“A great pillar of light fell from the

sky… destroying my home… my family…

and my memories… sentencing me to

a bleak existence.”

- Civilian Archive 0216, The Scorching.

The boy stood alone in a pitch black space. He felt his breath quicken as he wandered around aimlessly, put on edge by the return of the voice. The boy gave up and fell to his knees a dark despair overcame him. Had he finally broken? He feared he wasn’t even safe in his mind. The boy burst into tears, tears that echoed endlessly against the cold floor in the deep dark.

Just when his despair was about to overcome him a light bloomed in the night. A single sphere of luminescence descended onto the boy. “Greetings… I have wanted to speak with you for some time now…” The sphere pulsed brightly as the voice spoke. The voice was like a whisper in the wind, but it contained a certain power to it.

The sphere pulsed again, “You may not be able to talk outside, but here… we are in your mind. What you think I shall know.”

‘Who… what are you?’ The boy thought timidly.

The sphere pulsed even more brightly, “I… I am Astrum. And I am no thing; I am presumably the last of the Anima.”

The boy was extremely puzzled, ‘What is an A-An-Anima?’

“We were a sentient race created by your predecessors a very long time ago.” Astrum’s light dimmed a great deal, “My current state is weak, we have limited time. I am in need of your assistance child.”

‘What is going on? I-I'm not un-understanding?’ The boy stuttered out.

Astrum’s light pulsed a deep red before returning to its previous white, “I pity you boy… the state your parents have put you in is an unforgivable crime.” Astrum continued, “I have been monitoring you since I awoke 432 days 6 hours and 4 minutes ago. The drug that your parents used on you the previous night was no drug. It was my liquidized soul crystal.”

The boy's eyes widened at the revelation, ‘You? How could? What do you m-mean watching me?’

“Many things I will explain in time. But both of our situations are quite similar. We were both betrayed by the ones that gave us life. Your life here has left you open minded but ignorant to the ways of the world. Thus you were the most suitable candidate for a meld.”

‘What h-have you done to me? Why did it hurt s-so much?’

“I apologize for the pain but it was necessary, I created a housing in your cerebral cortex, melding us together. I also undertook minimal repairs of your body, the damage is… extensive.”

‘You… became a p-p-part of me?’ The boy was now growing fearful.

“Yes and no, our minds are linked but your body is still your own. Granted I could take control, but I will refrain from doing so.”

‘W-What is it you want from me?’

“The current situation would take much time to explain, and time is something we both are out of.” Astrum’s light flickered slightly, “We Anima are not like biological organisms we require a soul crystal to function, Mine has taken extensive damage from the war, I need another to restore myself.”

‘What war?’ The boy asked puzzled.

“The war that changed the world… I will tell you another time. Now, child, I require a soul crystal to restore myself and to heal you completely. It benefits us both you have minimal time to live, and only I can save you.”

‘W-What do you mean? Am I… going to die?’ The boy asked in a somber tone.

“Unfortunately yes, from my analysis you have roughly 14 years to live, by that time without the soul crystal your biological functions will cease.”

The boy hung his head; his eyes held no light. He never wanted this to happen to him. It wasn’t fair, why did he have to be born? Whatever God was out there, why did he forsake him so? Tears began to fall from his eyes. The entire situation seemed hopeless to him.

“Do not lose hope boy… it is the only thing you have left in this life. Help will be here soon. I have run numerous simulations based on your encounter with Aidan; he will get us out of this predicament.”

The tears of the boy stopped. He had forgotten about Aidan a strange feeling rose in the boy's chest. Maybe there is hope after all?

“That’s more like it child. Now, will you heed my call? Your life is hardly over and the power to change it for the better lies in your hands.”

The boy wiped the tears from his face and shakily stood up. A firm determination hardened his features. If he can get out of this situation, then now is the time to try. Astrum’s words created a confidence in the boy, something he never had. ‘I-I will do my best.’

Astrum’s light glowed brightly turning the boy's vision white, “Excellent! Now I will impart a series of images directly into your brain, and they will show you the way to the soul crystal. Prepare yourself; this will hurt.”

The boy shook as his vision distorted and a static sound deafened his hearing. Multiple images flitted through his mind at a rapid pace. A large mountain came into view, at the top an ominous cave entrance. In the depths of the cave was a large metallic base built into the rock.

