Magic Knight Rayearth Fan Fiction ❯ Among Gods ❯ chapter 5 ( Chapter 4 )

I'm working on it. Give me time. These last two chapters have been rough copies so pardon the mistakes. I'm going to revise the entire story once I've finished all the chapters.

 

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She was straight out beautiful, so doll like he wanted to reach out and touch her to see if her skin was made of glass. He knew instantly why his father had chosen her as his own.

“Hello mother. It is a welcomed sight to see you so well.” She smiled at him then.

“Hello again my son, it has been five long years, and I see that you have grown much in that course. Tell me, have you brought Luna with you. I have missed her so.” He shook his head.

“She is with Eclipse and Soleil, where she should be. Mortal grounds are no place for her.” He turned to the twins.

“As they are not for you either. May fate have wrath on your souls, you will return now, and leave the child.” His voice was booming and commanding that Eagle nearly bowed. The twins startled, then glared. Azsaruu set Thao down, and turned to his twin.

“It was a foolish rule for us to bow to you. Mother was foolish to have you first, you will hand the crown to me.” Azelea then spoke up.

“I am envious of you brother, you have gotten everything in from life, and you are a true god. But I will not let you best Azsaruu.” With that, they slipped into darkness. Zephyr gave a sigh and beckoned Thao over.

“Come young one, I will not hurt you.” The boy ran to Trist, taking a stance of defense. Zephyr and Trist both gave a chuckle.

“I think the universe has given him protecting, that is the fourth time he has done this.” Trist nudged Thao foreword.

“Do not fear him, he will do none of us harm.” Thao just stood there, quite confused.

“And Trist is not one to need protecting.” Eagle piped up. Zephyr opened his mouth to respond when a large bird came vaulting down the hall. It was headed right for Zephyr with its beak opened wide revealing several rows of sharp teeth. It was on them before anyone could react. A strong gust of wind halted the birds speed, and a blond haired girl appeared before it. She summoned a gust of wind and shoved the bird back into a wall. The creature slowly shrank till it was about 1/16th the size it was before, a music bird, before calmly flying off out an open window. The girl lowered her arms, and breathed out through her mouth. Closing her eyes she calmed herself, before turning to glare at Zephyr.

“Zeph! How could you?! You were going to leave me there weren't you? Weren't you!?” Her hands on her hips, tapping one foot, she looked like a force to be reckoned with. Clef and Eagle both chuckled at the sight as it reminded them of a certain blue haired girl among them.

“Yes, I was. This is no place for you. Return at onc…”

“No!” She balled her hands into fists. “I'm not going.” Zephyr ruined his godly-ness by rolling his eyes and huffing out a breath. He started to mutter something about stubborn girl and annoying voices, but that was all cut clear when Umi spoke up.

“Not one to break up a reunion here, but who the hell are you two?” She was chastised by Clef for her rudeness, but blew him off.

“Hey, it isn't my fault they appear out of nowhe…”

“Mama!” The girl threw herself bodily at Trist in a hug.

“Hello Luna. It has been a while. I see you have found your power.” Trist patted the girl in the back.

“Yup, `bouts two years ago when Zeph was sick, and couldn't even get out of bed. Some man and woman tried to storm the castle, and kill him. Can you believe he was going to leave me with father?! I hate him, he made Zephyr leave. Do you hate him too?” Trist gave her a warning look, and Zeph called her.

“Luna come here now. Do not speak of father in such a way. Without him you would not be here. Why would you ask such a thing?”

“Well, she left too.” The innocence of such a question made Tristis laugh.

“Trust me child, if only it was that easy. I take it he has sent you too?” Zephyr shook his head.

“No, I came to retrieve Azsaruu and Azelea. They have no place on mortal soil, nor do you.” He directed that last part at Luna, who just held on to him tighter, shivering. Her body was still accustoming itself to the mortal world. He wrapped his arm around her waist.

Umi turned to Trist.

“Just come many kids do you have? What is it now…” she counted on her fingers again.

“Five? That is a lot of children!”

“Umi!” Clef smacked her up side the head with his ever present staff.

“Where have all your manners gone?” Trist just giggled. Zephyr looked perplexed.

