“I can’t just leave you to die!” Arius called out. Ignoring his brother’s request, Arius called out louder to the men who surrounded his wounded brother. “Leave him alone!”
“Get out of here!” Emil yelled from amidst the swarm of men.
Just as Emil finished his sentence, a fist outfitted in iron slammed against his nose, knocking him off his feet and into the air.
The light that once thinly danced the line between life and death was no more. As Emil’s suspended body fell to the floor, the aura that once glowed around him flickered then faded altogether.
Unable to do anything, Arius watched as his brother’s bruised body fell to the ground.
“Brother!” Arius cried as the guards surrounded Emil’s fallen body. The guards gathered toward the boy, confident in their victory and eager to seek revenge on Emil. Emil gripped his blade in an attempt to fight back, but one of the guards pressed a heel into his hand, thwarting his efforts. Emil screamed in pain as the guard ground his steel boot against his knuckles. Using his free hand, Emil swung his body up but was halted by an abrupt knee to the face. Emil’s head violently jolted back and slammed against the wooden floor, leaving him stunned. The guard over him snickered to himself as he lined his sword with the center of Emil’s forehead.
“If you’re going to do it, then do it.” Emil looked coldly into his assailant’s eyes.
The guard said nothing, only acknowledging him with a grunt. He pulled back his blade but Emil didn’t flinch. Instead, he maintained eye contact.
“STOP!” Arius called out again in desperation.
The guard yelled as he gathered his strength and plunged his blade downward at Emil’s body, but the blade stopped before it could penetrate his flesh.
From the ground, Emil watched as the soldier’s blade shook in front of him, unable to move any further. Slightly confused, he studied the look on the guard’s face as he tried to push the blade further.
Emil flashed a smile to himself at the awakening of his older brother’s powers.
Arius...you, too?
Involuntarily, the soldier’s foot let off of Emil’s hand, allowing Emil to spring back to his feet in the moment of confusion.
Thanks, Arius. Now it’s my turn. I just hope I have enough energy left.
Before the others could react, Emil emitted a shockwave of energy from his body, flinging Raphael’s men to the ground.
His body screamed as he burned through his reserves in a last-ditch effort to save both him and his brother.
“Arius, we have to go,” Emil said to his brother as he hunched over in pain, but Arius remained frozen, baffled by the extent of his newly found powers. “We don’t have much time. I didn’t have enough energy left to do much to them, come on, let’s go!”
It wasn’t until Emil grabbed him by the hand and led him into the forest that his older brother, Arius, returned to his senses.
Chapter 13: Awakened
Six Years Ago
“So they think they can just swoop in and play God? Killing whatever and whoever just because someone says so?!” Arius said as he continued his long-sustained rant that he had begun soon after he felt they were secure. It was nightfall now, and Arius and Emil had found shelter in a cave. For some time, they had been running from Raphael’s men, but only recently had they felt safe enough to rest. “Mom and Dad are gone because of some bullshit propaganda that has no backing. They hunted you down because you couldn’t conceal your powers and ran with it.” Arius paced back and forth across the cavern floor while Emil remained stationary, resting to recover from his wounds and exhaustion. “You didn’t hurt anybody. You didn’t do anything wrong. They killed our parents because of you...because of us. Because they were afraid!”
A boom echoed through the cavern walls as Arius struck it with his fist. When he retracted his knuckles from the wall, a mixture of blood and crumbled stone trickled down his hand before he shook it away.
“How could they do that to us, Emil? How could they look our whole family in the eye and pick us off like we’re some kind of sub-humans?! Like we don’t have feelings, or thoughts, or lives of our own! I watched Dad die; helpless. I watched Mom die; helpless. I watched, paralyzed, as they had their way with them. But you...you stood up to them. At least you fought to avenge them. At least you tried. I wanted to help you. I did, but I was too weak. Too afraid. Imagine me, just some feeble kid, crying in the background as you risked your life for them. Do you know how it feels to be helpless, Emil? To be so crushed, so defeated that you can’t move, even if you wanted to? That’s how I felt as I watched them pick at you. The thought of losing you...the thought of being alone, awakened whatever was is inside me. Now I want them to pay. I want Raphael to feel the same way I felt the next time he sees me...and my new abilities, I think I can make that hell his reality.”
