Chapter 5
☿️ ♎️ 3° 13' 🏠1
"Now it is time for the fire signs and air signs to pick their host," said Byron.
Byron is the king of the fire kingdom. He wears a golden/amber crown. A royal mantle. Gold, red, deep amber, and orange.
His nails well cut. Appearance on fleek. Nothing looked bad about him.
His ruby sandals studded with diamonds, peridot, pearls, and citrine stones.
However, Byron is inside his royal kingly palace but not in front of the fire city. One of his servants comes out to serve him a plate of crabs, hors d'oeuvres, candy, cheese, cod, and olives. He has quite the palate.
The servant is wearing torn brown shorts, silver necklace, and half of a black shirt.
"Chop chop, servant, I haven't got all day. Where is my meal to eat?" Byron asked.
The man trembling gets on one knee offering him the food, but Byron clearly seen it already; he just wanted to be difficult.
"Boy!!! You filthy peasant! How dare you let my olives touch my cheese and fish!? What is wrong with you, peasant from the west of the fire city? Answer me now or that is your head!" shouted Byron.
"But your honor, majestic highness. I- cheese goes with olives, it's ok to touch-"
Byron walks over to the man. Flips the food from underneath the plate the man was holding.
Shatter! All the food now spiraled everywhere; it looks horrible. A big ugly mess that someone has to and better clean up. The pieces of the plate shattered. Scattered everywhere.
"Why would you do that, Lord Byron, why??"
The man crying, groaning, and nearly croaking on almost every syllable he's trying to say. He can barely hold it in.
He keeps pointing out the broken plates flabbergasted and pissed. Putting his whole body into it trying to make a point.
"Because you didn't follow directions. You know my rules. Now you must die by the sword. Hold your head out," said Byron.
The man quivering, bottom lip shaking, waterworks from the eyes. Genuine tears and fear. He bows his head. Exposing his neck at Byron's mercy.
Byron draws out his sword. The handle deep red, amber, and crimson. The rest of it gold. His blade is made out of wood, brimstone, and titanium. Mixed with the sacred energy of the fire zodiacs. However, Byron might be making a mistake.
If he takes his life for no reason, there will be dire consequences. When one is over the fire city, host of the fire zodiacs, if they take the life of someone for a cause that is no good in their eyes, they shall be consumed by the fire. From Sagittarius, Leo, and Aries. Especially Leo. The lion loves its image too much.
The very fire that sustains them, gives their zodiacs their elegance and beauty, and gives their citizens life day in, day out. It will consume him or her in a consuming fire.
It will not give them life or light. No. It will burn them until they die. Then a new person will be appointed. No one makes them look bad. They won't tolerate it.
"Time to kill. Ha!" said Byron emphatically.
ROAR.
Byron stops halfway.
Turning his head like a squeaky hinge on a wooden door. He looks back.
It's LEO. In all his majesty.
His mane extra big and fluffy. Tip of his tail covered by an orange-red flame. Claws are out. 18 inches long.
Breathes out fire from his mouth.
Leo walks to them calm and slowly, taking his time.
"Leo!" shouted Byron.
"Leo!" said the man. His voice mixed with relief and joy. He sounded very excited to see Leo.
"Byron, put your sword away. You may not spill blood in my temple of worship and praise for the fire signs. You must have permission from us first or me. Aries in particular doesn't like to see blood spilled without reason. PUT it away!" demanded Leo.
He roared when he said "PUT."
"Yes, your majesty!"
Shrieking, he puts it back into his sword holder.
Leo is in their face now. His lion eyes striking fear and respect in their hearts. They each get on one knee looking up at Leo.
"Now, Byron, I expect good reason why I heard this man screaming from inside my cave. We're supposed to have new hosts. What is going on? Tell me that first," questioned the Lion.
"Well… he wasn't listening to me. He tried to poison me with this disgusting food, and that's why I knocked it out. Out of his hands. Then next thing you know, we're both here!" said Byron.
Now what Byron said was a lie. But will Leo see it? Will he care? What will Leo say or roar? Let's see.
"Hmmmm. Interesting. This peasant of a man tried to poison you? In your kingly position? Why would he? What would be his motivation? Everyone here should be happy," Leo said.
Leo looks at the man and notices his roughed, torn-up clothes. Leo's heart drops.
