“Ow! Fuck, Akierda, that hurt.” Tyler swore. They were all currently in their backyard having a defensive training session led by Donte. Today was a challenge session meant to test their skills and see how they would fare in a fight, but it wasn’t going as planned.
“It’s supposed to hurt. You were supposed to block.” Akierda growled.
“Aki.” Valon chidded. One obvious thing was that Akierda was not a fan of Tyler. Akierda knew that someone new to training wouldn’t be able to block that. The rest of them knew that he knew that as well. He did that on purpose, and it was shocking to everyone but Tyler.
“Ok,” Miza said, kneeling to check Tyler’s bruising cheek. “Maybe we just need a break. Crap, Val, I think this is going to bruise. I’m going to take him in and put some cream on it. We will be back.” Miza fretted over Tyler as they walked away from the group, worried that he would actually be hurt.
“Kierda.” Donte started.
“I’ve been hit harder as a newbie.” He said snidely, crossing his arms. “It’s a challenge.”
“You used full force and you knew you didn’t have to in order to test where he is. What is actually going on?” Valon questioned.
Akierda looked shame-faced and then dropped his gaze, mumbling, “Nothing.”
“Kierda, are you jealous of Tyler?” Alex asked with surprise. When the boy didn’t reply, he crooned. “Oh, sweet boy. I know you missed her a lot, but he didn’t replace you. He belongs here the same as the rest of us, not to replace anyone. I’m sorry, brother.”
Akierda continued to look down with his arms wrapped around himself. With his nest-mates standing there looking at him with pity, he kinda felt silly. He shouldn’t have done that. When he showed up, no one made him feel bad about it. Hell, everyone but J, Valon, and Donnie showed up in the same four-month period. Five of them quickly integrated and built a family. A family that was confused and fucked up but happy nonetheless. Happy before it was ripped away.
Tyler deserved that experience just as they all did.
“I’ll apologize.” He sighed.
“Yeah, we appreciate it. We all get how you feel. Alex is right. Tyler replaced no one. But I can see how coming back, and suddenly there is a new guy could be unsettling. You were just confirmed before the attack, so I get it.” Valon said as he approached him to wrap an arm over his shoulder and hugged Akierda to him.
Akierda found them in the nest room, the main bedroom, sitting on the bed they had all been sharing since they arrived three days ago. Miza was intently dabbing a thin layer of cream onto Tyler’s cheek while he was trying to reassure her.
“I’ll just tell my parents that Chris and I were roughhousing. They’ll believe me.” Tyler reassured her.
“That’s not the point, Ty. I - Something-”
Miza stopped looking confused and uncertain about what she needed to say. Akierda searched her face as he saw the confusion there. Just then, Miza looked up and saw him. He could see the distress hidden in her features. He sighed deeply. He did that. He put that look on his girl’s face.
“Hey, baby. Can I talk to Tyler alone?” He really hated that she hesitated despite nodding and leaving the room.
“Listen, that wasn’t really appropriate of me to lash out at you like that. It’s just tough adjusting. I didn’t have to go through this before, so it''s new for me.” Tyler looked at him, confused. “Before the attack, I was the last one. I mean, we knew there was one more of us, but I’ve never gone through it. I don’t know how the others have done this, especially Valon. Over and over. It''s weird. It’s like I just got back to her after being stuck for so long, and I am still adjusting to you, you know. To you being one of us. But you are my brother, even on the hard days. I shouldn’t be lashing out just because I find it difficult. I should’ve just talked to you or her. I know that. So I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, man. This is hard. I still am not used to “sharing.” Tyler replied uncertainly. “It’s weird. I’m still not used to any of this, but I’m trying to. I guess we can try together. Feel free to talk to me anytime you are having a problem, and I’ll talk to you, too.”
“Yeah.”
~
December (Luna) 12
Elizabeth Whitehouse, was blown away as she arrived at the Harison’s mansion. When she received a call from Greg Harison, she was quite surprised but incredibly excited to hear from him and his interest to not only potentially set up an endowment for the school that she knew she could not turn down his invitation to have dinner with his family. When they first brought Sara to the school, she knew that the child herself was an investment just off her talent, but the air around the family as a whole spoke of a sophistication that left those around them ready to serve. Now, as she drove up to the house, she knew that was quite true.
She knocked on the door to be greeted by Mr. Harison''s equally handsome older husband. Dressed in a black evening suit that fit him like a glove. Smiling brightly she thought it a pity that both were taken. They were a beautiful family indeed.
“Good evening, Headmistress Whitehouse. We are thrilled to invite you into our home.” George said, stepping aside to allow her in. “May I take your coat?”
