Chapter Text
The Aeon of Enigmata moved through the cosmos in a hurry, barely paying attention to whatever chaos may be happening around them. Recording events wasn't a part of their duties, but of the Memokeepers. Their glide slowed down once they saw a familiar structure on the horizon.
The Garden of Recollection. A place shrouded in mystery to regular mortals. To anyone with a higher knowledge of the cosmos, it couldn’t be more familiar. A place that could be considered a library of the universe, keeping records o all of its events.It takes its name from the memories which are preserved in the shape of flowers. The entire Garden is sat under a glass dome, making it look like a grand greenhouse.
Mythus picked a high point on the seeling to watch the memokeepers, who were busy with work. Returning from Aeons know where, weaving memories into delicate, crystal like webs that looked like neurotic synapses and eventually shaping them into flowers, adorning the garden in icy foliage. A gentle smile spread across the Enigmatas face. It has been a while since they have visited the garden in person. Ever since their powers started separating from the Rememberance’s, it was difficult to even walk through the place without interfering with the delicate memory structures. Hopefully now, after gaining better control of The Enigmata, it wont be an issue. Mythus gave a final lazy stretch and got up from their place of rest. No matter how much they wished to stay and watch the keepers like worker bees, the garden wasn't their final destination.
Right over the enchanting garden loomed an even grander building. A palace made of the purest ice crystals, reflecting the light from the stars around it. Its shine was akin to a lighthouse, illuminating the seemingly never ending abyss of the cold universe around it. It had an imposing build with spiky towers tall enough to reach the Gods domain and walls thick enough to keep all of the Aeons secrets sealed away from prying eyes. Mythus' always wondered why would The Rememberace need such a grand domain if it is only visible to other aeons? Maybe to establish some strange dominance? No matter. Mythus made their way into the grand palace, their true place of origin, The Eden of Blessed Insight.
The inside wasn't any less terryfing. Its tall halls were imposing. Corridors suffocated visitors in their grandeur. The windows showed nothing but cosmic void. All the while one other living soul could be sensed. A familiar feeling bloomed in Mythus' chest. A feeling of smallness, one they do not feel often as an Aeon. It was a familiar unease. One that beckoned them closer. It brought back memories of the Aeon. Of when they were mearly a tiny jellyfish, swimming in the eternal emptyness. The longer Mythus spent among the familiar walls, the more comfortable they felt, the sweet whispers of memories swallowing them whole. Eventually they moved through the palace with feathery lightness.
At the end of the endless corridors and winding staricases stood an equally imposing door, making the previous comfort slowly disappear again. The Enigmata opened it slightly, attempting not to make a sound. Unluckly for them, the one waiting at the other side of the door heard them all the same.
The room was just as grand as the rest of the palace, tall and imposing. In the middle of the room stood a long table, half illuminated, half in shadow. It waited for a banquet that will never happen. The only source of light was a completely glass wall. It showed a view of the garden they had just visited. From this perspective the Memokeper truly looked like worker bees in a hive, united in one purpose. A figure stood before the wall. They fit the scenery so perfectly, one might mistake them as a part of the room itself.
"You sure took your time." A familiar deep voice echoed through the room, their tone calm and collected. The figure didn't turn to Mythus to say those words.
"Fa- High priest. So sorry, I didn't realise how late it is." Mythus apologized, bowing deeply. Their voice wavered slightly, clearly terrified of the possible wrath from the person standing before them. Even if they knew that supposed wrath would never touch them, they could never tempt fate to that degree.
Hearing the shakiness of The Enigmata, the figure dropped their shoulders and turned slowly twords them. A light smile spread on their face. The light coming from the garden illuminatd them from the back, making it hard to see the details of their appearance, but Mythus saw that it hasn't changed much from the last time they saw them. The figure was tall, much taller then Mythus. Their long hair was nearly crystal like, pale blue reflecting light into millions of tiny rainbow shards. It was tied into a messy braid and adorned with pearls, which nearly swept the floor with its length. Their skin was pale, nearly transparent. Its color faded into pure ice at their limbs, looking almost like gloves. They were wearing a long gown with many layers of an almost translucent material in various shades of blue and white and decorated with the same pearls as their hair. The garment was truly fitting for someone with a tittle of High Priest.
