Chapter Text
“Princess Akinyi, Dawnbringer of Day, It would appear the rebel skulls have defaced another of Sol’s murals.” The young messenger bows politely, fumbling with a small projector device in his hands to show the defaced mural holographically in front of me. It depicted Sol, the god of Solis.
He had yellow cat-like eyes and his head was shaped in a way that resembled a six pointed star, he resembled a staris in a few ways. Sol was far scarier than the staris, far more uncanny, manmade and unnatural. It had been sprayed over with cheap running spray paint, depicting an Eclipse. It was an obnoxiously obvious nod to the prophesied fall of Sol which was thought to be eventually brought by Eclipse. The god that now could never be. That was clear, not long after his birth he was imprisoned by Sol. What was once thought to be the resistance's last hope imprisoned in a bubble only a human could break and since all humans lived under Sol's reign, none were willing or able to free him. I held back a chuckle.
“Send out all the soldiers we have to the surrounding area. It’s disgraceful that these criminals are still crawling the streets.” I turned my head away from the messenger, my eyes landing on the larger empty throne in front of me.
“Yes, ma’am I will instruct the Sunis now. There is nothing else out of the ordinary.” The mysterious young messenger left quickly, slipping out the door almost silently. I had asked around, they were definitely new but far more mysterious than the previous messenger. Nobody here had heard his name. Nobody knew who he was… it was strange. They were clearly from monya, an alearian that still had light blue eyes that shone innocently and a few baby feathers. I wondered if he was a fletchling or if something happened that had somehow prevented him from properly developing. He sounded more mature than he looked. They had lighter feathers that crowned their head. He was likely a younger teenager, at most a malnourished young adult.
I had never seen another Aldearian like him. Most resemble common owls but he looked strange, darker feathers crowning his head and dull yellowish talons. His beak looked different, too much larger, hooked and dark. Perhaps he was an eagle, or some kind of water bird, but they have less hooked beaks.
Another person slinked into the throne room after he walked out. I was so deep in thought I almost missed them. “You figured out who that new kid is yet?” They smirked, teeth shining, sharp and intimidating.
I looked up at them. It was Ceatus, my good friend.
They were wearing their usual blue hoodie that looked like the mouth of a Ceatus. They had bright yellow eyes, and a mischievous look on their face. I really hoped they weren’t planning on it. I think I may have a way to deal with the messenger myself.
I sighed. “No… I’ll call them back later. What else did you need?” I asked them, stretching on my throne, readjusting myself to get more comfortable. Ceatus never came into the palace unless they wanted something, or someone was hurt.
“Oh right, I just need to know where the guards are being posted today.” They smiled, swishing their tail, happily.
“Right… yeah. The graffiti that was recently used to vandalise the Sol mural on the east side. Obviously, most guards will be in their usual place, simple vandalism wouldn’t normally need the whole guard… although the new messenger may have misinterpreted what I said. I want you to take a break for today though. You have done enough work. Gather everyone back, make sure everyone has water and food. Watch a movie or something. I have important intel to gather.” I told them. I was unsure if the new messenger knew about the difference between the primary and secondary soldiers. Hopefully, someone explains if he did get it wrong.
They smiled at me, somehow getting more relaxed. “Right, will do your highness!” Ceatus practically sang dramatically running out the door.
“Wait! If you see the messenger, tell him to meet me in my bedroom!” I call out as they leave. I needed to speak to them rather urgently. Being so mysterious, they were a risk to the airtight system I had built around the palace. It was always stressful when the messenger got replaced.
Ceatus had left the door slightly ajar, allowing me to hear them call back. “Got it!”
The knock at the door was quiet, almost inaudible.
“Enter!” I responded, not taking my eyes off my delicate makeup. I had stuff to do later, I would need to look my best. I saw the messenger peek his head through the door, he looked nervous but I heard him breathe a sigh of relief when he saw me.
He was quiet on his feet, sticking close to the door. I could see him through the door, when we locked eyes I focused back on my own face, and I could see the boy get visibly more nervous going back to staring at his feet.
He bowed respectfully, “Your highness.”
I gently placed down the brush in my hand, shifting my whole body to face him. I stared him down for a few seconds.
His cloak was far too warm for this weather and he was shaking slightly but I couldn’t tell if that was from fear or pain.
