The burning wood and smoke swirled in the breeze. And excited voices lulled the thrumming of the wind above the trees. Its intervals of sound and quiet were getting shorter. And no one seemed to care.
Mikoto took a breath, looking around as people gathered together and waited along the edge of the circular clearing. They were wearing bright colors and exotic feathered headdresses with painted faces.
"Quite the getups." Little misaka said, sitting in a recliner, the seat pulled back, feet propped. The outside images, like big-screen TVs, hung around her. She slowly exhaled, reaching for a glass of adult beverage and a large bowl of popcorn. "Now, I am not saying to not enjoy yourself. But don't be a stick in the mud either. You're a Queen," she said, "and a Queen always puts on a smile no matter how bunched up her panties are." Tossing a piece of popcorn into the air, catching it in her mouth. Life is good inside her mind.
Mikoto groaned, feeling the weight pushing down her shoulders. Being a diplomat was part of her position. But, after the past few days, she did not want this. She tried to hide from the reality of losing her entire team. Alpha vampires, she'd known for a very long time. What may have looked like 10 years to the public eyes? Didn't even compare to how long she'd known them. Time flowed differently in the other realms. One hundred years to every twenty-four hours on earth. And few noticed.
A Queen vampire had its advantages. Her mother, Misuzu Misaka, fretted, knowing this. She was often glaring and pouting about how young she looked, even compared to her. Her youthful appearance, often being mistaken for being Mikoto's older sister. Grandma Misuzu… but don't call her that. She is much too young… she loved seeing Miranda and Ysabeau growing up. And loved shopping and gossiping with Aoi and Asami, both appearing to be in their early to mid-twenties but hated not seeing them growing up. An impact of living in the other realms.
"Well, looks like they have decorated the Dohyo," little misaka referred to the large mound of earth. Tall, long narrow flags attached to poles, covered with bright colored feathers and dyes, much like Nobori, drew the eyes to the king and the gathering of musicians. Some were softly banging the hollowed logs, deep echoing overtones and light sounds of flutes and strumming of string instruments like an orchestra warming up.
"Quite the gig," little misaka spoke, taking another drink and sighing. "think I'll just relax a little. So, you kids play nice."
"I hate when you get this way." Mikoto rolled her eyes. "Don't mind if I do then." She answered coarsely.
She followed Aya and Gullah as they walked through the gathering crowds. The people nodded, and some quickly turned around or looked over their shoulders to see the newcomer. Feeling a little nervous, she could see the long guest line waiting to greet the king.
"So, I guess we have a little time… so how about we… you know, before?" Aya took her hand and grinned, her smile mischievous. Shaking her head, she raises her hand into the air. "Rea!" She shouted. Gullah took her hand as well.
She heard yelling before actually seeing her. Rea appeared, pushing her way through the crowd. Waving frantically, eyes bursting. She was wearing something very much like Aya. Only smaller. A solid blue sarong wrapped around her waist, bare feet peeking out as she ran. A matching, a little less sheer bandeau wrapped around her perky chest. Festive feathered headdress and jewelry made of crafted leather and precious stones. Jade, onyx, and turquoise stones. Small metal bells hung from her ears and jingled wildly as she pounced on Aya. She laughed as Aya picked her up and nuzzled her nose.
Okay, I lied… I am awake now. Little misaka spoke. She'd said she'd be quiet. Buuuuttttt. she had a tendency not to not talk. So, she took off her horns too? Perky? Pursed her mouthand whistled. "Nice jewelry. "
Aya handed her to Gullah, who kissed each cheek and put her on the ground. She took a cup from Gullah and took a deep drink. Ahhhhhh, wiped her mouth, her face flushing.
"Hello, how old is she again? "
She snatched Mikoto by the wrist. "let's go see mother." She said, pulling before Mikoto could answer.
"Yep, always thought it was about who you knew." Little misaka spoke. "And don't mind if I do," Taking a drink.
Pushing her way through the crowd, Rea dragged Mikoto as the Aya and Gullah followed. Mikoto could see the older woman, dressed in similar attire and the old king, no longer lying down but sitting on what could only be called a throne. Made of ornately carved dark wood. The images of trees, animals, and images of gods in battle were carved in great detail.
Rea came through the crowd and stepped up onto the stage. "She's the queen," little misaka whispered. "This is my mother," Rea said loudly. The older female rolled her eyes, cheeks blushing. "And this is my dad." She hugged him and kissed his cheek. He hugged her tightly. His face glowing in the embrace.
"Oh… she's loved," Mikoto spoke under her breath.
She saw her children in the embrace and hoped this was what everyone saw. Unconditional love. He kissed her cheek and patted her butt. "Father…." she said firmly in a pouted, blushed, "I am not a little one…" she raised her chin, looking royal, "I am a hunter, so you just can't… you know.." brushing her butt.
"Says the one who just broke through the lines and attacked the king." the old king teased.
"Phttp! Then the guards should've reacted accordingly. But not to worry, I am here to protect you, father." Thinning her eyes, glaring over to the side of the stage. The young male who'd tried to claim Mikoto when she arrived was standing, surrounded by a dozen or more males. He glared back. His eyes gleamed in malice.
"I… think he does not like… the reference. Mayyybeee, they don't…. like each other?"
"A little sibling rivalry?" Mikoto answered, "I am a bit familiar with that." Thinking of Aoi and Asami. Both are very competitive.
"Yeaaaa, buuuuut I feel these tooooo will kill each other. While Aoi and Asami will just…violentlee kickeachother'sasses."
"What of myself?" the older female spoke with a tilt of her head. Rea waved her hand dismissively. "Please, mother, even I am no match for you. " She brought her hand to her mouth, coughed, stepped forward, put her arms around her waist, and hugged her mother. She looked down at her daughter, eyes and smile soft, hand gently stroking her hair.
"Thissss must beeee preeeetty normal.." little misaka said. "No one seeeeems appalled by her official, unofficial greeting." Little misaka paused, taking a breath. Eyes glazing over, " and I didn't realize how short Rea was?" She shrugged, "oooor how tall her mother is…. not that it matters."
"Then why did you mention it?" Mikoto asked.
"Juuuust cauuuuse."
"Just cause why?"
"Just cause I could… that why." She burped.