Emil watched silently from the cavern floor as he quietly absorbed all that his brother said. The cocktail of hurt, anger, and loss spilled freely from the cup of his brother, twisting him with every sip that he took. The once gentle, caring older brother that Emil had loved was, at the moment, gone. He was drowned in a sea of hate birthed from the loss of his parents.
“We should go back and kill them one-by-one. Hunt them down like animals. Hunt them like they hunt for us,” Arius continued, illuminated by the fire warming their place of refuge. Emil remained silent. “We should get back at them when they least expect it and rip them limb from limb!” Another boom sounded through the cave as he struck the wall once more. The gash on his knuckle grew wider, allowing for a river of blood to trickle from his fingertips and onto the floor. “I’m going to kill them,” Arius said as he stared at his bleeding fist before clenching it. “I’m going to kill them all.”
A cool breeze blew through the hollowed cave and tickled the small flame within. The fire briefly faded, leaving the cave momentarily engulfed in darkness before the flame returned to its former glory.
For the time being, Arius’s rage had visibly quelled.
Though his brother no longer lashed out in anger, Emil could feel him quietly burning on the inside as he paced around the barren cavern. Emil knew how Arius felt because, to an extent, he felt the same way.
In the silence of his mind, only one question ran through Emil’s head. Why didn’t I act sooner?
The stray thought surfaced a myriad of emotions that tore through his psyche, rendering him ill as he dwelled in the void constructed of his own mind. While Arius’s anger was unleashed to the outside world, Emil’s was a quiet destruction that stirred in his soul. As he lay beaten against the wall, he couldn’t help but think what would have happened if he had acted quicker; what would have happened if he’d fought to save them rather than to avenge them. His stomach turned at the thought of Raphael walking free from the murders without even as much of a scratch.
If I would have died protecting them, it would have been better than this. They saved me and I did nothing. I couldn’t even avenge them right, Emil thought as his eyes emptily drifted to the darkened recesses of the cave where his parents’ final moments played out before him. Why am I so weak? He questioned himself as he witnessed them fall once more. His stomach twisted as he remembered how he stepped in only after it was all said and done. The taste of bile irritated his palette, but he choked it down, bitter at his own lack of action.
He was disgusted with his unfulfilled resolve.
The tears that steadily streamed from the sides of his cheeks ceased to fall as his guilt ignited into a silent rage. Despite the pain, despite the hurt, he knew that he had to stay alive.
His drive to kill the only person who he hated more than himself wouldn’t settle for anything less. Only then could he throw his life away.
“Mourn now, for we fight later once you gather your strength again,” Arius said as turned to face his brother. “Use that pain you feel to seek revenge on Raphael and his men, the bastards who took everything away from us.” From against the cavern wall, Emil loo
ked at his brother and silently agreed to his brother’s proposition.
“Blood for blood,” Arius said as he walked over to Emil’s side. He picked up their father’s sword and analyzed it before placing it upright against the wall where Emil rested. “Keep it in case they come for you.”
“Where are you going?” Emil asked, noticing the fire in his brother’s eyes.
“To get food. We need to eat,” he said bluntly before turning to the opening of the cave, looking to venture out into the darkness.
“Wait...”
“Hm?” Arius’s black layered hair fell over his dark eyes as he turned once more, curious to see what his brother had in mind.
“How did you do what you did back there...in the house. You never explained. What was that?”
“I wanted him to stop, so he did. We...connected. How? I’m not too sure yet. But that is what practice is for, isn’t it, little brother? As soon as you are able to, that is what we will be doing. In order to kill Raphael and anyone who stands in our way, we need to learn the extents of our powers. It’s just me and you now. We can’t afford to be weak.”
“Yeah...”
“If I’m not back before sunrise, then look for me. Other than that, stay put,” Arius said as he walked out into the wilderness.
