Aira's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the sound of her own voice, still echoing in her mind. "Leo..." She had screamed his name, and now she was awake, surrounded by the dimly lit interior of a carriage. Jean was riding the carriage, his face set in a determined expression as he navigated the streets.
Melaina was still fast asleep, her gentle snores a stark contrast to the chaos that had erupted outside. Aira's memories came flooding back, and she remembered the Rebellion's attack, the feeling of helplessness as they took Leo away.
As she looked out the window, Aira saw that it was still night, the darkness punctuated only by the occasional flicker of torches or the glow of burning buildings. The streets were a mess, filled with injured people and the acrid smell of smoke and blood.
"Where are we heading?" Aira asked Jean, her voice barely above a whisper.
"To the Melanthos farmhouse," Jean replied, his voice firm. "The mansion is no longer safe."
Aira's gaze lingered on the ruined streets, her heart heavy with worry. She had to find Leo, no matter what it took. As she thought about the young boy, a sad look crossed her face. She remembered the first time they met, his curious eyes and gentle touch.
It was mid-August, five years ago. The air was thick with smoke and the smell of blood hung heavy over the streets. Aira, a woman of 35, was a force to be reckoned with, her movements swift and deadly as she took down soldiers with precision.
She had been trying to protect a family from the soldiers' brutal attack, but it seemed like a losing battle. The house was ablaze, the flames licking at the windows as Aira fought to save those inside.
Finally, after defeating the soldiers, Aira ran into the burning building, her heart racing with fear for the family's safety. The heat was intense, the smoke choking her as she searched for any signs of life.
And then, she saw him. A small, five-year-old boy, surrounded by flames, his tiny body shaking with fear. He was lying next to his mother, who lay still, her eyes frozen in death. Aira's heart broke as she realized the boy was alone, his mother gone.
With a cry, Aira rushed to the boy's side, scooping him up in her arms as she turned to make a hasty retreat from the burning building. But as she emerged into the bright sunlight, she was met with the sight of more soldiers, their faces twisted with cruelty as they closed in on her.
Aira knew she had to act fast, to protect the young boy from the same fate as his mother. She gripped him tightly, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of escape. The soldiers were closing in, their footsteps pounding the ground as they gave chase.
Aira took off, the boy clinging to her as she ran for her life. She could feel the soldiers' hot breath on her neck, their snarls of rage echoing through the streets. But Aira didn't look back, her focus solely on getting the boy to safety.
As she ran, the boy's small body trembled with fear, his eyes wide with terror. But Aira held him close, her heart aching with compassion for the young boy who had lost so much in such a short time. She knew she had to get him to a safe place, to keep him from harm.
And so, she ran, the boy clinging to her as she fought to protect him from the dangers that lurked around every corner. Little did she know, this chance encounter would change her life forever.
Aira's thoughts were a jumble of emotions, but she knew she had to stay focused. She had to find a way to rescue Leo and take down the Rebellion. The carriage continued to move, carrying Aira and her companions towards the relative safety of the Melanthos farmhouse.
But Aira's mind was already racing ahead, planning her next move. She would not rest until she found Leo and brought him home.
Aira's eyes narrowed as she gazed out at the ruined streets, her mind racing with the implications of Jean's words. "Make a turn and head straight to the High Court," she commanded, her voice firm and resolute.
But Jean's response was hesitant, his voice laced with doubt. "There's no use, my lady," he said, his eyes flicking towards the streets.
Aira's gaze snapped back to Jean, her expression questioning. "Why?" she asked, her voice sharp with impatience.
Jean's expression was grim as he replied, "News has spread that ships have been harbored at different countries with millions of Unchosens from different countries getting on the ship with the help of the Rebellion. It seems they've heard of Commanding Protector's plan to start an assault and acted fast."
Aira's eyes widened as she processed Jean's words. How could the Rebellion have assembled so many ships in just a few hours? Was this their escape plan in case of an assault, or was this war planned? And who was the Supreme, the mysterious figure that Kael had mentioned?
Aira's mind was a whirlwind of questions, but she knew she had to stay focused. She couldn't let the Rebellion's plans distract her from her goal of finding Leo and taking down the Rebellion.
As the carriage continued to move, Aira's gaze turned inward, her thoughts consumed by the mystery of the Rebellion's plans. She knew she had to get to the bottom of this, to uncover the truth behind the Rebellion's actions.
