Episode 11: Only the beginning 

Humanity, after the apocalypse, lost their home world. They have explored so deep into the cosmos that they had forgotten it had existed. Only in songs, old text, or ancient inscriptions that they can remember what was like back when they were creatures on a single rock.

Among the many humans that spread themselves in the Cosmos, the individuals that followed the leadership of the High Chief built Terra Prime for the sake of preserving their memories of their once forgotten home. As ages pass, their influence spread throughout the cosmos, allowing even other races and species to join in forging Kasipeia, a symbol of Coexistence in the Unpredictable Infinite that is space.

These were the thoughts of a regular soldier who is trying to revive his comrade. This was basic history for him. Humanity was always known to be insignificant compared to the great beyond.

"C'mon," he says as he continuously resuscitates him. "C'MON!"

Life is so fragile yet....

"Gav!" Another called out to the provisional medic. He was busy laying down fire at the direction of the threat.

"Just this one!" The soldier couldn't handle it anymore as the bodies around him piled up by the tens, almost the hundreds. "JUST THIS ONE!"

"GAV!" The man pulled him back to his senses. He was pale and sweating profusely. "WE HAVE TO GO!"

Gav, the provisional medic, snapped out of the trance and looked between his battle buddy to the bodies around him. He wanted to protest but he was interrupted by a sudden crash behind him. The bodies and rubble flew about the area from the impact.

Gav looked back to see what it was but his friend pulled him over before he had the chance to. "GO!"

A looming figure hunching its body due to its sheer size was being uncovered by the smoke. Gav knew in his very being that he should run.

His battle buddy pulled a grenade from his pocket, released the pin and threw it in the direction of the beast. "GO," he shouted to Gav. This gave Gav time to escape.

As he ran, Gav heard the sounds of objects crashing accompanied by a guttural roar slowly distancing itself as he got further away from the source. After, the sounds of crunching and desperate screaming were heard.

It did not take long for the screams to stop.

Gav wanted to turn back and give aid but he knew in his heart that it wouldn't do anything than hasten his death.

'FUCK,' he yelled internally.

He kept running aimlessly around the apartment complex having nowhere to go exactly. He just needed to run away from whatever was behind him. It was too sudden, at the dead of night when the call for emergence came through all channels.

First there was a power outage, then there were explosions going off all around the capitol. Before anyone could take action, the threat got its grip tightly grasped around Terra Prime.

"Provisional officer to HQ," he called out through the radio. "We need assistance in Sector B, Apartment Complex. Do you read?"

There was no response.

It seemed that the explosions and power outage was aimed at their communications. Seeing as how big the capitol was, it made it impossible to coordinate troops in the area.

"This is Provisional Officer Gav to HQ, please respond!"

Only static was a response to his call.

He didn't know what to do other than to just aimlessly run around the area and find help as soon as possible. Soon though, he was able to see the exit at the bottom of the stairs that led to the back end of the complex.

As he exited the building, he witnessed a harrowing sight that made him fall to his knees.

Terra Prime, the once monumental city of peace and serenity, was in flames as smoke filled the entirety of the horizon. Explosions continuously set off in every direction as the fighting ensued. Buildings that were meant to withstand even nature's disasters toppled one by one.

Creatures of an unknown nature were roaming about, climbing structures and tearing through their extremities. Some were small in the distance but there were giants, The large figures in the distance towered the buildings kicking and smashing at them with their thunderous roars that shattered the glass around them.

The sounds of people screaming and sirens blaring with the multiple gut-wrenching roars made him want to cover his ears but he couldn't. He felt helpless as he witnessed the scene unfold before him.

A black oozing liquid enveloped the land like giant roots ripping the foundations apart, making its mark everywhere his eye could see.

What made him give into despair was the shadow that loomed over the great city. A shadow so wide that it enveloped the entirety of the sun during the day.

"By the celestials," his eyes followed the trillions of black creatures that hovered over the city forming around parts that they were attacking.

They were moving in a circular motion as their bodies traced the scene like streaks of spout tornadoes. At the top of their formation, clouds enveloped the sky as if a hurricane descended on them. However, instead of an eye that is calm before the next wave, a gigantic rip like reality itself was shattered was at its center. There the creatures of black were descending on the land, a Rift.

