Goddess Daughter of the Owl

A Note: Thank you to everyone who has decided to read this story. I've decided to move forward with this story in it's full entirely. I'm hoping to have it written fully and published by next year. I will adding an update to this story in the beginning of March since it was a rush write. As in I wrote this in 26 hours and submitted with 15 minutes to spare for the challenge.

A history:

In the empire of Celestrail, owls were scared as the protectors of the moon and wisdom. The protectors of these owls were known as Athene Noctua. They wore a crest of a white crescent moon overlapped with an owl. Jorgeana Sparrow had a wish to join this force one day. Her idol was the daughter of the founder of the Athene Noctua. Her name was Rose Lilith Lunar. The Lunar family was one of the most renowned families in the empire. They founded the Luna Academy, it was the highest honor to attend the academy. The Owlli is known to the imperial family and they chose and bestowed the honors of the Athene Noctua to students who showed high academic and physical capabilities. Jorgeana's father who had passed away told her the histories of the empire of Celestrail and the Athene Noctua. As a child Jorgeana had fallen in love with the fantasy of becoming one.

~Jorgeana Sparrow~

Today is my 17th birthday, and the day of entrance exams, to say I’m a complete nervous wreck would be an understatement. They will be testing my academic knowledge of elemental magic, my physical ability to wield a variety of weapons and my elemental aptitude. Most of those who attended the entrance exams were nobles and families of high standing in the kingdom. As the academy came into view I was in awe and shock, the building stood high with the crest of the Athene Noctua on the main gate. As I walked to the gate to enter the grounds I was stopped by a guard.

“Examinees only.” His gruff voice came sternly. He was in white armor made from a metal known as Astroli. This metal was lightweight and as strong as a diamond. The crest of a dragon entertaining a rose. These knights were known as the Dragonites.

“Erm…Sir I am here for the entrance exam.” I stated as I looked for the paper in my bag. I heard the knight laughing though I wasn’t sure what was so funny. Finally I located the paper and handed it to him. He took it with his eyes squinted in suspicion as he took it and looked at the paper. I saw a flash of annoyance on his face as he handed it back to me.

“Very well, continue Miss Sparrow.” He said with forced respect. I nodded and continued through the gates. What an odd reaction from the guard. I took a deep breath and headed to the training hall where the first exam would begin soon. As I entered I saw mostly Nobles, it seemed as if I was the only commoner at the exam. Majority of the Nobles were talking to each other and didn’t pay me any mind. I headed to the front where the headmaster was sitting to check in examinees. I cleared my throat lightly to gain his attention. He was an old man with a while beard that met his stomach. He had it braided and intertwined with red ribbon. His head was bald and his eyes were a kind blue.

“Paperwork.” His warm voice came. It was like that of a grandfather who dobbed on his grandchildren. I handed him the paperwork and waited as he looked for my name to assign my seat.

“Seat 41, Row 5 Miss Sparrow. May the Goddess shine down on you. After the exam report to Miss Kayau in housing to receive your room for your duration of testing.” He explained as he handed the pencils they required to take the tests. They were jinxed so that no one could possibly cheat.

“Thank you Sir.” I said and took the materials given to me. I sat down in my seat and let out a breath. Soon the rest of the students were ordered to take their seats as the exam was starting soon. A boy my age sat in seat 40 next to me and a girl a little older than me sat in seat 42. I kept my head down so neither would talk to me. By the way they were dressed I would guess they were nobles. I was organizing my things when a “pst” from the boy caught my attention. I looked up to meet his gaze but kept my head down out of respect.

“Yes.” I said as I took in his sharp jaw and built features. His hair was blonde and his eyes were a red color. How is it possible to have red eyes? I wondered to myself.

“Egon Aeneas Owlli, you are?” His warm milky voice said, it was damn near intoxicating the way he said his name. WAIT!!! Did he just say his last name was Owlli as in the Imperial family Owlli. Keep it cool Jorgeana.

“Jorgeana Sparrow.” I said politely. He nodded and showed a glamorous smile. My heart skipped a beat. Why did I have to sit next to this handsome prince?

