He has awakened. Our enemy... has found his vessel. We must act fast, before it stabilizes.
The day of the awaited funeral arrived, and the weather was well aware.
In the early morning of the day, dark clouds consumed the sky, and the light of the three suns was replaced with light rainfall.
Caesar Nova Percival, a member of Paragon 11, said his daily prayers to The Almighty, even though his faith in the god wavered drastically.
Another god, or possible gods, existed above the plane of the normal, looking down at Zion like a gameboard.
The powerful Juhnzu faction chamber was filled with loud silence, each member saying their prayers or rituals.
Fenrir Hiro Endymion, the demiwolf member of Paragon 11, prayed with Caesar, requesting a fruitful day ahead.
His scars were thicker and deeper, with intricate tattoos covering his forearm.
"I pray for peace," Fenrir whispered. "Nothing but peace."
Jacques Loius Valeur IX, another member of Paragon 11, was praying alone, under his sheets. He looked more gruff, more valiant. His eyes were heavy and unwavering, as if he had seen the deepest parts of Helheim.
"Give me strength," Jacques murmured. "Give me strength to carry my sins."
The once electrifying and exhilarating atmosphere of the Thunderclaw was replaced with one of grief and fear.
Chalybe Arthur Winter V, Prince of Zion and the Nephilim Paragon 11, diligently quoted scriptures from the Gospel, the sacred book of The Almighty.
Joining him was Zeus Orson Lancelot, the definite genius.
Their eyes filled with patience, but their hearts were consumed by sorrow.
In the elegant and prideful chamber of the Madagar Faction, the darkness of the weather took over.
Izobel Kyra Edger, the Fairy paragon 11, sang psalms from the Gospel, trying to force the bitter memories of that day, but it didn't help. She instead found peace to push through, singing the song that worshiped her god.
Her pink hair was riddled with purple patches, and her eyes were more violet than indigo.
Across the chamber, Aurelia Rain Deadelus, the queen of pride, was forced into humility. She recited the poems of Nostre Thames, the popular evangelist who led crusades long ago.
Her hearts was heavy and weary - hasn't she given enough?
All pupils were advised to attend the funeral in white attire, an old but respected tradition.
Standing with white umbrellas under the teary sky, the academy's field was filled with students.
The blades of grass caught drops of rain, and the little insects made sounds of annoyance.
The rain washed over the school, as if The Almighty was setting the perfect stage for the event.
Rows of white coffins dominated the field, as students stood at attention, looking upon their deceased classmates.
The battle of Black Meadows claimed its victims.
Guardians, parents, family members, and companions of the deceased were stationed closer to the coffins, seeing the passing of their loved ones.
Caesar, Chalybe, Zeus, and Fenrir wore white suits with black ties, while Izobel was dressed in a white gown with a translucent veil, a traditional and symbolic attire for women, her hair tied in a bun.
A Bishop read verses from the Gospel and led the morning sermon. Only his voice and the sobs of family members were heard, and the low sounds of insects.
The fresh morning smell was refreshing, but the atmosphere contradicted it.
As the Bishop finished his reading, he closed his sermon with a prayer, and the crowd replied Amen.
As the Bishop left the stage, a loud siren was heard, and a voice followed.
"Students of Black Meadows," the voice said, "Today, we see the passing of our promised children. We grieve for their passing, and we mourn the loss. May The Almighty, and the Paladin Azrael, see their soul to the heavens."
A chorus of Amen echoed through the field.
"But what are you going to do about this?" The voice questioned, "Will you mourn forever? Pray until your soul withers? Let their deaths chain you? No, you are knights. Warriors. The heart of the Kingdom.
" You are not Sorcerers, you are not mages, you are not a part of the Law Executioners, you are the future. If you falter for a loss, you are doomed to failure. If you cry for your misery, you will never escape it. If you drop for your mistakes, you are obliged to repeat them. You got defeated, but you escaped with your lives. That means one thing: The Almighty isn't done with you."
The cries of the attendees increased.
"You will stand strong, charge steadfast, and carry the will of light in your hearts. Zion is that light. Carry the courage to avenge the fallen, use your honor to battle for the weak, bear the loyalty to serve Zion, and uphold Justice with pride and valour. Do you understand, young knights?
The pupils were caught off guard by the speech, so their replies were faint.
