"He can kill a god, can't he? Then choose him and make sure he suffers beyond his limits."
It was pitch black and suffocating in a misty, cold venue. Walls of Oberon—light-stealing gems—were carved with unfamiliar markings, decorating the room's border, but there was more to be found.
The room was filled with dead bodies. All were beheaded and hanging from the ceiling of the cold room, like raining corpses. A translucent window allowed the 4th moon, Iago, to pierce through and provide a minuscule amount of light, but that wasn't enough to save the room of the blasphemy that hid within.
The blue light of Iago bathed various items: weapons, gloydon and slaver platters, blood-stained armour, and even broken automobile machinery. Even though the room was cold, misty, and blanketed with pure darkness chasing away the moon's light, the room was inhabited.
The blue light of Iago made out a bland stone throne surrounded by slaver beak ravens. It wasn't decorated in the brightest materials or surrounded by the most loyal subjects, but the Throne radiated an eerie feeling of sorrow and treachery.
On the throne sat a man. The man had pale skin and a sickly stature, dressed in an all black robe, decorated with bones, dark feathers, and other unrecognizable materials. Though he was draped in all black, he was a walking weapon.
His fingers were tipped with long, sharp metal claws, and his head was protected by a slaver helmet shaped as a Slaver beak raven, like a crown. He had heavy, swamp green eyes with streaks of dried blood running down his sulky cheek. His eyes were bare and sorrowful, filled to the brim with Unkindness. Unkindness?
But in all honesty, the black robed man was rather beautiful. His face was well sculptured, with his green eyes complementing his features better. An otherworldly irony.
We have finally found it. The man whispered in a hollow but well-polished voice. The chosen child. We have finally located him.
Silence replied the man.
That damn preacher thinks she can hide him for long.
He raised his eyebrows, as if he were expecting a reply from the shadows.
Suddenly, the laughter of a male voice resonated in the man's head. The laughter sounded like a million echoes melodically playing in perfect harmony.
It was indeed a hassle. The voice echoed. But I can't lie that she has a ... peculiar choice.
The black robed man smiled in delight. I guess all the deaths to date weren't in waste. His smile disappeared. Even for you, my dear friend.
Behind the throne was a young teenager. He was naked, bound in thick chains with sturdy nails driven into his abdomen, shoulders, and forehead. His face was plastered with blood, with his eyes covered in a metal band. He wasn't dead, or alive - He had long forgotten what it felt like to be alive.
The male voice sighed. The preacher's presence hasn't been sensed. The voice paused. What if the kid isn't the one?
The blood on the man's cheeks got redder. I will take the blame, of course.
Silence fell on the two.
What? The man asked worriedly.
It's time for you to stop blaming yourself. The voice said. Ever since the fall of Chester mine...
Don't remind me of that day. The man winced as a raven perched on his shoulder.
I am not trying to play with your feelings. The voice's tone shifted. I just want to slap you awake. When our master first chose us, you were confident, you were unstoppable, and you were always boasting about your success, impressing our master.
Guess pride comes with a fall.
Ever since the failure at Chester Mine, you have been a coward. The voice sounded hurt. Running away from your responsibility and your purpose is not like you. Tell me the truth, is that what the old would you have done?
That man is dead, The Man screamed.
To me, he isn't. The voice screamed louder.
A heavy silence fell on the two, as the black robed man was humbled.
How does the preacher show herself? The voice broke the silence.
She will wait for the host to reach near death, the man replied. And she will draw him or her to her heaven, enlightening them and granting them her protection. The heaven was supposed to resemble a synagogue.
Interesting, the voice said. It will surely be an experience to remember.
The man laughed. Do you remember our enlightenment?
The voice joined in on the laughter.
Don't blame yourself for my predicament, the voice whispered. Or our master will not be happy.
The man stood up, with the unkindness of ravens flocking around him, greeting their master.
I will go to eliminate the Chosen. The man dusted himself. Maybe I will stop at The Percival's mansion.
I'm not going anywhere.
The two men laughed again.
Where is the chosen one? The man asked.
The voice became deeper and more sinister.
The Black Meadows Academy.
Caesar's excitement and joy evaporated when he saw Aurelia.
As most boys will be overjoyed for Aurelia to blow a kiss at them, Caesar was annoyed.
