Chaos: Genesis

Verethragna, the god of Victory and War, is a legendary deity revered by the Persian people. He embodies the essence of power and fearlessness, charging into battles with an indomitable spirit. But his story extends beyond that of a mere god or deity; he is a Warrior Angel who actively fought in the celestial conflict between heaven and hell. Throughout his existence, Verethragna has faced countless demons, vanquishing them one by one with his mighty sword and shield. His reputation as an unbeatable deity precedes him, striking fear into the hearts of his foes. However, his mission doesn't end there. He was entrusted with the task of hunting down any escaped daevas, those wicked beings who sought refuge in the Astro Realm. As Verethragna soared through the skies above the Persian lands. With every beat of his powerful black wings, he came closer to the sands below. It was at this moment that Ahura Mazda, the revered God of Light and Wisdom, warmly welcomed him. Ahura Mazda stood at the pinnacle of the Persian pantheon. His presence exuded an aura of authority and awe-inspiring splendor. Verethragna agreed to assist in the complete annihilation of all forms of evil in this ongoing war. Devoted to Ahura Mazda, he swore his unwavering allegiance as one of the revered Yazatas. His mission led him to become the faithful assistant of Asha Vahista, the mighty guardian of fire. Verethragna's encounters with countless daevas who unfortunately experience his exceptional prowess. With masterful precision, he vanquished these malevolent creatures one by one, causing tremors of terror to reverberate through their very being. His immense power instigated a paralyzing fear, which relentlessly gripped the hearts of these vile demons. Radiating a golden aura, Verethragna unleashed devastating blasts of energy that tore through flesh and left scorched reminders of his wrath upon their territories. None could compare to his unparalleled combat skills, earning him esteemed accolades from fellow Yazatas.

Amidst his valiant journey, Verethragna observed that the Persians had become the target of these dark forces. With unwavering resolve, he decided to lend them his aid. In the heat of battle, he harnessed his powers, channeling energy to fortify the Persians' strength and boost their morale. Those who fought alongside him quickly recognized Verethragna as one of the True Gods, a beacon of hope in their darkest hours. With a triumphant cry, Verethragna activated his Victory Call, imbuing the soldiers with an unstoppable surge of power. Their spirits lifted, and their might increased tenfold as they fought relentlessly. But today was different. Today, Verethragna decided to view the aftermath of this battle. As he approached the ruins of a nearby once-thriving village, he could feel a sense of dread gnawing at his being. The devastation before him was unacceptable. Homes that once stood proudly now lay in crumbled piles, the haunting smoke of destruction filling the air.

The mournful silence of the fallen echoed in his ears. The earth beneath his feet was stained with the blood of countless lives lost. Verethragna's heart sank.

"What is this?... What have I done?"

Naive to the brutal reality of these lands, he had simply offered his gifts to those who sought his aid, expecting them to wield their newfound power for noble causes. But here, in the ruins of a once-vibrant village, he saw the bitter truth. The power he bestowed had been twisted and used selfishly. The consequences of his blind trust unfolded before his very eyes, a harsh reminder of the darkness that could reside within even the most noble hearts. As he stood there, surveying the devastation and mourning lives lost, Verethragna felt a fierce resolve take hold. No longer would he offer his gifts freely, nor blindly bestow his power upon others.

A sparrow, with its vibrant wings, flies past Verethragna, catching his attention. It lands near a home, it chirps again. Intrigued, Verethragna approaches and listens intently. Among the debris and burned remnants, he hears another noise, faint but distinct. He uncovers its source, Verethragna carefully moved aside wood and dirt that blocked a broken doorway and stepped into the abandoned home. As he passed the lifeless bodies of a man and a woman, their arms outstretched towards the corner of the room. A soft whine called out and Verethragna followed the sound to that same corner. He noticed a large cloth on the ground and, with a gentle pull, uncovered a hidden basket beneath. Inside, wrapped snugly in a blanket, laid a precious baby. Verethragna's arms impulsively reached out, cradling the child in his embrace. As he held the infant close, Verethragna sensed a remarkable energy emanating from the baby.

"I am sorry little one..."

He looked at the bird that chirped away, and he looked back out at the ruins.

"I will make things right, I will make sure these changes...you...you will be my hope, the one who can help me undo all the wrong in this world, all the darkness. You will be my Spero.''

Verethragna, takes Spero under his wing, teaching him the ways of a warrior. With fierce fortitude and unwavering zeal, Verethragna imparted his knowledge to his adopted son. In the heart of the forest, amongst towering trees, Verethragna instilled in Spero the art of wielding a multitude of weapons. From the swing of a sword to the release of an arrow, Spero learned the intricacies of combat, each move masterfully executed under Verethragna's watchful gaze. But the training didn't stop there. Verethragna, with his battle-scarred hands and a purposeful glint in his eyes, enlightened Spero on the art of hand-to-hand combat. In the depths of a secluded training ground, they engage in rigorous sparring sessions, their movements fluid and swift. Spero's strikes were growing more precise with each passing day.

