A/N: Hey everyone! This is a rewrite of my story "The Balance of Life." There are so many reasons as to why I began to rewrite this…mainly because I found that the previous plot and characters I used seemed a bit amateur and rushed. I've had so much time to think about this and now I have come to the conclusion to rewrite it, as I will for my other stories in the future. There are quite a few things that will be different, but my protagonist and antagonists will be the same. I'm sorry to everyone who reviewed and liked my other story, but I hope you will continue on to read this revised version. Thank you, and enjoy3
(x0x)
"You are not going."
"Mother, please. If no one else is able to help, then-"
"Caryn, no. I have told you several times already, you have a duty to uphold here and I will not let you neglect it. You are just going to have to accept that."
The blonde's eyes narrowed in irritation. Would anything change her mother's mind? She thought back to the beginning of their conversation, the conversation that had started their argument.
*Earlier that day*
Elysium has always been a place of tranquility, and the balance of life was always kept stable. Elysians had always cared for the species they created millenniums ago; humans. Despite their many ups and downs, they always seemed to bring themselves back up again. But not this time.
The Earth was plagued with an almost impossible-to-stop force that they couldn't control, and that particular force was called a Titan.
These so-called 'Titans' had seemingly showed up out of nowhere, disrupting Earth's peace and devouring humans for the pleasure of it. It was easy to tell, considering they contained no reproductive organs.
The Queen of Elysium, Deitris, hung her head in sorrow, watching from her throne at the portal below her as the humans were eaten one by one by their foes. It was a disturbing sight, watching the innocent beings coming to a frightening end.
Elysians had an important duty of watching over the humans as they progressed over time; whether it be when they created new inventions, or when they fought their wars. And it was unfortunately the latter.
Being the supreme ruler of gods and goddesses, it was the councils job as well as Deitris's to make sure that the Earth, as well as the humans, were kept safe from harm. Despite this being the first major war they had experienced, the queen could not let the situation go astray.
It was finally time for the Elysians to lend their aid.
Shaking off the stress and nervousness she felt from her decision, Deitris called for her most trusted guard. This would be the first time that she would send someone down to Earth; she had to have the council's opinion as well as her own.
The guard came immediately at the sound of the queen's call. "How may I be of assistance, your grace?"
"Please alert the council of what has occurred and schedule a gathering to commence in about an hour. Let them know that this is very serious." She ordered him politely. The guard bowed his head in respect, coming out of his kneeling position and exiting the throne room.
Deitris sighed heavily, resuming watching the portal's images. She hoped that the council would agree to send someone to help the humans.
If not, they would surely perish.
An hour later, just as she requested, the council of Elysium assembled in the throne room. There were seven members in total, including the queen, and three each sat on either side of her. In front of them sat a large audience of citizens, anxious to know why their beloved queen was in a state of panic.
Deitris stood from her seat, her blonde waves bouncing rhythmically against her back as she stood in front of the podium, facing her people. "My friends, I thank you for arriving so quickly due to this imperative situation." She greeted, giving them a warm smile. An abundant amount of citizens returned the gesture, worry evident in their eyes.
"It is with a heavy heart that I notify you of the catastrophe the Earth has been plagued with," she started, silver eyes gliding over the room as she spoke. "Very recently, a dangerous force that the humans have given the name 'Titans' struck Earth's lands. The giant foes feast on the innocent for pleasure; terrorizing them to no end."
Waving a hand in the air, Deitris brought up the images that she had seen herself. The crowd, as well as the council, gasped in horror and sympathy for the humans. The queen's heart nearly shattered at the familiar sight of men, women, and children that were captured and snapped helplessly between the giant's jaws.
"I am showing this to you all in hopes that you do not take this matter lightly. This is the very same thing that is happening to the humans at this very moment. And if we stand idly by and watch these events unfold, the downfall of all life as we know it on Earth is certain."
Deitris waved the images away, and the room's atmosphere immediately lightened. She gave her people and the council a pleading look, not trying to hide how scared she was. "As your queen, I ask that you allow me to do the unattempted; to send one of our brethren to assist the humans in their battles."
Murmurs broke out throughout the crowd, some nervous and others confused. The citizens had hardly ever doubted their queen, but it was bound to happen eventually. This just seemed to be one of those times.
"Please settle, my friends." Deitris reassured, placing her hands up in a calming gesture. "I know that something such as this has never been done before, but if the humans are to survive this war, we do not have much of a choice. I will not be one to deny them help. Even so, I will not ignore your opinion over mine. That is why I have you gathered here today; in hopes that you will lend me your thoughts on my decision."
"Sister, if I may be so boldest to speak."
The voice on the right side of the council reached her ears, and it was none other then her twin sister, Veytris. Looking into the alike orbs of her sibling, Deitris nodded her head in approval. "Of course you may."
"Are you completely certain that this is what you want?" She asked, the hesitance in her voice apparent to the queen. She did not want to disagree with her sister. "After all, you did say so yourself; this is something that has not been attempted before. How are we to know that the humans will not show hostility towards us as well, due to the fact we are just as much considered alien as these Titans are?"
