Chapter 6: Ember
#6 of A chronicle of Lunrba family
"You call me ?"
"My favourite field operator, so with your insight, what do you think about our option."
"Well, this should be the report and what I am thinking about."
Royal scandal is nothing something strange even during the old era, people even see them as entertainment but the amount of scandal is very strange. Not to consider other factor, the report is extremely long and all of them are almost unreal but this will require further investigation and Lunbiv decided he will be the one to investigate the state of this pathetic family. But according to the report, the compass is currently held by the Queen.
"So she use the compass to threaten every concubine. Not to mention other methods of degrading... Very interesting and almost film-like behaviour."
"Lunbiv, there is a man requested to see you personally, he left and he will be back in ten days."
"Who is he ?"
"He called himself the wanderer in the sea of torment."
"So it was him, I will see him after I get the compass back. Just consider him as a normal guest, love you Sotho."
The only chance to enter the palace for Lunbiv is through the present day. This is a special day when anyone can visit the royal and ask for a question in exchange for a gift, but to Lunbiv, maybe this is the only day when people in Gvtre can be equal. To Lunbiv this is nothing more than a bribing day or taxing day But in order to enter the palace without reveal himself, Lunbiv need the Jbys's technology, and not just some random kind, it has to be the best kind, the one that can't be detected by astrologik. Replication is not something hard even for Sotho's organization but there is a chance for the emperor to notice.
<Attention all citizen, due to unforeseen circumstances, present day will be delayed until further notice.>
"Interesting... But there will be something you need to worried about."
"I know, I can feel their presence. But the Wanderer was a good person."
"I know but we have to beware of the Seer and the Demon. I will meet the Stargazer and the Purifier, may fate save us all."
<May fate save us all.> The only way Lunbiv and Lament can hope for a better future, the Geniuses or so the people know them called them are talented. But that is the story for another day, right now, Lunbiv wants his compass back and this country doesn't tear itself or let another country tear it apart. Gvtre is definitely not an ally in Lunbiv's list, not worth all the trouble to make a troublesome ally but with Gvtre lost, the mansion will be in danger so Lunbiv can't allow that, his pride doesn't allow that to happen.
Wandering on the higher class section of the capital, blinking neon light and streets filled with music but all of these street are strange. To Lunbiv, this is not a place where people live or any creature to live, everything is a structure, everyone has to fit into a mold, every single one of them are what people called in the old era as the upstanding citizen. Even in a new era, people can't seprate themselves from old tradition or old method.
"I don't know the bar can have a cozy room like this one."
"It is my personal room afterall."
"I want to ask, why you accepted my request even when the wanted is everywhere ?"
"You are an interesting and powerful fellow. I don't want to make a person like that angry right ?"
"You don't need to worry, I feel some presence from you, you had a tragic past but I won't mention it, you are uncomfortable."
"Yes... It will make me feel better."
"Then lie down, let me ease your mind and your suffering."
Different people deserve different treatment, do not let yourself filled with just pain and hatred is what both the eternal night and the brilliant daybreak taught him. To enjoy every moment, every second and right now, the tiring tiger lying in front of him is tired so why not ease his mind. Everyone is deserved to be a child sometime, to live without the need to worry about the future or be hunted about their past.
Lunbiv wish for no injure or suddenly trigger the trauma of the old tiger, Lunbiv can't and he won't pry into the old tiger's mind and seeing his memory. The old tiger is not an enemy, a kind man doesn't deserve any punishment, but the way the tiger looks at him is different from two strangers. His eyes are endearing but Lunbiv saw something, this is the same eyes that Begulf always used when the midnight wolf looks at him. But there is also something else, a small hint of lust.
"Don't feel strange. It is alright when you feel like how you are feeling right now. It is just a part of a blessing and a curse bestowed on me, but don't worry, let me embrace you, and I will do everything to make you happy."
Blessed my love or so they called, but to Lunbiv, this is a curse, for him to love everything and his love answered when there is a long direct contact. But this is a curse when he had to break someone's heart and watch them fall into despair even doubting themselves and slowly they lost their ownselves and become nothing more than a hollow corpse. Even through lying and trickery to defeat his enemies, Lunbiv never wanted to use love, to the boy who is beloved, love is sacred, love only meant for those you care and you cherish.
