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Lucarious

For us Phoenix es, it's only common that we remember our pasts. What's uncommon is to relive a life over and over again.

One can say me and my sister were odd commodities or perhaps that's just what a purebred can do. In all my lives I've never once been anything but a prince. Never had I not slain my father, and never once had I been cast into the impoverished slums of the common folk. That was until this life.

What's more uncommon is that we Phoenix es shouldn't have such vivid recollections of our pasts. Yes, vaguely we would remember what we had gone through. But it was more like a feeling than an actual vision. We would know if we had been reincarnated but we wouldn’t be able to recall all the memories of our past lives. I always thought perhaps it was because I was a ROYAL . But, then the books I've read contradicted my thoughts.

For my mother was a ROYAL . Yet, when she was reborn, through all of my timelines, she'd never once been selected again to be a ROYAL . For you can only have the same gift once no matter how many lives you get to live.

Why?

To be honest, I couldn't care less, I mean who would question the power they were given? At least not when it gave them such overwhelming strength. So I never did, until now.

Why give me all the magic in the world only for me to watch my empire crumble in this life?

The crown was taken from me by shadows of all fae. I'd tried every way possible to preserve my empire. I even aligned myself with those who were supposed to serve me. I helped them come out of those flat-against-the-wall imitations, quite literal shadows if you understand what I am saying.

They weren't always able to walk freely in a physical form of their own. Instead, they would take on the shape of other fae. I tried staying neutral. I even gave up the crown of my own free will, ok, no I didn't, but I offered a truce. Yet, how? How in the world did they manage to overthrow me- I mean me, of all the fae in the realm how dare they do this to me! And then, it struck me, a way I could get my kingdom back.

The idea was so sour, so cowardly I shivered in my skin. But, as vile and awful as the wretched smell of rotting corpses upon mountains of maggots, I had to. I had to ask for help. Gods save me now. I think I might faint. To think someone like me has fallen so low.

Alas, for my court to once again reunite with its glory and pristine flames of pride, I must ask for... dare I say it... help . So, sighing, inwardly, of course, I must never show my enemies my weakness, ever. So as strong as the Winter King was, when I heard word of Dracool ambassadors, I knew they were false. Fake. Masks to hide their true identity. And if memory serves me right, Eli had always prevailed in dethroning his father. Never really quite as efficient as I did but well, he eventually succeeded the throne. Thus, I knew this must be his little ploy to play lion in a mouse's skin. The only question was, how had he been able to pull off that little lie?

Straightening the tie around my neck, I smiled and lied straight through my teeth upon one look at those golden pupils shining even in the dim light of this tundra. By lie, I do mean to simply agree. That yes the badge was in fact from Dracool. What I didn't say was, no I do not think those three were any ambassadors of any court. Hell, I think they would all rather choke themselves to death than bow to that mongrel of the Spring Court.

Although I was planning on dosing myself in fairy wine after the evening's meeting, my poor dear little sister just had to drag me elsewhere. Making me really regret not drinking that wine before the meeting with the so-called Winter King. One of the only ways we fae could get drunk is by drinking those shadows-awful fairy wines. And although fairies were sometimes a good fuck, I wouldn't want to stay longer than the necessary time it took to get me off. Those things sure had a mouth on them, and not just for sucking my cock, pity.

I watched the amethyst strings of willowy hair trial against the small breeze flowing through the cracked window. Of course, she'll never understand my actions. Paint it as selfish, narcissistic, however, you like. It's not like I'm hiding it. I always did things that benefit me . I never cared about anyone else. That's just who I am. Why change a good thing, when it's been working for me all this time.

This whole overthrowing me for the Phoenix Court was just a little divergence in my path. It'll get back on track soon. Turning back to the mirror before me I tried to calm my rage. Ahh, my face always helps soothe the turbulence my sister leaves behind.

I was always honest about who I was. Yes, I was all those things she claims about me. I admit it. I mean how could one not be? I'm hot . Truly dashing if you ask me. I grinned winking at myself in the mirror. I didn't drop panties with just any old smile. Who else has such perfect teeth besides me? I was quite handsome, yes, but so was she, my dear sister. She and the girl I never could have. I should have locked those golden eyes in a cage when I had the chance. Then again, she would have found the key. Which was exactly why we were so meant to be for one another. She was the only one who could ever get into my head.