As he was gazing dismayed at the sight, the guttural roar resounded behind him. He wanted to run again but he also heard another sound being muffled under its noise. A sound of a child crying out to her mother.

He turned to look and sees that large figure again, this time clearly.

Standing on its hind legs, it was gigantic, way above the average beta giant. It had patches of fur that didn't hide the open wounds of its body. Instead of blood, it spat out a black ooze from its orifices. Even present in its dead eyes as the liquid traced its snout and exited its mouth. Rips from decay formed its face keeping its skeleton in place.

A little girl, trying to pull a corpse out of a rubble, was unaware of the threat that was looming closer to her. It slowly walked over with pieces of its rotten flesh dropping on the ground ready to pounce.

Gav, being a provisional medic, was only armed with a pistol. He was overwhelmed by even its presence. He had to do something but felt like he couldn't. He was no hero out of a fairy tale. He was a student in medicine trying to pay of his loans.

As the beast reached right behind the little girl, who was still in denial at the loss of her mother, its claws extracted from its palm ripping away at its flesh. Its ooze dripped from the tips as it raised its hand ready to slash.

Its hand rushed down in great speed, too fast for the girl to perceive. In that instant, she looked behind her and saw fate unfolding. Some random person she never knew lunged at the beast's legs, tackling it to the ground. When the beast was stunned, the man took the opportunity to shoot multiple bullets into its head with one hand and stabbed its other with a knife sticking it to the ground.

He yelled a mighty roar as he did so. Was it fear? Was it courage? Gav, himself, didn't know either. He only continued yelling profanities at the beast.

It moved sporadically, trying to claw away at whatever leaped on him but its hands were held down by Gav's feet and hand. He used his free hand to empty the clip into its head until it stopped moving entirely.

After the deed was done, he looked over the beast and wiped his face clean from the ooze that gushed out after each shot. He sighed a deep breath of relief once he confirmed that it wasn't breathing anymore and got off the large figure.

Gav walked over to the frightened child who hid behind the rubble.

"Don't be scared," he said softly. He bent on one knee and reached out his hand before him. "I'm friendly."

That didn't seem to work as the girl moved deeper inside.

Gav lets out a deep groan. He didn't want to be here any longer before any more of those things arrived.

"Please come out," he tried again. "I swear I'm not going to hurt you."

The little girl peeked over the rubble and replied, "You promise?"

Gav gave a caring smile towards the girl who reminded him of his daughter that he sent on the first batch of evacuation.

"I promise," he reached into his pocket and took out a piece of candy. Normally, soldiers were refrained from bringing snacks on the field but Gav needed the sugar to keep himself awake. "I have food and I can bring you someplace safe."

"What about mommy?"

Gav brought his attention to the corpse that was underneath the rubble. She was long gone before he could do anything.

"I'm sorry, little one," he said solemnly. "We're going to have to leave her behind."

"I don't want to leave mommy!"

"This place is danger-"

"I DON'T WANNA LEAVE!"

Gav looked around the area to make sure nothing heard her cries. Once he felt like it was clear, he lets out a shivering sigh of relief and looked between the girl and the body under the rubble.

"Are you hurt anywhere," he changed the subject.

"No," she said. "But mo-"

"I know," he sighed. "I know."

He took a bit of time to think over the situation. There wasn't going anywhere since communications were cut off but he could do something about the situation. "Tell you what," he began. "How bout we let mommy rest for now."

"She's asleep?"

"Yes," he replied almost cracking his voice. "Yes, she is and when she wakes up, you can bring her some breakfast?"

"Mommy loves coffee."

This made Gav chuckle a bit before replying, "Then we'll make her a fine batch of coffee when we get back, ok?"

"Alright," she said as she walked closer to the man.

"Good," he reached out to her. "Now let's go before any more of those things come back."

As he lifts her up from under her shoulder, she said something that made his heart drop, "Mommy is awake!"

He turned to look to the rubble and sees the woman seething in pain as the rubble weighed on top of her waist. At first, she began to start convulsing uncontrollable as her cries echoed in the complex. Her arms swayed about with her joints bending in an inhumane movement.

A black substance started to leak from every open of her body as she began to start clawing away her flesh from the trapped waist. Her screams started to gargle as the liquid poured out of her mouth.

"Mommy why are you doing that?!" The little girl said innocently. "Doesn't that hurt?"

