As millions of souls on one world slept, millions more, on another, need not sleep at all.

The former were only mortal, and knew the hardships of life; its struggles, with its unfair contradictions. But they also knew its joy, as it was born in the absence of life’s sorrows; it’s myriad misfortunes.

The latter were different. Formed of a different type of life, they were immortal. They knew of life’s struggles, but did not attribute it to themselves.

As one had grown, experienced, and squirmed its way through the ages, the other had soared and coasted along gifted, golden wings, as if specially chosen to see destiny itself.

There was no such thing, nor such luck; gifts and boons were not handed out without a thought. Especially not to those who did not think or did not question.

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Did not wonder.

What was conceived without thought, however, were requirements. Requirements the former had just met. Requirements the latter had once met, long, long ago. So long, even, that though they were immortal, they had forgotten.

Which, frankly, was unacceptable. That they had so stalled, so shunned the natural way of things, was a slight. An eyesore.

So, an idea was formed, an intervention planned. All entirely in secret. Without cooperation, or even affirmation.

It was a desperate, dangerous move that would anger many. Overstepping boundaries carried with it grave punishments. Terrible penalties.

Even still, consideration was not given long, and procrastination was flung hastily to the side.

For it simply had to be done. After all, the condition of one was worth less than the billions that would be impacted. In a way that hopefully gave the latter a rather large kick, right up the backside.

And anyway, it was far easier to beg forgiveness, than ask permission.