BLUE ELEGY
The day Earth was destroyed started like any other on the Celestial Ring.
Those in the know were presented a choice, and almost all chose to ascend, seeking refuge in the Celestial Ring or distant worlds.
As on the Celestial Ring, the day on Earth started no differently than usual.
The dawn's early light brushed over the horizon, bathing oceans and forests in a tapestry of gold, pink, and violet.
For millennia, this sight had been the prologue to humanity's daily stories. For more ancient species, it had been a longer affair. Today, it would be Earth's final act.
And from the Celestial Ring's observation decks, countless souls watched, their gazes tethered to the speck of blue that had been humanity's cradle.
Here, high above in the cosmic gallery, they gathered; silent witnesses to the end of an era.
It was a final goodbye. Not to every Earth, not forever, but to this particular one, at least.
There were those who wept for memories made, and times that would never come again in the exact same shade. Earth was not just a planet; it was home.
It was more than soil and sea; it was where memories were woven, love flourished, and dreams took flight, sometimes only to falter.
And so tears flowed freely for some, while others stood lost in silent reflection.
One young man's cry resonated, accusing gods and monarchs and the Emperor of their fate. A grandmother murmured her gratitude for bygone days and hopes for the morrow. An artist, tears streaking her cheeks, tried to capture Earth's final glow. A scientist continued to record data until the very last moment, while a father clutched a jar, a piece of his homeland.
The promise of the new world hinted at a luminous future, but the sorrow of leaving behind their home was inescapable.
In the crowd, children gazed in wonder, their innocence shielding them from most of the gravitas of the moment, but not from feeling as though something important was happening before their eyes.
As Earth's end neared, a haunting melody arose. The sound of silence — a requiem for Earth.
People gazed at their ancestral planet one last time, etching its image into their memories.
The last barriers holding off the kami's devastation were lifted.
With a final sigh, Earth broke.
The once vibrant planet, teeming with life and echoing with the laughter of civilizations, fragmented into a million shimmering pieces, becoming stardust amidst the eternal void.
Though Earth's song had ended, its echoes would forever guide the way.
Humanity had embarked on a new journey, taking with them their roots, their stories, and their spirit.
With this chapter closed, humanity's gaze turned both forward and inward.
On the horizons were uncharted galaxies awaiting exploration, mysteries to uncover, and new homes to establish.
Within the vast embrace of the Celestial Ring lay boundless opportunity to craft communities, live a peaceful, happy life, and sculpt a thriving society for eons to come.
In the vastness of space, a chapter had ended, but the story of humanity, with all its hopes, dreams, and ambivalence, was just beginning.