Prelude 5: The Continents Part 1 (Reiji POV)

I took a look at the land that I’d be calling my home, almost instantly falling in love with it. The beautiful mountains with their glistening waterfalls; the way the lush forests and grasslands

seemed to stretch on for as far as the eye could see. The perfect place to build a new home.

‘Now, where should I start?’ I thought to myself when an idea popped into my head. ‘Right, I need to build the city that will one day be our capital.’ I walked over to a large clearing of grass with the gods, who we decided to call our children, along with the mortals.

I lifted my hands up slowly, feeling my magic sink deep into the ground. I felt the earthquake underneath me as gargantuan stone walls began to rise up around us, stretching a hundred miles north to south and fifty miles east to west, effectively creating a perimeter around us.

Satisfied with my work, I began creating houses for the mortals to live in. I built small homes with a single bedroom, a living room, and an outdoor kitchen similar to those typical in Chinese homes.

‘Now that I think of it, the walls of the capital would look similar to the Great Wall of China. Would Hikarus accuse me of plagiarism?’ I thought with a chuckle. However, I felt my heart skip a beat as I thought of Hikarus, my best friend, as well as the others. Although we agreed to part ways, I still had lingering regrets about ever separating.

Nevertheless, what was done was done. I slapped myself on the cheeks for motivation. ‘Just be patient, I’ll see them again soon.’ I thought to myself.

After that, I built a large building in the middle of the city with sixteen bedrooms, one for each of the children I decided would rule when I disappeared. It was an enormous stone temple with pillars that seemed to reach the skies themselves, with a meeting room, multiple living rooms, and a library. With this, I felt the main parts of the town were finished.

Next, I went around pairing the mortals up in pairs of one man and woman, each to live in each of the houses. With this, there were fifty pairs of mortals that would be necessary for reproduction.

‘Now, time for the children’. I turned to them and, with a finger, beckoned them to follow me.

We slowly walked up the stone steps that would soon become the first home for these children. As we neared the doorway I raised my hand, stopping and organizing them in a line facing me, and spoke to them for the first time.

“The sixteen of you are going to be entrusted with a very important task soon. I have given you all the basic knowledge of how to do it properly, but the basics won’t be enough. This is why I will be teaching you all about the importance of life and how to properly nurture it. If you follow my teachings, these lands will do the rest.”

“There’s a tremendous amount of life force on this continent which means that, as the lands evolve, animals should start appearing on their own. Do any of you have any questions?” I asked them, but they remained silent and continued to stare at me with wide, wandering eyes.

“Good then, we shall start by giving you names. Hereby, the sixteen of you shall be known by Zeus, Artemis, Hera, Athena, Apollo, Hermes, Ares, Hades, Poseidon, Demeter, Aphrodite, Acala, Kundali, Vajrayaksa, Yamantaka, and Trailokyavijaya.” I said going down the row slowly, placing a reassuring hand on each of my childrens' shoulders.

“What’s the first thing we must do, father?” I heard one of the children ask.

A tear welled up in me when I heard the word, “father”... father, I felt… pride at hearing the word spoken to me. I smiled, as I began to speak.

“I’m sure you’ve all noticed that you feel something very powerful inside you, yes?” The children nodded. “Good, then the most important thing I have to teach you is how to use this power and what you should use it for. The cycle of Life is very special to me and I want it to become special to all of you, as well.” I finished saying and turned around to keep walking while the children followed.

As we walked to the meeting room, I continued to talk to them as they stared in awe atthe building that had been created effortlessly with my power. “The most important thing I want you children to understand is first, what the cycles of life are.”

“Whether that be Life or death, both are necessary for all living things, be it animals, plants, or even the mortals outside in the town. They will all die one day and new life will take their place. The only beings who can’t die are us, the true gods, so don’t take life lightly and, while it is true you are immortal in that you can’t die from natural causes, if someone held the power they could kill you”

“All life in this world is important. It will be your responsibility to protect this cycle through peace, and, if necessary, authority when circumstances deem it so.” I said, as we reached the meeting room.

“Now children, do you have any questions before we continue?” I asked as I looked back at them. The children all remained silent. “I see, then let us continue the lessons. I will tell you children now, even as immortal beings, we are not omniscient, nor will we always make the right choice. The only thing we can do is make the choice we believe to be right. This is where the balance of peace, and authority are important.”

“While you should aim for peace when possible, you must understand there are powers in the other continents that can rival you. You must see each other as family, but your counterparts in the other lands must be considered an unknown. This is where the authority comes in. If one of these other children were to attempt harm to these lands, you must protect it at all costs. Now, do you have any questions?” I asked, hoping there would finally be some.

“Father, why must you leave?”Asked one of the children.

