Last of My Kind

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Authors note

★★★★★★★

Im here again with another installment of L.O.M.K, and ill like to think my writing is progressing positively albeit slowly. I read all comments on the previous updates and i tried my best to work on them in this chapter. The length of my chapters will be gradually increased with every installment.

And i hope y'all can bear with me im new to this after all.

Your comments are not just wanted they're needed as they help me grow, as are your votes.

Here are some things to note.

- All characters in this story are of ages 18 and above, and if they're not human, then they have reached the age of sexual maturity for their specie.

- There are no ties to real life incidents or people it's purely fictional.

- Lastly, don't forget to comment and rate, they tell me how im doing so far ( new guy!!). And help others find my book. of course your constructive criticism and honest opinions are also welcome.

With that out of the way, enjoy

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I'm the last of my kind...

"Are you going to let her out of the cage?" Linda asked.

"Maybe, maybe not. I've got to ascertain she's not a threat first. If I had known she was human--or at least looked like one--I wouldn't have brought her in here," Mia replied with a grunt, seemingly frustrated.

"Clara, how's the deciphering going?" she asked.

STILL NO BREAKTHROUGH, I'M AFRAID. NO MATCH FOUND WITHIN EXISTING LINGUISTIC ARCHIVES. I ESTIMATE DATA ON THE PARTICULAR LANGUAGE HASN'T EXISTED FOR THE PAST FOUR TO FIVE HUNDRED YEARS, CAPTAIN.

Running her fingers through her hair, Mia sighed. "Except if she somehow came from the past, I have no clue whatsoever on her matter--language and species alike. And that is--oh so... frustrating," she mumbled, gritting her teeth.

"You got any clue, old man?" she asked.

Uncle Grey stood shock still, obviously too deep in thought to reply--if he even heard her at all.

Walking over to him, Mia nudged his shoulder not so gently. "Earth to Eryn... you with us?"

"Hmm? Ahh, yes I am. Just searching through the old library," he said, tapping his temple with a finger.

"Something about this creature seems familiar to me. Even the language seems so. Have you been able to decipher the said language?" Grey asked, patting Mia's shoulder.

"Clara is nowhere close. The language is not on any system worldwide or in any accessible records at least. I'm prepared to believe she's spouting jargon," Mia admitted with a sigh.

"This is the second time I'm hearing Eryn. Who is Eryn?" I asked.

"Eryndor Phal'thaki is my true name. I am Eryn. Although I will skin you if you call me that," Grey replied, smiling.

"So even your name isn't what I used to know? Then why did you tell us your name was Grey?"

Grey burst into a hearty laughter. "I never told you that, boy. You and your sister named me that, despite my insisting otherwise--because... because of my unique hair color," he replied, trying to catch his breath.

"That is surprising, but that aside, why can't you use translation magic on her, Mia? I came across it last night and it seems to be a very commonly used spell," Linda asked curiously.

Mia's head snapped up lightning fast. "Translation magic? Why didn't I think of that. Of course, it's to be expected--I haven't come across a language I can't decipher, so I've never had need for it," Mia said, pacing and rubbing at her temple.

"Well, cast it then. How does it work?" Linda asked, giddy with anticipation.

Jason tapped his foot nervously, his chest tightening more by the second. Linda seemed to be taking all this in stride, and it was starting to drive him crazy.

"I--I have no idea, actually. I never bothered to learn it. And besides, I'm not even sure I can cast it," Mia admitted, throwing her hands in the air.

"You can't cast it? Why? It's a basic spell," Linda asked.

"My mana capacity is too low. A single basic-class spell would be enough to drain me. That aside... will you do the honor, old man?" Mia teased.

Eryndor just stood there, staring at her like she had a huge bug on her face.

"Hugh, just take it like that. Your name isn't that easy to say, and you don't want me to call you Eryn. Pick a lane, man," Mia grumbled.

Stare.

"Alright, fine. Can you cast the spell for us? Please?" Mia said.

With a satisfied smile, Grey replied, "I suppose I can."

"You okay with Grey though, right?" I asked.

"It's acceptable. I've grown used to it after all," he replied. "Azrath lithre," Grey chanted, his right hand outstretched and upturned.

A blue ball of mana the size of a baseball rapidly coalesced in his palm before exploding into motes of light. The motes spread through the room and lighted on everyone, including the girl in the cage. I felt no different. I don't know what I was expecting, but it most certainly wasn't nothing.

