Through the eyes of a reverent ape

  How does one process this? Those I revere as gods revere another as a god? And that god is the emiss... Hmm... I suppose that name no longer fits. Before anything else, I must understand this. "Sosa... Nila. What is a god?" The being of contrasting shade turns to Gol Dhee, a dark eye studying his form while a light eye beaming at his own. "A god? A relative term. A being of admiration. A parent above parent. It depends who you ask. But to us, it is an ideal being. Some call us a god. We disagree." They do not consider themselves gods? "Then what are you? What makes you?" "We are Nila. I am Ni. I am La. That is all we need. And such we are." I... am confused...

  Through the eyes of a transfixed elf

  This opportunity... I cannot bear to miss it! "What exactly are you? Are you separate beings, or one?" "We are two. We are one. There is no distinction. What are you?" "I'm an elf." "Not of this planet." That's the second time I've been told that. How do they know? Anyway... "What species are you?" "La is meueyu. Ni's race has no modern name. Both are long extinct. And Nila is Nila." Not one, but two extinct races? I must know more! "How does your body work? Are you manipulating it with magic, or is this an organic process?" "Both. A rare trait since the calamity. Our biologies are intrinsically linked to our pure energies. Yet not in their entirety." Ah, so much to ask!

  Through the eyes of a fretful demon

  Should I... think of a question? What should I ask? I'm not even from this world. What do I want to know? I don't really care... I guess learning more about Aleph would be nice, but... that was explicitly marked as a no... Come on! I have to think of something! Think! Think!

  Through the eyes of an emotional spider

  Shit... I have too many questions. How do I even pick one? I guess I can start small. "What is my purpose? Why create me?" "Does it matter?" What? "Why does any parent form a child? And for what reason should their desire affect the child's autonomy? Our hope in your creation was that you would some day take part in the protection of our world. Whether you reject, whether you surpass... That is your own will to decide. And we will accept it." "And if I decide you're my mortal enemy and I want to destroy 'your world'?" "That is your decision to make. And the consequences yours to bear. We would advise against it though."

  Through the eyes of a panicked demon

  Something! Something! There has to be something I can ask! I'll look stupid if I don't! Agh, think!

  Through the eyes of a dubious spider

  "You talk like you're some kind of perfect parent." "We make no claim to perfection. We gain nothing from deception." "Then explain the labyrinth! Why put your 'precious children' through hell?!" "To create gods. In a manner of speaking." "..." I, uh... What? "There are two phenomena relating to gaining power at our scale. Joint ascension, and adversity. These are phenomena which go beyond the concepts of Mana and Aether. Ones taught to us by the ancient one. Adversity shapes the soul. Makes it more malleable. Promotes the formation of a heart. Without adversity they tend to remain weak. Finite... Our first priority is to protect this world. And for that we need strength. Our caverns provide adversity. With the choice to refuse, as you once did. This method works. It is a sacrifice we have chosen to make."

  Through the eyes of an enraptured elf

  "I sense Aether from you. Was Aether common before the calamity?" "Ni is Mana. La is Aether. Before the calamity such beings existed in equal measure. Aether, an extreme. Little In between those who were skilled and those who could barely attune. Mana, an inconsistency. Individuals bearing strikingly unique traits and capabilities. Much unlike today on both accounts. Mana has become more consistent. There are no more weak Aether bearers." So, two beings with different energies, or one being with two... Didn't Teacher once say you can only attune once? I suppose their souls are separate then. "How do you make divine beasts?" "The process is complicated. Too intricate to simply explain. Each design however, is inspired. Creatures frequently appear from other worlds. We often model them loosely after those. Kixhah was modelled after a small arachnid with potent venom. He did not remain quite so small..."

  Through the eyes of a perplexed ape

  "Are you warriors?" "No." "Protectors?" "No." "Rulers?" "No." "Then what are you? You must be something." "We have told you. We are Nila. There is little more to be said." I do not understand... "You remain confused... What you ask is for our own view. Our own perspective on identity. Others have called us ruler, protector, warrior, god. But you ask us, not them. And to us, we are Nila and no more." "Then... What is Nila?" "An emergent form, a being. A unique identity, a story being told. The coagulated experience of millennia. We imagine you lack the lifespan to hear it all. To fully understand Nila, you would have to be Nila. Tell us, what is Gol Dhee?" "I... believe I may grasp your meaning. Somewhat..."

  Through the eyes of a furious spider

  "If all you needed was to give us a hard time then just do that yourself! How many divine beasts have died because of the absurd challenges thrown at them just to meet you?!" "Seven-hundred-and-eighty-three." They... keep track? Why? How? "How many mothers have birthed stillborns? Are they responsible? Keep in mind our intent is not to simply create life. It is to create life which can survive. For that, for this world, we need strength. And we need numbers. The second great war alone would have seen our annihilation had we fought alone. We believe ourselves justified. And you seem to have a misunderstanding about our previous words. It is not perceived adversity that triggers the phenomena. We have tried innumerable times. It is genuine risk of death alongside autonomy. Our interference would taint the waters, so to speak. Even now the occurrence is poorly understood. Yet its statistical significance can not be understated."

