Post by Squall on Mar 15, 2008 1:34:31 GMT -5
Challenge the Moonlight- Chapter 3
~An Unexpected Change~
It’s been a 4 months since Ark, Ray, and Eleanor left Palm Square for training. During these past few months, they’ve been on the mountains just a couple of kilometers from the city. Ray and Eleanor would sometimes drive back in order to get food supplies under disguise. They knew they were missing, and couldn’t afford to be spotted by the police or anyone else by that matter. During training sessions, Ark would usually fight either Eleanor or Ray. Ray uses a spear as his signature weapon, as Eleanor uses kunais. Ark prefers to use his powers to transmute whatever weapon he thought it was best to use. However, it was harder to do so when a person is trying to come at him, not enough reaction time and concentration.
That day, Ark and Ray were doing a training session. Both were treating it as if it were a real battle.
Ray: “Come on kid…is that all you got? You wont save anyone like that.”
Ark: “Urrgh…”
Both of these individuals were clashing with each other. Ark had materialized a long sword on his hands, while Ray had his spear. As the clashed, blue and green aura could be seen emitting from their bodies. It was a sight to behold really. Eleanor was on sitting on a rock watching the sparring session while reading a book.
Eleanor: “Men…”
She sighed.
Suddenly, Ray moved behind Ark, putting the blunt end of his spear on Ark’s chest, then pushing him down hard on the floor.
Ark: “Argh!”
When Ark tried to get up, Ray stabbed the spear right next to Ark’s face; it was a sign of victory for Ray. Ark looked up in anger.
Ray: “What’s the matter…why the glare?”
Ark struggled to sit up.
Ark: “It looks like you’ve been playing with me…”
Ray laughed as he put his hands on his waist.
Ray: “Of course, you can’t die here.”
Ark: “…”
Eleanor spoke from a distance
Eleanor: “Ahhh. Come on, don’t be so hard on Ark. He just started training.”
Ray: “You’re right, come on kid. Get up and rest.”
As Ark sat up, he clenched his fist to himself.
Ark: “Gotta…get stronger…”
Eleanor walked right in front of Ark as she extended her hand.
Eleanor: “All this for her…huh?”
Ark: “…”
Eleanor: “Even though she might never find out about this. Even though she’s with someone else…”
Ark: “You don’t…have to repeat it. I know.”
He lowers his head.
Eleanor: “You really are an interesting guy.”
Ark: “I just want to do something for her…that isn’t a problem. And what do you mean by interesting?!?!”
Eleanor then laughed as she shook her head. She then bent over a bit as she gave Ark a pat on the head. Anyone walking around that area would have mistaken them as siblings. Even though Eleanor was much younger looking than Ark was, however, she seemed a lot wiser in many ways than one.
Ark: “Aaaghh, don’t treat me like a kid. Ray does that enough”
Ark had to hide his face a bit to stop Eleanor from noticing he was turning red.
Eleanor: “Hahaha! Aren’t you just adorable?”
From a distance
Ray: “Kids, kids. Settle down. Ark…”
Ark: “…?”
Ray: “Even though it’s been a few months, you’ve improved.”
Ark couldn’t help but to give a smile. That was probably the first time he felt…fulfilled, maybe a little. He was starting to think this might actually be worth it. Not for fame, not for glory, but for self-achievement. It’s a human thing to look for.
Ray: “Don’t get cocky. You still have a long way to go.”
Ark: “I know…”
Ray: “Well then…”
Ray walks over to his spear stabbed on the ground.
Eleanor: “I shall join in too!”
The both face Ark in their fighting stances as Ark materializes a sword in each hand.
Ray: “Let’s continue…”
Ark: “Ahhhhhhh!!!”
Ark dashes at the two with speed and determination. From afar, the sounds of blades clashing could be heard, faint, but it was there.
And that’s how it was…for the next two years of rigorous training for Ark. He had almost mastered his powers. However, he wasn’t ready for what was going to happen.
It has been two years exactly since Ark left since his town. Since then, he’s been under harsh training from Ray and Eleanor. That night, after a regular fighting session, Eleanor started up at the moon. Ark; now 19, did the same.
Eleanor: “Ray…we have a problem.”
Ray: “You sensed it too right? Damn it! Someone…the process has been sped up.”
Ark looked at them in confusion, wondering what they were talking about.
Ray: “Change of plans Ark…we go back tomorrow.”
Ark: “What?!”
Eleanor: “The moon…it’s not supposed to be this bright unless it’s a couple of weeks away from falling…”
Ark: “How do you know that…? What have you not been telling me?”
Ray: “Sorry…we can’t tell you…not yet. All you need to know is, we have a week left. The cycle isn’t supposed to be like this…”
Ark: “…Then tell me this…am I ready?”
Eleanor: “I guess…we’ll find out soon.”
Ark: “Heh…things always gotta be complicated…”
Ark said, as he lay on his back.
