I had never been to an airport before or rather I was not allowed to. My mother knew that if I ever went to an airport I would probably buy a ticket and fly to whatever city I could get too. So whenever I did have to go out on my own adventures through the city, she was sure to send one of the maids with me. “If you leave their eyesight I will take it as you are going to the airport and I will make you suffer for that.” I shuttered a bit at that old warning.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn3ZBXA9ko
“Are you sure you do not want to bring your jacket on the plane, Lady Ivy?” I turned my head up towards the man that would be accompanying me on my journey. “You seem a bit chilly today.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbGcOxUg01
“I will be fine, Benny.” Benjamin Alphonso Lewis was the best male servant we had in the house. He was a well built man either from years he spent training or his daily trips to local gyms. He was a dark skinned man with a graying goatee and well groomed black hair. His dark golden eyes always reminded me of that of a lion before it went to strike, fitting as his animal spirit was that of a golden lion.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsIbaBcPp4
My butler's face twisted a bit at my new nickname for him. “I would appreciate it if the young miss would call me by my name or at the very least mister.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HJLvrW5ZE
“It is either Benny or Alpho your choice.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzF7x3EPJE
He let out a deep sign as he finally settled on my first nickname for him. “Of all people to take with you to New York, remind again why you choose to hire me for my services?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFWCtLqteT
I spun around to fully face him with my best innocent look on my face. “Because you spend time with my daddy and I want to see why he likes you so much and, unlike those other maids. You won’t be thorn in my side, and keep me from having fun.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31mT0rfEXK
“You will be surprised what I will and will not let you get away with on this trip.” said Benny as he slipped past me, almost acting as a shield to keep the crowd of people away from me. “After all, your father did ask me to treat you like one of my own and that is something I will stick to.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq1dYGr0PT
At the mention of my father, I felt my heart flutter just a tiny bit. “How is my daddy doing? I haven’t heard much from him in the last few months.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYPubY1qU3
“Your father is doing fine and is in the best shape I have seen him in a very long time.” I let out a brief sigh of relief that he was okay. “He is returning to your home in a few days as I believe you have heard.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEsykynBIR
“I know,” I said. “Momma says that he is taking a break, something about waiting for someone to become strong enough to give him a challenge.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrCH6Hp8VH
“Your mother is correct,” said Benjamin. “Your line of work sometimes puts those with jepei energy on your list. Your father only takes missions with those that will give him a fight, he could wipe out a warehouse of armed men in seconds, but someone that can go blow for blow with him that is a rarity.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjYOSHxA0v
I nodded my head to his words as my eyes started to dart around me. Out of probably a thousand people only maybe a handful let out the brief signature of the energy needed to truly be a member of the hidden world I was a part of. The Order of Claw, in simple terms, everyone had an animal spirit but without jepei energy it was impossible to wake them up, but once you did you gained access to powers that some would think only exists in cartoons and anime. Almost having super powers to an extent depending on what your spirit animal was. It was a world that only at most 1,500,000 people had access to, according to rumors new users were being discovered and depending on who found them you had two choices. Either head to an island known as Tarun’s island or head deep into the mountain and join The Order of the Darkened Claw. Tarun’s was an island of peace with the home of the darkened order run by some mad man and his daughter. My family stayed neutral in their hidden war for power, both sides looking to hire us to take care of things they cannot dirty their hands with.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwKT1zIz2P
It took us a few irritating minutes to get boarded onto the plane, I now knew why Zinnie absolute hated the security. I was ready to slice one of their heads off when Benny grabbed my hand and a firm grip and calmed my anger. In the real world I was not treated like a princess, in most of these peoples eyes I was just a girl that could be mistaken for being much younger than I actually am. A very disobedient little child that some parents would think could use a good spanking. Here I had to follow rules that normally I could get away with, respect was given and not earned here. It was an interesting world that I could not wait to explore. Eventually we were allowed access onto the plane and taken to our first class seats. It was nice and comfy with our seats being made of nice leather, and we had much more room in comparison to the horrible couch sitting I saw. Benny got our overhead luggage situated and I took out my laptop that could be folded into a tablet. I had time to download a few of my favorite anime such as My Hero Academia, and One Piece, so I had something to look forward to. My sisters couldn’t understand my affection for these shows and the collections of merchandise I owned. However in comparison to Zinnie’s clothing obsession and romance novels, and Poppy’s unusual large collection of horror movies. I think my collection is the best.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszjW0330Ef