“Is that a lot? I've never really noticed.” He turned to his mother. “The last death was Elye right? Or was it Elijah? I know Ezra was the first, and then Cornelia, then Lunar, and then either Elijah or Elye was next, and after them was me, the twins, then Luna, and everyone else.” Trist nodded.

“It was Elye, then Elijah.” She smiled scratching the back of her head.

“All together I've had twelve children. Only seven remain. It will all be explained in due time, but as for now, I do believe you three are getting ready to leave for Earth?” Turning to Zephyr and Luna. “And you two are leaving as soon as possible for home?” Umi (thought still quite shocked), Fuu (who was calculating ages in her head), and Hikaru (who appeared out of nowhere to stand beside Umi), all nodded in some aspect or another. Luna looked to Zephyr for the answer who nodded yes.

“But first I'm bringing you back to fathers.” Luna made to argue but Trist stepped in.

“Take her with you Zeph. The burden is as much yours as it is hers. Luna, you are no longer a child now, do not act as such. Treat the child well, he deserves only the best.” With that, the two nodded, and disappeared in a flash of lightening.

Trist then turned to the Knights.

“I would like to see you three off, if, that is ok with you.” Hikaru blurted up that it was fine, and what just happened?

“We are not leaving yet; perhaps you could further explain some things to us? We do not like to be kept in the dark.” Fuu's voice was quiet and cultured. Tristis could not deny the girl anything.

“As you wish. But first, I must locate a certain toddler who always seems to escape his nap time.” Tristis made some hand gestures, and Thao appeared; fast asleep on the ground in a surge of white light. Tristis picked him up and followed the Knights away. The boy grumbled incoherently before laying his head down on his mother's shoulder, fast asleep once more. Eagle, Clef, Ferio and Lantis were left standing there pondering over what had just happened. Ferio was gathered up by some advisors and whisked away, and Lantis stated he had business else where that he had to tend to. Eagle and Clef were left staring at the disappearing backs of the women.

“Don't think a thing of it Eagle. Her husband is not someone to cross, she is his and anyone who thinks otherwise is severely punished. Do not let your heart fall for her, it is not true love.” Eagle couldn't tear his eyes away. His head knew that what Clef said was true, but it just seemed wrong.

“You know nothing Clef. You have had Umi since the beginning.” With that Eagle turned and began to walk away in the opposite direction.

“Eagle, I think it would be best if you returned to Autozam for the time being. You may return once all of this is cleared up.”

 

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The room was silent for sometime before anyone spoke. The Knights were digesting the information gifted to them. Fuu spoke first.

“So you are a god. That much I am sure of, as are all of your children, and your husband. You have known Clef for centuries, and you have 12 children.” Tristis poked up here.

“Had. Five of them are dead. Clef had met Ezra when he was a toddler. He didn't live much too longer after that meeting.” Hikaru replied back with a question.

“I thought you could kill gods, they are immortal.” Tristis nodded.

“True, we can not be killed by things you could be killed by. The only way to kill a god is to be one yourself. Ezra, Elye, and Elijah were killed by my brother-in-law. He did not want an heir to the throne as it would be passed to him if my husband sired no boys. He was not caught until Zephyr was three years of age. My brother-in-law tried to kill Zephyr and make it look like an accident, but Zephyr was and still is special. My husband and I strictly watch over this world, and other gods look over other worlds. Zephyr has been accepted as the god of a world. It is he alone who rules it. Zephyr came into his power at the age of three, and mastered it by the age of five. He was the youngest God to have mastered their power. He was, is, extremely smart, and courageous. Nothing fazes him, nothing except his sister, whom you met this day. Luna is named after Lunar, her elder brother.” The three girls were nodding expecting Tristis to go on.

“Well? What happened? What were you talking about early to them before they left?” Umi was all business.

“Well, Zephyr fought back against his uncle, and the commotion was heard by some advisors. My brother-in-law was trialed and put in a form of prison where he still resides today till his trial tells him whether or not he is to be killed. And what I was talking about before to Luna and Zephyr is simple.” Tristis took a small pause in order to form words when Fuu took them from her mouth,

“Luna is with child.” Tris nodded. Umi should no emotion, the gears still turning. Hikaru brought them to a halt.

“Wait, doesn't that mean Zephyr is the father?” Again, Tris nodded.

“But they are brother and sister!” Umi's outraged comment flew through the air. Tris sighed.

