"You've been driving for 7 hours continuously sister, my joints are stiffed, and look at you, you don't look tired at all..... whoa some real stamina the Angels of the burning Sun elite soldiers have there for sure" Sophia finally spoke after being quiet for hours.
"Thanks for the compliment but don't worry we'll leave this car very soon" Suzan replied.
"What do you mean by leaving the car.....besides, I can't see any population thus so far" Sophia looked confused.
Suzan didn't reply. After a few more minutes of driving she stopped the car in front of a river and told Sophia to get herself and Zack out of the car, Sophia did so and Suzan also left the car.
"Hey sister you're not planning on leaving this car here, are you?" Sophia inquired.
"Nah, I'm just going to destroy it," Suzan said calmly.
"Are you serious??? did you even forget that it's Lucas' last memory...?" Sophia reacted.
"No I remember it all.. that's the more reason to destroy it here, the only sign of Lucas I want to take with me is Zack, I wanna leave everything else behind, we'll just build everything from scratch" Suzan replied with a smile.
"I got it, alright....but wait a minute... everything from scratch?? that means you didn't even arrange a home for us???"
Sophia asked anxiously.
"Your assessment is correct so far haha" Suzan grinned.
"Natural element manipulation: Fire blossom blast"
*Car is ripped into pieces and fire is dancing around".
Suzan used her natural element manipulation Fire style.
Sophia looked a little afraid as she wasn't a fighter, Zack whom Sophia was holding woke up with the sound of the blast, and with his deep blue eyes resembling his dad's, began to stare at the dancing fire in the sky.
"Sister you woke Zac...." Before Sophia was able to complete her sentence, Zack began to giggle with joy.
This came shocking to Sophia and Suzan, as no normal child would've done that in this horrible situation.
"My child sure likes destruction haha" Suzan laughed.
"This isn't something to laugh about sister" Sophia claimed.
"Hell yea it is, I'm starting to see the destruction of those devils right from this moment," said Suzan with confidence.
"hope it's true sister because all the visions I can see right now are of our destruction haha" Sophia expressed her fears.
"it'll not kill ya if you just have a good and hopeful vision once in a while" Suzan sighed.
"It's not like I can control them ahhhh," Sophia said hopelessly.
Sophia started to look in the eyes of Zack, she could see the fire of his mother's will and the shine of a brighter future, a hope she never saw before, a sight defying all the visions she had before, she was shocked with her lips open wide, all she could say was "yes sister I can see it all now, but I hope I can see it when the time comes for it".
"What are you mumbling about Sophia," Suzan asked as she wanted her sister to talk a little louder.
"It's nothing sister" Sophia replied with a broad smile.
"Now it's time to cross the river, my comrades," Suzan said in a commanding voice.
"What are you kidding me ?? you want me to swim in this ice-cold water?" Sophia asked while dipping one of her hands in the river and holding Zack in the other.
"What is that supposed to mean, can't you even do that? you've to become strong too y'know....if you don't have the aura and elements manipulation techniques then you must build physical strength!" Suzan acted like a mentor.
"Easy for you to say who can just walk on water...." Sophia said in a low voice.
"So are trying to say that I should carry Zack in one hand and one grown-ass lady in the other haha" Suzan laughed.
"Stop making fun of me sister, if only I could walk on water just like you ahh" Sophia desired while putting one of her feet on the water.....
"Whatt" shouted Sophia, "look sister I...I can, I can stand on water dammit!!!"
"You're not kidding, are ya? you could do aura manipulation??....try standing with both of your feet on water....try it" said Suzan.
Sophia carefully stepped on the river, "how is it possible how am I able to pull it off, it's making no sense at all" Sophia couldn't understand.
Suzan stepped on the river too, and asked Sophia to hand over Zack, Sophia gave Zack to Suzan...
*SPLASH*
the moment Sophia let go of Zack, she fell into the river..."ehhhh co...cold, so I've to swim after all...but what happened just now I cannot understand....mind explaining to me??" Sophia asked submerged in water.
"Sophia I wanna confirm something, get out of the river and hold Zack again," Suzan said intriguingly.
Sophia did so. "Now try walking on water again" Suzan ordered.
"Ahh, this time you want Zack to fall along with me haha.... but still Roger that!!" Sophia replied.
"Impossible.... it's a.... miracle". Suzan looked astonished seeing Sophia standing on the flowing water along with Zack.
"Heck yeah, it is impossible....what is happening, sister??" Sophia was even more surprised.
