"One day, you will have to make a choice, a choice so great it will either destroy or save a civilisation." That, was what my mother used to tell me back on Earth with the last of her sanity, before my father's anger consumed her. I didn't quite understand why she would say that, afterall the only kind of choices I've had to make by then were study and career related, nothing that would change the world, yet I never took her words lightly, as my mother had a gift, one that enabled her to have premonitions. Initially, it started with mundane informations, as in she knew when a professor would show up to class or not, the exact temperatures, as well as out of the ordinary reflexes catching objects right before they fell.
Time went on and her gift only grew stronger and on a fateful night, she foretold the exact lottery numbers, at that moment, something shifted in my father's gaze, he understood that my mother was an asset and used her in order to build up a fortune, then as soon as she started to lose her sanity, he got rid of her in a fit of anger and violence.
After the funeral, he threw me out of the house with little to nothing, only memories. Whilst I wondered in the streets realization struck me like lightning if I ever wanted to avenge my mother, it would solely be by working as hard as I could and integrating the best schools, which I did and was able to join the largest corporation of the country earning a seven figure salary.
Alas money is incapable of compensating the physical and psychological exertion, night and day I thrived to have my revenge by being successful, be that as it may, once at the top you can't help but question yourself if revenge is trully the only way for my mother to be at peace ? Was it really worth it, to lose myself onto the fires of grievance of vendetta ?
Dwelling upon it, I stood on a skycrapper's rooftop, overlooking the city, wind gently caressing my face. All at once, as if hit by a flash of clarity I discerned, that life was rewarding only when you had people who believed in you, cared for you, lifetime companions with whom you shared the good and the bad, sadly, that person was no longer here and no ammount of money could replace the warmth one felt sitting in a full dining table enjoying a meal you all prepared, smiling while retelling your adventures of the day.
Tears welled up in my eyes, remembering the moments spent with my family before my father turned into a monster. I knew I couldn't change the past as it was already written; however, the future was a blank page to be filled with the words I chose, there still was hope !
Suddenly, the moon shone brighter akin a blazing sun blinding me, making me stagger, losing my balance and fall backwards to the concrete below, I accepted my fate, just a while ago I was still hopeful of my future, and now bracing myself for a painful impact that would seal my fate, yet it never came. Instead, I was envelopped by light rendering my surroundings blurry, in the silence of the night, murmurs could be heard and right beside me a presence could be felt, fear did not seize me only awe alongside hope, one would expect heat and a burning sensation on the occasion of being this close to the Golden Orb rare though it was, although the sun hugged me tighter, whispers echoed through my mind,
"Do not fear for your wish has been granted, in a far away dimension the one you yearn awaits and for all eternity, you shall become companions, two souls as one."
Thereafter, I was out cold, words coming to and fro, drifting in and out of consciousness quite a while, unaware of where I was, assuming someone found me on the roof and took me to the hospital.
Although, upon waking up once and for all, I came to the conclusion that this tapissed room, composed of walls adorned with emerald green and white wallpaper, a highly comfortable bed silk covered that felt so smooth it ressembled a white pearl, as I turned my gaze upward, I faced an ornate volted ceiling accompanied by a crystal chandelier crafted to look like the moon and the sun alongside stars hanging beside them, joined to that the woodwork of the lavish chamber embellished with golden flower stems ressembling roses.
No need to be a detective to deduce that this was certainly not the hospital's room which usually looked like a typhoon had broken through it, while being extremely crowded leaving no place to rest for the ill, even the VIP rooms weren't that beautified having for sole perk the fact that they were individual.
So this was either heaven or a dream, to see if that theory held, I preesed my fingers into my arm, squeezed it t'ill I winced. Hence, this indeed was the tangible world, possibly not the Earth I knew of but another, meaning that I teleported over another realm, alike those webnovels my colloegues seemed to favor much, with titles such as ; "I became the villain's darling wife, Transmigrated into another world were humans are cats" or whatever bizzare names the writers would choose .
The ethereal chamber before me was genuine, I hastily maneuvered myself up rolling over the bed like an excited toddler yet, my eyes were drawn to a peculiar sight, along each of my movements flowed beside me long blond hair, I bought my hands to my head, startled by the feeling of long wavy locks that reflected the mmoonlight rendering them silver, I hurriedly walked to a corner were was located a majestic gold and silver framed mirror with incrusted once again a sun and the moon, I readied myself from the reflection before me, my eyes slowly traveling from my extremely pale feet, like a sparkling white paper causing me to recall a book I read back in middle school about vampires that shone in the sun, to the expense of the mirror with an uneasiness that could match one of a teenager observing their crush from afar, my mom might have called me the cutest boy in the world, but whoever that was in the mirror was the prettiest man in the universe. How on earth was it possible to possess such beauty, what is he an Elf ? No I don't have long ears so that checks, perhaps a fairy ? I gazed upon my now body, the lustrous white hair, golden eyes, pink plush lips, and det my hands on iron forged muscles ? This fellow was sure full of contradictions, lads do not be fooled by this angelic face as it's seems to belong to Hercules, I flexed my arms and felt an immense strenght surge from my hands, whoever I was, could lift up a mountain with his bare hands, though his frame appeared to posses a sense of fragility induced by this white robe he was wearing.
