Written & Created By: Eddie Yagami
*Readers Discretion Is Advised*
The Order---or as the members truly know it, The Order of Santo Domingo---was founded hundreds of years ago by Kassandra de Santo Domingo and her brother who is only known to many as The Alchemist.
But in reality, The Order had three founding members when it was first formed back in the late 1400's prior to Columbus' Voyage to America, and Kassandra is the only person who knows the third founder. In addition, she is the only one who knows The Alchemist's true identity.
Over the years, The Order became a hierarchy with Kassandra at the top along with her four generals, The Horsemen of The Apocalypse, who in their own right were known for their harsh reputation.
Lorenzo de Navarra, The Ashen Reaper of Death; Magdelena de Arce, The Raven Arbitrator of Famine; and the twins Isabelica and Jullian de Rivera, The Ivory Archer of Conquest and The Cardinal Swordsman of War, respectively.
Today, The Horsemen have lived for hundreds of years, thanks to Kassandra's mastery in alchemy, and had lived multiple lives.
After the event that took place with the pillar of light, Kassandra had ordered The Horsemen to gather for the first time in a long time, and as we see them for the first time, living in their secret lives.
In the glittering heart of a grand ballroom, the world-famous actress Maggie Raven smiled effortlessly at the cameras, her raven-black hair framing her elegant face. The shimmering emerald gown she wore caught the light, making her the centerpiece of the gala.
Her laughter was warm, her words charming as she moved through the crowd, adored by everyone who encountered her. Yet beneath this public persona, Maggie was calculating, her thoughts were miles away, focused on her true mission.
Her true identity as Magdelena de Arce, The Raven Arbitrator of Famine, had no time for petty social games, but she had to keep up the façade so as to not draw unwanted attention to her darker side.
As she accepted a glass of champagne from a waiter, a subtle vibration from her phone told her it was time. With a final, dazzling smile for the cameras, she excused herself and slipped out the back.
Moments later, a private jet was ready to carry her to a place far removed from the glamour and lights. As soon as Magdelena was on board, the jet took off, heading towards its destination, The Order's HQ. As it continued, we are taken to another part of the world.
Across the sea, US Navy Rear Admiral Isabel Rivera, stood before her fleet. Clad in the crisp, dark blue uniform of the United States Navy, she inspected the vast array of ships at her command.
Her movements were sharp, precise, and methodical. There was no room for error. The world believed her to be one of the most competent and disciplined Rear Admirals in the entire Navy, a woman who had earned her place through years of dedication and strategy.
Beside her was her twin brother, US Marine Corp Major General Julian Rivera, matched her step for step. Where Isabel was cool and calculating, Julian was fierce and imposing. His commands echoed through the air like the strikes of a hammer, and the sailors jumped to obey.
They had no idea that their leaders were more than just military officers. They were the Ivory Archer of Conquest Isabelica de Rivera and The Cardinal Swordsman of War Jullian de Rivera, generals of The Order, destined to shape the world in ways far beyond what ordinary mortals could comprehend.
As they boarded their private helicopter, Isabelica's gaze met her brother's. "It's been centuries," she said quietly, her voice betraying no emotion. Jullian grunted in agreement. "I look forward to seeing what this is all about. It's been too long since we've gathered."
Without another word, the helicopter blades whirred to life, and the twins ascended into the sky as they headed towards the secret meeting.
Back in the city where it all started, at his home where he lived a false life with his family, Lorenzo Garcia quietly prepared for his departure. He had kissed his daughter Lucille goodbye earlier that morning, playing the role of the loving, protective father.
But now, his face was hard, his eyes calculating. The moment the door had closed behind Lucille, he had shed his familial façade. His true identity—Lorenzo de Navarra, The Ashen Reaper of Death—was not something he could leave behind for long.
The memory of the pillar of light still haunted him. The Darkness, which Lorenzo controlled had encountered it, but it had returned with nothing. The memory of the encounter had been wiped clean, leaving only fragments of the event. This failure had not gone unnoticed by Kassandra. He could feel her displeasure even now.
With a heavy sigh, Lorenzo donned his dark robes, the emblem of his true role within The Order. It was time to face his leader and his fellow Horsemen.
The secret headquarters of The Order lay hidden deep within the Swiss Alps, an ancient fortress carved into the mountainside, undetectable by modern technology or mystical means.
It was here that The Order's HQ stood, a place where only the most powerful could gather, their secrets safe from the prying eyes of the world.
Inside the grand hall, the air was thick with anticipation. The Four Horsemen had not gathered in the same room for centuries. Their lives had diverged, each fulfilling their duties in different parts of the world, but now, something monumental had brought them back together.
At the far end of the hall, Kassandra sat on a throne made of stone and steel with a unique design that included The Order's insignia. Her presence dominated the room, her long dark hair flowing down her back, her emerald eyes gleaming with centuries-old wisdom. Though she appeared no older than her late forties, Kassandra had lived for far longer, her immortality secured through her mastery of mystical arts and alchemy.