"You are so beautiful."
"Everyone said that. But that is alright, I won't hate you, I won't abandon you because you don't deserve that fate, I will be with you."
"Thank you but I also want to do something else."
To Lunbiv, this is different from a night with Sotho, the old tiger is much more gentle and not to mention he is a tiger, it is not like a normal kiss. Two muzzles are strange but it is not too bad for Lunbiv, he felt the gentle touch on his back, gentle brush of the hands on his fur is different from Sotho's hands. A different eyes, much different from Sotho, this is a different person from Sotho, a new experience. But the old bartender doesn't want to wait for anything, in his eye right now is a beautiful creature and even that is different from a normal Gvtre, the boy in front of him is unique and he wanted more.
"Before anything, will you, tell me your name ?"
"My name is Thvenh."
"Then Thvenh, until the day I can lift this curse of love, I won't abandon you."
Thvenh leaned in for another kiss, to Lunbiv, this is a new sensation, the rough tongue brought a different feeling compare to Sotho. After getting getting familiarized with the new feeling, their kiss became passionate as Thvenh gently embrace the feline hybrid. Lunbiv moaned as he wraped his arms around the old bartender, enjoy the warm and the sweet scent of alcohol.
As Thvenh broke the kiss, he reached the bottle of lube on the nightstand. He poured a generous amount in his hand and smeared Lunbiv's hole but not after stroking himself. He pushed gently one of his fingers but Lunbiv ensured that he can take more than that, but it is Thvenh's nature to be kind. Thvenh slowly pushed more fingers in until Lunbiv moaning with three fingers. Lunbiv felt the fingers pulled out and Thvenh move, it was another feeling compare to Sotho but the pleasure was the same.
Thvenh slowly pushed in as he leaned in for a long kiss. Lunbiv returned the kiss their tongues danced as Lunbiv felt himself filled by the old bartender, the musk, the sweat and the fainted scent of alcohol from the bartender made him drunk. Received the permission from Lunbiv, Thvenh slowly fucking him, keeping his eyes open to see the young feline's expression. Lunbiv ran his hands on the well-rounded body, moaning constantly from the new sensation Thvenh gave him.
"I can endure more, you can move faster."
"I don't want to hurt or causing any uncomfortable to you."
"Yes but I want you to feel good too."
As Thvenh thrusted faster, Lunbiv moaned louder but soon his moan became nothing but a few muffled sound as Thvenh leaned in for another kiss. As they reached the climax, Thvenh let out a roar as he ejaculated inside of Lunbiv and at the same time, Lunbiv came from all the sensation he felt. Thvenh looked into Lunbiv's eyes and they both smile, Thvenh gentle kissed on Lunbiv's forehead.
"I love you so much. But I know who you really are, Lunbiv Lunrba."
"I could have guess, you are the eighth Genius right ?"
"I don't know Love's blessing but I can't lie about this feeling. So even an outer entity like me can feel like this, I don't know anything about the entities you slew but that was your challenge."
"Why a tiger ?"
"In my world, white tigers are stargazers, moonwatchers and heralds of the sun. It is a fitting form for the one who carry the Eighth title, the Star-eyed Prophet."
The Star-eyed Prophet or his current name Thvenh is the Eighth of the Genius, he is said to heard the voices of the stars since he was a newborn child. And the he replied to them, as his adventure continued, he can listen to every star in every realm, in the end, he gained the absolute observation in every world and every realm. But the other power, Lunbiv can't even imagine, a weakling like him can created a pocket dimension where everything follow his rules but Thvenh, confessed he is one of the weakest Genius can easy breaking Lunbiv's pocket dimension.
"So are you safe here ?"
"Thank you for caring for me, I can take care of myself, still, I don't want you to abandon the gift of love, I still want to love you. Now and forever like longing for a star, leave me waiting is better than saying no."
"Alright then, then you are not different from me, both of us prefer a devoted love. But take care of yourself."
"Where are you going ?"