  Through the eyes of a desperate demon

  What is a divine beast? No, I'm sure everyone else has asked that already. Damnit! I probably look so stupid right now!

  Through the eyes of an intrigued elf

  I'm amazed how calm Tiny is. I suppose she has no real ties to this world's history, so there's nothing for her to ask. In my case though, there is something that has been bothering me. "What is that glass pane behind you? It seems important somehow." Maybe it's the fact it's the only source of light, or the strange and arbitrary feeling of my very being getting pulled in. Who knows? "A doorway of our construction. One reaching to the ocean of souls." Oh... I guess it is important then. "Tell us. What do you see?" What do I... Hmm... Yes, definitely. "Nothing." "Look closer. Not with your eyes, but with everything that is you." Okay... I see... still nothing... Or no, I'm not seeing something, but... How do I describe this? "It's strange. I don't think there are words for this, it's like... a voice? No, it's like the feeling of hearing a voice. Like the understanding of when your name is spoken." "Fascinating. Perhaps even a more literal perception than ours." You call that literal?!

  Through the eyes of a dumbfounded ape

  I feel I am simply more confused than when I entered... "I have no further questions." "Then if we may... What do you see in the door behind us?" "For what purpose?" "Your companion brought it up. We are simply curious." Very well. I see... I see... How bizarre... "Countless palms bereft of colour, each grasping at nothing. Or rather, they feel bereft of shape, no... I am confused..." "Do not concern yourself too deeply. To those untrained, perception of a soul can be a reflection of themselves. This was but a simple curiosity." I see... So I am a palm. What is it I grip?

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Through the eyes of an exhausted spider

  "Are you finished with your questions? We have found your debate enjoyable." "Shut up... I could go all day... I just don't want to..." "Then allow us a question. As with your companions, what do you see?" Huh? That weird door thing with a bunch of knotting threads behind it? "A pretty fucking rainbow." "Interesting..." Nerd.

  Through the eyes of an alarmed demon

  Aaah! I have nothing! Useless! Pathetic! What manner of exorbitant ineptitude is this that assails me?! "Demon. We apologise for not knowing your term of address. Do you have a question?" Quick! Think! Anything! "Um, what is your favourite colour?" Agh! Anything better than that! "Favourite colour? Hmm... Hm?" Uh... they're taking a while. Was it that dumb? Of course it was... "How strange." Of course it's strange! Who asks what is clearly supposed to be the most ancient and mysterious being on an entire planet their favourite colour?! "Neither of us seem to know." Huh? Eh? What? "Perhaps blue? We will think on this. You have made us ponder. Thank-you." "Ah, yes. Your welcome." Fuck yea! Nailed it! "So what do you see?" I didn't think this far ahead! Um... "Souls." "How do you perceive them?" "As... souls. I don't really have words to describe them as anything else. They're not really akin to anything." "Fascinating."

  Through the eyes of a dragon

  I feel like holding four conversations in parallel like this is pretty impressive. They didn't stumble or confuse their words even once, even when saying two things at once. Could I do that? "Revered one. We imagine you would not need the door to know. It was you who taught us how to see, after all." Ah, right. This little game. I'm surprised to see the soul sea visible within a dimension. I imagine this makes learning to see them easier. As for what I see? "I see the same as you. Perfect beings, yet to awaken. I see spheres." "As we thought. Do you have questions for us, revered one?" I did. I had a bunch. I wanted to ask 'why make me a dragon' and 'what is it that was pulling me to this world', but... I feel like the answers to those don't really matter anymore. I only have one thing to ask. "So, what's your plan?"

  Nila shifts from their position, lines drawing on their face to form an imitation grin, not quite unpleasant yet not quite soothing either. "Put simply, our plan is twofold. You need Aether. You need information. Neither we can provide in full." A black appendage swipes across the room, disturbing a shelf as an ornate box is grasped and held forth. "Aether is no simple matter. Were La's sufficient we would provide without hesitation. Yet doing so would leave this planet defenceless against those who would immediately take note. And you would still lack the quantity you need."

  The box is pried open, a veritable deluge of Aether bursting forth from a small crystal within. Faint light emits from the rough stone, refracted into a gentle pink hue and scattered across the dim walls of the room. "Crystals such as these are a rarity in this age. Many were taken by the angels who bear an uncharacteristic hostility to new Aether bearers. Many were claimed by us, and hidden across our world, away from their eyes. They will provide you with a starting point. For the quantity you need, you must first find that which has been hidden by the mortals. We know not its location, or even domain. This is by design, as we can only keep so many secrets from our observers over the span of millennia. With that, you may then find that which has been hidden by our allies. They will take you there when it is time."

  "You mentioned information. What kind?" "The kind we are uncertain about imparting. That which links with your identity. For this you must find the young one, who still resides on our world. We do not know where. Only that their influence lingers. They will know better what can be spoken." "How will we find them?" "They are powerful beyond sense. And wise beyond appearance. If you do not find them... They will find you." This seems tricky, but considering my past attempts have seldom had any semblance of success, this is actually pretty good. Just knowing this world actually has enough Aether somewhere is already better than most.

