by Hickory Mack
Chiori accepted her cup as well and breathed in the delicious scent. She took a small sip and closed her eyes. It ranked as one of her favorite tea’s so far, and she’d tasted many. Ichio smiled approvingly of her appreciation of it.
“Not all of the sylvans agreed to play by the vampire’s rules, there are no fauns there, and some of the incubus preferred to live in the North. They forged a symbiotic relationship with some of the covens there. Their blood was compatible enough to create hybrid mixes of the two. These resulting offspring were an interesting mix.
They can do magic, with a higher percentage of the males, more like seventy-five percent, born with the capability. They retained their incubus, or succubus tendencies, with the unique twist that those born with water elemental powers became sirens, the most dangerous and alluring of all sylvan species,” Ichio continued.
“It was one such family, a witch and her three mates that made the decision to act. One of her mates was an incubus, and he was able to infiltrate the farms, acting as one that was tired of living outside of the easy life they lived there. Over a few years he gained the trust of those in higher places. He headed a large section of the farms and would monitor the health of the breeding females. When he saw one was fading he would remove her from the program and report her as euthanized. In reality he would smuggle her out into the waiting arms of his family.”
“They would heal the woman and bring her north, sometimes still pregnant. They created the first nests, safe environments for those they saved to thrive. The family was able to spirit away nearly one thousand lives before they were discovered.”
“They were killed by the vampires, but the deed was already done. They’d created ten nests, all with the ability to thrive, all protected by covens. Others have tried and failed to repeat that first family’s feat, but it wasn’t needed, in the end. Humans breed prolifically, and they spread to many nests, creating colonies across the north.” Ichio paused and drank the last of his tea.
“It was a human idea to capture a handful of fae and cross them with witch borne offspring to create the hunters. In the end it came full circle. The nests of the north now hold captive and experiment on the very people who orchestrated their rescue. They forget the past and believe the lies of their leadership so easily. It took less than two generations to forget to whom their freedom was owed. Now the witches are bound to them, once again overwhelmed by their sheer numbers. Beholden to protect their rapidly spreading nests in order to gain the ability to choose among them,” Ichio finished, allowing Chiori to soak in his words.
“Do they still take women from the nests?” she asked.
“Not as often as they would like, but yes. Those who are taken are reported as killed by a monster, or a lesser. Those in power do not admit to the populace that demons such as us still exist. His Lordship could destroy an entire nest in less than the time it would take you to finish your breakfast, and he has been angry enough to do so on occasion."
"Now that you have arrived, I think we all have our answer as to why he has not. With the destruction of the nest he would have destroyed any potential of meeting you. That potential bond, even before you were born, prevented him from doing so.” Ichio gave her a curious look.
“Many of us have wondered if his lack of action would change now that you are safely among us, especially since they brought the fight to us in sending their men into the forest. If they were to attack again, I do not think he will be so lenient.”
“I hope he is. My father is still there, and even though I’m unhappy with him, I don’t hate him. Corrupt as those people may be, I don’t want anybody else to die for my actions. It isn’t worth it,” Chiori said.
“It is to him. Should they attack again, Lord Makkai will destroy every nest within striking distance. Though I believe it’s safe to assume that it wouldn’t only be for you that they would die,” Ichio said.
“I don’t understand,” Chiori admitted.
“After humanity was nearly eradicated, the Earth needed time to heal, and much healing has occurred. Spread among the magical races are those whom have devoted their lives to bringing back lost species, dragging them out of extinction. Some have devoted theirs toward healing the land, purifying the water, cleaning the air. With the polluters safely contained by the vampires, the world has slowly come back into herself, becoming more vibrant and glorious with each passing year,” he sighed.
“When they were given their freedom, they picked up right where they left off. Nests are clear cut, the only plant life allowed to live within them are crops and grass. The only animals allowed to co-exist with them are those that can be exploited for meat or protection. It is a monoculture and already they are doing serious harm to surrounding ecosystems."