"Show-off," Mia scoffed.

Grey replied with a very sinister-looking grin.

"Is that it?" I asked, eyebrow raised.

"Yeah, I mean I was expecting to feel something..." Linda said--or was saying--before someone cut her off.

"Who are you people? And why do you have me locked up like an animal?"

All eyes turned to the voice. The girl in the cage. Seems the spell worked after all. The weird thing though was that although I could clearly hear her speaking English, the words didn't match the motion of her lips. She was probably hearing us speak her language too. And she didn't even seem surprised by Grey's earlier spell, which meant this sort of thing wasn't new to her. Ah, who am I kidding--she was basically a panther an hour ago.

"You're in an animal cage because we found you as an animal. And secondly, you're the captive here, so I ask the questions. Who are you, and what are you?" Mia asked.

"I am Akua Uduma, third daughter of Queen Naila, high song of dawn. Protector of the realm. And I demand you let me out," she replied sternly, staring at me.

"Clara? Queen Naila ring a bell?" Mia asked.

NONE I'M AFRAID. I CROSS-REFERENCED THE NAME WITH SMALL KINGDOMS AND FORGOTTEN DYNASTIES JUST TO BE SAFE, BUT I CAME UP EMPTY.

"Ugh, this is getting frustrating. Akua, was it? You haven't answered my other question. What are you? You clearly aren't human, you're not were, and you're not a shifter. So tell me--what are you?"

Akua continued to stare hard into my soul and refused to answer. Mia repeated the question, and even asked other questions, but she just kept staring at me--until Mia finally noticed.

"Jason, will you step outside for a bit, please," Mia pleaded.

"Uh! Why me? Fine."

Jason left the room and Akua visibly relaxed.

"I am from a race of beast shamanists. We are one of the last Gaians," she said. "We are known as the Udumas. My people live on an island called Omenna, protected and isolated from the cruelty of humanity by a barrier erected by Gaia herself."

"Were you exiled?" Grey asked.

"No, I left. For reasons I cannot share," Akua stated.

"I have answered your questions. Now you must answer mine. Who are you people, and what do you want with me?" Akua asked.

"We? I'm the owner of this building. My name is Mia, and I'm a... heh, a crafter I guess. Jason is the boy that left, and this is Linda--she is Jason's sister. They came to spend some time here. The old man is..."

"Eryndor Phal'thaki. Son of the Wild. Prince of the Sky and Guardian of the Realm. I remember now. I have been to Omenna once, a long time ago. There are three countries on that island: Dagearia, Uduma, and one other which I cannot recollect. Uduma was such a small village then. What reason could you possibly have to be among humanity, Princess?" Grey said, recounting the memories of old solemnly.

"I cannot say, Guardian. I have read of you in the history books but I never thought I would get to meet you in my lifetime. I am honored to be in your presence," Akua said with a bow.

"The honor is mine, Princess. I am joyed to meet one of yours again," Grey replied, matching her gesture.

"Uduma is all that is left of Omenna. Has been for over six hundred years. War broke out between the three clans and ravaged the whole island. My family picked up what was left by the seams, and we've been the protectors ever since. If I may be so bold to ask, Guardian, why are you in the company of a god colt?" Akua asked, furrowing her brow.

Grey froze, his face a perfect display of surprise and shock.

"Clara?" Mia called.

I BELIEVE SHE MEANT TO SAY DIVINE BORN, CAPTAIN.

Mia immediately joined Grey in the wide-eyed contest while Linda remained clueless.

"What do you mean, Akua? Linda isn't a divine born, and Eryndor isn't either," Mia asked in denial.

"I can see that. The Guardian is Zhakarei, and the girl is a sorceress. I'm speaking of the young man with the dark hair--the one that left the room just now," Akua responded.

Mia went completely pale, knowing the dilemma this could bring if it was true.

"Grey?" Mia asked, genuinely hoping he said she was wrong.

"I believe it's possible, and I've had my suspicions. But I don't know how it is. I had no idea he was a divine born, Princess. He just awakened a few days ago. And he's my boy--I trust him enough," Grey confirmed, much to Mia's chagrin.

"Awakened a few days ago? Are you lying to me, Guardian? There's no way a newly awakened god colt would possess such tremendous aura," Akua stated.

Grey paused. "I have no need to lie, Princess. He hasn't learned to withdraw his aura--that might be the reason."

"My apologies, then. I had believed he was trying to intimidate me with his aura," Akua stated with a bow.

