by Nicol Terra
The man, even though the shadow obstructing his face, scoffed as his smile became that of a disturbing grimace. “Hand it over, those stones are not yours.”
The City of Ramas was small by the world standards, around half a million people used to live in the city. Ahn never knew he would find himself in a city with less than double-digit million. Most cities on Nicux were this large, some of them so large they put islands to shame. Cities in the Eastern World, in general, were larger; however, the largest cities reaching half a billion in population. The people were tightly compact and by the day fewer remained. More and more however fled on foot, hoping to make it to shore and take a boat off this island. Others with Airsails of varying sizes lifted themselves out. Most left successfully, with the occasional magic burst of flames lighting the ships in the sky. In just two weeks, he felt as if tens of thousands already left. The city streets were becoming more and more barren, left to its own survival. He cursed, what the point of defending this city if there was no one living in it? Then he remembered, “Oh right, the poor can't leave without an escort.” He cursed. If he had to guess, only about thirty thousand were left, no more Airsails, they were all gone. If the rest wanted to flee, they had to run away.
He then bumps into a little girl, knocking her on the street. She had dirt under her right eye, and her dress was torn and muddied. Ahn reached as the little girl cowered.
He wiped the dirt off her cheek and handing her a silver coin. With most of the people having no Holosphere, he resorted to hard money payments.
“Get a new dress, something nice to eat and leave safely,” Ahn said, the girl blinked, as Ahn walked away. He heard her thanks grew more and more distant as he stayed focused. He became more enraged that despite peaceful surrender still on the table, the invading army wanted this city gone. He felt his fists clenched. Ahn still had a job to do, at the least he can save what he can't, using his power to defend them from the strong.
The East and Southern Sides were the only significant parts of the city inhabited as the poor pooled their funds together to afford a trip back. He cursed, even the only Holosphere shop closed, taking his product with him. The Rich left, and the Poor suffer. The bars were full, rowdy and distasteful of the current situation. He hears cries to imprison Yas and Ioja, surrendering and begging for their lives.
“If only you knew they blasted me out of the sky and the people you wanna imprison the men who saved my life.” He said to himself, biting his tongue and biding his time quietly.
Everyone on this side of town lived in either small houses or large apartment complexes that housed thousands. Ahn walked by one of these apartments. The Steel and Silver sheen gave off it was an expensive project and beautiful building. The sign was in Neon and Argon, shining a single light on a forgotten town. There were no other buildings, the apartment was all he can see, as it circled around, creating a city square. He raised a brow, the city square was full of people, each smiling and passing out papers. Confused, Ahn nudged one of the townsfolk, a young woman with a beautiful, golden dress and without shoes.
“Excuse me, what is happening to here?” Ahn asked.
The woman turned, cocked her head in confusion and giggled. “We are holding one last party, at the Fire Pits. Dozens of Bonfires in the Southern District will be lit, and the rest of city will be there!”
“For one party?” He said.
She scoffed. “But of course! This city is going to fall, and before we leave, we want to send it out with a bang. We have lived here for all of our lives, after all.”
He blinked. So they wanna party before they go? How long have they been here? All their life? He felt nothing but curiosity well inside him. Wonder what this party will be like.
Ahn thought for a moment. Kulso could just attack the city during the party, but Ioja and Yas insisted their plan of attack was three days from now. He grumbled to himself.
“Is something wrong?” The woman asked. Ahn shot up his head her worried tone catching him off guard.
“No, I am fine.” He said finally, walking away, only for the woman to grab him by the arm. He turned, her brown hair flowing down her shoulders. Her blue eyes were wide, like a cat. She was cute, her slender figure and sharp eyes pierced and weakened Ahn, Ahn blushed.
“Yes? May I help you?” Ahn asked.
“Why not stay and come with us? You might enjoy the party.” She said. He didn't plan for partying in any way, although he also didn't expect going on a date with an Elven Princess and friends with a human woman.
He shrugged. “I guess so.”