He covered the little girls' eyes before the guts started to spew out from the constant tearing of the flesh. "Wait! What are you doing?"

He ran with the girl in his arms.

"Wait! Mommy is awake!"

He didn't say anything to her as he heard the same guttural roar from the woman, whose eyes were beginning to sink in, oozing black fluids.

"Mommy," the little girl cried continuously for her mother. Gav didn't pay attention to her cries but instead focused on the multitude of screeches that resounded in the building.

"More?!" He thought in his head. "How?!"

He secured the girl in his arms and began running towards the main street and into the city. He heard the sounds unmuffled and loud shattering of glass behind him.

He turned back only to catch a glimpse of his worse fears.

A multitude of those things, what used to be human, came rushing at them with full speed. At the lead, a woman with half of her torso missing was lunging towards them. Black ooze trailed behind their wake as they clumsily make their way to the two.

"Provisional Medic to HQ, Multiple Hostiles sited in Sector B at the Apartment Complex, please send aid immediately!" He said as he dodged a claw from one of the monstrosities. "I have a little girl in need of help Please!" He didn't know if anyone heard that but he thought that there must be someone listening.

They slowly got closer. Holding the little girl in his arms was difficult enough but the plated vest was also weighing him down. He did not get enough cardio to do this, but continued to run.

He ran as fast and as far as he could but he could only hear the sounds of screaming and roaring getting closer behind him. He could hear a larger number than there was before, trampling to his direction. He did not dare to look back again for that would waste his breath. He knew that he was going to be taken by them soon.

He tries to soothe the child but to no avail. She was what was attracting the monsters behind him.

"Maybe," he began to think. He wanted to drop the girl to attract their attention and make a run for it while they were distracted. He could find a way to escape. That was a viable action to take to survive.

As he slowly loss grip of the girl, she began to hug him tightly and whisper into his ear, "I'm scared."

Memories of his daughter began to flash in his mind, snapping him out of his senses. He gritted his teeth and held firm on her small body.

He looked towards the girl and said, "It's going to be okay."

He had a terrible smile for a liar but that was all he had left. If he was going to die at this moment, he was going to do it by saving someone, even if he couldn't save his friends back then.

Despite his legs wanting to give out, he picked up the pace and ran at full speed. "If a man was able to pass the impossible trial, I can overcome this!"

Without caution, he tripped over a pebble and fell with his back while clutching on to the little girl, letting out a sharp gasp as his arm scraped the pavement.

He had no choice than to face the beasts following him. There was more of those large creatures that led the group. One of them had multiple wounds on its face, the one he confirmed dead before.

"Is there no way to kill these things?" He spoke.

"WELL SAID!" A booming voice was heard above him.

Gav looked above him and saw a shining figure a top of a building. A large cape with fur on top of his broad shoulders flapped with the winds. Under it, a full plate of golden armor was gleaming with whatever ray of sun hits its surface. He stood there with a large bone sword.

Gav couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the man raise his sword in the air shining with a golden glow. He brought the sword down in the direction of the multitude behind Gav and a ray of light enveloped his view followed by a sound of bells ringing as the monstrosities were wiped out in an instant. It was almost blinding to see but too marvelous to look at.

"Young lad!" The man said as he hopped from the top of the building unto the ground, which almost broke Gav's balance. "What is your name?" The figure looked into Gav's eyes with a deep stare.

"Gaver Lout, sir." Gav said politely.

"Gaver Lout!" His voice roared out of his bearded mouth. "You are a brave man and I commend you for risking your life to save another." The man placed his hand on his shoulder and smiled widely, his scar almost visible now that Gav took a closer look at the man. "We heard your call. Ya did good kid."

Gav, never in his days, would have expected the High Chief to come to his aid so he happily nodded as tears began to fall from his eyes.

"Now," the High Chief walked towards the scene. "The children of Kasipeia will not rest till this beast's hunger is quelled." More figures descended from the rooftops and the sounds of drums was heard in the distance.

"The Denizens of Kasipeia will keep fighting on!"

One of the figures dawned in golden armor and white capes, lined with tribal prints that even extended on their bare arms reached out for the little girl in Gav's arms. She didn't want to leave Gav so he smiled and nodded to the figure, gesturing that he got her.

"THIS IS OUR HOME!"

He raised his sword towards the rift in the sky.

"THESE ARE OUR PEOPLE!"

