Iniko Wyllt
The morning after our celebration I spent looking over the mysterious letter that was given to me. The letter didn't give a meeting time, I wonder if I can show up at whenever.
I looked over the contents again, Mordred's Cove, I stared at the location on a nearby map, it wasn't too far from the manor, if I go right now, I might be able to sneak pass Arjun and Gonzalo before they go on patrol. I looked over at a dark cloak I had hanging up on my door; my mind was made up; I was going to confront The Steadfast and take them down, if it was the last thing I do.
There hadn't been a soul outside when I left, and the dense, dawn mist made it seem like the city was a ghost town; when I made it to the meeting spot, I saw a person. They were, of course hooded, and they seemed to be no taller than five feet and six inches, lastly the only part of them I could make out was their smile. It was a malicious smile, one that stabbed each of my nerve endings.
"Greetings, O' Blessed Prince," the hooded figure's voice was feminine and was both soft and heavy, as contradictory as that may sound.
"Alright, enough!" I barked, "I'm no prince; just because I was adopted by the Imperial family, doesn't mean I—."
"Oh, sweet Prince, you know nothing," the hooded woman brandished a malevolent smile, "before we continue; I assume you're curious about the truth of who you really are, is that right?"
I hesitated for a moment; I couldn't deny that the topic didn't pique my interest, "I don't care about that. Why are you and your extremist friends attacking students, what is your goal?"
The woman chuckled before removing her hood, and I was in awe; she had a deep amber skin tone, and she had her hair cut in a jet-black bob, but that wasn't what surprised me. The young woman had a plethora of jagged horns protruding from her face and head, a basilisk, it was her, she was the one that bumped into me last night.
"I believe I shall introduce myself," the once hooded woman dropped to one knee and bowed before me, "my name is Nagahita Akinyori; I am but a humble servant for you to do with as you see fit."
I was at a complete loss, why does she keep addressing me like I'm royalty? I wondered; "what are you talking about?"
"Do you still have the pendant that was found with you when you first met Empress Twyla?" Akinyori asked, keeping her head bowed.
It had been so long since my first encounter with my mother and siblings, I'd almost forgotten about it, "why do you ask?" From what I know and remember, it was a keepsake from my biological mother, and Akinyori was correct, after all that time, I still had it.
"Tell me, Young Prince," Akinyori continued with her head down, "recall the initials on the family crest."
I thought about the request and remembered the details of the pendant in my mind. The crest itself wasn't all that remarkable, however, in its center, there was a set of initials, like Akinyori suggested. The initials, "G," and "O," my whole life I was under the impression that it stood for father's name; one would obviously come to that conclusion considering his given name is Olodunosuke.
"Yeah, it's G.O.," I replied with an attitude, "what are you getting at?"
My company stood up and gave me that same poisonous smile, "it's funny really; coincidences, I mean. The fact that you just so happened to be found by the Empress with THAT pendant, with THOSE initials. One could say that it is fate!"
I was growing increasingly agitated with all her riddles, "are you going to tell me what I want to know!?"
"Those initials don't stand for Garyūshi Olodunosuke," Akinyori slowly approached me, "it stands for Garyūshi Oshubana, the late Princess of Garyudōra."
Yet again, I was at a loss, did they know? Is that why they took me in?
"My time is running short, if I may, Young Prince," Akinyori bowed once more, "I find it pertinent that you keep this information to yourself. If you seek more truths about the circumstances of your birth and your destiny, I am but a spell away." She handed me a small vile of blood, "ingest this, and we'll be able to use 'Thought Communication' to speak with one another."
I didn't really know what to do or how to feel, my thoughts and emotions were all conflicted, and the once desire I had to take down the Steadfast, seemed to be dimming.
"Young Prince," Akinyori said before leaving, "I trust you'll make a sane and just decision. I won't be too far away from you, for I am your most loyal and faithful shadow." The two of us exchanged a nod before taking our separate ways, and I had to admit, Akinyori left me with more questions than answers.
Upon returning to the manor, the rest of the residents were just barely getting up, aside from Arjun and Gonzalo, who were on their way out to start their morning patrol.
"Yo, what's up Vice Capt.," Gonzalo asked sticking his fist out, "I see someone had to do the infamous 'walk of shame!' I hope you don't break the girl's heart!"
"Nah, you know me," I shrugged, doing my best to keep my composure, "I got too big of a heart to do something like that."
We exchanged pleasantries before I made it back to my room where I immediately began looking for my pendant to confirm what Akinyori told me. And when I found it and gave it a thorough examination, I was speechless. Like Akinyori stated, the initials on the crest were in fact "G.O.;" however, there was more to it that I hadn't noticed before. The pendant was actually a locket, and inside was a portrait of a woman, this is so fucked up, I thought.