  "I'm on board with this so far. What about everyone else?" "Twofold once more. You will likely face interference. From the conflicts inherent to the world, but more so from the angels. A lone Aether bearer is unlikely to survive long, even with your skill. They are to provide you with strength and adaptability you would otherwise lack." So they basically just help? Didn't Fluffy explore alone though? Was he just lucky? They make it sound near impossible to survive. "Secondly, we suspect the phenomena of joint ascension to be at play. If so, they will prove useful allies even after your apotheosis." That's... I guess forming a heart could count as a kind of apotheosis, sure.

  "Where can we find the crystals?" Aleph steps forward, taking the shimmering stone from an outstretched palm and swallowing it whole, Aether interleaving and uniting as one, taking on hue where it had formerly been devoid. "Three within our caverns. We recommend you collect these first. One held by Mun's pet directly above upper Haven. We believe you have already stolen most of this one." "Heh. Sorry." "One is held by the being once known as Andrurra. Little remains of her former mind. Now replaced by that of a drake. Her home is above the storm boundary. She is difficult to miss if you find her." That must be the mountain lizard we encountered. Makes it easier that we've found it before. "And finally, one held by Nok within the upper layers. Lyla should know the location." I guess I didn't get all of them. Still, three for three as a team is pretty lucky.

  "Our influence upon the surface is limited. And our information out of date, with Lamla's recent tardiness. Seek out our children who associate with us. Realised divine beasts as we believe they call them. If they do not have one, they will know where to find one. You will know when-" An unwanted presence. A dangerous memory. A failed obligation. Aleph turns to meet the vibrant eyes and irradiant Aura of the unfamiliar intruder, her own Aura almost snuffed by the intense swarm of hostility billowing in response to the intrusion. "These Aether constructs of yours are quite the tricky puzzle to crack you know. Maybe consider leaving a guide?" "You are beyond unwelcome here angel. Choose your words wisely, lest a new war be declared with your blood."

  A wave of black plates the room in darkness, the small world consumed by a starscape of white eyes, the space between the void filled and oozing with an overpowering sense of dominance. A god opens its eyes, and an angel observes back. "Ah, such a stiff as always. I felt something too interesting to ignore, and look at what I found. You, harbouring not one but two Aether bearers." "You expect us to refuse our own kin? The treaties grant priority to those who reach here with their own power." "But did they? They were assisted not too long ago, no? And by your firstborn no less." "Do not waste our patience with this petty fallacy. Kixhah's punishment for his violation has already been agreed upon. This is an entirely separate matter."

  "It seems to me like you're the one searching for excuses. Well, it's not like it's my place to start a fight here. I imagine my death would be quite swift in this location anyway, so we can let my superiors decide how to handle things." The angel lies back upon the air, arms folded by his neck in a paradoxical aloofness to his surroundings. "It was a pleasure to meet you all. Especially you, fragment. We'll be seeing each other again." A convolving matrix of curved lines spread out from the glimmering wings, each dripping with immense Mana as they warp the space around him to a vanishing point. Darkness and light fades, returning to its masters who resume their relaxed posture in the returned ambient glow of souls. "As we said. You will need allies to help deal with the enemies you have. And those that will be made."

  Nila slides past the group, limbs sprouting out and plucking at the walls, leaving remnants of Mana and Aether behind. "It seems our security is lacking. Perhaps symptom of centuries of complacency." "Who was that? And what did he mean by fragment?" The figure turns to meet Aleph, any emotion indiscernible under the mask of a drawn on face. "You don't know either? The term is unfamiliar to us as well. The angel is one of our observers. Those who enforce our end of the treaties. An unfortunate concession, but one they would not relent." "The other angel mentioned it as well. I feel like it's important, but I'm not sure..." "A relation to your identity?" "Maybe? Or maybe something beyond identity. It's hard to tell." "Beyond identity... How amusing. What could that possibly mean?"

  "No matter. Our time here comes to a close. You all look tired, you should rest. Mikika can direct you to your residences." Ah, it feels much better when they talk more relaxed like this. Easier to tell them apart too. "Who is Mekikeki?" Lyly grumbles, claiming the high ground upon her perch. "Hm? You have already met." "Why does everything you say have to be so damn cryptic?" "It's more fun that way. Quite amusing." "..." The group step back into the outcropping of the room they entered from, save for Fluffy and Goldy who are pulled to a stop. "We ask that you two remain. There is one last thing for us to discuss." I feel like it's something fun. I'll have to pry the details from them later. The small room vanishes, replaced once more by a pristine hall paved in marble.

  What? Who is... No... Not this idiot again! How do they keep getting through my barrier?! I don't care about their stupid prophecies! Damn it all! I should... I should just ignore them. Maybe they'll leave me alone if I don't listen. I'll just tend to my garden until they go away.

  - Frustrations of a lonely god