"I acknowledge!!!" a voice screamed out, Izobel's. Caesar and the rest of the group looked shocked, marvelling at her bravery.
"I only heard one voice." The voice said.
"I acknowledge!" the school said with little enthusiasm.
"Pathetic!!," the voice screamed, "Is this how you will carry your kingdom?"
"No, sir!" the school said with more will, as the fire returned to their heart.
"You precious gems," the voice commanded, " Forget everything you know about Grace. Divinity, miracles, contracts, holy weapons, boons, dunes, sorcery, witchcraft, hellspawn, magic... forget it all. Speak with the fire igniting in your hearts, stand with Courage, Honor, Loyalty, and Justice. Are you going to fall?
"No, sir!!"
"Are you going to falter?"
"No, sir!!!"
"Then, carry the will in your heart and the fire burning." The voice became quieter. "We are starting the knight's training earlier than anticipated. Get some rest and come back with the desire to change your kingdom for the better."
The students stood at attention. "I acknowledge."
"Dear knights," The voice whispered. "What is our motto?"
The pupils stomped their feet. "Courage, Honor, Loyalty, and Justice."
Jeremiah turned off his microphone, grinning to himself. A soft bead of tears fell on his cheek.
"DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTT!!!!!!!!!" Jeremiah screamed, his heart burdened and heavy.
The coffins were taken to a burial ground by people dressed in stark white, and the Family members were taken for further enquiries. As the students dispersed, a pain shot through Caesar's eyes.
He turned to see a mysterious student draped in a thick black robe walking towards the Council building. The student seemed to be invincible or unnoticeable as he passed the entire crowd with no reaction from other students.
The student suddenly stopped and turned to look at Caesar. Deep crimson eyes met Caesar's.
The student's face was hidden under the robe, but they were not denying it.
The pupil smiled.
As Caesar tried to call out to the pupil, the person vanished. He didn't run, or fly, or go through a portal; he just vanished.
"Caesar, you okay?" Izobel called out to him.
Caesar refused to burden his companions with any more of his curiosity, so he chose not ot mention it.
"I'm perfect, Izzy," He replied, "But I'm supposed to be asking you the same question. Where did that burst of confidence come from? And since when was your voice that loud?"
Caesar and Izobel walked behind Fenrir, Chalybe, and Zeus.
"I was just angry," Izobel answered.
"Huh?" Caesar exclaimed. "I know the announcer didn't sound especially friendly."
Izobel giggled, her veil protecting her beautiful eyes, which were covered in darkness.
" No, not that." Izobel sighed. "I was just filled wth so much anger that I turned it into the will of light, the light and fire of Zion."
Izobel looked at Caesar with her pink eyes. "I was just so angry that I had to rely on 'her' for help. I know I promised never to even think about it, but your death broke me. Before the power of Abyss, I did not during the fight."
After a brief moment of silence, Caesar flicked Izobel on her temple.
"Hey, what was that for?" She questioned with annoyance in her voice.
"Will you stop underestimating yourself?" Caesar said."You healed Chalybe enough for him to activate his Divinity. You continuously healed more students as they were getting hurt, you contributed to the battle when I defended the students from the figure, and you still tried to harm the figure even though it was next to impossible. You did a lot more than you realize, and I will not allow you to ridicule yourself. Abyss or not, you are powerful, Izobel."
Izobel was shocked by Caesar's words, and her mind was racing. She was happy for her heart, delighted to know she loved a truly wonderful man. r
"Thank you," Izobel whispered. "You also got a bit of a glow-up."
Caesar brushed his hair with his fingers; the once black and brown hair was now white with several splashes of color.
He bumped her with his forearm. "I will use my power to protect you, I promise."
Izobel folded her hands. "Who said I need your help? Maybe I will save you again, without Abyss."
Caesar laughed. "I believe you."
As they both walked while discussing the upcoming knight training, Izobel spotted Edith in a far distance, her face emotionless and terrifyingly still.
"I will also find Leofurn," Izobel said. "No matter what it takes."
Fenrir's head was clouded. As Zeus talked about the knight training, he could only think about one thing: How many of those students could he have saved?
He knew that the past was the past, but he wanted to help for the future.
He wanted to help as many people as he could, bringing them out from their dark times, and show them the light ahead.