As the first of her generals entered the hall, Kassandra smiled. Magdelena was the first to arrive, her raven-feathered cloak billowing behind her, the cold sharpness of her eyes betraying nothing of the warmth she had shown just hours ago at the gala.
She bowed her head slightly in respect. "My Lady," she greeted, her voice smooth and calm.
Kassandra nodded. "Magdelena. I trust your public persona continues to be useful."
Magdelena smirked. "The world adores me, as always."
The sound of heavy boots echoed through the hall as Jullian and Isabelica entered next, their presence commanding. Jullian's expression was one of barely contained excitement.
He had always preferred action to diplomacy. Isabelica, by contrast, was the picture of calm control, her sharp eyes scanning the room as if calculating every possible outcome before a single word was spoken.
Kassandra rose from her throne as her Horsemen assembled. "It has been too long since we last stood together."
Jullian grinned. "Let's not waste time with pleasantries. Where's Lorenzo? What's this about a pillar of light?"
Kassandra's smile faded slightly, her eyes narrowing. "The pillar of light that appeared over a month ago was no ordinary phenomenon. It was something far more powerful—perhaps even the final creation of my brother, The Alchemist."
Magdelena's brow furrowed. "Your brother? But didn't he disappear long ago. Why now?"
Before Kassandra could respond, the room grew colder as Lorenzo entered. His presence was almost suffocating, the weight of his dark robes and the aura of death that surrounded him commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
He moved forward, his voice low and measured. "The Darkness encountered the light," Lorenzo said, "but it returned to me with no memory of what happened. It was as if the light erased all traces of the encounter."
Kassandra's gaze darkened. "You allowed the memory to be erased?"
Lorenzo clenched his jaw. "I had no control over it. Whatever this light is, it's powerful—more powerful than anything The Darkness has faced in centuries."
The tension in his voice did not go unnoticed by Kassandra or the other Horsemen, they all knew that he had failed. Although for Magdelena, even she found the idea of The Darkness failing to be odd, especially with Lorenzo in control of it.
Isabelica crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "If this light is connected to your brother, we need to tread carefully. Charging in blind could lead to disaster."
Julian, ever eager for action, scoffed. "Treading carefully doesn't get us results. We should find this light and destroy its source before it becomes a threat."
Magdelena, leaning back slightly, added in her usual calm tone, "You're always so eager to destroy everything Jullian and its very irritating. First, we need more information and my connections can help us gather intelligence quietly. I can access places that would be otherwise out of reach."
Kassandra, sensing the growing tension between her generals, slammed her hand down on the table. "Enough!" The room became cold and quiet, "We will proceed with caution because knowing my brother, he would have done everything possible to create something so powerful that it could rival even me. And if that's the case, it must be brought under our control."
The Horsemen sat there stunned by her words, Isabelica was the first to speak, "Do you really think it is that powerful, my lady?"
Kassandra was not happy to admit it, "I'm afraid so, his mastery in the mystical arts was far greater than mine, even before he disappeared."
Jullian nodded, his impatience barely concealed. "So, what's the plan?"
Kassandra's gaze swept across her generals. "We will begin by investigating the location where the pillar appeared. Lorenzo, you will spread The Darkness across the area, searching for any lingering traces of the light. Isabelica, you and Jullian will take a small group of loyal soldiers to infiltrate key areas to have a physical presence. Keep it subtle—we don't need the world knowing what we're after just yet."
Magdelena's voice cut through the room. "I'll continue gathering intelligence. The connections I've built in the public world will give us access to information we need. My persona can get us into places your soldiers cannot."
Kassandra nodded approvingly. "Good. Time is on our side, but we cannot afford to be complacent. We will find this power and ensure it serves The Order. Make sure to work together on this, I will not have you squabbling over trivial matters." Kassandra stared at them, making sure they understood the gravity if they were to fail her.
As the meeting drew to a close, Kassandra produced four vials from the folds of her robe. The elixir of immortality, its contents shimmering like molten silver. Each vial represented another 25 years of life—another 25 years of loyalty to The Order.
The Horsemen stepped forward one by one, taking the elixir and downing it without hesitation. As the cold, potent liquid surged through their bodies, they felt renewed, their immortality extended. With how many times they've been drinking this elixir, they've all become accustomed to the sensation and pain that comes with drinking it.
Kassandra watched them with a satisfied smile. "Remember, my Horsemen, this power is ours to command. You will not fail me!"
As the Horsemen left the chamber, the weight of their task hung over them. Each understood the gravity of what was to come. The appearance of the pillar of light marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would test their loyalty, their power, and their immortality.
And from her throne, Kassandra smiled. The time for world domination was at hand, and The Order would rise to claim what was rightfully theirs.
The echoes of the Horsemen's footsteps faded into the distance as they left the chamber, each with their own tasks to fulfill. But far from the ancient stronghold of The Order, in the quiet calm of Santera Private High, the world continued to spin in its usual rhythm.
The school day had ended and the sun was setting gently over Austin, casting long shadows through the student council room. The usually bustling room was empty now, except for Mac and Stephanie as they were heading out to go to their respective homes.
