HOLO-LIFE MYTH

Chapter 2: Paint Splatters

I opened my eyes and found myself lying on a bed of flowers, the unfamiliarity of the place startled me as I quickly rose from my slumber and checked my surroundings. I was met with a vast sea of white flowers which gave off a slight glow in the midst of an empty, starless sky above. My eyes wandered more until I settled with a monumental structure right ahead, a giant monolith that stood defiant across the relatively flat fields which, like the flowers, also gave a small glow. The scene was alien to me, it made me weird and wary. I slowly stood up from my position and again, all I saw was an ocean of white flowers reaching as far as the horizon.

"What is this place?" I muttered to myself, bewildered at this mysterious land I'm at. I have to say though, I do kind of find this place quite calming, relaxing even.

Then a sudden gust of wind blew past me, my cloak waved and curled with the wind. Petals also flew along the wind, giving the place a mystical feel to it. I realized that the wind was howling towards the direction of the monolith, though I was hesitant at first, I took this as a sign that it wanted me to go there. I made my way towards it as the wind continued to guide me, though the journey was longer than I anticipated as the sheer scale of the object tricked my mind, thinking it was closer than I initially thought. Soon I found myself face to face with the base of white structure, there the winds dispersed and soon silence took over.

The sounds of grass dancing with the whistling wind are the only things that filled the dead air. I stood alone in front of this giant blank canvas, not knowing what to do next. Is something supposed to happen? I thought to myself, still unsure of what to do. After moments of silence and awkward staring, I had an urge to touch it with my palm thinking it would do something, and so, I reached out my right arm and touched the mysterious monolith.

The world soon turned white, I immediately retracted my arm and looked around as the field of flowers turned into a white void. I looked in front and saw splotches of paint, at first I thought it was just showing me random colors but it quickly turned into rough feminine figures:

The first one, splashes of warm colors paint a picture of a shapely woman. The rough portrait exudes a warrior-like spirit, which is reflected on her fiery orange hair and matching clothes. I can feel the heat that is emanating off of it, a heat that can only be compared to the hot flames of a roaring forge. A type of fire that persists even through the darkest of night;

Another figure took form, this time from various dark pigments that were then contrasted with bright pink. The usage of dark colors makes me feel tense, it's such a huge divergence from the bright colors of the previous one. The painting gives off an aura of dread which is only amplified as the warm atmosphere quickly begins to drop, becoming colder and colder by the second. The best way I could describe this feeling is… dead;

The third was of short stature, shades of blue and hints of white littered across the canvas. The use of more lighter colors definitely helps lighten the mood that last portrait left behind as this one exudes a more welcoming appearance. I felt calm, but soon everything turned red. Splashes of dark red covered the tranquil colors, the sudden change of mood threw me off as calmness turned to fear;

And finally the last one, beige colors splattered the canvas and followed shortly by yellow. I braced myself for the surprise, but in the end nothing happened, I waited a few more seconds and still nothing. I lowered my guard and walked towards this seemingly normal portrait and examined it closely, nothing seemed off about it, well except for one small detail. The hands of the small gold watch she was holding is moving, and the longer I stare, the louder this ticking sound becomes.

Then the white void turned pitch black and the figures disintegrate into nothingness. My breathing echoes through the empty space as deafening silence reigns over the abyss. My eyes see nothing but black all around me, I then look down and see my body illuminated by seemingly nothing. I looked back ahead and saw an ever so familiar eye looking directly at me with its omnipresent stare. Here I stood frozen, staring back at the giant eye as it seemingly studied me, watching closely. Its glow, though not blinding, is more pronounced against the deep dark abyss at the back. My eyes remain locked, continuously gazing at the bright glow as if the eye has me in its grasp. Slowly, my head begins to be filled with static noise and my eyes start to get blurry, getting worse and worse and worse…

I awaken to the sound of a rooster's crow, rapidly breathing, heart pounding, and body sweating like I have a fever. Panic swiftly shot through my entire system as I quickly sat up from my futon and immediately looked around my room, frantically turning my head left, right, and center. Eventually, everything settled down to a more comfortable state as I slowly regained control over my panic-stricken mind, taking deep breaths to remedy my fast beating heart, and yet the feeling of weariness still lingers on deeply. My panic was immediately replaced by confusion, as I vividly remembered the events in my dream.

