Prologue
(Thousands of years after chapter 1)
All good things come to an end, fading from existence. Whether by straight up death, disappearance, slowly fading over the centuries, or from the forgetfulness of the masses, everything fades. But despite this, no matter what, everything leaves a mark upon history, and upon the timeline. A legacy. We cannot choose what legacy we leave behind, as perception plays an important role in it. But we can choose what kind of legacy to leave behind.
In this world, thousands upon thousands have been sacrificed to preserve a legacy. To keep it from fading. To re-invigorate it, to revive it, and to delay the inevitable. Some believe that this is foolish, that it is fighting the future. But they are the fools. What is wrong with preserving a legacy? Everything is forgotten over time, that is true. But, as I learned from my many journeys, time is malleable. It can be manipulated, even destroyed, by mortals. Gods do not dare tamper with such things, as they understand the consequences. I did not. I was young, foolish. I thought I could avoid the consequences, that I was exempt from the fires. I was wrong.
It began an age ago, back when I was powerless. My father and mother died, although I can no longer remember how. I was passed on to my grandfather, who hated me with every fibre of his being. I found solace and comfort in a friend, but it did not cover the pain. You cannot cover old filth with new filth. Eventually, I left. I was whisked into another realm by the same powers I now wield, although I did not understand then.
After that, I saved a group of teenagers, protected a city during a siege, and dethroned a god. During that time, I met my Mate, so to speak. I took her with me on my third journey, and we grew closer. Eventually, we would have a child. I never saw him.
The consequences of my actions would catch up to me. I had defied death, twice. In another world, that would only result in my corruption. After my journey through this one, I learned the truth. Consequence was malleable, if not by me. I was Branded, and I can no longer die. I bear the curse now, and I will for the rest of my days. Powers beyond the veil keep me tethered to mortality. I am doomed to remain, forever guarding the timelines from nameless evils, keeping innocents from the same fate I am bound to.
My name is Obsidian, and this is one of my many stories.
This one… this one begins shortly after I dethroned the False God. I can no longer remember his name, but the universe does. The universe remembers everything. Sometimes, it shows me memories that are not my own. Other times, it shows me memories I lost, pieces of myself I left behind to make way for something new. My mind is mortal, even if my existence is not. The memories of a thousand lifetimes, all crammed into my brain. In exchange, I left behind the memories of my own. Am I upset about that? No. I was, once. But now, my tears are spent. I understand the truth. Someone has to do this for the greater good. Someone has to leave behind their lives, to let everyone else live their lives in peace.
Many times, I wish I could turn back the clock. To undo the many hours of suffering I have been through. I have the option. If I wanted, I could go back in time, return to the blissful days of my youth, short though it may have been. I do want to. But I won't. I had my shot at life, and I spent it well. In death, or more accurately, undeath, I have done more good than most have ever done. I could turn back the clock, yes, but that would undo everything I have fought for over the centuries.
In my existence, I have borne many titles. Morgul Warrior, Ashen Lord, and Time-Keeper. Now, I bear no title but one of my own design. Void-Master. No mortals know of me, and I would have it no other way.
There are many tales I can share with you, but let me start from the beginning. Well, as close to the beginning as I can remember clearly. It was the day I left with Firana. The day I stepped onto the path I still tread now. The day I lost my mortal life…
So, welcome back, all, to the third fiction in the 'Obsidian' series. While this prologue may seem confusing, contradicting in places, unusual, and even unorganised, it is meant to feel like that.
To the guest 'SK' who left that large review for the last fiction in 'Obsidian'. Once again, I take your many points, and I will try to write more slowly. I do proofread my work, and I do plan each chapter. I will try to plan more solidly, though, and I will attempt to spend longer editing each chapter.
With all said and done, until next time…