The park was bustling with the sweet symphony of birdsong, harmonizing gentle breeze rustling leaves and chirping crickets. Golden afternoon sunlight was filtering through the trees, illuminating the scattered paper balls surrounding the boy's feet, each one a rejected story idea.
"Hey, Earth to paper thrower! I don't know what you're up to, but back in America, it's considered a bad habit littering in a public park. You are turning this beautiful park into your personal trash can!"
That 13-year-old boy, was sitting solitary on a swing in a park, lost in a whirlwind of creativity, finally snapped out of it to meet my gaze. He blinked, momentarily speechless, staring at me with his pen still hovering near his mouth.
A gentle breeze was flipping the pages of the boy's notebook and scattering crumpled papers around his feet. He jolted from his creative trance, face flushing red as he noticed the mess.
"Oh no! I-I didn't realize... I'm so sorry! In India, we also have strict rules about this... I was just trying to write this story and... I got carried away with it."
"Ooh, are you writing a story? I love stories! My big brother always tells me good bedtime stories! Big brother, can we help him clean up? Pretty please? I want to hear his stories," Alia, who was standing beside me tugging on my sleeve, bounced forward with childlike enthusiasm. Her eyes were twinkling with unusual wisdom.
"Well, it seems someone's having a creative crisis, more like a paper snowstorm. But these aren't trash, but stories... unfinished dreams... These stories are too good to let them stay on the ground. Alright then, let me help you to pick them up for you," I offered my otherworldly wisdom as I examined all the crumpled papers.
"You really don't have to... this is my mess..." the boy said, frantically gathering papers while stealing glances at his notebook. As he clutches his notebook tightly, a gust of wind threatened to scatter his loose papers further across the park.
Alia and I shared a knowing glance with an otherworldly nature hidden in our friendly smiles. I stepped forward with determination, making the place warmer.
"Don't worry. We would like to help."
Hearing me, the boy looked down at the scattered papers and a faint blush creeped up his cheeks.
"Thanks, guys. I... thank you for your help."
As the three of us worked together, the mountain of crumpled ideas slowly started shrinking. In no time at all, we gathered every last paper balls and threw them into the dustbin.
"Sorry about the mess... I got carried away with my new plot twist and... but thank you both. You really helped me a lot," the boy said, Clutching one of the paper balls in his hand tighter. A mix of embarrassment and a lit smile was evident on his gloomy face.
He then made his way back to the swing. Alia and I settled onto the swings beside him. The rhythmic creak of the chains was a gentle counterpoint to Saurabh's woes.
I shared a knowing glance with Alia and then shifted my gaze at the boy.
"Hey, it seems you're really deep into creating something epic there. That notebook of yours is a chaotic masterpiece. What were you doing in it?" I asked, glancing at the tattered, dishevelled notebook resting on his lap.
"I... I...," the boy hesitated, clutching his notebook closer to his chest.
Some loose pages fluttered out, landing softly at Alia's tiny feet. She leaned forward, gathering the scattered pages, her eyes scanning them with curiosity.
"Ooh! Big brother, look! These drawings are amazing!"
She passed me those pages. I examined those pages and I found myself mesmerized by the detailed illustrations in it.
"Hey, you've got some serious talent there. These drawings are actually impressive. So, why are you throwing them all away?"
He paused for a moment after hearing me. His eyes dropped to the ground, avoiding mine, as he fidgeted with his fingers. I was trying to read his face. After what felt like an eternity, he whispered,
"If I tell you, you'll probably laugh and make fun of me."
"What? No, of course not. I would never do that. You have my word; I won't laugh at you, I promise," I reassured him.
Why would I ever do that? As the Guardian Deity of Earth, it is my sacred duty to listen to the prayers of mortals and offer guidance. Over the millennia, I have encountered countless strange and outlandish prayers, yet I have never once laughed at them. You hold a unique place in my heart, then why would I ever make fun of you?
