The Oxymoron of LivelyDead

The Black Pearl

2010-08-08T02:18:00.000-07:00

It was the day where we all moved on. We packed our bags, sacrificed what was meant to leave behind and left. I wanted to move on too; that was until I saw her crouching under the willow tree at the top of the hill. I stood still; I was completely mesmerized by that scene. I remember the white sundress that hung over her slender figure. Her delicate long black hair flow with the wind that was blowing during the early autumn. She was looking at the other side of the hill. My legs decided to take control of my body; I walked over to her.

“Hey,” I said. She turned her face to me. Her eyes that resemble the black pearl shone out of the pale face. Her stare bore deep into my heart. “She looks like a lost sheep,” I told myself.

“Hey, why are you still here. You should move on now,” I told her as I kneeled beside her. Her face was plain; adorned by a small average nose of every other girl, a thin lips like every other girl. However, her black pearly eyes; I can’t bring myself to look away. It felt like as if my soul was stunned.

“I can’t,” was her only reply. Her eyes turned glassy. She turned away once again to the other side of the hill.

I lifted my hand and placed it on her shoulder. Her smooth pale skin was everything except warm. I took of my jacket and placed it over her. “I hope this could warm you up.”

She shook her head. “You should leave her now. It’s time to move on,” I told her. Once again she said, “I can’t.”

“Why?” I asked.

Our eyes met again, her emotions were all swimming in those pearls; Love, hate, hope, longing, disappointment and confusion. Her emotions were so raw, so strong that I was overwhelmed by it. I could tell she’s waiting, waiting for something she knew that will never come along; yet, she persistently with lots of hope but even more disappointment.

“I can’t.”

I stood up and held my hand out. “Everyone is moving on. Why are you still staying back? Here I am extending out a hand of hope, encouragement and care. Take it and we’ll move towards a better future.”

She looked up and said, “I can’t… because all that I need to move on was all left behind. I’m waiting, waiting for them to come. I won’t take your hands.”

With that, she stood up, handed me my jacket and walked towards to where she was looking. She walked back to the past. I watched her retreating back; she walked back with her heads held high. “I’m walking against every other being, but I’m not in sorrow. I’m waiting alone for what will never come, but I’m not in pain. I’m longing for what will never be mine, but I’m not in grief. I chose my path and I will walk it even if it means death,” she said as she was slowly swallowed by the darkness.

I turned back to the path that I was walking and continued the journey. She suffered much but she had and never will be in pain; because she chose it for herself. She chose her own way of happiness. However, I will never forget those black pearls that touched my heart.

-End-

The Last Exile, Chp12: We're in a village; you're in a brothel?!

2010-08-07T23:28:00.000-07:00

Last Chapter:

After the appointed meeting at the rest house they made their way to the 2nd Precinct. They did their cover up job in the afternoon and later in the evening; they were led to the black market in disguise by Jean.

They were all in their casual clothes. Frost in his usual sleeveless turtle neck and pants, Jean in his usual attire; tank top, shirt and baggy pants while Lynn has her

Chapter 12

The search was unfortunately fruitless. Other than another few more traps, nothing unusual was found. They stepped out of the abandoned farm house and walk towards their air vehicle. When they are already up in the air, ready to leave, Clara looked back again and she realized something then she had not realized before, “Hey Dean, wait.”

“Huh? What’s up?” he asked.

“Isn’t it odd that a farm house appear out of nowhere in the middle of the damp field?” said Clara voicing out her thought. It was like a light enlightening a dark room, Dean felt the same too. He replied, “Well if you don’t say it, I wouldn’t have thought of it. Wanna do some research at the nearby village?”

“Sure.” So there they went, heading off to the nearby village to find things out.

They went to a farming village about 5 miles away from the farm house. Deciding that they might need to stay overnight, they rent a room in one of the motels. The motel is not a big one; a double storey with five rooms to be rented out. There were not many occupants in the hotel. Only two rooms including theirs were rented out. During dinner, they went down to have the dinner provided. There, they spoke to the owner of the motel, Mr.Afrentico.

“Well what brings you here to our small village?” asked Mr. Afrentico as their conversation led from ‘How is the dinner?’ to their journey.

“We’re actually touring around in search of crops wholesaler. We wanted a credible crops wholesaler to provide crops for our company’s usage,’ answered Dean.

“Oh I see. Well, perhaps you came at the wrong time. Winter is coming soon; our villagers are saving our crops during these cold days you see. The extra crops are already sold out to the farmer’s regular customer,” said the owner.

“Oh that would be a great disappointment. We received the same answer from the other few farming village we visited. By the way, we saw a farm house about 5 miles away. It looks like a warehouse to me. Do they store the crops there?” asked Clara trying to accomplish their purpose.

“Oh that farm house. It has been there for some time already. There are a few buyers who are interested but the owner; our respected Elder would not sell it,” explained Mr. Afrentico. The owner’s explanation stirred up both Dean and Clara’s interest.

He then continued, “I really don’t understand that old man, he is respected by our people for his wisdom, but his stubbornness in this issue really made us think that he is really getting old. He’s already 93 this year and yet, he still wants to hog that land and the house. It’s not like as if he has someone to leave it for.”

“It would be a nice place to keep the crops if we are getting our supplies here in the future, wouldn’t it Dean?” asked Clara hinting to Dean.

“I bet it would but it seems like the owner wouldn’t be interested in selling it to us. And I thought that I won’t have to keep the Sale and Purchase agreement and commission anymore,” said Dean playing along.

“Commission you say?” asked Mt. Afrentico.

“Well, yes. We’re giving commission to the middle person who’s going to help us on getting the crops and also the warehouse to store the crops,” she answered.

“Well, I can always bring you to the Elder and discuss about it. There’s no certainty in this world,” the owner said enthusiastically upon hearing the word ‘commission’.

“That would be great,” said Dean. Both of them laughed inwardly on their successful play.

-break-

After the appointed meeting at the rest house they made their way to the 2nd Precinct. They did their cover up job in the afternoon and later in the evening; they were led to the black market in disguise by Jean.

They were all in their casual clothes. Frost in his usual sleeveless turtle neck, pants and a black knee-length overcoat, Jean in his usual attire; tank top, black pea coat and baggy pants while Lynn has her vintage coat over her white buttoned-up shirt and black pants.

They were walking down the street of the black market; a trading place underground. It amazes Lynn that beneath a normal gambling centre hides a street-long black market. It resembles the streets they have on the surface; just that it is lit with lamp post 24 hours every day. She realized how much of the world she has not seen.

“We’re here. Keep your identity to yourself. They don’t welcome Guardians,” said Jean as he stopped not far away from a colorful lit shop or more of a building. This three storey brightly lit shop was built with an oriental style with big wooden door at the main entrance and wooden sliding window. They moved towards the building.

