The Birth

The Verduous Realm was a beautiful, lush world. It was covered entirely by thick, temperate forests. The Realm was the home of the nature spirits, and Gaea’s temple was located there. Unlike the Celestial Palace, Gaea’s home was not a manufactured structure. Instead, her temple was build from the land, constructed with large, carved stones and natural materials.

In the midst of a clearing, Gaea stood on a slate of stone, arms raised. A throng of nature spirits watched in adoration, awaiting the words of their Mother.

Gaea was a large, beautiful woman. She had a round, plump figure and full lips. Long, green hair trailed down her back and brushed against her grayish-green skin. Her eyes were a bright magenta, glimmering with her impressive power. Pink wings were spread wide, matching her rosy gown.

“My children,” she announced, her airy voice echoing across the field, “I am overjoyed that you have joined me for this wonderful occasion.”

Gaea placed her hands before her belly, magic twirling around her fingers. “Today is a very special day. Today, I shall bring a new spirit into our world. It will be unlike any other.”

The crowd was silent, the anticipation over them thick and heavy. What would this new spirit be? What would she look like? The possibilities were endless.

Gaea closed her eyes. Magic started to hum, filling the air with an electric sensation. Malleable, pink plasma formed in her hands, twisting and squirming in a glowing orb. It almost seemed to be breathing, retracting and expanding at a regular interval.

“In an effort to replenish the wavering amounts of harmony in this unstable world, I have created an antithesis of myself. While I am graceful and good, this creature will be vile and poisonous.”

Ripples of panic traveled through the crowd. Gaea called for silence, her expression softening.

“Do not be concerned, my children. This is a very dangerous move, I do know, but this creature will be contained and controlled.”

“Acidia, come,” Gaea whispered to the orb, and it suddenly burst into life.

The pink slime seemed to take on a mind of its own, shifting and writhing into a humanoid shape. With a bright flash, a young child hit the ground, shivering and nude. The child was a spitting image of Gaea, with matching hair, skin, and eyes. They even shared a pair of wings and long antlers. But there was one painfully obvious difference.

“What is this?” cried one spirit in the front, gaping at the child’s bare chest.

“It's disgusting! Look at its form!” remarked another, covering her mouth.

Squeaking in fear, Acidia wrapped his arms around his body, teeth chattering. He was confused, meekly examining his new surroundings. The voices that screamed around him were overwhelming.

“Children, children,” Gaea called, her wings snapping through the air. “Please calm down! I am well aware of how disturbing it is for one of our own to be in such a form. But please understand that I must do this. Acidia is the complete opposite of me, and unfortunately it must also mirror my form’s sex.”

Acidia seemed unaware of the patronizing words being spoken over him. He wiped his teary eyes, whimpering.

“Mommy?” he said, holding out his skinny arms toward Gaea, asking her to lift him up, “Mommy?”

Gaea cast her eyes down, upper lip rising in revulsion. “I do not wish to touch your toxic form,” she hissed. Shaking her head, Gaea walked off the platform, cutting a portal and vanishing into it.

Acidia’s eyes went wide, realizing he was alone.

The masses before him flooded onto the slate, surrounding him with scowls and glares.

Author's Note- :^)