Chapter 14: Family
Well before the sun rose, Omari, with a heavy mind, walked the grounds of the abandoned church in which they hid. With only his thoughts and the ambience of the night, he walked alone until he came upon Emil.
Emil stood on the rooftop of the church, watching the unseen hours unfold while the world slept beneath him.
As he peered out over the town, his eyes held steadfast to the blank gaze that he wore over his face like a mask. For so long, it seemed that he had stowed away his true feelings, only showing others what was most convenient while his heart hung heavy. Only recently had he begun to express how he truly felt.
They’re all gone...and I’m to blame. Not just Serenity and the others, but the village of Nerai as a whole. It was foolish to think that I could have my own piece of paradise while the world suffered. All this time I was running when I could have helped. How many others died because of my cowardice? Far too many. That’s why I—.
“So, you’ve awakened. I see the silence of the night draws on you too, Emil.” Omari’s surprise visit pulled Emil from his troubling thoughts.
“Hm? Yeah...and you as well,” Emil answered before turning back to the skyline.
“Usually, when my mind wanders, I go out on walks like these in the night. Sometimes around the church, other times wherever the wind takes me. The destination hardly matters...it’s more so the journey. Sometimes a simple walk is all I need. Other times I’ll reflect somewhere quiet until the sun comes up. Either way, the twilight has long since been an aide to my troubles.”
“On nights like these, I would find a way to be alone, but somehow Serenity would always find me.” A faint smile ran across Emil’s face as the memories they shared projected in the night sky. “She was good at finding me. And she’d always find a way to make me smile. No matter how stupid or silly, she would always find a way. It’s sad that, even now, a part of me is still waiting for her.”
“Emil...when faced with opposition, there are two choices. We can let it tear us down and defeat us, or we can rise again and overcome. The death of your loved ones was very unfortunate. Loss is something few are spared from in these times, but aside from what has happened, the question that remains is what will you do in their memory?” Omari’s words were accompanied by a cool breeze that swept atop the church, ruffling the black scarf he wore around his neck as it danced in the wind.
Though it was a reality Emil had already known, the words Omari spoke weighed heavily upon him. For it was the same question that, since his family’s passing, he had asked himself.
“Serenity wanted a better world. Ever since her father died it was a dream of hers to live in a world with no violence, no war...just peace. Part of the reason our connection was so strong was because, at one time, we shared the same vision. Since I was a boy, I wanted to see a world where we could all coexist as equals, but that dream was stolen from me at a very young age. Pointless murders were committed all for the sake of a slight difference. It was naïve of me to think that if I kept my mouth shut and my eyes closed that things would turn out okay. For my resistance to action, I paid the ultimate price. I understand now that it is my burden to bear; knowing that they lost their lives because of me. I thought that killing Silvia would bring closure, but nothing has changed. Nothing can be gained by simply killing a messenger. That’s why I’ve decided to do something that I should have done long ago. Omari, I’m going to kill my brother, King Arius.”
Chapter 15: The Man Who Would Become God
5 Years Ago
“They probably think we’re dead by now, but still, stick to the plan. Head low, body movements, natural. No sudden movements.” Arius’s voice melded in unison with the pattering droplets of rain that fell from above as both he and Emil walked the city streets. “We get in, we get out. You have nothing to worry about, brother. The mundane weather actually adds to our advantage.”
The smile that emerged on his brother’s face did little to console Emil.
As they neared their destination, his body trembled more so with every step. The rusty knife he hid beneath his garment served as a constant reminder of what was to be done.
“There.” Arius jutted his head forward as he continued to walk towards the house that stood not too far in the distance. The set of lanterns stationed at the front of his home illuminated the path to Raphael’s house, causing it to stand out in the sea of black around them. “As we practiced. Pick the lock in the back of the house while I stand guard. Not many people are out tonight due to the rain, as well as the time. Still, be as swift as possible. Regardless of the circumstances, time is still our enemy.”
Adhering to his brother’s orders, Emil snuck to the back of the house and pulled out an old lock pick that rested in his pocket. Carefully he examined his surroundings before squatting down to analyze the lock that bolted the door shut.
