World Watcher

A planet slowly rotated amongst a sea of stars. Sitting high above the world was a peculiar individual. They sat calmly, barely even moving in their observation yet seeing a great deal. A village harvest being collected by farmers, merchants bartering their wares in ports and camps, guards patrolling streets, outlaws skulking in the shadows, the figure saw it all.

And yet the one thing that had their attention was not so much the daily events happening below them but rather what was happening outside of their view.

So the story begins, the figure said quietly.

They turned to face what appeared to be the great void of space but stared at its audience. They came into clearer detail, revealing a jackal with a diamond halo encircling its head.

I know you're there and that you're reading this, the figure said to the audience, Surprised? I suppose in a way you are since this is an odd way for a story to start. But I am an observer, regardless of whatever my role may be in this story.

The Jackal chuckled quietly at this statement before turning their attention back to the world below.

I suppose this story is starting off like any other of a similar nature...and it may very well play out in ways one would expect it to. But that's what you're here for is it not? You wouldn't have come to this story otherwise and if you're still reading then I have your attention, the jackal said without breaking their gaze, So...let the story begin.

Without moving, the Jackal disappeared. The planet continued spinning, completely unaware of its observer or the audience.

"Are you sure about these movements?"

"Yes my lady. The Broken Lords and Allayi are preparing for war."

"And what of our attempts at mediation? Surely those fools are aware of the growing Necrophage hordes."

"I have no word about such matters."

"Very well. Get some rest before returning to Colvanth."

Zolya, the First of the Bloodline, sighed as the courier left. She was tired and it was barely mid-morning. She turned to face a window, looking over the Argosy Citadel. It had only been claimed by her people, the Vaulters, a scant two months ago and it was earned through blood against the Necrophages. Her people were militarily weak and politically factionalized despite the victories, ill equipped to oversee their conquered territories and maintain border security at the same time.

"Opbot," she called, still staring out the window.

"I have already thought up a number of possible solutions. Shall I incorporate them into the annual plan?" a robot asked, coming out of an office.

"I want to review the budget and current military forces first. We might need to call in a few favors within the Great Orrery to secure the border," she said.

I'm afraid there is more than one war brewing, a different voice said.

"Jackal… Unless you have another gift to bear me I must ask you to leave. I am in no mood for cryptic nonsense," Zolya turned to face the newcomer, unfazed by the abrupt intrusion.

I come with a warning and a suggestion.

"It's time for the story...isn't it? The one you were theorizing was a possibility," Opbot questioned.

Yes.

"Damn you and damn everything else. You saw this was coming and you told us to follow through with that war with the Necrophages regardless. You of all higher beings should know how this world works and the consequences of your decisions," Opbot all but snarled.

"I'm not going to bother trying to understand the machinations of higher beings. Tell me what I need to know, both of you," Zoyla interjected, stepping between the two.

In fairness I had an idea what was coming entirely. As to what it is exactly I don't know other than the fact that our actions will influence the future of this world on a global scale, the Jackal glanced at Opbot before looking at Zoyla, Someone or something has slipped my view and has been on the move. Well armed groups of raiders and soldiers have been getting bold in their actions and even have been fighting alongside Decayed. At first I thought it was my fault for being distracted but due to...the recent presence of others I know that dark times are coming. I'll be speaking with the Spirit Trees after this...much as I loath to do with those uptight egotistical shrubs.

"So what do we do then you mutt?" Opbot asked.

I assume you are planning on rebuilding your armies, correct?, they nodded, Good, that's the first thing I recommend along with other forms of stabilization. The second is to broaden your diplomatic efforts, specifically to the Coalition and Cherrystone.

"The Coalition? Forget it. I've run the numbers and those paranoid maniacs could care less for us. They barely even glance at the few cities they actually control on the surface. Railton being a perfect example," Opbot scoffed.

"No, it can work. The Coalition values technology and science just as much as we do. We simply need to find the right governors to speak with," Zoyla said.

"It would work if we had the time, resources, or political stability. We have none of those things. Cherrystone is a far better option even if they're further away."

I personally know a few Coalition governors who can work around the bureaucracy. Give me a week to talk with them, the Jackal said.

"You should have said that first. Do you ever think about what you're going to say or do you just spew out cryptic nonsense? I could have thought up five different approaches in the amount of time it took for you to say that sentence," Opbot grumbled.

Says the machine that prides itself on its logic and intelligence yet is acting like an emotional child.

