A/N: I had this 'lil idea the other day... it's just one of the things that come to you while listening to music. In this case it was When Gods Fall, by Eyes of Eden.
So, yeah, that's it...
When Gods Fall
The ground underneath was hard. The packed earth, dust spreading out with the slightest breeze.
But you don't care. You have to see.
It doesn't matter that you've been there for hours, for days, for months.
You must see the result of your hard work; the creation you fought so hard to create. Against the One, against your sibling-elements.
But you made it, them.
No-one can take that away from you.
So you watch.
Recognize that spark that you infused in all of them.
But this watch makes you grow weary, all the same. You've reunited with your siblings, basked in on their jealousy, received the grave nod from the One – he's on your side.
It's on the moments where you're not guarding your creations, you do look up at the sky; the creation of your sibling-elements to protect your own – and they don't exactly appreciate it because you've risen above them.
The balance seems to be changing slightly.
Tipping.
Slowly.
Unbalance.
No.
If there's something you all know is that balance must be maintained.
No matter what.
Still… you do close your eyes, your corporeal form just a tiny fragment of your might, a semblance with them, yet you can never go unnoticed.
There must be an outward marking – yours is the hair. Pink and unruly.
The tiny blue exceed you befriended, one of Viento's creations, teases you mercilessly.
You ignore, deciding to walk among them, following the rustic ideas that have been half-formed, helping and having some fun.
Down here you're not Fuego, but you still name yourself with a small semblance of your element; Natsu stands for Summer and in Summer so many bonfires are lit in your honour.
It's freeing.
It's dumb.
And everything seems to go well, until the moment when balance decides to restore itself.
A simple meeting shouldn't have the power to change the paths of fate.
Yet…
You've been among them, enjoying and exploring this newfound thing, the urge to create different things, an ever growing dance that's beckoning you, teasing you.
It is beyond unexpected to see one of them falling down a tree, collapsing in a heap before you.
The grumble that follows is unexpected yet funny. You can't help but laugh and receive a huge sour look. Finally, extending a hand that he begrudgingly accepts, he's pulled to a standing position.
"Thanks," he says gruffly, scowling.
"No problem. What were you doing up there?" You say distractedly as you look at your hands – they're still held together. A small undercurrent of an unnamed feeling coursing through you.
"None of your business." He finally notices it and lets go of your hand, as if you'd been letting your power flow through you – you aren't. He brushes the dirt from his tunic, the contrasting darkness of the fabric and hair against pale skin.
"You nearly fell on top of me, I think I may deserve one." You really can't avoid the cheeky grin from reaching your lips. This person is fun. "I'm Natsu, by the way."
"Gray." He retorts with a shrug, throwing you another glare. "So… like the season?"
"Yeah." You shrug, it's not like it's a bad name… you're actually quite proud of it.
"That's dumb." He snorts. "Kind of goes with the hair… Anyway, I better go. See ya."
And without letting you say anything – what's wrong with the hair? – he runs to the village.
You run a hand through your hair and scowl, still wondering. But the feeling of amusement is bigger so you can't help yourself from smiling.
And it should be fun.
"So, the real name of the divinity shouldn't be mentioned because, what?"
You hear a familiar (maybe too familiar) voice asking that question and a sliver of worry catches you.
It can't be.
It mustn't be.
"Some say that it will allow for an imprisonment – but not many have the chance of doing so, the gods don't appreciate walking among us, mortals." An unfamiliar voice replies; it's raspy, the gravel from the beds of rivers after the water ran out. Água can be that unpredictable.
Gray scoffed.
"What use would a god have to us?"
You know that sometimes it might not be the easiest thing to answer but, curiosity does take the best of you. Because you've been seeing the changes. The top tier remains the same but the class of gods has grown, from the primordial, new and closer gods have appeared.
Still…
"The gods aren't almighty on their own." The raspy voice says. "There are entrapments that bind them too. No being is free without first surpassing the hurdles."
"Hurdles? Seriously?" Gray's disbelief was palpable. "I don't think I believe in that." He paused for a beat. "If it were then my parents wouldn't have died in that cataclysm."
"What doesn't tell you that it wasn't one of the primordial gods? The one from the ground?"
"I… no, nevermind. Anyway, my master has asked me to finish these errands and I'm getting late." There was the noise of crinkling parchment before Gray finished his goodbyes.
You do wait a few moments longer.
"No need to hide." The raspy voice croaked out and you feel yourself stopping stock still. "I wasn't just mentioning those things for master Gray, they're also meant for you."
The small ache from biting your lip is new but you do come out of your small hiding place, glancing defiantly at the person. They're… weird. A heavy cape covers this person, the hood casting some shadow on their face. The arms and part of the face are uncovered, the skin wrinkled and parchment-like. And suddenly you realize who this is.
Unseeing eyes glance at you, the milky-white seemingly shining for one moment. The neutral expression contorts a little upon seeing your non-earthen form. It's never pleasant, you've heard.
"So you're an oracle." You say, arms crossing in a slightly defensive posture, right before realizing it and standing tall. You're not afraid of them, are you? Of course not!
The only reply you get is a bow.
You arch one eyebrow.
"And you're one of those whose name should never be told." Is the simple reply. "Yet, you shouldn't fear it, for the cage might be opened soon. And a brighter future come."
"Wha-? Wait!" You sputter as they turn their back on you and start walking away.
You couldn't say you were seeing this coming, could you?