For as long as humans have walked on earth,
they have always believed themselves to be the pinnacle of creation-masters of intelligence , rulers of life and the architects of civilization. Their beliefs weren't entirely misplaced.
They had conquered disease, reached the stars, split atoms and bent nature to their will. They thought that has understood everything that could ever be known.
But on this day a Hundred years ago, that illusion shattered. It began without warning. The skies suddenly tore open with a binding light, and vast swirling gates emerged around every corner of the globe. From these gateways, they arrived.
Coming out of those glowing portals were waves upon waves of foreign beings that defied every known logic humanity have ever known. One could imagine what happened next, the world fell into chaos. Communication lines went dead, the leaders of the world scrambled for answers and the global population was gripped with fear. Nobody could understand what was happening, and perhaps nobody could. Cities were on lockdown, militaries quickly mobilised and every nation on Earth prepared for war. Yet, surprisingly no attack came.
These strange beings arrived, spreading across various continents, gathering near human settlement and yet keeping their distance.
When the first images leaked through the networks, disbelief turned into terror.
These creatures were not unknown, in fact humanity have seen them before ---not in reality but in ancient paintings, recorded stories and myths.
Elves with eyes like gems and long ears tapering tp graceful points.
Dwarves short and muscular clad in huge body armour.
Sleek and elegant vampires with crimson eyes that gleamed in the dark.
Massive dragons, wings unfolded like living storms casting shadows that swallowed the sun.
Stories and imagination have come to life. For a moment, the entire world froze. No one could believe what they were seeing. It was impossible, insane even yet it was happening right before their very eyes.
These beings made contact with the humans asking for their leaders. Surprisingly they could communicate with them efficiently. It didn't take long for them to gather, on one end stood humanity's leaders facing this foreigners.
They prepared for threat's , unscrupulous demands and perhaps annihilation. But what came next came as a shock.
Zatharion, the dragon leader now his human form spoke up. His voice deep and ancient, shook the very halls they stood.
"Fear not , humans, for we have not come to rule your world. We have just come seeking for a home".
No one dared question further, what followed next was a peaceful negotiation. Though the word 'negotiation' was perhaps too generous. In truth, humanity had no choice but to accept them. Even if they wanted to protest , what power could they wield against such might? So, they agreed to co-exist or atleast try to.
As a show of their goodwill, these newcomers shared some of their knowledge and resources promising to collaborate with humans. Within a decade, the world map changed forever. The planet was divided into five major continent's with the humans settlement in the middle and the four other forces side by side.
The world also changed as if adapting to their presence. In years to come, humanity came to know of mama, an invisible force that wove through all life. Gradually they learned how to harness it, and even bend it to their will. The weak grew strong, nations rose and fell in the flames of rebirth. Magic academies replaced military schools and wizards stood where soldiers once marched.
But beneath all of this progress -a question lingered on. What had made this powerful beings flee from their homelands. This question haunted humanity for decades.
Some believed that it was wars amongst the stars, others whispered of gods that devoured their worlds.
But as time passed, curiosity dulled into complacency gradually fading into legends and legends into bedtime stories.
Yet even now , a Hundred years later, some still look up at the night sky and wonder- what lies beyond those stars. What were these beings running from?
Why come to earth?and whatever hunted these beings, will it ever find them here?