"Both of you stop, I have a fragmented nation to lead. I can ill afford two trusted and valued advisors such as yourselves to be at each other's throats over petty reasons," Zolya glared at them both, "Before I agree to anything I must know what makes you two so afraid. Opbot, three years ago you resisted the Jackal at every turn. Jackal, you have been known to reveal yourself only when history will change and only to those who will impact it. So what is this 'story' and how does it affect the Vaulters?" Zoyla demanded.

The Jackal turned their head and hesitated before speaking, You are a brave woman Zoyla… Most look at me in awe and few have mustered the courage to demand such answers, they turned to face her, I don't know...not fully. I have seen many subtle signs over the past few years, much like a buildup to a plot. As you are aware, stories have conclusions but as to what that conclusion will be like or when it will happen...I don't know entirely outside of an educated guess. Even if there are events that are obvious to happen, I cannot tell when they will happen nor how they will play out. Some things I can easily predict, others I can't even with my observance. The one thing I do know for absolute certainty is that a difference can be made should I interfere...hopefully for the best. I know that's not what you wanted to hear but ignorance is bliss for those who cannot comprehend reality on the scale higher beings can.

The Jackal faced Opbot, You're a better political advisor than I, Opbot… The Vaulters are the best hope for Auriga right now and neither of us want to wait another millenia to undo a disaster here. You'll know what needs to be done. Unify the Vaulters, find allies, and be ready...this brewing storm rivals cataclysms of the past even if it's less obvious.

The Jackal turned and walked out into the office. Upon turning the corner, they had disappeared.

"Opbot...what was that about? Answer me," Zolya said, shaken at seeing such an influential being so disturbed.

"As much as I hate the bastard, they are telling the truth, Zoyla. The Jackal, no matter what standard they set themselves too, has always had the best interest for this world. They have their faults and definitely have a dark past, but they do what they truly believe is the right thing. As for what this 'story' is...let's just say there are some things the Endless never knew and that us higher beings would prefer not to know..."

"Tiel?"

"Here."

"Mor?"

"Here."

"Gora?"

"Here."

"Ori?"

"Here."

"That should be it. Have I forgotten anyone before we start? Speak up now."

Ori sighed. Every month this obnoxious process of meeting with the other Spirit Trees wasted his time. Sure, the first few times he was pleased to actually communicate with other beings normally but it had gotten tedious. Seventy years living as a gigantic tree, having monthly meetings with other gigantic trees, all discussing topics beyond their control, would wear anyone down. It was even worse when he realized that the majority of them believed themselves superior due to their faith in the Light. Save for a few (Sein especially), he could care less about the other Spirit Trees.

At least he had mentally recovered from the trauma of saving two forests. Mostly… Enough so that he can actually focus and live his life as an oversized plant.

"Right then. First order of business is in regards to the Stillfern outbreak. Anyone have a lead on that?," one of the other Trees started the meeting.

It's minor. Just a few Decayed running amok and being hunted by a mob of angry farmers.

Wait...that was not a Spirit Tree talking. Ori shifted his attention and saw an uninvited visitor.

"Jackal...how pleasant of you to speak with us," the lead Spirit Tree said with honeyed words.

Let's skip the pleasantries and false smiles. Your concern is the Decay and our goals align today, the Jackal said with the subtlety and tact of a Spirit Smash.

"How bad are things? Is there another Blindness somewhere?" Ori asked anxiously, concern building inside him.

Ah, it's you. To answer your second question, no there is not a new Blindness last time I looked. As for your first question...the Decay has been showing signs of organization...everywhere. I have also been seeing Decayed work with unsavory individuals who have up until recently remained discrete.

Ori felt sick. He had faced the Decay many times over his life, each time adding a new nightmare that plagued him. He had been fortunately spared of its more "intelligent" attacks but he has heard of many clans suffering temporary Blindnesses because of said attacks. Why anyone would dare to ally themselves with it was nothing short of pure madness to the highest degree.

"Ridiculous! The Decay is a mockery of life, it doesn't understand intelligence! And even if the Decayed were intelligent they would corrupt others, not work with them!" a voice cried out, several others joining in agreement.

"There they go again," Sein said quietly to Ori, "So prideful and arrogant, staring straight into the Light until they are blind. Never able to understand the tenacity and willpower of those without it."

Ori would have physically cringed if he could, but agreed nevertheless with the scything remark. Having grown up in a family that was far removed from the Light made him respect its power without the fanaticism. Even for all of his power in wielding the Light, he found the endeavors of those without it to be more impressive. Niwen had been a perfect example of this, its denizens resisting the Decay for every scrap of sustainable land right up to his arrival and subsequent quest within its territories.

Too bad the other Spirit Trees and their clans had a superiority complex that was matched only by their egos.

