ZenpaiTrans
patreon
Solar Blood Masters (103)
🕑 Added 2024-11-30 17:00:03 +0000 UTCChapter 103 - Feathered Nest Gala
"Grandma, you're a Calamity now! Ahahaha! It's amazing! Just wait until you get Sindoll’s blessing then you’ll be much better.”
Raphael couldn’t contain his excitement as he swaggered through the grand corridors of Qi Hawk’s palace. He’d been deeply worried for Thienika, whose frail form and diminished essence had tugged at his newfound sense of compassion.
Now, however, his heart was light.
She was stronger.
And with some of her powers restored, maybe, just maybe… they could win those precious years at the Grand Divine Tribulation.
However, his blissful thoughts had Lu Jade coiling his serpentine form tightly around the bull’s magnificent horns with a huff of disapproval.
“Big Brother… settle down… Settle down! That arrogance, Qi Hawk has merely helped her reach Calamity 1st Layer. We will be facing off against countless Nightmare Calamities! Beings that make Gastaroid look like an ant!”
His harsh truth didn't simply resonate in those cold walls but also in Thienika’s heart as she watched Raphael’s expression change from glee to concern.
“The journey ahead will be treacherous, Raphael. But Little Lu has a point. We should temper our joys. We can celebrate after we’ve attained the precious years, hohoho!”
"Ahahaha, you're right, Grandma. But still… It’s a relief." Raphael smiled again, and even Lu Jade relaxed a little bit. It felt strange being scolded by a tree, however, truth and respect for those above demanded it, he concluded.
Then as if fate itself had a wicked sense of humor and wanted to add a bit of flavor to their somber reflections on the harsh reality of Yama Yaguai and their predicament…
Before them, a cloud of smoke appeared.
“Boboboboho!”
Julian Ringtail emerged.
He stood there with his tail swishing back and forth playfully. His mischievous grin had both Raphael and Lu Jade cringing, for they could sense lewd thoughts emanating from that lemur's gaze as it moved up and down Thienika’s form with an intensity they’d never seen.
“Venerable Thienika… My, my… you looked beautiful! Those starry roots and that delicate form… Boboboboho!”
He then hopped closer and started circling her with an urgency that had her staff crackling ominously. His paws twitched as if wanting to touch. And in that moment before he could even sniff her, or perhaps even taste her.
Thienika spoke with a calmness that contradicted her irritation.
“Julian Ringtail, I see that your eyes for beauty have not diminished. A trait I commend.”
She then stamped her staff against the floor.
BOOM!
A wave of energy erupted!
“What the…?!”
Julian was blasted backwards.
Those who witnessed his demise from nearby balconies gasped. “That woman…! She attacked Emperor Julian Ringtail?!”
Their astonishment was short lived however, for within milliseconds he reappeared, and landed gracefully before them.
“HAHAHAHA! I knew it, I knew it! You still have that FIRE in your hips, Venerable Thienika! Such a potent beauty!”
"Thissss… isss awkward!" Lu Jade hissed to Raphael as his scales paled. “We… We should just slither away.”
“Yeah, perhaps…" But before they could flee this awkward encounter, Julian turned to Raphael and gave him a wink.
"And YOU, bull! That was one helluva show earlier! I've never seen Gastaroid so… so… well… HUMILIATED! To have HIS power siphoned like that? Boboboboho!" He laughed. "You’ve got guts. I like it!"
Then, with a flick of his wrist, he extended an invitation. “Come visit me one day. We’ll drink the finest wines. Those brewed by the fairies! I know you’ll enjoy them, hahaha!”
And then he vanished in a puff of smoke.
Raphael scratched his head. "What was THAT all about?”
"He’s a bit… peculiar… and quite lecherous… Big Brother. Let us forget about this."
“Yeah, but the wines he mentioned…” Raphael pondered briefly about that offer. “Maybe…”
"Don't even consider those temptations! His offers are rarely genuine!"
As they continued onward, their earlier conversation faded into chatter about a more immediate issue.
"I wonder what delicious meals Qi Hawk will be serving tonight,”
“Food… yes…!"
They were famished. And a feast, especially one hosted by a powerful Emperor Calamity, well, that was a reward in itself, they’d all agreed. Soon, their discussion shifted toward attires, and what to wear to an Emperor’s party.