The woman in the portrait was quite honestly one of the most beautiful creatures I'd ever seen. She had deep mahogany skin; her eyes were heterochromatic, one eye was a fire-red, and the other was a soft lavender. Her hair was fashioned in goddess locs and she wore a stunning and modest kimono; this is my mother, my actual mom, she's beautiful.
I was grateful for the home that my adoptive parents gave me, but I was confused as to why no one bothered to tell me sooner, and what made the matter even more bothersome, was the fact that the one that gave me this information could potentially be the cult's leader. I need answers, I have to get the truth, because nothing is making any sense to me.
"My mother was a Garyūshi," I said aloud, "I'm a Garyūshi; I want to tell Myrlin and Minerva, but I can't go back on my word. Plus, if I mention that I met with a cultist, I'd likely risk expulsion." I was at a major disadvantage, and no matter what I could possibly do in this situation, I'd be making enemies; whether they be the Steadfast, or the family that raised me to be the man I am now.
"I might have to do some investigating on my own," I stated, "and once I do that, I'll be able to act more accordingly." I knew that if I went to my adoptive parents, they'd likely give me the run-around, so I needed to find someone close enough to them, but also won't turn around and betray me. There's that one butler that always has an attitude when he's with dad, what was his name again, I pondered, wasn't it like, Jasper, or something?
"Nah, he's always glued to the emperor," I said aloud, "I might as well start in the academy's Archival Library. I gotta keep a low profile, and I can't let anyone in the imperial family know what I'm doing." I had made my mind up about the situation, I wanted to know who I really am, who my mother and father were. I wanted to know what happened to them and why my mother abandoned me.
I reached in my pocket and examined the vile of Akinyori's blood. Unlike the seal on the letter, the blood was still in its liquid state while in the bottle. If I had to guess, the blood only crystallizes when it comes in contact with air for a long period of time. Not yet, I thought; I'll do some digging of my own, if I run out of options, only then will I use this.
I spent what little free-time I was granted in the academy's Archival Library, shuffling through records of the imperial family. It was there that I would uncover more about my late mother; her name was Garyūshi Oshubana and she was the youngest sister of Emperor Chronos and Prime Minister Aether.
The late princess, similar to Minerva, was tasked to take the throne of Miryudōra, however, due to unknown circumstances, she contracted an illness called Mana Psychosis. With her mana and well-being at risk, she was unable to proceed with the succession ritual, and eventually the illness completely consumed her.
"So, she was supposed to be the Empress of Miryudōra," I whispered while reading the archives, "and shortly after sitting on the throne, she developed Mana Psychosis. To remedy her affliction, both the crown prince of Garyudōra, Olodunosuke and the interim Prime Minister of Miryudōra, Shangomaru, accompanied her to the Demon continent of Jigoku. There, the princess would've been treated for her ailment; however, there was an interference." The records went on to say that my late mother was unable to bear the pain of the treatment, and just as my luck would have it, that was where my trail turned cold. Apparently, there wasn't any record of her after she went with the Emperor and Prime Minister to Jigoku, or so I thought.
Something had caught my eye while I was flipping through the file; it was a photograph of, who I now know is my mother, my uncle Aether and adoptive father Chronos, Lady Eos, and someone I'd never seen before. The man was about as tall as Uncle Aether, with a stone-brown complexion, sharp, diamond-blue eyes, two protruding horns on his forehead, and a pair of bat-like wings on his back. The man held my mother in an intimate embrace, almost as if the two were lovers.
"Who is this man?!" I unintentionally blurted out, much to everyone's annoyance. The more I looked over the picture, the more questions I had, who is this holding my mother, could he be my father?
My newest priority was finding out who this mysterious man was and finding out what happened to my mother after she went to Jigoku. It was going to be tough; however, much like Myrlin and Minerva, I have a resilience that is baked into my DNA, and I'd be doing myself a major disservice if I ignored this new development of my heritage. I owe myself this knowledge, for it is my birthright, and I'd be damned if I'm going to sit idly by and let other people tell me who or what I am.
Minerva Cosmina Wyllt-Miryūshi
Leywin Manor, Costal Federation of Avalon; 23 Yindowr 115R7X
"Stella, hurry up, or we're going to be late!" Renata exclaimed as the rest of us were making our way to the manor's entrance. All of the manor's residents planned a surprise birthday party for my one hundred fifteenth birthday at Club Galahad; however, it was the female and femme residents that made sure everything prepped and paid for.