Over the last month, they had grown closer—what had started as playful banter had become something much deeper. Mac wasn't oblivious to the growing tension between them, though he had done his best to keep things light, not wanting to rush into anything too soon.
As Stephanie walked next to him, her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, a few loose strands framing her face. She was biting her lip nervously, a small sign signifying that something was on her mind.
The walk home felt more intimate today, with the soft orange light of the setting sun filtering behind them.
Mac was walking casually with his hands behind his head, the usual smirk playing on his lips as they exchanged stories about their day. But he could tell that Stephanie wasn't as relaxed as usual.
She seemed fidgety, her eyes occasionally drifting away and looking at the ground, then snapping back to him with an intensity that made his heart skip a beat.
Finally, the silence between them grew too thick. Stephanie took a deep breath, her hands tightening into small fists before she let the words spill out.
"Mac," she started, her voice softer than usual, "there's something I've been meaning to tell you. I—I didn't know how to say it before, but I don't think I can keep pretending anymore."
Mac stopped walking and stood there, raising an eyebrow, feeling a small knot form in his stomach. Stephanie wasn't usually this serious. "What's up?" he asked, trying to keep his tone casual despite the sudden shift in the air.
She hesitated, biting her lip again, before finally looking him directly in the eyes. "I like you, Mac. More than just... a friend."
For a moment, Mac felt like the world around him had gone quiet. The playful rhythm of their banter, the easy-going friendship they had built over the past month, all of it suddenly felt fragile in the face of her words.
He had always found Stephanie attractive—there was no denying that—but hearing her say it, hearing the vulnerability in her voice, hit him harder than he expected.
Stephanie continued, filling the silence as if afraid of his reaction. "I've been thinking about it for weeks. You're different, Mac. And not just because of who you are or who your family is... it's because... I feel different when I'm with you." The wind suddenly picked up and blew a soft breeze that moved her hair.
Her hands fidgeted again, her fingers twisting the hem of her shirt nervously. "I know it's probably stupid," she added quickly, almost as if she was trying to take it back, "and maybe I'm making this more complicated than it needs to be, but I just... I couldn't not tell you."
Mac stood there, starring at her as his mind was racing. For weeks, he'd been trying to avoid the deeper feelings he had for Stephanie, choosing instead to focus on his training and the growing mysteries surrounding Alpha and The Order. He hadn't been ready to admit, even to himself, how much her presence had started to mean to him.
The quiet between them stretched on, and Mac knew he had to say something, anything to break the tension.
"Steph..." he began, his voice slow, "It's not stupid." He walked closer to her and looked at her, eye to eye. His usual smirk softened into something more genuine. "If I'm being honest, I've been feeling the same way for a while now."
Stephanie's breath hitched, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Really?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Mac nodded. "Yeah. I guess I just wasn't sure how to say it either. I didn't want to mess things up between us." He ran a hand through his hair, feeling a little embarrassed now that it was all out in the open. "But, uh... here we are, I guess."
A nervous laugh escaped Stephanie's lips, the tension slowly melting away, replaced by something much warmer. "Yeah," she echoed, her smile returning. "Here we are."
For a moment, it seemed like everything might fall into place perfectly—like maybe, just maybe, they had found something real between them.
But then, as if the universe had other plans, a strange sensation washed over Mac. It was subtle at first, just a faint prickling at the back of his neck, like someone was watching them.
He frowned, his gaze shifted to look around. The sun was almost gone now, and the area was almost dark with the exception of the street lights turning on.
Before Mac could say anything, Alpha's voice suddenly rang out in his mind.
"Mac, something's wrong."
Mac stiffened, his heart pounding. "Yeah, I felt it too. What could it be?"
"I'm not sure," Alpha replied, his tone more serious than usual. "But we're not alone." The area became eerily quiet and whatever they were sensing, couldn't be seen with the naked eye.
Mac's eyes darted around the area, his senses sharpening. He turned away from Stephanie, his sudden movement startling her. "Mac? What's wrong?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Mac didn't answer immediately. Instead, he started to walk around the area, his instincts screaming that something was off. He couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, but Alpha's presence in his mind was tense, alert.
Just as he was about to walk back to Stephanie, a loud, echoing boom reverberated throughout the immediate area, causing the ground to shake around them. Although Stephanie was concerned and slightly afraid, she wondered what was going on around them, but she stood her ground and tried to keep an outward calm expression.
She didn't want to show any fear and Mac noticed this about her, as well as her calmness and he was surprised, whatever was happening didn't phase her like any normal person would react.
"Mac—!" Before she could finish, the shaking stopped and the sensation was gone. Alpha and Mac were wondering what just happened and they both wondered what evil was behind this disturbance.
Hidden in the shadows around the city, unseen figures moved, watching. The Order's investigation had begun and The Darkness was spreading their forces all over the city. What was in store for Mac and Alpha, and was someone close to Mac about to be dragged into this conflict?
To Be Continued….