Much to my annoyance I was asked to put my device up and the captain went on about flying safety and other stupid things I didn’t care to know. If the plan started to crash, me and Benny probably could survive if we put all of jepei energy into a technique known as protection: A way to project our aura outward to block attacks and cushion blows. Eventually the plane began to rumble to life as we began to move forward. I couldn’t help myself as I pressed myself against the window to look out as we rode alone. There was a brief jolt before the ground began to slowly get smaller, and smaller as we began to take flight. I felt free, truly free as I watched the ground slowly get smaller and smaller. I was finally leaving my home city and I couldn’t be any happier.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZZHtsqXlE
“You have the same look all of your sisters have when they first leave.” The silky smooth voice of Benny filled my ears, and I quickly sat up straight to try and seem proper. He gave me a gentle smile before adding. “You feel free don’t you, Lady Ivy.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc4veYIYSf
“No,” I said stubbornly.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt02aFmfrK
He gave me a knowing look before returning to his book. “Lady Ivy, no reason to hide or act older than you try to play as. As your butler I am tasked with assisting you in many departments including mentally. Do not see me as just some hired help, see me as your mission father. That is what your father asked me to be on your mission. I will not share any information or frustrations you may feel back to him or your mother.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yp9WcChHz
“Do you usually only go on missions with my father or have my sisters asked you to accompany them when you are free?” I asked.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdZN2aXgWi
“Your sister Wisteria is quite fond of my wife being her personal maid on her trips. Zinnie takes those that she can easily take command of so they don’t get in her way. Your other sister Poppy is quite fond of me, and offer requests that I come with her. We like the same genre of books.” He answered, turning away briefly to order himself something strong to drink. “Now have you chosen a hotel room in your haste to leave home or did that slip your mind, my lady?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwpbR2OyEm
That thought hit me in the chest like a cinder block. “I thought we would wing it as best as we possibly could.” I lied to myself.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9Pj41UrdR
“So much like your mother when she went on her first mission.” Now that caught my full attention and upon seeing my reaction he went on. “Believe it or not, Lady Ivy, I was there on your mothers first mission from home. Though back then I was just an apprentice learning under my mother but I do remember that first day. How excited she looked to leave the city, the talking too she earned from mother for nearly attacking a rude old man. The second talking too she earned that day for wandering off and nearly missing her flight entirely.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3QZgpRu6D
It was hard to imagine my mother, of all people, like that, and for a moment I thought he was maybe talking about my foolish aunt. Yet when I asked him to clarify if he was truly speaking to my mother he said. “Oh yes, Lady Aconitum was quite the little troublemaker in her time. The only ones able to contain that trouble was your grandmother and my mother, may the lord bring rest to both of their souls.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpTJLuoDGa
I went silent for a few moments truly taking in the thought of my momma as a little girl getting a talking too. “Was she different than she seemed now?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyV5haBMZH
“She has changed as she has aged but if you know her as well as I do, then you would be surprised just how much of that playful spirit is still inside of her. I suppose her new title as heir to your family's throne has caused that side of her to rest longer than she would like.” Benny explained.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8eSbA9Drb
“Do you remember the day my mother was chosen as heir to the bloodthrone?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps9A4VpMFG
“I do and I remember the look of shock that appeared on your aunt's face. Now your aunt was so sure that she would earn that spot but she lacks the leadership and skills that your mother was seemingly born with. It just took a bit longer for her to accept that she had those talents.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6ZpxG4HbS
“Do you know how my daddy and mommy meet?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAypVlUEIc
Benny's face molded into a content grin clearly thinking about a good memory. “Your mother was 20 years old and had just recently been declared heir. She went with her mother to visit Tarun’s island on business and that was where she met your father. He was the strongest of his class and they fell in love at first sight. I believe they fought for nearly two days straight before collapsing against each other. The red viper and the dark mamba, a perfect match.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxeRcliul7
Silence fell over me again as I turned to face the window. “Thank you for telling all this… Mr. Benny.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9IBgcwT2P
The man let out a hearty laugh. “If that is what it takes to get you to be a bit more respectful, I will have you calling me Mr. Lewis by the time this trip is done.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q7NMnigQI
Once we had reached cruising altitude I was allowed to bring my device back out but by this point I had settled to listen to music and watch the earth fly out of the window. Though normal people or non jepei users could see this, I watched a few spirit birds fly by us, a few users being carried on top of them. It was a sight that I kinda felt bad that most people couldn’t see. Those users were eventually just speaks in the air as our plane quickly overtook them. My eyelids were starting to grow heavier with each passing minutes, I felt content and safe right now and my body was using the feeling to lull me to sleep. The gentle rumble of the plane, the calming music that filled me ears were working in almost perfect harmony as I drifted off into a pleasant sleep.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzI5XXHQkU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbJFRLKbjN
When my eyes opened an odd sense of a familiarly spilled over me like morning sunlight. As I pulled myself to a sitting position. My body felt extremely cold and stiff almost as if I had been trapped underneath the snow for days. My vision was a blurred miss of dark shadows that twisted and spinned across my eyes. It took a few long blinks to free myself of those shadows and my eyes settled on the people around me. The odd thing was they were not moving but judging by their looks I knew they were Oren like me. However, the weird thing was they were not moving a muscle was they were dressed in old style clothing. The woman in long dresses with plain looking robes thrown over them for style, the men in dresses as well? A man and woman came at me tears paused in their eyes and their arms outstretched. The room looked cold and plain mostly constructed from empty stone and a few basic furniture. My eyes were drawn towards a man in the back, he was sitting on a chair and I couldn’t understand why but he seemed to be radiating peace and love off him. A small smile appeared on his face as we locked eyes.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrLsDuHlZh
“I am glad to meet you face to face, young one.” His tone was as soft as snowflakes but seemed as powerful as thunder. He stood from his seat and walked towards me, his hand reached out and gently brushed away a few strands of hair from my forehead. “It is not often that I do things like this, but for a lost child, I will do whatever it takes to bring them back home.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeaLCr9Yrc
I leaned a bit closer into his hand enjoying the odd feeling flooding over me just from his touch. “What do you mean?” I asked, looking up at him and getting a much better look, he had short brown hair almost like that of a sheep, his skin a smooth olive brown and his eyes while dark had a bright glimmer to them almost like stars. “Who are you?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaNbTZiyvZ
“I am who you asked to meet, in a way you could understand.” My face twisted into confusion as I struggled to figure out what he meant. “I see you don’t remember but it is fine, I am here and I will show you the truth you are looking for.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgWKoUQLqm
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1RV6yyUeR
My eyes slowly began to flutter open, my ears were filled with the annoying sound of the captain saying. “Ladies and gentlemen we have reached New York City, we will be landing in a few minutes, thank you for patience and have a nice day.” A groan escaped my lips as I began to stretch my arms over my head. I heard my muscles and joints starting to crack and pop awake and I eventually laid back onto my comfy seat.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZtNEtR1Ky
“Did you have a nice nap, Lady Ivy?” I turned towards my butler who had just closed his book and slipped it back into his bag. He oddly pointed to me and then at the left side of his mouth.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCYYzpT71d
My face felt like it was on fire as I quickly snatched a napkin from him and wiped the small trail of drool that was on my mouth. “Do not say a word!” I snapped sharply sinking a bit deeper into my chair.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ9SEzGtXI
“You are not the first or last person I have seen drool in their sleep.” I was ninety percent sure that my face was probably as red as a firetruck and his words were only causing it to heat up even brighter.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgy8tInZ0Z
