Flashback
500 years ago,
The present site of The Nest,
San Diego, California,
USA.
A younger version of Grand Master Long, rocking his long bleach-white hair, could be seen standing by a large table looking pleased with some blueprints, flanked by five engineers. Just then, some people with pale skin, turquoise hair, and rainbow eyes were seen ascending the cliff. They were skimpily dressed and drenched with water.
"I'm really glad you could make it Emperor Shui and Crown Zilan. I welcome you all to the surface!" Grand Master greeted, them as he humbly bowed to them, which they reciprocated.
"It looks like the rumors about you are true! You are the most down-to-earth of all your brothers! Anyways, I'm grateful to work with you, Dragon King Baidi of the West." he said as Grand Master Long offered him a bowl of red ink.
He gracefully placed his pearl signet ring in the bowl before punching the document before him. He then stepped aside for Grand Master Long who did the same.
"Let this document be the proof of our eternal pact of our Kingdoms. This is our promise to help each other. And as of today, we will create a new haven where all creatures can live together harmoniously!" Grand Master Long ended his speech by raising Emperor Shui's hand causing the rest witnessing this to cheer as they applauded them.
***
The Nest,
Sea City, Pacific Beach,
San Diego,
Tuesday, February, 15
4:39 PM
Angeline
Blaise and I were so mesmerized by the glamour of Sea City, that we barely heard a word Ben, Ari, and Akiara spoke but they still kept on pointing out the owners of the numerous homes and stores just at the foot of the elevation. I was taken aback to realize that we still had a long way as we began to slither up the slope. Blaise almost barfed from motion sickness when we finally made it to the house. My jaw dropped as I beheld the house, best described as a mega-mansion, towering before me. It was already bubbling with activity; its architecture screamed wealth, class, and sophistication with a megaphone as it lived up to its 10-star rating.
"If this house had a mouth it'll be saying: 'I'm filthy rich y'all.'" Blaise jibed, in awe as we were ushered out of the limo which drove off, obviously to go and park in their garage.
"Welcome to the Nest, Angie!"
"So, what do you think? Do you like it?"
"I don't like it of all!" I lay with a huff, causing them to gasp dramatically.
"I love it!"
We then burst out laughing drawing attention to ourselves. I was quite relieved that they had gotten my joke because my siblings had explained that I was the only creature without a funny bone.
"Okay!" beamed Akiara, trying to catch her breath. "Now, I know why my brother loves you! - you're so adorable!"
"Thank you!"
"Do you mind me showing you around?!"
"You've done more than enough, Akiara! I'll take it from here." a tall Japanese woman interrupted, walking towards us, preventing me from replying.
The woman wore a bright red power suit and dark shades making her look regal. Her dark hair was tied in a tight French plait at the back of her head, giving off a strict aura so strong you'd hardly notice the maids, in the traditional black with white uniforms, tailing her. Still, I couldn't help but be taken aback by angelic beauty when Benjiro screamed.
"Mommy!"
"Kobito!" she cooed, squatting a bit, arms open wide as he ran into her embrace.
I didn't know my jaw had dropped until Akiara closed them for me. I was surprised at the way her Boss Mode had switched to Mom Mode.
"Are you alright?!" she purred, cupping his chubby cheeks. "I hope the monsters didn't hurt you?"
"I'm fine, mummy!" he giggled "Aunty Angie saved me! She's a hero!"
"Have you been taking your drugs as Dr. Seth prescribed?" She said, deliberately brushing off Ben's praise for me, to Blaise's anger.
"Yes, mummy! Aunty Angie always makes sure I love them are night."
"Is that so?" she drawled, eyeing me suspiciously for a while.
"Martha, take Benjiro to his room!" she ordered, not taking her eyes off me.
"And the Boss Bitch's back!" muttered Blasie, disdainfully.
"Akiara, show Anna the task I've assigned for her."
"Yes, Mother!" she replied with a swift bow before she suddenly hugged me.
"Don't let her scare you!" she whispered into my ear before turning to leave.
"See you at dinner, nanny!" Ari beamed, as she was ushered away by some maids.
"You come with me!" Ben's mother snapped loftily as she began to walk off.
Trying my best to make a good impression, I quickly bottled up my confusion and jogged after her. But I failed to hold in my awe on entering the lobby: It was 500 times better than the ones I've seen on TV so far. The lobby was full, as lodgers paced to and fro, checking in and out of the Nest. I gulped as I felt the curious gazes of people on us till we reached the receptionist's table, giving me more time to look around.
Luckily, Ben's mom was too busy barking at the receptionist in Japanese to notice when I swiped some buns from the basket on the table and fed half to B. When she was done, she led me to a side path, heavily guarded by bodyguards because it led to the main house.
