Flashback

2003

Tuesday August, 8

Palace of Hades,

Underworld.

(Omniscient POV)

Hades, Persephone, Nuwa and some other gods silently watched Zagreus, as he anxiously paced about. His two twin sisters could be seen eying him from the stairway in the corner.

“How long has he been like this?” Melinoe half-whispered to her twin sister, Makaria, who looked on solemnly at Zagreus.

“For some months now.”

“What’s taking the messenger so long?”

Before her sister could reply a fan fair announced the presence of the messenger. A small weather-beaten old man in rags dragged himself into the throne room and knelt before them.

“All hail the Lord of the Underworld!”

“Speak, mortal.”

“My lord, I bring good news and bad news…”

“Spill it!”

“The good news is that Long Mu’s soul has successfully found a new host…”

There was raptures and shouts of joy and jubilation but it soon died down when…

“Wait!” roared Zagreus beckoning the messager who was about to creep away.

“M-My lord?”

“What of Agnis? Where is she?”

“I’m sorry my lord… but that’s the bad news...

“She’s dead isn’t she?” he interrupted anxiously, before turning to Hades. “Dad why didn’t you say something…”

“I’m sorry son but I haven’t sensed her in four months.” murmured Hades as he peered into the purple orb in his hand. “I don’t know why I find it difficult to feel her essence.”

“What do you mean you can’t feel her essence?”

“I don’t…”

“Can someone please tell me what’s going on?!

“Son, calm down!” purred Persephone.

“I don’t want to calm down” he whined in anger. “I want to know where Agnis is!”

“My lord, if I may…”

“Go on!”

“When we got there…”But what?!”

“We couldn’t find the body… she’s missing!”

***

Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean,

The Crystal Palace.

10:17 AM.

(Maidservant Bao’s POV)

“What a beautiful way to begin the new week” I thought as I left my room. My shoes clicked softly as I walked through the corridors inspecting the servants while I greeted the nobles I met along the way.

“Oh no… not again!” I groaned on seeing a maid wheeling a trolley out of the king’s study with his tray of food untouched.

“Yang …Wait!” I said as I quickened my steps towards her.

“Good morning my lady!” she beamed, with a slight bow on seeing me.

“He refused to eat his food again, didn’t he I sighed

“Yes, my lady.” she murmured, infected by my melancholy. “At least, he didn’t dump it on me like Jiayi last week.”

I couldn’t help but join her in laughing when I remembered how silly Jiayi looked. The king had immediately apologized to the poor girl and increased her pay but up till now she always refuses to not only go near the king’s tray but the Royal Quarters as well.

“But on a serious note, my lady… this makes it the seventeenth time he has refused his food. Is everything okay?”

“You never mind that; just give it to me. I'll make sure he eats it. Go and prepare a relaxing bath for the king.”

“As you wish, my lady.” she said, with a slight bow and left. Taking a deep breath I wheeled in the cart.

“Your majesty?” I screamed in shock.

I could barely recognize him. He was lying on the lounge chair wrapping himself with an old short faded yellow blanket. His usually long golden hair was a tangled mess and he looked like he hasn't slept nor showered in days.

“My lord, what happened to you?! Don’t tell me you drank yourself to stupor!” I scolded.

“Good morning, Maidservant Bao.” he mumbled, ignoring my cackling, making no attempt to get up.

My heartstrings stretched on hearing his voice. You could feel the sadness and despair in his voice.

“You still miss her, don't you?” I sighed, squatting beside him.

He looked like he was groping his mind for a lie but finally decided to settle for the truth and nodded with tears threatening to fall from his eyes.

“Is that a reasonable excuse for you to starve yourself to death?” I scolded

“Leave me alone!”

“Do you think she'll be happy wherever she is now to knowing that you are refusing to eat just because you miss her?”

The king just glared at me and burrowed himself deeper into the chair defiantly. I sighed in frustration as I straightened myself. Mumming a little about how he was behaving like a big baby, I went to the window and opened up the blinds for fresh air to ventilate the room. The silence was thick till I spotted his wilted snapdragons and white lotuses.

“You just need a change of scenery, my Lord. Hold on, let me change your flowers...”

“No!” he roared flying out of the couch and snatched the plant out of my hand.

“Are you crazy?!”

“Your majesty!” I gasped in shock, trying to be as calm as possible. “I don’t get what you’re being so irrational about… it’s just a plant.”

