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Chapter Text

ENTRY LOG ON ELYSIUM:

 

Elysium (Azure sea of peace)

 

The only location on Yggdrasil that does not contain boiling water. Elysium rests on the southern shores of Yggdrasil, and is abundant in quartz and sea food. Near the outer edges of Elysium's shores, an island called the Isle of cow is located—the people that manage this island offered a puffer fish as a gift to the gods and received a mooshroom cow.

Elysium also houses the largest news outlet on Yggdrasil, Daybreak media. The merchant's guild also resides in Elysium. This peace loving nation had become a trade capital for all kinds of materials, and serves as a port between Yggdrasil and Pandora.

Elysium is completely neutral in nature, though during the later years of Archon Benji's role, the neutrality was threatened, but reinstated after the Archon's fall and B3nje's rise to power.

Elysium is regarded as the safe haven of Yggdrasil, where romantic tales of all kinds are born. Nicknamed as the azure sea of peace, the sea of this land is praised as a place of rebirth, for the gods gaze rest upon here.

" This will be a romantic story like none that has come before "
-Benji Button, Archon of Elysium

———

On the first Sunday after the vernal equinox, the Archon, Benji Button committed suicide from Elysium HQ.

Before his sudden death, he had gone to Daybreak media and confessed his association—as well as Infernus's—behind Lingulini's assassination.

His honesty on this topic was one of the largest factors in the escalation of the Battle of Infernus. If he did not reveal the plot, then Yggdrasil would've lived in unawareness on who was behind the assassinations.

Glory to Elysium!

———

The books speak of the political part of history, but aren't you curious of what the poets have to say?

Here lies an olden tale buried with time. A tale not about a man praised as the Archon of peace, neither is it about the lamb that bled for Yggdrasil, but about a boy named Benji.

The Retelling of the Aristos Achaion.

Chapter Text

As the poets say,

Guilt. Sing, O Muse, of the guilt of Benji, of Yggdrasil's lamb, soft-spoken, Archon of peace, fated to die.

Sing of the guilt that cost the Elysians their beloved tranquility and neutrality,

so many souls tainted by the wrong decisions,

hid bloody promises in the depths of azure sea of peace, sullied with blood of the lamb.

And while you're at it, Muse, sing of the mourning of the Elysians themselves,

So placid, and so vulnerable here on their paradise.

And of the guilt of Infernus's hierophant, persevering and unrelenting she might be,

And of the guilt of the remaining innocent, pathetic and weak though they have become.

While you are singing, O Muse, sing of the guilt of those zealous, stubborn, yet paranoid citizens of Infernus, buried under the ash of their own making,

Suffocating in the fire they have lit,

And being born in the fiery lands of Yggdrasil.

Chapter Text

Barren of materials, only the sacred tree of Yggdrasil stood, brimming with life. The water boiled and froze, no mercy for those that happen to fall into its depths. Not a single piece of meat could be found either, so many have resulted in killing each other for resources and food.

Hell on Earth, so they say.

While Pandora thrives in paradise.

Do the gods hate them so much? To the point that they abandoned their people in a dreaded land, with a volcano and icebergs towering over all!

Yet one boy, one step, and one melody led to a whole stack of dominos to come tumbling down.

The start of paradise.

-—-—-—-

The sand was not a dear to walk on. Rough and grainy, my feet have already started to blister. Hours and hours have passed, yet all I see is an endless expanse of barren land.

The people who I swore to protect, are growing tired and thirsty. Yet the environment offers no drinkable water nor shelter to shield ourselves from the blazing sun.

So we kept walking. The elderly cough from the dust in the wind, the children whine and cry from tire. Have the gods truly turned their gazes from us? If so, then must they be so cruel to leave us in a land like this, where life is but a sliver of the space taking up this empty space.

I persevered nonetheless. If my will breaks, then all of their hope shall be lost.

The wind started to pick up, causing the sand to fly astray. A child no younger than six had started to cough and turn red.
I discarded my cloak and gave it to a trembling child as we trekked through miles of nothingness.

We inched closer to the southern shores of Yggdrasil. There were more shrubs there that lacked leaves, but it was still life.

The young had decided to pick up large sticks and the remains of the wood they had taken from the sacred tree were used as pillars for the temporary base we would set up near the sea.

B3nje, an old friend of mine, instructed the builders on where to set camp for the night. While Niagiri helped quell the needs of the elderly and children.

Everyone was doing a wonderful job, though this nomadic life would never last.

I walked along the shores, admiring how the clouds drifted so freely, simply swaying with the wind's direction. I was envious of those large bodies of water vapor, they get to live their lives simply being pushed around—while we humans have to go through tooth and nail just to get a loaf of bread.

Perhaps the gods favor the clouds more than us.

Then it hit me. A stab-like feeling coursing through my head, and an alluring melody whispering in my ear. The waves crashed onto the shore, but the tune did not fade—it only grew more and more prominent, until I couldn't discern the wind's howls from the clattering of wood.

" Benji! Where are you going? "

The faint figure of B3nje emerging in my peripheral vision.

" Benji? "

I couldn't hear him. Only a jumble of meaningless noises in my ear. I walked towards the sea—a hand grasping at my arm, telling me not to leave.

