I was always told to aim for the sky and grasp new heights, but no one ever warns you of the boredom at the top.
Deep in uncharted cosmos where all previous life is still, a tale of an old man was forever unfolding; a frail but stern antique of a human slowly drifts aimlessly to an unknown destination. This man was perched in a lotus position upon a mundane slab that'd been crafted into an aged mosaic by the forge of time. No light or sign of vitality could be seen within visual range, just darkness sprinkled with the odd nebula. But, if any existence could approach this phenomenon, they would gaze on a corpse decorated with decayed wrinkles that each told stories of a century, his skin corroding and rebuilding, fighting the losing war of decay. Orion's Long locks of heavenly white hair hung 10 meters below the stele, still pristine despite his age.
"Oh, the misery I endure, longing for respite; the agony of starvation cannot be overcome; however, the torment of fulfilment is beyond comprehension"-. If one were to listen carefully, they might hear the faint murmurs of Orion's Suttle, whispering, "This once divine vessel shall forever remain untouched by a new beginning; every deity-like entity is empty, much like me.".
In the close distance, a celestial body shone brightly, knowing it was the peak of existence; its colossal size arrogantly dominated the vast expanse of space. "There are still more of you left?" Orion chuckled. "Well, isn't this going to be ironic?" The sound of his thunderous voice seemed to shake the foundation of the universe. His tendrils of power were driven by an insatiable hunger, driven by the promise of hollow power. They exploded forward, looking like long sentient tethers or starving worms, completely engulfing the star; the star was being compacted step by step, leaving the sound of exaggerated drumbeats. The star's brilliance gradually dims, akin to a person retreating into the shadows out of fear. The light that once blazed brightly now appears feeble, as if the star is trying to hide its luminosity.
A deluge of energy washed Orion's withered body, filling it with power and vitality. His once corpse-like body was now that of a vigorous 20-year-old. All his senses heightened until everything seemed to freeze, invigorating every cell in my body. "Well, that was quite fun," Orion bellowed in laughter once again!
Time for some more centuries of decay until I find another one. This time, he kept it to himself and didn't include his usual laughter.
Well, never mind that. What's that ahead? It seems all light has been swallowed by a hole, "let's see who can swallow who ay!" as Orion approached the black hole, he was both filled with worry and excitement as he could already feel the tremors or pure power, for the first time in his life he felt an adversary and a potential loss.
"Come at me, you massive introvert, you need to let things out now 'n then, yanno" but this was just a calm façade, a masquerade to cover his fear; he'd never had a single challenge his whole life; he'd always just…win. Orion came into the hole's clutches. The force was being multiplied with every inch he travelled.
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This, this is the boundary of no return, he thought. My skin cells started to leave me one by one, only to be quickly replaced until… they couldn't.
My eyes couldn't discern my distorted surroundings. Orion started to stretch further and further; his body is now at a length of about 2 meters. Then his body spins and breaks apart. Till all went black.
-death
James firmly held Emily's hand out of nervousness. "You're doing great, remember to breathe, just like Maria showed you, okay honey".
I know, James. It's just... it's more intense than I imagined. She replied between deep breaths and squeals.
Well, Mr James, you can help by encouraging her and providing emotional support. Remember, your presence means a lot to her right now; I'm only a maid, so this is not my expertise.
Emily grasped James's hand tight. "I'm scared, James; what if it happens again?"
"Emily, we're in this together. I believe in you and our child".
James looked into Emily's eyes, his gaze full of reassurance and determination. "Emily, I know it's intense and scary, but you're stronger than you think. You've already shown incredible strength and courage throughout this journey, and I have no doubt that you'll get through this too."
He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her forehead and continued, "Remember the moments we've shared, the dreams we've talked about, and all our love for each other. Our child will be a part of that beautiful future we've envisioned together."
Emily nodded, a mixture of determination and vulnerability in her expression. "You're right, James. I can do this. And having you by my side makes all the difference."
Maria, the maid, smiled warmly at them. "See, Mr. James? You're doing a great job supporting her. Just keep being that anchor for her, and things will progress smoothly."
As Emily's contractions intensified, James encouraged her to focus on breathing, just as Maria had taught them. "That's it, Emily. Inhale slowly... and exhale. You've got this. Each breath is a step closer to holding our baby in your arms."
The sensation was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. One moment, he had been drifting in a hazy realm of light and warmth, and the next, he found himself cradled in a pair of loving arms. The world around him was a blur of colours and shapes, and his senses felt overwhelmed by a cacophony of new sounds.
He blinked his eyes, adjusting to the brightness that flooded his vision. He was no longer a detached consciousness; he had a body, small and delicate. He gazed up at the face above him, a look that radiated tenderness and care. Wow, she's hot! Daym, I haven't seen life in thousands of years, and I get gifted with the sight of this beauty.
"Hey, let go of me, pretty lady", but all that came out were whimpers and cries; then some dude came over and started crying when looking at me, talk about a big sissy, and just as Orion thought it couldn't get worse the man began to tickle him and cover him with kisses.
"Stop, you freak, let go of me!" Orion kicked and punched with loose, flailing limbs in pure protest.
Orion's fit was met with laughter from both Emily and James. "Looks like we've got a feisty one here," James chuckled as he continued to playfully tickle the newborn.
Maria joined in, her smile warm and infectious. "Oh, what a spirited little soul you are! Welcome to the world, little one."
As Orion's cries gradually transformed into giggles, he couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of confusion and wonder. This world was so different from anything he had ever known, yet there was something comforting about the loving gestures he was receiving.
Emily gently cradled Orion in her arms, her eyes shining with maternal adoration. "You're going to be just fine, little one. We're here to take care of you and guide you through all life's adventures."
Orion's protests had subsided, and he was captivated by Emily's soothing voice and radiant smile. He gazed up at her with wide eyes as if trying to comprehend the new reality he had been thrust into, even if he couldn't understand a single word.