“We should be able to get info on the spare parts of the crashed air engine. It’s a brothel by the way.” Girls in skimpy clothes are practically seducing every single man passing by the main entrance; the two good-looking companions of Lynn was not spared. As both of them stooped right in front of the shops, a mob of girls start circulating both men shoving the girl aside.

“What’s a spare part of an air engine got to do with a brothel?” asked Lynn slightly amused by the stoic face of her two companions even with sexy chicks surrounding them as she stood by the side.

“Stop touching me!” yelled Jean in unison with a growl of “Stop touching me,” from Frost. Their fury caused the girls to step back and resumed to spread their seduction to other passer-by.

“You can choose not to come in with us,” said Frost to Lynn.

“It’s okay. I’ll come with both of you, it makes it more obvious that at you’re not here for their service,” said Lynn trying very hard to not laugh out at the previous commotion.

As they stepped in the brothel, the population not only contain male customer and female service provider; but also, female customer and male service provider. The service providers are all dressed in a manner that if they walk out to the street as the way they are, they will definitely be the centre of attraction. It is either they are dressed in a single layer yukata or a high-split and low-cut at the above cheongsam. Deep inside Lynn’s thought how much she resented these people who dare to misuse such elegant clothing.

When they reached the counter, Jean asked for a person by the name of Big Berdema (means jumble in Greek) as he slipped a few notes (as in money) down the receptionist’s hand. The receptionist gave the direction and room number with a big smile hanging on her face.

As they walked along the narrow walkway between rooms, they constantly got bang by ‘blind’ couples, drunken people and lonely service provider. When they reached the room they were searching for, they slid open the room door, they saw a half naked women and a fully dressed man in a very compromising position on the tatami mat. In the next second, a high-pitch cry was heard followed by the sliding of the door, then another yell from a man and lastly, laughter broke out of the said room.

-break-

Lynn stood outside the door blushing her cheeks away to no end; embarrassed with what she had done just now. When the sliding door was opened revealing the very ‘wrong’ scene, she ‘for goodness sake’ yelled and shut the door. In return, the door slammed on Jean’s hand and then he yelled. Since the scenario was so funny to the occupant of the room (actually it was the reaction of Lynn’s), they laughed out loud. Therefore, she was asked to stay outside the room since the occupant refuse to reduce their proximity which would only cause more awkwardness to grow.

As she was busy looking down on her foot to avoid dirty glances, she heard a familiar voice along the walkway. She lifted her head up and looked around. Her eyes caught a glimpse of a very familiar man and he was turning away at the corner. She suspected that the man was the one of the kidnappers that attacked her. Without further hesitation, she bolted to the corridor where the man disappeared.

-TBC-

Next Chapter:

“Yeah, some shit energy repulsed my power and it bounced back on me,” replied Dean as he wiped the trickle a blood from the corner of his mouth and continued, “See, I told you that…” he paused all of the sudden when he averted his gaze from Clara to the part of the crater where Clara was staring in disbelief.

The Last Exile, Chp11: Our Journey Begins

2010-08-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

Last Chapter:

Frost in return just nodded and left. “Can he even register what I said into the thick head of his?” she asked herself. She looked at his retreating back; she hoped her intuition was wrong. However, she decided to put those worries aside; her stomach is grumbling vigorously.

Chapter 11

The landing was, fortunately, not painful. Slowly, she pushed herself up from the marble-tiled floor. She lifted up her head and scanned the room. The room she flew into was actually the foyer of the palace. Sunlight beamed into the palace through the crystal wall giving the confined space a clear view of everything that was in it. The simple floral motive and swirls that was carved upon the wall creates a serene atmosphere into empty foyer. In front of her was a flight of marble stairs leading to another door. The wooden door was also carved with floral motives and swirls but this time, the swirls were tinted with blue crystal that resembles the material that made her necklace.

She climbed up the stairs and stopped abruptly when she reached the wooden door. She realized that there was no door knob; carefully she observed the wooden door and the carvings on it. When she reached out her hand to touch the door, the carvings glowed. Before she could give the door a push, the door creaked open revealing another surprising sight.

-break-

All five of them are in the study; Greg is behind the desk, Frost was opposite him, Jean and Dean was comfortably deposited themselves on the couch and Clara was beside the fireplace desperately searching for warmth in the windy night. Greg had dropped his cheerful expression and substitute in with the serious brows.

“So what’s the plan?” asked Jean

“Since Dean had already discovered the missing piece, he and one of you shall proceed in searching for it. Do you know where it should be?” asked Frost.

“My guess would be with the Companion,” answered Dean.

“I’ll go with Dean,” volunteered Clara.

“Alright then. Jean, have you found her brother?” asked Frost.

“No, no news from the underground yet. I’d spread the search to a wider scope” replied Jean. He is a person with a wide social network comprising of different people from different level of society. The underground comprises of the outcast of the four clans. They are the people who are involved with the black market and have their certain way to get information that was not known by many.

“Alright, keep searching. He may know the real identity of Parker. Tomorrow, Dean and Clara, both of you will be heading to the area near the farm house earlier to search for the Companion. Jean, as discussed earlier, you shall meet me at the appointed rest house. Once both of you got the Companion in your hand, meet up with father. We’ll join you after we wipe off the impostors who are also after the Soul,” said Frost before he rested his chin of his hand.

“Very well then, everybody has their task; then, I shall begin the preparation too. Alright, it’s late, Clara you should head home now. One of you please send her home. Oh yes, before you guys leave, I hope that next time you guys want to meet, please choose somewhere less dirty. I have a hard time getting the souvenirs you boys brought home off your clothes,” added Gregory Frost.

“Tell the one who suggested the place,” said Clara looking at Jean.

“What?! It’s a place where no one will see us having a meeting talking about some weird plan,” said Jean in his attempt to defend himself.

-break-

She stood there, stoned. The door just opened a second before this and nobody in the room actually realized her presence. The first thing that struck her was the melody that was emitted; it was the melody she heard in her dreams. The room was a long one. On the right hand corner, a lady was sitting there playing a piano. She was facing the door so Lynn had a good look at her features. She has long and wavy silver hair. He eyes was grey and gentle. Her smile was hanging on her face gracefully. She had a blue and silver robe that was long enough to cover her entire body. Beside her was a tall man with black hair and black eyes. He wore a black overcoat, green turtleneck, black pants and boots. He also has long hair that was tied up in a neat ponytail.

Though their smile was a small one, the happiness was so contented that even Lynn could fell it at the door. She took a step into the room but both the strangers have not yet noticed her presence. She was about in the middle of the room when both the strangers looked up at her. They nodded at her with the same smile and the next thing she knew, everything turned black.

-break-

There was a light rap on the room door of Howard Frost. He was still widely awake pondering on tomorrow’s journey. It was something that had been awaited for nearly three hundred years by the Warlocks; whether those exiled or those remained in this land. The war took place between the five clans was erased from the history. Nobody knew what happened; those who knew had already settled in their grave. The government did it to ensure eternal peace in this once segregated land. The memories of the war were passed down from generation to generation in the three families that mingled among the ally that won the war. He knew all too well that no mistakes are allowed to happen. The rap on the door shortened his train of thought. “Come in,” he answered.

