I was forced to witness Tyranny up close; I decided that rebelling against those in power would always be my number 1 goal. Growing up, we didn't live in a city like the Last Frontier or the Lost city, it was community, where all lost souls gathered, bad and the good.
"Ivan your face is all beat up again. You should stop fighting with the leader's son." (?)
"I can't help it mom. He thinks he's above everyone because of his dad. I hate watching him pick on the other kids, especially the orphans as if they wanted to be here to begin with." (Ivan)
"My little rebel. Although I respect it, you should be careful. It'll only cause more trouble for your dad." (Ivan's mom)
"I know..." (Ivan)
"At least you understand, my little hero." (Ivan's mom)
She disinfected his wound and applied bandages all over his face.
I never knew the true history of my mother. I was only made aware once everyone else found out. They were scared of the fact that she was a witch and that her powers would threaten the leader's rule. My father pleaded for her life to be spared. If only I had the power to do something then, I was so angry at him. Not once did he fight, just begged. My mother wasn't even skilled, she only knew basic spells like keeping the water warm or starting a fire. I was young and dumb to even notice her doing it. Once she died, a spark lit up in me and I went berserk. I killed everyone who pointed their weapons towards me or at least... I wish I did. My father was a victim to my own rampage.
After Ivan became aware of his own surrounding, everyone was dead, except for the orphan kids he had been defending. They didn't know how to react.
"You don't have to be afraid; I won't hurt you guys. I'm sorry you had to see all that. This community was bound to fail anyways, our leader was a fat and smelly idiot." (Ivan)
"Ivan... What are we supposed to do now?" (??)
We're free, and they still don't know what to do. (Ivan)
"Now... we take charge. With this power in me, there's nothing we can't do." (Ivan)
Our community grew and I made sure to lead the groups outside in order to hunt for food. My mother told me stories about these undead known as Soulless. After seeing one for myself, they were actually pretty weak, but some kids just couldn't handle it. I couldn't protect them all. As years went by, I taught them how to survive. I wasn't a pro when it came to fighting but together, we managed to learn some of the basics, if one would even consider them to be basic fighting moves. As we got older, we got stronger.... Everything felt right until she appeared. Those eyes, looking right through me.
A woman approached their community, face covered by the hood she was wearing.
"Don't move, this is Grizzly territory. We won't take kindly to intruders." (Ivan)
"Grizzly? So that's what you guys call yourself. That must mean, your Ivan., right?" (???)
"How do you know about me?" (Ivan)
"I know enough. You can call me Liz. May I enter?" (Liz)
Something told me I shouldn't have, but I couldn't ignore my curiosity. She told me my future had already changed the moment I denied her offer to join her. That I would regret it later... and I did.
"It's a shame. I could have helped you and your little community, but I'll at least impart this for you. Whether you can change it... is up to you. In 3 days, you'll be attack by another community. Many kids will die or be taken." (Liz)
"Why tell me all this?" (Ivan)
"Because these kids see you as a hero. Truth is, you have the potential to be one but, whether you continue down that path regardless of everything that happens in the future... is up to you." (Liz)
3 days passed and everything turned out like she had said. We lost.
Ivan sat by a tree, battered up and covered in blood. He tried to keep himself awake as he watched the community burn. Kids were dragged out while others lied on the ground, lifeless. He heard footsteps approaching and it was the very girl who had warned him.
"You knew, why didn't you save us?" (Ivan)
"It wasn't my job too. I'm no hero. You're their leader and I gave you a choice." (Liz)
"Dam you..." (Ivan)
"Now I'm going to do something selfish too. I'll be taking you with me before they find you." (Liz)
"Why? Was I the only one you wanted?" (Ivan)
"Yes. You have the potential to be even stronger and unlike your previous leader, I don't plan on wasting it." (Liz)
Everything I did, just for my life to come back around and be ruled by another. I know my choice now warden. I won't choose to fight for good or evil but for myself. I don't care about this city or its inhabitants. I choose me, and anyone who wishes to follow. No more going in circle's, I shall create a new beginning, a new future for myself.
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On the day when Chris and Jorge escaped from the prison, Chris told Alex to keep an eye on Ivan.
"Did you get all that Alex?" (Chris)
"What? I mean, of course. Follow Ivan and stick with June." (Alex)
The sound of explosion and firing was going off. The scream of someone cheering got the whole crown riled up.
