Chapter Text
Act I: The Rebellion of the Celestial Dimension
Chapter 1
“Oh no no no… AH!” A loud thump echoed in the bedroom as Roi fell out of bed. The melodic chime of the Qara tower's bell pierced the morning air as Roi hurried to grab his worn white tunic from the chair beside his bed. Suddenly, he froze in mid-action. He pleaded silently, please let the bell be your first ring, Qara.
The Qara Bell Tower acted as an alert system for the student angels throughout the Celestial Dimension, sounding three times with a ten-minute interval between each toll. The first chime is a broad notice stating that the academy classes will shortly commence. The second chime is a more urgent call for registration on the academy grounds. The dreaded third chime signified the start of class. Unsure which chime woke him up from sleep, it was a scenario Roi desperately hoped to avoid. His breath hitched in his throat. He was in serious trouble.
Swiftly, he pulled the tunic on, rose up, snatched his leather sandals from under the bed, ignoring the slight tear he caused in his haste, and bolted out of his room.
"Tabbris, why did you not awaken me?" He barked, bursting into the deserted main living area. The room was eerily quiet. "Tabbris? Anael?" he called out to his dwelling mates, his voice echoing in the vast space. No answer. A flicker of annoyance sparked—they knew how important this day was; the least they could have done was ensure he woke up on time, as they usually do.
Roi forced the annoyance down, shoving it into a corner of his mind. Today was not the time for distractions. With a resigned exhale, he hastened towards his study desk at the room's far end, where his scrolls were carelessly scattered, victims of his late-night cramming session. A pang of guilt pricked him. He knew he should have tidied up before bed, but as always, as the hours grew late, the more sluggish his mind became. He cursed his own forgetfulness as he scrambled to gather the scrolls into a nearby satchel. Once the bag was stuffed to capacity, he clutched the remaining scrolls to his chest. Making his way to the front door, he rushes through his morning prayer, skipping certain words, even entire phrases, before leaving his living dwelling.
If his dwelling was quiet, the outside was far quieter. However, Roi was well aware of why. In the mornings, the walking paths of the Lilmod Living Quarters were frequently populated by fellow students who were hanging out, sharing ideas, thoughts, and debates about how far they had come and how excited they were to graduate (which for most would not happen for another century or so). However, given the empty streets and the ambiguity of which chime had rung previously, Roi could tell he was terribly late.
What made the situation worse was that his dwelling was positioned far from the Lilmod Living Quarters' main gate of exit. "There was no way I'd make it on time… Today of all days," he murmurs to himself, his mind racing for a way to salvage the situation. But soon, as usual, a desperate plan begins to form...
He cautiously runs to the left exterior wall of his living quarters. Pearl-stone wide steps leading up to the building's roof emerged, prompting Roi to ascend them instantly. Reaching the top exposes the entirety of the white sand landscape of the Lilmod Living Quarters.
Roi took a quick scan of his surroundings, watching carefully for any signs of the Academy's Dominion guards, who were known to patrol this area on occasion and often caught students like Roi without a second thought. However, no one was out on patrol that he could see, leaving him an opening to progress on his daring plan – a plan that could very well save him. With a deep breath, Roi took off into the sky, an illuminating light shining on his back, unfurling his wings as he flew.
As he ascended higher into the air, the entirety of the white sand landscape of the Lilmod Living Quarters became in view. Each living dwelling is clustered into groups of four, forming perfect squares. Each cluster is arranged in a 2x2 pattern, with pathways of polished pearl-stone winding between them. The buildings themselves are reminiscent of desert architecture, with their clean lines and rounded forms echoing the wind-sculpted dunes. These dwellings are constructed from a luminous white sand/mud material that seems to faint glow from within. This was home for Roi and his fellow student angels.
Roi struggles to increase his speed as he flies eastwards towards the Academy building. The speeding techniques he was meant to acquire in flight school would have been useful right now because his wings were starting to hurt, and peering ahead, noticing the Academy continues to seem small ahead of him, he moans in frustration. "Just a little bit longer," he whispers. Walking the remainder of the distance was not an alternative.
