After Darkness II

by J. F. Johns

  'Don't be ridiculous! Are you crazy? You almost died and you think I'm worried about that?' She suddenly noticed his teasing smile and relaxed. 'I'd slap you right now if it weren't for the fact that you almost died.'

  Kalem couldn't help but laugh. He noticed the way Terra stared at him in amazement. 'What's wrong?' he asked.

  'Nothing. It's just... You're always so serious. It's weird seeing you laugh.'

  'I'll stop then.'

  'NO!'

  They both fell suddenly silent and Kalem turned his attention towards their hands. The pain in his head had lessened, but he could still feel something there, twisting and turning, trying to overpower him.

  'So now what?' he asked.

  Terra shrugged. 'I guess I return to just being human and you...'

  'An even bigger freak.'

  Terra slapped his arm. 'The power Scarlet and I held belongs to you now.'

  'Thank you.'

  'What for?'

  'For giving it up. For me.'

  Terra's smile was so bright and genuine it melted Kalem's heart. He wanted to frame it so he'd be able to look at it whenever he wanted to. But the beauty of such things couldn't be kept locked up like that. Part of their beauty would be lost.

  'I'd gladly do it again for you, Kalem. I hope you know that.'

  And then Terra leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

  ...

  Voices blared from the drones that flew by. The sound was so loud it was impossible not to hear. Scarlet rushed up to the rooftop and found Morgana already there, frowning up at the sky.

  Hundreds of drones were moving across the city, terrible sounds coming out of them. The sky had turned a dark grey, and Scarlet knew it was about to rain. She could smell it in the air.

  Red smoke lifted up into the clouds from different points in the city and Scarlet leaned in closer, noticing Watchers patrolling the streets, knocking on doors and pointing towards somewhere Scarlet couldn't see.

  'Attention, citizens of the Nation,' the drones began blaring. 'All citizens of Capital One must attend an obligatory calling in Square Park. Attention, citizens of the Nation-'

  Scarlet turned towards her sister. 'What do you think that's about?'

  Morgana went to answer, but noticed Scarlet's eyes. 'What happened?'

  Shrugging, Scarlet replied, 'The only way to save Kalem was by giving him the Destroyer.'

  'You think that was wise?'

  'He was dying, Morgana.'

  'I know. But you needed the Destroyer. It would've helped to fight Petra.'

  Scarlet sighed. 'Kalem has it now. It's not like it's gone.'

  'Is he okay?' Morgana rolled her eyes when Scarlet nodded. 'I don't mean it like that. All of you could handle the Destroyer, but Kalem... Terra had already been saved by it before, as well as the twins. Kalem, however, has never been in touch with that thing.'

  'We'll deal with it when the time comes.'

  Morgana bit the inside of her mouth, thoughtfully. 'Okay, let's go and see what Petra is planning.'

  Both girls left the old battered home, disappearing down the streets unseen and unnoticed.

  Chapter forty-two

  Eric lit a cigarette as he waited for Malcolm and Camille. The door to their home was open as a soft rain began to fall. He'd seen Morgana and Scarlet rushing off a few minutes ago and he couldn't help but smile at their impatience.

  He, however, had the patience of a monk.

  'Will you hurry up, bloody tortoise?' he screamed down the hallway at Camille as she appeared, pulling her tongue out at him.

  'What's the rush?' she spat back, checking the laces on her boots. 'That damn Petra is probably up to no good and we're just walking right into her trap.'

  'Oh Mighty Wise One, may you hurry up so we can fall into this trap?'

  'Real funny,' Camille said, pulling on a jacket.

  Malcolm waltzed down the hallway, glancing up at the grey sky. 'My hair will get terribly ruined with the rain.'

  Eric grunted, grabbing them both and pushing them outside. The three of them made their way down the lone dark streets of the capital, noticing the drones whizzing by. The air had become electrifying, making the hairs on Eric's arms rise. He didn't want to admit aloud the bad feeling settling in the pit of his stomach the closer they got towards the centre of the capital. Hundreds of citizens joined them, their faces gloomy. All propaganda had been switched to the official government's logo, blaring across the buildings. The eagle's eye appeared to follow them no matter where they went and Eric wondered if Petra could see them through it. Surely not. It still gave him the creeps nonetheless.