The same golden glow enveloped his sword.

"AND WE WILL NOT DESPAIR!"

The other figures unsheathed their blades and arms from their holsters, following the High Chief's example.

"WEJJEII!!" The High Chief yelled in his foreign tongue.

The crowd followed with a loud roar that rivaled that of the giants in the distance. Their roar could be heard throughout the entirety of Terra Prime as their light shone. They don't need the words of the High Chief or commander to know what to do.

"Gav," the High Chief called out to the young boy. "I have a mission for you!"

"What is it Chief?" Gav stood in a salute.

"I need you to find John," he began. "And keep the girl next to you secured in an evac as safely as possible. As soon as we have him here, our battle will surely turn tides."

"Yes chief!" Before he ran off, he turned back and asked out of concern, "What of you?"

"I will stay and fight," he looked off into the distance where bright lights illuminated the distance with glorious colors. "The Thiadigm and I have some unfinished business."

The soldier bowed and left the chief's side and into a Stork that was parked nearby for evac.

The Thiadigm were trained to take action from the moment they were designated in the High Chief's service. Their lights, lit by the heart of the High Chief, spread out in every crevice, nook and cranny slowly... but surely.

~

Allen woke up again under a strange roof. "This is the third time this happened while I was here," he said as he got up from the bed.

He noticed the warmth of the blanket coming off his bare skin. He smiled at the gesture and thought of his mother. The day was a bit cloudy but rays of light shone in his room. This was the first time he was able to sleep till the sun rose, despite having the same dream.

He got up from the bamboo bed and stretched for a bit. He didn't want to leave the soft mattress but he had another day ahead of him. It was also followed by the fact that he could smell food being prepared.

He decided to take a bath before heading out. He noticed the jacket John gave him on a chair by the window and his freshly cleaned Mythrillian suit hanging beside it.

He then saw that he was stripped half naked down to his boxers. He rubbed his nose in realization that someone had to take his clothes off in order for him to get into this state. He lets out a little chuckle before going into the bathroom.

It was a simple single bed and bathroom. There wasn't any Television but the view of the valley was encapturing enough for anyone's eyes.

When Allen was done with the process, he leans on the windowsill and gazed at the scenery, giving his mother time to ready the food.

Under the visible sunlight through the clouds, the grassy plains and the lush forestry was spanning throughout the horizon. The fauna was vivid and filled with an assortment of colors, livening the scenery. The grey clouds only added to the coloration of the wilderness.

The cool air graced his skin and the sounds of a chime blessed his ears. The sun gave a slight warmth over the cold breeze and the winds ruffled his hair as the trees swayed about to nature's rhythm. He could hear a chime in the distance from the open end of the Inn ringing to the call of gale.

At this moment, Allen felt that the burdens he had carried lightened over his shoulders. He took a long and deep breath of untainted air, giving some of it back as he exhaled.

In that moment, the chimes rung an ominous and familiar tune. Something that he had heard somewhere before, almost vividly so. A tree, an infinite sky, and the sword with a bell attached to it ran through his memory.

Before he could pinpoint it, he heard knock on his door.

"Allen," he heard his brother called from the other side. "Mind helping out with setting the table?"

Allen took a last look of the scenery and tapped on the sill. He didn't struggle with the suit as he dressed himself. It almost felt like second nature to him now. If he was going to be using it regularly, he gladly got accustomed to it. Since it was a bit chilly from the wind, he decided to wear his brother's jacket over his black tee and some stretched-fit jeans to match.

He exited the room to find his brother waiting on the other side.

"Good morning, sleepy head." His voice annoyed him a little bit but it didn't bother him as much as before.

"Morning," he replied with a yawn.

"Got some good sleep?"

"Just the usual."

"Really?"

John looked closely at his brother's complexion.

"What?"

"Nothing," he said picking up pace. "Just wonderin' if ya wiped your tears afterwards."

"You piece of-" Allen began to chase after John who was now sprinting down the halls.

Allen and John ran down the halls as they made their way to the Dining room. There was no one in the inn that day but the four.

Of course, it did not take long for Zilla to reprimand the two for making a ruckus early in the morning. As an apology, they helped with placing the dishes on the table.

Afterwards, they continued bantering about small things. They even begun competing who could finish the most food.

