4 Essence Of Ethera I

As time flowed softly by, like a petal in the wind, with no dramatic flare to mark its passage, it continued to leave the design of its mysteries. The unknown mysteries of the known, it was called. And who could argue otherwise? As old lives gone by and new ones began, the way of time of the universal existence maintained it course.

There was no better way to witness the way time maintained its universal existence, than to observe its effect on this beautiful young girl who was watching the fast approaching twilight. A taller than average girl but with fragile looking body. Long dark silver-grey hair that encompassed equally colored eyes. She continued watching the twilight that indicated the coming of the nightfall in the underworld. Lost in her own mind, she was totally unaware of the scrying eyes of her watchful parents.

Her name was Ethera.

It appeared as if it was just yesterday that this young girl was born, but, ten years had softly passed since her birth. Ten years! Sometimes, everything was still like a dream. A dream that mustn't be disturbed in order to avoid a shattering heart. But this dream, was simply beyond illusion, and too wonderful not to be true. And in reality, it was as real as Tartarus.

Ethera.

The essence of light in the darkness. Or the essence of darkness in the light? Despite her fragile look, the young girl was full of life energy. Ever since her birth, she had been growing in strength and in wisdom, both beyond her age level. Her full strength was truly terrifying for her delicate-looking body. How could a fragile body packed so much strength? At first, they had thought her body was a little deficient until they witnessed her immense power.

Ah, what a child?

After relating the development to alchemist Udreabis, who couldn't stop smiling and laughing, they came to an understanding. The cosmic grade pill was the first of its kind ever made. Alchemist Udreabis had made an experimental substitution to some of the items, for a riskier but much more potent ones. One of them was the Phoenix crystal. He had been using Nine-Sky golden eagle blood, but had gone for the extremely rare and extremely powerful Phoenix crystal. All these he made, due to his conclusion on the essence of energy of the parents.

They could still recollect the words of the alchemist, clearly, as he alternated his gaze between lord Hargoven and lady Amarodia.

\"After seeing you the first day and hearing about your wife, I was able to determine some things about you two and came to a decision. The essence of energy, the strength and uniqueness of the two of you, combined with a special pill? That would be a masterpiece If you wanted something as extraordinary as a child, why not make it a spectacular one, despite the risks? Hence, this very cosmic pill. The essence of the cosmic pill and the essence of energy of the two of you. Even I, can't determine the nature of your child's essence. At the end of everything, it worked more than I even expected. One day, please permit this old one, a chance to pay you a visit to see this wonder of yours.\"

They had left that dominion with joy of full understanding.

Although, this phenomenom consolidated their belief about the uniqueness of their child, it was also a source of worry. This could attract unwanted attention to their child. There were many deities, especially in the underworld, that could find this disturbing in a way. And the unbound deities were of uttermost concerns. Those ones could kill without cause.

Yet, sooner or later, their child would be in the public eyes. Nothing they could do about that. She would have to fully learn the ways of life and of deities in school. They would prefer later, if they could help it, however, there child must forge her path like every other deities.

Just like every other child of the underworld, she would have to face the Stone of Destiny in front of the Council Of The Utmosts at the Darkfall Conjecture. And, that was where they would be heading off to, the next day. Since, the following day would be the day for the Rite Of Path for every young deities of ten deity years of age. Ethera was now ten deity years of age. This was her age of manifestation, hence, she would have to partake of the rite. The council would preside and witness the manifestation of each present child. Records must be taken.

This was each child's dream. Especially, to be noticed by the representative of the topmost schools. And Ethera had been looking forward to this ocassion. Her parents had been preparing her since she was born. Long hours of being taught the basics and the most important ways of life. How to deal with other entities and what to expect in life. They had been exhausting, but she knew it was due to the fact that they really loved her. And the following day, would be the day that her life trials would begin.

\"Life of a deity.\"

She gave a simple smile as the memories of the past came flooding in. Of a time when she would sit, unbearably, in front of her parents as they would teach her before they would all start to meditate. She was a little mischievious then as meditation wasn't her thing. Sitting in one place with eyes closed as she freed her mind, simply beyond her endurance. But now, she appreciated it. Though, meditation was still not her main thing.

\"Inner peace. Would try more.\"

She thought to herself as she headed towards the training center at the back of their mansion. Martial arts! Now, that was her main thing. She loved practising martial arts and engaging in mock combats. Though, she didn't practise with any weapon since she didn't know what weapon her soul manifestation would acquire. Nonetheless, her hand combat was incredible for her age. The power in her hand martial arts was truly a wonder. But, she knew when to reduce her power output as taught to her by her parents.

She continued to the training center, unaware of her parent eyes on her. They had been cautiously observing and monitoring Ethera. Afterall, she was their only child. Despite them trying to hide all these, they still couldn't care less if others were watching them or not. They knew what they had to go through before they could have her. So, whether they over watched her or not, it was perfectly justified.

They stood by the opened window of the upper living chamber as they used their divine sight to continue watching their daughter. Lady Amarodia, gently squeezed the arm of lord Hargoven while resting her head on his shoulder.

\"Look at her, my husband. Our child.\"

\"Yes, my wife. Our child she is.\"

\"See, how wonderful she looks everyday? That's my true essence in her.\"

\"I agreed with you, my beautiful wife. And you see how strong she is everyday? That's also because of me.\"

\"Can't argue with that, my powerful lord.\"

Said Amarodia giving a slight bow to her husband.

\"Where would I be without my true strength, without you, my beautiful lady?\"

\"On the throne of Tartarus?\"

\"That would only be in dreams.\"

They both laughed to that before Amarodia gave a soft sigh.

\"How fast time moves. I still can't believe she's ten now.\"

\"Yes, it is. And, I know your mind wonders about tomorrow, my wife.\"

\"Yes. How will her rite go? What manifestation would she have? Which school will take her?\"

\"Rest your mind, my wife. Wonder not. I tell you this. One thing is definitely certain.\"

\"What is that, my hussband?\"

\"No matter how fast time moves, our daughter is our daughter and will prove so tomorrow.\"

\"Yes. And will forever be our daughter.\"

\"Should we go and see how her night was going?\"

\"I suppose.\"

They joined Ethera at the training center where they all practise for a time before calling it a night. They moved to the dining chamber where a special delicacy of the Nine Mountain spirit deer was steaming on the table. The night was dedicated to Ethera as she began her immortal deity journey. After the meal, they all departed to their various ways as Ethera made her way to the silent cultivation chamber.

More importantly, she would soon be able to cultivate after her manifestation. Then, her advancement would truly begin.

Oh, how good would it be to be like her parents, one day. The journey would start the following day. A journey of no end, she was told. How far she would go would depend on her as from the next day.

She closed her eyes as she began to meditate.

Inner peace.

The following night would be the big day for her and the other kids. She wanted to be ready as much as possible for the events. After meditating for few hours, she left the chamber and looked for her parents. She bid them goodday as she left for her room.

As sleep took over, Ethera began to have a calling dream. A soul-drawing dream about the void.