"They have had the technology to harness energy from the sun and wind for centuries, but they revert back to raping the Earth of her resources instead. Humans refuse to learn. They experience intelligence digression and return to the same methods each time their civilizations are rebirthed. A rich few sit on the top and profit off the work of those below. They are, to put it mildly, a blight on the Earth,” Ichio said.
“How do the witches feel about this? Why haven’t they done anything about it?” Chiori asked, but Ichio shook his head.
“Our time is up for now, My Lady. You are scheduled for lunch now and I am not allowed to take up one minute of that rest period. We will have one more hour afterward and we will spend that time outside in the gardens. I have much to teach you, and only a limited time with you each lesson,” Ichio said. “Take the book with you, we will meet after lunch in the herb gardens.”
He stood, motioning for Chiori to do the same, then bowed to her. She returned it, then followed Mai out to the hallway, letting her through the barrier to her rooms, book in hand. Chiori walked in silence, digesting everything Ichio had told her. Sylvans of every kind were given such a hard time here, everyone that spoke of Kai did so with some level of contempt, except for Yuuki. Even though some of them had given their lives to protect the people who had raised her.
It reminded her that she’d spoken against him the night before. Ichio had held a mirror up for her to behold, and Chiori didn’t like what she saw. Yuuki was right, she’d been nasty for no good reason. She’d work to do better with her attitude toward people, and she’d start with her magic teacher.
She used the restroom and went to her sitting room, finding Ani and Nakia inside. Chiori flinched, she’d been so consumed by her lesson she’d forgotten all about what she was supposed to do. She felt bad, but if it was what Ani wanted, she wouldn’t keep the spider demon against her will.
“Hello Nakia, Ani,” Chiori said. “I um, I don’t know if there’s any special thing I’m supposed to say or do, so I hope you’ll forgive me if I do something wrong.”
Nakia nodded encouragingly and Ani regarded her with an even stare.
“I do not want to be the reason anyone is unhappy, and from what I understand, you’ve been miserable dealing with my craziness these past few days. I hope it hasn’t caused any hard feelings and that we can part ways peacefully. I release you from my service, Ani. You did everything asked of you and I hope you have happier days to come,” Chiori said, exhaling anxiously. Ani looked appeased and she bowed as deeply as she would have for Lord Makkai.
“You are already a force of nature, Lady Chiori. I’m curious to see what the future has in store for you, but I’ll watch from a safer distance. Thank you for the opportunity,” Ani said. Chiori bowed back, and Ani left the room.
“You did well, you didn’t need any coaching at all,” Nakia smiled. “Lunch will be ready in a few minutes, you look like you could use some quiet time until then.”
“Yes,” Chiori agreed. Nakia handed her the silver bell and Chiori wrapped her fingers around it.
“Ring it if you need us, Mai is nearby,” Nakia said, then she slipped out the door.
Chiori stood in the middle of the room for a long moment, soaking up the
idea that she was alone. She set the bell on the table and sank into what was becoming her favorite chair. Chiori sat still as a statue, unsure of what to do with her free time, but she ended up replaying Ichio’s words, questions eating at her, until Nakia returned.
They went and ate together, joined by Mai and Yuuki. And though the girls kept up a steady stream of talk between them, they respected Chiori’s silence, leaving her to her thoughts. She ate methodically, managing to use the correct utensils but not really noticing what she was putting in her mouth until she came to something unexpectedly sweet. There weren’t many sweet foods outside of fruits in her meals, so it grabbed her attention. Chiori blinked and turned the little bun this way and that, cinnamon and brown sugar coated the outside. Inside were sweet red beans.
“I like this,” she muttered and the conversation around the table paused.
“I’ll let Milly know,” Nakia spoke up and Chiori nodded her thanks.