"Why do you look homeless? Did someone not give you the proper garments to wear? We wear royalty garments and colors over here in the fire city. Why do you look homeless, sir? Tell me plainly without parable."
"People that aren't royalty don't get regular clothes. We get hand downs from generations in deplorable condition. Not even fit for the animals that graze the wild in our desert."
"Unacceptable. Not everyone is like Leo, Sagittarius, and Aries. Not even the kings, but they too shall represent our splendor. But our citizens should always exhibit our royal colors, fabrics, and linens.
Maybe not like the kings and certainly not like the fire zodiacs, but you should always look presentable. Who clothed you today?" asked Leo.
"The king. He said we aren't fit to touch the royal fabrics or else we'll soil them with our presence and essence," replied the man.
"Really... interesting…." said Leo.
"He's lying! He's-"
ROAR!!!
"Raaaaaaaaaah! Eeeek!" screamed and shrieked Byron.
"Grrrrr!!" growled Leo.
"I'm sorry!" apologized Byron.
Leo deadlocks on him.
"I can speak for myself, you peasant. Speak before I address you, or I will guarantee your fate be in the everlasting consuming fire that I will release from my mouth. It will burn you to ashes. Understand, supposed king?"
"Yes, Leo Highness," Byron said.
He shook his head in agreement. Leo looks back at the man.
"Now why is food on the royal carpet and plate ware broken just lying there? What happened, sir?"
"He knocked it out of my hands because his cheese were touching the olives on his plate. I tried to rea-"
He's cut off. Leo outstretches his paw.
"That's enough rhetoric for one day. I have my answer, and I'm not pleased or happy. Byronnn," Leo said.
His voice extra slow this time with a calm intensity. He even put in a little vibrato with it. This threw Byron off.
"What will you do?" pressed Byron.
"You'll know in 5 minutes. Sir, answer me this honestly. Would you invite anyone to come here today to the fire city based on your experience with the king?" Leo asked the man.
Now this troubled Byron. His forehead starts to sweat. Profusely. Underarms staining his shirt. His royal mantle begins to smell.
"Absolutely not, your royal Leo. Even though I am lowly, respect in my opinion should always be given regardless of status. Even in the presence of royalty, I was treated worse than the fowls of the air and the rotting carcasses of roadkill. That was my respect. My admiration."
"Thanks for telling me the truth. Honesty and loyalty are attributes a kingly trait. For that, you will be clothed appropriately and treated likewise. As for you, Byron…"
Byron trembled.
"Yes, Leo. King of the jungle. Highest of our zodiacs," said Byron respectfully.
He knew not to get out of line with Leo.
"You have disgraced us and, most importantly, me. Someone is in here not properly clothed or dressed to enter my palace. My carpets with their royal linen and fabrics soiled because of your excessive arrogance.
I smell it from a mile away. You're acting out of the shadow side of my zodiac, and as a king you know better. Then your pride caused you to lie. For that, the consuming fire is your fate. And my words are final. I speak no more," said Leo.
"Nooo!!" cried Byron.
"Strip off your clothes. Then come with me in the den. Do it now," commanded Leo.
The man making ugly crying faces struggling to get everything off, but he finally does.
Now down to his plaid boxers.
"Sag! Aries!" shouted Leo.
Aries comes first. Horns like a ram appear as golden starry energy. Then its head, mouth, and eyes. Chocolate brown fur. White muzzle. Head has the Aries sign.
First drawn in blood, lit on fire, then the symbol is in dark black on its forehead. Steam is coming from it like an iron.
The torso like a human but the size of a bear. Arms as big as a gorilla. Human hands-hoove fingers but on fire. Hooves for feet. Crimson-golden orange shield mounted half his size on his back.
Eyes bloodshot. Inside them is a small ember with a glare.
"Good to be here," said Aries.
Fire in the shape of a centaur shows up next to Aries. It forms into Sagittarius. Half-man, half-horse.
Energy 5 bow and arrows are on its back. The tips blue-orange flames. Sagittarius insignia on the middle of the thighs.
"Hey, I was practicing archery, Leo. Why are we here?" asked Sagittarius.
"Time to pick a host to inhibit but watch over this man. I'm taking the former king with me in my lion's den."
Aries did a double take. First at Leo, then Byron.
"So you got us called early," said Aries.