Seemingly, this vessel's past inhabitant hated to attract attention to himself and wore baggy and colorless clothes to conceal his true build, a conclusion I came to whilst advancing to an equally spatious room filled of clothes from top to bottom, it seems this lad had a clothing shop in his chamber, rather his walk-in wardrobe.
Following my safari through the olympic stadium that happened to be my new chamber, I gathered numerous informations concerning who this man was, his family history and his motives, first and foremost, he was an avid reader since right next to his wardrobe was a library full of books with shelves from infinity and beyond, each book has been exhaustively studied, he prefered discretion, despising unecessary attention, he secretly trained in this very much room mayhaps to make a remarked entrance to the next ball and impress the love of his life the Countess Leaticia as written on the back of the picture I found in his drawer. Andromeda is what this unknown land is named, a country where magic is the norm. Beyond that, his name is Julian Lilian Duncan, heir to the Duncan Dukedom one the highest position in the Empire, because yes, this is an Empire it's current Emperess is Dominica Stella Aequor a woman who inspires both awe to her subjects and fear to her ennemies, she only has one son but there aren't enough known facts about him.
Finally, Julian is actually a homicidal maniac from what little I gleaned by flipping trhoughout pages of the red leathered journal on his desk that contained an extensive list on ways to murder people and commit homicide, either that or he was writing a behavioral study on psychopaths, nonetheless that doubt soon faded away as I read the entirity of that abominality.
He sure was a devil in disguise and interessingly enough he seems linked to a secret organisation whose wishe is to bring down the established order. Thankfully as stated here, none of the members knew each others idendity , I don't know how that worked for assignating missions but this sure is a relief for me, in a way that I won't get murdered by the Order of the Moonlight.
Adequately, if this were a novel, this fellow would most definitely been the antagonist.
Now after so many unhearting discoveries, my breath was taken away not by a hidden assassin but the view in front of me, the first rays of dawn broke I observed this phenomenon from the giantic window panes opening onto boundless greeneries a sight which I had taken for granted back on Earth, in that instant, I perceived it as a chance at rebirth taking matters into my own hands I started a fire... not in the room evidently, in the fireplace, especially after that soliloquy on rebirth, nature and the beauty of life, I drew near to the fire and tossed the journal as a token of gratitude for the moment I awoke in this body it appears my mother was right, however my choice is to live within a civilisation not destroy , live the life I always yearned for, free or responsabilities, hypocrisy and lies. Thus began the rest of my life.
"Hmmm" Something was nuzzling my face, a soft and feathery object, I awoke in an instant, eyes slowly focusing to where the said object was located; however, it was not an object but a GRIFFIN ? The more I tried to keep it out of my face, the harder it got and at last I surendered letting myself be the human playground of that little fluffball , as the animal continued to fly around me while licking my face the door of my room opened making the Griffin dissapeared into thin air, as if I had dreamed the entire encounter.
I turned my head towards the emerald green double door as entered a man in his forties wearing a black uniform alike butlers in movies, he fit the description of the family's Head Butler written in the journal, Gaston Belrosa, a very capable man whose keen eye nearly revealed his former youngmaster's schemes. Whom was planning to kill him first once he and the order seised the power.
"Greetings, Young Master, I sincerely hope Morpheus embraced you to an early sleep, but judging by the puffiness of your face and redness in your eyes, it seems he did not grace you by his presence. Would you like sleeping herbs, strong ones that could even put a dragon to sleep ? "
Ouch, that hurt. Even though I knew the hatred these two harbored for each other, it still felt like a punch to the gut. This man was beyond tactful, and to answer sarcasm, what's better than sarcasm ?
"Delightful morning to you, too, Gaston. Indeed, I unfortunately wasn't able to get much sleep. As for your offer, judging by your rather energetic demeanor, it seems to me you have used them yourself."
Surprise adorned the normally poker-faced butler's aging features and disappeared faster than it appeared.
"Very well, Young Master, I shall then bring your breakfast upstairs". Reciprocated Gaston with a small hint of amusement in his tone and a slight smirk lingering in his face, but as he turned back, I stood up and said the unthinkable, at least, for Julian.
"No need to trouble yourself, Gaston. I shall breakfast with my family this morning, and for a fact, every other morning."
Now I was sure that Gaston was going to faint from shock, and I would have to call the Frank the Duncan's physician.
