Miss Ferdina Ezeka
It was raining today.
The cold droplets carved a lazy path through the clear window, as the small drops of water searched for depressions to settle within.
At the base of the window on the outer side, the water found its goal as it was collected into a small crystal birdbath, which was rapidly reaching its full capacity. A single black feather floated as the droplets moved it around continuously.
Sitting at a comfortable desk made of oak, a stunningly gorgeous Redhead that wars would be fought over held a large yellow scroll, full of scribbles. Their crimson gold ink sparkled in the dimly lit room.
“You’ve been getting antsy recently haven't you. Maybe it’s finally time for whatever you brought me here to befall this little planet.”
To any observer, this might have confused them. Who exactly was this woman with long crimson hair, that flowed down her back in waves talking to? The room was empty and of simple taste with but her desk and two comfy chairs to adorn her office. Once before in her past, it would have been unthinkable to her to have live under such penurious conditions, but now she was barely even aware of it.
Eye's warm like winters first serving of hot chocolate Ezeka looked down at the ancient scroll for an entire minute trying to unveil its secrets with just her gaze alone. Sadly disappointment was all she received as it remained the same aging scroll.
Her thoughts had just begun to drift towards her past as the calm of the room was soon disturbed by a sharp knock at the door.
“Madame Ezeka the children are ready. The rain was unexpected considering the weather report, but I guess even they make mistakes sometimes.
“Did you reschedule the chariot bus’s destination to a higher platform?” Madame Ezeka’s hands moved quickly as she rolled the scroll up and stored it between her ample bosom.
The voice responded without a delay, unwilling to waste the time of her boss.
“The chariot bus is ready to take us sky platform White Cloud. As its the only public platform above the rainclouds at the moment.”
“Good let me get myself ready and I’ll meet you at the chariot in ten minutes. Make sure all the children are properly strapped in and ready. Also, watch out for little Leonard, I don't want a repeat of last time.”
“I’ll have everything in proper order within five minutes Madame.”
“Thank you Jecci, your help is invaluable as always,” Ezeka gave her thanks to her assistant while she put on a lovely Black rain jacket that couldn’t hide her womanly curves even if it was twice its size.
“Anything for the Madame.” Was all Jecci said before she left to gather the children.
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Today was a special day for the planet of Shentali, since the comet of Yurigues would make its decennial appearance.
The young masses would gather to watch it hoping that they would have what it takes to join the ranks of the extraordinary.
The ranks of the Protogium.
Moreover, the children from her orphanage weren’t any different, with the talks of igniting being all anyone talked about for the last two weeks.
The comet's flyby was known as a Mass Ignition event to those who studied origin. While people could ignite their abilitiy to interact with origin on their own it would come naturally between the ages of five and twenty.
Of course, igniting as early as possible was preferred since it allowed for better growth, but besides the disgustingly rich, most individuals ignited around the ages of eleven and fourteen.
Despite the backwater (Origin Purity Level) OPL: 13 that Shentali had as a planet the universe was kind enough to bless it with a recurring Mass Ignition of a low grade. This made the planet as prosperous as it could despite its deficiency on OPL and ODL (Origin Density Level).
This was all basic information learned all throughout the galaxy, but it didn't stop the caretaker and teacher Jecci from explaining it all to children once again.
Now while Madame Ezeka was an elegant lady with refined and sophisticated looks, and Miss Jecci was a rose that didn't struggle to rival her. At the tender age of 27, she would remain untouched to the ravages of time just like Madame Ezeka if she continued to labor on the path of a Protogium.
Dark black hair tied up in a bun provided everyone a good look of her exquisite fair features. With bespectacled eye’s sharp enough to cut steel her gaze penetrated the hearts of many young men as her cold beauty filled her personal and work inbox with the love letter of dozens. Amongst the male teenage populace, she was thought of as the ideal ‘sexy teacher’, and it wasn't surprising that a large portion of the men that wished for her heart also wished for her foot on their head.
“Miss Jecci we all learned this last year, talk about Donum!” A bright child of ten by the name of Leonard yelled from the seat he was strapped to, which seemed to have additional restraints compared to his surrounding peers.
“Hmff. Leonard don’t think my anger’s been appeased. Next time I catch you running around with female underwear wrapped around your face calling yourself the pink ninja I’ll bring out the paddle from retirement despite its years of unuse.”
“I won't use your’s again I promise!” Leonard yelled the fear in his voice causing laugher amongst the boy’s yet a look of revulsion with the girls.
‘Restrain yourself Jecci he’s but a boy, he has no ulterior motives, he’s just a cute little idiot.’ Jecci was but a few words away from getting the paddle, something many of Jessi's admirers likely dreamed of.
“Miss Jecci... can you tell us about the Donum again?” A cute young girl around seven years old, possible around the youngest at the orphanage asked in a whispered voice.
Jecci felt the anger melt away at the small blonde angel's words.
“Well, little Liza a Donum is a word from one of the oldest languages in humanity’s history going back all the way to the Prime era hundreds of thousands of years ago.”
