Chapter One: As Above
16 years ago...
Thunder flickered and rolled endlessly above Aseara. Golden pillars towered throughout the council chamber, stretching so high they reached beyond the grey, thick storm clouds that gathered along the palace ceiling. Brooks and rivers glowed with water that flowed through carved canals in the pearl floors. illuminating the furious faces of the Orisha council seated in a crescent shape around the room. And in the center of it all stood Oshun. small. very pregnant and ashamed.
Obatala rose slowly from his ivory white throne, his grey locs swinging like a strong, mighty rope as he moved. His white robe kissed the floor as it flowed behind his towering frame. They felt every bit of his anger, especially Oshun, and he hadn’t even spoken a word yet.
“This is Absurd. Oshun, you’ve deliberately disobeyed the council and our sacred law of the heavens!” Obatalás voice boomed as his piercing eyes flickered with fury and disappointment. Oshun took a look around the room. At the faces of her family and the council. Shaking their heads in disapproval, some disgusted, some even looked with pity, but none of them stepped forward to protect her. “You carried this child in secret?” Obatala’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Were you even going to mention this?” He asked his daughter. His brows frowned when he didn’t get an immediate answer. “Answer me!” He yelled. His voice bounced off the walls violently. Even the skies outside darkened.
“No.” Oshun’s voice crackled as she responded, moving her brown curly hair behind her ear as she looked at the floor. She rubbed her tiny hand against her swollen belly, her fingertips comforting her unborn child that resides in her womb.
“You know what has to be done, Oshun.” Obatalá looked with slight remorse, but not enough to spare the child. “We forbade unions between Orishas and mortals long ago.” His voice became colder. “It is not safe. Who knows what havocITwill bring on the world.” he snarled. “Oya, come?” He motioned.
Oya grinned slightly as she approached, storm winds swirling around the hem of her rainbow-layered skirt, her eyes going pitch black. “Don’t worry, this will hurt only a little.” She said with a sadistic, twisted smile. Oya stepped up to Oshun, ready to crush the little life inside of her.
Oya abruptly let a surge of power, letting darkness overtake the palms of her hands, causing Oshun to hit the ground, collapsing in agony with a scream so raw it made everyone jump. pain ripped through her stomach instantly, violently. forced labor.
“Father, is this necessary?!” Yemaya gasps as she rushes to Oshun’s side; suddenly, her water breaks, threatening to make way for a child doomed for death. “She’s just an innocent child! This is all wrong!” She snapped. Her lip curled, glaring at Oya, who twinkled her fingertips, turning up the pain in Oshun’s body. Oshun screamed, causing several lanterns to burst throughout the chamber. It was clear Oya was not fond of Oshun’s terrible decision-making. Hell, she didn’t give a damn about her in general. She hated the fact that everyone loved her. Or, you could say she was green with envy.
Oshun screamed through her heavy breathing. “Yemaya, do something!” She begged her sister. She was clinging to her hand desperately as she cried through contractions.
Yemaya bit her lip, yet without hesitation, she slammed both palms against the floor. A massive dome of glowing water erupted around her little sister, protecting her from Oya’s wrath. The chamber trembled from the force. “She at least deserves a less wicked birth.” She growled. As Oya hissed, her darkness couldn’t touch Yemaya’s barrier.
Oshun sobbed softly beneath the shield. gripping Yemaya’s wrist with the only desperate strength she had. “Yemaya.. please..”
Yemaya squeezed her hand back immediately, “shh shh.. I’m here.”
“Who permitted you to defy me!? This has to be done! We can’t let that thing live, even if that means destroying the mother.” Obatala looked hurt, but he stood up with his staff, ready to end it all himself.
“W-Wait,” Yemaya stood before her sister, defending her at all costs. “I promise I’ll take care of the child when it is born. I-I’ll get rid of it myself. Please, father. You’re just angry. Please, Spare Oshun. At least give her a peaceful birth. She’s already losing a baby. I think that’s enough punishment as it is.” She said pleadingly.
Obatala froze a moment. And he nodded. His eyes were softer. “Very well. Get rid of that child once it’s born, or I’ll do it myself. ” His voice was deep and intimidating. “Be sure, Oshun, you don’t make this mistake again.” He paused with clenched fists. “Because next time, I won’t be so merciful. ” He said sternly before walking away.