"What was that all about?" That dream felt different when compared to past experiences because this one felt a little too real, as if it actually happened. Of course that's not the only one that made me confused, the dream contained various things that I failed to comprehend and decipher any meaning behind it, for example, the four figures and what they could possibly symbolize. It's just so bizarre, what could possibly prompt this? And more importantly, what could this lead to?

My head started to hurt just by thinking about it, and I only just woke up for goodness sake. I'm probably better off sweeping this whole thing under the rug. With that said, I stretch my arms out in the air and rise from my beddings, thus beginning my daily morning routine starting with a quick bath, cause I really need one right now.

After a quick soak and a wash later, I already feel my body freshened and my mind calm. I wore my usual outfit, a basic light purple yukata, surprisingly simple especially for someone of my rank in the chiefdom, but I like it. My cluttered room remains dimly lit with the only light source being diffused by large latticed doors, and I'd rather remain it that way. I much prefer the solitary environment that my room provided me. It became a personal place for me —as it should—where I can do whatever I please away from the many responsibilities of the outside world. This window freedom is a rare commodity for me, so I'm going to take advantage of it.

I walk towards the sliding door that separates my secluded space to the outside world and open it, beams of morning sunlight hit my eyes as I covered them with my loose sleeve, light then scattered everywhere in my once cluttered room. As my eyes slowly adjust to the brightness I can finally take in the view from my porch, a beautiful ocean of grass surrounded by tall trees and backed by a beautiful mountain range. I hastily dragged a stool and an easel outside on the open wooden porch, I then grabbed a blank canvas out of many that are scattered throughout my room.

I should really organize this mess. Heh… I wonder how many times I've said that throughout my life.

I resumed and placed the canvas on the wooden frame. Finally, I grabbed my palette, some paint, and my trusted paintbrush and started to let my mind run free. With bold and broad brush strokes I began painting the light blue sky up above till it fills the canvas edge to edge. I then add a touch of white to break up the solid pale blue beginning the foundation of clouds structures that appear up above the heavens. I sat back a bit, my eyes looking back and forth at the sky and the canvas and with my keen eyes added details as I saw fit in order to mimic what my eyes saw. Once satisfied I began to mix colors on my palette to begin the next step.

Green and yellow paint mixed together to get my desired shade. I began to fill the bottom half with this new shade of green as I try to replicate the sea of green in front of me. Hints of yellow are carefully added to mimic that of golden rays bouncing off each blade of grass making it pop more. Darker shades are also added to balance the light on the canvas. Of course I didn't forget about the patches of violet flowers, the symbol of Eklipsa. Seeing them always reminds of an old tale that almost everyone knows regarding their origin; during the Schism that ravaged our nation over a thousand years ago, a woman was able to bound herself with the Sacred Book becoming the first Priestess. Her reign was short as after the pyrrhic victory over the opposing faction, the Priestess died and violet flowers rained from the sky, mourning her death.

At least, that's how I remember that story going, maybe missing a few details here and there but probably not important.

After I'm satisfied with the look of the fields, I then set my eyes on the vast grayish blue mountain range. This natural land formation served us protection from the rest of the outside world and from the harsh weather, a major reason how we were able to withstand the test of time. The world that lies beyond the mountains? No one really knows these days, not even me, the last major contact with the outside world was almost a century ago, although scouts, traders, and merchants often go beyond our natural border and tell bizarre stories and

experiences that we thought only existed in our wildest of imaginations, tall glass structures that light up during the night, odd devices that emit light, and carriages that run on seemingly nothing.

That's only scratching the surface.

Brush strokes after brush strokes, I start to see my painting beginning to take shape from random colors to a masterpiece. I finished off the mountain by adding in clouds at the peak, representing its great height. I then shift my focus on the thick forest that lies between the grassy plains and the grand mountain.

