《The Storyteller: Fires in the Sky》Chapter 5: Exuberant Parties and Evil Plans
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It was the biggest celebration in all of history. Wine and whiskey flowed forth as free as sand does in the desert. Food of all kinds was brought out and shared. The most succulent meats, the juiciest fruits, the crispiest vegetables, and even the sweetest desserts seemed to have no end. As the people danced and cheered, even Father Time and Mother Space joined in the celebration.
After all, Void was gone and now the heavens were lit up by Sun's shining form. Yet despite their combined forces overcoming the beast, only the brightest name was sung. "SUN!" was what they chanted as they danced in the new light. But, as the celebration went on, Moon's bitterness only grew. He had lost what he had seen as his best chance to claim his glory. Now he was sure that he would be relegated to nothing more than a shadow when compared to the brightness of Sun.
With frustration and envy overflowing from his heart, Moon crept away from the party. For once, Sun did not notice the lack of her brother. She had been caught up in the celebration. The adulation from so many threw her off guard. She was used to praise from her parents, but not from others. Especially not so much.
"Wow! You were so amazing!"
"I've never seen anything so bright!"
'You're so talented."
"You must be a natural."
"So cool!"
It poured in from all around her, as everyone seemed to be scrambling for a chance to thank her personally. It felt good. Praise, acceptance, adoration from so many. She felt like she had finally reached the heights she knew she would. Looked up to by so many people it was easy for her to lose track of things. Things like the absence of her brother that usually made things feel off. No, all she could feel was a strange mix of pride and embarrassment at everything they were doing for her.
Alone, Moon decided he wanted to completely leave the brightness from Sun. But now that she was in the heavens, it would be difficult to find somewhere not touched by her light. He cursed his sister in his mind. Why did she have to hog all the glory? Why did she have to be so much better than him at everything? It wasn't fair. Then, a terrible idea crept into Moon's mind. The ancient caves below the earth would surely be free of Sun's reach. Of course, this was only an excuse he made to himself. Deep down he knew why he wanted to delve into such a cursed place. The promise of powerful witches and a Faustian bargain was lying in wait deep below.
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So, while Sun partied with the denizens of the world and their parent's court; Moon traveled deep into depths that predated even his parents. Ancient caverns filled with accursed rituals and runes no mind should ever try to decipher. Then finally he found out. The witches cavern where they had sealed Void away.
"Come to gloat have you?" Void's voice sounded almost like two rocks rubbing against each other as it rumbled throughout the cavern. It was almost like the walls themselves were speaking to Moon.
"Where are you?" he asked in a firm voice as his eyes searched around the empty cavern.
"Look down. You're almost standing on me young one."
Moon finally saw it. Faint blue symbols that formed a series of interconnected circles near his feet. Within them he could see pieces of Void, as if his soul was stretched out along the entirety of the symbols.
"You bested me." Snarled Void. "I can at least admit that. Though if it weren't for your quick thinking at the end, things would have ended much different."
"Is that praise? From a beast like you?" Mocked Moon as he glanced around again.
"Hmph, it had been too long since I was humbled." There was a small pause before it added, "Are you afraid something else lies down here starling?"
Moon didn't answer. He was indeed looking for the witches. After all, he had secretly hoped he could barter for some of their power. Yet, there was nothing here. No sign anything had ever lived here except for the runic circle Void now occupied.
Void let loose a raucous laugh. "Hohohoho! If you are worried those witches will trap you like they have me, fear not. When I grew strong enough, I devoured them and everything they had. Now their powers are mine! Or they were before you chose to banish me here."
Moon was at a loss. His plan had been foiled again. In anger he grit his teeth and kicked at a small pebble on the ground. It went flying and imbedded in the side of the cave.
Void was silent as it appraised the frustrated boy. "Tell me, why did you come down here?"
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"It doesn't matter," snapped Moon as his rage started to spill out from his heart again. Everything he did was pointless. All plans, all efforts, doomed to fail when compared to Sun.
Void was powerful yes, but he was also clever. He could see the envy in Moon. To him it was as clear as this fire is to us. "Tell me starling, what are they doing up there? Do they celebrate my defeat, or are they busy fearing their new rulers?"
"They celebrate of course," groaned Moon as he finally aired his frustrations. "That's all they ever do for Sun. Praise her, and how perfect she is."
"Sun?" Void finally knew the name of the cursed child who had beaten it. But as I said, Void was clever. It saw a useful tool in Moon and planned to use him as best as it could. "But why would they praise this Sun when it was so clearly you who defeated me. After all, young swordsman, it was your skill and talent that so easily pierced my hide where nothing had before. This Sun merely followed behind you, without you she would have never gotten through at all. Then right when I had her, you swooped in and saved her. It was you who combined your abilities while she just sat there was it not?"
Moon was stunned for a moment. "I don't..." Then it his him. Void was right. He had led everything. He opened the way for them to tear apart his body and he was the one who chose to combine. He sacrificed his obvious glory to save her. Yet those ungrateful people only saw fit to praise her? She didn't even thank him.
"No, you're right! It was me. It was all me. She didn't....no one..." Moon was started to get furious again. His anger at her, at everyone who chose her over him. It was becoming too much to bear.
"Sounds to me like you need more people around you who see the truth." cooed Void.
"What?" snapped Moon in confusion as he punched in frustration against a nearby wall.
"You're surrounded by fools who don't value you dear starling," continued Void. "I on the other hand, have seen your cunning and power firsthand. As a fellow warrior you have more than earned my respect."
"Out with it? What are you saying?" snarled Moon.
Void smiled within itself, as it vowed, "I'd like to pledge myself to you, my master. And despite being trapped in this prison, I think I have a way you can force the others to see how great you truly are."
"Greater than Sun?" he offered hopefully.
"Greater than anything that has come before and anything that will ever come." Void saw Moon's interest in his suggestion. Now he just needed to push him a little further. "All I need is your help now. I dare not request my freedom, oh no you have rightfully sealed me away master. I just ask for a small favor. Follow my instructions exactly, and you shall be the greatest of all time. None shall compare to your glory, as it should be."
Moon thought about the offer. The years of hatred and jealousy had been building, and this sounded too good to be true. But still, he could not resist the chance and told Void, "Tell me what I need to do."
Void smiled. It was all too easy. Now it was only a matter of time before it had both its revenge, and its freedom.
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