The Esoteric Design: Civilization Lost

by A. R. Crebs

  Euclid, growing annoyed with the casual exchange, opted to attack the ceiling above the seating area where dozens of innocents struggled to find a way to escape. “Priorities, Sir.”

  Sir Gaius quickly vanished, making his way to protect his citizens, yelling at Fardon to escape. The Emerald wasn’t a warrior; his contributions to society were intellectual and visionary. Currently, Fardon was overwhelmed by the visions of his bloodline’s massacre. Each stab and slowing breath echoed in his mind. He could nearly feel the assaults upon their body on his own. Overstimulation paralyzed him. Fardon remained on the floor. He held Kitara in his arms, looking into her eyes, searching for answers on Orin’s whereabouts. Euclid teleported, running into one of his thugs. He took the attacker's ancient weapon and turned, throwing the dagger. The blade burrowed deep into Fardon’s back. The Emerald man sharply inhaled.

  “Orin’s dead, you fool!” Euclid hissed. “I removed his head!”

  Fardon grunted and spilled to the side with his arms still wrapped tight around Kitara. The owl buried herself in his arms, trying to find protection. Sir Gaius nearly tumbled midair at his friend’s demise, but quickly pressed on. Now was not the time to mourn.

  Maren paused with horror, gaping in awe at her fallen husband. Nothing more mattered to her at that moment, and she was impaled through the middle. Howling, the woman circled, claiming the heads of at least three men. She struggled over the seats, reaching out toward Fardon. Arrows pierced her flesh, and eventually, the burly woman crashed down the final few rows, her eyes paling to white.

  Jaleal stood in place, watching his grandson with dread. Euclid’s behavior was always disgraceful, but Jaleal had always hoped the boy would grow to become a productive member of society. Still, he had to admit; he always had a small amount of fear for his grandson. Jaleal put up no fight but dropped to his knees in prayer. Euclid walked toward him, watching the older man with a look of disgust. He gave a short nod toward Antron, who had his hood drawn and the lower half of his face covered. Antron approached Jaleal from behind, lifted his weapon, and pressed it through the praying man’s back. The blade punctured through Jaleal’s chest, his robes absorbing the blood. The edge of the sword lit up with Legacy script; the light in the dying man’s eyes spread through his veins and into the weapon. Once the sword removed, Jaleal fell forward onto the floor. Euclid eyed his grandfather with very little interest before moving on to his next victim.

  “Euclid!” Dovian screamed.

  The Azure man halted. He had nearly forgotten about his silver-haired friend. He spun, and a black shadow carried him to Dovian’s place.

  “The offer still stands,” Euclid smugly stated.

  “Is this what you have in mind? Killing everyone? I thought you wanted to preserve the Sorcēarian race.”

  “We can only survive by getting rid of those who hold us back!”

  Dovian raised his chin to look directly into Euclid’s eyes. “Then you had better kill me, too.”

  Euclid sneered. “You deny me?”

  “Always.”

  Euclid gripped Dovian’s robes, pulling him closer. His anger flared only for a second before fading into disappointment. “I always had faith in you. You were like a brother.”

  “That doesn’t mean much. I know what you did to your father.”

  “How dare you?!” He threw Dovian to the ground. “You want to die? Fine!” Euclid raised his hands, a black mist gathering between his fingertips.

  “Back away!” A chunk of marble collided with Euclid, sending him crashing to the side. I’Lanthe stood not far away with another hunk of rock levitating beside her raised palm. Her lavender eyes shimmered with a form of hate Dovian hadn’t seen. She readied to throw the second boulder when Dovian halted her.

  “I’Lanthe! Don’t!”

  She eyed her lover with disbelief. Euclid was a danger to everyone; he needed to die. For the sake of humanity, for the sake of her people. She tossed the boulder toward Euclid’s head. Dovian covered his face, closing his eyes for a second to avoid watching the impact. When he opened them again, he saw that the rock had only landed beside Euclid’s head. Dovian’s pleading eyes had caused I’Lanthe to relent.