“It’s me,” said the person as he opened to door. Jean came in and sat down leaning against the wall. He is right opposite Frost now; this way, he could look into his face.

“It’s late already. We have a long journey to accomplish tomorrow; so, sleep early,” said Frost. He had enough of ‘heart-to-heart’ talk for today. Not that he actually participated.

“Tell that to yourself. No worries, I’m not here about Lynn Parker. I want to ask about his brother.”

Frost raised an eyebrow and kept quietly. Jean saw the cue to prompt him to keep talking said, “You are planning to use her brother to threaten her in case she finds out what we are after, aren’t you?”

“That, is one of the reason. I truly believe that he left because he knew something about the Soul,” answered Frost calmly.

“So is that what you are going to do if I found Cyrile Parker. You’ll use it against Lynn Parker? And what if he is not going to tell anything?” asked Jean. He was slightly raising his voice.

“Yes. By all means, if I had to resort to extortion, I will. I will use her brother against her if the situation calls for it.”

Jean stood up and glared deep into the other’s eyes, “I never though that I would have to hear this from Howard Frost. Have the revenge blinded your eyes? To use such degrading methods to achieve our goals?!”

“Or else?! Do I have the option? I don’t. Jean. We have been waiting for this for three hundred years. We have no idea how’s our exile comrades are out there? Without their energy, they might as well live a soulless life,” retorted Frost as he also joined Jean standing facing each other.

Jean could not find anything to retort. He understands well the circumstances around the Warlocks exiled; however, his conscience could not allow him to do or acknowledge the method Frost was having in his mind.

“Even so, I won’t allow this to happen,” he said in defeat. He left the room after that.

-break-

Lynn woke up and found herself lying on the floor. She sat up and recall her dream or imagination or whatever it is. She herself was not sure what the scene she saw was. She shook off the confusion, grabs her towel and went for a shower. She definitely needed something to cool down her mind.

-break-

“Seems like you’ve lost,” said Dean as Jean dropped himself on his bed.

“How did you know?” asked Jean looking at his older twin brother whom he though had fallen asleep.

“I know you went out because you are my brother. And I know you lost because you looked like you’ve just lost,” smiled Dean.

“Very funny,” said Jean sarcastically.

“Don’t worry. Trust me, Frost knows his boundary well. Plus, who knows if something else that came up in between so that he doesn’t need to use what you don’t want him to do”

Jean nodded and went to sleep.

-break-

Two figures quietly sneaked into the abandoned farm house. Inside the farm house was scattered with hay. No living things were seen except for spiders and their home. Both stood still and surveyed the surrounding before proceeding further.

“You seriously thinks that the Companion is here, hidden in this shabby place unguarded?” asked Clara.

“Unguarded? Isn’t it too early to say? Have you noticed there are never footsteps leaving the farm house except for Frost’s and Parker’s and yet there are so many signs of people visiting here?” questioned Dean.

“Just stay close,” continued Dean. They began searching around closely. Every thing that lies in the farm house was covered with dust. When they were searching at the left corner, Clara noticed some out of place marks carved on the wooden pole. She traced the marks with her finger. The marks made a vague trace that was covered with dust. Slowly and carefully she traced the marks and it led her to the table nearby.

“What is it, Clara?” asked Dean following Clara.

“Shush, just look,” she said.

They continued tracing the marks from the pole to the ground then to the wooden table nearby. The marks stopped at the table leg. Clara shifted to lift the table but was stopped by Dean, “Don’t!”

However, he was too late, a snap was heard and the roof came crushing down to them. Clara shut her eyes close waiting for the hit but was only met with am embrace. When she opened her eyes, a translucent red field surrounded her. She realized it was from the person who just saved her. The fallen roof was stopped from crushing them by Dean’s powers.

It was not the first time they saw each other’s powers. They practiced using their powers during the night in the underground chamber. However, this is the first time Dean used his powers outside practice. Another wave of powers was emitted; Clara could feel how strong it was and the roof was blown aside.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yeah,” she replied.

“Be careful, what just happened proofed that the traps here are unexpected,” he warned. She simply nodded and they continued searching.

-break-

It was a windy day. They are heading to the rest house near the border to pick someone up. Apparently, it is one of General Frost’s subordinate outside the Guardian HQ. They both were dressed in thick coat. The temperature has dropped quite a bit since last week. Lynn huffed out the cold air; she knew winter is coming soon. She mentally counted the days to Holy Day; it is approximately a month and 11 days more.

In front of her, General Frost seemed to be descending. She realized that they had reached their first destination; she too descended accordingly. Both of them parked their air vehicle at the given parking slots. The rest house was a shabby one. There’s no sign of any human other than themselves. There is two toilet cubicle and a small hut to provide shelter during rain.

She took off her helmet and left it with her air vehicle. The wind blew her hair vigorously. How much she wished that she still had her only hair band with her. Using both her hands, she held her hair in place to stop it from irritating her eyes. She walked over to the hut and sat at the bench while Frost was standing facing the landing area. Quietly, she wondered who the person her superior is waiting.

From the corner of his eyes, he was staring at the girl sitting on the bench. She was looking out at the grassy boarders with a distant eye. He knew her mind was occupied with something. Secretly, he wished that he knew what it was.

It was not long before the sound of an air engine was heard descending. Both the Guardian looked over to find a guy with messy ebony hair looking at them. He switched off the engine and walked towards them.

Her first impression of him is that he is a very sloppy and cold guy; as cold as General Frost. “This trip is going to be real cold,” she thought.

Frost walked over and shook the new comer’s hand. Lynn followed behind him and greeted his with a smile. “Glad you came to join us. Let me introduce you to Lynn Parker, my secretary. She’ll be coming with us for this trip. This is Jean Fideru,” introduced Frost.

The guy moved forward and shook Lynn’s hand, “Pleased to meet you Mr. Fideru,” she greeted with her trademark smile. “Jean would do it,” the other said.

-break-

The search was unfortunately fruitless. Other than another few more traps, nothing unusual was found. They stepped out of the abandoned farm house and walk towards their air vehicle. When they are already up in the air, ready to leave, Clara looked back again and she realized something then she had not realized before, “Hey Dean, wait.”

“Huh? What’s up?” he asked.

“Isn’t it odd that a farm house appear out of nowhere in the middle of the damp field?” said Clara voicing out her thought. It was like a light enlightening a dark room, Dean felt the same too. He replied, “Well if you don’t say it, I wouldn’t have thought of it. Wanna do some research at the nearby village?”

“Sure.” So there they went, heading off to the nearby village to find things out.

