Post by Squall on May 9, 2008 19:27:31 GMT -5
Challenge the Moonlight- Chapter Four
~Friend is ‘Fiend’ without the ‘R’~
Six years ago…
A young boy, around the age of fourteen stood in front of a large building. He wore usual plain black outfit, brown hair, brown eyes. This kid was called Ark. He looked up at the building, carefully examining the outer structure. The bright windows that shone upon the sun, creating rainbow-like rays, the odd statues placed around the side of the walls. It was high school.
Young Ark scratched the back of his head as he was a bit overwhelmed by the building’s size. It had at least eight floors, from what he could count from the windows up and down. He gives off a slight sigh as he looked down at the ground, gripping his notebook on the side. Suddenly, the young boy was pushed from behind; he tried to keep his balance as he tumbled forward. Putting a foot in front of him, trying to stay on his feet. He succeeded in not falling down, when he looked behind, he saw people walking by. He glanced in front of him again as a group of older-looking boys were yelling at him.
Bully: “Don’t just stand there you retard!”
The bully yelled, as Ark tried to walk forward, not paying attention to what the bully was saying. The bully stood taller than Ark, at the time, Ark was only 5’4’’, while the bully nearly reached six whole feet.
Ark didn’t mind the verbal abuse at all. In fact, he was used to it already. Through out middle school, the poor kid was nothing but ridiculed and pushed around. Mostly by his name…the way he looked, everything odd about him. Each passing day, he began to dislike society, maybe to the point of even hating it. Regardless, Ark just didn’t feel like reacting to this type of stuff.
Ark then fiddled a bit around his bag, trying to get everything in order as he started to walk towards the big entrance, along with all the other students that were attending that same place. He feet slowly dragged into the entrance of the school, the poor kid was nervous beyond all belief.
When he got inside, he thought the inside of the school was even more terrifying than the outside. Mostly it was because of the huge crowed trying to go in, and look at their perspective classes. Ark wasn’t a crowd person, hell; he just wasn’t a people person in general. Regardless, it was his parent’s wishes to get an education. He had to respect their dying wishes.
Slightly pushing everyone out of the way, Ark made his way to the front of the lobby, where there was a huge board with papers and names. Each piece of paper stapled to the board contained each class. The ones on the top were for the seniors, and the ones on the bottom where for the freshmen. As if it was a subtle way to mock their shortness. Through the crowds of people, Ark made it to the front, and slowly examined each of the papers.
Ark: “…Ark Ohan…Class 3F…”
He whispered to himself. His mind quickly went off at how this class was going to be different than in middle school. Will people be as mean to him as they were in middle school? Ark pretty much expected this. Age never counted towards maturity in the past. It’s something everyone had gone through sometime in his or her lifetime.
Rather quickly, Ark walked away from the crowd, and went up the stairs. Right over to the third floor where his Homeroom class was being held. For a couple of minutes, Ark stood in front of the large, white sliding door. He could hear faint sounds of students talking, getting to know each other, and making new friends. He took a large breath as he slowly slid the door open. He took a few steps inside, from what he could tell, people were already looking at him.
Ark tried not to make any eye contact with anyone. In fact, he just wanted to be left alone, so that he could be peaceful in class. However, he was soon to find out that not everything would go, as he wanted. Ark had sat in the back of the class, away from most of the crowd. There wasn’t a single person he recognized, his friend Milena seemed to be holed up in another class. What rotten luck it was for him.
Homeroom had started; everyone including Ark had done their own introduction. Ark gave a frown when he did, seeing as how people snickered as his name. It was just the same as Middle school. Idiots making fun of unnecessary things, such as a name. It wasn’t his fault his parents gave him that name.
When Ark started dozing off, he felt something falling on his head. He lifted his head up, and rubbed his eyes. He then saw a piece of crumpled up paper on the side of his desk. He frowned again and looked around, a few seats ahead of him; there was the same bully he saw earlier that morning.
Ark: “…What do you want…?”
Ark said, while he groaned. He rubbed the top of his head, the bully just sneered at him. Such event passed, and Ark went back to sleep, completely uninterested in the lecture. And so the first day of high school had gone to pass, the bell rung loudly as Ark got up from his slumber. He yawned and stretched his arms as he arched his back backwards. He looked around, seeing no one but him, no student had bothered waking the kid. At least he got a nice sleep.
When Ark got to the stairs, just heading down to the exit, he saw a bunch of kids standing by the door. He didn’t realize that bully was among them. Not paying any attention whatsoever to these kids, Ark tried walking past them. However, it wasn’t so simple, the bully put his hand on Ark’s shoulder, preventing him from moving.
Bully: “Hey loser. Where do you think you’re going?”
Ark: “…Home?”
Bully: “What’s in your bag?”
Ark: “…Heads of helpless children. What do you think?”
Bully: “Ohoho. We have a smart-ass here, guys.”
The other kids, who were a tad smaller than the bully, but still taller than Ark stood behind their leader. Smirking, like they were up to something. Suddenly, the Bully grabbed Ark by the collar, and pushed him against the wall.
Ark: “Ugh! What the hell is your problem?!”
Ark yelled as he glared up at the bully. He wondered why someone who he didn’t know just started to pick on him, who did nothing wrong. He grabbed the bully’s hand, since Ark was studying under Ray, and was pretty good at Karate; he was ready to kick his ass. However…
: “Hey! What’s going on here?!”
Ark looks to the left, by the entrance to the stairs there was a guy. He was taller than Ark by a couple of inches.
Ark: “You’re…. Elijah?”
Ark said. He remembered while people were doing introductions, he noticed Elijah do his own introduction. The only remembered him was because he went right after Ark. So his memory was still fresh about him. He was a sophomore, if he recalled correctly. Regardless, it looked like Elijah was going to get himself dragged into this mess.
Ark: “…Get out of here, I don’t need your help.”
Ark said, knowing full well he could handle himself, despite having a bigger opponent. His eyes were focused on Elijah; he couldn’t tell the Bully was raising his hand. When Ark looked over at the Bully’s to see a fist flying at him. It was too quick for him to dodge its wrath. At that moment, the fist had made contact with Ark’s left cheek, sending him right to the floor. Poor kid didn’t see it coming.
Elijah: “Hey! He didn’t do anything!”
