Chapter 1

I could not understand the basicity's of Astrian life. I may be one, but one in the majority's mind is not a fraction of the whole making me all the more exasperated.

Research does it's duty for otherwise I would treat it under knowledge and wisdom like all others. Such boredom, but the sought-for may as well be worth a pain in mind and physique,

However my life was but a small one, with all the insignificant in the world. Awareness of that has made me fight arrogance and air my fire for knowledge, but factual achievements would raise their voices and point to those who glare and smile at me seconds apart. They know who I am and the facts, always one to be relied on and always respondent, never lie. Which supports that, in my years, I've learned that only one thing never does a necessity of survival, opposite of it: facts.

I stood up, a bright smile lifting my lips. Those were but lowly ideas that anyone would know, things that we shall acknowledge but not dwell in. I shall be in what I am in charge for, my whole being —- what I love and what I will guard to my heart and my brain. My tower may disappear one day, but everything deteriorates after being eaten with the decaying force of time. Time and uncertainty… two certain traits in Astrian's war life; also two certain traits in welding others' minds. However as of now, the Tower of Phoenix will stay its way in giving information. The grand library of all, connecter of Norterra (kingdom of Demons) and Methia (kingdom of the Half Dead), connecter of Celestia and Saphira, connecter of knowledge. It is the holder of many secrets, books copying themselves and snuggling closely to welcome the tower as its home… its twists only belong to itself.

The smile, as bright as the sun, was just as fake. Suns in this wretched world of Astria were a lie, spewing out of a rob-man's decaying mouth on the doorsteps of death. A fake moon, a fake sun, only appearing once the atmosphere from Astria and True Void strengthens. Mesmerizing views to fool… fools. Opinions form truths and fakes but the facts will always stay. Only but Upper Astria: Celestia. Lower Astria: Saphira. And finally, the Mainlands (Mainland Astria), where all kingdoms reside and fight like dogs over the last piece of chicken.

Exactly like dogs. If one just stares at the cruelty of humanity and the Divine Courts even for a little, truly inspecting it, the horrific reality will place a kindly hand against the cheek of an ignorant and suddenly all goes black and Oh! What a magnificent world we live in. Truly opening for us to put out hands out, and receive the easy control opportunity.

My smile remained but it could never be true. I would act and weave, but true smiles may as well be fed to disappear in True Void. Coming first as welcoming…

I'd apologize for my lack of understanding in that field of being truly weak. As much as both the famous and infamous would lift their lips when one would ask if I was one that speaks not the right, straightforward is the right and preferred way. Butter is much the hardness of life.

Although maybe if I were to look into myself as I do others, butter and anything unmoral may come into my hand if it were for what I desire the most.

As much as I may be esthetic to charge into Saphira, kill the ruler, and live peacefully, even a whore's fool son would advice a simple 'no'. That just is as fool-worthy as an unarmed human to try to assassinate a fully fed vampire. The vampire would feed and feed and revel in prey jumped right into their hands. The desire for revenge kills. But the temptation lingering in front of my eyes day after day is unbearable.

If I could…

+++

"I love you this much!" I grinned, spreading my arms to show exactly how wide I loved him.

A hand, too gentle, reached out and caressed my cheek. "My little girl, I will always love you more than you do me. I've got magnificent plans for you, little girl… little girl…"

Gabriel was the name that I treasured so. More than my parents, more so than one closer than family…

He leaned down and whispered into my ear.

"This was what you were meant to do. You don't understand — you've got to do it." His voice lingered with hotness and danced around me.

Flash. I don't remember

…

It was Christmas! White snow!

What was I holding? Oh, right. Gabriel.

Gabriel!

So why was he holding me against him? Sharp

——

Handed me the 'key', made me turn, made me turn turn turn turn-

What was this gooey liquid? Magical. Red. Sticky.

Salty?

It was staining the beautiful white!

My neck hurts. I touched it what came was only the same red.

Magical, Gabriel said, the lock to the key. Then why was my heart aching? Why was mommy looking shocked? Daddy?

"Daddy!"

I yelled and yelled, no response. I'm all alone.

Then white sparkles, shouting with aid.

Was that Ophelia? Mommy's best friend! Yay, yay! As Gabriel taught, I turned and hugged her. I gave her the key. I saw the lock.