"You know, you're not like most beast-folk," Stellaphoña sneered, "a beastman, especially one of royalty, should always be poised. Keeping a soft and even speaking tone." Renata scrunched her nose, rolled her eyes, and sucked her teeth as a response.
"I'm so excited to be going out tonight like this," I chuckled at the cousins' banter, "have y'all been there before? I don't remember ever hearing about it."
"It's this new night club that just opened up," Akinyemi replied, "apparently, academy students get in free before nightfall; however, that ended at least an hour and a half ago, no thanks to Stellaphoña."
DING—! DONG—!
At the door was the rest of my imperial guardsmen, each holding a wrapped gift and flowers, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOUR MASJESTY!!!" They all bolstered vibrant smiles that could light the darkest of caves; I was truly grateful for all that they did for me on my birthday.
"Your Majesty, you have to open my gift first!" Ogunkoya exclaimed, "only the finest gifts shall be presented to Her Majesty."
"Don't put too much dip on your chip, Koya," Ogunosuke pointed, "remember who you're speaking to, and who her fiancé is." My fiancé gave Ogunkoya a sour expression, much to the ladder's chagrin.
"Oh, would you lighten up, Ogun," Myrlin slapped Ogunosuke on the back, "besides, Koya wouldn't know where to begin to reign in Minerva!" The lobby of the manor erupted in laughter as we began our exit, "C'mon, let's go, I'd hate to be even more late than what we already are."
The venue was packed with academy students from all decade blocks; luckily for our group we didn't have to worry about the crowd. Apparently, Myrlin convinced the club's owner to allow him to provide the musical entertainment for the night, and because of that fact, we were treated like VIP guests.
"Yo-yo-yo!! What's good Club Galahad?!" Kuroyami announced, "my name is Kuroyami Kifune, older twin brother of Kiyoshi and man, do I have a treat for y'all tonight!" The dancefloor flooded with cheers, "usually, either me or my brother would be up here forcing y'all to shake them tailfeathers, but tonight, Little Brother and I wanted to take a much-needed break. So, in our stead, for this one-night only, let me hear you make some noise for Decade Block Four's Zero Seat, Myrlin Samael Wyllt-Garyūshi!"
Myrlin approached the stage, meeting everyone's applause, "thank you, Kuroyami; GALAHAD, LEMME HEAR YOU SCREAM!" The venue exploded in screams and cheers as Myrlin manipulated the sand, he'd brought to produce heavy and rhythmic house music. I never would have imagined listening to house music while living in this world; hell, the fact that I was at a night club in this realm should've been the reminder that this world still has so much that I still have yet to discover.
The entire night out was a blast; I expected it to be one of fun, but I didn't expect to have near identical birthday experience like from when I was on earth. We didn't make it back to the manor until sunrise, and I was lucky that I didn't have classes or any meetings to attend to. The only thing one my mind was sleeping with my dearly beloved, Ogunosuke.
"I hope you enjoyed your birthday, M'Lady," Ogunosuke cradled me as we went up the stairs.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, "Oh, Ogy; you have no idea! I didn't know you could get down like that!"
"There's still much for the two of us to discover of one another," Ogy opened the door leading into his bedroom.
"I know something that you always enjoy discovering," I gave Ogunosuke a seductive smile.
"Is that so?" Ogunosuke caress his jaw and returned the smile; I found myself in a daze as he undressed himself. The way his toned and sculpted muscles constricted with every movement sent shivers down my spine; that's MY man, I mused.
Ogunosuke leaned in and pressed his lips against mine, and my response? I promptly melted in his arms. The way our bodies interacted with each other was like they were in-sync; perfectly tuned, a balanced harmony. And as he kissed my skin, descending further until he reached my nether, it was like my body couldn't handle, but that didn't stop him.
When he and I are together like this, I feel whole; I feel complete. I feel safe and protected; his hands ventured, ever so gently across the hills of my body. Picking my legs up and repositioning me closer to him; Ogunosuke looked me deep into the eyes, leaned in and kissed me, all while his hand continued its journey.
"Happy birthday, Madam President," Ogunosuke whispered as he spread my legs open.
"My, this is quite the gift, Captain Ogunosuke," I pulled him closer, "oh, how I love fraternizing with you!" I couldn't say exactly how long we made love, Ogunosuke's stamina is otherworldly. I ended up staying in his room the entire weekend after that, there was no way he was getting rid of me after that excursion.