"Jorge did it! He broke through!" (?)
"I'll Keep in touch. When the time is right, get June and join up with us." (Chris)
"Yea, I promise. Go get Jorge, his arm looks broken. Wait! How will you find us?" (Alex)
They split off before she could answer. The look on his face saddened as he watches his 2 best friends run off in the opposite direction. Even though this prison was created to hold Alex and others like him, without Jorge and Chris, he felt alone.
I'm alone again... Just like back then. No, I still have June and the others but more importantly, June. (Alex)
Once Alex met up with the others, guards were surrounding them, preventing anyone from escaping. Ivan wanted to take command, he always felt like a leader since everyone saw him as an older brother type, he just never expected that no one else would step up to the plate.
"If you have a defensive ability, use it now to help stop them from killing anymore of us!" (Ivan)
"On it!" (June)
June spread her hair in order to make a defensive barrier while also using it to shoot needle like hairs. Others used abilities like setting up an invisible wall, stretch their bodies like rubber, releasing vapors from their body to blind the enemy. Alex watched from a distance as everyone fought to defend one another. Those that turned their back were unlucky when bullets mowed them down. He stared at the palm of his hands, thinking if this was the time to let his inner demon out.
That pirate told me its a mind game. This medication helps me now but if I fight it... I might lose control... There's also the chance that I might not be able to differentiate friend and foe. I won't be able to do anything with just my teeth alone but if I can't turn one of my hands into claws... I can do this. (Alex)
While everyone carried on with bolstering their defenses, from a distance, they noticed Alex running at full speed. The guards caught wind of his rear assault, but it was too late, Alex was able to break through as he ripped them apart; limb from limb, even their throats weren't left unharmed.
"Dam it, don't let up! Half of you focus on the freak while the others shoot the prisoners." (??)
"They're distracted! Long range fighters. keep attacking before their reinforcements arrive! June!" (Ivan)
"Say less. switching to offense." (June)
The fight ended but no one wasted anytime to celebrate. Their next mission was to escape instantly. Bug was able to use his abilities to find an escape route, When they found one, half them were grossed out but Ivan assured them it was this or death. They jumped into the sewers and made their way to the coast where they found an abandoned warehouse. During the fight, Alex blood lust wouldn't let up, June had to use her ability to restrain him.
"What kind of animal are you? I've never seen anything like it?" (Bug)
"I'm not so sure he's even an animal. I can turn into a hyena and even that part of me is yelling to run. Ivan?" (Heyna)
"Same here. Did the warden ever tell you what your abilities were?" (Ivan)
"No... She found me as a kid but kept all the research to herself." (Alex)
Ivan didn't believe him but, he was ok with that. If Alex was willing to keep it, it probably meant that he had a dangerous gift. In other words, Alex was most likely a powerful being. Once June butted in, telling everyone to mind their own business, they decided to let it go.
"No matter, I don't see Jorge or Chris." (Ivan)
"The guards were coming from every direction, and we got separated. I'm sure they're fine, they'll find us once everything dies down." (Alex)
After their first night as free men and women, they're days became tedious. They stuck to criminal activities such as stealing clothes, jewelry, and food. At one point, a few escapees picked the wrong store and ran into a lesser vampire. Luckily, Ivan stepped in, his original plan was to stop them, but it was too late. They're first vampire kill gave them hope when it came too dealing with their enemies. It was their first encounter, during the prison escape, all the guards were humans, not knowing that the Chroniclers had little to no vampires in their ranks. People were scared to go out even though know one was chasing them. It was odd, did they not care? After Ivan killed a lesser vampire, they would have never guessed that Lisa would eventually catch wind of it.
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Back at the warehouse, everyone gathered for a meeting.
"Listen up, we are no longer doing these little hoodlum shit. It's about time we started fighting our true enemies. Vampires!" (Ivan)
Everyone looked at each other in disbelief. The ideal of even killing a vampire felt ridiculous, these were immortal beings that have ruled the city for centuries. It wasn't until he showed them a dead body of one that they stopped calling bullshit.
"I killed this one just a few days ago. I know what you're thinking, how is this possible? The answer is simple, ask yourselves. Why did they keep us locked up? They were afraid of what we can do. They may have powers but so do we. Abilities they can't even imagine." (Ivan)
"Wait, that was you?" (?)