Bully: “Tch! He was glaring at me like I was a dumbass. And you, you stay out of this.”
Elijah: “And miss this party? Hah. No way.”
The lackies, which were about 3 of them, not counting their leader started sneering. The took a few intimidating steps towards Elijah, however, he showed no fear.
Elijah: “Hey you, the one on the floor.”
Ark: “…?”
Ark looked up at Elijah, since he was still on the floor after being punched. Ark then quickly got up on his feet and pushed the Bully right into his lackies. Who tumbled to the side, but didn’t fall.
Bully: “Hey! Let’s show these two who they’re messing with.”
Lackies: “Yes boss!”
Ark: “Tch…just want I needed…”
Elijah: “You can handle yourself right?”
Ark: “I could even without you! This could have been avoided…blah…”
Suddenly, all four enemies surround both Ark and Elijah, both of them also take on fighting stances.
Elijah: “Hey come on now. This is a nice memory from your first day of high school, right?”
Ark: “Oh shut up…”
Ark said, as all four guys jumped at them at once. At that moment, it was like everything slowed down. Both Ark and Elijah moved away from each other in almost perfect sync. Ark dodged one punch by swaying to the side, and a lower kick to the ribs by mildly jumping. While he was in mid air, he kicked at one of the lackie’s nose, shattering it instantly. Blood was everywhere. Sending that guy flying towards the ground, knocking him out cold in an instant.
Elijah: “Woah! Quite a kick you got-”
Elijah’s praise was brought to a halt as he saw a punch coming. He quickly grabbed it, and twisted the guys arm, breaking it in an instant. The lackie yelled for a brief while, but Elijah kicked him on the side of the head, knocking him out instantly. There were now just two bullies left. Both Ark and Elijah stood right behind each other, facing opposite ways.
Ark: “Hmph…you’re not so bad.”
Elijah: “Like wise, kid.”
Ark: “…It’s Ark.”
Elijah: “Alright then…Ark. Name’s Elijah.”
The Bully took a step back, he was afraid of these two. He looked the side, to see if the remaining lackie was around. But he wasn’t there to be found. He looked towards the door, to see his buddy run off on him.
Bully: “Oh shit.”
Elijah smirked.
Elijah: “Hehehe. Not so tough now, eh?”
Bully: “S-shut up!”
The Bully ran at Elijah like he was going to hit him, at that moment, Elijah took a fighting stance again, however, the bully was rather sneaky. He turned around, and faced Ark, kicking him on the chest, sending him on the wall, and hitting it.
Ark: “Oof!”
At that moment, Ark’s mind went blank.
Several hours later…
Ark slowly opened his eyes, and found himself on a grass field. He tried looking around, but the glare of the sun was too bright, since he just woke up. He was still laying down, and still feeling the effects of that kick, and that crash with the wall. He then heard a voice besides him.
Elijah: “Finally woke up? Sheesh. You were caught off guard back there.”
Ark: “What happened…?”
Elijah: “Oh. Bastard took a cheap shot at you, but don’t worry. Everything is fine now.”
Ark: “…Define ‘fine’…”
Elijah chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.
Elijah: “Well, your friend…what was it…Milena? Yeah. She saw everything and alerted a teacher. I explained to him what happened, and those kids were expelled, I got a week suspension from snapping that guy’s arm, but it wasn’t so bad. Sad, you slept through it, though!”
Ark: “Oh…Then what I’m I doing here?”
Elijah: “Ah, well, I carried you out here on my shoulder, you seemed to be unconscious, so I brought you to this field to get some air!”
Ark: “Where is this place?”
Elijah: “It’s called the field of ‘New Beginnings.’ I always come here…”
Ark: “I see…Why this place?”
Elijah: “Weeeeelll…My plan was to come here anyway…and I don’t know where you live. I couldn’t just leave you in your state.”
Ark: “…Why the niceness?”
Elijah: “Haha! What’s with the questions? I wanted to help, so I did!”
Ark: “I didn’t need your help…”
Elijah: “Oh? You were knocked out cold even WITH my help. Without it, who knows what would have happened.”
Ark: “Ehhh………Thanks.”
Ark said, while he lowered his head. It’s true, four guys was too much even for a fourteen year old experienced fighter. In fact, he was relieved when Elijah showed through that door,
Elijah: “That’s what I wanted to hear!”
Elijah said with a laugh, as he patted Ark on the head. Ark lowered his head even more in shame. But he owed the guy.
From the field, a person could see most of Palm Square; the time was around six, so it was sundown. The view was like no other, from the city, you couldn’t see the sun setting, due to the tall buildings. However, the view from there was spectacular, to say the least. Ark was suddenly enchanted by the view. It was as if the sky and the tall buildings became one at the horizon.
Ark: “Wow…”
Elijah: “Good view, huh?”
Ark nodded.
Elijah: “…The reason why I always come here is to reflect, you know.”
Ark: “…?”
Ark turned his head at Elijah, in slight confusion.
Elijah: “It’s the only place I can find peace…Truth is. Things at home aren’t so well. My Dad always beat my poor Mom. One day, she had enough, and left us both. I’m an only child…so I was left alone with him. Today he got drunk on cooking wine and tried to kill me with the bottle…to go that low…ugh.”
Ark: “…”
Elijah: “I can only helplessly watch. I can’t do anything.”
Ark: “But those skills you showed when we fought those guys…”
Elijah: “True, I’ve learned a lot…but he’s still my Father, I can never hurt him.”
Ark: “Oh…I’m sorry.”
Elijah chuckled, and ran his finger through his brown hair, which was slightly swaying with the light wind.
Elijah: “Nah, I must be boring ya!”
Elijah went back to his cheery, laid back self. He then got on his feet and stretched both of his arms. Ark did the same as he stood next to Elijah. Suddenly, Elijah’s arm went around Ark’s neck.
Ark: “Argh! Leggo!”
Elijah: “Nu-uh, you’re going to tell me who that cute friend of yours is!”
Ark: “Oh…Milena? She’s a childhood friend of mine. A tad annoying but…”
Ark & Elijah: “…Cute.”
At that moment, the both looked at each other and started laughing. They both laugh so hard they fall on their back, soon after; they even forget what they were laughing about. It seemed a way to get out the emotions of the day. And quite a day it was for the two.