“I had a feeling you would look at it this way. Let me explain. These rules the worlds have about who you can and can not love do not apply where we live. You marry who you fall in love with. When they marry, they will not be known as brother and sister, but husband and wife.” Each girl seemed to think over this differently.

“So…did you marry…your brother?” The hesitant question came from the fire Knight.

“No. Oliver was already in line for the thrown. He would ascend when his father died. His father chose to pass on and he inherited this world to look over. Me, I was a small deity hardly worth mentioning. But it just so happened that I was mentioned, at the palace, among the guards. Oliver caught whiff of the rumor and summoned me. I was scared; I didn't know what the rumor was, so I sent my sister in my place. My sister looked almost exactly like me except she has tan skin and her face structure is different. Where I'm told time and time again I look like a china doll, my sister looked like a normal person. I went with her, but did not face Oliver. I only looked up once, and Oliver and I immediately locked eyes. I kept my head bowed from that point on. My sister stood before the entire court and the Advisors passed judgment, my sister was to marry Oliver before the end of the month, two weeks off. My sister's personality changed instantly. She went from the hardworking, happy-go lucking girl to a smug conceded person with a black heart. This was a marriage arranged, neither people loved each other, and only one person was getting anything great out of the deal, and she rubbed it entirely into my face every moment we were together. We were told to stay in the palace, and given our own rooms. And the very first day, I literally walked into Oliver as we walked past each other. He was talking with some of the advisors, and I was staring at my feet, not quite sure where I was really going. His advisors chastised me for all they were worth, and I must have apologized a hundred times, Oliver told the Advisors he would see to my punishment himself, and told me that I was to report to the gardens in two hours. I early had a heart attack, not that it would have killed me or anything, but, you know.” Tristis stopped, judging the reaction of her audience. All three complained about her stopping, asking what happened next and what her punishment was.

“Was he handsome?” Hikaru had the most innocent of questions it was funny.

“Oh yes, he was handsome. The most handsome man I'd ever seen in the entirety of my life. He had short blonde and red hair that hung low in his eyes, and a very well defined face. He was, and still is, all lean muscle with long legs and pale rose red eyes. My punishment was to accompany him on a walk everyday at that time. I knew instantly that this could be trouble, but who was I to say no to the king?

So everyday at the exact time, we made rounds through the gardens, or court yards, or the palace, and we talked about everything. We never agreed on two things, and when we did agree it was for totally different reasons. My sister grew jealous, stating that he was spending more time with me then his bride-to-be. She began to spread rumors about us, that we were having an affair. It was true, we had made love and we did not deny it. My sister forgave the King and the advisors banished me to this world. That is when I met Clef. He was very helpful, and even still, Oliver would sneak away to visit me. Then, finally the day of the wedding, He came to visit me one last time. I told him about how I was actually the person he summoned, but my sister had took my place. We returned to the palace and I hid in my room while he got ready for the wedding. When my sister appeared before him as his bride-to-be he questioned her.

“Who are you? You are not my bride!” Everyone was confused, and had thought the young king had already lost his mind. He began explaining what his bride looked like, and everyone thought he had defiantly lost his mind, for surely the girl he described stood before him. He held his hand out to me, and summoned me to him. He then explained to all those present mine and my sister's story. My sister began to scream, and yell, and tried to attack me. Oliver warned her he would not stand for it. She called us liars, and cheaters. It was all too much form me, and I passed out. I woke up in Oliver's bed with a doctor at my side. Now, as I said, nothing can kill us short of another god, but we can get sick. I can not tell you how many times I have caught that wretched thing you call the flu.”

Fuu gave a small laugh.

“Ok, ok. Get on with the story.” Umi snapped.

“Ok, I get it, going on. It was then that I found out I was pregnant with Ezra. When Oliver found out, we were married the next day. Three months later Ezra was born. Oliver was ecstatic. He coddled and spoiled that child to the high heavens. He was devastated when he died. He has always naturally loved children, and as his wife, it is my job to make him happy. Though some times he is harsher then he means to be, he means well. When Zephyr took Luna, I think he damn near chased after them to get her back. I think the only thing that stopped him was that Thao was soon born after that. And that is my entire life story.” Tristis sighed, thinking over her short years.

