Legacy of Gods and Beasts

Chapter One

"...what?" was all that Atlas could utter. The child in his arms smiled up at him. "Da? I'm sleepy...", she said. She had called him her father, when he had never seen this child in his life. "Okay...I'll put you to bed now", he said, still in shock. He and everyone else had walked back to the castle, and the girl had fallen asleep in his arms, breathing softly. Jackson said that he could take her to Koji's room, but Atlas said he would keep the girl with him. He walked back to his room, and laid her on the bed, next to him. Oddly enough, he managed to find sleep, but his dreams were restless. He was in a bright room, a temple, it seemed. Flowers bloomed all around him, and birds twittered and butterflies flew around. Then, he saw her. She was different, more vibrant and god-like, with four luminous angel wings and a regal gown studded with golden leaves, which actually seemed to move. She smiled. "My love", she said. Atlas fell to his knees. "Mirage." She knelt down and placed her hand on his cheek. "You look worse for wear, my darling." "You don't know how miserable it has been without your light. I wish I could be with you." "We will be reunited soon, love. But you have another task ahead of you." "What?" "The child. She is mine." The pieces started to click in Atlas's head. "Your...child? But how?" "I am no longer bound by the laws of the mortal plane. I created her. Her name is Akela. She is my heir and daughter. And your daughter as well." "I have a daughter..." Mirage nodded. "I wish I could tell you more, but our time is running short. But I will leave you with this. An age of strife is approaching, and Akela is the key to stopping it." "What do you mean?" Mirage shook her head. "I am forbidden to tell you, but you must make sure that Akela grows up strong and happy. Also, you might want to change your view on wolf-bloods." "What?" "Goodbye, my love. I will speak to you soon." "Wait!" But Atlas had woken. The girl, Akela, was sitting beside him, seemingly waiting for him to wake up. "Daddy!", she cried excitedly. Atlas actually smiled a little. A daughter that he could love. "Come here, Akela." She smiled even wider at the sound of her name. Atlas grabbed her and showered her with kisses. She squealed in delight. "Daddy! Stop it tickles!" The door suddenly opened and Jackson was standing there. "Master Atlas?" He saw Akela in Atlas's arms and smiled a little. "Ah, of course. You're needed in the debate hall. I've gathered everyone there." "I'll be there in a bit." Atlas got ready and went to the debate hall, with Akela following him. He opened the door and Akela tugged on his pant leg, wanting to be picked up. Atlas picked her up, and everyone stared at the golden-haired child in his arms. He noticed that Staromega wasn't there. Delilah was the first to say something. "Who is the little girl?" "I'm glad you're all sitting, because this is big news. This child is Mirage's daughter. And mine as well." Dove gasped, Koji went wide eyed, Delilah's hands went to her mouth, Radium choked on her drink, and Jackson stood up. Akela stared at them all, then started pointing one by one. "Koji...Dove...Mommy's sister...Jackson...and the pretty blue lady!" Atlas assumed the "pretty blue lady" was Radium. Jackson seemed to compose himself. "Atlas, how can you be sure that this girl is the child of Mirage? You two never...well..." "No. We never went to bed together, but I had a vision. Mirage came to me in a dream and told me the child was hers. She created Akela." "She did just say all of our names without even knowing us. She even knew Delilah was Mirage's sister." Moments of silence passed before Akela said something. "Mommy's other friend isn't here." Atlas looked at her, puzzled. "Who?" "Mommy's friend. You know, he has black skin, pretty eyes that glow, and a tail?" Everyone's eyes widened. Radium stood up and went over to Akela, looking her dead in the eye. "What does he have on his left eye?" "A scar?" "What is his name?" "Star something, I think." Radium looked at Atlas, a look of understanding in both of their eyes. She knows who Staromega is, and she knows where he is. He went missing two days ago, and no one knows where he went. Until now. Jackson spoke up. "Akela. Are you clairvoyant?" Akela looked confused. "Clair-voy-ant? What's that?" "Can you...see things in your head?" She nodded. "Where do you see your mother's friend?" "I see a lot of trees...and a big shiny thing, that looks like a circle." Jackson and Atlas looked at one another. "The warp pad", they both said.