Millennia ago, on a faraway planet named Horia, an intriguing species, the Horians, inhabited the land. Blessed with an extraordinary gift, the Horian possessed the power to transform into a mystical form, referred to as the Aspects. This unique ability set them apart from other species in the galaxy and made them a force to be reckoned with.
Six primary Aspects based on concepts and virtues were created: Hope, Generosity, Mystery, Peace, Loyalty, and Compassion. Many other Aspects exist, but these six were given the main roles in the defense and protection of their planet.43Please respect copyright.PENANAnKknkrFUTG
Von, Fui, Arcane, Casimir, Dillon, and Kenji were six warriors who valiantly defended Horia against an impending invasion from a nearby planet named Aurta. These brave warriors were skilled in combat and adept at harnessing their Aspect powers to protect their homes.
The prolonged galactic conflict persisted for years, until the Aspects ultimately emerged triumphant. Preventing future invasions, the Aspects resolved to annihilate the planet and its inhabitants, ending the war.43Please respect copyright.PENANAxXOBlDfkWg
Their leader, Von, stood at the center of the group, his brow furrowed in thought as he watched the battlefield. He was a wise and strategic ruler who had led his people through many trials and tribulations.
“What now?” Casimir asked, his voice heavy with sorrow. “We have won, but at what cost?”43Please respect copyright.PENANAg3zsoP8uA0
Von was silent for a moment as he considered Casimir's question. “We must rebuild our society and move forward,” he said. “We cannot dwell on the past-- we must look to the future.”
“What of the people of Aurta?” Kenji asked. “Why must they perish? It is not our way.”
“You have always been the most compassionate of us, Kenji,” Arcane sighed. “I worry it is too much. Even your enemies receive sympathy from you.”
Kenji responded to Arcane's query, his voice tinged with disapproval. “All creatures, regardless of their nature, deserve empathy and regard. To extinguish countless lives without hesitation is not an act of bravery but a grave injustice.”
Dillon approached Kenji, his face contorted in anger at Kenji's words. “You speak foolishly, Kenji. We were engaged in a war where sacrifices were inevitable. The Aurtians were our enemy, they had to be destroyed if we were to protect our people.”
“Is it righteous to extinguish an entire planet of innocents solely due to their unfortunate circumstance of being born in the wrong place at the wrong time?” Kenji demanded. “What about the children, the elderly, the ones who had nothing to do with this war? Did they not deserve compassion and mercy?”
“There is no room for compassion in war,” Von said coldly, interrupting them. “We couldn't afford to leave any survivors, or else the cycle of violence will never end.”
Kenji's face contorted, giving away the storm of emotions raging within. He knew that Arcane, Dillon, and Von were right, in some sense. But still, there had to be another way—a way to end the conflict without resorting to genocide
“Arcane, Dillon, Von, I must apologize,” Kenji said suddenly. “You are right. We must think of the greater good. The lives of the Aurtians were insignificant compared to the lives of our people. If we had spared them, we would only be risking our people. I am sorry for questioning your judgment”
Von's face softened as he placed a hand on Kenji's shoulder. "It's difficult to make the right decision, my friend. I can't blame you for your doubts, but we must remain strong and ensure the safety of our people."
“Yes, of course, Von,” Kenji replied somberly, gently brushing Von's hand off his shoulder. “I merely wondered if this was the right course of action.” His eyes dropped to the ground as he spoke, and tears began to form.
Dillon rolled his eyes at Kenji's remark, “We did what was right for us! I understand you're compassionate, but you needn't worry about those Aurtians.” He put both hands on Kenji's shoulders and gently shook them.
Casimir approached Kenji from behind, his voice barely above a whisper. “You're right in questioning Kenji, we should ask these things.” Casimir glanced at the ground, tears threatening to spill as he struggled to meet Kenji's eyes.
“Casimir…” Kenji murmured, gently brushing Dillon's hands off his shoulders and turning around. He moved closer to Casimir and embraced him. “Shh, it's okay, go ahead and let it out.”
Casimir wailed against Kenji's chest as Dillon observed. With a sharp look, Dillon said firmly, “Casimir, pull yourself together. We had a goal, a purpose!”
Kenji shot a furious glare at Dillon, his eyebrows knitted tightly together. “Can't you see this is your fault? Casimir wouldn't be like this if you had just listened to him!” he exclaimed, raising his voice.