As his mind raced, a girl's face popped up in his head. A warm smile, storm grey eyes, and an arch of soft clouds, sweet voice; he couldn't mistake it.
"Zeus, Chalybe," Fenrir said. "I have to go. Catch you guys later."
Before they could question him, Fenrir ran past the crowd with unnatural agility, and he made his way towards the school.
In the grand halls of the Academy, only one soul was found.
With walls of glass and floors of gloydon, a girl walked by herself. She did not wear any white attire, indicating that she didn't attend the funeral. Her eyes were teary, and her lips were pursed. Scratches and cuts were on her skin, and her hair was poorly kept.
Fenrir ran through the halls, using his inhuman pace to scan through every hall. He was still wearing the white suit, but it was unbuttoned, and the tie wasn't fastened around his neck.
As he found the lonely girl in the hallway, his face filled with worry. He rushed over to her and called her name.
Megara!!!
Megara turned around, with streaks of tears on her face, and her once white cloud was now deep scarlet.
She looked at Fenrir with bloodshot eyes and slowly turned away. As she was prepared to continue walking, Fenrir was already in front of her. She didn't look shocked or scared, but rather composed.
I was wondering why you didn't use your speed earlier, Megara whispered.
Fenrir was satisfied, happy that he had finally found her, but forgot that he had to say something.
He was scared that he would fail to make his classmate brighten up. But Fenrir is a risk-taker, always daring to take his chance on The Almighty.
You didn't attend the funeral, Fenrir said. Why?
Megara turned to look at the clearing clouds, making way for the suns to shine.
No one would want me there, Megara replied. Didn't you hear what people are saying about me?
Fenrir was delighted that he was able to get through to her, but he knew that he had to maintain the connection.
I don't care, Fenrir said with a higher volume. Rumours are just noise. That doesn't mean it is true.
Megara looked down and stared at the floor. But the rumours are true. You saw me, they all did.
I don't care, Megara. Fenrir sighed. I just want to know you are okay. They aren't true.
Yes, they are!!, Megara screamed. When others cried, I laughed. I ridiculed the severity of the battle and disrespected the dead. The I-- what I did to The Figure. I feel ashamed.
The face of the figure pierced through Megara's mind as she clenched her fist to prevent an outburst.
Her eyes produced more tears, and Fenrir felt guilty. He stretched his hands, wanting to clean the tears from her face, but Megara stopped him.
Don't waste your time on me, Megara whispered. You are a paragon. You have to maintain your impenetrable status. What if...
I don't care, Fenrir roared, which caught Megara off guard. What is the point of being the strongest when you can't use the strength to help those in need?, Fenrir cleaned the tears from her cheeks, like a friend.
The tears were warm to the touch, and the light from the Estrellos sun bathed Megara's deep grey hair. The chirps of birds danced through the morning air.
You can use the strength to save those that deserve it, Megara answered, trying to hold onto her pride, and I don't.
Megara tried to walk past Fenrir, but he grabbed her wrist. His touch was gentle, unlike his past lethal grips.
I'm not leaving a friend in peril, He said. I would rather save no one.
Megara struggled to break free from Fenrir's strong but light grasp.
What if people hate you for not hating me? Megara shouted. I can't let you ruin your reputation.
It's all bullshit!!!, Fenrir shouted. The fame, the glory, the money; What is the meaning of that when you have to chase it to sacrifice doing good?
Megara finally broke free from his grasp. She felt both her hearts pounding, trying desperately to leave the situation.
But people hate me now, Megara answered. How am I meant to win them back?
Fenrir could feel his fangs growing longer.
People this, people that. It doesn't matter. Stop trying to impress people, Fenrir shouted.
"But I'm a monster." Megara cried.
"Then I guess I would rather help a monster than to be a knight-"
Thoom.
The sound echoed through the vast hall.
Fenrir was shocked. His heart was tight, his breathing was hitched, and his face was tilted. Megara slapped Fenrir in the face. It didn't hurt Fenrir, but it was one of the most painful things he had ever experienced.
Megara gasped, her hand trembling over her mouth. Her eyes widened in horror, her palms hot on impact, as if realizing she'd just dimmed the one light pulling her from the dark.
I'm sorry, Megara said. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Megara dashed away, as Fenrir was left stunned. Voices were heard as students flooded the hallways. The pain on his face didn't compare to the pain in his heart.
