The Generation Series: REBIRTH

As the luxury wooden door to Robbie's glamorous home swung open, Sakura cautiously pushed her way inside, her body weary from the relentless demands of her double life. She sank onto the steps, exhausted; her fingers clenched tightly against her chest. Tears stained with remnants of her makeup cascaded down her cheeks.

As Sakura and Athen stepped through the front door, Sakura's voice carried a touch of exhaustion. She murmured, "I need to rest for a while."

Athen tenderly kissed her cheek and nodded understandingly. "Take your time; we'll be right here when you're ready."

Sakura eagerly expected the simple comfort of slipping into her cozy fleece pajamas and preparing for a peaceful night's rest. With gentle motions, she wiped away the remnants of her worn-out makeup, revealing the natural beauty of her face. It bore traces of fatigue, but for the first time, she embraced those imperfections. What did appearances matter now? She assumed the mantle of leadership over an entire army, regardless of anyone's opinions. She retired to her bedroom and snuggled beneath the reassuring weight of thick blankets. The encompassing silence of the room, accompanied by her quiet tears of mourning, gradually lulled her into a deep and much-needed rest until she awoke in a dream surrounded by darkness.

The air hung heavy with tension as shadowy, faceless figures surrounded her. Their menacing silhouettes closed in, their features obscured by an eerie mist.

"What are ya?" Sakura desperately asked. "Tell me, lads. Why am I here?"

Sakura's heart pounded in her ears as the first attacker lunged at her with an inhuman speed, his movements a blur of aggression. She fought back with every ounce of strength, her punches and kicks landing with a haunting thud against her assailant's form. But no matter how hard she tried, more opponents appeared, materializing from the darkness, relentless and unyielding.

The nightmare escalated, Sakura's body a canvas for her fears and anxieties to play out. Her strikes grew weaker, her movements sluggish, and her breaths labored. She demanded, "Have you no shame in attacking me? Reveal yourselves immediately."

A male figure gripped her tightly, his cruel laughter echoing in the air, while others continued their relentless assault.

Sakura's strength waned, her movements becoming feeble and disjointed. With a heart-wrenching sense of certainty, she felt herself succumbing to the overwhelming force. The unknown assailants closed in for a final, devastating blow, and Sakura's vision blurred as she gasped for air.

Suddenly, Sakura's eyes snapped open, her heart pounding, and she found herself in her room, drenched in a cold sweat. She clutched at her chest, hyperventilating, trying to steady her breath and dispel the residual fear from the lingering dream.

A faint squeak echoed through the room as the door creaked open. Sakura sat up to see who was standing at her door, but no one was in sight, not even a fleeting silhouette lingering in the hallway. Resisting the intrusion of light that disturbed her peaceful rest, Sakura turned to face the opposite side of her bed. To her astonishment, a majestic timber wolf, Athen, had nestled his colossal head upon her warm sheets. A gentle puff of air escaped his nose as they locked eyes, engaging in a silent exchange. His towering frame stood over seven feet tall.

Sakura squinted at the bright light streaming through her black curtains. She turned to the Athen by her bedside and whispered, "What are ya doin' here?"

Athen shifted, his lupine form dissolving as he returned to his human form. His expression was steady and calm. "It's my sworn duty to keep you safe," he said.

Sakura swung her legs out of bed and sat beside him, her curiosity evident. "That's not the whole truth," she said, her voice soft. "Why are ya really here?"

Athen sighed, the weight of unspoken thoughts settling over him. "Truthfully, I couldn't sleep," he admitted. "No matter what path you choose, Sakura, I'll support it. If you decide to relinquish your rights to the throne, it means we'll all have to say goodbye. Your memories of us would be erased, and I wouldn't be able to protect you if someone came after you."

Sakura let out a weary sigh. She asked, "Why was I sent away after the war?"

Athen's expression softened, and he replied gently, "The Alpha Lieutenant feared that if they discovered you had survived, they would come after us again. The island needed time to heal, and sending you away was the only way to ensure your safety. You weren't the only one, Sakura. Lina and several others were sent away for their protection as well."

