Beastmen: Divinity in the wild

CHAPTER-3

Aria stepped through the portal that led from her mother's realm to her father's domain, a place of almost nothingness. The transition was stark and immediate.

The celestial palace, with its vibrant colors and serene beauty, gave way to an expanse that was both endless and void, a plane of existence where time and space seemed to hold little meaning. The ground beneath her feet was a shimmering silver, as if she stood upon the surface of a tranquil sea frozen in time, while the sky above was an infinite stretch of deep indigo, dotted with countless stars.

In the center of this vast nothingness stood her father, the god of the beasts, radiating an aura of immense power and tranquility. His form was imposing, yet his presence exuded warmth and wisdom. His skin gleamed like polished bronze, and his eyes, a piercing blue, held the depth of the universe. He wore robes of midnight blue, adorned with constellations that seemed to move and shift as he did.

Beside him stood her brother, tall and strong, his demeanor reflecting the same blend of strength and kindness that marked their father's. His hair was a darker shade of white, almost silver, and his eyes mirrored the color of the sky at dawn, a mix of blues and purples.

Aria approached them with a determined stride, her white hair flowing behind her, her eyes-an entrancing mix of orange and pink-shining with resolve.

"Father, Brother," she greeted them with a deep bow, her voice steady but tinged with emotion.

Her father, Orion, extended a hand to her, his expression both proud and tender. "Aria, my radiant star. It is good to see you."

Her brother, Kael, stepped forward, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "Sister, it's been too long. You look ready for any challenge."

Aria smiled, feeling the strength of their bond. "I've come to discuss the mission. Mother told me about the heart of the forest and the urgency of restoring it. I'm ready to go to Beastworld and do what must be done."

Orion nodded, his gaze filled with both pride and concern. "I knew you would be. The heart of the forest is vital for the balance and prosperity of Beastworld. Your unique abilities make you the only one who can truly sense and restore it."

Kael placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "While you are away, I will take over your duties in our mother's realm. I will ensure everything is taken care of, so you can focus entirely on your mission."

Aria felt a deep surge of gratitude and love for her family. "Thank you, Kael. Knowing you are there eases my mind."

Orion stepped closer, enveloping both his children in a protective embrace. "We are all part of this, together. Aria, your task is daunting, but I have every faith in you. Remember, you are never alone. Our strength and love are with you always."

They stood there for a moment, the silence of the vast nothingness around them a testament to the profound connection they shared. Each of them was aware of the weight of their responsibilities, but also the unwavering support they provided each other.

As they parted, Orion placed a gentle kiss on Aria's forehead. "Go with the blessings of the heavens, my daughter. Restore what has been lost and bring balance to Beastworld."

Kael smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "Good luck, Aria. We'll be here, ready to support you however we can."

Aria took a deep breath, feeling the strength of their love and support bolstering her resolve. "Thank you, Father. Thank you, Kael. I will not fail."

With one last look at her family, Aria turned and stepped through the portal that would lead her to Beastworld, ready to face the challenges ahead and fulfill her destiny.

Flashback ends

Aria's consciousness floated in the void as she tried to make sense of her new reality. The sensation of being in an infant's body was disconcerting. She had agreed to this mission, but the fine print-being reborn as a baby-had somehow slipped past her.

With an exasperated sigh, she summoned the essence of her father, Orion. Her spirit reached out across the realms, calling him to their usual meeting place in the expanse of nothingness.

Aria's infant form scrunched up her face in a perfect pout, her tiny fists clenched. "You didn't tell me I'd be reborn as a baby!" she wailed, her voice echoing in the void.

Orion, trying to hide a smile, replied, "Aria, I-"

"You thought it would be hilarious, didn't you?" Aria interrupted, her eyes narrowing. "This is worse than the time you convinced me I could turn invisible by closing my eyes!"

"That was a youthful misunderstanding," Orion said, his tone amused.

"Misunderstanding my celestial foot!" Aria huffed, her frustration mixing with amusement. "I should have seen this coming. Who else but your daughter would get the 'reborn as a baby' quest?"

Orion chuckled, his form shimmering with paternal pride. "Aria, my dear, it was not intended as a jest. But I must admit, the irony is not lost on me."

Aria groaned, her tiny hands waving in exasperation. "I can't believe I fell for it. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, and I should have checked the fine print!"

Orion stepped closer, his voice gentle. "Aria, you are my daughter, full of spirit and determination. This may be a new beginning, but I have faith in you to rise to the challenge. Moreover there is a good reason behind my actions."
"Go on, I am eagerly waiting for your explanation."
"You were reborn as a baby to be able to blend with Beastworld. You don't know the ins and outs of the world, except for the basics. You will only be able to sense the pieces of the heart after you come of age, so enjoy your time until then."

Aria sighed, her anger melting into a grin. "Fine, I'll make it work. But next time, no surprises, okay? I'm too young for this."

Orion nodded, his smile warm. "Agreed. Full disclosure from now on. And remember, even in this form, you are a force to be reckoned with."

As Aria began to fade back into her infant body, Orion's voice echoed in her mind. "One more thing, Aria. Coming to this place takes a significant amount of mana, which your current body can't sustain. You've used up your stored mana, so you won't be able to come here easily again. The differences in the world, body, and densities in the mana make it too taxing for repeated visits."

Aria nodded, her tiny face serious. "Got it, Father. No more impromptu visits to the void. Diapers first, world-saving later."

With a final giggle, Aria embraced her new beginning, ready to tackle the challenges of being a baby on a mission.