“Remove your cloak and sit on the bed.” I told him, picking up my brush again to finish applying the delicate blush.
“I-” He was about to argue but held his tongue. He took off the cloak quickly. He was wearing a simple black bodysuit underneath. Something I had noticed almost all the messengers from Solis wore. I suspected it was a uniform. One given to take away some of their sense of identity. The cloak was strange though, perhaps it was to hide the clipped wings that I could now see which had been originally hidden underneath the cloak. Their wings prevented them from flying and the feathers that remained were a dark bluish-gray. I knew he wouldn’t argue, I ranked above him. As the princess of the Dawn, the only people above me on Suon were Aurora and Sol himself, but Aurora had always taught me to not abuse that power. It would make me just as bad as him. As if the threat of Sol wasn’t enough, I also have to worry about my reputation with my people. My reputation was important. If I lose their respect, Sol could give the people of Suon a similar fate to those who used to reside on Luna. I had to make sure they listened, didn’t rebel, at least not publicly, not yet.
The messenger had bundled up their cloak and was holding it tight against their chest. I could see in the mirror how much they hesitated. How their wings twitched nervously, not used to the warm, dry air.
“If you would prefer you could sit in that chair.” I pointed at a chair next to my vanity. It was a chair I had put there for Ceatus, so the back had some visible teeth marks on it from when they had gotten bored and it wasn’t quite straight, I had given up on readjusting it after every time they were here.
I saw his eyes light up slightly and tension loosen from his muscles, but he still hesitated, his eyes flickering between me and the chair, as if he expected me to punish him for listening to me.
He sat slowly, tucking his tail feathers underneath him.
“You’re squishing your tail feathers.” I started, moving onto my eyeliner, placing down the thick brush and picking up a much thinner one. From what I knew of Aldearians, their feathers didn’t curve like that well, but they already looked damaged; perhaps it didn’t hurt anymore.
“Umm… I’m ok, your highness. What is it you need?” He asked, sitting up straight. Eyes constantly finding their way to the door. He wanted to leave… Was he planning something? Or did he just feel uncomfortable?
I only had one objective. “Your name.” I told him, leaning in closer to the mirror. I had to get the shape right. I would likely have to go out later and looking the part is important for someone of high status. I could see the shock on the Aldearian’s face. He hesitated, shifting in his chair. I could tell what was going through his head. Worry, fear, shame. He didn’t know who to follow. I knew exactly what the rules for messengers were and I was asking him to go completely against the biggest one. ‘You are less than human. You don’t have an Identity, all you do is listen to your superiors.’ I looked at him through the corner of his eye. Furrowing my brow in mock anger.
I could see his face somehow fall further. “I’m not permitted, your highness…. I can’t” He was stuttering, trying to avoid eye contact. “I- i-” I could hear his resolve breaking. But a thought did cross my mind. Aldearian’s didn’t often come by Solis. It was quite likely he was kidnapped 11 years ago when Sol took over Monya. Perhaps he didn’t remember it. If he was fully complacent with Sol; I would have to kill him, just like the rest of the messengers. Eventually, they all found out too much. Mysteriously, someone always shoots the messenger.
“Why?” I asked, trying to look more curious, softening my face.
His claws gripped his thighs hard. “Umm… Sol told me personally I’m not to make friends, I am not a person. I am to keep my distance and simply do what is asked of me.” he stared at his talons, scratching the floor with his feet anxiously.
“Well as your superior, I am asking you to tell me your name.” Perhaps this wasn’t working, I could see the walls in his eyes. I wasn’t going to break through to him like this.
I sighed. “I’m curious about you, maybe I’ll pull a few strings… If you do this one small thing for me, I don’t think you’ll go back to Solis anytime soon.” I smiled with my teeth, hiding it behind my hand. It was often seen as disrespectful to show off your teeth to people on Monya and Suon, the messenger probably wouldn’t be aware of this but it was instinct at this point.
I could see the fear in his eyes a bit more now. He had no idea what I had in mind, that was by design. I couldn’t trust him that much, not yet. If he did find out anything it might be suspicious. I looked him up and down, thinking of other questions. “How old are you?” I leaned over to him, holding my eyeliner brush so that it didn’t touch anything as I leaned over.
“I apologise your highness, I cannot say.” He still stared at his feet.