There was a slight jolt as the plane’s wheels touched down and we gently rolled to a stop. As soon as he gifted me my overhead bags; I quickly left the plane wanting to avoid my butler for a few moments while my face returned to normal. However, no matter how quickly I walked, his long strides kept a nearly perfect pace with me. Eventually we made our way out of the turmoil and into the main lobby of this airport. The first thing I noticed were the people clad in winter coats and scrafs and every time a door to the outside would open I would get slapped by a brief wave of chilly air.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuxJDcsxh7
After we collected our bags and got them situated on a large cart, we made our way outside and suddenly I regretted not taking Mr. Benny’s advice about bringing a jacket with me. The chill attacked me from every angle like I was fresh meat dumped into a piranha pit. I let out a shuttered breath and was amazed to see white mist escape with each breath. My teeth started chattering as this new found chill threatened to overwhelm me. My hair swung wildly in the wind, and that only caused this to be worse, my eyes stung with tears as this wind stabbed at me eyes like knives. I quickly stepped back desperately rubbing my arms to try and shake off this chill. Mr. Benny informed me that he would go and get the car he had rented for my mission, so he had me sit inside while he departed.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzZQHx9VPe
While I waited for him, I dug through one of my bags to hopefully find even the lightest of jackets I had packed. Instead I found something I never put in there. Inside of the suitcase with my lightweight jackets was a much heavier winter jacket, it was white with pink cuffs at the end. One of the sleeves had an odd bludge in it and upon inspection I found a soft pink hat waiting inside. Inside the hat was a note with Zinnie handwriting. “You were probably too dumb to realize how cold it is right now, so here is a gift from me to you, love your favorite sister Zinnie.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajjayKvu7b
I slipped on this coat and put the hat over my head, the coat was warm and snug, the hat was a bit too big for me. I looked into the large windows and could see my brief reflection in it. Most people thought I was fully japanese on first impressions, my hair was not fully black like my mothers but just very dark brown with pink streaks running through it like rivers. My skin was a more creamy color than her pale complexion, the most unique feather I had were my piercing pink eyes. While some would find it strange but for jepei users it was oddly common, most people's eyes and even hair color took on the same color as there jepei aura.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9RXTPDyF7
When Mr. Benny came back he tilted his head a bit in confusion. “Where did you get the jacket and hat from?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xN0IAU3OB
“Zinnie,” I answered.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg62DUHSWcJ
Mr. Benny got our cart out of the building and now with my new jacket and hat. The cold wasn’t that bad now, though the harsh November winds were not helping matters. To some onlookers it might seem like I am crying but I had the wind to blame for this. Mr. Benny led me towards a large black suv. As soon as I saw it my heart sank a tiny bit in my chest, I was not a tall girl for my age only being 4’9 though with my current shoes I was a tiny bit taller. So it hurt my pride to have my butler help me into the front seat like a little child, my feet dangling off the seat by a few inches. The heat was running already but unfortunately for me with the trunk open, a chilly breeze was assaulting the back of my neck. In the few minutes I had been to New York I was already starting to hate the cold.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmodDxM1U1
Finally Mr. Benny climbed into the front seat, the car sinking a bit as he did so. He played with the car’s navigation system before we sped down the busy streets of the city. There were so many cars and people on the sideways, I thought Atlanta was a busy city but this place put it to shame. Mr. Benny’s eyes were fixed on the road and how he maneuvered this large car through the travel was kind of impressive. We passed buildings that seemed to reach as high as heaven, a sea of yellow taxis filed in a line waiting to take people away. Through the busy afternoon crowds I could occasionally see one or two jepei users but they were very small fish in this massive pond. Our ride was smooth enough and I was surprised to learn that Mr. Benny has a very good singing voice, though his choice in old R&B music was not my style. He drummed his long fingers on the steering wheel tapping along to the beats and smooth notes. After about twenty or so minutes we pulled in front of an absolutely beautiful building. We stepped out into the chilly early winter air and quickly I made my way inside. The lobby of this hotel was gorgeous and welcoming. We waited a few moments and soon made our way to the front of the line.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcGFYCQmhU
The receptionist was a pretty blond woman that had a welcoming though forced looking smile. “Welcome to the Hilton Hotel, what can I do for you today?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoHfoaKO9I
Not wanting to look small in front of this woman, I stood on my tiptoes before saying. “Give me your best room, preferably one on the top floor please. A room for two.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCpfHkcnA5
This woman looked from me up to Mr. Benny as if silently asking him. “Should I listen to this little girl?” She typed in a few keys on her computer before saying. “I have a few rooms on the top floor though they are gonna be pretty expensive, how long were you looking to stay.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJluOVtUA8
