always more than one, but for one is to be the driving force, it was mind-boggling.
In the hands of the King, brilliant souls appeared out of thin air, forming into two pure white orbs. They floated and bounced a bit, as soft giggling of a girl and a boy's voice sweetly rang out in happiness.
"Is that from Symphonia?" asked Dawn, awed at the purity of the souls that glistened in the King's hands. It was a different kind of jewel that sparkled with pure radiancy. A soft, warm glow pulsated with vigor and excitement as they curiously seem to spin and bounce in the hand of the King. They cooed and rubbed against the King's grasp with love and happiness.
"Yes, these are the first two Aidan souls, both are still young. The oldest must be born first to protect the young. Protect them well, take them to their body that has been prepared for them in the world of Heart," The King ordered. "Created from the clay and given life from my breath. Do not forsake me, Dawn. You are one of my wisest, strongest, and best Angelous. Take with you your Watchers as they shall serve you with your assignment."
Dawn bowed deeply, moved by the words that the Lord has given her. "My Lord, I have one question, if you don't mind answering."
"Go ahead."
"Why these two peculiar souls, my Lord? Why have you chosen the Aidans?"
Everyone strained to listen to what the King had to say. They, too, were curious as well.
"They are beings that were created in the image of me, for they will one day become great beings that transcend time and space."
Shock encompassed everyone's face as they heard such words from their King. They didn't expect to hear such high praise for a new being. Soft whispers had begun to spill out from the Angelous, Daemons, and Djinns.
"Our Lord had finally stated that the Aidans are on equal terms as the Angelous, Daemons, and Djinns," said a Djinn, not pleased at the thought of being an equal to the new race.
"No. No. You heard wrong. The Aidan's position is higher than ours," an Angelous replied.
"What are you talking about?" a Daemon replied, not believing any of their words. "Are you sure you are not misconstruing it? I'm positive that we must guide them to their ascension."
The voices of the Angelous, Daemon, and Djinn's squabble back and forth; eventually, their words switched topic toward Dawn.
"So is our King saying that because he trusts Dawn, the King's giving the planet Heart as her own to watch over the Aidan?"
"Possibly, the Aidan's are going to be living there their whole life."
"Do you think that the Aidans are his most favorite while Maestro Regis is second?"
The words weren't filled with malice but were more of a question, needing an answer. The King didn't answer their question, making it that much more challenging to interrupt the words.
Dawn was not fazed by the people and instead stepped forward. Even the Council Members were confused and worried by the King's words, but they stood silent as they watched the event unfold before them.
"I gladly accept the task that you have given me." Dawn bowed, and the two souls floated downwards toward Dawn. The King handed the two souls toward Dawn, in which they dropped and whined for a moment. Eventually, silenced as they curiously hopped over toward Dawn's cupped hands, feeling her out. When they felt safe from her warm brilliance, they snuggled in her hands. A soft expression endowed her very lips and eyes as she looked lovingly at them. She gently cradled the two souls as it nuzzled close to her body excitedly.
"Make haste for I have created their body as they will be drawn into their shell." The King voice slowly started to drift. "I will need some rest."
Once again, Dawn asked before the King left. "How long will you rest?"
The King took a moment, staring at Dawn, which blinded her.
Dawn shielded her hand, realizing that the King didn't want to speak any further.
"You are all dismissed." The King's body glowed painfully bright as the King faded and disappeared.
Aurelius was momentarily dazed at the bright light, and when he looked back at the spot where the King was, there was no one standing there anymore. Even though everything had returned back to normal, the presence of life and death suddenly left the room and made the whole place feel unusually dreary.
The once quiet air suddenly burst out with the council members' voices. They were heatedly talking about what had transpired before them, debating on how the Aidans were going to change their future.
"What were those Aidans truly chosen for?" Takeen's voice was muddled with his own thoughts; the other council members were trying to decipher it with their own interpretation.
"I don't know, but this is really strange. I have never heard of Symphonia, just creating souls. She usually creates the whole package." Crystal spoke; she was sure that something wasn't right, but Symphonia did have a mind of its own.
"Was Symphonia contaminated?" Admah asked. Worry creased the little boy's lips, he puckered up, trying to find the words that bothered him.
"No. I heard this rarely happens." Crystal said, the length that she had lived, this was the first that Symphonia had reacted in such a way. She couldn't help but assume something was wrong when things did not fall into place.
"What do you mean?" said Admah. He was twiddling the edge of his shirt, trying not to be nervous, but failed.
"Legends states every time Symphonia stops creating something new, something big happens after."
"You don't mean a catastrophe?" Admah gasped, holding his hand on his lips.
"Who knows. It could possibly be a blessing in disguise." Crystal tried her best not to make it sound so terrible, but from everyone's expression, she wasn't doing a good job.
"I hope it will be just that. It would be horrible if it becomes a catastrophe," said Admah.
"What are you guys worrying so much over such thoughts? Just leave it be. We have more pressing matters to deal with these days. Civil war is breaking out in the Kingdom of Sun in the next couple of hours," Aqua, the councilwoman with blue hair, said in a determined voice that woke almost the rest of the other councilmembers. They knew how serious this was as a civil war had brought death and calamity to the planet.
