Child of Heaven [Part 1]

In the hollowness of Vienna’s mind, a restless scene emerges. Crowned with a grandeur red halo, a masculine figure made up of scattering multicolor puzzle pieces hovers before a little girl clothed in purple.

In the background was a shattered galaxy road with pillars of brilliant silver moonlight encasing the entire area. Orbs of light twinkle the obsidian sky, shining down upon the ruined ancient city.

“Gods are only religious when their lives are at stake, while mankind is only merciful when inducement,” an indelible voice says to Vienna. “You’ll be both. A god and a mortal. Neither one or the other. A realistic thriving for equality and a phony reigning for eminence.”

****

Vienna was wearing a dark robe over her academy uniform. Her glossy hair blows feebly with the wind, a soft cinnamon scent emits from her, reaching her nostrils.

Tugging on the hoodie, she makes her way through the crowded street of Ethereal Flakes, otherwise known as Shore of Loss, and onto the train.

As passengers boarded, spiraling torches adorning the wall came to life, casting a warm light over the plush interior.

In Vienna’s sight, a dark carpeted path led through the area, cabins filled with velvet seats line the sides, and glinting round brass fixtures. The inviting aroma of freshness and fine champagne drift the air. 

She strolls down the lush carpeting, noticing ornate bird decorations engraved on the sleek metal walls, with magical runes iridescent glowing upon the surface.

Vienna finds a free vacant cabin and settles pleasantly on a cushion seat. Her skin buzzes as tides of divine energies flow through the air like a second layer of life, feeling particles of stella and solar sweep into her animation threads involuntarily.

Vienna currently was on her way to Sapphire, one of the mainlands of Winter Clan, and notorious as Peak of Frost. Residing there is the Melpomene family. 

Each continent had six lands; however, just recently the Winter Clan lost an entire territory to a catastrophic event.

Ethereal Flakes is also a land in the northern continent, famous for its transportation called Aspen, which train tracks instantly transport people to landmarks scattered around the world.

Vienna's outward objective is to deliver a report document from the council to Hael Melpomene. She herself didn’t have to make this trip, but she saw it as an opportunity.

Vienna is an emotionless person, rarely doing anything that doesn’t involve her interest. Her humanity was very little to nothing and unfortunately, it’s not because of the godhood bloodline she comes from.

Lately, the murder of a Lightless council member piqued her attention.

Vienna wouldn’t call herself a genius, yet at the same time, she’s a genius. She didn’t need to use divination to predict stuff as much as others. Only on rare occasions does she actually need to.

The incident with the sophomore, Darian Cryus, was a scarce case. 

Vienna had a personal gift similar to the holy children traits; she senses death near. However, after a full day of observing everyone, she couldn’t spot the person near death like she expected too.

A similar rarity was Morrigan West death.

Vienna believes that the murders are not connected. At first, she speculated it was someone from Sun Clan. Given their cruelty, she didn’t put it past them to kill their own people.

Upon staying awake for an entire week pondering, Vienna realized her thoughts were based on logic.

This situation was deep and more personal than most. Logic can decipher emotions, yet there is bound to be gaps in the perception of those lacking feelings.

Another awareness came to Vienna—she takes a longer time understanding things that involve emotions.

However, gradually, she’ll figure it out. And she did. Partly. Vienna was taking a gamble.

While Sun Clan is cruel beyond insanity, they have no reason to kill Morrigan. He was loyal and obedient. The Star Clan lacked reasons to as well. At the moment, their biggest enemy is themselves.

Arian Polymina, Pillar of Star Clan, craves to be an eternal pillar, yet he had sons rising to the capability of a leader.

The ancestor of Star Clan, Mother of Angels, forbade the pillars from killing their own children and ruling beyond their time. All those who have tried to be an eternal pillar faced Her judgment.

As his sons continue to grow, Arian's time to figure things out fades, so he doesn’t have the luxury to make an outward enemy of Sun Clan. The same can be said for the Moon Clan.

Pillar of Moon Clan, Aysun Misul, is working on a secret project that can transform the material world. She announced this publicly two years ago and left everyone in suspense since.

That leaves Winter Clan.

After the Tragedy of the North, they are no longer viewed as the most benevolent and trustworthy. Their reputation took a nose dive into a bloody legend, followed by the shameful death of a holy child: their heir nonetheless.

‘Winter Clan lost a lot and you know, sinking people have a way of making the ocean reach the shore with equal misery resembling their own.’

In this sense, Winter Clan can be planning to storm an icy war within earth. There’s also a rumor that the Sun Clan and Star Clan allied to take out Ziven Melpomene.

Hael Melpomene was known as a calm, empathetic, strong-willed, gentleman. Before that event, Vienna wouldn’t have even speculated about the northern continent at all.

To confirm her suspicions, she plans to use astrology magic and divine Winter Clan.

She could have done this at Lightless, but objects related to the target of divination will strengthen it.

It's a risky plan full of danger and difficulty, yet this did not discourage Vienna in the slightest.

Vienna gains nothing from finding out the truth of Morrigan’s murder and she honestly couldn’t care less who the damn killer is, she was simply trying to satisfy her curiosity.

Vienna gaze lands on a pair of mother and daughter. The atmosphere around them seems to bubble with happiness and love.

‘Damn.’ Her chest squeezes in a painfully ache. Looking away, Vienna sighs wistfully. ‘It’s happening again. Soul crushing sadness that hits every now and then when I realize just how lonely I really am.’

To get rid of the disturbing feeling, Vienna summons her divine companion, Ivy.

The large tiger takes up the entire space around Vienna, with her rough fur grazing Vienna skin, yet her master feels comfort from the sharpness.

Ivy nudges her cheek softly against Vienna lap, who remains unharmed from the knife-like fur that kills upon contact.

The conductor sporting a small hat, striped shirt, and plain dark pants, appears in front. “Aspen will begin moving. If this is your first time, brace yourself by exhaling and inhaling five times and shut your eyes.”

In the next moment, a melodic whistle fills the air, while the night sky dotted with fractured lights outside blurs in a rush of bright colors.