Legend of Gemini 006

“It’s nice to meet you, brother.” A male youth with a good built and masculine posture greeted me. “I’m Saturn Pryor, seventeen years old, from Planet Jinkai.”

I accepted the handshake and then scanned the name sewn on his clean white uniform.

“Pollux Celestial.” I replied my own self-introduction.

“I am the one a.s.signed by Reverend Astronomiya to guide you here in Sanctuary.”

“I see. Thanks then.” I found myself amusing and different for this day because this is the first time that I have expressed grat.i.tude towards someone belonging to the lower cla.s.s.

“I will give you guidance for the whole week while you are staying here. I will answer all your questions and explain about your responsibilities to our home until the Tri-Polar Eclipse comes.”

“How many months are left before the eclipse?”

“Hmm... I think, three and a half? I actually don’t know the exact number of days left because it’s not my hobby to monitor the calendar, especially if it’s only reminding me the date when I will die. Forgive me for that, brother.”

I couldn’t find my tongue after hearing his reply.

The Tri-Polar Eclipse is an annual phenomenon here at Parthenon Galaxy which is believed to be accompanied by a supernatural occurrence. It happens when the shadows of the twin planets, Exilon and Chrome, become one while also obscuring the sun. It is the perfect alignment of those planets in their orbits with the sun. According to the myth, this was when the first war happened. The day marks the start of the dry season in the Chrome kingdom while it’s the opposite in the Exilon kingdom. It is the day when all beings of the Galaxy start fasting to cleanse their souls.

One more thing... it is also the fated day when all the demons who will be celebrating their eighteenth birthday will be offered as sacrifices. Because of this that I get Saturn’s point. It is better to not worry about the pa.s.sing of the days especially if the day when you will be killed is only nearing.

“So when are we going to eat?”

“Later. You will hear some continuous ringing of the huge bell and that will be the signal that everyone must take their breakfast. Why? Are you hungry already?” I nod. “We should head there now so that when the signal is heard, we will be in the front of the line.”

When I look at him closely, I was haunted by the feeling of uneasiness. This guy said that he came from Planet Jinkai but his manner of speaking is not so Jinkish. The said planet is Chrome’s colony and I have been there before. I was also born on that place that’s why I know how people from Jinkai planet talks. I’m also quite familiar with their cultures and also with their accents and tones when speaking.This is why I was really bothered by the man next to me. Was he lying to me?

***

Ten continuous ringing of the bell served as the reminder that it’s time for the residents of Sanctuary to eat their breakfast. For the first time in my life, I experienced lining up with the other people just to receive the food ration given by a  female Pillar member. I received it with trembling hands. I couldn’t help but remember how I used to be the one served by my servants whenever I was eating. However, that was the everyday situation before. From now on, I will have to line up just to have something to put in my mouth. The food is even covered in the metal platter and when I checked what’s included in the meal, I saw something which seems to be very unappetizing. Unfortunately, my hunger makes me crave for it. I almost want to take a bite but Saturn stopped me.

d.a.m.n it!

He told me that we have to wait until everyone gets their share. Then we will all offer a prayer before eating. I can only complain to myself because I’m really starving. I never thought I will experience how terrible is the life of someone who is living under the mercy of the others.

“Why don’t you tell me a story while we are waiting?” Saturn suggested to me.

I reply to him with annoyance. “What story can I tell you?”

“Anything. Just lower you voice so that we won’t be scolded by the Pillar people.” Op-art, Saturn’s best friend who is also next to us, said to me.

“It’s better for you to just ask my twin sister.” I pa.s.sed Op-art’s wish to Stellar.

“Geez, forgive my twin brother. He’s just so anti-social.” Stellar said while trying to sound remorseful.

“Hey, are you sure that the two of you are twins? I think your facial features don’t resemble him.” Op-art exclaimed to her.

Stellar suddenly stated something which made everyone grinned. “My brother had been conceived when my mom was looking at a regan lizard.”

I glare at her.

For the love of common sense, why did she compare me to a regan lizard when there are so many other options? This woman’s tongue is really sharp!

“Hey, so Anemone will be the other guide for our female newbie?” Op-art asked a girl who looks like Stellar.

“Yes, brethren. I will be Stellar Celestial’s guide.” Anemone answered in a polite tone.

