Rebirth of the Destroyer

The world is ready.

The broadcasts were live. The seals to truth were broken. The whispers had reached every ear that mattered. Red sirens blared everywhere, echoing across broken souls and burning wills.

I stood at the stage, alone, except for the few who called me prophet.
And thousands more in front of the stage.

My voice was steady. My hands, rested on the mic before me, bloodless. Soon, all of it would finally be redeemed.

Then—

BANG.

A shot in the back of my head.

My arms reached for where the bullet struck. Blood... all over my hands and body.

I turned back, but too late.

I was already collapsing. I looked at those few who were behind me, but I could not know who among them had done this.

The last thing that I heard...
"Forgive me, Marlik Tuwed!"

Complete darkness.

"Searching vessel... The soul is being transported. Do you want anything?" A voice.

"What...? Where am I?!"

It spoke again, "I asked if you want any certain vessel or something."

"Who is talking? Why can’t I feel my body? Am I... dead?"

The voice continued, "We're reaching the destination. Decide faster."

"Who the hell are you, a soul reaper?"

"You talk too much. No specification received. Now behold!!!"

White light spread everywhere.

"Wait...!"

***

A warm, golden glow from the flickering candles bathed the room in soft light. The baby’s first cry pierced the air, thin and sharp, as the old goat-kin woman’s wrinkled hands cradled the fragile life.

The old woman was patting the baby. "There, there! Congratulations, Ma’am, it's a boy!. Here, Sir..."

She handed the baby to the father.

Crying tears of joy and kissing the baby’s forehead, Sakan smiled. "My boy, Basalin, you’re so adorable. Thank you Balin. Basalin, go to mama."

Basalin was laid down near his mother.

Balin smiled and patted his head. "Welcome to the family, my dear Basalin."