ACT I
A baby’s cries pierced the silence as the moonlight spilled through the palace walls, revealing devastation and ruin.
Among the shadows, a woman regained consciousness. She winced, her hand instinctively reaching for her temples as a pulsing ache reverberated through her skull; a persistent stab from her throbbing muscles made it hard for her to move. How long have I been unconscious? Her eyes widened, frantically glancing around as if she had lost something when two little legs poked out from a bundle of towels nearby. The baby!
“Help!” a man’s desperate plea called out.
Rubble along the walls fell over and two men passed through moments later.
“What happened here?” the taller guard asked. They were supposed to be in a grand hall, not a jungle.
“It’s happening everywhere,” the other replied. “Can anyone hear me?” he hollered. “We’re with the rescue brigade!”
“Over here! My leg’s pinned!”
The woman was listening carefully. Rescue brigade? Did we have such a thing? She knew something wasn’t right.
“Found him,” the guard said coldly, approaching from behind a tree. He unsheathed his blade. “Try not to move will ya.”
“Wait, no, please-” a scream cut through the air.
The baby started to cry, causing the woman to panic. Quickly crawling over, she tried to muffle its cries with her clothing. “Forgive me,” she whispered.
“Alright let’s move on,” one of the guards suggested.
The woman noticed the baby struggling to breathe, any longer could kill the infant. Her hands began to shake uncontrollably, before alas, she let go.
“A baby?” the taller guard stared into the abyss, its cries a surprise.
“Come on, let’s check it out.”
Cutting their way through the jungle they found the crying baby among a few lifeless bodies. “Well, hurry along,” the guard gestured to the baby.
“It’s just a baby?” the taller guard replied.
“Orders are orders,” he responded with his grip tightening on his weapon, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.
The taller guard was conflicted, nevertheless, he stepped forth. He knew this would haunt him for the rest of his life. Standing next to the infant, he hovered his blade over the child.
The woman kept her breathing to a minimum, but it was suffocating. Seeing a dagger nearby, her body tensed up. Letting the baby die wasn’t an option.
Before anyone could act, sudden rustling in the surrounding jungle of roots halted everyone.
Moments later, a small pig burst out of a bush, surprising the two men, before running back into the jungle.
“Stupid pig,” a terrifying screech followed by the pig's fading squeals resonated from the jungle.
“What was that?!” the taller shouted.
“Who’s there!?” the other unsheathed his blade.
No response. Inch by inch, they both cautiously descended into the forest.
The woman lifted her head, taking a deep breath. She frantically reached for the dagger, accidentally knocking it away before her fingers gripped the edge. Cries echoed from the direction the guards descended. Trembling she observed purple blood-stained vines slithering towards her from the depths of the jungle, digging into the bodies of the dead lying around as it did. In desperation, she lunged for the baby but was stopped when a sharp yank on her ankle pulled her back. Vines had ensnared her! They dragged her away from the child, into the shadowy abyss behind her. Sawing away at the vines, she attempted to free herself, but they were too thick! Gazing at the vines approaching the baby and her ensnared foot, grim determination settled on her face.
***
Minus. At first, there were only a few, but after the Shattering everything changed. When Yaitweh, the World Tree whose roots make up all of Asceria, erupted beneath the earth’s surface, it birthed numerous plants of bizarre and dangerous natures. Alongside them came Abminus, flux-powered individuals that could fuse with these roots, giving them unbelievable powers, just like the Nephilim before them. However, only a fraction of those with AB- blood type unlock the flux force within them, and even fewer find the root that’s compatible with them. It took years for the people of Asceria to remove the Minus encompassing them, even with the Abminus leading the way, but with the help of the Axien Church, the Empire was able to raze the forests engulfing their homelands and restore things to a state of normality once again.
***
7 YEARS LATER
“I wonder,” Tanabe mumbled in bed, unable to sleep.
“Chew!” a sneeze sounded from outside Tanabe's window.
"Huh?" Who could be awake at this hour? Tanabe slowly crept out of bed. He lived with his grandpa in Justice Plaza; nobody's allowed into the plaza after dark. Peering through his window, he scanned the surrounding area, but saw no one.
Around the corner, a guard hurriedly approached, searching for the source of the noise.
Tanabe leaned back, ensuring they wouldn’t notice him. He didn’t want anyone reporting to his grandpa that he was up past his bedtime, especially with training the next day.
“Huh. Must have been a cat or something,” the guard muttered, turning to leave.
Just as Tanabe was about to go back to bed, he noticed a head steadily sticking out of a barrel. From it emerged a boy, no older than himself, maybe seven or eight. Stepping out of the barrel, the boy tiptoed toward the palace walls, hooking a rope over them, however, these walls didn't allow access to the most important areas of the palace. What could he be up to?