My eyes almost popped out of their sockets as I beheld the large bifurcated stairs, the centerpiece of the lobby with the dining hall just at the end of the hall on my left. I then noticed two large entrances, each on a side of the staircase, just behind it, and a large door on the landing.
I couldn't shake off the sudden creepy feeling that I was being watched and I sniffed around in alarm on detecting an unfamiliar scent. That's when I caught two icy eyes glaring at me from the right side of the staircase.
From my point of view, he was standing on the left-hand of the stairs. I couldn't help but get lost in these ing eyes...
"Angeline!"
I immediately snapped out of it and took the passage to my right as I jogged after Ben's Mom.
...
The Nest,
Sea City, Pacific Beach,
San Diego.
Tuesday February 15
4:31 PM
Dylan
I was quite puzzled as I saw the black girl with a white and purple gown scurry away. She looked familiar but I couldn't recall where I had seen those eyes before. Why couldn't I stop staring at...
"Sir, are you okay?" my PA Sa'ad asked, softly tapping my shoulder.
"Did you just see the young lady that followed my aunt in?"
"The one whose skin is lighter than mine?"
"Dude, I said I was sorry!" Dylan groaned. "I didn't mean to make fun of your skin..."
"Whatever," he rolled his eyes, "Yeah, I saw her."
"Who's she?" I asked, still gazing at the direction she had taken.
"I don't know but I'll find out!"
Shrugging, we went down the stairs and exited the Nest. I then put on my shades, ignoring the screams and clamor of several of my fans for my pictures and autograph. Thankfully, my guards barred them from my way till I entered my golden Lexus.
"Where to, boss?" my driver, Sam inquired.
"Picture Perfect Studios! I heard my cousins are back from Africa." I said, exhaustedly throwing myself on the seat as Sam sped off.
***
At the same time,
Mutala Muhammed Airport,
Lagos,
Nigeria.
Omniscient
As usual, everyone was too busy minding their buisness in the waiting area of the Departure Hall to notice in a strange figure in a large blue hoodie entering with just a red backpack and a large black briefcase. He was about to sit on an empty seat when a small girl of about two bumped into him from behind.
The figure slowly turned around to see the little girl whose butt was on the floor as she innocently blinked up at him. He was about to help her up when someone beat him to it.
"Esther?! I told you to stop running around!" reprimed her older sister who looked about eight, stomping towards them.
"Come here! "she grunted, picking up the little girl who squealed and giggled as she tried to wriggle free from her older sister's grip.
The older girl then appologised to the strange man who just stared at them till they returned back to thier seats in time as their pregnant mother soon arrived with take out. The hooded figure then hissed in pain as he reminisensed of his past. But just as he had begun to shiver with emotion, the announcement of his flight slapped him back to reality. Sighing, he headed towards the exit, his seat long to gotten, as he wearily climbing the stairs of the plane, inspecting the black card in his hand again.
***
Back in the Nest,
Sea City,
4:43 PM
Angeline
"This your first time abroad, am I right?" Ben's mom inquired, starting the conversation, her heels echoing in the hallway.
"No, ma'am!" I instantly replied, remembering to not be intimidated by her - or her guards who had just materialized from nowhere.
"I've been be Dubai, Ghana, Cameroon, Togo, France, and England: London and Yorkshire to be exact!"
"But, this is your first time in the States."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"I see!" she sneered. "Anyways, I hope your stay here won't be as tragic as your dress. Oh least I forget, drop the 'ma'am' stuff. I'm Lady Long-Ryuu Bethany Aia, you must only refer to me as Lady Long!"
"As you wish, my Lady!"
"Not what I want to hear but I'll allow it!" she said, condensingly.
"Bitch!" Blaise retorted.
"The Nest has been in our family since the Renaissance, sacredly handed down from generation to generation. Everyone diligently working, each in their capacity, in harmony to achieve one goal..."
"Like a well-oiled machine, my Lady?" I chipped in, swayed imagery of her orientation.
The disruption caused her to suddenly halt in her tracks. We were now in front of a large ivory door with two men guarding it when she turned to face me. I was quite puzzled when she bent down, bringing her face close to mine.
"Just because you saved my son doesn't mean I've got to like you or worship you like some goddess, so come down from your high horse. Have you forgotten so soon that you're paid..."
"I'm entirely aware of my position, my Lady." I cut in, looking straight into her eyes. "I apologize if I may have over-stepped my boundaries but I'm honored you acknowledge that I did something not even the guards you pay couldn't do."
I almost smirked as the colours drained from her face causing her to straighten up in shock and take a few steps back. It looks like I'm the first person to ever talk back at her in such a manner.
She began to swell in anger...
What do you think of Dylan?
Can you guess who's the hooded man in the last scene.
Emperor Shui's a what?
What do you think of Lady Long?