The woman gasped, as the night rolled in, the eight moons were all full, an event that only happens once a year. He looked up; the moons were filled with life. He turned to look at the lady, pouting and annoyed.
“They shot you down from the sky, and your first reaction was it was a pain in the ass to walk to get a new Airsail?” She said.
“Yeah, sounds about right.”; Ahn said, the woman scoffed as she rolled her eyes. The truth was, he was more pissed. He sighed, if only he still had his Royal funds, he could afford another one. Maybe Ryunsun will pay him in advance for one? “Hey! I lost my ship to enemy fire. Can I get one for free because of insurance?” He thought to himself, and then he laughed. It was a ridiculous idea; Chiseans don't believe in insurance.
“Chiseans don‘t feel fear much, do they?” She said inquisitively.
“It was more, so I knew I survived easily. The soldiers that shot me down were too weak. I can't die like that.” He said, a statement partially true, although he was leaving out Xin and his other two buddies. He shivered. Remembering Xin killing his own subordinate for a lewd comment was something that was both petty and frightening. He wanted to avoid direct combat with him. Rachel volunteered, so good for him, even though he uses Aura, Rachel felt like she was the strongest of the three, probably because of her natural speed and experience. Setting aside her ego at times, she was perhaps the only one who had a chance against Xin.
He scratched the back of his head. “Thanks for worrying, I am fine.”
“So where from the outside world are you from?” She asked.
“Zynthia.” He said.
“Where's that?” She asked again.
Ahn nodded. He figured their history was off by about two thousand years. She also didn’t have a globe on him.
“Before I answer, you are technically part of Kragg, right?”
She nodded. “Right. Although we are practically independent since the founding. Our history books were devoted mostly to our survival during the Great Storm.”
He nodded. “Right. And now, you are under threat for the first time.”
“In two thousand years.” She said, looking away. “We used to be a Microcontinent, but the storm split us into islands. We call this the ‘Retreat’ in our history.
Ahn somber face couldn't help narrow his gaze. These people lived in relative peace for years.
“Five years ago, we made first contact, and we had to go undersea to an ancient library, finding our previous rulers, who were lost to history. We were planning to create trade routes, and our cities swell.” She said. Ahn raised a brow.
“An undersea library?” He asked.
“Yeah, it was hinted in an old book. A Leviathan guarded it, but a Commander took him down, bringing us the book. He rewound the water damage with a bright light, it was like Magic!"
Ahn mentally sighed. “It probably was Magic, who knows?”
“But after we made first contact, we started getting rumors of invaders from the outside world.” She said.
Ahn hands felt soaked, and his face turned like a more white sheet. “Now, Xin and his thousand men are ready to take this all from you.”
She nodded. “Yeah. None of us like to admit it, but we have to run. We all discussed this.”
“Well, where would you go?” Ahn asked.
She smiled, turning to him. “East. I trained to be an accountant, while I can't use a Holosphere quite
yet, I had a friend connect me with a firm. I hope to make it to the coast and take my friend's ship.”
“Your friend?” He asked.
She nodded, looking around in the crowd of people. She pointed to a large, Human Man, smiling as he waved at her.
“His name is Jack, and he owns a boat that will take us East.” She said.
“I see.” Ahn smiled. The woman turned around and bowed to him slightly.
“Thanks for talking. I never quite got your name.” She asked.
Ahn blinked, returning her smile with a gentle giggle. “Ahn Kyung. Maybe we will meet again.” He said. Ahn realized that he didn’t answer her original question. “Oh and Zynthia is north of Kragg, come visit sometime!” He said.
She nodded, walking away in a posh matter. Ahn raised a brow; she dressed rich. Yet she has no shoes. She also speaks formally, politely.
“Her name is Alice. Alice Regulas.” Yas said from behind.
He shot his attention upward, Yas greeted him with a smile. His usual attire of a simple leather coat and jeans. He had a metal plate wrapped around his chest, and his sword slinked to his right side. His pants had a tainted black color to them, Ahn slid his eyes down his piece armor and back up. Then, Ahn let out a small giggle that morphed into a hardy laugh as Yas looked at him with confusion.