“It’s not just any plant! It… it’s special.”

“Care to explain?” I asked, folding my arms.

“Before mother died she told me to take her ashes use it to fertilize her plant.” he sighed, sadly. “When I did as she instructed that very day the plant withered but I… I don’t know why I never had the heart to throw it away…”

“Because it reminds you of her.” I said softly as I closed the distance between us. “The plant is a symbol of your love for her.”

“Erm… Maidservant Bao?”

“Yes, my king?”

“Is it weird?”

“What?”

“Keeping this plant… it’s weird, isn’t it?”

“No. no it’s not my king.” I cooed, cupping his face in my hands. “It’s just proves to show what a dutiful and responsible son you’ve grown up to be.”

“Oh, what will I do without you?” he slurred, pulling me into a hug.

I felt my heartbeat accelerating against the rib cage as I reciprocated. It was like my body had a mind of its own as I patted him on the back. I felt intoxicated by his sweet scent, my breath hitching as I felt his arms tighten around my waist causing our pelvis to rub against each other. Just then, the door opened causing us to break away.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Good heavens, what’s going on here?” exclaimed Master Yìchén, the Supreme Beta.

“I thought we were friends; why didn’t you tell us?” he whined.

“About what?”

“About your relationship.”

“Relationship? With who?” I asked curiously, weirdly angry at the thought of him with someone else.

“Aren’t you two dating?”

“No!” we said simultaneously.

“Then why were you guys hugging?” he asked curiously. For some reason, I didn’t know why I felt tongue tied.

“I was sad, Maidservant Bao was just comforting me and…”

“Go on!”

“I, erm, got carried away.” He stammered. “I’m sorry you guys got to witness that.”

“No problem, we just wanted to remind you of those stuffs we talked about the other day.” said Supreme Beta Yìchén, airily.

“What stuffs?”

“The ones we’re not supposed to say in front of commoners.” hinted Supreme Gamma Hàorán.

“Excuse me? Who are you calling a commoner?”

“Maidservant Bao, could you please excuse us? I apologize on Supreme Gamma Hàorán’s behalf.”

“It is okay, my lord. I was going any ways.” I said sadly.

I felt uneasy as the Supreme Gamma was still giving me the same weird look since he had entered. I don’t know why I felt sad all of a sudden when I turned to leave. He was about to speak when my eyes caught something.

“My lord, look!” I said pointing at the plant.

They all turned in time to see it slowly blooming. It was like watching a living time lapse.

“Incredible!” cried Beta Yìchén.

“My lord, what does this mean?”

“It means my mother has been reawakened!”

***

No 454, Onozutu Drive

Division C,

Otite, Okene,

Kogi State,

Nigeria.

(Victoria's POV)

Mama hummed softly as cracked and sorted her freshly fermented melon seeds on her chair in the parlor while I laid on the floor beside her and continued reading my favorite novel. Judith and Jessica had gone to grind tomatoes for our dinner's soup while we waited.

"Vicky..."

"Ma?"

"Si bowl hu ni store awor va mi."

(Ebira: Please get me a bowl from the store.)

"Ok ma." I grunted as I picked myself from the floor.

I almost reached the store when my ears perked in alarm as I heard groaning coming from the parlor.

"Mama!" I shrieked, rushing towards her. She was kneeling on the floor, clutching her chest in pure agony as tears flowed from her eyes.

"Mama?!"

"I'm fine!"

"Mama, I'm scared...”

"I'm fine!"

"Mama, you are crying and you say you are fine?! Where does it hurt? Wait, let me get Mama Joke to take you to the hospital." I said, in a rush and tried to rush out but she held me back firmly.

"I'm fine! It's time you learn some things about our family, my last born."

"What do you mean...?"

"She's back!" gasped Mama, clutching her chest again. "I feel it now more than ever."

“Who?"

"We've waited for so long...” she continued, oblivious of me bedside her. “And now she's finally here!"

"Mama, who's here?" I asked, getting her attention this time.

"Who else but the..."

Mama was interrupted by five simultaneous peals of thunder followed by the whooshing of pregnant clouds. We were still in the same position when Jessica and Judith returned shortly before the rain began to drizzle.

***

At the same time,

Somewhere in the spirit dimension,

(My POV)

“Jiro!” I screamed, waking up with a start as I pushed myself off the smooth stone cold floor.

