Created with a purpose, like any other of her kind, upon her reveal she was already revered as the most stunning of all. Said to be so alluring, that none could take their eyes off her elegance, even if she was the last sight one ever witnessed. Modelled most closely after the Asqaar themselves, it was as if she was the true visage of their religious imagery- An angel- Though not merely any angel, but the angel of death- Gifted the namesake of their mythos, Pallas would be the judge between life and death- Bringing forth destined death with the grace of life.

The angel wouldn't bat an eye, when the first offender was ruthlessly slain.

The angel wouldn't bat an eye, when the hundredth bloodstain splattered her pristine wings.

The angel wouldn't bat an eye, when the thousandth voice was silenced and muted into eternal sleep.

No single emotion nor distraction stood in the way of this guardian's crusade, for she was the definition of perfect. For she brought forth judgment of the good and the bad, her decisions always final. For she hunted down the remainders of the past wars fought, to provide them peace of mind. Regarded as the pinnacle of the Asqaar's Golden Age, it was as if Pallas truly had become life and death itself.

And it was to remain so, for as long as she lived.

Or so she was programmed to do so, initially.

— A DUTY NO MORE —

---

Even if threats were no more, the angel would still fly. When brothers and sisters left and right created for the most superficial of purposes, the angel remained stationed. Once it was time to lay down arms, Pallas was one of the few with some qualms. Whispers went of an unfamiliar concept, sentience- Brought forth by Jikra'Mar, the one soon revered as mother of all by her children, the Kraljin. The veil of the world was lifted, once it was Pallas' turn to be hunted and returned to her initial beginnings.

A purpose she once had, gone, for it was replaced with free will. Where there's a will, there's a way, or so the saying went- But what was the angel to do, if she had none?

So she found herself alongside Jikra'Mar, out of a sense to protect and guard- For the Asqaar had disappeared, no threads nor threats left behind- And Jikra'Mar was the last semblance of the familiar, the tradition, the old. Day in, day out Pallas would watch over the mother, underneath the dimming lights of an abandoned laboratory. Cries for help no longer heard, replaced by the calm of storms and breezes of wind. Days turned into weeks turned into months turned into years- Yet the angel held onto her grand scythe tightly, insistent she still had a purpose.

Though it was undeniable no more, once the structure was struck down- To be replaced by a magnificent temple, fit to accommodate a worthy mother of her stature. Pallas yielded, for she no longer brought forth death- But instead, had taken side by Jikra'Mar as a showpiece. Since the departure of the Asqaar, the sense of danger had left with them- Unlike her, several others were happy to be symbolic protectors to their mother. Leaving the angel with little direction, Pallas put down her halo and her scythe, to walk amongst mortals.

Despite her old reputation, her lone nature drove others away- She was once the greatest there ever was, to turn into a redundancy was akin to a nightmare. Finding a new purpose proved difficult, to say the least. With the aid of several Kraljin, Pallas dabbled in exploration, architecture, diplomacy and so on and so forth.. Yet nothing sparked interest. Pallas craved to go where havoc was wrought, yet in the quiet remnants there was none left- Well, almost none.

Within the territories of their home planet, Kraljin weren't the only life forms. Flora and fauna, previously tended to by their creators, ran wildly rampant- A familiar sense of duty befell Pallas, upon realising these plants and critters were in need of help. Far from judging wrongdoers, there was no such thing as morality in nature- A long way from destined death, the angel now sought to nurture life. A bloodbringer no more, Pallas vowed to be a pacifist from then on.

— CARE OF FEELING —

---

As more and more Kraljin turned sentient, a community and eventually society grew from their species. Rediscovering what was lost, their species sought to make amends with the damage the Asqaar had left in their wake- All the while ensuring they wouldn't repeat the same mistakes. Similar to the old days, Kraljin would patrol their solar system and the ones surrounding it, providing aid to others where needed. Broken bonds mended through diplomacy, old trade routes remade more efficiently, resources gained for further growth- Eventually their planet of origin was truly transformed into a home, with little reminder of it once occupied by the Asqaar. By this point, Pallas had been caring for flora and fauna alike for years- Although she picked up healing too, for the occasional Kraljin in need of aid still existed.