Saurabh, after hearing my words, seemed to relax a bit and shared,
"Because... the story was not good enough for my manga. I'm a huge fan of Animes and Mangas. I... I want to be India's first manga artist, you know. I want to be a famous manga author, like Oda Eiichiro, Kishimoto Masashi, Hajime Isayama or even Akira Toriyama," he confessed, Clutching his notebook against his chest.
"I... I am good with illustrations, but when it comes to stories... I just keep messing up with it. The art is nothing without a good story, you know. Maybe I should just give up on it," he said as his gaze was dropping in embarrassment.
"Why are you saying that? You must keep trying. Those who try never lose. success will eventually find you. Why not ask your friends for help?" I encouraged, meeting his eyes with a reassuring smile.
"Well... the thing is... They're all away for summer vacation with their families to different places, and I'm stuck here alone," he sighed as he scrunched his nose in frustration.
"I did ask my friends for help with the stories. But they never been much help. They suggest I should just copy some existing manga plots, tweak a few elements and there and call it my own... But that feels... wrong. I want something original, something that's truly mine! I can't keep living in other people's shadows! I want to create something totally new!" He exclaimed, throwing a fist into the air.
I anticipated you would say this. You've always been the type to forge your own path, refusing to follow someone else's. No matter how difficult and challenging that path might be.
The chains of the swing creaked a gentle rhythm in the afternoon breeze. I leaned in, captivated while gently swaying on my swing. A knowing smile played on my lips.
"You know, back in California, I won some story writing contests. Not to brag or anything, but writing stories is my passion. At the moment, I do have a new story I'm working on..."
Saurabh's eyes grew wide, a spark of hope igniting deep within him, dispelling the shadows of his earlier gloom.
"Wait... you write stories?"
"Yes, Big brother's stories are magical! They're unlike you've ever read before!" Alia exclaimed, bouncing excitedly as she peeked at me.
"Really? Wow! Well, if that's the case... how about lending a hand with my story?" He exclaimed, bouncing in excitement.
His words sounded magical to my ears. These were the words I had longed to hear to initiate my plan. A knowing smile crept on my face. I tapped my chin, pretended to be in deep thinking.
"Well... I could do that for you... but sharing my latest story comes... with a price."
Saurabh felt a lump in his throat as soon as the word "price" escaped my lips. His heart raced wildly, pounding against his chest like a drum. A wave of anxiety washed over him, mingling with a flicker of curiosity about what that word "price" truly meant. Summoning every ounce of courage he could muster, he asked,
"A... a price? What kind of price?"
The afternoon sun stretched its golden rays, creating elongated shadows that danced over the park swing while Saurabh held his breath, waiting for the impossible to unfold. But building an enough dramatic suspense, I finally shrugged, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
"Well, the price you have to pay will be... you must be friends with me and Alia. I can't just share my stories with anyone, you know."
Hearing my words, the initial worry of Saurabh melted away, giving way to a broad, heartfelt grin. He sighed, as if he had just dodged an unpleasant revelation. With his notebook held close to his heart, he exclaimed with enthusiasm,
"Deal! I... I'd love to pay that price... I mean, I would like to be your friend!"
He leaped off his swing a broad smile lighting up his face as he approached me, extending his hand,
"I'm Saurabh Tendulkar by the way, and I live just around the corner."
"Nice to meet you, Saurabh! I'm Andy Tennyson, and this is my little sister, Alia," I said, reaching out for a handshake while studying him with my otherworldly intensity.
Alia also greeted, waving her hand enthusiastically and her pigtails dancing. Her bright eyes shimmered with an infectious energy.
"Tennyson? That's not the last name I hear often. Are you two foreigners? Are you here for a vacation tour?" Saurabh asked curiously. I smiled and nodded affirmatively.
"Ya, sort of. We're actually here to spend summer vacation with our nanny. We are from California, you know."
"California? You mean, you're from America? Wow! That's so cool! I've always wanted to travel to America," His eyes widened in admiration as he bounced in excitement.