Alas, that poor little sister of mine will always remain trapped inside her own logic, her own mind, imprisoned by her own heart. As cold as she is, she grieves for love and affection like a starved puppy. So much so, that she was blind. So blind she covered her desires with selfless reasons. Trying to help others and all that for the simple reason of purely aiding someone in need.

How… disgusting.

No one is selfless in this realm, at least not if they can't get something in return. Case in point the two hovering bodies outside the door.

I sighed.

Will I never have a chance to get drunk?

I pouted, my plump lower lip slightly puffing out. Oh, even my sad face looks good. Man, I am just dashing.

Turning to the armchair in the center of the room I paused to rest my fingers against the bluish hue of the leather.

"Come in," I peered back through the fogged-up iced windows, which I was using as a means to admire myself. Two pairs of eyes stared back at me. One gold. One an electric blue. I smiled, just as expected. Everyone is selfish in this realm. No one can ever truly be kind enough to be selfless, take these two fae for example.

Dressed in a pale blue tunic and dark blue slacks with sapphire cuffs. Eli must have changed before coming to meet me. I swear the man goes through five clothing changes a day, he always has. However, the tunic had elegant tracings of golden vines across his collar. So, if the sapphire's cuff links weren't enough to convince you that he was of noble origins then the neatly embroidered golden spirals should have clued you in. Everetta on the other hand was fitted into a mesh of blue fabrics and ruffles. The waist was neatly cinched in to accentuate what little curves she had. So needless to say her chest area was covered. The only physical appeal that dress offered her was the tiny midsection she bore. I couldn't even see her ass in all that fabric. The flowing blue length spread around the lightly iced marbled floor she stood on. I never understood how girls kept the hem of such garments clean if they were always touching the ground. Although the dress was simple the embroidery was elegant. With the sharp and vibrant golden stitches of lilies and roses spread around the lower half of the dress.

"Ah~, if it isn't my favorite little couple." I smiled, pearly white teeth and all. A shark's grin one might say.

Eli rolled his eyes walking over to the biggest chair around, which just so happened to be in the front, right dead center.

How convenient.

Insert sarcasm.

Everetta, my one-time lover, and never again, stood her stance, inquisitive, as always. Perhaps she was trying to figure me out. To understand who I was in her fogged-up memory. Why else can't she recognize me? Besides, she always greeted me with a roll of her golden eyes, a big wide hug, or with a knife thrown at me from across the room. It really depends if I've pissed her off that century or not.

So, this only meant one thing. Her memories were stuck in limbo. As for the other blond beauty, of whom I really do wish was a girl if only to tease him, he seems to know exactly who I am. Side note, I wonder how flustered he would be lying under me. My hand under his clothing, another holding both his hands above his head as I kissed down his- As if sensing my train of thought Eli threw even more daggers at me with his glare. I always wondered how he managed to do that; look more annoyed than was possible

"We need your help with something." As always Ev dearest was always the first to speak.

I see, not going to address my little jab? Pity, I was looking forward to a little entertainment for my sacrifice. I was risking a knife to my head. Their bickering was always so fun to watch. I had hoped perhaps one of them would argue the term ‘couple’ with me. I mean come on it was a loaded gun ready to be fired.

How boring.

"Oh? And whatever shall that be." I let my tongue roll across the roof of my gorgeous mouth as I stared back at the two fae.

Gods, I was just too stunning. Smiling, I noted the shimmering aspects of my beautiful chin in the reflection off the pillar behind Eli. And those cheeks, sharp enough to cut a cub. Just like the one standing before me.

It's a pity Everetta never saw that. My beauty I mean. Then again perhaps that was why I loved her, and I still do. I would have maintained my pursuit of her if not for the Wolf disguised as a meek sheep. Alas, even I, the great conqueror of Blood and Fire, and yes, anything with a walking pulse and panties, as my so-called little sister claims, can not defeat a vermin as rancid as that of that little Wolf. And I'm not talking about the elder brother with golden hair who seems to be the younger, what with his short height of five foot three. No, he, I can tolerate, it's the damn false sheep I can't stand.

However, did she turn her back on me and fix her gaze on that monstrous sight? I will never know. I sighed inwardly at her loss. She'll never have the beauty that is me. That and how those wolves seem to be related is so bizarre to me.