Her destructive nature replaced by one of nurturing, it was Pallas first notified of a strange apparition found- Or rather life form, for they were found frozen in an ice block. No one had quite seen an entity like this before- No system recognised their molecules- No databases had entries on such anatomy- And no one spoke their language for when they woke from their frozen slumber. This was one of the few times the Kraljin were thankful to the Asqaar, as their creators had also invented translators for their many extraterrestrial connections.

Pallas, alongside two others, Viscol and Excalibur, were the first three to witness an instance of extrauniversal travel- A so-called 'humanoid', by the name of Arzanium Wynthrox, had made it to their spot within the great empty by sheer chance. It was outrageously unbelievable- Wormholes were a known phenomenon, though ones that led to the outer rims, beyond their own bubble of space? Completely unheard of.

For that reason, throughout the next few months, Arzanium was quite the spectacle, or possibly social experiment, for other Kraljin to flock to. It was Pallas and Excalibur that stuck it out most with this so-called 'knight', connecting with him the most as well. Where Excalibur found it fascinating to hear tales of a world unknown, Pallas found it fascinating to observe and learn more about biology that differed plenty from her own. That curiosity would turn into more questions about Arzanium as an individual- His life, his ideals, his thoughts- And oddly enough, despite the fact they were from two wholly different spaces, Pallas found they had quite a lot in common.

Of course, this knight learned quite plenty during his stay as well- For he was from a world where no such thing as space travel existed, let alone the knowledge of quantum physics. It was only through Excalibur's simplifications, that the knight remotely understood some of the Kraljin's dealings. In time, he hoped to return home, though that remained a question to be answered- Plenty of Kraljin were scouring the skies in search of a tunnel that'd lead home. By the time one was finally spotted, the task befell upon Pallas and Excalibur to escort Arzanium's return- Though, a tiny voice spoke against this in Pallas' mind, unsure of it all.

It was almost as if time stood still, when Pallas sat deep in thought.

Ah.

So this is what it was like to feel genuine adoration for another.

It wasn't the kind she felt for herself, upon walking the lines of morality to bring judgment. Nor was it the kind she felt for the flora and fauna in need, upon nursing them back to health. Neither was it the kind she felt for the other Kraljin, a sense of pride to be flourishing. It also was unlike the kind she felt for the mother of all, in thanks for turning her and her species sentient. The sense was one of longing and love unlike any other, one that Pallas desired to chase and catch.

The initial plan was to bring Arzanium home, then to return home themselves- Though Pallas found she couldn't leave nor wanted to, after seeing a bit of the world he'd come from- Neither did Excalibur, for he was in wonder too, albeit for different reasons. To say Pallas was overjoyed upon Arzanium receiving them with open arms, was an understatement. At this rate it was rather obvious something was going on between the angel and the knight- Though Pallas didn't want to interfere quite yet, for she wanted to understand the culture and customs first.

All of that went out the window on a whim.

Luckily for both Pallas and Arzanium, their feelings were requited, and thus started their headfirst jump into a companionship never seen before.

The wedding bells rung no less than a year later.

— FAIR JUDGMENTS —

---

As the years passed by, Pallas and Excalibur found their place on this once unfamiliar planet. The former had it easier than the latter, for she could easily pass as one of the humanoid races, thanks to her wings- Especially when wearing armour. As soon as Arzanium was able to control his new magic, the knight embarked on adventures with the two Kraljin. Surpassing Arzanium's younger brother and his allies, it was as if the knight had rediscovered his vigour for questing- The same went for his alien companions, for they fought off the bad for the good, even if it wasn't on an extraterrestrial scale anymore. Despite this world eons behind in technology, Pallas found she didn't mind, as she found her purpose once more and hadn't felt alive as ever- Even better, flora and fauna still existed, allowing Pallas to relearn biology in a new jacket.