"But... you mentioned you are here to see your nanny. So, does that mean, you guys are, half Indians?" he scratched his head thoughtfully.
"Yeah, something like that. My mom is Indian, and my dad is American. It's a pretty cool mix, right?" I replied, puffing out my chest slightly.
Of course, my tale is entirely fictional. I had to hide my true identity from him to keep the promise I made to Father. The expression on Shin's face revealed that he was convinced by my narrative.
"Yah! That's a pretty cool mix of cultures!" he replied as his enthusiasm was bubbling over.
A gentle breeze whispered through the banyan tree, making the leaves dance in a soothing melody.
Saurabh held his sketchbook closer while his eyes darting at us. His eyes were gleaming with enthusiasm.
"Hey Andy, since you are both here for the summer, why not come over to my place?"
"At your place?" I asked, feigning astonishment.
"Yes. It's not too far from here. I've got a huge collection of manga, and maybe... maybe you could share more about your new story... and about America. Oh, and my mom makes the best Samosas. I bet you've never tried one! We can munch on Samosas while brainstorming on my manga in my room," he said excitedly.
"Sure, why not? Sounds like a plan. Lead the way, Saurabh!" I said, rising from the swing.
We followed Saurabh, leaving behind the lively park bustling with energy. Two tiny squirrels scampered down from the Banyan tree, nibbling on the fallen red figs as they watched us depart.
**********
Strolling through the labyrinth of roads, we were engaged in conversation about our school and personal lives, sharing experiences and dreams, we reached before a quaint yellow house. Sunlight streaming on the door, was illuminating the dust motes twirling in the air.
As we approached, the door swung opened to reveal a beautiful woman. Her chest-length black hair was elegantly gathered into a low side ponytail, and she wore a flowing lavender dress complemented by a crisp white apron.
Clutching a large skimmer spoon, her face glistened with sweat and simmering anger.
"Saurabh! You're late. What took you so long, young man? I've been worried, while you were wandering who knows where."
"Sorry, Mom! I was just... I was in the park, absorbed in my manga. I was so engrossed in that I... I lost the track of time. I'm sorry, it won't happen again. But look who I brought," Saurabh said as he looked behind him at us.
She looked at us and a warm smile lit up on her beautiful face, forgetting her scolding,
"Oh my, how lovely! Saurabh, who are these sweet young guests?"
"Mom, this is Andy Tennyson and his sister, Alia. They're my new friends! And do you know, they're from America. Andy's been helping me with my new manga! He's got some really cool ideas," Saurabh's eyes sparkled with excitement as he introduced us.
"Good day, Mrs. Tendulkar!" We bowed in greeting and her smile blossomed like a flower.
"Hello kids. How wonderful! Welcome, welcome. It's a pleasure to meet you both. Please, come in."
Mrs. Tendulkar warmly welcomed us inside as her gaze was lingering curiously at us. Saurabh's home, though modest in size yet welcoming than an opulent palace. The cleanliness and tidiness were evidence of Mrs. Tendulkar's dedication and hardwork to transform that small space into a cosy heaven.
"And this is our sweet little nest. I know it can't hold a candle to your home in America. Now kids, why don't you wait in Saurabh's room? Make yourselves comfortable and I will make something for you. Saurabh, why don't you show them your room," Mrs. Tendulkar said, glancing at Saurabh.
"Yes mom!" Saurabh replied cheerfully, leading us to his room.
"Just a sec, Saurabh. I should probably call my mom and let her know that I'll be a little late." I interjected. My gaze then turned to Mrs. Tendulkar.
"Mrs. Tendulkar, if you don't mind... may I use your landline to call my mom? You know how moms can be. She'll be mad if I don't tell her."
"Sure. And No need for all that formality, dear. Just call me Aunt Sangeeta," she said with a smile. With a melodious hum escaping her lips, she turned and headed back to the kitchen. I said Alia to follow Saurabh to his room.