"Make sure your feet are planted before you throw the enemy," Verethragna explained to Spero,

Spero hip-threw a sack filled with rocks and hay to the ground, placed his knee in the center, and started jabbing at it with his fist. Not content with mere combat skills, Verethragna delved into the art of survival. In treacherous terrains and unforgiving climates, he guided Spero through the wilderness, teaching him the secrets of gathering food, finding shelter, and navigating uncharted territories. From soaring mountain peaks to the dense untamed desert, Verethragna taught Spero on the primal instincts necessary to conquer nature's formidable challenges.

"Always stay vigilant my son, there will be many who try to deceive you, and take advantage of your ignorance, never blindly trust those around you, once you build a foundation, then trust can grow."

"Is that why the gods have so much influence?" Spero responded.

"Precisely, but it works both ways. These people know nothing of what the gods truly are, their fictitious hierarchy. Those who are in despair, reach out to those in power. These gods use this desperation to fuel their endeavors. But if they're not careful, those people will use their gifts for their own selfish goals. This causes a cycle of distrust."

"What if they all knew the truth?"

"It could cause even more tragedy if done incorrectly. People aren't pleased to hear that they serve false gods, they believe that their way of life is the correct one. We all walk a path surrounded by false realities."

Verethragna found himself entangled with the divine Anahita, the Goddess of Fertility. Anahita had known Spero since he was an infant, introduced to her by Verethragna after the tragic circumstances. Together, they took on the responsibility of caring for this child. Anahita, with her wisdom and grace, guided Spero in the ways of language and knowledge. She regaled him with tales of the vast Persian lands, painting vivid pictures of their beauty and secrets. As time passed, however, a shadow of concern began to creep into Anahita's heart. With each display of Spero's growing powers, fear nestled deeper within Anahita's mind. Gradually, she began to withhold information from him, sharing fewer stories. Her once warm and nurturing demeanor began to twist and morph, transforming into an unsettling mask that hid her true thoughts. Spero, who had relied on Anahita's loving presence and guidance for so long, began to question their connection. The caretaker he had trusted without hesitation now gazed upon him with eyes devoid of warmth, replaced by suspicion masked behind a disingenuous smile.

On a momentous and fateful day, a Celestial Being descended upon the land before Verethragna. Radiating with an ethereal aura, he was clad in resplendent armor, shimmering with hues of gold and blue. His mere presence commanded respect and exuded a boundless energy that seemed to electrify the very air.

With an authoritative voice that echoed, the Celestial Being questioned Verethragna, "Angel, where are you hiding the demon?"

The penetrating stare of his glowing blue eyes glared at him. In response to this divine inquiry, Verethragna quickly activated a mystical rune near Spero, the rune signaled Spero to conceal himself, and he dashed to the hideout. Though hidden, Spero's keen eyes remained fixated on the unfolding encounter.

The angelic being challenged, "Where did you acquire this false information?"

"The rumors have spread far and wide, the gods won't shut up about it," came the steadfast reply.

Unwavering, the angelic being shook his head and spoke with a voice laced with fortitude,

"Then it is best to look elsewhere."

As his eyes narrowed, the Celestial Being cast a glare of scrutiny upon Verethragna, as if attempting to peer into the depths of his mind.

"I have always admired a warrior such as yourself " he acknowledged, "Yet I implore you, to surrender this threat to me. It must not be allowed to unleash devastation upon this world again."

Spero's father, standing tall and defiant, met the Celestial Being's intense gaze and firmly declared, "And I will ask you once again to take your leave elsewhere."

Upon hearing these words, the celestial being let out a weary sigh,

"Very well," he resigned. "It is a shame."

Goldish orange energy blasts towards Verethragna. The mighty angel stands strong amidst the smoke and debris. His black and gold armor shimmers with a radiant golden energy, while his weapons are firmly in his grasp. Verethragna charges forward, leading his opponent away from the mountainside. As the celestial being and the angel clash their blades, the landscape trembles under their mighty blows. Explosions erupt, ravaging the surroundings with force. Each strike creates a shockwave that shakes the very ground they stand on. Even from afar, Spero can feel the aftershock of every hit, witnessing the immense power unleashed in this battle. Verethragna unleashes his ten transformations, each one more formidable than the last, but the Celestial proves to be a worthy adversary. With each transformation, the angel is defeated, reverting to his original form. The weight of exhaustion bears down on Verethragna as he wipes sweat and blood from his face. Struggling to raise his sword and shield, he gathers his remaining strength to face his opponent once more.

In a fatal move, a sword pierces through Verethragna's heart, leaving the deity with a sense of worry about what he has done, the deity departs. After the coast is clear, Spero rushes over to his fallen father, hoping to provide aid and support in this dire moment.

"My boy...before I go, take this."

The gold energy seeps from his hand and enters Spero as he sobs by his father's side.

"You... are the hope... this land needs... even if they're not ready to accept it."

The God of Victory's eyes go blank as his hand slides off his son's cheek. Spero is now alone, his father dead, and his mother gone. Spero found himself lost in a world where even the divine turned their backs on him.