Chereads / ANNEXATION: ECHOES OF FATE / Chapter 2 - CHAPTER 1

Chapter 2 - CHAPTER 1

Beyond the Atlantic Ocean, beyond the Pacific Ocean and beyond the Indian Ocean, the place where these converge exists a frozen land, a continent called Antarctica.

For many it is a frozen territory, for others it is the peaceful continent. Furthermore, deep within the vast expanse of Antarctica, where the icy cold stretches as far as the eye can see, lies a hidden city, an enclave of splendor in the midst of icy desolation.

More precisely, this is the main base of the Silva family, this city stands majestically in the landscape as the last enduring witness of an ancient and technological civilization that has survived through the centuries.

-Within the inner ring of the city-

In the heart of the city was Alexander's home, a glass and white stone mansion that seemed to blend into its surroundings. The interior was decorated with works of art that told stories. The rooms were imbued with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, despite the frozen world that lay outside the city.

Every morning, Alexander was woken up by his mother, Velari, who greeted him with a warm and loving smile. Together with his family, he shared breakfast at a table decorated with ancestral symbols of the family.

After breakfast, it was time to study in the library, where his mother, Velari, guided him through the ancient manuscripts. The connection between mother and son was evident, and in each lesson, Velari conveyed to Alexander the importance of his legacy and the need to prepare for the uncertain future.

In the afternoons, Alexander trained in martial arts with his father, Aleksei, and after training he explored the inner gardens, where exotic birds perched on his shoulders and mysterious plants surrounded him. The servants, dressed in outfits that evoked ancestral tradition, accompanied him on his adventures, caring for him as if he were his own family. But that day would be different.

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The Silva family base was more than an abode; It was a living testament to a civilization lost in time, a place where ancient knowledge and technology coexisted with everyday life. And at the center of this wonder, a six-year-old Alexander prepared for his destiny, with the love and guidance of his parents and the faithfulness of servants who had served the family for generations.

Alexander left the majestic family mansion behind and entered the streets of the crystal city. The structure of another building, equally impressive, rose on the horizon. It was there that he would begin his training under the guidance of his maternal great-grandfather, Melac Silva.

The building was a treasure trove of ancient knowledge, with art-adorned hallways that told the story of the Silvas, from their lineage to the events that had shaped their destiny. As he made his way through the white stone hallways, he met his new study partner, a nine-year-old boy named Nera, with reddish hair and white streaks and light eyes that shone with the same energy as his. Alexander.

Grandfather Melac, a tall man with white hair and some blonde strands, was waiting for them in a large training room. Dressed in traditional Silva family clothing, he radiated an authority that was not based on fear, but respect. His eyes, a penetrating electric blue, rested on Alexander and Nera with affection and determination.

—Today is an important day, my dear Alexander. Now that you are 6 years old, you are about to begin a new stage and learn the initial techniques of the family —said Melac, with a deep and calm voice— .The road will be hard, but I trust that you will make it, my child.

—I know, Grandpa Melac. I'm ready. —Alexander nodded with determination.

—Very well, it's time for us to start your training, Alexander —Melac continued—First I introduce you to your training partner, as you can see he is Nera, he, like you, was recommended by the Council of Elders of the family so that now be in my care.

Melac knelt before both children and with a fixed gaze full of resolution, he said—I will train and prepare them for the Great Test of the family. I will not be indulgent, revealing all its capacity is my duty. I will prepare you with everything I have so that you are able to overcome it and thus be able to define your future. Although both are not direct brothers, never forget that they carry the blood of the Silvas in their veins and with it an ancestral responsibility. The Silvas are family, and we always take care of our family.

Both children looked at Melac with admiration. Deep inside him, Alexander, knew that his great-grandfather was one of the most respected elders in the entire family, his mother was also one of the branch leaders of the family assisted by his father. Now it was his turn to forge his path and be worthy of his legacy.

Melac stood and bowed, and both boys did the same as a sign of respect. Then he said—Now, let's begin.

Alexander moved forward with enthusiasm, and the three embarked on a journey of learning. Melac taught them the family's ancestral techniques, gave them a brief sample of how to use Silvanite and the connection with the energy that flowed through them.