I lifted the receiver to my ear, mimed to dial with a mischievous glint in my eyes. Aunt Sangeeta, busy in her chores yet her ears were keenly tuned on my words.
"Mom? Yeah, it's me... I'm at Saurabh's house. He's a new friend I just met today. Actually, we're working on a manga... Yeah... Is it cool if Alia and I hang out here for a while? Great, thanks Mom! Love you, bye Mom!" I said, hanging up the phone. I could clearly hear Aunty Sangeeta humming a song while doing her chores.
Minutes later, I found my way to Saurabh's room. Saurabh was showing Alia his collection of mangas. I couldn't help but smile as I watched her excitement.
"Wow! Check out all these mangas, big brother!" Alia exclaimed, holding up one of the manga in her hand. But then, her excitement replaced by a concern.
"So, what did mom say? Can we stay here?"
"All good! Mom said we can chill here for a while." Hearing me, Alia and Saurabh's faces lit up with joy.
Saurabh's room was surprisingly tidy, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of a twelve-year-old's domain. The blue walls decorated with anime heroes' posters and shelves overflowed with colourful manga volumes were testaments to Saurabh's passion. His room was a shrine to animes and mangas.
"Wow, Saurabh! Your manga collection is massive!" my eyes widen as I looked around all those anime posters. He puffed out his chest slightly with a pride evident in his voice,
"Yeah, I've been collecting them for years. Check out this one!"
He passed one of those mangas towards me. While we were checking out those mangas, Aunt Sangeeta entered with a tray laden with glasses of orange juice and a plate piled high with golden samosas. She placed the tray down on the carpet before us. The sweet scent of orange juice mingled with the savoury aroma of samosas filled the room.
"Here you go, kids. Fresh orange juice and samosas. Enjoy!"
"Thanks, Mom!" Saurabh exclaimed, grabbing on of those samosas. We followed suit, joining him in this delicious quest, while Aunt Sangeeta was sitting on the bed, observing us while smiling.
As we were eating, I caught Aunt Sangeeta staring at me intently with a hint of mystery in her eyes. Taking a sip of my orange juice to mask my unease, I attempted to sound nonchalant and asked,
"Uh... Is everything okay, Aunty? You keep... looking at me. Is there something you wanna ask?"
She snapped out of her reverie at my voice, pausing for a while, searching right words to express herself.
"Oh, I'm sorry, dear. It's just... I feel some strange connection to you. As if... you belong here, almost like... you are a part of... our family."
"Huh?" Saurabh exclaimed, his samosa hovering mid-air, eyes wide with surprise.
"That's weird," Alia taken aback, as she studied me and Aunt Sangeeta with her eyes widened.
Saurabh and Alia shared bewildered looks as their samosas left untouched. I nearly choked on my orange juice and after a moment of self-soothing contemplation, I laughed nervously while scratching my head,
"Haha, perhaps we were connected in a previous life!"
My heart raced wildly, pounding against my ribs as I was trying to deflect them. But then, Aunt Sangeeta joined in my laughter, lightening the mood a bit.
"Perhaps! I'll just go and finish up my chores. You kids enjoy yourselves. I'll be downstairs if you need anything."
Aunt Sangeeta left the room to return to her chores, leaving behind a lingering sense of mystery. Alia and Saurabh glanced at me, their eyes brimming with unasked questions.
I decided to brush off her piercing gaze and her question, redirecting my focus to the Samosa instead.
What was that all about? Had she uncovered our true identities? I knew it was a bad idea. The rumours I had heard were true-nothing escapes a mother's notice. We need to be careful around her.
Alia was tilting her head, her innocent eyes brimming with curiosity as those thoughts swirled wildly in her mind.
**********
The afternoon sun poured through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. The aroma of samosas wafted through the room as we sat in a circle on a soft carpet.
"Alright! Story time!" Saurabh exclaimed, his face lighting up as he pulled out a fresh notebook and pen from his bag. Hearing him, Alia also clapped her hands in a childlike excitement.
