The planet of Santulan

Our universe, whether finite or infinite yet remains unknown. Chronicles and legends of otherworldly places, might by some be considered science fiction but in reality, might just be unproven facts. Stories with no discrete beginnings are the hardest ones to tell, but the ones with no definite endings are the most captivating. This story has both, so pay close attention and remember that no matter how far away a tale takes place, it always speaks about us.

Our tale begins in the newly formed planet of Santulan. A planet identical to our Earth, billion light years away in space. The two planets were created at the same point in time, with an invisible bond connecting them and powerful beings defining their fate. Suns would die and black holes would born before humanity could discover the link between the two worlds.

Like Earth, Santulan’s fertile soils gave birth to vast dense forests, that were surrounded by mesmerizing seas embracing the dormant strength of the ocean. A gentle aromatic breeze was constantly travelling across the planet, caressing the ground and the waves before heading back to the sky, among the clouds, home to the world’s wisdom. But despite how much alike the two planets looked, the life that evolved on Santulan would follow a very different path from life on Earth. Unidentified particles and unknown molecular activity were present in the virgin planet from the very beginning. And as a result, among the countless living species that evolved, they were four that dominated the entirety of the planet. They all formed dissimilar kingdoms, each uninterested about each other’s existence, occupying a separate area that matched their needs and individual characteristics.

The Earth Kingdom

Maa, leader of the Grounders, ruled everything beneath the soil surface of the globe. She was a compassionate ruler but intransigent about her two principles: Obedience and Discipline. And thus, the Grounders became creatures of habit, driven by their strong sense of duty. Operating in a remarkably organized manner with distinctive roles and a clear hierarchy, they were the power engine of the planet, positioning each tectonic plate in the right place. There was no time for verbal communication between them, yet they mastered the art of music. Specially designed compartments close to the planet’s inner core filtered the unwanted monotonous vibrations converting them to alluring melodies. However, the same way that in a harmonious symphony there is no place for a misplaced tone, no member of this society was allowed to divert from the norm.

The Air Kingdom

While the grounders made the world go round, another clan was wondering about what is around the world. Their district was called Ventum and their almighty king, Endego. Different from any sort of life form in the known universe, the Etherials habited the upper layers of the planet’s atmosphere. Almost massless, with no discrete form and no physical needs, they built a civilization out of thin air. They didn’t care about their planet nor their own existence, as all physical things were of insignificant importance to them. They had devoted their existence into a perpetual spiritual journey, a spiritual quest was so deep and intense that could make any mind collapse in seconds. However, they were often found vacillating between the past and the future, ignoring the importance of the present. After all, our greatest epiphanies are as important as the very moments we experience them.

The Fire Kingdom

The surface of Santulan was occupied by the emphatic presence of the Fire Kingdom. The Arsons lead by their king Angra had nothing in common with the Etherials. The abundance of oxygen made the creation of life on the surface relatively easy. But wherever there is oxygen, so there is fire. And the Arsons loved it. Creatures of fire themselves, they loved to watch their planet burn as they indulged in desires of the flesh. They were lovers of pleasure, totally free of any guilt or temperance and they devoted their days in finding new ways to arouse their instincts. And their king was no different. Suffering from self-absorption, Angra was so consumed by his various passions that he often neglected to rule. A functional anarchy ruled the yeasty Kingdom of Fire. The only authority in a place filled with lust was no other than the subtle queen, Mad Donna.

The Water Kingdom

The oceans rightfully belonged to Octhulu, the king of the Water clan. The creatures of Water, or Gorgons, as they called themselves, were born and raised to be explorers. Empowered by the need for continuous improvement and evolution, they managed to create a clear technological superiority compared to the other clans. Gorgons had strong bonds between them, and they believed that everything could be achieved through collectiveness and collaboration. Working in teams, they explored every hidden corner of the ocean trying to exploit the gifts of mother nature. Every Gorgon had a say on the future of the clan and they all shared their leader’s vision to evolve through synergy. They all strove for the greater good of the clan, but their Achilles heel had always been the need for posthumous fame.

The Notorious Jester

Each kingdom followed its own path, evolving at their own terms. They knew they were not alone in this planet but acted as if they were. They could sense each other’s presence, but they had decided to ignore it. After all, they all thought, what is there to gain from interacting with creatures so hopelessly different from themselves?

