TWO WEEKS LATER…
"I heard my heartbeat dropping, like I was being submerged into a deep-freezing pool. I saw myself running away from the dark towards the light, I was young maybe about five-year-old, I sprinted as fast as possible but the path seemed endless, the light was getting further away with every step I took, the 'darkness' behind me kept chasing closer ready to consume everything into the deep abyss. I took other steps, over and over again… and then one certain step… there came this roaring flame diverging from my right foot from the floor, spreading onto my left and right forming a flaming wall at both sides, both left and right. I felt my skin melting… melting from the heat of those flames. Breathing heavily, gasping for air as my heartbeat slowly raises… I then took a stare at the flame at my left, it felt enticing and somewhat comforting… it was this comfort that comes with a hurting and hunting addiction. Staring deep into the inferno fed me with the curiosity to get answers, chaotic questions indeed… there was this feeling lurking around me that the more those questions were asked, the more one may seek… I was lost, I was trying to find my thought, my true self…the darkness was approaching faster… the lightened path out of this bizarre place became more further away. The inferno became more hotter and hotter, the more the temperatures of those flames increases the more lost I became… immediately the darkness stop almost at an inch close, about to consume me… it felt alive, like with an embodiment of a consciousness… I stared deeply at it, at the darkness… I could hear vague voices coming from both the flames and the dark, saying different things whispering to me. I then saw myself entering the flame at my left, I was stepping into the Inferno… as I approached closer and closer to the burning flame at my left, the also wall of fire at my right closed onto me closer and closer, then finally I entered the flame and I was contained and consumed by the roaring inferno… What was that, someone calls my name… the call led me away from the burning flame, thereby opening up, and somewhat setting me free"
"Sebastian… Sebastian…wake up… wake up… Sebastian" Elizabeth kept on calling.
Sebastian got up breathing heavily… he woke up from a two weeks coma… he was panting…
"Mom, I am not dead" Sebastian said still trying to catch his breath… he was sweating heavily his temperature was beyond normal.
"You're not dead son, you are alive" Elizabeth said in a relieving tune as she immediately hugged him, embracing him with so much joy while Sebastian was looking so dull expressing no emotion on his face, she was about watching her one last true family die right before her eyes as she strived to bring him back.
"Oh, my baby, you are okay, it's okay now, you are safe with me… I will never leave you again, you are with me… I love you" Elizabeth cries out loud still embracing Sebastian…
(Eliza's voice in the background)
What happened that night still remained a mystery, the night of the Great war, the rivals were so brutal… they showed no mercy giving the people of Arcadia a downtrodden death, the kind that lacks honor, I guess that makes no difference from what I did to them… I guess that still makes me a monster, the monster I had sworn not to be.
Who would have known that the secret hideout Arcadia's past leaders built for emergency would be of great help today… it turned out there were survivors, they boarded the hideout the moment they found out there was an infiltration"
Elizabeth was standing before some of the survivals, the one at adulthood…
"It's been two weeks since that devastating occurrence, I did not want to question immediately so those hurting feelings may just die down before I do. But I want to know what happened that night… how come the Nerminia Empire were able to invade. Emerging out of the gate, there is another one about two-third of a kilometer away, you are to pass three different gates with three different walls before getting into the main kingdom, all these three dense walls sank into the ground and the covering at the top was broken falling down leading to the first kill. This was with the Earth manipulation technique. The Earth manipulation is a forgotten technique that reigned in the past, the individual I last saw in use of this technique died in my youthful days, more than five centuries ago. I need to hear from anyone who might have witnessed any unusual thing before the devastating event"
A man who went by the name Eric raises up his hand to make a response, he was one of the people who was sent to the headquarter from another region for support he is one of Elizabeth's foster child, he was trained and raised by her before he was transferred away. Eric then responded…
"all Entrance penetration by the Nerminites were all successful, except there was one problem, a wrong color code for water resources was sent to Commander Christine, as little in ranking was the information, she noticed instantly and reacted immediately, that moment we knew there was an intruder, so she went straight to the intel distribution region to clarify whether there was a mistake"
A Lady going by the name Alia, but the title 'Lady' was added to her name to signify she is of great value, so she then added…
"I was summoned to treat some injured soldiers of their wounds, they all had similar injuries, as they lied there unconscious, the wound was two and half inches deep, with this sort of black smoke emerging from it, it was a case I haven't seen in a long time and had no idea on how to treat it, five minutes later they all woke up in a shock, their eyes poured out blood like they were weeping in red, immediately they all began screaming in pain like they were being devoured from the inside, I had help in holding them down, while my assistant collected their blood samples as I tend to their wounds, shortly, that moment, the blood flow from their eyes increased as their ears poured out more… they were poisoned… instantly something terrifying happened the outburst of blood increased as it began to emerge from every pores in their skin… I had my daughter with me as she wanted to expand her knowledge of medical treatment, she was terrified screaming in distress… it wasn't long before they passed away. One of the guards then burst out through the door with similar wound, luckily, he was still conscious, he shouted 'we've been infiltrated, I and my daughter were escorted down to the breakout point where we were all led out to the hideout, and that was were it all began, the screams from diverse locations were heard, the agony intensified, I believe that was where the killing started, when we were four miles away from the kingdom"
They all had the same look in their eyes as they shared their experience. Elizabeth on the other hand was the one even more troubled as she feels do damn guilty about the lost of those lives. She was moving randomly, she found the event extremely disturbing.