As he maintains his speed while also battles to safeguard his scroll from slipping from his arms due to the gusts of wind resulting from his flight, faint sounds of other wings fluttering can be heard in the air. Looking behind him, he spots a trio of angels pursuing him, the sound of their flapping wings becoming louder with each second. He identified them immediately based on their garments.
“Roi!” The leader of the group shouts his name into a speaking-trumpet.
Roi flinches at his name. Roi flinches at his name. Experiencing inner turmoil over the day's events, he responds respectfully, "Yes! Good morning, Scout Kadmiel"
"You are familiar with the guidelines, Roi. Flight within the quarters is prohibited!"
"Yes, however…!"
"No flight is permitted."
"Yes, I am aware of that, but I would be late for..."
"Excuses are not acceptable, Roi. Cease immediately!" Scout Kadmiel demands.
Roi hesitated about following Kadmiel's instructions; he certainly didn't want to get into more trouble than he already was, but he was more frightened of arriving late for his presentation in front of the entirety of the Academy and High Council. Following that, Roi turned straight towards where the Academy building loomed in front of him. Apparently, it was best to keep flying.
The wind whipping against his face, his heart pounded in his chest as he forced himself further, increasing his pace and ignoring the aches that started to develop in his wings. The fear of disappointment and failing his presentation drove him forward, determination taking over any physical discomfort he felt. If I can just make it, I don't care if Kadmiel lectures me even more later. After he presents, Kadmiel is free to stay grumpy and angry as usual; it doesn't bother him.
Inevitably, Kadmiel's voice booms, urging his comrades on in hot pursuit of Roi. Ignoring the echoing urgency behind him, Roi forgoes looking back, his focus solely on escape. Urgent shouts slice through the air, demanding his halt, but Roi persists, breaths shallow, muscles aflame. His eyes fixate on the Academy's spires drawing nearer, each wingbeat propelling him forward, wind whipping past. Racing through the dwelling’s roofs, the guards' voices fade, but Roi doesn't hesitate. With relentless determination, he pushes onward, his goal clear: outpace his pursuers, reach the Academy's safety.
Soon, the Academy is within reach. Roi observes his fellow students gathering inside the Academy's grounds and heading towards the central field, where the stage is prepared. Seeing the students offered relief and hope. Yes, I'm not too late! Fortunately, the law prohibits Dominion guards from entering the Academy's grounds, therefore immediately as Roi turned around after entering the invisible barrier over the roofs, he witnessed Kadmiel and his guards stop at the edge of the barrier. Kadmiel was getting furious and barking something like, "I will get you next time!" or something similar, but Roi didn't care since he was too proud of himself for making it across.
In the heart of the Academy's circular field called Meara’s Garden, stands a grand stage, positioned to the north and commanding attention with its imposing presence. The stage, adorned with ornate decorations and embellishments, serves as the focal point for gatherings, performances, and ceremonies within the institution. Rows of sturdy seats fan out from the stage, arranged in a semi-circle to provide optimal viewing for the students who gather to partake in the events, with each seat is meticulously aligned.
Flying high above the grounds, he forgot how unusual it was due to the attention he was receiving from below. Students expressed awe, but lecturers responded with anger, as expected. Roi looked about to ensure a safe landing; he didn't want to crash among the students near the stage, and certainly not on stage. Fortunately, he discovers that Mr. Peliel's janitor room is open. He would not mind. And with that, he changes direction and heads right towards the small room.
Despite his desperate efforts, Roi found himself unable to slow down, his wings continuing to beat furiously against the air. Panic surged within him. Did I push myself so far that my own wings no longer respond to my commands? Frantically, he scanned the surroundings for help, his heart racing as the ground loomed closer with each passing moment. The other students watched, fear etched on their faces, as Roi plummeted like a meteor, hurtling toward the earth at an alarming speed. "Luixian, Jagardis, anyone?!" he cried out desperately, his voice barely audible over the roaring wind. No answer came, no salvation as he hurtled towards impact.
Inevitably, the room below loomed larger, walls closing in as Roi braced for the crash.
His bag and scrolls tightly to his chest.
He squeezed his eyes shut...
CRASH!