by Meco Brown
I didn't want to believe Gregory had anything to do with being part of the Kingdom, let alone being an active member of the Nioeaon's army.
“Originally, the Red Throne Society was created to hunt and kill apostate witches, but in time broke themselves free of the Nioeaon, because they felt working with the things they are meant to kill was a sin; So, they began targeting any and all witches.” He turned and looked up into the night sky. “Time has changed them; this organization has grown in numbers and strength. They are now the most powerful and influential elite in the world. They manipulate anything from political parties, to illegal drug trade, and is the driving force behind media and government officials.”
I flared my nostrils, not wanting to hear any more of this.
“Pissed off, are you?” He shouted.
“I just wish to hear no more.”
“Believe me Airius, you're just hearing about it, think about what I've seen with my own two peepers!”
To be honest, at that very moment, I had no idea what else to say. Was this all really true? The Nioeaon created the Red Throne Society? This doesn't seem real.
“Let me ask you a question, do you really think a power plant caused all this destruction in Olah? No mate, it was the Red Throne Society's media manipulation that did that. Do you want to know why they covered it up? Because one, it protects magic from being known to the mortal world, and second, it's because they will come here, to wipe out all witches, just like they did over in West Fall.” He warned.
Upon hearing the booming tone of his voice, I felt a sudden sickness spread within me. So many lies and hidden secrets. This is ridiculous. I thought.
“You need to get to West Fall as soon as possible. Lydia is the only surviving witch and needs help escaping.”
“Why can't you go rescueher? Better yet, why can't she just spell her way out?”
Gregory was suddenly shouting, his face twisting with anger,“How stupid can you be mate? How is it that you don't know about the weapons this group possess? They were created to kill witches, which means what?” Gregory spat at me as he stepped forward. My posture tightened, as a light snarl rose from my lips.“I mean no disrespect, Airius. There's just not a lot of time for a history lesson.”
Doing my best, I tucked away all anger. I needed to keep a leveled head. I had to keep reminding myself, that this is all for Taideo.“Make it a quick lesson, Gregory.”
He nodded, and slid his hands in his leather jacket.
“The Red Throne Society, were originally based in Massachusetts, in time they moved their base to South Korea, where they gathered the most powerful warriors, who are used as instruments charged with the tasks of vanquishing witches everywhere.”
I nodded,“Skip ahead.”
“They possess no magical talents, but often keep themselves physically and mentally strong in order to seek out and destroy witches. Heightened reflexes and peak human strength isn't enough to take us on. Which is why they heavily relyingon stealth and numerous weapons made from the blood of dead witches.”
I exhaled, this was not what I wished to hear. The blood of a dead witch, to us is much like acid to humans. It can burn or kill us, depending on the amount exposed to us. At times, it has been known to temporarily disable our magic. Which is why Lydia needs help, if she was attacked, her magic is lost. It's also why Gregory doesn't want to go himself, he'd rather I risk my life.
“Please Airius, saveher for me. If you can do this, everything else is forgive. Naomi was killed; Please, save her sister.”
I honestly felt as if I had no other choice. Naomi was the only person left who is in possession of dragons’ blood. If I can rescue her, it'll not only get Gregory off my back, but I'll also be one step closer in waking my love. Everybody's happy.
“Alright,” I agreed.“I'll leave as soon as I can.” I turned away from him.
“Thank you, Airius, and good luck.” Gregory said, as I nodded, and fled back through the forest.
11
WEST FALL
It was just past 1 the next morning, by the time I returned home from seeing Taideo at the hospital, requisitioned a car and drove two hundred and sixty miles, to the town of West Fall- A gray, bleak city dominated by a rush of constant fog. I've only heard of West Fall twice during my time over in Olah. It's known as a city of sin; A place that caters to various supernatural vices. West Fall is completely controlled by a large group of witches, who feed on humans and do what they please, when they please. Usually, they drown their prey in alcohol, various other drugs, and feed on them for a somewhat magical buzz. I must admit, I too have had my share of fun, especially during 1910, around the time New Orleans was truly at its peak of amusement. I didn't care for much, the man I was back then didn't think of anything but himself, even my coven grew tired of me and my ways. That man, was someone Taideo would have desperately hated. A man who never knew love, a man that I never wish to be again.