Zilla couldn't help but let the boys do their thing as she brings drinks to them, ensuring that they don't choke on their food.

Elaine watched silently as she ate her share with a slight smile on her face.

She remembers clearly the days they had in the little hut they called a home. There was barely any room, barely any appliances that would make life a little more convenient. They didn't have much but the conversations, laughter, and the bickering that made them who they are.

John is the oldest and had the will power to do anything he puts his mind into.

Allen may have been the youngest but his mindset was that of an older generation.

Elaine was the newest to their little family, not by blood, but by heart and she always kept that inside of her.

Zilla was the one that raised these 3 to be the people that they can be with the best of her ability, sacrificing so much without asking anything in return.

As time passed, they have experienced so many things. They have gone through their own obstacles and overcame whatever was placed before them to grow up to be who they are today.

John became the hero of eons.

Elaine obtained indescribable power.

Allen learned so much in his time away.

No matter the experiences, no matter the trials, no matter the distance or time, they have never changed who they are in front of who they love dearly in this universe of insurmountable bounty. This is what mattered to them.

It mattered to Allen that even now. As they've gone through life, a lot has changed. They were still a family no matter how much time has passed.

Still, the fact still stands that there is something out there that separates life, even the cosmos no matter the mortal events unfolding.

As they were in the middle of their chat, a man rushed into the room. He was sweating profusely and had immediate wounds from a recent battle.

John was the first to stand, "What happened?"

The soldier was out of breath and regained his composure before speaking, "The Capitol is under siege. We require your assistance."

It did not take John a second to move. "Mom, pack your things and get ready for evac. Only essentials!"

"What's going on John?" His mother asked in concern, knowing that there must be something big happening in the capitol.

"Don't worry, I have business to attend to."

He looked towards the other two who were already standing on their feet. He smiled for a bit however it was a smile that carried a lot of weight before making an important decision. His face then turned stern as he looked over to Elaine.

"I need you to take mom somewhere safe."

"I can help you," she protested.

"Help me by keeping our mother safe, please." He grabbed her shoulders firm and looked deeply in her eyes.

Elaine immediately understood the meaning behind his words and obediently guided their mother to the lodge.

Allen was about to follow in tow behind Elaine until he was stopped by John.

"Al," he said almost hesitantly. "You're coming with me."

"What?" Allen wasn't so sure that he would be any help for John. "Wouldn't I be baggage?"

"Wanna see your brother in action?"

At these words, Allen had doubts about the intent John has but so far, his intentions were for the better good. He decided to trust him.

"John," Elaine called back before exiting the room. "Keep him safe."

"Come back safe," Zilla added. "Please the both of you."

"It's okay," John said confidently while grabbing his brother by the soldier and pulled him close. "No one can beat this duo!"

He waved them off with a smile as they finally left the room.

Behind those words, Allen felt that John wasn't telling them the whole truth. He could feel a sense of regret in his voice that made him worry more.

"Are you sure about this?"

"I have to be." John lets his brother go to gather his things.

It did not take long for Allen to get dressed for battle since he only had the Mythrillian armor as protection. The pain in his chest subsided but the feeling of something ominous gripped his core. Before he could ponder more about the situation, John came into the room and passed him a duffle bag, the one he brought from the party.

"Don't forget this," he said as Allen began to open its contents. In it, he found a chest piece along with light silver armor that seemed to be malleable and flexible. "I'm sure this would help you on the way and you wouldn't want to leave a gift behind without using it right?"

"Thanks," Allen smiled at John for his consideration.

"When you are ready, we'll depart."

"I'll be out soon."

John left the room, allowing Allen to put on the attachments that fit perfectly on his suit. He felt the magnetic pull as it latched on without any drawbacks. He knocked on the plate for good luck and began to walk out. Before he did, he looked towards the jacket that he placed on the bed.

~

When Allen exited out of the room, John took a good look at his brother.

Allen had the silver armor over his black mythrillian suit that were a bit too big for him but he'll eventually grow into it. They looked light but sturdy. It won't protect him from large attacks but John would make sure he doesn't have to. The jacket then caught his eye as Allen wore it over his suit that didn't seem to bother him despite its size. He pulled the sleeve to his upper forearm for support, giving he look more comfortable than protective.

Allen was ready for now.

"Good," John said to his younger brother as he brushed the lint off his shoulder. He then gripped his shoulder and look deeply into Allen's eyes. He had a complexed expression that he had never showed Alen before.