That next morning…
Ray: “Hey kid. I got you some new threads. Your old clothes got worn off too much during training, plus you’ve grown a couple of inches.”
Ray says as he throws a couple of clothes at Ark. Within a few minutes, he got changed. Ark’s outfit consisted of black jeans, black boots, a white shirt, and a black long jacket that went down to his thighs. Also, a pair of finger-less gloves with the Ying and Yang signs on the back of them. Last but not least, Milena’s gift still dangled around his neck. It still looked as new as ever, Ark always made sure he took it off and put it on a safe place when he was training. Ray was still with his white, sparring uniform. And Eleanor was still with her schoolgirl look.
Ark: “Thanks…”
Ark’s hair had also grown down to his neck. Not much different from his old look, except that a bit of his hair covered his left eye, sometimes, Ark had to jerk his head to the side from preventing his hair from getting in the way.
Eleanor: “Didn’t think you’ll see her so soon, did you?”
Then it hit him. The person he left behind two years ago…He was going to see her again.
Ark: “…If she’ll even see me…after leaving like that, I wouldn’t blame if she hated me.”
Ark gave a sigh as he lowered his head, looking as his necklace. He then looked up as he heard Eleanor’s laugh.
Eleanor: “Gosh, you’re so negative. Maybe she’ll be so happy to see you, you might even get away with a few…things.”
Ark: “H-Hey, don’t think like that!!”
Eleanor put her right index finger on her lips, giving off a giggle. It helped lighten up the sulky mood in the air. It wasn’t enough to make Ark feel a lot better, but it helped.
Ray: “Alright, quit playing you two. Get in the car.”
Ark and Eleanor both got in the back of the car. Ray’s car looked a little beat up. There were a couple of dents on the side of the doors. The gray pain job seemed to have worked, if it were any other color, the car would look older than those you see on the car trash yard. In fact, Ray was surprised it still ran after two years of not being maintained. Good piece of quality it was.
Ark looked back at the mountains as the car drove off. The peaks of the mountains were disappearing in the horizon as he looked back. That environment had grown on him. It would grow on anyone if they have lived there for 2 years. Ark gave off a sigh as he looked to the row ahead. In just a few minutes, the city, in all its sunny glory would show up on the horizon. However…
Ray: “What the….What the hell?!”
Eleanor nearly jolted out of her seat. She looked at Ray as she leaned forward, to see the road ahead, to what WOULD have been a healthy and happy city. However, the buildings were beaten up badly. They seemed all like they were about to crumble. The colors of the buildings all seemed…gray and brown. The houses were the same. The old traffic that once was turned into empty streets. The sky was blood red that day. Despite it being morning, the moon shined besides the sun. Giving off a morbid red shine. The three people in the car couldn’t believe their eyes. They stopped driving, and got out of the car.
All three stood on the road; the city was below them since it was on a plateau. They looked down in amazement…and in horror. Eleanor took off her glasses, her mouth wide open.
Eleanor: “My god…”
Ark didn’t know what to think. What happened? He got angry, and dashed at Ray, getting in front of him.
Ark: “Ray, what the hell happened?!”
Ray: “I don’t know…”
Ark: “I thought you and Eleanor went to the city to collect supplies! How could you not notice?!”
Eleanor: “That’s enough Ark! We haven’t gone back there a few months after you started training.”
Ark: “…Wha…Why?!”
Ray crossed his arms.
Ray: “It was too dangerous to go there…we might have been caught anytime. We don’t want the police involved. So we went to another city for supplies. It was far…but a lot safer.”
Ark: “Dammit all…”
Then it hit him.
Ark: “…Milena! Elijah! Let’s go. We need to find out what happened.”
Ray: “Agreed.”
All three quickly got in the car yet again. Ray drove off as fast as he could. The tires screeched as the car drove fast into the city. From inside the city, the look was even bleaker. The people of the city were still there. But they all seemed…like zombies. They weren’t interacting with each other. They had apathetic look in their faces. All over the city there were posters saying ‘The End is Upon Us!’ Just what had happened in the course of these 2 years?
Ray drove by around the city, and the school where Ark used to go to. It had been closed down. However, it wasn’t empty. There was a rabble of some kind. It seemed like nearly every person in the city was united in that spot. They were chanting “Regan” over and over again. Ark, Eleanor and Ray couldn’t believe what they were seeing. What was Regan? However, from what they could see from the multitude, it seemed to be some sort of organization. Where the entrance to the school used to be, there was a stand with a microphone. There was a man standing there, dressed in a white robe with a red cross in the middle. His hair was white and he wore his hair down to his neck. He wasn’t old however. He seemed around his 30’s. There were two teens. One looked 17; the other also looked 17. They were twins. They were also wearing white robes with red crosses on the middle. Both were blond, their hair was cut in a dome-type shape.
Ark: “…A…cult…?”
Ark said. Looking from the inside the car. None from outside could see them since these windows were black from the outside, yet you could see perfectly from the inside. The man who was standing above the massive multitude began speaking.