Ark: “Hehehe…”
Elijah: “Haha…”
They both catch their breaths; Elijah was the first to get up and faced Ark. He then extended his hand at Ark. Not only as a way to helping him up, but as a sign of offering friendship.
Elijah: “Friends, right?”
Ark looked in disbelief; it looked like the day wasn’t so bad after all…maybe a little.
Ark: “…Okay.”
He responded with a nod, as he grabbed Elijah’s hand. And from that point on, they bonded in friendship…
Present time….
Just outside Grand Dojo, a beam of red energy had beamed up all the way up to the sky. It was barely noticeable, due to the sky being blood red that night. The planet had only two to three weeks left to an apocalypse. This was the one of the few worries Ark had at the moment. Protecting the few people he cared about was one. He knew he couldn’t get them involved, since nearly the whole city was after him. He also had no idea of what was going on just outside.
Elijah: “This power…this feeling…No longer am I powerless…”
Elijah was glowing in a red aura. Much like the one Solomon has. His clothing gently swayed in the energy as he looked at Solomon.
Solomon: “Our power…counterparts his.”
Elijah: “What do you mean?”
Solomon: “You’ll find out when the time comes…You know our purpose already.”
Elijah: “But this power…”
Solomon: “Too much?”
Elijah: “No…I can handle it. I’ll help you with your goal. I know you don’t want to destroy us.”
Solomon: “Yes…Mother Eden will rise. And carry us to salvation.”
Elijah turned his back to the window that exposed Ark training with Ray and Eleanor. He looked up at the sky and sighed.
Elijah: “Sorry Ark. I have to stop you…for her.”
He clenched his fist, and then gave off a sigh. It seemed Elijah had chosen this path. Was Elijah brainwashed?
Meanwhile, while Ark was training, he felt something tugging at his chest. It was some sort of ominous feeling that something was going to happen.
Ark: “What’s this feeling?”
Eleanor: “Hey, are you okay, Ark?”
Eleanor asked sincerely, with a worried tone.
Ray: “Feelin’ bad, kid? We should rest, we have to think on how to approach this sticky situation…”
Ark: “…Yeah.”
Ark said, looking out the window, he saw a red glow, but it wasn’t there anymore. He peeked outside and saw no one. He scratched the back of his head, as he went back to the group. He sat down on the hard wooded floor, then, he laid on his back as he rested his arms behind his neck. He sighed as his eyes slowly closed, for some reason, the image of Elijah passed through his head as he drifted into sleep.
The following morning…
Eleanor was talking with Ray. Just small talk, she then walked over to the sleeping Ark. She nudged him slightly on the shoulder.
Eleanor: “Hey, Ark. Time to wake up.”
Ark twitched a bit and mumbled.
Eleanor: “Now’s not the time to be restin’! Come on!”
Ark’s eyes slowly opened. He gazed up at the ceiling, however, his view was obstructed by Eleanor standing practically on top of him. His gazed tried to shift, but he HAD to comment on the view, his male instincts told him too.
Ark: “…Stripes…”
Eleanor: “Hmm?”
Ark: “…You might want to keep your legs closed when standing over someone…”
Eleanor’s face quickly turned red. She shrieked loudly after wards.
Eleanor: “PERVERT!”
Eleanor foot rose up, then, she kicked Ark on his left cheek, sending him flying into the wall. Ark’s body flew like a rag doll, it was surprising to see Eleanor react like this, and even, this so much…heat.
Ark: “What the hell is WRONG with you?!”
Eleanor: “How d-dare you look at me like that!?”
Eleanor’s face was still beet red.
Ark: “Where ELSE was I supposed to look?! Your panties were EVERYWHERE in MY view!”
In the corner, Ray was smiling sheepishly, seeing these two argue. An imaginary sweat drop rolled down the back of his head.
Ray: “Alright! That’s enough! You two are such children sometimes…”
Ark & Eleanor: “Yes sir…”
A few hours later, all three of these individuals were sitting at a table. Ark was facing Eleanor, and Ray was sitting right across both of them. They were about to discuss just what was going on.
Ark: “ Alright…just what’s the current situation.”
Eleanor: “Well…Palm Square isn’t the same it used to be. Look at it…it looks…corroded.”
Ray: “That group, Rega, has brainwashed the whole city. While you were sleeping, Eleanor and I gathered some more info…apparently, they’ve become a world-famous cult.”
Ark: “So that’s why there seems to be more people…they all want to hear Solomon’s speech…they all seek to be…saved.”
Eleanor: “Makes me sick just thinking about it…Ugh.”
Eleanor scoffed while she rolled her eyes.
Ray: “I’m also interested on those two kids that were with Solomon.”
Ark: “Ohhhh…the twins…Yeah. They seemed a tad young.”
Eleanor: “I don’t like this…it’s like the whole cycle has been speed up. This never happened befo--!”
Eleanor came to a stop, knowing she just said something she shouldn’t have.
Ray: “Eleanor!”
Ark: “…Before? Whaddaya mean by that?!”
Eleanor: “N-Nothing! Forget it!”
Ark got up and slammed his hand on the table.
Ark: “Dammit! What aren’t you guys telling me?! Just what is this ‘cycle’ you keep talking about?!”
Ray: “It’s…”
Just then, an explosion was heard just outside the dojo. It was so powerful; some of the windows had cracked from the impact. Ark, Ray, and Eleanor all looked at the door, which was busted right open from the explosion. The door went flying at them. However, in that instant, Ark glowed in blue, as he manifested his power. A light blue long sword materialized right in front of him, just then, that sword cut through the airborne door right in half. The pieces were redirected to the sides as Ark cut them in half.
Eleanor then tapped Ark on the shoulder.
Eleanor: “Hey not bad! You’ve gotten really good!”
Ark: “…Whatever. I’m still waiting for an answer you know…”
Ray: “That may have to wait, we have visitors.”
Ark: “…hmm?”
From where the door used to be, there were three figures. One of them was a tall figure, while the other two were the same exact height. The smoke slowly cleared, revealing the identity of these people…
Solomon: “It seems we’ve found you…”
Nate & Dave: “That we have…”
Ark slowly stepped backwards.
Ark: “You…!!”
Ray: “Crap…I thought we were safe!”
Solomon: “Relax…we just want to deliver a message…”
Ark: “A message…?”