"Those vampires have begun to target us!" (??)
"That's right, they labeled us as normal criminals but now we're seen a dangerous individual with abilities." (?)
Ivan closed his eyes when the verbal spears were being thrown at him. He wasn't ignoring them, but their words were definitely annoying.
"Enough! Ivan isn't done talking." (June)
Everyone stopped.
"This was always inevitable. your petty crimes would eventually bring them to us. Let me ask you, we were taken from our homes, our families, and for what? To become their prisoners. This is not how our story ends. We have powers, so it's time we used them! We train, we build, we collect, and we gather more allies. We won't settle for less, together we can take this city and make it our home and if you what you really desire is to simply leave this city then so be it. I will help with that as well. All I ask is that you don't settle for living on the streets, hiding, and stealing for a few bucks or food." (Ivan)
The room was silent but after he finished speaking, everyone cheered in admiration.
"Our new group will be called New Beginning. For those of searching for a new life, as well as to help signify the day, we finally escaped our prison in search of freedom. For our friends who couldn't escape, we hope they found peace... A new beginning." (Alex)
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A month later.
"So, what do we have?" (Ivan)
"We were able to secure other safe houses just as planned but... Since we received them from other gangs in the city, I have yet to send people. I planned on leaving my bugs around for a few days. I want to make sure it's actually safe." (Bug)
"Fair enough. I don't trust them either but the information they've been feeding us has been very useful." (Ivan)
Alex and June were nearby and decided to join in on the conversation.
"This medical facility. Are you sure it's a good idea? I know the people who run it are sponsored by vampires but there's innocent people there?" (Alex)
"Yes, they may be innocent but they're being forced to feed them with their blood. Why else would there be those who live a wealthy life while other's live in the dumps. Without the lower classes, vampires can't take advantage of their desperation. We have been hiding among these people so we can't allow them to get used. We have to act." (Ivan)
"I guess you're right..." (Alex)
Alex figured this was for the best, but somethings didn't feel right.
I wonder how Jorge and Chris are doing. Chris was pretty angry the last time we met... Maybe if I invite them, they'll come. Jorge did say he wanted to help. (Alex)
"Everything will be ok Alex." (June)
"On that note. I need you to stay here June. You and teddy will take care of this. In case something actually does happen to us. You'll guys will need to accomplish New Beginning's goal." (Ivan)
"What? Shouldn't we bring them? They're abilities will be useful." (Speed)
"No, only a few of us will go. I don't want to risk any more of our kind and besides, I've been able to recruit some thugs from the other gangs as well as supporters whose family were ripped off from this place. We'll use them to help launch a two-way attack. Now, onto the next thing, have we been able to find the information broker known as New Moon?" (Ivan)
"No. I did some digging around, but he went off the grid last month." (June)
"Last month? As in... when we escaped?" (Ivan)
"Actually... yea, I didn't even notice that. No one knows who he is other than the fact that he covers his face and is quite fashionable. Although some did say he sounded like an old man, or they got vibes that he was. Maybe he passed away?" (June)
"Doubt it but regardless. If he truly is out of the game, perhaps we can go for the second best." (Bug)
"No matter. I want everyone who's going to participate in this attack to meet up in 3 hours. Meeting is adjourned." (Ivan)
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After their faithful encounter with a terrifying vampire called Raymond, Ivan assured everyone that everything was ok. He talked about how the explosion was a set up from a gang that's been spreading their influence throughout the city. Once the chairman's son and the facility were out of the picture, the gang was making more money than ever, selling blood. Vampires didn't care, as long as someone was selling it. It wasn't illegal to purchase blood as long the person giving it was of age. Children's were off limit and yet were the most desired. Ivan decided it was time to confront this group, although he showed up alone, he still had his people nearby..
