The Little God & Other Stories [12 Genre Months 2019 Collection]

The Little God

In the Celestial Court, amidst the infinite stars, there were many gods—beastly and titanic, dainty and diaphanous, faceless and elemental. They were beings of great achievements—creators of many worlds—except for one, the Little God. The Little God was often in the shadows, seemingly of little importance. No other had ever lowered their gaze in acknowledgement as she had done nothing of significance. After all, her only attribute was bearing the innocence of creation.

Unlike the gods who wore their own divine flesh, the Little God carried the faces of babes, mimicking the youthful stature of a myriad of opuses. She was as little as her name—too small for grandeur. But at that particular time—that turn of the millennium—the Little God lingered not in the periphery. For in the rise of chaos that preceded a new dawn, the Little God spoke.

The Little God had not once spoken since the conception of time. Her gentle voice commanded no authority in the Celestial Court—her words inevitably falling on deaf ears. However, the gods were failing. When their creations refused change, the gods could not forge a new beginning. And should there be no resolve for the resistance, the ethereal beings would lose their purpose. They would no longer be gods—unable to wield the power of the universe, they would cease to exist. Thus, a little bravery was warranted. Thus, the Little God said, "Let me."

Let me grace the worlds and remind creation of their genesis. Let me show them the finer masterpiece that awaits. Let me help them believe again."

"Do you think our creations will listen to you—a Little God trapped in the past?" the Colossal One, with white scales and black beady eyes, said. "You are of paradoxical nature to our plan."

"Am I?" the Little God asked. "To grasp the beginning is to release the future. And as paradoxical as it may seem, I am the reflection of dawn—both yesterday's and tomorrow's."

The Colossal One parted his lips. But instead of words, he hissed in reply—the Little God presented not a juvenile solution. "My very nature, of innocence and youth, is what we need," the Little God added. "Your creations have lost the child within, and only I can help them remember."

"Alas, we cannot be sure," the Eidolon said—her form a silhouette, drowning in radiant light. "If we send you to our creations and you fail, we will all come to an end. We do not have time for such uncertainty."

"But I am certain," the Little God insisted. "Do you not trust me?" Unfortunately, the Little God knew the answer to her question the moment it left her lips. None of the other gods would trust her with this mission. None of them believed she was capable. Despite aeons of wisdom, The Little God appeared as a little one—young and foolish. "Please," the Little God said. "Do not judge me by my appearance."

"How can we not when your stature is the reason you fail to create? You can barely reach for the stars above—your hands unable to sustain their weight," the Colossal One challenged. "We do not wish to look down upon you, Little God. Alas, you are what you are."

"I may not be able to snatch the stars and wield the power they home, that is true. But I can reach into your worlds and speak into those souls—I can do what you can with your creations. Why not let me try?"

Murmurs filled the Celestial Court. The gods whispered amongst themselves and the Little God felt a pinch of hope. Perhaps they would finally accept her, looking past her childlike demeanour and believing she was just like them—a god in nature. If enough of them stood by her side, she could finally show the universe what she was truly capable of.

"I am sorry," the Eidolon said. "I cannot believe in you, Little God."

"Neither can I," the Colossal One added.

"Why?" the Little God asked. "I am just like you. I can do great things."

"You are just... too little," the Eidolon replied. "Maybe one day, when you are able to seize a star from the universe, we will entrust our future in your hands. But for now, you shall remain where you are."

The Celestial Court echoed in agreement and the Little God was silenced. She knew that she would never be what they wanted her to be—it wasn't her destiny to create. The Little God had a different path—one that could save their very kind. Unfortunately, she was given no chance to prove herself worthy. The Little God would remain little... until the end of time.

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