…
Nestoria, Qi Hawk's magnificent Marble World, contained the glow of a thousand rainbow-colored winds. They danced elegantly between the floating islands, carrying with them the sweet fragrance of exotic flowers and a palpable air of excitement.
Tonight was a celebration!
"Welcome to the 'Feathered Nest Gala'!" a majestic peacock announced as it fluttered near the venue's entrance.
And within the Gala, pure delights awaited those who'd been granted access.
Hundreds of bird-creatures, dressed in elegant attire that glittered with gemstones and feathers, flocked towards the venue. They walked with a grace and poise unique to those whose wings dominated the sky. Some strutted with companions while others chatted and gossiped. The venue was a constant flow of buzzing and chirping.
The Gala itself was a breathtaking sight.
Upon a massive, floating platform were beautifully arranged tables. They were laden with the most exotic fruits imaginable. Golden pears that tasted of sunshine, crimson grapes that throbbed with potent juices, star-shaped berries whose juices could rejuvenate.
Such decadence!
And around those tables, servants in white silk garment moved with silent efficiency while offering drinks in crystal glasses and pouring wine.
Upon the stage, a troupe of dancers moved to the rhythmic beats of large, heartwood drums and the delicate melody of jade flutes. The rhythm resonated across that Gala. It had many guests bopping their feathered heads and tapping their talons as their hearts swayed.
Those lucky enough to have partners twirled on floating platforms that were rotating slowly to a melody of love. It was a truly a romantic, unforgettable sight.
And amidst this grand venue, overlooking the festivities from a lavish table draped in violet silks, sat Emperor Qi Hawk.
Beside him, on an even larger throne, lounged Julian Ringtail.
"Boboboboho! Such beauties! Such grace!” He was clearly enjoying the Gala’s decadent atmosphere as he gulped down an entire bottle of ruby-red wine in one go.
“Ahhhh! Divine!” He wiped his mouth with the back of his paw, then his gaze landed on a pair of beautiful hummingbirds with wings tipped in silver.
"Excuse me, Brother Hawk.” With a mischievous grin, Julian vanished!
He reappeared before those hummingbirds, this time, however…
He wasn’t a lemur anymore!
“My, my! Such beautiful hummingbirds I see gracing these humble skies tonight, truly, truly, breathtaking.” He had transformed into a stunning white peacock with a tail that fanned out in a dazzling display of iridescent blues and greens. His voice was smooth and seductive.
Those ladies, clearly mesmerized by his beauty and charm, giggled.
“Flattery… It suits you.” One of them replied as they found themselves encircled by his magnificent feathers and a hand that was resting too close to her chest for comfort.
“Perhaps a dance later, my beauties?” He smoothly slung an arm around each of them, before whispering words that had their feathers ruffled and hearts fluttering.
And within a blink… he was gone.
He whisked those beauties away to a private booth tucked behind a waterfall of moonlight.
“That bastard! He’s up to his lecherous tricks again!” Elder Feng Huo who’d witnessed the abduction hissed, a bit too loudly, with jealousy evident in his words.
He’d also hoped to chat up a few fine ladies, but who would choose his wrinkled self when there was a younger, more extravagant peacock with rainbow colored feathers offering those temptations of ecstasy. Such a pity.
His companion, Elder Lei Lang, nudged him. “Settle down, Feng Huo. There are plenty of ladies in the crowd and for you, there is the finest wine in Yama Yaguai. Let us savor this night, my friend.”
“True, true…” Feng Huo reluctantly agreed, as he watched more wine being poured into their glasses, a small comfort.
…
At the opposite end of the venue, Raphael strolled leisurely through the crowds with a massive grin. On his shoulder, perched Thienika, and around his horns, Lu Jade was coiled.
"Such… opulence! And those snacks…” Lu Jade's eyes were wide with delight. “I’ve never witnessed so many, especially, not those ones from the human territories. Look Big Brother! Aren’t those Chocolate Covered Strawberries?!”
“They are alright, I suppose, but why are these humans so obsessed with covering fruits in brown sugar?!”
“Don’t be such a grump, Big Brother! Let us enjoy ourselves. Thissss isss a celebration!"
As they debated the merits of human cuisine, a waitress in violet silks hovered before them, offering drinks on a silver tray.
"Honored guests, what can I get for you?" She bowed respectfully. They were, after all, Emperor Qi Hawk's VIPs.
