DARIA : CAPITAL
DAMON HOUSEHOLD
As the sun rose over the Damon house, the great oak at the training ground swayed gently, its broad leaves rustling in quiet rhythm with the morning breeze.
Lisanna was already awake.
Three days had passed. Neither Damon nor Maria had returned.
The kitchen was alive with warmth, the soft crackle of firewood beneath iron pans blending with the fragrant scent of herbs and sizzling butter.
Lisanna moved gracefully between stove and counter, dressed in a flowing ivory silk nightgown that hugged her waist before cascading down in elegant folds. The neckline rested modestly along her collarbone, and the long sleeves draped loosely around her wrists.
Her long purple hair tumbled freely down her back, and her glass-like horn caught the morning light, refracting it faintly. Even in simplicity, she radiated calm and composed beauty.
Hesper had risen early to assist, wearing a pale-grey sleep tunic tied loosely at the waist.
The hem brushed above her knees, and her silver-white hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders.
Her translucent horn glimmered faintly under the morning light.
"Let me handle it," Lisanna said gently, nodding toward the chopping board.
Hesper shook her head stubbornly. "Not a chance. I insist."
She continued slicing vegetables with careful precision, ignoring the warmth of the rising sun.
Upstairs, Cassandra had bathed and dressed in a fitted dark training tunic and black trousers, her long black hair tied neatly in a high ponytail.
Her room, across the corridor from the boys' shared quarters, was quiet and orderly , Lisanna had insisted she keep it that way.
Zira had finished bathing earlier and was downstairs arranging the dining table.
Plates, silverware, and cups were aligned perfectly, each piece polished and placed with meticulous care.
She wore a crisp white blouse tucked into fitted dark trousers, sleeves folded just below her elbows. Knee-high boots gleamed softly under the morning light.
Her bright silver-white hair flowed smoothly down her back, and her glass-like horn caught the sunlight faintly as she adjusted a cup.
Phobos remained in his room.
The curtains swayed slightly with the morning air. Aristo sat on the edge of his bed in a long dark nightshirt reaching just above his knees.
The DPS-treated wrap around his eyes had darkened again, tentacles coiling faintly against his skin.
He felt its weight , the subtle pressure of spiritual energy pressing against him , and knew he would need Lisanna, or perhaps his mother, to replace it properly.
And then Phobos stirred.
Moments later, Cassandra stepped into the hallway, calling for breakfast.
She reached the boys' door , but before she could knock, it opened.
Phobos stood there.
His red hair wild and untamed, loose black sleep trousers and an oversized dark shirt hanging lazily over his frame. His eyes were half-open, dull with sleep, yet he walked firmly on his own.
"I… I can't believe this, Phobos… is that really you?" Cassandra whispered, reaching out to touch his face.
Phobos never sleepwalked.
And he never woke early.
Yet here he was , half-asleep, fully conscious.
A tremor of disbelief ran through Cassandra.
"Aristo! Food is ready!" she called into the room. No response. Aristo remained seated on the bed, hands resting on the mattress, head bowed slightly.
The DPS wrap had darkened beyond recognition; the tentacles lay motionless, drained of unknown spiritual energy.
Downstairs, breakfast was ready.
Steam rose from honey-glazed bread rolls, herb-seasoned scrambled eggs, grilled river fish brushed with lemon butter, roasted thyme potatoes, and freshly sliced apples and berries. Cups of milk tea and dark coffee were arranged neatly by Zira, each in perfect alignment.
Cassandra's hand fell from Phobos' cheek.
"Lady Lisanna…" she called down the stairs, her voice tight. "I think it's time."
Lisanna placed the wooden spoon gently down and ascended the staircase, her silk gown flowing softly around her feet. She knocked lightly on the boys' door.
"It's open," Aristo answered.
"Come here, honey," Lisanna said, taking his hand.
"Seems like it's no longer able to hold anymore. Let's get you a new one." She guided him into the bathroom.
"Hold on. I'll fetch your mother's box." She returned within seconds with a small wooden chest, carefully bringing out a fresh DPS skin. Aristo sat on a chair as Lisanna removed the old wrap.
The dark tentacle-like appendages hundreds of tiny hands were inert, drained of spiritual energy.
He blinked slowly. "This… this is color," Aristo whispered. "It looks… beautiful. This is the only time I can see colors."
