Chapter 1: Beginnings
In the days that came before people walked the Earth, there was the Moon. He watched the young planet as it burned and cooled, as it burst into bloom and gave way to the smallest particle of life. He watched as life evolved, developing further and further until a species began to walk on two legs, just like him. They bonded and spoke, loved and taught, and he found himself drawn to them. He watched as they continued to change, becoming more complex and intelligent, until suddenly they were building walls and protecting villages.
It was fascinating for the Moon, to see such life take on an independent shape, molding the world around them. And for the first time, he felt something he never had before: a desire to nurture, to protect. These were not like the rest, they were special. He believed with all his heart that they would achieve great things.
And they did.
As they aged and learned, this life, these "humans", began looking to him as if they knew; knew that he was always there, watching. They began to ask him for guidance when things became hard, but there was nothing he could do. For he was the Moon; and the Moon must always remain in the sky. So, he did something he had never done in all of his existence.
He began to create.
Watching below as the humans struggled to make sense of their lives, with no one to turn to for guidance except a silent orb in the sky, the Moon sought people who were just right for what he needed. But there was a catch: he could only create from the souls of those who passed on, those who no longer had anything left to lose. And so he waited, sometimes for decades or even centuries. Each time one of his chosen passed, he cast his net to catch them before they could slip to the realm beyond life. It was almost a millennium before he was satisfied.
He gathered the chosen few, and saw their eyes flash with confusion. Why them? What was their purpose here? How had they not passed on? The Moon smiled at them then, and did something for the first time once again... He spoke.
"You... are my first children," the Moon announced, spreading his arms wide with a brilliant grin, "the Mothers and Fathers of the Earth and its people, protectors of all life." He gave them each names and purposes, granting them wonderful powers to help them. Then he set them back on the Earth and watched as they eagerly began their work.
But soon, they realized it was too much. There were so many things in the growing world that had to be watched over, it was impossible for them to do the work alone. So, they asked for help from the Moon once again.
He looked over his first children, smiling at their dedication and satisfied with their work. But he heard their pleas; saw their struggles with his own eyes. So he chose new souls.
More and more of his children began to inhabit the Earth, giving the land and its people everything it needed. With so much joy and progress taking place, the Moon felt confident that he had done everything right and sat back, content to watch the flow of life from his place in the sky.
But it was only a matter of time.
Soon, some of his older children began to question the Moon's methods, why they had to behave according to his rules rather than their own. And they began to rebel. Their powers morphed into more sinister entities: fear, death, tragedy, pestilence, betrayal.
The Moon wept their fall, but he could not allow such terrible forces to roam free with no counterbalance. He called upon his bravest creation, the spinner of dreams, to be his first Guardian and defend human children and the world. Eventually he was joined by the protector of hope, the keeper of memories, and the builder of wonder. They worked together for centuries, until a new Guardian joined them to help push back fear: the seeker of fun.
Throughout the time of the Guardians, the Moon continued to create new beings. Some to guide the seasons and tend the Earth, others to cultivate emotion and thought within the humans of the world. Over the ages, many rose as gods in the eyes of their charges, ruling over the people until they no longer believed and a new pantheon took their place. These children of the Moon became embittered by their abandonment, and closed themselves off from the world. Only a select few managed to escape the hatred that consumed these spirits. But for the rest, time continued to flow without them.
Other spirits rose as figures admired by humans that would transcend the ages. Not gods, but almost constant companions in their daily lives. They were followed by stories and legends, and prided themselves in their work. Several became internationally famous like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. But they maintained their humility, unlike the gods of ancient times.
Some though, chose to remain in the shadows of human attention, working from the sidelines. Only the darkest of evils could draw them out into the world for all to see, out of their shells to defend the people they held so dear. But for now they led peaceful existences, untouched by the tendrils of evil beginning to crawl across the globe...
It was a chilly fall day, one that gave off the feeling that soon frost and snow would arrive at the door. The leaves on the trees were colored vibrant reds and yellows, a single breeze able to catch hundreds of them in its grasp and carry them off into the distance. Windows fogged from the chilled air, but it was still warm enough that they didn't frost over in the early hours of the morning.
Holly stood in her kitchen, washing dishes and gazing off into the forest through the small window. This was her favorite time of year, just between her favorite seasons: autumn and winter. Of course, those were the only seasons here, but she didn't mind. It was her special place after all, she had chosen for it to be this way.
A happy bark came from behind her, followed by a loud thumping noise. She fought back a grin and kept her face neutral as she cast a glance over her shoulder. The sight she was met with caused her lip to twitch up ever so slightly.