But for now, she had to put those questions aside and focus on the immediate task at hand. She had to get to the High Court, to gather information and plan her next move. The fate of Leo and the entire realm hung in the balance, and Aira was determined to do whatever it took to save them.
As Aira entered the High Court, she was met with a somber atmosphere. The court members and judges were huddled together, their faces etched with concern and worry. They were in the midst of a heated discussion, their voices hushed but urgent.
"...This war was planned," one of the judges remarked, her voice laced with conviction. "But by who?" she added, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for answers.
Aira noticed that most of the court members seemed downtrodden, their usual confidence and composure shaken. Perhaps it was because they had lost loved ones or seen the devastating effects of the war firsthand.
Aira's thoughts turned to her own situation, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. "I repeated many times that discrimination wasn't the right way to rule, but no one heeded my words," she lamented. "And now I'm to pay the price for it with my own son."
Just as the discussion was reaching a boiling point, a messenger rushed in, his face flushed with urgency. "Your Honors, I've come with news from the scouts," he announced. "It's been confirmed that the Unchosens from different countries will board a ship funded by the Rebellion and head for the Atlantic Ocean, where they'll meet on Ascension Island, owned by Britain."
The room fell silent, the weight of the messenger's words sinking in. Aira's eyes widened as she processed the information. The Rebellion's plan was more extensive than she had initially thought.
The court members and judges began to murmur among themselves, their voices filled with concern and speculation. Aira's gaze locked onto the messenger, her mind racing with questions. What did this mean for Leo, and what was the Rebellion's ultimate goal?
As the messenger finished speaking, the room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Aira's eyes locked onto the messenger, her mind racing with questions. What did this mean for Leo, and what was the Rebellion's ultimate goal?
The court members and judges began to murmur among themselves, their voices filled with concern and speculation. Aira's gaze swept the room, taking in the reactions of the various factions.
Suddenly, a figure stood up from the back of the room, their presence commanding attention. It was an elderly woman with long, silver hair and piercing green eyes.
"Your Honors," she began, her voice low and measured, "I believe we have a critical situation on our hands. The Rebellion's plan is clear: they intend to gather the Unchosens and flee to Ascension Island. But what lies beyond this?"
The woman's eyes locked onto Aira, her gaze piercing. "Tell me, Commander, what do you know of the Rebellion's plans?"
Aira hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about the woman's demeanor put her at ease. "I know they're searching for something," she said slowly. "Something they believe will give them the upper hand."
The woman nodded thoughtfully. "I see. And what of the Supreme? Have you heard anything about this figure?"
Aira shook her head. "Only rumors, Your Honor. Some say the Supreme is a powerful leader, while others claim it's a myth."
The woman's eyes narrowed. "I believe the Supreme is very real, Commander. And I think we're about to find out what their true intentions are."
A man's voice trembled as he whispered "Drakonwych", his words laced with fear. The room's attention snapped to him, everyone's eyes widening in unison.
The Drakonwych clan originated in the medieval era, emerging from the shadows of a mystical forest in Eastern Europe. Their name is derived from the ancient language, with "Drakon" meaning "dragon" and "Wych" signifying "magic" or "enchantment."
Legend has it that the Drakonwych family was once a humble tribe of skilled healers, alchemists, and seers. However, as they delved deeper into the mysteries of the forest, they discovered an ancient artifact – a dragon's scale imbued with powerful magic.
This artifact, known as the "Heart of the Dragon," granted the Drakonwych family immense power and insight. They became adept at harnessing the element of fire, mastering pyromancy, and developing a deep understanding of the workings of the universe.
As their abilities grew, so did their influence. The Drakonwych clan expanded, attracting like-minded individuals and forming alliances with other powerful families. They became known for their wisdom, mysticism, and unparalleled magical prowess.
Throughout history, the Drakonwych clan has been shrouded in mystery, with whispers of their involvement in shaping the course of human events. Some believe they have manipulated world leaders, while others think they have protected the world from unseen threats.
Their true intentions remain unknown, but one thing is certain – the Drakonwych clan is a force to be reckoned with, and their influence continues to shape the world from behind the scenes.
In the aftermath of the Awakening, Britain found itself with one of the lowest rates of awakened individuals, with only 5% of its population transformed into true beings. A mere hundred people emerged as Protectors, endowed with superhuman powers. Notably, Britain remained neutral during the First Paradox War, abstaining from involvement in the global conflict.