A throat cleared, sharp, firm, and far too prim even for me.

Turning I smiled, switching on all the charm and lust I had in me. A frown greeted me in turn as always.

"I never could get a smile out of you." I winked down at the little munchkin to my six foot three inches.

Eli frowned, his blue iceberg eyes never wavering in their animosity towards poor little me. What have I ever done to deserve such hate? Oh wait I know. I tried to conquer their lands once in a lifetime, and I had a bit of a bad reputation. You can't go around breaking hearts and all with a good one. For as tempting as following his strict rules of staying sober and having my virginity intact till I find “ the one” is a bit boring, shall we say. Don't people know a body like mine deserves all the praise and fucking I can get?

"No, and you never will.”

Gods did Eli always have to be so boring?

Wait a minute.

Eli still hates me with as much animosity as he always had. Then why is it that he remembers me but not Everetta? Unless this was one of their little games? No, it can't be if it was then Everetta wouldn't be standing behind Eli. She would be front and center alongside him. She had as much pride as the little cub; she would never simply follow someone from behind. Standing behind their backs would mean a fae was a subordinate of the fae in front of them. Everetta would never stand for that.

So then, what did this mean?

I should play it cool for now. If I let on to any of my suspicions I might lose a chance to one-up them.

Smiling, I shrugged.

"I'll get you to grin one way or another. I'll unlock that chastity belt of yours someday too. Then again you do have it on quite tightly." I continued beaming down at my old acquaintance.

For as horrific as my magic can burn the skins and bones off a man, his razor-sharp ice can freeze a man to death. Which was why we used to be such great friends. I teased him and Eli would yell blasphemous things back at me.

Eli scowled.

And a point for me.

I walked over to the brilliant beam of light and raised the delicate carefree hands of the girl I once loved, and still do. Kissing the back of it as a sign of my respect toward her. Memories or no memories she was still one of the fiercest fae alive.

"Hello, my dear," I kissed the center of the middle figure on her right hand.

"The embers to my flame and the light in my darkness." I finished just as a growl echoed through the quiet room. Did the temperature just drop ten degrees? Seems I've urged him enough for today. I rose from my small bow looking back over at a brooding Eli.

I could practically feel the eye roll emanating off the star of this realm as she frowned back at me.

"Lucarious, you should know better than to poke a Lion." I chuckled at her little statement. Now, was she referring to her other Chimera traits, or perhaps was she speaking of Eli?

After all, she was part Lion, Wolf, Griffin, Siren, and something else. I was never really able to decipher that little tidbit about her breed.

Still can't.

Yanking the golden-haired lady's hand from my grasp I turned to face a glaring enraged little Wolf, or perhaps lion.

Whoops, guess I forgot to let go of her hand.

In my opinion, Eli was more like a Lion than a Wolf appearance-wise. In terms of personality, Eli leaned favorably towards his Wolf side. If you looked at the man, you would never expect just how strong he is. I mean, who expects a man that looks all but twelve, when he's probably what a hundred million sun cycles old, to possess such brutal strength. But if you took a little more time to really look into the depth of this so-called boy, one would find his strength to be fitting of his stance. He was a ROYAL , no doubt about it. I do, however, mean strength and not power, which makes me wonder how he was a ROYALS in the first place if all he had was muscles. ROYALS aren't just physically strong but should be enhanced in magic too. Eli was only one of these things. If you ask me his position in the ROYALS is one of the greatest mysteries in this realm.

As the once warm air from my dear little sister's rage turned cold, a sister whom I still don't understand where her anger was aimed. Well no I do, me , but I mean I also have the right to be angry. She left ME after all.

Anyhow it was safe to say I was freezing my little toes off now. Maybe angering Eli wasn't my brightest idea? No, it's still fun watching his puffed-up red cheeks. He's like a little baby chipmunk. I've always loved watching my crows peck the stuffing out of them.

Knowing my stance I calmly backed away from the two mixed breeds before me. I was never really big on mixed breeds, but can't say I hate them either. I mean just look at how much fun these two are bringing me.

"We came here with a bargain," Everetta claimed, her eyes brimming with confidence and power. Oh, I think I feel goosebumps. Not. Rolling my eyes I motioned for them to carry on.

