The Hall was warmly lit, perfectly balancing brightness and shadow.
At the centre of the platform sat four imposing, cloaked figures, conversing among themselves in strange sounds that resonated in multiple languages. Floating, glowing screens hovered before them, imbuing the scene with an otherworldly ambience.
Surrounding the platform stood pillars of light, each containing tiny beings. Some held two, but most encased just one. The tiny beings looked about, their faces reflecting a spectrum of emotions—confusion, wariness, fear, and even despair. Some wept, others shouted, some attempted to break free from the light pillar, while a few stood silent, taking in their surroundings.
Between the pillars stood beings smaller than those on the platform but much larger than the ones within the light pillars. Clad entirely in grey, their skin, eyes, and hair matched their garments. Standing perfectly still, with feet planted shoulder-width apart and hands neatly clasped behind their backs, they radiated discipline and readiness, seemingly awaiting commands, and embodied a statuesque presence around the pillars.
Suddenly, one of the cloaked beings rose; this one wore a white cloak. The others followed—one in black, another in green, and the last in brown.
"We understand this must be a frightening experience for you, Children, and for that, we sincerely apologise. We mean you no harm."
"The reason you have been summoned is to offer each and every one of you a better life than you have experienced so far on your homeworld," the being in the white cloak said gently.
"Allow us to introduce ourselves and briefly discuss our intentions towards you. We are the Heavenly Clans, tasked with maintaining this Universe's stability and peace. I am of the Celestial Clan. The one in black belongs to the Infernal Clan. The green-cloaked figure is from the Immortal Clan, and finally, the brown cloak represents the Mortal Clan." The white-cloaked being made the introductions, each figure nodding in turn to acknowledge the introductions.
"You may call me Celestial Elder Soleil. I oversee the Nursery, where all Children of the Heavenly Clans are born and raised until they come of age. It's my responsibility to ensure that each Child is cared for and rewarded for meritorious deeds until they reach maturity." Soleil bowed gently toward the Children within the light pillars.
"You may call me Mortal Elder Kyle. I help oversee the Nursery, ensuring all Children have the resources they need to reach maturity." The brown-cloaked Elder added amicably, bowing to the Children.
"You may call me Immortal Elder Lucius. I am responsible for ensuring all Children receive the education and Knowledge required until they mature." The green-cloaked Elder stated this coldly, offering a slight bow.
"You may call me Infernal Elder Caine. I see to it that every Child is combat-ready, and I am also responsible for disciplinary matters until they come of age." The black-cloaked Elder said gruffly, nodding toward the Children.
The Children within the pillars grew silent, studying the Elders. While some still looked wary, their fear towards the Elders seemed to have lessened.
"I know that most of you were cast out on your homeworld—abandoned, hated, feared and sometimes even hunted down. Adults and even other Children called you cursed, abominations, or worse. You were beaten, starved, and faced even greater horrors," said Infernal Elder Caine, arms crossed over his chest.
"You can forget all of that now. Here, you will no longer be unwanted, unloved, hated, or feared. Instead, you will be welcomed, loved, and respected by us—your new family," he continued firmly.
A murmur rippled through the Children—tears and uncertainty flashing across their faces as they absorbed these unexpected words, apparently not expecting these kinds of revelations from the Elders.
"As Infernal Elder Caine rather bluntly pointed out, many of you never received the love, warmth, or care you deserved. None of it was your fault; it was due to the circumstances of your world," added Mortal Elder Kyle kindly.
"The root of your rejection lies in your partially Awakened Bloodlines," explained Immortal Elder Lucius clinically. "This causes you to radiate energy that is uncomfortable to those who haven't Awakened themselves—or haven't Awakened correctly. In turn, the people of your homeworld reacted negatively towards you."
"This makes each of you extremely special. Had you been born here in the Nursery, you would have been nurtured and appropriately educated, and fully Awakened at age five. Unfortunately, having missed entry to our Nursery, you suffered a less-than-ideal upbringing. But from this moment on, we will remedy that.
First, we will Heal each of you. Next, we'll impart the basic Knowledge that every Heavenly Clan member possesses. Third, you will participate in the Awakening Ceremony, which will activate your Class, Talent, and Bloodline completely. Finally, we'll introduce you to your future Mate—someone who will love and accompany you until your Eternal Slumber," he concluded.
Celestial Elder Soleil coughed, sounding exasperated. "I apologise for the manner in which Infernal Elder Caine and Immortal Elder Lucius phrased things. That is typical of their Clans, to be honest."
Mortal Elder Kyle chuckled. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation seated, so as not to tire the Children. Let's also give them something to eat and drink."
Celestial Elder Soleil nodded, issuing an order in a strange language. At once, the grey beings moved, conjuring chairs, tables, tableware, glasses, food, and drinks, and distributing them before the Children in the pillars of light.
"Please, Children, take a seat and enjoy whatever you would like," said Mortal Elder Kyle, as the Elders themselves returned to their seats on the platform.
Four grey beings served the Elders as well, laying out tables, food, and drinks, and pouring cups for each. The Elders sipped quietly, watching the Children eat and drink heartily. Their smiles were hidden behind their cups as they observed. Expressions composed once more, they resumed quiet conversation in their unknown languages before Mortal Elder Kyle set down his cup.
