Thank you for votes, and feedback. Thoroughly appreciated.

************************************************

After the elders arrived on Earth, for the next few decade sit was the era of 'light'. It was called the era of 'light' because there were no shadows. Not a single shadow was seen anywhere. It was as if they had disappeared from the face of this planet. Moreover, as soon as a new shadow was created, he was immediately brought into the council.

You see, just like humans, we shadows too have gone through many problems, before peace was restored. There were many conflicts and quarrels.

For now, no shadow wanted to be bound for all eternity. They wanted their earlier freedom, when they were free to roam and do as they please. After many negotiations and debates, finally an agreement was drawn.

Of course, we still had to trail and follow our masters dutifully but we were entitled to breaks and holidays. Whenever a shadow needed respite or relaxation he had to simply send a notice to the council. If the request was approved, another shadow was to be sent which would take his /her place for the duration of his absence.

Everyone was pleased and satisfied with this arrangement.Now, I know that you must be wondering, but how would a new born shadow ever know about the council?

Trailing for us is our work basically. And one can only work after proper training. So as soon as a shadow is created, he is sent to the council. During his stay, the shadow is properly coached and educated. Only after he is ready is he sent out into the open.

Before we are sent though, all shadows are required to take a vow. Disobeying or infringement of the law has only one punishment: Death.

To put into simple words the law basically states that,

"Every shadow, must follow, escort, trail, pursue, imitate,mimic and copy his master and his movements to a degree above the best of his abilities. A shadow cannot abandon, desert, forsake or neglect his master in any condition. Failure to follow or obey shall lead to imminent death."

Does seem quite harsh, but it is what it is. Everyone has his/her place in the circle of life- as it was rightly said in the Lion King.

Things ran smoothly after that when yet again lo and behold!another hitch. Although this time it was much bigger and far worse than a simple hitch.

Humans came along. The first problem they posed was when they began separating themselves into various groups based on religion, caste etc. Why they did so I have no idea, but anyway. Initially it was quite confusing for us shadows but we managed. Each one of us organized ourselves to specific bloodlines, and...well you know the rest.

However, this new species was a very curious and inquisitive lot. They set out discovering the mysteries of the universe.

And would you look at their audacity! They classified us as a simple phenomenon of light! Dubbed as 2-dimensional! They didn't even think that, maybe, we might be alive. Nor did they give us a speck of respect. Not even the equivalent of a needles tip! Not once did the thought cross their mind that perhaps we too are living, breathing. How ignorant they were.

Their population rapidly kept on growing. Along with babies being born daily, shadows were being created too.

The only pleasing thought for us shadows was that, while the humans struggled to manage their population, we shadows did it easily for we were already prepared.

However, the issue that rose was that of our leaves. Applications after applications flooded the Council, but the response, very slow.   

The Council was falling short of shadows to provide as temporary replacement. Nowadays, there are shadows that even have to be permanently stationed under bridges, buildings and the countless settlements that man had created.

Yet, we shadows continued with our duty. Toiling day in and day out. Because we knew what would happen if we disobeyed the law and left our posts. No planet could ever survive chaos to such an extent.

And I know what you must be thinking now. What a hypocrite Cimmerin is. I must confess, yes I have broken the law a number of times. I felt very guilty about it too, but what could I do? I was helpless, alone, desolate.I felt trapped, like the walls were slowly closing in on me. So I had to find away out. I did make sure not to be seen though. And I did only go to the neighboring forest for just a couple of hours. Surely such a small act can't be deemed worthy of punishment? Worthy of death?

And this is exactly what has been bothering me. Just how were so many shadows out tonight? Was this the case every day? Because this goes against every rule that has been laid down. Shadows can't just walk around in the open, organize meetings and gatherings or have rendezvous'.

Fear gripped me as I thought about the repercussions of our actions. Trepidation, horror and alarm clouded my mind.

'Tell me Nox', I said sternly, shaking his shoulder with my sweaty palm.

Nox looked here and there avoiding my gaze, looking almost as if he was guilty.

Well my resolve was stronger than his guilt and I would get an explanation today, some way or the other, even if I had to squeeze it out of him.

***********************************************

 Don't forget to comment and vote. Thank you.