In the outskirts of The Sacred Forest, General Bobby smiled and flicked a few switches. "Kids, this is going to be your first time going to The Capital. Brace yourselves for a long trip," he suggested, and the helicopter ascended.
As the helicopter flew up, Stark, Matteo, Hafen, and Pepe looked out the windows. Energy radiated from the forest like a mystical fog. Overseeing The Sacred Forest, they were amazed by the sight.
The helicopter turned around and headed for The Capital. It flew over a massive river flowing into the forest.
As they flew towards The Capital, the three brothers passed by multiple walled cities. They saw grasslands filled with mysterious ruins and the skeleton of a gargantuan human.
"Who lives in those ruins," Matteo inquired.
"They are abandoned. Only monsters harbor them," General Bobby answered.
The helicopter descended to a military base.
"Is this The Capital," Hafen asked.
General Bobby corrected, "No, it's a military base. We must refuel."
"Maybe we could grab a snack, too," Pepe proposed. His stomach rumbled.
Soon, they were back to the skies, and they could see The Capital in the distance.
The Capital was a walled city next to a rampant river. Compared to other cities, its border walls towered immensely over the landscape. Big towers were built with dozens of soldiers keeping surveillance.
As they flew over, Pepe, Hafen, Matteo, and Stark marveled at the sight of the big city.
Inside the city, the area was filled with tall skyscrapers and heavily populated by soldiers.
After a while, the helicopter headed to a majestic building.
"Ah, there it is. It's the control center of Stribora, The Headquarters," General Bobby remarked.
The Headquarters' appearance conveyed pristine care and attention. Most of all, it presented importance.
Workers wiped down its windows with sweat and persistence, and there were always people walking in and out with urgency. They either wore exquisite military uniforms, expensive suits, or fancy dresses.
The helicopter landed on a helipad at the top.
Stark quickly hopped out and ran to the edge. He was energetic and ecstatic.
Matteo, Hafen, and Pepe stepped out and joined him. They looked out towards the city, awestruck by the scenery.
"So, this is The Capital," Stark declared and raised his hands.
Matteo gulped and slowly nodded. "I think so," he mumbled.
Hafen gazed around. "This is the mecca of Stribora. It's well taken care of," he commented.
Pepe frowned and scratched his head. He questioned, "Where are the trees? How do they get their food?"
"Kids! Follow me," General Bobby urged and motioned. He walked towards a door.
Hafen, Matteo, Stark, and Pepe turned around and obeyed.
By the door, a woman stood and waved at them. She wore a white shirt and a black skirt, and she had pointy ears. Her grey hair flowed down her back, and her skin was pale.
"Hello. It's been a while. How are you," General Bobby asked and reached his hand out.
The woman shook his hand. She tilted her head and questioned, "I'm doing well. I'm sorry, but do I know you?"
General Bobby was stunned. "It's me, General Bobby," he reiterated and pointed at himself.
The woman paused for a moment. "I'm sorry, but I don't remember you," she apologized and smiled.
"Uh-huh," General Bobby sighed.
The woman shook his hand once more and asserted, "It's nice to meet you."
General Bobby informed, "Kids, this is the assistant of the supreme commander. She's a little forgetful."
The assistant let go and glanced at Stark, Matteo, Pepe, and Hafen. She queried, "Are they new recruits?" Her yellow eyes were emotionless. She seemed soulless.
General Bobby affirmed.
After making eye contact, Pepe, Matteo, Stark, and Hafen felt a cold chill down their spines. They did not like it.
The assistant noticed their faces of disgust. "Ah, you all must be the heroes of the Zombies War. Welcome, and thank you for your service. Please, come in," she requested.
General Bobby, Pepe, Hafen, Matteo, and Stark followed her through the door. Inside, they were in a tiny room, and the doors closed.
The assistant pressed a button, and the room rapidly descended.
Matteo, Hafen, Stark, and Pepe were taken aback.
"We're falling," Pepe shouted.
Matteo cried out, "It's a trap!"
Hafen looked for a way out.
Stark furrowed his eyebrows and reassured, "Don't worry, guys. I'll break us out." He touched the glass wall and prepared to punch with his other hand.
General Bobby grabbed Stark's shoulder and informed, "Calm down, kids. We are inside an elevator. We are simply moving through floors of the building."
Just then, the elevator reached an open room, and light shone through the glass.
Stark, Hafen, Matteo, and Pepe stared out the wall. They were inside The Headquarters.
