Lauri Ylönen's Story

Artrea awoke. The surface of Eras bubbled as the light of Artrea began to shine down on Gaia.

Neodin floated in the void, standing between the raging star and the crippled planet. He leveled his blade upon the fiery titan.

“Thus says Leolik Ha’Ari, God of Gods, King of Kings, Father of Fathers, Weaver of the Heavens and Earth!” Neodin boomed, filled with the spirit of his deity. “ ‘Speak to the Star of Eras, and say unto him: Peace! Be still! Who is your father? And who is the one who formed your fathers from the dust of Creation - and what is His son’s name? - that you would dishonor them with your hatred towards your daughter Gaia. Great is your power, Eras son of Sirius, and great is your fury. Your radiance shines across the heavens, and your warmth once filled the land with life.

“But now your light is poison - your heat pestilence. You burn away in your wrath, but even your rage must come to an end. Just as the gazelle’s sprint gives way to the pursuit of the lion, so will you fall before Leolik’s outstretched arm! Why has your countenance fallen, O Radiant One? Why do you cling to your bitterness, you who was placed with honor in the heavens?

“Release your hatred, child of the cosmos, and I will remake you. Let go of your jealousy, and I will breathe life into you. Hear me, Eras, and choose life!' "

King Neodin Shadowslayer floated amidst the nebula of holy fire. The fires continued to spring forth from his blade like the wings of a phoenix, blocking Eras's influence like the outstretched hand of a god. Ha'Ari's holy fury, His everlasting flame, poured out from Neodin like the light of a small star.

Time was meaningless as Neodin floated and was enshrouded in the presence of his god. He neither ate, nor drank, nor slept, but was a living conduit for Ha'Ari's will and power. He knew not how long the flames consumed him, but the flow eventually tapered and the Spirit of Leolik left him. Neodin still felt His presence, as always, but the power had lifted.

Rest. Be still, and wait upon Ha'Ari.

Neodin vanished.