A crooked smile on the man's face indicated to me that whatever he was going to say next was in order to asses if I truly was his Young Master or if he had to call the Dukedom's Knights to eliminate a threat since not only was it out of habit for Julian to eat among his peers but to ask the servants help to change out of his clothes, let alone showcase his body to others.
"Then, Young Master, I will call the servants to help you change."
Yet, I knew that he'd know the moment I uttered the words out of my mouth.
"I would prefer to change myself per ususal." At that statement relief visibly washed over the brown and white haired man eventhough I'm not sure who should be relieved, him or I ? Especially knowing what kind of powers Gaston yielded.
"Of course Young Master, it slipped my mind and for that I apologise." The butler departed quietly, I took this as my cue to stretch ou of bed dragging myself toward the bathroom, soaking in the pool sized bathtub filled with lavender scented warm water indulging myself in a moment of relaxation before entering the lion's den.
In the wardrobe I chose against well fitted clothes knowing it will cause more harm than good since every little shifts in my demeanor were heavily scruntisized and would lead to my untimely demise. Thus why I armed myself with patience, aknowledging the time it will take for them to grow accustomed seeing Julian's harboring different attires and be a tad bit more outgoing.
Thankfully, whilst the Duncan's estate's tenants slumber, noiselessly I stepped out of my chamber strolling around the Castle, enchanted lanterns glowing in my wake, passing halls each grander than the other, opulence and luxury in every corners, embroidered draperies, gems sparkling under the dim lights, eerie paintings of ancestors casted by shadows, glaring at me, questioning my presence in their sacred hall and of course the pièce de résistance, the ballroom. Nothing could even come close to such indecent magnificence, never in my past life had I seen such a place even during my travels to Europe ! It was entrancing, awakening me to the truth; Magic was real, after all this couldn't be created by the bare hands of humans. I decided that this was it for tonight meaning that the sole place which I hadn't yet ventured in, were the gigantic gardens filled with fantastic creatures and gargoyles who guarded outside.
I couldn't pretend to know the property's interior like the back of my hand however, I could find the dining hall without getting lost since it was the most lived in place in the manor right next door the extravagant Ballroom that awed me yesterday. Surprisingly, instead of the long gigantic table overflowing with food I expected, awaited me an intimate table filled with the strict minimun to feed a family of five, I sat on the right side of the table, admiring the magnificent view the windows offered me.
My leg quivered slightly by each second that passed anticipating the family's arrival, it was the first time I would sit with "my family" after what happened to mine back on Earth. I apprehended each of them, where they alike those evil noble families I saw on TV or read about in books ? Was that why Julian turned out to become a murderous psychopath ? Would they torture me the moment I had a mishap ?
I drifted into the most twisted scenarios my mind could fathom, when out of the sudden Lola Esmeralda Duncan, my supposedely twin sister even though we shared not many common features perks of being fraternal twins burst through the doors nearly breaking them yelling my name "JULIAN !" startled I fell of the chair and began to step back as soon as she approached me, fearing the worst and not wanting to use strenght nor any form of violence in the early morning, I was cornered against the wall, as she raised her arm I expected a gut wrenching punch knowing she was the second strongest sword master of the Empire after the mysterious Crown prince.
In lieu, she engulfed me in a bear hug crying on my shoulder as her snot made its way into the front of my now soaked shirt "Brother, you finally overcame your social anxiety !" she continued to weep. "I'm so happy we will finally eat togheter like a real family !" At that exact moment I returned her hug as her words shook me greatly reminding me of my mother.
The sibling's affection was wearing off, in order to rid us of the akwardeness of it Lola hit me on the shoulder resulting in it's disslocation... Just kidding, Julian's body was still quite robust.
We sat on the velvety cushionned chairs while our youngest sister Laurel Marguerite Duncan arrived, who upon seeing me glared sceptically and greeted me with less fervor than Lola while sitting across from us.
"Look at who decided to join us, the Lord of Darkness himself honouring us with his presence ! It's making me wonder if you truly are Julian."
Touché, but what to expect from the twelve years old genius that she is.
Nevertheless, this bought out a strong reaction from Lola who stood up slamming her hands on the table, looking desperate.
"LAUREL ! Can't you see that our brother overcame his struggles to join us and spend time with his family !"
Disgust and disapointment covered Laurel's features at her sister's simple minded conclusion.
Still, I knew how to turn the table to my advantage.
"There is no need to fight. Lola is right, I missed all of you and loneliness was a not a choice I made but one driven by fear of others and letting them down, adding to that the fact that I want to make an annoucement which would have been odd if I did so in my room speaking to my pillows wouldn't it ?"
A glint of understanding in her eyes "Surely you don't mean-" before finishing her sentence, she was interrupted by the door opening to the Duke and Duchess entering also taken aback by my presence.