Why was there no response? Just gurgling, gurgling SHOCK

Sana? I will give Sana such a magnificent gift too. He deserved such the right, after all it was only fair after handing the beautiful key to his mom.

But no appreciation. All I heard was laughter from Gabriel, made me feel nice, but nothing from mommy or daddy or Sana or Ophelia-Mom or

I don't know!

"Good job, little girl. Very good."

Gabriel reached out, patted my head, made me smile… yay! I made him happy!

Strangely, he went over to daddy's unresponding body. Ah! They were reconnecting! Friends they certainly were, best of friends!

So why was daddy's face so expressionless? And Gabriel didn't say anything, only took those earrings daddy preciously took care of.

"Gabriel!" I ran over to him and looked up. "Daddy loves those earrings! So important, he says! He said to never let anybody talk them, so why are you—"

He put a finger on his lips and smiled. "I'll be taking these. And thank you. Saved me a great job."

I was happy, yes. But why was I sad?

Why were hot tears rolling down my face?

Why did he leave me?

Why was I all alone…

Alone.

+++

If only I could kill the one that I had loved more than anything.

Unwise. Very unwise. He has the earrings. Amber, if I do remember correctly. The gemstone changes upon each new ruler, but one thing is always never ending, something that is just a curse as it is a blessing. Those with either Celestia's or Saphira's earrings are immortal and have supreme control over a sophisticated society. It could be Celestia, the heavens, or Saphira, hell, dependent on what was previously done with that same set of jewelry. They would also be granted immortality, though that is just a facade, a true curse that puts on to be tempting to those ignorant. Their aging stops, but being killed is a fully plausible option. Then they'd be dead but still in the realm that they were in; may even be replaced like the normal Astrian would when another dies and it is their turn — although the one could still stay as young as they were when they put on the earrings, even if they've existed on Astria for over millions of years after putting them on. Immortality, yes; loopholes also exist.

Ah, I was fading into my thoughts again. I lifted my lips again, noticing then my smile disappeared… but alas, that's what happens when thoughts of Gabriel worm its way into my head. It would be utterly useless if I would not do such the things I thought about — may I ever construct a magnificent plan. Best should I do is continue what I always do and what I am greater at.

As such, I do think that I was missing some wallowberry. Only five crushed batches were left, but they should be easy to get as they're in Dralia. Humans were definitely not my favorite, but they were of the less dangerous. What continues my worries are the kingdoms in-between: Norterra and Slunada.

Scavenging materials from any other kingdom would've meant at least one territorial glare, and though that may be less dangerous, lands of bloodthirsty demons for shifters and vampires for humans would not mean freedom of treading.

I looked on at the rows of books, abundant even if it was near my office. The tower would always continue on expanding as each book is written and finished.

Of course I know every little crevice in these marble walls, all the rooms that exist to aid me in experimental purposes.

However, it was only one that helps me, unwilling to become chained in my knowledge. As free as fire, as eternal as a never-dying bird. And even though I was the founder, it is not fully in my control.

Maybe that's part of why I love this tower, too. An unpredictable part in my predictable part; I had always thought I yearned for something that was not in control.

I stepped out of my office, sad to have to travel so far yet again. A sigh slipped out of me, one that was long and weary, however involuntary it was.

I work alone, and while it was my preferred choice, sometimes I would wish to no one I could have assistants. Or lackies, another may say. Both were adjectives to the same group; only one was buttered and the other was informal.

At the same time of making things more efficient, – however much I may not trust them – I could've toyed with them. This non-existent wishing would certainly bring a smile to my face, despite it being, of course, non-existent.

My wishing was interrupted by something one could say similar to a manifestation of my wishes — two vampires, a werewolf, a dragon, and a… human? Or fae?

Interesting enough.

And what were people doing in the deepest areas of the library? A possible human, no less? Anyone would know that even ten of another race would not survive in the deepest midst of the tower.

Perhaps they were lost? It wouldn't be impossible, but only those with no sense at all would enter.

"Greetings." I straightened my back, laid my hands upon one another, and titled my chin. A smile, as always, rested carefully on my face. "How may I help you?"

The human fae took a subconscious step back and placed a hand on the werewolf's arm. "I…"

Oh.

Simply some prey, wandering lost. Scared now, wasn't she? And so were her… companions, demonstrating a little shake here and there.

They did however have the audacity to glare and growl at me.

Hmm.