"Let her out of the cage, Mia," Grey said.

"You sure? I don't trust her one bit," Mia asked.

"How much harm can a cat do?" he retorted with a smile.

"Huh, could someone dumb down all this for me? Because I don't understand what's going on," Linda asked in confusion.

"You'll understand soon enough. You remember how I told you about tier-one beings and how they are basically gods on Earth--or at least demigods? And I mentioned divine born and that they don't exist anymore?" Mia asked.

"Yeah, vaguely," Linda replied.

"Well, Jason is a divine born. And despite my logical mind vehemently disagreeing, I think it might be true," Mia replied grimly.

With a few clanks and clicks, the cage door swung open, and Akua stepped out--instinctively checking herself for wounds.

"So, why do you all look so forlorn? Is that not a good thing, or is he like a vampire or something and he's going to crave blood or suck souls?" Mia asked.

"Let's move this elsewhere. Jason needs to hear about it. Our Princess here is your burden, old man. Keep her in line," Mia said.

The four left the keep In single file, with Linda upfront, the Princess right behind her, and Mia at the end of the line.

Right outside the warehouse was a utility room that was evidently well utilized. Breakers and circuit boxes housing numerous connections lined the walls, with rows upon rows of shelves accompanying them. A couple of industrial-grade machines and HVAC systems, control panels, and what looked to be a safe at the far end of the room. The ever-present smell of grease and electrical appliances hung in the air, and a plain looking elevator stood at the far end of the room.

Jason leaned over on a Samsung Bespoke washer that had clearly been customized, tapping away on his phone. He perked up as soon as he noticed the group's entrance.

"Hey. Huh--so what's up? You guys done, or...?" Jason asked, pocketing his phone.

"No. They said some things about Grey knowing where she's from and stuff. And they also said you're a divine born--whatever that means. What are you doing on your phone?" Mia replied, walking over to him.

"Stop it. Could you be a little less annoying?" Jason replied, thwarting her attempt to snatch his phone.

"Where's the fun in that?" Mia replied with a snicker.

"Uhm, Mia? What's Linda talking about?" Jason asked.

"Of course. I'm only going to say this once--I don't like explaining things. Divine born, or god cubs, and recently added--god colts, are creatures of pure divine energy wrapped in a shell. The body they are born in, That is. How does it happen? Simple: when mana gathers together in an area and it reaches a certain density and volume, it develops a life force. Any creature that conceives and ticks all the eligibility criteria in the area births a divine born," Mia explained.

"If it's that simple, why don't they exist anymore? And what's wrong with him being a divine born?" Linda asked.

"Ten points for Linda. That's the sort of question I love. To answer your question, you have to understand the divine. You'd best get seated."

Everyone except the Princess took her advice, as Akua was still looking around the room, touching the various machines with abject awe.

"There are various gods and demigods, as you well know. There's truth to every religion to some extent. Among the gods there's the god of fire, water, and almost everything--or so you'd think. There can be over fifty gods for a single element like fire, for instance. And the more gods there are of a particular element, the weaker any single god in that domain. Gods don't absorb mana like we humans; they rely on worship and faith as their main source. So when there are more gods of fire, there are fewer worshippers. You can imagine how the gods felt about this." Mia waited for the duo to digest that a bit.

"I can imagine they weren't very happy about that, but that still doesn't explain why being a divine born is a bad thing," Linda retorted.

"I'm getting there, gal, ease up. The most populated domain in godhood is the fire domain, and the rate at which they are born didn't show any signs of reducing--until the last great war. The battle took place in Purgatory, and its shockwave rippled through our realm and almost destroyed everything. The world went into a state of repair, sucking mana out of the very air. The mana concentration in the world dropped by about eighty percent, dropping the spawn rate of divine born by ninety. The gods, seeing this rare opportunity, placed a seal on the mana of our world, further bringing the concentration down to five percent--and effectively bringing the spawn rate to zero. Before this though, the gods had taken to manually killing divine born before they ascended."

"Oh," Jason exclaimed, wide-eyed.

"I think I see why it's bad now. But if there's a seal, then how's Jason a divine born?" Mia asked.

"There was an anomaly twenty years ago--an insurgence. The mana concentration in the world rose by almost fifty percent, and it lasted for three years. We all hoped it would last forever but... turns out it was just a surge. The nexus of this event was in the States--Montana, to be exact. Clara?"