Chiori couldn’t get past thinking of her own lineage. How had her father hidden what she was? Her mother most certainly would have been identified as a witch, and since her father was fae, Chiori would have been on track to become a hunter from conception. What bothered her more than how they had hidden her was why. Without going back to the nest to ask her father, she might not ever find out. She doubted a request to visit Stanley on her own would go over well, at least not until she was much older.
When everyone was finished eating, Chiori was taken to a new room, empty except for a single, throne-like chair. Her receiving room, Nakia explained, instructing the girl to sit in the chair.
“From now on anyone seeking an audience with you will come here, away from your private rooms. You’ll be able to decorate as you see fit, whenever you like. There’s a whole storage space filled with hangings and paintings and sculptures, anything you could imagine,” Nakia told her and Chiori gave her a lopsided smile.
“I seriously doubt anyone has tried ‘seeking an audience’ with me,” she laughed.
“Fen has fielded seventeen requests in the past two days, all of which have been declined while you transition and get comfortable,” Nakia replied.
“Seventeen?” Chiori squeaked in surprise.
“You are an important figure here now. People will want to personally welcome you, introduce themselves and offer you their services, whatever that may be. You are watched, every meal you eat is noted, every time you leave your rooms to go outside, your actions are marked. People were impressed by your display of power yesterday, they are curious about you and want to put themselves close to you. Soon word of you will spread enough that demons from other territories will seek your attention. So we work to prepare you for then,” Nakia said, fussing with Chiori’s hair. “Are you ready to meet your new companions?”
“Yes,” Chiori said, swallowing hard and sitting up straight. Nakia gave her approval.
“Bring them in please, Mai,” Nakia said softly, standing by Chiori’s side. Yuuki took her place next to Nakia. Mai opened the door and the girls came in. Complete opposites.
The first one was short and lean, her skin tan, her hair black and her forehead was marked by an almost oval shaped, milky white patch that ended at the top of her nose. She had flopped over ears, brown, tipped with black. Her fluffy tail was the same color pattern. Chiori smiled, it couldn’t be more obvious, she was the first demon she’d been able to guess without being told. The girl was a dog.
The second was tall, curvy and stunning. Her legs went on for miles, her skin was dark as night, her eyes bright orange, as orange as her black tipped ears and tail that dripped in hair. Her hair was a glorious mane of curls starting with black at the roots and fading to ginger and finally he ends colored blonde. Chiori couldn’t stop staring at her, she was gorgeous.
“I remember you,” Chiori said, her image of the girl was very fuzzy. The girl tilted her chin down slightly. Mai came and stood next to Yuuki and Chiori realized they had formed their own hierarchy without her help.
“Lady Chiori, this is Hina,” Nakia said and Hina bowed, “and this is Saya, she is a maned wolf. You remember her because she brought Asuka yesterday.
“Hina and Saya, welcome,” Chiori said, she’d been left to her own devices again with no prompting on what to say or do. “I’m pleased to meet you and hope we can all work well together. Nakia, Yuuki and Mai are permanent members of my household. Please look to them for guidance.”
She looked to Nakia, but the Snake’s eyes remained downcast, her face placid. Yuuki’s eyes moved from Chiori and the other two and she gave Yuuki a little smile. Her sprite friend already knew whether it would work out or not.
“Yes, Lady Chiori,” Hina said good naturedly, and Saya repeated after a couple of seconds.
“If you have any questions or need any concerns addressed, please bring them to Nakia or myself and it will get handled,” Chiori finished, leaving no doubt that Nakia would become their head. Chiori saw Yuuki reach out and squeeze Nakia’s hand in congratulations and spare her a smile. Saya watched this closely as well, already looking for her place among them.
“Now, I would like to visit my birds before going back to class. Mai Chan?” Chiori said, standing. They left together, Mai half a step ahead to show Chiori the way back out.
“You handled that well,” Mai complimented her.
“Thanks, I was so nervous!” Chiori admitted.