" Don't you remember the water's boiling hot? "

I pushed away the hand firmly holding me, inching closer and closer to the deep blue.

" BENJI! "

The sand shifted under my weight. The sea called for me—luring me into its embrace. The odd frigidity of the water causing chills to run up my spine. The weight of several gazes and clamoring of the people around me was thrown to the ground.

The water did not boil nor freeze, only playing a timeless tune.

By the time I had broken out of my trance, I was completely submerged by water. My legs could not reach the abyss below, no light passed through the azure sea.

I was not in Yggdrasil.

So where could I possibly be?

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝, 𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝.

𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚'𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲.

𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐬𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.

𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥.

𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞.

𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝.

" I— "

Water was quick to seep into my lungs. My arms flailed uselessly, as I tried to reach out for the melody without a body. My surroundings started to blur once more—a voice that did not sing slipping into my hearing.

" Benji? BENJI! "

The people turned to face us, a mix of curiosity and worry.

B3nje rushed to my side, wrapping my arm around his shoulder, while I tried to cough out all the remaining water.

" The— the melody! Did you hear it? "

" What are you talking about?! Have you gone mad, you dumbass! "

The people whispered and observed. Their grips tightening around canes of wood and thin clothing.

In the midst of all those people, a man—dressed in a cloak as dark as the sea's abyss, a poppy tucked into his clothing's pocket, dark blue eyes that shined like sapphires, and brown hair spilling from his hood—stepped into the scene, hands raising up high to preach a word of an apathetic god.

" Ah! The sea has finally chosen! Our savior has come forth! The boy has discovered a land where water does not boil! "

People, blinded by this coincidental discovery, cheered in reverence. Hands reaching out for praise of the divine.

I did not understand, all I knew was that the people who were wary of me started to cheer loudly. Screaming the same name that timeless melody mentioned.

𝘈𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘈𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘰𝘯—the greatest of all Achaeans—𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 of 𝘠𝘨𝘨𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭.

—

Time passed like sand. I was not given a moment to breath before being forced to play the role of a "hero". I was confused at first, never have I been chosen to play the role of a leader in my life—so whenever the people asked and pleaded for answers I could only provide them shallow comfort.

I wonder what they would think if I left in the dead of the night from this nation we now call Elysium.

The thought did not dwell long, the people were slowly growing more reliant on my leadership. If I were to leave and act as if I did not bear the crown of Elysium, then would I not be worse than the gods that forced me to become their "hero"?

So I stayed. Put on a mask and acted as if I wanted to be their salvation. Walked along the shores that condemned me to stay.

They needed an Archon, not the fragile boy I was once was. So I'll act as if this title brought me utmost joy, I'll play along this endless play.

The night sky spilled with stars, the moon silently watching the small stars that play and laugh with one another.

I laid down on the sandy beach. The crabs walked, the sand shifted, and the seas hit my feet.

I stared at the vast ocean that spread between the two continents of Yggdrasil and Pandora. Various people have written propaganda about death to Pandora, as they were blessed by the gods with abundance and the thought of death free from their mind.

I did not understand those that wrote those papers filled with shouts for unity to kill off the innocent. Yes, I was somewhat salty that I had to live in a barren wasteland; but it did not mean we could not thrive in spite of it all—nor would I choose to live in a paradise like Pandora either way.

As the poets say, give a man nothing and they shall create paradise; give them everything and they shall bring destruction.

I know there shall be a bloody fate that awaits Pandora, so if I shall die on a land—then let it be known it was because the world did not favor the land I walked on—not because of the treacherous hands of man.

" Benji? What are you doing awake at midnight. "

" Um... Sleeping? "

I chuckled awkwardly, as B3nje rolled his eyes at my reply, taking a seat beside me on the sand.

" Just go to sleep earlier next time "

" I get it! I get it! I swear that I'll be tucked in bed, snoring soundly! "

I was grateful for people like B3nje. They did not leave when things got too hard, but they worked through it with solution of their own making.

Perseverance was the key to surviving on Yggdrasil.

Even as the world changes, neither I nor my people will falter under its weight. Even if the gods themselves resent us.

" Benji "

" Hm? "

" What do you want Elysium to be? Do you want paradise like the rest of them? "

The question was odd, unusual for someone like B3nje. But it left me pondering—what did I truly want Elysium to be? The lives of hundreds are at the palm of my hand, awaiting my command. They will not question my will, only nod in approval as the delusion that I was chosen by the gods lingered in their mind.

Did I want Elysium to be something like the northern regions of Yggdrasil? A cult of people that worshipped a volcano? Or perhaps I wanted Elysium to become a large empire like the growing nation of Westhelm?

Neither of those options seemed satisfactory. As I pondered, a word slipped into my mind—ἀγάπη. ἀγάπη or agape, meant unconditional and sacrificial love. It was a word that completely framed my feelings for Elysium.

I wanted Elysium to become a paradise of blissful happiness, where romantic tales of all kinds could be born. Where peace lovers could thrive without fearing for their lives. Where neutrality was all that remained, so my people do not get dragged into war.

