12 years later…
Sea Calander 1355
Hawthrone Mansion, City of Miharu, Hoshizora
Servants clad in black and gold hurried through the grand estate, their polished shoes clicking against stone pathways. The once-quiet mansion buzzed with urgency, a stark contrast to its usual serene state. Some servants rushed toward the towering gates, while others spread out into the vast garden, searching every possible hiding place.
Beneath the sprawling cherry blossom trees, a young servant jolted awake from his unintended nap, blinking against the afternoon sun. His night shift had drained him, and exhaustion had crept up without warning. But the hurried footsteps and anxious whispers around him snapped him fully awake.
"Boss, what's going on? What's with all the commotion?"
he asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
A seasoned man with streaks of silver in his hair barely spared him a glance, letting out a heavy sigh before responding.
"Garudan's gone missing again."
His voice was gruff with irritation.
"We need to find him before Akira gets back."
The young servant hesitated, shifting uneasily. Then he cleared his throat.
"But, Captain... I saw Akira with Garudan earlier."
The captain stiffened. His sharp gaze locked onto the younger man.
"What?"
…
A colossal shadow streaked through the clouds, its form cutting across the afternoon sun. The massive black eagle, wings spanning over six meters, soared effortlessly, its golden eyes scanning the landscape below. A single beat of its wings sent powerful gusts rippling through the sky.
Upon its back, a man reclined with his hands behind his head, his black jacket billowing in the wind. A loose white shirt clung to his form, tucked neatly into fitted black jeans. The steady rhythm of the eagle's flight lulled him into quiet contemplation. He hummed softly, watching the world pass beneath him.
Garudan let out a sharp cry, adjusting its path. The great eagle circled above one of the six states of Seikatsu Hoshizora, a land of towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Akira opened one eye lazily and smirked.
"You really do love the sky, don't you, Garuda?"
The eagle responded with a deep screech.
…
Blue Rose Mansion, City of Aokawa.
The Blue Rose Mansion stood like a dream against the golden horizon. Towering sapphire colored walls enclosed an estate brimming with life lush gardens unfurled in every direction, their beds overflowing with vibrant blue roses.
Marble fountains glistened as crystal-clear water cascaded into their basins, reflecting the grandeur of the mansion itself.
Inside the grand hall, an engagement ceremony was in full swing. Golden chandeliers bathed the space in warm light, illuminating the couple at the center of the platform.
The groom, sharp in his tailored blue suit, took a steady breath and lifted a delicate silver ring. Across from him, the bride extended her hand, her elegant gown flowing like liquid silk. The moment stretched, thick with anticipation, before he slid the ring onto her slender finger.
For a heartbeat, there was silence.
Then cheers erupted, laughter spilling through the grand hall as family and friends closed in with congratulations. Cameras flashed, capturing the moment for eternity.
…
The sky darkened momentarily as a great shadow passed over the mansion. Then, with a resounding cry, Garudan descended.
The force of the eagle's landing sent ripples through the air. Its powerful talons scraped against the stone balcony as it perched on the top floor. The impact rattled the glasses inside the hall below.
Gasps and startled cries filled the room as guests stumbled away in fear. Some screamed. Others froze, eyes wide as they took in the monstrous creature.
A figure leaped smoothly from Garudan's back, landing with effortless grace. Dressed in a fitted black suit, he cut an imposing figure standing at an incredible 234 cm, his smooth black hair swept back to reveal striking crimson eyes.
Akira's lips curled into a smirk as he took in the now-empty space.
"Garuda, stop scaring people,"
He drawled.
The great eagle fluffed its feathers, letting out another cry one that sounded suspiciously smug.
Akira chuckled, shaking his head.
"Are you happy now?"
Akira barely had time to steady himself before a familiar voice cut through the murmuring crowd, its tone laced with both frustration and amusement.
"Hey, hero!"
Akira turned toward the sound, already grinning as he recognized the approaching figure. Hajime wove his way through the scattering guests, his sharp blue suit slightly ruffled from the earlier commotion. His gaze flickered to the empty floor where people had stood moments ago, then to the massive eagle still perched atop the mansion.
"Good to see you, Hajime. How've you been?"
Akira greeted, his voice carrying an easy confidence.
Hajime sighed, shaking his head.
"I'm good, but seriously… can you make an entrance that doesn't involve giving people heart attacks?"
Akira chuckled and glanced at Garuda.
"With him? Not happening."
The eagle let out a low cry, as if to affirm his words.
Hajime gave another exasperated sigh but didn't press the issue. Instead, he crossed his arms and tilted his head.
"So, when did you get back?"
"Just today,"
Akira replied, rolling his shoulders before adding,
"Tomorrow's my dad's sixtieth birthday. You have to be there."
A slow grin spread across Hajime's face.
"Of course. And while we're at it, let's grab a group photo with the gang. They should be down in the garden."
Akira turned to Garuda, running a hand down the eagle's dark feathers.
"Stay put. And don't scare the guests."
Garuda gave a slow, almost regal nod before folding his wings and settling down, his eyes gradually drifting shut.
As Akira and Hajime made their way down the stairs, the music from the grand hall swelled around them, a lively melody of strings and laughter.
The scent of fresh roses and fine champagne lingered in the air, mixing with the warmth of candlelight that flickered along the walls. The hall was alive, a celebration in full swing, yet Akira's focus sharpened the moment they stepped into the garden.
Under the golden glow of lanterns, guests gathered for photographs. At the center of it all stood a young woman in a flowing blue gown, her presence like the eye of a quiet storm. Dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, her posture graceful yet poised. The instant Akira saw her, the world around him seemed to slow.
Hinata Higurashi.
For a fleeting moment, their eyes met. The air between them tightened. Then, just as quickly, she turned away, her gaze returning to the camera's lens. The moment passed, but the weight of it lingered.