They went to a farming village about 5 miles away from the farm house. Deciding that they might need to stay overnight, they rent a room in one of the motels. The motel is not a big one; a double storey with five rooms to be rented out. There were not many occupants in the hotel. Only two rooms including theirs were rented out. During dinner, they went down to have the dinner provided. There, they spoke to the owner of the motel, Mr.Afrentico.

“Well what brings you here to our small village?” asked Mr. Afrentico as their conversation led from ‘How is the dinner?’ to their journey.

“We’re actually touring around in search of crops wholesaler. We wanted a credible crops wholesaler to provide crops for our company’s usage,’ answered Dean.

“Oh I see. Well, perhaps you came at the wrong time. Winter is coming soon; our villagers are saving our crops during these cold days you see. The extra crops are already sold out to the farmer’s regular customer,” said the owner.

“Oh that would be a great disappointment. We received the same answer from the other few farming village we visited. By the way, we saw a farm house about 5 miles away. It looks like a warehouse to me. Do they store the crops there?” asked Clara trying to accomplish their purpose.

“Oh that farm house. It has been there for some time already. There are a few buyers who are interested but the owner; our respected Elder would not sell it,” explained Mr. Afrentico. The owner’s explanation stirred up both Dean and Clara’s interest.

He then continued, “I really don’t understand that old man, he is respected by our people for his wisdom, but his stubbornness in this issue really made us think that he is really getting old. He’s already 93 this year and yet, he still wants to hog that land and the house. It’s not like as if he has someone to leave it for.”

“It would be a nice place to keep the crops if we are getting our supplies here in the future, wouldn’t it Dean?” asked Clara hinting to Dean.

“I bet it would but it seems like the owner wouldn’t be interested in selling it to us. And I thought that I won’t have to keep the Sale and Purchase anymore,” said Dean playing along.

“Commission you say?” asked Mt. Afrentico.

“Well, yes. We’re giving commission to the middle person who’s going to help us on getting the crops and also the warehouse to store the crops,” she answered.

“Well, I can always bring you to the Elder and discuss about it. There’s no certainty in this world,” the owner said enthusiastically upon hearing the word ‘commission’.

“That would be great,” said Dean. Both of them laughed inwardly on their successful play.

-break-

After the appointed meeting at the rest house they made their way to the 2nd Precinct. They did their cover up job in the afternoon and later in the evening; they were led to the black market in disguise by Jean.

They were all in their casual clothes. Frost in his usual sleeveless turtle neck and pants, Jean in his usual attire; tank top, shirt and baggy pants while Lynn has her

Next Chapter:

“What’s a spare part of an air engine got to do with a brothel?” asked Lynn slightly amused by the stoic face of her two companions even with sexy chicks surrounding them as she stood by the side.

The Last Exile, Chp10: The Missing Piece

2010-08-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

Last Chapter:

Time ticked by, his sister was no longer crying. He is now cradling his little sister in his arm. She was fast asleep in the protective embrace of her brother. He sighed on the future that awaits them.

Chapter 10

The porch at the side of the house was a nice place to sit in. He was there, on the chair by the coffee table which was situated at the left. His back was facing the glass door leading into the house as he scowled at whatever that was in front of his eyes. The autumn was peacefully blowing the dried leaves in the garden; however, noon of this could diminish his irritated expression. Under the courtesy of a pair of certain twins, he was ‘reprimanded’ by his father about a girl (to be specific, Lynn Parker). After a failed attempt to mangle the twins, he retreated out to the porch.

It was not long until a certain red-headed girl came. “Howard,” she called out. Clara was only two years younger than he was but her petite figure made her look younger than her age. The tone she used when she called him made Howard grunted as a reply. He knew where she is going to.

“I’m not going to beat around the bush; you fell for Parker didn’t you?” she asked.

“No,” he answered calmly that contradicts his scowl. He could sense a tinge of resentment in her words.

“Not convincing,” she said. She turned to look at him. She was not sure because she knows that intuition is not always right. Therefore, she chose to be right here, right now, confronting her friend that she had befriended for many years. They met when she was 16 years old. It was through their parents during a dinner. From that day on, they became comrades. Their family was the chosen one for the hundred years’ revenge; Howard Frost, Dean and Jean Fideru and Clara Anatrofi; they are all destined to become comrades, to fight for their own kind’s future.

Clara’s train of thought was cut short when Greg called them for dinner. “Coming,” replied Frost.

When Frost was ready to leave, Clara pulled him down, “Listen Howard, whether you have fallen for her or not, you have to understand that this type of relationship should not exist between both of you. This is a war we are fighting in, we may die, all of us or some of us. Even if we do survive, do you think she will be able to accept you? We are now plotting a plan that can ruin her people and her life in Elpida. We are practically lying and using her to destroy what she has now. She will never be able to forgive you. Keep you head in the mission Howard, their future is in our hands. I hope you understand, this is for the better to all of us.”

Frost in return just nodded and left. “Can he even register what I said into the thick head of his?” she asked herself. She looked at his retreating back; she hoped her intuition was wrong. However, she decided to put those worries aside; her stomach was grumbling vigorously.

Everyone was seated on the dining table, except for one ebony haired person, “Dean!! Dinner!!!” However, there were no respond.

“Dean! Dinner!!” yelled Clara. They waited for a few seconds; however, it was a disappointment again. When Jean was ready to stand up to get his elder brother, heavy footsteps was heard running down the stairs. Dean then appeared at the dining hall looking all messed up; shirt was untucked, pants and socks were wrinkly and dusty. His eyes were filled with excitement and anxiousness.

“I found the missing piece!”

-break-

The hostel room she stayed in was very simply furnished; a bed, a square dining table by the window, a wardrobe, cupboard and a small kitchen by the corner. The thick curtains of the window were drawn not leaving a slit of light; the door was safely locked. Lynn was there sitting in between her bed and the wall. She took out the necklace and hung it around her neck. Once again, a blue glow lashes out of the enchanted accessory. At first, the glow was unstable; it brightens and dimmed, brightens and dimmed. Slowly, the glow’s brightness remained constant. She held the toy between her palms and shut her eyes. The glow in a split second engulfed her and she was back in trance again.

-breaks-

“You did?” stood Clara. The rest watched Dean coming in with a curious expression.

“Oh yeah I did!” he commented in a very cheery tone (as usual). He sat on his chair and put the heavy book on the dining.

“Look here,” he pointed on the text, “The Priest was the Warlock’s core; it means the heart (yes, the heart of Lynn’s toy). The Companion (the name says it all) is the Priest’s companion (more like life partner). The Companion is the only Warlock that can master the Scythe, a sacred weapon of the Warlocks. My guess is that the ‘rod’ that we have with us is not just a rod. We need to find the blade of the scythe in order to fully unlock the Soul.”

“Then how do you explain the fact that not only the necklace that glowed but also she herself?” asked Jean. His question was answered with a few second silent

-break-

-break-

The awaited answer came, “I don’t know.” Frost, who was not a very patient person, pooped a vain at his temple.