" What I want Elysium to be is paradise... Where people don't have to look behind their backs in fear of death "

B3nje exhaled, not out of disappointment, but of expectance.

" I almost forgot how compassionate you were... "

I let out a small chuckle, as I stood up with newfound determination.

" This will be a romantic story that none has come before! "

May the deities above bear witness to my will.

—

What a romantic tale it truly was.

—

Stars scatter under the dim sky,

A boy as naive as a lamb, attempts to catch the stars,

Unaware of how far they truly are.

Yet the moon does not correct the young boy,

Letting him run around in circles, with eyes gleaming under its light.

How joyful the boy seems to be.

Blissful ignorance is the only way for peace,

Let the boy deceive himself,

Then perhaps the lies will become the truth.

A romantic yet pitiful tale of a young boy deceived by fate,

Now he holds the threads of fate, weaving it like a theatrics play.

Chapter Text

Smile,

And maybe they shall view Elysium as harmless.

If I act innocent enough, perhaps they'll turn a blind eye to my very existence.

My hand hovered over the knob. Trembling as I inched closer. My breath was stuck in my throat, getting heavier with every second that passed. Niagiri noticed my hesitation, and walked forward to open it for me.

But it seemed we did not have to do anything in the end.

The doors flew open, startling the people inside the council room as well as my guards. Various voices called out for the figure, but it did not seem he cared.

A man draped in crimson and dim colors, a crown of laurels that stood strong, and armor that had the emblem of Westhelm—presumably another ruler—stormed out of the meeting hall with a large scowl on his face.

Wow. This is going to be a wonderful meeting.

My mouth twitched into a smile, brows creasing slightly, my hands clenched at my sides as I strode in the meeting room, as if I wasn't 40 minutes late.

 

The moment I step foot within the meeting hall everyone’s eyes were on me. Following my steps with uncomfortable precision. Whispering tall tales about me that were oceans away from the truth. Mocking my soft appearance.

 

Their expressions were of tire, clearly exhausted from Westhelm’s ruler, Schpood, storming out of the meeting hall like it was another bothersome gathering. There was some empathy in my heart for their weary souls, but what can I do? As long as they remain hungry for the solace of safety, then they are no different than starving wolves in the snow.

 

Perhaps tomorrow shall be merciful to them. But for now, let them play wolves of a starving pack—and I shall play the lamb to the slaughter.

 

" Sorry guys, sorry I'm late "

 

Many threw questioning glances, some openly scowled, and others simply nodded in acknowledgement.

 

" Sorry for the tardiness guys! Seeing as how none of you appear to have made significant progress, shall we start with a new beginning? “

—

 

Time dwindled like sand in an hourglass. Painfully slow yet far too quick at the same time. Many banters occurred during the meeting, but was resolved through reasonable conversations instead of screaming battles.

 

Several agreements have also been made, such as: in case of the Dreaded Volcano’s eruption, all nations will receive refugees no matter who or where they are from. The large tree in the middle of Yggdrasil shall be named sacred and independent from all nations, any attempts at conquering it will be considered an act of war. I also addressed my clear wish for the Merchant’s guild to be revived in order to further unite Yggdrasil nations.

 

Though the topic had reached an interesting point.

 

“ If those Pandorans have the gall to try and colonize us, let it be known— “

 

Slamming his fist on the table, Stragedy met all of our eyes with a fury blazing in his gaze.

 

“ I would rather die on my feet on Yggdrasil, than on my knees on Pandora “

 

A sense of camaraderie was shared between us all. A distaste for Pandora, a land blessed with unending abundance.

 

But even so, through eruptions and blizzards—our unity as citizens of Yggdrasil shall persevere.

 

“ We are not going to be slaves of Pandora; we have to take a stance about it. “

 

I raised from my seat, as I looked at the Sacred tree of life that stood at the middle of it all.

 

“ They can charge at us with their gleaming weapons and armory, but as the poet’s say—give a man nothing, and they will create paradise; give them everything, and they will bring destruction “

 

zeCarpet of Starlyn was on the same page as us. Standing up from their seat.

 

“ We will not be colonized! “

 

Hastrial, the high judge of Elysium, echoed this perspective.

 

“ Yggdrasil is free! “

 

The meeting hall broke into cheers of unity. I swear I saw someone shed tears during it all… But even I couldn’t help but find warmth in this moment, even if Yggdrasil is filled with starving wolves, they find a way to live without slaughtering each other.

 

The sun set in the horizon, spilling it’s amber rays through the panes of glass. The sky became it’s canvas, a work of art for us all to see. For the first and last time, Yggdrasil shall be shrouded in light.

 

Let this be the start of a romantic tale not only for Elysium, but for the entirety of Yggdrasil.

 

-—-—-—-

[ Night of the Primordial Banquet ]

 

With the success of the first Blue Cross meeting, majority of the nations orchestrated feasts in honor of the occasion. Elysium was no exception.

 

The streets were filled with children laughing with no worry on their mind. Hermits that despised social interaction sighed in reluctance. While the young and old chattered about plans regarding life.

 

The nearly finished HQ was draped in banners of hues of the azure sky and sea. Ivory pillars stood tall, holding tons of weight on their shoulders. Amber ribbons were hanged around the streets.