"Listen," he said sternly. "Whatever happens, do not risk yourself unless you absolutely have to."

"Imean, isn't that the point of this armor," he joked but sensing his brother's concern, he looked to him with a strong determination. "I've grown more than you think I have, John."

John's expression changed and he smiled at the lad who stood firmly. "Kay."

John lifts his grip on his brother go and began to walk towards the exit.

There was a stork waiting outside with its twin blades already active, pushing the winds heavily on all sides.

"Status," he asked the company who was standing in wait. They had the regular military attire than Allen saw back in Lydia, this time in a green and gold hue indicating that they were Capitol Recruits.

"The situation is dire," the person leading the group said in turn dawned in a red and green armor indicating his status as a Medic. "Evacuation is about 70% globally but there are multiple outbreaks on all sectors."

"Globally?"

"Yes sir," the commander replied as the group began to board the Stork. "We've reached a G-Level Threat and are ensuring the safety of everyone on planet."

"What of the capitol?"

"It's worse sir," he replied with a dark tone. The other personnel had a serious look on their battered faces, covered in mud and cuts. "The infection has spread on all sides. The Thiadigm and Sir Karl are doing the best they can but with limited communications and manpower, it's becoming harsh for everyone."

"And her?" John gestured to the little girl who was quietly sitting in the corner of the Stork.

"I picked her up from the last mission," the soldier leaned to John's ear to whisper. "Her mother was infected."

John's eyes widened then furrowed in anger. He lets out a deep sigh to calm himself and kneeled before the girl.

"Hi," he said. The girl looked at him but her eyes were dead, like the light that once lit her innocent spirit was gone. John wanted to mourn for the little girl but he kept a smile on his face as he talked. "We'll get you out of here safely, okay? Just wait a little bit longer."

Allen couldn't help but watch the two getting nowhere as the girl turned her attention away from John. She didn't see any point in living without her mother anymore and continued to stare distantly into the distance.

John stood from his place and clenched his fist, stifling his anger. The pure pressure he gave off wasn't like the one any of them recognized before. It was pure malice and hatred that even made Allen uncomfortable. "Get us there as soon as possible."

"Yes sir!" The pilot replied immediately as they took off quickly.

Allen watched as another group of Stork's arrived to keep his mind off of John's presence for a bit. He could see among the settlers, his mother, who was boarding one with Elaine. Their eyes met once again as she nodded in his direction. Allen nodded back and flew further away from the settlement, from their oasis from whatever is to come their way.

For a bit, they flew in silence.

The little girl was still staring distantly and John was getting restless. John had a habit of shaking his leg when he had to wait. Allen was looking around the area to find hints of what's to come but found that nothing has really changed out here, despite how badly the people around him looked.

"What happened at Terra?" Allen broke the silence.

"The blight happened," Gav, the medic in charge, spoke up. "They tore through everything at the dead of night, when the bustling of folks was the calmest. When everyone was asleep from a long day of celebration, they attacked."

"Blight?" This was the first time Allen heard about this. In his days with Ol' Man Ossy, he never mentioned anything about the Blight except that it was something that brought great calamity.

"They come from the void," John chimed in. "A force that rivals even the celestials."

Allen's eyes widened by that statement. To him and to many others, a threat that big was considered to be something even greater than they can comprehend.

"When they arrive, they massacre millions and infect trillions to add to their already incomprehensible number."

"Just one night," Gav spoke up. "Just one night, they did all this."

In perfect timing, the city was now in full view as they passed over the suburban area.

Everything was either turned to rubble or became remnants of what was as the fire and what seemed to be black roots covered the cityscape. Numerous fights were going on as explosions continuously set off in the distance.

Skyscrapers toppled to one another like dominos and continued falling as the loud crashing rung in Allen's ears. He could hear the screams and cries of the people around him accompanied by faint sirens going off as the sounds of gunfire resonated throughout the city.

There was so many of those black things that roamed about tearing through the infrastructure and breaking through the masses like they were made of cardboard.

Allen was at first astonished by the devastating site but then in fear by what is causing it. There was too many of them.

It was the first time that Allen felt this amount of dread running through his very core. That feeling he had elevated as he continued to watch the destruction unfold before him. It was a massacre.