People, in professional outfits, walked around the open and fancy room. Some of them with papers or a radio in hand. Others lined up to display their badge to the front desk clerks.
In the middle of the room, the statue of a man struck a pose and carried a torch of blue flames. He also wore a crown. The interior design was extravagant.
As the elevator doors opened, the assistant and General Bobby stepped out.
Hafen, Stark, and Matteo were astounded by everything.
Pepe stared at the statue and questioned, "Who is that?"
"He is Darius, the current leader of humanity and supreme commander of Stribora," General Bobby revealed.
Pepe gazed in admiration.
General Bobby took a deep breath. He turned to the kids and smiled. "Well, this is where we will be separating ways," he muttered.
Pepe frowned and asked, "Where are you going?"
"Since I'm here, I must talk with a few people. After this war, I will retire. I'll make a formal announcement," General Bobby divulged. His face softened. He bowed and expressed, "It was a pleasure having you in my army. See you in the battlefield."
Pepe, Stark, Hafen, and Matteo bowed back.
General Bobby nodded and advised, "Follow her, now." He walked away and disappeared in the crowd.
Pepe waved and yelled, "Take care, General Bobby!"
Afterwards, Pepe, Matteo, Hafen, and Stark followed the assistant through the hallway.
People gave surprised looks as they walked past them.
Hafen noticed and inquired, "Are you a really important person, lady?"
The assistant answered, "I'm a member of The Union, a group of advisors for the supreme commander." Her asserting footsteps echoed in the hallway. She guided them to another hallway.
In the next hallway, they passed soldiers and researchers, who worked at desks and on their inventions. The room was full of chemicals and blueprints.
A female scientist walked by and adjusted her glasses while she explained a diagram on a clipboard to a male soldier. She noticed the assistant and bowed with undying respect. Her black wavy hair fell over her shoulders.
The male soldier turned around. "Hmm, why are there kids in the building," he questioned. He swept his hand back through his blonde hair.
"They are new recruits," the assistant replied.
Pepe, Stark, Hafen, and Matteo greeted the duo.
The female scientist and the male soldier greeted back. They introduced themselves as Adrius and Luanne.
"We should get going. We don't want to keep the supreme commander waiting," the assistant asserted.
They moved on and made multiple turns in the hallways.
All of a sudden, a man rushed over to them with a camera. "Oh my goodness! It's you, kids," he exclaimed. He leaned down closer to them.
Pepe stepped back.
Stark raised his fists. He was prepared to fight.
Hafen was uncomfortable. "Who are you," he demanded to know.
The man smiled and introduced himself, "I am a member of Wheelstead Media Network. Let me get a picture and an interview. Please!"
"What's a Wheelstead Media Network," Matteo asked, and his eyes evoked innocence and naivety.
In a flash, the assistant blocked the man. "The media is not permitted to speak with them. Leave," she sternly warned.
The man, staring the kids down, chuckled and apologized. Paying no attention to the orders, he assured, "You kids are heroes of the world. I mean no harm. There are people dying to hear from you." He held out a microphone in front of Pepe and ordered, "Introduce yourselves."
Pepe hesitated.
The assistant glared at the man. In a swift motion, she stepped on his foot. "Scram," she threatened.
The man yelped in pain and turned to her. With a simple realization, his eyes widened. He acknowledged his mistake and profusely apologized. He got on his knees and bowed his head to the floor.
Stark, ready for a challenge, asked, "Why are you apologizing so much?"
The man lifted his head and glanced at the assistant again. He was scared, and he scurried away.
The assistant's glare pursued him.
Pepe blankly stared and pointed out, "She made him run in terror."
Stark was surprised. He turned to the assistant. "Are you strong," he inquired.
The assistant blinked and pointed at herself. She stuttered, "Me? Strong?"
Matteo understood and noted, "Ah, it's just her glare. It's so scary." He laughed.
"I don't know about that. I feel like she's hiding her power," Stark remarked and placed his hands by his waist.
The assistant nervously chuckled and stammered, "Oh, me? I'm just an ordinary girl." She smiled gently. She turned around and murmured, "Let's get going."
Hafen narrowed his eyes. "Suspicious girl," he mumbled.
Hafen, Stark, Pepe, and Matteo followed her from a safe distance until they arrived at a door.
The assistant approached two soldiers, guarding a set of double doors.
The soldiers instinctively opened the doors.
The room beyond had a label that read, "Supreme Commander's Office."
How would their meeting with the supreme ruler of humankind go?