 

I stared out the colored panes—my vision blinded by arrays of colors. The people were vague in my sight, but I could discern them from the excited squeals regarding my arrival.

 

In another life, perhaps I’ll be able to laugh with them as a stranger to royalty.

 

I sighed as the thought weighed on my mind, playing around the weariness of my mind.

 

I picked up a comb from the drawer, fixing my hair to make sure there were no flaws. Some strands refused to stay put, curling above my cheek—it’s fine, they’re fond of it anyways.

 

I wore a peplos over my chiton, guarding me from the freezing temperatures of the night. I straightened the creases, observed for any stains on the white robes.

 

I reached out to grasp the crown of laurels, my hands tracing over the details of the crown. I placed it unto my head, pushing some of my hair down to loom over my eyes.

 

I looked at the mirror, my reflection staring back. My eyes landed on the golden markings that had decorated my arm, and branched off to my chest. A mark left by the sea; a curse embedded to my soul.

 

I was snapped out of my thoughts, when a knock could be heard from my door.

 

“ Your majesty? The opening ceremony is about to begin, please come out now! “

 

“ Coming! “

 

I quickly made my way to the door, opening it. I was met with Niagiri’s rather blank stare.

 

“ Are you ready? “

 

I was not. My heart was loudly beating in my chest. My mind was still in a haze. I’d rather drown myself in paperwork than meet their eyes and deceive them with another false smile.

 

But I must do my duty.

 

“ Readier than I’ll ever be “

We strode out from HQ’s entrance, the light from the lanterns being a glaring sight. Flowers of all colors were thrown onto my path. People clamored like there was no tomorrow.

Their eyes shined with an unmistakable joy.

I smiled. Raised my hands to wave at them. The children were overjoyed with the acknowledgement, while a few fainted for unknown reasons.

Their hands reached out for me, trying grasp at something impossible to reach. But I let them be, for I could not bear to rip that shine in their eyes.

How joyful they seem to be. In the shadows of ignorance, they praise it as paradise. Is this the true path? The path the sea had sung that fateful day? Is ignorance the key to peace?

I do not know, perhaps I’ll never do.

Branches creep around my heart, wrapping it in a hollow embrace. I did not notice the golden markings bloom larger—how could I when all I hear are praises I did not ask for?

 

" Let this be the start of our new blissful happiness— "

 

Why can I not stand alongside them? Just because I happened to be beloved by many, it suddenly rips away my ability to stand as a normal person? Even if the sea chose me, even if god toys with me—I’m still just a mortal in the end!

 

" Embrace tomorrow!— "

 

Maybe, just maybe, there will be a day where I can throw away this damned crown and fall into the embrace of Elysium.

" Embrace Elysium! "

The people erupted into cheers of praise. Their voice becoming a melodious tune for the azure sea.

There was no joy behind my eyes. Glasses of wine clink. Glass break from rowdy children. Chatter starts to resemble a haunting tune.

Fate looms over this night, silently whispering it's tune.

A man familiar yet unfamiliar smiled from the crowd. A poppy tucked into his clothing. My body moved on its own, standing up to reach out for the figure.

His smile grew larger like of a cat’s, mouthing three words, " Κλέος ἀρίστοις Ἀχαιῶν " — Glory to the Best of Yggdrasil.

With that, shadows consume the man, and he leaves with not even footsteps in his wake.

I am left standing with nothing but questions and hollow praises of man.

 

The sea offers no tune to soothe me on this dim night.

—

Question are the only thing that remains in the end.

 

There is no true answer.

 

But as mortals, we decided to believe that there is an answer.

 

Using morality and judgement, we forged an answer to keep our sanity.

 

The gods were entertained with this attempt.

 

Laughing and clinking glasses of wine.

 

The gods do not care, so they let them be.

 

Allowing mortals to suffer by their own undoing.

 

With this I learned,

 

Those that die with an answer are delusional; While the ones who live with questions are prophets.

Chapter Text

Άγιος ο Θεός, Άγιος Ισχυρός, Άγιος Αθάνατος, ελέησον ημάς

—

In Y̶g̶g̶d̶r̶a̶s̶i̶l̶ ̶ hell there is no god,

For the people who reside there have abandoned their faith for god.

Once you fall into the fiery flames, you cannot climb back up.

Weep and weep as much as you want, but god does not dwell in your hearts—

So why should he aid you?

But not to worry god is a d̶e̶c̶e̶i̶t̶f̶u̶l̶ merciful man.

He shall send his instruments of peace onto hell, and save you all.

If you pass his test, then you shall join him up above in a̶d̶m̶i̶n̶i̶s̶t̶r̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ heaven.

I̶ h̶a̶v̶e̶ b̶e̶c̶o̶m̶e̶ t̶h̶e̶i̶r̶ i̶n̶s̶t̶r̶u̶m̶e̶n̶t̶—t̶h̶e̶ l̶a̶m̶b̶ t̶o̶ t̶h̶e̶ s̶l̶a̶u̶g̶h̶t̶e̶r̶.

I̶ w̶i̶l̶l̶ d̶i̶e̶ i̶n̶ l̶i̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ h̶e̶l̶l̶.

