Calamity Hoppers ~Reprise~
by Christopher R. Martin
Chapter 1 - Genesis
The world was not always at peace. No. In fact, there was once a time when all the world knew was despair, absolute and unfettered.
It happened millennia ago, when a titanic monster set foot on this very soil. Its appearance was not like anything that the people had ever seen, its body composed of a black mist-like substance, taking form of a wolf. No one knew what its purpose was, if it even had one.
And then it struck them, like a blade to the heart.
With a howl that made heaven and hell quake, the beast made its move and waged war against the people. Cities were reduced to ruins. The blood of every man and woman, of every race, age and sex, stained its fangs and fur. Any life that had the misfortune of crossing its path was met with an unbecoming end. Each cataclysm it brought about, each life claimed, was the sorrow widening its hold upon them.
For years the monstrosity's wrath was brought to bear across the numerous stretches of the world. And its people were helpless against it. Seeing everything they held dear being wrested from their grip little by little and obliterated in such ease, they were convinced that it was the end. That even with their numbers, they were ultimately powerless to fight back.
But just as the situation looked bleak, something happened. A slender ray of light cracked through the darkness, amidst the grim and gray space. A faint, little glimmer that grew into a beam of splendor. Out of the light stepped forth two silhouettes. A miracle? A blessing from God or some other divine presence? Again, the people were uncertain of what to make of it. What they were certain of was that the last thing they wanted was for one more foreign entity to enter the fray, let alone two.
The people watched in wonder as well as fear. What were these two beings going to do to them? Did they come to save them? Or were they here to contribute to the chaos that the monster had already wrought?
"Do not be afraid," one of them spoke, the benevolence in its female voice putting at rest the fear that festered in the hearts of the mortals. "We have come as emissaries of salvation."
"Let this wretched creature's fury sway you not from the power that lies dormant within your hearts," said the other being. "The power to triumph over your tribulations."
The two figures stepped forth to reveal their true selves as knights clad in suits of armor gleaming underneath the light. The female's armor was the same blue as the sky, and the male knight's was red as a rose.
In unison they spoke to the people, their words as bright as the light that heralded their arrival. Their voices thundered to the heavens, stretching far and wide so that the message may be heard.
"But to beckon it, you must come together as one world. One people."
"It may have broken your homes and brought ruin everywhere—" said the knight in blue.
"…but as fearsome as it is, this beast can neither take nor break this power lying inside you and the bond you share," completed the red knight.
The people, captivated by these voices, took heed intently of these words and embedded them into their minds. Into their hearts. Many were moved, mustering ounces of courage that trumped their doubts. Yet there were still those whose misgivings overcame them in spite of their acknowledgement.
"Now, step forward," uttered the two knights together. "Those of you who are willing, take the destiny of your world into your hands. The right to live is for each and every one of you. Stand and face this monster, and reclaim what is yours. Join us, and together, we will fell this Infernal Beast!"
As that last proclamation roared in the skies above, they raised their hands upwards, defiant of their opposition. Her gauntlets were bathed in an aura of light, while his held a sword wide as his shoulders and half as tall as his entire frame.
The years to come were spent on preparations, on equipping the common man, woman and child accordingly for war.
The battle fought by the people of the world was tremendous. Much blood was spilt. Tears were shed over the loss of parents, siblings, comrades and lovers. The tide would turn one direction, then the other and repeat in one calamitous cycle.
Finally. After much suffering, everything had come to an end. The lupine monster fell to the ground before the feet of the many valiant souls, the remains of its dissolved carcass scattering, vanishing from the naked eye. The world was for its people to reclaim, but at so steep a price. A price well paid, they all agreed.
From that day forth, the great war would be known as "The Black Campaign", and the terrible wolf creature would be dubbed "The Infernal Beast" or "It".
The people were indebted to the two ethereal knights. Were it not for them, had their intervention not happened, the strength of the people would not have been discovered, and their end would have been certain.
In a display of gratitude, a monument was crafted in the likeness of the two knights, with an inscription on its base saying: "Those who are set apart from this world, those who aided its people in reclaiming it."
With their duties accomplished and knowing that their existence would be too good to last, the knights chose to pass their knowledge down. The knight in blue—the Mediator—taught the ways of the mystic, the spiritual arts. The knight in red—the Governor—taught the ways of the warrior, armed and unarmed combat.
And thus, the art of Woo Foo was born.
And these teachings would in turn be passed down from one generation to the next, in memory of the Mediator and Governor. They would transcend every possible boundary and carry on…
…all the way to the present day.