Solomon: “Solomon speaks! Brothers! I’ve been waiting for this!”
He spoke in a British-like accent. How typical for a villain, or so he seemed. The two youngsters stood by his side, simply staring into the crowd, not doing anything.
Ark: “Who the hell are these people…”
Solomon: “Let us rejoice! For the end is upon us!”
He pointed at the moon.
Solomon: “Our glorious moon shall deliver us SALVATION!!!”
The crowd went wild. They started cheering, they wanted to die. Solomon looked at the crowd as he smiled. The two teens also gave a smirk. Then looked at each other.
Nate: “Hey Dave…do you think little Ark will return soon?”
Dave: “Not sure Nate, Eleanor found him first. But they must have noticed our impact already…”
Ark and the others couldn’t hear Nate and Dave talking. Since they were talking in a low tone. Solomon turned to Dave and Nate, and then glanced back at the crowd.
Solomon: “Do it.”
He said, as a huge poster hanged down from the ceiling of the school. It covered most of the school’s front. It was a gigantic drawing. The person in that drawing was none other than…
Ark: “…That’s….ME?!”
Solomon: “Dear brothers, this is OUR ENEMY!!! If you ever see him, hunt him down. He’s trying to PREVENT our cause. Prevent our glory in death! His name is Ark. Show him no mercy.”
From afar…inside Ray’s car…
Ark: “How…”
Eleanor: “…Son of a bitch…he’s got nearly the whole city against us…”
Ray: “This is not good…”
Back on the stage, Solomon, Dave and Nate gave off a red like aura. The crow seemed to be mesmerized by the site.
Solomon: “We have been blessed with the power of GOD! For we are Regan, and we are…”
He extends his hand at the crowd, and then clenches his fist.
Solomon: “…Your saviors.”
The crowd was ecstatic. From insides Ray’s car, Ark couldn’t believe the sight. In the past two years, the people of the city had been brainwashed. This guy was completely charismatic. Any person with a weak heart could be ensnared in his beliefs. It was an amazing sight…and horrifying, he never wanted to see something like this again.
Ark: “…I’ve heard enough…I want to go…to her place.”
Eleanor: “You know she might have been turned into one of them…do you want go there?”
Ark: “…Yes.”
Ray: “Alright kid.”
Ray drove off into the distance, away from the crow that was still cheering left and right. It left a bad taste in the mouth of the three individuals in the car. The city looked dead. Not physically, but mentally and morally as well. Where did the will to live go? A couple of minutes passed, no one said anything in the car. They finally got to Milena’s apartment complex. They got out of the car, however, Eleanor and Ray stayed behind.
Ark: “Aren’t you guys coming?”
Ray: “Sorry, but this is your emotional problem. We cannot interfere.”
Ark: “Tch…”
Ark scoffed. He slowly stepped into the building from the front entrance. Milena’s apartment was on the 3rd floor. Each stair step seemed like an eternity for Ark. A few times, he thought of running back into the car. The pressure was unbelievable. However, he had made this far, might as well go all the way. He wanted to confirm what happened to her, and Elijah.
Finally, he reached the 3rd floor, second apartment from the right. He started at the door for a good ten minutes. He reached for the door, hesitating to knock. Until his knuckles finally reached the wooden surface. He knocked three times, slowly, but enough to be heard. Footsteps from inside the complex could be heard approaching the door. Ark’s heartbeat got faster and faster, he had to gulp it down, because it felt like his heart was going to come out of his throat. Finally, the door opened…the receiver was none other than…
Elijah: “….You! Ark! You’re back!”
Ark: “Elijah! It’s good to see you again!”
Ark walked into the apartment. Forgetting Milena for a few seconds.
Elijah: “Here to see her, huh?”
Ark: “…Where is she?”
From inside the room on the right, a small woman appeared, still wearing that pink dress, that same bow. Even though she was older, she looked as stunning as ever. She didn’t say a thing; she looked at Ark with a surprised expression on her face. He eyes widened as she looked at Ark.
Elijah: “Now…”
Elijah grabbed Ark’s shoulder as he turned him around to face him, then Elijah’s fist made contact with Ark’s face. Ark was sent to the floor after being punched like that.
Elijah: “Where the FUCK have you been?! Do you realize what you’ve put us through?!”
Ark was sitting on the floor, rubbing his cheek in a bit of pain. Of course, Ray’s training was a lot more than this. Still, it hurt, not physically, but he realized how much Elijah and Milena had suffered with his absence.
Ark: “…I…”
Elijah didn’t give Ark a chance as he reached for Ark’s collar, pulling him up to face him.
Elijah: “I could just beat the shit out of you…”
Ark: “…Do it…I deserve it...”
Elijah raised his fist again, Ark closed his eyes and flinched as he prepared for a beating. However, the next thing he knew, Elijah’s arm was around the back of his neck, and his fist was giving Ark a noggie.