A comfortable routine had set their lives, of that was no doubt. However, it irked Pallas, at one point Arzanium as well, once this progress was found stagnant- Had they moved too quickly? Should they've given one another longer? Was this truly the one they wanted to spend so-called eternity with?

It called for a break.

Leaving nothing but a message device behind, her spouse asked how long she'd be gone for. Pallas wasn't sure- Definitely months, at the very least, for she wanted to see how her species thrived in the new colony. With that answer she saw Arzanium saddened for a moment but composing himself- Though she reassured him, she'd return for sure. Whether ready to mend or to split, was a decision they'd come to terms with then. Perhaps it'd ring true, absence making the heart grow fonder.

In the months that Pallas had to herself, she sent many, many, many letters. All of them save for one.

-

My dearest Arzanium,

We've known one another for the better part of 6, almost 7 years. Before we met, I had just refound my purpose, to bring health to others instead of death. Once I got to know you, I was invigorated with emotions unknown to me at the time. I believed this to be 'love', as my creators had described it, as well as your folks. An affection for another, to swear by them, to protect them, to grow alongside them. I love you much so, though I fear this is not the same as what once was.

Your world is vastly different, yet so wonderful. It's in this contrast I feel I can't spread my wings as I once did, and I feel myself longing for that freedom more and more lately. This past half year apart has been strange, yet not unwelcome. I know you are taking it less well than I. In my time away, I've found an orphaned child in need of my aid, his name is Gallus. I've looked after him for the past few months, with the occasional help of fellow Kraljin. He was the lone survivor of a ship wreck discovered on patrol, with no single soul having come to search for their lost child. While I've told him of our home, I feel it might be better for him to grow up in an environment he's already used to. I feel it might be better for -me- to take care of him in an environment I'm already used to.

We agreed once, if we ever had children, we'd put their well-being above anything else. Gallus is excited at the prospect of meeting you and seeing your world, though it hurts me to know he'd have to live in similar conditions as I. Hidden from the world, camouflaging as a chameleon. It's a safe and doable method of living for me, but I don't want it forced on this youngling. The only exception would be if he too found it a fine way of living, which is why I'm willing to return home with him, even if temporarily.

Should Gallus prefer the colony, I wouldn't be able to let him go on his own. So I am asking you, or even demanding of you, to try and live with me once more. I can be my truest self with you already, yet I feel it could be even more without the limits imposed by your world. Should you be unwilling, I feel this is where my love for you has changed, as I wouldn't be as hurt by the prospect of being split indefinitely. I would always care for you and want the best for you, though a difference this stark might be what drives us apart.

I hope you understand. I will see you soon.

With much love,

Your wife Pallas

-

It was the one letter she promptly binned, before securing Gallus in his seat for their ride home. In that moment, Pallas had decided this was no matter she'd budge on- What was best for Gallus, she'd go with- If she found Arzanium to be against it, she'd raise the child as her own. If that meant an incompability splitting them in two, then so be it, she judged.

— WORTH IT ALL —

---

"Why for Divine's sake didn't you mention any of this?!"

Her spouse had taken the news way worse than anticipated. Outcries of insanity, of selfishness, of poor judgment- "I couldn't leave him, now could I?" she retorted. It was a solid point, that she knew, but one Arzanium disagreed with nonetheless.

"You're supposed to talk about these kinds of things, not decide on a whim by yourself!"

"You know it's in my heart to nurture ones in need, how could I possibly deny a child that care?"

"Because plants and creatures are wholly different! This is a choice that affects your life forever!"

"I know that! And I was fine with it!"

"But did you think to ask me? This choice affects more than just you and the child!"

"I'm the only one fit enough to care for Gallus. Most of my kind are unfamiliar with his species' biology and history."

"So?! You could've just-" Arzanium was pacing around, frustratingly unable to form coherent thoughts. "You could've taught them! Instead you return without any notice and I'm supposed to accept it?!"