“Don’t have to worry much. We just need to proceed with our original plan first since we are sure we have gotten the Soul. Plus, we don’t have much time left. With this entire ruckus coming out from anonymous groups, the government would soon discover the Soul in the Sanctuary is a fake one. I will be heading to the north for the preparation while you guys retreat the Soul,” said Greg as he sense the vibes of demotivation.

“True, there’s nothing much we can do except to keep heading forward,” seconded Jean.

“Right, so here’s the plan for tomorrow,” said Frost and was going to explain the plan until his father interrupted, “Now, now Howard, dinner first.”

“Yeah, I’m damn hungry!” said Dean before he dug into his plate. The rest also picked up their fork and spoon to dig in.

Next Chapter:

Jean stood up and glared deep into the other’s eyes, “I never though that I would have to hear this from Howard Frost. Have the revenge blinded your eyes? To use such degrading methods to achieve our goals?!”

-TBC-

The Last Exile, Chp9: Work trip; or so they say

2010-08-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

Last Chapter:

When Clara left, “Bro, let me help you with your wet clothes,” said Dean as he pulled Jean aside. Frost, without a word, lever Lynn up letting her lean on legs. He took his dry coat and began drying her hair.

Chapter 9

The next morning, Lynn woke up feeling a breeze hitting her face. She looked at the window and thought “I thought I drew the curtain closed last night. Must be the nurse.” It has been a week she stayed at the hospital. Her wound closed up successfully. She should be discharged soon. However this morning when she woke up, she felt a slight sore around her arms. “Must have slept in a bad position yesterday night.”

-breaks-

It was a day later where she was allowed to be discharged. Severus had returned to 8th Precinct to resume his duties. When she was packing her belonging, a knock came from the door; Lynn looked over only to find her superior there at the entrance.

“Morning, are you ready to leave?” he asked as he walked in. His expression was as stoic as he used to be.

“Yeah, just give me a minute. By the way, why are you here, sir?” asked Lynn puzzled by the appearance of Frost. She continued packing her bag.

“I’m off duty and I’m here to give you a ride back to the hostel. Plus, I have something to discuss with you.”

“Oh. Thank you, Howard. Okay, I’m ready,” she said as she took her bag. He smirked upon the name that left her mouth and took the bag from the latter’s hand.

-breaks-

“You mean we are going on a work trip?” asked Lynn puzzled and surprised by the news.

“Yes. We are asked to investigate the incident. The attackers refused to say a word about their intentions or their organization. However, we got some clues left behind. Since the higher ups wants to keep a low profile, we will have to do the investigation quietly. The rest of the squad will remain to continue with their usual duties,” explained Frost with his eyes locked on the road

“But why me?” asked Lynn raising her eyebrow. She does not favor travelling that much.

“Because you are my secretary. We are supposed to disguise under the reason of patrolling and reviewing the safety and security of the rest of the area in Elpida,” answered Frost. His gaze never left the road.

“I see. So, when are we starting?” said Lynn turning back her eyes to the road ahead.

“Tomorrow. You get some rest today and pack lightly for the trip.”

“Okay.”

The rest of the trip remained in silence.

-breaks-

“Yeay! We are going on a trip!” chirped Dean as he was packing his belongings. He was practically chirping like a bird the whole morning after receiving the news from Frost.

“It is not a trip bro. We are going to accomplish our duty that was passed down from our ancestors, remember? It’s a responsibility to our people,” replied Jean who was also packing.

‘Aw, bro. You are such a kill-joy,” whined Dean as he tossed his arms around his younger brother. “One day when all of this is over, we shall search for our joy! I shall bring you to a place where ladies and alcohols are never insufficient! Or do you prefer only ladies. I know a few brothels…” before Dean could finish his sentence, an old man appeared on the door and cut his short, “Dean, don’t tell me you’ve been to the brothels.”

“Old man! Ahahaha… I wouldn’t dare. I do know that I’ll ended up minced if I ever step in,” said Dean jokingly s he walked over to his foster father and patted his shoulders. “No worries old man, your Dean here would never do anything disgraceful!”

The said old man, Gregory Frost, flashed a warm smile and walked into the room, “How’s your packing going on?”

“We’re doing fine,” answered Jean.

“Jean,” said Greg, “I’m so worried of you. You are already 25, and yet you are still sadly single. I couldn’t blame you; you’re so quiet and shy!” How am I suppose to answer your parents when I meet them later on in the afterlife? I’m already 76 this year and I bet I wouldn’t last long.”

“You should be more worried of Howard, shouldn’t you? He is nearly thirty soon and I’m not shy! Plus, with the rate you are nagging, you wouldn’t die in another ten years.”

“Now don’t divert the topic. We really need to do something about this. You and Howard seriously need to plan for your future.”

“Hah! You don’t have to plan for Howard, he already has gotten… Ouch! What’s that for bro?!” said Jean after he was rudely interrupted by a smack on his stomach.

“Are you guys keeping something away from me?” asked their foster father.

“Nothing,” Jean answered as he was glaring daggers at Dean.

“Hmm… I’ll just have to ask Howard when he comes back,” said Greg as he walked out of the room and proceeded downstairs.

“You are so dead when Howard comes back,” said Jean.

“We both are,” added Dean sweat-dropping upon realizing at the mistake he made.

“We are so dead,” both said they dropped onto their bed in unison.

-breaks-

She dropped her bag beside her bed and plopped herself down on her lovely mattress, “This is way better than the ones in hospital.”

She took out necklace once again and examined it. She put it around her neck and the necklace glows again. However, this time, the glow was not as bright as before. She closed her eyes and memories slowly flew into her head like little feathers.

-break-

An 8 years old girl was sitting on the swing in front of her porch dressed in all black. Her posture was slump and her eyes were swollen and teary. Her hands are neatly folded on her laps as she was staring at the floor.

“Lynn,” called out a voice. The little girl looked up with her teary eyes and saw her brother standing tall beside her. His black hair is neatly comb back due to the funeral. His black coat and tie was long abandoned ever since he came back home. His white shirt was still neatly tucked under his black pants. He looked at her for a second before taking a seat beside her. Gently, he patted her head, “It’s okay to cry now. You don’t have to hold it in.”

The little girl lunged on her brother hugging him very tight and cried. Tears pouring down like the rain that was hold for days. Her brother stroked her back gently to comfort her, “Cry it out dear, I’ll be here. I will not leave you.” Silently, tears rolled down from his cheeks.

Time ticked by, his sister was no longer crying. He is now cradling his little sister in his arm. She was fast asleep in the protective embrace of her brother. He sighed on the future that awaits them.

Next Chapter:

“I’m not going to beat around the bush; you fell for Parker didn’t you?” she asked.

-TBC-

The Last Exile, Chp8: The Awakening of a Disaster or Hope (II)

2010-08-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

Last Chapter:

Lynn with eyes and her necklace glowing in an elegant ocean blue, floating mid air in the middle of the lake above the reflection, under the light of the full moon; it was beautiful.

