“Yeah...our moves have to be well guarded.”
“Correct. We pick at them in cycles. We don’t have the numbers for an outright battle.”
“But we have Skye,” Emil interjected.
“I’ve been working with her for a while now, but her powers still haven’t manifested to their fullest ability. Her sensing is still far too weak to exploit it on the level needed for a severe tactical advantage. I believe that your brother has access to a sensor type, as well.”
“Makes sense. Arius’s abilities do involve a mental link of some sort. Silvia’s did, as well. Perhaps she was the sensor and now they are in the dark.”
“Or, maybe your brother is, or another member, perhaps. It wouldn’t make sense to send such a valuable asset out to fight so soon. Especially seeing that our people are rare.”
“Maybe they didn’t expect me to put up such a fight...it’s been so long since I’ve seen my brother face to face. Even though Silvia had me, I was injured, and you were there to back me up, she was only there to abduct me. If she’d wanted to kill me, I would have died that day.”
“This is true, but I doubt your brother would be so reckless. Whether they have a sensor or not, the outcome is the same. They have eyes everywhere.”
“Yes, and so do we, with Skye.”
“Indeed, we do. Only much more limited in terms of range.”
“But still, your sister is amazing, Omari.”
“Yes. She is quite amazing. She and Marona are the reason that the coming operation will be successful.”
Emil’s hair danced in the wind as he silently reflected on Omari’s statement.
The operation they were planning had been in the works for two weeks now. It was the first step of what was to be done to thwart his brother, King Arius, and to restore hope to the people of Coren, and on a smaller scale, Everrmore.
“Are you sure you’re ready for today, Emil?” Omari asked as he studied Emil’s sullen face. His injuries were minor, but emotionally, he seemed unavailable.
“Yes. I am.” Emil’s words casually floated in the wind as his perception shifted to a dream-like flow; dazed from the impending impact of what was to come. Omari’s brows depressed as he searched for resolve in the young hero’s heart before finally answering.
“Good.” The stress on Omari’s face subsided, though his heart still remained troubled. “I think we’ve had enough for today. No need to exert ourselves more than necessary.”
“Right.”
Omari anchored his hand to Emil’s shoulder and together they appeared back to where the day began. The church was still and silent, but both Emil and Omari knew that preparations were underway, even though the sun had barely reared its head. The outside world seemed to be in a state of limbo, teetering on the edge of joining the waking world and sleeping with the half-risen sun. The grass was wet with dew, the birds sang, but still the people slept, soon to be awakened.
“The execution is at noon. Be ready before then. We’ll review the plan before departure,” Omari said before calmly exiting, leaving Emil to his own devices.
Chapter 2: The Birth of a Rebellion
“The execution is to be held at noon in the square. It seems as though they want the people to see it. Usually, they’d be done earlier and in private, but now things are different.” Omari said, as he overlooked the group. He hadn’t changed since Emil had last seen him earlier that morning. He still sported his all black attire, only now he was armed. Skye, Marona, and Emil sat at the table in front of him, all but Marona dressed in similar fashion. The design was inspired by Omari’s outfit when they battled Silvia. Since then, it was decided that if they were to be a team, a unit against King Arius, they would need to be uniform so that the general public would know there was another side working in their favor.
Designed by Marona, Emil, Omari, and Skye were each outfitted in custom fitted attire, complete with a breathable black mask to conceal their identity. It was crucial for the operation if they were to remain hidden within the bounds of the city. In addition to their armor, Marona’s experience as an inventor led to interesting inventions that were designed to assist them on the battlefield, primarily through the use of exploiting Emil’s ability to manipulate the energy his body produced.