They moved through the barrier and ran to the coop. Chiori hoped some time with her fluffy friends would calm her thoughts. Ichio had unloaded so much information it was hard to process all the emotion attached to it. When she opened the door and heard their little peeps and saw them run the edge of their enclosure in greeting she smiled. They were exactly what she needed.
“Perfect.”
Chapter 28
The remainder of class with Ichio went well, though he forbade any further talk of History, suggesting she write down her questions for next time and keeping the subject strictly to plants.
He showed Chiori how to harvest rose petals without bruising them for rose tea and jam, then talked about the medicinal uses of rose hips. They went over the different types of cultivated roses and their wild cousins. He backed what Yuuki had said, warning Chiori not to try planting any bushes of the fragrant flowers on the grounds. Makkai only allowed them in Ichio’s gardens, for culinary purposes.
It hadn’t been what she’d expected, but it turned out to be an interesting and delicious class as he had brought examples of different ways to use the petals in cooking. Mai had her happy face on, as she was allowed to sample all the foods as well.
When class was over Kai and Hina met them at the door. Chiori had to stop her thoughts in their tracks. Hina’s floppy ears made her look a bit dopey as she stared at Kai with starry eyed appreciation.Chiori refused to allow such unkind thoughts to take root. She didn’t want to become a shallow person plagued by negative thoughts.
“Don’t forget your homework, Lady Chiori,” Ichio said sternly.
“I won’t, Sensei,” Chiori said, dipping her head when he did the same. “I enjoyed class today, and I look forward to the next one.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Until then,” Ichio said, then rather than going back into the house he turned back to the woods, the glamour slipping away. Mai spoke a couple of quiet words to Hina and waved sweetly at Chiori, skipping up the steps two at a time into the house.
“I’m sure you have good reason for not rewarding me with such a kindly parting yesterday,” Kai said, his tight voice betraying his joking words and Chiori regarded him seriously. He looked as wary as she felt.
“I hope Asuka was able to help you, Kai Sensei? I shouldn’t have been so impatient to move ahead,” Chiori said, apologizing without saying the words, unsure if he was one of the safe ones. His hazel brown eyes met hers and her brows furrowed, she’d been certain his eyes were mostly green, with little bits of brown.
“She did. I’m told you tried sending her to me before having yourself
healed. It was kind of you, but don’t do that again. Of the two of us, you are far more significant than I.” Chiori started to protest but he stopped her. “We’re going to try things differently today. Follow me, we will meditate outside this time.”
Chiori followed uneasily. She wanted to be able to trust her teacher, but she was frightened of the pain that might come again. A couple minutes into their walk she was thinking of Ichio’s lessons. She glanced at Kai time and again, he’d know the answers to her questions, too. By the time they reached the place he’d decided on she was out of breath, but both Hina and Kai were fine.
The ground was bare stone, the trees and plants formed an incomplete circle around it. Kai sat in the middle and motioned for Hina to sit outside of the circle and the dog demon made a soft whining sound, her tail wagging. Chiori frowned having noticed Hina hadn’t taken her eyes off the magic teacher once.
Sure he was good looking, and he played it up in his cargo jeans and tight t-shirt. He’d adorned himself with hemp bracelets and those studs glinted in his ears. Chiori frowned, his looks weren’t an excuse to act like a fool, Hina’s behavior was embarrassing. Kai noticed too and smiled at her apologetically.
Taking an unsteady breath, Chiori joined him, sitting so she was facing the incubus witch. She wouldn’t blame him for other people’s behavior. He brushed his red locks out of his eyes and looked at her hesitantly.
“Our minds will not be meeting this time. We will be starting in the same way, you will envision a world scape and allow me entrance. After that I will guide you to your magic, but I will not be going with you in the way I intended yesterday. Instead you will take over the narrative. I will guide until you arrive, and then you will describe, to the best of your ability, what you see. Build the world around us, so I can be there without touching upon your very strong self defense mechanisms,” Kai said.