Lisanna knelt beside him, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. "I know, honey," she said softly. "Detection doesn't show the exact hues, but it's better than nothing. Things… things will be alright." A warmth spread through him, grounding him.
She secured the new DPS skin over his eyes. One eye impossibly dark, absorbing all light seemed endless.
The other, like starlight, radiated brilliance, making the room itself seem to pause.
The skin pulsed instantly, absorbing every ounce of energy emanating from him.
"Your output is growing stronger," Lisanna said with a faint smile. "DPS of this quality is not easy to find. It took your mother days. You should truly thank her."
Meanwhile, Phobos sat at the dining table, tasting each dish carefully. "Hmm… you've done better this time," he said, glancing at Cassandra. "I guess Lady Lisanna has been giving you secret lessons."
Cassandra's lips pressed into a thin line. "I didn't help," she spat, her gaze fiery. "It was all Hesper and Lady Lisanna."
Phobos smirked faintly. "Ah… I thought a miracle was about to touch down. Guess I was wrong. Never expected something this delicious from you, though."
Cassandra's hand shot up, forming a fist. In one sharp motion, she struck Phobos lightly on the head, sending him tumbling slightly in his chair.
"Cassandra!!" Lisanna called, stepping down the stairs. "He started it!"
Hesper and Zira laughed, their voices light and melodic, filling the kitchen with warmth.
Phobos looked at Zira across the breakfast table, chewing slowly. "You look all dressed up. Heading somewhere?" he asked.
Zira glanced at him, adjusting her blouse. "Ain't you still coming with me to the library?"
Phobos blinked, mid-bite.
"That's today? I had no idea… Sure, I don't mind. After we finish eating, then."
Zira nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips, and returned to her meal.
Meanwhile, Cassandra leaned back slightly, tapping her fork against the table thoughtfully. "After this, I want to visit the guilds, have never been there, maybe meet some new people make more friends " she said, her eyes bright with curiosity.
Hesper shook her head gently, her silver-white hair brushing her shoulders. "I'd rather take a walk around town, There's always something interesting happening , street performers, merchants, new shops… we can explore our surroundings for a while ."
Cassandra arched an eyebrow. "You mean walking aimlessly ?" " then I'm in "
Hesper laughed , Observing, learning, You never know what you'll discover in the streets."
Phobos, meanwhile, barely lifted his head from his plate, finishing his breakfast.
Aristo sat silently beside him, leaning back in his chair, hands resting lazily on the table, observing the lively conversation without comment.
He was more focused on the flavors of the meal than the plans being discussed.
Within minutes, Phobos had finished his shower and was ready. He joined Zira, stepping out into the morning air for their journey to the Great Library of Daria
________________________________________
DARIA : AKATSUKI HOUSEHOLD
In the northern district of the capital stood the Akatsuki Household , a residence of such grandeur that it resembled a royal citadel more than a family estate.
Ivory stone walls enclosed the vast property, rising high and smooth, crowned with elegant spires that seemed to touch the morning sky.
Arched windows lined the façade in perfect symmetry, their glass catching the sunlight in soft, golden reflections.
Balconies curved outward with delicate ironwork shaped like blooming lilies, each detail crafted with deliberate care.
The gates were masterpieces in themselves ,dark steel framed with fine gold trimming, the proud crest of AKATSUKI engraved boldly at their center.
Beyond them stretched immaculate grounds. The grass lay in flawless symmetry across the courtyard, trimmed with such precision that not a single blade stood higher than another.
It was perfection not born of chance, but of discipline.
Manicured hedges bordered pale stone pathways, and fountains carved from white marble stood quietly at the heart of circular gardens, their waters flowing in steady, gentle streams.
Guards were stationed throughout the estate , at the gates, along the perimeter walls, and beside the grand entrance doors.
Dressed in tailored black suits, they stood with disciplined stillness, their presence firm yet unobtrusive.
They did not speak unless spoken to.
They did not move without reason.
The estate was secure, ordered, untouchable.
Inside, polished marble floors reflected the daylight that streamed through tall windows.
Long corridors stretched beneath painted ceilings adorned with scenes of heritage and triumph.
Portraits of past members of the Akatsuki lineage hung in gilded frames along the walls, their gazes stern and dignified.
The air carried a faint fragrance of jasmine and aged wood ,refined, controlled, composed.
Then....
A sharp crash shattered the quiet.