Solomon: “Well, not me really! More like…”
From behind Solomon, a familiar figure appeared…
Elijah: “…Hey.”
Ark: “Elijah…? W-What are you doing here?”
Elijah: “It’s useless to keep hiding, Ark. I know about your power.”
Ark: “You what?! How?”
Elijah: “Solomon here told me….”
Ark then glared at Solomon, and the twins.
Ark: “You…just who the HELL are you?!”
Nate & Dave: “You are so hot-headed, yet apathetic. Quite an interesting being you are.”
Ark: “Shut up! This doesn’t concern you!”
Solomon the chuckled as he ran his finger though his white hair.
Solomon: “We are….You. No…we’re PART of you.”
Ark: “What…what’re you talking about?”
Eleanor: “Ark don’t listen to a word he says!”
Solomon: “Ahh…still using everyone around you…huh? Eleanor and Ray. I can’t believe you haven’t told him a thing.”
Ray: “Shut up…he doesn’t need to know. You and I both know the ‘cycle’ isn’t something to be fooled around with! What do you think you’re doing!?”
Ark: “Wait…you all know each other?!”
Eleanor: “…”
Elijah cleared his throat.
Elijah: “Regardless…we’ve come to tell you. Do not get in OUR way.”
Ark: “No…Elijah, you’re working with THEM now?!”
Elijah: “…”
Ark: “Dammit! Answer me! What happened to your ‘wanting to live’?! What happened to protecting Milena?! Are you going to throw that away?!”
Elijah: “SHUT UP! The only reason I’m doing this is BECAUSE I want to protect her! That’s why I’m helping Solomon. HE wants to SAVE us. Don’t you get it?!”
Ark then glared at Solomon as he gritted his teeth.
Ark: “You bastard…you brainwashed him…give him back!!!!”
Solomon: “Silly child…he agreed on his own free will. I’m not the one to blame…maybe you should have been a better friend, hm?”
Ark: “Ghh…”
Elijah: “You’re no one to judge me Ark…I have ‘her’ now. Don’t try anything…”
Elijah said, shrugging his shoulders. He then turned back and started to walk away. Solomon , Nate and Dave did the same too.
Ark: “Huh…? Hey, get back here…I said…COME BACK!!!”
Ark yelled, materializing two katanas on his each of his hands. He quickly dashed at the three, hoping to stop them.
Ray: “No! Don’t!”
Ray’s yell fell on deaf ears as Ark was taken over by his anger. When Ark reached Elijah’s back, he was quickly stopped by a red aura glowing on Elijah.
Ark: “Huh…?”
Ark tried slashing down at it, however, it was like hitting solid rock, impossible. Elijah then quickly turned around and grabbed Ark’s face.
Ark: “!”
Elijah: “…I’m sorry, Ark…”
Elijah said, using his other hand to conjure up energy, he then released the red beam on Ark’s stomach, which sent the guy flying till the opposite end of the room, crashing into a wall.
Ark: “UGH!”
Ark yelled in pain as his body hit the floor. Both Eleanor and Ray ran at Ark’s aid, hoping he was okay. Ark tried to get up, wondering just what had just happened. Why did his best friend just turned against him?
Ark: “…That power…Why is your power similar to mine?! Where did you get it?!”
Elijah just glanced back at Ark, however, in a flash of red light, all three were gone from the scene. Leaving no one, just Ray, Eleanor and the injured Ark.
Eleanor: “Are you okay…?”
Ark: “…Damn, Damn, Damn…Why?!”
Ray: “I don’t know…I’m wondering, what did he mean by ‘we have her…’?”
Ark: “Her…? No, you don’t mean--!”
Ark quickly got up and winced in pain. That didn’t stop him from running out the door at incredible speed; both Eleanor and Ray nodded at each other as they followed Ark. After a few minutes of fast running, Ark came to a stop in front of an apartment building. The one were Elijah and Milena were living at. Ark grabbed his stomach in pain as he tried to catch his breath. He then quickly ran into the building, then up the stairs into the third floor.
Ark: “Please, I hope I’m not right…”
He said as he stood in front of the door of Milena’s apartment. He didn’t try knocking; he needed to get in the place as fast as he could. So he rose his foot and kicked the door, opening it instantly. Ark then ran into the apartment, he turned his head around, as he looked at the apartment. Some chairs were knocked over, and there was broken glass on the floor. It seemed that there had been a struggle there. But no one was in the apparent. However, there was a note on the table.
It read…
“We have her. If you want her to be safe, you will not try a thing against Rega. You have been warned.
-Solomon”
Ark’s heart felt like it sunk into the deepest layers of the ocean.
Ark: “No…”
Ark said as he crumpled up the note. He then gathered energy in his left hand; he clenched his fist as he pulled it back. Then, he punched one of the walls as hard as he could, destroying it instantly.
Ark: “Damn it…!”
Ray and Eleanor arrived soon after the wall had been destroyed. They noticed no one was in the apartment.
Ray: “They took your friend didn’t they…?”
Ark didn’t say anything, but gave a slight nod.
Eleanor: “What are we going to do…?”
Ark: “…I don’t know…Elijah…why did you do this…?”
Ark said as he looked out the window at the city. The whole atmosphere gleamed in a red glow from the ever-so-close moon. It seemed…rather hopeless for Ark to do anything. His best friend had just gone over to the enemy, and taken one of the people he cared about the most with him. Ark slowly passed his hand on his stomach, which had a nice red mark from Elijah’s blow. However, for some reason, it didn’t kill Ark. Elijah had the chance, but why didn’t he take it? Ark believed a trace of his former friend was still inside Elijah.
Someplace else…
Milena was held on a dark room, her arms were tied behind her back; her ankles were also tied together with a rope. She tried looking around, but she was enshrouded in darkness.
Milena: “Ahhh…Lemme go! Elijah! What’re you doing!?”
Milena yelled. She couldn’t see anything, but they could see her through an infrared camera.
Solomon: “Hmm, she’s really interesting…so tell me Elijah…you didn’t kill Ark, why?”
Nate & Dave: “Yes, why?”
Elijah: “I…”
Solomon: “Did some pesky friendly love get in the way?”
Elijah: “…”
Solomon: “Anyway…we have his friend, I doubt he’ll try anything. And if he does…”
Elijah: “…I wont hesitate to kill him.”