“I guess you ran out Metal Pants.” Ahn finally said.
Yas rolled his eyes. “I am just more prepared than everyone here.”
“Yeah, because you couldn't decide if you wanna dress up for war or dress up for partying.” Ahn said.
“Well, our walls are strong. That said, I like this armor. Has a nice sheen.” Yas said.
Ahn scoffed. “Yeah, anyway, tell me about why someone with a Royal Name lives here.”
Yas pointed at Alice who was giggling and talking to Jack. The man was large, at least six feet tall. He had blonde hair and wore a sleeveless shirt with blue jeans. He was large by human standards, but closer to average by Chisean Standards.
“She didn‘t know. Her family was just a simple fishing family when they split.” Yas said.
“You mean?” Ahn paused for an answer only for Yas to shake his head.
“She isn‘t part of the Regulas Royal Family.” He interrupted. “She found out four years ago, her name was part of a rich family. She even dug out a small pair of silver shoes her only pair of shoes.” He said, shaking his head. “Only Regulas founders had those shoes. Next thing she knew, she was invited to go eastward.”
“So that explains the shoes.” He said.
“And because of that, she is lucky, she is about to be brought in as a branch family, with her marrying Jack over there.” He said.
“Wait, they are getting married?” Ahn added, a hint of disappointment filling his voice.
“Yeah, and they are taking everyone from here on the ship. Small favor. Literally our only Airsail, and it is ancient.” Yas sighed.
Ahn took a pause, thinking about his name. Although he did not forsake his name yet, he is practically left from the leading family. He then scratched his chin, a smile forming on his face. He was lucky to be adopted by a branch family, one that accepted his decision to become a Forward.
“I am sure it is just a lucky coincidence,” Yas added. Ahn nodded.
“Anyway, I was always curious about how to use other colors of Aura. I can practice on the soldiers outside.” Ahn said.
Yas sighed. “Yeah, yeah. Just don‘t get too high. Also, you got two ladies for you.”
“Ladies?” Ahn said, turning around quickly, swinging his face from side to side. He then locked on, finding Rachel and Illevetar. Rachel wore her regular clothes, but Illevetar had a red dress, the smooth silk covering her legs and running across her slender body. The dress pressed her chest like a corset, as Ahn blushed, looking away. God, why is it I can't look at those two without blushing in embarrassment.
Illevetar took a long gaze at the starry night sky, the faint dots of light that was sprinkled across the black darkness. She then marched over to the five green moons and smiled. She walked to the small pit of fire that greeted her. Tens of people marched around it in a happy song. Some of them were meditating. Others were chatting with one another. The smell of marijuana and mushrooms filled the air. She exhaled, a smile overcoming her face.
“Hey!” Rachel yelped. She turned to her right side. Rachel wore a smile and a willowy white robe. She also had her blue jeans underneath and her crystal around her neck. She exhaled when she saw Rachel smile- She didn’t like seeing her not smiling. She then saw Ahn next to her, wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans.
“Yo.” She said, walking up to them.
The three continued to munch on apples and oranges around the fire pit, eating the sweet food with glee. Illevetar couldn’t help feeling a sense of happiness from these people- even when their city is threatened, they still dance with glee. “Maybe they need to get their mind off of the imminent attack.” She thought to herself.
“I take it you are recovered,” Illevetar asked. Rachel nodded.
“Ever since our walks, my aches disappeared. My full crystal came back just today, so I am good to go.” She affirmed.
‘How does your crystal even work?” Ahn inquired. Rachel shrugged.
“Well, what do you mean?” Rachel asked.
“It is yellow with spots of green and blue.” He pointed out.
She held on to her necklace, rubbing it three times and smiled. “Yeah, what about it?”
“Well, what elements can you control?” Ahn asked
She pondered and then closed her eyes. She created a ball of water in front of the two, and then a gust of wind split it half. She also produced a small blast of lightning that lasted for a split second. She opened her eyes again and shrugged.