"This isn't going to end well… Why am I being reminded of the Ginso Tree right now?" Ori asked, trying to figure out why the large tree was invading his thoughts as the mocking and shouting slowly ceased.

Are you quite finished with the jeering? Because I have been speaking with those who have been actively fighting the Decay at every turn and they do not lie about what the Decay has been up to, the Jackal said.

It took a moment for Ori to realize which clans the Jackal was speaking about. They were far smaller than those who secluded themselves and their lands from the typical meetings between Spirit Trees. In many ways, Ori envied them. The wider world had so much in it that made his explorative nature giddy at the thought of learning. On the other hand, politics were bad enough when everyone involved was a giant plant. There were also the petty wars and far greater forces of Decay to worry about...both of which he would rather not deal with for the sake of his sanity. Just dealing with the petty squabbles of those under his watch was difficult enough for him on a personal level.

"They have been getting involved with the affairs of others. They have abandoned the Light in favor of those who desecrate the world!" a Spirit Tree shouted.

"Please tell me I did not act like this when I was younger," Sein muttered to herself.

Enough! I did not come here to insult or be insulted! The Decay is up to something and I have no idea what is going on. If you prideful fools have enough respect to meet each other once a month, you have enough respect to rally your tribes and clans for whatever the Decay is planning, the Jackal exploded in frustration.

"Huh...so that's why I was thinking about the Ginso Tree," Ori commented, mentally replacing the Jackal with the memory of water geysering violently beneath him as he frantically climbed for his life.

"To fight wars like those barbaric 'civilizations?'" a voice jeered, causing a few others to join in.

You've been fighting a war since the existence of your species. Now this war has entered a new stage. You are under no obligation to heed my advice but you will bear the consequences of your actions. There are several I must speak with who at least know when to match their ego with their responsibilities.

The Jackal vanished after that. Most of the other Spirit Trees merely continued their meeting as if nothing happened. Ori shifted his attention to Sein in concern while the few other Spirit Trees who also stood out from the majority found solace in their own companions. While he had no desire to get entangled in the affairs of others any more than necessary, the mere thought of the Decay running unchecked shook him to the core.

"What should we do? Niwen is too far away from any major clan other than yours. I can't deal with another Blindness Sein...not again," he whispered, dark memories and nightmares threatening to fracture his carefully constructed barriers.

"Calm yourself, we'll speak later. For now we should stay in the good graces of the others. Regardless of the Jackal's warnings, tend to your lands and be the hope that has inspired others," Sein replied.

Ori was grateful for her assistance. Once again she was keeping him focused on the present and not his nightmares. Taking a mental deep breath, he calmed down. He could handle this, he did save two forests from the Decay before he even became an adult after all.

In an underground cavern was a laboratory. Everything was in ruins and even parts of the ceiling had caved in. The floor was cracked and discolored from neglect. Only faint light shone through cracks in the ceiling, barely illuminating the room. The Jackal was sitting in the center of the room, tail whisking angrily.

It's a mistake to be here… You always knew how to haunt me, make every decision a thousand times more difficult than before, and make me regret my existence. Not even death can stop you, they growl at the collapsed rubble in front of them.

Three damn centuries… You're probably laughing aren't you? Look at me...the Jackal, the great observer who sees all failing to notice another catastrophe brewing until it appears on the horizon. The guide who has led empires to golden ages and revolutions against tyrants unable to let go of their mistake. The damn Jackal who is responsible for building a civilization that reached the stars only to create a living hell as their masterpiece!

The room remained silent, not even a gust of wind responded to the cries of anger. The Jackal huffed and turned to face the audience. They sat for a moment to calm themselves, tail slowing before coming still as they returned their gaze to the rubble.

And yet...this world has survived. You never accepted the idea that us higher beings are nothing but mere guides. Even after three centuries fighting me, you failed to understand how this world works. We aren't the lords of this world, never were and never will be.

Turning to the audience once again, the Jackal took a deep breath, This is not my story. I am nothing more than an important actor who dances to the tune. This chapter might paint me as the hero, but I am only a guide and an observer.

This is a world of science and magic, heroes and monsters, triumph and despair. We stand here in one place where those very things shaped the outcome of this world. There might always be a being of immense power who can destroy the fabric of reality itself, but this world has no shortage of individuals who have the willpower to defy them, the Jackal glared at the rubble, Isn't that right Judgement?

The Jackal gave one final hard look towards the rubble and left. The laboratory was silent once again.

The Jackal returned to their place in orbit, waiting for the moment to act while they watched the world.

So...let the story begin.