“I think the two of you are the real twins!” Saturn said.

“Yeah! It’s more believable!” Op-art added. Everyone s.h.i.+fted their gazes towards the two maidens who are sitting next to each other. Even I was surprised when I saw how they resembled each other so much. They have the same black hair, blue eyes, rose-like lips and shape of faces. Stellar and Anemone only differ in their hairstyles. Stellar’s hair was arranged in a neat ponytail while Anemone braided hers with some strands hanging down on her ears.

“Saturn, I just want to ask you about this because it’s been bugging me since the time you introduced yourself, but... are you really a Jinkish person? Why do you have that hair color?” I pointed towards his short haircut which has a s.h.i.+ny silver color. He’s got the same color with mine before Stellar changed its keratin and made it black.

“Ah, this?” The young man touched his silver hair. It really looks like the hair inherited by the Tudor royals. “I’m also not sure why it looks like this. However, as far as I know, I’m really from planet Jinkai.” Saturn replied innocently.

“Haha, the other new people also had tried asking him about that and many had even concluded that our brother, Saturn, is a n.o.ble’s descendant.” Op-art spoke. “Unfortunately, no one knows about Saturn’s past. The deities are not allowing us, demon children, to know our past and they said it’s so that we won’t turn evil.”

“What the h.e.l.l?” I didn’t understand what this one had said. My brows arched up, the same happened to Stellar.

Anemone b.u.t.ted in. “It’s forbidden to talk about a demon child’s past in the Sanctuary. Apparently, it’s part of the laws. For the complete details, you have to read the tablet given to you by Astronomiya. By the way, Saturn had been surrendered by his parents to the Sanctuary when he was still an infant.”

I see. So that’s the reason why he speaks in that way.

Suddenly Op-art added. “Anemone and Saturn are the same. They grow up and learn the way of the world here.”

“Really?” Stellar blurted out then Anemone nodded as a confirmation.

Silence followed.

All of us zipped our mouths when a group of Pillar people came together with Prime Copernicus. They are flying towards us while aboard a hoverboard and while lifting up their cups. Everyone stood up to give pay respect to their arrival. Probably, this group of Pillars only came after seeing that all of the demon children had received their rations.

“Take your seats!” commanded by a bored Pillar male member. All of us obeyed and then started praying.

Another moment of silence followed.

We placed our right forefinger between our eyebrows with our palm opened. Our left forefinger was placed on the center of our chest. This is how we pray. The one who led us in praying was Astronomiya. “Our G.o.d Centaurii! We are earnestly expressing our grat.i.tude for every grain we have received for this day. I pray for all your grains to fill up our flesh and spirit, to give us vigor which we will use in doing good deeds. I pray that the flame from your wings will bless us with good harvest which will be served in our next meals. Through your graces, we will not starve. For your flames, for the sky, for your mercy. Amarayat Kublai Shediya.”

“Amarayat Kublai Shediya.” The demons chorused in saying their response after the prayer concluded. The words they said came from the old Elerean language which means ‘I thank you, father and mother.’

Because of extreme hunger, I turn a blind eye to what I’m currently eating and just proceeded to chew and swallow it. That’s when I realized that I judged this food wrongly. I thought it’s not delicious because this was what its appearance told me. However, it actually tastes good. Or is this the after-effect of starving for three days? I don’t know. But  I feel that the thing I’m munching right now is more than enough and satisfying to ease up my rumbling and protesting stomach.

“Brother, what you’re currently doing is not advisable.” I was startled because of Saturn’s reminder. I sweep my surrounding a glance and then started to act properly. This is embarra.s.sing. I actually forgot the proper eating etiquette for a n.o.ble person due to extreme hunger. I noticed the quietness of the place and compared it to before. When I was still at Chrome, I always eat while the orchestra’s beautiful and enchanting music was playing. However, this time, it seems I will be deafened by silence. I corrected my table manners and started to observe the movements of those people sitting near to me.

After a little while, a male Pillar member motioned towards our group of newcomers. If I remember correctly, he was the one who permitted us to take our seats earlier. His face is very different from the other Pillar people because his skin is like natural gold. His sharp eyes are like snake which is ready to strangle its prey. The shape of his eyebrows and his black lips gave the impression that he’s a cultist. He walks lazily but steadily. His face shows no sign of any emotion. This is why I think that he’s like a walking dead. Probably, he's really a member of a weird cult.

