Guadelupe Ramirez
Somewhere in Tucson, Arizona; 14 February 2095; A Time Before
"Sebastian, we're almost there," I huffed as the two of us continued our hike, "I didn't risk it all only to make it three-quarters of the way up!"
I met Sebastian while we were both still patients at the Oncology Institute, and we hit it off immediately. I'd been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on my twenty-ninth birthday, and that same day, I'd met and fallen in love with Sebastian. He'd taken a fondness for me, likely due to the fact that the two of us hated interacting with other people.
"Mi Amor," Sebastian crouched over to catch his breath, "are you sure we're going the right way? How did you even hear about this place?"
I handed him my Hydro Flask, "I overheard a few outpatients talking about these wizards that can heal any ailment. So, I did a little research and found out that they weren't too far from us."
"Yeah, but," Sebastian approached me from behind, "at what cost to us? I don't feel like walking into a setup; not that I think you'd ever set us up, or anything."
I grabbed my lover's hand, bringing them up to my lips, "Mi Amor, we have nothing to lose. I wouldn't have dragged us all the way out in the middle of the desert if I wasn't sure of this." The truth was that I had been banking on the limited research I had done before we left. I was desperate; I wanted to escape this dreaded life, and I knew Sebastian wanted the same thing.
I felt his arms wrap around me as he whispered in my ear, "Even if you're not sure, I would walk the ends of time with you." Sebastian turned me around and our eyes met; I was beginning to feel guilty for dragging him into my suicide attempt—.
"—Love, it's such a precious thing," a woman's voice rumbled within my bones. I looked at Sebastian, and it seemed that he had heard the voice too. "You no longer wish to live in this world, do you?"
I was afraid to move. Whose voice is that?I don't recognize it. I had a million questions.
"Allow me to introduce myself," the woman said, "my name is Amayamon, the Life Bearer. I've been keeping an eye on you, and I think I have an offer for you, one you can't refuse."
I can't trust someone I couldn't see, I wondered.
"How can we trust you when you haven't shown us who you are?" Sebastian exclaimed. I was in love with how he could read my mind.
The trail began to rumble as roots and vines sprouted from the ground; the plants produced a giant bud that slowly bloomed, revealing what I could only describe as an angel. "I apologize for not revealing myself sooner. I'm rather shy." Amayamon's voice was soft and sweet, with a melodic quality.
She had dark hair with green and purple highlights, and her porcelain skin looked like snow. "If you no longer wish to live in this world, please, allow me to send your souls to M'Lady's realm. There you'll live the lives you were meant to live."
"Are you talking about reincarnation?" Sebastian interrogated, "How can we be sure you can even pull something like that off?"
Amayamon wrapped her arm around me, "Chica, I like him, he wants to know it all! To be honest with you, I'm not too sure myself, but Astaroth can see the distant future, and he told me that you two were supposed to be there." Her words were alluring, and I found my body growing heavy, "So, that's why I'm here, to make sure you both grow up to be big and strong in M'Lady's realm!"
That sneaky bitch! She lured us into a trap, and there's no way to escape, I thought as I looked at my love. Sebastian had already succumbed to Amayamon's witchcraft. "What did you do to us?" I strained to ask.
"It's a fast-acting poison made from the petals of this flower," she laughed, "the second it blooms, your fate is sealed. But don't worry, Astaroth said that you'll be born to an Archduke, which would basically make you a princess! And you, Sebastian, you'll be born to a highly respected noble family in the neighboring country!" Her words were getting more and more muffled as my vision completely blacked out.
Rio Griffinola, Fangalore; 14 Shandowr 2R7X
I woke up in a strange room, and my body was heavier than it was in my last moments. Amayamon, I can still hear that crappy angel's obnoxious laugh! Did that tramp reincarnate me into a baby? I was able to look around the room, and it looked hella fancy.
The door suddenly opened, and to my surprise, creatures walked in and gathered around; they spoke a strange language that sounded somewhat like Spanish, but it was a bit off. The creatures looked humanoid but also had beast-like aspects, such as tails and claws. Then, assuming they were my parents, they walked in, and I was in awe.
Both my new mother and father were poised and regal, but that wasn't what captivated me; no, it was the fact that they were Griffins. The two approached me and held me with the same awe that I gave them. The two whispered amongst each other before taking me away for a bath.
During my bath, I was able to get a quick glimpse of what I looked like in this new world, and I fully understood why my parents gave me that look; my skin was as white as snow, and my eyes were striking scarlet. I didn't know what to make of it. Am I considered undesirable in this world?
My mother picked me up and dried me off from my bath and held me in her arms to sing me to sleep. Honestly, I was glad that I didn't have to meet that shitty angel again, although I did wish I were with my beloved, and I hope he is doing well.