The interactions between Alexander, Nera and Melac were a mix of discipline and affection. The grandfather not only transmitted physical skills and knowledge to them, but also values such as loyalty, honesty and respect for life. The two children shared laughter and adventures, forging a bond that would transcend the years.

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The Silva family's days at the base were full of discoveries, challenges and camaraderie. Alexander, a six-year-old boy, was slowly becoming the future protector of his family and the prophecy that guided his legacy. Every step he took, every lesson he learned, brought him a little closer to his destiny in this world of secrets and wonders.

Alexander said goodbye to his great-grandfather Melac and his friend Nera with a mixture of excitement and anxiety—Goodbye Grandpa, Goodbye Nera. See you tomorrow. —He was exhausted from a day full of training and discoveries, but also eager to return home and tell his parents about everything he had learned. As he traversed the impressive streets of the glass city, the brilliance of the lights and the majesty of the buildings seemed to whisper secrets to him that he had not yet fully discovered.

Finally, he arrived at his family's mansion, where his mother, Velari, was waiting for him with a warm smile and his father, Aleksei, was deep in thought. The family dinner passed relatively calmly, until Aleksei finally broke the silence.

—Alexander —his father began, looking at him seriously —, the time has come for you to get to know your other home and your grandfather Mikhail, in Russia.

The mention of Russia had always been present in Alexander's life, but he had never had the opportunity to visit it.

Alexander's face lit up with excitement at the news—Really, Dad? Shall we go to Russia? Will I meet my grandfather Mikhail?

Aleksei nodded with an enigmatic smile.—That's right, son. — Your grandfather is a formidable man and he has a lot to teach you. Although our paths parted long ago, it is time for you to know your Ivanov heritage.

Velari looked at her husband with an expression of nostalgia and concern. It had been difficult for Aleksei to leave his family and his Ivanov legacy to join the Silvas, but he had made that decision out of love for his wife and son. There were still unresolved tensions between him and his father Mikhail, and this visit could be an opportunity for reconciliation.

After dinner, Alexander retired to his room full of expectations. He began packing up his belongings, excited by the prospect of meeting his paternal grandfather and discovering more about his ancestry. As he packed his things into a small suitcase, he wondered what adventures and challenges would await him in Russia, and how this trip would impact his life and his destiny as a descendant of both the Silva and Ivanov families.

The next day, they prepared for the trip to Russia, Alexander looked at his home in the Crystal City one last time before leaving for a new destination.

With the Silva aircraft it would take a few hours to arrive if they were going at high speed, but during the flight a series of alarms began to sound in the cabin of the ship.

Aleksei, who was in charge of piloting it, frowned and hurriedly checked the controls. Velari, his wife, looked strange. Such a situation was almost impossible to occur with one of his family's vehicles, because all of them were designed to withstand all types of natural disasters, whether it was a storm or a hurricane, none of his family's vehicles would be stranded or affected, and it all came down to this. the energy source they used.

Velari, she gave her husband a meaningful look, and he nodded in agreement.

Observing the change in his parents' attitude, Alexander, who was in his seat, asked— What's happening, Dad?

Aleksei responded calmly, although with a note of tension in his voice— I'm not sure, son. Something seems wrong with the ship. We're going to have to make a landing in France. Don't worry, we have friends there who can help us.

Just as Aleksei said, soon the ship descended rapidly and landed softly at a villa near Paris. When the door of the ship opened, a group of people quickly approached to help. Among them were Sophie and Henri, friends of Velari and Aleksei.

Sophie, an elegant woman with dark hair, approached Velari and hugged her warmly. —Velari, dear, are you okay? It's been so long since we saw you.

Velari smiled and nodded. —We're fine, Sophie. Thank you for coming to help us in this time of trouble.

Henri, a tall, burly man with a friendly smile, addressed Aleksei—Aleksei, my friend, what has happened?

Aleksei briefly explained the situation while his friends and the village subordinates watched the advanced technology of the aircraft with interest. Meanwhile, Velari contacted the Silvas' intelligence to report the situation and hope that it was not a targeted attack.

Sophie turned to Alexander and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.—And you must be Alexander, right? You've grown so much since Aleksei last told us about you. You are as charming as your mother.