“I guess those three. You want to try?" Rachel inquired. Ahn, his eyes curious nodded in agreement.
Rachel threw the crystal at him, Illevetar watching with patience- She always wondered how different crystals were compared to magic.
“Yas gave me this tip, try to talk to your crystal like you would a friend. Crystals are still alive too; they feel like us.” Rachel said.
Ahn raised a brow, grabbing the crystal from Rachel as he closed his eyes. His body gave a blue, cool glow, then a gust of wind shivered down Illevetar’s spine. She rubbed herself, creating a small spark to keep her warm. Then, Ahn shot a gust of wind, rushing through the lightning and as it sparked on Illevetar, the bolt of electricity shot through the clouds and sky. Panicked, she quickly snuffed out the flames. Rachel gave a bellowing laugh.
“Okay, that was worth it if you ask me.” She said. Illevetar scoffed. Ahn threw the crystal back at Rachel as Illevetar blew at the flame, hoping to get no more flames in her flowing golden hair.
“Glad to know you care about my wellbeing.” She said, swiping off ash and soot. Ahn opened his eyes, his jaw dropped.
“What happened to you?” He exclaimed.
She swiped off the soot on her body and sighing. “Well, why not ask the person who blew a gust of wind and electricity in my face?” She said.
Ahn shrank. “I am sorry.”
Rachel giggled. “Don’t worry about it; I got a pretty good laugh out of it so I guess we can call it even.” Illevetar sighed
“Well fine, you can control wind, lightning, and water. What else can it do?” Illevetar turned to Rachel. Rachel shrugged.
“Not sure, the crystal doesn’t know. It grows with you. I didn’t think it knew what it could do that until we talked.” Rachel added
“So for you to learn abilities, you just talk to it?” Illevetar asked.
"Well, It is more I learn with it not through talking itself, but with companionship. It is like a tool, the more you use it, the more it becomes natural to you." Rachel said, letting out a small sigh. "I don't like using that word since it used to be alive, but it is the truth."
"Jeez, Aura can deduce Crystal Abilities even before the Crystal User knows, no wonder
they have an advantage," Ahn said. Rachel frowned as her gaze dropped to the ground.
"Technically yes. I think I have a solution though for...next time." Rachel said.
"I wish I didn't lose mine in the snow, pretty sure someone has it somewhere." Ahn quietly said, almost ashamed by this face.
“Well, what about you? You can use Magic, right?” Rachel inquired.
Illevetar nodded and grimaced. “That requires meditation.”
“Well, what do you do?” Rachel asked.
“I… ‘explore’ my mind.” She said. Rachel and Ahn blinked. “I never used Magic that much. I can't control it as well as I can with Aura.”
Ahn nodded. “I feel that. I can’ control my crystal yet, but Aura comes naturally to me.”
“I can’t use Aura,” Rachel added. “Or magic.”
“Well, would you like to learn?” Ahn added. Rachel shrugged.
“Not sure. I guess I will find out when the time comes.”
Then a man came between the three, his face in a stupor and his body stumbling. His eyes are dazed and his skin tone red. He was a Chisean, first one besides Ahn she knew.
“Hey, would any of you like to have a drink?” He said. Rachel shrugged.
“I can watch Ahn drink.” Rachel giggled.
“Selling me out to drinks now?!” He exclaimed. She giggled.
“Yeah, cute people are cute drunks.” She said. Ahn blushed, his eyes hidden by his hands. Illevetar rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, cute boys should be cute drunks. Why not get a drink?” She said.
Ahn nodded, his eyes still covered as both Rachel and Illevetar walked away.
She closed her eyes; she felt nothing. She tried to imagine a flame, and she saw nothing. She opened her eyes, ‘thinking’ of fire as a ball of flame appeared in her hand.
Then a man came forward, one with a small tome on his right hand and a slim build. He had a blank expression on his face.
“May I help you?” Illevetar asked.