Birth Of A Goddess

by Mark T. Bacome

  “And still no news of Li?” Presley1522 asked.

  Presley1477 shook his head. “Novia has not given up hope, feeling Li is just beyond contact, but not gone.”

  Presley1522 scowled. “I don't believe I will ever understand the beliefs of these Earth-clans.”

  “No need. I would only ask that you respect them.”

  Presley1522 nodded in agreement. “Of course.”

  *** Although Kutch was enjoying the tour, particularly in the lower levels where many of the ancient books and other artifacts were stored, there were still many questions to be asked regarding the Aki and the Tri-SphaliLonsdaleite, and whether or not they had anything to do with a Sovereignty Contract Kutch had discovered in documents, within Roth's off-line data storage cubes.

  “The area we are approaching holds many artifacts dating to the early twenty-second century, including--”

  “Proto--” Kutch interrupted. “I have some questions, if I may?”

  “I understand now. Please proceed with your personal inquiry.”

  “I have recently obtained information regarding a substance called Tri-Sphali-Lonsdaleite. Do you have any information or material of that nature?” Kutch asked.

  “I am sorry. That information is classified. Access is denied,” Proto cheerfully announced.

  “Denied?” Alex repeated.

  “Correct. That information is classified. Access is denied.” Proto clarified.

  “Proto, am I not Kutch, Administrator one?” Kutch asked with some confusion.

  “Yes. Identification has been confirmed. You are Kutch, Administrator one,” Proto confirmed unsure as to where the confusion appeared to derive.

  “Then please tell me what information you have, regarding Tri-Sphali-Lonsdaleite,” Kutch reaffirmed.

  “I am sorry for the confusion, Kutch, Administrator one. That information is classified. Access is denied.”

  Kutch turned to Alex, perplexed.

  “I'll give it a try--” Alex shrugged. “Proto, please identify any information regarding Tri-Sphali-Lonsdaleite.”

  “I am very sorry for the apparent and, complete misunderstanding, Alex, Administrator two. That information is classified and access is denied.” Proto repeated with total professionalism, although beginning to sound a bit annoyed.

  Kutch scowled at Alex. “I don't understand. I thought we had complete authorization as administrators when we entered the facility?”

  “When I set the security parameters, I was certain I had made sure that was the case.”

  Kutch turned to the nearest audio repeater. “Proto--is there a way to gain access to the information requested?”

  “Yes.”

  Kutch waited, but there was no further explanation by Proto.

  “Are you able elaborate on that process?” Alex asked.

  “Yes.”

  Kutch let out a heavy sigh. “Please elaborate--”

  “Access is denied.”

  “PROTO!” Kutch said exasperated.

  Alex held up her hand to calm Kutch down. “Hold on, Kutch. I think I have an idea what's going on. I've seen something like this before when dealing with some ancient documents. Proto, is the process to gain access to classified information, classified?”

  “No.”

  “Okay--but I currently do not have access to that process?”

  “Correct.”

  “Can I request access to the process, with my Alex, Administrator two authority?”

  “Yes.”

  “Requesting authorization to access the process, for access to classified files regarding Tri-Sphali-Lonsdaleite,” Alex formally asked.

  “Are you Administrator?”

  “I am Alex Administrator, two.”

  “Please present password,” Proto requested.

  “Alex, nine-nine, six-three.”

  “Access granted,” Proto announced. “Please present second Administrator.”

  Alex cued Kutch with a nod. “I am Kutch,

  Administrator, one,” Kutch announced.

  “Please present password.”

  “Kutch, EJ-AG4162D-9.”

  “Process access granted.”

  “GREAT! Now can you give us information regarding Tri-Sphali-Lonsdaleite?” Kutch rushed.

  “That is classified. Access is denied.”

  Alex shook her head. “Not yet--wait,” Alex scolded Kutch. “Proto, I am now requesting the process for access to classified information.”

  “Access to classified information requires Tri-Con United registered authority, granting a Top Secret clearance rating or requesting local Administrator access,” Proto explained.

