Heaven Saga 1: The Lost Hero (36 page)

Myden stepped out of the shadows, much to Celestia’s
chagrin.
“The Herald put forth the task of change to you my Queen. It was
very considerate of him to give you a decade to complete the task,”
he said
telepathically.

She turned to him. “I know that Myden. But still, I
don’t know why we should change so drastically.”

“Despite his youth and inexperience, Brian understands
the needs of others much better than one would think. You see my Queen, what
you lack isn’t talent in ruling others, but perspective on their feelings. I
can sense the thoughts of the commoners and their minds beg for change.”

“But democracy is dangerous, even difficult. Why does
he think that this form of government is the best of all?” Celestia asked.

“Democracy isn’t perfect, but its strengths more than
make up for its flaws. As long as your people don’t choose madness like my own
and give in to slavery.”

“I know I’ve asked you before, but you’ve never told
me what happened to your people.”

“Long ago we were free and powerful, the proud first
race of this galaxy to travel the stars. But like Terrans, we were warriors,
cursed by the inability to do anything but battle. We fought for centuries and
finally the vote was cast. On that day, a God was born. It wasn’t a God of love
or creation, but a God that demanded obedience. It feels no love or happiness,
only hatred and the desire to control. My people got what they wished for in
the most horrible way possible.”

“A God?” she asked. “What do you mean by God?”

“Live free and never give in to darkness my Queen.
Each being must determine their destiny. Mortals like us should never create
Gods, lest we be drawn into the night forever,”
he said as he faded into the darkness.

Looking down at the papers, Celestia sat down again to
study them.
Why did they need to create two houses of Congress? That seems
so inefficient.
She looked up into the mirror. “So his people created a
God? I wonder what it looks like.”

* * *

Brian walked into the HDC and made sure to seal the
door behind him. He looked around and saw no one was in here at the time.
Good,
I don’t really want to take care of this with anyone else around.
He walked
to the center of the room.

“Program Layla 1, November Rain background,” he said.
The image of Layla came up, a beautiful blonde girl with bright green eyes. She
didn’t move or speak, but stood like a mannequin. Around them the cold rain
trickled down on the backdrop of Brian’s hometown. It was later in the night
with only street lights revealing the scene.

“It’s been a long time Layla,” he said to the
hologram. “I know that you’re not really her, but an image that came out of my
memories of her. But still, I need to air a few things out.” He walked up to
the hologram. “You’re so beautiful,” he said as he brushed her face. “I regret
I could never say those words to you. But I was scared, scared of never seeing
you again. In those years since I last saw you, my heart grew cold and my
thoughts dark. But something miraculous happened.” He turned away from the
image. “I found someone else. She’s not exactly the kind of girl you’d expect.
She’s an alien, short, slight, with pointy ears. Her hair and eyes look like
something out of anime, but that only adds to her beauty. Her name’s Seles.” He
paused to gather his thoughts. “Seles gave me hope when I didn’t have any. I
want to stay with her. I still and always will love you, but it’s time for me
to move on. I hope to see you again someday, but I doubt you’ll live long
enough to do that.” he walked up to the image again. “Goodbye Layla.” He left
for the door. “Computer, erase this program and every attachment to it.” As he
opened the door the image and background disappeared.

Goodbye.