[ Creators ]

Chapter 1

Not many know where lost souls of Creators or Creations end up. Some say they descend into an abyss to forever be forgotten. Others say once a well-known Creator finally perishes those that knew of their work in life preserve their ideas for generations to come. As for me, I believe those taken from life too quickly hide in plain sight, whether by their own will or because fate has other plans for them. And fate certainly had a plan for this soul, as it sits in a quaint looking machine, enveloped in a white scarf.

Overlooking this contraption is a very tall, beautiful young woman, with hair of pale green and a dress of ivory white, adorned in gold jewelry. Her stance is strong and she wears a hopeful yet nervous expression. As she flips the switch she whispers, "Please...let this work.", to no one in particular. The machine sparks to life and begins electrifying the contents inside, as the green woman shields her eyes from the blinding light, she can make out the shape of a young boy forming. She sees his hair and clothing of white before a bright flash occurs. When the woman looks up again, she sees that the capsule that had contained the boy shattered, he now lies on the floor unconscious, his once snow-white hair turned a raven black. The boy begins to wake up, and through his blurry gaze, he sees a familiar silhouette.

"...mother?" He questions weakly. The young woman's composure falters and for a moment she feels rather awkward. After collecting herself she responds, "No- not quite. I am Gaia." "o-oh...is this...w-where people go after they die?", the black-haired boy asks with a shaky tone. "No, not usually.", replies Gaia, "but you are a special case. For you see, it was I who brought you back from death." The boy ponders this for only a moment before beginning to panic. "I'm...alive again? W-wait where am I? Will they find me-!? Oh, god, I'm not safe-"He gets up to run but falls over due to a lack of strength. Gaia approaches him, "Easy there, young one." As the boy's vision slowly returns to him, he begins to take in what's around him: a large hallway suspended by marble pillars with tiled floors, illuminated by floating lights, all a similar hue to Gaia; Through the ceiling, he can make out a starlit sky. "This place...I've never seen it before...is this outer space?" "In a way, I suppose. You are in my Space, this is my home." "...How are we even breathing here?" Gaia is impressed by the young man's curiosity. "How about I ask you a question: what is your name, young one?"

"...Straus."

"Well, it is very nice to meet you, Straus. I assure you that you will be safe under my protection." Straus sits and looks up at Gaia, "I forgot to ask this upfront but...why did you bring me back to life?" "A simple answer", Gaia replies without hesitation, "I see potential in you." Straus tilts his head in confusion. Gaia continues, "I want you to join me in my work. I am a Creator, have you by any chance heard of those?" Straus shakes his head, "forgive me but I don't."

"Creators are all-powerful people who can build Worlds. I'm sure wherever you came from had a Creator behind it. I can teach you the ways of Creation...what do you say, Straus?" Straus has no idea what he could be getting in to but decides he has nothing else to lose anyway. "I...guess I could give it a shot? This is all new territory for me."

Gaia kneels to get a better look at her new prodigy, "Do not worry. I will guide you."