Cursed Bond

100 years ago: King Magnus stood in the den of the Oracle, a small, meticulously kept chamber draped in dark cloth and filled with a heavy, palpable silence. Fragrant incense clung eagerly to the walls, clinging to the still air like a living thing. Despite his status as a ruler, he felt small and insignificant in the presence of the Oracle, known to possess otherworldly wisdom and foresight. He had come seeking an answer to a question plaguing him for weeks, a truth he could not determine his own. King Magnus sat nervously before the oracle, his mind racing with a question about his kingdom's future. He had heard tales of her ability to see behind the veil of time and was desperate for any insight she could offer. His people looked to him for guidance, and she feared making a misstep that could lead to their downfall. He spoke aloud, his voice wavering slightly: “How long will my rule continue in the kingdom?” His words hung suspended in the air, the syllables a physical presence that seemed to be for an answer. The oracle studied King Magnus from across the table, his gaze steady and unwavering. When it finally came, her voice was low and resonant: a deep, mysterious hum that seemed to vibrate around them. “The future is always uncertain, Your Majesty. But I see a strong line of rulers continuing in the coming generation. “However,” she intoned, “a time will come when the mate bond will supersede your rule. A time when the reign will change all you have done. Be sure your pride is not the downfall of your reign.” As the oracle’s voice filled the chamber, Magnus, on every word, his heart pounding in his chest. Her words reverberated through the room long after she had finished speaking. Magnus stared at her in shock, his mind racing to comprehend this unexpected answer. He thanked her before turning to leave, his mind spinning with the implications of the Oracle’s prophecy. He thunders from his throne, the force of his voice shaking the walls and echoing through the chamber. Sybill drops to her knees before him, bowing low and trembling, anticipating what he might ask. “Your Highness,” she croaks, “Pleasure to serve. How can I be of assistance?” Magnus’ lips pull tight across his face as he fixes her with a cold gaze. “I need a way to block mate bonds and erase them from history. Can this be done?” King Magnus sat on his throne, looking down on Sybil, his expression grave. The weight of responsibility as the kingdom's ruler felt heavier than ever. Magnus couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread creeping at him as he waited for her response; the thought of erasing a bond as strong as the mate bond was unsettling. But he knew the consequences of leaving them unchecked would mean the downfall of his rule. Sybil had always been a loyal subject to the king, but she couldn’t help feeling unease whenever she was in his presence. His power was immense, and the consequences of displeasing him were severe. Nevertheless, she knew that her duty was to serve him to the best of her ability, even if it meant doing something so grievous as erasing mate bonds. He is the king, so he must have a valid reason for such a request. Sybil swallows hard, debating whether or not it’s wise to question her king, before meekly replying, “Yes, Your Highness, I will see to it right away.” She casts a timid glance up at him before retreating quickly, hoping the power of the mate bonds is not something to be trifled with. As she hurried from the throne room, Sybil’s mind was consumed with thoughts of the king’s command. She knew that fulfilling it would require much time and effort, but she also knew failure was not an option. She could only hope that her actions would satisfy the king while not negatively affecting the king and the kingdom. Sybil had always known that serving the king was a heavy responsibility, but she had never imagined how daunting it could be. King Magnus paced in his throne room after Sybil left, his mind running through the Oracle’s words, erasing mate bonds. That was no small task he wasn’t entirely sure could be done. But if it needed to be done, he would do it–for the good of the kingdom and his lineage. King Magnus had always been a responsible ruler, putting his people's and kingdom's needs above his desires. However, the idea of erasing mate bonds weighed heavily on his heart. He knew how important a bond was to those who shared it, and the thought of taking it away from them made him uneasy. But he also knew if there was a threat to his lineage’s rule, he had to act decisively, even if it meant deciding this. Magnus exhaled slowly, contemplating the consequences of such an act. He knew mate bonds were sacred. They were more than a physical attraction between two individuals; they were symbols of strength, unity, and love. To erase them would weaken the entire kingdom, including the king himself. As he continued his inner turmoil, his mind continuing to race with possibilities and consequences, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of loneliness. He had always been known as a king. He would have to sacrifice and put his duty to his kingdom first. But now, as he faced the possibility of erasing mate bonds, he couldn’t help but wonder if he would