"Not early. Earlier. Chill, Aries, Leo has it under control," replied Sagittarius.
"He better, but I know he does," said Aries.
"Follow me, Byron."
"No-no-no, I don't wanna go! I don't wanna die yet! My fire is still burning!"
"Did he stutter?" Aries said angrily.
The embers in his eyes grow.
Leo starts walking to his den. Byron follows reluctantly. Knowing his last moments are likely before him.
Sagittarius and Aries look back at the man following him back into the lion's den. They look a little concerned but not a whole lot. It goes away fairly quickly.
They both make it inside his den.
Leo now is face to face with Byron. It's hot, muggy, steamy, and smells like dirt and animal in his den.
Leo also has another palace, but it's deep in his den and on his one acre of land where no people can see unless they already had permission from him already.
"Whoever disgraces my palace and throne will be taken over by a consuming fire."
He spoke to Byron.
"Leo, it was a mistake, sir!!"
"Arrogance and pride are not mistakes. Those are conscious decisions. You weren't ready for your arrogance and pride to cost you, and it shows. You made my throne look very bad."
"Bu-"
"You've said enough. Farewell. Roar!"
A raging fire comes out of Leo's mouth.
#
Aries, the man, and Sagittarius are still waiting for Leo to be done.
"Argh!!!!!!!" screeched, then moaned Byron.
Leo walks back into the palace.
3 more people enter.
One is a 27-year-old Black woman named Makyla Ruby. Her outfit. Purple/gold sneakers, black leather pants, black gold and red short-sleeve T-shirt.
Black blazer, eyebrows micro-bladed, clear lip gloss, with a sleek bob hair and brown eyes.
The second is a man named KC Springs. 6'1. 28. Black. He's wearing sand-colored sandals with orange straps.
Jean shorts below the knee rolled up like sleeves. Tan-red satchel around the waist.
Sleeveless black cardigan with highlights of red and orange.
His physique muscular and extremely defined. Like he does manual labor, farms, and runs miles every day to keep up with his physique, but it's natural.
Tattoo of a small map on his right pec. Small silver chain with a very tiny compass. Big smile. Low-cut fade. Side part on left of head. Wide-brim black hat.
The last is Jasiah Knowland. 27. Black. 6'4, towering pillar of muscle. Pro athlete build. 230 pounds. Steel-toed coyote brown boots. Size 13. Khaki cargo shorts.
ABU belt (khaki). Red Dri-fit T-shirt. Black fingerless gloves. 360 waves. Aries zodiac design on left side of the head.
The three impress even the fire zodiacs. How neat indeed.
"Look at those 3," said Sagittarius.
"I see," said Leo intently.
"Normally people would need permission to enter, but these 3 might be the exception," said Aries.
The three are now face to face with the zodiacs.
"Sir."
Leo was talking to the man.
"Yes, royal Leo," said the man.
"Go and take those clothes, leave, and clothe yourself. You're free to go," replied Leo.
Ecstatically, he grabbed the former king's wardrobe and left. Now it was only KC, Makyla, and Jasiah.
"So what brings you 3 here?" asked Leo.
Jasiah speaks first.
"Leo, we came here because the king called us to do work around the fire city, but we don't see him," said Jasiah.
"Yeah, I was tending to my field and about to explore the next city or a different nation nearby," said KC.
"He's always getting people to do stuff because he's so lazy. Wish we could do something else with our time. Why can't we be royalty or at least do something cool?" Makyla asked eagerly.
"Because he was an idiot," said Aries.
"He's gone now. Leo took care of him. Right, king of the jungle? Brightest sun in the zodiac," replied Sagittarius.
"That arrogant fool wasn't worthy to lick the dirt from my paw. Much less be a king. But we need hosts. It's that time again. Young lady. What's your name? Tell me about yourself. In fact, all of you tell us. We'll wait, but don't keep the fire burning too long without oxygen," said Leo.
"Huh?" They said in unison.
"He means don't wait long to give us an answer. Your answers are oxygen to us at this time. No answer. No action, and we leave," said Sagittarius.
"And wasting our time is not wise. We destroy what doesn't serve us. We're waiting," Aries said impatiently.
Jasiah steps up. Gets on one knee. Bows his head, then stands up again.
"My name is Jasiah Knowland. I was born and raised here. I'm 27, and my birthday is April 12th."
He steps back.