“I planned to explain when the time came, but simply put, the other True Gods and I are too dangerous for this world.” I explained with a smile tugging at my lips at being called father again.

“If you’re so powerful, then how will you train us to protect these lands?” Another asked me.

“It is true I cannot fully train you, but you don’t need to worry. You sixteen are all very strong and will train together everyday, even after I’m gone. Through training together, and growing stronger, your bodies will become stronger, making it so you can utilize more and more of the power I’ve given to you.” I finished.

“Then, it’s time we get started. I’m unsure how much time I have to teach you, but I will train each of you to the best of my abilities. Now, my children, are you ready?” I asked the children who were budding with eagerness.

“Yes, Father!” They all said in unison.

I beckoned the children to follow me, staying quiet as we walked out of the city for their first lesson. They were all sharing excited whispers behind me, causing a genuine smile to appear on my face.

These children were truly amazing. They held so much knowledge, and so much power, but they were all still so happy, so innocent. These siblings are getting along and enjoying life. These children are now my family, my only family.

‘Was this how us four true gods were at the beginning? Laughing together without a care in the world?’ I thought, shuddering at the thought of my children ending up like me. ‘No, they are strong. They won’t end up as apathetic and depressed as I am, as I’m sure we all are.’ I reasoned with myself.

As I was occupied with my thoughts, we soon arrived at the area we would use for training . Once again, I stretched out my arms, letting my mana take control of the fertile earth underneath me and cleared out a massive plain of land, turning it into a crater.

“Children, your first task will be to fill this crater with water so that the mortals under your care will have a source of water. I will teach you all what you are capable of. First, hold out your hand like so, and then let the power flow through you. Feel it run through every fiber of your being and connect with the world around you. Next, imagine water inside your head: what it is, what it feels like, tastes like, looks like. Finally, push the power out of you.” I said as a sphere of translucent water spiraled into existence in my hand.

The kids looked at the sphere in my hands with amazement, and I laughed seeing their goofy faces.

“Yes Father, we will do our best to complete this task.” One of the children said to me as they all held out their hands and began to imitate what I had shown them. It took a few tries for them to start getting the hang of it, but, within a few hours, they had filled the crater completely, forming a majestic lake. I watched these children in utter amazement as their rate of growth surprised even me. I was going to put off combat training a bit longer but could no longer help myself; I had to see what else they were capable of.

“Children, gather around. You did well with the lake. I couldn't be prouder as a Father, but now it’s time to put your abilities to the test.” I said looking at the children who were all smiling from my praise.

I summoned a translucent barrier around us so that nothing could be damaged outside of it. “I want you to all practice battling each other. No need to show off; just start off slow and work your way up as you become more familiar with your powers.” I said, as I began to show them a few different martial arts techniques before sitting down to let them practice on their own.

“Begin!”

As soon as I yelled out, they began to fight each other. At first, it was nothing impressive: their movements were slow and the attacks easily readable, but as time went on, their speeds were reaching heights way beyond the sound barrier. Their attack patterns also became increasingly complex.

I continued to watch, entranced by how amazing these kids were. Not even a few minutes ago they all looked like amateurs, but now they were fighting at levels so skillful it was like watching two martial arts masters having a spar to the death. The more I watched these kids, the more painful it became to know I’d have to leave them eventually.

My children weren’t the only ones that learned something in the short time we were here, however. During the time we had first arrived, I had discovered my powers had a deadly side effect tothem.

It had started out small; I had noticed that, as we were walking, anywhere I stepped, the grass would wither under my feet and the trees would start to slowly rot. Was this the world's way of mocking me? I had always been a pacifist and loved life, so much so that I had even got the power of life, but everywhere I went, life died.

Was this my punishment for the sacrifices I made trying to create life? Not that it matters what the reason might be, I would never get the answers I was searching for. All that mattered now was that the power of life absorption was getting stronger, and my time with my children was running out. I began to worry about my own power harming my children, a thought that nearly broke a remnant of my heart I didn’t know still existed.

“Okay kids, let's stop for now.” I said as they all ran up to me excited for the next lesson. “Let’s head back to the temple now, I have a few more things to teach you.”

As I was about to start walking, I could still feel the gazes of my children on me, beckoning to give them some sort of praise. The more time I spent with them, the more I started to feel as if a part long lost to me was, inching closer and closer back to me. “Haha, and, of course, good job to all of you. You really impressed me today.” I finished as I deactivated the barrier and led the children home, all of them sharing comments of joy and happiness at the praise I had given them.

During our walk back, the power of life absorption continued to grow, no longer requiring direct contact. Plant life from the lush grass and yellow dandelions to the proud trees along our path began to wither in my presence. The children were starting to notice and getting worried looks on their faces.