I stifled a hiss. Standing before him. “Hmm… You’re in my kingdom and while you’re here I am your superior. You are aware you’re breaking a rule if you tell me or not. If you want to live, I recommend you tell me.” I moved back to my mirror, focusing on my other eye.
“My name is 04… I’m fifteen, I think.” My hand slipped, the wing on my left eye significantly taller than my right. I leaned back, blinking a few times to regain my composure. I could see 04 flinch, holding as still as physically possible. I grumbled, grabbing a wet pad of cotton to wipe away my mistake.
My brain buzzed with more questions. Originally, I had been somewhat lying about taking interest in him, but now I was genuinely curious. Perhaps that was more dangerous than when it was only Ceatus that wanted to know more. “How long have you been working for Sol? I assume you weren’t kidnapped recently with your malnourished body and underdeveloped feathers.” I could see 04 grow nervous which told me I had assumed correctly. I looked back into the mirror focusing back on my eye. “That means that it’s most likely you were kidnapped around the extermination of Luna and the takeover of Monya, which would have been when you were… 3”
I finally finished the other wing so I washed and put away the brush, resting my hands on my lap.
“No, I wasn’t kidnapped, he saved me.” I looked back at him with pity. “I was abandoned. Look at me! I’m not an Aldearian, I’m a mistake. Nobody wanted me. but Sol and Alexandria and Connor, they saved me! You would never understand that! You’re a princess. You’re just a perfect, overgrown insect!” I held back a smile, staring at him blankly. I wasn’t surprised by his burst of anger. Well I was surprised I had gotten to him so quickly, I thought he was more broken than that. He stood in front of me, anger still fiery in his eyes, his chest still heaving from the yelling. His feathers childishly puffed out and his tail feathers sticking tall. It was clear they didn’t stick up often, they looked crumpled and small. I must’ve struck a nerve.
He seemed to realise what he had just done. Any other royal and what he had just done would mean death.
He went completely limp, tears welling in his eyes. I held eye contact with him. “No need to try groveling-" I began to stand up from my vanity.
“No! Wait, your highness.” He suddenly grabbed my dress, dropping to his knees and pressing his head against the wooden floor so hard I expected it to crack. “Please, I am deeply sorry. I promise you, I will repent for my sins. I should not have an opinion and should not argue, please, I don’t want to die. I am just an object, not worth your time.” I stared, surprised by his groveling. I didn’t realise I had pushed him so hard. It was normally Ceatus who did the interrogations (and tortures). Perhaps I was wrong to think I was capable of this. Then again, they don’t normally survive long after.
I let him cry it out, only intervening when he let go of me to grab at the feathers on his head. I grabbed his arms and lifted him to his knees, I kneeled in front of him, so that we were on the same level.
I held his talons, waiting for him to make eye contact. He sniffled nervously. He looked up at me for just a second. “I’m sorry I must’ve pushed too hard. You have to understand-”
“...You aren’t a human, are you?” He looked away from me after asking, as if ashamed of himself. It took me a second to realise what he was asking.
“You just called me an overgrown insect.” He flinched at that. I could see he was still confused. I let go of his hands and he wrapped them around his waist.
“He saved me. I have all I deserve, we aren’t important… Humans are the only creatures with value… you should know that.” He stared at the ground again. It was a sorry sight.
“If we aren’t important, why are you still here?” I hissed. I stood up, looking down at him, tears staining his face, he was shaking slightly, his feathers ruffled and his hands gripping the floor. He stared up at me. Pure confusion on his face. “He needs us…” I sighed, pinching my nose just beneath my bridge piercing. “I was hoping you’d be like the rest of us, wanting freedom, somewhere to safely call home. A family you can trust, why wouldn’t you want that?” I asked him. He looked solemn.
He chuckled, his eyes dead and lifeless. “I could never have those things, I wasn’t made for that.” He replied, nervously standing.
I snickered, “I wasn’t made to be a princess.” I told him, brushing the dust and wrinkles off my dress.
He glared at me sternly. “Of course you were. You were designed to be a Pawn for Sol. Designed to be royalty.” He argued.
I scoffed, surprised by his sudden switch. “No, I was born to be me, to grow up and do whatever I wanted. Sol got in the way of that. Just as he did with you.” He hadn’t been wrong, I was a Pawn but that wasn’t why I was the princess. It was because I was not human, humans weren't disposable. They couldn’t be killed when they disobeyed. The high gods would never let them get away with that. And I looked human enough that he could hold a knife to my throat with every one else being none the wiser. That’s why he needed me. And based on the fact that this Aldearian was still alive, he was needed too. Perhaps it was something to do with why he looks so young.