"There has to be a way any of you might have seen their face or something, something doesn't feel right here, it doesn't sum up" Elizabeth said
"how do you mean?" Lady Alia said...
"you mean how they got in" says another man named Presley, he is skilled in the area of technical stuff involving mechanical weapons or techs. (Yes, this gathering is a collection of experts and some other they could get their hands on and evacuate… they were a lot and at the same time very few in comparison to the entire population of Arcadia, this population saved includes children to little of teenagers that were still under training and some infants with either their siblings or their mother, the rest of their family were all gone)
"I think there might have been someone from the inside who helped them, you know what, we will talk about this later, okay so you all can go, thanks alot for everything" Elizabeth looked so stressed out, like she wasn't in her right level of sanity
While they walked out, seeing Elizabeth walking out as well… she was approached by some little toddlers, they were non-xenians. The toddler with abilities, won't be that lively, they would know a little bit of hardship, not war but hardship.
So, the children ran up to her and giving her a welcoming hug, their presence cleared away the mixed emotion that results into despair, for a moment she felt a bit of relief like that was what she needed at that time, she smiled softly staring down at them, that moment she saw them as little Sebastian, Christine and all the orphans she cared for. As a matter of fact, these kids, some of them might have been born during the time when Elizabeth was on her five-year quest to find the weapon
"Lady Eliza can you come play with us" they all shouted in unison.
"Our parents told us all about you, they are currently not here now, Manchester told us they travelled and will soon return" this was Kate speaking Commander Christine's daughter, she had the intellect of her mother and was more perceptive than the rest, she is a Xenian, unlike the other kids, she likes hanging out with the non-xenians. Kate's sister Ava is about the age of Sebastian, few months older maybe seven months older.
Elizabeth stared deeply into Kate's eyes as the memory of the time she saw Commander Christine's arm with the necklace and the bracelet cam by. She then gave them a happy reply:
"I am sure Manchester was in his right senses when he told you that, it is good of him, isn't it" she then laughed in a nervous way. "I am going to kill that big mouthed dude" she whispered to herself.
"Lady Eliza" one of the toddler ran up to her
"what is it" Eliza answered;
"where is big brother Luthur, I haven't seen him in a while now
"oh, that is because he went to fetch some grapes outside the camp, he will be back soon, and then we would make you all your favorite juice... okay go on run along"
There came another child; "Lady Eliza" he shouted while running towards Elizabeth…
"what is it"
"I hurt my thumb"
"come let me see it" she replied...
The child drew closer, then Elizabeth took a look at it…
"Pumpkins! That is a big one, you've got a splinter, it might hurt pretty bad, what happened"
"I played near those thorns over there, it pierced deep into my finger"
"okay next time try avoiding them, you don't want the next to be a savaging snake do you, it is going find its way out, hissing loudly (she then hissed like a snake) 'I am a snake… I'm a snake, and then it comes around and round and hah, it bites you' (she poked the child, as he giggled)" Elizabeth then took out the piece of wood in the boy's finger and then placed her thumb on his injured finger, the pinky and then on the back of his head, her thumb then glowed as the boy injured finger got healed.
That was perhaps a way she heals non-Xenians, with minor injuries… she maximizes their healing ability by inducing her energy into them.
"Wow, that is so cool, you're awesome" he ran along happily towards his friends.