While I waited for their little bargain I decided to pour myself a glass of fairy wine. I don't see why I couldn't drink while I was here. Besides, I wanted my wine. This conversation's going to need it. Flicking the little glass into my hands I sat against the red-leathered chair before me.

"We know you want your court back. It‘s rightfully yours, and we want our courts back too," Eli added, his glare never wavering.

He never really did like me. Of course, he hates everyone but for the few, he is linked to by blood, with the exception of the little star behind him and that darling spirit princess.

Rolling my hands in a gesture for both of these two little mixed breeds to hurry up. I yawned if only to make my point even more clear. I couldn't care less what bargain they wanted to make because I had a bargain of my own. So it didn't matter what they were going to say, I was going to reject it. Only of course to offer my own little bargain.

Eli glared harder, and for some reason, I never could do that myself. I always wanted to know how he does that. It could prove to be quite an effective threat. His eyes remain the same size too so it's not like he was squinting. It was like the power around him suddenly turned dangerous.

"We suggest we work together. Since the past has shown your inability to work without a knife in the back of your subordinates, we propose that you help us conquer back the Summer Court and in turn we with your Spring."

The boy’s deep blue eyes really made me wonder how it would look if he was a girl. Seriously, if this man was a girl I would bang him. Right up against that shelf over there or perhaps by those pillars. It would be a good fuck with nails and teeth, and oh- as if sensing my thoughts Eli frowned, scowling.

"Are you listening?" He barked like a little pup.

Hmm, maybe a librarian look since, he's so stern all the time.

"A pencil skirt would be nice if he would be willing to let go of some of his gowns and-" I muttered a bit to myself, sipping the wine in my hands.

"I AM A MAN!" Eli’s brows were so furrowed it was like he had a unibrow as I chuckled. A slight snickering could be heard to my right.

I suppose the covering of his chest was instinctual.

"Oh dear, did I just say that out loud? .... Oops." I beamed my lips curled into a wicked grin at Eli's flustered face.

Oh, I totally meant to say that out loud. I just wasn't sure if he caught it. Hell, I knew he would catch it. No one was more prideful than that little pup. A question of his manhood would have Eli going on a rant for days.

"Ya, ya, ya, we all know you're a guy. A man, not so much. I mean you are rather short. Look, is it a deal or not!" Everetta continued for the reddening man withholding a snicker from me and a glare from her other half as she quickly looked away after that little statement. But before the not-identifiable gender-specific person beside her spoke again I shrugged.

Honestly, the deal was reasonable but was I really one to just accept reasonable?

"Well, it is the truth. On the other hand, we do have magic. So becoming a girl again isn't a problem for Eli. As for your claims, well contingencies must be in place for me to even begin to consider this request," To be honest, half this conversation was flowing in one ear and out the other.

"Fair enough, but you can't use it without consent. I mean changing gender is a big deal. And although I do understand the hesitancy on your part, you truly don't have a choice. Do you? I mean what with two ROYALS and one of you, ROYALS or not, it's two against one. As for your sister, well she hates you and your kingdom, so really- as I said two against mono." She pointed out grinning like a shark. I always thought she might be one, a shark that is. I mean with three land specimens it would only make sense her last was a sea creature yes? Hmm, but shark isn't in her name, is it? Maybe she should add it, I mean it's already long, what's adding another title.

"Good point, good point, but then again when did I ever ask for permission? Plus, I always thought we were friends, Ev. Yet here you are cornering me." I pouted a little as the person with their gender still undecided scowled down on the both of us.

The only reply I got was a smile, as evil as that of a demon from hell. "I'll let you think about it, say two weeks? Or however long your court can fair. Also, before you call us friends, consider all you've done to us thus far?" She smiled as the couple turned. Grinning, I watched as the boy made one last comment towards me.

"Oh and if you even dare think about using magic on me again, just say goodbye to your own manhood," Eli bit back his teeth grinding. Clearly, he wanted to be the first to move towards the door. Did Everetta steal his thunder by walking out first?

"But, you're not all that manly Eli." I heard the girl whisper as Eli caught up to her. Her body leaned closer to the boy-like magnet drawing closer. They both walked towards the iced doors, almost like a couple with how close they were. Now that's a sour thought.