Solomon: “…Good…”
To be continued…
~Friend is ‘Fiend’ without the ‘R’~
Six years ago…
A young boy, around the age of fourteen stood in front of a large building. He wore usual plain black outfit, brown hair, brown eyes. This kid was called Ark. He looked up at the building, carefully examining the outer structure. The bright windows that shone upon the sun, creating rainbow-like rays, the odd statues placed around the side of the walls. It was high school.
Young Ark scratched the back of his head as he was a bit overwhelmed by the building’s size. It had at least eight floors, from what he could count from the windows up and down. He gives off a slight sigh as he looked down at the ground, gripping his notebook on the side. Suddenly, the young boy was pushed from behind; he tried to keep his balance as he tumbled forward. Putting a foot in front of him, trying to stay on his feet. He succeeded in not falling down, when he looked behind, he saw people walking by. He glanced in front of him again as a group of older-looking boys were yelling at him.
Bully: “Don’t just stand there you retard!”
The bully yelled, as Ark tried to walk forward, not paying attention to what the bully was saying. The bully stood taller than Ark, at the time, Ark was only 5’4’’, while the bully nearly reached six whole feet.
Ark didn’t mind the verbal abuse at all. In fact, he was used to it already. Through out middle school, the poor kid was nothing but ridiculed and pushed around. Mostly by his name…the way he looked, everything odd about him. Each passing day, he began to dislike society, maybe to the point of even hating it. Regardless, Ark just didn’t feel like reacting to this type of stuff.
Ark then fiddled a bit around his bag, trying to get everything in order as he started to walk towards the big entrance, along with all the other students that were attending that same place. He feet slowly dragged into the entrance of the school, the poor kid was nervous beyond all belief.
When he got inside, he thought the inside of the school was even more terrifying than the outside. Mostly it was because of the huge crowed trying to go in, and look at their perspective classes. Ark wasn’t a crowd person, hell; he just wasn’t a people person in general. Regardless, it was his parent’s wishes to get an education. He had to respect their dying wishes.
Slightly pushing everyone out of the way, Ark made his way to the front of the lobby, where there was a huge board with papers and names. Each piece of paper stapled to the board contained each class. The ones on the top were for the seniors, and the ones on the bottom where for the freshmen. As if it was a subtle way to mock their shortness. Through the crowds of people, Ark made it to the front, and slowly examined each of the papers.
Ark: “…Ark Ohan…Class 3F…”
He whispered to himself. His mind quickly went off at how this class was going to be different than in middle school. Will people be as mean to him as they were in middle school? Ark pretty much expected this. Age never counted towards maturity in the past. It’s something everyone had gone through sometime in his or her lifetime.
Rather quickly, Ark walked away from the crowd, and went up the stairs. Right over to the third floor where his Homeroom class was being held. For a couple of minutes, Ark stood in front of the large, white sliding door. He could hear faint sounds of students talking, getting to know each other, and making new friends. He took a large breath as he slowly slid the door open. He took a few steps inside, from what he could tell, people were already looking at him.
Ark tried not to make any eye contact with anyone. In fact, he just wanted to be left alone, so that he could be peaceful in class. However, he was soon to find out that not everything would go, as he wanted. Ark had sat in the back of the class, away from most of the crowd. There wasn’t a single person he recognized, his friend Milena seemed to be holed up in another class. What rotten luck it was for him.
Homeroom had started; everyone including Ark had done their own introduction. Ark gave a frown when he did, seeing as how people snickered as his name. It was just the same as Middle school. Idiots making fun of unnecessary things, such as a name. It wasn’t his fault his parents gave him that name.
When Ark started dozing off, he felt something falling on his head. He lifted his head up, and rubbed his eyes. He then saw a piece of crumpled up paper on the side of his desk. He frowned again and looked around, a few seats ahead of him; there was the same bully he saw earlier that morning.
Ark: “…What do you want…?”
Ark said, while he groaned. He rubbed the top of his head, the bully just sneered at him. Such event passed, and Ark went back to sleep, completely uninterested in the lecture. And so the first day of high school had gone to pass, the bell rung loudly as Ark got up from his slumber. He yawned and stretched his arms as he arched his back backwards. He looked around, seeing no one but him, no student had bothered waking the kid. At least he got a nice sleep.
When Ark got to the stairs, just heading down to the exit, he saw a bunch of kids standing by the door. He didn’t realize that bully was among them. Not paying any attention whatsoever to these kids, Ark tried walking past them. However, it wasn’t so simple, the bully put his hand on Ark’s shoulder, preventing him from moving.
Bully: “Hey loser. Where do you think you’re going?”
Ark: “…Home?”
Bully: “What’s in your bag?”
Ark: “…Heads of helpless children. What do you think?”
Bully: “Ohoho. We have a smart-ass here, guys.”
The other kids, who were a tad smaller than the bully, but still taller than Ark stood behind their leader. Smirking, like they were up to something. Suddenly, the Bully grabbed Ark by the collar, and pushed him against the wall.
Ark: “Ugh! What the hell is your problem?!”
Ark yelled as he glared up at the bully. He wondered why someone who he didn’t know just started to pick on him, who did nothing wrong. He grabbed the bully’s hand, since Ark was studying under Ray, and was pretty good at Karate; he was ready to kick his ass. However…
: “Hey! What’s going on here?!”Ark looks to the left, by the entrance to the stairs there was a guy. He was taller than Ark by a couple of inches.
Ark: “You’re…. Elijah?”
Ark said. He remembered while people were doing introductions, he noticed Elijah do his own introduction. The only remembered him was because he went right after Ark. So his memory was still fresh about him. He was a sophomore, if he recalled correctly. Regardless, it looked like Elijah was going to get himself dragged into this mess.
Ark: “…Get out of here, I don’t need your help.”
Ark said, knowing full well he could handle himself, despite having a bigger opponent. His eyes were focused on Elijah; he couldn’t tell the Bully was raising his hand. When Ark looked over at the Bully’s to see a fist flying at him. It was too quick for him to dodge its wrath. At that moment, the fist had made contact with Ark’s left cheek, sending him right to the floor. Poor kid didn’t see it coming.
Elijah: “Hey! He didn’t do anything!”
Bully: “Tch! He was glaring at me like I was a dumbass. And you, you stay out of this.”
