Chapter 256: The Naming of Legends
The colossal whale spaceship surged forward through the abyss of space, drawing ever closer to the Kaelrian planet. Within its glowing confines, Tessa stood radiant, her joy as profound as the cosmos surrounding them. She cradled her newly born twins, their aura exuding a mystique that filled the room with equal parts reverence and trepidation. Today marked an extraordinary occasion—the naming ceremony of these enigmatic beings.
Most of the ship's inhabitants had gathered for the momentous event, except for the select few entrusted with piloting the vessel, led by Nzak Deri. Those who attended maintained a cautious distance, having learned the peculiar truth about the twins—they were highly selective of whom they allowed near and were capable of siphoning energy from individuals. The unspoken rule was clear: admiration from afar was safer.
Tessa's ingenious creation of an artificial sun and moon aboard the spaceship had brought clarity to the otherwise elusive concept of time. The orbiting light sources emitted no energy but cast a gentle illumination, replicating day and night cycles. This mechanism ensured that no one would lose track of the third day—the day Tessa had announced as the naming day for her twins.
In a grand chamber specially prepared for the occasion, Tessa stood at the forefront. She held her twins close, her expression a blend of maternal pride and commanding presence. A podium was placed before her, and rows of custom-made chairs, designed by the Deri-Legu people with Tessa's advanced technology, accommodated the audience.
Whispers of unease rippled through the crowd, particularly among the midwives who had witnessed the twins' arrival.
"Those aren't babies—they're weapons of mass destruction," one midwife whispered to Zunto, her voice trembling.
Tessa's ears caught the murmured words, but she gave no outward sign of acknowledgment.
Zunto, ever loyal, smiled reverently. "They are special children, blessed to grow under Goddess Tessa's guidance. They will bring immense value to our future."
Another midwife, braver or perhaps more reckless, interjected, "Zunto, wouldn't it be wise to consider restraining them? Who knows what they might become?"
Zunto's face darkened. Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper. "Never speak such words again. Do you have a death wish?"
Before the reprimanded midwife could respond, she began to cough violently, her face reddening and eyes watering. The sudden commotion drew the attention of everyone present.
It was then that Tessa turned her gaze toward the midwife. The coughing ceased instantly. Only the midwife and Tessa understood the exchange that followed.
"That was a light warning," Tessa said softly, her voice carrying the weight of a celestial verdict. "Next time, even a thought like that will cost you your life."
The midwife paled but nodded in submission, her earlier defiance extinguished.
Zunto, noticing the interaction, pieced together what had transpired. She smirked inwardly, thinking, That should teach you to hold your tongue.
Tessa raised a hand, silencing the hushed murmurs that filled the chamber. Her commanding presence enveloped the room as she began to speak.
"I thank you all sincerely for being here today," she began, her voice steady and resonant. "Today is a significant day, not just for me but for all of us aboard this vessel. We are a mosaic of diverse individuals—the Deri-Legu people, my personal construction team, the mercenary prisoners, and..." Her gaze softened as it fell on Gastro, who stood stoically by her side, his quiet strength a testament to his loyalty. "And, of course, Gastro, my unyielding ally."
Tessa then turned her attention to the twins in her arms. Her gaze lingered on the first child, a boy whose golden-brown curl and striking blue eyes mirrored her own. His resemblance to her as a baby was uncanny, as though he were her doppelgänger reborn.
"You," she said softly, her smile radiant, "will be called Jordan. Jordan Caldwell, in honor of my adoptive mother back on Earth."
The audience watched with bated breath, their apprehension mingling with awe, as Tessa prepared to announce the second name, her words poised to etch history into the stars.
Tessa then turned to the second baby on her left, a mirror image of his brother. The golden curls adorning his head gleamed under the soft artificial light, and his piercing blue eyes held an innocence that could thaw even the coldest of hearts.
She smiled warmly, bringing her face closer to the child. Her voice was tender, yet it resonated with authority. "You were the first to enter this world, my brave one. Even before your brother, you pushed through and freed him from the bonds of the umbilical cord. For your courage and strength, I will name you Justin. Justin Caldwell. The beginning of my strength and the pillar of my hope."
As the words left her lips, the room erupted into jubilant cheers. Gastro, ever the reliable companion, popped open a bottle of wine, and the sound of celebratory corks bouncing echoed through the chamber. The attendees raised their glasses, their voices mingling in joyous acclamation.
From the back of the room, a group of children emerged, prepared for the occasion. They clapped and sang in unison, their voices harmonizing in a melody that reverberated through the grand hall:
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🎶 Here come the divine twins,
Twins of immense blessings,
The womb openers of our goddess,
The future of our race.
We welcome you to this world.
🎶 Here come the divine twins,
Sons of our goddess Tessa,
The Kaelrian storm of the east,
The pedals of the wheel that guides us
To an age of mechanical greatness.
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Tessa's smile deepened as she raised her hand gracefully. In an instant, thin, shimmering necklaces materialized around the necks of the twins, glowing faintly. The children in the audience gasped in awe, their initial apprehension giving way to curiosity.
The necklaces seemed to exude a soothing warmth, comforting the Deri-Legu children. Within moments, they realized the necklaces were more than just ornaments. Each contained a hidden compartment, accessible through their minds, which housed a collection of food and toys tailored to their preferences.
Their astonishment turned to uncontainable glee. The children broke into excited chatter and ran to show their parents, who were equally mesmerized. The atmosphere swelled with gratitude as they knelt in praise, showering Tessa with words of thanks.
Unbeknownst to them, the necklaces held far more than mere gifts. Tessa watched their joyous celebration with a knowing smile. The accessories were imbued with dual purposes—an untraceable means for Tessa to monitor the children and, more importantly, a dormant pathway to power. Once the wearers reached the age of fourteen, the necklaces would activate, unlocking latent abilities that would shape the next generation of Deri -legu evolution.
For now, Tessa kept this knowledge to herself, her smile serene and enigmatic as she accepted their gratitude. The hall echoed with their chants and blessings, sealing the moment as a milestone in the history of their race. The twins, oblivious to the monumental roles they were destined to play, nestled in their mother's arms, symbols of hope, strength, and a future yet to be written.