Soon, the boy disappeared, jumping to the other side.
After their training session, Tanabe and his grandpa found themselves in the loud and busy plaza. Usually, Tanabe’s grandpa would be by the emperor’s side, but the Illuminus Elite, the empire's mightiest warriors, were gathering to discuss some important matters. With some time to spare before the event, they stood amidst the crowd.
Tanabe was growing uneasy with the watchful eyes around them.
“Tanabe, stand tall, shoulders back,” his grandpa, General Kur said.
“Sir,” Tanabe replied, adjusting his posture.
“If you aspire to climb the ranks of the elites, shed that timidity,” he said.
“Understood,” Tanabe replied. “Um, why are we here in the plaza?” Tanabe asked.
“We’re waiting for someone. He should arrive shortly.”
Soon, many people gathered around, but they were kept at a respectful distance as an imposing man clad in armor approached.
“General Kur,” the man said, paying his respects.
“Han of Aurahelm. I heard you arrived the other night. How was your trip?” General Kur asked.
“Longer than expected. Unfortunately, my son Milu can’t handle porting as of now,” Han explained, revealing a boy with an irritated expression behind him.
Milu, the same boy from the previous night... Tanabe was sure of it.
“And what about that situation,” General Kur said.
Han frowned, “Her fever has worsened since the other night, I d-” Realizing Milu’s expression, he stopped.
General Kur exchanged a glance with Milu, prompting him to hide behind his father.
“You always had a way with kids,” a graceful elderly lady approached. She was accompanied by her granddaughter Hanabi, a childhood friend of Tanabe’s.
They waived to each other happily.
“Lady Yui, a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?” General Kurr inquired.
As they conversed, Tanabe, leaving his grandpa’s side, approached Milu. “What were you doing in the plaza last night?”
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Startled, Milu covered Tanabe’s mouth.
Hanabi watched curiously as Milu dragged Tanabe away.
At the fountain encircling Justice Tower, Milu sighed in relief. “You nearly blew it!”
“What were you doing in the plaza?” Tanabe asked.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Milu smirked.
“Grandpa!” Tanabe hollered, but Milu quickly covered his mouth, again.
“Fine, I'll tell you, but it’s a secret. Promise not to tell anyone,” Milu said.
“Okay, I promise.”
“Meet me in the plaza two hours past twelve.”
“What’re you talking about?” Hanabi interrupted.
“Tonight we-”
“What part of the secret did you not get?” Milu snapped.
“I love secrets!” Hanabi said, clapping her hands together.
“It’s none of your business, now buzz off!” Milu said.
Hanabi’s eyebrows furrowed and her cheeks puffed out. “Jerk!” She shoved Milu into the fountain, storming off.
Tanabe, embarrassed, observed as people pointed and laughed.
Time quickly passed and before he knew it, Tanabe was peeking through the crevice of his front door, in search of Milu. It was already 20 minutes past the designated time. Did he bail?
“Pssst.” Milu emerged from the shadows, prompting Tanabe to sneak out as well. “Sorry, I’m late. Ready to go?” Milu said.
“Ready for what?” Tanabe whispered.
“Follow me.”
After jumping the walls, they stealthily moved through the outer palace, avoiding guards along the way until they ended up in a large cellar filled with wine barrels.
Milu pointed at one of the wine barrels, “Help me move this.” he said grinning.
Tanabe sighed. Don’t tell me his big secret is getting drunk off stolen wine...
“Underneath it,” Milu whispered, leaning it back off the ground just a smidge.
“A hidden hatch?” Tanabe said.
Together, they carefully moved the barrel aside. Jumping down, they couldn’t see a thing.
“Did you bring it?” Milu asked.
“Yeah,” Tanabe replied reaching into his pocket. He handed over a green rock.
Luminites were special stones utilized all over the world for many things, and all because they contained an essential substance to the world the live in, flux force.
They continued to walk through the dark while Milu concentrated on the stone, and before long, it started to glow, slightly illuminating the space around them.
Tanabe couldn’t believe it. He gave him a drained luminite in hopes it would cause him to turn back around when it didn't work. He didn’t expect him actually to infuse flux force to reignite it.
“It was impossible to find this in the dark, I had no idea how big the palace was. It makes Aurahelm‘s look like a joke,” Milu said.
“When did you learn how to use flux?”
“Found it!” Milu said, directing the conversation elsewhere.
Against the wall, there was a large metal cylinder infused with roots.
“A port?” Tanabe said. “But these models were decommissioned years ago. How did you know it was here?”
“I know a guy,” Milu casually stated, before placing the luminite into a slot located at the top of the machine, activating a portal.
“Porting is permitted for elites and those with special accesses. We’re breaking the law,” Tanabe hesitated.