"OF COURSE, CAP."

The supercomputer pulled up a map and displayed it as a holographic projection. It contained data from previous mana records against that of the insurgence and after. It was a simple rise-and-fall graph--the concentration going along a flat line before, a massive spike after, and then returning back to the exact data like nothing happened. It also showed, with lines of varying colors, the probable origin, with most lines converging in Montana.

"Normally, the presence of a being like you, Jason, would be enough to upset the concentration. But it evidently flat-lined after the insurgence. The reason for that is lost on me."

"There was a seal on him. An arcane seal as old as the great war. I managed to crack it, as the seal was already weakened from constant assault by his divine energy," Grey chipped in.

"As old as the great war? That's impossible--the war was over a millennia ago. But since there's no better explanation, I'll buy that. Clara, log that for me, will ya?"

RIGHT AWAY, CAPTAIN.

Jason plopped down with a sigh. "So let me get this straight--I shouldn't exist, and me existing could bring literal gods on my ass?" Jason quipped.

"Precisely. Now ninety-nine point nine percent of my mind is telling me to wash my hands of your case, but that zero point zero one percent is so damn curious. If I'm looking at it right, you and your sister--and probably a few dozen people worldwide--are all products of the surge, which would explain why Mia's stats are high without magical ancestry. It would also explain..." Mia trailed off, frantically jotting down some notes.

"So... what now?" Jason asked.

Mia seemed genuinely absorbed by whatever she was doing and didn't reply.

Walking over to the group, Akua asked, "How long ago did this surge happen?"

"Uh, twenty high suns?" I replied nervously. Yes, I felt nervous--I mean, who wouldn't? She was intimidating, almost seven feet in height, with the build of an Amazonian warrior. She was breathtakingly beautiful and regal. Did I mention beautiful?

"I'm not a fossil...?"

"Jason."

"Ahh, Jason. We also call it year where I'm from. I believe I'm also a child of the surge, Mistress," Akua said.

Mia perked up at this.

"Well, now I'm convinced you all are just trying to convince me to let you stay," Mia replied with a sigh. "How many years ago were you born?"

"Twenty years, a month ago, I believe," Akua responded.

Going back to what she was jotting previously, Mia replied without looking up, "That doesn't make you a child of the surge, Princess." With a sigh, Mia put down her notes. "Alright, let me ask you--what makes you think you're... you know?"

"Every child born of my people is bonded to one creature to the spirit. On rare occasions, some unique ones are bonded with two," Akua replied.

"And?"

"I'm bonded with... more than three," Akua concluded.

"More than three? How many is more than three? Is it four, twelve hundred? How many?" Mia asked in growing frustration.

"I cannot tell you the exact number. I have my secrets to keep. I'm sorry," the Princess replied with a bow.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you that way," Mia apologized, rubbing her forehead. "It's just--it's been a while since I've had an unknown. I'm supposed to be a world-class genius and I have no idea what to make of the situation, and it's driving me nuts," she admitted with a sigh.

"You okay, Jason? You look like you've seen a ghost," Mia asked, noticing the look of distress and fear on the boy's face.

"Okay? Not in the slightest. You just told me I shouldn't exist, and now that I'm inexplicably existing I'm gonna have literal gods and who knows what hot on my ass. It's just now sinking in--I mean, this whole thing with magic hasn't even really registered with me. And just when I was beginning to think of the cool things I could do with magic, you tell me I'm in danger. So no, I'm not okay," Jason ranted, fear evident in his voice.

"Oh. Well, there's some upside to it though. You're like--how do I put this... yeah, the Infinity Stones. Every part of you down to your bones is valuable," Mia said, voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Oh, great. Just when I thought it couldn't possibly get worse." Jason stormed off.

"Why would you do that!" Linda demanded.

"Me? I didn't do anything. Besides, I was beginning to think he's some kind of robot--he's been taking everything like a champ," Mia defended.

"I'mma go after him."

"Leave him be, for now. He needs some time to himself," Grey said.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Linda stated hesitantly.

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Jason isn't really the type to show emotions, and when he does it almost never ends well. So I've gotta go talk to him--or you have to dial back all you told him," Linda stated, arms akimbo.

"Why? Everything I told him is true," Mia retorted with a shrug.

Linda glared at her, clearly unimpressed. The air hung heavy for a moment, broken only by the soft hum of the machines around them. Akua tilted her head, watching the exchange with mild curiosity but not saying a word.