Alexander nodded timidly, feeling a little overwhelmed by the situation, his father's friends spoke French, this would be the first time he could put into real practice all the language classes his mother gave him, generally, at home he spoke Russian with his father or the family's native language to communicate with the other Silva members. Furthermore, he was surprised by the familiarity and lightness with which these friends of his parents spoke.

After a series of quick scans on the aircraft, Aleksei and Velari determined that there was no problem with the vehicle's mechanism. But, while they waited for a response from family intelligence, the group met for tea at Sophie and Henri's house. Enjoying the hospitality of their friends, the conversation turned to shared memories and future plans.

Sophie looked at Alexander curiously. —Tell me, Alexander, what do you think of the idea of visiting your grandfather Mikhail in Russia?

Alexander answered sincerely—I'm excited to meet you. It has always been a mystery in my life, and I am eager to learn more about my Ivanov heritage.

Henri smiled and patted him on the shoulder. —A great adventure awaits you, little Alexander. The Ivanovs are a fascinating family.

—Dear, don't intrigue the little one. — Sophie glanced at Henri, but continued speaking—Don't worry Alexander, although Mikhail has a character that precedes him, I'm sure he will accept you, even he must accept the happiness that his son found. But, if even seeing such a charming child he tries to reject you, just come to me and I will change that old grump's mind.

Everyone laughed when they heard Sophie and the conversation continued pleasantly.

The time passed between talks and walks, and the unexpected visit to France was pleasant for Alexander, the air of the city near the villa was full of expectation on that sunny summer day.

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Residents had gathered in the main square to celebrate an annual festival, and the laughter of children, the tantalizing aromas of street food, and live music created a festive atmosphere. In the crowd, Alexander's family was too noticeable. His father, Aleksei, was an imposing man with brown hair and a white streak, which appeared when his parents got married and managed to link their souls or that was the explanation they gave him, but thanks to that his father had no restrictions on the family. Next to her, her mother, Velari, a woman of unmatched beauty with completely white hair, with ethereal features and an air of nobility that emanated from her figure. However, the real star of the family was Alexander, the boy had extraordinary beauty, with white hair and pale skin that contrasted with his sparkling blue eyes. Wherever they went they attracted everyone's eyes.

Little Alexander was excited about the festival, his eyes shining with anticipation as he watched the games and attractions very different from those in his native home. His parents, aware of his son's thoughts, smiled lovingly at his innocent joy.

But what no one in the square could anticipate was the event that would change their lives forever.

In the middle of the family's walk, Velari answered a call on her personal communicator. As soon as he answered, the operator on the other line spoke with an emergency tone—Branch leader, Velari! It is imperative that he withdraw from his current position and immediately return to base! The anomalies recorded in the aircraft, according to your previous report, have been reviewed and verified that it was not an attack by the Infernos, but a few hours ago our systems have recorded energy waves that managed to temporarily affect all of the equipment! all agents located in different locations around the world, and depending on your position, our systems register a higher concentration of energy where you are currently located! With that said, the patriarch has ordered your immediate return! I repeat! It's an order to return to base!

Velari did not respond to the order at the time, because the sky began to behave strangely, the clouds twisted and twisted, forming disturbing spirals on the horizon.

Noticing the abrupt change in the atmosphere, Velari, who was not a woman who was easily frightened, but a warrior of her family. She looked up and frowned as she felt a strange energy in the air.

Aleksei noticed her wife's expression and followed her with his gaze—What's wrong, Velari?

She looked toward the horizon, where the clouds continued to twist and form increasingly ominous spirals—I'm not sure, Aleksei, but something is very wrong. We must go...

Before even finishing speaking, Velari returned to his real size, and wrapped Alexander in his arms, at the same time a shock wave hit the entire place, thanks to the activation of his protection devices they were not expelled along with the people who were within a certain range, but the deafening noise of the destruction of buildings and the surrounding terrain generated by the wave predicted that it would not be the only or last one for now.

Sophie and Henri, as well as the few people close to Velari and Aleksei's position, who managed to save themselves from immediate death, looked in horror at all the disaster and destruction around them.