"So Andy, tell me about your story! What's it called? Who's the main character? What's it about? Is it a magical quest, a mediaeval fantasy, a cyborg action, a zombie horror or something else?" Saurabh asked as his pen poised above the notebook was ready to scribble.
"Whoa, whoa, Saurabh! Hold your horses! I'll be here all day. Plenty of time for the full epic," I chuckled, shifting on the carpet to find a cosier position.
"Big brother, tell us a story! Please!" Alia, in her bright dress, bounced with anticipation. Both of them settled in as their faces alight with eager anticipation.
"Alright, alright. Let me get a sip first." I savoured a cool gulp of orange juice, pausing while building a bit suspense.
"Okay, so, once upon a time, there was a young boy... a boy who dreamed big. But destiny had much greater plans. He wanted to be a magus, the mightiest of all. Little did he know, he was destined to protect the Earth from a dark apocalypse looming just around the corner."
"It's a journey of a peasant boy who rises to become a world hero, a legend whispered in the winds of time. This is the story of Shaun Thunderhawk, and this story called "Tales of the World's Strongest Magus."
A beat of silence hung in the air before Saurabh and Alia burst in excitement. Alia clapped her hands as her bright sundress emitted in a cheerful splash of colour.
"Whoa! Tales of the World's Strongest Magus! That title is pretty cool, Andy!!" Saurabh's eyes sparkled in excitement.
"Thanks, my friend! But the story itself is even cooler. Trust me, you're about to hear a story unlike any you've ever heard before. So, let's dive right in, shall we?" I winked with a grin and a mischievous glint in his eyes.
A hush fell over them as I began with a promise of adventure hanging in the air. I cleared my throat being ready to weave my story,
"So, it all began..."
**********
So, it all began three millennia ago when the heavens trembled with dread. God of Hell Lucius, a name whispered with fear and loathing, ignited a rebellion, driven by insatiable hunger for power and ambition of absolute dominion! He yearned to crush the gods, seize their power, and claim the heaven for himself to reign supreme!
From the abyss, he summoned a legion of darkness - corrupted deities, monstrous beasts, fallen angels, and the darkest forces of the underworld. The divine realm trembled under the onslaught. The gods, staggered by the unexpected betrayal, found their celestial light extinguished by Lucius's encroaching darkness.
Heaven wept, its golden streets stained crimson. As despair threatened to engulf the heavens, the last of desperate gods sought refuge to their last hope - Lord Eternus, the God of Heaven.
Eternus, a being of immense power and unwavering resolve, answered their plea. He summoned a divine army - angels with wings of pure light, archangels wielding celestial blades, sacred beasts roaring with divine energy, and the united heaven's forces!
Thus began the greatest war of a century, a clash of titans that shook the very foundations of existence. Eternus and Lucius, two mighty deities, locked in a desperate war known as a first Ragnarok. Their clash was cataclysmic that heavens had ever witnessed! All seven heavens trembled as Eternus' divine army collided Lucius's dark legion.
But this war, this divine clash, could not be confined to the heavens. It burst forth from the heavens, ripping apart the fabric of reality and cascading into the mortal realm! Imagine the terror of mortals caught in this divine maelstrom engulfing humanity in its chaotic embrace!
Lucius's destructive forces tore through human civilizations, leaving trails of grief and loss. Families were shattered; cities reduced to rubble. Humanity, caught in the crossfire, endured unimaginable suffering as Lucius's army showed no mercy.
Yet, from the ashes of despair, the embers of resistance flared, refused to surrender! Humanity, witnessing the unrelenting assault on their existence, rose up, chose to take up arms to alongside the gods, against the encroaching darkness.
The gods, moved by this unwavering devotion and bravery, forged an alliance with the mortals. After twenty days of brutal warfare, that painted the earth and sky with fire and blood, under the resolute leadership of Lord Eternus, the tide of Lucius and his dark legions pushed back, and so, the world was saved.
