Unfit to Lead
I crossed my arms, leaning against the sturdy pillar of the arena. Skarvek had gone to get snacks from the vending machine, leaving Noctira and me standing under the star's rays.
How stiff and sharp they are.
The once-star-turned black hole of the Zionalma Kingdom, Zriuctekt** was mellow. It was less harsh compared to the one belonging to Earth.
'Sun.' They called their star.
"When is that man going to come back?"
Noctira groaned, swinging her whip-sword hybrid.
I gave her a look before looking off into the distance of the sky.
This star burned. Crude. Unrefined.
It didn't burn AVA's eyes—their stars were the brightest among known civilizations.
AVA's stars were luminous—two of them, locked in perfect orbit for billions of years.
Rays pierced through my skin. I lifted a hand, shading my eyes from the bright rays. Light prickled against my green eyes. My eyes flickered, trying to adjust. It had been a small while since we arrived on Earth. I should have adjusted by now.
My body resisted every second I remained on this mud planet.
When will we return?
"Here," Skarvek said, tossing the snack packet toward me.
My hand moved faster than my eyes, catching the packet.
I raised an eyebrow as I looked down at the snack. Spicy-flavored chips?
I popped it open, taking one and putting it into my mouth.
"The taste is… strong," Noctira said, her face scrunching up.
"I heard that the people of Thailand have more flavorful food," Skarvek said.
"Thailand? What is that?" Noctira questioned.
I stayed silent, watching and listening to both of them as I ate the snack.
"It is a country. Like how we have Zithanbhi and Yzekaret."
"Since when do you care?" Noctira said, a note of disgust in her voice. "Are you starting to like it here?"
"No, of course not. As if I would like these repulsive muddlings and their place. I heard the cafeteria lady talking about it. She is from Thailand."
"Don't get attached here."
"Of course I won't. You think I'd grow fond of them?"
"Noctira! Skarvek! Reaver!"
My head snapped toward the familiar, angry voice of Solare. She was always mad at us for something.
We had no respect for her. No one did. Not after what her father had done. A fierce warrior, one of the greatest and he became a defiler.
Zionalma spits on those who taint the bloodline.
"Noctira! Skarvek! Reaver!"
She rushed over, stopping in front of us. Panting.
"I need you."
"Need us for what?" Noctira said, crossing her arms and looking down at Solare.
"You three are going to Clematis City and bring back samples."
"Samples? What are we? A laboratory clerk?"
A faint smirk pulled at my lips. Noctira took a large step forward, coming face to face with Solare, trying to intimidate her. Noctira had to look down at her since Solare was a few inches shorter.
Solare didn't back down either, meeting her eye to eye.
"You three are going," Solare said.
A pause.
"That is final."
"No, we are not," Noctira shot back.
"You are going. First Elder Ojmaris said so."
"You think we care about the First Elder's order?"
Noctira stepped forward—close enough to tower over her.
"You should. The only way to go back to Zionalma is through him."
Noctira scoffed, rolling her eyes. I watched as her shoulder tensed up, ready to put Solare in her position.
She wasn't wrong.
But she wasn't right either. Not fully.
"You three are going."
Solare said, putting a full stop to her command.
She wasn't good enough to lead us. She wasn't strong enough to fight us. She was a taint on the pure line of Zionalma.
One day, Noctira would take her down.
Everything will be consumed by Noctira.
Her place. Her throne. Her honor.
And I would watch from the sidelines.
Enjoying it.
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Notes:
Zriuctekt: A massive black hole that the Zionalma Kingdom orbits.