Author's Notes & a warning
: I mistakenly published my first version of chapter 5. The edited one is much better. I already published it. You can go back and read it if you want. There aren't significant changes to the plot, but it's a better read.
The first part of this chapter goes off in a weird tangent. I apologize to anyone who is a bit repelled by the concept. I don't think it's too weird though. My only defense for writing it is that I wanted to explore an idea, and this is where it led. Don't worry, it shall not be the central focus in the story.
The chapter is also a bit emotional. I apologize for it, but I think it's needed for the story to proceed properly.
I posted a poll in the comments section of the last chapter, but I did not get too many votes. Not sure if people missed it or just didn't care enough. Please check em' out.
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"You can't be serious!" Elyssa shrieked when Blaze told her his plans about the Viridian bat, that afternoon. She had initially thought that he was going to take up Fly ball.
The three of them were gathered around the duchess in her receiving chamber
"You were the one who suggested it"
"I was joking!"
"I wasn't when I said I like whacking things" Blaze replied with a grin.
"Sigh, you're incorrigible. You better not be doing this because it's funny... And what the freak are you wearing Astrid? Don't say it's the latest fashion. You might as well prance around naked" Elyssa complained.
"Don't be such a prude 'Lyssa. It just shows a little extra skin. Blaze appreciated it" Astrid replied nonchalantly.
"You did?"
"umm... It is unique?" Blaze said hesitantly.
"You two are just supporting each other. Mum tell them how ridiculous they are"
"I think Astrid's dress is quite refreshing. It's quite airy isn't it? And, Blaze's idea isn't bad either. Swinging that thing will build up her arm muscles. It will be useful when she picks up a real weapon" the duchess replied, peering from the report she was reading.
"Pegasi whiskers! I dare you to wear that thing when you go out, mother"
"I am too old for such things, daughter. You kids are young. You should explore and challenge the norms" Anastasia replied sagely.
"So says the angel who was a Seraphim for more than fifty year! Yeah, Aunt Lynn told me how much of a prude you were" Elyssa retorted back. She was referring to her other mother General Lynn Sturm. Even Astrid wasn't aware of her dual parentage.
"That little coot. She acts mighty and poised these days. Did you know how wild she was back then?" Anastasia fumed.
"I know, mum. You've told me as much about her as she did about you"
"What's a Seraphim?" Blaze interjected. He recognized that word from earth.
"They are a powerful faction. The Heavenly Union isn't just ruled by the queens of each country. The various factions also play a major role in the decision and policy making. The Seraphim are one of the more vocal ones. Their motto is Justice, but they are just a bunch of nosy prudes" Elyssa answered.
"Oh. Which faction does Aunt Annie belong to?" Blaze asked.
Anastasia raised a brow in surprise, but quickly gave him an approving smile. Astrid looked at Blaze disbelievingly.
"She is an Ophanim now. They strive towards gaining wisdom. However, no one under the age of two hundred can become an official member. Something about wisdom coming with age. I think it's stupid" Elyssa explained.
"It's an old-fashioned rule, but there are quite a few of us who are trying to change it"
Jie Er and Rebecca entered from the doorway, just as Anastasia finished speaking.
"I thought you two wanted to stay in for the day" Blaze asked as they joined the group.
"I had to fill up some forms for umm..." Jie Er started but then glanced towards Astrid.
"Astrid. Blaze and his mother are here for a personal matter. Can you give us some privacy?" the duchess asked.
Astrid quickly left the room. She knew the duchess well enough to know when to mind her own business.
"Blaze, I thought about your situation and decided that the simplest disguise is probably the best one. Jie Er agrees with me. We've decided to portray her as your official mother" Anastasia began as Blaze's face filled with dismay.
"I used my influence to procure some predated forms. Jie Er and Rebecca went to the Registrar's to submit them. We now have official certificates indicating that you were born to Jie Er twenty years back" Anastasia told Blaze. "I hope you've obtained the forms without an issue?" she asked, turning to Jie Er.
"Yes! We did. Thank you!" Jie Er replied happily.
"But she is not my mother!" Blaze finally blurted out fervently.
The happiness in Jie Er's face quickly faded. Blaze noticed it, but he couldn't even stand the idea of her taking up the role of his mother.
"She is not my mother. Why can't we just say that she took me in when she found me abandoned near my egg? Isn't that simpler?" Blaze protested, although he realized that it might already be too late to change things.
Everyone looked at him surprised. No one thought that Blaze would react so vehemently towards the idea of Jie Er being his mother.
"Blaze Er..." Jie Er started meekly.
"That will just raise more questions, little Blaze. We don't want people looking into you too deeply. If we maintain that Jie Er is your mother, no one will be curious about where you came from. They will be interested in your strength and your heritage, but no one will question whether you really hatched for her or not" Anastasia tried to convince him.
"I can't accept it" Blaze replied looking down. He couldn't look Jie Er in the eye.
"You don't have to Blaze Er. You just have to pretend in public. I know I can't replace your real mother, but I had hoped you'd accept me as an adoptive one" Jie Er said regretfully. The disappointment in her voice was obvious.
