Leolik's Story

As the chaos continued to unfold across the Achen world, Priest-King Neodin Shadowslayer looked upon the anarchy and destruction with somber silence. He could feel the death and hatred radiate like a furnace from the ruined cities. Their cries of agony and terror echoed through the cosmos, the astral plain, and the Between Realm.

The brought it upon themselves.

“I know…” Neodin whispered softly. “It does not make it easier to watch.”

Your sympathy is admirable, Neodin.

“But sympathy does not feed or clothe the masses.”

That, my child, is why you are taking action. Words are hollow without action to give them flesh. Now go forth and speak to the people of Langara. Go forth, with my blessing, and minister to them, and perform wonders in My Name. Bring to them my salvation and instructions, so they may be brought out of idolatry and into my light.

“What if they deny your Word and scorn your Name in favor of their false deities?”

Then my hand will not shield them from the shadow to come.

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The Motokhenajhi drifted among the cosmic maelstrom of the Between Realm. Time, in its ever changing and multiplying streams, flowed and twisted around it. An array of winding tributaries stretched into infinity like the tendrils of an ever-growing vine. As the streams extended and divided at the whims of Choice and Fate, great orbs of expanding energy and matter adorned their heads. The streams crossed, melded, and split at infinite intersections along their treks into the Void.

At the core of the incomprehensive labyrinth of time-space the rivers converged into a single mass. It was from this spring of limitless expansion of mass and energy that Existence sprung forth – an explosion of arcane and cosmic power. Every tributary, dimension, and divergence of time was merely an echo.

The Motokhenajhi drifted amidst this complex system, these echoes of Creation. It glided between the streams, both severed from and anchored to their laws. As the entirety of the Multiverse swelled around the vessel, the Motokhenajhi descended into a nearby stream. Temporal energies rippled as the crystalline surface collided with the dimensional wall.

“This is KAV Motokhenajhi of the Khroniktan Alliance requesting permission to orbit the planet of Langara.” hailed the vessel as it entered the system through the cosmic rift.

Pandora...

A wordless voice drifted through the trees. It was soft, calming, yet intent. The voice called out to the girl from beyond the realm of sleep like a father rousing his child from slumber.

Pandora... Where are you?

Pandora's ears perked a little bit, and one green eye slid opn slowly. "Hmmm~?" She sat up and rubbed her eyes, a little confused in her state of waking. Had someone called her...? "Hello~?" she called out, looking about at her surroundings.

Pandora...

The voice whispered again. An entourage of leaves cascaded across the forest floor in a lazy dance. They tumbled across the ground, aware from the girl, towards a worn path. A low growl, or a purr, resonated through the tree branches.

A flutter of wings darted from one of the trees. Resting on a far branch was a snow white dove. It hopped onto a further branch and chirped.

Pandora watched the leaves with mild interest, creeping closer to them on all fours. Halfway she got to her feet, seeing the path she was naturally curious where it lead to, following it until she heard the wings, stopping to look around for the source of it... "Ooh~!" she exclaimed softly when she saw the dove, never having seen one before. It was so bright! She crept forward slowly, hoping she didn't scare it away, but nevertheless it hopped away. She kept following it, wanting to see if she could hold it.

The dove gave another hoot as she approached before fluttering to another branch. As she followed, it always stayed far enough away to goad her further, but close enough for her to gaze into the bird's deep emerald green eyes. It led her for several minutes until they reached a clearing. A large flat rock rested in the center. At the far side was a waterfall that glistened in the dimming light of early evening. The water rumbled along the rocks with a steady resonance. However, if one paid close attention, then one would notice something very peculiar about this waterfall.

The water flowed upwards, in complete defiance of gravity.

The dove landed on the large rock and tucked its head beneath its wing.

Pandora didn't grow frustrated when she could not get closer to the pretty bird, moving after it with undying curiousity. "Come on I won't hurt- you..." she trailed off, looking at the waterfall. She loved waterfalls! She moved over with a smile on her face, slowing in wonderment however when she noticed the water flowing strangely... it was going up! "How is it doing that?" she said softly, reaching her hand out towards the water to touch it.

"Pandora..." whispered the voice again. It was deep, powerful, yet kind and reserved. The voice carried the authority of eternity and greater as the upward flowing water rippled with the words.

"You have come."

Pandora knealt down by the water, watching the ripples with a smile. "Uhm, yes I have. Who are you~?" she asked, tilting her head. It was indeed strange, but she seemed to adapt to the situation very easily.

