Enzo’s firewall surrounded the whole Human city. Sahel stood at the end farthest from the Midarans and stared at the ship that had carried him and the rest of the humans to Midara. It was colossal and towered over the human city. It was so massive that the firewall actually cut the ship in two, the other half lost behind the firewall. At a distance, it was obvious that it was huge but when looked at closer, it made a human look like an ant. Sahel read the word “Serenity” which stretched across the ship. A strange name for a ship especially considering it used to belong to the Lucifero Company. While Sahel observed the ship, he pondered all of the what-ifs, should-haves, could-haves, and maybes that led him to his point. When he first arrived on Midara he was content, but now? There was no word that could describe what Sahel thought.
He reminisced on his time on Earth, it would always be home to him. His brother and clan were still there. Sahel had lost many loved ones on Earth all because of the tyranny of the Lucifero Company. Midara was meant to be an alternative to Earth if humanity was unable to rebuild. His brother was in charge of Earth and Sahel was responsible of Midara.
When they first landed on Midara, King Silas greeted them with a smile. They were friendly and held no secrets or will ill. Humans brought holograms and other technological advancements while the Midarans used their powers to build off of Human innovation; It was a healthy relationship. Both groups decided to build “Midway”, a school for both Humans and Midarans. It was a symbol of their unity which was now stained with violence.
Memories came into Sahel’s mind produced tears falling down his cheek. Staring at “Serenity”, it seemed as though he wished to have never come here. He solidified his resolve and turned around back to headquarters. Sahel would make sure that the Humans would be victorious in the war. Going back home, to Earth, to his brother, was the only thing that mattered.
He had lost his son, Neema, to the Midarans. Or maybe Neema was long gone before that. Sahel was never able to bond with Neema as he had hoped and now, he would never have a chance. He felt numb; war didn’t seem like such a bad thing anymore. It would take his mind of things at least.
“There you are,” Dr. Bravo said as she approached him.
Sahel took time to wipe his eyes of any tears that failed to leave his eyes.
“Is something wrong?” Sahel asked before turning to face Dr. Bravo.
“Nothing yet. Enzo is healing at a steady rate but with him injured, we’re an easy target for the Midarans. I had my assistant, Dr. Ruiz, go through Diallo’s research. It seems that he and Neema were planning to defect for a while.”
Sahel sighed.
“But,” Dr. Bravo continued, “we found something interesting. It turns out, he had been researching a way to pass Midaran powers more efficiently with little rehabilitation time. If we wanted to fight back…”
Dr. Bravo didn’t finish; the message was clear.
Sahel spoke without hesitation, “I’ll be the test run. I want to control fire, if possible.”
“We could arrange that,” Dr. Bravo answered. “There is still some blood left from Enzo’s surgery. We could probably also take Enzo’s blood as well. He does hold more elements than fire. Does he know that?”
“He doesn’t and I don’t think he should. It would be too much for him to handle.”
“Hmm, speaking about Enzo’s blood,” Dr. Bravo said, “if he were to have kids, they would most likely have his powers.”
“He’s a Lucifero,” Sahel responded. “I doubt any woman would want to continue that family tree.”
“We could create an incentive,” Dr. Bravo suggested.
Sahel looked at Dr. Bravo with a noticeable amount of disgust.
“Enzo would not know,” Dr. Bravo reiterated. “We would find a group of women and assign one of them to Enzo. He has a kid and we have another super soldier. Also sex would probably make feel a little less depressed, at least for a little.”
“Are you serious?” Sahel asked annoyed. “I thought that you actually cared about Enzo. Remember the meeting before we handed off Dr. Diallo.”
“I care for the kids, Sahel,” Dr. Bravo answered. “Enzo is grown now and should have a proper understanding on our situation. He would be on the frontlines of any war that happens. If he is still sulking and we don’t make any more super soldiers, then we’re screwed.”
“Inject me with the left-over blood,” Sahel stated. “I will be the first and set an example for the rest. Surely, some people will be encouraged by their leader willing to take a stand himself.”248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgr7GVuxFW
“And Enzo?” Dr. Bravo asked.248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcatevWzqT7
Sahel paused for a moment before answering, “Ask me again after the surgery.”248Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gklGHHCF3
“I’ll be sure to remember,” Dr. Bravo said. “Now, let’s get you to the surgery room.”
Dr. Bravo turned around and walked toward the hospital. Sahel took one last glance at the Serenity before following Dr. Bravo.
