Vampire Descendants 2: A bite of bitterness

by Pet TorreS

  “I see, I see, so he feels he could challenge me?”

  "Yes my lord imagine the effrontery and the betrayal. My Lord, we have a silver lining here. We could stamp them down right now, way before it gets out of hand. They would be having one of their so called gathering of the free speakers meeting again today. It was supposed to be a secret but one of my men got the location and time of the meeting. It would be better if we could take care of them now once and for all.”

  “Okay Edward, take care of it but leave number five to me, I will handle it personally.”

  "As you wish my lord." He bowed and turned to leave when Fenton called him back.

  "Oh! Make sure it looks clean, like an accident. It must not be traced back to me, you understand?"

  “Yes my lord. Good day my lord.” He bowed again as he left the room.

  It was the first day of the month and all the elders of the six hierarchy classes in Anachia District had gathered for the monthly council meeting. Here the different issues troubling each hierarchy class is brought up and addressed. There are six hierarchy classes in Anachia and these hierarchy classes were based on the unique qualities and productivity interest of each of the citizens of Anachia . Each of these hierarchy classes had their unique color and symbol.

  There was the Ascension hierarchy class. This class was made up of spiritualists like the priests, pastors, preachers and everyone that handles everything that has to do with people's spiritual needs. This class also includes teachers and everyone that has to do with educating the populace. It also has the mothers and grand masters. Their color was white and their official symbol was a dove. It was a service delivery based hierarchy class.

  Then there was the Artificer hierarchy class. This class was made up of all the workers in skilled trades especially those involved with making things with their hands like the jewelers, the seamstresses, the cobblers, the mechanics, the technicians, the coppersmiths and the goldsmiths, the gunsmiths, the locksmiths, , the tailors, the tanners, the weavers, the barbers, the hairdressers e.t.c. Their official color was brown and their official symbol was a mask. This hierarchy class was mainly a product delivery hierarchy class.

  Then there was the Agronomy hierarchy class that was made up of farmers of every type like planters, harvesters, ranchers, breeders, e.tc. These people were generally vegetarians and they ate mostly only natural foods. Their official color was green and their official symbol was a wheat stem. This was also a product delivery hierarchy class.

  There was the Architecture hierarchy class that was made up of all those that carry out every activity that was needed to construct and erect a building like the project managers, the Architects, the Engineers, the masons, the Upholsterers, the quantity surveyors e.t.c. They were a product delivery based hierarchy class. Their official color was gray and their official symbol was two hammers positioned to form an x.

  There was also the Autonomy hierarchy class. They were made up of every form of artists like the painters (these were those that produces beautiful paintings), the sculptors, the carvers, the dancers, the musicians, the sound engineers, the philosophers, the writers e.t.c. This was both a service and a product delivery hierarchy class. Their official color was yellow and their symbol was a flower.

  Then there was finally the Anomaly hierarchy class. This was the only class where you would need to pass a test to join, once you pass the specified test you would be selected into these hierarchy class. This was because this class was made up of everyone that possessed some kind of superhuman qualities. These people were generally trained from the day of their career test on how to harness their unique powers to reach their full potentials. They also serve as soldiers and protectors to the district. Theirs was a service delivery hierarchy class. Their official color was blue and their symbol was lightening.

  Anachia is a commodity for commodity exchange economy based on a barter system of trade and it does not involve any kind of government, there is only the council of elders which is made up of five eldest people from each class who sat monthly or during emergencies to deliberate on some important issues that are troubling each class. The eldest in each class was picked to be the chairman of the council for a period of one year then the next class's eldest person takes over and the rotation continues.

  In today's meeting, the eldest of the Autonomy class Joseph Hagen was the chairman presiding over the occasion. They were done with reading and adoption of the minutes of the last month's meeting.

  “What is on the agenda for today.” The chairman started.

  “Mr. Chairman sir, we need to address the issue about increasing the rations for our soldiers.” Started Benjamin Davey the eldest from the anomaly class.

  "For just this past month there have been about twenty different really lethal attacks on the district parameters and about one hundred soldiers have been hospitalized. Our soldiers have started to lose heart because since the battle with the outside world is that of not wanting to have anything to do with them in terms of trade and other things. Which I personally agree was a nice decision by this council but still some of these soldiers might not see it that way. Take for instance the story that was circulating around some few days back that in Vainglory Districts that the soldiers are well provided for compared to our soldiers. The story went on to state that these soldiers had piles of gold that they could use to buy whatever they wanted. The idea forming in their minds now was that of how to accumulate wealth, I know we can not allow the use of money here but we should at least increase their provisions. We should make them feel that they are important to us. These people are there to see to our safety, I think it's important we debate on this issue. " He concluded

  "We should not forget, that this is lean times for our economy. " Started Godwin Toole one of the elders from the Agronomy class known for his miserly look in life.

  “We always hear, that they are there to protect us and therefore we are to be bleed to sustain their numerous wants. If we keep giving them more and more, trust me they will keep wanting more. It’s an unending cycle. We have been taxed too much already and we should remember that we are not here to service these soldiers greed. That is what I have to say.” He concluded.