Akira exhaled slowly, forcing his focus elsewhere. He turned on his heel and strode back into the grand hall, past the dancing couples and clinking glasses, until he reached the center of the room. His fingers brushed over the polished surface of a grand piano as he pulled a microphone close.
With a mischievous smirk, he called out,
"Alright, everyone, let's sing the old academy song together."
Laughter rippled through the hall.
"No one remembers it, dude!"
Hajime's voice rang out from the crowd, amusement clear in his tone.
Akira cracked his knuckles, settling into the piano bench.
"Then let me take you on a trip down memory lane."
His fingers danced across the keys, drawing out a melody both familiar and distant. One by one, voices hesitated, then joined in, the weight of nostalgia lacing their harmony.
"We are children full of light.
Walking together hands held tight
Joyous song we now recite
Believing that our dreams are bright
Helping giving back
All because you showed the way
Holding hands, we'll build together"
For a moment, the years fell away. The music wove through the hall, linking past and present in a single shared memory. And as Akira played, his gaze flickered back to the garden, where a certain blue-gowned figure stood.
…
The garden hummed with quiet laughter and murmured conversations as the newly engaged couple took a moment to rest. The flash of cameras had finally ceased, and for the first time that evening, Hinata allowed herself a breath of peace. Then, a melody drifted through the air.
Familiar.
Nostalgic.
Her lips parted slightly as she listened, the gentle yet commanding notes of a piano weaving through the grand halls of the mansion. Her heart clenched. That song...
Her expression softened as she turned to her fiancé, whispering something before excusing herself.
'A better brighter tomorrow!'
She stepped into the room. The sight before her was like stepping into a memory. A cluster of old friends, arms around each other, voices lifting in song. And at the piano.
Akira.
His fingers glided over the keys effortlessly, his expression relaxed yet focused. But the moment his eyes found hers, his hands hesitated, a fraction of a second's falter before he recovered. The song continued, but a weight settled between them, unspoken and heavy.
Hinata approached, her voice soft.
"Brother, when did you get back from Dressrosa?"
"And thank you for playing this song. It brought back all those childhood memories."
"You have taught us well"
He motioned toward her.
"Come here."
Hinata hesitated.
He repeated, quieter this time.
"Come."
The voices in the hall carried on, fading into the background.
"… in you we take pride"
Hinata stepped closer.
Akira said,
"You know... when there's a beautiful girl in the family, and she has a brother with a bunch of friends, the ladies in the family always pick one of them as her honorary brother. Do you know why?"
Hinata tilted her head slightly, watching him. She didn't answer.
"We stand like rocks like family!"
"I have my sisters. I know that feeling. I don't have sisterly feelings for you. Do you feel the same way about me as you feel about Hajime?"
"Akira, what are you saying?"
Hajime cut in, his voice edged with warning.
But Akira didn't look away from her.
"Tell me, Hinata. It brought back all those childhood memories, right?"
His voice was calm, but something simmered beneath it, something restrained.
Silence stretched between them.
Then, without a word, she turned and walked away.
…
Sometime later…
The celebration had dwindled, laughter fading into the night as guests slowly departed. The grand hall, once filled with music and dancing, now carried the murmurs of farewell and the occasional clinking of glasses.
At the entrance, the engagement boy stood beside an elegant carriage, four pristine horses waiting in disciplined silence. He adjusted the cuffs of his coat before glancing up at the terrace. There, under the soft glow of lanterns, Hinata stood, her delicate hands resting lightly on the marble railing.
"Hina,"
He called, his voice warm, confident.
"I'll pick you up for dinner tomorrow."
A charming smile played on his lips as he blew her a kiss. Then, without waiting for a response, he stepped into the carriage.
"Let's go."
Hinata watched the carriage disappear into the distance, the wheels stirring dust under the moonlight. Slowly, she shifted her gaze to the left.
Akira sat slumped against the terrace wall, a half-empty bottle of alcohol resting beside him. He lifted his head slightly, meeting her gaze.
"Didn't you want to go to Dressrosa?"
His voice was low.
"What happened?"
Hinata hesitated before answering.
"I did. I wanted to learn about their culture… about perfume."
A pause.
"Akio works there too. And… Dad said he was a good match for me."
Akira scoffed, turning his head away.
"And you just agreed?"
"I said yes to the engagement."
"So you said yes to the wedding too."
Silence.
"...Yes."
His reaction was immediate.
"Were you two having an affair?"
Hinata stiffened but said nothing.
"Do you love him?"
"No!"
"I only spoke to him last week. He came back from Dressrosa two days ago. And today, we got engaged."
A long moment passed before he leaned back against the wall, his fingers lazily tracing the rim of the bottle.
"Do you know how women used to choose their husbands back in the day?"
Hinata frowned.
"What do you mean?"
He tilted his head.
"Let's go back in time. Centuries ago, there were two types of men. The alphas… and the rest. Alphas were the hunters, the warriors. They faced the wild, brought home the kill. The others? They divided what was given to them, stayed where it was safe."
Hinata listened.
"Women would skillfully cook. They were responsible for nourishing the children and the community. That's how communities operated."
"However, their influence extended beyond the kitchen. They also possessed the authority to choose, which hunter would become their partner in parenthood."
"They held the power to designate the guardians… who would shield them and their offspring, from the rival hunters and wild creatures."
"It was the women who held the reins of these crucial determinations. Back then, it wasn't about father, mother, caste, region, religion, or a job"
His gaze locked onto hers, unwavering.
"If you lived back then, who would you have chosen? A dozen Akios?"
"If you lived back then… who would you choose? A bunch of Akio?"
His voice softened, almost a whisper. "Or an alpha?"