Elijah: “…Welcome back, buddy.”
Ark: “You’re not gonna…”
Elijah: “Nope.”
Ark: “Why?”
Elijah: “…Milena can attend to that.”
Ark’s eyes widened as he was let go from Elijah’s grasp. He faced Milena with a shameful look in his eyes; he couldn’t make eye contact with her. He walked towards her until he was directly in front of her.
Ark: “Guess you’re gonna hit me too…”
Milena: “…”
Milena raised her hand high above her head, Ark closed his eyes again and flinched. To his surprise, Ark felt the strength of two arms hugging his upper body.
Ark: “…!”
He looked down to see that she was crying.
Milena: “I was…so worried…”
Ark: “…Sorry…”
Ark said, returning the hug.
Elijah: “Alright…so, where have you been?”
Ark turned to Elijah, noticing that he was using his same type of clothing, a dressing shirt and blue jeans. Some people just never changed.
Ark: “Long story…can’t say.”
Ark couldn’t mention about his powers. He didn’t need the unwanted attention, not after what he had seen. The whole city would be on the look out.
Elijah: “…Fine. I’m guessing you’re wondering what happened here…”
Ark: “Regan…who are they?”
Milena wiped off her tears as she decided to tell Ark what she knew.
Milena: “Regan…these people appeared just the day after you left.”
Ark: “…Hmm…”
Milena: “They quickly gained popularity, even though just being a party of three. Their leader Solomon…is extremely charismatic. The whole city fell before him in just a matter of months. They speak about how we’re going to die when the moon falls…after the city fell to him, the moon started appearing earlier than usual until it would just never leave the sky. It has been blood red for at least a year and a half. His story seems to be true…”
Elijah: “We want to live…we can’t succumb to his voice. It seems so…hopeless, the city folks have been turned into apathetic zombies…I can’t take it.”
For now, these two didn’t know the city was after Ark. And it was better that way, better for them not to worry about this…for now. Although it was inevitable since the whole city was looking for Ark now. Things looked bleak, really bleak. The ambient couldn’t help but to seem so hopeless.
Ark: “…It’ll get better, I promise!”
Ark said, he didn’t realize what he had just done. A promise to him was like a life pact. Once he made it, he had to accomplish. When it hit him, Ark admits he was scared; he was up against a seemingly apocalyptic event, and an entire city that wanted his head. However, this promise brought down a ray of hope to these two.
Milena: “Thank you…I’ve been wanting to hear those words…”
Ark looked around the apartment complex; it seemed well kept. And it also gave away the feeling that they were both living together. It struck Ark’s heart, but what did he expect? He knew he didn’t belong there. If everything goes well, he could at least prevent the moon from preventing them from having a happy life.
Ark: “Alright…I should go.”
Elijah: “Don’t you want to stay for dinner, Ark?”
Ark: “Nah…I have a lot to do.”
Milena: “You wont go away again…right?”
Ark: “No…I’m here to stay.”
Milena sighed in relief. Ark waved at the two as he exited the apartment, closing the door behind him. He stood behind the door, he gave off a sigh, and it was so much to take in a day. He then clenched his fist as he was engulfed in a faint blue aura from his power. That moment, he knew Regan must go down, one-way or the other. As Ark came down and into the street, he saw both Ray and Eleanor standing by the car.
Ray: “You took your time!”
Ark: “Oh…Sorry.”
Eleanor adjusted her glasses as she glanced at Ray.
Eleanor: “What now?”
Ark: “Regan…they’re responsible for what’s happened to this city. Still, I don’t know how they know me. Sooner or later…I’m going to have to face them, I can feel it…”
Ray: “…I see. Looks like you’ve set your heart into this. Let’s go back to the dojo…we need to do some planning.”
Ark nodded in agreement. It was set, Regan needed to be taken down. The problem was just how powerful their opponents were. They seemed to have the same powers Ray and Eleanor does. Even though they knew their names, their purpose lied hidden.
The car drove off into the street yet again, as they reached the dojo. Ray unlocked the door, and went inside. It was unchanged; no one had taken a thing.
Ray: “Ahhh! Home sweet home.”
Ray said as he plopped down on the floor, tired from the day. The hours passed, it was already nighttime. Ark had been doing usual training in the dojo with Ray and Eleanor. Ark was showing off his powers, and how he could handle them. However, they didn’t realize a group of people was looking in from outside the window.
Solomon: “See…? His purpose is to halt our process of process of salvation. He doesn’t want us to deliver you peace.”
A person was with Solomon, it was…
Elijah: “…No way…Ark…how....?”
Dave & Nate: “Will you join us?”
Elijah: “Ark…liar…you promised us…yes. I’ll join you. I have to protect her...I don't care where it takes me. I'll endure the exile.”
Solomon: “Then…”
Solomon placed his hand over Elijah; he was taller than he was. Suddenly, a surge of red power was surged through Elijah’s body.