Checking my rear-view mirror, I noticed my face looking even more grim and somber than the swirling storm of mist. All I could do right now, is hope Lydia is still safe, that she can manage to keep herself hidden, long enough for me to find her; But most of all, that she still had in her possession the blood of a dragon.
I then heard the roar of flames, and saw in the distance what looked to be a heap of crimson red streaks, swirling rapidly across the clouds in a dark, gray sky. I whirled the car over a small bridge, my eyes widening as they fell on what lay ahead. The impenetrable city of magic was caught in a ferocious blaze. Fire quickly spreading and burning down more buildings than I could count.
“This is not good, not good at all.” I said, and thought of what truly lay in front of me. If Gregory is correct, and the Red Throne Society killed all these witches, demons will soon follow. Demons are known to feed on humans, draining their blood, and gathering what energy they can from their prey. However, demons are also known to adsorb the essence of dead witches, meaning this city could not only be crawling with members of the Red Throne Society, but demons as well. If I get caught between both sides, I may not survive this.
But, if there is just one chance, that I could wake Taideo, I'll do any and everything, fight whomever I must, and sacrifice my mind and body just so he could live another day.
Car lights and the thunder of a powerful motor filled the streets. Gray smoke poured from the tires of an armored red sports car, which hurtled towards me.
“You've got to be kidding me!” I yelled to myself, watching as two guns emerged from the sides of the car, and blanketed the streets with glowing bullets! Glass windows on several buildings shattered, tossing gleaming shards in nearly every direction. Several other rounds punched holes in the hood of my car. There was no doubt in my mind, they were gunning for me. I shielded myself as best I could, my face and chest covered by a small telekinetic shield. I glanced around the streets, quickly noting the alley way to my right, and turned immediately, all while using my power to levitate the dumpster up ahead.
The armored sports car roared into the alley, swerving from side to side, trying to maintain its balance, just as I released my power, causing the dumpster to drop. The immediate collision of the car crushing into the dumpster, summoned a thunderous BOOM, followed by a rush of smoke and flames. I glanced at the end of the alley, knowing full well I was trapped, that I'd have to now continue on foot, and I quickly exited the car.
“Hey, up here!” Yelled, a light- nervous voice from above. Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed a retractable fire escape ladder falling.“Hurry up,” The voice yelled.
Suddenly, two small metal grenades skipped across the ground. I leaped up, climbing up and out of the alley, just as the two bombs detonated, spreading a large amount of red mist and flames.
“Geeze, aren't you lucky.”
My eyes encountered an unquestionably, beautiful girl. Soft blonde hair, glistening brown eyes and a small exquisite face. She looks vaguely of Asian descent, and wore a white and blue modified kimono, with exceptionally lo
ng sleeves.“That stuff down there is highly dangerous to witches, I should know. I lost my mojo because of it.”
“You’re Lydia?” I asked, my face burning with aspiration. She nodded and shook my hand. Lydia put on a brave face, but she was afraid. Goosebumps formed on top of her hand. I knew that the fear was from the destruction of her home, because the Red Throne Society was destroying everything that meant something to her.
“You're the rescuer I'm assuming?”
I nodded, realizing at that moment that Lydia also seemed a little ashamed, especially when she's quite the powerhouse. Magic or no, I can easily detect her level of power and she's up there.
“Yes, I am. Don't worry, I'll get you out safely.”
She rolled her eyes upon hearing that, and noticed I caught it.“Hey, I'm sorry, I appreciate you helping me.”
“It's okay,” I said.“No harm done. But listen, Gregory promised that you had something I desperately need.”
Her soft eyes reflected a look of confusion.“What is it?”