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Dante chose to surround himself in books and neglect most of his duties as King. He didn’t have many decisions to make but they would change the course of his life entirely. War was practically confirmed after his mom and dad were assassinated. There was also the case of finding a wife to be Queen and eventually have an heir to the throne. He ignored his responsibilities and instead learned more about his own powers and tried to decipher the recurring dream and the shadowy figure. His only idea was that it might be connected to his powers or the planet. He felt defeated that he didn’t find anything about recurring dreams or mysterious people but he couldn’t stop thinking about it. He wrote down all the times he had the dream.
The day when Enzo made the firewall and the night before his parents were killed. Dante wasn’t sure how these two tragedies were connected to the dream. It didn’t help that he could hardly remember what the shadowy figure said in either of those dreams.
“My Liege,” Duval said as he knocked on the door. “We have suitors for you to pick. Midara needs a Queen to support our King.”
Dante sighed, “Let them in.”
The suitors walked in and were greeted with the scent of old paper. There were books strewn across the room and notes written in both English and a long forgotten ancient Midaran language. Dante had his own Rosetta stone translating English into the Midaran tongue. He quickly cleared his notes and books off the floor so the suitors could have just enough room to stand.
Finally, Dante observed his suitors as Duval introduced them.
“I bring you three beautiful suitors that were also checked by Frida to ensure that these women are the best of the best,” Duval announced in a proud tone. “Let’s start with Griselda. She is a gorgeous woman at 5’5—”
“Who here can speak English?” Dante asked.
After a brief pause, only one of the ladies sheepishly stepped forward and said, “I can.”
She had short hair not even past her shoulders. Her curls framed her face like a painting created by an angel’s hands. Her skin was dark and emanated a warm, comforting aura. Hair lightly covered her arms that were fully visible by her grey sleeveless dress. She wore a silver necklace with a sun pendant and matching earrings. White heels elevated her already tall stature about 3 inches. Dante was able to admire her eyes without looking down.
“What’s your name?” Dante asked.
“Mars,” she answered.
“Your elements?”
“I only have wind.”
“Show me.”
Mars put out both her hands out with palms facing down. She took a deep breath and began to float. Wind was shooting out her hands with such force, yet it was controlled enough to not disturb anything in Dante’s room. It wasn’t that exciting, but it showed how well she could control her powers. Dante did not let any emotion leak onto his face.
“How long did it take for you to learn that?” Dante asked.
“It was one of the first skills I learned,” Mars answered. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know exactly how long.”
Dante looked at her from head to toe and with such interest that Mars began to blush. It was obvious that the other two suitors were jealous that Mars hogged all of Dante’s attention.
“Do you want to see my powers?” Griselda suggested. “I control water.”
Griselda held her palms together and created a bubble of water around her self. Once she retracted her water shield, there was a puddle on the floor.
“I-I can do fire,” the other suitor said. “My name is Rosa.”
Rosa snapped and showed a flame coming from her thumb. The dim light quickly went out and Rosa put her hands back to her side.
Dante approached the suitors and asked a question, “Do any of you want to go to war with the humans?”
The suitors were speechless and took glances at one another shifting nervously. Dante looked at each one and finally spoke.
“I didn’t expect any of you to make up your mind so easy, but as of now, that is the number one decision that I need to make. I need to know who would support my decision.”
“Well, what is your decision?” Griselda asked.
Dante didn’t answer. He continued to look at each one of the suitors until Mars answered.
“It is a hard decision, King,” she said. “I am honestly not too sure about a full-on war with humans. They have their thunder that managed to kill our previous King and Queen and we have our elemental powers. At first glance, we should win easily, but the power of humans is unpredictable. I remember reading a book that stated their ‘power’ is persistence. A war with humans will be bloody. Trying to offer peace will have loyalists to the throne call you weak and fight for your removal. Essentially, we either go to war with humans or ourselves. It is not my decision to make, but if I were Queen, I would stand by your choice and use all my strength to make your wishes come true.”
The choice for Dante’s Queen could not be more obvious.
“Duval,” Dante ordered. “Politely, escort Griselda and Rosa out the Tower.”
Duval nodded and began to guide the two suitors out of the room. Griselda and Rosa looked defeated and did not put up any resistance. Now, Dante and the new Queen, Mars, were alone in the room.
“Sorry for the mess,” Dante said embarrassed. “Not the best first impression to show to my…wife.”
“I don’t mind,” Mars said. “It feels like I know a side to my husband that no one else knows.”
They both blushed and laughed nervously.
“By the way,” Dante stated, “I want to have my heir as soon as possible so…be ready…tonight…please.”
Mars giggled and said, “I never expected the King of Midara to be so shy around his own wife.”
“I…I’ve never done it before,” Dante said, looking at the floor.
“Me neither,” Mars whispered in Dante’s ear while they walked towards the bed.
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