He snapped his head to his brother to protest him being there but he saw that John was already standing from his seat, looking at the city with a determined expression before looking to his brother with a devious grin on his face.

"John?" He said to his brother.

No matter what Allen was going to say, he wasn't prepared to see what was about to come next.

"Enjoy the fireworks!" John then leaped off the Stork.

All those watching had wide eyes as they witnessed a person jumping to their death. "JOHN!"

BOOM!

A large resonating explosion was then heard as a wave of radiant light enveloped the area. The aftershock of strong winds was so strong that it almost sent the Stork into a frenzy.

"What was that?" The pilot was genuinely concerned about the possible threat near them.

It did not stop.

The same explosion went off all around them, surrounding the area in a colorful light as they go off. It radiated with a halo that spread around the area, clearing the vicinities from those creatures and decaying what looked like sturdy roots as it dissipates into white dust.

Allen looked in amazement as the scene of what looked like different fireworks went off on the ground, keeping the people safe and the buildings intact. It wasn't destructive but it felt like miniature tsar bombs.

What remained afterwards was a soft glow of what it once was that gave a warm embrace to those near it.

None of them could believe their eyes when they saw it take place and didn't realize that the threat did not end there.

A large screech was heard from above them as what looked like a flying creature with hair like wings and tendrils for legs starting making its way to them.

"OPEN FIRE!" Gav ordered the group and began to shoot at the incoming threat.

It did not stop its approach and only stunned it for a little bit before it came barreling down on them and crashed into the stork.

The girl was now screaming as the creature began to slither its tendrils into the deck.

"Give me something!" Allen yelled to one of the soldiers who was reluctant at giving his weapon away. Instead, he gave Allen a large combat knife.

"What am I going to do with this!?"

"Use it!" The soldier replied busy shooting at the tendrils that were flaying wildly.

Allen pondered for a bit as he dodged the onslaught. He then found determination in his action as he made a short sprint towards the root of the tendrils and began slashing away at the source, cutting pieces of it off.

The beast cried in pain as it began to ruthlessly flail its arms to all ends. The soldier immediately stabbed the arms in place, allowing Allen to hack away of what was left attached to it. After all of the tendrils were cut off, the creature retreated a few feet back from the Stork and started screeching again.

"Did that hurt!" One of the soldiers taunted the beast.

"Mike! Get away from there!"

Before the soldier could react, a tendril grabbed him by the waist and dragged him down. They could hear him screaming for help but they couldn't do anything as they heard a multitude of the same screech sounding off around them.

More of the creatures like it gathered around the stork, surrounding all sides.

"Secure the girl!" Gav ordered Allen who went ahead and kept her close in his arm as he pointed his dagger at the group.

The one creature that they had dismembered shuttered for a bit before more tendrils popped out of its body, replacing the ones it lost, this time with more as it latched on to the ship, this time its head was sticking in.

The beak was biting about with numerous shark--like teeth inside it, ripping away the interior of the Stork.

"I can't hold on to her much longer!"

The creature was able to catch a soldier in its razor-sharp mouth, his guts was almost falling out of his body. Before he passed out from the impact, he yelled profanities at the beast and lunged his knife into the eye while pulling pins from his vest. The creature reeled away from the ship in pain, taking the soldier with it.

They heard his screams before a loud explosion going off.

The screeching of the creature around them didn't stop as they came gradually closer to the stork that was hovering for its dear life.

One creature was thundering towards them to finish off the job.

Allen held on to the girl who was bawling in his arms and prayed for something to save them. She closed her eyes shut and covered her ears, crumpling up in a fetal position.

"Oh no, you don't," a familiar voice was heard and the bird stopped in place inches away from Allen and the girl.

It was then pulled back with tremendous force, smacking into a group of them. There was a light in its chest that illuminated brightly as it began to bite away at the source. When it set off, a large explosion like that of the one they saw going off on the ground sets off on the group, decimating the ones surrounding it as well.

"John," Allen spoke in glee. It took him a minute to realize that John was floating in place.

His body was now giving off a slight visible aura that wrapped around his arms and legs. His body was giving off a little steam that slowly gravitated down. His eyes were glowing silver with a bit of gold tracing off from it.

"You don't touch my brother!" He yelled at the creatures as he smashed his fist together releasing a miniature boom around him.