Catching sight of something from the corner of her eyes Jecci paused to relax her once again rising rage as she saw Leonard pull something from his pocket that was hers.
“The Scholars of the Void call it Latin. Donum means gift, and as for why its called gift, we think of it as such. A gift from Origin, or if you follow the Church of Origin Orginor.”
Still, maintaining her explanation she walked over and grabbed the large bra that Leonard had pulled out and put over his eye’s as he started making buzzing noises. Making sure to give him a hard smack on the head Jecci felt satisfied after venting her annoyance and continued her teachings.
“Origin allows us to alter reality however we wish to as long as we have the skill, knowledge and proper Origin energy. A Donum simplifies this by a large margin giving you the ability to manipulate Origin in specific ways at a much cheaper cost, and a looser restriction on skill. For example, My Donum which also happens to have evolved into the next stage called Noctum allows me to Manifest and Manipulate Ice and its various properties.”
"Your so cool Miss Jecci!" The children all yelled together bringing a bright and charming smile to Jecci's face.
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The sound of the Chariot’s door opening pulled everyone's attention away from Jecci, as Madame Ezeka made her way inside.
Bowing her head towards Ezeka Jecci was all business again, the smile having disappeared into a calm and collected bearing.
Gazing down at the forgotten bra in Jecci’s hand Ezeka chuckled lightly.
“Did you really grow so large? Feels like it was just yesterday I was helping you pick one out.”
Realizing what she was holding in her hands Jecci’s cold demeanor disappeared as quickly as she'd brought it up. Her cheeks and neck flushed crimson as she became lost on to how to respond.
“Don’t be so shy am I not like your mother Jeccilina, I’m only teasing you. Put that thing away, even the other girls are blushing for your sake.”
“Ye..sss Madame!” Smacking her cheeks which both hands Jecci put away her brah, and promised to herself she’d give Leonard extra homework as punishment for today. If that kid was like this at this age, she could only imagine how bad he’ll get once he hits his teenage years.
“Now everyone remembers not to take off your seatbelts until we reach the White Cloud. That goes double for you Leonard!! Next time I won't be so kind and catch your body as it flys headfirst into the ceiling.”
For once Leonard shut up, remaining sitting within his restraints, and Jecci and the rest were able to enjoy the trip in relative peace.
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High in the clouds, Sky Platform White Cloud floated just above the dark rain clouds, almost like a boat on a stormy sea.
To those of the present day, it would be considered a technological wonder. Yet to those of the better off area’s in the galaxy it was but a horse pulled cart to their custom made sports cars.
Nonetheless, it was a beautiful sight to behold as the half-kilometer floating mass covered in parks existed like its own little world over the clouds.
The sleek black chariot made to hold up to thirty individuals made its way towards the island in the sky.
A translucent membrane meant to keep the pressure and air density safe for people parted as it allowed the chariot entry as continued on its way, the parks, and small ponds speeding by below. The designated location that Madame Ezeka had reserved for the orphanage was near the center so they wouldn't be bothered at all.
Though there was likely less than another hundred people on White Cloud since only those without money to purchase passes to Storm Cloud or High Cloud would come here. Those Sky platforms were also over a dozen times larger, and many believed the superstition that the higher and closer you were to the comet when it passed by the more likely you were to get a natural Donum Seed.
But Ezeka knew it was all hogwash sold by the papers and online bloggers. What would the difference of a few miles do when the comet was still thousands of miles away in space.
Considering the Comet was Low-grade event it was unlikely it would be able to birth any seeds unless the individual themselves were close to igniting without the help of it, however, many wished to dream, to dream of gaining strength and earning the wealth to live on richer and better planets.
“Headcount!” Jecci’s call rang out as she counted all 25 children.
Taking off her rain Jacket and storing it with the rest of the children Ezeka Laid down a large cloth on the soft grass to gaze at the lively scenery before her.
The children ran and played, enjoying their time out to the fullest.
As for Jecci, she ran amongst the children a warm smile on her face even while she was chasing Leonard who once again had somehow gotten an article of clothing that belonged to Jecci. Thankfully this time it was just a scarf.
Amazing how someone of her previous standing had fallen so low yet how little it mattered to her now. The happiness these children brought her was more than enough to fill her heart with content. Of course, she still wished to return one day but with greater and grander reasons other than simple vanity. Yet, until she accomplished her goal she was to hide in the boonies, unable to communicate with her close ones.
“Madame Ezeka… Can I sit with you?” Ezeka turned to face Liza the youngest of her orphanage's children as well as the last she was legally allowed to take in. New laws had gone into effect, two years prior and it wouldn't be long until she’d have to close down the orphanage because of a lack of orphans, but that wasn't too bad of a thing if you think about it. The new laws would be fair and kind to kids and that's all Ezeka could ask for.
“Of course little lady, come here and sit on my lap.” A light blush on her face Liza sat on Ezeka’s lap that was covered by a long black dress.
“What Donum do you think I'll get Madame Ezeka?”