  “Seriously? How are we going to be granted a clearance from an entity that doesn't exist?” Kutch ranted.

  “OR, requesting local Administrator access...” Alex grinned.

  “What?” Kutch scowled.

  “Proto--I am requesting local Administrator access to the classified files regarding Tri-Sphali-Lonsdaleite.” “Are you Administrator?”

  “I am Alex Administrator, two.” Kutch sighed hard, and shook his head.

  “Please present password.”

  “Alex, nine-nine, six-three,”

  “Access granted,” Proto announced. “Please present second Administrator.”

  Alex pointed at Kutch. “I am Kutch, Administrator, one,” Kutch said with frustration.

  “Please present password.”

  “Kutch, EJ-AG4162D-9.”

  “Administrator access granted.”

  Kutch looked to Alex. “Now?” Kutch asked. Alex raised a brow and shrugged. “Proto, do you have any information regarding Tri-Sphali-Lonsdaleite?”

  “I have seventy-two documents regarding Tri-SphaliLonsdaleite that you currently have authorization to view.”

  “Do any of those documents cross reference a group called the Aki?” Kutch asked.

  “That information is classified. Access is denied.”

  “No, no, no--no! We just got past all that,” Kutch argued.

  “Hold on, Kutch,” Alex held up a hand. “Proto, are the accesses granted to the classified files regarding TriSphali-Lonsdaleite transferable to the classified files regarding the Aki?”

  “No.”

  “How many files are available regarding Tri-SphaliLonsdaleite, and Aki?” Kutch asked.

  “Seven hundred and thirty-five classified documents and files, not including one artifact.”

  “Will each classified document require Administrator granted access?” Alex asked.

  “Yes, or Tri-Con United registered authority, granting a Top Secret clearance rating.”

  “For each document and artifact?” Kutch asked. “Yes.”

  “Can these accesses be granted in bulk?”

  “Only documents that are nested or filed within groups. Each grouping, or nesting of files will require clearance authentication or Administrator access requests individually,” Proto explained.

  Kutch shook his head in frustration.

  “What artifact?” Alex asked.

  “Tri-Sphali-Lonsdaleite.”

  “Are you ready?” Alex gave Kutch a look. Kutch took a seat on the floor, as there were no other options, took a deep breath and nodded. “Proto, please begin

  Administrator classification authentication process for each and every file requested regarding Tri-SphaliLonsdaleite, and the Aki,” Alex asked.

  “Beginning with the first of seven hundred and thirtyfive classified documents and nested files regarding TriSphali-Lonsdaleite, and the Aki. Are you Administrator?”

  Alex sat next to Kutch and took a deep breath before continuing.

  *** Massive hammers hurled by grotesque, disfigured, humanoid creatures of enormous size, pummeled the great crystalline wall. Both the hammers bulk weight and the addition of lightning strikes from each blow left increasingly darkened patches of distress. The massive creatures' chains of bondage glowed with the power of their master, Kyrios. Smaller disfigured, and heavily armored human
oid figures, armed with long poles, emanating more bolts of lightning, continued the assault between the larger creatures, against the barrier between the dark and light realms. Legions of more armored, disfigured, battle-hardened, humanoid creatures, armed with hand-carried weaponry beyond comprehension, waited their chance to breach the wall, chanting, growling and screeching their growing anticipation of victory. Their numbers dissolved into the black of the Dark Realm. Streaks of lightning crossing the dark sky above, followed by the deep rumbling of thunder echoing past, allowing only the momentary glimpse of their vast ranks into the distance.

  Kyrios watched over his impressive war host, as the assault on the great crystalline wall barrier continued. Now that Cain had weakened the structure through his own ignorance of power, the barrier would succumb to the pressure provided by Kyrios's army. Soon, Kyrios would enslave all of the life and life-energy of the Light Realm, increasing the numbers of his massive army, assuring an unimpeded, supreme rule of all the realms of this universe.

  *** The procession followed the long, winding trail that led to the top of the mountain where the ceremonial pyre was waiting. Novia had prepared Utahia's body per the customs, and built an effigy

  to represent Chichi, since his body was not recoverable from the Death-Chute. Both were being carried by honored bearers on carved stretchers with intricate designs from the Other Realm. Family and honored guests followed in order.