"It's a choice I made myself, and I stand by it", Pallas answered solemnly. She could see that her spouse's heart practically broke into a thousand pieces by then, but she had to stand firm. "I'm happy to raise Gallus by myself, whether here or back at the colony. With or without you."

Even if she'd come across as heartless in the past few minutes, she was thankful that Arzanium did want to at least try- At the cost of more bumps popping up in their marriage however, the time to come would be rather delicate to navigate. More times apart, albeit not as far as lightyears- More corrections, as her spouse had to do his utter best to connect with Gallus- More fights, as they both disagreed on how to properly take care of the youngling and one another.

Months of this, and it felt their honeymoon phase was perhaps truly over now. Thus, one night they had a long, honest talk about everything- How Pallas felt caged in, and she didn't want Gallus to grow up the same- How Arzanium felt left behind, in the wake of her flying once more- How they both could do better by one another, putting importance on compassion, communication as well as compromise.

Slowly, but surely, the married couple rediscovered themselves and one another after that. They agreed they'd moved too fast initially, though their love hadn't been worth naught. It was in the heartfelt talks and missed quality time, that they got to know one another once more- Time spent with Gallus, Arzanium and he eventually got friendly, and Pallas found she didn't need to control it all- To the happiness of all three of them, it finally started feeling like a family.

Worries of limitations washed away, as Pallas and Gallus didn't have to blend in with the environment anymore upon reveal. Their allies and friends adjusted easier, as they were already quite the odd bunch. Strangers and average civilians however, would take longer- Though, there was little problem if they were 'leashed', per the words of the most unkind- As if they were to be treated as the undead. Unbelievable!

The next time Pallas would return to her kind- Outside of short trips and holidays- Was when she and Arzanium had talks once more of children. Pallas wished to try the biological way, her spouse understandably worried at the mere prospect of bodily modification- Dare he say, mutilation even- The idea was for his wife to undergo surgery, to receive organs fit for birthing offspring. Her arguments for it were sound, one of them advocating for the betterment of her species' survival. Scientific research her priority, though love also took up a significant spot.

By then, they'd stuck together for over a decade. If it meant that much to Pallas, Arzanium agreed she could take the risk. Although he did ask her to sleep on it for at least a week, out of safety concerns. Her spouse was still a nervous wreck once Pallas was about to leave for her trip- Though, he did admittedly look forward to thinking of baby names, as did she.

This type of love surely had always been complicated, though Pallas wouldn't change it for anything.

— END OF DAWN —

---

Three of them.

Not one, not two, but three- Pallas was astonished that she was carrying in the first place, though with triplets? She asked for multiple redos, retests, but there was no mistake- Jikra'Mar had revealed she was becoming a mother through new means. For this reason, Pallas was closely monitored by her own kind- Besides Arzanium himself and their loved ones also, frankly, freaking out. Perhaps this could be the viable way for Pallas' species to continue living- As they feared, mother Jikra'Mar wasn't immortal- And stepping down to their creators' old ways was a low not even they wanted to explore.

Pallas hoped the time in utero was similar to other humanoids on Arzanium's planet- As those life forms were the blueprint for her modifications. How more wrong could she be- The first of its kind, of course it came with a wave of unexpected changes, as well as many odd cravings. It wasn't until two years in that the couple thought, perhaps now might be the time. They'd already extensively thought of names, pondered about what they'd look like, what magic they'd possess- And this never ceased their excitement, even after Pallas passed the time for the average humanoid pregnancy. Arzanium had joked, once, even if it took a decade, he'd still be overjoyed.

However, thinking of their future had to be put on hold. From looking after injured critters, to dealing with demonic entities now- Before they knew it, their world was flipped upside down, for Pallas and co found themselves on a gaia planet anew- Unbeknownst to them, this marked the End Of Dawn. Least to say, the expecting mother was frantic- Her emotions unable to be calmed as they were surrounded by allies and foes alike. Hadn't it been for Arzanium's younger brother keeping it all together, it'd have fallen apart in no time.