Following the war, the Chosens, driven by greed, opted to collaborate with the new constitution established by Nyxoria, which governed the entire world. This decision led to the exploitation and raiding of Britain's Unchosens. However, the Drakonwych clan, infamous for their ruthless tactics, intervened and swiftly took control of Britain in less than a day, eliminating the Chosens with brutal efficiency.
Unlike the Melanthos, the Drakonwych clan is arguably the strongest and most merciless, with a reputation for unyielding ferocity. They have since made Ascension Island their home, where they remain to this day.
Aira's eyes widened in shock as she realized the Drakonwych clan's true stance on the Paradox Orb. They believed it was a divine ruse, a ploy by the gods to alter humanity's course. The revelation left her stunned, her mind reeling with the implications. Without hesitation, she rushed out of the court, which remained surprisingly intact despite the war's ravages. The grand halls and ornate chambers seemed almost untouched, a stark contrast to the chaos that had engulfed the world.
She hastened to her carriage, the horses' hooves clattering on the stone pavement. "Jean, take me to Stormhaven Port," she instructed, her voice firm and resolute. The carriage lurched forward, carrying her through the winding streets of the city.
Meanwhile, the Protectors had received orders to intercept the ships and stop them at all costs. They were a formidable force, their skills honed to perfection through years of training and battle. Their leader, a seasoned warrior, stood on the deck of their flagship, gazing out at the horizon. The wind whipped through her hair as she watched the ships they were pursuing.
Leo, on the other hand, found himself in a mysterious room, with an unfamiliar girl standing by the door. The room was small, with plain white walls and a single window that offered a view of the endless ocean. As he gazed out the window, he saw only water, realizing he must be on a ship. The thought sent a shiver down his spine.
The rebellion girl, who had taken Leo from Aira, stood by the door, her eyes fixed on him. "You're awake," she said, her voice neutral. Leo asked, "Where are we going?" The girl's response was curt: "Somewhere." Leo expressed his desire to see his mother, worried about him, but the girl retorted, "You talk a little too much for a toddler." Leo gazed at her, then fell silent, his eyes narrowing as he tried to process his situation.
Aira arrived at the sea port, the salty air filling her lungs as she grabbed a boat and set sail towards a distant ship. The wind was in her favor, and she made good time, her eyes fixed on the ship as it grew larger on the horizon. As she looked back, she spotted another group of soldiers in matching uniforms – the Nyxian Vigilants, an elite death squad comprised of powerful Protectors. Aira knew this would be a perilous encounter.
A Vigilante approached her in a boat, saying, "My Honor, you shouldn't be here." Aira attempted to plead with him, but he replied, "Orders are orders, My Lady. I advise you to leave." Aira refused to back down, speeding her boat towards the ship. However, she was no match for the Vigilantes' aetherial fire blasts, which struck the ship, causing it to explode in a turbulent blaze. The explosion sent shockwaves through the water, rocking Aira's boat violently. She clung to the sides, her knuckles white as she struggled to maintain her balance.
Aira's eyes were frozen on the spot where the ship had exploded, her mind reeling with the devastating consequences of the Vigilantes' actions. The boy, Leo, had been so full of life, and now he was gone, lost in the depths of the ocean. The thought of his tiny body being consumed by the waves was almost too much to bear.
She felt a wave of grief wash over her, her chest heavy with the weight of her failure to protect him. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she thought about the promises she had made to herself to keep him safe. The sound of the explosion still echoed in her ears, a haunting reminder of her powerlessness.
Aira's gaze drifted out to the sea, the horizon stretching out before her like an endless canvas of blue. She felt lost and alone, adrift in a world that seemed determined to crush her. The Vigilantes' boat drew closer, their faces a blur as she struggled to come to terms with what had just happened.
In that moment, Aira felt like she was drowning in her own despair, the weight of her grief threatening to consume her. She couldn't shake the image of Leo's face from her mind, his bright smile and curious eyes now forever etched in her memory. The pain of losing him was a raw, open wound, and she didn't know how to begin the process of healing.
Meanwhile,
The messenger, a hooded figure with a determined look, climbed the rope leading into the ship, his movements swift and agile. As he reached the deck, he approached the rebellion leader, who stood with a confident grin on her face. "The decoy ship has been blown up," he relayed, his voice low and urgent.
The rebellion leader's grin only grew wider as she turned to the messenger. "Everything is sorted, no need to worry," she said, her voice dripping with confidence. She pointed towards the back of the ship, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Everyone's gaze followed her gesture, their eyes fixed on the horizon. At first, it seemed like nothing was out of the ordinary. But as they looked closer, they saw it – a fleet of ships, stretching as far as the eye could see. Each ship was packed with thousands, maybe even millions, of Unchosens, all heading in their direction.