Elijah: “This is…”
Solomon: “Welcome…my son.”
To be continued…
~An Unexpected Change~
It’s been a 4 months since Ark, Ray, and Eleanor left Palm Square for training. During these past few months, they’ve been on the mountains just a couple of kilometers from the city. Ray and Eleanor would sometimes drive back in order to get food supplies under disguise. They knew they were missing, and couldn’t afford to be spotted by the police or anyone else by that matter. During training sessions, Ark would usually fight either Eleanor or Ray. Ray uses a spear as his signature weapon, as Eleanor uses kunais. Ark prefers to use his powers to transmute whatever weapon he thought it was best to use. However, it was harder to do so when a person is trying to come at him, not enough reaction time and concentration.
That day, Ark and Ray were doing a training session. Both were treating it as if it were a real battle.
Ray: “Come on kid…is that all you got? You wont save anyone like that.”
Ark: “Urrgh…”
Both of these individuals were clashing with each other. Ark had materialized a long sword on his hands, while Ray had his spear. As the clashed, blue and green aura could be seen emitting from their bodies. It was a sight to behold really. Eleanor was on sitting on a rock watching the sparring session while reading a book.
Eleanor: “Men…”
She sighed.
Suddenly, Ray moved behind Ark, putting the blunt end of his spear on Ark’s chest, then pushing him down hard on the floor.
Ark: “Argh!”
When Ark tried to get up, Ray stabbed the spear right next to Ark’s face; it was a sign of victory for Ray. Ark looked up in anger.
Ray: “What’s the matter…why the glare?”
Ark struggled to sit up.
Ark: “It looks like you’ve been playing with me…”
Ray laughed as he put his hands on his waist.
Ray: “Of course, you can’t die here.”
Ark: “…”
Eleanor spoke from a distance
Eleanor: “Ahhh. Come on, don’t be so hard on Ark. He just started training.”
Ray: “You’re right, come on kid. Get up and rest.”
As Ark sat up, he clenched his fist to himself.
Ark: “Gotta…get stronger…”
Eleanor walked right in front of Ark as she extended her hand.
Eleanor: “All this for her…huh?”
Ark: “…”
Eleanor: “Even though she might never find out about this. Even though she’s with someone else…”
Ark: “You don’t…have to repeat it. I know.”
He lowers his head.
Eleanor: “You really are an interesting guy.”
Ark: “I just want to do something for her…that isn’t a problem. And what do you mean by interesting?!?!”
Eleanor then laughed as she shook her head. She then bent over a bit as she gave Ark a pat on the head. Anyone walking around that area would have mistaken them as siblings. Even though Eleanor was much younger looking than Ark was, however, she seemed a lot wiser in many ways than one.
Ark: “Aaaghh, don’t treat me like a kid. Ray does that enough”
Ark had to hide his face a bit to stop Eleanor from noticing he was turning red.
Eleanor: “Hahaha! Aren’t you just adorable?”
From a distance
Ray: “Kids, kids. Settle down. Ark…”
Ark: “…?”
Ray: “Even though it’s been a few months, you’ve improved.”
Ark couldn’t help but to give a smile. That was probably the first time he felt…fulfilled, maybe a little. He was starting to think this might actually be worth it. Not for fame, not for glory, but for self-achievement. It’s a human thing to look for.
Ray: “Don’t get cocky. You still have a long way to go.”
Ark: “I know…”
Ray: “Well then…”
Ray walks over to his spear stabbed on the ground.
Eleanor: “I shall join in too!”
The both face Ark in their fighting stances as Ark materializes a sword in each hand.
Ray: “Let’s continue…”
Ark: “Ahhhhhhh!!!”
Ark dashes at the two with speed and determination. From afar, the sounds of blades clashing could be heard, faint, but it was there.
And that’s how it was…for the next two years of rigorous training for Ark. He had almost mastered his powers. However, he wasn’t ready for what was going to happen.
It has been two years exactly since Ark left since his town. Since then, he’s been under harsh training from Ray and Eleanor. That night, after a regular fighting session, Eleanor started up at the moon. Ark; now 19, did the same.
Eleanor: “Ray…we have a problem.”
Ray: “You sensed it too right? Damn it! Someone…the process has been sped up.”
Ark looked at them in confusion, wondering what they were talking about.
Ray: “Change of plans Ark…we go back tomorrow.”
Ark: “What?!”
Eleanor: “The moon…it’s not supposed to be this bright unless it’s a couple of weeks away from falling…”
Ark: “How do you know that…? What have you not been telling me?”
Ray: “Sorry…we can’t tell you…not yet. All you need to know is, we have a week left. The cycle isn’t supposed to be like this…”
Ark: “…Then tell me this…am I ready?”
Eleanor: “I guess…we’ll find out soon.”
Ark: “Heh…things always gotta be complicated…”
Ark said, as he lay on his back.
That next morning…
Ray: “Hey kid. I got you some new threads. Your old clothes got worn off too much during training, plus you’ve grown a couple of inches.”