Eric approaches Elizabeth with a smile…
"hmph, kids, the most beautiful stage of our lives"
"yeah, before and after our meeting they've come to me multiple times for their needs, I can't say no to their enchanting laughter"
"it is nice to see them happy" Eric said
"I shall not subtend any kid to battle any longer, I should be the one fighting, I should keep them safe, I will defend you all with my life. Please give the kids a reality they deserve, keep them safe, their training would only be when the time is right, my feeble leadership got us into this"
"don't say that, you did what you had to do to save your people, and stop dwelling in the past it hinders one from evolution, build on your present and dream for the future"
"I never thought you would use my own words on me, Eric, you've grown so well"
"well, I learnt from the best and I've waited like forever to say it, you told me that everytime" Eric replied as they both laughed like the old times.
They both maintained silence as they watched the morning sky, listened to the birds chirping, that was indeed the most relaxing moment they've had in a long time.
SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE CAMP, WHERE THEY MEET FOR SOME EXERCISE…
"What do you mean you don't remember, you were within the walls when it all happened" Ally said… she is one of Sebastian's classmate, the curious, confident and at the same time oblivious of everything. She is smart maybe a genius, but no one actually takes note because she's always busy asking questions to clarify every detail.
"Ally, leave him alone, leave him alone, he has half of his brain toasted like a lamb, he can barely remember his own name, he might just cry" Luthur said… he is the kid that toddler earlier was looking for, he at list keeps the atmosphere alive. He is known for always picking on Sebastian, from day one he never agreed with him. Meanwhile, Sebastian looked like he had a lot on his mind, after barely escaping death.
Sebastian gives Luthur a chill look and then gave Ally a reply…
"Luthur is right my mind is really toasted right now, complementing the fact that I don't remember" Luthur stared at Sebastian looking confused as he has never replied to his mockery in such a way, usually Sebastian immediately feels hurt and then goes angry, keeping his mouth shot as he consumes the grudge, but this… this is new, he stayed cool and chill leaning on a tree by his back with both hands in his pocket.
"Sebastian, you've been acting weird lately, did your mom forget to tuck you in or read you a nighty-night bedtime last night" Luthur said, carrying the largest smile you could ever think of.
"Luthur, leave him alone, him ignoring your stupidity isn't much of an insult to you" Lauren said. Also, one of Sebastian classmates, you might describe this one as one of the most well-respected girl in their grade, she shows a nice sense of leadership, her and a girl called Lydia, well they are clearly best-friends, there is absolutely nowhere Lauren goes to that Lydia don't follow, they are… what do they call it… oh yeah 'Best Friends forever'.
"Please do not start-up an argument-riot, Manchester-dude might show up in ten minutes" Thomas commented as everyone ignores he's statement; he is the most rule abiding kind of guy, sure loves following instructions.
Now allow me to introduce you to the grade five students, well at least the ones that still lives,majority of them either died in the war, or in the infiltration attack that took most population of Arcadia. Meet Elliott, Sara, Lauren, Luthur, Ally, Sebastian, Albert, Lydia, Sirius, Thomas, and Lucy. These are the grade five students left after the war, they used to be about forty in this grade, but unfortunately, they were unable to evacuate them, these were the ones that were saved. The other grades higher to fifteen were all annihilated, well some few ones were evacuated, before the attack, they were two from grade fourteen, one from grade fifteen and one from grade seven.
From the looks of things, the evacuation occurred before the attack got death intensive, they fought to hold-off and buy some time for a miracle to happen. No one knew how they were able to invade the kingdom, as it is one of the most secured civilization, not just the wall, protecting them, there is a force-field kind of barrier, it was penetrated… the illusion Elizabeth casted on the location like she did to where she had camped to learn about the weapon; it was broken.
From grade six upward are the ones qualified enough to go to actual war battle, in accordance to their rank therein lies the kind of mission they are going to be posted to, the other grade serves as support or as reinforcement team during critical times, although each grade have their mission they are assigned to as a requirement.
These youngsters were all gathered here for some training from a man called Manchester. After the attack, everyone has been working hard to rebuild, since they were few, they have to get as much experience to protect themselves. Although there exist other regions that are under the Arcadia rule. As the structure of the Arcadia Empire system depicts, these people were not conquered, maybe a few… they were united long into the past, by ancient legends. But for them to move immediately to those regions, might just attract potential threats, to them and to those regions. You could say the Arcadia empire had not necessarily fallen yet, it is the headquarter that bore the original name that had fallen, they were the core blood and the most populated compared to the rest region. The other regions are of other civilization that relied on the protection of the Arcadia headquarter, but now since they are all gone, they need immediate attention, as they are all close allies united as one under the name The Arcadia Empire.