"I am too, besides how could you even let him say those things about me!" Eli exclaimed in a hushed tone. It was like he forgot I had enhanced hearing.

"I mean he wasn't wrong, you do already look like a girl. Are you sure you're not one?" Everetta seemed genuinely confused.

"No!" The boy raged.

"Really? Maybe trans-" The girl's words cut off as their voices drifted off into the air. The giant doors slammed shut behind them.

Glass shattered down against the palms of my hands. Cutting into my flesh as it shattered in my grip.

How dare they try and insult me with this- this was no bargain.

For I would be requested to aid in their attempt of conquest while mine is left to rot until the deed is done. My court won’t last long under the tyranny of the shadows. Yet, what could I do? Remembrance of the past is both a blessing and a curse. I know now what must be done that has yet to be fulfilled. I see the future that lies if nothing is unchanged all while blind to a new outcome.

Shattering the remnants of the wine-coated shards of glass in my hands I chucked the damn thing at the mirror, creating a lattice of spider webs. Not to mention the truth of their words, though it pains me, it was true. I don't know where the loyalty of my dear little sister lies. And if I wish to obtain her love once again, I must break her fragile heart once more. But, she left ME. Despite knowing I would never choose to harm her in any way possible. She left me for HIM .

Those two-faced shadows. Worthless gods forsaken boy. Hands shaking, I flashed myself another glass of fairy wine. No, calm down Lucarious. Calm down. You don't have time for slaughtering innocent little sheep for laughs and giggles, no you must understand whether their lie was a lie or a truth. Did their memories honestly come to light? Or is it just Eli's that have returned? How long have they been reincarnated?

With enough-no. Not after what I said- damn it! The red wine stained the white carpeted floor.

"Perhaps I can be of assistance?" A whisper blew towards me, like a curse damning my very soul as it howled in my mind.

"I can get you what you want, your beloved court and your loving sister. I can get both of them back by your side if you heed my words." The idea this disembodied voice proposed was tempting.

It was quite appealing, on the other hand, I wouldn't know what this voice would want in return.

"Tempting, alas I would be placed between two bargains at once now would I not? What makes me want to take up your bargain and not that of the two little cubs?" I asked, popping another wine glass into my freshly magic-healed hand as if listening to a disembodied voice was the norm.

"What I seek is what you seek. What you desire and yearn to gain, so do I." The voice was like wind chimes ringing in my head. It was as if it was dancing around me. Goating me to accept. But I wasn't a fool. Still, his words did sound alluring. Almost like a siren song, like the voice of my once lover-turned-acquaintance. Was it perhaps Everetta's voice disguised as a male? No, it couldn't be. Everetta's not one to play these games. She more of the fae to manipulate events through others. And even if she did want to make another bargain with me, why do it this way? It made no sense.

Frowning, I replayed the voice's words in my mind. His phrasing could just as mean he wished to conquer a land like me or he wished to conquer my land like me. Words of the fae were never meant to be taken at their base level.

Yet, what was I if not a man of risks? Besides I hadn't survived countless lives living behind the gold of my throne. And if he was after my throne then I could just as easily kill him after I get his help. That was if he was useful. But, it was better to be safe than sorry when making a fae bargain.

"If I were to take this risk would I be the sole heir of my court? Would I be able to triumph over my lands once the crown sits atop my head? Would my head fall to the ground in purple poison or bleed excessively from my backbone when I do obtain my crown once more?" I questioned the disembodied voice. How this fae replies would determine my answer.

My eyes tried their best to uncover the invisible threat of magic. To find where his words were coming from. Gritting my teeth I couldn't sense a trace of anything but the cool frosts from the Winter Court. No distinct smell lingered in the air. No dusting of magic coated the breeze. Silence was all I heard. Scoffing, I rolled my eyes. Of course, nothing but my imagination. That had to be it. I was just hallucinating all of this, right? Did I drink too much wine?

I waited for a reply. To prove I was in my right mind. I've never gotten this drunk from just one bottle of fairy wine. It took at least five whole jugs. And then a small "Yes" whispered into the cavernous room. Then nothing but the howling winds of the Winter Court banging against the giant windows entertained me, that and fairy wine. Just because I might be drunk didn't mean I wasn't going to chug more. Besides, I'll need shadows of a lot more if I was going to convince myself the conversation I had was real and might be a better deal.