She nodded and shrugged off her coat, passing it to him.
“Headmistress!” She turned her head to see young Sara dressed in a lovely deep red pencil-styled cocktail dress that stopped right above her knees with her curls bouncing freely around her head. She wore a pair of ankle-strapped pumps in the same color. She looked quite elegant and matched the room perfectly. “Good evening. Thank you for coming. Would you please join us in the sitting room? Would you like a drink?”
“Yes, thank you, dear. Oh, Tyler. I didn’t realize you would be here.” She said as they entered the room and she saw him standing by one of the couches talking to young Christopher and another youth that she had not seen before.
“Oh, yes. Tyler and I have been dating, but we haven’t gone public yet. Stephen, would you get her a drink, please? We have water, peach nectar, and one of George’s signature cocktails?”
“A cocktail, please.” She said as Greg came around the corner.
“Good evening. I just wanted a chance to greet you.” Turning to Sara, “Dinner will be served in five minutes. We are moving everything to the table.”
“Thank you” Sara smiled up at him. “Oh, course, you know Christopher. This is Paul, and Parker is here somewhere.” She laughed softly. Lihte brought over her drink.
“We have a full house tonight.” She said, excitement over the special invitation dissipating with the new faces and confusion lying heavy in her belly. She listened quietly as the kids laughed about something silly that happened at school with Sara’s friends, and George prattled about some business investment he wanted to make.
“...she really was jealous of the portfolio I am trying to build. I don’t know why. Heather is just in dance. She has wanted to dance since she was little. But apparently, my branching into songwriting is too much. It’s fine, though. She can simmer for a bit.”
“Alright, guys, dinner is ready.” Greg stepped back into the room, this time with his suit jacket on instead of an apron. Now that she really focused on it, all of them were extremely well dressed, including Tyler, who, for formal events at school, generally wore slacks with a shirt and ties, not bothering to comb his curls as usual. Tonight, though, he was very different. He had on his own evening suit, and his curls looked relatively tame.
“I suppose needing to stand by Sara’s side would require him to step up at least outside of their school’s standard uniform.” The headmistress thought.
Sara led her into the dining room and left Whitehouse at a chair one seat from the head of the table. She watched as everyone found their seats at the giant table that could fit at least 16 people. On the right side of the table sat Tyler, the new boy, another boy Whitehouse assumed was Parker, Whitehouse herself, and happily, Greg was next to her. Across from them was George, another man she didn’t know, Stephen, and Christopher. At the head of the table next to George and Greg sat Sara. Curious that is was not one of her fathers at the head of the table. She watched as everyone sat silently waiting. Sara raised her hands palms up, and everyone mimicked her.
“Let us thank The Mother for her labor. Let us thank those who use her born fruits to revitalize us. Let us give our thanks to sit and sup together. Blessed is our Mother.”
“Blessed is our Mother.” They all recited back to her.
A fleeting thought about their behavior being cultlike passed through the back of her mind. Then chatter broke out as they started to pass dishes around until all of their plates were full. She noticed that it was all vegetarian, something she hadn’t noticed about them. She realized that Sara had picked back up on the conversation they were having about her friend.
“Right. So, I’m focused on the music industry primarily, so having multiple specialties in the industry makes sense. I already discussed this with the faculty advisor and the grade-level counselor. Heather is being annoying about my life.”
“Did you chat with your counselor so that you can declare, Chris?” Greg inquired.
“Yes. Yes. I did it at the beginning of the week. My classes will adjust after the break.”
“Perfect.” He chirped. “Speaking of which. Again, we are so thankful that you were able to join our family Headmistress. I know you are aware of our situation, and we have a few new details and asks of you.” She looked at Tyler and the new people quickly.
“And everyone here is aware of the situation.” She inquired.
“Yes. Thank you for that. These are all family members of ours. And we are about the let you in on a little secret of ours that will greatly benefit your school in the next few years if you can continue to provide your unwavering support.” He smiled charmingly at her. Sara began to speak.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“As you have been told, we have been in hiding since last year, but George and Greg, well Valon and Donte,” she said, pointing to them in turn, “have not been able to divulge the truth of why. We have reached a point that we believe it is important to notify specific individuals of certain truths as we need to create alliances.” The headmistress cut her eyes between the two men.
“What?” She thought through her confusion.
“I see you are confused. These two are not the heads of this household. I am. My real name is Princessa Mizarmonie Alasmonsette Hyodolshi Lea.” The Headmistress''s mouth dropped. “I see you recognize something in that.” Miza inquired.
“I’m wondering if that name is the Lea, as I’ve read during my studies of obscure historical text.” The Whitehouse murmured as she thought through all of the dates and facts in her head that previously seemed so useless.