Her big, fluffy companion bounced around by the cottage door, too excited to stand still while he waited for his mistress to finish with the dishes. When he felt her eyes land on him, he dropped his front to the ground, wagging his tail high in the air. "Hurry up now," he seemed to be saying, "I want to go out and play!" Holly laughed at his antics and shook her head lightly. Piper had always been impatient, much like someone else she knew.
"Shall we go outside then?" she asked as she relented and reached for the dishtowel to dry her hands, receiving a nod and another bark from the dog. Rolling her eyes, she swapped her apron out for a thick scarf and slipped on her flats. A wet nose pressed into her palm as she reached for the doorknob, urging her forward, and she laughed. "Okay! I'm going."
The moment she opened the door, Piper bounded outside, rolling in the leaves and barking happily. It was one of those moments where Holly wondered if he really was all grown up. As big as he was, and as intimidating and regal he could look, Piper was, and always would be, a baby in her eyes. He sure acted like one a lot anyway, at least when they were home.
With a content sigh, Holly moved toward the trees with a basket on her arm to collect pine cones and firewood.
It was peaceful, without a sound to be heard from any animal. They had all tucked in for the winter, ready to sleep until the autumn leaves returned to the trees. She didn't blame them. The moment she had stepped outside she could smell the coming cold. It'd probably arrive before the end of the day.
Absently, Holly scooped up a handful of acorns and gently slipped them into the hollow of a nearby tree for the squirrel she could sense happily snoozing inside.
"As kind as ever, I see."
The teasing voice caused the edge of her mouth to quirk up slightly, but she turned her back to it as if she hadn't heard and continued on her way. The newcomer caught on to her game swiftly.
"Oh, no you don't."
An arm slung around her shoulders, the figure moving with a speed that had leaves scattering around them. She finally looked up at her visitor then, patient silver eyes meeting mischievous pink. "Hello, Cupid," she said airily.
"Good morning, my dear," he replied, flashing a brilliant smile, "How is my beautiful Queen of Compassion this fine morning?"
"It's always a good morning when you drop by." The compliment pleased Cupid, and she could practically feel his ego swelling beside her.
"Really?"Maybe I should visit more often when work is slow then," he quipped, amusement laced in his words.
She smiled as she started to walk, Cupid falling into step beside her. "I wouldn't mind if you did."
"You are far too genuine for this world, Holly dear. You're killing my heart with your kind words." To reinforce his statement, her friend placed a hand over his heart and pretended to swoon. She giggled and nudged him with her elbow, drawing a snicker from his lips. They walked on in silence for awhile after that, enjoying the weather.
To anyone else, it would appear as if the Spirit of Love was flirting with her. Most female spirits would give anything to catch the attention of Cupid, and if he ever talked to a girl, it was immediately assumed he fancied her. After all, he was the embodiment of romance. And he was also quite handsome. Blonde hair, sun-kissed skin, flawless features, British accent; any girl would fall for his charm and good looks. Except Holly. To her, that was just the way he was and how he had always been. Of course, it had taken a while for her to get used to him, with his playful grins and ever teasing tone. But he had somehow managed to make himself a constant presence in her life after they'd met, and she found the longer he lingered, the less she seemed to mind his behavior. And he liked that.
"So," started Cupid, shoving his free hand into his pocket, "I've been thinking." Oh dear, Holly thought with a small smile, here he goes. "If I'm the Spirit of Love, and you're the Spirit of Compassion and Kindness, does that make us siblings?"
"Aphrodite is not my mother, Cupid," Holly replied, patting the hand resting on her shoulder and turning her eyes up to him again. There was also the fact that they were very different, in appearance and temperament. She was a deep brunette, he was a blonde. While his skin was sun-kissed, hers was as if the sun barely touched her skin at all. He was loud, she was soft. The list went on and on. If anything, they were almost complete opposites.
Cupid frowned down at her and stopped, placing his hands on her shoulders as he turned her towards him. "Missing the point... and she is not my mother!"
He sighed as he leaned down slightly to peer straight into her eyes. "I mean our ideas, what we represent. They kind of go hand-in-hand, right? So, in theory, we kind of are siblings."
Holly mulled it over in her mind for a moment while Cupid watched her face carefully. The logic wasn't necessarily wrong. Maybe a bit skewed, but not wrong. "Well," she said hesitantly, meeting his eyes again, "I suppo-..."