Gonzalo Tigress
Tigre Village, Bestahlagro; 14 Shandowr 2R7X
Where am I? Why can't I move? Where's Lupe? Mi Amor? Mi Amor?! I thought frantically; I struggled to move, but I was unable to, my body felt like it had shrunk. And when I managed to flip over to my stomach, I saw that my arms were those of an infant's; I'm a freaking baby?!?
I looked around at my surroundings, and it seemed I had been born into some wealth, judging by the numerous decorative paintings displayed.
The door to the room flew open, and in rushed a woman who resembled a tiger. She lifted me up and cradled me in her arms. Her scent is cozy, I thought; as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but think where Mi Amor ended up.
Capital City El Dorado, Bestahlagro; 24 Galdary 7R7X
Seven years have passed since I woke up in this new world, and I've grown to accept the new identity of Gonzalo Tigress, third son of Viscount Domnacio Tigress. We live in a manticore village right outside of the capital, and today, Papi and Mama were invited to the royal palace for a special party. They seemed eager to allow me to join, saying there would be a lot of children I could meet and make friends with.
I was equally as excited, and upon arriving at the royal palace, I was enthralled by the sheer size of the estate, which made our country little mansion look like an outhouse. We were greeted at the front gate by the nation's ruler, Queen Rebecca Bestahla, along with a young girl who looked to be around my age.
"Buen Noche, Viscount and Countess Tigress," Queen Rebecca greeted, "I welcome you to our home. Renata's birthday banquet is in the bio-garden. You shouldn't have a hard time finding it."
Another carriage pulled up directly behind our own, and the ones that stepped out were a sight not even I expected to see. They were a family of griffins, and they had a daughter. She had snow-white skin and feathers, scarlet-red eyes, and a face covered in freckles. My heart skipped a beat when her gaze met my own.
She approached the rest of us, much to the queen's delight, "Stellaphoña, this is your cousin I told you so much about, her name is Renata!"
Stellaphoña looked at the young girl as if she were sizing her up. "You look like that crappy angel," she sneered. And then it dawned on me: this griffin girl was Mi Amor; I was sure of it.
"Excuse me?" Renata snarled, "Look at the pot calling the kettle black, chicken-head!"
"Chicken-head?!" Stellaphoña raised a brow, "Is that the best you can come up with?!"
"They're getting along just fine, it seems," the Archduke chuckled, "reminds me of our constant bickering, eh, Becca?"
The queen's eye twitched as she forced a polite smile, "Horacio, no need to dredge up the past; after all, this is a special day, Renata's signature recently awakened. And I want this celebration to be one that she'll remember fondly."
"What kind of Beastman are you, anyway?" Stellaphoña questioned, "You look more like a demi-human; you have feline ears, but your scent smells draconic. What are you, some kind of mutt—?"
"—STELLAPHOÑA LIA GRIFFONIA-FANGALA!!" Archduke Horacio scolded, "Mind your tongue! Princess Renata is your first cousin; it would be advantageous for you to remain in her good graces! My apologies, dear sister, for my daughter's rudeness and lack of manners." The Archduke forced both his wife and daughter to bow before the queen and princess, "Lia, quickly, say you're sorry!!"
Stellaphoña begrudgingly bowed before saying, "My deepest apologies for my rude remarks. I shall keep my conjectures to myself so as not to offend you."
The beast queen looked at Stellaphoña and gave her a gentle smile, "She inherited your sharp tongue and curiosity, I see. Renata, why don't the three of you make your way to the bio-garden and enjoy your celebration?"
The two princesses exchanged a grimace before directing their attention to me, "and who might you be?" Stellaphoña raised a brow.
"Mi Amor," the words were instinctual; I couldn't help myself from saying it, but in truth, I wanted nothing more than to know that she was safe. I wanted the security of knowing that Mi Amor was here with me. I gently took her hand and bowed before her.
"I beg your pardon?" Archduke Horacio gasped, "Albert, have you not taught your son basic etiquette?" The archduke's face began to grow red with frustration; however, he was put at ease once his daughter spoke up for herself.
"Papa, you mustn't cause a scene," Stellaphoña remarked, "it is clear that this boy has pledged his undying loyalty to me. Tell me, my good sir, what is your name?" She stuck her hand out in front of me, to which I grabbed it and placed it on my forehead.
"Me llamo, Sebastian," I said, instinctually; the words flowed out of me like an uncontrollable faucet. I looked up to examine her face; she was beautiful; her eyes were a deep ruby, and her hair and feathers were as white as snow. Her expression was one of shock and surprise. If I had to guess, she likely didn't expect me to say that. "Er—, I mean, my name is Gonzalo, Gonzalo Tigress, of the Tigress Noble Family, M'Lady."