Elijah: “And miss this party? Hah. No way.”
The lackies, which were about 3 of them, not counting their leader started sneering. The took a few intimidating steps towards Elijah, however, he showed no fear.
Elijah: “Hey you, the one on the floor.”
Ark: “…?”
Ark looked up at Elijah, since he was still on the floor after being punched. Ark then quickly got up on his feet and pushed the Bully right into his lackies. Who tumbled to the side, but didn’t fall.
Bully: “Hey! Let’s show these two who they’re messing with.”
Lackies: “Yes boss!”
Ark: “Tch…just want I needed…”
Elijah: “You can handle yourself right?”
Ark: “I could even without you! This could have been avoided…blah…”
Suddenly, all four enemies surround both Ark and Elijah, both of them also take on fighting stances.
Elijah: “Hey come on now. This is a nice memory from your first day of high school, right?”
Ark: “Oh shut up…”
Ark said, as all four guys jumped at them at once. At that moment, it was like everything slowed down. Both Ark and Elijah moved away from each other in almost perfect sync. Ark dodged one punch by swaying to the side, and a lower kick to the ribs by mildly jumping. While he was in mid air, he kicked at one of the lackie’s nose, shattering it instantly. Blood was everywhere. Sending that guy flying towards the ground, knocking him out cold in an instant.
Elijah: “Woah! Quite a kick you got-”
Elijah’s praise was brought to a halt as he saw a punch coming. He quickly grabbed it, and twisted the guys arm, breaking it in an instant. The lackie yelled for a brief while, but Elijah kicked him on the side of the head, knocking him out instantly. There were now just two bullies left. Both Ark and Elijah stood right behind each other, facing opposite ways.
Ark: “Hmph…you’re not so bad.”
Elijah: “Like wise, kid.”
Ark: “…It’s Ark.”
Elijah: “Alright then…Ark. Name’s Elijah.”
The Bully took a step back, he was afraid of these two. He looked the side, to see if the remaining lackie was around. But he wasn’t there to be found. He looked towards the door, to see his buddy run off on him.
Bully: “Oh shit.”
Elijah smirked.
Elijah: “Hehehe. Not so tough now, eh?”
Bully: “S-shut up!”
The Bully ran at Elijah like he was going to hit him, at that moment, Elijah took a fighting stance again, however, the bully was rather sneaky. He turned around, and faced Ark, kicking him on the chest, sending him on the wall, and hitting it.
Ark: “Oof!”
At that moment, Ark’s mind went blank.
Several hours later…
Ark slowly opened his eyes, and found himself on a grass field. He tried looking around, but the glare of the sun was too bright, since he just woke up. He was still laying down, and still feeling the effects of that kick, and that crash with the wall. He then heard a voice besides him.
Elijah: “Finally woke up? Sheesh. You were caught off guard back there.”
Ark: “What happened…?”
Elijah: “Oh. Bastard took a cheap shot at you, but don’t worry. Everything is fine now.”
Ark: “…Define ‘fine’…”
Elijah chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.
Elijah: “Well, your friend…what was it…Milena? Yeah. She saw everything and alerted a teacher. I explained to him what happened, and those kids were expelled, I got a week suspension from snapping that guy’s arm, but it wasn’t so bad. Sad, you slept through it, though!”
Ark: “Oh…Then what I’m I doing here?”
Elijah: “Ah, well, I carried you out here on my shoulder, you seemed to be unconscious, so I brought you to this field to get some air!”
Ark: “Where is this place?”
Elijah: “It’s called the field of ‘New Beginnings.’ I always come here…”
Ark: “I see…Why this place?”
Elijah: “Weeeeelll…My plan was to come here anyway…and I don’t know where you live. I couldn’t just leave you in your state.”
Ark: “…Why the niceness?”
Elijah: “Haha! What’s with the questions? I wanted to help, so I did!”
Ark: “I didn’t need your help…”
Elijah: “Oh? You were knocked out cold even WITH my help. Without it, who knows what would have happened.”
Ark: “Ehhh………Thanks.”
Ark said, while he lowered his head. It’s true, four guys was too much even for a fourteen year old experienced fighter. In fact, he was relieved when Elijah showed through that door,
Elijah: “That’s what I wanted to hear!”
Elijah said with a laugh, as he patted Ark on the head. Ark lowered his head even more in shame. But he owed the guy.
From the field, a person could see most of Palm Square; the time was around six, so it was sundown. The view was like no other, from the city, you couldn’t see the sun setting, due to the tall buildings. However, the view from there was spectacular, to say the least. Ark was suddenly enchanted by the view. It was as if the sky and the tall buildings became one at the horizon.
Ark: “Wow…”
Elijah: “Good view, huh?”
Ark nodded.
Elijah: “…The reason why I always come here is to reflect, you know.”
Ark: “…?”
Ark turned his head at Elijah, in slight confusion.
Elijah: “It’s the only place I can find peace…Truth is. Things at home aren’t so well. My Dad always beat my poor Mom. One day, she had enough, and left us both. I’m an only child…so I was left alone with him. Today he got drunk on cooking wine and tried to kill me with the bottle…to go that low…ugh.”
Ark: “…”
Elijah: “I can only helplessly watch. I can’t do anything.”
Ark: “But those skills you showed when we fought those guys…”
Elijah: “True, I’ve learned a lot…but he’s still my Father, I can never hurt him.”
Ark: “Oh…I’m sorry.”
Elijah chuckled, and ran his finger through his brown hair, which was slightly swaying with the light wind.
Elijah: “Nah, I must be boring ya!”
Elijah went back to his cheery, laid back self. He then got on his feet and stretched both of his arms. Ark did the same as he stood next to Elijah. Suddenly, Elijah’s arm went around Ark’s neck.
Ark: “Argh! Leggo!”
Elijah: “Nu-uh, you’re going to tell me who that cute friend of yours is!”
Ark: “Oh…Milena? She’s a childhood friend of mine. A tad annoying but…”
Ark & Elijah: “…Cute.”
At that moment, the both looked at each other and started laughing. They both laugh so hard they fall on their back, soon after; they even forget what they were laughing about. It seemed a way to get out the emotions of the day. And quite a day it was for the two.
