The Shard Saga

Prologue

Corruption only existed in the first universe, Physeospace, The substance that caused the corruption had developed over a number of decades, and religious Physeons (Inhabitants of Physeospace) believed that this was brought about by sinful acts committed by the Physeons. In actual fact, the corruption had been created as the impurities in humans manifested slowly, and as this mounted, Physeons began to fight pettily amongst themselves, which in turn sped up the process of corruption.

It was this corruption that forced the creator of the multiverse into making a superior universe. After realising the weaknesses of Physeons, the physical beings, and seeing how their need to fight ran their lives, he decided to use a type of energy to create what would be the Aetheon race. He named this energy – Aethergy. With the intention of simply having a planet of people who would get along and make him proud, it was an extra bonus when the oxygen that they breathed on the planet left their bodies with Aethergy particles in their breath. This in turn meant that the impurities that had attacked Physeospace’s universe were purified in Aetherspace, and after time, the new universe became the most beautiful the multiverse had ever seen.

The Aetheon anatomy, consisting of this unique energy meant that Aetheons themselves were made invulnerable to physical attack, and only magic could deplete their energy and kill them. As all organs are replaced with Aethergy, when they are physically harmed they ‘bleed’ a silver liquid, a dense form of aethergy made in the body which heals their wounds, replenishing their outer ‘shell’.

Although their purities mean that they do not fight amongst themselves, the Aetheon race made a stable economy, government to protect them from outside influence. It wasn’t until after Aetherspace was attacked from a far planet, Alundria, only to have their entire army wiped out by a handful of Aetheons who recognised the danger and fought back that they realised their potential. An Onellesian Elite Force was built; in order to protect the whole of Aetherspace, and now any Honoured Soldier of Onellei is respected throughout the countries of the universe.

Technology too, is highly advanced in Aetherspace. When Aetheon intelligence first ‘discovered’ it’s partnering universe – Physeospace, they were amazed to discover that the exiled dark sorcerer Malfarious had set up a small empire amongst the Physeons, after attempting to overthrow Aetheon Government. Malfarious, A rarity in Aetheon lineage was one of very few that was overcome by their greed.

Malfarious began his work, 15 years prior to the present day. When Aetherspace uncovered his plans, the two main capitols – Onellei and Unaveile decided that in order to protect Aetherspace, they would divide their forces. They created a small colony in Physeospace, named Renova. It wasn’t until two years later that both the ladies and lords of either Empire were faced with a decision regarding their two young children. To The Onellesian couple a one year old son, Shion, and to the Unaveilian couple, a daughter, a few months younger, Alisha. At the time Malfarious was oblivious to the children’s existence, but upon realising what he could do with the knowledge, both parties mutually agreed that the safest thing for the future heirs was to secretly house them near Renova.

Alisha, the youngest of the duo was sent to live with a couple that lived but a few miles from the Renovan colony. Alisha’s ‘parents’ knew only a handful about the Aetheon Empire, but even this was a rarity. Most of those that resided inside the colony walls were unlikely to know anything of what went on behind castle gates, and it was for that reason they were chosen for the young lady. Shion however was taken to live with a half-Aetheon couple, which were old friends with mother. Shion’s new ‘mother’ had married a Physeon, and left Aetheon homelands for Renova, in order to steer clear of the destruction imminent.

Although both couples willingly took the children in, they were told that neither child was to learn about their past until; the war had ended, if there was an emergency, or if they were at an age of understanding.

Neither set of parents felt concern for their children’s well being, only concern for their own grief. Both children had Aetheon Guardians beside them constantly, A Magical Aetheon’s natural protector. It was said in lore that an Aetheon who could perform Magic would have a guardian to watch over them, and because of this, it was believed that if you did not have a guardian, magic impossible. However, neither child had any knowledge of their true identity for years to come.

As their biological parents fought long and hard against Malfarious and his ever-expanding army, dispelling all the corruption he left in his wake. The elder, Raiin came across a tale of Six Shards. The collection of which would give the owner of the shards the power to decide a fate. It was then that Raiin left the fray to discover more about this legend, only to hear of another that read alongside it, of a Legendary Duo that were expected soon, upon the thousandth year of Aetherspace’s birth. Ancients told of a couple, who would have no idea of their partner until they were already well mixed up in their adventures, and only good fortune was to follow, a hidden capability of the Aetheon race would be discovered through them, and their destiny was entwined with that of the universe.

Unbelieving of all he had learnt, Raiin still went ahead with preparing the children for what was to come. Until 13 years after they had been left to Renova, the Elder returned, to bring the heirs of Aetherspace to their rightful place. It was their skill alone that was needed, not prophecy, and Raiin insisted that he had learnt nothing but many different stories on his travels. Yet still all preparations were in place to return the children. The Tale of the Six Shards was believed to be a reality, and they were the ones who would be given the task of picking up the pieces.

All that was left was to bring the heirs back to their rightful home, and unknowingly spark off a chain of events that would shape every Aetheon’s life forever.

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