In the end, I can say that I was more than pleased with my birthday celebration, moreover, I was eager to see what were in all these gifts. Ogunosuke had already given me one of my gifts, and I was blown away by the second one; a pair of Obatalanite-edged Kunai; the metal is quite rare and can fetch a hefty price. Myrlin, Iniko, Monspeed, Meliodas, and Bo all pitched in to get me a new black and gold kimono spun by a race of spider beastmen called Akannanites, another rarity.
But I would have to say the gift that blew me away the most was the gift from Renata, Autumn, Ayosaki and Akinyemi; a diamond encrusted scepter, smelted with midnight steel and adamantine. It likely costed them a fortune and then some, but I was grateful to have such caring friends and family.
I'd completely freed my schedule for the following week in order to go back to Miryudōra; although I love the city of Avalon, there's nothing like being in the country I call home. I arranged six carriages for the residents of Leywin Manor, as well as for the members of my Imperial guard. I was planning on making what little time I had at the palace worth every second.
The carriage ride back home took no more than a day, and when we arrived it was like the entire city of Mirini was privy to my birthday; which they were. The streets were decorated with streams and lanterns; laughs and chatter amongst the city's residents filled my heart with joy. My palace staff was adorned in our nation's signature colors, Byzantium, and Onyx; colors that represent the deep bonds and foundation this country holds. Inside the palace, I was met by an unexpected, but should've totally been expected visit from my parents and their subordinates.
"Happy birthday, Mini," my family announced with glee.
"Mom! Dad! Bo! Oh, it's so nice to see you!" I ran over to my parents and gave them a massive hug, doing my best to hold back the tears. "I hope we didn't keep you waiting long!"
"Oh, my sweet princess," my mother began, "I have all the time in the world to wait for my beautiful children." She gave me a quaint smile while my father nudged Uncle Aether to retrieve my gift.
"It ain't much but," Uncle Aether reached into his shadows and pulled out several long boxes, "your folks and I wanted to not only give you a night to remember, but the entire country as well. So, I linked up with an expert in pyrotechnics to score us these special-grade fireworks!" I couldn't have asked for a better gift, the thought of sharing this with the country that has been longing for someone to guide them is something I could never put a price on.
The light show was more than spectacular, and the meal we shared after further satisfied my belly; the kitchen staff had a full vertical spread of my favorite dishes. There was Elkboar Katsu Curry, roasted Szechuan Garuda with lemon pepper seasoning, Dagon Takoyaki, and of course, Jollof Onigiri. Feasting like this, spending time with the ones I love and care for; I would truly hate for something to ruin this.
Bedivere Beach, Costal Federation of Avalon; 31 Yangsary 136R7X
It's New Years today and both the Student Council and Disciplinary Committee decided to take a trip to a "secret beach" that Arjun and Gonzalo found while on their patrol of the city. There was still much about Avalon that I still have yet to learn, hell, the country is literally the same size of Brazil.
Arriving at the location, I could immediately see why the two were eager to take us; the water was completely clear. There were no small jagged rocks protruding from the sand, or loose seaweed resting on the shore. It was like those old calendars that had pictures of the most picturesque, pristine, and highly photoshopped beaches and mountain trails.
"Woah! How the hell did y'all stumble upon this treasure?" Myrlin asked with stars in his eyes, "this city never ceases to amaze me!"
"Well, Deputy Commander," Gonzalo flashed my brother a smile as he caressed his five o'clock shadow, "there was this Kijin girl, right; and Arjun here said that he'd been crushing on her for some time now. So, one thing led to another, and—."
"Yeah, I'm not tryna hear all that," Myrlin interrupted with a wave of his hand, "I'm more impressed with how this place flew underneath my radar for so long."
"Makes you wonder what else folks are hiding from you," Iniko stated with an even tone.
"What?" Myrlin cocked his head and raised a brow, "what are you talking about, Niko?"
Iniko prostrated himself before saying, "huh, oh, nothing, just thinking out loud." Something didn't feel right about that interaction. Usually, Myrlin, Iniko, and Ogy are all on the same page, practically glued to the hip, so, end-fighting like this wasn't normal.
"If you say so, Brother," it was subtle, but I caught Myrlin leering at Niko; now I know something is up between these two.
"Would y'all relax?" Renata slumped over Niko's shoulder, "besides, the countdown is about to start soon!" The night was extremely clear, not a cloud for miles on end. It wasn't too cold out; we were lucky to have Akinyemi and Tibald with us to keep the group warm.
We gathered around the fire pit for the countdown; for the last remaining minutes of the previous year leading into the new one, it is a hTraéan tradition to remain silent. It's a way we honor and respect our Great Mother for blessing us with this realm, and acknowledge the fact that we are here, and we owe it all to her.
"Three… Two… One… Happy New Year!"
To be Continued...