“She has awakened,” said Dean to Frost and at the same time asking for a confirmation.

Chapter 8

“Yes, I think she had. The barrier concealing her powers is being torn down slowly. When I found her that day, the necklace on her was glowing. And her features, she looked exactly like her mother, the one who stole ‘Soul’ from the government. I couldn’t recognize her previously because of her dressing. That day, she looks exactly like the woman in the picture father showed me,” explained Frost.

“And you concluded that she is in someway connected to ‘Soul’?”

“Only one question puzzled me, after so many years, why the ‘Soul’ only did showed it self now?” said Frost with his eyes still locking on to Lynn.

“Cause there is one more thing you need for the ‘Soul’ to be fully released,” said another person. They turned and saw Jean and Clara behind them.

“Jean, do you mean the ‘Companion’?” asked Dean

“Yes. A century ago, when the other 4 clans defeated Warlocks, they planned to eliminate every single member of our clan. However, Priestess and Companion made a deal with the 4 clans. They spare the life of our members and live in peace with the Warlocks; in return, our energy will be taken. Living like what they call now, a Zero Gaillion. We were not in the situation to bargain, so the Warlocks agreed. The Priestess however, left out a few so that we can take back what belongs to us that they have taken. The Priestess’, Companion’s and the rest’s energy was taken away from them. The members’ energy was compiled with the Priestess’ but the Companion was said to have hidden separately. Their purpose to this is because Priestess and the Companion share a bond that links their soul,” explained Jean

“However, the clans broke their promise. They exiled our members and killed Priestess and Companion. Hence forth, to ensure revenge to be taken, Priestess and Companion released their soul before they were killed and became a protection to the energy complied which is the ‘Soul’,” continued Clara.

“Such long story. Cut it short and the conclusion would be that we still can’t release the ‘Soul’ unless we find companion,” said Frost irritated by the condition.

“No big deal man. We already know the location,” said Dean and he winked.

“Guys, I think we have to move now,” said Clara pointing at Lynn. Lynn started moving again. She’s spinning slowly and the speed gained steadily. Out of the sudden, she body dropped into the lake and the glow faded.

-break-

(A/N: from this break to the next, the “…” will be the monologue of Lynn Parker)

The gates of the palace were closed when she reached the entrance. She proceeded to the gates and gave it a light push. The gates were easily open. As she was about to step into the palace, she felt as if she fell into a deep hole. As she falls deeper, the harder it is for her to breath. “Damn, I’m going to die suffocating if I don’t do something,” but she knew she could do nothing. Her body was immobilized.

-break-

“Dean! I swear I’m gonna decapitate you if she dies!” scolded Frost as he took of his black platform boots.

“Ain’t my fault my man! Who knew that she’s such a suicidal brat!” defended Dean as he joined Frost into the lake.

“Splash!” there goes Frost into the cold water. As Dean was about to jump, Jean help him back and walked forward, “Bro, you can’t swim remember.”

“Right! I forgot!” Jean took his brother place and jumped right in.

-breaks-

“I do really hope this dream ends now. I’m seriously suffocating,” she thought to herself. As she was floating in the middle of the deep dark pool, a music melody rang through her ears; a melody that was heard but not remembered. The surrounding began to enlighten and she felt like floating in the middle of the ocean. Effervescent began to dance with the melody. Slowly, her consciousness faded away.

-breaks-

Both of them reached the part of the lake where Lynn fell and dived in. Although the moonlight shines down into the lake but the light was not sufficient to make them see clearly in the lake water. In addition, the water in the lake wasn’t that clear after all. It was Jean that found Lynn first. He pulled Lynn up to the surface then followed by the resurface of Frost.

“Is she breathing?” asked Frost.

“We have to get her to Dean fast,” replied Jean. They swam as fast as they can back to the lakeside. It didn’t take them long to reach Dean. They pulled them up and Dean checked on her.

“Her pulse is still there but her breathing stop. I think it’s the ‘Soul’ that protected her. She should be breathing again soon,” said Dean as he checked her pulse and signs of injury. “My man, she’s definitely one hell of a flat-chest chick,” he added. His statement was followed by a loud smack, “Ouch! What was that for Clara?!” the other who wet in the water lied on the grass exhausted.

“Could you keep your mind decent for a second?”

Lynn was lying on the grass all wet. The fact that the hospital gown was made of cotton and is white in color is not helping at all. Frost took off his coat and draped it on Lynn’s wet form. “I have already arranged everything. As soon as she wakes up, we’ll be bringing her to the field gain and find for Companion’s energy.”

“And what makes you think that she’ll follow us willingly?” asked Clara.

“He’s planning to use her brother as a tool to threaten her,’ commented Jean as he sat up and dry his clothes. He is a tall and muscular guy. He has ebony (concentrated blue) hair, about shoulder length and messy. He usually walks around with a tank top, a shirt with sleeves folded up over it and baggy pants. Although Dean has the same hair length and height, he is leaner and has neater hair than his younger twin brother. He prefer neatly ironed shirt with a coat over. Black is the only color of his pants. Jean is known for his connection within various parties in Elpida; whereas, Dean has great knowledge of the history before Elpida and the energy of the Warlocks.

“Jean, will you keep searching for his brother’s news. In the mean time, we’ll let her rest before we begin. However, what happened tonight shall be kept between us,” continued Frost.

“Fortunately everybody is asleep and the lake is surrounded with tress, however, I couldn’t guarantee that we will not be found if we don’t get her back into her wards,” commented Clara. The said girl is standing about a half a head shorter than Lynn. She has a blood red hair and big round watery eyes. Her hair was nicely tied into a lazy ponytail. Her appearance spells innocent. Clara is skilled for her speed in getting around a place and her skills in disguise. Her flexible fingers makes it easy for her to unknowingly ‘borrow; items from others (so much for innocent).

“Alright, Clara, please get a dry set of hospital gown for her. We’ll stay here and dry her hair off,” said Dean.

When Clara left, “Bro, let me help you with your wet clothes,” said Dean as he pulled Jean aside. Frost, without a word, lever Lynn up letting her lean on legs. He took his dry coat and began drying her hair.

Next Chapter:

“You mean we are going on a work trip?” asked Lynn puzzled and surprised by the news.

The Last Exile, Chp7 : Awakening of a disaster or hope?

2010-04-17T03:09:00.000-07:00

Last Chapter:

“Fine. I….” she started from the day she was born. Frost, on the other hand, smirked inwardly for able to successfully put her guard down. As Lynn spoke of her past, he listens intently and made notes to assist his future plans.

Chapter 7

The night of autumn fell gracefully that night. Lynn and her ward mate was sound asleep; sounder than usual. The autumn wind blew into the room through the opened window like a lullaby resonating in the cold air. The peaceful atmosphere was disrupted when two shadows crept into the room via the window. Quietly they moved beside Lynn’s sleeping body.