“Quite possibly.” Alex quipped.
“Well, at least you’ve had references to it. Early last year, the right of succession changed. I was named heir over my elder brother, and in retaliation, he staged a coup and killed our father. To keep me safe, my mates initiated a safety protocol; we separated and fled.” Miza explained.
“Mates. What?” The Headmistress questioned, causing Miza to gesture towards the others.
“Except Mavrick, my twin, and Lihte. Of course, we didn’t know of Tyler till we were here. There are several separate undertakings we have initiated. As you have said, my realm is only in obscure text. Few outside of our borders know we exist. Currently, opening our borders is a priority. That, however, is difficult to do when we are in hiding, and there is a battle for succession. As I said, we need allies. Who better to start with that one who has done so well keeping our secrets.” Miza prompted.
The Headmistress shook her head. What is she talking about?
“Mr. Harison, I do know that you dote on your daughter, but I am unsure if this prank is as humorous to me as it is to you all. I appreciate your invitation to dinner, but I cannot abide by this sort of behavior from my students or their parents. I am a very busy woman.” She asserted angrily as she pushed her chair back and stood. “Good evening to all of you”.
“Sit down, Headmistress Whitehouse,” Valon advised, looking straight forward at Donte, who was watching the headmistress. Whitehouse immediately felt the cold fingers of fear spread through her as she felt the loss of control over her body as she sat without intending to palm grasping onto the arms of her chair.
“Be nice, Dears.” She heard Miza say to Valon. She felt as if the invisible fingers in her body pulsed with power before they released her, and she let out a shaky breath. “You don’t believe me. I know. It is always hard to believe new information about things of this nature, but I am not lying. What would help you to believe me?” Miza asked softly.
“What was that?” The headmistress wheezed out, struggling to control her panic. Miza frowned and then looked over to Valon disapprovingly.
“Valon used his ability to make you sit down, which was rude of him. You see, people do not have much information about where I am from aside from obscured historical mentions because we are from a land between realms. We pass in between the earth''s material planes and the gods’ plane or the Celestial Sphere. We are rarely physically on the earth long enough for people to find our island. I am a princess there, but I am also what we call the Goddess Incarnate, meaning my mates and I have uncommon abilities.” Miza explains. “Valon, move away and apologize.”
Miza chastised him for clearly scaring the woman. He apologized then picked up his plate and cup and moved to sit across from Tyler. Miza continued.
“I’m sorry for him. He has always been a bit overprotective, but he should know better. To be clear, even if you do not believe us, we do need you to understand that they are not my fathers. While they have a lot of authority to act in my best interest, I am the one in charge here. We have a very serious matter that requires your assistance. `We chose to involve you because we believe you can be trusted, but we need you to be able to trust us as well. You need to benefit from this. We have an offer for you and then we will answer all of your questions. Alexandra?”
Headmistress Whitehouse watched as the girl’s attention shifted from her to the man she didn’t know. Wait? What? The headmistress was briefly confused.
“Yes, of course,” Alexandra said. “ It is so lovely to meet you. Our Dear One has spoken fondly of you. Your background is impressive. You have spent the last 30 years teaching and educating students, but what intrigued me the most about you was your early career. You were a history and education major in your undergrad. As a graduate student, you spent the next eight years researching how ancient civilizations educated their people. You also discussed educational centers that people would travel to. You referenced “Deorum Scientia” and Lea several times in your papers when discussing centres of learning common amongst the ancients.”
“Well, yes. I simply mentioned that this place was mentioned in manuscripts and ancient writings worldwide.”
“You posited in your last published paper that throughout human history, there may have been a place that was guarded and where much of the common knowledge that seemed to be shared amongst cultures was found. While most scholars seem to believe particular eras of learning highlight human history, you believe that there has been a constant undercurrent that lent itself to creating the proper environment so that these centers could grow.” Alex summarized the woman’s thesis.
Whitehouse looked at them skeptically. It’s not that she completely lost face with this theory, but it just seemed so far-fetched that she had stopped discussing it, and that is when she chose to go into teaching rather than continue as an educational researcher . To give herself a break from her obvious excitable fancies. The theory was interesting, but there was never any proof.
“You discussed a document found in Chile that held similarities to information found in Mesopotamia.”
“Yes, but I never had proof that it was real, not a forgery.” Whitehouse countered.
“And so no one took you seriously. But for all of human history, Leana’s Isle was a well-guarded secret amongst the mortals who were given the opportunity to learn there. There is very little proof out there because the Gods did not want there to be proof of their influence in this realm. The knowledge that a Goddess had been specifically assigned to their world and that all the deities they believe to exist are not real is a hard pill for humans who did not have the ability yet to understand the natural world to swallow. You were not wrong, but you also were not right.” Alex clarified.