“A child devoid of proper table manners while eating will surely be punished by our G.o.d Centaurii.” The arrogant Pillar Reverend reprimanded t.i.tan. “Honorable Prime, I wish to teach this child a lesson - in the name of the G.o.ds. This demon had just broken the thirty-fourth law!” He politely but strongly addressed to the Prime.

t.i.tan’s countenance warped into the likelihood of a painting that could no longer be described. When he was taunted and shamed by that Pillar person, he was like a harmless sheep standing in front of a lion.

“He’s only an eight years old kid.Can't this be pardoned?” All of the sudden, Stellar protested. She actually stood up. It’s obvious that she did that because of the strong wave of emotions.

“I understand you...” That Pillar eyed the name sewn on Stellar’s uniform. “...Stellar Ce-les-ti-al. Of course, because you and your brethren are only newcomers, you can’t be blamed for being not familiar with the rules and regulations of this place. However, everyone is innocent in our G.o.ddess’ Ynamoreven’s eyes and must be taught the knowledge that came from our G.o.ddess Eureka. No one is exempted from this law. If you really insist, why don’t you just claim for yourself the punishment meant for this little brother of yours? Do you dare?”

“Dead. Lexur will deal with you.” Op-art muttered in a very weak voice. Stellar’s face distorted to the point that it could no longer be painted after she heard what Lexur had said. I knew it. This forest girl loves getting into trouble.

“Honorable Prime, your decision?” Reverend Lexur asked Prime Copernicus for his permission.

Prime Copernicus stared at Reverend Lexur with his direwolf-like eyes and unchanging facial expression. His mouth, his eyebrows, and even his way of moving, mannerisms while sitting and way of tapping the marble table were as if calculated. Everything about him is proving how intellectual and knowledgeable he is. “Fine, I’m permitting you to do what you proposed.” Prime Copernicus answered in a cold tone. As a respond to that, Reverend Lexur saluted and bowed.

This Reverend Lexur guy is like a white dove with a heart of black crow.

When I tried to a.n.a.lyze the way this Pillar member do things, he’s a person wearing a white tunic but inside, he’s no different from me who has a personality issue because he actually tried to punish a little and innocent child like t.i.tan.

“I’ll claim the sin of my brother!” Stellar said slowly. Her voice echoed throughout the four corners of the white room. Everyone was shocked by her declaration and it caused the silence to reign. For Stellar though, the place’s appearance and color changed. The shadows which were mirrored on her blue eyes when she swept a glance to the surrounding could not be captured by eyes alone.

“How brave. I’ll consent because this is your wish. Stellar, come and follow me.” Lexur beckoned to the courageous lady. “The others will continue eating their meal.” Reverend Lexur must have purposely softened his voice and expression when he said that to us before leaving the dining hall with Stellar. Everyone resumed eating as if nothing had happened, well, except for Anemone and t.i.tan’s guide who started to teach the proper table etiquette to the child.

“What are they going to do with Stellar?” I asked to Saturn.

“She will be brought to the hall of fasting and there she will receive her punishment from Reverend Lexur.”

“What kind of punishment?” I added another inquiry.

“Nothing serious. Reverend Lexur will not dare to educate her severely. Stellar will probably only pray and not eat for three days.”

“Three days?”

“Yes.” Saturn confirmed.

“That Lexur is a mad man. He sometimes become very crazy and will start making us do weird things.” Op-art chimed in.

“I want to apologize to you and to your twin sister because I failed to do well in guiding her.” Suddenly, Anemone sincerely said this in front of me.

***

After breakfast, the Pillars made us change into farm-clothes. “Here in Sanctuary, we will be the one to plant and harvest the food that we will eat.” Saturn explained while we are busily tending to the wheat plants. “Okay, now collect the harvested wheat.” The young man handed me a rope.

Op-art taught me how to collect the reaped wheat plants and on how to bundle them together. “Don’t we have any machinery to ease up our farming lives?” I said in complain.

“Apology to you, brother. However, this is part of the Sanctuary’s tradition.” Op-art answered me.

“Aren’t you tired of this? What’s the use of technology if you can't use it to help you?”