“Good luck Jorgeana!” He said in earnest and gave a chuckle. Did he know what he was doing. I felt my cheeks warm and butterflies danced to the harmonies of his chuckle in my stomach. This is RIDICULOUS! I mumbled good luck back to him and turned trying to get my emotions in check. I’m not even a noble as if he’d consider me. I internally sighed and gave the headmaster my attention as he went over the rules of the exam and ordered us to start.

I started the exam by flipping open the four page exam. There were simple questions about the empire and its histories. The more challenging ones were the theories behind elemental magic. Since I did not attend an elite school that the nobles did. Once I had finally made it to the last page it wasn’t a multiple choice like the rest but an essay question.

“Why do you want to join the Athene Noctua? And what do you have to offer?” I stared at the question. What do I have to offer? I’m not even sure. I looked up to see most of the testers had already left. I bit my lip as I thought what do I offer? I touched the pencil to the paper and began writing what came to mind.

I, Jorgeana Sparrow, a lowly daughter of a commoner family wish to be a humble servant who brings her family glory. I have loved the idea of being an Athene Noctua since I was a young child. I will never give that dream up and will die if it protects the Empire and it’s most prized treasure. I bring the elemental of glow or other known as light. As the histories have explained, those with the glow elemental are rare. I am a rare elemental barer and wish to give my power in service and honor to the Athene Noctua.

After I finished writing I headed to the desk I checked in to and laid my exam on top of the others. The old headmaster nodded to me and I headed to the housing office to receive my room. I entered the housing office and waited patiently by the desk. A plump lady came out and noticed me.

“Here for a room deary?” she questioned. I took in her features. She was no taller than 4’11 and she was a little on the heavier side. Hour-glass figure and a round face. She reminded me of a lady who worked in the bakery back home.

“Yes, I am.” I responded.

“I’m Miss Kayau, since you're not a noble I can’t give you a room on the upper floors until you become part of the academy. So you will be on floor two with the maids of those nobles.” she said with sadness. I knew something like this would happen. The nobles were assigned rooms the day they received the notification of approval to take the entrance exam. Everyone who wanted to take the entrance exam had to pass a pre-approval exam. It is rare that a commoner makes it to the entrance exam in the academy and even rarer that they pass and attend the academy. I nodded as Miss Kayau led me toward the second floor. Once we reached the room she handed me the keys.

“Good luck on your future exams Miss. The showers are open all day and night and the dining halls open at 5 for breakfast, noon for lunch and 7pm for dinner. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me dear.” her sweet voice cooed. Almost like I was a dear one to her. She turned and walked off after I said thank you. I looked back at the plain brown door and inserted the key to open it. I entered the dark room, this won’t do, I thought to myself. I thought hard to bring the glow to me. The room lit enough for me to locate the lamps that had been filled up weren’t lit. I willed the light into them instantly lighting the room. I sighed and set my bag down and decided to head to the dining hall for dinner.

Once in the dining hall I grabbed chicken and some salad. I headed to a table with a window view and was more secluded. It’s not like any of the nobles would be my friend. I was eating while in my thoughts staring out the window when a presence pulled me out of my daydream. I locked eyes with none other than the prince. He sat at my table with a face full of curiosity.

“Hello again Jorgeana.” He rolled my name off his tongue making my heart do palpations.

“Your majesty,” I replied with respect. He frowned at my words, did I do something wrong?

“Please call me Egon.” He stated with a small smile.

“Wouldn’t that be disrespectful, I’m a commoner, I’m beneath you.” I said with slight shame.

The prince chuckled at my words and shook his head causing me to blush red.

“We are all equals at the academy, though I’m sure there will be those who will use their status over you to feel superior. I, however, am not like that.” he stated with a smile and tilted his head to the side resting it on his hand. I happened to look over his shoulder and saw a girl with long blonde hair in a high ponytail and fairy-like features. She was beautiful but man did she look so pissed I wondered why. The prince had finished his food and said his goodbyes. I waved bye and finished my food before heading to my room.

