Arc 2 Chapter 2.5: The Darkness Within

(Cynthia POV)

“So you tell me, should I change the face of war or them?”

I couldn’t help but take a step back as Catalea stared at us in anger. In my mind, alarms were already blaring. This girl… she’s dangerous. She’s created something that should never have been introduced to this world. This world, that we’ve work so hard to protect… she’s its downfall. As I thought this, she looked back at the screen. I couldn’t really see her face, but I somehow knew that she must be planning for the future. What kind of future is that? One filled with flames? Deaths? She may be helping the kingdom, but at what cost? Hundreds dead? Sure, they’re our enemy. Sure, they’ve created weapons that can potentially change the course of war… but, it’s just wrong.

‘So, then just kill her.’

I looked around surprised.

‘You fool. I cannot be seen for I am your mind.’

‘My… mind?’

‘Yes… and I know you’re having a dilemma right now.’

I couldn’t help but stare at Catalea as I heard my conscious say dilemma.

‘Yes… that girl is dangerous, and you know it.’

‘But… how is she dangerous? She’s trying to protect the kingdom and…’

‘And what? You really think she’s planning on helping? You’ve seen the machines she possess. It’s capable of destroying the empire, and once she’s done with that, she will turn on Wessex.’

‘What? How… how do you know?’

‘My dear, I am your conscious. Everything were talking about is your knowledge. If I think this, then you must sure also think the same thing.’

‘I… I don’t.’

‘Really? Are you sure? I could sense it inside of you… doubt. You doubt whether this girl will truly defend the kingdom. Her sense of human value is low, and you even saw it. She’s not even a real human. She’s a clone.’

I couldn’t help but agree, but I soon threw that sentiment out the window.

‘No… she’s a human being. She’s even helped save some…’

‘Oh, the villagers. Didn’t you notice, their all working for her now. Even the queen’s elite guard commander is working for her now. How long do you think it’ll be before she finally has Wessex under her rule?’

‘I… no… I know what… I am…’

‘Truly child, you can’t be that blind. That’s why it’s the perfect chance to strike. She only has 10 hp left. Just one stab would do it.’

‘But… this... it’s not right.’

‘And you think what she’s doing now is not right. Naïve child. This is the right thing to do. Before she endangers this world, it’s best to get rid of her now.’

‘But… but what will that accomplish.’

‘It will help save the world. The demons are nothing compared to her and you know it. Even the empire is nothing. By killing her, you are saving this world.’

‘I… no stop. This is not me.’

‘Oh, but it is.’

I then saw myself holding a dagger. Everyone else kept focusing their attention towards the screen as another barrage of explosions could be seen. Like the previous, the environment began reforming itself, but because she said so, I knew that any people inside the blast would have died.

‘You see? That will be the future of this world if you do not kill her now. This is the right choice, one that is honorable. You will be thanked and you will rise to fame and glory.’

I took a step as if my body wasn’t listening to me. Why… why am I finding myself walking towards Catalea? It felt… right. For some reason, I… I have to kill her. It’s as if instincts were driving me towards her. Closer, closer… I walked even closer to her. I began raising my dagger to the side, but I then felt a tug behind me. I finally snapped out of my trance as I look at the person behind me. It was Lily. She noticed me. This is it, I’m doom. She knows I was going to try and kill Catalea and I’m probably going to be imprisoned. To my surprise though she just placed a finger to her lips.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“Shhhh.”

She then slowly led me to the back from the group who were to focused on the screen to notice. When we were away from everyone she then faced me.

“Are you ok now?”

“Huh?”

She smiled as she breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness… if I hadn’t stopped you, the darkness may have finally taken over your will.”

I stood there in confusion.

“D… Darkness?”

“Hey, listen kid.”

She now gave me a serious look.

“I know that Bryan seems to be unreasonable right now, but it’s not what you think.”

“What do you mean it’s not what I think? He clearly is disregarding human life? Explosions that only kill humans, does he not have a conscious for human empathy?”

I almost screamed, but seeing as she’s hiding me from everyone, I decided to drop it to a low whisper. Lily sighed.

“Honestly… this world does not deserve Bryan.”

“What?”

“Let me ask you this… do you really think Bryan wants to do this?”

“Wants? He said he was willing and…”

“Yes… willing. But does he want to?”

I stopped myself as I finally realized what she was asking. Eh… does Bryan want to do this. She said she was willing… but those she mean…

“I want you to do me a favor. Look at him directly in the eyes and ask him again on why he is using those weapons. There, you will find your answer.”

With that she left me alone as she once again stood by Bryan. I couldn’t help but think over what Lily just said. Is there something I’m missing here? Is Bryan not what he seems? With these questions, I slowly made my way to Bryan. I then whispered to her ears.

“Bryan… Are you… are you really going to use these weapons.”

He looked at me in the eyes, but unlike earlier… there was no hint of anger. Only, sadness.

“Yes… this is the only way.”

“But… why? Why go this far?”

He then gave me a lighthearted smile.

“It’s so that the people of this kingdom won’t have to suffer the same way we do.”

I don’t know why, but I felt my heart break. I took a small step back as she turned her head towards the screen. I’m… I’m wrong. She doesn’t want to do it, but she has to. For the sake of the people, she’s willing to bloody her hands even though she himself isn’t joining the fray. Such mentality… I… I can’t believe I doubted her. I was going to make a mistake… a mistake that could have destroyed me in more ways than one. I couldn’t help but feel a tear drop from my eyes.

‘We do this so that our friends back home won’t have to suffer. That’s why, stay strong and fight for those you want to protect.’

I remembered her smile. Her smile that guided me through this world. Her smile that kept me going. Her smile that relieved me of her loss. I smiled as I made my way back to my room. Catalea sure takes after her… with this thought, I let my tears fall to the floor to honor my most precious memory in this world.

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Sub-Author Notes:

So... funny story about this. First of all, I wasn't really expecting any chapters to be done this week. Why, it's because I'm currently busy. But, a friend of mine was really curious about this whole write a story thing. So, I let her read my story up to now. She decided to help me do a follow up chapter. I was really surprised, it only took us an hour to do this. I'm really jealous that she could thought up a follow up plot in like seconds.

Crying on the inside since I take a while to make a good plot...

Well, anyway. Here we are, a one hour chapter. It's short, but my editor told me to post it since it helps develop the characters so I did. Anyway, enjoy.

P.S: My previous statement about not able to write still stands. This is a special exception lol