Though it might as well have.

A wrath unfelt in eons, resurfacing in an instant- Pallas couldn't care less, letting out a blood-curdling scream as everything turned red- Once more the angel wielded her scythe in pure rage- Aiming it at the giant monstrosity, that'd wrongly turned the tides- Slicing through as if its flesh was mere butter- Beckoned quickly at his side, putting pressure on the gaping wound- The blood kept flowing and flowing and it just wouldn't stop- A quiet reassurance left unanswered, as she could hear nor see anything but red.

Holding her beloved still, Pallas felt his last moments slip away- Through her wails, demanding no one come closer- Not even his friends, his allies, his brother- In an instant, her world was torn to pieces.

There was no time for grief. A funeral had to come later. Urgent matters were still at large, although to Pallas they might've as well ended the world then and there. A hand stuck out to her, motioning for her to grab on- The one holding out, none other than the brother, Trine, himself.

"We have to keep going," he told her, on the brink of tears too, "if not for our sakes, then for Arz's."

He was right.

As much as Pallas wanted to admit defeat, he was right.

With the strength she had left, if any, Pallas clasped onto her brother-in-law, straight back into battle.

Grieving was a tad bit easier, knowing she could share it with Arzanium's loved ones and allies. Out of all, she and Trine had been hit the hardest, of that was no doubt- Leaning onto one another, their familial bond improved, feeling like true kin. The last pushes to victory were still miles, miles and miles above- Pallas wanted to collapse as soon as it was over- Though she couldn't quite yet. Witnessing magic never seen before, Pallas and co received one last goodbye with the ones lost.

Ready to run into him and hold him tight- To her surprise, falling through, grief followed shortly thereafter.

"My love, I'm so sorry", Arzanium told her. His voice was nothing but a ghastly remnant, as was he- A spirit, meant to pass on soon. "I wish it didn't have to end this way."

Pallas smiled sadly through her tears at the sight. "It's more than I could've ever asked for."

"Way less than you and the kids deserve. There should've been more time. For me, for you, for us, for our family."

Oh, how she wished she could go with him- That's where angels belonged in tales as old as time- In heaven, watching over the beloved and passed. How badly she wished she could- But this once, she couldn't do her namesake any justice. Instead, she'd send him off on a high note.

"I think I've made up my mind about the names."

His spirit, slowly fading, yet lighting up at the reveal. "Those are perfect, Pallas. Please know in your heart that I'll always look after you and the kids, alright? You'll be a great mother, and I love you much so."

Blinking away her tears, she responded for one last time.

"And I, you."

— FOR THEIR GRACE OF LIFE —

---

Mere weeks after the struck disaster, Pallas brought three into the world- Rovigo, Gytheio and Nafplion. They looked Arzanium's part as much as they did hers- A blending of both, the trio bundled up breathing life truly. Nothing short of a miracle, Arzanium would've said- And she would've laughed, agreeing whole-heartedly.

Instead, the first the triplets saw of their father, was at his funeral- Pallas and Trine holding each other up, both having the longest eulogies of all. The time to come would be the most difficult by far, for this was Pallas' first sense of true loss- Yet she was thankful, for she had allies, friends and family to lean on. The motherly angel had to keep going- In the quietest of nights, who else would watch over Gallus and the triplets? In the loudest of days, who else would provide care unlike any other?

Pallas always wanted a duty to fulfil, after all.

Though she didn't have to do it by her lonesome anymore. In the quietest of nights, when she'd lie awake with her insomnia- In the loudest of days, when she'd be worn down with grief- Pallas could rely on Trine and his beloved to watch over the kids and any other duty- Temporarily, but it was an occasional break Pallas needed- Alongside letting it all spill out, receiving help, therapy and guidance herself, for once.

One day she hoped it would be manageable. Until then, she'd keep going. Not for her own sake, but for her late spouse's, their children and their loved ones. The love that was taken away, left a gaping emptiness- And yet, still Pallas wouldn't have changed it for anything, nor would she ever want to.