The forest served as our main source of resources as far as our history goes. Its evergreen hue provides a nice transitional color from the grassy green and the gray mountains. Many animals reside here, from the smallest of rabbits to the biggest of moose, the ecosystem here is thriving. The occasional wildlife that pops into my vision is hastily painted on the canvas, bringing life to the static painting.

I line my piece with finishing touches, before someone suddenly pulls the sliding door open, my hands frozen as I hear footsteps behind me as it comes nearer.

"Priestess," A low voice rang out behind me.

I sat still, stopped painting and lowered my painting tools. I turned my head slightly to the right, catching a glimpse of his plated armor which were outlined with gold and precious jewels, underneath he wore his rich violet cloth which were the common military robe, "What brings you here to my humble home, Captain?" I asked in a cold voice.

The Captain cleared his throat, I can sense his sheer professionalism in my presence, he is a veteran after all, he served the previous Priestess as well before her passing. As much as I want to drop all formalities, I know for a fact that it won't do much as people would still continue this millennia old status quo. Putting up a cold and emotionless facade just as tradition told us to is psychologically taxing for me, as much I want to let out the real me I have to keep it to myself for as long as I live.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Priestess, but the Temple requires your presence at once." The tone of urgency perked my ear, I turned around to face him with my neutral, emotionless face.

"What's the matter about?" I raised an eyebrow, keeping this charade of higher standing. "It's the Sacred Book, it has awoken from its slumber."

My eyes widened in shock but I tried to suppress my surprise as much as possible. The news came suddenly and out of nowhere, just yesterday while doing my Priestess duties I sensed absolutely nothing about the Book. Such an event could, no, will change the course of history of Eklipsa, and it happened during my reign as Priestess.

I faced him directly, still keeping the veil of coldness, "I'll be ready, but beforehand, ready my carriage for the trip to the Temple."

"Will do, Priestess." He bowed before leaving me alone in my room. The silence came back, but not the familiar calm one like before, this one reeked of something… uncomfortable, like being watched by someone or something.

I immediately brushed that feeling off my shoulders as I stood by and began dragging the canvas, easel, and stool back to the safety of my room before closing the sliding door behind me. Another day, another interrupted painting session, maybe next time I'll continue it, but right now I have to do Priestess duties, much to my dismay.

I walked towards my closet and pulled out my Priestess outfit. I removed my purple yukata leaving my skin bare except for my underwear and put on my violet kimono, filled with intricate designs and patterns in almost every inch of the outfit like tentacles and a single eye at the back. Next was the blue obi which pops out with the violet kimono, I wrapped it snuggly with my waist which highlights my very uh… average body type. Finally, I put on a dark purple haori over my kimono, thus completing the outfit and signifying my status as Priestess over Eklipsa, a position passed down from many, many generations. Becoming a Priestess is not easy to obtain, being chosen requires multiple requirements to be met before even being considered as a candidate; calmness, intelligence, form, and demeanor, just to name a few. I looked at the mirror and saw myself, my bob hair and violet colored pupils with matching violet attire. This is me, the Priestess, a person so revered and praised because of their close connection to the Old Ones. I put my palms on my face, forcing a neutral, almost emotionless face before coming outside.

I exit my room and soon my house, the outside was bright and sunny, morning dew is subtle but mostly gone by this hour. I met with the Captain once more, and behind him were his accompanying guards as well as the horse pulled carriage, violet in color with gold and orange highlights, it was accompanied by complex and intricate tentacle-like engravings as well as, of course, a singular eye carved right into the wooden frame. My inner self praises the hard work and focus that's put into the craft. I approached the carriage as one by one the guards and the coachman greeted me with a bow then one of the guards opened the door for me before entering, the Captain shortly followed by lead and sat opposite of me, the other guards either sat at the front with the coachman or hung on at the back. Horses neighed and galloped as the trip towards the temple began.

