On the sandy beach, a group of figures stood, their silhouettes etched against the backdrop of the bustling port. Patiently, they awaited their Alpha Leader. With a gentle bump, the tires roped to the boat grazed against the edge of the dock. A wooden plank connecting the ship to the land slid smoothly into place, creating a bridge between the vessel and the waiting figures.
Lina could not contain her excitement as she felt the solid ground beneath her feet; the others were not far behind her. The assemblage could be in the thousands. Werewolves of all colors are stretching across the beach line, and more show up to see them. Lina and Sam brought Sakura's group to the fifth-generation women standing in the front row to greet the ones who would take their place. Lina's mother encased her in a warm, affectionate bear hug. She smiled patiently, listening to Lina's reports. Beneath the graceful drapes of her dark blue moon kimono, a tapestry of scars told the story of her encounters with the ravages of war. Among them was a notable bulge on her left shoulder.
Beside her stood an assertive elder, her blonde hair cascading into sharp points at her shoulders. Her skin was soft and peachy, highlighting the dark yellow cat eyes. Even for her, the chaos of war had left its mark, an unwelcome shadow over her being.
Despite the others' stature, she was of a more delicate build. Concealed beneath the folds of her yellow kimono, she carried the grim memento of her struggles, the horrifying vestiges of battle. A human-like wolf's paws emerged upon her wrists, replacing the once beautiful and feminine hands she once possessed.
Beside her was a gentle figure, hair flowing in brown curls, her chocolate eyes reflecting years of experience and kindness. Her teal kimono belied the web of scars beneath souvenirs of battles fought. Yet, her presence exuded a soothing aura, a beacon of hope for anyone seeking it.
Emerging from the background was another elder, her pink hair falling in ankle-length locks and vibrant pink eyes. Her pink kimono seemed untouched by physical harm, yet the emotional wounds etched upon her soul were just as vivid. An existence shaped by trials that the eye could not see, but her presence spoke volumes of the battles she had fought within herself.
Lina cheerfully said, "Mother, this is Sakura. She's Lily's daughter."
Lina's mother bowed gracefully and said, "My name is Taylor—the fifth generation of the moon. The considerate blonde woman beside me is Paige. She is the fifth generation of the Sun. The one with gorgeous brown hair over here is Gina. She is the fifth Generation of the Cloud. Last, we have our Generation of the Soul, Isabella. Pink will never cease to look exemplary on her. We are the only ones left from our pack."
With a straight face, Sakura nodded and calmly responded, "I'm grateful that the wee bit o' fifth-generation warriors are still among the living, but I'm truly sorry for the sorrows ye've faced. Where might the rest of me own pack be wanderin'?"
Isabella answered, "The girls are training at the mansion in our capital."
"The mansion, is it? Now, forgive me if I'm treadin' peculiar here, but would it be the case that this mansion is a shade of white, by any chance?"
"I placed a sight spell on you recently. To show you the day you were born and the day your mother passed away."
Robbie slurred in confusion, "You can cast a spell thousands of miles away?"
"Don't underestimate us; we're still strong at our age," Isabella replied. "Besides, we have a spiritual connection between us all. So I can connect to spiritual pathways in our heads."
Taylor chuckled and said, "We should be returning now."
The werewolves' transformation was breathtaking, bathed in a blinding white light. The spectacle evoked a sense of awe and wonder, mesmerizing both Sakura and Robbie with the sight unfolding before their eyes. In response, Taylor unleashed a mighty howl. This commanding call urged those with permissible access to follow and enter the palace walls. In contrast, others were kindly directed to return home.
Within the commotion, Athen swiftly scooped Sakura in his powerful jaws and tossed her securely on his broad back with a fluid motion, ensuring her safety for the journey ahead. Meanwhile, Michael, observing Robbie's repeated gestures of refusal, respected his wishes and refrained from picking him up. He mounted on Michael's back on his own two feet.
Under Taylor's lead, they ventured inside a lush forest cloaked in rich shades of dark green.
Above, enormous Stagg trees intertwined their branches, creating a captivating canopy that filtered sunlight. Full-sized homes were staged within the bases and canopies of each majestic tree, offering a unique and harmonious coexistence between nature and architecture.
Sakura gracefully passed through the city; her keen eyes immediately caught sight of a vivid red taiko, a striking Japanese garden bridge that stood out in the forest's natural hues. It leaned gracefully over a wide river that flowed through the city, its waters illuminated by the mesmerizing dance of fireflies that adorned the surrounding riverside flora and cattails.
Delicately beautiful, gigantic mushrooms served as ornamental decorations throughout the city, their fragility preserving their role solely as places to rest and admire the breathtaking views.
As Sakura beheld these wonders, her mouth dropped, knowing that this island held the roots of her family's history. Her imagination ran wild as she envisioned the stunning palace her ancestors had once called home. The anticipation grew, and her emotions soared as she mentally prepared for her mouth to drop.
The scenery transitioned to more typical woodland terrain. Soon, a layered wall emerged in the distance, captivating the eye. Its foundation comprises tightly packed stones, followed by a white cement wall, with the top layer being kawara, a traditional Japanese clay tile roofing. The walls exuded strength and fortitude, towering thirty-four meters high and one meter thick. Taking center stage, a magnificent red gate, reminiscent of a torii gate, guarded by two sturdy Beta werewolves, came into view.
Undeterred by closed doors, Taylor let out a resounding howl, alerting the guards to her arrival and ensuring the gate would open in time to grant them passage.