Ezeka thought hard and long for a moment. Should she be caring and just answer little Liza with flowery words, or should she be frank about not only the odd’s of igniting but the terrifying low chances of gaining a Donum. In the end she chose mix the truth with some sweet words.
“Well it's not certain if you’ll even ignite and even less likely to gain a seed but if it's your little angelic self I'm sure you’ll gain something healing related with your kind soul. Then you’ll be able to heal all the people who get hurt with your power.”
Liza’s eyes sparkled as she completely glossed over the first part of Ezeka’s sentence focus on her words about healing. Children sure had a knack for ignoring the details they didn't care for Ezeka thought to herself.
Time flew by and the world darkened as the stars came into view. The children had eaten and were relaxing as they waited for the comet to zoom by. They could already see it in the distance but it still wasn’t close enough to trigger mass ignition.
Leonard could be seen sitting on Jecci’s lap as she didn't want him to leave her sight until they went back home. Watching him struggle to try and escape Ezeka could only chuckle inwardly. It was just too funny how hard he was resisting what many men would consider being a dreamlike situation.
“Ah its starting everyone. Sit still and gaze at the comet for as long as you can. From here on out its all up to your destiny, but don't be discouraged if you don't Ignite, the life of a Protogium isn't as glamorous as everyone makes out to be. With hard work, you can be just as rich or influential as anyone who’s ignited.
And to those who do ignite it’ll be a hard life but just as with the others hard work is all you need to make it!”
Ezeka’s words where inspirational, setting the children's hearts ablaze with excitement. But deep down Ezeka knew the majority of her words were but lie’s told to allow the children to dream for a few more years.
Hard work was an integral part of making it in the galaxy but it wouldn't be enough to avoid the cruelty of those up top, where strength, money, and talent reigned supreme.
The comet began its splashing of the night sky, slowly leaving a trail of stardust in its wake.
It was around halfway through the event though that something strange happened. The scroll Ezeka was keeping between her breasts began to heat up.
“What? NOW!” Her thoughts raced as the years of waiting finally seemed to be bearing fruit. The sudden yell brought the children out of their unfamiliar meditation as Ezeka set Liza who was still sitting on her lap to the side and pulled out the scroll from her lovely mounds.
Disappearing in a flash she pulled on the seal portions of her origin pool to teleport 100 meters away from the children hoping it would be far away enough. She had suppressed her origin signature as soon as it left her so unless the seers were still looking for her after these forty years, she shouldn’t have been detected.
Unrolling the scroll completely it's the crimson gold ink shone as bright as headlights, actively forcing the scroll in Ezeka’s hands to turn towards the comet.
The light’s from the scribbles intensity increased once again as they pierced the sky heading straight towards the comet, Immediately the world turned to gold and red.
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On that night, the 8th of Abrol year of Reclamation 6492 'Ignition Night' would never be forgotten by the locals of sub-quadrant X46 of the Origin Galaxy. The sky lit in all its glory causing an anomalous light to instantaneously reach everywhere within a twenty thousand light year radius, completely ignoring the normal laws of lightspeed.
Further studies of how over half of the children on the planet had ignited when the chance of someone igniting usually sits around ten percent. As for the Yuelstien Corporation that held majority ownership of Shentali, their stock would rise to new heights as they gained a future supply of over two hundred thousand potential Protogium, even if more than half of that would be pilfered by other various groups.
Investigators would also be sent. The seer's had finally found a clue to a long cold trail.
Shentali was going to become a very busy place in the coming years.
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It was 2:00 am, and Ezeka was at her wits end about what to do.
Whatever the scroll had done it was on a massive scale. To the point where the residual origin energy had ignited kids that likely would never have on the planet and even allowed Liza and Leonard to gain Donum seeds.
As for the comet? The scroll devoured the dam thing to power some Spell of unknown power and goal. Tonight was the last night the people of Shentali would ever be graced with The Yurigues comet. It was also the night where she’d have to begin her preparations regarding leaving within the coming year. This event was bound to bring heavy attention even to this backwater sub-quadrant.
Continuing deep in thought, it wasn't until she felt something materialized before her that she jumped back in shock as golden leaf floated a meter above her head.
She didn't even get a chance to study the strange leaf as the scroll with a force she’d never felt before pulled itself out painfully from her breasts causing her to have to frantically try and fix her distressed appearance.
However unknown to her a drunk bum on the corner of the street she thought to be empty got a glimpse of heaven and immediately passed out a look of pure content on his face.
“Stupid scroll, Is this what all that chaos you caused was for?”
Once she was prim and proper again she walked slowly forward while the scroll began to disintegrate around the gold leaf, breathing life into it until but a sliver of the scroll remained.
The sound of space tearing screeched and vanished as suddenly as it had appeared. But in the place of the gold leaf, someone new appeared.
A young boy of ten, with lightly tanned skinned, hair as dark as the deepest reaches of space, and eye’s cloudy grey like a raging storm stood before her.
Gazing all around himself in wonder, he spoke but three words in a language Ezeka wouldn't ever have expected to hear outside the secretive Scholars of the Void.
“Where am I”?