A steady breeze blew across the girl's fur, originating from the unnatural waterfall. The grass flowed like the waves of the sea with the wind that carried the scent of wildflowers. From within the rippling water emerged a dim light that shimmered with a golden radiance.

"I Am." the Voice responded. The single statement brimmed with an unfathomable power and incomprehensible meaning. In those two words were the expanse of eternity and the echo of Creation - a Name without measure for mortal souls.

"I am the God of the seas, the sky, and the earth. I am the forger of the mountains and the stars - the planter of the forests and meadows. I am the god of your ancestors, who were crafted from the dust of the earth with my hands. I am He that gives you the Breath of Life."

Pandora had heard of gods before, she had either heard from those who had cared for her at odd times, or those she observed... "A god...~! But... why would you talk to me?" she asked, her tail wriggling slightly. Oh wow! This was like out of a book, or from a television program! Being spoken to by a... a god! She pursed her lips, rather excited instead of afraid.

"I have called you out from the world as a shepherd calls out a lost sheep. You are unique from the beasts of the earth, as I have bestowed unto you my Breath. You, Pandora, have been precious to my heart since before you walked this world. Now I desire to offer you my instructions, my blessings, and my covenant."

Pandora looked at the water, her shoulders slumping slightly as it struck her. All this time, someone really had cared, it wasn't just all in her head...! She had thought it might just be her being optimistic in the face of troubles... "What can I do for you? Uhm... do I call you father, or god, which do you prefer~?"

"You will seek out the Aryite known as Mafsha." He replied. "He is one of my servants - one of my Chosen. Mafsha will set you on the right path. Over the passage of Creation I have had many names and titles. However, my servant will know me as Leolik. You too may call me such."

Pandora wrinkled her nose as she said it a couple times in her head, remembering the names. "Okay Leolik, I will look for Mafsha. How will I know who he is? What does he look like?" She had never head of an Aryite... it sounded pretty though! Certainly not human by any means...

"You will know him when he is revealed." Leolik said. "He will carry my light within his heart and hand, and proclaim my Name through his mouth and his sword. Now go forth, daughter of earth. Go forth with my presence. May all who look upon you see my glory."

With that, the waterfall abruptly stopped before crashing down into the river with a splash. A moment passed before the water tumbled off the cliff and onto the ground. All became normal in the meadow once more.

There was a long period of silence from the Aschen comms, much turmoil was going on down on the planet below, people were rebelling, governments were collapsing and reforming.

After several long moments, the KAV Motokhenajhi would receive a transmission from one of the numerous Aschen Orbital Defense platforms that surrounded and protected the planet.

"Attention KAV Motokhenajhi, this is the ODP 'Caprica' Langara is currently on Lockdown due to a terrorist attack committed against our people. You have however been granted special clearance, proceed to Delphi for debriefing if you're here to deliver aid. We can use any help we can get."

A Set of coordinates was transmitted to the Kroniktan vessel, guiding it to the surface of the planet to a city just outside of Caprica City.

"Acknowledged, Caprica." replied the Khroniktan ship. "Organizing landing party now. We will be there shortly."

"Sire," a Rokin knelt before the Priest-King who watched the planet from the rippling visage of a scrying mirror. "We have our coordinates. The party awaits your arrival in the hangar."

"Thank you, marna" he nodded as he waved a hand over the mirror, causing it to return to its silver hue.

Moments later a blinding light erupted in the Delphi Town Square. It shined with a golden radiance as the fabric of time and space severed and folded. Shadows fled from the arcane energy as it spilled from the portal that materialized in the square. A rhythmic rumble resonated like a beating drum. Enormous silhouettes erected from the center of the light and marched lock step into the open. They towered above the humans while clad in thick metallic battle suits. Titanic gauntlets gripped fierce blast rifles that hummed on stand-by.

Ten Khroniktan marines emerged from the portal in a column formation. The piercing azure eyes of their helmets scanned the immediate vicinity with a vast array of sensors – both physical and astral.

“Plate is clean.” Echoed the marine captain into his comm unit. “I repeat: the plate is clean. Bring in Paladin One. Assume formation!” he barked. The marines immediately broke from the columns and formed two long parallel lines projecting from the portal.

“Lehuka nazeh makedat!” As one, the two lines pivoted inward and stood rigid with soldierly discipline.

