Harmony and Dissonance

Efficient brutalist architecture mixed with utilitarian machina. Colorful banners and pulsing light streams of resonant energy gave the buildings vibrant life. Even though the structures were simple, every one was covered in neon and color that shined out through the dampening haze of the muted sky.

Windows to the outside revealed nothing but fog and defensive weaponry. But there was no time to take in the scenery. Sayane was moving quickly through the bustling halls, alongside Azag, Attis, Echo, and Erosc. Jitters of nervousness tensed Sayane’s stomach but she knew this was where they needed to be. All that was left was to figure out what part she could play in this revolution.

With her instrument hidden away in her satchel, she was ready to face the Council.

Metal doors creaked and slid open with a digital hum. Inside, two dozen different species were already gathered in waiting. Sayane instantly felt their gaze pivot to her. A few of them even gasped in wonder, as though they were shocked to find that she was real.

A tall, elegantly lean being made of undulating vines and glowing yellow eyes approached Sayane with two of its four hands over its chest.

“Songstress. By the sacred sounds. It is an honor to be in your presence,” said the being.

Attis took no pause and immediately spoke up.

“Before you stands Sayane the Songstress. The she-Hume ethereal who has been friend and ally to the oppressed upon her arrival. With her is Azag the Guardian, who has shielded us on our perilous journey and long aided The Revolution. And Echo the Remorseful Revenger. He has broken from the blinding hate of The Silence after losing mate and child. He has sworn loyalty to our cause and has already proven a true comrade.”

The room studied the odd collection of allies, who stood close together for support.

“You dare bring an imperial into these chambers?” a bear-like creature growled.

Even Erosc bared his fangs in defiance as he stared at Echo.

“He is imperial no more. He has aided us greatly. He gave me this!” Sayane challenged.

As Sayane spoke, she stepped forward and opened her satchel. When she removed the instrument, more gasps echoed out. Looks of wonder moved to the sacred sound device as it sat silent in Sayane’s hands.

“I was a guard of the Vault of Celeski. I have given my word that I will lead Azag and Sayane to this vault and aid them in recovering as many sacred instruments as possible. May the empire fall,” Echo said with solemn resilience.

A smoky, drifting specter moved towards Echo. Pale white orbs drifted around the specter’s head, which proceeded to move to Echo.

“He speaks truthfully. I sense only malice and regret in his heart,” said the specter.

Echo nodded and stepped back.

Attis continued.

“Council, I ask for your aid in this. I have seen firsthand the joyous power this songstress holds. She healed a dying child with nothing but voice and a single instrument. She connects with the masses in ways we never have. Her words and empathy resonate with their suffering and happiness unlike any of our flyers, battles, or lectures. Please, help us retrieve these instruments and embolden this songstress. It may be the most effective thing we have ever done.”

“We need more than emotional connection to the people, old friend,” Erosc sighed to Attis.

Once more, Echo stepped forward.

“I think that is why you need these instruments and need to rally behind the songst- Sayane. I think her voice and song are powetful enough to break The Dissonances…” he said.

His statement shocked everyone but Sayane, who didn’t know what he was referring to. Across from her, even Azag seemed surprised.

“Echo?” He murmured.

Echo bowed in acknowledgment.

“The Dissonances are the empire’s greatest tools. It is how they carried out The Silencing. Those of you who are old enough know it is true,” he explained.

“The Dissonances are indestructible to any weapon we know of. We have tried. Their hostile barriers over the Great Harmony Shards are more powerful than anything I have ever seen,” said Erosc.

None of this made sense to Sayane, who finally had to speak up.

“Great Harmony Shards? Dissonance?” She asked.

A sad look washed over Attis’s eyes as he looked to her.

“Once, there was music and color. The four Great Harmony Shards stood across the land, giving strength and clarity to song and vibrancy to life. They were what powered the songstresses’ abilities. Then came The Silence, who in one night cast forth great evil. Dissonant barriers were bound around the four Shards, and the songs faded immediately. They didn’t vanish, but the power was gone. Life’s color faded, and in the years that followed, the songstresses were executed. Song never returned. Until two months ago.”

His story helped explain details that had always evaded Sayane. It was all slowly becoming more clear.

“Those barriers in the sky?” Sayane asked

Echo nodded.

“They are powered by the Dissonances. They blanket the world in muting. It is how the empire maintains its silence on the world. Destroying the Dissonances would shatter that barrier and allow for song to return to the world. It would also give your voice a power we here likely have never seen.”

Such an idea was intimidating and ominous to Sayane. She never wished to be an all powerful being. Having such power on her own felt too risky. But if doing so meant other songstresses could appear or be born, it was worth the challenge.

“So you wish to retrieve the instruments, then track down the Great Harmony Shards and destroy the Dissonance barriers?” Erosc asked in genuine curiosity.

“Well, that’s the proposal we’ve just crafted, yes,” Sayane said with a smile.

“Erosc, it could work. With your help, and Esca, we could retrieve many sacred instruments. With such resources, Sayane’s songs could change the tide of this never ending conflict,” Azag said.

Erosc couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Perhaps…”

He moved close to the other Councilors, who all murmured in secret whispers. As they spoke, Sayane took Azag’s hand. Attis and Echo shared nervous glances as they waited for response.

“Remorseful revenger, by the way?” Echo laughed to Attis.

“Cool as hell,” Sayane whispered.

“Sorry, it just fell out of my mouth,” Attis smiled.

“It was great. You are a gifted orator,”  Azag said.

Finally, Erosc turned to face them once more.

“We will agree to aid you, if you can prove your concept. Let us see how your voice and instrument impact a Dissonance barrier.”

“How would we do that without going to a Shard?” Azag asked.

The Councilors laughed.

“Well, you will not need to go far,” said the vine being.

“We have one of them here…” Erosc explained.