The road was slightly bumpy, but nonetheless it was a smooth ride so far. The trip won't be that long. My eyes gazing at the outside, admiring the view as we pass by it, but in the corner or my eye I see the Captain removing his helmet and placing it on his side, as if preparing to speak to me. I already know how this soon-to-be conversation would go, just like the countless conversations I had before.

"Priestess, if I may ask, what is the reason you do this painting thing?" I rolled my eyes as I kept staring outside, "I mean, it's such a commoner skill and not fit for someone of your status, you should focus more on your Priestess duties…" he scoffed.

Ugh, despite being used to these types of comments it still strikes my nerves. Ever since I became a maiden at the Temple people have been downplaying, judging my painting, they kept saying the same thing over and over again. As much as I want to lash out, training tells

me to keep this facade up or at the very least reply in a calm demeanor. I turn back and the Captain, still rambling nonsense.

"…for someone who is in a position of high power, you should indulge yourself once in a while, you're wasting your life doing simple and miniscule things like, maybe try doing-"

"I do not need advice from you, Captain." I spoke in a cold voice, but this time I'm not pretending, "I'm an adult now, I'm more than capable of making decisions by myself."

He only let out a small laugh before continuing, "I've been with you since you first stepped foot on Temple grounds, I've watched you grow along with the other candidate maidens, I've been by your side ever since you were elected as the next Priestess. I think I'm allowed to give you some advice of my own" I kept silent, knowing that nothing will get through his head, "Here's a much simpler advice, hire some housemaids, it's clear you can't maintain your house alone. I promise, it'll help you live a lot easier."

My eyes avoided his, trying to quell my rising annoyance by staring outside, but I can't help but feel called out by his last statement which only added to my rising annoyance. The serene outside view made my mind run wild, thinking of all the paintings I could make with this kind of environment. Idly staring at the vast rice fields, the main source of food of our small nation, water from the fields reflect the sun above, sparkling at the water's subtle movements. Majority of Eklipsa's total land area is occupied by farms such as the one we've just passed, because of this; towns, villages, and especially the capital, are crowded with people. I'm just lucky that I can find myself a relatively secluded residence far from all of this and away from the ever so wandering eyes of the public. A quiet and peaceful life is all I wanted.

You know, being in this carriage reminds me of the tales of horseless versions of these from the outside world, scouts reported an abundance of horseless vehicles that roam the streets of one outside world's cities. My curious mind and only imagine what they might look like, others note that they are metallic, shining against the sun, others also take note that other variants exist like a two wheeled variant and a three wheeled one. Makes me wonder if I'll be able to ride anything like those in my lifetime, or maybe I'll just be stuck here performing my duties till I exhale my last breath.

Sigh…

Our transport rumbled and vibrated, feeling every dirt and rock that we pass over. Horses are running at full speed, the trip shouldn't take long. The wide rice plains would soon slowly transition into buildings as the common folk made way for our speeding ride. I can hear people, especially children, shouting words of my arrival and such to their friends and other family members. It doesn't matter what position you are in life, poor or rich, a noble or a commoner, there's one thing everyone has in common, faith. Our faith in the Old Ones is unmatched, it's the only one that kept us strong and fearless against any foe that we may face. The carriage passed over the brick roads that lead to the Temple, crowds continue to get bigger and bigger the deeper we are in the city, I saw even more houses, market stalls that are ever so lively, and people all over the street. The day is still young, and everyone is up and about during these hours.

Our ride had slowed down at the sheer amount of people scattered in the road, almost blocking our way, but I noticed something, the people were seemingly clueless of the situation at the Temple. I'm actually impressed that nothing was leaked to the public so far. Normally events as big and important as this would almost immediately get revealed by the public by someone who can't keep their mouths shut, but I guess it makes sense why that hasn't happened yet. What happens at the Temple, stays at the Temple, add the fact that only the Priestess, her candidate maidens, and temple guards are the only ones who have full access to the Temple. Let's not forget the punishment that could befall upon a person if anything in the Temple gets leaked to the public.