"I understand you may have questions. You may relay them to the servants stationed outside the light pillars, and we'll address them if possible. You need not introduce yourselves. Later, you may choose whether to keep your given names or adopt new ones provided by our central computer," he said kindly.
The Children looked up at the Elders, deep in thought. One Child raised her hand, the servant acknowledged her, and relayed the question in the unfamiliar tongue.
The Elders listened, then conferred in their own languages.
"Thank you, Child, for asking about the servants. We know you're concerned about the possibility of becoming one. Infernal Elder Caine would be the best to answer that question, as it falls under his Clan's responsibility," said Celestial Elder Soleil, gesturing to the Infernal Elder.
"Honestly, unless you break every rule or commit an unspeakable crime, there's no chance you'll become a servant. Servants are death row prisoners who have been executed. Their souls are stripped just before death, their consciousness wiped out, and a new one is implanted in an Alchemical puppet body to serve the Heavenly Clans as servants for eternity," Infernal Elder Caine explained, gruff but casual.
This explanation made some Children uneasy, some fidgety, others tearful.
"Really, Infernal Elder Caine, must you always be so blunt?" Mortal Elder Kyle sighed. "Children, I apologise for his words. People from that Clan often lack understanding of others' feelings."
He sighed again. "Let me explain it differently: Servants are deemed the worst of the worst criminals—after a completely impartial Judgment Trial. We're talking about serial abusers, rapists, murderers, and the like."
"After centuries of imprisonment and torture, they are executed by having their souls removed from their bodies, along with all traces of their original selves. Then, a new consciousness—one of unwavering loyalty and servitude—is created and implanted within the soul before the soul is implanted in a manufactured Alchemical puppet body, akin to what you know as an android. So, Children, you won't ever become servants unless you are like those types of criminals."
The Children calmed down, some even smiling.
A Child with a Twin in their pillar then raised their hand, spoke to the servant, and the message was relayed to the Elders by the servant. The Elders smiled warmly at hearing the question.
"Thank you for asking about your Twin. We hoped someone would; it's important information. Male Twins in the Heavenly Clans are never separated, and a unique Bloodline and Class are Awakened only by them. They are the exclusive partners for a specific Class," Celestial Elder Soleil chirped, clapping his hands.
"Only male Twins can awaken the Twin Demon Bloodline and Class; their exclusive partners are always Slayers from their own Clan. Twin Demons can Fuse—merging as one. Together with their Mates, the Slayers, they are the strongest members of their Clans, though some are stronger than others, which is normal."
The Children were shocked, but Twin pairs smiled and hugged each other happily.
Another Child raised a hand and spoke through the servant. The Elders nodded as the question was relayed, and this time, Immortal Elder Lucius answered:
"A worthy question, young one. The pillars are force fields designed to keep you safely contained until the orientation is completed. They are not prisons, but safeguards to keep anyone from harm caused by running around or letting external energy affect you. Once the orientation is over, you'll be brought to the Medical Facility for Healing and conditioning, after which the force fields will no longer be needed."
Some Children began fidgeting again, prompting Mortal Elder Kyle to sigh and pinch the bridge of his nose.
As he started to admonish the Immortal Elder, a new figure appeared—cloaked in black, next to Infernal Elder Caine. The servant arranged a chair, tableware, and a cup for the newcomer.
The Elders offered greetings, which the new being returned in a language akin to that of the Infernal Elder. The Children, momentarily distracted, watched curiously.
Mortal Elder Kyle slapped his forehead. "Oh dear, I almost forgot to introduce our new arrival to the Children—Demon Elder Lucifer, Mate of Infernal Elder Caine."
Demon Elder Lucifer nodded curtly at the Children and sat down.
"Now, back to where we left off," Mortal Elder Kyle said, sighing.
"First, let me apologise for the attitudes of the Infernals, Immortals, and Infernal Demons."
"The Clans tend to each have their own style of speaking and doing things: Infernals are gruff and rough, Immortals are cool and clinical, while the Demons generally align with their Clan of origin. In comparison, the Celestial and Mortal Clans are more approachable— the former gentle and kind, the latter cordial and reliable."
The Children nodded as Mortal Elder Kyle continued, "As I was about to explain before the Demon Elder Lucifer arrived, the pillars are force fields there to protect you—preventing you from being harmed by panicked flight or you being affected negatively by external energy."
"Soon, you'll head to the Medical Facility for thorough Healing—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Your bodies will also be conditioned so you grow up strong and healthy. Starvation and abuse can cause hidden wounds, and we want to Heal those quickly. After Healing and conditioning, you will no longer require the force fields to protect you, as you will be strong enough to handle the external energy present in our world."
He had just finished when three more cloaked beings, each wearing a cloak resembling those of the Elders, joined the Elders on the platform. Servants promptly arranged seats and place settings for the newcomers, who responded to the Elders' greetings while waiting for the servants to finish their task.
Celestial Elder Soleil announced, "Children, please meet the rest of our Demon Elders. In white is Celestial Demon Elder Sky; in green, Immortal Demon Elder Shen; and in brown, Mortal Demon Elder Sean. Each is the Mate of one of us Elders." The newcomers bowed in acknowledgement, as the Elders did before.
They then sat down in the chairs and enjoyed the drinks the servants had prepared for them. The Elders discussed among themselves in hushed tones while the Children processed the newcomers' information.