I looked her straight in the eye. My pupils might unnerve her, but that was all the fun now. A cause and an effect, a cause in which I had control over…

The girl huffed and took a step forward. Lifted her chin. "I'm looking for Chunami!".

My smile turned genuine. I could have quite the fun with this human. May cure some of the boredom I have been experiencing. Would be fair — and although life wasn't, one could try to make it fair. Or even in their favor.

Her looks could've given her many things to do. Even the unique short hair and long side bangs made her the beautiful angel that might've been sent from Celestia. Her skin too was something to be marveled at, melting even those with the coldest of hearts; it was even just gold, reached for from even the highest of men.

The boys next to her must be having quite the fun.

"And what would you want with her, little girl?"

She took a step closer, the fear wearing off. "Don't call me little girl!"

I could play this game perfectly. A dance until one falls, a beautiful one.

I also took a step forward. "And why would that be, little girl? You don't seem to understand what position you are in, do you?"

My arm reached out and I touched her skin. She flinched, as I had expected. "I'm looking for Chunami. If you're not going to give me what I want, I have no business here! And-" She glanced at her companions "-don't call me little girl! I'm 15."

"And I'm twenty-two. I'll call you little girl all I want," I responded. "You want her help? You earn it. You want to leave?" With each sentence, I leaned closer. Her unmoving stature may be brave, but there was a thin line between bold and stupidity.

Soon we were centimeters away from each other.

I leaned in until my lips touched her ear.

"You can't," I whispered.

She scampered into the arms of what she would call 'safe', and I burst out laughing.

It was a blood-curdling sound, one that sounds much like some screaming. People would describe it as the melody of the dead prancing away into the arms of Saphira.

But at the same time, another would say it sounds much like a song. A song filled with sorrow, but an eery melody nonetheless.

I would say it was just the project of my amusement of her fear.

"I'd have to apologize, wouldn't I?" I grinned at her. "I'm sorry. I just live such the boring life here. Shouldn't guests try to help?"

The dragon blocked her from my view. "That was not help. That was force." He pursed his lips and looked down at my shoes.

Oh, the density of shifters. Who couldn't tell such a simple fact?

I would have to stop contradicting myself in speech. Playing is no fun with the foolish.

I clapped my hands together and schooled my face, backing away. "So, what do you want with me?"

The shifter, guilty, looked elated to stop continuance of the conversation. It was the guilty happiness of cowardice.

Such a waste in a dragon body.

The girl wiggled out from the hive of bodies. "I want…" The dawn of realization passed through her face.

"You want…?" It was a statement dressed in a soft clothing of choice.

"You?"

I feigned a look of sarcastic shock and rested my hand on my lips. "You want me? Oh my, I didn't think you would swing that way when you had your disposable companions." I leaned closer. "Though I would appreciate you more in bed than they will. Look at this beautiful skin…"

I trailed a finger on her cheek. Sadly, her flinch was almost unnoticeable.

"Will you help me?"

I pursed my lips and sighed. "It is my duty to, once you're in the library."

"My sister. She's gone."

My stare bore into her when she didn't say anything else. "Elaborate."

To my surprise, only then she did. "I went out on a trip and when I came back, my sister was gone! I asked the headmaster of Alfire Academy – Yamum – and he told me to come to you." Her eyes rounded, desperately. "Please help me, you're my last resort."

Alfire Academy. The school where everybody goes to until they're 24, one that was somehow located in Dralia as other kingdoms couldn't agree on where it should be. It would be unfair, the Council had agreed. I, of course, had only just nodded when they looked at me. It had been one of my more rare sightings in the Council room.

And for Yamum to suggest me… now wouldn't this get more interesting?

"How do you know she didn't just go out on a trip of her own?"

The vampire with glasses stepped forward. "How dare you second guess-"

The girl shot him a glare and interrupted him. "The room was messed up and there was a horrible smell. Sani, my sister, loved things clean. She wouldn't have left it that way."

A small smile danced across my face. "Mhm…"

"So? You'll help me, right?"

"What's your name?"

The vampire looked even more annoyed but as he opened his mouth, the girl answered. "Elly. Elly Lille."

I dipped my head, holding back the mere amusement of the vampire looking dejected. "Nice to meet you. Let us be acquaintances, shall we? Chunami Mizuki is what I go by."

Hope flickered into her eyes. "Does that mean you'll help?"