My head felt wooly as I looked around wondering. I was in some sort of large dim glass dungeon or hall with a lot of stuffs piled up around the edges and glass pillars. Unlike my curious nature, I was more focused on finding the exit than checking them out. After a minute or two I heard something creak.

“Hello?” I called. “Who’s there?” My voice echoing across the room.

I couldn’t see well as the only source of light came from a purple pea sized flaming orb held in a scaly claw in the middle of the room. Apart from my footsteps, it was eerily quiet.

“How am I ever going to get out here?” I thought aloud.

“If only my guardian angel was here…”

“So, now you need my help!” said a disembodied voice.

“Hello?” I said looking around to see who it was.

“I don’t blame you; this is just the first time you’ve decided to visit ME.” it said; the voice sounding like it was in between childhood and adulthood.

“Hello? I don’t who you are but I could really use your help…”

“The world needs YOUR help more…”

“Really? How? Wait, how did I get here and who are you and where are you?”

“I’m right behind you!”

“Ah!” I shrieked, jumping away, a little disappointed. I was expecting a wised sage or wizard but all I saw was a tiny purple floating dragon, the size of a baby mouse, grinning toothily at me.

“After all the great things you’ve done, I didn’t know you’d scared of me…” it laughed.

“I wasn’t scared!” I protested, nettled.

“I just thought you’d be human!”

“If you say so ‘Fraidy-Cat!” he chucked, rolling its eyes.

“No, I’m not!” I snapped

“No, I’m not!” I snapped, slightly embarrassed. “I didn’t expect you’d be…”

“…so small? Yeah, I get that a lot!”

“I’m sorry…but are you a kwomi?”

“Me…a kwomi?” It scoffed. “What do you think this is, Angie, Miraculous: Ladybug?”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to … wait, how do you…?”

“I'm your Spirit Guide and I’ve been watching you since you were a baby.” it said, showing me several TV screens in black and white, which I had earlier failed to notice. All of them were showing me spear eagled on the floor

“Is that me?” I gasped. “Am I dead? Where am I? Am I dead?”

“Relax, Angie, we’re just in the Spirit Dimension which is in between the land of the living and the dead.”

“So, I'm dead… OMG! Can I see…?”

“No… I'm sorry but you can’t see her because you’re not dead…yet”

“Oh, ok!” I said swallowing my disappointment. “So, how do I leave here?”

“By embracing your destiny!” it sang, flying towards the claw.

“My destiny? Wait what’s my destiny…errm”.

“I don’t have a name.”

“Why?”

“According to the Guardian Handbook; Rule 5 states: ‘’every guardian is to be named by their ward.’’

“Oh, look, I'm sorry…” I said briskly “…but I don’t have time to name you but I promise I will when I get out of here. My friends are in trouble and I'm the only one that can save them.”

“Yeah, no kidding. You really saved them earlier, but don’t worry!” he added with a bow on seeing my glare “I'm here to help.”

“So, you said the only way out is by embracing my destiny, right?”

“Yes!”

“And I guess it has something to do with the fire in that claw.”

“You’re smart but that’s not just any fire it’s a flaming pearl.”

“A dragon’s pearl?”

“Yes!”

“Then, why haven’t you used it?”

“I can’t! It doesn’t work on spirit guides…believe me I’ve tried!”

“Why didn’t it work?”

“Isn’t obvious?” it sneered. “You’re the only one meant to have it.”

“So, it’s magical?”

“One of the most powerful ornaments in the cosmos!”

“But if I go back, what about you?”

“I’ll remain here forever…”

“But you’ll be lonely here all by yourself!” I cried, when I got a light bulb.

“What’s wrong with your face?” it asked on seeing my enlightened look.

“Is there any rule that prevents you from leaving here?”

“No, not really…why do you ask?”

“What if I take you with me?”

“I don’t know…”

“I really need your help and guidance, in the flesh…”

“Well, I HAVE been quite lonely here and she DOES need my help and I AM her spirit guide…” it contemplated loudly, pacing back and forth in the air.

“So?”

“Fine, let’s go!”

“Yay! Here, stay here in my breast pocket.”

“Why does your gown have a pocket?”

“Because I like pockets. So, how do we get out of here?” I asked, eagerly rubbing me palms.

“Carry the pearl with your right hand and the pearl will project its message. Don’t worry!” it said on seeing my skeptical frown. “It won’t burn you.”

“Ok, whatever you do don’t come out!” I warned.

“Got it!” It said, diving into my pocket.