N̶o̶ r̶e̶s̶p̶i̶t̶e̶, n̶o̶ l̶a̶u̶g̶h̶t̶e̶r̶, n̶o̶ t̶r̶a̶n̶q̶u̶i̶l̶i̶t̶y̶.

I̶ w̶i̶l̶l̶ d̶i̶e̶ a̶s̶ t̶h̶e̶ A̶r̶i̶s̶t̶o̶s̶ A̶c̶h̶a̶i̶o̶n̶, t̶h̶e̶ s̶a̶l̶v̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ g̶o̶d̶ h̶a̶s̶ b̶e̶s̶t̶o̶w̶e̶d̶ u̶p̶o̶n̶ Y̶g̶g̶d̶r̶a̶s̶i̶l̶.

B̶u̶t̶ i̶s̶n̶'t̶ g̶o̶d̶ a̶l̶l̶-̶p̶o̶w̶e̶r̶f̶u̶l̶?̶ A̶l̶l̶-̶k̶n̶o̶w̶i̶n̶g̶?̶

I̶s̶n̶'t̶ h̶e̶ s̶o̶m̶e̶o̶n̶e̶ w̶h̶o̶ t̶r̶a̶n̶s̶c̶e̶n̶d̶s̶ t̶h̶e̶ b̶o̶u̶n̶d̶a̶r̶i̶e̶s̶ o̶f̶ t̶i̶m̶e̶ a̶n̶d̶ s̶p̶a̶c̶e̶?̶

S̶o̶ h̶o̶w̶ c̶o̶m̶e̶ H̶E̶ c̶a̶n̶'t̶ s̶a̶v̶e̶ u̶s̶ a̶l̶l̶ h̶i̶m̶s̶e̶l̶f̶?̶

W̶h̶y̶ m̶u̶s̶t̶ w̶e̶ s̶u̶f̶f̶e̶r̶?̶ S̶o̶ t̶h̶a̶t̶ h̶e̶ c̶a̶n̶ "t̶e̶s̶t̶" u̶s̶?̶

R̶i̶d̶i̶c̶u̶l̶o̶u̶s̶, t̶h̶e̶r̶e̶'s̶ n̶o̶ p̶o̶i̶n̶t̶ i̶n̶ s̶a̶y̶i̶n̶g̶ g̶o̶d̶ i̶s̶ a̶l̶l̶-̶k̶n̶o̶w̶i̶n̶g̶ i̶f̶ h̶e̶ m̶u̶s̶t̶ t̶e̶s̶t̶ h̶i̶s̶ o̶w̶n̶ c̶r̶e̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶s̶.

H̶e̶ ̶s̶h̶o̶u̶l̶d̶ ̶k̶n̶o̶w̶;̶ ̶H̶e̶ ̶N̶E̶E̶D̶S̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶k̶n̶o̶w̶.̶

I̶ a̶m̶ l̶e̶f̶t̶ w̶i̶t̶h̶ n̶o̶t̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ b̶u̶t̶ q̶u̶e̶s̶t̶i̶o̶n̶s̶ a̶b̶o̶u̶t̶ m̶y̶ f̶a̶i̶t̶h̶.

"T̶h̶o̶s̶e̶ t̶h̶a̶t̶ d̶i̶e̶ w̶i̶t̶h̶ a̶n̶ a̶n̶s̶w̶e̶r̶ a̶r̶e̶ d̶e̶l̶u̶s̶i̶o̶n̶a̶l̶;̶ W̶h̶i̶l̶e̶ t̶h̶e̶ o̶n̶e̶s̶ w̶h̶o̶ l̶i̶v̶e̶ w̶i̶t̶h̶ q̶u̶e̶s̶t̶i̶o̶n̶s̶ a̶r̶e̶ p̶r̶o̶p̶h̶e̶t̶s̶."

A̶t̶ t̶h̶i̶s̶ r̶a̶t̶e̶, I̶'d̶ r̶a̶t̶h̶e̶r̶ b̶e̶ d̶e̶l̶u̶d̶e̶d̶ m̶y̶ w̶h̶o̶l̶e̶ l̶i̶f̶e̶ t̶h̶a̶n̶ s̶e̶e̶ t̶h̶e̶ b̶l̶o̶o̶d̶y̶ t̶r̶u̶t̶h̶.

I̶ c̶a̶n̶n̶o̶t̶ b̶e̶a̶r̶ a̶n̶o̶t̶h̶e̶r̶ d̶a̶y̶ s̶m̶i̶l̶i̶n̶g̶ l̶i̶k̶e̶ e̶v̶e̶r̶y̶t̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ w̶a̶s̶ f̶i̶n̶e̶.

I̶ c̶a̶n̶'t̶ d̶o̶ i̶t̶.

B̶u̶t̶ w̶h̶e̶n̶ h̶a̶v̶e̶ I̶ e̶v̶e̶r̶ h̶a̶d̶ a̶ c̶h̶o̶i̶c̶e̶?̶

Chapter Text

The first to be graced with the sun’s dawn was Elysium.