Ark: “Hehehe…”
Elijah: “Haha…”
They both catch their breaths; Elijah was the first to get up and faced Ark. He then extended his hand at Ark. Not only as a way to helping him up, but as a sign of offering friendship.
Elijah: “Friends, right?”
Ark looked in disbelief; it looked like the day wasn’t so bad after all…maybe a little.
Ark: “…Okay.”
He responded with a nod, as he grabbed Elijah’s hand. And from that point on, they bonded in friendship…
Present time….
Just outside Grand Dojo, a beam of red energy had beamed up all the way up to the sky. It was barely noticeable, due to the sky being blood red that night. The planet had only two to three weeks left to an apocalypse. This was the one of the few worries Ark had at the moment. Protecting the few people he cared about was one. He knew he couldn’t get them involved, since nearly the whole city was after him. He also had no idea of what was going on just outside.
Elijah: “This power…this feeling…No longer am I powerless…”
Elijah was glowing in a red aura. Much like the one Solomon has. His clothing gently swayed in the energy as he looked at Solomon.
Solomon: “Our power…counterparts his.”
Elijah: “What do you mean?”
Solomon: “You’ll find out when the time comes…You know our purpose already.”
Elijah: “But this power…”
Solomon: “Too much?”
Elijah: “No…I can handle it. I’ll help you with your goal. I know you don’t want to destroy us.”
Solomon: “Yes…Mother Eden will rise. And carry us to salvation.”
Elijah turned his back to the window that exposed Ark training with Ray and Eleanor. He looked up at the sky and sighed.
Elijah: “Sorry Ark. I have to stop you…for her.”
He clenched his fist, and then gave off a sigh. It seemed Elijah had chosen this path. Was Elijah brainwashed?
Meanwhile, while Ark was training, he felt something tugging at his chest. It was some sort of ominous feeling that something was going to happen.
Ark: “What’s this feeling?”
Eleanor: “Hey, are you okay, Ark?”
Eleanor asked sincerely, with a worried tone.
Ray: “Feelin’ bad, kid? We should rest, we have to think on how to approach this sticky situation…”
Ark: “…Yeah.”
Ark said, looking out the window, he saw a red glow, but it wasn’t there anymore. He peeked outside and saw no one. He scratched the back of his head, as he went back to the group. He sat down on the hard wooded floor, then, he laid on his back as he rested his arms behind his neck. He sighed as his eyes slowly closed, for some reason, the image of Elijah passed through his head as he drifted into sleep.
The following morning…
Eleanor was talking with Ray. Just small talk, she then walked over to the sleeping Ark. She nudged him slightly on the shoulder.
Eleanor: “Hey, Ark. Time to wake up.”
Ark twitched a bit and mumbled.
Eleanor: “Now’s not the time to be restin’! Come on!”
Ark’s eyes slowly opened. He gazed up at the ceiling, however, his view was obstructed by Eleanor standing practically on top of him. His gazed tried to shift, but he HAD to comment on the view, his male instincts told him too.
Ark: “…Stripes…”
Eleanor: “Hmm?”
Ark: “…You might want to keep your legs closed when standing over someone…”
Eleanor’s face quickly turned red. She shrieked loudly after wards.
Eleanor: “PERVERT!”
Eleanor foot rose up, then, she kicked Ark on his left cheek, sending him flying into the wall. Ark’s body flew like a rag doll, it was surprising to see Eleanor react like this, and even, this so much…heat.
Ark: “What the hell is WRONG with you?!”
Eleanor: “How d-dare you look at me like that!?”
Eleanor’s face was still beet red.
Ark: “Where ELSE was I supposed to look?! Your panties were EVERYWHERE in MY view!”
In the corner, Ray was smiling sheepishly, seeing these two argue. An imaginary sweat drop rolled down the back of his head.
Ray: “Alright! That’s enough! You two are such children sometimes…”
Ark & Eleanor: “Yes sir…”
A few hours later, all three of these individuals were sitting at a table. Ark was facing Eleanor, and Ray was sitting right across both of them. They were about to discuss just what was going on.
Ark: “ Alright…just what’s the current situation.”
Eleanor: “Well…Palm Square isn’t the same it used to be. Look at it…it looks…corroded.”
Ray: “That group, Rega, has brainwashed the whole city. While you were sleeping, Eleanor and I gathered some more info…apparently, they’ve become a world-famous cult.”
Ark: “So that’s why there seems to be more people…they all want to hear Solomon’s speech…they all seek to be…saved.”
Eleanor: “Makes me sick just thinking about it…Ugh.”
Eleanor scoffed while she rolled her eyes.
Ray: “I’m also interested on those two kids that were with Solomon.”
Ark: “Ohhhh…the twins…Yeah. They seemed a tad young.”
Eleanor: “I don’t like this…it’s like the whole cycle has been speed up. This never happened befo--!”
Eleanor came to a stop, knowing she just said something she shouldn’t have.
Ray: “Eleanor!”
Ark: “…Before? Whaddaya mean by that?!”
Eleanor: “N-Nothing! Forget it!”
Ark got up and slammed his hand on the table.
Ark: “Dammit! What aren’t you guys telling me?! Just what is this ‘cycle’ you keep talking about?!”
Ray: “It’s…”
Just then, an explosion was heard just outside the dojo. It was so powerful; some of the windows had cracked from the impact. Ark, Ray, and Eleanor all looked at the door, which was busted right open from the explosion. The door went flying at them. However, in that instant, Ark glowed in blue, as he manifested his power. A light blue long sword materialized right in front of him, just then, that sword cut through the airborne door right in half. The pieces were redirected to the sides as Ark cut them in half.
Eleanor then tapped Ark on the shoulder.
Eleanor: “Hey not bad! You’ve gotten really good!”
Ark: “…Whatever. I’m still waiting for an answer you know…”
Ray: “That may have to wait, we have visitors.”
Ark: “…hmm?”
From where the door used to be, there were three figures. One of them was a tall figure, while the other two were the same exact height. The smoke slowly cleared, revealing the identity of these people…
Solomon: “It seems we’ve found you…”
Nate & Dave: “That we have…”
Ark slowly stepped backwards.
Ark: “You…!!”
Ray: “Crap…I thought we were safe!”
Solomon: “Relax…we just want to deliver a message…”
Ark: “A message…?”
Solomon: “Well, not me really! More like…”
From behind Solomon, a familiar figure appeared…
Elijah: “…Hey.”