Sakura's brow furrowed as she processed his words. After a moment, she asked quietly, "If I were to leave... or die, what would happen?"

Athen's face grew somber. "The chain would break if you don't have a child to carry on your bloodline. Your generation would come to an end, and a new one would have to rise to take your place." He exhaled heavily as if the thought alone weighed on him. "It's a possibility we all dread."

"Has it ever happened before?" she pressed, her voice trembling slightly.

Athen shook his head firmly. "Never. And we pray it never will."

Sakura looked down at her hands, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm terrified of dyin', Athen. The life you've given me makes it feel like it's just waitin' around the corner."

Athen leaned forward as he replied, "That's why we're here. Our job is to protect you—until our very last breath. I would die before I let anything happen to you."

Her gaze met his, searching for an answer to a question she couldn't reasonably ask. "How are ya not afraid?" she asked, her voice fragile.

Athen smiled, his hand closing gently over hers. "Because fear doesn't stop the inevitable. Death is a part of life, Sakura. If we let it consume us, we're not really living at all."

She nodded thoughtfully, her brow furrowing. "Would I have ta leave me life here behind? What about me da?"

"You're the Alpha Leader," Athen reminded her. "You make the rules. If you want, your father can live with us on the island, or you can allow him to visit. But…" He hesitated, his tone softening. "Not everyone will be happy with that choice."

Sakura's face hardened with resolve. She shot up from the bed, her voice firm. "I'll do it."

Athen blinked, caught off guard. "Wait," he said, his eyes wide. "Really?"

Sakura nodded, her smile soft. "I have to be honest with you," she said. "The island is so beautiful, and the people there were incredibly kind. The boys especially—they made it feel like we've known each other our entire lives. No one's ever treated me like that before. It felt…warm, like I finally belonged. I'd rather live a short, happy life surrounded by people who care about me than a long, lonely, miserable one."

Athen smirked, his expression full of quiet understanding. With a slight nod, he walked toward the door and effortlessly opened it. "Come on downstairs," he said, glancing back at her. "We'll figure out a plan—a way for you to live in both America and Japan."

Sakura's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her voice barely a whisper. "Thank you," she said, wiping her face as she followed him.

They descended the long marble staircase together, the soft sound of their footsteps filling the grand space. At the base of the stairs, Athen paused, placing two fingers in his mouth. A sharp, clear whistle cut through the silence, summoning the boys with practiced ease.

Sakura couldn't help but smile, watching him take charge with casual confidence. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like the pieces of her world might finally fit together.

The pack assembled downstairs in the opulent dining area, which featured an exquisite mahogany dining set that provided ample seating for their hungry party. The walls boasted stunning art pieces, showcasing captivating landscapes that adorned the room with a touch of natural beauty. Sunlight filtered through a few strategically placed windows at the back, casting a warm glow upon the scene. At the head of the table, they had reserved a designated spot for Sakura.

To her left, Athen sat, his gaze directed towards the windows, accompanied by the twins, whose youthful curiosity sparkled in their eyes. Jack and Michael were positioned on her right, captivated by the expansive landscape artwork gracing the walls. Every pack member observed Sakura intently, their curiosity clear yet unsure of how to embark upon the impending conversation that lay heavy in the air.

A sudden realization hit Sakura—she had forgotten to change out of her crop top and tank top paired with black leggings. Shrugging off the oversight, she ignored her casual outfit and said confidently, "I've decided to stay with the lot of ya."

The boys erupted into cheers, their joy uncontainable. Among them, Athen crossed his arms with a knowing smile, pretending as if it was clear he had influenced her decision. The group exchanged enthusiastic double high-fives.

Michael asked, "What was holding you back?"

Sakura hesitated, carefully choosing her words. She was not ready to admit her fear of dying to people she still barely knew. Instead, she replied, "Me father and I have a good life here. I couldn't abandon that. We need to come up with a plan for me to live both lives. I can't simply vanish."

