The Secrets We Keep

Episode 1: Birth of the Mongrels

"Sometimes; the line between good and evil can become so drastically blurred that it is impossible to tell them apart. In those moments, we all try to choose what we believe is right, but even the best intentions still leave lasting scars." -Author

In the beginning, they looked down upon the human world; some with love, others with caution, but all with power.

"They're fragile, yet there's something profound about them," Michael murmured in awe, his eyes softening as he watched humanity below. He was a beautiful Celestial, bathed in light, his golden hair seeming to carry the very warmth of creation, and his eyes alight with compassion. "Can't you see it, Kako? They have love and hope within them, a kind of strength even we can't fully understand."

Kako's voice rumbled, sharp and deep. He too, was a Celestial of unimaginable beauty. His silver hair glowed like the stars of heaven, and his eyes were as red as a blood moon. "Strength?" He scoffed, his eyes rolling back. "You mistake chaos for strength, Michael. Look closer. Their passions will lead to ruin, not peace."

Michael stood straighter, his eyes filled with hope like that of a child. "Dear brother, don't you get it? The feeling's that these creatures are able to possess are more beautiful than our physical forms could ever be. What if we were to mix our physical beauty with their inner one?"

Kako's eyes narrowed. "Giving them our essence is a burden, not a gift. Even a feather can be damaged with too much light. It's dangerous."

Michael held his gaze, unwavering. "Or it could ignite something beautiful. I want to share what we are with them– to lift them, to bring them closer to the light... but not so close they break."

"They're already tearing each other apart over petty grievances," Kako retorted. "Do you really think granting them divine powers will bring harmony? It will only deepen their division. They don't deserve our gifts; they're not equipped to handle them."

Silence fell, heavy and charged. The other Celestials watched with apprehension, their loyalties split between these two towering figures.

Finally, Michael spoke, his voice steady. "Then let me prove it. Let me descend, and I will choose among them with hearts strong enough to bear the light. Their capacity for compassion, for love, will carry them through. We will bring forth a new race, one that embodies the best of us and the best of them."

Kako's lips curled in disdain. "And I suppose you think their anger, their jealousy, their endless thirst for power, will– what? Just disappear?" He shook his head, his face deepening with a growing rage. "No, Michael. You might choose the best of them, but their worst traits will poison any gift we offer. Humanity will take our power and twist it into something monstrous."

A murmur swept through the Celestials gathered around, the divide deepening. Some turned toward Michael, their faces alight with hope. Others cast wary glances toward Kako, sensing the truth in his warning.

"Come, dear brother," Michael said cautiously, grabbing Kako's hand. "Let us not fight. Let me prove to you that what I say is good."

Kako forcefully pulled back his arm. "No, brother," he spat. "This plan of yours will bring destruction to both the human and Celestial realm. I will not sit idly by as you ruin everything we hold dear."

And then, the heavens shook. With a resounding crack that echoed across the realms, Michael stepped forward, raising his hand in a sign of peace. "Then let it be decided in action. Those who wish to bring light will follow me to Earth and share our gifts with humanity. Those who would stand against this– choose another path, but do not stand in our way."

Celestials who agreed began to stand with him, their postures straightening as Michael gave them confidence to fulfill their desire. The others remained, wary of making such a rash decision.