Little to her knowledge, something foreboding was being whispered on the wind.

 

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Life began to settle into a routine from then on. A group would gather in the morning for sparing then head off to breakfast. After breakfast, each person would go off to do their respective thing, then meet back at noon for lunch. From there, sometimes the girl would go out to the market or walk around the grounds, or could be found in either the library (Fuu and Tristis), the indoor gardens (Hikaru, Lantis, Ascot), or the Kitchen (Umi, Caldina, who was attempting cooking.). Tristis had been banned from the kitchen when she got flour all over the place; it took the maids four days to fully clean the place.

Soon three months steadily passed, and all seemed to be well. None of Tristis children popped in, and there were no more attacking animals other then a freaked out mouse. The gardens were the second home to Tristis and Thao. They could most likely be found there except for when Thao was napping, Tris was in the library. Thao ran about, chasing and be chased by a multitude of beast summoned by either Clef or Ascot. Thao had immediately taken to one of Ascots beast, a small deer looking creature with five eyes, and large horns. The creature was a bright white with blood red eyes, its horn were colored black, as were the cat like feet. The gardens and vegetation instantly perked up when ever Tris was by them. Tris had been crestfallen when Eagle had stated he was needed urgently back at Autozam, and she made him promise to come and visit soon.

It was in the last few days of the third month did Clef approach Tris in the gardens. He carried with him his staff, but wore only his inner robes, having shed the heavier ones with the last of the cold. Thao was not far, and the baa of the creature could be heard. The creature constantly called out to Tris, informing her where they two were, and how far they had gone. Tris was seated in a gazebo like structure with a fountain in the middle. Surrounding the outside of the fountain were low benches. The lattice going up to form a dome over head was sprinkled with pink and white flowers in full bloom. Clef came to sit next to her.

“Guru.” She greeted him with a smile.

“You know why I'm here?” It was formed as more of a question then a statement. She simply nodded. The silence stretched, one waiting for the other to speak.

“Tris, you must understand. There would be no reason for you to stay here. I am well aware of the rips you make frequently here, but you have never stayed this long. It brings up many questions and concerns.” He looked hesitant in what he was saying, or in the answers he might receive. When Tris didn't answer he continued.

“I must know. If it is a danger to anyone that is here, or under my protection, you must tell m…” She held up a hand to silence him. She gave him another smile before saying,

“Fear not Guru, I shall take care of it. All of you are charges under my power, and I will have no harm come to you.” She spoke like the true god she was.

“But, if I knew I could help you and better prepa…” She held up her hand again.

“A bit of advice, look after what is yours, yours alone. You own two very precious things right now. Cephiro is not one of them, leave Cephiro to me, I will make sure it comes through unscathed.” She stood, slowly floating out as if walking on air, her robes dragging behind her.

“I don't understand. What do you mean?” Clef was thoroughly confused.

“You're smart, you'll figure it out.” And she was gone.

 

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A day later the inhabitants on the palace were jolted away by the sudden cries of a baby. All rushed to the great hall where the wails could be heard. Upon entering they found Zephyr, looking a tad disgruntled and tired, holding a failing and wailing child. Tristis was on him in an instant.

“Where is Luna?” Her voice was low and quiet, to the point of deadly. He flinched under her gaze, but held his head up. He offered the child out like a present, the baby's arms and legs striking out every where in a fit.

“She can not do it. Take him before she tries to kill him again.” There were some shocked noises to accompany that statement. Tris fixed Zephyr under her gaze. The baby wailed on, his cried painful to those who listened. Even in the warm morning air, he must have been chilly as his blanket fell open. The Knights stepped foreword to take the child and attempt calming him when Tris stopped them.

“She will learn the hard way if need be. This is as much her responsibility as it is hers. She was a coward to not come to me for help herself. She will learn.” With some intricate hand movements, the small hunched form of Luna appeared in a shock of blinding white light. Tears streaked down her tired worn face. She stepped toward her mother.

“Mama.” Her voice sounded hoarse and pitiful.

“I want nothing of it Luna. This is your punishment, Now take the child, he is yours. He is barely a week in age, and yet you have already given up.” Some people flinched at Trist's tone which she took with her daughter; her arms were still folded up in their sleeves. Zephyr still held the screaming child out, offering him to his mother. Luna stepped away from the child, shaking her head.