Fenrir had failed, again.
But a firm hand landed on Fenrir's back, pulling him out of his daze.
"Fen, you okay?" Caesar asked. "Zeus and Chalybe were looking for you."
Fenrir slowly took Caesar's hand and placed it down.
"I'm fine," Fenrir said. "Just been busy."
Caesar knew that something was off, but he didn't desire to pressure his companion.
"It's hot in here," Fenrir said after a moment of silence.
Caesar stood still to feel the temperature.
"What do you mean, Fen?" Caesa replied. "It's pretty cold."
Fenir chuckled. "Nope, it's definitely hot."
Fenrir slowly touched his cheeks, feeling the heat of Megara's palm.
The feeling of her hands was still prevalent on his skin. There wasn't pain, but a great sorrow.
Fenrir took a deep breath, rearranging his thoughts and emotions.
Before Caesar could ask any more questions, a blare was heard. The Creyo trumpet echoed, slicing through the hallway with its unmistakable command. Fenrir's storm of thoughts was disturbed, as the world seemed to stand still.
Caesar's face was filled with excitement. Here it comes.
The thick clouds scatter and disperse, making way for a mighty presence. Heavy light from the 3 suns descended from the sky, being reflected by the object in the sky.
The royal trumpet has been sounded, signalling the arrival of a royal presence.
"It's here, huh?" Chalybe appeared from nowhere, standing beside Caesar. "Took them long enough."
Emerging from the clouds was pure splendour: A gigantic flying machine, white and Gloydon-plated 8 large mechanical wings on each side of its oval-shaped body.
The surface was riddled with awe: weapons, hexes, large machineries, and a cottage on top. Studded on the front were two giant flags, one showcasing the Zion flag and the other carrying the Winter emblem.
As the Sound of the Cero trumpet continued to play, the machine halted to a stop, gracefully over the academy.
"That's very pretty." A familiar voice whispered.
As Caesar looked to his right, he saw Aurelia, dressed in a beautiful white gown and adorned with a slaver tiara. Her eyes were fixed on the flying machine before they drifted to Caesar's surprised face.
"What, Honey?" Aurelia snickered. "Is it wrong to marvel at a beautiful Creation?"
"First, I'm not your honey," Caesar replied. "Second, what are you doing here?"
Aurelia sarcastically pouted while folding her arms.
"You didn't even check up on me," Aurelia answered. "You checked up on a lot of people, acquaintances and not, and you forgot about me. I had to deal with Fenrir sending me gift cards every day."
Fenrir didn't react, as he was still reflecting on his previous conversation.
"What happened to him?" Aurelia questioned.
"Nothing, Aurelia." Caesar said, "Go away, I'm not in the mood for your drama."
Caesar wasn't ready to face Aurelia, and Chalybe knew it. Nevertheless, Chalybe preferred Caesar to fight his battles.
Caesar, Chalybe, and Fenrir tried to walk away, but Aurelia grabbed Caesar's wrist.
"Do you think I'm just a corpse of bad manners and aggressiveness?" Aurelia's grip tightened. "What have I done to you to deserve this hatred. I still have feelings, you know. And I needed you because I thought you cared for me.
Caesar's heart turned heavy. "You know what you did."
Before Aurelia could respond, she suddenly let go. Startled, her body had moved against her will, as if someone else was controlling it.
Aurelia's hands were freed, and she heard a whisper close to her ear.
"What do you think you are doing?"
Aurelia turned to see Izobel's violet eyes staring at her.
"Why are you always seeking attention?" Izobel questioned. "Going around and disturbing my confidants isn't going to give that attention."
Aurelia's blood began to boil.
"Listen to me, you..."
"No, you listen to me." Izobel interrupted. "I have been letting you go scot free every time, but it won't happen again. Touch my companions again, especially Caesar, and your hands won't be the next thing I will control."
As Izobel was walking away, Aurelia called out, "How did you control my actions?"
"Sting of the bee allows me to control your nerves," Izobel looked back slightly, the golden avatar of a war bee floating behind her. "If that doesn't tell you I'm dangerous, it just shows how naive and foolish you are."
Aurelia was speechless, her mind blank with humiliation.
She grunted and walked away in shame. She stormed past the boys, calling out to her, ignoring every one of them.
She abruptly stopped, seeing a boy holding the hands of a female student. His touch was gentle, and her student's smile genuine.