I hadn't made it far when I heard the light sound of footsteps behind me. But, when I turned, no one was there. I must be going crazy, I thought to myself. Shortly after I reached my door but it was cracked open. I could have sworn I had closed and locked it before leaving. I slowly pushed the door open to a dark room. I concentrated on manifesting the glow. The room lit shortly after as the glow, lumed and intertwined like children playing tag. I could see my room was ransacked. My clothes were scattered and my bed was a mess. I sighed and started picking things up. Before long everything was back to normal. I laid on my bed as my eyelids became heavy, sleep soon took over.

-Next day-

I awoke to the warm light coming through the window. It was still early and a while before the next examination. I grabbed some clothes and went to the bath house. The servant bath house was still beautiful and warm. I quickly got in the jasmine filled water and washed my body and hair. After I exited the warm water, I wrapped a towel around my body. I exited the room to get dressed. I put on the uniform that was in my room. It was a red and white long flowy pants and a half sleeve shirt that overlapped and tied in the front. I tucked in my shirt and pulled my hair into a high bun. I had slight red ringlets that framed my face.

I sighed and headed to the sparring grounds. Once I had entered the large gym and checked in I was pointed towards the weapons area where I would pick the weapon I would like to use. There was an array of swords and malices. But what spoke to me was a medium size katana with the Athene Noctua crest surrounded by cala lilies held up by sparrows. I picked it up and was hit with a slight wave of nausea. I grabbed the table for support until the dizzying spell passed.

“It seems the sword you picked feels a connection to you. It’s rare for that to happen during an examination.” A warm familiar voice. I looked up through my ringlets to see the prince. Why is the man everywhere I am?

“Y-yah,” I said standing, “I’m fine now.” I laughed awkwardly holding my hand behind my back.

The prince picked up a long sword that was made of Ebony and encrusted with garnets in the hilt. He smiled at the sword and sheathed it. He turned and smiled at me.

“Shall we go together Jorgeana?” He asked with a cocked smile. My knees felt weak at the way he said my name. Damn these female hormones. I nodded with a flushed face and followed him into what they called the dome. They would announce who would fight each other first. They called Egon first and put him against Damon, Damon was the son of Duke Sol. The Sol family had the crest of the sun half covered by a rose. They were known for the elemental fyre. Him and the prince clang their swords together with ample strength. They were evenly matched except no one knew what elemental the prince held. Damon lit his sword on fire and gave a cocky smile. He lunged at Egon with precision and strength, his face was full of surprise when Egon side stepped his attack and he missed.

Egon took advantage of his surprise and disarmed him in one fell swoop. Damon fell back onto his butt in surprise. That surprise was quickly replaced with anger. The Sparring Master called the match and called out the next match.

“Jorgeana Sparrow and Fallon Loch.” I stood and breathed in and out to calm myself down. I entered the dome. I looked up as Fallon Loch entered. She was the daughter of the Count Loch, their family was known for the elemental water. She was the blonde that had been angry when the prince was talking to me. This can’t be good for me. The Sparring Master permitted the start of the battle. I drew my katana and readied myself. Fallon did the same except she had chosen a short sword made of Valime (a rare metal in the Celetrail Empire). She lunged at me and I brought the sword up to protect myself from her attack. Since she was close to me she gritted out in anger. “He’s mine, keep your commoner paws off of him.” She seethed as I pushed her attack off of me. She shrouded her weapon with dark water, this would be lethal if it cut me, and came at me again. I side stepped the attack but she countered and hit me to the right. Luckily I was about to counter again. Just as her dark water got closer and closer to my face, my body exploded with light blasting her back. It lifted me up a few inches and then sat me back down. A wave of exhaustion hit me and I stumbled back. Before everything went dark I saw the kind familiar face catching me.

I found myself in front of an owl. He was the God that we worshiped in the Empire of Celestrail. I took in his white feathers, he had eyes that were the same color as Garnets. He was breathtaking. Old but young at the same time. He gave off the vibe of a being that was all knowing and wise. I was in awe of him to say the least.