It was the job of another entity to enlighten and educate the clueless Kings and Queens. Even though he felt more comfortable in the shadows, he stepped into the light when necessary. Powerless when alone, but treacherous when among others, his plans were never clear, and his motives never truly known even when his job was completed. He was Jester. The master of mischief and the source of wizardry in the known universe. And the four clans in Santulan, unknowingly, have created the perfect setting for his shady play. Jester wanted to turn the four clans against each other. This harmonic coexistence of species made him feel restless to the bone. Conflict and war were his element. And the Kings of the four elements would soon find out.

Jester’s set-up

He was prepared when visited each Kingdom, knowing their weaknesses and passions. Firstly, he convinced the self-absorbed and vein Water King to create a Super Clan by uniting all the habitants of Santulan, and then to obliterate the Fire Kingdom, for they were the only ones that would oppose themselves against any form of unity. Secondly, he made his way to the Fire Kingdom where he persuaded Mad Dona, the Fire Queen, to orchestrate an attack on the Air Clan. He argued that the Arsons would eventually be saturated by their primitive consumption of pleasure. The secret paths of the mind possessed by the Etherials would offer to the ferocious fighters of the Fire Clan an entire new world of satisfaction. Thirdly, he approached the Etherial knight, Sharqies; an idealist, passionate about the values of freedom and distinctiveness. He portrayed the Earth Queen, Maa, as a ruthless monarch who oppressed the ill-treated Grounders. Driven by the heroism of his youth and by the disingenuous words of Jester, Sharquees decided to exterminate Maa and free the Grounders. Finally, he expressed his concerns about the expansive intentions of the Gorgons to Maa. The Earth Queen did what any mother would, when her children are threatened. She decided to eliminate the danger which was ornately placed in her mind by Jester.

The Great Guru

But what Jester and the four clans were unaware of was that a very particular force of the universe was paying close attention to the planet of Santulan from the very beginning. He was ancient as time itself and during his time has been involved in countless interstellar affairs. His only goal has always been to preserve life and to nurture the growth of civilization. On some occasions, he chose to present himself and on others, he preferred to not be seen. He has been called “God” and “luck” by countless many but his one true name, is the Great Guru.

Guru, as always omnipresent in Santulan didn’t intervene in Jester’s moves. Wise as he was, he has learned when to fight the wizard’s evil and when to let him channel it into the universe uninterruptedly. All things in universe require balance and Jester played his part in that. For darkness sometimes is as important as light. And destruction necessary for life to start again more enduring than before. And in the case of Santulan, the Great Guru thought, Jester’s mighty plan would prove to be the only reason for the four clans to appreciate the need for synergy.

The Planet of Earth

The people of Earth, in their identical home, on the other side of the universe, were in a somehow similar fate. War has been a distant memory in their people’s mind. For years humanity has collectively worked towards a common goal, the good of all its residents. No colour, race, or nation could be used to discriminate them. They have finally understood that true progress can only be achieved in times of peace. Most people haven’t even seen a war in their lifetime, and it was only the elders who told the stories. They spoke about hunger and cold winters, about darkness and no hope. But that was in the past. Kids didn’t even believe the stories anymore. They were listening to them as some kind of folklore, the same way they expect the tooth fairy to replace their baby teeth with golden coins. And when people forget what the past has taught them, history tends to repeat itself. Devious leaders with personal intentions in mind rose to power across the globe. Disputes and conflicts between nations started to arise and the golden era of peace and harmony was in dire straits. Jester might have made his way to the planet after all.

Quantum Entaglement

However, the continuous technological advancement provided people with tools. Tools that the Guru believed that could help humanity see the bigger picture more clearly. Quantum entanglement has been understood and thus controlled; its true applications were explored, and humans could peek into portals in time and space. But there was a very particular place in the universe that our Earth shared a special connection with. That was no other than Santulan. The same way that two particles are correlated, even when separated by a large distance, the same was true for the two identical planets. Quantum entanglement allowed humans to open the portal with Santulan and witness life on this distant planet.

The board was set in Santulan, the chess pieces were in place and the spectators in their seats. Never before a war so far away from our home would have such a huge impact on our fate. Are you ready?