She rushed to the ladies' restroom and locked herself in.
Her head was filling back with raw, painful memories. As she clenched her hair, hot drops of tears rushed out from her eyes.
You are weak...
The voices echoed, louder than before.
You are forever lonely...
Aurelia bit her hand angrily, and her blood gushed out. Red liquid was dripping all over the floor.
The stark white room, the painful experiment, the sinister apothecaries. She placed her hands on her right breast, still feeling the burning sensation of metal on her skin.
All alone, All alone...
Aurelia covered her mouth and made a muffled scream, with a patch of grass decaying outside.
She reached for her pockets and brought out her data sheet.
Name: Aurelia Rain Deadulus
Blessed Name: Mary
Year: Year 1
Year Rank: 36th out of 209
Divinity: None
Special trait: Contracts with battle nature spirits, Wielder of the Phantom soul, practitioner of the 6 magic attributes, hollow human genes, Contract with the Paladin Jophiel, contract with the 5 violet skyeaters, contract with Inuzami, and Wielder of the Bane of Nothingness.
Attributes: [Neverland], [Shadow step], [Surgeon], [Lady of the lake]
Class: Assassin – The shadow knight, the unseen victor.
Her tears and blood stained the sheet, and her nails punctured holes in the paper.
"I just wanted people to love me," Aurelia whispered, before sobbing uncontrollably.
As she was crying, a folded piece of paper slipped under the door. She cleaned her eyes and looked at the paper in confusion.
Aurelia carefully picked it up and unfolded it. It read:
"If you have no one to check on you, you have a wolf who cares for you."
"XOXO, Fenrir."
Aurelia stared at the paper, all the memories getting pushed back to the past. She gritted her teeth while clenching the paper.
She reached into a small pocket in her dress and pulled out a small metal kit. In just a few brumites, she masked the pain with makeup and erased the blood like it was never there.
"Believe, Aurelia, Believe."
Aurelia walked out of the restroom and spotted one of her inferiors. The student rushed over to her, carrying stacks of notebooks and scrolls.
"Miss Aurelia," The student said. "I was looking everywhere for you."
She wouldn't let the cockroach queen break her or her honor. She was a queen in her own right.
"Atlanta, my dear." Aurelia flicked her hair. "Today, we dominate this world."
Aurelia's heart skipped a beat when the loud trumpet continued playing.
Students of Black Meadows Academy. You have just one mission today.
Fenrir clenched his fist.
Chalybe grinned.
Izobel folded her arms.
Zeus walked the halls with determination and grit.
Aurelia placed her hands on her waist.
Jacques inspected his machinery with indestructible focus.
Caesar's right eye flared crimson.
BE THE GREATEST!!!!!
.
In a dark room, lost to the cause of time and history, a large throne sat in the shadows.
Voices from the thick blackness whispered, the air rich with secrets and untapped mysteries.
Sat on the throne was The Figure, draped in his pure black attire with slaver claws and helmet. His slaver-beaked ravens cawed and beckoned to him as they flocked around their monarch.
"So, what's next?" The voice of the boy bound to the throne by chains resonated in The Figure's head, his grin sinister and dark.
The Figure's green eyes glistened in the dark. "Zion is nothing but a society of devils that labelled me one. What's next... is nothing but a war to end the real devils.
"Zion has been shrouded in the beauty called pure evil," The boy said, "And they are training children to uphold that disgusting agenda. How ruthless."
A raven landed on The Figure's claw. "I have scarred Shawnforth, Black Meadows, and the child I failed to kill. Chester Mine was the past; now my future is certain. I shall make that kingdom fall. And I don't care if I have to be a devil or a god."
The Figure's goal didn't change, but evolved, past his wildest dreams. To be strong enough to execute his plan. To evolve fast enough to purge any obstacle.
He shall fight to destroy and defend, Corrupt and withhold.
"Welcome back." The boy laughed.
The ravens cawed louder, worshipping their god and their devil.
"I see it," The Figure whispered. "A Hoggoth man, mid-30s, planning to kill his 7-year-old son through suffocation. What if I...?.
Deep in the city of Shawnforth, a Hoggoth man's lungs collapsed. Moments later, he died by his own thoughts.
"They see me as a Figure, but I am... Unkindness."
A war is coming.