  Anaua and Ayden, carrying Anali, followed behind the effigy of Chichi and his bearers. With the help of some herbs and teas from Novia, Anaua was able to pull herself together enough for the journey to the top of the mountain for the ceremony. Not only for Chichi, but she knew she owed as much to Utahia. This particular journey to the top of the mountain was the hardest she had ever endured. She pulled from the deepest reaches of her soul to continue, and be strong for herself and her family. Even in the depths of her pain and sadness, Anaua was feeling a strength like never before.

  Anali was still uncertain what was happening, as the effigy of Chichi certainly was not her brother, and she still believed with all her heart that Chichi was with the nice old woman, somewhere in the caverns. She watched with wide eyes, as so many of the clansmen trekked up the trail, carrying ceramic and fire torches, each droning on in a trance-like chant accompanied by animal skin covered hoops, twirled and drummed to the intoxicating rhythm. Carried by her father, Anali soon found the droning chant too much to keep her eyes open, and she fell into a restful sleep, her arms around Ayden's neck.

  Novia waited at the top, on a tall stand, overlooking the two wood pyres. She had been worried about Toolkit who had taken the passing of Chichi so hard. He had disappeared earlier this day, but she soon felt his presence just at the edge of the clearing, along with several night-singers. They had been staying close, since bringing back Anali, and particularly close to Toolkit, curling up with him through the nights, while he stayed on the rise outside of the cavern entrance.

  The bearers lay the stretchers on their corresponding wood pyres, as those who followed filed into the surrounding ceremonial area continuing the droning chant. Shola Rai was ready to drop below the ridgeline further to the Wes, and a large full moon began to rise in the Ea. Novia wore her ceremonial fur cape, dress, and head-dress, covered with symbols and designs of Shola Rai. She held her hands high and began to speak. Her voice was firm, yet melodic and its reverberation seemed to dance in the air above the ceremony.

  “Oh Great Shola Rai, Goddess of Light. We stand here in your grace, the light of your love. As you take your leave of this day, we ask of your gracious will to take the spirits of our fallen Clan members, Pe'Atchdi of Clans, Utahia, beloved mother of Ilia, grandmother of Novia, and young Chichi, beloved son of Anaua and Ayden, brother of Anali. Wrap their spirits in the light of your love that they may live forever in your house here after. Bless them that they may know your strength in their new journey. Cast their pain to the depths of the sea and lift their souls with the might of your wings of life to the heavens; light their way that they may never be lost in the night. Appoint a light in the night sky as their guide. We pray thee.”

  “Bless us, oh Great Goddess of Light, that we may find your strength in our pain of loss. Grant us your grace that each new day, we may live in the light of your love. Forgive us that we may stumble on our humble path to your glory and give us each day the heart and breath of life. Bless us with the knowledge that with each night there follows the light of your love into the next day. Cast down our fears and lift us up in your glory. We pray thee.”

  “As you take the eternal spirits of Utahia and Chichi at this day's end, we send their mortal bodies to take their place among the face of the stars of the night sky forever and ever."

  Novia chanted the prayer over and over, as the crowd followed along. One by one, honored guests and family lay their fire torches at the base of the pyres. Novia, too, stepped down for a moment to place a torch at the base of the pyre for Utahia. Streaks of tears on her cheeks glistened in the firelight.

  She whispered to Damus who went to the tree line with two young guardians and retrieved Toolkit. He was reluctant at first, but soon relented. Damus handed him a fire torch, and nodded toward the fire growing at the base of Chichi's pyre, but Toolkit refused, shaking his head.

  Novia stepped over to Toolkit. “I understand your pain. I feel your pain. We all do. Honor Chichi and release your pain,” Novia said through her own tears.

  “I can't,” Toolkit insisted.

  “Why?”

