Since its foundation, the Kingdom of Eden has been ruled by its royal family. Blessed with wise and just kings in every generation, they passed on the teachings of the founding king forever forward in time. Using these teachings as the foundation of their rule, they were incorruptible. For many generations, Eden had stood as a pillar of righteousness throughout all the lands. A symbol of strength and peace, they served as an example of everything humanity could be. Even nations that were once hostile could not bring themselves to wage war against them. This was not only on account of their unrivaled military might, but also on account of their generosity.
Being very rich in both wealth and compassion, the Kingdom of Eden would assist all those around them. In times of need such as famines, they would go into their own storages of food, and sell it to nations that had none. Because of this generosity, many kings that wished to invade at opportune times could not. This was because it is difficult to rouse people to war against those they viewed as saviours. If such a nation would bare their teeth at one that had fed their own people, they bore the risk of rebellion. In fact, over the course of history, exactly that had happened.
There was once a neighbouring kingdom by the name of Sharar. The king of this kingdom despised the people of the Eden without a cause. Despite the generosity of the kingdom towards him and his people, this king could not remove the thorn of hate within his heart. In time, a great famine came upon many lands as well as his own. When this occurred, the Kingdom of Eden did as they always have done. Opening their stores of grain, they sold it to all the nations who wished to buy. Not wishing to extort them, they sold it at reasonable prices despite the opportunity of gain. While those they sold to offered everything in exchange, they never accepted more than what was reasonable.
When the king of Sharar's people were fed, and his own stores of grain full, he thought to then attack the kingdom of Eden. Knowing that the kingdom of Eden had given to many nations including as his own, he reasoned that their stores of food were low. Although they were not empty, he was right. Seeing this as an opportunity, he decided to surround and starve the people of Eden before his attack. Believing the kingdom to still have some stores of food, he rationed the food he had bought, giving just enough to his forces to sustain them.
When Eden’s king of that age had gotten wind of this, he appeared to do nothing. Even as Sharar's armies surrounded the kingdom, still the king of Eden appeared to do nothing about it. It was about a week into the siege that Eden’s king finally made his move. Mustering the defenders of the kingdom, he positioned them to face their guests. Once in position, he parted his forces down the center.
It was then that he delivered the wagons of food he had been preparing for their guests. While the defenders kept watch, soldiers in civilian clothes set tables before their enemies. Placing the meals upon the tables, they began to serve themselves.
For a short while, there was silence as their enemies watched. Before long, those from the ranks of their enemy began to join them at the tables. Even as their generals attempted to maintain their ranks, more and more would drop their weapons and join the feast. Before long, of the enemy, only those who shared the thorn of hate within their hearts remained standing.
It was then that the king of Eden appeared himself. Riding upon his horse, he approached the tables where all could see. Trained in the military arts of the time, his voice rang loud like that of a great General. These were his words.
“People of Sharar! Why do you hate us so?” asked the king of Eden. “When your king was unable to feed you, we fed you. When your crops had begun to fail, we shared with you our own! When the rains failed to pour upon your lands, we opened our rivers to you! Even now, when your king has purchased our grain, and sends you to fight and die in our lands, we still feed you! While he withholds the very grain that was purchased with your gains, we share with you what you have not reaped! So I ask you again! Why do you hate us?”
With these words alone, he had moved the hearts of all those who were fed. Though hungry, some could not bring themselves to continue eating.
The king stayed silent for a while as many wept. When some time had passed, he continued to speak.
“I can now see that I was wrong. It seems that many of you do not share the hatred of your king. As you cannot answer my question, I will leave that to your king. I ask of you now to leave your arms and return to your homes. I wish to have a word with your king.”
On the king's request, the people of Sharar did exactly that. Leaving their arms in the fields, they returned to their nation. Behind them were the unscathed defenders of the kingdom marching directly to the King of Sharar. Those fiercely loyal to Sharar’s king either bared their arms at their fellow citizens, or reluctantly granted an audience with their king.