Suzan explained: "Walking on water or fire is a type of Aura manipulation, in fire's case we manipulate our aura's temperature to nearly that of the fire but in case of walking on water we need to decrease the density of our lower aura to almost less than 1000kg/m³ so that our lower half acts as a boat that can float on water, it's a basic technique that requires a lot of practice and concentration....but to manipulate someone else's aura along with your own, it's a high-level technique and Zack just did it!!!!!.....doing this at the age of only 10 months, is similar to doing it unconsciously and that's absolutely a miracle".
"ah I'm trying to understand haha, whatever it is, Zack saved me from swimming, he'll save the world one day, no doubt..... but I'm still all wet and this cold weather..." Sophia uttered.
"Don't forget what Captain Seth said that you need to build physical strength 'Sophia the foreseer' don't forget that you can see the future and you're an asset to us, the enemy might come to capture you, of course, your sister and I'll save ya but still you need to be prepared both physically and mentally" Suzan reminded Sophia of Captain Seth's words.
"yeah I remember but now that we've left the organization isn't it unlikely?" Sophia asked.
"Ahh you mindless idiot, it's even more likely now as you won't have enough protection and they'll try to turn you to their side.. even by using force" Suzan tried to explain.
"Sisterrrrrrr, stop scaring me will ya, I'll build up my stamina and strength for sure heck no I'm not gonna get kidnapped by those rascals" Sophia showed some determination.
"You're looking determined that's unusual, I mean you always seem depressed, I guess because seeing things before they happen is not as easy as it looks like, am I right?"
Suzan asked Sophia.
"yup it's painful, knowing the future, it's like a nightmare.....watching all the pain you'll have to suffer.....it's like being killed once and then you're given a new life and then you're stabbed again.... that's how it had been for me all these years....but sister after the ABS's(Angels of the burning Sun) sneak attack, I came to understand one thing, I realized that all of you were suffering, you all knew what the outcome of the attack could be, but you still put your lives on the line in the hope of a brighter future....all my life I thought that this power is a curse but now I've realized it's a blessing, I'm not shown these visions to mourn but to do something, yea I'll help you guys save the world... I'm also meant to do something, I'll change my suffering in my strength, seeing how much pain you and Sir Seth are going through but still staying strong and fighting that's all the motivation I need" Sophia talked her feelings to Suzan.
"Glad to see my sister is all grown up...it's strange how life always takes so much from us but still leaves us with reasons to go on, to test whether we're cowards or warriors.....and it's even more strange how cowards like us are turned into warriors". Suzan gasped.
"Now that we've chosen the path of struggle and become warriors we'll win this at all costs," Sophia said with certainty.
"It'd be a miracle though....and I do believe in them, after seeing Zack today..... my believe is even more consolidated," Suzan said looking at the sky.
"You're right, our very existence is a miracle itself...." Sophia mumbled...
as they continued their journey toward their soon-to-be residence.....
The Sun of their 2nd day walking towards their destination was about to set .... "Sisterrrrrr when we'll arrive dammit"
Sophia asked.
"Just a little more....." Suzan replied, "we're near our new home....."
Finishing their long and tiring journey towards their new home, Suzan, Sophia and Zack reached the "Forest of Cessation!!!!".A forest where the trees were mangled, and jagged rocks were jutting out of the ground, it was dark even during the day, and very calm, they couldn't even hear birds chirping. Something seemed a bit off and there were no animals seen so far."Finally we're here" Suzan exhaled."This forest... it's so deep..not to mention eerie too" Sophia whimpered " just what exactly is this place.... it doesn't seem like our usual wilderness and I haven't seen any animals so far"."This is the Forest of Cessation," Suzan told."Its name is perfectly accurate seeing how creepy it is, 'Forest of Cessation' huh... I haven't heard about it...and why you'd chose this of all places?" Sophia posed a question."This forest is at the base of the famous volcano. Past eruptions have created a rich layer of soil for the forest to thrive off of. But at the same time, the volcanic rocks an