“Focus,” he muttered to himself as he attempted to stop his shaking hand before beginning to do his part. With a deep breath, he inserted the pick into the keyhole and began to meticulously work at the security piece. A sharp click pinged as his hand slipped forward, severing the pick in two. “Damn it!” Emil swore as the head of the pick fell to the ground, immersing itself in a puddle that lay beneath his feet. Emil looked back at Arius and then scanned behind his back before illuminating a small spark in the palm of his hand. With a quick jolt of energy at the base of the door, it creaked open. Emil then waved his hand at his brother, but Arius had already seen the fruits of his brother’s labor and was on his way.
“Good job,” Arius whispered as he pressed himself against the back of the house beside his brother. “I’ll go in first.”
Emil remained silent as his brother passed him, entering the house where Raphael stayed.
“Come on,” Arius whispered as he signaled Emil to venture deeper into the house. Silently they crept though the interior, staying out of sight, as the house was still lit on the inside. Raphael’s voice reverberated in the silence of the night through the halls, leading the two of them to where he stayed.
“Read the story again, daddy!”
“Yeah, please!”
A set of lighter voices became apparent as Arius and Emil drew closer to Raphael’s location.
His daughters are with him? A cold chill ran down Emil’s spine as his body suddenly stiffened.
“It’s time, Emil. Guard this exit until I gain control of the situation. It seems things are going to go a little bit different than what we planned.” After saying his piece, Arius stepped into the room while Emil remained stationary at Raphael’s possible escape route.
“Raphael...I’ve finally found you.” As Arius stepped into the center of the room, he re
moved the black hood that rested over his dark hair. A demented smile ran across his face as he basked in the terrified expression that exuded from Raphael’s usually superior persona. “What lovely daughters you have. I suppose they are back with you since Catherine’s passing earlier this year?”
“Daddy, do you know him?”
Arius walked closer to the little girl and kneeled down to meet her at eye level. “Your father,” he paused as he momentarily looked into Raphael’s eyes, “your father was a good friend of my parents. Isn’t that right, Raphael?”
The chair that Raphael sat in scuffed the hard wooden floor as he hurried to stand to his feet. “Arius!”
“Yes?” Arius casually flicked his hair back, basking in the ambience of Raphael’s desperation as he ran to grab the sword that rested on top of the mantle of the fireplace.
“Girls, get away from that man.”
“Yes, go to your father,” Arius said as he raised his hands slowly into the air and slowly distanced himself from the both of them. “You shouldn’t point the sword at me like that, Raphael. Cutting down an unarmed man isn’t a good thing for the girls to see.”
“Why are you here!?”
“You know why I’m here. It’s actually insulting that you had to ask. Four months ago, you killed my mother and my father in pursuit of my brother. All three were innocent of any crime. At the order of a tyrant, you mowed them both down, but made the fatal mistake of letting myself and my brother escape.” Raphael moved closer with his sword, but Arius remained unmoved. “What? Plan on killing me in front of your daughters? I don’t think you’ll do that. Not even someone who is as scum-like as you could do such a thing. Now point that thing away from me.”
Raphael’s body subtly jolted before his hand started to shake against his will. “What’s...what’s happening to me? You’re–”
“An abomination...just like my brother? Cursed, according to those who have no idea what being cursed truly is... Raphael, you’ve watched me grow from a young boy to who I am today. I am the same Arius, only far more gifted than you are now. It’s amazing how easily you can erase a person’s history simply because you choose to believe the lie the king shoves down your throat. Anything so you don’t have to think. But I ask you, Raphael, if I am a demon then what does that make you? An angel? And if so, wouldn’t that make the current king, God? Hardly. A man on a throne who barks orders and undermines his people is revered as such only by the lapdogs who grovel for his leftovers. Yes, that’s what you are. A lapdog...taking orders from whoever is your master.”
The Last Light Series Omnibus One: - The Dreamer and the Deceiver - All Things Eternal - Ode to the King: A Superhero Epic Fantasy Collection (The Last Light Collection Book 1) Page 9