As Sakura's excitement mounted, the view of the courtyard's interior remained obscured, their speed blurring the once-prominent features. The pack gracefully circled before the grand white mansion, gradually slowing their pace before coming to a halt. Multiple sections of the structure showcased a graceful display of black kawara roofing, highlighting its aesthetic appeal. A slender gold stripe elegantly specified the boundary between wood and stone, adding a touch of royal distinction. The grand double doors painted pristine white, stood as a reminder of the wonders that awaited within.
Sakura leaped off Athen's back, observing her surroundings. Her star-struck face could not find the words. "Unbelievable."
Michael dropped off Robbie next to Athen. Robbie shook like a leaf and said," Did someone drug me? The nightmare you had was real. How is a place like this possible?"
Michael laughed, "Be grateful you are among the few humans to see this."
Robbie raised his palms to see them shaking uncontrollably and said, "Magic isn't real; it's only in movies."
Taylor sat beside the group and said, "Our history began in the 1600s."
Athen interrupted her, saying, "If you keep talking, we will be here for days."
Infuriated by Athen's comment, Lina said, "Don't be rude to my mother, Athen."
"I'm sorry. I don't want to sit here and listen to what I already know. Take Sakura to the library if you want to give her a speech."
Taylor nodded and led them through the palace courtyard. Sakura enjoyed viewing the decorated dove-grey limestone gravel and artistically arranged large granite rocks, which served as perches for glowing blue magical birds. Surrounding the yard was an artificial narrow river, teeming with flourishing Koi fish. Stone lanterns posed among the weeping trees and cherry blossoms, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
Perched on Athen's back, Sakura marveled at the beauty of the courtyard. "Taylor, this courtyard is grand. I lack the words to describe how I'm feelin' right now, truly."
Taylor's deeper wolf voice conveyed warmth as she responded, "Indeed, it is exceptional. I worried you might never see this place. I offered prayers to the deities to keep you safe because you belong here. This island is your home."
Sakura repeated in contemplation, "...This is my home."
Taylor continued, sharing her connection. "Lily was a dear friend of mine. I promised her I would shield you from any challenges you might face ahead."
She grasped the immense weight of the legacy laid upon her shoulders, still calculating whether her age could bear such responsibility. Fresh out of high school, she had recently persuaded her father against enrolling her in college so she could focus on repairing her mental health.
Rather than group and therapy sessions, she envisioned an experience similar to a newborn pup taking its initial steps. Sakura could see this journey as a rebirth—a chance to navigate a new existence with guidance and support.
Passing by various structures, including guest houses, Taylor guided them to the island's northern edge, where a massive, weathered gray stone entrance beckoned them into the depths below.
Sakura squinted at the Japanese characters above the cave entrance. Her voice tinged with curiosity in a lilting Irish accent, "Aye, what does that say, lads?"
Taylor replied, "My daughter has shared everything you need to know. However, the most vital place to see is the Generation Tomb. This cavern is where all the generations of women warriors rest for eternity."
Sakura felt a quiver run through her body, but she held her emotions back, accepting the tour despite her racing heart and quickened breath.
Delicate plant life found its way through the rugged stone, its roots gently embracing the harsh surface. An array of vibrant flowers sprouted among the tall grass, adding a touch of enchantment to the surroundings.
Taylor waited for everyone to return to their human forms before asking, "Are we ready?"
"Aye, ready," Sakura said.
Guided by Taylor and her daughter Lina, Sakura and her companions descended a dark, echoing staircase. The atmosphere was heavy with the scent of age and dampness. Strategically placed torches that cast dancing shadows illuminated the unyielding walls, gently guiding their path as they descended deeper into the underground tomb.
Robbie selflessly volunteered to descend before his daughter, ready to shield her from any potential dangers that may lie ahead. Athen secured a torch from a wall outside with his left hand while his right hand found a gentle place around Sakura's hip, offering support and ensuring her descent down the stairs was steady and comforting. The rest of the group followed suit.
Sakura whispered, "Oi, I don't find comfort underground."
Athen acknowledged her fear, "I know, it's only for a little while."
Upon reaching the first floor, four decorative covered coffins stood in unison on one side, while five lay solemnly on the other. Each casket bore a statue above it, an artistic representation of the pioneers who had forged a path to peace on Paradise Island. These statues, positioned above the coffins, commemorated the original souls weaving a tapestry of harmony within these sacred walls. As a kind gesture to her legacy, Sakura's historical grandmother was positioned at the forefront of the left row. Sculpted from stone, her beautiful features and flowing hair immortalized her grace and strength. As Sakura's eyes locked onto the statue, a tear traced down her cheek, and a lump formed in her throat, rendering her voice momentarily unreachable.
Struggling to find words, Sakura choked on her emotions as she uttered, "She looks like me..." Her heart overflowed with grief and connection, realizing that the visage before her resembled her reflection. Developing in her adolescent years, Sakura wished she could have known about her ancestry. It did not feel fair knowing a family she had never known was ripped away. Every word spoken to her was truthful.
Taylor touched her shoulder momentarily and said, "You look like her and all the warriors who came before you."
Sakura's voice trembled as she bravely asked, "Is my mother here?"
Taylor nodded, then guided them further into the tomb's depths. She led them down four more stairs, descending deeper into the chambers of the fifth generation. The cave-like space appeared unfinished and almost brought Sakura to her knees.