He then rushed towards the beasts so quick that it looked like he was teleporting in between them. His fist blasted them away, leaving behind white dust in his wake.

He then teleported in front of the Stork, "Gather your 'Essence' to finish them off! Use imbued weapons if you can't!"

The soldiers understood what he said and took out another blade and specific clips from their pockets. Allen didn't understand what essence was but he needed to arm himself with one.

Allen was going around asking for some but the soldiers were adamant about letting a rookie guild member arming themselves with that kind of weapon.

"Just stay put and watch over the girl," Gav ordered him.

Allen couldn't help but stay close to the girl who was shivering in fear.

The other soldiers now have a resolve in their eyes as they loaded their weapons, ready to face whatever threat comes next.

John took care of most of the flying creatures but there were some that escaped his reach and came at the Stork again. This time the soldiers were ready as they began to open fire at the beast with heated bullets.

The bullets were imbued with Fire, with a rune of Hearth was written on each one. Because of how difficult it is to imbue weapons, mass production made them less potent but still effective.

It scorched whatever it hits and turns it into a bright cinder with a single shot. It took a few burst shots to burn the creature into a white ash.

Their confidence grew as they took down a multitude of the creatures with more ease than before. It showed that they didn't have prior information about the threat but now that they have a sufficient amount, they showed their fruits of their training.

Group by group, the flying creatures were being wiped out from their view.

They yelled in victory as they witness the creature retreating.

Allen gently brushed the girl's hair and told her in a soft voice, "There is no need to be afraid."

The girl slowly released her hands from her ears, wincing from the loud cheers of the group. When she confirmed it was safe, she slowly opened her eyes and looked at the scene unfolding before her.

There were so many colorful lights that was going off around her from John's attacks. It looked like fireworks was going off as they shone in various colors, leaving behind sparking dust in its wake.

The sounds were loud but not deafeaning. The wave was not rough but warm. The lights were not bright but vibrant.

Her eyes once darkened were now shining with awe as she witnessed the happy cheers of the folks around her and the 'fireworks' setting off around her as she was in a festival. She felt a warm embrace that was familiar, not because she knew the person brushing her hair but he gave off a warm and gentle aura.

She looked to Allen who was staring out at the lights that lit up the surroundings. He had a glow about him that she cannot explain but his expression was that of someone who has hope for something better than what is happening around them.

When she looked outside again, a large figure rose up in front of them.

Their cheering stopped as the soldiers immediately readied their arms to face the eminent threat before them. It stood taller than the buildings around it making the Stork seem like a mosquito in its presence. It was an amalgamation of decaying flesh with a large hole at the center of its chest with the black liquid flowing out of it like a rive.

Despite not having one, it roared loudly with its breath shaking the Stork mid-flight.

She was about to cower in fear until she saw another glowing figure in front of the large being. It seemed so insignificant at a first glance but it gave off an aura of power that even she felt safe under its soft glow.

She watched as the figure placed one fist over the other and hovered in place. The giant raised his hand about to swat the person, who was returning the gesture with his two fists in the air almost touching the clouds, like he was holding an invisible sword.

As the giant's hand began to thunder down on the figure, with its shockwave breaking the glass of the buildings around it and dragging a piece of the cloud to trace its movement.

"There is no need to be afraid," Allen then spoke up with confidence.

In an instant, the smaller figure roared loudly as he extended his hands higher up and rose to meet the giant face to face. A beam shot up to the sky, separating the clouds when it touched the sky. It emitted a bright glow, like a rod from heaven was being held by the man.

"Cuz we've got an older brother to save us all."

John swung the beam down on the giant slicing the being into two. The giant reeled back, roaring as it toppled to the ground dissipating into a white dust.

The arch from John's swing split the clouds apart, revealing most of the sky, allowing the sun to ray down on the land.

"And we are here too." Allen looked to the girl who was still in shock from what she just saw. He gave her a bright smile as the sun shone on his face.

A bit of the black ooze fell on his lip a bit. His face contorted a bit as he spat the liquid and began wiping his face roughly. This made the girl laugh a bit.

When Allen was sure he got everything off his face, he joined her in laughing for a bit as John watched his brother from afar.

John turned his attention towards the rift that broke the sky above. With a rift that big, he was sure that giants were the least of his worries. This was only the beginning of their counter attack.

Edited and reviewed by

Aces Association and Friends