"Kokoro Akatsuki!" a firm voice called from above.
"One day you will take over from me.
The name AKATSUKI carries weight.
You must learn to behave like a proper young lady."
Measured footsteps descended the grand staircase.
"I will be meeting the principal of LYTHORIA today."
"Your classes will change from now on."
"I want the best for you,Fighting is not your path"
" We are not fighters, Kokoro."
The double doors at the entrance opened slowly.
Kokoro Akatsuki stepped forward.
She wore a finely tailored cream dress that fell just above her knees, the fabric soft and expensive, embroidered subtly along the hem with silver thread.
A fitted bodice shaped her posture with quiet elegance, and a neat ribbon rested at her collar. White stockings reached just below her knees, paired with polished black shoes that echoed softly against the marble floor.
Her short black hair framed her face with clean precision, the cut giving her a sharp yet youthful appearance. A delicate gold bracelet circled her wrist, bearing the discreet insignia of the Akatsuki crest.
She paused briefly at the doorway as sunlight spilled across her figure. Her expression remained composed , calm on the surface, distant beneath it.
"Kokoro," her mother called once more.
"Did you hear me?"
Silence.
Kokoro stepped forward.
The guards straightened as she passed.
The gates opened without hesitation.
DARIA : THE GREAT LIBRARY
After several hours of walking through the busy streets of the capital, Phobos and Zira finally arrived at the Great Daria Library.
The building stood before them like a monument to knowledge.
Built from pale stone and framed with towering columns, the structure rose high above the surrounding streets.
Wide steps led up to its massive entrance doors, and enormous windows of colored glass caught the sunlight, casting soft reflections across the plaza. Its size alone made nearby buildings look small and ordinary.
People moved constantly in and out of the library. Scholars carried stacks of books and rolled parchments under their arms. Students hurried past with notebooks pressed to their chest.
Workers pushed wooden carts filled with heavy volumes, while others carefully guided visitors toward different sections inside.
The place felt alive , organized, purposeful, important.
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, spilling across the polished stone floors and creating shifting patterns of light. The air carried the quiet sound of footsteps, turning pages, and low conversations. Even from outside, the steady rhythm of activity could be felt.
Phobos slowed his steps as they reached the entrance.
Zira stood beside him, taking in the sight.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then together, they stepped inside the Great Daria Library
As soon as Phobos and Zira stepped inside, the scale of the library became even more overwhelming.
The ceiling stretched far above them, supported by tall stone pillars carved with ancient patterns.
Rows upon rows of bookshelves filled the enormous hall, each shelf packed tightly with volumes of different sizes and colors. Some shelves reached so high that moving ladders were attached to their sides.
Long wooden tables were arranged neatly between the rows, with scholars seated quietly, reading or taking notes.
The air smelled faintly of old paper and polished wood.
The sound inside was different from outside , softer. Pages turning. Pens scratching against parchment.
Low murmurs from distant conversations.
Every movement felt careful, respectful.
Near the entrance stood a long desk made of dark polished wood.
Behind it were several library workers dressed in simple but neat robes.
One of them looked up as Phobos and Zira approached.
"Welcome to the Great Daria Library," the woman said calmly. "First visit?"
Zira nodded.
"You'll need to register."
She turned a large ledger toward them , a thick book filled with neatly written names. Phobos picked up the pen first and wrote his name clearly.
Zira followed, signing just beneath him.
Once they finished, the woman examined the page briefly, then reached beneath the desk. She handed each of them a small polished token — a thin metal badge engraved with the library's crest.
"Wear this where it's visible," she instructed.
"It lets security know you've registered properly. Anyone without one will be escorted out."
Phobos turned the token in his fingers before fastening it to his shirt.
Zira clipped hers neatly onto her blouse.
"If you need assistance, staff members are stationed throughout the halls," the woman added. "What section are you looking for?"
Zira stepped forward.
"We're looking for books about clans and species.
Old records, if possible."
The worker nodded.
"Second floor. East wing. Cultural and Historical Archives.
Follow the central staircase, then take the corridor to your right.
A guide will direct you from there."
"Thank you," Zira replied politely.
They moved away from the desk, passing through the vast hall.
As they walked, Phobos glanced up at the endless shelves towering above them.
"This place is insane," he muttered quietly.
Zira allowed herself a small smile.
"Focus. We're here for something specific."