“Live a little, my secret is on the other side.” Milu jumped in, and, after a moment, Tanabe followed. Exiting the portal, Tanabe was greeted by Milu’s greedy smile. “Was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”
“So, your father doesn’t know you can port?”
“He doesn’t know a lot of things,” Milu grinned. He whistled softly as if to alert someone.
“Where are we exactly?”
“Nitehood, west of the Kingdom of Kiltzer.”
“The Slums?! What are we doing so far from the empire?” Nitehood, located at the very edge of the empire’s territory, though, the community never recovered from the Shattering. Grandpa blames the lack of attention on the Kingdom of Kiltzer’s end...
The Illuminus Empire is comprised of 5 surrounding kingdoms with the emperor’s palace walled up in the center. The kingdoms are as follows: Kingdom of Aurahelm, Kingdom of Thundertyde, Kingdom of Celestria, Kingdom of Kiltzer, and the newest addition by request of the Axien Church, the Kingdom of Excalibur.
“It’s the only place left with the fights still running,” Milu explained. Tanabe, puzzled, wondered what he had gotten himself into, but then, another soft whistle sounded, and Milu signaled someone over. “Tanabe, meet Rai.”
Another boy, dressed in worn-out clothes with a hole in his pants, emerged from around the corner.
Rai glanced at Tanabe but focused his attention back on Milu. “Who’s this?” Rai questioned.
“Tanabe,” Tanabe said, extending his hand for a shake, but Rai ignored it, keeping his gaze on Milu.
“I thought we agreed not to tell anyone,” Rai said.
“He’s fine, trust me,” Milu defended.
“Fine, but he’s your problem. Let’s get going, the final fights are taking place,” Rai said, darting off.
“Right. Come on, newbie,” Milu urged Tanabe, and so they departed, together.
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ENHANCED VERSION OF CHAPTER 1: (SAMPLE)
A newborns cries pierced the silence as moonlight leaked through the shattered palace walls.
From behind a small leaf on the floor, a tiny pink nose emerged, sniffing and making the leaf twitch before the mouse poked its head out curiously; its fur was a soft gray. Its tiny paws sunk slightly into the damp soil as it scurried ahead across the uneven ground, passing many ants on its way. Its whiskers twitched with every subtle sound, while its tiny quivering nose constantly sniffed the air for danger.
Nearby, a bush with glossy green leaves, swiveled slightly as if alive. From its cover, a green tree python emerged, nearly camouflaged against the surrounding foliage. Cautiously extending its head, its tongue flickered out. Snapping forward, the python’s jaws clamped over the unsuspecting mouse, quickly coiling around it.
The mouse’s faint, distressing squeaks and rustles steadily faded as it struggled in the snake’s grasp.
As the rest of the small rodent was swallowed, the snake slithered ahead. Peculiarly, small branches with leaves grew from the tail-end of its body. Gliding through the jungle, it inadvertently crossed over a half-buried hand.
Just as the snake passed, the fingers twitched, then, the hand moved, subtly but unmistakably.
Among the shadows and plants, a woman began to regain consciousness, lifting her face from the dirt. Slivers of grass and tiny rocks clung to her face, while the earthy scent of wet bark and flowers filled her nostrils. With quivering lips and vacant eyes, she glanced around in confusion. A low, throbbing ache reverberated through her skull, accompanied by a sharp, persistent stab from her sore muscles that made every movement feel labored.
Pillars were ensnared in webs of wet roots, while others lay crumbled, hidden by the shadows of towering jungle trees. Their twisted branches draped with hanging vines contributed to the tangled undergrowth, concealing most of the cracked polished flooring.
What was supposed to be a grand hall, instead looked like a jungle.
“Help!” a man’s desperate plea echoed in the distance.
Spitting a strand of grass from her lip, the woman hoisted her head a bit higher. How long have I been unconscious? The distant rustling of leaves and the faint chirping of insects added to her growing sense of disarray, but then her eyes widened as she frantically searched for something. She gasped, “The baby!” Coughing, the words came out ragged and strained as another sharp jolt of pain stabbed into her, causing her to curl up while her fists clenched the dirt, scratching them slightly against the gritty earth. Nearby, two little legs kicked out of a bundle of towels. Glancing around, she noticed more dead.
Elsewhere, rubble tumbled from the walls, spilling in a cloud of dust as two men pushed their way through moments later. The area was littered with debris—broken mirrors and splintered wood from an overturned table to name a few.
“What happened here?” the first guard asked.
The flickering torchlight illuminated the bloodstained floor, casting unsettling shadows over the gruesome sight of a lifeless body propped up by a root that had broken through the ground and torn through them.