Deitris's lips thinned. Her sister made a very valid point. It was no secret that an Elysian God stood out far greater than an average human. While humans relied on man-made inventions, Elysians relied on their natural strength and powers passed down to them from their ancestors. Winning a war was an easy task for a god.
But what choice did they have? Their intentions were purely justified, they would mean no harm towards the human race whatsoever. Why destroy a race that you created out of love and joy? That's why Deitris could not give up her decision.
"I understand what you are saying, Veytris." The queen agreed solemnly, a frown marring her features. "It is true that the humans could mistake our intentions, yes, but that is something that we will have to look past. Our kind is a stubborn bunch; surely they will find a way to make them understand."
Some amused words and chuckles rang out through the room, the most being from the council. Veytris smiled, seemingly impressed with her sister's answer.
"But, if I am to send someone to aid them, all identities must be kept strictly confidential to the person they tell, or in this case, the group." Deitris said sternly, and the council nodded agreeably.
"We will need to take a moment to discuss this matter between ourselves, my queen." Sylphas, an elder on the council, told her. Deitris responded with a nod, allowing them to do so. The six other council members stood from their seats, moving off to the side to chat quietly in a group. Deitris felt Veytris's hand skim her own as she passed, a concerned look crossing her older sibling's features. The queen just waved her off, assuring her that she was fine.
A few minutes went by as the council continued to chat amongst themselves, a few approving noises heard here and there. After a moment, it was clear that they had come up with a decision.
The group of six stood in front of the queen, blocking the view of the front rows of citizens, but they didn't seem to mind. The whole room was eager to hear of the councils answer.
Sylphas stepped forward as a representative of the group, his wrinkled face impassive as he gazed calmly at his queen. "We have come to a decision," he announced, his voice carrying to everyone in the room. Deitris forced herself not to tense under the scrutiny of his gaze. Despite how confident she was, an elder made her a bit restless when surveying her.
"We have agreed to your decision. We think it would be in our best interest to send an Elysian warrior to aid the humans."
Deitris couldn't help the relieved sigh that escaped her lips the moment his words left his mouth. They agreed. Albeit a bit reluctantly, but they still agreed.
"I thank you for your cooperation," the Blonde queen smiled gratefully. "We will discuss who the chosen candidates will be in private. As for everyone else, this gathering is adjourned. In due time, I will reveal the rest of the details. You are all dismissed."
At the queen's commands, the gods and goddesses began to file out of the room in an orderly fashion. Conversation was amongst most of them, some good and some bad. Deitris just hoped that they agreed with her choice like the council did.
"Come, let us discuss the rest over lunch." She beckoned the council, heading towards the dining area. A guard opened the door for her, and Deitris gave him a sweet smile as the others followed suit behind her.
Lunch was heavenly, and like everyday, the chefs outdid themselves. Deitris and the rest of the council sat at an ornate table, the white surface outlined with gold hues. Deitris picked up her chalice, taking a sip of the sweet ambrosia liquid inside. Her sister cut a piece of sautéed meat, plucking it with her fork and putting it in her mouth.
"Deitris," The twin called, alerting her sister's attention towards her. "Now that you are sure of what you desire, who is to be the one to venture to Earth?"
"As of right now, there are only a few stable choices that would be suitable for the task at hand." Deitris replied, placing her hands under her chin in thought as she leaned against the table. "My sons, Kalil and Eadric, were the first ones I had originally planned to assign the mission to. But alas, I cannot because they are not present at the moment and will not be for at least a couple of more months."
Her sons were the best choice of all. Due to their aspiring potential and years of experience on the battlefield, Kalil and Eadric would be perfect candidates for the job. Deitris knew that they could easily slay the Titans if they were chosen, but unfortunately that wouldn't be happening, at least any time soon.
"We do not have enough time to wait a couple of months," Veytris reminded her solemnly. "If we are to take action, we have to do so soon otherwise we will be too late."
"Are there any others that you had in mind?" Sylphas asked, eyeing her with a look that made her almost nervous. It was as if the elder was peering into her soul, a feeling that she greatly disliked. Somehow, this man screamed danger. But how had she never felt this before?
Straightening in her seat, Deitris pushed the bangles on her wrist around in an attempt to break eye contact, something she never did. "I am not sure. As of right now, no one but my sons have the prowess mindset needed for a mission as dangerous as this one. It is without a doubt that they are the strongest warriors of all Elysium."
This was beginning to become a disaster. Deitris already knew what she had wanted to do, but without the right tools, she could not carry on with her plan. The queen bit her lip in silent frustration.
Perhaps she would have to go with a different plan after all.
"Are you so sure about that? I think you are missing someone who is an extremely valuable asset to this case."
Deitris rose an eyebrow in confusion at her sister. "And just who might that—" the queen paused abruptly, her features contorting protectively."No."
Veytris grinned knowingly, not at all shocked at her sister's sudden hostility. "No?" She echoed. "Do not take me as a fool, sister. She is the next best choice."
"Do you even understand just what you are asking me?" Deitris growled, glaring daggers at her twin. The air became thick with tension, the rest of the council shifting uncomfortably in their seats. "You dare suggest that I send my daughter, of all gods, to fight a war that not even I am sure she can win?!"
