Mankind: An Elysian Tale
Chapter 12: The Elysian
Silence eventually ensues within the courtyard as the crowd eagerly anticipate what else the voice has to say. As the masses settle down, you find Selyse jumping and tip-toeing in a desperate attempt to see what’s ahead. You work your way through the crowd and gently tap her on the shoulder.
“So, what do you think?” Selyse asks with a grin — happy to see a familiar face once again.
“I’m not sure. Something about that voice feels… different.”
Before Selyse could respond, the mysterious voice speaks once again.
“Elysium is a place not known to many. Even fewer know what Elysium truly is.” The voice pauses, and then continues, “Put simply, Elysium is a land of abundance and prosperity — the last remaining refuge of humanity amidst the indifference and scarcity of the Wastes.”
A hooded figure emerges from the temple gates. Dressed in a tattered brown cloak, one can easily mistake him from any other village commoner. However, the wires trailing behind the man as he walks closer to the crowd tell a different story.
“Elysians such as I bear the burden of nurturing what’s left of mankind as we remain scattered throughout the fringes of the Wastes,” says the Elysian. “This, however, is a burden that I bear willingly. What Elysians provide in food and protection, Elysium receives in each one of you, my dear travellers.”
The Elysian, now at the end of the temple walkway, pauses and scans the crowd — as if to stare at the very soul of each person listening. “The burden you must carry is unlike anything mankind has borne before. The war we find ourselves in is no longer fought in fronts or trenches. Rather, it is a battle we must face from within ourselves.”
“Travellers, I implore you: temper your minds and remain steadfast,” continues the Elysian. “In a world where prosperity and abundance are assured indefinitely, I fear that your humanity is the only thing capable of saving us all.”
Finished with his speech, the Elysian scans the crowd once more. Moments of silence pass, to which the Elysian then ends with a slight nod before proceeding back to the temple.
You are not sure what to make of what Elysian said — a thought Selyse appears to share as well given her equally confused expression.
“He lost me when he said ‘abundance’ and ‘The Wastes’ in the same sentence,” remarks Selyse as she scratches her forehead.
“What he said about ‘our humanity being the only thing capable of saving us all’ doesn’t make sense either,” you reply. Judging from the murmurs of the crowd, you conclude that a large majority share the same confused sentiment.
“No point standing around here. What do you say we get back to the gathering hub — loosen ourselves up over a few drinks?” suggests Selyse.
“Hmph, why not.” you concede.
As you make your way back to the alley, you notice a strange but familiar crimson glow emanating from the temple entrance. The Elysian, now just a speck in the distance — is being gradually enveloped by the unsettling glow. You take a glance at the people around, but none seem to take any issue or notice.
Everything gradually becomes a blur as you lose focus. You take one last look at Selyse — still sporting her familiar grin.
Then, darkness once again.