WHAT'S LEFT OF THE NERMINITES…
"We can't back down, did you see how she slaughtered our people, we lost almost everything, the Emperor has been presumed dead, our families were taken from us" this was Hades speaking. He was the man that first saw Eliza through her high-speed cloak, by slowing everything down to an intensity that he began to bleed from his eyes, he spread the description of Eliza to the rest, so they could quickly recognize the attacker.
He was talking to the last minister left from the Nerminia system, and he replied…
"Hades stop with this sentimental act and leave things the way they are. We are in the era of war, people die from both sides, we have confirmed that the woman is of the Alderic Clan, if she wanted to wipe us out, she would have done it a long time ago. Let all that is left remain still, for tomorrow comes another conflict, we should build what is left then we can considered attacking, now I command you now to back down, it is an order."
"This is all your fault, the Emperor's, and those so called ancient X so as our ancestor that left with us this damaged blood of ours that taste for conflict. This accumulated nonsense of the past that led us to now; each night I close my eyes, I see the soul of my brother, my little brother, screaming in pain… he was an innocent soldier that fought for our people… I and my brother never went to the so-called final round, we disagreed with every battle consideration at hand, it was never our will…" As hades spoke, the last minister cuts in…
"it was no one's will" Hades then continued...
"That night I could hear the screaming of innocent souls from afar, from Arcadia, souls that never deserved death, we were regarded as cowards for all these, but later on my brother still stood up to protect you and the rest of the ministers… he died in front of me, lying there helpless, I couldn't do anything, he lied there so tenderly… the war hasn't ended, it has just begun… she didn't care if there were innocent lives that had a distinct mindset, she just killed… because you fools showed her true inhuman nature" Hades said
"you are wrong, we showed her human nature, a natural occurrence, that a youngster like you can't understand; and it is of human nature to know when to back down… she's out there, go after her but the war has just ended, so be it, we are safe"
"Safe, define 'safe'… when each time we see those horrifying nights caused by you selfish ministers and the cowardly Emperor, that always sat down, drinking, chilling with women in the pool, good he got what he deserved, good thing the ministers got what they deserved… I am not safe, not when vengeance hasn't been claimed for my brother's sake"
"yeah, that's it in your blood, moving to the rhythm of our ways, dance to our tune boy 'Oculus pro oculo, anima pro anima, sit ut iterum conveniamus' … your resistance, you all are some self-righteous fools, hidden enemies to all Emperors of the past, you all are nothing but traitors… legal-traitors, every one has kept quiet to ignore… go on, we are the last survival of this land, so you are on your own. Go on and face the goddess Eliza on your own"
"you know what, didn't I mentioned ministers getting what they deserved"
The last minister pauses and stares at Hades, feeling a bit of insecurity as the rest people in the surrounding watched the scene…
"what do you have in mind"
"how can I forget the minister that brought hell to my clan, the one that made us suffer, how can I forget you… the wages of your action is death… I have always wanted this… today you join the rest…"
"Guards take him out, now" The minister yelled.
Hades then drew out his axe, about four feet long, with the head taking almost one-third of its length… he raced towards the minister, while the minister ran for his life racing down out of his chair reserved specially for him, considering the look in his eyes and his disgusting size of fatness, you could tell he was nothing but a selfish human… he ran behind the chair away from Hades as he finally catches up, Hades slays each of the guards one by one.
He held the minister by his wrist, the minister then took a sudden turn, in response to defend himself… they went into a close combat… the minister being a long-distance attacker quickly broke loose of his grip, then backing off giving Hades a long distance… he immediately summons out chains from his palm, containing sharp knives, the bunch of chains were like snakes still attached to his palm, as he controls them, they came piercing down on the ground as Hades dodged every attacks. Hades having more battle intelligence quickly solidify the ground even more, making it grip onto the knives harder thereby trapping the minister, he then moved so smoothly dodging the chained-knives that remained… and immediately without hesitation, he threw his axe towards the minister's head, in split seconds, his head flew off his body, the axe clamped into the wall.
"Now I am the monster you've created. You all shall obey me, any one who deviates shall face the sharp point of my axe…"
"Now that woman is next"