“Dean, are you sure both of them is asleep?” whisper the other man.

“Since when you begin to question my ability, Howard Frost?” replied Dean with a smirk.

“Do not use my full name and keep your voice down,” glared Frost as he spoke with a mixture of whisper and growl. Dean, shrugged of the ‘deadly glare’ proceeded with his work. Frost took Lynn’s overcoat and fumble into the pockets. He took out the necklace that she was holding this afternoon.

“How do you know it was there?”

“I saw her keeping it in her pocket this afternoon.”

“Oh… so our cold friend here is stalking somebody huh,” teased Dean.

“Stop talking and start you work,” said Frost (obviously pissed) as he gently lever up the sleeping body and put the necklace around her neck. The necklace glowed upon the contact with its owner. Dean took out a small jade rode and filled it into the gap. It was then the glow brightened. It was at the same time Lynn’s eyes shot open reveling no iris but only the same glow on the necklace; an elegant ocean blue glow. Dean and Frost retreated a few steps backwards as Lynn’s body starting to lightly float up and stood beside the bed.

-break-

(A/N: from this break to the next, the “…” will be the monologue of Lynn Parker)

A soft light is slowly exposed to her closed eyes. She lifted her hand to cover her eyes and slowly lifted up her eyelids. When she woke up, she was sleeping under a pink tree in its full blossom. She slowly sat up, “Where is this?” she asked herself as she scanned her surrounding. The sky was orangey in color. And the hilly land on her foot was rich in green. The panorama was plain, yet beautiful. The only thing that obstructs the scene was a tall majestic palace. The outer layer of the palace was made of glass or crystal. She couldn’t decipher. The glass crystal was carved with many beautiful abstract patterns. The second layer is made of steel. It forms the structure of the palace. Overall, the palace has five towers standing next to each other, forming a pyramid.

“It’s beautiful.”

She stood up and walked nearer to it the said palace. A strange sensation starts to stir within her as she approaches the palace. “It looks so familiar.”

-break-

Lynn’s unconscious body walked towards the window. “Dean! Stop her,” whisper Frost.

“Don’t worry, she wont…,” before Dean can finish his sentence, Lynn jumped out of the window.

“So much for not jumping!” said Frost as both of them rushed to the window. Lynn did not hit the ground. She was gently ‘flowing’ down on the ground and floated away. Both of the midnight visitor, worried of what is going to happen, went out using the way they came in. The both gave a chase to Lynn who already far ahead of them going in the direction of the lake.

As both of them run side by side chasing the (way faster) floating Lynn, “I’m gonna kill you if anything happens to her!” growled Frost.

“Ain’t my fault my man. I can never predict than she will jump out would she?! And did Howard Frost just express concern over a girl?” defended Dean while teasing his comrade at the same time.

“Shut you mouth of you twit!” scolded Frost as he sped faster.

When they reached the lake, she was floating mid air in the middle of the lake. The surrounding was dark, only the moon light illuminating the area. Both were frozen at the lakeside upon setting their eyes on the scenery. Lynn with eyes and her necklace glowing in an elegant ocean blue, floating mid air in the middle of the lake above the reflection, under the light of the full moon; it was beautiful.

“She has awakened,” said Dean to Frost and at the same time asking for a confirmation.

-To be continued-

Next Chapter :

“Dean! I swear I’m gonna decapitate you if she dies!” scolded Frost as he took of his black platform boots.

The Last Exile, Chp6 : Aftermath

2010-03-04T05:45:00.000-08:00

Last Chapter:

She gently whispered “Thank you mom, thank you dad.”

Chapter 6:

Outside of the hospital garden, a wheelchair was pushed in a slow and steady pace to the man-made lake nearby.

“Seriously Severus, you don’t have to all so tied-up. The medic said that I’m recovering very well.”

“Says the one who didn’t get the scared the guts of him after receiving the blo…” he paused, calmed his mind down and continued, “…the call from HQ.”

Lynn stopped the wheel with her hand to put in into a halt, “Sev…”

Severus removed his hand from the chair and gently placed his hands on her shoulder, “Look Lynn, I understand that you cared about your job a lot, but it doesn’t mean you put your life on the line. What if you brother comes back…”

Lynn slightly patted his hand, interrupting him in the midst of the speech, “Sev, if he ever comes back, if I ever die, tell him to look over the house. It’s where all our memories lays.”

-break-

She is alone under the tree now. Sitting on the wheelchair, she stared out the lake. Thoughts filled her mind, leaving her eyes distant. “I guess it’s save to take it out now,” she thought to herself as she peered around her surroundings. Gently, she took out the necklace she used to hang n her neck. The toy that hung on the black string was has a crystal heart and platinum scythe interlocking. In the middle, there were gaps as if something was missing in between. Usually, blue liquid flows inside of the heart like any other water flows in a glass rode but after the night when she fought, the liquid glows whenever she puts the necklace on. “Luckily it was in my pocket… wait, how did it ended up in my pocket?”

Her train of thoughts was disrupted by the call of her name, “Ms. Parker.” Hurriedly, she shoved the necklace back into her pocket. She turned around and found General Frost standing a few inches behind her.

“Oh! General Frost, I didn’t hear you walking here.”

“It must be my habit. You can drop the honorific, we’re not on our jobs anyway, Lynn” he said with a slight smile.

“You know, you are not as bad as I thought you would be,” she commented

Frost who was somehow stunned by the random comment asked, “Why isn’t that random? What makes you say so?”

She smiled and turned away, “God knows.” Frost took a seat next to Lynn on the grass and looked out to the lake.

“The attackers…” said Lynn who tried to strike up a conversation.

“Still in interrogation.”

“The victims…”

“All save and sound at home…”

“Any one of our men…”

“None is heavily injured. Just a few with scratches.”

“Any damage…”

“No damage done on the crime scene.”

“My air vehicle…”

“Badly ruined. Thrown into the dumps.”

“You…”

“I want to know about your past.” His eyes made no contact with hers.

“Now that is random. Why do you want to know?” she asked. She eyed him with a deep curiosity.

“Is it a crime to know more about my subordinate? Plus, I read through your files. I want to satisfy my curiosity.”

“If it is so then, where shall I begin?”

“From birth.”

“That far?!”

“You’re loud for a recovering patient,” he said as he turned and look at her. Their gaze met and both were taken aback by the depth of their emotion swirling within the small pool. It was he who broke the contact. “So are you going to begin of not?”

“Fine. I….” she started from the day she was born. Frost, on the other hand, smirked inwardly for able to successfully put her guard down. As Lynn spoke of her past, he listens intently and made notes to assist his future plans.

-To be continue-

Upcoming chapter:

….It was at the same time Lynn’s eyes shot open reveling no iris but only the same glow on the necklace…..