Athen nodded thoughtfully. "You left the island, but we can't leave your side. Humans have their routines—work, school. Is there a way for us to stay together without drawing attention?"

Sakura's eyes brightened as an idea took shape. "Aye, we're a group of six, and we've got some musical talent. I've always dreamed of acting on stage, but honestly, it's music that lets me pour me heart and soul out. Maybe we could create something together."

Leaning back in his chair, Athen smirked knowingly and crossed his arms. "I figured you'd say that."

"Athen can play the piano and sing with me just like in the old days."

Michael repetitively slapped his palms on the table to show off his drumming skills. He said, "She's right; we make a perfect team. I love playing the drums."

Alex added, "My brother and I can play the guitar. Alec can also play the violin."

Alec said, "Alex can play acoustic guitar."

Lastly, Jack said, "I can play guitar and bass. So, I can be the bassist for the band."

"So, we have our roles, but what will we call ourselves, ya?" Sakura said.

Alec chuckled, writing on a pad beside his brother. "Let's call ourselves Night Worldly Processions. You can make the shirt design."

Alex pointed to the name he had written and laughed. "No, even better. Slobber Pussy Cats. Draw ninja cats with kunai knives."

Michael and Jack could not help but burst into laughter, though they attempted to restrain themselves so as not to provoke the Omega twins further. The Alfa's did not share the same level of amusement.

Athen retrieved a notepad with names he collected over the years. He proudly circled a band name idea, eager to share it with everyone.

Sakura took the pad and read aloud, "The band's name will be the Crowned Wolves."

Michael crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair, smiling to express his excitement. "What made you come up with that?" he asked.

"Sakura is the leader of the island wearing the crown. We are the wolves protecting the crown, which gives us a higher title than most," Athen said.

"It's grand," Sakura said.

Behind Sakura, her father silently entered the room, a freshly bitten apple in his hand. Observing the group gathered in the elegant dining room, he hovered over them with casual curiosity, his gaze fixated on their notepad.

"What are you guys up to so early in the morning?" Robbie asked, taking another bite of his apple. He gently ran his fingers through Sakura's hair as he spoke.

Sakura scowled and pushed his hand away. She crossed her arms and said, "We formed a band."

"A band? Like a music band? Tours, VIP passes, the whole shebang?" Robbie asked, raising an eyebrow.

Athen nodded. "Sakura decided to live a double life, but to pull it off, she needs to make it look like she's never truly gone from either world."

Michael grinned. "Think about it—it's brilliant. Being on the move makes it harder for anyone to track her down. She won't be in one place long enough to be cornered."

"Oh, I hadn't thought of it like that!" Jack exclaimed, slapping high-fives with the twins. "Touring the world sounds lit!"

Athen let out a long-suffering sigh. "Not so fast, guys. It's not that simple."

The twins exchanged confused looks, their excitement fading. "What do you mean?" Alex asked hesitantly.

Sakura replied, "Athen's got a point, lads. If we're tourin', the world would know exactly where we are. That makes us sittin' ducks unless we have more security."

Michael groaned, rubbing his neck. "Fair enough, but honestly, no matter what we do, it's not going to be a walk in the park."

Robbie, his face clouded with concern, rubbed his forehead. "Thanks for the reminder that my daughter's life is in danger all the time."

"You don't have to worry," Michael said confidently, flexing his muscles. "She's got us to protect her—always."

Athen smirked, barely managing to stifle a laugh at Michael's bravado. He rubbed his face and kept his head down, silently begging no one else would add to the absurdity.

Robbie's frown deepened as he watched Athen crunching on his apple. His disapproving glare swept the room, silencing any further attempts at reassurance.

"Yeah, that's comforting," Robbie said dryly to his daughter. "And why, exactly, should I let you go back to that island?"

"Da, you can trust me," Sakura said, her voice steady but gentle.

"Can I?" Robbie shot back, his tone sharp. "Looks like you've already planned out your whole life without me. And it's a life I want no part of for you."