  “You’d better thank Dovian. He just saved your life.” I’Lanthe glared at the Azure man.

  Euclid palmed his head, gathering his bearings. “He’s an idiot, then.” He disappeared and reappeared directly behind I’Lanthe. The woman was ready, lifting the giant boulder once again. As Euclid prepared to attack her, someone else intervened. A larger piece of marble crashed into him from the opposite side, smashing him into the wall. I’Lanthe gradually lowered her debris.

  “Don’t you dare hurt my great-granddaughter,” Narita sputtered. The Elder was injured, a deep gash crossing one arm. Blood seeped down her forehead.

  “Grandmother! Are you alright?”

  “I’ll be just fine, dear. Now, where is that bastard?”

  I’Lanthe peered at the large stone that had pinned Euclid. She gasped when she realized he was missing.

  “Those Azures always gave me the creeps. They’re too sneaky for their own good.” Narita coughed. I’Lanthe reached forward, trying to heal her grandmother, but the older woman shook her head.

  Narita’s plumb stare fixed on a black cloud swirling behind I’Lanthe, and she grabbed her great-granddaughter by the shoulders and spun, using her own body as a shield. I’Lanthe watched in horror as Euclid drove the Angel Slayer through Narita.

  “Grandmothers are the best, aren’t they? They’d do anything for a grandchild.” Euclid twisted the blade.

  I’Lanthe screamed, motioning to lift a pair of boulders. Time slowed as Euclid edged toward her, pointing the blade at her chest. The tip sparked against a barrier that slid between the two. Euclid snarled as a golden flame lasso snapped around I’Lanthe’s waist and tugged her away. She rolled to the opposite side of the room, colliding with the Elder’s seating area. Sir Gaius soared toward Euclid, summoning an electric bolt. The lightning ignited the ground, cracking the surface. Euclid barely avoided the blast, but not without receiving some damage from the shockwave.

  “Azera!” Sir Gaius’ voice boomed over the disorder. “Get Dovian to safety!”

  Euclid attempted to teleport to Dovian, but Gaius bound him with the fiery rope. The raven-haired man cried out in pain, the bindings burning his flesh. A golden beam of light shot across the room and swallowed Dovian. With a thunderous crash, Azera and Dovian vanished.

  “You’re only alive because I have a plan for you,” Euclid growled.

  Sir Gaius remained unfazed by Euclid’s words. “The only reason you’re alive is because God still has a plan for you. But don’t feel pride in this admission, as it’s not exactly as you’d suspect. Nevertheless, I’m still debating on allowing this flame to tear you apart body and soul.”

  Euclid scoffed, feeling as defiant as ever. “You and your lineage will be dead before this war is over. And then the plan will become mine, not His!”

  “Blasphemous!” Sir Gaius ground out. He readied to pummel Euclid, golden light spilling from his fist.

  Thunder rolled as the few surviving members of Euclid’s mob each summoned a spell. Streaks of blue light etched from each member, crackling toward the Azure man. With a blinding flash, he and his gang disappeared.

  Gaius glared upon the spot that Euclid had been, his flaming rope disintegrating. His hardened face twisted further in anger, and he punched a nearby pillar to dust. “Damn!”

  Azera reappeared by the Elder’s side. “You let him live.”

  Gaius exhaled sharply. “That I did.”

  Azera remained silent.

  “What would you have me do?”

  Azera’s silver eyes revealed as little as his tight lips did.

  “Ah, yes. I know.” Gaius lowered his head. “It is a decision I will most certainly regret. Euclid’s use of the dark arts has made him far more powerful than I could have projected.”

  “I see a power wi
thin him that rivals the best of our men,” Azera spoke.

  “Yes, but not enough to rival mine.”

  Gaius observed the surroundings. Nearly a hundred bodies lay lifeless within the gigantic courtroom. Most of the civilians were carefully extracted with care thanks to Gaius III, but the count included warriors, noncombatant, and enemies. Never had Gaius witnessed such carnage within his own people. It was unfathomable. Fardon lay with Kitara hiding beneath him. Jaleal sprawled not far away. Narita rested in I’Lanthe’s arms. The woman sobbed for her grandmother. Sir Gaius’ heart ached. He approached I’Lanthe and placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “I’m sorry, my dear.” Sir Gaius looked over Narita’s face. Even in death, she was a sight to behold. He gently traced his fingers over the dead woman’s forehead. “I…I wanted her to stay home today.”