But it was their face that really captured Mythus's attention. Looking at it nearly brought them to tears, a warm feeling of childhood innocence hitting them like a wave hitting a shore. The same rectangular face, The same heart shaped lips that sang them lullabies to sleep, The same light cerulean eyes that watched them as they grew. They had the same distant look to them, as if focusing onto something beyond the horizon. A gentle smile appeared on The Aeon’s face, slightly hiding their weariness. Apparently, time was a bit less merciful for this form that they took. Indeed, it was their beloved mother and father just as they remembered. Fuli the Remembrance.
"Lucky for you, I can wait." Fuli reached their arms out to Mythus, cupping their face in both their hands before planting a gentle kiss on their forehead. Their touch was cooling. Their moves slow, as if the whole place was gonna shatter if they moved too suddenly. "Come, join me for a walk in the Garden. I'll tell you everything there."
The two made their way to said Garden, their footsteps echoing through the palaces walls. Neither of them spoke a word, despite their long separation. They didn't need to. Mythus felt like Fuli already knew of everything they were up to while they were away. The same familiar warmth bubbled inside the Enigmata’s chest, despite the palace’s icy atmosphere. The two smiled at each other upon reaching their destination. It felt good to be back home, Mythus thought.
In the Garden, The two Aeons walked among the labyrinth-like paths, mythus being just a step behind their parent. They treaded carefully, avoiding touching any of the delicate flowers, choosing to admire them from a distance instead. One could never be too careful after all. If one were to look closely, they could see shadowy imprints of memories between the flower petals. The Enigmata stared at them in awe. Fuli treaded through the garden with ease, their steps light and airy, compared to the child. It looked as if they were floating between the bushes. Memokeepers watched, sharing small glances to each other. None dared to disturb the two beings.
"The Garden is a little busier then usual, huh." Mythus was the first to break the silence
"Indeed, The Rememberance has seen an influx of followers.” Fuli explained, their face remaning gentle and relaxed. “There have been many disasters happening across the universe. It has kept us busy for a little while. A lot of the victims of those disatsers chose to join us, prolonging their lifespans ever so slightly.”
"Through the many lives that the Garden has lived, never have I seen it blossom so abundantly." Fuli plucked one flower, twirling it carefully between their fingers. Light caught between the petals, reflecting the memories sealed within. "We have caught everything, from the total annihilations of star systems, to the first transformation of a butterfly."
Mythus stared at the flower in their parents hands, memorized by the shifting hues. "Then, what could you need my help for? The Garden seems to be doing better then ever before."
Fuli stopped and turned to the other. Their eyebrows furrowed, the calm expression morphed into something more bothered. "Well, I may have not been entirely honest with you, Mythus." They put the flower back, not paying attention to where it landed.
"The Enigmata and the Rememberace, despite being very closely related to eachother, are inherently at odds. Memoria leaks, overwriting sources, creating people who never existed or even erasing individuals all together? It makes our work needlessly complicated." Their face scrunched while Mythus averted their gaze. It wasn't anger they spoke with, but more so annoyance. The Enigmata looked like a child being scolded, or more like they were a child being scolded.
"Then, I came up with a brilliant idea. Why not try to fight the problem at its source? That's way more efficient, after all." The scribes face turned into a collected smile again, this time laced with a hint of mischief.
Mythus turned to them in shock. Their eyes wide with terror as sweat formed on their cheeks. Was it even possible for an aeon to sweat? "W-What?"
"Relax, I would never harm you, my child." Fuli let out an amused huff. Mythus sighed in relief. "I only intend to keep you here until I know what to do next." Fuli turned around and continued their walk with the assurance as if the deal was already sealed.
The other aeon was left behind, shocked at the others words. They stood in silence as their companion moved further and further away. After their momentary daze, they quickly attempted to catch up.
"W-Wait..! So you intend to... ground me? Basically?"
"Is that what you want to call it?" Fuli asked in a judgemental tone. Looks like the Enigmatas attitude was a hereditary thing. Sickeningly so.
Mythus scoffed with a mixture of disbelief and self assurance. They really were trying their best to hold in their laughter. However their desire to giggle on the spot at the others ridiculous plan was far out weighted by their desire to walk out of the garden via their own two feet. Seeing their parent’s expression, they were much closer to the second possibility.
"And how can you be so sure that I will comply, hmm?" Mythus taunted.
"I know you will. Or else I'll just lock you in by force." Fuli answered in sing song voice, contrasting the implication of their words.