Ray says as he throws a couple of clothes at Ark. Within a few minutes, he got changed. Ark’s outfit consisted of black jeans, black boots, a white shirt, and a black long jacket that went down to his thighs. Also, a pair of finger-less gloves with the Ying and Yang signs on the back of them. Last but not least, Milena’s gift still dangled around his neck. It still looked as new as ever, Ark always made sure he took it off and put it on a safe place when he was training. Ray was still with his white, sparring uniform. And Eleanor was still with her schoolgirl look.
Ark: “Thanks…”
Ark’s hair had also grown down to his neck. Not much different from his old look, except that a bit of his hair covered his left eye, sometimes, Ark had to jerk his head to the side from preventing his hair from getting in the way.
Eleanor: “Didn’t think you’ll see her so soon, did you?”
Then it hit him. The person he left behind two years ago…He was going to see her again.
Ark: “…If she’ll even see me…after leaving like that, I wouldn’t blame if she hated me.”
Ark gave a sigh as he lowered his head, looking as his necklace. He then looked up as he heard Eleanor’s laugh.
Eleanor: “Gosh, you’re so negative. Maybe she’ll be so happy to see you, you might even get away with a few…things.”
Ark: “H-Hey, don’t think like that!!”
Eleanor put her right index finger on her lips, giving off a giggle. It helped lighten up the sulky mood in the air. It wasn’t enough to make Ark feel a lot better, but it helped.
Ray: “Alright, quit playing you two. Get in the car.”
Ark and Eleanor both got in the back of the car. Ray’s car looked a little beat up. There were a couple of dents on the side of the doors. The gray pain job seemed to have worked, if it were any other color, the car would look older than those you see on the car trash yard. In fact, Ray was surprised it still ran after two years of not being maintained. Good piece of quality it was.
Ark looked back at the mountains as the car drove off. The peaks of the mountains were disappearing in the horizon as he looked back. That environment had grown on him. It would grow on anyone if they have lived there for 2 years. Ark gave off a sigh as he looked to the row ahead. In just a few minutes, the city, in all its sunny glory would show up on the horizon. However…
Ray: “What the….What the hell?!”
Eleanor nearly jolted out of her seat. She looked at Ray as she leaned forward, to see the road ahead, to what WOULD have been a healthy and happy city. However, the buildings were beaten up badly. They seemed all like they were about to crumble. The colors of the buildings all seemed…gray and brown. The houses were the same. The old traffic that once was turned into empty streets. The sky was blood red that day. Despite it being morning, the moon shined besides the sun. Giving off a morbid red shine. The three people in the car couldn’t believe their eyes. They stopped driving, and got out of the car.
All three stood on the road; the city was below them since it was on a plateau. They looked down in amazement…and in horror. Eleanor took off her glasses, her mouth wide open.
Eleanor: “My god…”
Ark didn’t know what to think. What happened? He got angry, and dashed at Ray, getting in front of him.
Ark: “Ray, what the hell happened?!”
Ray: “I don’t know…”
Ark: “I thought you and Eleanor went to the city to collect supplies! How could you not notice?!”
Eleanor: “That’s enough Ark! We haven’t gone back there a few months after you started training.”
Ark: “…Wha…Why?!”
Ray crossed his arms.
Ray: “It was too dangerous to go there…we might have been caught anytime. We don’t want the police involved. So we went to another city for supplies. It was far…but a lot safer.”
Ark: “Dammit all…”
Then it hit him.
Ark: “…Milena! Elijah! Let’s go. We need to find out what happened.”
Ray: “Agreed.”
All three quickly got in the car yet again. Ray drove off as fast as he could. The tires screeched as the car drove fast into the city. From inside the city, the look was even bleaker. The people of the city were still there. But they all seemed…like zombies. They weren’t interacting with each other. They had apathetic look in their faces. All over the city there were posters saying ‘The End is Upon Us!’ Just what had happened in the course of these 2 years?
Ray drove by around the city, and the school where Ark used to go to. It had been closed down. However, it wasn’t empty. There was a rabble of some kind. It seemed like nearly every person in the city was united in that spot. They were chanting “Regan” over and over again. Ark, Eleanor and Ray couldn’t believe what they were seeing. What was Regan? However, from what they could see from the multitude, it seemed to be some sort of organization. Where the entrance to the school used to be, there was a stand with a microphone. There was a man standing there, dressed in a white robe with a red cross in the middle. His hair was white and he wore his hair down to his neck. He wasn’t old however. He seemed around his 30’s. There were two teens. One looked 17; the other also looked 17. They were twins. They were also wearing white robes with red crosses on the middle. Both were blond, their hair was cut in a dome-type shape.
Ark: “…A…cult…?”
Ark said. Looking from the inside the car. None from outside could see them since these windows were black from the outside, yet you could see perfectly from the inside. The man who was standing above the massive multitude began speaking.