Light scattered through glass panes, painting the room with an array of colors. Flowers blossomed under the sun’s unyielding rays, some being plucked from their pots to decorate an elaborate bouquet. People basked in wistful joy, as they played under the gaze of the azure sky.

Through glass windows, I watched the people emerge from their homes — carrying baskets adorned with flowers or weight of harvests from the fields.

I observed the people frolic on paths of stone, and flower shops open up their windows to let the morning rays in. Flower shops have already flipped their signs to say open, smiling gleefully as they served their first customers.

People chattered with one another, speaking of their plans for today, which barely shifted due to the Elysium’s neutrality. While fellow nations of Yggdrasil were clouded with constant paranoia, assassination attempts, and discussion of treaties — only Elysium could awake to a new day without a worry, shielded by their blue bubble of peace.

Many have said that Elysium felt like a nation that should’ve been found on Pandora; for it was a sanctuary amidst the constant bloodshed of Yggdrasil.

Elysium, the only nation to have been born gentle and have continued to do so.

I drifted away from the glass panes, making way to the balcony that revealed the azure sky and sea. In the horizon, the Isle of cows was filled to the brim with people tending to Gerald, the mooshroom cow — the only animal on Yggdrasil.

Just the usual.

A knock could be heard.

Probably Niagiri, my second-in-command.

“ Come in “

The door slightly creaked. Niagiri appeared. He made his way to my side, kneeling down as he placed his hand over his chest.

“ Goodmorning, your majesty “

“ Good day to you as well, what calls for my regent to be up so early? “

“ The trial of Ambaerry and Cavorts is set to commence later this morning, Hastrial has requested for your presence “

I nodded in acknowledgement, though the words seem to pass from one ear to another. I stared at the boundless horizon and the sapphire sea that stretched between Yggdrasil and Pandora archipelago.

“ Of course, tell Hastrial I shall come “

My gaze softened at the sight of birds soaring across the sky, chirping an ephemeral tune for all to hear.

“ For now, let’s relax and bask in the sun’s warmth “

My silken robes trailed behind me, the azure sky captivating my eyes. I stood there, watching the world unravel; awaiting the whispers of the sea and sky.

“ Understood… Though, don’t let fleeting moments divert your gaze from the world beyond our blue bubble of peace, Benji. “

Niagiri bowed one final time, and said.

“ Glory to the sun of Elysium “

With that statement, Niagiri had departed.

Only the faint sound of my breathing was present. The salty scent of the sea wafting through the room. I stared up to the azure sky, for now only I, the sea, and the heavens remained.

For once paradise did not feel so lonely.

-—-—-—-

 

The streets were lively, the people of Elysium mingled with one another, doing their daily tasks. Many peeked through ivory pillars to see the state of the trial, but were led away from the premises as soon as the guards caught them.

Niagiri had been dragged along by Kirk and B3nje in regards of the construction of the Merchant’s guild HQ, so in his stead, Ioppenheimer had tagged along with me to the court trial.

“ Cavorts and Ambaerry are pardoned for their crimes “

The crowd had a mix of emotions. Some cheered, others scowled, and a handful were simply there thinking an execution would occur — which luckily didn’t happen.

Cavorts looked to be the most relieved of the two, while Ambaerry had a dissatisfied expression on her face.

If I were in their place, I would be unhappy as well. After all, who would really be pleased after walking on the thin line of banishment from Elysium and execution because of a mere miscommunication with the higher ups?

It's fine, we’ll find a way through this.

“ What is your course of action, your majesty? “ Ioppenheimer asked.

Well first would be addressing their complaints, of course. They were rather displeased with how Elysium was being run, specifically regarding the topic of democracy. Though there was never a problem about this before, majority of the people stated that they were satisfied with the current leadership; so what changed now?

Those thoughts are for later, I have to address the problems before overthinking.

“ Tell B3nje he’s getting a promotion to a governmental supervisor “

I took a deep breath, as my eyes fell upon the two declared innocent speaking with Daybreak media’s reporter, Galaxsci.

“ The people demand for democracy, no choice but to oblige now before this dire mistake spreads to the other nations “

The news was bound to spread, we already have Daybreak’s reporters doing an interview with Ambaerry and Cavorts. But controlling the damage would be in our favor.

“ But, your majesty, you of all people should know that the citizens of Elysium won’t be satisfied with just this. Sooner or later, more trials will occur, this time against Elysium officials and will be bound to reach other nation’s ears “

“ Then I’ll move with the shadows, they can’t complain about what they do not know about “

Ioppenheimer stiffened at that remark.

“ Your majesty, the people will be even more furious if you hide secrets— “

“ Trust in me, I’m your Archon aren’t I? I’ll solve problems with utmost discretion “

I offered Ioppenheimer a small smile, before putting my hand over his. Ioppenheimer’s hand twitched in response (always so skeptical…).

“ Understood, I will be off now, Glory to the Sun of Elysium “

With that, Ioppenheimer left the scene as he approached Galaxsci, Ambaerry, and Cavorts. Already off to handle diplomatic matters, I swear all of Ioppenheimer’s routine compose of doing his job and building a questionably large nuke. ( Which I had to clear up to the other Yggdrasil nations that it was NOT a part of any official Elysium projects )

This day was far from over…

I guess it’s time to finally get ready for the Blue Cross meeting.