“They want to make an example... They want to scare both us and the people into further submission,” Omari continued. “The people, they need hope, but as you all know, Arius wants nothing to do with that, hence the way his guard has been operating as of late. While some may not be aware, the people of Coren are being oppressed, more of their rights taken away with each coming day. King Arius plans to force the people into submission and then once they are broken, rule with an iron fist with Legion ensuring his dominance. He has the power to bend one’s will, so it’s safe to assume that those in the higher ranks are in complete alliance with his wishes. As previously discussed, if for some reason Arius is to show, disengage immediately and regroup outside of the city limits. Roughly six years ago, not long after the awakening of his powers, Arius was able to assume complete control over an individual’s body. In the time that has passed since then, it is only fair to assume that his powers have grown. It’s safe to say that at this present moment, Arius is the strongest of the Abnormals. Confronting him directly could destroy our whole operation.”
Emil cringed, tightening the hold on his leather gloves as he reflected on the life that he and his brother once shared. Before his very eyes, he witnessed the birth of a demon and the rampage of a monster. He should have killed him six years ago, but now, because of his mistake, his sins had come full circle.
“That being said, the chances that he shows up are miniscule, but a chance exists, nonetheless. It’s always best to be prepared. Hence, our positioning. As we discussed earlier, Marona will be amongst the crowd before the execution takes place, serving as eyes on the ground. For that reason, she is outfitted in everyday clothes and is not to be seen conversing with any of us until we meet back here. Skye, you are to assist Marona with her scouting and are to aid potential casualties amongst the townspeople if things are to escalate. You should be able to pick up on any planted Abnormals in the crowd once the operation begins. Emil, you are in charge of crowd control. After we prevent the execution, chances are the guards will be looking to stop us. Protect the people. We need them on our side. I will take care of saving the victim, as well as securing the perimeter. With my ability to warp, it will be easy to take out the archers, if any, as well as rescuing the victim, a local blacksmith, Eric Crane.”
“It doesn’t make any sense for them to seize him like that,” Marona interjected.
“Like I said, they’re trying to send a message. Crane has strong ties to the people of Everrmore. Though he is no ally of ours, he is perceived as a threat for unknown reasons. Most likely because if a revolution were to start, he’d be an asset as a skilled laborer.”
“Talks of a rebellion have already been underway for a while now. Rumors have been spreading since Nerai was destroyed. Everyone is whispering,” Marona responded.
“Yes, that is true. There are rumors of a band of savage Abnormals that burned Nerai to the ground. Others speak of revolution from the people. With the information being withheld, the people are growing nervous. Taking out Crane serves as a slap on the wrist and a—”
“Preemptive strike,” Emil chimed in coldly, cutting off Omari in the process. “Eric Crane is a human blacksmith...a source for weapons and a perfect scapegoat for their cause. Since Nerai was destroyed, you’re right, Marona, rumors have been spreading. The officials tricked the general public into believing it was the act of renegade Abnormals and that Eric was one, as well. Of course, that’s not the case. Hugo burned Nerai to ashes, and Eric had no ties to him other than being forced to help arm Arius’s infantry by law. This is just a cover up. The people are scared. They have no idea what to believe, as a whole. The less informed believed the king’s lie. Abnormals should die. They wanted an answer so th
ey didn’t question it once one came... Mass paranoia. The well-informed fought to defend Eric. It’s part of the reason why the execution has been put off for so long. Like Marona said, people are talking. Those who know Eric knew he had no connection. It’s an attack on us. They know that we’re nearby.”
“Precisely. That is why it is imperative that this operation is a success. If we as Abnormals make a public appearance and save Eric, it’ll be a step in the right direction. When the people see that we are not their enemy they will no longer be afraid,” Omari resumed. “The king and the officials can say what they want, but with Eric as an open voice, the people will believe him rather than the king. If they band together, Arius’s men won’t strike them down. We’ll effectively give birth to a rebellion, if this goes well.”
“Or, once we save him, the guards twist it and make it seem like a joint effort,” Emil said as his eyes gazed down at the wooden table that his arms rested on. “I know you said you’d handle it, Omari, but the latter is also a possibility, and we should all be aware of it.”
