I had been planning to write this for the longest time. I still need to keep up with my other story, which hasn't been updated in about a year or something. But this is just the start of what I hope will be a thrilling epic. Set in earlier times, filled with castles and soldiers, and evil. Not to sound cheesy or anything. Have fun.
I've noticed that there are not a lot of Progenitor stories out there. I am shocked and disappointed. I would have thought there would be a lot more. I mean, call me a sadist, but I really like those stories. That's why I like Ceres so much.
Disclaimer: Is there really a need to put this up every chapter? Don't own diddly. Except some OCs that I made up to keep the story smooth.
Fated Beginning
It was expected mediocre commotion during this time of day. The multitude of people went about their lives as they would without fail. Shops were open and packed, the streets were bustling with life, and the noise rose to a deafening roar with children screeching and laughing and adult shouting their bargains and hackling for goods. It was hard to notice the pair of people walking together; their only difference to the crowd was the fine cloth they wore under their common robes. Their faces were hooded, but it was not a thing to be noticed; many wore covers to protect their heads.
The weather was merciful that day, and the people took it in stride, as it was not always so kind. Blankets were strewn with merchandise and fruits along the way, ripening in the pleasant sun. Storekeepers shouted their wares to the couple passing by, proclaiming astounding items at remarkable prices, but they did not pay heed, continuing their purposeful pace.
Before a covered hut they turned into a dusty alley, empty but for a few rags and pets. This led them to a much more open plaza, with a main attraction of a grand gate, flanked by two smaller, less impressive entrances.
The enormous opening was intricately designed, a strange sight in contrast with its windy desert background. A veil of intrigue and mystery shadowed it, beckoning onlookers to step into its trappings. The couple stopped for a moment, either to marvel at it's grandeur or in second-thought, but nevertheless walked under its enticing archways.
The scene they met was of boisterous life. A large, mainly seated throng of richly dressed men and slinky servants were placed in an open area, with colorful blankets and many pillows cushioning their presence. The servants tended to their masters, replacing drinks and fluffing cushions, swatting flies and even some were giving massages. Ahead of them sat a raised stage of sorts; plain but clean and wide to fit many people. No one was presently there however, so the men continued with their own entertainment.
The couple moved to the side, and one ushered the into a seat and stood beside them in a protective manner, and the seated person was offered a drink as they waited.
Eventually a tall, pompous man crossed the stage, with him two muscled men, shirtless, but with matching baggy pants. The man wore bold read and orange, a confirmation of his wealth and taste for finery. Upon his neck was a thick rope of gold; on his fingers many jeweled rings. He held up his hands to the audience and spoke in a strong smooth voice.
"Gentleman, gentleman, my apologies for the delay. Might I be honored by your attention?"
His voiced dripped with honey; a perfect voice for a salesman. The addressees silenced their talk and turned, facing the man and the stage.
"Thank you, thank you. My most honored gentlemen, I have traveled to the most hidden and exotic corners of this world, witnessed the most terrible deeds, and viewed the most beautiful of creatures. Throughout my travels, I have come across astounding proof that there are gods, and they are touchable." There grew a strange gleam in the mass's eyes. "I do not wish to detain you any longer, gentlemen. I bring forth before you now beauty and mystery, stolen from faraway lands, for your pleasure and delight."
He clapped his hands soundly, the noise reverberating around the open arena, and the two body guards disappeared behind the side curtain. When next they came out they had with them a group of girls, not yet in their twenties, all dressed in rags. They looked around fearfully to the back entrance and at the chuckling mass and clung together. They looked close enough to be sisters.
"Now, first for your viewing eyes, I bring you these exotic maidens, found together in a village across the sea." One of the men pushed them forward to the front of the stage. The host grabbed one by the arm and held her straight. "They are indeed a prize to behold, gentlemen. They are in perfect health and age for anything you might have for them……."
The person standing beside their seating companion sighed under his hood.
"You're sure this is the right place?" it asked with a distinct male voice, just as the men before him began their bidding.
His friend turned slightly, but his/her eyes never left the stage. "Yes."
A strong woman's voice.
"Nine hundred for the group, Goki!" called a walrus of a man in the front. The crowd roared with laughter.
"Alright then, if you're sure," said the man. He grimaced. "I can't stand these places."
"We have servants of our own. How do you think we got them?"
"I know, I know. But these men are all perverts and pimps. I can imagine what they want these slaves for."
"That's the business of slaves. It's lucky chance which ones serve sane masters," said the woman.
The time passed as slaves were pulled to the front of the stage and sold. Men, women, and many children were taken away by more muscled men, to be put in trademark chains and brands. The raucous men laughed and cheered when children were bought separately from their families, and were torn from them screaming and crying.
They were taken from their homes, forced into slavery when they were free people. Their villages and dwellings were destroyed by Goki, the slave master, and they were left with no where to go. Many had their families murdered, whole communities slaughtered so the few survivors could be taken with ease. Many would be sold to perverse men with filth on their minds, and be made into doing nightmarish things for the rest of their lives.