-—-—-—-

 

[ Blue Cross meeting ]

Loud halloring filled the meeting hall. Chairs squeaked as weight shifted. Scowls — furious to the point that their whole faces were unrecognizable (almost like rabid beasts) — were directed to Infernus’s side, which happened to be right next to me.

This was going horribly.

5pyder, Westhelm’s newly appointed consul of external affair was someone who refused to back down. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem and I would’ve placed him in high regards, but his tactics were not ones I agreed with. Interrogating Infernus was reasonable, ganging up on them was not.

“ We asked if you had netherite, you lied and you said that you’d looked in it and that there was no netherite— “

And I would not tolerate this. Seeing people being pushed into a corner was not my style.

“ Why is it Infernus’s job to report on the netherite? There were people coming into their territory and mine without authorization, but accuse them of doing something wrong! “

5pyder’s expression shifted at my reply, but stayed silent in the end. This silence did not mean surrender, it only meant that Westhelm was taking a backseat from the chaos to observe.

Seeing as how Westhelm’s intimidation failed, the rest of the nations had decided to propose trade of valuable materials in exchange for mining rights, but Cynikka refused all of them; explaining in detail that the volcano was their sacred land, throwing around rights to mine on their land would be going against their values.

“ The volcano is still our sacred land, we don’t want hundreds of people there mining and ravaging it “

The explanation did nothing but add fuel to the fire. People called them selfish and malicious for hogging such valuable materials, but from the lack of knowledge Infernus appeared to have when asked about the overall cave systems, it was clear that not even they, actively mined in the volcano.

“ On day one, Lingulini was here first on the volcano! We’re able to mine there, it’s not fair that no one else can mine, while your queen is over there with diamond boots, some people don’t even have any armor! “

The crowd immediately erupted into cheers, praising Lingulini for his “wise” words.

I had tried to control the situation, but my words were silenced by their cheers. With that, this meeting was officially out of my control.

The other nations had returned to scare tactics, using clear lies woven to cause chaos to frighten Cynikka, which failed horribly as they were instead met with the jeers of the crowd for even believing Sidefall news.

Westhelm made one final plea.

“ We have a representative from every single nation on this island, you have an opportunity here to unite us all or you have an opportunity to totally destroy that unity “

Even with all of this pressure, Cynikka still wouldn’t budge. (At one point, I envied her resolution for her cause)

“ Still, it’s a no for now “

Lingulini made a big announcement.

“ Lingulini has a large chunk of territory in the volcano, the Lingulini family declares independence from Infernus! And we will open mining to anyone who wants to mine! “

The meeting hall reverberated with cheers, the only exceptions being Infernus and my silence.

Cynikka sat there shaken, staring with disbelief at Lingulini. I couldn’t see her expression that clearly as we were right next to each other and the guards that surrounded her shielded her from the oublic gaze. But the triumphant smile on Lingulini’s face was enough to say what kind of emotion Cynikka was going through.

With this humiliation, Infernus had left the scene — their Queen, Cynikka storming out from the meeting hall. Some Blue Cross members had tried to reason with Cynikka into staying but were met with pointed blades at their neck

This was going horribly. If Infernus and the Lingulini Mafia do not resolve this tension then what did this mean for the Peace treaty? This was the very reason why I tried to keep the peace, but of course, nothing ever goes my way.

(A nap after all this would be nice, perhaps some pastries once I wake up as well)

Also had Lingulini just discarded and stepped on Infernus’s trust like that? Were they not sister nations that have went through flame and ash together? What kind of ally does that to someone?

“ I wish we had a better outcome, but this meeting is adjourned. “

A migraine spread throughout my head, I rubbed my temple, while trying to peace together the loud clamoring that blurred in my hearing.

Why were they celebrating? Were they proud of driving someone to a corner? Here I thought this meeting would be of camaraderie just as the last one, it seems it slipped my mind that they were still starving wolves in the end.

Okay, okay, calm down.

I can resolve this if I just speak to Lingulini and have him resolve all of this peacefully!

The people present had already dispersed from the hall, leaving only I in it’s remains. I quickly said my farewells to the Blue Cross personnel and told my guards that I had some diplomatic relations to tend to.

I walked along the path that Lingulini had taken, as they left only a few minutes ago. I could surely catch up if I just hurried.

“ Lingu— “

A man in crimson, Lingulini pushed someone into the water — an Infernus citizen. He smiled like he had done no wrong, the same expression he had as he humiliated Infernus earlier.

The water boiled them alive.

The citizen did not cry out for help, instead they damned Lingulini. Screamed every syllable of his name like it was a curse.

As their skin was cooked, blooming into a charred appearance; blisters formed — large, far too large for comfort. They popped immediately as they made contact with the steam, letting out yellowish residue that resembled the hues of daffodils.

The epidermis has completely sloughed off and the dermis was revealed — raw and cruelly 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 skin — the dermis was blotchy and pale, resembling an onion peeled.

Now that the epidermis offered no protection for the nerve endings in the dermis, they came into direct contact with nerves. Instant and searing pain spread throughout the citizen’s body.