He was more than ready for his first day, smartly dressed in the Academy's uniform - a white buttoned long-sleeved shirt, with a black blazer featuring the Black meadow Emblem on the right side of the attire. His legs were covered in well-ironed black trousers, and his feet were protected by midnight black polished shoes.
The maiden's name was Aurelia Rain Deadelus.
The girl elegantly walked towards Caesar, ignoring her other companions. She wore the same uniform as Izobel, but with rolled-up sleeves and a shorter skirt. Her deep brown hair swayed with the wind, with her sly amber eyes were fixated on Caesar.
Oh my beautiful Caesar, Aurelia said. You look dashing as always.
Caesar wanted to push her away, but he remembered his mother's words.
If you hit a woman,you are going to die in 5 days and then be reincarnated as a Mud weasel. She would always say.
That was how innocent Evelyn Joy Percival was.
Caesar took a deep breath and counted to 10. Aurelia's animal flew away while chasing some birds.
Hello, Aurelia, Caesar managed. How was your holiday?
Aurelia eyed Chalybe and scoffed at Izobel.
Caesar, my love, Arelia gasped. My holiday was so stressful. Can you believe that my father wanted me to learn how to use a rifle to enhance my gifts? Of course, I was a natural, but I wanted you to see me.
Caesar could see Izobel's annoyance, but Chalybe looked level headed than disturbed. That was a reason why Caesar needed Chalybe; he needed a best friend who could always be calm in the face of panic, and also someone who would stop Caesar when he was about to make dangerous mistakes.
Uhm, Aurelia, Caesar scratched his hair. We aren't that close.
Aurelia gasped. So you would rather have leisure with this than with me? Aurelia said, pointing at Izobel.
Izobel frowned. Caesar can choose who he wants to spend his time with.
Aurelia catwalked towards Izobel.
I know, Aurelia said. But it's sad he chose someone like you.
Izobel took a step towards Aurelia. What does that mean?
You aren't all that, Aurelia smiled. You just dress in doll clothes and believe you are the most beautiful.
Izobel's pink hair started to sparkle bright lilac, but Chalybe held her wrist, urging her to calm down.
Aurelia noticed Izobel's annoyance and tried to take advantage.
Caesar, tell your cockroach queen to settle down.
Caesar and Chalybe looked shocked, and Izobel took two steps back.
What? You think I don't know about her divinity? Aurelia laughed, I can't believe you were able to defeat someone as powerful as Edith during the trials, but I was sure she didn't go down easily.
Izobel gritted her teeth. You know nothing, Aurelia.
Are you sure, Creting glowing bugs to heal injuries, Aurelia scoffed. Like how is a divinity as useless as yours? Find a way into this academy. I am sure it was pity because... "
Caesar suddenly started to look around, which caught Aurelia off guard.
What are you looking for? Aurelia asked.
Oh, sorry, Caesar smiled. I was looking for somebody who asked for your opinion.
Chalybe turned his head to hide a chuckle, and Izobel couldn't help but smile. Caesar saw Izobel almost cry today, and didn't want to see her go through that again.
Before Aurelia could say anything, a loud voice called out across the Academy compound. "Caesaaaaaaaaa!!!"
The group looked up to see a brown, hovering automobile. A boy jumped out and landed next to Caesar, his animalistic grin unmistakable.
Fenrir Glen Endymion, the son of Charles Hiro Endymion, a famous Demi-wolf who was a Grand Marshall in the Eyes of Odin, the 3rd most powerful knight faction in Zion.
He was as tall as Chalybe, but he was more muscular. His sunset orange hair spiked out, and his nails were inhumanly sharp. His uniform already had some holes, but it looked unnaturally good on Fenrir. Another unique feature of Fenrir was his sharp, amber cat-like eyes, his pure white, razor-sharp teeth, and multiple scars around his body. This is normal for Fenrir's clan, the Demi-wolves - humans that possess wolf features and abilities.
A shiver went down Chalybe's spine when he saw Fenrir.
Izobel's eye beamed. Fen, long time no see.
What's with the grand entrances today? Caesar mused.
Fenrir laughed, but Chalybe remained cold.
This was the boy who almost killed the prince of Zion.