"I don't have a choice, Da. You know that already," Sakura replied softly, her eyes meeting his.

Robbie clenched his fist and slammed it against the wall, a deep groan escaping his lips. "Why did it have to be you?" he asked, his voice breaking.

Sakura stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Because I'm the only one who can," she whispered, her words filled with quiet strength. "You always said, Da—me heart's made of gold, and me actions can change the world."

A subtle smirk came across his lips as he walked towards the front door, intending to slip on his stylish sneakers. Munching on his apple, Robbie said, "I have to be at the studio today, and I'd like all of you to join me."

"Wait, seriously?" Michael asked, his grin widening as he shot an excited glance at the others.

Jack stood up, his brow furrowed in concern. "Are you sure about this? I mean... the twins might stir up some chaos."

"Hey!" the twins protested in unison, looking thoroughly offended.

Robbie crossed his arms and said, "I usually just bring Sakura to these events, but given the circumstances, I can't leave the rest of you behind. Her safety comes first, so all of you are coming."

"Aye, I'll need to get dressed... but okay," Sakura murmured. Her voice was so soft that no one even noticed she spoke.

With excitement, Michael and the twins swiftly pushed back their chairs, their smiles radiating as they prepared to depart. The boys dashed hastily through the doorway, leaving Athen and Sakura momentarily behind.

Recognizing the need to appear presentable for this mysterious outing, Sakura impatiently ascended the stairs.

Meanwhile, Athen, his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face, cast a sharp glare in Robbie's direction. He could see right through Robbie's deception. Athen inquired, "What are you up to?"

Robbie continued to snack on his bright red apple with an air of casualness. "What are you talking about?"

Athen glanced upstairs briefly to ensure Sakura was not within earshot before pressing the issue further. "Are you keeping tabs on us?"

Robbie could not help but chuckle and replied, "Well, what if I am?"

Athen's frustration mounted, and he lifted his arms in exasperation. "You still don't trust us, do you?"

Robbie's response was clear and concise. "No."

Locked in a silent standoff, Athen and Robbie exchanged stares reminiscent of two cowboys in a tense standoff, each keeping a watchful eye on the other.

Robbie's voice resonated from the doorway, interrupting Sakura's preparations. "Sakura, we don't have time for you to change out of your crop top. Let's go," he called out.

Sakura grumbled in frustration but reluctantly rushed downstairs, her desire to make a good impression overriding her concerns. "I can't meet actors lookin' like this. They'll already think I'm weird as it is."

Concerned, Robbie softly asked, "Will you be okay?"

"I don't do meetin's and greetin's."

"You'll be okay."

With a grin playing on his lips, Robbie led the way, courteously holding the door for Sakura as they ventured outside. The sunlight spilled around them as they emerged. Sliding into the driver's car seat, Robbie's hands deftly coaxed the convertible hood to unfurl, revealing the allure of the open road. Sakura settled into the plush passenger seat, her fingers delicately retrieving a pair of exquisite sunglasses, a luxurious accessory to improve her self-esteem. Meanwhile, a sense of bewilderment lingered outside the car as the remaining boys were robbed of seating options. 

A storm of irritation brewed within Athen, his demeanor shifting to smoldering anger. The audacity of Robbie's stunt had ignited a fiery anger within him. His patience is wearing thin.

Robbie revved the engine, glancing at the boys, and said, "Oh, right. Yeah, sorry, guys. My sports car only has room for two. I have faith you'll be able to follow us, right?"

Sitting comfortably in the passenger seat, Sakura's laughter bubbled forth. Robbie's chuckles melded with the engine's revving as he deftly navigated the vehicle away from his mansion. In a mesmerizing transformation display, the boys metamorphosed under a shimmering veil of radiant light, each becoming a unique wolf with a palette of vibrant hues. With the car as their guide, they stealthily trailed behind, their lupine forms weaving through forests and over mountain crests, a silent dance hidden from prying human eyes.