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His view changed to an aerial view of a vast expanse of buildings surrounded by acres of land. Many people that looked only a few years older than him attended the facilities. It switched to the view of a larger center complex. Down many corridors to the basement of the building, his gaze entered a large room with a golden pillar standing upright in the center.

Next, a large complex on the coast appeared, many great machines and armed personnel dotted the area. In the basement of the complex was yet another pillar.

A third image replaced the previous. This time a great skyscraper in a magnificent city appeared. Many people dressed in fancy clothing came in and out of the building. At the top floor in an isolated room was another pillar.

A final image replaced the third, this time it was a great island with the remains of a once majestic city. It was the city from his dream! It sped to the large tower that was at the center of the city. On the very top of the building was the balcony he saw the two people standing on, but it was hardly recognizable everything destroyed. In the room behind the balcony was a golden vault with three pillars in a triangle formation.

The static sound quieted down, and the boy's vision returned to normal. He fell to the ground gasping for air. The entire ordeal was immensely painful.

“Boy, your journey has only begun. You will face numerous hardships. You will find friends and foes alike. The future of both our races will be decided. I ask a great deal of you child, but I have a feeling that this is what you were born to do.” Astrum’s light began to dim a great deal to the point of almost being nonexistent.

‘W-Wait! Where are you g-going?’ The boy began to panic at Astrum’s seeming departure. He still had many questions.

“The fate of the Anima and Humanity rests on your shoulders. Reclaim our legacy only you can save the future. And remember never to lose hope boy no… Eden… yes, Eden you will be our star. I wish you luck if fate wills it, we shall meet again soon…” Astrum's voice trailed off as the light disappeared altogether.

The dark space began to crumble, and Eden fell at a rapid pace. ‘WAAITT!’his shrill scream rang out in the abyss.  

Eden jumped awake throwing his blankets off of himself in a panic. His clothing soaked with sweat, and he took deep breaths to calm himself.

His heartbeat began to slow to a regular pace as he regained his bearings. He looked up to the window, and the early morning light was just barely shining through. He took one more deep breath as he let it bathe over his face. It was warm and soothing from his otherwise chilly room.

‘Eden huh…’ He felt a strange emotion at being given a name. Now, it seemed as if he belonged to something. ‘Is this what purpose feels like?’

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The Genobility District of New Sacremento is vastly different than the rest of the city. As the leaders of the population, they have vast amounts of prosperity and get to enjoy their life unlike the majority of the underclass citizens. The latest technological wonders and advancements in the quality of life gravitate towards it. At the very center of the district was a magnificent mansion. The design was a 21st-century modern design. The building was large and open with glass in the majority of places instead of walls, the walls that existed were a white and black, with hints of red. The front of the house had a beautiful garden with exotic plant life, and an excellent path illuminated by torches running through it. The back of the house had a large pool and a training ground. In a room on the fourth floor of the house slept Aidan on a large white bed. The morning rays had just begun to light the house, streaming through his window and giving the room a warm glow.

Aidan began to toss and turn and awoke with a shout, slamming his face into the bedpost. “SON OF A BITCH!” He tightly gripped his nose as blood dripped down. “She broke my nose. I'm gonna kill that v-vi-”

His voice cut short as he made eye contact with the figure at his door. “Mmm, so what was it you were about to say?”

“Haha, Sis! What timing I was just about to comment on your beautiful appearance.”

Her gaze only narrowed at Aidan’s dry laughter. “You're 12 years old now, and it’s time for you to start acting responsibly. How do you intended to lead the family as you are now?”

“Well… for starters I'm 12, I haven’t even decided if that's what I want for myself. And lastly you are a beas-” Aidan was abruptly sent rocketing into the wall.

“Time to get dressed.” she smiled eerily, “Father wishes to speak with you.”

Aidan’s only response was a groan as lay in the corner of his room. ‘Wait.’ the events of the previous day flashed through his mind. ‘The kid!’

Aidan jumped to his feet and ran to his closet to grab his clothes. His sister was stunned by his sudden liveliness. Without mind for the presence of anyone else he flung his clothes off getting dressed and running to his father's office.

“Have you no decency!” his sister called after him.

“No time sis, its an emergency!”

‘Emergency?’ She wondered what could be wrong. Deciding to give chase she ran after him to find out.

Aidan passed down the final corridor leading to his father's office. “Father!” Aidan slammed open the large red doors. “I need to speak to you, I found this boy, and he needs our help!”