"A fine choice, Lord Toshio, he will make a fine servant," declared, Goki, pushing away a young boy. "And now, you shall get a treat, my fine, wealthy gentlemen. I came across a band of nomads crossing the desert. They were only too willing to give me such gifts."
Out from the side curtain appeared two people, struggling and wrestling like there was no tomorrow, which were forcibly shoved onto the stage. The crowd sucked in a collective breath of anticipation. It was a young boy and girl; tall, slim and fair. Both with shining golden locks, they were undoubtedly twins.
One of the men snatched the girl by the arm and yanked her forward, holding her in place. She went, but kicking and scratching all the way.
"Hey! Let go of me, you big, ugly- ow!"
The brute gave her a sharp rap on the head and she hissed at him, but stood still. It was them when she noticed the sea of lechery she stood in front of. Her knees began to shake slightly and a look of fear crossed over her fury.
Goki bravely grabbed her by the chin and showed her off.
"See, gentlemen? A beauty among rabble, no doubt. She and her brother are a pair like no other! Note their golden crowns, a rarity among our lives." It was true, blondes were very hard to find around those parts. Very hard. And they were twins, which was so uncommon to see in the first place. "She could not be more than sixteen! And still a virgin, I'm sure-"
"Hey!" The girl yelled in outrage.
"So what will it be?"
The bidding began quickly, and just as quickly rose. The girl was getting a fine price, higher than any yet. It didn't help her that her clothes had been reduced to tatters, showing a good view of her shapely body.
The hooded woman straightened.
"Is that her?" asked her companion
"………Yes, it is."
The man nodded and stepped forward, raising his voice to match the rest. He knew he could spend as much as was needed to get the girl. He certainly had enough money to spare.
"Two hundred!"
"Two-fifty!"
"Three- fifty!"
The competition was getting heated. A blonde beauty would be a gold mine, even after she was not a virgin. The man opened his mouth to speak when another booming voice echoed.
"Seven hundred!"
The man who spoke was the largest man there, in the finest clothes. His party took up a large portion of floor space. With him he had two man-servants and three voluptuous women at his sides. He was well known on the street. He was Lord Boba, the King of Harems. He owned the largest, most successful harem in the city.
The hooded figure narrowed his shaded eyes.
"Seven-fifty!"
Boba's squinty eyes twitched in irritation. He was used to getting what he wanted.
"Eight hundred!"
"Nine hundred!"
"One thousand!"
The man sighed. This was getting him nowhere.
"Two thousand!"
Goki felt like he could die of happiness. He had watched the exchange with a growing giddiness. Who knew the girl would be worth so much? When the last man had yelled his offer he had almost fallen over. One slave for this?
"Sold!" he called quickly. "To the man in the corner! Congratulations, my good, fine, wonderful man!" He pushed the now stunned girl toward one of the guards and rubbed his hands greedily.
A strong grip on her arm snapped the girl out of her shock. With effort she twisted around to the blonde boy on the other side of the stage.
"No! Let me go! Aki!" she shouted. Her struggling returned with a vengeance; she bit and clawed at the guard, but he continued to pull her away, cursing his career choices.
Her brother was just as resilient. He fought his captor fiercely, and managed to break away and run towards his sister, to her outreached hand and touch it briefly before two guards came upon him and forced him back.
"Aya!"
The girl was finally drawn out of sight. The crowd had loved this bit of show, and they applauded vigorously when one guard set extra chains on the boy, Aki.
"What about the other one? Her brother," inquired the man, who was now back beside the woman.
"We can't," said she. She spotted several men around her, trying to peek into her hood. "People are starting to notice us. Let's go, Yuhi. Take the girl back to the castle."
The man bowed, and they walked out discreetly, away from the curious eyes.
Goki had seemed to regain his composure. "And now, sirs, for the boy. He is a strong, sturdy specimen, with fine shoulders and a slim waist." The boy was moved closer to the men. "He has a handsome face as well, for those who would have him do……social work.
Shall we start with one hundred?"
The multitude looked eager. Indeed he was a fine boy.
"One hundred!"
"One-fifty!"
"Five thousand."
Silence fell as a smooth, deep voice rippled from the back. All were shocked, and rather disappointed, at this mysterious person. The boy's head had shot up when this proclamation had been said, and now he looked over to the figure as well, curious and suspicious.
He was young and very handsome, but with a brisk coolness to him. He wore fine cloth and strong colors, and stood calmly and confidently.
"Well? Do I have him, slaver?" asked the man to Goki. But silence greeted him, as Goki had passed out some moments before upon hearing the bid. "I'll take that as a 'yes'."
He pocketed something he'd been holding in his hand and looked to a young man standing next to him, dressed in stunning black and silver.
"Bring him," he ordered.
"Yes, m'lord."
Without a glance at the staring crowd the bidder walked out, just as the one dressed in black stepped up to the stage, his long straight ponytail fluttering behind him. He took a second to seize up Aki, and then held out his hand.
"Let's go," he said, glaring at the guards with dark, searching eyes until they removed the chains. Aki rubbed his now free hands but made no move to leave the stage.
"Who are you?" Aki demanded. To his surprise, the man below him bowed low.
"My name is Wei Fei Li," he said. "I'm taking you to your new home."