Aethereia sat at the peak of the pyramid of existence, as an astral plane beyond our physical reality, where abstract concepts and authorities manifest as beings. Its inhabitants, the celestials, had all gathered to witness "The Constellation Game," a very special event held once in a light year; a game created to keep the pyramid of existence in balance.
Each celestial is spawned into existence with an authority to rule over fragments of concepts, and if a celestial ever feels the need to increase the amount of concepts in their authority, they need only eliminate another, and claim it for themselves. Needless to say, it was pandemonic. Fights between celestials could last millennia, and everything within light years of distance could become collateral, unbeknownst of the chaos they created—no. More like they didn't regard planets, galaxies, or universes as something of importance, since there were billions out there.
At least that's how it was until…a catastrophe threatened all of existence.
Unironically, the two most powerful celestials in the hierarchy finally had their eyes on each other, perceiving each other as a threat, and decided to settle the score. Their clash shook the pyramid, claiming half of existence, including other celestials, as collateral, in a matter of seconds.
Watching the fight with the potential to wipe out all existence unfold, the celestials were finally aware of the consequences of their action, so they had to intervene. It was truly a struggle, but they succeeded in ending the battle. After that, a collective agreement was made, and the constellation game was created; a battle that is effective, yet less destructive.
"My fellow celestials, esteemed rulers of the vast expanse of conceptual authority, I welcome you to the Constellation Game, where power, strategy, and wisdom converge," the Sentinel addressed the audience.
The celestials formed a majestic circle around the central platform. They had no true form, so they appeared as silhouettes in myriads of colours, blending seamlessly with the nebula's luminescence, creating an aura of unity and anticipation. The sentinel, however, had acquired a true form; his silhouette resembled the universe, a testament of his acquired victory in the constellation game. He was one of twelve others, who had acquired true forms.
"As of this moment, we've all gathered here to witness the battle over who shall claim the throne of Temporal authority, and become the thirteenth member of the constellation," The Sentinel added, then he turned to the seven contestants before him, and addressed them. "The rules are simple: you are to go into the lower dimensions, and pick a representative you would guide, after that, you will enter the realms chosen for the exam, your goal is to defeat other contestants and the Temporal authority which they govern will be transferred to you. You will do this until you are the only remaining. Talon, Valtor, Lyriax, Aethonix, Kyrekh, Tharros, and Nexarion, you may begin."
Instantly, the celestials scattered into the lower realms to choose their avatar, and with that the constellation game had begun.
* * *
Talon the watcher, as they are called, soared through the lower realms in the form of a white, ribbon-tailed barn owl, looking for the perfect specimen to make their avatar. It didn't matter the amount of strength the chosen avatar possesses, all that would be reset the moment they enter the game, and they will be gifted a body befitting their personalities. So, whatever the case, Talon seeks to pick one who possesses wit rather than strength, they believe they could shape them to fit their needs as the game proceeds.
After a while, Talon caught sight of Ronan Albert, passed out in an alley after being kicked out of a pub for drinking himself into a stupor and picking a fight with a staff. Talon thought he'd be a perfect fit and lured him to his own death, so his soul could be retracted and transferred to another realm.
Which brings us here…
"Ahhhhh!" Ronan's scream reverberated through the air.
The owl flew off his body and landed on a nearby tree. Ronan, on the other hand, curled up into a ball and started pleading for his life, "Please don't kill me! Please don't eat me, I promise I'm not that edible," while shielding his face with his hands.
"Are you serious right now? 'Eat you?' Who in their right mind would want to eat a demon?" Talon responded, "I am Talon the Watcher. I have come only to observe your journey, and grant you quests befitting your level as you partake in this game of survival. This shall also serve as a medium of entertainment for the Constellation," they continued.
Ronan was relieved to hear that it didn't want to eat him, but was greatly baffled by the info dump that followed.
Constellation? Demon? Journey? Game of survival? Medium of entertainment? What's this bird on about? He pondered.
"...So, do me a favour and get moving," Talon added.
Ronan rose to his feet and dusted himself, his face twisted into a puzzled mess, he raised his hand high, and asked,"Uh, excuse me…I'm happy you aren't going to eat me and all that, but if you don't mind me asking, what did you mean by 'demon?'" But before Talon could even answer, he began to deliver a barrage of questions, "What even are you? Where the hell am I, and how did I even get here? Who are the Constellation? And why am I partaking in a game of survival, that is a medium of entertainment for them? Like what's even going on?"
Talon glared at him, their visage seemingly jaded, and they replied, "If you would, one question at a time, thank you."
Ronan darted his eyes from left to right. "First, I think I would like to know where I am," he asked.
"Look around you, where do you think you are?" Talon responded.
Having his questions answered with another, Ronan was annoyed, but chose to hide his irritation—after all, a talking bird might be capable of far worse.
Without hesitation, Ronan meticulously observed his surroundings. With the first glance, he came to the conclusion that he was in a forest, although the unusually big trees surrounding the area made it feel surreal, he still kept to his conclusion. A few more glances and he realized the side he stood on was barren. It was half an acre wide, and not a single greenery grew in or near it, except an unusual tree Talon stood on, which was ten feet away from him. The tree leaned close to the ground and resembled a mix of a maple and a willow, with strange-looking fruits hanging from its branches
"Looks like…some forest in the middle of nowhere," Ronan muttered, still trying to convince himself he wasn't dreaming.
Talon lowered their head and a sound similar to a sigh escaped their beaks, "Ahh…seriously, That's all you could make out after observing your surroundings? You are in another world, fool!"
Taking a look once more, Ronan could tell his surroundings, though realistic, seemed surreal to him. For starters, the tree Talon perched on, seemed unusually bent, and the fruits were quite strange-looking.
"Ok. So, what did you mean by 'no one in their right mind would eat a demon.' I don't see any demon (other than you) here."
Talon waved their wing in the direction of a puddle of clean water that lay five feet away from them, between the tree and Ronan, "Take a look for yourself," they said.
Ronan took a few steps towards the puddle. A single glance and Ronan's eyes widened in utter disbelief.
"Who the hell...is that supposed to be me?" Ronan stammered, staring at his reflection. "Why do I look so young, and pale as a corpse…?" His voice trailed.
There was silence for a few seconds, Ronan was utterly stunned. To confirm it wasn't an illusion, he knelt down and leaned closer to the puddle, then he pushed the side of his upper lip, to his surprise his canine was a few millimetres longer.
"Oh, shit," slipped unnoticed from his lips, barely above a whisper.