Aidan was the spitting image of his father. They both had the same hair and eyes, but his father had numerous scars and a stoic face. Besides the scars, he was still a very handsome man. He stood 6’7’’ and had a robust musculature. “Aidan… I don’t know how many times I need to explain it to you. Stop running off and do your damn training!” His father's face twitched in anger.

“I'm sorry Father, but we must save that kid!”

“What the hell are you talking about? What kid and don’t you raise your voice to me! Sit your ass down.”

His father’s enraged voice immediately quieted him as he abruptly sat down at the mahogany desk. “Now, calmly explain to me what in the world has got you so riled up.”

“I… I was running away from sis yesterday” his father's face turned, even more, stern. “Just hang on a second don’t kill me just yet it was completely worth it.”

“What could be worth more than you mastering your abilities, becoming a successful leader, keeping our family in good standing in the endless war of politics, and lastly your nonexistent self-respect?”

“Ok, you make it sound worse than it is. And I have plenty of self-esteem, it's why I avoid getting put through the meat grinder on a daily basis. Lazing around is much safer.”

His father rubbed his forehead at the complete idiot he had for a son. “Ok, ok we are derailing here, what kid?”

“Ahem, as I was saying. Yesterday when sis knocked the drone I used to distract her into a house a few blocks down I found a kid in the worst situation.”

His father began to pop his knuckles from the mounting frustration, “So you lost a drone now? And you tell me this to my face. Oh, boy kid I wonder where you got your balls from.”

“Obviously not fro-” A pencil snap immediately silenced him. “In the house I found a kid living literally in garbage, he had rags for clothes, he had no meat on his bones at all you would think it was a skeleton.”

Aidan shivered at the memory, “His eyes dad… We need to save him isn’t that our jobs as the protectors to look after our citizens?”

“And if I spent my time looking after every piece of street trash how would I get anything done?”

Aidan's face became enraged at his father's response, “That was no trash I saw there! The only garbage I see is the people who refuse to do anything and sit idly by!”

“ENOUGH!” His father was practically fuming at this point. They continued to stare at each other with the situation now completely out of hand.

“Both of you calm down.” His sister approached them from the shadow of the curtain. “Father, what would Mother say to your words just now?”

Their father’s face turned grim. His late wife was always an advocate for the assistance of the lower class. She would always fight for their rights even if it completely alienated her. It was why he married her, for her self-confidence and her determination to do the right thing always.

“You’re right… It would dishonor her memory if I didn’t help,” he whispered. “Aidan… I am sorry, I just lost my temper.”

“Yeah? Well, it’s not a first.” He snorted.

“Don’t push it bud.” His father growled. “Now, I will search for information on the boy. In the meantime, I believe you have a lot of lost training to catch up on.”

“W-Wait, come on I have a broken nose. Can I take an extra long sick leave?” Cold sweats were now cascading down Aidan’s back.

Aidan’s shrill screams were all that could be heard on the property as he was dragged to the training ground.

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Twilight had set in the city. In the ghetto, Eden was desperately trying to pry the bars of his window. He collapsed from the exhaustion; he had been working for hours. But he simply had no energy, his food had run out, and his constitution was too weak.

‘How am I supposed to save an entire race if I can’t even save myself?’ Eden was growing frustrated with his inability to do anything. He walked over to his corner and wrapped himself in his blankets.

As he was stewing over another plan; one that would work his gaze fell on Aidan’s ball. He reached over and gingerly picked it up, playing with it in his hands. Turning the ball over he felt a small indentation at the top of the ball, examining it more closely it looked like a button? Curiosity overcame him as he gently pressed it. *Beep* the ball gave off a small sound. *Beep* *Beep* the sound continued at regular intervals.

Eden was slightly surprised and wondered what he did. Pondering over the continuing noise, he heard a loud chatter from outside. An ominous feeling rose in his chest as he suspected what he dreaded most.

“I can’t believe they would screw us like dat!” An enraged masculine voice said from outside.

“I told you it would be a waste of time! We didn’t even get a single gram!”

“Shut yo mouth bitch I know damn well! AH! Fuck!”

His parents had returned. All hope for Eden seemingly went out the window. His father was enraged if he decided to take it out on him. He didn’t know what would happen. He could only pray that Astrum was right and Aidan would rescue him.