??? POV

The world fades to grey as the eight fall

My heartbeat matched the pace of my stride as I raced through the halls, ducking behind pillars as enormous guards bumbled passed. It was late at night, well past my curfew and if spotted I would get the worst lecture. I wasn't that concerned, as my goal was now in sight. The courtyard lay in front of me, the soft green grass breaking the blinding white stone that surrounded me.

Everything was white in the Aether. The palace was made of white quartz, never seeming to fade over the centuries. The sky was bright blue but filled with white clouds that only allowed glimpses of the color. The guards were made of white quartz, their weapons a sharp white iron. Even the clothing and sheets were soft but unstained white cotton. On some days it made my eyes hurt and my head ache. That's why I sought the oracle.

The courtyard housed a small marble pantheon, and at the center was a deep bowl made of gold. This was the oracle. It held water, but peering deep inside, showed a portal to the Center Realm. A realm filled with colors and patterns that made white even look pleasing. The realm was filled with strange beings, mostly calling themselves either human or hybrids. They looked similar to me, as these were beings made by my father.

Soon, I'd be able to go down there.

"Taylor," a voice hissed near me, sounding panicked. Glancing to my left, the light from a close by torch bent and warped against the wall until a person appeared, nervously twisting their hands. They wore a black and gray cloak with strings of gold, greatly contrasting the blinding buildings.

"What is it, Curaxu?" I asked my protector. Ever since I could remember, he had been by my side, keeping an eye on me and trying to keep me out of trouble.

"The sun has set and you're not in your room. He's going to know," Curaxu warned.

"Just one glance," I argued. "I need to check on the souls."

The souls that determined my destiny. The souls that now resided in these humans and hybrids.

"You checked yesterday," Curaxu took hold of my arm, looking around for guards.

"The purple one is up to something, Axu. He's been searching in his archives," I slipped from his grasp, walking through the courtyard and towards the oracle. Axu followed close behind, still voicing protests but his words became muddled as I focused on the bowl in front of me. I placed my hands on either side of the rim, peering deep inside.

I had no control over what it showed me, but it allowed me to see what I needed. The eight pure souls that are destined to aid me in my fight against my counterpart. The oracle showed me the purple soul again as it ran around a library, grabbing books and scrolls as if searching for something. If only I could get my hands on some of them myself. I've already read all the books in my collection twice over.

Soon, I'll get my chance.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Jolting out of my trance, I quickly turned to face the person speaking, noticing that Curaxu already disappeared. Coward. The man now standing next to me looked angry but at the same time calm. His black eyes seemed to stare into my soul, and I knew they were.

"It's almost time," I answered plainly, turning so that I was between him and the oracle to keep it out of sight, "I'm watching and planning."

"You know you're not allowed to look alone," the man said, motioning his hand to the left. I quickly stepped aside from the oracle, looking down at the feet, not daring to disobey. I heard him hum as he peered into the bowl himself.

"Not yet."

"Then how long?" I looked at him, "Shouldn't I interact with them? Gain their trust so they willingly help me?"

"We're Gods, Taylor," he chastised sharply, "They need to fear us to respect us. Acting like one of them will only mock us."

"But-" I stopped when he held his hand up.

"Do I need to remind you of who you are?"

No. But it wasn't a thought I wanted to speak. Instead, I nodded, forcing a small smile, and tried to look interested.

"You are a sliver of my soul. A piece I meticulously picked and pieced together to create you, a perfect younger, stronger, replica," He droned, repeating things I've heard millions of times, "Unfortunately, my brother had the same idea, and created his own replica. You're counterpart."

"My counterpart," I spoke in time with him.

"You need to fight him," The man continued, "these souls are to aid you. You do not need to befriend them for it to work. You are to go in, collect, and leave as soon as your task is done."

Glancing at the Oracle, I saw the scene shift to a grand room made of oak, where the gold soul rested at a table. Restless, lost, tired, seeking relief but receiving none. It always made me sad when the Oracle showed me the gold soul. I always felt a slight connection with this one, the feeling of being trapped with no one to ask for help.

"Block the emotions you feel for these creatures," The man said, grabbing my face to force me to look at him, "Concerning their safety will only allow him to win."

"But-" I began but paused when his grip tightened, "of course Sir."

"Good," he let go, "now. The time to strike will come, a few years at most. You are to prepare with Curaxu for your journey. I will place you in the largest kingdom when all eight pure souls are gathered. You are to gather an equal if not more amount than your counterpart. Then you defeat him and bring back peace."

"Of course, Sir," I repeated, choosing to not glance back into the bowl, but instead turned and headed back into the blinding white palace.