“Indeed, it is, Emil. The road that lies ahead is dangerous, but it’s something I know we are willing to fight for. If we lose the heart of the people, we save them anyway. Aside from us, few people have the potential to do what we set out to do. If they hate us, let them hate us. If they follow us, let them follow. If Arius continues his rule, we will all die. And once we can no longer fight back, the people will die, too. I love all of creation, Emil. And like you...like all of us, I believe that we should be able to live together in peace the way God intended it to be. For that, I’d die for. And for that, I fight. There are far greater problems in the world than obsessing over our differences. I pray that the people of this town, and this nation, realize this truth soon, or else we may be done for.”
THE WORDS OF RESOLVE echoed in Emil’s heart, much like the church bell that boomed throughout the city streets of Everrmore. From where he was standing, Emil could see the throngs of people flooding into the square below him, unaware that he and his allies were to be their guardians. Omari was also with Emil, but left not long ago. His primary task was to disable any guards stationed upon the rooftop, ensuring the smoothness of the operation as well as maximizing their field of vision from up above.
The few guards that were on watch were stealthily taken out effortlessly by Omari, allowing for Emil to observe the crowd at ease.
Down below, Marona was well submersed in the crowd, wearing a blue bonnet and plain red dress. She remained relatively unarmed, only caring a hidden knife on her person. Her crossbow was stashed nearby behind a stack of debris in case the situation called for more extreme measures.
As she kept to herself amongst the crowd, she peered out at the surrounding guards outfitted in red, stationed at the entry points of the perimeter, before gazing off in the direction of her stashed weapon of choice. Though she had the will to fight, deep down, she wished that it wouldn’t have to come to that. An execution turned into a massacre was the last thing she wanted to see. Omari and Skye would agree as well, but both Marona and Emil shared a special bond on that matter. Both of them witnessed firsthand the destructive capabilities of the king’s men when provoked.
A gust of wind blew behind Emil; an ethereal nothingness that he knew was not nature, but a friend. “It seems like we’re right on time,” Omari said as both he and Emil overlooked the flooded city square. The guards marched single file on the paved street as they escorted Eric, his hands in chains. He had been roughed up, bruised, but not beaten savagely. Only hurt enough to deter him from speaking, lest he be answered by another blow. The crowd was outraged at the sight. Their voices rippled like a bustling storm, although their faction had been split in two. From the ground, Marona heard cries pleading his innocence, while others prayed for Eric’s death. The roar of the crowd only grew louder as Eric took the stage with the guards who were assigned to end his life. Marona looked in the direction of her hidden crossbow, as well as to the alley were Skye remained hidden, stationed in case she was to act as an emergency medic. In the sea of people, Marona felt small. The overbearing cries of the crowd dulled her senses as she frantically tried to maintain her cool.
As she weaved within the crowd, she watched as fights broke out like fires on a dehydrated plain, only to be stopped by the second coming of the foot soldiers that rallied in her direction. Marona’s blood turned cold as the crowd grew silent. With every step as the infantry grew closer, her heart siphoned frozen needles through her veins.
They surrounded the perimeter, armed and ready to uphold the ‘peace’ by any means necessary.
From the rooftops, Emil gritted his teeth as the general who stood on the wooden stage thumped his lance against the brazen surface, demanding he have the floor.
“This man, Eric Crane, is to be put to death today for massacre and the burning of the village of Nerai. Though the Abnormals he has worked with have not shown their faces, Eric Crane has been caught and has been identified as a primary conspirator, and we will not stop until we purge the world of these demons that plague our society. As per request of King Arius, this man’s trial was made public, and also per request, so will his execution. Due to the nature of this crime, this man is to longer be treated as a man, but as a monster. All rights, such as final words, pardons, and/or requests will be denied as we do God’s will in sending this beast back into Hell!”
A mixture of reverent joy coupled with disdain echoed from the square. One of the two guards behind the general then came to the forefront where he covered Eric’s face with a thick black mask. Like a wounded animal, Eric lay still as they placed the fabric over his face. He said nothing even as the noose they tightened around his neck began to constrict his airways.
“I’m innocent! I’m an innocent man!” Eric finally screamed at the top of his lungs, but his cry was drowned out by the organized chaos that ensued amidst the crowd. The people had turned their ears away from the voice of reason. They were afraid. Arius needed a scapegoat. The situation was perfect.