“Child, you have grown into a great beauty. The power emanating deep inside you will continue to awaken. You will be the savior of the great empire of Celestrail.” His voice came in a deep vibrance.

“Save them how.” I asked but as he went to answer his voice went into a static. It was as if I was underwater and could hear him but couldn’t comprehend it.

-Next Day-

I awoke with a throbbing in my head. I didn’t open my eyes since I heard voices.

“What do you mean? she’s a rarity, a commoner holding the power of light.” Egon’s voice whispered.

“She is rare and strong, we have to admit her even though her test scores on the written exam were subpar. She’ll be in danger from here on out your majesty. People will covet her rarity.” The headmaster spoke. “I still want her to do the aptitude test to measure her power.”

“Fine, but only if I can accompany her.” Egon stated harshly.

“Very well, the doctors said she should wake up soon, bring her to the Crystal hall. She will do her test alone, we want to keep everything about her protected.” The headmaster replied.

“Very well, also I want her up on my floor, in the Dragon suite next to mine, have my maid take her belongings there.” Egon ordered. I heard the rustling of clothes that told me the headmaster bowed and left the room. I heard Egon sigh and take a seat near the bed.

“Are you done eavesdropping Jorgeana?” He asked with humor. I slowly opened my eyes to meet his.

“What happened?” I asked him with a questionable look on my face.

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

“You're a glow elemental, specifically known as light, that power is rare but for you to be a commoner born with a rare gift raises questions. Not only do you have this rare power but it’s overwhelmingly powerful. I was drawn to you the moment I laid my eyes on you. Your spiritual power is on par with a Goddess. You see Goddesses are usually born to noble families so for one to be born to a common family is remarkable and rare.” He explained.

“Goddess power?” I questioned.

“Yes, it appears that you are a distant daughter of the Lunar family. I’m not sure how a part of the Lunar family fell to mere commoners but that is the only explanation of your power.” He said in a mesmerized manner.

A knock came from the door before a brown headed girl with glasses in a maids uniform entered. She bowed deep in respect toward Egon

“Your Majesty, I have brought Miss Sparrow’s clothes as requested.” her timid shy voice sounded.

“Thank you Momo, you may go.” He stated taking the clothes from her. He sat the clothes on the foot of the bed and stood up. I didn’t realize how tall he was before since we were sitting everytime we met. He had broad shoulders that went into a slim waist and long legs. He smiled and exited the room. I slowly got up, I still felt a little dizzy but it was manageable. I quickly put on the flowy pants and tie over shirt. I slowly walked to the door trying to get used to my legs again. I guess the large show of power really took it out of me. I exited the infirmary and met up with Egon who was waiting outside.

“Shall we go and get this over with so you can rest?” he asked with a smirk.

-Crystal Hall-

Egon and I entered Crystal Hall, at first glance I understood why they called it as such. There was a large crystal in the forefront of the room that lightly glowed. There was a flat surface meant for one's hand. Aligning the hall sides were various medium and small crystals on columns. These crystals were used by famous elementalist through the ages and were on display in all their glory. The floor had the Athene Noctua crest in beautiful gemstones. There were rubies and garnets for the rose. The rose stem had emeralds and peridots. The owl had onyx for its eyes, diamonds for its feathers and bloodstones that distincted the body parts. Whoever had created this spent a great deal of time on it. It was beautiful. The glass windows were frosted in a way that prevented direct sunlight from hitting any of the crystals. The hall's ceiling had its history painted across many large frames.

Before I had realized it we had reached the giant crystal. Also known as the Athene Noctauli.

“Jorgeana Sparrow, welcome please step forward to have your abilities measured. The brighter the crystal the higher the power, the dimmer the lower. Are you ready?” The headmaster's warm grandfatherly voice explained. I nodded and stepped forward, I placed a shaky hand on the stone's cold smooth surface. Soon the stone began to brighten, but it didn’t stop, it was to the point that the stone was almost as blinding as the sun. A vision flashed in my mind. It was one of terror, people were screaming and the world was in chaos. I ripped my hand from the stone immediately as the vision had started so I only had a few seconds of the vision.