It wasn't long until we passed through the first torii gate, it was a far cry from the crowded street we've just managed to get through, of course there were still many citizens, mainly just people doing their daily prayers and worshiping silently. Our ride slowed to a slow gallop, respecting the peaceful and calm atmosphere. Memories from the past filled my mind. I remember the times when I was still a temple maiden working my way around the shrines along with the other maidens that had the same tasks. It wasn't an easy one to say the least, everyday we have to handle hundreds of worshippers with almost no rest whatsoever, even at night we have to work through the tiredness. Soon we would approach and stop just in front of the second torii gate, temple knights at the front stood tall in my presence as the guards from the back and front moved to the front and opened the door.

The Captain was first to get out and I shortly followed him out. The knights saluted as I walked past them and walked under the torii gate. Finally, we're at the Temple grounds, an ever so familiar building, the place where I spent the majority of my life in. Dark violet colors were abundant throughout the architecture and visible in almost every aspect of the grounds, from foliage to columns of the building.

Dozens of temple maidens flanked the path towards the main entrance as if they were expecting my arrival, a practice that even I had to go through. At the porch I saw two more knights standing side by side at the entrance of the sacred building as well as the supervisor of the Temple, the person who takes care of the place while I'm gone. As I walked down the stone path the maidens bowed their heads one-by-one, my steps were gentle and well-mannered, reminiscent of the training I had to go through before rising to this position. It was silent as the only sound present was the rustling leaves, my pounding heart, and the clacking of my platform sandals with my every step. Thankfully it didn't take long as I walked up on the porch and met face to face with the supervisor who also bowed down to me.

"So the time has come, Lady Ru'me" I spoke with a veil of coldheartedness. The supervisor looked at me and spoke with her calm and hollow voice.

"Indeed it has, Priestess. We've prepared everything as the scriptures told us to." She told me, we should be the same height, but the sandals created an illusion of being almost a head taller than her, "Glory be to the Priestess… Glory be to the Ancient Ones."

After the short conversation I continued my stride as the knights opened the sliding door for me and entered the sacred palace alone.

If it was silent outside, the inside was deafeningly silent. The Temple supervisor, who would normally be by my side acting as my personal assistant, didn't come along as such a sacred

procedure should only be handled by the Priestess and the Priestess alone. Normally knights would be scattered here and there protecting temple properties and historical artifacts, while maidens would up and about accomplishing their respective duties, but right now the building is devoid of life. It's almost unsettling to see a place that was once active and now so lifeless, it also doesn't help that the interior is barely lit with light passing through the paper thin windows making this place look abandoned. Other than sunlight, scented candles that emit a violet aroma also lit the building, adding to the atmosphere.

The Temple is vast, way bigger than it may seem from the outside. History tells us that this used to be a small shrine where the Sacred Book resided, but as time went on the Shrine slowly got bigger and bigger with almost every Priestess constructing their own additions to the shrine until it eventually reached its current size. I've passed through a handful of rooms and corridors by now, with each section I pass by the atmosphere continues to darken, a dreadful feeling filled my body as I dive deeper into this labyrinth. Shadows grow darker and the temperature slowly drops with each step I make. I made sure I closed the sliding door behind me, a habit that sprouted from my need for privacy and yet, I still feel like I'm being watched, stalked even, I tried to ignore this feeling but I cannot get it out of my head.

I approached one last shoji that lies at the end of this corridor, it was the entrance to the most sacred room in all of Eklipsa, the Holy Chamber. A place only the Priestess has access to, the place where the Book has been residing for over a millennium, untouched and undisturbed. I braved and slid the door open and saw the Book on its pedestal. Its violet colored cover and its distinctive red eye in the middle, giving off a menacing red glow, whispers and nonsensical babbling filled my head before coalescing into one booming voice.

Come closer… do not be afraid…

I approached slowly and with caution, with each step I inch closer and closer to the pedestal, the aura that surrounded the tome grew heavier and would almost be unbearable to an ordinary, untrained person. As I continue I notice my surroundings getting darker and darker, corners that were originally dimly lit would soon be pitch black but I kept my focus on the Book, soon the only things visible would be the lit candles at the sides of the pedestal as an infinite darkness surrounds me. I bowed my head as a sign of respect and reverence, "It's a great honor to finally speak you, Ancient Ones, I am-"

Ninomae Ina'nis, the young Priestess of Eklipsa.