  The rain grew thicker as they approached Square Park. Hundreds upon hundreds of cyborgs and humans had already gathered there. Eric wondered how they'd all squeeze into the park.

  The old execution stage had been dismantled and in its place a newer version had been erected. It was made of thicker material, black stone with steps where dozens of Watchers stood, their weapons at the ready.

  It was impossible to get any closer to the stage in the centre of the park because of the amount of people, so Eric, Camille and Malcolm kept to one side. They didn't want to be seen by Petra anyway in case she tried arresting them.

  'We should come up with a plan,' Camille said. 'We could circle around Petra and attack.'

  Eric nudged Camille. 'Have you seen the amount of Watchers surrounding the stage?' He glanced around. 'And there's more on the perimeter of the park. There's no way we're getting close to Petra today.'

  'Eric's right,' Malcolm chimed in after noticing Camille's sour expression. 'The best thing we can do is just see what Petra has to say.'

  Camille muttered something under her breath that neither men understood. 'Fine, whatever,' she said out loud for them to hear.

  'That's my girl.' Malcolm teasingly poked her in the ribs.

  'Buzz off.'

  Crows flew across their heads, landing on the stage as someone mounted it from one side. It was hard not to recognise Petra. Her long blonde hair shone like the sun itself even beneath the umbrella a worker held up to cover her from the rain. Instead of her usual government suits she had dressed in a dark blue gown with the longest tail Eric had ever seen.

  'All she's missing is a crown,' he muttered.

  If kings and queens still existed, Petra would've been one. She stood straight, regal and powerful on the stage as every pair of eyes fell upon her. She seemed to soak it all in, flavouring it and gaining strength from such a thing.

  Eric realised the stage itself had been constructed to amplify Petra's voice in order to avoid using microphones. She wouldn't want anything obstructing her face. As soon as she stepped forward and began to speak, her voice travelled across the park.

  'My dear citizens,' she said. 'Welcome! I am so grateful you have taken the time out of your busy schedules to come and listen to me.' The crowd moved uneasily, unsure of where this was going.

  'She didn't give anyone much of a choice,' Camille muttered under her breath.

  Eric snorted. Craning his neck, he searched for Scarlet and Morgana. They weren't probably standing among the crowd, but hidden away somewhere no one could see them. Hopefully not even Petra. Kalem and Terra, however, were a few lines away, their eyes narrowed as they watched the Prototype stand on the stage.

  'These are grave times, unfortunately,' Petra continued. 'Our Nation is being threatened. The balance which we rely on is being broken. We've worked so hard to create an oasis. And now there are those among you which wish to see it relinquished.' Petra paused, eyeing the crowd. 'My brother was taken from me. Taken because he too wanted what was best for our Nation. These are citizens that are selfish and wish to gain power for themselves. But we cannot allow such a thing to happen. Rules exist for a reason. Rules are made to keep the balance, the safety of our children. If they are broken, chaos ensues.

  'I see now that I have been too lenient all these years. I th
ought that to rule with an iron fist would break the balance, but that's not true. We must destroy our enemies in order to keep our beloved Nation safe.' Petra glanced up at the sky where lightening struck. 'You will have noticed that many citizens were taken, marked with an X across their skins. They are traitors, conspiring to harm our beloved Nation. We do not have room for such citizens!'

  Eric could distinguish two types of viewers; those that held on to Petra's every word, eagerly nodding at everything she said, and those that glanced around, fearful at the realisation of what she was saying.

  'From now on, those deemed by the government traitors will be taken to safe locations we have constructed outside the cities. They will remain there until a fair trial has taken place to decide their fate. Those that try to run will be found. There is nowhere in the seven capitals where you can hide. Citizens that help capture these traitors will be rewarded grandly for their courage.' A few younger boys smiled eagerly at the prospect. Eric felt like punching them.