14 years laterAt Rockbell school, 150km away from the forest of cessation"Zack Everest""Yessir, here I am"A middle-aged teacher handed over a mark sheet to a boy of about 15 years of age who had absolutely no expression on his face, with blue deep eyes, grey spiky hair, fair skin, tall height, and a smart physique."Well done Zack, you scored perfect on every test, next month will be your finals hope you do well there too, best of luck". The teacher said to the boy."Thanks, Sir, I'll keep that in my mind". replied Zack.The bell rang, teacher and other students begin to leave the classroom.While Zack sat still on his chair..."Hmm school is going to end soon... it's not like I had any business here anyway.... well whatsoever I guess I should head home". He mumbled in his thoughts.After a while, he stood up, put his bag on his shoulder, and begin to walk slowly but with a straight and strong posture, there were only a few students left."Dammit leave me you punks, I don't want t
At 8 pm Zack, Suzan, and Sophia all gathered in Suzan's room to hear what important thing she had to discuss, they already had an idea of what it was going to be.Suzan began..."As both of you might already have guessed what is the matter to be discussed here" Zack and Sophia nodded and Suzan continued"It's already been 14 years since we had our last encounter with the enemy, but according to intel collected by the Angels of the burning Sun, the enemy will very soon make a move and we've to be prepared when it comes or do something before that, it'll be up to the commander....it's finally time....for you Zack to join the Angels of the burning Sun but before that, I want to ask you something and I want an honest answer""I'll be honest," said Zack."I've been training you to battle against the devils for so long that even you couldn't remember when it all began....but it's been bothering me lately that maybe I've mistaken, maybe I'm imposing all of this on you... I never asked if are
Zack grasped Ken as he was about to fall."What should I do, I should take him to a hospital but I don't know about the nearby places," Zack tried to think of a possible solution.After a moment of quick thought, he began to run towards the forest of cessation."His aura always felt extraordinary, like he has powers even greater than mine" Zack ran as fast as he possibly could."But it wasn't like he couldn't use them, I knew it, I forever knew that unlike aunt Sophia he can manipulate aura and elements...I should hurry, it'll be better to think about all of this later" Zack rushed to save Ken.It took about half an hour for him to reach home.He threw open the door and the sound of it slamming could be heard all over the place."Mom, Aunt come here quick it's an emergency" he yelled.Suzan and Sophia rushed to the entrance."Mom, he needs immediate treatment" Zack stepped towards the sofa and put Ken on it."Yeah, I can see that" Suzan began to heal him "he has a sudden decrease in b
"A hospital is it?" Ken opened his eyes and looked around "oh Zack you took me here, thank you so much"." It's no time to thank me, we were in the middle of a crucial discussion when you decided to faint " Zack looked a little bit angry." Huh, what was that again? " Ken gave a half-shrug."This bottle kid" Suzan handed the bottle to Ken "remember?"." oh yes, how could I forget " Ken stiffened putting his hands on his forehead."Who are you, ma'am?" he asked looking at Suzan."I am Zack's mother, Suzan, and this here is her Aunt, Sophia" Suzan introduced herself and Sophia to Ken.Ken stood up and greeted them with respect then moves his attention towards Zack "you could have told me earlier that this was your family I could have been more respectful"." Can we begin to talk about that non-sense drink? " Zack moved on to the point."First tell me which hospital is this I am not feeling quite well here...what is this place, and was it necessary to call your family won't they be worri
Suzan left the mansion of Daniel to bring Sophia. Daniel went to his secret laboratory and began the preparations to create the antidote, Zack and Ken also followed him."So, Sir Daniel, you are a scientist too as well as a journalist," Zack said looking around In the laboratory."Both of my parents were incredible scientists and doctors, so I know all about medical science as I worked alongside them since childhood, and then one day they were killed while helping the injured from the Devil's attack..." Daniel told."Oh, I'm sorry, may their souls rest in peace" Zack consolidated."Yeah, and writing is my passion, so I'm a renowned journalist as you can see" Daniel continued."Yes, you're quite famous, it's only a few months ago that Ken told me that you're his father, the last time came to your house he didn't even mention you," Zack said while looking at Ken."Haha, Ken am I that unimportant to you?" Daniel asked Ken while laughing."Nah, Dad I didn't just want to show off" Ken repl
2 days laterAt 4 am...Ken had completed his basic training with Suzan"Thanks, ma'am, I have a feeling that I'd be able to ace this exam"." It's time to head out, let's get going," Zack said."Best of luck both of you," said Sophia."Thanks, Aunt" Zack smiled."Don't the two of you let me down..." Suzan's eyes were somewhat filled with tears."Ma'am, don't worry about Zack, I'll take care of him" Ken asserted."I know kid, you always had taken care of him...and I'm not worried, It's just...I won't be able to see him for a while..." she barely spoke.Zack moved towards her and hugged her, "Mom, I'll be back in one piece...just wait for me" Zack looked unusually emotional.The tears Suzan was trying to hold inside her eyes, rolled down her cheeks."I'm counting on you," she said.Ken seeing this also shed a tear but with a calm smile on his face."My prayers are with the two of you...do your best" said Suzan.The boys headed towards the destination after saying farewell."Ken, Increa