Eric stood defenseless as his hands and feet remained bound together. From the crowd, a stone thrown from the onlookers pelted him in the face. Eric’s head bobbed backwards but the noose that tugged on his neck encouraged him to keep his footing. The black bag over his head tightened as his contracting breaths drew the fabric in, only adding to the mental duress he was already experiencing. Both the general and the guards around the perimeter watched in silence as the rapidly growing majority expressed their hate towards Eric. The general’s smile widened. A stark contrast to Emil, who grew restless at the sight of blatant martyrdom.
“Omari,” Emil scowled, “do something or else I will!” The chants from the people grew boisterous as Eric continued to endure his torture by the hands of the people. Omari glanced over at Emil, as if confused, distraught at the how quickly the situation had escalated. There was no fear in his heart, only a stinging sadness that his people were quick to believe the lie that their oppressors told. “Watch my back.” Were Omari’s final words before he sprinted from the roof and vanished into thin air.
The floorboards creaked with the added weight from a foreign body. Both the crowd and the guards grew silent as the figure of a man appeared on stage, outfitted in sleek black armor.
“This man, Eric Crane, is innocent! As a town, you all have seen him in your day to day routines. He is no killer. He is one of you. He is one of us! The village of Nerai was burned by the king, himself!” The crowd stirred once more, returning to its former glory, only tenfold. More so than ever, the people were afraid. “His men carried the mandate. His men slaughtered your friends, your family, your loved ones. Do not let his ruse blind you from the truth! Your taxes have risen, his guards patrol the streets, and for what? Not to protect you, but to enslave you!” Just as Omari finished his sentence, the men who shared the stage with him attacked.
They rushed him in a coordinated effort, but Omari nullified their offense with ease, leaving the three men who att
acked him alive but unconscious.
“I do not seek war, but peace, and for that, King Arius’s tyranny must come to an end. I know in your hearts that you find this to be true as well. I also know that some of you are well aware that I walk among you as The Saint of Everrmore. Behind this mask, I too, am but a man. A man who has suffered just as you.”
From the perimeter, the guards that stood watch began to move through the crowd, making their way to the stage to apprehend Omari, but the crowd purposely impeded their progress. As Omari continued to speak, Emil surveyed the city square as both the people and the guards grew more aggressive. Through his mask, his eyes peeled away at the layers of people in hopes of finding Marona safe, but he failed to find her. He then looked for Skye, who was properly hidden, but ready if needed.
Things are beginning to get out of control, Emil thought to himself as he dashed across the rooftops. His primary objective was to reach Omari on the center stage and be his shield until the extraction was complete. Marona will just have to manage until I find her.
On the ground floor, Marona found herself buried in the heart of the chaos that ensued. Before her very eyes, she witnessed the guards indiscriminately rough up the townspeople as they marched towards the stage, eliminating any possible threats. Wary of the guards’ position, Marona kept her right hand ready as she paced through the crowd. If she were to encounter any danger, the knife she carried was easily accessible from the hidden pocket on the side of her dress. Unfortunately, the hidden weapon only provided her with a negligible sense of security. She was armed but in no position to fight if the situation rose. It was best to be seen as a non-threat to the king’s forces. Even with an advantage of some sort, she was still human, and they were trained soldiers. She knew she could kill one, no problem but the possibility of her taking out multiple soldiers with a short-range weapon was highly unlikely. Dealing with the unruly crowd would land her in the same scenario. As much as she valued her own safety, it was the least of her concerns. Her sights were set on tracking a mysterious man who seemed unlike any others who were presently at the square. For some time now, she had been stalking him from a considerable distance. The blood-red hooded cloak he wore and unmoving face had been troubling her since she’d seen him appear before the general’s speech. No doubt about it, he was different. He had been relatively calm, almost reassured throughout the whole ordeal, as if monitoring the situation for his own reason.
The Last Light Series Omnibus One: - The Dreamer and the Deceiver - All Things Eternal - Ode to the King: A Superhero Epic Fantasy Collection (The Last Light Collection Book 1) Page 12