  I’Lanthe sniffled. “Did you know this was going to happen?”

  Gaius closed his eyes, hesitating.

  “Did you know this was going to happen?!” I’Lanthe screamed.

  “Not exactly, but there were many possibilities. I wasn’t willing to accept an option as dreadful as this.”

  I’Lanthe allowed Sir Gaius to hold her grandmother. “Then perhaps it’s time you stop keeping secrets from all of us. Euclid has proven time and again what he is capable of! How much sacrifice shall we have to endure before he’s taken down?!”

  “No more.” Gaius held back his tears as he tightened his grasp on Narita’s body. “We’ll fight. And you’re going to lead us.”

  I’Lanthe’s breath caught. After a moment, she gave a firm nod. “It will be my pleasure, Sir.”

  Sir Gaius searched the room again, his breathing increasing. “Good. Because I’m the only surviving Elder.”

  I’Lanthe paused, following Gaius’ actions. “My God. They were targeting all of you.”

  “Euclid and his followers believe they can rule over this land. I’ll never allow it to happen.”

  I’Lanthe’s expression turned into one of worry as she listened to the moans and cries of the injured and those in mourning. Her eyes settled on Lita. She appeared weary and fearful. Thankfully, she had Karter by her side. I’Lanthe knew he would guard her with his life, and that only eased her a little bit. Lita’s training was nearly non-existent compared to the Scarlet warriors, yet I’Lanthe knew it would be impossible to keep her feisty friend off the battlefield.

  An ear-shattering roar sounded from outdoors, passing from one side of the island to the other, followed by another and one more. I’Lanthe immediately threw up a shield, as did Sir Gaius, but the bombs already made contact. Thunderous booms echoed in the distance and quickly approached them, bringing down the ceiling. The supporting pillars crumbled around them, and those with enough power cast their shields to help keep the courthouse together. Bells and horns blared in alarm. The city was in a state of emergency.

  “Evacuate!” I’Lanthe yelled.

  The remaining occupants scurried from the building as the aircraft sped by again, dropping another line of fire. Humanity had joined the fight.

  Gaius II hollered above the chaos, “Father! Get them all out of here! I’ll hold it!” The towering man took a protective pose, pressing his hands out, his fingers curling to make a summoning gesture. Spreading out his arms, an enormous bubble of light covered the room. Slowly, he pressed the ceiling upward, creating a temporary support system on his own. “Hurry!”

  Sir Gaius wasted no time, thrusting his palm upward, he made a chain of light that connected to every individual in the room. Azera strengthened the hold while gripping the Elder’s shoulder. The power bound everyone, the dead bodies included.

  “Wait! Daddy! You have to come with us!” Lita reached for her father, gripping his sleeve. She barely reached the bottom of his ribcage, resembling a small child. Karter quickly wrapped his arms around Lita, giving a sad nod toward the giant man.

  “You protect her, Karter. If it’s the last thing you do,” Gaius II ordered.

  “Dad! No!” Lita screamed.

  Sir Gaius pulled them all outside the building, bringing them to a hillside a quarter mile away. From their location, they could see the rooftop of the courthouse. Another wave of bombs dropped, and the building went down in a pile of dust and glittering blue as Gaius II’s shield gave way. Lita dropped to her knees, wailing as she stared at the destruction in shock. Her fingers dug into the grass, her knuckles turning white. Gaius III dropped beside her, embracing her. There was barely any time to process the events as they unfolded.

  “Get to safety, now!” Elder Gaius shouted. He immediately disappeared.

  I’Lanthe looked over the group. She was in charge now. “You heard him! Run to your nearest refuge! Your homes, the churches, whichever facility is closest to you. Those of you without any experience in protective spell work, pair up with somebody who does. Get going,” I’Lanthe ordered her dazed people. “…Now!”

