Shadow Beings

67. The Beginning of Change

I silently hovered in the empty air, deep in thought.

A choice... a choice between Earth and the Land of Oblivion?

I looked towards the two roads now. One was a home I'd known my whole life, and the other was a home I'd never been to.

A choice between places to live? She'd never ask such a question.

Unless...

I closed my sight, picturing my body's form in my attention. A short figure emerged in the air, her eyes closed and her short hair moved slightly with the sensation of a fresh breeze.

My ball of light cautiously travelled towards her neck. Gliding in a timeless manner.

Just as I thought, a thin and opaque line of black cut across the right side of my figure's neck. I sensed an aura of negativity come from it, though it came from the past and no more lingered in the present. 

The power had delivered its damage.

At the very last second, Vlad decided to use the summation of his remaining power to nullify the literal energy of my existence. Ariana said he never had any "bad" intentions, he only wished to return things home? My energy is what gives me my ability and my angelic segment. Two parts of me. Perhaps one was a pseudo factor?

I had to choose one of them... which one was me? 

The one that has stayed by my side since the beginning of my time, or the one that feels more right?

I returned to the crossroads, sighing in this abstract space. The Land of Oblivion really was so... inviting. To be in peace, be free and finally get a proper chance to learn more about my angelic side - my abilities, the land of Hearth, Aurelia and perhaps even my mother.

Hearth is a separate place though, isn't it? Just because something reminds you of another, doesn't mean they're related. Biased perspectives?

Free, open, limitless, a white light filling a physical space endlessly to create a more esoteric space that is simultaneously a void and contains everything. So much that can be done, so many thoughts open. Still, the land didn't hold the essence of my origin, a true home. That belonged to someplace else... somewhere I would perhaps go with time.

I turned towards Sylva Vita and the headquarters. The road began to fill with images of my memories; of Galen and I having fun and training together, Evelyn forcing Conrad and I to run with her, Trina teaching an assortment of things while Elek discussed them and other little things with me. Theo and Jack would visit the garden often to take care of its life, play with it, appreciate it and simply give in every possible way. And of course, being in Sylva Vita with Ava and Holly was another thing dear to me.

Too many things to list. Too many events to remember. Was it a sign of a poor mind or a good past? Is all that we remember all that has any value, or does it become a part of us even if it leaves our thoughts?

All the precious moments from my existence passed through my sight; actions and conversations and the presence of the people I knew. Simply observing different forms of life in places across Earth, even with the dark deeds lingering in the air. An instrument in a hall I adored. A blend of the sounds of life. A blend of the auras of life. And their thoughts. And their emotions. And everything.

Without any doubt I moved towards the road on my left, that fresh smell of my home battling Earth's convoluted self. I had more than enough time left for myself. But for the moment, I had a duty to fulfil. Jay made me the leader with full trust in a time too important to leave behind.