“Me and my niece will be staying for about a month.” Mr. Benny held his hand out to me and with much annoyance I placed my personal debit card in his palm. “I am here on busy and my niece has been such a good girl for my sister that I decided to take her with me to see the wonders of this great city.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy0UbgtemS
“Well you choose the perfect time of the year for it.” said the woman.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIUk77nlpI
Once they were finished with all the boring details our luggage was taken away with promises to leave it at the room for us. Mr. Benny was given two parking passes, one for the car, the other for when my bike arrived from home. “Why the quick lie, Mr. Benny?” I questioned once we were out ear shot.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqyiS9pICg
“I meant no disrespect if that is what you were thinking little lady.” Mr. Benny said, pressing the button for the elevator. “It is just easier to get rooms checked in like that, some people would question why and how a young lady like you can afford a room like this. As well as why you are in a hotel while others are in school.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Io7JTWs3a
“Fair enough,” our short trip to the top floor was in silence. We finally made it to our hotel room. It was larger than most just as I requested. The beds were a good length apart from each other with a big closet, a large desk was inside with more than enough room for my laptop and tablet. The floors were as soft as cotton and it was nice and warm inside. I walked over to the windows and swiped the curtains out of the way. My eyes grew as wide as dinner plates as I took a look at the city below me. I could see the entire city from this sight, the cars, people and streets looked so tiny. Even from this height, there were still a few buildings that stood taller. I wanted to open this window and scream as loud as I could see how far my voice could travel but a slight fear of me somehow falling out kept me from doing that.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVvszKj2eq
I turned to look at Mr. Benny who was glimpsing inside of our mini fridge. “You will absolutely not touch any of the alcohol in this fridge.” He said sternly as he took out a bottle and examined it. “Shall I order something to eat while you unpack?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZfPihc9JV
“Sure, I need to look something over.” I said choosing to ignore his advice on that liquor. “I can always get some while he sleeps?” I thought to myself.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguIKJtV6t8
As I unpacked my bags I quickly got my netrix candle stand out and set up on the small nightstand beside my bed. I held my gemstone for a moment, “Aiko come out please.” My gemstone shined its lovely dark pink color as Aiko slithered out from the smoke. “Aiko, this is Mr. Benny, he is our friend while on this trip so play nicely.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosbCrLdQiD
Aiko slithered up onto my bed and looked around the room. “Looks pretty fancy.” Aiko said as she suddenly slithered forward and rose to nearly her full height to look at Mr. Benny. “You look pretty interesting yourself, have we met before?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplG3WTzmWr
“The mischievous serpent, Aiko. We have meet a few times after all I believe this old cat has chased you off numerous times.” Mr. Benny reached under his shirt and freed his own netrix gemstone, a golden one in the shape of a lion’s head. “Come to me, Gamba.” Beside my butler appearing forming out of golden smoke appeared a large male lion. Sudden memories of that beast chasing me and Aiko around the manor when I was a little girl made me grin a bit.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPMD6sW4At
The golden voids that made up his eyes locked onto me. “We are babysitting the little brat this time?” My smile quickly faded away and that made the creature chuckle to himself. “You are gonna have your hands full with this one, Benjamin.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkmNILYJgB
“Play nice, Gamba,” Mr. Benny's hand came to rest on his lion’s head as he stroked at its mighty mane. “Lady Ivy, personally chose to hire us for this mission so we will not mock her.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VLQ0HtsZ7
I turned away from the big cat and began to look over the file I was given. It had a location where I was supposed to be meeting my hirer. Most places I had gone to in Atlanta to meet with clients were dirty houses or motel rooms. However, oddly enough this one wanted to meet me in a restaurant. She had no idea when I was gonna be arriving and there was not a number to call her, only that she would be there from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. I glanced over at the clock to the side and saw that it was nearly 5 o'clock in the evening. “Mr. Benny I have changed my mind, I don’t need room service, and instead can you look in my blue suitcase. There is a gown I have been wanting to wear for a while now and something tells me I have a chance to wear it tonight.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMluFYwwPJ7
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU6ZrXTB55
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDdClkv7AZ
