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Prologue
Before time began, there was Neopia.
Not Neopia as we know it, but a strange, foreign land. One that surpassed the boundaries of the universe and stretched onward into infinity, yet could be measured in a millionth of a millimeter. The past, the future, and the present were the present, but the present was nowhere to be found. In this land, creatures lived that exceed the borderline of the imaginations of even the greatest minds available to us now.
Because time did not exist (or was all that existed, however it is that you wish to look at it), mortals could not survive. Thus, immortals were the only living inhabitants.
Though it is doubtful that some of them could be called living.
There were two groups of creatures. One was the Iman-ukatal (ee-mahn – you-kah-tahl), the beings of light, servants of the living God, Jumala. The other, the Terka-boutuphe (tur-kah – bow-two-fee), servants of the fallen Dirga. Both groups had chosen their masters.
Each group consisted of three species. The Iman-ukatal were composed of the Cutitti (coo-ti-tee), Bartulk (bar-tah-look), and the mighty Atistanera (ah-tist-ah-nera). The Terka-boutuphe were made up of the Xateent (ecks-a-tee-nt), the Yardovalarg (yar-dove-ah-lar-guh), and the Zectatelk (zect-ah-tell-kuh).
To even summarize the history of each group and species would take the lifespan of the oldest mortal ever known to modern Neopia. But our story deals only with the main species of each group. The Atistanera and the Zectatelk. The best and worst, respectively.
Our story begins with greatest hero ever known to eternity fighting the Zectatelk.
Or, more accurately, what the Zectatelk created.
Story
Her long braid swinging, Lucellie spun around to chop at the monster's leg with the blessed magical sword Jumala had given her.
Juuummmaalllaa!" she roared.
Chunk!
The gigantic fiend reared up, screeching in pain. Lucellie backed off, satisfied that, having divested the thing of one of its limbs, she could quickly dispatch the creature, ending its suffering.
The atrociously ugly monster stopped screaming and landed back down on most of its legs. Lucellie approached, her eyes victorious at saving her land from the monstrosity. But, what was this?!
The large leg she had sliced off was growing back. Even as she watched the limb grow, Zantica's parting threat came back to her.
So…" he had said in his wonderfully deep voice. "Your answer is no, eh?"
Absolutely," she had replied, shoving him away from her and walking off. "I would never marry a Zectatelk."
We're not all so evil as you make us out to be, you know." He caught a handful of her hair and brought it to his lips. She tried not to let him see the utter hate on her face. "You know, Lucellie, I have always admired you."
No really?" she said sarcastically, dropping to three paws while throwing the other out in a practiced thrust meant to wound Zantica. A thrust he easily avoided. He got the point though, and kept his paws off her.
See? Even now you wish that you could get your soft paws around my neck and squeeze until the life drained from me. Ah, but that will never happen, my sweet. You know as well as I that death is one thing forbidden to those whom your master and mine have chosen."
That is true, that death will never visit us. But pain is a different matter."
You could not bring yourself to hurt me. You know that Ju-…that your master will not allow you to hurt me when I have done nothing against him." Against her will, Lucellie could not deny that. Then why did it ring with a hollow note?
Lucellie, Lucellie…even the Atistanera are not above reproach. You know as well as I do that one of your own was joined in matrimony to a Zectatelk, of his own free will. Where was Jumala? Why did he not strike down the insurgent? Because he doesn't care. About any of you. About you." What?! Her beloved Lord Jumala? Her God? Not caring about her, whom he had blessed with eternal life? Never!
And yet…
She could not fully deny any of his claims.
If you decline because you are feared of your master's reprimand, do not worry, dark heart, he would not strike you down." Again the hollow note! Then why did she believe him? Must…not……trust…
Too late she remembered the Voice Spell Dirga had granted Zantica. Already she was falling under his spell. His arms were around her now, his lips by her ear, whispering, always whispering…
…Dirga would protect us. Make us his. Dirga is the true God."
The spell of his voice was broken, and she was filled with a holy rage.
No!"
Zantica stopped whispering and looked at her in surprise. She was angered all the more at the fact that she had been in his arms, and that he had all but thought that she was his already.
I will never, never serve Dirga," she said, shoving him away. "He is evil, the Father of Lies."
You forget, Lucellie dear, that he once hailed from your tribe, the Atistanera." He spat the word out as if it were a bad taste in his mouth. "He is related to all of that species, and you owe him your allegiance."
Never! He forsook the Atistanera and Jumala when he left, and none but the fallen ones can claim him now." "Oooooooh…are you saying I'm fallen? What a nasty insult. I feel so bad."
She was scared now. He might try using force, since his Voice Spell had failed him. And although she was his match when it came to fighting, she was exhausted from the mental effort it had taken to defeat Dirga's spell.
If that's all you feel about yourself, I would say you're emotionally blinded. I think that the words cruel, evil, malicious, and even depraved might suit you better."
Lucellie turned with a cry of relief. Standing in the doorway was Lukjata, her best friend and only love.
Art of Lucellie
*parting shot* I bet you the Hidden Tower that you don't believe I can be serious... XD
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