  'We must protect each other,' Petra said, lifting her arms up as if to embrace the crowd. 'As a present to you my citizens, I have captured two traitors that were conspiring against the Nation.' Moving to one side, Petra gestured at a small group of Watchers standing off the stage. Workers kept close to Petra, helping to spread her dress perfectly as she moved. As the rain poured down harder, the worker with the umbrella shivered, keeping very close to Petra to make sure not a single drop fell upon her.

  The cluster of Watchers made their way onto the stage. It was impossible to see the prisoners hidden within the circle. Eric tried catching a glimpse of hair or anything that would tell him who they could be, but it was impossible.

  'Behold!' Petra stepped towards the Watchers, who as one, parted immediately to show everyone who they had been escorting.

  Eric's eyes widened at the sight just as Camille let out a gasp.

  One of the prisoner's was Hooky.

  The other was Nicholas Underwood.

  Terra's father.

  Chapter forty-three

  Terra's world froze, bursting into a thousand pieces the moment she spotted her father on the stage. She hadn't heard from him since her grandmother's death. All this time she thought he'd been off working, unworried about his daughter. And yet...

  Nicholas Underwood had always been such an imposing man with lovely dark hair and strong broad shoulders. Now he stood crumpled, blood dripping from wounds across his face and thick shackles around his wrists. He looked completely defeated. The sight of him tore at Terra's heart.

  Hooky didn't look much better. He'd clearly been tortured, robotic parts on his body missing. His white greasy T-shirt was soaked in blood and part of his face was swollen.

  'These two men have spent the last few months trying to destroy our dear Nation with schemes,' Petra said, stepping closer towards them. 'I'm sure many of you recognise Nicholas Underwood, a beloved politician here in Capital One. He has been busy lately trying to whisper lies into important business workers to turn their backs on the government.' Petra tutted. 'And Hooky, who many of you know from the UnderMarket, has been playing as a revolutionary hero.' Petra glanced back at the crowd, arching an eyebrow. 'Men like these are what is wrong with our society. And there are many more. They are like a disease, trying to infect us, trying to make their way into our homes. To get to our children!' A few mother's gasped, cradling their kids to their sides.

  Terra wanted to scream out loud. How were so many people falling for this crap? How could anyone believe the words pouring out of Petra's mouth? They were all lies! She didn't care about anyone or the Nation. All she wanted was power and revenge.

  Terra hadn't even noticed stepping forward until someone grabbed her arm. Kalem shook his head when she turned to look at him. 'Don't,' he whispered.

  'I can't just-'

  His grip around her arm tightened.

  Something flashed in those steel eyes of his but Terra wasn't really sure what exactly she had seen.

  'We must do what is right,' Petra said. 'Even if what we do is painful. We must protect what is dearest to us.'

  Petra moved to one side, her entire entourage moving as one to make sure she didn't get wet or trip over her dress. Hooky and Terra's father were shoved forward and forced to get down on their knees. Two Watchers made their way behind them, lifting their guns up, the barrel of the weapon touching the back of the prisoners' heads.

  Terra rushed forward, shoving Kalem out of the way. She wasn't going to just stand there and watch Petra kill more people she loved. If only she had the power of the Destroyer...

  Time seemed to slow as Terra pushed and shoved people out of the way. Everyone turned in shock as she ran forward, screaming at the top of her lungs. Petra arched an eyebrow, surprised at the interruption until she noticed who was making the noise. An evil smile spread across her features as Terra continued to run.

  Petra gestured at the Watchers to fire.

  'No!' Terra screamed, shoving more citizens out of the way. Her father heard the ruckus. His eyes found Terra's and she froze. There were so many things she wanted to tell him. So much to ask forgiveness for. She'd been such a shitty kid for so long and now...

  The sadness across his features vanished at the sight of her, and he smiled. He nodded, as if he understood exactly how she felt.

