Here stands a place of peace, of solace.
Spick and span, homely and flawless.
Bustling and riveting, yet never violent.
The guards feel unneeded as crime remains silent.
Large walls lay at the edge of peace.
For those outside, wish to live within without a lease.
Only one thing could make these civilians frown.
And that’s what turned their civilization, upside down.
----------------------------------------
Looming over lively roads and padded buildings were mother and son, perched atop a lofty balcony.
“So, what’ll today have in store?” A smile as merry as a birth was worn by the mother, Galini.
The son, Solaris looked down to the numerous stone buildings and heavily dressed people occupying the civilization, Guardian.
“The cold season is coming in; it’d be nice to see the trade district together before its closure.” He weaved his finger through his hair as he spoke.
Stomping her foot on the closest chair, she points to the balcony’s edge, “So away we go!”
Creak!
The pair’s gaze shift, grabbed by the entrance of a tall man adorning a black fur coat with golden accents. His eyes were harsh and black fractures ran from his pupils. His hair could be mistaken for the darkness of space and laid curled up neatly upon his head.
“Sorry for the intrusion, something has come to my attention.” The father, Favos stepped forward, placing his hand atop his son’s shoulder.
The black and white of coats adorned by father and son established a striking contrast.
Galini’s eyes sparkled. “You two are so charming together.” She clapped gingerly.
Solaris’ face brightened. “Thanks.”
Like the wind, Galini swiftly moved, wrapping her arms around Favos. “Now, what’s so important?”
Looking off the Balcony he squinted. “Not a single south-west sector guard has reported in the past 15 minutes, last a delay of this magnitude happened was when a collapse occurred in the Muteki.” Removing his wife’s restraints, he stepped closer to the edge.
Solaris’ eyes narrowed while Galini’s remained stagnant. “You should see to it immediately, I’ll ask Ken to head an investigation in the conjoined sectors.” She gave a warm smile.
Favos nodded as his body transfigured to an array of lights that beamed to the south-west sector.
Galini sighed. “I wish we didn’t head the military sometimes, now, let’s head out.”
___
The pair side-by-side strolled through the bustling streets of Guardian.
“Mistress Galini and Sir Solaris! How rare to see them out together.”
“It’s quite the site, I hope we don’t make eye contact.”
People’s eyes were glued to the pair, they compared to the rest were diamonds in the rubble.
Galini was adorned in a gilded white dress lacking any suspension. her skin was an ethereal, pale color, lacking any blemishes. Her extensive silver hair stretched to her waist and felt like first-rate silk. Her Emerald irises gleamed like a wet pearl. She seemed unreal, like a fairy tale princess.
Solaris was her spitting image, the same ethereal skin, hair and eyes, only separated by his smaller stature and refusal to dawn spacious attire.
The two soon arrived at the ‘Trader’s District’
Many stalls fashioned from stone and wood, line a long pathway leading to the edge of their home.
The jubilation of children’s laughs engulf the scene, as tens of kids run rampant about the area, swerving chaotically around every corner.
“So many children, it appears your idea was shared by everyone.” Galini’s eyes bounced about unable to keep track of a single volatile child.
Solaris’ similarly adventurous eyes quickly stiffened. “If you want a nice view, I know a nice are-”
“Sol!” a shout bellowed from behind the wave of people rushing through the streets.
Abruptly their flow halted, forming a neat path to let someone through.
Stepping forward was a teen rubbing his neck. ‘I didn’t mean to draw so much attention.’ He possessed envious physique. His short jet-black hair seemed to devour the light around him and his crimson eyes attracted all those that gazed into them.
‘Kleara’s child, he’s out early. I did send Ken off for inspections so it isn’t surprising.’ “Alexander, what brings you here today?” Galini stepped forward, laying her hand on his head.
Alexander’s cheeks flushed red. “I-I came to look for Sol, I got time off since Sir Ken is tied up at with some Muteki inspections…could you move your hand?” His stance slouched, as if attempting to retreat into the ground.
Retracting her hand, she gives a wide smile. “Sorry, it’s scary how fast time moves, I quite vividly remember you stealing Sol’s tarts as younglings.” She chuckled.
“That was 9 years ago…” Alexander glanced around, seeing all the eyes on him he looked to Sol. His begging eyes met Sol’s blank stare.
“Alex we should get moving; me and mother were going somewhere.” Solaris spoke naturally, lacking even a hint of deception.
Swiftly Alex marched forth, stopping before Sol. “Thanks, I’d have died if you left me there.”
The surrounding crowd now returned to their past rambunctious flow.