"Sunshine Wine! Do you have Sunshine Wine?" Thienika’s request made Raphael’s hooves tremble.
“You want Sunshine Wine, Grandma? The last time it made you dizzy.”
"It’s quite potent. However, It is a celebration after all, and one should savor such moments,” she countered gently with a smile.
"I’ll pass. Thank you.” Raphael shook his head. Wine wasn’t his cup of… well, he’d never had a ‘cup of wine’ before, he admitted internally.
He remembered the warnings from Butler Long:
‘Raphael, wine dulls the senses! Keep your wits sharp! You must always be wary of your mistress’s mood, for Tajmani's temper… it is a fickle thing, indeed.’
“I’ll have one also." Said Lu Jade.
"Right away.”
The waitress offered a glass of the amber-hued liquid to Lu Jade and Thienika. She gracefully took it. The wrinkles on her silver-bark face softened.
Then she glanced at Raphael. "Are you certain you wouldn’t like to taste it? Perhaps…” She held out her glass, “A small sip, just for luck?”
Reluctantly, he accepted. "Hmm, very well.” Raphael brought the glass to his lips and took a tiny sip.
It was a mistake.
The moment the sweet liquid touched his tongue, a burst of warmth spread through him.
"Woah…" He paused, savoring the flavor. It had an earthy, floral taste with a hint of spice that tingled on his tongue. It was a pleasant sensation and suddenly he couldn't remember why he disliked wine in the first place.
Those stern warnings from Butler Long were replaced with a yearning for more.
"Delicious!" He gulped down the rest of the glass and with a eagerness that shocked Thienika,
“MORE!”
He practically chased the waitress as she backed away, flustered.
“Y-yes, sir, of course.” She hurriedly retrieved another bottle and poured, hoping this beast wouldn't drink it in one go, for surely those elders would scold her if their guest ended up unconscious or started destroying the venue! Such would be a dreadful tale to tell their grandchildren.
…
"That bull sure loves to drink! HAHAHAHA!"
“Hmm, this fruit salad is truly a magnificent combination of flavors."
Raphael was seated with Lu Jade and Thienika at a table nearby Emperor Qi Hawk, where the elders and other court officials chatted leisurely while enjoying decadent dishes.
Raphael’s massive hooves were tapping against floor as he laughed loudly and shared tales of his battles.
"And THEN… Gastaroid blasted those insects with lava! He roared, 'You’re all FOOLS!’"
He took another gulp of ‘Sunshine Wine’ and smacked his lips.
"Big Brother, that’s your fifteenth bottle…" Lu Jade pointed with his tail towards the empty bottles that had begun cluttering their side of the table, and he was a bit concerned now, "You've had quite a bit, perhaps you should…”
Raphael cut him off. "Nonsense, Little Lu! We’re celebrating! A toast to Grandma Thienika’s ascension! To our future victory!” He raised his glass again, and before his companions could stop him, he downed another glassful.
Qi Hawk laughed. "He reminds me of myself in my younger years. Those tales of adventures and glory, they always tasted better with wine!”
Thienika sighed and shook her head. "He needs to slow down. I don’t fancy carrying an unconscious bull through the skies."
She and Lu Jade quickly snatched the remaining bottles away before he demanded more.
"Hmph! But I was enjoying myself!" He grumbled, sounding a bit slurred now. Those blood-soaked eyes of his looked tired, yet a hint of that fire remained.
They spent another hour chatting, enjoying the festivities, and sampling the exotic delicacies.
“Such a delightful Gala, Emperor. But it seems Raphael is no longer capable of appreciating your generosity,” Thienika commented while glancing towards her drunken companion who was now snoring loudly.
Qi Hawk said, “Ahaha, you are right, his gullet is exhausted. But the night is still young! Surely, you can stay a bit longer, no?”
“We appreciate your hospitality, Emperor. But we should take our leave, I think a few hours of rest would do wonders for us.”
“Very well then, I bid you all a good night.”
With a final nod, Thienika hoisted Raphael onto her shoulders. He grunted, stirred briefly, but his eyes remain closed.
Lu Jade gave a bow, then followed them out of the venue with a slithering grace.
As they exited, they overheard snippets of conversation.
“Ringtail, you troublesome lemur! Get out of my palace! NOW!”
“Awww… come on Hawk, don’t be like that. Those concubines of yours…"
They then shook their heads and exited, eager to escape those shenanigans.