“No. I won't, I can't.” She wiped at her eyes. Zephyr placed the babe on the table, shifting the blanket to cover him more. He still slung his pudgy little arms and legs about. His hair was a mess, a rat's nest on his head, and his cheeks were as red as tomatoes. His eyes were scrunched shut, unidentifiable eyes seeping tears down his round face. Zephyr stepped away.

“Take him Luna. Take him or he will die.” Luna clutched her hands together, her face screwing up into an angry and upset look. The babe's screams just grew louder; it was a grating sound that tore at the heart strings.

“Shut-up! I hate you! Stop screaming! Just die! Why won't you just die?!” Luna screamed covering her ears with her hands and dropping down to her knees. No one could move, all was still. Tristis looked disappointed, and downcast. She turned her dark burning eyes from Luna to Zephyr.

“Pick her up.” It was a command, not a suggestion. Zephyr did as he was told. Tristis briskly walked up to Luna and struck her across the face hard, a red mark already forming. Zephyr turned Luna into his chest immediately, shielding her incase their mother decided to further her wrath.

“You both have made me incredibly disappointed. I would have expected better.” Her words cut to the core, and stung to those they weren't even directed at. Tristis turned to the child, lifting him up carefully in her arm, holding him so that his front was up against her chest and neck. She held the back of his head and his back, making soft cooing noises to calm him. He drifted into a quiet slumber almost instantly, curling into her neck, and grasping at her hair. Without the child's cries, the great hall was an eerie silence, deafly quiet. Everyone let out a heavy breath that they didn't know they had been holding.

“I hate you.” Was all the warning that came before Luna brought fourth a great gust, directing her hate towards her mother and son. Tristis was soon to react and dispelled the current; cutting threw it, and stormed toward her children. The child fell back into the crook of her arm, still sleeping peacefully. Umi was about to help the woman, when Clef held her arm, preventing her. He shook his head no.

Tristis placed her palm in the center of Zephyr's chest and knocked him back. He went sliding on the floor about twenty feet away. She then took Luna by the forearm and threw her to the ground. Trist's hair swayed too and fro as if on its own, her eyes burned darkly and anger flared in them. So much that it scared Clef to see it so. Never had he seen anyone so angry.

“How dare you! Strike me as you may, but this child has done you no harm. More like you have done him all the harm you possibly could, and yet you try more. He is innocent of all these faults you place on him. I am ashamed to call you daughter. If you can not handle the responsibility of a child, I do not think you can handle the responsibility of your powers. You will hand it over to me.” Luna shook her head, crying again. She began to whisper `please' over and over, begging her mother's forgiveness.

“Beg as you will child, which you have proven yourself to be as of yet, I am not offering you my forgiveness. You have none to take. Had you come to me personally for help, I would have offered my assistance, as you have not grown up around home. You have not seen the care of children, but here you threaten the life of this innocent babe, and you have the audacity to beg me for forgiveness?! You should ask the child's, not mine!” Hikaru felt the need to stand up for the girl.

“Trist, please. Don't make it any worse then it already is. People make mistakes; that is how we learn. Without mistakes, we would never become better at things in life. I'm sure you've made many mistakes in your lifetime, however long that has been. You told us that story, and how you had Ezra. I'm sure he was difficult, it was your first child, and you were new to mother rearing. Do not be so difficult.” Tris met her eyes fiercely, but Hikaru stood her ground. There was a tense stand off for a few moments between the two stubborn women before they both broke of with a sigh. An impasse had been reached.

“Very well,” Tris turned to Luna and Zephyr (who had picked her up in the absence of their mother's wrath) “The Knight of Fire has settled me.” Her temper seemed to have cooled a few degrees, ad she almost seemed jovial again. Almost. Her gaze darkened at once.

“You will leave the child with me until you both feel you are ready to raise and take care of a child. Now leave before I find something else to yell at you about.” Her tune lifted again, and it was obvious she was joking with them. They turned to each other and prepared to leave, but Zephyr spoke out.

“Oh, mother…” Tris turned back to face him.

“Yes?” She watched him through cautious eyes.

“Father misses you. He is lost. Make it whatever your job is here quick so that you may return.” They were gone before she could respond.

 

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