  "Oh no! That was uncalled for Godwin." Jerry Grove one of his fellow Agronomy class hierarchy members fired back.

  "We all have our own opinions, I just expressed mine," Godwin replied.

  "And am saying that your opinion was wrong. Everyone in this great council knows the important role these soldiers play in protecting our city from attacks. Yes, these were lean times for us because most of our crops yield this year was really poor, but still that does not mean we can't do something for these soldiers. What they are demanding is not bad at all considering what they do for us in return."

  “Great, so with all the problems we are already facing with our crops we still have to remove from the little we have right?” Godwin complained.

  “That is enough”, the chairman bellowed, “Let’s put it to a vote. All in the favor to increase the soldiers ration say yeah.”He instructed.

  "Yeah!" Came a resounding response from the majority of the council members.

  “Let those that are against increasing the soldiers ration say nay."

  “Nay! " Came the reply from Godwin and some few of the council members.

  “The yeah have it, the soldiers ration is thereby by the majority agreement of this council increased. Now on to the next agenda. ”

  Belinda came to see her brother when the voice of the evening newscaster caught her attention she stood transfixed at that spot. The newscaster started.

  "Good evening Ladies and gentlemen, the news from clan eight this evening is a tragic one. There has been a fire outbreak in one of the residential buildings in Clan eight. According to our source, the fire originated from an electrical transformer in one of the houses in this region. Now we will go to Jeremy Adams our live reporter on the scene for further information. "

  Then the
station switched the view and a tall young man holding a mike standing in front of a smoking building with firefighters running around to stop the fire appeared on the screen.

  “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, it has been a very tragic day for us here at clan eight, as you can see behind me here,” he said pointing at the smoking building with firemen running in and out. “There has been a huge fire outbreak here in clan eight and these valiant firefighters have been trying to quench the fire. They've almost succeeded in calming the situation. Some of them are now trying to see if there are any survivals. The fire was said to have started due to a faulty electrical transformer located in this premises. According to experts, having such high capacity electrical transformer constitutes a high-security risk to the occupants of such a building." Just then a group of the firefighters started bringing out charred bodies of the victims piled up on each other.

  “Oh no! They’ve started bringing out the bodies and it does not seem like there are any survivors. Counting the number of charred bodies that is being pulled from the fire it looks like there was some kind of meeting going on in this building. We will keep you posted of this tragic accident, over to you Helen.” He concluded as the station switched over to the newscaster in their newsroom.

  “Thank you Jeremy, news from clan fifteen has it that” she continued.

  "That is really terrible," Belinda said turning to her brother with tears almost filling her eyes she tried to clear it out.

  “It is dear, please is there something you want to discuss? I really need to go out now to see the extent of the damage in clan 8.” Fenton said as he picked up the intercom.

  "Edward, get the team ready we are leaving for clan eight.” He dropped the receiver and looked at his sister to know if she heard the question he asked her.

  “No… no… It can wait please go.” She said as she walked out towards her room.

  Fenton changed to a more official wear and soon was in his official limousine on his way to Clan eight. He had his chief security officer and his personal assistant Desmond Travis in the limousine with him.

  "Desmond, what is the extent of the damage?" Fenton Asked turning to his personal assistant.

  “Here is the report my lord. There is an estimate that there are about fifty people dead, although the firefighters are still cleaning out the place so they are still not very sure. The property damages the fire caused was not that much compared to the loss of human life because the firefighters were able to stop that fire before it spread. It is all there my lord." He concluded as he handed over the file with the reports.

  Fenton took the file and started looking through it, he flipped from one page to the next and shook his head when he was done.

  "This is a terrible loss, please make arrangements to see that you get the full details of all the victims of this terrible accident.” He instructed Desmond as they were approaching their destination.

  “Okay my lord.”

  “We are here my lord. The place is generally safe although they’ve been some reports of some of the electrical appliances malfunctioning or exploding from time to time. My lord, I really advise against your being here we could always have a press conference to address the families of the victims….” Edward started to explain but was stopped by Fenton.

  “I understand your concern Edward but I really must be here to see and sympathize with the families of these victims." Fenton pointed out as he was getting out from the limousine with his team. He walked over to inspect the level of damage and to console some of the family members and friends of the victims. As he was looking at the scene of the accident he saw a young man surrounded by a group of people wailing and asked his personal assistant.

  “Who is that young man over there?”

  “That is Mathew Otis the only son of one of the victims of the fire. His father was the owner of Otis shopping plaza here in clan eight. ” Desmond replied.

  “ Oh! I need to talk to him," Fenton said as he walked over to Mathew. Ways were being cleared for him as he got to the young man.

  “Am really sorry son for your lost.” He consoled him as he placed his right hand on his shoulders and gently patted his back.