“Ledaha!” The soldiers, in a robotic sync, braced the barrel of their blasters against their chests and cupped the butt on their gauntlets. A soldier at the end, bearing a red and yellow star on his chest, stepped into the aisle. He holstered his rifle and pivoted away from the portal. The officer’s helmet collapsed with a hiss of compressed air. Slitted yellow feline eyes stared at the scene before him, and at the crowd that had gathered to see this spectacle. His face bore a coat of fur that thickened in a long mane woven into dreadlocks. A large widened as he addressed the people in their native language.

“Presenting King Neodin Shadowslayer,” he began, “King of Arydia, High Priest of the Chosen, Head of the Grand Council, and Prophet of Leolik!” The officer pivoted to face the portal and lowered to one knee.

Two more figures emerged from the portal. They were clad in a suit of plate armor that glowed with a golden light. Crimson red cloaks flowed at their feet as they each erected a standard of a golden star on a red background. The Aryite Chosen marched lock-step until they reached the center of the aisle.

“Magtzeer!” They halted.

Another figure emerged from the portal. He was wrapped in long flowing robes that just barely covered the being’s clawed, paw-like bare feet. A long furred tail swayed along the ground. Short golden brown fur covered the being’s body large and muscled body. King Neodin Shadowslayer stood two heads above the other Aryites, and towered at twice the height of the Aschen. Like a shining waterfall, a golden brown mane surrounded a fierce yet noble feline-like face and flowed down his shoulders and back. Strands of silver and gray intertwined with the golden brown. His eyes shone like two stars that illuminated an aura of great wisdom, power, nobility, virtue, and honor. A massive broadsword, jagged and covered in glowing runes, rested in his paw-like hands. He gripped the hilt and held it like a cane with the point facing downward.

As he walked down the aisle between the columns, the Aryites lowered to their knees and bowed their heads in deep reverence to their King and High Priest. A powerful aura of tranquility flowed from him like a peaceful song among the spring breeze. He lifted his hand in a calm greeting as he smiled warmly at the crowd around him.

“Be at peace, Children of Man.” Neodin said with a voice that soothed even the farthest bystanders of the crowd. As he spoke, several hovercrafts formed from a golden crystalline substance materialized from the portal. “We have come under a banner of friendship and hospitality. We have seen your turmoil and seek to provide comfort and aid. Come! Bring us your weary, so we may feed them. Bring us your sick, maimed, and wounded, and let us heal them. Bring us your homeless, so we may clothe and minister to them. Let us break bread and fellowship, so both our futures may be brighter in the sight of Leolik.”

Several smaller creatures hobbled from the hovercrafts as they landed. They stood a few feet shorter than the humans with their backs hunched. Long beaks protruded from beneath linen hoods while talons clicked against the ground. The creatures cawed and squawked at the large arcane golems that floated about, carrying heavy crates. Within moments the skeleton of a base camp took form. Tables and soup kitchens for food lines were set up directly from the hovercrafts, and portable medical tents were erected like the hairs on a cat’s back.

As time flowed stagnantly in the eternal garden, a powerful yet serene presence wandered the rolling plains. The grass flowed like water around his strong furred paws. Eyes, brighter than the vainest star and deeper than the longest eternity, looked upon the wilderness with both pride and melancholy. A rumble escaped from his throat that cascaded across the hills like a chorus of thunder in the distance. He shook the thick golden mane that adorned his face and sighed.

Leolik, the Lion God, walked the Garden of Eden with an aura of unmatched sovereignty.

"Remember, Paragon." Leolik replied. His voice was deep and powerful, yet kind and reserved. "They are only children. Since the day of their Fall they have been corrupt and prone to wickedness, but they are not irredeemable. Their infighting is disheartening, but not unfathomable. I had forseen it. Since its birth Creation has been crumbling - from Order into Chaos. Such is the Grand Design, the notes of the Song of Creation. All will eventually fall into their proper place. Even you, Forerunner." he smiled.

A smirk spread across Leolik's maw. "I am aware of everything you speak of, Paragon. Hell has always been filled by fear and hatred, for that is what it was founded upon, but I know what you attest to. You also state that the Creator has vanished, but is that so? Perhaps He has merely hid His face... The time is coming when the Tides of Darkness will be unleashed upon Creation. They must be exposed to shadow before they can realize why they need the light. The Primes are most likely involved, but are they not part of Creation as well? Even they have a purpose - a purpose that may be drawing near."