Ark: “Elijah…? W-What are you doing here?”
Elijah: “It’s useless to keep hiding, Ark. I know about your power.”
Ark: “You what?! How?”
Elijah: “Solomon here told me….”
Ark then glared at Solomon, and the twins.
Ark: “You…just who the HELL are you?!”
Nate & Dave: “You are so hot-headed, yet apathetic. Quite an interesting being you are.”
Ark: “Shut up! This doesn’t concern you!”
Solomon the chuckled as he ran his finger though his white hair.
Solomon: “We are….You. No…we’re PART of you.”
Ark: “What…what’re you talking about?”
Eleanor: “Ark don’t listen to a word he says!”
Solomon: “Ahh…still using everyone around you…huh? Eleanor and Ray. I can’t believe you haven’t told him a thing.”
Ray: “Shut up…he doesn’t need to know. You and I both know the ‘cycle’ isn’t something to be fooled around with! What do you think you’re doing!?”
Ark: “Wait…you all know each other?!”
Eleanor: “…”
Elijah cleared his throat.
Elijah: “Regardless…we’ve come to tell you. Do not get in OUR way.”
Ark: “No…Elijah, you’re working with THEM now?!”
Elijah: “…”
Ark: “Dammit! Answer me! What happened to your ‘wanting to live’?! What happened to protecting Milena?! Are you going to throw that away?!”
Elijah: “SHUT UP! The only reason I’m doing this is BECAUSE I want to protect her! That’s why I’m helping Solomon. HE wants to SAVE us. Don’t you get it?!”
Ark then glared at Solomon as he gritted his teeth.
Ark: “You bastard…you brainwashed him…give him back!!!!”
Solomon: “Silly child…he agreed on his own free will. I’m not the one to blame…maybe you should have been a better friend, hm?”
Ark: “Ghh…”
Elijah: “You’re no one to judge me Ark…I have ‘her’ now. Don’t try anything…”
Elijah said, shrugging his shoulders. He then turned back and started to walk away. Solomon , Nate and Dave did the same too.
Ark: “Huh…? Hey, get back here…I said…COME BACK!!!”
Ark yelled, materializing two katanas on his each of his hands. He quickly dashed at the three, hoping to stop them.
Ray: “No! Don’t!”
Ray’s yell fell on deaf ears as Ark was taken over by his anger. When Ark reached Elijah’s back, he was quickly stopped by a red aura glowing on Elijah.
Ark: “Huh…?”
Ark tried slashing down at it, however, it was like hitting solid rock, impossible. Elijah then quickly turned around and grabbed Ark’s face.
Ark: “!”
Elijah: “…I’m sorry, Ark…”
Elijah said, using his other hand to conjure up energy, he then released the red beam on Ark’s stomach, which sent the guy flying till the opposite end of the room, crashing into a wall.
Ark: “UGH!”
Ark yelled in pain as his body hit the floor. Both Eleanor and Ray ran at Ark’s aid, hoping he was okay. Ark tried to get up, wondering just what had just happened. Why did his best friend just turned against him?
Ark: “…That power…Why is your power similar to mine?! Where did you get it?!”
Elijah just glanced back at Ark, however, in a flash of red light, all three were gone from the scene. Leaving no one, just Ray, Eleanor and the injured Ark.
Eleanor: “Are you okay…?”
Ark: “…Damn, Damn, Damn…Why?!”
Ray: “I don’t know…I’m wondering, what did he mean by ‘we have her…’?”
Ark: “Her…? No, you don’t mean--!”
Ark quickly got up and winced in pain. That didn’t stop him from running out the door at incredible speed; both Eleanor and Ray nodded at each other as they followed Ark. After a few minutes of fast running, Ark came to a stop in front of an apartment building. The one were Elijah and Milena were living at. Ark grabbed his stomach in pain as he tried to catch his breath. He then quickly ran into the building, then up the stairs into the third floor.
Ark: “Please, I hope I’m not right…”
He said as he stood in front of the door of Milena’s apartment. He didn’t try knocking; he needed to get in the place as fast as he could. So he rose his foot and kicked the door, opening it instantly. Ark then ran into the apartment, he turned his head around, as he looked at the apartment. Some chairs were knocked over, and there was broken glass on the floor. It seemed that there had been a struggle there. But no one was in the apparent. However, there was a note on the table.
It read…
“We have her. If you want her to be safe, you will not try a thing against Rega. You have been warned.
-Solomon”
Ark’s heart felt like it sunk into the deepest layers of the ocean.
Ark: “No…”
Ark said as he crumpled up the note. He then gathered energy in his left hand; he clenched his fist as he pulled it back. Then, he punched one of the walls as hard as he could, destroying it instantly.
Ark: “Damn it…!”
Ray and Eleanor arrived soon after the wall had been destroyed. They noticed no one was in the apartment.
Ray: “They took your friend didn’t they…?”
Ark didn’t say anything, but gave a slight nod.
Eleanor: “What are we going to do…?”
Ark: “…I don’t know…Elijah…why did you do this…?”
Ark said as he looked out the window at the city. The whole atmosphere gleamed in a red glow from the ever-so-close moon. It seemed…rather hopeless for Ark to do anything. His best friend had just gone over to the enemy, and taken one of the people he cared about the most with him. Ark slowly passed his hand on his stomach, which had a nice red mark from Elijah’s blow. However, for some reason, it didn’t kill Ark. Elijah had the chance, but why didn’t he take it? Ark believed a trace of his former friend was still inside Elijah.
Someplace else…
Milena was held on a dark room, her arms were tied behind her back; her ankles were also tied together with a rope. She tried looking around, but she was enshrouded in darkness.
Milena: “Ahhh…Lemme go! Elijah! What’re you doing!?”
Milena yelled. She couldn’t see anything, but they could see her through an infrared camera.
Solomon: “Hmm, she’s really interesting…so tell me Elijah…you didn’t kill Ark, why?”
Nate & Dave: “Yes, why?”
Elijah: “I…”
Solomon: “Did some pesky friendly love get in the way?”
Elijah: “…”
Solomon: “Anyway…we have his friend, I doubt he’ll try anything. And if he does…”
Elijah: “…I wont hesitate to kill him.”
Solomon: “…Good…”
To be continued…