  Toolkit looked around at the crowd of onlookers at the

  ceremony. Everyone showed signs of the tracks of tears on their cheeks, glowing from the light of the pyre. “Can't you see? I can't let my pain go--I have no eyes! I CAN'T CRY!” Toolkit sunk to his knees consumed with pain and no real release. He wanted to scream, opening his mouth wide to the sky above, but no sound came out. Novia could see his overwhelming depth of pain and continued with the prayer song, being the only thing she felt she could do for him now.

  No one noticed the night-singer at first, until she sat down next to Toolkit by the raging pyre. After a few moments, two more appeared from the darkness and sat with Toolkit in the light of the pyre. Everyone continued to chant the prayer song. Not long after, the rest of the night-singers followed the group and joined in with the prayer song, in their own way. Their sorrowful song echoed through the night, along with the song of the humans. All the voices rising up into the night together, following the burning embers to join the spirits and stars in the sky above.

  *** There was something different about the Other Realm, Li could feel it. The brightness was off, there was a feeling of stress and dread. Li looked at herself, and could see she was wrapped in a gown that glowed and moved as though it were living energy; not like anything she had experienced here before. Even the Tutela-Animus moved closer, not staying at a distance. Li felt she could hear them speaking to her all at once, with familiarity she only recently understood. The Tutela-Animus were life energies from an ancient civilization, the Aki--originating far beyond the known universe. Li could now see the truth in their wisdom and knowledge well-earned through their countless ages of existence.

  A familiar face approached. “Li, you have returned,” Ilia spoke with both joy and concern.

  “Yes, but you might not believe from where,” Li said. “I'm sensing distress.”

  “The barrier--the dark realm is attacking. The TutelaAnimus may not be able to hold much longer.” Ilia guided Li to the barrier with a single step.

  The once perfect and brilliant crystalline wall, that protected the Other Realm from the dark, was covered in blackened blotches, and deformations. Loud pounding noises, along with inhuman screeches and growls emanated from the other side.

  Li looked around to see countless Tutela-Animus with hands on the wall in prayer, trying to heal the damage inflicted from the other side.

  “Can you help?” Ilia pleaded.

  “I know now what I must d
o, but my help is limited at this time,” Li said. “I will do what I can for now.”

  “The Tutela-Animus will be grateful.”

  Li stepped to the wall and held her hands close, her gown and her body began to glow in a brilliant white light, out-shinning even the Other Realm. As Li touched the wall, the darkened blemishes began to fade, as well as some of the smaller deformations. After a few moments the glow that surrounded Li faded, and she stepped back. Once again, several Tutela-Animus surrounded her in conversation all at once--mostly in praise and gratitude.

  “Only a small repair, but all I am able, at this time,” Li said to all listening.

  “Your help is a blessing,” Ilia said in thanks.

  “I must see Utahia and Chichi,” Li pressed. “I sensed Chichi's crossing.”

  “Yes, I am certain your heart will lead you directly,” Ilia answered with a bow.

  Li turned and took a step, arriving at what appeared to be the top of a mountain, where a ceremony was being held. She could see Utahia holding Chichi's hand, watching the ceremony, as they stood by a large fire. The figures that surrounded the fire were all aglow, as though made from pure energy, their voices echoing into the distant night. Even the song of the night-singers could be heard, their voices rising up as one, with their human counterparts.

  Li watched from afar, so as not to interfere, or interrupt, and felt much better by what she witnessed. Chichi was safe, and had come full-circle, this path completed.

  Chichi turned to see Li watching from a distance. In a step, he stood next to Li with Utahia still holding his hand. “Li! I did it! I was brave. I saved Anali--” Chichi reached out to give Li a hug. Li's new flowing gown enveloped him along with her arms.

  “I always knew you would.”

  “You have had some adventures,” Utahia greeted Li with a hug as well. She brushed a white streak of hair back from Li's forehead, and glanced at Li's glowing gown with a nod of approval.

  “I have seen more than I can possibly describe,” Li admitted.

  “Yet--you seem to have found some clarity? Direction? Your Path?”

  “Clarity, yes. I know now what I must do, but the path is still yet vague, not far beyond,” Li explained.