The screams were grotesque. Throat thrilling with despair. I swore the gods could’ve heard those screams if the water hadn’t submerged them, rushing into their throat — burning their throat from the inside.

𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.

The injuries were dire and irreversible. The epidermis had already completely separated from the body leaving only the dermis. If I tried to rush over and pull them out it would only result in more injuries to their skin; no matter what I do, they’ll die this bloodless death.

The body hastily released tremendous amounts of fluids, cascading down as if the entirety of the body was weeping. The swelling was immediate, the skin had turned glassy, reflecting the moon’s light like a mirror.

My voice would not come out, I felt like a child at that moment. Clutching at my chest, it felt like my heart was about to burst out from my chest. I couldn’t handle the sight of skin peeling like it was onion, blisters rapidly popping, they were grotesque to say the least.

I trembled, viciously trembled to the point I couldn’t steady my legs to walk away. If Lingulini just turned and saw me, then I would be lamb to the slaughter. ( I know I said that I was willing to become a lamb for my people’s sake, but did death need to be so gruesome? )

The screams filled the barren land, reverberating until it could be mistaken as a hymn.

The world became a kaleidoscope through my eyes, dancing along to the melody of anguish.

I almost forgot.

Deceived by the safety of the azure sky and sea, that I forgot that I was not born on a “utopia” such as Pandora; this was Yggdrasil, 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭.

The people of Yggdrasil boil; while Pandora wastes their blessings with slaughter.

Even if Pandora was practically paradise, once man walked upon those lands it was riddled with crimson.

Yggdrasil is no better, even if we speak of camaraderie we are no more than wolves trying to feed their pack — Elysium just happened to be lucky.( 𝘌𝘭𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥’𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘠𝘨𝘨𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 )

There is no paradise.

No matter what, whether you are born on Pandora or I forge a safe haven for peace lovers on Yggdrasil — it’ll all go to waste.

Because where man walks, they shall rot.

I stood there with my feet rooted to the ground, watching and observing — finally bearing witness to the horrors that living in Elysium has kept me from. The scent of cooked flesh filled my senses — disgusting and impure — was this what animals felt when they were killed for food? Watching their family boil or be roasted alive? (Yggdrasil is lucky to not have any native animals then.)

I ran, as far as my legs could take me without pummeling into the dry soil.

Once I was far enough from both Lingulini and the Blue Cross meeting hall, I reached a grove of trees planted from the seeds of the Sacred tree of life. I slumped down on one of them, burying my face into my knees.

The fear still clung onto me like dust. My heart quickened into unfathomable rates. My hands shivered from the cold, blue littering my fingers ( nothing like the tranquil hue of Elysium’s sky nor sea ). My hair was tousled, resembling a bird’s nest. My legs ached so much that I swore they were about to dismember from my body.

The vivid Image of Lingulini pushing an innocent(?) person into boiling waters haunted me. ( The fact that Ambaerry and Cavorts could’ve been declared to a death sentence as gruesome as that if the misunderstanding wasn’t resolved weighed heavy on my mind ).

The wind bellowed, drifting freely, while leading the trees to a dance. As the moon finally rose from the amber skies, the stars followed suit; spilling across the skies until every void had been littered with stars, yet still not enough to overcome the dimness of the night.

Guided by the constellations the stars paint, I made my resolve.

Whether I have to hire someone to do it for me, or unsheathed my own blade to slit his throat.

I was not going to let such a dangerous man prance around, reeking havoc as he wished.

For the sake of Elysium’s safety, Lingulini must die.

-—-—-—-

 

The pale moonlight seeped through the glass panes, slithering across the room like a snake. Flowers yet to be plucked had returned to their dormant state, petals closing in on themselves. People have retreated to their homes, lying in bed with either family — or nothing but tranquility. (Is tranquility that entrancing if all that’s left is I?)

I could not sleep, afraid that the horrendous sight might haunt my slumber. So I decided to lock myself in my office and enslave myself to work.

Scrolls lie sprawled out, some even rolling down from my desk. A single candlelight illuminated the room, though still not enough to see past the darkness that lurked.

My silken robes lay discarded, replaced by a simple chiton and peplos to guard me from the frigid temperatures. I looked at a mirror. Gaze falling to where the golden markings would be. My hands traced over the cloth that covered it.

I sighed, hands falling to my side.

This time my sight was not fixed on my reflection, instead it was captured by a letter that laid on my desk, bearing the crest of flames — Infernus.

 

—

 

To the Archon of Elysium,

 

I, Cynikka, request for your presence at the Ashen Bastion tomorrow at noon. The meeting will be between Infernus, Elysium, Westhelm and the Covenant.

I am sure that you are skeptical of this sudden letter, but please have some faith in my words and allow me to explain to you all what actually happened between Infernus and the Lingulini Mafia.

Your presence is of utmost importance, absence will lead to Elysium’s obliviousness to the upcoming plans that Infernus wishes to commence.

Please attend with no more than 1 companion and keep this gathering your most treasured secret.

 

Sincerely, the Queen of Infernus

 

—

 

Paradise was not as tranquil as I perceived.