"I am going to reclaim my compass and I want you to prepare for a revolt, because according to your past experience, I want you to become the king of this country. Gather the people and prepare for a crusade."
"So, you are merciless."
"No, this is mercy and kindness, the state of this country is nothing more than a corrupted mess, the king lives in vanity and luxurious, the queen and the concubines killing each other. The council is nothing more than a bunch of greedy old men and people swimming in their own filth, so I beg you, don't let their legacy fall."
Lunbiv left the bar as he swiftly moved through every alley and headed toward the palace. Thvenh can only let out a sigh, Lunbiv doesn't know about the debauchery in the palace but Thvenh knows everything. But maybe, the best solution is to free them, Thvenh and his people are ready for a crusade, a revolution. They arrived to this world to find peace but right now, love is really a powerful thing, even in their old world.
As Thvenh wiping the bar, a person walk in, a human with a divine beast carried in his arm. They are Togo and Tomoe, the duet, the proof that love is strong and it can conquer everything even time, fate or even every traditions and common sense. Both of them wearing white robes and they are carrying their instruments with them, they always hide their faces under a veil but to Thvenh as the one who known them long enough, they are strong, much stronger than him.
"So how do you think ?"
"I don't think I have to be the king once again."
"But now, the one you love asked you, how can you denide right ?"
"Fine, can you help me ?"
"Sadly, I can't. But don't worry, the Artist will help you, she is interested but aren't we all ?"
"So you are just here for the news ?"
"Of course not, we are friends right ? How about a little chat."
With more information from the Operator and the guidance from Thvenh, Lunbiv can easy enter the palace through a broken wall. With the device sold in the black market, Lunbiv can make himself look nothing different from a servant, Lunbiv needs to act fast, without the compass, the fall of the old Gvtre is unavoidable. And Lunbiv doubts that the compass will have any effect on Thvenh but a piece should only be used by their rightful owner that is how a treasure should be in Lunrba's family.
"Have you heard ?"
"She died last night right ?"
"The queen just kill anyone the king laid his eyes on. What a poor woman."
"Shut your mouth, do you want to die like her ?"
Nothing irrengular except the fact that this is nothing more than an old era palace drama, Lunbiv highly doubt why the council doesn't just kill the king and find a better puppet but there is something stopping them, something they want from the current king. Lunbiv listens to every words but they are nothing but common words by people until he feels something, is it wrong but it is the gaze of the king himself. He is nothing more than a lowly servant and he knows the device still active then why he feels the gaze from the king, could the curse of love activated but there wasn't any physical contact. Or maybe, he is simply thinking too much, at least he doesn't caught any suspicious from any other servants.
Life in the palace is very simple for Lunbiv, the Lunrba's teaching included everything he needs to know to survive for every situation. But compare to him, tigresses have worse life, they even have to make themselves look normal so they don't attract the king's attention. They live and serve and that cycle continue until they are slowly withered away, like in the old era, there is nothing different and nothing new, enter the palace as a child and then you can only leave when your body stay in a coffin. Making Lunbiv asking himself, can this system change for something better but he can be honest to himself, that will make this game boring.
"Wei, the emperor wants to see you."
"Should there be an order ?"
"No, this is a secret, and try not to caught the queen's attention, who know what can she does to you."
"Don't worry about that Yu, don't cause any trouble, alright ?"
"I know."
The name Wei is chosen because it is simple and small, Lunbiv doesn't bother to add a last name to it so no one really care that much about him except for Yu. Lunbiv can only hope that the curse doesn't active on the little tiger, not everyone is bad and no one deserve the punishment from love. As Lunbiv approaching the king's chamber, he heard the sound of whip and whimpering, even Lunbiv's blood is boiled, he can't and he isn't allowed to lose his composure.
"I'm here, Your Majesty."
"You can drop the act, my child and I can see your true form. And stop calling like that, Lunbiv Lunrba."
"I wasn't expect your natural power to see through Jbys's technology but I respect that."
"So, what is your reason for this cowardly act ? Is it the compass, my father is a useless man without that compass, the royal is nothing more but a puppet."