“Alright, here goes nothing!” I said, going towards the claw.

Taking a deep breath I took the pearl and to my surprise it didn’t burn me though it was a bit hot. I felt scared as it glowed brighter before projecting its message on the wall. I cleared my throat, my voice echoing, as I read it:

A Serpent’s tail,

Whiskers of a Rat;

A Carp’s scale,

Wings of a Bat.

The goatee of a Goat,

Belly of a Rabbit;

The heart of a Clam,

A Monkey’s wit.

The face and horns of an Ox,

Teeth and claws of a Tiger;

The legs of a Horse,

Crest of a Rooster.

Ears of a dog,

Eyes of a demon

And snout of a pig;

Come together and make me a dragon.

As I began to read the things began to move around the room leaving me in the eye of the tornado. All the animal one by one entered the pearl as I called the softly making the animal’s sound when I felt like my hand was on fire but I couldn’t let go of the pearl. The pain was so intense I sank on my knees as I cried. Through the pain, I saw my little dragon turning to dust and entering the pearl causing the flames to rise higher. Suddenly, with the force of a bullet, the pearl shot into my chest knocking me backwards unto the floor.

***

Back in the church,

At the same time.

(Mr. Cheng’s POV)

I stifled a yawn as the reverend continued to drone on about the rewards for giving whole heartedly.

“Will this sermon ever end?” I thought burrowing deeply in my chair and I began to slowly drift into sleepy town. Just then, a soft groan on my left jolts me back to reality.

“Master Long?” I gasped, quite alarmed as he clutched his chest. “Are you okay?”

“Of course he isn’t?” berated Young Master Damien who was on his other side. He had been alerted by my gasp as my master’s face contorted in pain while Young Master Kai, unperturbed about the crisis on ground busied himself on social media with his tablet due to the ear pods blocking his olfactory system.

“Should I call the doctor?”

“No, I’m fine!” he croaked.

“Grand Master, are you sensing someone again?” asked Young Master Damien, leaning closer to him and he nodded.

“Who is it?”

“Her! I need to see her!” he gasped, trying to stand up.

“No, my lord!” I said, detaining him. “You can’t leave you’re not well!”

“It’s not a mortal thing that ails me, man! Get off me!” he snapped

“Huh?” I said, taken aback by his anger.

Master has never snapped at me before, this was so unlike him. He hardly frowns even when he’s ticked off or offended.

“I-I felt her Damien… just seconds ago!”

“Who’s he referring to Young Master?

“Here, we go again!” muttered Young Master Kai, rolling his eyes as Young Master Damien and I struggled to hold him down.

“Let me go!” he grunted struggling against us “I need to see her!”

“Young masters who is the ‘she’ he has been referring to? I asked trying my best to not make a scene.

“Saying her name will only upset him even more…” grunted Young Master Damien.

“I can feel her again! She’s back! She’s finally back!” he cried excitedly bouncing in his chair and that’s when I realized who he has been talking about…

Wen Shi!

“Oh no!” I groaned as we again pinned him to his chair again. We were lucky that so far none of the members of the congregation had noticed us.

“She’s here!” he began to whine “I need to see her!”

“Not again!” muttered Young Master Damien, darkly eyeing Young Master Kai who had been chucking over our fray.

“My lord!” I cooed. “We haven’t sensed my gentle mistress soul for over a decade, right?”

“Yes true… that’s true.” he slowly admitted

“We also have no proof the brave priestess succeeded in giving her a new body…”

“Your point being?” prompted Young Master Damien, noticing how Grand Master had calmed down

“My point is: if my lady had been given a body why haven’t you sensed her rebirth all these years and why hasn’t Mother Nature confirmed it yet?”

The look of gratitude was priceless on young master Damien’s face as my words dissolved into my master’s heart.

“Yeah… you’re probably right.” he muttered, awkwardly adjusting himself in his chair.

I was just about to reply when we were interrupted by a deafening roar. Everyone panicked and scampered for support as the hall was vibrated to the core while the young masters and I steadied my lord.

“What was that?” gasped Young Master Kai after the earthquake subsided.

“That?” scoffed Grand Master, like he was nettled that we didn’t understand what was going on. Master Long then threw our arms off him before turning to gaze at the window.

“That was just Mother Earth announcing her return.” he smirked, as his eyes beheld her.

We followed his

gaze just in time to catch a glimpse of a large purple reptile hurtling towards the gate.

TBC