“Where were we going now?” Galini pressed her finger against her cheek.
“Over there’s a nice area if you want to sit down for a while; it has a nice view of the district and shading.” Sol gestured to a raised three-person bench under the shade of an oak tree.
“Good seating and a good view? Count me in.” Galini headed for the area, followed by Alex and Sol.
The chit chat of the folks enveloped the area, laying the thoughts of many bare.
“They’re a lot of children out today, the stalls are crowded!”
“Well, it’s a good thing they’re out, they tell us who’s giving the good deals.”
“Can’t beat the deals in closing time, half-off the best foods, it’s amazing!”
Through the swamp of voices however, a conversation stood out.
“Aegeus still hasn’t come for lunch yet! Isn’t he supposed to be on break now?”
“Mommy! Can I have his lunch if he doesn’t come back soon?”
“You know what? Sure. It seems south-west’s pointless patrolling is more important than seeing us.”
Galini’s fists clenched. ‘It’s my time off and Favos is on the case, I shouldn’t get involved.’ Galini and co halted before a grand site.
There laid a shadowed bench in pristine condition. Sitting down, both Galini & Sol cross one leg over another and lean back whilst Alex sat up-right, stiff as stone.
“It’s nice to come back home to these luxuries, sitting down whenever I feel like.” Galini stared to the sky.
“How long did you walk on your last expedition?” Solaris raised a brow.
“You’d have to ask Kleara, she’s the one who keeps track. Speaking off her, Alexander why don’t you spend time with her while she’s here?”
Alex began tapping his thigh. “My parents are busy at your estate with the yearly underground maintenance.” His glum tone brought down the mood.
Galini’s smile turned morose. “I’m sorry to hear that, but your parents are doing a critical job no one else does, they’re the reason we’re protected in case of an emergency.”
Sol put his hand atop Alex’s, stopping the tapping. “Hey, whenever Kisu shows up let’s buy from every stand, we can even see whether me or Kisu can stuff the most, I’ll pay for everything.” As he lifted his hand, Alex didn’t attempt to continue his painfilled disturbance.
Galini’s face filled with jubilance. ‘My son’s really turned into a fine man.’
“Thanks, you tw-”
“Heyo!” Without warning from behind the bench jumped out a small girl with sparkling pink irises. Her puffy brown hair reached her shoulders and her body exuded energy only found in playful stage performers.
“Ahh!” Alex jumped out the bench, landing on his rear. “Kisu!”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“Sorry! I meant to startle you, but not that badly.” She put on an Empathetic face and reached out to help Alex up.
The pair of Galini and Sol chuckled at the sight.
“So, whatcha all up to?” Kisu hopped onto the bench handle.
“Hello dear, we’re enjoying time together, now, how has the family bakery been?” Galini met the gaze of the young lady.
“It’s been good as usual; we do make the best pastries after all.” Kisu smirked proudly. “I love working too, the oven warmth is the best, especially when it’s this cold out.”
A gleeful grin stretched across Alex’s face. “Hey Sol, now that the group’s together we can get going!” Fire danced in his eyes.
Sol nodded. “Let’s get going then!”
“I don’t feel like leaving yet, but it’s been too long since I’ve spent time with you three to leave you alone.” Galini rose from the bench.
The rest followed, ready to explore when Galini spots a small shiny coin. Picking it up, she examined it as she twirled it in her hands. “Solaris, remember when you’d ask every night for me to re-tell my story of the Lucet?” On the back of the coin was a beast possessing a lion’s mane with a wolf’s body.
“I remember it vividly, that story fueled my dreams for years.” He briefly shut his eyes, looking back to many fond memories.
“Would you like to hear it once more?” Galini returned to her seat.
“Alex, Kisu, you two wanna hear it?” Sol stood still.
“Well, I haven’t heard it in years, so it wouldn’t hurt.” Alex sat, now relaxing on the bench.
“I remember when Simon would tell me and Alex at every sleepover.” Kisu sat excitedly swaying her feet.
Clearing her throat, Galini began.
Over a century ago, a small group laid claim to an entire plane through their leader, Delton.
With this land, the group rapidly grew, sadly Delton’s strength left him in what was to be his best years, leaving his people vulnerable.
He instructed the townsfolk to build a wall to protect their land and lives, so construction of the Muteki began.
Slowly over decades of work the wall closed in on completion when a sudden attack from téras occurred.
Delton was bed ridden, unable to fend of the legion and the civilians were too weak to be of much help.
When all hope seemed lost, from the sky fell a light, from that light came an ethereal beast, the Lucet.