"You're right. These days, there have been some strange things happening. I swear they are being tainted by evil way too quickly, becoming a bit difficult to handle," said Zenith, who usually didn't talk. He was leaning on the wall, partially hidden. Compared to most of the other council members, Zenith was considered the calm and silent one out of the group.
"Though I wonder why our Lord is fascinated by the new world Heart. Do you think we'll all be sent there as well?" Councilmember Sylph asked in a chirpy voice. She was the one who watched over most of the different planet's wildlife as her whimsical was brought to attention, making all of the others wonder the importance of her words.
"Hopefully not. I love where we live right now. It just doesn't compare to the other worlds." Aqua said.
"I know what you mean." Crystal replied.
"Though the Heart was created in six days?" Aqua asked, "Wasn't that a little too long on creating a habitable planet? Usually, it only takes three to four days."
"Six days in our time doesn't compare to other galaxies' time. If I remember correctly, Heart lies in Galaxy number 161616. Six days is about 5 billion years," Black spoke.
For the King to create a world that took longer than the rest was a bit worrisome. They knew that with just a snap of a finger, the galaxies would move to the King's will. But they noticed that the planning stage was a lot longer, compared to the other universes out there.
"I forgot how the time system differs from galaxy to galaxy. I'm so glad that we have the Golden Roads to travel from one destination to another." Aqua clapped her hand with happiness.
The Golden Road was something that they were blessed with and something that no other planet in the world even had. It was a privilege and a sacred way of traveling for the residents of the world to travel in. It took them anywhere in the universe.
Angelous, Daemons, and Djinns nodded in agreement. The crowd dispersed, and Dawn walked out of the room with the two Aidan souls in her hand. Aurelius was still stunned from the whole events that had happened in front of them that he couldn't speak. A storm that had blown in, it suddenly disappeared in a matter of moments.
"Let's go." Lucian spoke, breaking Aurelius out of his trance.
Aurelius quietly followed Lucian through a different path out of the building, where there were fewer soldiers. He wondered how Lucian knew of this route but didn't ask. He could tell that Lucian was focused on where they were going.
"Lucian, what do you think about what our King had said?" Aurelius asked, wondering what Lucian's thought was. He was unsure how to take everything in from the momentous task that Dawn was given. He felt pride and happiness for her to be given an exclusive responsibility that nobody ever had, as well as he felt a tinge of jealousy.
"Which one? Dawn's initiation or the Aidans?"
"Everything." Aurelius couldn't help but wonder.
Lucian was too quiet when they snuck out of the building. Usually, he was the type to voice his opinion, but right now, he seemed to be in a deep thought. Whatever happened a while ago was big enough that even Lucian had a difficulty understanding what just happened.
"Well, it's no surprise, Dawn is the King's favorite," Lucian said carefully, trying to find the right words that could explain his thoughts. "Getting a position in the Council was bound to happen sooner or later. Though, a new species. That's a different story. Especially to be announced in such a way doesn't usually happen. I wouldn't be surprised that these new creatures or whatever they are will be powerful…. or maybe very weak. My hope is that they will be powerful, so we don't have to worry about protecting them."
"I believe that they will be fragile in the beginning." Aurelius nodded in agreement with Lucian's thoughts. There was no way that a strong being would need protection. "Why else would these new races need protection?"
"You're right, this could spell trouble with the other factions. Already the disgruntled attitude of the Outsiders is loud but manageable, but to have to serve a weaker species might make things worse."
Aurelius fully didn't understand the politics and the workings of the higher-ups, and why the Outsiders were deemed in such a light. He knew that the Outsiders had a different philosophy and thoughts compared to the Angelous, Daemons, and Djinns, which was sometimes considered radical.
"Hopefully it does not come down to that."
"I pray so too."
Aurelius thought for a moment, he knew that the Outsiders problem was getting worse day by day, but now to have something that was completely new on top of that was a whole different problem.
"Our King is not crazy, right?" Aurelius cautiously asked, knowing full well that it could offend a lot of people if they were nearby.
Lucian turned toward him and scowled. He raised up his hand to silence Aurelius as he peered over his shoulder. The word crazy seemed to make Lucian's feathers bristle; making him look serious.
"What? I'm just saying." Aurelius tried to calm the silent rage in Lucian's demeanor.
"If you only knew." The way that Lucian had said made Aurelius curious.
Aurelius did hear quite a bit of stories of the problems that the Outsiders, Angelous, Daemons, and the Djinn's had, but that was just the surface problems.
"The craziest thing that the King did was that he sent a mixed group of twelve Daemon and Angelous to go stop a global take over on planet Xerxes that could've gone very badly. The fight was one to a million each. Do you know how insane that was? Any sane being would have thought that twelve wasn't enough to do a clean job but were we very wrong. The group all came back weak and tattered, but not a single one dead."
Aurelius was amazed at what he had heard. He knew that Angelous and Daemons were powerful, but to the point where it was one to a million each was unheard of. He had heard many crazy stories that sounded fantastical, but this one completely topped it.