ever find someone who truly understood the weight of his responsibilities and the sacrifices he had to make. In the King’s mind, allowing supernatural beings to choose their mates was a significant and groundbreaking change. For centuries, fate had dictated whom they would spend eternity with, and while it had worked out for many, there were also instances where the match was unsuitable. This shift towards allowing individuals to choose their partners would undoubtedly have a long-lasting effect on society. Magnus thought his decision recognized a need for change and was commendable. It demonstrated his willingness to evolve and adapt to his people's changing needs, a vital trait for any leader. This decision could lead to happier and more fulfilling relationships among supernatural beings, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious society. Such progressive thinking is crucial for the growth and progress of Supernatural, and it is heartening to witness it in the highest echelons of power. Meanwhile, in the oracle's den: The Oracle observed King Mangus’ expression, which was troubled and pensive. She could sense that he was deeply affected by her words and was reacting instead of carefully weighing his options. She heaved as she watched him summon the witch, knowing that his decision would have far-reaching consequences. The Oracle could see the situation fraught with danger, and she knew that the king’s choice could determine the kingdom's fate. She hopes he will choose wisely and carefully consider the potential repercussions of his decision. As she watched the witch approach, she felt that sense of foreboding, knowing that the path ahead was already chosen and would be destroyed. She knew Magnus would not heed her warning, and his pride would be what would befall his future. She knew blocking mate bonds was not the answer to his problem, and erasing them from history would anger the Goddess who created them. She could already feel the subtle shift in the kingdom's energy: a growing tension between the King and the Goddess. The issue of the mate bonds weighed heavily on her mind. She knew the solution was not to block them, for it went against the essence of their existence. Mate bands were a sacred bond created by the Goddess herself; to tamper with them was to invite her wrath. The growing tension between the King and the Goddess was palpable. She knew it was only a matter of time before it escalated and exploded, sending the kingdom into turmoil. But alas, such was the fate of those who sought out oracles: they asked only what pertained to the theme and rarely thought to ask what should be done to prevent the tragedy from occurring in the first place. With a heavy heart, the Oracle blocked the King from her vision and hoped that what came could fix what he would erase. Present Day: King Magnus’ most outstanding achievement. Astrological Academia stood tall and proud, nestled in the heart of the United Kingdom. Its grand gates welcomed all eager to learn the ancient art of astrology and hone their supernatural abilities. The sight of the school’s towering spires and its bell ringing across the land filled the hearts of those who witnessed it with awe and wonder. Within the walls of the Astrological Academia, the most incredible minds of astrology and combat came together to share their knowledge and train the next generation of leaders. The halls echoed with the footsteps of students determined to master their powers and use them for the greater good of the kingdom. Here, the bond between humans and spirit animals was celebrated, and those with more than one spirit animal were hailed as heroes. Astrological Academia was a place of magic and mystery, where dreams became a reality, and the impossible became possible. At the venerable halls of Astrological Academia, the journey of knowledge commences at the age of eighteen and beyond. Amongst the distinguished scholars who grace the institution with their presence, many are the progeny of the esteemed Alpha class, who have elected to bestow upon their offspring the gift of advanced instruction. With the hallowed confines of the classrooms, pupils are immersed in many erudite subjects, ranging from the intricacies of astrology to the arcane art of energy manipulation. Students were deemed imperative to engage in combat training by attending martial arts classes and sparring sessions as part of their regular curriculum. Such sessions provided a secure space for the students to hone their abilities and test their mettle. Furthermore, many clubs and associations are available to the students, ranging from artistic endeavors to athletic pursuits. These activities fostered camaraderie amongst peers and bolstered their collaborative prowess while being a source of great amusement. But more than anything else, Astrological Academia was a place where individuals could come together and learn about themselves and each other; it was a place where friendships were forged and bonds deepened-bonds that would last a lifetime no matter the path life decided to take them down. The hallowed halls of the Astrological Academia are a sight to behold. As one enters, they are immediately transported to a realm of knowledge and wisdom that is timeless and boundless. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting the movement of the stars and the constellations that have guided humanity for centuries. The majestic ceiling is reminiscent of a starry night, with the moon’s current phase shining brightly. Each day, it transforms to match the moon's and planets' phases, a true testament to astrology's awe-inspiring power. It is a place of wonder and discovery, where the universe's secrets are unveiled to those who seek them. Here, pupils are not merely taught but initiated into a new way of seeing and being in the world. They are encouraged to embrace the mysteries of the cosmos and the natural world, explore the depths of their souls, and unearth the hidden treasures within. As they journey deeper into the heart of the academy, pupils discover the boundless forces that shape the world and themselves. They learn to harness the power of the stars and planets, the elements and spirits, crafting something extraordinary and awe-inspiring. And as they emerge from the academy, their eyes ablaze with the light of knowledge and understanding, they carry a sense of purpose and wonder that will guide them on their journey through life. For in Astrological Academia, nothing is impossible, and everything is within reach for those who dare to dream. In the illustrious realm of astrology, diverse factions exist, each adorned with a distinctive amalgam of mythical entities and elemental forces. Encased within this framework, the various zodiac signs are infused with the potent energy of their designated mythological creature, although they lack the ability to metamorphose into them. However, those blessed with a secondary spirit are deemed to possess the rare and sacred gift of transformation, enabling them to assume the form of their correspondingly aligned animal. At the culmination of each year, the noble student's factions unite to engage in a grand tournament, where they showcase their prowess in harnessing the power of their spirit animals. This competition tests their abilities, as each faction strives to prove their nettle by unleashing their magnificent powers upon their opponents. Only the victorious faction shall be bestowed with the honor of being crowned the champions of Astrological Academia. This esteemed accolade shall earn them recognition from their peers and respected professors. Here, we present a comprehensive list of Zodiac signs, their mythical creatures, and their elemental associations. Leo-Sphinx -Fire Virgo-Dryads-Earth Libra-Harpies-Air Scorpio-Basilisk-water Aries-Phoenix-Fire Taurus-Minotaur-Earth Gemini-Sirens-Air Cancer-Mermiads-Water Sagitarus-Centarus-Fire Capricorn-Griffins-Earth Aquarius-Unicorn-Air Pices-Nymphs-Water The attributes of a second spirit animal. For those bestowed a second spirit animal, the attributes may vary greatly depending on the given creature. For some, the gift may enhance their existing abilities, while for others, it may bestow upon the man an entirely new set of powers. Take the werewolf, for example, whose heightened senses allow them to sense danger and detect enemies from great distances. Conversely, the dragon gains the incredible power of breathing fire and soaring through the sky at incredible speeds. The vampire has strength and speed on the ground, and the Phoenix is practically immortal and can heal with their tears. Other mystical creatures may possess such magical abilities as telepathy or increased strength. However, irrespective of the creature gifted to an individual, one common thread binds them all to the ability to connect more deeply with the powers that be. The second spirit animal is a new development the Goddess had begun to bestow on her loyal followers' genuinely remarkable gifts. These gifts were not mere possessions but held immense power and significance. Among these gifts were the second spirit animals considered embodiments of her divine energy. These creatures were not ordinary beings, but they possessed unique abilities and skills unmatched by any other animal. These animals were more than just companions. They were symbols of the Goddess’ authority and power and served as a reindeer of her role as the creator of all things supernatural. By bestowing these majestic creatures upon her loyal followers, she strengthened her authority and entrusted her creation's protection to the most deserving individuals. The bond between these creatures and their human counterparts was unbreakable, and the loyalty and devotion they shared were a testament to the greatness of the Goddess. Thus, it was an honor to receive such a gift from the divine being, and those who did were considered blessed beyond measure. The King rejoices in the Astrological Aceademia's triumphant achievements, basking in the glory of the Goddess’s divine blessing, bestowing a second spirit animal. However, Supernatural’s shapeshifting abilities have waned in recent times. Today's events are a testament to the King’s wisdom and reign over the kingdom, earning the approval of the Goddess. This gift is a true reflection of the king’s unwavering dedication. And yet a tiny voice in the back of his mind wondered… was this indeed a gift from the Goddess, or was something more sinister at play?