The gorgeous creature before me curtsied and gave me a gentle smile. "Stellaphoña Lia Griffonia-Fangala, daughter of Arch Duke Horacio Leo Griffonio-Fangalo," she greeted.
The princess grimaced at the introduction, "Wow, the Bird has some manners!"
Stellaphoña shot her cousin a fierce side-eye, "Renata, would you do Gonzalo and me the honor of escorting us to the bio-garden?"
Renata scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Follow me." The three of us traversed the massive castle that the princess called home; it was something like a Spanish medieval design, with an enormous central courtyard. The bio-garden itself was located behind said courtyard, and it was filled with aristocrats.
I spent the majority of the night with Mi Amor, and we were able to catch each other up on everything that's happened since we encountered the angel Amayamon. She said that when she awoke in this world, she'd believed she was an abomination, which couldn't have been further from the truth. Mi Amor was reincarnated as a rare variant within the Griffin race, giving her snow white hair and feathers, and scarlet-red eyes.
"Honestly, Mi Amor," I began, "I was starting to believe I would never see you again, but there was always hope in my heart that we'd see each other again."
Her cheeks grew red as she smiled, "Mi Corazón, the past five years have been kind to you; you look healthier than ever!" She reached for my hands, "Let's find somewhere more private!"
Stellaphoña escorted me outside the bio-garden, and the moonlight illuminated the night sky, setting a rather romantic scene. We made our way to a bench next to a fountain to continue our conversation. Although the time we've spent in this new world has been short, neither of us was short of stories to tell.
"Hahaha, you have siblings?" Stellaphoña inquired, "How many do you have?" It hadn't occurred to me until now, but the manticore race is commonly known to have large families, so telling my beloved that I was the youngest of a litter of sixteen, she'd practically have a stroke.
"But this place is way better than that hospice in Tucson," I chuckled.
"—TUCSON?!" The princess's voice rang across the courtyard, "Are you two from earth?!?"
Mi Amor and I stared at each other for what felt like an hour before the former interjected. "That was rather obnoxious of you, but, if you must know, yes. Mi Corazón and I are from Arizona."
The princess furrowed her brow, "A simple, 'yes,' would've sufficed." She joined the two of us in our conversation. Apparently, Renata met an angel, too; however, it wasn't the same one Mi Amor and I met. "Her name was Beelzebub; she was truly stunning and strong. I'd been suffering abuse by my foster parents, and when I worked up the courage to run away, I met her. She told me that she and I were the same, not longed for that realm I originally called home."
The story was heavy, and it made the vibe a little sour. "Well, there's no need to doddle on the past," Stellaphoña pointed out, "you have me and Mi Corazón now; you can always feel a level of comfort around the two of us."
She elbowed my side, to which I agreed to my love's proposal, "yeah, it's not every day that you meet someone who comes from the same world you're from. I'm sure our friendship will be just the thing the three of us need." The princess flashed a gentle smile as the three of us gazed at the stars in the night sky.
ZZZZZZZZZZZ—! ZZZZZZZZZZZ—! ZZZZZZZZZZZ—!
It was faint, but I could make out the sound of rapid buzzing in the distance, followed by someone screaming, "STAG HORNET ATTACK!!"
The castle flew into a hysterical panic as I tried to keep Mi Amor and Her Highness close by. The havoc was so intense that the three of us ended up on the opposite side of the estate, and to make matters worse, somehow, we'd wind up on the frontlines of the assault.
"Your Highness!" A dark skinned man with blonde hair and green eyes approached us with a worried expression on his face. "Why are you three all the way out here? This isn't a party anymore, it's a battlefield, you need to find refuge quickly before the worst happens."
Her Highness walked up to the man with a resilience I'd never imagined her to have before saying, "Sir Dmitri, have someone notify my mother of my and my cousin's whereabouts…"
It was like she'd morphed into a completely different person; one moment, Princess Renata was just as terrified of the situation as Stellaphoña and I, but when it came time to give her command, she had an unshakable will. The knight she was speaking with directed a few men to deliver the princess's message, as the three of us were escorted somewhere safe.
Moments felt like hours while we waited for our parents to arrive at the scene. When they finally did come, my and Stellaphoña's parents wore faces of relief; I'd imagine that an attack like this was a big deal, considering this was the first time anything remotely like this had happened since being in this world.
"Gonzalo, Mijo, are you hurt at all?" Mother caressed my head.
"Oh, please," Stellaphoña scoffed, "we're running away from a bunch of over grown bugs? This is mere child's play!" In that moment, she grabbed the sword of a nearby soilder and bolted towards the forest.
