Death and rebirth

In the middle of the forest, only a soft melody could be heard.

All the insects, birds, even the trees, held their breath while the girl sang her song. They all understood she didn't have long left to live, and they graciously left her the stage.

Everyone was listening to her, except the one that she wanted. For it was nighttime, and so, her prayers could not reach the Sun. And yet, as she lay there, she kept singing, praying, to the Goddess that had abandoned her.

Her voice reached the heavens, and got someone else's attention. The Moon was full, shining brightly, a stage light for her last performance ever. But, most importantly, an attentive listener.

This was not the first time someone unknowingly had called out to Him. In the cover of darkness, He bore witness to many wishes, prayers, and curses, but so far, nothing had intrigued Him like this. This child had a beautiful voice, that was undeniable, but she was also very powerful. With such a Soul, she had the potential to become a legend. It would be such a waste for her to die like this.

Also, He would very much still like to hear her sing.

Suddenly, the Moon shone even brighter than before. Surprised, she looked up at the sky and saw a fragment of light split from it and fall from the sky. “I see, I’m hallucinating. The end must be really near”, she thought, still singing.

The light kept getting closer and closer, taking shape. A majestic bird, bigger than her, covered in minty green feathers. Its huge wings created a powerful wind as he landed right beside her.

“My name is Ceres”, it said, the words resonating directly into her heart. “If you want to live, make a Pact with me.”

Confused, hurting, trying her best not to lose her conscience, she nodded. The being in front of her was undoubtedly a Great Spirit, and she was just a normal girl. There was no way she had a big enough Soul for this Pact, so, she would die. But, what difference would that make?

The bird lowered its long neck until their heads touched, and she felt an unfamiliar sensation rumbling inside her body. It was her Soul, leaving her, and entering its new host, the Spirit that had called itself Ceres. She kept bracing herself for the moment her Soul would be depleted, but that moment never came. Instead, warmth and life came back to her, replacing the pain.

“It is done”, said the same voice as before. “Stand up, and express your gratitude to the one who saved you.”

She opened her eyes and looked at the bird, suddenly filled with anxiety. It was very strange to look at another creature and understand, deep inside, that it was a part of you. Their lives, and their fate, was now forever tied. Her other half nodded, and gave her a look that she thought was a reassuring smile. Or whatever the bird equivalent was.

She stood up, having forgotten she was supposed to be in immense pain. Her body felt amazing, better than ever, really. Her weariness was overshadowed by relief, and tears welled up in her eyes.

“Thank you”, she said. “I don’t know why you saved me, or what I can do to repay you, but- ”

“I’m not the one who saved you”, it interrupted her, shaking its head. “In the night, your Goddess could not hear you, but He did.” Ceres looked up at the sky, where the full Moon shone brightly.

Amazed, she looked up as well. Of course, it made sense. The Sun and the Moon were two sides of the same coin, always looking over the world. How had she never thought about it before?

“Thank you for saving me. I am sorry for not realizing it before, I owe you many prayers”, with her head bowed down and her hands joined together, she thanked the Moon, trying to ignore the tears streaming down her face.

“You have the rest of your life to repay that debt”, said Ceres. “Every month, when the Moon is at its fullest, you shall sing a new song for Him. Without fault, for our God is as capricious as He is powerful, and if you do not perform your obligations, He will dissolve our Pact and leave you like I found you.”

Hearing this, the knot that had lodged itself in her throat tightened some more. That pain was something she did not wish to experience ever again.

“Do not worry, Child of the Moon. I will protect you and lend you my power as your Spirit. From now on, you are the Handler of the Great Spirit Ceres, Priestess of the Moon, His Songstress. Like a Phoenix, you are reborn. So, tell me… What is your name?”, slowly, the huge bird turned around and lowered its head, until he was looking her in the eyes.

Holding her breath, she realized what he was asking. It was not the name her parents had given her. That person had died. She could feel her new name within herself, shining brightly, waiting to be called.

“Helia”, she answered, her gaze filled with determination.

Ceres nodded, seemingly satisfied. He turned his head towards the Moon one last time, and started chirping. It was the same melody Helia had been singing, praying to the wrong God. She joined in, a lovely breeze blowing around them as if accompanying the music.