I still didn't answer the question. "Are you not going to introduce your companions?"

Elly pursed her lips. "You're not answering the question…"

I smiled. "Push it and you may lose. And are they really that less of an importance that you'd rather-"

"Fine!" Elly motioned to the irritable vampire. "This is Alex, and he's a vampire." My eyes swept over him, taking black hair and black eyes into account.

"And you have naught the need to tell me of their race. A simple art is that."

She didn't give any address of hearing my comment except for only saying the names.

"Max." The werewolf – black hair, hazel eyes.

"Xander." Another vampire with brown hair and hazel eyes.

And lastly, "Lucas," who was the largest of them all. But that was to be, being the largest of the shifters. It was, however, surprising that anybody without context could assume they were siblings — except he was a dragon and she was a…

"What race are you?" I looked straight into her eye, studying her once again. She had the aura of a human, but if observed from a different angle, a fae. Stronger than a weak aura, borderline mine, wavering sometimes fat sometimes human.

Elly blinked and glanced away.

Oh. I forgot she was afraid of me. Or had something to hide — even maybe both, an answer in which would be the expected.

But, as always, she answered. Such was the power of desperation. "Half fae, half human."

I would say nothing surprised me at this point from experience, but half-breeds were nothing to be merely 'surprised' about. Especially one that has grown to her age. Cross race relationships are plausible and allowed, but the Council forbids children — a decision I played a rather large part in. In midst of research, I found that the hybrids would not survive as both race's features would grow and the baby's body would rip apart.

In humans' cases, the human body would be too weak to sustain any other features. In other words, hybrids cannot live over a year.

It also means the girl standing in front of me should be dead.

"Half fae… half human?" I blinked, mouth opening and closing. My research was foolproof. Hundreds of test accuracy was at risk here. There was no way in Astria Elly could've survived.

She sighed. "Yes. My body had a genetic mutation, and so, here I am."

"Then perhaps… May I ask to experiment on you? If so, I'll help you." I inquired, a welcoming smile forming on my face.

Immediately all her 'friends' blocked her off from me and she made a sound that would otherwise tell me she was a mouse.

Worthy of who she was. Sacrifice for one's sister is not on her mind, was it?

I shook my head in disappointment. "Wallowberry it is. I'll help you but you are in debt to me. A favor when I call so."

Elly pushed herself out. "Ok." She chuckled softly. "Better than experiments."

Yes, such the shame. However I may slip in some potions for testing purposes in the future, and though this was not the outcome of the best, I'll get wallowberry and a trip with other than boredom.

"No time to waste. Shall we?" I walked past them and through a door, not bothering to check if they were following.

Their fate was left up to the God's if they were foolish enough, no? And though I may utterly despise Saphira's (Gabriel), Tomioka was doing the fine job of leaving Mainland Astria alone. The angels also played a part.

I heard steps run up and settle beside me. "Do you have no companions? Helpers? Isn't it so lonely?"

"No."

"What about all your materials? How do you get them?"

"Occasional trips."

"Are you part of the Council? I remember learning about who Chunami was. You are her, right?"

"Yes."

"So you're part of the Council?"

"Yes."

Her voice was slowly getting higher and higher, similar to a jay. But instead of it's beautiful melody, it was one that wouldn't stop chirping a pitched tone.

"What about your family? Do you have a lover?"

It was then I stopped and faced her. I smiled, wider than ever, but it was with no joy. One could say with menace.

"I've got a question to ask you."

Elly nodded in expectance.

"Do you want your lips stitched up? It would do good for all us here, including your poor, poor sister. I could ease the pain, too. Maybe cut off your tongue sainted of stitches? Would make your features prettier. Or mutilate your face with your mouth to end the pity of fools."

Ignoring her shocked expression, I turned continued walking around the corridors.

Max and Lucas turned me around. "Do you want to die?" Max growled. Lucas cracked his knuckles.

Ah, to be amused by mere shifters. What have I become?

And truth told out, couldn't the girl protect herself? Children they were.

I narrowed my eyes and glared at them, power radiating off my form. When my power was less from my fae gifts than my knowledge and inferior to past… acquaintances, they succeeded most.

"No, I do not want to die. Do you want to beg to be killed?"

They said nothing, and so, realizing my foolishness in letting them make me release some radiance, I turned and ignored anything, only letting out a murmur.

"Thought so."