|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 1:15 pm
The night was quiet, save for the distant hum of crickets and the occasional whisper of the wind. A gentle breeze carried the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers, cool against Jelani’s skin as she stood on the hilltop, her amber eyes fixed on the vast sky above.
The moon hung high, a pale silver lantern in the dark expanse, its glow soft yet unwavering. There had always been something about it that called to her—something beyond its beauty. It was steady, constant, watching over the world in silence.
She let out a slow breath, folding her arms over her chest.
"I wish I could be like that."
She hated feeling powerless—hated watching people struggle, knowing there were limits to what she could do. How many times had she stood by, unable to help when someone needed her most? That helplessness gnawed at her, an ache she couldn’t shake.
"I don’t want to just stand by anymore."
Her fingers curled into fists at her sides. She didn’t know how, but deep in her heart, she knew she was meant for something more—meant to protect, to shield, to stand between danger and those who couldn’t fight for themselves.
The moon seemed to shimmer in response, its light bathing her in an ethereal glow. Was it listening? Was it calling to her, just as it always had?
"Please..." she whispered, lifting her gaze. "If there’s a way... let me be strong enough to protect them."
And for a moment, the night felt still. Expectant. As if something—someone—was about to answer.
(WC: 259)
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2025 7:58 pm
Jelani’s intuition was correct. Her question had not gone unheard–or unanswered. One moment, she was on Earth, looking up at a glowing orb in the sky. The next, she was standing in a foreign room, looking at a glowing orb hovering above a pedestal in the center of the room. The fine, glittering mist swirled with less consistency than the moon but it was no less lustrous and no less beautiful. The room she arrived in was a gentle white, though faded pastels hinted that there was once vibrant artwork painted on the walls. It wasn’t particularly large, but it somehow still felt like it went on forever. Or, maybe that was just how timeless it felt. Carved pillars stretched towards a distant ceiling, and every arch and angle seemed like a piece of artwork masquerading as architecture. Behind her, a great arched doorway opened up into a long hallway. The room had so much personality for a room with no decorations, no furniture, no windows or doors. She wasn’t alone . A million tiny specs of light swirled, like a miniature galaxy and all its stars. With no face and no eyes, it still watched her. And then, it spoke. “Who do you want to protect?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2025 11:16 pm
Jelani’s breath caught in her throat. The room, with its faded splendor and ageless aura, seemed to hold its breath with her. The orb’s question lingered in the air, gentle but unyielding. She swallowed, her voice soft but steady. “Everyone,” she said. “Anyone who needs it. There’s so much hurt in the world, and I just—” Her fingers tightened into fists at her sides. “I want to make a difference. I want to be strong enough to stand between people and the things that hurt them.” Her amber eyes, still reflecting the moon’s glow even here, lifted to meet the swirling constellation of lights. “I want to protect those who can’t protect themselves. I want to be a light in the dark, the shield they don’t know they need. I don’t know if I’m enough, but—” She straightened her spine. “I’m willing to try.” (WC: 144)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:28 am
For a moment, the Code swirled. Less in thought and more in preparation, energy began to mount. “I suppose the will to try is enough in this day and age. Your starseed was calling to me. If the word is new to you, compare it to a soul. It is the essence of your being. I will not pretend like offering you this power isn’t dangerous–there is a threat on Earth that needs to be combatted. Before Jelani, the air seemed to crackle with energy, and within the Code an object seemed to form–a small, hourglass pendant. “I will ask a great deal of you in exchange for the power to protect everyone,” it said plainly. “But I can give you the resources to do so. I need protectors. I will give you a piece of my power, to claim as your own, and I will give you a small space to protect. To restore. But in return for that, I will give you the means to combat the hurt in the world. I can help you find the strength you ned to protect those people from the things you hurt them. I will give you this chance now to ask questions or back away, but if you choose to accept my power, you need only take what I offer.” The necklace glinted brightly within the sparkling mist.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2025 9:00 pm
Jelani’s gaze locked onto the pendant. The tiny hourglass shimmered like captured starlight, its glow soft yet powerful. She could feel the weight of the Code’s words hanging in the air. A part of her wanted to reach out immediately — to take the chance without hesitation. But she knew better. There was always a price for power, and this one wouldn’t be light. She swallowed hard, her mind racing with questions — doubts, fears, possibilities. Yet beneath it all, one truth rang louder than the rest: She wanted this. She needed to be more than just a bystander in a world that seemed to crumble around her. “I don’t need time to think,” Jelani said, stepping forward. Her hand extended, fingers reaching for the glowing hourglass. “I accept.” The moment her fingers closed around the pendant, warmth flooded her — soft, gentle, yet powerful. Like the quiet strength of moonlight breaking through storm clouds. (WC: 155)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 3:15 pm
As soon as Jelani accepted the pendant, she became more. No longer did she stand there, but instead– “Howick,” the Code said, with what might have passed as pride. “Knight of the Moon. You will have the power you need to protect all you hold dear, and more. There is but one final step to cement this bond between you and your Wonder. I know you’ll have questions, but I’ll explain along the way.” A small piece of the floating light broke away, and a palm sized, spherical orb floated in front of her. “Let me take you to your namesake. You will need to take this,” the smaller orb flashed warmly, “And find a safe place for it. We’ll talk along the way. I will explain your power. And this war that you find yourself in. And if you ever need guidance, I will be here for you.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