Solomon: “Solomon speaks! Brothers! I’ve been waiting for this!”
He spoke in a British-like accent. How typical for a villain, or so he seemed. The two youngsters stood by his side, simply staring into the crowd, not doing anything.
Ark: “Who the hell are these people…”
Solomon: “Let us rejoice! For the end is upon us!”
He pointed at the moon.
Solomon: “Our glorious moon shall deliver us SALVATION!!!”
The crowd went wild. They started cheering, they wanted to die. Solomon looked at the crowd as he smiled. The two teens also gave a smirk. Then looked at each other.
Nate: “Hey Dave…do you think little Ark will return soon?”
Dave: “Not sure Nate, Eleanor found him first. But they must have noticed our impact already…”
Ark and the others couldn’t hear Nate and Dave talking. Since they were talking in a low tone. Solomon turned to Dave and Nate, and then glanced back at the crowd.
Solomon: “Do it.”
He said, as a huge poster hanged down from the ceiling of the school. It covered most of the school’s front. It was a gigantic drawing. The person in that drawing was none other than…
Ark: “…That’s….ME?!”
Solomon: “Dear brothers, this is OUR ENEMY!!! If you ever see him, hunt him down. He’s trying to PREVENT our cause. Prevent our glory in death! His name is Ark. Show him no mercy.”
From afar…inside Ray’s car…
Ark: “How…”
Eleanor: “…Son of a bitch…he’s got nearly the whole city against us…”
Ray: “This is not good…”
Back on the stage, Solomon, Dave and Nate gave off a red like aura. The crow seemed to be mesmerized by the site.
Solomon: “We have been blessed with the power of GOD! For we are Regan, and we are…”
He extends his hand at the crowd, and then clenches his fist.
Solomon: “…Your saviors.”
The crowd was ecstatic. From insides Ray’s car, Ark couldn’t believe the sight. In the past two years, the people of the city had been brainwashed. This guy was completely charismatic. Any person with a weak heart could be ensnared in his beliefs. It was an amazing sight…and horrifying, he never wanted to see something like this again.
Ark: “…I’ve heard enough…I want to go…to her place.”
Eleanor: “You know she might have been turned into one of them…do you want go there?”
Ark: “…Yes.”
Ray: “Alright kid.”
Ray drove off into the distance, away from the crow that was still cheering left and right. It left a bad taste in the mouth of the three individuals in the car. The city looked dead. Not physically, but mentally and morally as well. Where did the will to live go? A couple of minutes passed, no one said anything in the car. They finally got to Milena’s apartment complex. They got out of the car, however, Eleanor and Ray stayed behind.
Ark: “Aren’t you guys coming?”
Ray: “Sorry, but this is your emotional problem. We cannot interfere.”
Ark: “Tch…”
Ark scoffed. He slowly stepped into the building from the front entrance. Milena’s apartment was on the 3rd floor. Each stair step seemed like an eternity for Ark. A few times, he thought of running back into the car. The pressure was unbelievable. However, he had made this far, might as well go all the way. He wanted to confirm what happened to her, and Elijah.
Finally, he reached the 3rd floor, second apartment from the right. He started at the door for a good ten minutes. He reached for the door, hesitating to knock. Until his knuckles finally reached the wooden surface. He knocked three times, slowly, but enough to be heard. Footsteps from inside the complex could be heard approaching the door. Ark’s heartbeat got faster and faster, he had to gulp it down, because it felt like his heart was going to come out of his throat. Finally, the door opened…the receiver was none other than…
Elijah: “….You! Ark! You’re back!”
Ark: “Elijah! It’s good to see you again!”
Ark walked into the apartment. Forgetting Milena for a few seconds.
Elijah: “Here to see her, huh?”
Ark: “…Where is she?”
From inside the room on the right, a small woman appeared, still wearing that pink dress, that same bow. Even though she was older, she looked as stunning as ever. She didn’t say a thing; she looked at Ark with a surprised expression on her face. He eyes widened as she looked at Ark.
Elijah: “Now…”
Elijah grabbed Ark’s shoulder as he turned him around to face him, then Elijah’s fist made contact with Ark’s face. Ark was sent to the floor after being punched like that.
Elijah: “Where the FUCK have you been?! Do you realize what you’ve put us through?!”
Ark was sitting on the floor, rubbing his cheek in a bit of pain. Of course, Ray’s training was a lot more than this. Still, it hurt, not physically, but he realized how much Elijah and Milena had suffered with his absence.
Ark: “…I…”
Elijah didn’t give Ark a chance as he reached for Ark’s collar, pulling him up to face him.
Elijah: “I could just beat the shit out of you…”
Ark: “…Do it…I deserve it...”
Elijah raised his fist again, Ark closed his eyes and flinched as he prepared for a beating. However, the next thing he knew, Elijah’s arm was around the back of his neck, and his fist was giving Ark a noggie.
Elijah: “…Welcome back, buddy.”