"An Aries?" said Leo.
"He sure is built like one. I found my host," Aries said.
Aries is now lit on fire. He morphs into Mars. A very small version. The size of a golf ball.
"How did he?!?" Makyla exclaimed.
"He's THE Aries. He can do that, haha," chuckled Sagittarius.
Aries as Mars goes inside Jasiah's forehead. His whole body catches fire, but he is not hurt or in pain. He's stoic and motionless.
The temperature rises in the room. Makyla starts to sweat. The fire dissipates. Jasiah bleeds a little from his palms, but it dries up quickly.
A scar is now on the inside of his left index finger.
"Don't worry about the scar. That's normal for Aries. He really likes you, Jasiah. The last one had scars all across his back, but your body is far more durable and worthy," Leo chimed.
K.C steps up. Places his hand over his heart. He looks down, gripping his hat with his fingers.
"My name is K.C Springs. I'm 28. My birthday is November 25th. I like to travel, workout, climb mountains, do farm work 10 hours a day for about 5 days a week," said K.C.
"This man looks cattle strong. He is for the Sagittarius," announced the Sag.
Sagittarius loads one of his arrows into his bow. It catches fire.
"Woah, you're not going to be me, are ya? I got nice skin, but I don't wanna be charcoal," replied K.C.
"HAHAHAHA!!" burst out Sagittarius.
Even Leo smiled. As best he could in his lion form.
"No, you won't get hurt. Not even poked. This arrow has a suction cup. Stand up and open your arms. Chest open and exposed."
K.C does it. He fires the arrow, and it hits right where the compass is. His body up in flames, although none of his clothing burned, is engulfed in his fire. After a few seconds, it stops. K.C steps back.
The archer turns into red-gold energy, and the energy goes to the arrow. It goes into his skin, making his veins glow purple momentarily.
"So cool…" said K.C as he looked at his hands.
The only one left is Makyla. She steps up.
"My name is Makyla Ruby. My birthday is August 19th. I do theater, fashion, model, and occasionally act sometimes."
"I'm very impressed by your dress. Very royal and Leo of you. You represent us well, and you seem to have some humility, but that can always be taught and grown. The splendor of the Leo and its sun cannot.
Do you see yourself worthy as a host of me? One of the most sought-after zodiacs in Drokeo Bay?" asked Leo.
"Of course I do. I embody all the values of the fire kingdom and the attitude, personality, and aesthetic of Leo. I was born for this. I already perform. What is a Lion to a lioness?" said Makyla.
"Purrrr. I like your answers. Be my host, and you'll have the royalty from the zodiac that represents the sun at its highest beauty and power. Are you ready for that responsibility, or will you crumble like the others in the spotlight? I only deal with individuals who are confident, loyal, and know themselves," Leo said.
"Leo, I am worthy. Please give me your power."
She got on one knee.
"You are. Time to crown you. Queen Makyla."
He holds out his paw, and a tiara forms from scratch. Floating in his paw, never touching it.
"Take," Leo said.
She grabs it. Puts it on.
"I bestow to you my power, which is grace, fire, beauty, majesty, and royalty. Stand still."
His zodiac sign in fire on his back.
"Now come touch."
Makyla walks nervously to his back.
"Don't be scared. Your friends were ok. So will you."
She gulps, then touches his back. The fire races from her fingertips all over her body.
Subsequently, her hair catches fire.
"Step back," Leo commanded.
She steps back, and he holds out his paw. She holds it, then his very essence turns into a fire.
It consumes her body, then goes to her back where the Leo insignia is.
The process is complete.
"What just happened?" asked Makyla.
"We got our powers," replied Jasiah.
"Leo, Sagittarius, and Aries really blessed us with power. Now what?" said K.C.
"That's just something we'll have to see, but it's definitely not for no reason," said Makyla.
"Let's go out and see what we can do. Taking action is the only thing we can do. But first, let's make a pact. To never let the fire burn out and to use the zodiacs for good!" shouted Jasiah.
They all come together with their fists raised high in the air.
"Let's do this. Fire signs on 3!"
"1!" spoke Makyla.
"2!" stated K.C.
"Leo, Sagittarius, Aries on 3!!! 1! 2…" said Jasiah.
"Three!!!!" they shouted.
And their voices echoed throughout the palace and into the cave.
The fire zodiacs now have their hosts.