A shiver ran down Mythus' spine. "R-Right. Of course. Great counterpoint." Their beloved parent always had such compelling arguments.
"Ah, but don't worry. I do have a task you could be useful for."
"Yes?!" The Enigmatas perked up, their radiance restored again.
"With your powers of the Fog of Thought and Rain of Sensation, you could help Memokeepers blend in better in the mortal plane." Fuli pondered out loud. Their gaze averted, scanning the mentioned keepers. "You see, Memokeepers aren't always… welcome. With your help, they could possibly blend into the ground even better."
Mythus smiled at that, Seeing Fuli slightly hesitant to ask for help was, in a way, wholsome. They were very few things and even fewer people Mythus held in high regard, but Fuli was certainly one of them. They remember how in their younger years they would deter anyone who would try to get close to the garden or the Eden. That were the prime days in which they have learnt their abilities as an Aeon of Enigmata. Finding more and more creative ways to conceal their abode. The news of terryfing entities or space annomalies would hit the cosmos like an avalanche. After venturing out to pursue their own path, they came across many interesting personalities, including the aeon of Elation.
Yet no matter who, what or where they were, Mythus always had their home somewhere in the back of their mind. Their thoughts always wandered back to the Garden of Recollection. To their mothers arms or their fathers words. The Enigmata is a manifestation of the Remberance after all. In that way, the two were always connected.
Mythus felt a hand ruffiling their hair, quickly taking them out of their thoughts. "Somethings on your mind." The Remberance smiled at them with assurance. Is mind reading a part of the Rememberances abilities? The other giggled at the familiar gesture.
"Oh Mother, Ill tell you everything right away!"
After that minor dispute, the two aeons continued their walk together, catching up an all their endevors that they had while apart. Despite looking completely different from each other at first glance, their demeanor, gestures and tone was uncannily similar. It surely was a shock to any Memokeepers who may have witnessed the scene, as they knew the Remembrance as cold and calculated, almost distant. They always seemed like they had something on their mind, their gaze was looking somewhere beyond the onlookers comprehension. Apparently the mundanity of their divine work was getting too repetative after nearly 900 Amber eras.
Despite the unusual scene, the followers or Rememebrance continued with their duties as usual. A Memokeeper’s gaze turned to a group that has just returned to the Garden, carrying heavy baskets full of unrefined shards of lucent afterglow. It looked to be another planet during it's final moments. Those memories are always a bit of an issue, as they need to go through a detailed verification process. After all, a planets ending could have major consequences for the future of the universe. Any impurities would be recorded and remain forever.
Among the icy reflections of those shards, one of them glisted brighter then the rest. It must be the supernova, which explains the heightened potency. Fuli enjoys tending to them personally, for extra reassurance. Speaking of which, it seemed like the batch was ready for the High Priest’s blessing. The Memokeper sets out to look for the Aeon in the great garden. Eventually, they’re found in the company of their child.
"Apologies, High Priest?" The Memokkepers interrupts quietly with a deep bow. The Aeon’s postrure stiffens, returning to their usual poised demeanor.
"Yes Keeper?" Fuli turns, nodding their head and excusing the interruption.
"A new memory of calamity has been found. We are waiting for you." The Keeper gestured to the baskets where said memory was located, still in fragments. Fulis smiled to themselves.
"Thank you. I'll come there shortly." The Memokeeper gave a final bow and left, leaving the duo alone once more. Mythus shifted awkwardly on their feet, clearly lost as to what to do with themselves now.
"What are you waiting for? Come with me." Their parents voice rung out, surprised by Mythus's hesitation. The other looks at them with wide eyes, just as surprised.
"Are you sure? I could cause some trouble..." The Enigmata hesitated.
"Nonsense, it will be fine. Let’s go." Fuli dismissed their concerns and began walking away, forcing the other to follow suit.
The two arrived at the site. Before them stood the remnets of lucent afterglow, waiting to be tempered and shaped by the God. Mythus stood shyly behind Fuli, watching silently. Nearby Memokeepers joined them on their watch, wanting to see their Aeon's blessing in person. The Garden fell to a defeaning silence as everyone was waiting with baited breath.
Full reached out their arm and focused their energy. Ice crystals formed in their palm. Suddenly, their moves came to a halt, ice fragments falling to the ground. They narrowed their eyes and glared at the lucent fragment.
Confusion overtook the audience. The commotion alerted other Memokeepers as well, who now joined the audiance.