The Duchess Laeticia seemed teary eyed and when our gazes met I felt once again like a litle kid reassured by my mother's presence.
They sat and began discussing including me as if nothing was different and Julian was always a member of the meals. Yet that was because they believed I was Julian and obviously the moment they would know I wasn't him they would send me to the dungeons.
However, deep inside I felt that this was were I belonged.
We calmy finished breakfast, each of us standing up to vacate to our occupations when as expected Laurel's voice echoed through the hall "Mother, Father, it appears our dearest brother here has an annoucement of utmost importance to make."
All of their gazes focused on me.
I took a deep breath "My beloved parents and sisters, after a long countless sleepless nights and hours of pondering, I came up to the conclusion that I am not befitted to become the Heir of the Duncan's Dukedom in the contrary of my sisters."
I looked down the floor anxious of their reactions whilst knowing that this wasn't out of Julian's demeanor.
Laughter errupted around the dining room, I looked up and the Duke was giggling ?
A sight that would harm one's reputation especially with his knights with whom he was nicknamed the Cold-faced duke as no expression seemed to ever come across his face, and I couldn't believe it as during the entirety of the meal he showed very much emotions and spoke energitically. Perhaps he reserved this side of himself to his family, That, I wouldn't know of since Julian was extremely distant towards them.
"My son, you mustn't worry as our family motto states "Vincit qui se vincit" He conquers who conquers himself, you succeded in understanding that becoming a Duke wasn't your calling, you spent time away from us in order to vainquish your own demons and know that your mother and I are very proud of each of you no matter what you do."
Duchess Laeticia put her hand on my shoulder as they all approached me.
"However, if what you choose to do will put you or others in harms way, then we will intervene even if that means fighting you to bring your common sense back"
I knew that what the Duchess was truthfull as she is the Head of the Dukedom's Knights and in the past led the Imperial army.
I was speechless, normally in such families status and title matters more than anything and yet they have showed me nothing but support.
Laurel cleared her throat "That means that the next in line is me, well I suppose it won't interfere with my researches."
Lola didn't even ommit a refusal as she knew that the youngest was not only fitted for the role but had an iron fist that would I am sure make all the neighbooring Counts and Dukes quiver.
As for me, the feeling of being surrounded by a family again filled my heart with warmth and dread that this hapiness wouldn't last. Flashbacks of my past life flooded in, however I still had hope and determination. This time everything would be alright...
After that rather emotional breakfast, I made my way to the gardens walking through them, a gentle breezing caressing my face while the sun shone bright and the tree leaves shadows covered my face.
Ah, how good it feels to be alive.
As I walked, I caught a glimpse of the Griffin I saw earlier in my chambers, if my researches are proven right, normally if an individual attains a certain level of maturity and power appears before them a familiar who for as long as they live will stay loyal and devoted a bond that transcends space and time, how peculiar it is for me a man from another dimension to have one and not Julian as he never wrote anything about it in his diary, I only learnt of this while reading a book that spoke of the Mages and Knights coalition that saved the Empire centuries ago.
A familiar will only show themselves to does they deem worthy of their presence, kind hearted and strong willed individuals who are chosen ones in times of troubles, when the Empire is in danger and something evil is brewing.
Alas, something evil is indeed brewing as proven by the past Julian's antics but to me the Empire doesn't seem to be in immediate danger or maybe it was the calm before the storm, but that only time would tell.
Time went by, as our hero slowly adapted to this world's dynamics, the eyes of the enemy obeserving him from afar unbeknownst to him, and so here we are three years later as UNKNOWN became Julian Lilian Duncan.
From time to time, snippets from my old life reemerges through my dreams they are less common than three years ago but still present.
Nevertheless, I feel happy as ever knowing that atleast now nothing could break the peache and calm life I have build for my self here in Andromeda, waking up with Sol in my arms, not a girl well technically yes but she is my familiar and still a baby so she needs an adult in her life, not helping that she thinks of me as her mother ! Afterwards, I prepare myself wearing clothes that fits me, no longer hiding my body, then, I eat breakfast with my family take a stroll in the enchanted forest, train with Lola in the training grounds, study with Laurel and go to town's teashop indulging Sol and myself in pastries.
A relaxing routine that I've followed everyday without a hitch since I transmigrated here.
Howbeit, it seems fate has other plans for me, not including calm and peace.
Because that night, as I got to bed, I heard a loud crash on my balcony, I stood up slowly, my body in alert and walked carrefully towards it, my sword in hand expecting a member of the Order of Moonlight outside ready to murder me.
Nonetheless, my expectations were proven wrong the moment I opened the curtains and was met with a gruesome sight. Yes, right in front of me, unconscious, bloodied, and injured was the Empire's one and only Crown Prince Sirius Rey Aequor...