The Birth of a World

The realm of Scarlesia is one of complete mystery. Its inhabitants are composed of a gel-like substance that can’t be destroyed. Because of this, they can take on the shape of any other living organism in existence.

Species of other realms and planets who have encountered these beings call them shapeshifters or Changelings. However, there is a difference between the two. Changelings are creatures of flesh and blood, whereas shapeshifters are not. The latter of the two can only imitate life, and so do not have the same requirements as a true life form.

In the beginning, the planet was a barren wasteland, devoid of all life. Each of the seven deities molded and shaped the landscapes to their own desires.

The first, Bô’Chi brought about the oceans, lakes, and all the dwellers of the deep. While Larün created forests and other plants. Syriûn created mountains and volcanoes; Sûrreimün followed by creating all the other animals that would inhabit each region. The weather and seasons followed shortly after created by the Twins Ceryphos and Ramourus.

Finally, Lylianna’s creation was brought to the planet, as an observer over all the beasts and plants to co-exist together. These beings were bestowed the highest of gifts above all other creatures: intelligence.

“What can we do to please you for this gift?” asked one of the first.

“There is nothing you need do,” answered Lylianna. “But continue to watch over and protect the lesser creatures that share this world with you.”

As time went on, temples and shrines were constructed to honor the gods. Many gathered, each worshipping their own deity, in their respective shrines. The largest of these was known as the Great Temple. It was a place for all gods to be worshipped at once.

Then, one day, the gods stopped appearing to receive their praise, and the people became worried. Some feared they’d been abandoned by their creators. Many attempts were made to summon them, but to no avail. No matter how hard they prayed, or how loud they’d shout, there was no answer.

Finally, Aalzhad had taken it upon himself to gather a crowd in the town square. This year’s harvest had been particularly small, barely enough to feed everyone.

“Where are the gods now, when we need them most?” he cried. “They no longer care for their creations, and so have deserted us, leaving us to fend for ourselves.”

Many people took his rantings to heart, gathering the courage to follow.

Aalzhad, with his group of followers, entered the Great Temple, desecrating everything holy inside, as a challenge to the gods’ power.

The deed done, some of the followers had second thoughts about their actions. However, once the gods appeared before them, it was too late.

“Why have you ruined such a symbol of holiness?” Lylianna asked, distantly.

“It has been months since we last spoke with any of you,” Aalzhad replied, angered by her tone of voice. “What have we done to deserve this silent treatment?”

Lylianna offered a small smile, saying, “We did not do this to punish you. It was a test to see how prepared you were. We’ve taught you everything you need to thrive in your home, but it would seem it wasn’t enough.” She sighed, and everyone within earshot fell to their knees, driven almost to the point of tears upon hearing the melodious sound. “I knew this was going to happen, so now you must be shown the true path.”

Ceryphos stepped forth, and with a wave of his hand, stripped the essence of life from all people of the realm. The only things left intact were the basic shapes of their bodies, and the color of their eyes. Males were silver; females' copper.

Their bodies no longer of flesh and blood, became a sticky ooze-like substance. They no longer needed the internal organs of a living being, though the one vital piece to their existence allowed them was their brains.

“From this day forth, you will no longer be recognized by the mere appearances you once had. Nor, shall you need to fear the end of your days, as there will be none,” Ceryphos stated authoritatively. “You have stained your honor with this one act; but more importantly, you have denied us ours. Until you can repay this debt, you will remain on this planet, a doomed race; neither living nor dead.” When forlorn cries were made, he raised a hand to silence them. “However, I give you the benefit of the shape changing. You can mold your appearance to your will.”

He waved his hand once more, though nothing physically changed, they could feel it.

Then, without further speech, Ceryphos retreated from the Great Temple to his private chambers in heaven to contemplate what had just been done. The silence hung heavy in the air, until Aalzhad could stand it no longer.

“How are we to change our appearance with only others of our kind and the animals to rely on?” he asked, helplessly.

“That is a remarkable question,” Lylianna replied, placing a hand to her chin. “The answer I shall provide you with, will allow you to travel among other races on distant planets in the blink of an eye.” She waved her hand across the open space. Again, nothing physical changed, but they could feel their new power in their minds. “I now leave you to contemplate your own actions and the consequences they have wrought.”

The remaining six deities left the Great Temple, barring the gates to heaven and all the hells behind them. Aalzhad and his followers would have felt ashamed, and pleaded for forgiveness, had the changes to their bodies and minds not left them out of touch with emotion.

All the same, this race had brought about its own undoing with a simple act of a desperate call for help.