“I am gathering ingredients to perform a spell, and I was told you had one of them.”
“Wait a minute, you want to go back to my shop? That's deeper into the city,” She said,“do you have any idea what lies down there?” Lydia shook her head angrily.
“I don't care, I need it.”
She rolled her eyes and folded her arms.“What spell do you speak of? How do you even know I have what you want?”
I stretched out my hand, palm up, allowing Lydia to see the hologram of the dragon's blood ingredient.
“My mate was placed in a mystical coma by Terra Russell. I was given the spell Nemri-Kishin by Yo'el-”
“Yo'el? Y-you've stepped foot within the Elder Kingdom?” Her voice radiated with excitement and jealously.
“Yes,and Gregory said you'd have the crystallized blood of a dragon. It's the second ingredient and we're not leaving here without it.” I promised.
“I'm not saying you can't have it, it's just this place is swarming with all of them out there, killing and burning this city to the ground.” She indicated the Red Throne Society working on killing everyone. She then looked up at me and nodded.“All of this really isn't settling well with me. But, I understand why you need to do this, so I'm in.” She confirmed, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“Thank you,” I said.
She smiled and nodded again. “Life can be short, even for us, love is the one thing that keeps us going, human and witch alike. That's why I created this city.” She glanced out at the burning city, saddened.“People call this place of city of sin. Because we cater to every inch of desire, when it comes to the human-witch relationship. Here you could do what you please, when you please; The only rule is to not kill a human, to simply wipe their minds, and continue the party.”
I took a deep breath.“I can't lie, I've done things in places similar to this very city. Things I'd hate anyone to know of. But in time I realized that all I was doing was controlling the life of people, just for my own selfish reasons. Feeding on them, driving them to the brink of death, keeping them locked away from their family and friends. They were my prisoners. But, in time I learned what I was doing was wrong. I'm not telling you how to live, but there are better ways of experiencing a more beautiful and exciting life.”
She crooked her lips and gave me a crinkled-eye. Apparently, she wasn't feeling what I was saying.
“A great deal of magic went into building this place. This city was supposed tobe my legacy.” She said, making her way over to a large piece of wood, connecting it from one edge of the building to the next one.
“You do realize I can carry you, there's no need to walk across that.”
She looked up at me and frowned.“Oh, right.”
I took her hands in mine, positioning them around my neck.“Don't let go.” I whispered to her and began to run across the semi-burning rooftops, jumping from one to the other, trying to get to Lydia's magic shop as quickly as possible. Glancing over the edge, I noticed down below there were over a dozen of them.
“The Red Throne Society, be careful, please.” Lydia whispered.
I nodded, but couldn't help admire their uniform. Each of them looked to be wearing an almost altered ninja-like outfit. It was predominantly red, with a black-armored vest and knee-high shin guards. Their face mask looked to be made out of a hard shell, which concealed their identities. Strapped to their back were a large red blade, tied to their thigh was a shimmering glass stake and blood grenades attached to the exoskeleton pattern on their belt. They dressed for battle, a battle I knew I'd lose if things went sour. They had weapons infused with the blood of dead witches, which would temporarily disable my magic. No strength, no speed or heightened reflexes, but most of all, no telekinesis.
I was beginning to sweat from all of the fire, and felt Lydia herself dripping wet as well.
“We're getting close.” she said, just as I noticed down below a few witches were running down the street, and even more witches dead, laying still on their sides, being dragged off into the darkness by stealthy demons. I slowed down before coming to the edge of the last building.“What... the hell?” Lydia shouted, pulling herself off my back and to her feet.
“What is it?” I asked.
There was nothing but a heap of flames down below. The road was covered, and the building across the street were heavily destroyed, ripped apart by the force of the Red Throne Society's grenades. All that was left was a flaming ravine. I grabbed Lydia by the collar of her shirt and twisted her around.“What is it?” I yelled.
