Welcome to Gaia! ::

The air heated up around Ronan as he maneuvered towards whatever safety he hoped to find. Energy vibrated thickly in the air, dense and suffocating. Clinging.

Embracing–

And then Ronan was plucked from Destiny City, deposited in a cool, foreign room.
The room he arrived in was a gentle white, though faded pastels hinted that there was once vibrant artwork painted on the walls. It wasn’t particularly large, but it somehow still felt like it went on forever. Or, maybe that was just how timeless it felt. Carved pillars stretched towards a distant ceiling, and every arch and angle seemed like a piece of artwork masquerading as architecture. Behind him, a great arched doorway opened up into a long hallway.

The room had so much personality for a room with no decorations, no furniture, no windows or doors.

And Ronan wasn’t alone .

A glowing orb hovered above a pedestal in the center of the room, several feet away from him.

The beautiful, lustrous mist swirled like a million pieces of fine glitter. It felt like being in the presence of a miniature galaxy and all its little stars. With no face and no eyes, it watched him.

And then, it spoke.

“You can breathe, you’re safe here. Were you harmed?”

“I’m right here. You’re touching me,” the Code said, and though obviously exasperated, it kept its voice even and calm.

As the mist churned, it brushed against Ronan’s finger like a gentle breeze. It was neither warm nor cold, but touching it felt like handling pure energy–without the bite.

“You’re on the Moon. “Safe,” it reiterated. “Trouble cannot follow you here, but it is a temporary haven. I will send you back to Earth when you’re ready. But I’d like for you to hear me out before I do so.”

Obviously, Ronan had already experienced some of the trouble found on Earth. That made this easier, in a way. It didn't have to convince Ronan that the world was unsafe and in dire need of protection.

There were a thousand questions Ronan could have asked but the Code didn't try to predict them all. It simply started with the simplest of explanations. “I am the Code. And old magic, spread throughout the cosmos, and here now to find those willing to fight for themselves, and others.

"I have brought you here to propose a mutually beneficial arrangement. I need someone to protect Earth, and the Moon. I am willing to give you the power to do so. In exchange, you will have the means to defend yourself from the Chaos plaguing Earth right now--from things like the creature hunting you. You won't be alone--there are many others already on Earth who wish to do the same. Unfortunately, Chaos' numbers grow. So we must, also. Do you want to sit down for a moment? I imagine this is a lot to take in."

"Your apology is appreciated, but unnecessary," the Code said, despite appreciating such good manners in the face of what must have already been a very startling event. "Curiosity is not always a bad thing."

As long as he wasn't always sticking his hand in every strange thing he found.

"There are those who inherit magic," the Code explained, "But there are those who prove themselves worthy. I see great potential in you. And if you are willing to fight, I am willing to support you."

The Code churned faster, like it was building up to something.

"Your power will come from a Wonder here on the Moon. A sacred place you will protect, and which will protect you in exchange. For you, I think...Somniorum."

Contemplation turned to confidence, and the Code continued, "A creative stronghold, where one could find introspection through art. Once, it was a source of great inspiration and understanding. I hope, with your help, that it can return to that. What you put into Somniorum will be returned to you. As it is restored, its magic will grow--and so will yours. So, if you accept this responsibility, you need only take this gift."

Within the glowing mist, the silhouette of what appeared to be a paper lantern appeared.

“I suppose, if that is what it means on Earth, it is not unlike what it means here on the Moon. The two worlds were more closely aligned in the past, before Chaos intervened.

It spoke while Rowen reached into the mist, while he gripped the offering.

While he transformed into Somniorum, Page of the Moon.

The shift was immediate, but unhurried. It felt like basking in warm sunlight. It felt safe.

The Code waited, just a few seconds, to give him time to adjust to the shift. Then, it spoke again.

“I will take you to your Wonder, so that you may see what you are to protect. I will give you a small part of myself–all Wonders house a piece, and in return, power blooms there. You will be the protector of both.

A small, dense, glowing orb manifested in front of Somniorum. “Take a moment to get comfortable. Then I will transport us to your Wonder . You will find somewhere safe to house this piece. And then, when you are ready, I will send you home. So if you have questions, any time between now and then is a very good time to ask them.”