When Sharar’s king was forced to meet with Eden’s king, he had no words for answer. Furious at the turn of events, he declared his soldiers and citizens as traitors. Even those loyal to him were in shock of his behaviour. With that, what began as an invasion ended in a revolution as the king was overthrown. When the king was ousted and the people were united under a republic, they thought to rename their nation. It was then that the King of Eden proposed the name, Jebediah. A name that meant beloved friend. It was through events such as these that caused the kingdom of Eden to be surrounded by allies.
Despite all of these miracles from within the Kingdom of Eden, none of these were what made them magical. Within the Kingdom of Eden lay a treasure. A treasure that existed since the foundation of the kingdom. A treasure that had been the trigger for many wars, and of endless bloodshed. This treasure took the form of a human being. Known by many names over the ages, this miracle was commonly referred to as the Moonchild.
Though there were many theories, no one knew why they existed. Yet from amongst the people of Eden was born a living miracle. At birth, this child was said to be indistinguishable from any normal child. What made these children miracles were the strange abilities they would develop as they grew. First among these abilities was the ability to heal. Able to produce a blindingly bright light from their hands, they were able to heal any and all ailments. It was as if the light they produced could reverse time itself. Yet despite this, it worked on things that time would not effect. Those blind from birth would be given sight. Those who were deaf were made to hear. Even those maimed in the chaos of war, were made whole by this holy light. These moon children were spirit in the flesh.
With only one Moonchild ever existing at a time, it was theorized that it was the same soul forever reincarnating. Each time one appeared, they would leave their mark upon the annals of history. Bearing no recollection of past lives, they seemed to somehow hold the wisdom of all their predecessors. Coveted by nations, organizations, and individuals throughout the ages, their abilities offered promises of endless wealth and power. It was even reasoned that one could gain immortality with these powers. Despite these temptations, they themselves never wished to use their powers for selfish means. The royal family instead chose to protect the Moonchildren from all those who would seek to abuse their powers. Using the written teachings of those who came before, they were able to teach those who came after.
It was through the Moonchildren that Eden would offer healing to any and all who would come to receive it. Thus, they would grant grace to friend and foe alike.
Being spirit in the flesh, as they were selfless by nature.
Long ago, there was once was a young man of the Kingdom of Eden. This young man was prodigy, excelling at everything he put his mind to. Taking a interest in alchemy, he theorized a method to attaining eternal youth using the Moonchild’s abilities and alchemy. By using the Moonchild’s power, he theorized that one could place another in an endless state of regeneration. Although true, there were countless risk involved in such an experiment. For one, this would place a great deal strain on the moonchild, as it required their healing to have a continuous effect. There was also no way of knowing if the process could be controlled. It was possible that this process could cause an uncontrollable regeneration effect on the subject. Also, as the moonchild was the natural born host of these powers, there was no way of predicting what would happen if they were transferred. It was even possible that both the moonchild and subject host could die.
Despite all these risks, the potential success was viewed as too valuable to ignore. If done correctly, the receiver could in fact use the endless energy to affect the world around them. Using energy that was naked to the human eye, the user would appear to bend the very laws of physics themselves. Using this mysterious light, matter itself would bend to their will. From changing the consistency of water, to transmuting it into something else entirely, the possibilities were endless. If one wanted to, they could even pull debris from the void of space, causing it to rain down in flames. Despite the enticement of immortality and power, no king of Eden had ever attempted this. They instead believed that the very desire of this act was an affront to God.
While no king of Eden had succumbed to the temptations of eternal youth, the man who had deduced this theory urged his king to do so. Extraordinary in every way, this man was only over shadowed by one other in his generation. His king. A king that was said to be anointed by God himself. Throughout Eden’s long history, there was never a king as righteous as he. Forsaking all desires, he devoted his life to being a vessel for God. Every action he took, he took in consideration to God’s design. For all the kings that had ever sat upon the throne of Eden, this King was said to be the most righteous. Believed to be anointed by God, his rule brought peace and prosperity to even nations that dwelled in darkness. Knowing that this king was a righteous man, the man who proposed the theory believed that he was the best candidate for immortality. In having one such as him live forever, the peace of Eden could be made to span the globe. Yet no matter what he said to his king, his king refused immortality. With the wisdom bestowed upon him by God, he knew that if he were to live forever, even he would see corruption.