“Lestania is one of many guardian realms in the universe. The Gods can not coexist with humanoids in the realms that were created for them across the universe because of their differing physiology. The guardian realms each have a deity assigned to them to use at their discretion to ensure the planet under their protection is thriving. Like Earth, many of these realms were eventually abandoned as the Gods no longer saw fit to be active in the progression of life. This is similar to what happened to Earth.” Alex explained.
“Around 10,000 years ago, the Goddess Leana first took an interest in this galaxy. She specifically found the life that thrived on this planet interesting. Leana watched humans progress over time, but as they became more tainted by Venuemaos , she felt a need to assist them because she believed in their capacity. She saw in humans something that she had not seen before.” Alex revealed as the headmistress watched him doubtfully.
“The spark that is specific to what we call humanity but is so easily lost to the fear of fighting for resources in this ruthless yet beautiful world. Leana spent centuries traveling the veils, speaking to people and teaching them, until one day, she decided to bring her first wayward soul back to the Guardian Realm 6,000 years ago. They, of course, died, breaking her heart. However, the Gods had been falling for mortals for millennia at this point. After talking to her brethren, she learned how to modify the Guardian Realm to host both divine beings and mortals. Our realm was the first of its kind, adapted by its Goddess to coexist. Over the centuries, she and Leiro collected many followers as they traveled the veils. Friends that they would visit often as their energies would replenish from traveling the mortal real. She loved them, so she gifted them life and knowledge.”
“They shared with those around them the rich blessings they received. In some places, those blessings thrived, and great powers were built; in others, the humans turned on each other for power. It broke her heart again. The civilizations that thrived were left with instructions for how to obtain the knowledge and power she offered if one was worthy. It eventually became lost because the journey to find her, to prove their desire to help their fellow man was not easy. So many failed, in fact, that over the centuries, no one looked for Leana’s Isle as it quietly passed in and out of the material realm, nor did they believe the myth. Eventually, it became another lost story that only the occasional scholar sought to prove.” Alex recounted sadly.
“This was especially true when the Abrahamic religions took power. After such a long period of war, Leana continued to travel the veil, but after the rise and fall of the Roman empire and the unnecessary carnage that was displayed, she took her final group of humans to her Isle and closed it. She stopped taking humans there to learn. They took their lessons from her as long as Leana could stay in this realm, and then she did not return. She stopped building relationships with humans. She simply focused on the places where Venuemaos hit the hardest to try to influence humans and bring back equilibrium.”
“You see, Elizabeth, we have access to all of the proof you need because Mizarmonie is a descendant of that source. After our unveiling, the scrolls and writings necessary to conduct comparative analysis across cultures would be at your disposal if you can do what is required. All at your disposal as long as you ally yourself with us.” Alex announced as xe finished speaking.
She sat, mouth agape. The shock was evident on her face. Crazy. Was she going crazy? This was a dream. She abruptly pinched herself and then shouted in pain and the realization that she was not in a dream and that she might actually be in danger.
“Headmistress, I don’t know how to prove to you who I am. I have never had to prove it. Most people that know are either from Lestania or just see a girl with wealth and do as I say regardless until they have seen it. I don’t have the ability to show you Lestania or the current Deorum Scientia because it is not safe. I-”
She paused, furrowing her brow, drawing the attention of her mates. She sat staring, unfocused.
“Miza,” Donte called to her, reaching out in worry, but she couldn’t hear him.
“She’s ok,” Alex said softly.” I think Leana is communicating with her. She is having a vision.” Xe explained as xe observed her body language and actions.
Suddenly Mizarmonie gasped loudly, sucking in a breath as if she had forgotten to breathe. She looked frightened and confused.
“Baby?” Tyler called from down the table as they all watched her struggle to regain composure. She had never experienced this. Miza knew that part of being the Goddess Incarnate was Leana choosing to spend time in her body. Still, she was unfamiliar with the idea of the Goddess having the ability to control her body or mind, and that was terrifying. She shook her head.
“Focus on this later.” She reminded herself.
“Um- ok. Leana visited you when you were in the fifth grade. You were on vacation and got lost when you got distracted on an excursion. You almost drowned.” She whispered sadly, remembering the fear.
“How do you know about that?” The headmistress asked shakily.
“Leana.” Miza tapped her temple.
Whitehouse closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She didn’t understand what crazy fucked up world she had stepped into, but she did have an idea that you don’t cross influential people, especially crazy powerful people.
“Ok. What do you need me to do?”
~