"So, you're the leader of New beginning. I have to thank you for completing your mission. It's unfortunate your group has now been labeled as terrorist. You can call me boss, especially since your group will need to work under me. I mean... we would hate for information on your whereabout to be leaked." (Boss)
"I see, you're the boss of the Tyrants. A fitting name I suppose. I amazed how you can sit there and not show any fear. I'm inhuman after all. We've even killed a vampire before and yet...." (Ivan)
"And yet, we don't care. My men out number yours. Even if you have power, we have... What was it? Oh yes, guns. Rumor also has it that we'll be establishing relationships with other cities soon. Your powers won't be as unique. anymore." (Boss)
"I was a fool thinking I could take out one monster and not realize that other pest would come out from underground, trying to replace them. Tell me, have you ever wondered how we survived this long? Vampires don't care about us and if I take you out here, I promise you they still won't care. It's only humans squabbling amongst each other after all." (Ivan)
Ivan snapped his fingers and even though no one else in the room understood, a single bug on his shoulder saw it all. A few seconds later, the power in the whole building went dark. No one had eyes on Ivan, they couldn't even tell if their guns were facing him, but the sound of growling was heard and later, screams followed with it. The rest of Boss's people came running in, the lights came on and they found a lion laying on a table with blood all over its paws. It spoke to them in a deep voice.
"Don't bother. They're already dead. You were all simply foot soldiers, but you have the same goal as us. Swear your loyalty and I'll show you a better future." (Ivan)
No one resisted. After New beginning secured the building, Ivan stumbled as he found a place to sit.
"Amazing, when did you learn to turn into a lion? I thought you were a bear." (Bug)
"It kind of just happened. The weird thing is... I felt this kind of feeling when I fought that vampire. I wanted to turn into a bear, but it felt like a spark ran through my body and I just... changed into something else." (Ivan)
"Well, it looks like it took its toll. You should be careful." (June)
"She's right." (Alex)
"I don't care, at least it went the way I hoped." (Ivan)
"What now?" (Heyna)
Ivan twirled around in the chair, thinking about the future.
"Now... I rest. After that? We slowly take over other gangs without raising attention. I want our people to slowly flow into other gangs without revealing it's us. For example, I plan to make it look like this group is still running with the same leader. I don't want the royals to know we took over. Alex, you'll be in charge of this group. (Ivan)
"What? Why?" (Alex)
"Because you've stood beside me for a while now. You know what I desire, and the truth is... Even though you're still trying to figure out this power of yours, I still get the feeling you're more powerful than I. So, you have what it takes to protect everyone incase shit hits the fan." (Ivan)
"But..." (Alex)
"Don't worry babe, you got this. I'll back you up to. Wait, will the make me the female boss since we're dating?" (June)
"What, when did you guys start dating?" (Bug)
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The kings voice echoed throughout the city while his face was displayed. From the window of their newly established building, New Beginning watched in disgust, since they took over one of the largest gangs, they no longer needed to hide in abandoned building or more poorer parts of the city. They were able to take over the tyrants hide outs and businesses without actually changing anything, just as Ivan planned.
"So that's the guy who replaced the previous king?" (Bug)
"Now that they opened a way into other kingdoms, we can finally expand." (Ivan)
"I'll get some forged paperwork for you use." (Bug)
"No need, I'm sure the underworld in the Last Frontier will come to us. We just have to wait." (Ivan)
"Hey guys!" (June)
June burst into the room dragging Alex with her hair. She lifted him up into the air and told them about how he had something very important to say. The secret he's been holding onto for so long.
"What? You're a... a werewolf?" (Bug)
"That would explain my fear from time to time. Why did you hide this from us?" (Ivan)
"I was hoping to never rely on this power. I had drugs to stop me from changing but..." (Alex)
"You're running out?" (Ivan)
"Yea. I wasn't trying to betray you guys; I was just afraid. It didn't end well with my mother when I was a kid but, it seems that it's pointless now. I'll start to lose my sanity during a full moon until I no longer need it." (Alex)
Ivan sighed but, in his mind, he was overjoyed. He knew that Alex had the potential to be someone powerful, but this changed everything.