The room began to shake, as if channeling the queen's anger throughout the palace. Deitris's form began to glow an ivory white color, brightening up the area. She gripped the end of the table tightly, close to breaking off a piece of it in her hands. This was the Queen of Elysium's true power, and the council was witnessing it first hand.
"You had no trouble adding your sons to the mix," Veytris scoffed, unable to see why it was such a difference. "Why wouldn't it be the same to volunteer Caryn as well?"
"Please settle down, my lady." Sylphas tried to calm her, but it was more of a command than a suggestion. "Veytris, enough foolishness. We will not be able to carry on the meeting if the both of you are constantly trying to rip each other's throats out."
At the sound of his stern voice, the room became quiet and still once more, the peace returning to the atmosphere. Deitris closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as well as his words to heart. He was right, she needed to refrain from losing her temper and think rationally.
"I apologize." The queen murmured, letting a shaky breath pass her lips. "I was a little thrown off at my sister's suggestion." Deitris looked to her twin once more, the hostility replaced with guilt and fatigue that she had easily caught. "Even so, my decision will stay the same. Caryn is young, and although she is strong, she is still inexperienced."
Quiet whispers could be heard from the rest of the council, and Veytris had a defeated look on her face. She knew that nothing she said could change her twin's mind.
"That will be all for today. We will continue speaking about this tomorrow." Deitris dismissed them, setting her hands in her lap. The council stood, filing out the exit. Sylphas gave her a chilling glare as he left, surprising the queen. She had not expected a hostile glance from him, not now or ever.
She would be having a private conversation with him later.
Later that night, Deitris retired to her chambers to prepare for bed. Even though she usually slept soundly, she feared that tonight she wouldn't. There was too much going on to forget.
As she was letting her blonde hair out of it's braid, a knock sounded at her door. "Mother, it's me."
"Come in, Caryn."
The queen's daughter entered quietly, shutting the door behind her and approaching her mother. She placed a stool she had grabbed from the side next to her, lowering herself down and watching as she did her evening rituals.
"Is something the matter?" Deitris asked, looking at her daughter from the corner of her eyes. She looked exactly like her father; long, platinum blonde hair that fell to her back in waves and striking amethyst eyes, shifting slightly in the light to an emerald green color. She even had twin dimples on her cheeks, another feature from her father.
"Not at all." Caryn replied, giving her a reassuring smile. Deitris raised an eyebrow. She was definitely up to something.
"Are you sure? You usually do not visit me this late," the queen pushed, eager to hear the reason why she had come to her chambers.
Caryn bit her lip. A nervous notion for sure. The blonde straightened her posture at her mother's stare. "Nothing is bothering me, but I do want to ask a question."
"Hmm? And what is that?"
"Why did you deny me the chance to carry out the mission?"
Deitris froze, halting her work on her hair mid-braid. She knew that Caryn would hear of the transgressions with the humans sooner or later, but it seemed that word spread around faster than she thought.
"I did not feel the need to send you on a task that you are not yet ready for." She replied, choosing her words carefully. Even though she had said that gently, it still offended the princess.
"You know as well as I that no one is better suited for this task then I." Caryn argued, spinning her mother's chair so that she faced her. "Especially when your strongest are gone."
Deitris knew that she was talking about her brothers, the princes. It wasn't rare that they were away, but at the moment it proved to be a problem.
And that led them back to this.
(x0x)
Her mother was the most stubborn, protective women of all Elysium. She was sure of it.
"I understand that I have duties. But who will you turn to if not me? Surely you won't choose one of the lower ranking soldiers." Caryn said tightly, almost offended that her mother wouldn't turn to her first. The thought alone was outrageous.
Deitris sighed in frustration, standing up from her seat and pushing the chair to her vanity back. "Caryn—"
"Please."
"Your pleading is not enough to—"
"Please."
Another sigh escaped the queen's mouth, and Caryn knew then that she had her.
"Gods, Caryn. You are like an itch I cannot scratch." Deitris placed her face in her hands, contemplating her next words. "If I allow you to go, you must bring someone else with you. Even this job is too big to handle for one goddess alone."
Caryn's eyes brightened, and she jumped from her seat to hug her mother. "I promise I won't let you down. I'll bring my team and we'll set off as soon as our next training session is over!" Deitris gave her a quick pat before the goddess sprang upwards, and in a flash she was out the door.
That girl really needs to slow down, someday she's going to run into something and end up hurting herself, the queen sighed mentally.
Deitris knew that the girls would be enough to aid the humans, but the only problem was that they had no information on them and that could most definitely be their downfall. She prayed to her ancestors that she had made the right decision.
May the high gods of Elysium be with you, my child. For you will need all the help and encouragement you can get.
(x0x)
So there's the first chapter! I hope you all enjoyed. Really, I can't promise that I will have a strict schedule for updating, but I will try to every Friday or Saturday. If not, it will be the following weekend. I thank you for taking your time to read, and as always, review follow and favorite! Xoxo
~M