I looked around to see the stunned faces around me. My eyebrows knitted together as I tried to understand what I saw.

“Your Majesty, you are correct she is indeed powerful, we will permit her into the academy.” The headmaster stated in awe.

The prince nodded and turned to me.

“Shall we go? I’d like to show you your room.” Egon smiled at me.

I nodded in agreement and followed him out of the hall.

-Five Years Later-

“Squad Captain Sparrow, we have surrounded the area, there’s no way the beast can escape.” my luientent Lyle gave the report.

“Good, capture it alive, I need to know why it’s here in Celestrail.” I replied back. In five years I had excelled to earn the spot of captain. The Empire had been quiet until recently, then RouKa started showing up. We haven’t figured out what they were after but this time I would get it to talk. RouKa were half demons who had mixed with humans. I was stuck in thought as to what they were looking for when one of my men pulled me from my thoughts.

“Captain Sparrow, we got it, it’s alive and very pissed off.” He stated short winded.

“Very well.” I replied and followed him deeper into the Andromedea forest. When the RouKa came into view I was surprised by how closely it resembled a human except the blue toned skin. The only other thing giving it away was it’s ears. They were long and pointed at the tips. I approached the creature carefully, not getting too close. Though it’s arms were bound behind its back it could still do considerable damage.

“Hmmmm” I let out as I squatted down to be face to face with the RouKa. “Why are you here? What are you looking for?” I asked in a calming tone.

“The Luminary.” it stated in a hissed voice. My eyes widened in surprise, why were they looking for me?

“Why?” I asked full of curiosity.

“She must die or she’ll destroy the world we now know.” the creature seethed. This statement made me laugh out loud. The creature's face darkened at my action.

“All of you humans are the same.” The creature spit at my feet. “Disgusting.”

I stood with a sigh and turned to my men. “Take it back with us and put it in a draining cell.” I ordered. They acknowledged my order and started executing it.

“Luientent,” I called and waited for him to appear. Once he did I ordered him to take over while I went to the Imperial Palace. He acknowledged and I turned on my heel to mount my horse and head to the Palace.

-Imperial Palace-

Before long I had made it to the palace, I handed Ingrid's reigns to the horse hand and headed into the great hall where an old friend was. King Egon Aeneas Owlli was now his title after his father took ill three years ago and died of Haill. Haill was a sickness that burned the body from the inside out. It can be a very painful death but thankfully the King was given Patoui which put you into a coma and blocked your pain receptors. It had been hard on him and I got news of his fathers passing hours after I had returned from a mission. I immediately headed here to be with him. I was by his side for two weeks as he mourned and prepared to take his fathers place. I haven't seen him since those three weeks.

“My Moon of the Empire, King Egon Aeneas Owlii” I stated as I kneeled before him hand fisted over my chest. He had grown even more handsome than he was in the academy.

“Stand Jorgeana, My Luminary, rise no need to be so formal.” his husky voice filled my ears. It’s been five years and this man still has this damn effect on me. I sighed and stood before him as he rose and walked down toward me. “What brings you my friend?” he asked.

“Egon, we have a problem that needs to be discussed privately.” I rushed out. He raised an eyebrow but agreed. We walked in comfortable silence to his study, he opened the door letting me head in and ordered the guard to ensure no one disturbed us. He came in and shut the door.

“What’s so urgent? I thought we agreed to never do this again.” He said with a slight smirk that made my heart skip beats. We did agree not to have that kind of intimate contact again. I blushed and cleared my throat to explain that was not why I was here.

“Egon, while I missed you greatly, that’s not why I am here. We did agree to never do that again and I will stand by that. The RouKa, they are looking for me. They want me dead.” I stated in a small panic. His eyebrows knitted at that revelation.

“Why?” He asked in an empty matter. I shrugged at his question.