Something isn't right. The High Priest thought.
The core was pulsing with light. A light that felt more and more foreign the more Fuli looked at it. They reached their hand out again, this time slowly, cautiously. They waved the Memokeepers and Mythus back, signaling just in case.
Fuli grazed the memory fragment lightly. A sudden burst of light then erupted. The core shattered, a terryfing beast breaking out from the explosion. Panic broke out in the Garden. Memokeepers leaped to protect any memories in the vicinity, their own lives be dammed. The beast moved its heavy body. It scanned the Garden with its narrow sight. In a fit of rage, the beast bared its many claws. It seemed to be preparing for an attack. Fuli quickly moved before it, ready to enter a dance they haven't done in a while. The beast shrilled in annoyance when seeing the Aeon. The distraction was enough for the Memokeepers to take steal away any memoflowes which could have been destroyed.
The beast's eyes flashed with something primal. The Memokeepers clearly caught it's attention. Even with an Aeon standing, the beast made no attempt to attack them. Noticing this, Full attempted to taunt the beast more and focus its gaze to themselves.
Among the ongoing destruction, a lone memokeeper ran to safety, a bunch of memoflowes in their hands. They felt the blessing of Remmeberance waver within their body, focusing on sustaing the flowers instead. In silence, the keeper whispered a silent prayer to another God, hoping it may help them in this moment of strife.
"Oh Amber Lord, please have us in your protection..."
And as if waiting for those very word, a golden light shone through the gardens walls. Fuli turned their attention to the source, letting their guard down. The beast used this oportunity and swung its claw at the aeon, pushing them away.
From the golden light, a figure emerged. They weilded a giant hammer, adorned with amber crystals. They immidietly located the beast, which now focused on them completely. Before it could take another step, the great hammer swung at them, hitting it square in the head and rendering it unconcious. While the beast was stunned, the figure sealed its limbs in a golden crystal-like substance.
Smoke cleared, and keepers had gone out of their hiding. Despite the beasts sheer size, the place wasn't in complete ruin. Some keepers were franticly attempting to salvage any memories they could, while a few cautiously approached the beast and the strange person who disarmed it.
Mythus rushed to Fuli's side. Despite the attack, the Remberance wasn't injured, apart from their pride perhaps. Their eyes wandered around the Garden. The damage was minimal, thanks to the keepers. A little time and the memorial will be repaired with a little help. However, something else caught Fuli's eye. A familiar golden shillouette that stood out like a sore thumb in the icy blues of the Garden.
"M-Mother? Are you okay?" Mythus asked them, their voice shaking. Tears started forming in the corners of their eyes, but refused to spill out.
"Mythus... I am okay." Their tone came off more dry and agitated then they wished. The other clearly noticed it. The change stunted them slightly, but they still persisted on helping their parent.
"You sure? You seem pretty tired. Ill deal with that person for you-"
"Do Not. Go near them." Fuli broke free from Mythus’ hold. The other flinched at the sudden movement and their parent's raised tone. It was rare for the Rememberace to lash out like this. A few beats of silence passed between them.
"...I believe its best for now if you leave. Go and check on other Memokekepers in the field. That was a part of our deal." Fuli spoke coldly as they turned away from the Enigmata.
Mythus took a breath, ready to rebute. However, no words came out. They parted in silence, going their seperate ways.
The golden figure stood before the now sealed beast alone. Fuli approached them quietly. Their posture was calm, but not relaxed. They stood sharp.
"Its you, Qlipoth." The Aeon opened as they stood side by side with the aeon of Preservation. They looked... very similar to how they remembered.
In this form, they were barely taller then Fuli. They were dressed in a soldiers uniform with intricate golden detailing running over the seams. Ropes and sashes held onto a sepia colored cloak, adorned with pieces of amber. Their clothing was reltivly untouched, despite the encounter. Apparently that's an ability you gain as a seasoned fighter. Their beige hair was pushed back, save for two strands which refused cooperation. A large scar was setteled near their eye. It looked more akin to erosion then something gained through battle. Their amber colored eyes glistened, the beasts image reflecting in their golden clarity.
Upon hearing their name, Qlipoth turned. Whatever thoughts were swirling in their head were quickly lost.
"Fuli…" Their voice was deep, but gentle. Clearly shocked at the present situation.
"If you will, I want to speak in private." The Remembrance invited, once again not waiting for an answer. They walked twords the Eden of Insight, more then sure the other will follow.
