Gravity pulled me down into a cold pit of darkness as pattering footsteps and snarls in the distance grew louder and louder. There was a sudden snap in my lower torso. All I could see was my bloody leg hanging from inside the hairy monsters jaws. I thought this was over. Blood left my face and all I could do was sit there, chained by paralysis, angered by frustration. What the hell am I doing here. I need to get up, I need to fight for myself. But my legs. AUGHHHHH!
The other beasts were entranced by the smell of blood and followed its source, my mind gave out and I screamed angrily. "That's MY leg you MONSTER!!!"
I woke up soaked in sweat and many eyes were on me.
"Cita! Deeno! Don't do that. He must be a guest," an angry boy whispered.
It was four children. Two toddlers, one grey haired and one with primrose colored hair, each sitting on both of my legs looking like they were about to cry, the second oldest with light brown braids at the near side of one of the toddlers, and the oldest with short red hair was pulling one of the toddlers off of me.
Perhaps, they're the children of the church. I thought Varen said everyone left. Maybe they're an exception..?
I never heard any children while I was here. They were probably placed at the farther side of the church. Their eyes. The oldest with light ash blue eyes, the second oldest and little boy with golden brown eyes, and the little girl with silver grey eyes. They're not celestials, they must be the children from this domain. A church from one of the heavens sheltering outsiders... How unlikely... I remember they never took me and Zeon or any other zetheon, just their mixed blooded kind. But then there used to be a few who were like this, helping other zetheons escape to live a better life... or atleast we believe that's what they were doing.
Varen popped his head in and we all looked at him, "Get ready for breakfast then we'll discuss everything."
Early Morning (6am)
I had cleaned myself up and headed to the dining room. I was the first to arrive, so I sat in one of the charcoal wooden chairs. Then the children chatted and came in together, sitting across from me. Varen came in with the food and the oldest helped set the table.
"First, introductions," Varen continued to slice pieces of meat and poured autumn colored soup in bowls.
"I'm Adrien," the oldest plainly said.
"I'm Avery," the braided haired girl shyly said.
"He's Deeno and she's Cita," Adrien introduced the toddlers.
"Whas yo name?" the little boy asked himself and pointed to himself, "Name es Deeno, nice to meechu." Deeno smiled happily then made a sad face, rubbing his stomach, "Ooh... I so vewy HUNgy~" Avery and Adrien giggled at him and gave him his bowl.
"Avery, grace please." Varen asked her.
They all closed their eyes and put their hands together. I wonder... If this is another world, what type of God do these people worship. If this church belongs to the pure bloods, then are we worshipping the imperials?
"Ay! Cosuh eyes," Deeno surprised me. I hardly ever prayed because prayers were usually dedicated to the imperials. But I suppose... there were a few times I asked for God's help... I was helpless at the time... Zeon had gotten sick from an infection from when they tore his wings from him. At first I had begged and pleaded to the imperials.
- 7 yrs ago
"If you're Gods then please save him, I'll pray to you, bow to you, praise you, anything! Just please! Save him!" I cried out to the dark halls. But no one came, not even a whisper from any of the other Zetheons. They didn't even look at us. They never did. To them, we were born from sin so our souls were created as sin. Everyone shunned us. They hated our black hair and our eyes. Because we had midnight colored hair like Mom. Because we were the same as Mom. It was already a miracle that the three of us met together by the Wheel of Fate.
Zeon inherited Dad's grey eyes, but I had Mom's crimson wine red eyes. They blamed us for the war and for our very existence. Because we resembled Mother...
"Mother...I miss you," I sniffled and took a deep breath," You imperials! You stupid scum! If you won't save him then you are no God! Just Demonic frauds calling yourselves kings! I've had enough of this!" Zeon was growing pale everyday and his body was growing frail. My heart was gripped by panic and desperation, but my hopes broke me down. Because there was little hope left.
"If there is a God... if you exist then please... save him. Those people who rule under your title are not fit. They hurt the innocent and only care about ideals. I'll do anything you want of me, anything you need of me. So please save him.. He's my only family, my one and only brother!" I cried holding him in my arms... Even though he was so tiny, just an infant, he was still emitting this lovely gentle warmth.
Two warm voices reached my ears.
"Then this promise is made. You must protect the next king. You must. That is a promise. Though, do you promise?"
I sat there shocked in silence. "I'll do it, it's a promise! I will, I will, so please..."
"Though, your situation is as is, one day you will meet the king. You will meet the king and know. Under this star, thy shalt promise, thy hath promise, and thy will do as shalt be done. Thank you child... And we apologize for everything you have and will experience." The voices faded and the next morning I opened my eyes.
I asked God to save him and he was saved. He was just an infant and me being the only child in that cell with him, I was afraid of watching my one and only family wither away in my arms. No one would help no matter how much I begged, but since that night, I would pray to that God everyday before I left him. I didn't know what God I prayed to, I didn't even know nor asked their names, but for sure, they were true Gods, true to their promise and so I will keep my side of the promise.
-Present
I awkwardly closed my eyes.
"Hands!" Deeno pointed out.
I put them together and closed my eyes again.
