StarBound – Endless Space

Written By Jammin Hyaku

Chapter 1 – Fly Away

It was dark, a flickering light scattered across the hallway as trembling footsteps approached. Two people came into the light of the torch that hung from the wall, one held a long silver sword in their right hand with a old rusted shield in their left. The other, wielded a heavy battle axe, shining as though it had just been polished. They mumbled as they spoke to one another. The feathers that spread across their bodies glimmered, bright and shiny, twinkling with every step they took, for they were a proud species, keeping their feathers clean the Avian's were the bird-people. They resembled the humans in stature of the body, but in appearance seemed very different. The one wielding the axe spoke, his voice was deep but very serious;

"We are going to have to attend the ceremony this evening; it should be interesting to attend"

They continued pressing on through the halls deep inside the Avian temple

"I know, I it will be an honor to attend such an amazing ceremony"

"I just hope it pleases Kluex."

The two bird-like people passed by the torch, continuing down the hall into the dark empty hallway. Back on the surface of land, hundreds of other avians scattered across the planet. The Avianss were tall, with their skinny legs leading down to their clawed feet; they had feathers that varied in all assortments of colours. Their beaks were long and eyes were sharp, it felt as though they could see into your very soul as they looked into your eyes, but each and every one of them, seemed to be missing something. Something important, that every bird should have, yet all lacked. Birds had been meant, to fly across the sky, yet not a single Avian amongst the crowd had wings. Avians were smart, and very religious, they believed in the feathered god, Kluex, who gave orders and commands to the leaders, of which they all obeyed, except for few, the corrupt ones dubbed "The Grounded" who abandoned their culture.

The city was large, one of many scattered across the galaxy, representing the proud Avian race, it shimmered gold from the hay of roof tops, the bright colored feathers could be seen for miles. Near the edge of the village, a small house stood just in the right place to be not so noticeable, but out of the way from the other houses, lived a family of four Avian. My name is Amarus, my feathers coloured light blue, I stood tall, and young. But this day, I was not proud. Being only a small child, I feared the ceremony of which our leaders commenced, Kluex, gave the order, it is our punishment for entering the mortal world, to lose our flight. My wings were small, not strong enough to fly but still a beautiful, and perfect in every way, just as the Avians wings were meant to be. "Bong…Bong…Bong" the shacking feeling of the gong from town square ripped through the sound of everyone's ears, we all knew what it ment; time for the ceremony to begin.

Every Avian around the planet gathered in the centre of the square, the small children, of which I was among, sat kneeling on the sand near the front, the only Avians that still had their wings were the baby's, and the young. An old Avian, with golden-yellow feathers walked to the middle of circle that everyone gathered around. Everyone stood silently, the elder Avian began to speak.

"For centuries, our species has continued to follow the will of our god, Kluex. And to this day, that remains. It is not our will, it is our punishment for entering this world of the mortals, and it is our duty as an Avian to accept that punishment. Given to us by Kluex, the order that each and every Avian at young, must have his or her wings clipped off, we are not worthy of the gift of flight, because of our wrongs. And we will see to this punishment, let us all bow our heads in silence, as the ceremony begins. That is all"

The elder retreated into the crowd, as two taller, stronger looking Avians, each with black feathers, and then entered the circle. Each carrying a huge metal contraption that seemed to be some kind of scissors, a smaller Avian with purple feathers, and carrying a long paper list, and then stepped into the circle between them, all of people around the circle bowed their heads and closed their eyes in silence, I did the same, as the purple Avian spoke.

"Alright, I hold in my hands a list of all the young Avian, old enough to be eligible to participate in the ceremony. I will now begin reading out the names, two at a time, as you hear your name, it I would appreciate it if you would open your eyes, and approach one of the two Avian you see before you. You have the right to refuse, but we will be called to other means if nessasary. After your turn has ended, you are to leave, and return to your homes, for the rest of us to continue the ceremony. The adults of the group are expected to stay the whole period, alright now, let us begin."

I sat there, the sand was soft but cold, I trembled, horrified as they began calling out names. Pair by pair, they began clipping the wings off of the young avian, as the rest of us who have yet to be called, sat with our eyes shut, waiting patiently for our turns. The moment I heard it, I felt like I died a little on the inside, a cold shiver shock flew down my spine, as it rang out in my ears.

"Amarus Karin, and Satr Villeing"

I opened my eyes, and tried to stand up, my feet were wobbly and I could feel my claws shaking. I approached one of the tall Avian, and looked up at him in fear, I heard him mumble

"Close your eyes, and relax your back"

As he turned me around and placed the machinery on my back, and just like that, I was flightless.