I decided to distract them with a game of seeing who could reach the temple first and, with that, the worry disappeared from their faces as they took off. I was obviously first back there. I stood at the top of the steps waiting as the kids gathered back in front of me one by one, out of breath, before we headed back in.

“I can't remain here much longer, but I have 3 things I must do before I go. The first will be to name this continent. I have decided to call it Anatolia. Second, I need to name this city. the future capital of these lands. I have decided it will be known as Kardia from this day forth. Lastly will be to remind you children of my teachings.”

“You have gained a great understanding of your powers, but there’s still much to learn. Continue your training with each other and reach even greater heights within yourself. Use that power to protect the cycle of life and these lands at all costs. Do that, and these lands will grow for you on their own. Do you all understand?” I asked, looking down at them.

“We understand Father, but do you really have to go? Isn’t there some way you can stay with us?” One of the kids asked me with tear filled eyes.

“I’m sorry, I know you've noticed what me simply being here is doing to the life around us. There’s no way I can stay. However, I want you all to remember that, while I may not be here physically anymore.” I said through gritted teeth, hesitantly wiping a tear from each of their faces, fearful I might harm them. “I will continue to be with you in your hearts and through the power of life.” I finished as I turned around to not let the children see the tears falling down my face. Tears I didn’t even know I was capable of.

As I started to walk away, one of the children grabbed my hand and hugged me. Tears fell down their faces, soaking through my clothes, and the rest of the children followed his lead.

“We will make sure to follow your teachings, father.” another one of them said through a shuddering sob.

We hugged for what felt like hours, but I knew it was time to go. The others would be finishing soon as well and be waiting for me up in the sky for us to build our own home to watch over the lands from a far. “I must be going now.” I said, as I turned around to walk out of the temple.

“I love you, father!” I heard one of the kids blurt out from behind me and, for a moment, the ice that had been forming around my heart melted.

“I love you too, Zeus.” I said without turning around as I flew up into the skies to meet the others.

‘This is for the best’, was my last thought as I left the planet's atmosphere, knowing it would be a long time before I returned, if I ever did. I felt a single tear flow down my face, a tear containing the last of my humanity.

(Heaven POV)

As soon as I stepped through the portal, I was greeted by the sight of my beautiful, new land. A sea of waving grasslands stretched out far into the horizon on all sides. A crisp, spring breeze tickled my nose, and a pleasant temperature radiated from the sky; it was nothing short of a paradise.

I had thought of so many plans for what I would do with this new land, but now that I was here, I couldn’t help but smirk at some of the new ideas I had upon seeing these lands.

I walked over to the middle of the beautiful grasslands, and all you could see in every direction was miles upon miles of the same, beautiful, luscious green lands, with an occasional gap indicating an expanse of lakes and rivers.

‘This would make the perfect place to start.’ I thought to myself as I started to build the most beautiful capital that I could imagine. I raised ornate cottage homes straight out of the earth for all the mortals who would live in these lands, complete with a garden, fireplace, fully furnished living room, and bedrooms, along with everything else needed for a home.

I watched the mortals' eyes light up in amazement at my seemingly instant construction of their homes.

I then began working on the walls. I felt my power as it seeped into the roots beneath the beautiful plains and lifted my arms up to summon beautifully carved, stone walls all around us in a huge circle.

Then came the most important part of the city. The main building of this capital would be a church. I pictured an image in my head and immediately began working.

From the beautiful stone stairs perfectly carved out for a pathway, to the large oak doors that had a massive window tapestry above it. Not to mention, the beautifully carved out benches that looked too well done to have been made by hand and the beautiful stairway that led upstairs where my children would live. It was the perfect image for my future plans. I let out a mischievous smirk at the ideas flowing through my mind.

Being satisfied with my creation, I beckoned the kids to follow me inside.

As we arrived inside, the kids' eyes lit up at the luxurious interior inside the church. I couldn’t help but laugh at their dumb founded experissions.

“I want you to listen closely, children, there is much to teach you, but first, you shall receive your names and the names of this new land.” I said, walking back and forth in front of the row of children. “From here on, you will be known as Ra, Set, Anubis, Neith, Bastet, Horus, Isis, Osiris, Brigid, Morrigan, Danu, Cernunnos, Taranis, Lugh, Cú Chulainn, and Dagda.” I said as I walked down the line slowly with my hand resting on each child’s head as I gave them their names.

“Now, for the names of your home. This continent shall be called Eden and this capital shall be known as Lign Aloes. You will protect this country by any means necessary. Do you children understand?” I asked while looking over each child slowly watching them each nod in turn as our eyes met.

“Good, then the most important thing for me to do is pass on my ideals for you to continue to pass on in the future. I have 3 main teachings for you all: War, Honor, and Authority.”