Team 1Zack EverestSarah PalinHenry HowardTeam 2Ken DanielEmilia EdisonJoseph SmithTeam 3Norma MustangAiden WilsonIsabella SchwartzTeam 4Eliza GabrielLeo LucileThomas RedTeam 5Violet ColbertRachel FrankVicky Hansen"Ah, so we are not on the same team," Ken looked a little disappointed."Hmm...not a problem we shall do our best" Zack smiled."yep, we will pass!!" Ken bumped his fist with Zack and went to his team members, and so did Zack.Ken introduced himself"I'm Ken from the Rodriguez clan but I've never used my powers before two days that's a long story...so I'll need your help, but I'll try my best to not slow down you guys...""I'm Emilia, not from a flashy clan like you but I have skills in Lighting elements and I'm a healer too...my family has close relationships with some clan Crawford's members so they recommended me to take this examination, I'll help but don't you dare to order me around" Emilia a proud girl with long hair and fair complexion, introduced
Back to Present"Thank you, Ma'am Suzan. And I'd personally like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Daniel and Miss Sophia too. Her visions—they’ve always been the stuff of legend, but today, they literally saved us," Petra said with heartfelt sincerity.Suzan smiled warmly. "You’re just like your uncle, Seth. Always strong in the face of difficulties," she remarked, her eyes twinkling with admiration.Petra returned the smile, but the atmosphere was somber. Zack, tormented by guilt over Petra’s injury, wore a look of deep sorrow. He felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility for the loss of her arm.Reading his troubled mind, Petra spoke gently, "Zack, please don’t blame yourself for this. It pains me to see you suffer because of my injury. It’s our will that matters, not the loss of a limb or two."Zack looked at her, eyes filled with regret, and nodded slowly, trying to ease the weight of guilt from his heart.Suzan sighed, her eyes reflecting the turmoil of the recent events. "Look, w
"Let's leave this lair," Suzan said with resolute determination, pulling the devil along by the chains that bound him.She then turned to Zack. "Carry the woman and her child," she instructed. "They need to be moved to safety."Zack nodded in understanding. With careful and gentle movements, he lifted the injured woman and her child, securing them in his arms. With them safely cradled, they stepped through the shimmering gateway.Petra and Zack both nodded in agreement. Suzan then pulled a compact device from her pocket and pressed a button. Instantly, a gateway materialized, leading them back to the serene and majestic Mountains of Purity."We need to report all of this to headquarters," Suzan said firmly. "This is a matter of great significance.""Mom, how were you able to use your powers inside that lair?" Zack asked as they began their journey. "And how did you manage to find it? Most importantly, how did you get inside?""Yes, ma'am, please clarify," Petra added, her voice faint
Zack's fury intensified with each passing second, his attacks becoming more relentless. Blood spewed from the devil's mouth with every devastating blow. "Magnificent," the devil wheezed, clearly impressed by Zack's extraordinary power. "At such a young age, you wield such strength. You'd make a formidable monster.""Shut up! I'm no mosnter like you," Zack retorted, his voice thick with rage, delivering a punch that sent the devil crashing into the ground."Zack, he'll die! He's human. How do we...?" Petra's voice was faint, barely audible through her pain."Yeah, she's right. You wouldn't kill a human, would you? After all, it's your job to protect humanity," the devil sneered, his condition growing increasingly dire.Zack, undeterred by Petra's plea, continued his assault. "Well, I don't CONSIDER YOU A HUMAN!" he roared, his fists smashing into the devil's face. Blood spattered onto Zack's face, mingling with his tears of rage. He pounded away, driven by a relentless fury."You are j
Despite Zack's continuous struggle, the barrier didn’t budge. Petra was in intense pain, every second feeling like an eternity. The devil leaned closer to her, his voice dripping with mockery. “Your resilience is something else. I wish you were on my side, but it isn't too late, is it? I know your true potential, and I can unleash it. There’s no one in this world who doesn’t like power and authority, and I have both. I can give them to you. What do you say?”Petra, barely holding on, gritted her teeth and replied, “All power and authority belong to God, and you belong to hell.”“Oh yeah?” the devil said loudly, his voice filled with malice. He twisted her arm with such force that the bone snapped, and the arm came off. The child's face was splattered with her blood, and Petra cried and shrieked in pain so hard that her voice echoed through the eerie landscape.The devil, unfazed by Petra’s defiance, glanced at Zack with a smirk. “You see how futile your efforts are? This is what happe
