Chasing Dreams (Discontinued)

Chapter 221: Running Moon

Family is power, and family is my strength.

Maija Vermillion did not sleep. She rarely ever slept at night.

As a child, Maija often questioned her crepuscular tendencies. She wondered why she felt the most energized at dusk and at dawn, while during the rest of the day, she lounged around like a lazy housecat.

Eventually, Maija was given an answer but told by Prisha, one of Homura's three pledgers. Maija had always liked Prisha. Unlike her husband Samir, Prisha was easily approachable. She had a charming demeanor that naturally drew people in like a fruit-scented aroma.

Come, sit with me, Habibi.

Maija could distinctly remember Prisha's organic scent. Her owl feathered cape always smelled of citrus as if she spent hours bathing in the juices of lemons, limes, and tangerines.

Where is your Mama? She should be telling you this, not me. It is a mother's responsibility to teach her children, so they have lessons to pass on to the next generation.

Maija didn't answer. Her face warped like a worn tire. Prisha noticed this, sighed, and moved on. Prisha has known Homura for a long time. They were childhood friends alongside Samir and Rehaan. Homura often came to Prisha for advice, usually strategy, since warfare came naturally to them. But, every now and then, Homura would open up about other topics warring within her mind.

One of those few topics was Sawyer. Homura would go on for hours about her loveless marriage and pathetic husband. Homura loathed Sawyer. She found him unsavory, like a spoiled meal.

Homura and Sawyer didn't see eye to eye on many things; how to incorporate the Fujiwara Clan into modern society, settle the disputes between the founding families, and raise Maija.

When Homura wanted bloodshed Sawyer always advised against it, refusing to move his forces to assist her. His lifelong friendship with Peter made him weary of engaging him in battle. While the Fumikos guerilla tactics proved frustrating across every warzone. Neither side was making any strides, so Sawyer suggested making peace.

But Homura didn't desire peace. As a god of war, peacetime made her feel weak and restless. The thought of it made her break out in chills and cold sweats. She couldn't fathom years of tears, sweat, and blood being wasted on a written agreement. If she was going to achieve peace, then it'd be through conquest.

Prisha calmly sighed and brushed Maija's stormy white mane.

Always remember you are favored by the gods. They will cherish you, protect you, and make you indestructible.

Maija found that hard to believe.

No way, the gods have already chosen warriors to represent them.

Not all the gods. Prisha reminded her. Some gods are more peculiar than others, like the Azure Dragon Seiryuu of the Sea, the White Tiger Byakko of Storms, the Conniving Serpent Manasa, or the Lax Antelope Chandra of the Moon.

Not all the Gods are as gracious as Suzaku or Genbu. But they say the Gods who wait for special individuals offer the most power.

Prisha gently kissed the back of Maija's head.

Listen to me, Habibi.

Prisha cupped Maija's childish face.

You must become a warrior.

Maija looked stunned, like she had gotten tased. Sawyer objected to any notion of Maija becoming a warrior since it was unbecoming of a princess.

I can't. Papa wouldn't be pleased.