Castle of Life, Sea Calendar 1355

The ever-quiet Castle of Life was now in a state of alert. Guards, clad in black attire streaked with gold, moved swiftly through the corridors, their urgency palpable. The crisp clinking of armor and hurried footsteps echoed through the grand halls, carrying an air of tension that unsettled even the most seasoned warriors.

In the royal garden, beneath the cherry blossom trees, a young guard rushed toward a seasoned captain who stood with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze scanning the movements around him.

“Captain, what happened? What’s the commotion?” the young guard asked.

The captain, an older man with streaks of silver in his hair, barely spared him a glance before sighing deeply.

"Garuda is missing again," he muttered. "We need to find him before it’s too late… we don’t want to go through what happened last time.”

The young guard hesitated, shifting on his feet before responding, “Captain… I saw Prince Akira with Garuda some time ago.”

The captain stiffened, “What…?”

…

Blue Rose Mansion

The mansion with its towering blue walls encloses an estate filled with life. Lush gardens stretched in every direction, marble fountains flowed gracefully into crystal-clear basins, and flowerbeds bloomed with countless blue roses.

Inside the grand hall, an engagement ceremony was underway. The couple stood at the center of the platform, surrounded by family and friends. The young man, dressed in a sharp suit, carefully took the delicate ring, while the woman, draped in an elegant blue gown, extended her hand.

With a steady breath, he slid the ring onto her finger.

A moment of silence.

Then, from all around, flower petals soft pinks, whites, and reds, floated through the air, cascading upon the couple like a gentle rain of blessings. Laughter and cheers filled the hall as loved ones gathered to congratulate them. Cameras flashed, capturing the moment for eternity.

…

A giant eagle streaked through the clouds, its powerful wings cutting through the sky. The majestic beast descended rapidly toward the Blue Rose Mansion, slowing as it neared. With one final flap, it landed on the top floor with a heavy thud, its talons scraping against the stone.

The sudden arrival sent guests into a frenzy, their startled cries filling the air as they scattered in fear.

A figure leaped from the eagle’s back, landing smoothly on the floor. "Garuda, stop scaring people," Akira chided, looking around at the now-empty space. His lips curled into a smirk. "Happy now?"

The eagle let out what could only be described as a smug expression.

A voice, laced with both frustration and amusement, rang out. "Hey, hero!"

Akira turned, recognizing the familiar face. "Hajime, how’ve you been?"

Hajime shook his head, glancing at the massive eagle. "I’m good, but seriously… can’t you make an entrance that doesn’t give people heart attacks?"

Akira chuckled. "With Garuda? Not happening."

Hajime sighed. "So, when did you get back?"

"Just today," Akira replied and added. "Listen, tomorrow is my dad’s 60th birthday. You have to be there."

Hajime grinned. "Of course. And while we’re at it, let’s take a group photo with the gang."

Akira turned to Garuda. "Stay put. And don’t scare the guests this time."

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Garuda gave a slow nod.

As they walked downstairs, Akira asked, "So, did you set a date for the wedding?"

Hajime smiled. "Yeah. It’s happening in two days."

They made their way through the lively hall, filled with music and dancing, before stepping out into the garden where the engaged couple was being photographed with the guests.

Akira’s gaze landed on the young woman in the center. The instant he saw her, the world around him seemed to blur.

Hinata.

She stood with a quiet elegance, her sapphire gown shimmering under the lights. Her soft features, framed by dark flowing hair, held an expression of poise. When her eyes met him, it was only for a brief moment before she turned back to the camera.

Beside her, her mother observed the silent exchange, before looking back at her daughter.

Akira exhaled slowly and turned away Leaving Hajime behind, walking back to the grand hall where the party continued. He reached the center of the room and strode towards the piano, pulling a microphone close.

With a playful smirk, he called out, “Guys, let’s sing the academy song together.”

A chorus of groans and chuckles echoed through the hall.

A voice called out, "No one remembers it, dude!" Hajime’s amused tone echoed through the hall.

Akira cracked his knuckles, settling at the piano. “Then let me take you all on a trip down memory lane.”

As his fingers danced across the keys, a familiar melody filled the hall. One by one, voices joined in, their nostalgia-laced harmony filling the space.

‘We are children full of light.

Walking together hands held tight

Joyous song we now recite

Believing that our dreams are bright

Helping giving back to ye

All because you showed the way

Holding hands, we'll build together’

…

In the garden, where the couple continued their photographs, Hinata’s ears caught the distant melody. Her expression softened as she turned to her fiancé, whispering something before excusing herself.

She stepped into the hall, drawn to the familiar song.

When Akira saw her approaching, his fingers faltered for just a second before he regained his rhythm.

The song carried on, the chorus ringing through the air, ‘A better brighter tomorrow!’

Hinata smiled as she stepped closer. “Brother, when did you get back from Dressrosa?”

"And, Thank you for playing the song. It brought back all those childhood memories."

She joined in singing too, “You have taught us well and might”

Akira motioned for her to come closer. "Come here."

She hesitated.

He repeated, "Come."

The Voices around them carried on, “… in you we take pride”

Akira turned to her. "You know… when you have a beautiful girl in the family, and she has a brother with a bunch of friends, the ladies in the family choose one of them as her honorary brother. You know why?"

Hinata looked at him, confused.

“We stand like rocks like family!”

Akira’s voice softened. "I have my sisters. I know that feeling. I don't have sisterly feelings for you. Do you feel the same way about me as you feel about Hajime?”

Hajime interjected sharply, "What are you saying, Akira?"

Akira pressed, “Tell me. It brought back all those childhood memories, right?”

Hinata remained silent. Then, without a word, she turned and walked away.

Akira watched her go, Hajime’s gaze lingered on him.

…

At the entrance, the engagement boy stepped into a carriage drawn by four horses. Before leaving, he turned back, looking up at Hinata, who stood on the first-floor terrace.

"Hina, I’ll pick you up for dinner tomorrow."

He blew her a kiss before stepping inside. "Let’s go."

Akira sat against the terrace wall, a bottle of liquor at his side. He looked up at her, eyes unwavering.

"Didn’t you want to go to Dressrosa to study? What happened?"

Hinata held his gaze for a moment before replying. "I got accepted into the Royal Academy. Akio works there too. Dad said he was the right match for me. I can continue my studies after getting married."

"And you said yes?"

"I said yes to the engagement."

"So, you said yes to the wedding too."

"Yes."

“Were you guys having an affair?”

“...”

“Do you love him?”

“No!”

"I just met him last week."

"He came back from Dressrosa two days ago. And we got engaged today."

Akira leaned. "Do you know how women used to choose their husbands back in the day?"

“Let's go back in time. Centuries ago, there were two types of men… the alphas and the rest.”

“Alphas were the tough ones, who would go into the jungle to hunt, while the other men, the weaker ones, would divide the hunted food among themselves.”

“The women would skillfully cook. They were responsible for nourishing the children and the entire community. That's how communities operated.”

“However, their influence extended beyond the kitchen. They also possessed the authority to choose, which hunter would become their partner in parenthood.”

“They held the power to designate the guardians… who would shield them and their offspring, from the rival hunters and wild creatures. It was the women who held the reins of these crucial determinations.”

“Back then, it wasn't about fathers, mothers, caste, region, religion, or a job”

He locked eyes with her. "If you lived back then, Hinata… who would you choose? A pack of Akio?"

His voice was quiet, "Or an alpha?"