“I was abandoned… What else am I supposed to do, nobody wants me?” 04 scoffed, fists clenching in anger. I could tell he was holding back more tears.
“You have no proof they abandoned you. With the timing of the extermination there’s no way to know. So, go off and make a new family. I can easily tell Sol you died. He doesn’t patrol the deserts well. Barely anything survives long out there.” I told him, walking around my room.
“Are you not going to kill me?” He asked, slouching over nervously. That must’ve explained it. He assumed I was going to kill him no matter what he did.
I snickered. “Of course not child. We aren’t so different, I’m sure we are on the same side. After all, Sol wouldn’t likely be happy if he found out about your little outburst.” I saw him freeze again, his feathers fluffing again.
“I really do apologise for having to blackmail you but I’m afraid if I send you back and you say anything about this, even imply it and they believe you… We both know they’d kill us both.” I looked him up and down, he looked sweaty. “You should take that off too, it’s unneeded here.” I told them, walking toward my wardrobe next to my bed.
He looked down at his body suit as if remembering he no longer wore his small cloak. He suddenly seemed nervous and unsure. “You… aren’t going to… do anything… Umm… carnal to me right?” I stared at him for a few seconds, my mind freezing… ‘interest’. “No, NO… Dawn, no… Not that kind of interest… Besides, you are too young. Way too young.” I told him, shivering at the thought.
“I’m not that young! I’m mature. You’re a child too.” He argued, clearly embarrassed at his assumption.
“I won’t be by the end of this year. This isn’t relevant.” I stopped myself, continuing this childish argument was pointless. “So~ What should I call you? 04 isn’t a very fitting name.”
The aldearian smiled. “Ummm… I think it was Avon.”
“Well Avon. It’s wonderful to formally meet you. My name is Daybreaker or Akinyi to the public.” I lightly bowed to him
Avon chuckled nervously. “Akinyi doesn’t mean daybreaker. It means Dawn bringer.” He corrected incorrectly.
“Actually it directly translates to ‘bringer of happiness’ but that’s unimportant. Daybreaker is an informal nickname. A joke among friends, you mustn’t use it around most people, understand?”
He grinned widely, he was missing a few teeth. “Alright.”
“Now let’s get you cleaned up, you smell like a burnt horse.. And are sweating like a pig.”
He was still a little wet when he came out of the bathhouse but I had gotten him something to eat on the way back to the messenger's room. He seemed brighter already. We walked out together chatting about random food. It actually seemed to be something he found interesting. He was munching hungrily on the pizza, commenting on how good it tastes.
“Akinyi, who is this?” A new voice jumped us out of our conversation. We turned to see a goddess standing before us. She wore a strapless top that showed off her tanned plump stomach and shoulders and had a long layered skirt that went past her knees but didn’t quite cover her hips on the sides. She had lots of jewellery adorning her dark skin. The gold highlighting her warm complexion, bangles, necklaces, waist beads, waist chains, anklets, necklaces, rings, earrings, noserings, a nose chain. You wouldn’t be mistaken to think of her as royalty. She practically glowed, warm gold and pink, the rising sun of Dawn after the cool night. Her hair was free, falling down her head in ringlets. Not covering her eyes seemingly with invisible magic. Her face was fully visible. A strong jawline, small ears. Small eyes, long eyelashes, wide lips and a large rather flat nose. Her makeup was perfect, not a single imperfection on her porcelain skin. She looked almost inhuman, some of her features were insect-like, multiple eyes, three fingers on each hand, poreless skin, fangs barely poking out from her top lip, long legs that were too thin for her body.
“MUM! Hey… This is Avon!” I yelled, forgetting the goddess of the Dawn was here. How could I be so stupid to forget to tell my mother about our guest.
“Avon… Hello there.” She smiled at him, not showing her teeth. “Are you the new messenger?” She looked him up and down. I had given them a large t-shirt which he had put on over small shorts that squashed his feathers.
“H-hello.” Avon waved nervously, his feet gripping into the wooden floorboards.
Out of nowhere, Mother froze. The ground shook slightly and she looked back at me with wide eyes. “Eclispe!”