  Gaius III stood, nodding to the woman. He pulled Lita to stand. “I can take a dozen. Hurry.”

  “Those of Scarlet status will be called upon by either Sir Gaius or me. Azera also holds precedence in authority. Anything he says goes,” I’Lanthe added.

  And from there, the group partnered up and parted ways to find protection. I’Lanthe recognized a pulse of light atop the highest peak in Ives, a church tower beside the Gaius complex. The source of the power came from Elder Gaius.

  He stood firmly on the rooftop, his eyes set on the horizon where human forces settled. Their technology had advanced so quickly since his time on Earth. Their ships were capable of magnificent speeds by air and sea. They barely resembled the aircraft of old, taking either a more robust boxy shape with the Eastern Europeans, and a flatter cylindrical shape for the Westerners. Those of the Middle East had airships that were small but triangular with domes underneath for housing missiles. Likewise, their ocean crafts were similarly designed by nationality. With the World Council’s demise, the nations were left to make their own decisions. The top military powers of the world had gathered on Ives within a blink of an eye. Euclid’s attacks had proven to be a well-planned distraction for Gaius.

  Before another round of air fire could take place, Gaius created a pyramid of light between the palms of his hands. The pyramid rotated as he extended his reach, growing wider, swallowing the Elder and his church. The golden forcefield stretched across the land, covering the lakes, churches, business districts, and homes. It churned to blanket the entire city of Ives, the very peak reaching to touch the sky above. Everything became saturated with a golden hue as the barrier set into place. Gaius remained still as he focused his energy, the wind dancing through his silver hair and snowy feathers. His cape trailed behind him, flickering toward the cross of the church.

  Airships positioned overhead dropped another payload. This time, however, they disintegrated upon impact of the pyramid. If humanity wanted a war, they’d have to do it outside the city. Gaius refused to lose any more innocents to this nonsensical war.

  Azera materialized behind him. Soon after, the church bells rang.

  “It’s time for mass,” Gaius quietly spoke, his sight latched on the horizon. “It will be the first time I miss it.”

  Azera stared ahead as well. “I’m sure the people will understand.”

  “A fitting outcome for the theme I had planned.” Gaius frowned.

  Clouds moved in from the North, bringing an approaching storm. The air cooled greatly. However strange it was, as rain was not in the forecast. Gaius risked a fleeting look toward the confinement tower where Dovian remained safely behind bars.

  “Sir?” Azera gave a hint of confusion at the Elder’s remark.

  “In light of recent events, I thought it would be a good idea to go back to the old texts…as history often does repeat itself.” Gaius paused a moment, gathering his thoughts. “Revelation chapter twenty, verses seven through ten. ‘When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nati
ons in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number, they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.’”

  Gaius remained attentive on the militaries, his mind drifting to Euclid’s deception. “God’s will shall be done. I thought I could change things for the better. However, the written word has proven stronger. I was naïve to think I could make a difference. In the end, I was nothing more than a fool, a child who believed he could handle his father’s work. How I must have disappointed Him. And my people, what misery have I led them to?”

  Azera stepped by Gaius’ side. He disliked it when the Elder lacked confidence. “Our Father surely isn’t proud of our mistakes. You tried, Gaius. More than any of us. Very few could gain His favor in the ways that you have. Be proud He allowed you the chance and trusted you with so much. Power in the wrong hands has proven time and again to be catastrophic. You remained pure in your mission. Do not fault yourself in the selfishness of others. Take this opportunity that was given to you as a learning experience. His love for you is grand, enough to make many envious. You have done Him and all of us a great service, and for that, I am indebted to you. Know, that though our time may be nearing an end, that you did all you could. For that, I give you the greatest respect. I’m sure all those who remained pure to our cause will agree with me.”

  Gaius smiled. “Azera, what did I ever do to deserve an astounding friend like you?”

  Azera kept a passive expression. “You showed love and compassion to all even when our Father had grown tired.”

  “Do you think He would be proud?” Gaius needed to hear that not all was in vain.