Shining fur that resembles the stars
A perfect sleek body, lacking scars
A wolf’s head with a lion’s mane
A luminous body, darkness’s bane
With a howl; all téras turned tail.
It seemed all was well and the citizens cheered, but it was too early for that.
From the forest a beast of similar magnitude stepped forth, an orange and black wolf with a mane of hardened magma. With every step, lava erupted from the earth before solidifying, forming obsidian spires as it approached.
Soon the two beasts faced one another, their pressure weighing on the citizens. The light born wolf without hesitation nor remorse casted a spear from the stary night and pierced its adversary, reducing them to a pool that seeped into the earth.
With this done, the ethereal wolf disappeared.
The wolf was dubbed the Lucet and to commemorate them, their image was cast into the backside of Guardian’s aplos.
Galini smirked, pleased with herself. “It’s always nice to revisit old memories, although I altered somethings for this rendition; you’re not children anymore so no need to make it more fantastical.”
“While a sweet story, can we trust it? it’s common knowledge that no téras has an affinity for lumen.” Alex explained.
“It wouldn’t be on our currency if it never happened.” Kisu side-eyed him as if he’d declared himself an atheist in a church.
Sol smiled. “This brings back fond memories, even the squabbling, now I wonder what changed in this renditio-”
“GUARDIAN IS UNDER ATTACK, ALL CITIZENS RETREAT TO THE UNDERGROUND!” A voice so boisterous it vibrated one’s heart, blasted commands.
Screams erupted from every corner as hundreds of flaming arrows rained down.
BZZT! A green dome barrier covered the roof off guardian. As the flaming arrows made impact a water-like ripple ran through, disrupting the stability. As the final volley fell the barrier gave in, allowing tens of arrows to fall further.
Sol looked to his side, expecting to see his mother he instead sees empty space. Panicked his eyes run up and down until he spots an angel hovering in the sky. Galini was suspended in the air by a green disk as she caught the remaining arrows with long clear threads that wrapped around and dissipated them.
“We’re under attack!” Solaris jumped to his feet.
“We need to check on the front gate!” Kisu upheaved the ground with her feat as she began running.
“Wait for me, we shouldn’t separate in an event like this!” Alex pursued.
The three ran towards the front gate of Guardian.
Running through, the streets were in clear disarray as people ran about frantically looking for cover.
“This is a mess, we need to find who’re behind this as soon as possible!” With a blue flash a glimmering sword appeared in Alex’s hand.
“Who’d even be attacking? Last time we were attacked like this I wasn’t around.” Kisu balled her fists as her teeth ground together.
Sweat cascaded down Solaris’ face as he recalled his father’s earlier concern. ‘Dad, please be fine.’
Their mad dash came to a halt as their gaze arrived at an atrocious sight. The border guards slumped over, gagged and tied together with layers of rope.
“The guards! Everyone be alert, the enemies can be anywhere!” Solaris began surveying the area.
Kisu rushed forward.
“Hey that’s dangerous! We don’t know if the enemy is watching, this could be a trap!” Alex put his back against Sol’s, scouting the sector together.
Arriving, Kisu ravaged the ropes; dismantling each band with a single swipe.
“Damn she’s still terrifying as ever.” Alex watched on with eyes twitching at the absurdity of the scene.
Freed, the guards all flopped over like dead fish. “Uh…this is a problem.” Kisu began ungagging the guards.
‘Huh?’ A slippery substance reminiscent of oil lathered her hands as she ungagged guard after guard.
“KISU MOVE!” Solaris’ sudden cry was the loudest they’d ever heard him.
Kisu jumped back 10 feet, denting the pavement where she landed and skidded back. “What is i-” Before her no longer was unconscious guards, but a flaming mass.
“Damnit!” Solaris and Kisu called in synchrony.
“Hehe!” Devilish giggling sounded from a cloaked figure, perched atop a nearby roof top.
“That cloak, I thought they only attack people outside.” Alex trembled at the sight.
“The Epitetheis!” The group in an instant ran as fast as they could. Their hearts aching from the strenuous thumping as their bodies focus solely on survival.
“If they catch up, we’re dead!” With another blue flash Alex’s sword disappeared. Violently he flung his arms attempting to accelerate.
‘Téras, how many do they have?’ Sol’s mind whirled at the though.
Kisu although initially behind, began to surpass them in distance.
“I’m convinced she’s a demi-god.” Alex’s eyes were in awe; the sight felt like something out of a child’s imagination.
Thud!