Wha- How did it know my name?

Despite my dormancy, I still keep tabs on what's been happening in the world, young one. The state of this nation is saddening, from a grand Empire to a mere village that hides in the valleys of the mountains.

Oh how low we have fallen...

But enough of that. Rise, young Priestess.

I stood up straight and saw its red eye staring at me like it's observing me, I felt naked like every part of me is being scanned and these clothes do little to nothing to protect me. I tried

to not break my concentration and keep my mind in a calm state, but it has become extremely taxing on my mind to do so, I just hope that I don't collapse. Document of old that came from the first Priestess recorded of feeling a dark aura around the Book before she was bound to it. I guess this is what she was talking about.

Yes… a perfect vessel. Tell me, Ina'nis, how strong is your faith?

My pounding heart echoes through the emptiness, it is the only thing I hear in this void-like environment. I gulp, I want to speak but something is blocking my airways. I inhaled and exhaled, freeing up my throat and readying my answer, "My faith towards you is unmatched, like my predecessors before me. I am ready to serve you to my fullest and expend everything to your cause for I am sure that I didn't become a Priestess just by mere luck, but by fate."

Then are you ready for the mission that I'm about to bestow upon you?

"With all my heart, I am." Silence reigns as I await for an answer. I don't know if my answer is sufficient enough, I don't know if my answer is what they're looking for.

Good… good…

I silently sighed, the weight on my shoulders was slightly relieved.

Spread the word of my awakening to the people of Eklipsa, and after that you shall remain here at the Temple as we prepare ourselves for the upcoming events.

A whole new age is upon us, an era that will usher in the new gods!

I bowed once more, before finally exiting the chamber. Relief filled my body as the pressure subsided, my mind slowly cleared from all the whispers. I closed my eyes for a moment to rest my mind, I put a palm over my chest to feel my beating heart trying to calm myself, "a new age is upon us…" Those words echo through my mind. So it really is happening huh? I can't imagine how people would react when I break the news to everyone, the Ancient Ones have awoken, a new era will reign upon our nation. I hastened my pace, walking down the corridors with a sense of urgency. Once I reached the entrance I met with the supervisor who was still patiently waiting at the porch, I told her to gather the maidens and she did. I pass the message onto them and order them to relay the news to all corners of Eklipsa.

It didn't take long for people to start piling on to the sacred grounds. Folks from all walks of life arrived, it is just past noon now, the people are chattering as their voices fill the once calm atmosphere that the grounds once had. Temple knights are abundant and created a parameter between sacred and Temple grounds, the military also joined in to help control the crowd as generals commanded and rallied their men, their violet uniforms stand out from the sea of people. Meanwhile, me? I stayed in the Temple as the Ancient Ones told me to, getting used to the heavy aura that it emitted. Subtle whispers would often enter my ears that would immediately disappear as soon as I took notice. As time passes by my mind would go on moments where it would begin to static and sometimes cloud making me oblivious, but simple movements or a simple distraction would remedy these unnatural occurrences.

While traversing the Temple in an attempt to distract myself I can't help but see eyes within regular objects, like vases, paintings, and even plants. I don't know whether it's just my mind playing tricks, an illusion, or something that is related to all these abnormalities. Whatever it is it's starting to affect more clearly than the others, the feeling of always being watched is unsettling me to the core. I found that the best way to deal with it is to not notice it in the first place, yet the feeling still lingers on. I peeked outside with an open window, people filled the court to the brim to the point where you can't even drop a needle in it, it almost feels like the entirety of Eklipsa is right here. I decided to return to the chamber with my mind rested, I took deep breaths to prepare myself before I entered. I approached the Sacred Book with confidence, enduring the ominous air that surrounds it, though I have to say it has gotten a little easier for me to handle than the first time but still. Whispers once more surrounded my mind, once more coalescing into one singular voice.

