sand and sky chapter 11

 

Chapter 11  Selection

High above the clouds Years passed beneath the moonlit skies of Hive-Lumina. Children became youths. Young warriors became seasoned guardians. The endless rhythms of Tenkūjin life continued as they always had for thousands of years. The moon gardens bloomed. The choirs sang. The floating dome drifted peacefully through the heavens. And slowly The wounds left by Yuki's departure became quiet scars rather than open pain. But they never truly disappeared. Tsukikage had grown. Though still youthful by mortal standards, he now stood upon the threshold of adulthood. His beauty had become almost unreal. Long black hair flowed like silk down his back. His silver-gray eyes reflected the moonlight with gentle sadness. His pale skin seemed to glow beneath the crystal skies of the dome. Even among the rare males of the Tenkūjin, Tsukikage was considered exceptionally beautiful. Older matrons often whispered that he resembled ancient paintings of celestial spirits. To outsiders, he would have appeared divine. To Tsukikage He was simply himself. Suiren had grown as well. No longer the tiny child who hid behind her brothers, she had become a young warrior. Her long black hair was usually tied into a high ponytail. Though she retained the graceful appearance shared by all Sky People, her body had become stronger through years of relentless training. The cheerful child still existed beneath her disciplined exterior. But now she carried herself with pride. And always Always She remained close to Tsukikage. She had kept her promise. She would protect him. No matter what.

One morning, the entire colony received a summons. Silver bells echoed throughout Hive-Lumina. The sound drifted through gardens, training halls, libraries, and crystal bridges. Every citizen understood what those bells meant. Selection Day. Among the Sky People, Selection Day was one of the most sacred ceremonies. Because male children were rare and few in numbers. And when they reached maturity Their destinies were decided. Some would become attendants. Some would become singers. Some would become healers serving future queens. And among them A precious few would be chosen as Noble Consorts and leave their hive for another. The highest honor possible for most Tenkūjin males. Thousands gathered within the Hall of Resonance. The same chamber where Yuki had once said goodbye. Though many years had passed, Tsukikage still remembered that day. He remembered the tears. The lotus pod. The last smile. Standing beside him was another young male. Yukio. Yukio was gentle and sweet-natured. His name meant "Happy Snow." And he truly embodied it. His long black hair was always perfectly groomed and decorated beautifully by a ring of flowers. His smile was warm. His voice soothing. Where Tsukikage was curious and dreamy, Yukio was cheerful and content. He loved music. Loved flowers. Loved making others smile. Everyone adored him. Even Suiren often joked that Yukio was too kind to survive outside the dome. The two had become close friends over the years. Like almost everyone in the Hive-Lumina they share the same mother, the Queen but Yukio is from a different father, a different noble Male consort.

"Are you nervous?" Yukio whispered.

Tsukikage smiled softly.

"A little."

Yukio laughed.

"I'm terrified."

Nearby, Suiren stood among the younger warrior candidates. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. She waved enthusiastically. Tsukikage couldn't help smiling. Queen Tsukihana appeared upon the Moon Throne. Ancient yet she looked no older than 20. Beautiful. Timeless. Her psychic presence filled the chamber. Silence immediately followed. The Queen raised her hand. Silver lotus petals drifted through the air. Her voice echoed throughout the hall.

"Today, the children of Hive-Lumina become adults."

"Today, destiny reveals itself."

One by one, names were called. Young males stepped forward. Receiving assignments throughout the colony network. Healers. Songkeepers. Archivists. Spiritual guides. Then The Queen paused. The atmosphere changed. Everyone understood. The Noble Consorts.

"Yukio."

The young male gasped. His eyes widened. Then tears filled them. He bowed immediately.

"This son accepts with gratitude."

The entire hall erupted in joyful psychic resonance. Yukio covered his face. Overwhelmed with happiness. Then Tsukihana spoke again.

"Tsukikage."

Silence. For a moment Tsukikage didn't move. Suiren nearly screamed with joy. Yukio grabbed his sleeve excitedly.

"Tsukikage!"

The young male slowly stepped forward. Kneeling before the throne. Silver petals gathered around him. The Queen herself descended from her throne. Something rarely done. Her ancient eyes regarded him kindly. Then she placed a silver circlet upon his head. Moonlight reflected from the crystal jewel embedded within it.

"From this day onward, Tsukikage of Hive-Lumina shall serve as a Noble Consort of the Sky People."

"May your songs preserve memory."

"May your kindness preserve harmony."

"May your light bless another colony."

Thousands of minds joined together in celebration. The psychic resonance felt like warmth spreading across the entire hive. Every sister shared in the happiness of their sons. Suiren cried openly. Not from sadness. From pride.

"My brother is a Noble Consort!"

She practically tackled him after the ceremony ended. Ignoring every ounce of royal dignity.'

"Careful!" Yukio laughed.

"You're crushing him!"

Suiren hugged both males tightly.

"I knew it!"

"I knew both of you would be chosen!"

That evening, Hive-Lumina celebrated. Moon blossom lanterns illuminated the skies. Choirs sang ancient songs. Crystal fountains released glowing petals into the air. Even the usually stern instructors smiled. Yukio was radiant. He spent the evening blushing every time someone congratulated him. At one point he nearly fainted after several older matrons began discussing how handsome he had become. Tsukikage smiled. Laughed. Thanked everyone. Participated in every ritual expected of him. To everyone around him He appeared happy. Perfect. Exactly as a Noble Consort should be. But deep inside Something felt wrong. Late that night, Tsukikage slipped away from the celebrations. He climbed to one of the highest moon gardens overlooking the clouds. The wind moved gently through his long hair. Below Nothing but endless mist. Beyond that The world. The forbidden world. Footsteps approached. Suiren. Of course. She always found him. She sat beside him quietly. For a while neither spoke. Then she smiled.

"You should be happy." Tsukikage lowered his eyes.

"I know."

"You worked hard."

"I know."

"You deserve this."

"I know."

Suiren tilted her head.

"Then why do you look sad?"

Tsukikage looked toward the horizon. Toward the unseen lands below.

"Everyone says this is the greatest honor."

"It is."

"They say I should be grateful."

"You should."

"They say I'll bring harmony to another hive."

"You will."

He smiled faintly. But there was sadness in his eyes.

"And yet…"

He touched the silver circlet upon his head.

"I'm afraid."

Suiren blinked.

"Afraid?"

Tsukikage nodded.

"One day I'll leave."

"I'll belong to another colony."

"I'll never see this place again."

"I'll never see our moon gardens."

"Our sisters."

"Our home."

His voice grew quieter.

"And what if I forget Yuki?"

Suiren immediately grabbed his hand. Her hazel eyes were fierce. Almost offended.

"You could never forget him."

"He'd be angry if you did."

Tsukikage laughed softly.

"That's true."

Suiren leaned against his shoulder.

"And besides."

"Wherever you go…"

She smiled confidently.

"I'll follow."

Tsukikage looked at her.

"You still remember?"

She puffed her cheeks.

"Of course!"

"I'll become a Royal Guard."

"I'll protect you."

"I promised."

The two siblings sat together beneath the artificial moon. Just as they had done countless times before. Far below Hidden beneath clouds and separated by mountains, deserts, and entire civilizations Another boy walked beneath a very different sky. A sky without silver moons. A sky filled with burning sunlight. And destiny continued moving quietly toward them both. Because neither Tsukikage nor Varrik yet understood That the lives prepared for them by their people would not be the lives they ultimately chose.