  “Please accept my condolence, our district has lost a great man. Please don’t hesitate to call on me if there is something you need. I knew your father personally and I know he had a great heart…” He consoled Mathew when he was abruptly interrupted by a loud explosion from a nearby electrical transformer. His security team sprang into action immediately and whisked him into the limousine while Mathew according to his strict instructions was put in one of the cars in the convoy and the convoy spade out of the commotion. People started to run around as a second fire broke out.

  "This was what I warned against," Edward complained.

  Elliot Stevenson was at his childhood friend Edley Amilton's house. He rang the bell and Edil her brother came to the door.

  “Oh! Come in Elliot” He said as he opened the door.

  “How are you Edil? ” Elliot said as he ruffled his hair a little bit.

  “Am fine. Please sit down let me get Edley.” He said as he pointed to the cushions in the living room as he walked off to get Edley.

  “Who is it Edil?” Edley shouted to her brother from the stairs.

  "It's Elliot," Edil replied as he walked up the stairs to his room.

  Edley rushed down and was with him in a second.

  "How are you dear?" She asked in between smiles as she hugged him.

  “Am fine," Elliot replied and squeezed her shoulders as he said that. Edley giggled and raised her head to look at his face.

  “Come on, have you forgotten that Galvin invited us for ice cream this evening?” He asked releasing her from the hug. “His grand opening is tomorrow , come on let's go," Elliot said as he grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the door.

  “Dear let me change and get my handbag.” She said. “Relax I will be out in a minute.” She continued as she pushed him to a cushion there in the living room. She ran up the stairs to her room. She was done in no time at all and was downstairs before you could say “Wait here”. They were on their way out when they met Edley’s Mom Selena Amilton at the front door.

  "Good evening Mrs. Amilton," Elliot greeted with his face lithe with smiles.

  “Good evening Elliot, how are you?” She replied putting up a smile too.

  “Fine Ma.”

  “What of your Mom?”

  “She is fine and sends her regards. Oh! She said I should tell you that you should remember to come for the diamond refitting of that your necklace and to select the design you would prefer.”

  “Yes! I forgot, please tell her I will be there tomorrow.”

  “Good evening mom.” Edley greeted smiling.

  "Good evening dear,” she replied. “So where are you two off to this evening?" She asked still smiling.

  “Mom to Galvin’s ice cream parlor. He invited us for a testing.” Edley replied.

  “Okay do take it easy with all those sugar. Edley dear is your dad home?”

  “No, he said to tell you he was going to see Dennis about the new tractor he ordered.”

  “Okay, do come home early for dinner. ”

  "Bye, mom."

  “Bye dear.”

  “Bye Mrs. Amilton.”

  “Bye dear.” She replied and closed the front door behind her as she went in.

  They waited to see Mrs. Amilton enter the house and they were on their way to see Galvin Price their friend. Galvin Price was five years older than Edley and Elliot but they have been friends since childhood. He was from Artificer hierarchy class and he had just graduated from the Artificer Academy and had set up his ice cream factory. He wanted his friends to come and test his products before he opens fully tomorrow for business. They got there and was met by Galvin at the door. He was carrying some cartons inside, through the back door.

  “Heh Guys! You made it, please help me with these cartons.” Galvin greeted
them overjoyed that they made it.

  “Galvin you tricked us you never said anything about manual labor, you said ice cream testing.” Said Edley trying to fake being angry.

  “You haven’t changed Edley, I knew if I used ice cream as a bait I would get you," Galvin replied hugging her. Just then they saw Galvin’s girlfriend Evelyn Davis coming out of the back door.

  “Dear see who made it," Galvin said.

  “Oh Guys, how are you?” She said as she hugged them, she lingered a little bit to have a look at Edley’s necklace.

  “Girl I like your necklace, who made it?” She asked fingering the necklace to have a better look.

  "His mom, she is the best," Edley said signaling at Elliot.

  “I thought as much, yes she is the best.”

  “Ladies less talk more work.” Said Galvin as he gently grabbed the two ladies by the arm and directed them to the cartons.

  “Okay, Galvin, What are these anyway?” Edley asked as she bent down to carry one of the cartons.

  “They are some the ingredients for the ice cream. The supplier dropped them off this afternoon.” Replied Galvin as he lifted four of the cartons piled up on each other and carried it inside. Elliot followed and the ladies came behind with a carton each. They were done with the cartons and were now ready for the main purpose of their visit.

  Edley had her drawing pad out and she was trying to make a little sketch while Elliot was licking some ice cream while he also craned his neck to see what she was drawing. She finished her sketch and handed it over to Elliot.

  “Wow! This is amazing Edley. You know you should be in autonomy class.”

  “I love to choose that if I did not get selected for the anomaly class. What about you? ”

  “I would also want to be there.” He replied offering her the last spoon of his ice cream. Edley licked it while she checked her wristwatch.

  “Oh no! It’s getting late dear, we need to go home.” Edley said as she grabbed her sketch pad and put it in her handbag.

  “Galvin dear those ice creams are divine, you are all set for tomorrow. We must be going before mom gets angry.”