"That idiot!" Renata clenched her teeth, "she's just a child, and judging by how eager she was to save the day, let's me know she's never seen a Stag Hornet, Dimitri, don't tell my mother where I went; I have to the responsible one here, it seems."
The man kneeled before Renata, "You have my word, Your Highness. Here, take this." He handed her a small bow and a quiver of arrows before looking in my direction; if I had to assume, he wanted me to accompany her to save Stellaphoña, which, I wasn't all opposed of doing.
"Right," I agreed.
"Mijo, be careful," Mother hugged me one last time before I left with the princess into the forest.
Stellaphoña Lia Griffonia-Fangala
Running through this forest had proven to more trouble than not; I was certain that the soilders were just weak, but it would have appeared that I over-estimated my own abilities. I was being hunted by a group of these Stag Hornets, I was so fatigued, that I'd ended up collapsing; there was sometihing of a wall or a cliff behind me, although, I was too tired to even stand, let alone know where it was I found myself. I was sure that these were going to be my final moments in this realm. That was until—.
—FWUMP! —FWUMP! —FWUMP!
Three of the Stag Hornets came barreling down, I wasn't sure how, but it sounded like someone came for me. I looked around, using the last bit of strength I could muster and I saw Mi Amor, and along with him was my dweeb of a cousin Renata; looks like some finds me worthy enough to save.
"I'll destract them, you grab Stella," Renata commanded, and before I knew it, I was in Mi Amor's arms, once again. He was warm, far warmer than he was in our previous life, he still had a curious and skeptical mind, but he was much gentler with his approach. I wanted nothing more than for our love to transcend time itself.
"Stella, are you hurt?" Gonzalo caressed my cheek, "Renata said that the Dragon of the Forest will be alerted of this disurbance; apparently that's supposed to calm things down in the land."
I was pretty confused by what he was saying, "What do you mean? Who, or what is the Dragon of the Forest—?"
—BUR-CRAAAACK! —BUR-CRAAAACK!
The ground began to split open and from the earth immurged a woman, she had a softness that was angelic and an aura that was all inviting—, wait a minute, I know this feeling.
"I am the Dragon of the Forest, Lady Amayamon," the woman spoke; however, her gaze was directed at Renata. "I have faithfully looked over this land, and its people for over seven rotations, and with this last bit of embara I have left, I will reaffirm order amidst this chaos."
She stuck her hand out and curled her fingers until she made a fist, "Aspect of Life: Synergist's Signature: Crown of Dispelling" When she opened her hand, she held several rings of green light that shot out towards the rampaging bugs. In that exact instant, the madness that once consumed the hornets, came to a complete stop. The woman that saved us, I knew something about her was familiar, but I didn't think I was right; she collapsed and Renata made her way next to her.
"It's you," Amayamon croaked as her remaining strength began to fade. "You may not know who I am, but I would like for you to know that—PUH-COUGH! You gave me something that I found to be very precious and dear to me, and I want to let you know that I took really good care of the gift you gave me. I cherished it, and as you can see, I can't do that anymore, and I'm so sorry for that—."
"You're in," Renata stuttered with tears in her eyes, "That's my—, Thank you, thank you so much for taking care of it for me. You can rest easy now, you've done so much, M'Lady." The woman's body started to glow and she eventually turned into pure embara, tis the fate of every creature of this world. However, the events that transpired left me with more questions than answers. Was it possible that Amayamon and Renata had a deeper connection, and that's why they looked so much alike? Or perhaps, Renata was secretly a clone of the Amayamon.
"Mi Amor?" Gonzalo tapped my shoulder. "We best get going, we've kept the adults waiting long enough." The three of us made our way back to the castle, and despite the obvious scolding we were all due, our parents were more than relieved that we were safe. But I still want to know exactly what is going on in this world and why everything seems so interconnected; furthermore, how do Mi Amor and myself play into this world's story?
Several years later; The Caliburn Institute for Young and Gifted Mages
Mi Amor and I, along with Renata, were encouraged to enroll into this super fancy school for young mages. I was told by Father that it would be advantagous of me to hone my abilities and to be able to hold my own in a battle. If my encounter with the Stag Hornets from when I was a child was an indicator, it definitely let me know that I tend to bite off more than I can chew; I'm eager to see what this new school has in store for me and Mi Amor.
See you next time in Mystics PROTOTYPE: Mystics PROTOTYPE: The Book of Myrlin: Vol. One: A Sage's Awakening & Mystics PROTOTYPE: The Book of Myrlin: Vol. Two: The Olympus Ordeal: The Mycenaean War on hTraé