“My shop,” she pointed at one particular building that was up in flames. I stumbled back, coughing on my saliva, shocked at what I was hearing.
“What the hell, this can't be happening.”
Another explosion of fire rocked the city.“We have to get out of here!” She yelled.
“I'm not leaving without that damn blood!”
“We don't have long, this place is burning, and it'll take us along with it. These aren't normal flames, I hope you know that. The fire down below is infused with the blood of a dead witch. It can kill us.” She said, grabbing onto my shoulder.“I am sorry.” She said.
I dropped to the ground, wanting to scream, but knew it would draw attention to us. All I could do was growl in anger and shake my head in disappointment. Why would I expect her shop, to still be standing in the midst of a burning city? How stupid could I be? My eyes crept upward, scanning the area above me. The darkened sky was heating dramatically.
“There is something that you could probably do,” She said, caution filling her voice.“But it'll take a lot of energy to do, especially within these walls.”
A shimmer of hope began building deep inside of me.“Tell me, I'd do whatever I must.”
“Long ago, when I first began building this city, I cursed these lands.” She revealed.
“Cursed?” I questioned, not truly wanting to hear yet another backstory of something I didn't honestly care about. I needed a simple answer, and I felt Lydia just liked the sound of her own voice.
“I never wanted some apostate showing up and wreaking havoc on my people. So, I cursed the lands, made it that whomeverwas in the city only possessed half of their power.”
“That can't be, I feel fine. Just as strong as I did upon arriving here.” I said hastily.
“It's all part of the spell I used, and since I've been marked,” She said, pulling back her sleeve, removed her glove, and revealed a deep purple stab wound in the center of her palm.“I can't access my magic to reverse the curse.”
“Okay, so what then? What's the point in telling me any of this?”
Lydia bent down next to me, and takes my hands in hers.
“What are you doing, Lydia?”
“I can sense your quiet power, it's still there, still connected to you. Break past the wall that's blocking your magic, and use your power to dissipate the flames.”
I shook my head.“Why,” I said,“your sho
p is gone. Everything inside is...”
“The crystallized blood of a dragon can't be destroyed. It's quite a powerful relic. Use your power, and let’sgo get it.” She said calmly,“Remember why you're doing this, it's for your mate. There is no stronger connection than that of love, true love. I should know, I lost my mate, long ago, and decided to build this place not far after. So,do me a favor, and don't give up like I did.”
I felt a small tug of magic inside of me, and slumped forward, unable to call forth any power.
This isn't easy. I thought to myself, realizing what Lydia said to be true, that her city really does block witches power. I shook my head, focusing my energy as my hands pressed harder onto the stone beneath me. I felt a type of burning, deep within my body, while trying to summon whatever magic I could muster. All I could truly think about was Taideo, and growled at myself, as my thoughts once again took me to a place of love and comfort. The place within my frozen heart where he and I were at our happiest.
“You have to keep trying,” Lydia begged,“But, please hurry, this place is going up in flames. The longer they burn, they stronger the fire gets.”
I heard her, but then again, I didn't hear her. My mind was fading elsewhere, and in that moment, I allowed the thoughts of Taideo to return to me; the memories of our hands touching in the night, rushes of laughter, the sound of his semi- baritone voice calling my name in flashes of excitement. I savored the bitter sweet memories as the lightning storm within me rocketed; When suddenly, Taideo was gone. I saw him falling within a pit of darkness.
The urge to have my love back in my arms tore at me. I needed power, and felt the fire in my eyes burn silently, as I fought desperately to work a mental spell to control the weather. Drawing on the well of power that I found within myself, the spell swelled into being around us. I felt the electricity of it thrill through me. Rolling thunder echoed suddenly overhead, rumbling through the darkened sky, as the air seemed to come more and more alive. Lightning swirled around the air, as I brought upon the burning city a rich and powerful storm. An immediate, rush of rain began to come down in sheets, covering the flames, cooling down the surrounding area from the hot blazing fire. The icy rain was truly a welcome relief.