With no way of convincing his king, the man instead set out to convince the Moonchild. Being a close friend, he was able to spend alot of time making his case. In time, he succeeded in convincing her that his plan was for the good of the world. Being selfless by nature, the Moonchild agreed to help on one condition. The king would not bear any of the risks of the procedure. Accepting this condition, they pursued their research in secret, using rats as test subjects. At the insistence of the Moonchild, the rats were put to sleep for the process.
Meeting only when their duties allowed, they worked tirelessly to bring theory to reality. In time, they realized that the risks of the experiment itself could indeed be managed and lessened. By using a host that was durable, as well as strengthening the Moonchild herself, they could raise their odds of success. As the king himself was a warrior of renown, half of their work was already done. Wishing to eliminate any danger to the king, they in turn sought to strengthen the Moonchild through alchemy. Slowly but surely they increased her strength. Many full moons passed before they experienced a breakthrough. They discovered that when the moon entered its perigee, its closest point to the earth, the Moonchild’s abilities were at their strongest. At this point, the Moonchild was able to produce a continuous healing effect. The incisions they made upon the sleeping rats would heal immediately. Overjoyed at their success, they renewed their efforts with passionate drive. They did not yet know the tragedy that awaited them, and the suffering that followed. Filled with the fire of youth, they marched ever forward.
In time, they experienced breakthrough after breakthrough. Already a renowned alchemist, the man’s abilities continued to grow as he worked alongside the Moonchild. They even discovered that the Moonchild’s abilities could effect his alchemy. Combining their abilities, they succeeded in dramatically extending the lifespan of the rats, as well as granting them an enhanced healing effect. With these discoveries, it wasn’t long before they began experimenting with others creatures. Before long, they were ready. Unbeknownst to the king, they had completed their research.
On the following perigee, they held a dinner for the King. Using his connections, the young man arranged an extravagant ceremony with only the Royal family and the Moonchild present. The dinner was set on the balcony of the royal palace, where the moon's light would be most visible.
When the dinner had reached its climax, the moonchild proceeded to enact the procedure in the guise of a blessing. Having already consumed the concoctions of the alchemist, she began to grant the king immortality. As her hands shone with light, the palace itself began to glow as she exerted her powers to their limits.
While the king was unaware of their ploy, an unseen power watched over him. As the Moonchild’s light began to alter his fate, something seemed to bend her healing light. Sensing something was wrong, the king rose from his seat as the Moonchild began to scream. Light began to pour from her eyes as the very palace quaked. Shrieking in agony, an intense heat began to burn her very soul.
With no concern for his well-being, the king grabbed her. Even as her light burned blindingly bright, he did not let go. Even as his skin began to burn, and the ground began to split, the king would not let her go. Having already done everything he could think of, the king closed his eyes.
“God, my God!”, prayed the king. “I know not yet what has incurred your wrath, yet I beg you, have mercy! For my sake, please quell your rage and deliver us from your fury!”
As the king prayed to God, the burning light began to diminish. Freed from burning anguish, the Moonchild gasped for air. No longer burning, she looked up at the king in grief.
“I’m so sorry!” she gasped.
The alchemist was in a state of panic as he quickly retrieved a healing concoction from his robes.
“Drink!” he said bringing the flask to her mouth.
Although the consuming fire within her diminished, the damage was done. The liquid from the flask began to boil as it streamed down her throat. The king’s heart broke as he looked upon her.
“Father…I’m sorry,” said the alchemist to the king.
Not understanding, the king looked upon his son is confusion, yet the look of guilt on his face told him all he needed to know.
“My son, what have you done?” asked the king.
Weak trembling interrupted them as the Moonchild began to die. No potion could save her.
With great grief, the king laid her body to rest upon the floor. Raising to his feet, he drew his blade.
“Father!” shouted the alchemist his son.
As a blinding light filled the king’s blade, he plunged it into the ground.
“My Son, by the power invested in me, I banish you from these lands,” said the king with a heavy heart.
Having gone above the king’s authority for their own purposes, his son was banished from the kingdom. Burying the details of their theory, the king had his Son's name struck from the very history of Eden.
The Dark Lord