The Elemental Gods, heroes and supreme commanders of the Celestial Army, imprisoned Lucius and his commanders within a mystical Prison Stone, a relic of immense power that can seal even the mightiest celestials.
The dust of a devastating Ragnarok had settled but at a grim price. Over half the existence perished. To prevent such massacre in the future, The Prison Stone, the relic of Lucius' prison, was hidden away into the deepest corner of the universe, beyond anyone's reach.
**********
With Lucius' defeat, a peace descended upon Earth and Heaven. The Elemental Gods, acknowledged the bravery of humanity who fought alongside them, stared death in the face without a flinch.
Golden pages of history glorified this victory as humanity's greatest victory, a testament to the alliance between mortals and the Gods.
They shared a secret knowledge and a divine essence, a gift granting humans the ability to wield the natural elements: Fire, water, earth, air and Aether. Imagine, a world where humans twirl fire and lightning at fingertips, summoning winds and seas, and sculpting the earth beneath their feet!
For years, these divine beings walked among humans, guiding and protecting them. Quite a happy ending, isn't it? But this was only the beginning... A golden age of learning and prosperity dawned, but it was not to last. As suddenly as they appeared, the Elemental Gods vanished into a thin air with no trace.
Whispers filled the void left by their absence and theories started swirling like autumn leaves. Had they returned to the heaven? Or embarked on an endless quest to find other survivors? Uncertainty gnawed in mortal hearts as years bled into decades and the silence deepened the mystery.
Yet, hope found a way to bloom again. Those who had mastered the elemental magic and carried the divine spark within them, stepped forward. They became the Magus of Earth, guardians of a world protected by Elemental gods.
They passed on the flame of knowledge to the next generation, ensuring that the legacy of the Elemental Gods would not fade. Human civilization, like a phoenix reborn from the ashes, rebuilt stronger than before, yet some questions lingered like shadows in the corners of their minds.
Where did the Elemental Gods disappear? Did they really ascended to the heavens, abandoning mortals for good? Or will they ever return to them?
**********
Three centuries... Three centuries passed after the echoes of disappearance of Elemental Gods swallowed by the insatiable maw of time. But amidst of their tragic absence, there was a relief that peace has finally been restored. But, was it really so?
Peace, as history often reveals, is a fleeting phantom for humanity, who has a remarkable talent for self-destruction. As the Elemental Gods mysteriously vanished, the bedrock of mortal unity crumbled.
Their absence started ripping apart the delicate fabric of human collaboration, exposing the raw, festering wounds of mistrust, ambition and greed.
The once-impenetrable fortress of unity crumbled into pieces. Empires rose and crumbled to dust to be a part of history. Former allies, now honed their claws, fuelled by the might of their arcane arts to secure their existence and supremacy.
The noble Mages, once revered heroes of Ragnarok, now became pawns, trained and armed for a deadly game of thrones and territorial conquest.
Those who once united against the forces of oblivion now weaving their spells against each other to create the tapestry of chaos. The very sorcery that shielded humanity from extinction was now threatening to consume it.
Three Great Magus Wars, a testament to humanity's greed and the unwavering conviction in their own righteousness. Each conflict, more devastating than the last, etching deeper scars upon the world's weary face.
Nations lay in ruins, Brother turned against brother, and countless mages perished in the tides of senseless warfare. Yet, from the rubble, cities emerge again, towering their walls even higher and cultivating thousands of high-ranking mages to sustain this cycle of Destruction and rebirth.
Centuries of isolation have fostered suspicion and animosity among humans, leading the world divide into ten Great Regions. A world where peace was a fleeting memory, and war was only certainty.
But fear not! Even in the darkest of times, hope flickers like a stubborn ember. In one such region, a hero was born, destined to mend the shattered fragments of humanity, reshape the destiny of this broken world by restoring a true peace.
But who is this brave hero and what challenges awaits for him on his perilous journey? To unfold these answers, brace yourselves as this is where our tale begins! A tale filled with magic, adventure, suspense, humour and perhaps... a touch of romance.
**********