“First will be war: this will be a decision only you sixteen can make in the future. I encourage you to engage in war, but only if it shows great advantage for us. If it seems to have no advantage, then you’re to remain neutral.

Secondly is Honor: honor goes hand in hand with war. If your honor is being tested, you must bring calamity to whoever is the cause by any means necessary and, if you make a promise, it is to be upheld no matter what as to not disgrace your name and honor.

Thirdly is Authority: you children must understand that when I leave these lands, you sixteen will now be Judge, Jury, and Executioner. Do you children have any questions for me?”

“We have heard mother’s orders and will follow them for eternity.” One of the children replied.

“Good, you must make this country as strong as possible, but you must understand all of the other continents hold other children just as strong as you all and, while it is true you may be immortal against natural things,you can all still be killed. This means, once I leave these lands, you must raise the strongest army you can. Do we have an understanding, my children?” I said, holding back a wry smile.

“Yes, mother!“ all the children said in unison.

“Then, allow me to train you on your powers. Come with me.” I said, smirking as the children followed close behind. These powers definitely had their drawbacks and it was true my personality was affected by them, but I didn’t find myself missing it.

I now hold the entire world in the palm of my hands.This entire country will move by my will. It was a thought that sent shivers down my spine from the excitement. I wore that smirk all the way to the training grounds.

Upon arriving at the place where I decided to make the training grounds, I once again allowed my power to flow through me and the ground beneath me. I pictured the colosseum from Rome in my head and constructed almost an exact copy. I then created a barrier surrounding it, leaving a small opening to allow people to enter and exit freely.

“From this day forth, this will be your training ground. Whether it be training yourself, your own children one day, or even mortals, you will all use this place for whatever training you decide on.

Use this everyday, so that if any enemy was to arise against you,they can be squashed and made an example out of. Do this and these lands will not suffer a revolt, as everyone who lives here shall follow your word without hesitation. Do you think you can do this for me?” I asked, showing off my great creation to the stunned children.

“It would be our honor, mother.” I heard one of the children say, as they bowed before me, and the rest followed in his example.

“Then, please entertain me by showing off your powers.” I said, as I took a seat in the stand.

“Yes, Mother. Your wish is our command.” One said and, with that, they all lined up for battle.

“Begin!”

As I yelled out those words, they all began to fight. It wasn’t too impressive at first, considering I didn’t teach them anything, but I had to make sure these kids knew what it was like to have to figure out things on their own.

It didn’t take long for them to gather a better understanding of their dormant powers. Their fighting was incredible, filled with so much grace and elegance. I couldn’t help but smile. These will be the children to carry on my orders, my legacy. I can’t wait to see what this country evolves into. In a new land of infinite possibilities, no one can predict what might happen.

“That is enough for today. Please, take a seat.” I said, motioning with my hand for them all to sit down.

“Now, children, do any of you have any questions?” I asked, awaiting any that may come.

“Mother, you said we should only fight if it proves advantageous for us, but is there anyone we should be worried about?” One of them asked

“That’s a good question, but, as for the answer, the only beings you need worry about are us true gods. Nobody else that exists at this moment is stronger than you are and, only beings equal to you at most, exist.” I answered with confidence.

“Mother, may we ask what your name is?” Ra asked.

“My name is Heaven.”

“Mother, why must you go?” Anubis asked.

“Because, in simplest terms, we, the true gods, are much too powerful for this world.” I answered

I then felt as the others soon approached completing their continents In fact, Reiji was already headed to our agreed upon spot. “Children, I know our time together has been short, but the other true gods are already gathering and I must not keep them waiting. I want you to all remember my teachings. Make this a continent I can be proud of, understood?“ I asked as I was preparing to leave.

“We will follow your orders, mother, and make this a continent you can come back to proudly one day.” One of the children said as they all went down to a knee lowering their heads before me.

“Yes, please do that. Now, head back to the capital and start preparing immediately. There’s not a moment to lose. Do as I have said and this entire world could one day be yours.” I said, as I changed into my hummingbird form.

I flew off to meet Reiji. I had things I needed to ask of him.

“Good to see you again, Heaven.” Reiji said as I approached him.

“Indeed Reiji, how are things on your continent?” I asked

“It is just starting, but the potential is greater than I could imagine. What about yours?” Reiji asked.

“Mine is the same as yours, but I do have a favor to ask. I don’t have the ability to create life from scratch as you can, so I’d like to ask you to populate my continent with animals such as hummingbirds, deer, bear, fish, unicorns, the leviathan, great eared nightjars, and whatever else you can think of that would be beneficial for my continent. Can you do this for me?” I asked Reiji, looking him in the eyes.

“That wouldn’t be a problem at all. I will get started while we wait for the other two. They should be arriving shortly.”

And, within an instant, Reiji disappeared to fulfill my request.