“It’s happening everywhere,” the other guard replied, taking the lead by stepping up and over the rubble before them. He scanned the darkened surroundings, searching for any signs of life. “Can anyone hear us?” he called out, his voice echoing within the expansive room. “We’re with the rescue brigade! We’re here to provide assistance!”
“Over here! My leg’s pinned!” a man’s voice pleaded from further within the hall.
The two guards exchanged a quick glance before steadily moving forward.
Listening carefully, the woman lying on the floor thought to herself. Rescue brigade… Did we have such a thing?
“Found him,” the lead guard said, stepping out from behind an overgrown tree.
“Thank you,” the man pinned under fallen rubble said, grasping his leg in pain.
As the lead guard approached, his shadow fell over injured man. Unsheathing his blade with a chilling scrape, he said, “Try not to squirm around too much.”
“Wait, no, please—!”
A scream cut through the air, sending icy shivers down the woman’s spine. The small legs of the baby started to kick, and its cries slowly began to rise again. Panic surged through her as she scrambled over, though her body felt as though it was on fire with every movement. Before the baby, she gently pressed her clothing over their mouth, whispering, “Forgive me.”
“Alright, let’s move on…” the second guard suggested, unwilling to gaze at the man who had just been killed.
Heart pounding in her ears, the woman saw the baby’s gasping breaths growing shallow, each one a desperate struggle that could turn fatal if it continued. Her hands shook uncontrollably, a cold sweat breaking out on her forehead, before alas, she swiftly released her grip.
“Is that a baby?” the lead guard said as cries emerged in the distance.
The guards forged ahead, pushing aside thick vines and forcing their way through tangled underbrush. The wet vines slipped by them, dripping down their necks as they moved. Along one tree, a green snake slithered upward, and beneath them, the occasional body wrapped in a swarm of roots. A centipede crawled out of one of their mouths, trading places with a line of ants racing in.
One of the men, placing his hand on a rough tree trunk for support lost his footing and he winced in pain as a jagged edge slit his hand. “Dammit!” Blood seeped onto the ground in slow drips, followed by subtle ruffling nearby. “Did you hear that?” he said to the other guard. “Is someone there?” Squinting into the shadows, he took a step forward.
“Get a move on,” the other replied urgently. “We can’t be here long, we’re on a strict schedule.”
After a moment, the injured guard nodded, turning his gaze from the dark.
Emerging into a small clearing, they found the crying baby surrounded by several lifeless bodies.
“It really is a baby…” the guard with the slit hand stated as he wrapped it in cloth.
“Well, hurry along,” the lead guard urged, gesturing toward the infant. “I got the last guy, this one’s yours.”
“It’s just a baby?” he replied.
“Orders are orders,” the lead guard responded firmly, the leather of his glove creaking as he tightened the grip on his weapon, emphasizing the gravity of disobedience.
“Okay, relax…” Unsheathing his blade, he moved toward the baby. I just had a newborn as well… If I do this, it’s going to haunt me for the rest of my life, I just know it. He stood next to the infant, his blade hovering ominously over the child.
“What’re you waiting for?!”
The woman kept her breathing shallow, feeling suffocated by the tension of trying to not be discovered among the dead. Seeing a dagger nearby, her body tensed up. Letting the baby die wasn’t an option!
Sudden rustling in the surrounding jungle halted everyone from taking action as a small pig, its hide pink and brown, burst from a bush. Its frantic squeal startled the guards before it dashed back into the jungle, disappearing as quickly as it had arrived.
“Just a pig,” the guard next to the baby muttered, dropping his arms down to his sides with a sigh, but then the pig’s cries erupted loudly, its desperate squeals cutting through the stillness before fading away.
In the jungle a shadow rushed by, alarming the guards.
“What was that?!” the lead guard shouted, drawing his blade.
“Halt!” the other commanded.
Scowling, the lead guard said, “Come on.” Cautiously they descended into the jungle.
The woman lifted her head, her breath coming in quick, shallow bursts as she fought to steady herself. With trembling fingers, she reached for the dagger, but her hand brushed against the cold metal, causing it to skitter across the ground. Heart pounding, she lunged for it again, her fingers finally closing around the hilt. Harrowing cries echoed from guards in the direction they descended, causing her to glance up.
From beneath the foliage of thick bushes, purple blood-stained vines, twisted and withered, gradually snaked out of hiding, coiling and digging into the corpses scattered across the ground.
Her heart racing with fear, she desperately lunged for the baby, but before she could reach the child, a sharp tug on her ankle yanked her backward. Gazing at it, the vines had ensnared her! They steadily dragged her away from the infant into the haunting jungle abyss. Struggling against the tightening grip of the thick, unyielding vines, she sawed at them with all her strength, but she couldn’t cut them! Gazing at the vines approaching the baby and her ensnared foot, grim determination settled on her face.