  'I know,' he mouthed. 'I love you, too.'

  The shot that pierced through his head rang through Terra's only ear, almost making her fall back. She stared as her father's body collapsed forward, falling off stage, the crowd parting.

  Strong arms made their way around her as Terra cried out, kicking and swearing. She knew it was Kalem holding her back, not letting her get any closer.

  'Terra, run!' Hooky's voice rang out through the entirety of the park.

  Terra wanted to close her eyes as the second shot was fired. She didn't want to witness Hooky fall forward too. But it felt wrong turning away from him. The light went out in his mechanical orange eye and a groan escaped his mouth as the bullet broke through his skull. Unlike her father, Hooky didn't fall off the stage but remained on his stomach by the very edge.

  Petra's attention remained on Terra and Kalem. Something nasty twirled in those dark blue eyes of hers. Clearly she enjoyed watching them suffer.

  The Prototype stepped over Hooky's body, placing herself in the centre of the stage. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure the workers had properly laid out the tail of her long dress.

  The rain that fell on Terra mixed with her tears as she cried out once more. Watchers were now climbing down the steps towards them. No one tried to stop them, instead everyone parted fearfully, their eyes wide with horror.

  Petra snarled.

  Kalem pulled Terra away, further and further away from the stage.

  'My dear citizens,' Petra continued, her voice full of glee. It dripped off of her like honey. 'Today will be remembered. Today is the very beginning of our new history. Things are about to change.' Her eyes pierced through Terra, as if her words were spoken solely for her.

  Terra continued kicking and punching, trying to get away from Kalem's embrace. All she wanted was to rush forward and grab Petra's neck, squeeze and squeeze until her own fingers fell off.

  'We need to go,' Kalem grunted.

  'No! She killed them, damn you! She killed them!'

  Struggling against his hold, Terra noticed the Watchers now only a few rows away. She didn't care. She didn't have the power of the Destroyer anymore, but she still knew how to fight. She'd kill them all for what they had done.

  A black mist appeared around Terra and she froze, unsure of what was happening. Glancing over her shoulder, she stared up at Kalem's serious face. Blackness surrounded him, his hair vanishing in a cloud of feathers and nightmares.

  Turning her attention back towards Petra, Terra was disappointed to not see surprise upon the Prototype's face. Instead, she looked pleased.

  'Today is a great day,'
Petra said. 'Today we leave behind the old Nation. Today a new world starts.'

  Terra's body began to dissolve within the darkness of the Destroyer as Kalem willed it to take them away. The Watchers were a few steps away, their guns aimed, ready to shoot. A few bullets flew by, missing. Others vanished within the cloud of darkness.

  'Welcome my dear citizens,' Petra said, lifting her arms up towards the sky. 'Welcome to the New Nation.'

  Terra vanished alongside Kalem in a cloud of darkness.

  Epilogue

  Five months later

  Terra pulled her hoodie back as she glanced up at the work of art on the wall in front of her. She'd painted the same thing all across the city and she was damn proud of it.

  It was difficult to spray-paint in a hurry, but Terra was pretty sure that this was her best yet. It was hard to look at her own creation. Petra's face stared back at her. It made Terra's entire body shake. From the barrel of the gun Petra held, a man hung from a noose. She'd painted an orange eye on the otherwise indistinguishable face. Hooky was a revolutionary hero, no matter what Petra claimed.

  Terra would make sure everyone remembered him, no matter what.

  It had been five months since that dreadful day in Square Park and Terra still had nightmares of it. She would wake up every night, shaking and screaming.

  Even in her dreams she was incapable of saving them.

  Drones flew overhead. Terra pulled her hoodie down and her scarf all the way up, shielding most of her face from view. Everything had changed. Now her face flashed across every building in the city, the word 'fugitive' written beneath it. Hers wasn't the only one. Their old battered home had been raided months ago by Watchers. They'd managed to escape, barely.

  Everyone had had to disperse, searching for a new place to lay low for some time. Eric had contacted his friend Zacchary who had offered his humble home.