"Yes! I've always wanted a little sister, and I admit that you've already been filling that spot for the past couple centuries. I just wanted it to be official." Cupid's grin was bright enough to light up the entire forest, radiating happiness. Holly laughed loudly as he scooped her into a bear hug, lifting her until her feet dangled above the ground. "This is great! I promise, I'm going to be the best older brother ever," he declared, nuzzling his cheek against her hair affectionately.
"Alright, okay, put me down," she giggled. Her hands tugged at his red scarf, gentle but demanding, and the arms around her tightened. But, he did as she commanded... sort of.
Carefully, he tilted so her feet once again touched the ground, but made no move to release her. "Cupid..."
"Nope, can't make me," he chuckled, nuzzling her hair again. He could feel her sigh against him and fought to hold back a laugh. However, she felt his trembling and smiled mischievously into his jacket, much like how he did. Her fingers crawled up his sides and she felt him stiffen. "Don't you dare."
"Too late."
He jerked at lightning speed, trying to get away, but she already had him right where she wanted him. Her fingertips danced mercilessly against his sides, causing ripples of laughter to erupt from him as he struggled under her grip. "Stop! Stop! I give up! Holly!"
Giggling loudly, she released him after another moment, the basket falling from her hands as she held her stomach.
Cupid pouted at her, but it didn't last long as an easy smile settled on his face. It was impossible to be even slightly irritated with Holly, he'd found. She had a way of melting all your worries away with a single word or a gentle touch, possibly just an extension of her powers. But he had a feeling that was just how she'd always been, even in life.
Chuckling as he leaned over lazily to retrieve her basket, Cupid glanced around the woods. A slight movement that he quickly realized was not Holly caught his attention and he narrowed his eyes at it.
In the far distance, a shadow on the very edge of the glade shifted a fraction and for a split second his entire body stiffened. But he regained himself just as fast, and gently returned the basket to his new "sister's" waiting hands.
"Holly," he said casually, eyes locked on the shadow in the distance as it shifted again, "why don't you go back inside."
He felt the frown before he saw it. "But I need to collect firewood before the cold comes... Is something wrong?"
"No, it's nothing. It just looks like you're getting a bit chilled," he said, flashing her the same brilliant smile as always. She didn't look like she believed him in the least and he sighed internally. Darn her powers, her eyes could probably see right through him. "Honestly, it's nothing," he said again, "just go inside. I'll collect the firewood; it's faster that way anyway."
"Are you sure? I can hel-"
"I'm sure. Please, Holly?"
He could see her eyes widen at the hint of urgency in his tone, but she nodded and turned around to retreat to the house. Only once did she look back, concern wrinkling her brow and shining in her eyes. But with a confident smile and a small wave from him, she gave in.
It took all of his self control to wait until the door shut safely behind her before allowing his body to tense. Focusing all of his attention on the shadow, he felt the familiar weight of a bow form in one hand and lifted it easily. A single arrow appeared as he drew back the string, notched and ready to fire. He drew in a steadying breath, holding it for a moment before releasing and watching the arrow cut through the air faster than the normal eye could see.
It hit its mark solidly, pinning the surprised shadow to the tree behind it. Red blossomed from the tip, oozing into the dark creature. He watched it struggle and screech, and glared daggers as it finally escaped and disappeared in a swirl of black sand.
Something furry brushed against his leg and he flinched. But a wet nose pressing against his hand set his nerves at ease. Glancing down at Piper, he scratched at his back absently. "You noticed it too, huh?"
The dog answered him with a growl in the direction the shadow had been. A grimace found its way onto Cupid's face. "I didn't think I'd see him again after what happened," he muttered. Piper whined once, rubbing his nose against Cupid's hand again. The Spirit of Love chuckled humorlessly, giving the dog a soft pat between the ears.
"Well, whatever he's plotting now, at least he knows I caught him snooping. Maybe that will be enough of a warning to keep him away..."
Hello everyone!
Look at that, a little bit of plot mystery right at the beginning. I wasn't going to do it at first but I just couldn't help myself. Forgive my cheesiness.
This is something I've been thinking about doing for awhile, and after watching the movie again I decided that it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. These first few chapters will just be me establishing the relationships between the OCs I developed over the year I hesitated over this (I know, it took me awhile haha), along with their relationships with other characters.
I'm really excited to continue this, and I hope you'll stick around to read more. I may not be the fastest at updating, but I'll try to work as quickly as I can without rushing the chapters. Things are going to get a bit busy for me soon, but I hope that won't deter you from continuing to read. Please leave reviews, I love reading them, and don't forget to favorite and follow! I hope you enjoy the first chapter of All That Glitters!
Lots of love, ThinkEasy