The realization dawned on them slowly, but when it did, it was like a tidal wave crashing over the shore. The rebellion leader's plan was unfolding perfectly, and the stakes were higher than ever. The fate of the Unchosens, and perhaps the world, hung in the balance.
The rebellion leader's eyes shone with excitement as she turned to face the gathering, her arm sweeping out in a grand gesture. "Behold, our sanctuary for the Unchosens," she declared, her voice carrying across the waves. Her finger pointed towards the horizon, where the outline of Ascension Island rose from the sea like a green jewel.
As the ships approached the island, the Unchosens were met with a mixture of curiosity and caution. The Drakonwych clan, with their imposing presence and air of mystery, stood watchful and alert, their eyes scanning the newcomers with a mixture of interest and suspicion.
Meanwhile, Leo emerged from the ship, his small frame dwarfed by the towering figure of the girl who guarded him. She never seemed to tire of gazing at him, her eyes fixed on his face with an unnerving intensity. Leo, however, seemed oblivious to her attention, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings with a mixture of wonder and trepidation.
As they stepped onto the island's sandy shores, the warm sun beat down on them, and the scent of tropical flowers filled the air. The Unchosens began to disperse, some exploring the island's lush interior, while others gathered around the Drakonwych, seeking answers to the questions that swirled in their minds. Leo, still under the girl's watchful eye, wandered away from the crowd, his curiosity getting the better of him as he explored the island's secrets.
The Drakonwych clan warmly welcomed their visitors, and a grand feast was held in their honor. The tables were laden with exotic delicacies, and the air was filled with laughter and music. However, amidst the celebration, a sense of determination and purpose hung in the air.
"We will fight for our rights and avenge the deaths of our loved ones who lost their lives in the hands of those so-called Chosens," one of the Drakonwych declared, their voice filled with conviction. The room fell silent, and the guests nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination.
Meanwhile, Leo was taken to a room by a rebellion member and a member of the Drakonwych family. The girl who had been guarding him performed some magic on him while he was still unconscious. When he finally woke up, it was as if he had been reborn. His eyes were blank, and his expression was vacant.
"How was your sleep, Master?" the lady asked him politely, her voice gentle. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she gazed at Leo, now a crucial piece in their plan to defeat the Chosens. Leo was then moved out of the room and they walked in the direction of where the feast was being held.
The room fell silent as everyone's gaze turned to Echidna Drakonwych and Leo. The leader of the rebellion pointed at Leo, who seemed to have lost all memory of his past, including the events of the previous night. "He's Scion Drakonwych," the leader declared, their voice filled with conviction.
"And with him, we now have a trump card who will help us win this battle against the Chosens," the leader continued, their voice dripping with confidence. "A boy sent to us by the Supreme, with abilities that will give us the upper hand in this war."
The room erupted into a mixture of whispers and gasps, as the guests struggled to comprehend the significance of Leo's new identity and his role in their plan to defeat the Chosens. The Drakonwych clan's leader, Echidna, smiled, her eyes gleaming with excitement, as she gazed at Leo, the young boy who held the key to their victory.
The man's words cut deep into Aira's resolve, his tone dripping with malice. "Aira, you will be our trump card to stop the rest of the Unchosens," he remarked, his eyes gleaming with calculation.
Aira kept her cool, her expression neutral, but her eyes flashed with anger. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I have any reason to partake in a silly war," she replied, her voice firm.
The man's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "He's dead, Aira. He was bound to die. He's an Unchosen. It's time you form a family bond with us, the true beings."
Aira's eyes widened, but she quickly hid her anger, her face smoothing into a mask of calm. "It's up to me to decide if he's dead or not," she replied, her voice steady.
With that, she turned and walked away, joining Jean and Melaina, who was already awake, in the carriage. As they headed home, Melaina's innocent question pierced the air. "Where's Leo, Mum?"
Aira's face faltered, and she couldn't answer. Jean's expression changed, his eyes clouding over with concern. The silence that followed was oppressive, the weight of their words hanging in the air like a challenge.
The world had indeed changed, and a new era had begun. The Chosens who survived the war now knew they might not survive the next one. The requiem had begun, and the stage was set for a new chapter in the struggle between the Chosens and the Unchosens.