🎶 The Cosmic Tree 🎶
From the Great Singularity, dark and deep,
Where void met spark in the first mystic leap,
A burst of creation, fierce and free,
Birthed the towering form of the Cosmic Tree.
Its roots plunge down to realms unknown,
Through endless darkness, in silence grown,
Its branches twist, they merge, they spread,
A thousand worlds in its limbs are bred.
In each branch flows the river of life,
Mana's pulse through peace and strife,
The lifeblood woven through time and space,
From star-lit skies to earth's embrace.
From mana to matter, from matter to flesh,
Through ages eternal, creation is fresh,
Life springs forth in endless form,
In wild beauty, soft and warm.
And from each life, a soul does grow,
Glimmers of light in the Tree's vast flow,
Each soul returns to mana's stream,
Fueling creation, a perpetual dream.
Worlds within worlds, a sacred dance,
Branching forth in cosmic chance,
Endlessly weaving, merging, bound,
In the Tree's embrace, all things are found.
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"All worlds are connected," she began, her eyes reflecting the ancient knowledge of the cosmos.
"Like a great network, a cosmic tree that stretches beyond what farthest reaches of the universe."
"From the great singularity, the center of existence, this structure grows unending, its branches intertwining, merging and separating, and within those, countless worlds are birthed into existence."
She paused, allowing the group to absorb her words, their eyes wide with awe and curiosity.
"In each branch," she continued, "flows mana—the lifeblood of existence. It nourishes the worlds and all that inhabit them."
"Mana creates matter. Matter evolves into life. From life, emerge souls. And from souls, mana. The cycle is endless, perpetuating creation itself."
Elliot felt a deep hum in his chest as he listened, his mind racing to comprehend the vastness of what the Archon was describing.
His body still felt foreign to him, and his place in this strange world seemed even more uncertain.
The Archon turned to look at him, sensing his turmoil. "But not all worlds are equal," she said, her voice growing somber.
"They exist in tiers, separate degrees depending on their proximity to the singularity. The closer a world is to the center, the more powerful it becomes."
"Those on higher tiers connect to many other worlds below, creating a complex web of existence."
"And as Archons, we are not only responsible for protecting our own realms but for safeguarding the existence of the world in the lower tiers below us."
Wuxian's brow furrowed in thought, but it was Roshan who spoke first, her voice cutting through the silence.
"So, you're telling us that every world is connected? And you, as an Archon, protect these realms from destruction?"
The Archon nodded, her expression grave. "Yes, but your world..." She sighed, the weight of her words heavy. "Your world is not under my protection, young traveler."
Elliot's heart sank. "What does that mean? My world isn't connected to this one?"
"Perhaps", The Archon replied, her gaze distant.
"Or it might be under the protection of a different Archon. But I cannot say for certain."
Roshan, who had been listening intently, clasped her hands together, her eyes gleaming with determination.
"Then it's decided! You're coming with us, Elliot! We'll help you find your way back home."
Altan, who had been quiet until now, nodded in agreement.
"We'll visit other Archons along the way. They might know more about your world and how to send you back."
Wuxian smiled softly. "It's the least we can do. You're not alone in this journey."
Elliot's heart swelled with gratitude, though doubt still lingered.
He wasn't sure how he could get home, but with his friends, maybe there was hope after all.
Amiyan placed a hand on his shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Elliot. We'll help you. We'll find a way to get you back."
"What?" she said, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"No, no, no. You're staying here, my child."
The sudden shift in tone froze everyone in place. The Archon's command was absolute, her aura flaring with the kind of authority that made the air seem to crackle with energy.
But, Mother—" Amiyan began, his voice firm, but the Archon silenced him with a single, commanding gesture.
"No!"
The Archon's voice was firm, and her aura pulsed with power, the air around them growing dense with energy.
"But—"
"It's dangerous out there. You will stay here where it's safe." The Archon cuts in before Amiyan can even finish his sentence.
A tense silence fell over the group. Amiyan's usual calm demeanor faltered, a rare flicker of frustration crossing his face.
"But Mother, I've gotten stronger!" he protested, his voice rising in intensity. I can defend myself now."
The Archon's eyes narrowed, the air around them thickening with the weight of her power.
"Remember the last time you sneaked out?" she said sharply, her voice like a whip cracking through the silence."
"You were kidnapped. I will not allow that again."
Amiyan looked down, biting his lip. "That was then. I can handle myself now. I've grown stronger. You always say that we must grow to face the challenges ahead. Let me prove it, Mother."
A dangerous tension filled the room. The Archon's aura grew colder, her eyes like twin stars flickering with hidden storms.
"I forbid it," she said again, her voice low, a warning. "You are staying here."
"NO!" Amiyan shouted in frustration.
The Archon's eyes widened at the challenge, a massive surge of energy filled the room making it hard to breathe, let alone move.
Quizig and his soldiers, along with several golems, stormed in. The intensity of the Archon's aura had drawn them all to the scene.
"Your eminence!," Quizig said as he rushed in panic.
The Archon's aura flickered for a moment, and she turned to him with a wave of her hand. "You may leave us, Quizig. This doesn't concern you"
Amiyan smirked, sensing the perfect opportunity.
"Great timing, General!" he said, his voice light but his eyes gleaming with determination.
"If we defeat him in a battle, will you let me go? I'll prove I can handle it."
Quizig looked around, confused by the sudden challenge. "What? You want to fight me?"
"Please, Mother?" Amiyan asked, his voice softening, eyes wide with exaggerated innocence.
The Archon's stern gaze softened, though only slightly.
"Amiyan..." she sighed, a trace of affection breaking through her stern facade. "You are far too old for this act to work on me."
"Please?" Amiyan persisted, this time dropping to his knees, his puppy eyes unwavering. "I promise, I'll be careful."
The Archon sighed deeply, her expression unreadable. For a long moment, the room stood silent, waiting for her decision.
Then, with a sharp exhale, she relented. "Fine," she said, her voice resigned but still laced with authority. "But if you fail... you stay here. And you will never ask again."
Amiyan's face lit up, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.
"Deal!" he said eagerly, turning to Quizig, his eyes full of challenge.
Elliot watched in amazement as Amiyan, usually so composed, was now arguing like a child.
He didn't know what to make of the scene. It was hard to reconcile the image of this powerful, world-shaping being with the idea of her being a mother.
The Archon's gaze softened, but there was no mistaking the power behind her words.
"I will watch this battle, Amiyan. Do not disappoint me."
And as the air thickened with the weight of her final command, the stage was set. The battle was about to begin, and no one knew just how far it would push them.
Would Amiyan prove his strength? Or would the Archon's challenge prove too much to overcome?