"I know, I know who is having my compass... but you think I want my compass, how foolish, I can get it whenever I want. But you, and your worthless lineage... you are worthless in entertaining me."
Lunbiv can't let the guard know but he is prepared for that situation, the domain slowly expand, the same moon appear, water slowly rise and the same tree appear in the middle of the lake again. Lunbiv shedded his mortal's clothing to put on his best attire, sitting on the highest branch and enjoy the moonlight and it reflected on the surface of the lake.
"So, shall we begin, worthless king."
"My dear child... run, use your magic, break this domain and run, don't look back."
"It is worthless, even your father can break this realm, and you think you stand a chance ?"
"I know your weakness, I have been preparing this for years. I want a contract."
"I am interested."
"One for one, my life for my child."
And until this moment, Lunbiv truly knows the power of love, with love, they move forward, with love, they have courage to even sacrifice themselves. But that is something Lunbiv already knew, the surprising thing is this hidden love, the love that the king has for his child, hidden from everyone even the Queen. With love, he endured all humiliation, because of his love for his child, he endured every words people used to describe him, threw away his own ego. Afterall, a lecherous and a stain in the lineage, what can people judge him for, what can people judge you when you are already a stain.
"So, I will bear every humiliation, every insulting words, everything my people say about me, I will endure all of them."
"This is not some normal love isn't it ? That whipping sound, and that whimpering, he is fine with that."
"What can I say, we are two perverts..."
"I can decline this contract because it doesn't help me all that much. Don't making that face, I am not killing both of you because it won't be fun beside, this royal will die and the council will be destroyed anyway."
"So, there were nothing to begin with, no compass, no reign, no freedom and drowning in humiliation."
"Well, there is still one last contract for both of you... I can take both of you into this domain, a way for you two to save yourself."
"You can do that, father, we can be together. But everything has a price right ?"
The queen is not something far too hard to Lunbiv, second rate villain only exist in story and novel, in real life, it's a different story. Rasdamo Compass, Avtug the Pitch Black and Daybringer Qjan, all three treasures are more than just tools and weapons, Rasdamo, Avtug and Qjan are three people. While Rasdamo is named after a tyrant, the soul imbued into the compass is the soul of Lunbiv's friend, the one that give him the book, the bond changed the compass making it can't kill Lunbiv. Avtug and Qjan have their own story but Lunbiv know, Rasdamo will never goes against their oath.
"Wei, so what happened ?"
"Nothing really, the king just asked to wash his feet, degrading but not that something I would care anyway."
"But there are a lot of servants, why you are chosen ?"
"Huh, you want to wash his feet ?"
"Of course not, you do it. But, sometime you know, you may want to ask yourself the question that do you want to stay here for the rest of your life."
Lunbiv never understand why people choose to live like this for the rest of their life but maybe just for a moment, he can understand them a little bit, they don't choose this life but they are forced into this life. Under the reign of the queen and the council, people in the Walled City is an example of the worthlessness of these people. Thvenh is a good choice considering the state of his old world and Lunbiv can only hope for the best thing to happen.
"Yu, if you have a choice, will you leave the palace ?"
"I really want to live in somewhere I can be free, but I know this is nothing more but a dream."
"Hey you two, the chef asked for your assistance."
"So my daughter, how is your day ?"
"It is great. Until I have my eye on a certain boy, he caught the emperor attention."
"Remember I gave you that compass, use it and sustain our position."
The queen of Gvtre - Helina, or so people hate her so much that called her the malicious one. Retain her grace in every situation, she became the queen when she was eighteen and her position remain ever since. Her father, the leader of the Eternal Council, Hilos even goes as far as using the compass to make sure that is her place. With the king being nothing but a lustful bastard, they have all authority in their hands, the king have a son but that isn't important, the compass can sustain their life.
Helina gets rid of everyone near the king because of the risk of breaking her spell on the king, Helina doesn't know that her spell is nothing more but superstitious belief. Still, Helina is willing to do anything to maintain her domination and right now, her next target is Wei, but she doesn't want to abuse the compass and somehow, the compass stopped reacting to her command. This time, Helina will do everything to get what she wants but in the end she always ask herself, is this what she wanted or is this what her father want...