Ark: “You’re not gonna…”
Elijah: “Nope.”
Ark: “Why?”
Elijah: “…Milena can attend to that.”
Ark’s eyes widened as he was let go from Elijah’s grasp. He faced Milena with a shameful look in his eyes; he couldn’t make eye contact with her. He walked towards her until he was directly in front of her.
Ark: “Guess you’re gonna hit me too…”
Milena: “…”
Milena raised her hand high above her head, Ark closed his eyes again and flinched. To his surprise, Ark felt the strength of two arms hugging his upper body.
Ark: “…!”
He looked down to see that she was crying.
Milena: “I was…so worried…”
Ark: “…Sorry…”
Ark said, returning the hug.
Elijah: “Alright…so, where have you been?”
Ark turned to Elijah, noticing that he was using his same type of clothing, a dressing shirt and blue jeans. Some people just never changed.
Ark: “Long story…can’t say.”
Ark couldn’t mention about his powers. He didn’t need the unwanted attention, not after what he had seen. The whole city would be on the look out.
Elijah: “…Fine. I’m guessing you’re wondering what happened here…”
Ark: “Regan…who are they?”
Milena wiped off her tears as she decided to tell Ark what she knew.
Milena: “Regan…these people appeared just the day after you left.”
Ark: “…Hmm…”
Milena: “They quickly gained popularity, even though just being a party of three. Their leader Solomon…is extremely charismatic. The whole city fell before him in just a matter of months. They speak about how we’re going to die when the moon falls…after the city fell to him, the moon started appearing earlier than usual until it would just never leave the sky. It has been blood red for at least a year and a half. His story seems to be true…”
Elijah: “We want to live…we can’t succumb to his voice. It seems so…hopeless, the city folks have been turned into apathetic zombies…I can’t take it.”
For now, these two didn’t know the city was after Ark. And it was better that way, better for them not to worry about this…for now. Although it was inevitable since the whole city was looking for Ark now. Things looked bleak, really bleak. The ambient couldn’t help but to seem so hopeless.
Ark: “…It’ll get better, I promise!”
Ark said, he didn’t realize what he had just done. A promise to him was like a life pact. Once he made it, he had to accomplish. When it hit him, Ark admits he was scared; he was up against a seemingly apocalyptic event, and an entire city that wanted his head. However, this promise brought down a ray of hope to these two.
Milena: “Thank you…I’ve been wanting to hear those words…”
Ark looked around the apartment complex; it seemed well kept. And it also gave away the feeling that they were both living together. It struck Ark’s heart, but what did he expect? He knew he didn’t belong there. If everything goes well, he could at least prevent the moon from preventing them from having a happy life.
Ark: “Alright…I should go.”
Elijah: “Don’t you want to stay for dinner, Ark?”
Ark: “Nah…I have a lot to do.”
Milena: “You wont go away again…right?”
Ark: “No…I’m here to stay.”
Milena sighed in relief. Ark waved at the two as he exited the apartment, closing the door behind him. He stood behind the door, he gave off a sigh, and it was so much to take in a day. He then clenched his fist as he was engulfed in a faint blue aura from his power. That moment, he knew Regan must go down, one-way or the other. As Ark came down and into the street, he saw both Ray and Eleanor standing by the car.
Ray: “You took your time!”
Ark: “Oh…Sorry.”
Eleanor adjusted her glasses as she glanced at Ray.
Eleanor: “What now?”
Ark: “Regan…they’re responsible for what’s happened to this city. Still, I don’t know how they know me. Sooner or later…I’m going to have to face them, I can feel it…”
Ray: “…I see. Looks like you’ve set your heart into this. Let’s go back to the dojo…we need to do some planning.”
Ark nodded in agreement. It was set, Regan needed to be taken down. The problem was just how powerful their opponents were. They seemed to have the same powers Ray and Eleanor does. Even though they knew their names, their purpose lied hidden.
The car drove off into the street yet again, as they reached the dojo. Ray unlocked the door, and went inside. It was unchanged; no one had taken a thing.
Ray: “Ahhh! Home sweet home.”
Ray said as he plopped down on the floor, tired from the day. The hours passed, it was already nighttime. Ark had been doing usual training in the dojo with Ray and Eleanor. Ark was showing off his powers, and how he could handle them. However, they didn’t realize a group of people was looking in from outside the window.
Solomon: “See…? His purpose is to halt our process of process of salvation. He doesn’t want us to deliver you peace.”
A person was with Solomon, it was…
Elijah: “…No way…Ark…how....?”
Dave & Nate: “Will you join us?”
Elijah: “Ark…liar…you promised us…yes. I’ll join you. I have to protect her...I don't care where it takes me. I'll endure the exile.”
Solomon: “Then…”
Solomon placed his hand over Elijah; he was taller than he was. Suddenly, a surge of red power was surged through Elijah’s body.
Elijah: “This is…”
Solomon: “Welcome…my son.”
To be continued…