“This is fun, you know? We prefer living and working this way.” Saturn replied while scything the wheat plants.

The wheat terraces in the Sanctuary is wide. The wheat plants’ fine hair and leaves are touching my feet. I can also feel the soft wheat hays on the ground. This is actually how it feels to be a farmer. It's so new to me.

I watched the other demons. All of them are happily conversing with each other while busily harvesting the wheat. I saw some demon children running towards the higher part of the wheat terraces. I also noticed some serious workers who are only minding their jobs.

I suddenly remember that the rice fields are situated at the foot of this terraces-like field. Like the wheat, the rice grains are probably also ready for harvesting. On each side of the rice-field, there are source of irrigation which are connected to the artificial lakes. I think that those artificial lakes are also connected to the waterfalls at the mountain. Well, I’m actually not sure because the lush and verdant plants were covering the water-paths from my sight.

I looked upwards and saw the unending sky. The artificial sun’s rays are blinding. The same with the dazzling clouds which are probably the imitation created by the Sanctuary’s force field. It’s amazing. The force field of this place is the same with the one situated at the Chrome palace. When I was outside the Sanctuary, I could see what’s inside but when I peered from this place, I couldn’t make out what’s outside. I can’t see the dark and gloomy outer s.p.a.ce because the force field hindered my eyes.

This place is not totally left behind by technology.

“Where are the girls?” Out of the blue, I asked.

“They have been a.s.signed to the vegetable fields and to pick fruits. But those demon children with ages thirteen years old and below are currently studying under the Learning Program.

“Learning Program? What have they been learning?” Regulus questioned his guide, Op-art.

“Stuff about science, history, mathematics, civics... in short, education.” His guide replied.

“And what is the purpose of being educated if in the end, you die?” I contrasted.

“You’re talking as if you’re not a demon.” Everyone laughed when Op-art shouted that.

“All people have the right for education, brother. The G.o.ddess Eureka is not picky of whom to educate. Even us, demon children, have access and right to knowledge.” Kevan, Skye’s guide, answered.

“Change topic. Does it rain here at Sanctuary?” Skye asked Kevan.

“Sometimes. However, what you can see above, the sky and the sun are only the force field’s imitation."

“Then how do rain forms?” Skye added.

“The heck if I know.” Kevan half-heartedly replied to him because he is busy in moving his scythe.

Sky temporary halted his movement. He examined the clear sky. “How about those birds, are they real?” The lad pointed with his finger towards the birds flying above them.

Kevan immediately responded with his sarcastic smile. “Yeah, they are real. All of the animals in the Sanctuary are tamed and reared by us.”

I moved my gaze away from them, as if finally losing my interest. I suddenly noticed that it’s been a while since I started working under the sun. However, I’ve yet to feel the burning sensation on my skin. The place is actually cool and relaxing. Probably, even the temperature inside the Sanctuary is controlled by the Pillars.

***

Two hours pa.s.sed and that’s when I finally started sweating. This is the first time I’ve felt extreme tiredness because of working. Almost all the water from my pouch had been consumed. When the evening comes, I will be probably a.s.saulted by the fatigue and body ache.

We carried the harvested wheat to the mechanical truck which will grind the grains. We waited for more or less three hours until it finished the processing of wheat and then we were relieved from work. Saturn told me that we will continue the harvesting of the rest tomorrow. For now, it’s time to eat lunch.

“Are we going to eat here?” Regulus asked when he saw the women who came from the vegetable areas approaching this place.

“Yes.” Op-art answered. “Let’s go and line up if we don’t want to not receive rations.”

***

My first day of staying in the Sanctuary had been very tiring. Now, I feel that lying on my small bed is so comfortable and good. The night is reigned by darkness. It’s quiet. It was as if I’m floating while looking up to the ceiling of my room. In my heart, I want to erase and forget the thing that is bothering my mind. But it persists on disturbing my thoughts.

Three months!

I only have three months left to search for my soulmate. Three months from now, the Tri-Polar Eclipse will occur. Three months from now and I will be offered and killed if I fail my mission. I still don’t want to die. If I was born just to die that kind of death, I wish I were not born anymore to this world.

I really hate the G.o.ds.

I really hate the G.o.ddesses.