"Yes, I know more than anyone that Man is not yet ready for such advanced knowledge of the divine. I have know doubt that you could face the Dark Legion in battle and safeguard Existence against destruction like so many eons ago." he turned to the Forerunner and pierced him with a stern gaze that could shatter galaxies. "I see all. I know exactly what they are capable of. I have seen their birth, their existence, and their deaths. Their temporary reign will only serve the glory of the Creator... You must have faith, Paragon. All is going according to plan."

"Your sympathy is commendable, Paragon," Leolik replied, "and understandable. However, even Heaven and Hell must come to an end when all is accomplished. When the Harvest comes, the wheat shall be separated from the tears, even among the reapers and servants of the one who sows the seeds. Both demons and angels will face a final judgement and tribulation before the final hour."

Leolik dipped his paw into the water and the surface shimmered. It revealed a half-leveled city. In the center was a massive crystal. Blackened claws and ebony wings beat against the inside as a ferocious maw snarled and heaved. The ground around the crystal was withered, dead, and blackened from the dark power that resonated from the crystal.

"It shall come to pass that the Destroyer shall be set free from his prison, along with his malevolent siblings." he said. "A host of worlds shall fall to his hand - to his legion. Universes, heavens, and hells. Seemingly indiscriminate destruction and death, but guided by an even greater power... A power that caused Fear to quake in awe, and Death to flee in terror."

"It is as sure as the day the stars will flicker into darkness..." he said. "One can only delay and divert it. The Emperor constantly searches for the power that was confiscated from him. He tirelessly searches for a way to break from his bonds. When he does, he will set upon a dark crusade against the whole of Existence - such as he has done since before Creation... Such as he is meant to do."

"However..." his paw stirred again. It revealed a light slowly being surrounded and crushed by infinite and eternal darkness and void. From the shadows emerged smaller lights that joined the larger. As the darkness drew closer to the light its advance grew slower and more labored. It reached for the light greedily with long murderous fingers. "Even as the last star flickers out and the last world is devoured by the All Consuming Darkness, there shall be a safe haven for those whose faith has persevered. Untouched and unreachable by the Darkness - a harbor in the storm. Such is the fate of those claimed by salvation. A Heaven of Heavens surrounded by the Hell of Hells - the purest light buried in the purest darkness."

Leolik again looked at Paragon. "This is the ultimate fate of Creation - the pivoting point of the Cycle. It is from here that it begins anew. Thus, the only alternative is delay. There is currently one mortal people in this cycle that has successfully restrained the Emperor and his Legion..."

"Yes and no..." he began "Though we imprisoned him the first time, eons later he escaped and sought to cover the world in shadow once more. It was then that a single kingdom of scholars, farmers, and craftsmen said no to his tyranny. The stood against the Dark Legion and, with my blessing, pushed them back."

Leolik disturbed the water once more, and a third image revealed itself. In the image was the mighty Dark Emperor in all his terrible glory locked blade-to-blade with a tall lion-man clad in shining plate armor. His hand gripped an enormous runeblade adorned with runes of light, righteousness, and courage. A storm of holy golden flame burned around him as he faced the dark lord.

"King Neodin Shadowslayer. He is the High Priest of my Chosen, and my prophet. I lent him my blessings of courage and wisdom and, through his leadership, the Aryites defeated the Dark Legion. The Priest-King and the Arch-mage - two brothers against the greatest evil known in Creation - and they won. The Emperor was again cast into chains deep within his mountain fortress where he continues to plot."

"He will escape again, but only briefly, to reveal to Existence his power and presence. Several worlds will fall to him before he is again put in chains. However, in this case he will outlast his prison..."

The image changed again, revealing a crimson star drifting in the cosmos. A few planets circled the red giant. It suddenly erupted in a blinding light, snuffing out the worlds like specks of dust. A single shadow stood against the onslaught of the cosmic storm - a shadow that feasted on the light until it all but vanished.

"The world that acts as his prison is dying, and the Aryites, his jailors, are aware of this. As we speak they make plans to flee their ancient home before it is consumed by star fire. In this climax of destruction the chains of the Emperor will be sundered, and his conquest begun anew."

"The time will come when the Children of God will be tested. The Kingdom will divide after the light disappears and their hearts are revealed. Brother will rise against brother and a new war of Heaven will ensue. At the height of this conflict, Paragon, you will join my servants and put the defiant angels to the sword."