The Yomian Empire, a land of corruption and darkness. A ruthless line of warlords and deceitful lords rule this nation, offering little work or choice to its people. Ruined villages and towns contrast the beautiful and light filled streets of the central kingdom, Akuma. In Akuma, the wealthy work very little, leaving it all to their slaves. Bandits, hookers, and unfortunate souls who left their villages in search of a better life fill the lower end of it, the slums. Here in the slums, a young woman is crying out in pain, her husband holding her hand, as the young lady gives birth to their child.
"Push Mary! Push! The baby is almost here!" The husband says with excitement and concern for his wife.
Down at her feet, an older woman with a loose cloth mask covering her face prepares for the baby. The head of a baby comes into her view and the old women's eyes widen, her dimples becoming visible above the mask.
"Good job Mary! Just a little more!" The old lady says in encouragement.
Mary grunts in pain and squeezes her husband's hand harder. She lets out a small cry and takes a deep breath, then pushes again. The husband winces a little at how tight she is squeezing his hand.
"M-Mary, you don't have to squeeze so hard." He mumbles.
She shoots him a sharp look, anger in her eyes. He jumps a little, afraid of his wife's glare, and turns his gaze away towards the older woman, who is also giving him a nasty glare.
"I'm the one in pain, you fool! The most you can do is let me squeeze your hand, Quin!" Mary yells at her husband.
He turns his head away to avoid both their glares, wincing a little at his wife's grip. Mary gives one more push when suddenly a wave of relief comes over her and a cry of a baby echoes through the candlelit room. The older woman quickly wraps the baby up in some cloth, resembling a small blanket. Mary is breathing heavily, trying to catch her breath, small beads of sweat running down her face. Quin smiles at her lovingly. The older woman walks over to them and hands the baby over to Mary, who quickly takes the baby into her arms. Both husband and wife look down at their little baby, smiling at her.
"She is a girl, so what will you call her?" The older lady asks.
Without hesitation, Mary answers, "Kareen."
At the sound of her given name, Kareen opens her eyes, looking up at her mother and father. She opens her mouth and reaches her hands out, her crimson red eyes filled with curiosity. Both the mother and father gasp at how beautiful their daughter's eyes are. The older woman's eyebrows raise and she gets closer to the child.
"What is it, Regina?" Mary asks, concerned.
Regina smirks. "Your child has been born with a rare gift. She will be powerful when she is older."
Regina steps back and crosses her arms. The two parents look at each other in confusion, while the little girl squirms and laughs in her mother's arms.
"The gods have blessed your child. She will do great things." Regina says with confidence.
Both parents and child look at her before looking at each other. The room grows silent. The only noise is the sound of dripping wax from the candles in the room. Outside, moonlight fills the sky. A passing pegasus glides through the sky, a mysterious man in knight's armor on its back. They fly towards the enormous castle in the center of Akuma. The pegasus flaps its wings harshly before landing. A large group of knights stands in wait as the man dismounts from the winged horse. He stands for a moment before removing his helmet and turning his head towards the direction of the slums. His short spiked brown hair glistens in the moonlight, and his beard hides his face, however a visible smirk is still distinguishable as he looks off. His blue eyes shine brightly and full of life.
"So a new exorcist has been born. With this much Ki, they might be as strong as me." The knight says smugly.
He holds his helmet to his side and turns towards the knights, who still stand in wait. He walks towards them, all of them now marching into the castle.
As the knight and his entourage march into the grand castle, their footsteps reverberate through the opulent halls. The castle, a symbol of power and authority, exudes an air of mystery and darkness that matches the Yomian Empire itself.
Within the castle, the knight is escorted to a lavishly decorated chamber. A massive round table dominates the room, surrounded by shadowy figures in elaborate robes. These are the Lords of Akuma, the powerful individuals who shape the destiny of the empire.
The knight, known as Sir Aric, bows respectfully before the council of Lords. His presence commands attention, and the air grows heavy with anticipation.
"My Lords," Sir Aric begins, his voice filled with authority, "I bring news of utmost importance. A child has been born in the slums, marked with a rare gift. She possesses a tremendous amount of Ki, and the seer who witnessed her birth believes she will become as strong as me, an exorcist."
The Lords exchange glances, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and intrigue. The idea of a powerful child emerging from the slums challenges their preconceived notions of power and privilege.
Lord Vesper, a cunning and enigmatic figure, leans forward, his piercing gaze fixed on Sir Aric. "Explain further, Sir Aric. What significance does this child hold for our empire?"
Sir Aric straightens his posture, meeting Lord Vesper's gaze with unwavering determination. "My Lords, the gift given upon this child is rare and potent. They possess the power to shape destinies, wield magic, and defy the Lords."
Whispers erupt among the council members, their curiosity piqued. The Yomian Empire, known for its magic control, faces a drastic revelation.
Lord Marcellus, a stoic and stern figure, interjects with skepticism. "How can we be certain of this child's potential? Is there any proof of her capabilities?"
Sir Aric's eyes narrow as he responds, "Regina, the seer who witnessed the birth, is known for her accuracy. She has foreseen the rise and fall of empires, the fall of skilled warriors, and the birth of legendary heroes. Her words hold weight."
Lord Vesper leans back in his seat, his fingers steepled in contemplation. "Very well, Sir Aric. We shall investigate this matter further. If this child truly possesses such power, she could be a valuable asset to the Yomian Empire. Escort Regina to the castle and bring her before us."
Sir Aric bows once more, acknowledging the order. "As you command, my Lords. I shall ensure that Regina is brought to the castle swiftly."
With that, Sir Aric takes his leave, his armor clanking as he strides purposefully out of the council chamber. The council members are left to contemplate the implications of this unexpected turn of events.
Meanwhile, back in the slums, Mary and Quin marvel at their newborn daughter, Kareen, unaware of the attention her birth has garnered. Their joy and love for their child fill the humble room, shielding them from the harsh realities of the empire.
Little do they know that the wheels of fate have been set in motion, and their lives will soon be entwined with the machinations of power, darkness, and the promise of a future where their daughter, Kareen, holds the key to their salvation or destruction.