Two aeons made their way to the grand palace, to the same semi-glasseed room overlooking the Garden. Qlipoth sat at the long table while Fuli stood near the glass wall once again, watching the Garden like a hawk. The Memokeepers were mostly fine now. A group was attempting to move the beasts body to the underground, away from any memories. Others were putting back any rescued memories, arranging the flowers back to their places. Out of the corner of their eye Fuli noticed a small memoria leak in the Gardens side. No issue, the Memokeepers will fix it in a second. The two remained silent, none wanting to start the conversation that they came for.
“The Garden has been under attack many times. However, this is the first one that's been successful.” The Rememberances icy voice cut the awkward tension. Qlipoth immidietly turned their attention to the voice. The light of the Garden illuminated Fuli from behind, shrouding them in a hazy veil.
“I suppose you don't have anything to do with it, correct?” The Remembrance inquired with a dry tone.
A bolt of shock flashed across Qlipoths face. They wanted to refute the accusation right away, but decided to hold their tounge. The High Priest didn't seem to be in the mood for debates. Their eyes glowed with venom. Instead, Qlipoth replied in a calm tone. “I only came here because I heard someone call for help.”
“Of course. I only want to exhaust all possibilities.” Fuli let out a heavy exhale. Their calm demeanor seemed to be breaking, revealing uncharacteristic exhaustion. A beat of silance passed through. Small talk was neither of their specialties.
“Listen Fuli-” Qlipoth got up from their seat suddenly, making a straight line twords the other Aeon. It was irrational, spontaneous. In a few steps they were nearly by the others side.
Fuli turned to them the second they heard the noise. Their clear eyes were sharp, like icicles threatening to fall and impale anyone who dared to get near. Caution and judgement swirled in the azure void, causing Qlipoth to stop like a dear in headlights. This wasn't Fuli they were speaking to. It was the High Priest of the Remberance. They fixed their voice before talking again, once more pushing their swirling thoughts deep down.
“-High Priest. Seeing the Garden in this state is extremely worrying. That's why I wish to use this opportunity to propose a deal.” Qlipoth’s tone and speech changed right away. Much closer to what was appropriate when talking to the High Priest. It clearly worked as they had captured Fuli s attention enough for the Aeon to turn and listen to them. The previous icy glare warming up ever so slightly with the help of the gold. This attention urged The Preservation to continue.
“I, The Amber Lord, wish to extend my arm to the Garden of Recollection. I want to be the sword and shield of this place. Let the light of Preservation shine over your craft, Remberance. And I promise you that no incident like this will ever repeat again.” They bowed lightly with a hand over their heart, like a knight swearing loyalty to their king.
Fuli paused. It was very strange for others to offer help to the Garden on their own accord. The Rememberace were usually the first to strike deals and offer alliances only to then stab those very people in the back if they deemed it beneficial enough. That's why they never took others offers. Only gave them. However…
“Very well. You may reside here in the Eden right here. You will be given a private chamber if you wish.”
…they knew The Preservation. All too well perhaps. Hopelessly selfless, that Aeon was. If they could have at least one trusted ally, it surely would be the Amber Lord themselves. Qlipoth stood tall again and nodded humbly at Fuli’s agreement.
“…Sadly, I fear your help is far from enough. I need to get to the bottom of this attack. For that I need someone else's help…” The icy figure turns again, returning to their keeper watching activity.
“No matter. I will help with whatever you think is beneficial.” Qlipoth never took their eyes off them.
Fuli let their lips break out into the subtlest of smiles. Far from geniuene, it was more like a smile of someone sure of their control over the situation. They looked over to their companion, their voice dipped lower. A hint of playfulness in their tone “I do not doubt that. Don't dissapoint me, Amber Lord.”
A sudden crash could be heard from the garden. It caught the attention of both Aeons, cutting their conversation short. They hurried out of the room, quickly moving to the source.
In the rush of adrenaline, the two Aeons failed to notice a figure standing behind the door, now being squished under its weight.
“Very interesting. I never thought the Remberance was capable of being so… kind.” A voice echoed in the now empty corridor. A familiar voice rang out in the corridor.
“I guess I'll see you again soon, My dear Erudtion…”
Mythus slightered from behind the heavy door and returned to their hiding spot in the shadows. They needed to get used to it. It was only a matter of time before Fuli found them. After all, their parent is just as skilled in deception as them.