Etched in Parchment

Growth & Glory

There was a time that heroes, villains, gods and goddesses ever prevailed. Gods chose champions to become heroes to defeat great foes and save the world.

Like right now, in our story. That starts with a 16 year old named Clance surviving an ambush from the antagonist of this tale threatening to destroy the core of the Earth. Holding much more than molten, boiling lava but the power of this universe.

Bloodied, aching, and with never-ending pain he stood under the piercing gaze of the goddess that summoned him.

"A car ambush. How ironic is it that that's how we met and that's how it's supposed to end."

"I'm not dead yet, Yve. I used this," Clance winced,still cracking a smile and proudly showing a relic entrusted to him that preserves life. One that can only be used once.

"Yes, yes and you're very proud of yourself aren't you?" Goddess Yve spits, sarcasm laced in every word.

Clance shrunk with disappointment but he tried his best to not let it show.

"Blessed universe." Goddess Yve curses, exasperated. "Very well. Let this be a lesson to you then. How could you even let this happen, Clance? If you're going to die, die with glory!...." Her words blended into a blur as Clance's surroundings changed. A familial occurrence as they leave the Sanctuary in which Mortals and Otherworldly creatures can meet.

The white turned into a busy mall. Shoppers everywhere and very significant sales enticed them.

'Mom would have a field day if she were here.' Clance thought. Instinctively on his feet following the Goddess still going on a rant that he cannot hear.

'I think the crash messed up my ears.'

He brought his hands up to both to confirm, and there he discovered that one side was softer than the other. Clance sighed, accepting that this is what he now has. Another sacrifice for the Great Universe.

He spared a glance to the raging Goddess, angered still. Mindlessly floating about, her presence barely noticed by the humans around them, aside from a few that stared much longer but choosing not to pry for their own good.

"...for supporting us! We are excited for all you Stars to see the next season of Andromeda: Heir to the Sky. I hope you enjoy and give our dearest Andie as much love as you did the first and second season. Episode One and Two of Season three will air this Saturday at 8PM PST. Stay tuned and reach high Stars!" the commercial sang from the big television screen displayed behind a glass frame.

"Ah I need to catch up with AHTS! There's already 2 new seasons." Clance groaned. Sticking his head to the window pane and watching a recap of the second season of his favorite show.

Meanwhile, the Goddess Yve's anger fluctuated but plummeted just as quickly after a certain realization.

She floated back towards Clance, frustrated at the hero's carelessness and ignorance. "Blessed Universe. Hero Clance, don't you have anything better to do?"

"Yeah. Catch up on Andromeda. The commercial says she's going to take back the throne this season. She was still working at the coffee shop when I last watched this. I missed by a lot!" He answered, his eyes still glued to the screen advertising countless things that he does not care for.

Goddess Yve rolled her eyes in frustration. "That show is a mockery of the Sky Dimension. As if a half mortal like that can rule a dimension with ease. It's ridiculous! Hero Clance that show is for chil-"

A certain realization.

She stopped in her tracks. Taken aback by the thought that has slipped her mind. Disbelief etched in her face, a squeak escaping her throat as she basked in the truth that has always been in front of her.