"They were times when even a group of Djinns were sent to quell the fiery burst of the planet's core. Do you know how difficult that is?" Lucian shook his head in disbelief, showing how serious he was about what he was telling. "Though, I think the worst one was when the king sent out an order of seven Angelous to go siphon the power of a black hole."
"Black hole?" Aurelius exclaimed. He was hearing this for the first time. His face contorted into a weird angle that made his jaw drop in disbelief. Black holes were notorious for sucking in unsuspecting planets and devouring it completely into oblivion. No Angelous or Daemons dared to get near one for the fear of being pulled in by the gravitational pull. Aurelius stuttered, "Are you serious?"
"Yes, I'm serious. You should already know the gravitational pull of a black hole can even entrap light and never allow it to escape, but seven Angelous who were all masters of light were sent to do the job. They were not even masters of void or dark magic. What sense did that even make? None. My father told me that on that day: fear, sadness, and worry filled the whole city. Even the seven masters shook in their boots when they heard such a mission. It meant sending them off to their deaths."
"So, they died?" asked Aurelius speechlessly. He couldn't help but blurt out his concern. Death was imminent, but it was rare and different from the death of a physical body. It was more so an obliteration of one's existence.
Lucian snorted, shaking his head. He waved his hand. "Hardly. With the stone given by the King they were able to trap the powerful energy of a black hole in it. Then it was moved to another part of the galaxy and let it loose. Without the stone, they would've all been dead."
"Incredible." Aurelius said in dumbstruck fascination. His thoughts on the King's power awed him immensely. He knew that the King was an omnipotent, omnipresence, and omniscience, but the King didn't move often. Instead, the King would give missions and tasks, giving his creations a purpose. The King never took anyone's free will; allowing the beings to have their own thoughts and actions.
"Yes, it was. Although, it was thanks to their willingness to move the black hole that one of the newest planets that was recently created wasn't subjected to any harm." Lucian sighed; Aurelius could see a hint of respect toward the King at the same time bewilderment at his own story.
One would have called it an impossible mission, and rightly so. No sane Angelous or Daemons would go up against a black hole and combat it directly, knowing that their existence could be shredded in a millisecond. There were many majestic stories of valor and miracles, all given specifically by the task of the King. These miracles were the favorite of many beings as they wished to see or be part of the grand scheme, for it was the highest honor and respect.
"Now, you understand how crazy the king could be."
Aurelius couldn't help but agree with Lucian. The Angelous, Daemon, and Djinn had to go through hoops just to stay alive to do impossible missions made Aurelius' heart flutter in excitement. They were heroes in their own way. One could say that it was truly a miraculous situation to fight off millions or even tackle a black hole itself.
Aurelius and Lucian headed back toward the training ground, leaving behind the City Hall. Aurelius couldn't help but wonder what purpose the King had for the new species and the story that Lucian had told him. He knew that everything that the King had done was with a purpose, but such purpose was usually something no one understood. Usually, everyone would eventually find out later on, and understand, but now wasn't that time.
The school grounds were quickly filling up, but the teachers motioned them away, telling them to go back home. For the news was, in a way, a celebration of a new life. Such a thing was considered a special day as no new work or activities were recommended.
Many of the students went home as the cities bustled with celebration and life. The smell of food wafted through the city streets as joyous smiles and laughter rang clearly in excitement. A few times, they were jostled around in the thick crowd, but they didn't mind.
Aurelius was enthralled by the change that the city had gone in a matter of minutes. He had rarely been in such a grand celebration, especially because it was not often. It was said that even the creation of a new species was usually a once in a lifetime experience for the younger races.
Both Aurelius and Lucian walked through the streets, buying a few scrumptious snacks on the way they made it back to the college ground. They were quickly motioned away by the teachers to enjoy the day off.
"I'll see you tomorrow at the training grounds," Lucian spoke, eating a shish kabob. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "I got something that I need to do."
"Sure." Aurelius didn't ask, because there were many times when Lucian would suddenly have to drop everything that he was doing to go do something else. Usually, something important, Aurelius could tell it in Lucian's voice. This was one of those times when Lucian needed to leave in a hurry.
"Be safe." Lucian had a commanding tone that told him not to make any other mischief that he would typically do. Honestly, he barely got in trouble, it was usually when Lucian was with him that he would act a bit goofy.
"You know better than I that this world is the safest place to be."
"That...." Lucian stopped and thought over what he said. "I'll take that back."
"Sometimes, I wondered why my parents would ask you to be a protector in a safe place like this." Aurelius sighed; it was true. Nothing ever happened here in this city, no, on this planet.
"Well, it's better safe than to be sorry, don't you agree?" The end of Lucian's lips curled up into a knowing grin.
"That depends when you know that nothing ever happened for over ten hundred thousand years. I don't think anything bloody would happen any time soon."
"Let's just pray nothing happens. I'll see you around." Lucian patted him on the back once and turned to leave.
Aurelius waved goodbye, and he too headed back home, while enjoying the festive air of the festival that ran throughout the whole city. He loved it.