“I’m not sure, it’s a good thing the RouKa don’t know who I am.” I explained. “But they are looking for me, all the RouKa said was I would destroy the world.” I stammered out in confusion. I leaned against the desk and looked out the window. Egon came to the front of me and embraced my small body with his large stature.

“It’ll be alright Jorgeana, we just have to find out where this lie came from.” He cooed in a calming voice. I leaned into his chest, taking in his warmth. I hoped he was right, otherwise it could mean the end for me.

The next few days were spent interrogating the RouKa. I got nothing from him each time. He completely clammed up. Until one day, his face had a sadistic smile plastered on it when I entered the interrogation room.

“For a prisoner you see cocky today, why?” I questioned him as I crossed my arms across my chest. He laughed out a sickening laugh.

“I figured it out.” He chimed with sticky sweetness.

“Oh? What would that be?” I spat in annoyance.

“You are the Luminary!” He chuckled with a sickening cackle. This little shit, I narrowed my eyes at him and let out a giggle. It was a ruse, I could not let him know I was the Luminary.

“You think I’m the Luminary.” I chuckled “You think they’d let the Luminary, a goddess, hold a lowly title such as captain?” I laughed out loud in a bluffing manner. His face screwed up in confusion. He thought I’d just admit that I was the Luminary. I was no idiot, it was laughable how dimwitted these RouKa were.

“Where did the idea that a Luminary, a glow elementalist, would destroy the earth?” I asked absentmindedly.

“Mercurial” He stated matter of factly. I sighed in annoyance, not that little shit mage. He had been turned away from the Lunar Academy so he traveled far away to attend a different academy known as the Nostra Academy. They studied the dark elementals such as shroud, dark fire and blackened ice. Who knew he had come up with such an absurd rumor just to smit me. I shook my head and walked out of the room, the RouKa called after me with threats.

“Kill him, dump his body on the border of Helian, I want to send a message to Mercurial.” I ordered. They saluted and entered the room. I turned on my heel and headed to speak with Egon once again.

“Egon,” I called as I entered his office. He looked up from the paperwork he was doing with questioning eyes. “It was Mercurial.” I stated in annoyance. His eyes widened at the new information.

“I’m not surprised, he wants a target on your back so his plans can be executed and you would somehow take the fall.” he said, folding his hands in front of his face and resting his chin on his hands. “We have to take him down soon as possible. Let’s call a meeting of the elder and the other Imperial Elemental Squad Leaders, immediately.” He said as he got up and alerted his page to deliver the message. He turned back to me “We’ll meet in the Nocturnal Chamber in two hours. Go refresh yourself.” He stated. I nodded in understanding and headed to my chambers. I was soaking in the bath when I heard the doors open. I didn’t think anything of it until a cool sharp blade pressed to my neck.

“Any last word Luminary?” A familiar voice seethed. It was Egon’s warm voice.

“I don’t understand Egon…” I trailed off. He laughed in a cold manner.

“You are a hindrance to my reign, A Goddess born as a commoner, Mercurial was the best scapegoat to choose. No one will know that it was me.” He chuckled, making my stomach turn and knot. He slowly slid the knife across my throat. I felt the warm liquid spill down my chest as I felt my life force decay. In my next life I will not be so trusting, even of a handsome face.

-Afterlife-

I opened my life to a new world. I was met with the face of an Owl. "Welcome home Child" his warm celestial voice sounded. He was the same white owl I had once dreamed about. I sat up and noticed my skin had a faint golden glow to it.

"Where am I? and who are you?" I questioned.

The owl chuckled. "I am father or all creation, I am Etherial, and you are in a place goddesses and gods go after their life trapped in a mortal's body ends. Welcome to Mrytherial child."

I was in awe of how beautiful it was. It was as if everything had an other worldly glow to it. However, I felt unease about my death still. I knitted my eyebrows together.

"In due time child. Revenge is not something you can rush." Etherial spoke again. My eyes widened at his words. How did he know I had a deep wrathful rage within me. I nodded to him in understanding.

"Until then I will live my life here in dedication to my revenge then." I stated calmly. One day Egon, I will make you regret your betrayal.