The time has come, Priestess.

I did a quick bow, "The citizens of Eklipsa have gathered around the Temple."

Very well then…

Raise me from my pedestal, Priestess. I have no doubts that the people are eagerly waiting for my return from my millennia long slumber, the return of the ones that will once again bring them greatness and prosperity.

Following their orders I reach out my arms and cautiously touch the violet cover of the Book, its eye glowing a brilliant red as I continue my actions. My hands, with care and gentleness, grip the sides as I feel the textured cover, the heavy and dark atmosphere that further intensified and whispers got louder and louder, yet I endured. I raise the Sacred Book from its resting place, I rotate the book so that the eye is facing away and in front of me before I hold it from my waist. All of a sudden the pressure that was crushing me was suddenly lifted, though not completely gone the change in the atmosphere was still a huge whiplash to me.

Now then, let us continue outside.

With the Book in hand I walk down the corridor and begin my procession to the outside. It was silent. My heartbeat is the dominant sound as I make my way outside, my sandals hitting the wooden floor echoes throughout the walls of the corridors, and the subtle noise from the crowds outside fills the ambience. With every step I make, the closer we are to this so-called new era that will bring prosperity to Eklipsa, the mumbles from the crowd get louder and louder as I approach the shoji that separates the outside from the interior of the Temple.. With one hand I opened the door and the bright sunlight almost blinds me. I took a step outside as my eyes slowly adjusted to the brightness.

The knights stood tall with utmost discipline but rather than salute like they did before, they bowed. The supervisor's eyes widened before bowing almost immediately and the maidens, who were busy with their duties, stopped at their tracks and bowed as well. I look down at the Book to see its eye glowing brighter than ever. I continued my way to a makeshift platform that was hastily constructed for these kinds of public announcements, guards who saw me, or more appropriately, saw the Book, immediately bowed down at its presence. I made my way

upwards to the platform and saw the sheer number of people that were present with my own two eyes. Seeing it and being there is a different experience altogether. Crowds gasped and were utterly silenced as they saw me, or the Book. The silence that followed was uncomfortable, though I am used to this. I've done this a handful of times before with no problem, but with thousands of eyes all focused on you and nothing else, it's an anxiety inducing moment for anyone. My breathing haggard as I try to speak to the public.

"I have called upon all of you today to bring you news. For thousands of years we have suffered, punished, and endured. For countless days and nights we have prayed endlessly in hopes to return to the days of the Empire, it hopes that we will once again flourish and return to the greatness that once was. The damage that was done during the Schism is still felt today, our great nation was fractured and torn into shreds, our faith questioned and dirtied, and our strength reduced to nothing, but today, everything changes. I, the Priestess, messenger of the Great Old Ones, have brought all of you great news.

People of Eklipsa, heed my words! The Ancient Ones have awoken from their slumber!

No longer will we suffer, no longer shall we live in turmoil, for the Ancient Ones have promised us to bring us back to the greatness that once was. Eklipsa shall prosper once more and return to our rightful claim to this world. Citizens, the time has come once more, the Great Crusade, that was halted by the Schism, shall once again resume with unwavering fervor, and unmatched strength and bravery! I call upon the army to enlist en masse as we prepare to reclaim what was once ours to begin with.

Rejoice! As starting today, I declare a three day feast in celebration of their return."

Ah, I feel lightheaded, as if I'm about to pass out. I look at the crowd and see them cheering and shouting, some clapping is also present. The speech felt instantaneous, I don't even remember what I just said if I even said anything, and yet I'm standing right here and in front of everyone, cheering after my speech. I look to my side to see the Captain who's gleefully smiling and clapping, the supervisor who does the same gesture as well. So it begins, the new era is upon all of us. I look down to see the book, its ever observing eye staring right back at me.

As for you, Priestess. Prepare yourself, for we shall begin the ritual on the third and final night of the feast.

I silently stare back, all while the crowds roar in cheers.

Author's Note:

The plot thickens...

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