“My fault!? You're the one who forgot our objective!” Dillon retorted, his anger flaring. “Should we have just let them go free!?”
Von folded his arms and looked away, quietly scoffing before stepping in. “Casimir, Kenji, let’s not lose sight of our objective. We were chosen by the Aspects to protect Horia.”43Please respect copyright.PENANAEZGxB08EKP
Kenji's eyes narrowed as he fixed the others with a defiant stare. “The Aspects never instructed us to destroy the Aurtians! They just wanted us to ensure safety and protection!” Kenji countered. “What we did was wrong.”
“Enough, Kenji, I know that decision weighs heavily on all of us,” Von continued, his tone gentler. “But we cannot afford to be divided, not now. We must stand united, for the sake of our people.”
Kenji's jaw tightened, but he could see the wisdom in Von's words. With a heavy sigh, he nodded in reluctance. "Very well," he whispered. "I'll trust your judgment, Von."
Von's features soften again as he smiles at Kenji. “I understand your concerns, my friend,” Von said, his tone measured. “Rest assured, none of us treat this matter lightly. The Aurtians have left us with no alternatives—our people's survival was at risk.”
Casimir lifted his head from Kenji's chest, his eyes red-rimmed and glistening with tears. “Dillon is right,” he said, his voice trembling. “We should have remained focused on our mission. But…” He paused, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks. “But the memory of wiping out an entire world, even if they were our enemies… it haunts me.”
Dillon and Von exchanged glances, each letting out a weary sigh. “Casimir…” Dillon began, his voice heavy with regret. “I wish we could have been peaceful, but it wasn’t attainable. We chose the only path available.” He extended his hand toward Casimir but hesitated, drawing it back before making contact.
Von nodded solemnly, his expression grave. "In the end, we had to do what was necessary to protect Horia. That was our primary goal, right?"43Please respect copyright.PENANAoi4BwhV1F9
Kenji averted his gaze. “I know,” he admitted, his voice tinged with resignation. “I just... I can't shake the feeling that there must have been another way. A path that didn't require such a heavy price.”
Arcane stepped forward, his expression pensive as he addressed the group. “Hm, I see the validity in both of your perspectives,” he said, his gaze shifting between Kenji and the others. 43Please respect copyright.PENANAF4eAmuCUoF
"Was it right to eradicate an entire planet? No, I don't believe it was." Arcane's brow furrowed. "The loss of all those lives, the suffering we've inflicted - it goes against the very principles the Aspects stand for."
He paused, his eyes meeting each of his comrades in turn. “And yet... did we have a choice?” Arcane's voice grew somber. “It pains me to say it, but we had to eliminate that threat, for the sake of our people.”43Please respect copyright.PENANAkyhn5cEMA1
Kenji sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging under the weight of their decision. “I understand your points,” he murmured, gaze downcast. “But it doesn't ease the pain.”
Von placed a comforting hand on Kenji's shoulder. “No, it doesn't,” he said stoically. “And we may never fully heal from it.”43Please respect copyright.PENANAHHVO8Hq6Dg
At Von's words, Kenji nodded, his face still tinged with sorrow. Arcane nodded, his expression somber. “We will carry this burden for the rest of our lives, but we cannot allow it to overwhelm us.”43Please respect copyright.PENANATyUEeqZMJn
With his arms crossed, Dillon stated, “We didn’t do this for enjoyment. We did it to protect our own. You should keep that in mind.”43Please respect copyright.PENANAC0p9ID3TVd
All the Aspects nodded at each other, exchanging glances. They knew that their team was at its strongest. Their bond was unbreakable. All six fulfilled their roles as Horia's guardians by courageously confronting emerging challenges.
They have been the champions of the tale, fearlessly fighting for Horia up to now. In modern times, new Aspects have emerged, keeping their identities a secret. However, a sinister darkness spread across the land, carrying a foul stench.
With trouble on the horizon, a faint sense of foreboding suggests that tragedies are about to unfold. Initially, the knowledge of the Aspects fades into obscurity, followed by a gradual weakening of their energy. Horia's connection with them faded, severing the Aspects from its energy.
As the connection between Horia and the Aspects weakened, a sense of helplessness fell over the planet. The incoming darkness left the world vulnerable without the guidance and protection of the Aspects.43Please respect copyright.PENANAzKI2SSawC2
The new Aspects had a daunting task: to uncover the source of the malevolent force that preyed on their kind and restore their vital connection before Horia's tragedy sealed their fate.
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