Behind the trio a blurry, black and orange wolf closed in like lighting to a silver rod.
Every lunge the terror made, a fracture sprung from the street and spread like an illness with the next stomp.
“That looks like the wolf from the story! ... but smaller.” Kisu squinted before coming to a halt.
“Kisu what are you doing!?” Alex halted and Sol followed suit.
“That thing’s too fast, we have to get rid of it or be torn to shreds, even worse, end up with our corpses as bait like the guards.” Kisu shifted her stance; preparing for combat.
“I guess we’re doing this.” Alex again summoned his blade, now engulfing it in a stinging black cloak.
‘Zephyr’s bow’ An emerald bow shaped from hundreds of intertwined light green threads materialized in Sol’s hands, he drew back the string; conjuring a radiant bolt.
The terror only 10 feet away upheaved the stone street as they lunged at Kisu
clank!
The maw of the terror caved in as a twisted jab hurdled into it.
The metallic beast stumbled back scrapping the ground, regaining its balance it retaliated with its polished iron claws.
An inch before Kisu’s face, an arrow moving at astronomical speeds eviscerated the terror’s paw.
The beast recoiled, falling to the ground and letting out a grating whimper.
Alex came down with his sword, cleaving the creature cleanly in two before it melted into a magma pool and sept into the earth.
“We actually beat the thing!” Alex leapt into the air.
“We aren’t done!” Solaris pointed to a hoard of téras rushing towards them.
“Well at least I die with my friends.” Alex hung his head.
“Giving up so early is not really motivating Alex!” Kisu’s eyes twitched.
As the hoard narrowed the gap, like a shooting star fell Galini, an emerald bow her size in hand.
‘Cluster technique: Radiant Evisceration’ Releasing the string of the brilliant bow, a barrage of radiant arrows bombarded the beasts.
A dazzling array of light and explosions went off, leaving no traces of life.
‘What a spectacle!’ Solaris’ bow dissipated as he rushed to his mother’s side.
“I apologize for my absence; we’ve been sieged by those rats.” Galini again drew back her bow, aiming to a pristine stone pillar amongst the rubble.
“Hehe, it seems like the beast has found her prey.” Behind the beam emerged a foe adorned in a plain white cloak with a silver rectangle attached to a sleeve.
‘A lieutenant…’
“I’ll only break half your bones if you give me your whistle.” Galini’s cold eyes ran up and down their adversary, like a predator examining its meal.
“Hehe, so you’re the pale demon, I heard that you eat our field units for breakfast. Nice to meetcha, but I’m afraid I can’t oblige your request.” Drawing back their hood revealed a youthful face with spiraling eyes and a red whistle hanging from their neck.
“And why is that so?” Galini drew her bolt further back, enlarging the shot twice fold.
Brandishing a devilish smile, the adversary spoke in a maddened tone. “Because it’s useless to the dead!” With a blinding red flash, a calamity arose.
All hearts leapt, whether from dismay or excitement.
“You’re still alive!?” Galini’s mouth hung agape as did everyone else’s.
Towering before them was the 20m tall volcanic wolf from history. Its crimson eyes stared at the group as it brandished sheeny iron fangs.
“How do we beat that?” Kisu’s body trembled as she stared at the behemoth, towering above all surrounding buildings.
“All of you run!” Galini twisted her bow, shifting its shape to a spear, “I’ll make your return a regretful one!”
Solaris, Alex and Kisu dashed through the streets, visible signs of damage now evident: collapsing buildings, debris scattered about, broken signs and fractures in the street.
Solaris’ erratic eyes met Alex’s blank stare, “Hey Alex you alright?”
Alex’s legs moved in a mechanical rhythm whilst the rest of his body remained petrified.
“I think he’s just shaken up, let’s give him some time.” Kisu offered a warm smile, all the while keeping pace with him.
Arriving in the square, the party stopped, examining the area.
Blood was smeared across the familiar buildings, ground and rubble. Garments and expensive jewelry laid about dented from stomps of fleeing citizens. It painted a picture of disarray and death.
Sol shivered as he stopped looking.
Kisu rested her arm on his shoulder. “They definitely evacuated, so cheer up.” ‘There is no way my parents could’ve…’ She drew a deep breath.
“Thanks Kisu, we should also begin evacuating, Alex are you feeling better?” He touched Alex’s arm.
Alex’s eyes refocused, looking to Sol’s arm then to the two’s smile. “I’m here.” His tone was relaxed with a little exhaustion.
“Good, we need to head to the underground, I’ll guide us through the fastest way there.”
In a moment the party headed to the Fos family estate.