"Show yourselves! We know you are watching, and there’s not only one of you. Unfortunately, we don’t have time for your hide and seek!" Zack shouted into the eerie silence.After a moment of tension, a child came running from a distance, visibly terrified. As he got closer, Zack and Petra saw that his forehead was bleeding. The child barely managed to reach Zack before collapsing, his plea barely audible: "Save my mom, please."Petra rushed to the child, her eyes widening in fear as she tried to use her healing abilities. "I can’t use my healing power here!" she exclaimed, panic creeping into her voice. She quickly reached into the bag hanging around her neck and pulled out a potion, applying it to the child's forehead, hoping it would help.Zack, baffled by Petra’s inability to use her powers, attempted to gather energy in his palm but found himself unable to do so. Just then, a cloaked figure emerged, dragging a woman who appeared to be the child's mother. As the figure drew closer,
**Chapter 8: The Unintended Descent**Suddenly, a reddish light surrounded them, radiating from a focal point towards the mountain. It seemed to form a gateway, pulsating with an ominous energy."Petra, is that a gateway?" Zack asked, his voice tinged with apprehension."It looks like one, but what is it doing here?" Petra replied, her eyes widening in surprise."Are you feeling that gravity? It's increasing," Zack observed, his voice growing more urgent."Yes, and very soon we'll be inside that thing if we don't run away," Petra said, her tone laced with concern."Run! We can't venture in there before Mom comes back," Zack insisted.They both started to run, aiming to escape the gravitational pull that seemed to be dragging them towards the gateway. The terrain blurred past them as they sprinted, but the gravity became so strong that they began to feel themselves being pulled backward."Petra, grab my hand!" Zack shouted as he noticed her getting dangerously close to the center of th
Suzan headed out to deliver the cure to Sophia, her steps resolute and filled with urgency, knowing how critical her mission was for Daniel and Sophia's well-being.Meanwhile, Zack and Petra meticulously examined their surroundings, searching for clues to unravel their predicament. The terrain was rugged, with towering trees casting elongated shadows and the underbrush whispering secrets with every rustle of leaves."Miss Suzan must've been out of the bounds of the Mountains of Purity," Petra observed, her eyes scanning the horizon as she contemplated their next move."Yeah, I hope she comes back soon so we can proceed and discover what lies beyond those gateways," Zack replied, his voice a blend of anticipation and caution. He couldn't shake the sense of unease as he eyed the imposing peaks around them, each seemingly guarding untold secrets."Yes, but don't forget we might stumble upon something here that could unravel the mystery," Petra added thoughtfully. Her expression grew more
Emilia turned to Ken, her expression serious. "We should take her to headquarters. Petra mentioned before leaving that we should report everything to HQ. It almost slipped my mind, but now I think she foresaw something."Ken nodded, his concern evident. "Alright. We shouldn't waste any more time; she isn't looking very good. Can't you try to heal her?""I can try, but..." Emilia hesitated, a troubled look crossing her face. "There's something about her aura all of a sudden that's telling me not to do it, but I'll still try."She knelt beside Lilith and began to channel her healing energy. As she did, a strange sensation coursed through her. Emilia's hands started to bleed, the pain sharp and unexpected."Leave it, Emilia!" Ken exclaimed urgently. "We can't afford to have our only healer in bad shape. Heal your hands."Emilia reluctantly stopped, her hands trembling as she withdrew her energy. "You're right," she murmured, quickly tending to her own wounds.Ken carefully lifted Lilith,
With a sense of relief, Lilith moved to the wall and retrieved a picture, holding it out for Ken and Emilia to see. Their expressions shifted from curiosity to shock as they gazed at the image, their minds racing with unanswered questions.Lilith took a deep breath, sensing the weight of the revelation settling over them, before taking a seat nearby. "This," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, "is something you need to see."Emilia squinted at the picture, her eyes widening as she recognized a young Violet standing beside Lilith. "Is that... Violet?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.Lilith nodded weakly. "Yes, she... she's my twin sister. There's so much you need to know about her, about our past, but..." Her voice wavered, the strain of the confession evident.Ken's eyes darted between Lilith and the photograph. "What do you mean? Why haven't we heard about this before?"Lilith took another deep breath, her strength fading. "Violet... she... be careful... trust.