"Dearest Heavenly one, we pray as thanks for your good will upon us. We thank you for bringing us another day, keeping us safe, and for the wonderful company of loved ones. Thank you for the meals put upon the table and watching over us. Es dues Enmaeni. Amen," Avery had finished praying and we ate.
"Es dues Enmaeni." A simple prayer of blessings back home, "Bless us wherever we may go".
I'm surprised...why would they have that prayer here? Did the imperials enforce this prayer..? Or did Varen just teach them?
Varen turned to me, noticing I hadn't picked up my spoon.
"Eat. You'll need all the stamina for the work that needs to be done. First, you are to care for these little ones and the house. The other role will be discussed at a later date as soon as I come back from the Imperials. They want you for a specific service in mind, but for now I need to learn from them what they need of you and me. I have other businesses as well. Whatever we discuss here in the church is only for our eyes and ears only. Alright, Avery? Adrien?" Varen looks to them.
"Yes, Father," they reply.
"Well, Adrien is around your age. He's 11 years, so please ask him for any heavy duty help. Adrien. While I am ever away, no one should be coming to the church so do not open it to anyone," Varen turned back to me," I realize mail will still need to be retrieved, so I ask of only you to retrieve it. Do NOT, I repeat DO NOT stay out too long for there are beasts who reside in the woods. The wolves you saw are not the only beasts. There are many more. Since there are Silken spiders in the field, only you will dispel the webs. I'd rather not have anyone stay out long, but the webs need to be taken care of, otherwise we will be far more troubled. The more territory they mark, the more room they have to spawn eggs and I'm sure none of you would like to deal with that. Fortunately, the snowstorms have lead them to stay in their dwellings."
Something bugged me, " How come this wasn't dealt earlier? It's winter now. The Silken prefer warmer temperatures and seeing that there's so much webs, they must've been around for a long while. So why now?"
Varen sighed," During that time when we boarded, no one had noticed a nest. And when they did, it was too late. They were everywhere and multiplied in faster rates because of the abundant variety of beasts here. You have some knowledge of the Silken don't you?"
I nodded, " We were the ones usually given the tasks to deal with them." I imagine, these children don't know what we're talking about, but vaguely understand that these beasts and the church are adult tasks that need to be done for our safety.
"Then you will be the one to teach them. I don't have much time, so I'll quickly tell you about the beasts and your roles then I will be off. Adrien you're in charge of teaching everyone the written language and Avery you're in charge of teaching the tasks I taught you to everyone. But the both of you will also help do all the chores and caring for the little ones," he looked at me deeply concerned," As for the beasts, the wolves like to hunt in packs so no one should be heading out except for you. Wear the protective gear in the tools closet every time you go out. Their saliva is a little acidic and poisonous, but only deadly if it enters your body any longer than an hour. The Silken shouldn't be around because of the weather, but if they do, exterminate them as soon as you can. All the tools you need are in the gear so you won't repeat the same as last time. Collect their webs into containers and make sure they are tightly put away. The webs will be purified and used for threading. There are owls that usually hunt alone. Their feathers contain poisonous miasma that's toxic to touch or enhale. But the spine of the feather is not toxic so if you find any, take it with you. They're strong enough to use as weapons. We use them in our gear making as well. If you spot any- um, you don't really know the names of the beasts here. The owls you know are not the fluffy sweet ones, they are carnivorous and cunning, They speak to taunt their prey." I was a little disappointed to hear that since the owls in Regina were very friendly and loved to help guide people. Varen continued, "There is one you should be very cautious of. It's the hornless unicorn. Though harmless looking they may be, they shapeshift in beasts and people even. The only way you can tell is that they have no eyes. They like to steal eyes from their prey so as to not be found out, but they've evolved. They've learned about our eyes, us from Regina. Ever since the first few victims, we've learned that it can mimic mana usage. You need to be careful, because they prefer to feast on colored eyes. They are also carnivorous. If you encounter them, please escape. It really might be too late if they are nearby you. But we haven't seen any around for a long while, so hopefully you won't have to encounter it. After the webs are cared for, just stay inside. No need to care for the plant life outside, we have an inside garden. But I do need you to get rid of the weeds in the spring. There are orange tip finches that like to feed in flocks. Once they notice you, they will call their flock to feed on you live. So please, try your best to not be sighted. Because they will feed on anything near them. But if they do have sights on you, lure them away with raw meat or red berries.
The other animals you may see will usually mind their own business, but you should always proceed with caution, because they may attack you. Well that's all about the beasts. Your daily routine is cooking, cleaning, learning, and making sure the locks and windows are locked tight. Don't forget to do headcounts every morning and night. I know it may sound stupid, but I need you to do it in case if anything happens. Finish your meals and begin your routines afterward." Varen left after he ate and I was alone with the children.
"Avery, I'll help do the dishes with Sister so go on and watch Cita and Deeno," Adrien said.
Just before everyone left the room, I couldn't help but feel puzzled and annoyed," Hey! I'm a boy!"
And they just stared blankly," Eh?"
Adrien shocked, blurted out," But you have long hair, I thought you were a girl." He just laughed and replied," Sorry, sorry, then you must be Brother then haha. Well, Brother let's start washing dishes."