he'll leave a mark that can't be erased. This is perfect, my secret weapon. (Ivan)
"I'm surprised the warden took you in. She even allowed you the freedom to walk and talk with the rest of us." (Ivan)
"Well, that came later. before everyone arrived, I was kept in a secluded room. It wasn't just me because I remember seeing other rooms with people just like me." (Alex)
"What?! Where was this?" (Ivan)
"It was more underground. Why do you ask?" (Alex)
"Ivan. If they decided to release Alex because he was deemed safe than?" (Bug)
"We still have more brethren within that prison. If they're still caged under the prison than perhaps it means... they could have the extra skills, we need." (Ivan)
"I'll send my bugs. I should be able to get inside but... Attacking the same place twice? They're security has to be even tougher now." (Bug)
"Indeed. That's why we'll distract them. We can attack multiple places at once. They're guards won't move but if we can separate the vampires... I'll inform you guys on the details later once I secure more unique people." (Ivan)
Their reputation as a group spread to The Last Frontier. They were able to sneak into the magic kingdom with the help of magic tags that changed one's face. They were illegal and usually sold on the black market. Many experiences magic users could detect the difference, but it was perfect for guards in the Lost City that had no skills whatsoever. Ivan was able to recruit people with abilities with the help of money.
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"So, What bring you to the Last Frontier?" (Tobias)
Inside a room, two individuals were having a meeting. They sat on each end of the room with a large table in the center. Muffled music could be heard as if they were in a club. One man sat alone while the other who was clearly the owner of this establishment.
"A man of yours by the name of Big Man told me that we needed to meet." (Ivan)
"Ahhh, you must be this New Beginning group I heard so much about. Seems you've caused a lot of trouble in your domain" (Tobias)
"Nothing I can't handle. I choose my battles. Until my people are ready, then we'll handle the Royals." (Ivan)
"The four noble families of the Lost City. They truly are dangerous people. It's almost impossible to compare the strength of our strongest and yours without seeing them fight toe to toe. But you guys? killing a bunch of low-class vampires don't mean shit here." (Tobias)
"It's not about their class that interest me but what they had control of." (Ivan)
Ivan snapped his finger as a large man came entering into the room. dropped three bodies with only one still breathing. What caught the attention of this stranger was that their eyes were red.
"These people..." (Tobias)
"Yes. The two who are dead belong to the Bloodress faction. While the one who's still alive is from your city." (Ivan)
"This person was turned by Raymond, and they have control over food distribution in my streets." (Tobias)
"Do what you will with that. Take control of your territory." (Ivan)
This kid. Does he really think killing the vampires will make a difference? No matter, I can use him. He won't succeed but the destruction he'll bring upon the two cities will surely benefit me. (Tobias)
"You've gotten my attention kid. The names Tobias. Tobias Longbow. I'm a smaller faction of the Short Fuse brothers. No matter what, you deal with me. Not them." (Tobias)
Lets see who plays who. One mission down. Now I just need my trump card to control his power. (Ivan)
"One more thing. This Magic kingdom, how powerful are they?" (Ivan)
The man known as Tobias laughed, thinking he had just heard the most ridiculous question ever.
"You're joking right? They have Magic in their name. Our leaders may be powerful but the queen herself? She's said to be the strongest person in the whole world. She might as well be a god but then again... I hear even she's limited by the elders in her kingdom. Forget about attacking them." (Tobias)
"Well, I just had to ask. A few of my men got captured. I plan to release them as well as every other person in each prison. I'll make an army out of them. I'm going to need a way to hide all these people." (Ivan)
"I can provide some sanctuary, but I doubt it'll be enough. How will you get them here." (Ivan)
"I've made contact with a vampire in the Lost City. He secured some teleportation tags. Good for one use but it'll be enough. I'll make sure to deliver you the markings. Of course, he'll also provided living spaces in his country estates." (Ivan)
"Wait a minute, a vampire? Can you trust him?" (Tobias)
"Of course not. He's crazy but willing to help. I don't need to deviate from my original plans." (Ivan)
"Anything else you need?" (Tobias)
"Tell your boss that I'll deliver this man named Allister. One way or another. Also, I need your help broadcasting something for me. A message to our leaders." (Ivan)
"How did you know about my bosses' interest?" (Tobias)
" I didn't come unprepared. Let's just say I know everything you're thinking. Actually... That's exactly what it is. You may be able to hide your killing intent but not your most inner thoughts. So please, continue to express your true feelings and we can fight it out right here." (Ivan)
"How scary. My apologies, it seems I've underestimated you. Don't worry, I'll give you my full support." (Tobias)
All my pieces are in place now. My only problem now is Chris and this guy named Allister. There's also... No. That weakling won't be able to get in my way. He's nothing without those around him. His willingness to make friends with everyone, even our enemies... Makes me want to vomit.