The Last Exile, Chpt 5: Found you

2010-02-21T21:01:00.000-08:00

Last Chapter:

She pulled out her sword and proceeded to walk back to where her air-engine was blasted off.

-break-

General Frost reached the location given by Lt.Bones. The very first sight was the black burnt mass of what he guessed Lynn’s air-engine. He scanned around the field and spot messy footprints on the dampened soil. They seemed to be going to a certain direction. He decided to follow his logic; he followed the footprints.

It was not long until he was led to a section of the field where grass is no longer as tall as human. He had a clear view of the field. He saw a large warehouse, a figure lying still on the ground and another figure walking away to the opposite direction from where he came from.

-break-

She is trying desperately to drag her feet forward. She couldn’t even think straight at this point of time. All she did was took her sword and walked away to where she thought she came from. It was not long until she started feeling dizzy and her sight was getting fuzzy.

“Unh, not now!” she groaned. She continued walking before she finally tripped on her own foot and fall forward. When she thought she is going to hit the ground face-first HARD, a firm hand caught her by her waist.

-break-

As he walked closer to the walking figure, he became surer that the other person is his secretary. He called out to her but the latter seemed to be deaf at the moment. He quickened his pace.

As he was about to reach her, she fell forward tripping on her own foot. He ran to her and managed to catch her in time, “Ms. Parker!” He pulled her backwards and she slumped onto him with her back on his front.

-break-

She was quite sure now that she didn’t fall. She felt like she was leaning on somebody and that somebody was holding her very tightly to the point that it hurt her wound. “Argh…” she groaned.

-break-

As he held her in his arms, he felt a damped area on her abdomen.

“Argh…”

Now he knows why was it wet, she was wounded and was bleeding profusely. “Parker, can you hear me?” he asked as he lowered her down.

-break-

She felt she was being lowered down. When she was finally settled on the ground, she realized the person who found her in this deserted area was (she guessed) General Frost. Before she could say anything, the world seemed to lose its light; she finally lost her consciousness.

-break-

She was there unconscious and wet. Her fringe was down in contradictory to the usual Lynn Parker he saw. It was then he realized something very important; “I found you at last,” he said.

-break-

A man dressed in black turtle neck, black pants, black coat and black hat was walking in the underground sewer at the odd hours of the night. His steps were big and fast but quiet. When he reached the end of the tunnel, he made a pattern of knocks on the top corner of the wall. A secret passage revealed itself on the other side. He went in and went down the ladder that was waiting for him. Along the tunnel he stride in what was similar to a maze. It seemed to be that he memorized the direction well. Left and right he turned, going up and down the ladder as he proceeded.

It was then he reached a room filled with big boxes. He went into one of them and pressed a hidden button in it. A trap door opened and he crawled into it. The passage led him to a room with only four walls and a door without a doorknob. He stood in the middle of the room and gently tapped his feet. The door opened and closed as he went in.

Inside the dark room, he raised his hand and a dim light was produced. The light revealed another two men and a woman, all dressed in black. The looks of both men prove that they are identical twin but from the style they were in, a distinct difference was shown. Meanwhile, the women on the other hand, possesses an aura of innocence within her.

“Not a minute early, not a minute late as usual,” said the women as she smiled at the man who just arrived.

“So what’s with the urgent news?” ask one of the twin which looks like as if he is one of the street racers.

“Clara, Jean, Dean, I found the one we’re looking for all these years.” The man took off his hat and revealed his glowing platinum blonde hair, thick-fierce eyebrow, deep-set emerald eye, long nose, thin lips and firm jaw line. (I think you should know who it is). They all smiled like how a kid smiled when his parents bought him his favorite toy.

-break-

“Lynn, would you come out for a moment” called my teacher. –flashes-

I waited patiently with my teacher and brother outside a room with a red light above the door. When the red light disappear, a doctor came out and told me he is sorry. –flashes-

“Mom!Dad!” I called out to them. They couldn’t listen. They were walking further and further away! “Mom!” I yelled. “Dad!” I yelled again. They turn around and wave at me.

-break-

“Mom! Dad!” Lynn woke up as she broke in cold-sweat.

“Argh…” she felt a jolt of pain on the abdomen. She realized she is in a hospital. She looked out the window into the night sky. She gently whispered “Thank you mom, thank you dad.”

Next Chapter:

“I want to know about your past.” His eyes made no contact with hers.

“Now that is random. Why do you want to know?” she asked. She eyed him with a deep curiosity.

“Is it a crime to know more about my subordinate? Plus, I read through your files. I want to satisfy my curiosity.”

“If it is so then, where shall I begin?”

The Last Exile, Chp4 : Bring it on

2010-01-29T20:44:00.000-08:00

Last Chapter:

“Bang!”

“Ah!” Lynn fell on her knees…………

-break-

Chapter 4:

As the sound of the gunshot echoed through the air, a loud explosion emitted from the back of Lynn. She turned around as she was crouching down on the ground; her air-engine was exploded into pieces. “Oh, please tell me I’m hallucinating,” she murmured under her breath.

“Lucky for you Ms. Guardian, we could have sent you to hell for good,” said the assailant as a smirk hangs on his mouth. The other was nowhere to be found.

The said Guardian, stood up while she firmly placed her hand above the area of her right kidney, “Name’s Parker. Now stop talking and bring it on. I would not let you get away with this.” She took off her obi belt and coat. The coat was left stranded on the ground as she wrapped her wound with the belt.

“A brave one indeed; very well then. If death is what you want, then death is what you get.”

Therefore, begin a The Battle on the Damp Field.

-break-

Everyone is on position; anytime now General Frost will give instruction for the ambush. Pin-drop silence surrounded them to ensure they are not detected by the suspects.

“Position check,” General Frost initiated.

“Check.”

“Check.”

“Check.”

“Very well then, do your work.”

As General Frost ended the word ‘work’ with his pronunciation of ‘k’, the squad barge in the house as ordered; at the same time, activating their host (weapon as a medium to use their Gailion). Soldiers broke in the house from windows of the room the suspects are in and some break the front and back door. Two suspects guarding the entrance was arrested in an instance.

The surprised suspects in the room fled upon the intrusion. “Back down!” ordered one them. They put up a fight in order to get out of the trap. With skills, both of them were also arrested with ease. General Frost came in the house after the arrests, “Four in total, okay then, bring them out. Sir, madams-” he said as he turn to the victims “you have no worries about your daughter, she’ll be brought back soon. Meanwhile then, we need your assistance in the investigation. If you may, please follow my officers.”

The victims and suspects were brought out. The soldiers have left the house. General Frost stood in the middle of the room for a few seconds after the soldiers departed before slowly heading downstairs. When he was walking towards the living room, he made a sudden move on unsheathing his host as he turned to his back. It seemed that there is a fifth suspect in the room. His host first transform to a metal cudgel. As it expands, General Frost aimed it at the head of the ambusher; giving it a dizzy head start. In a flash, the host trans-quip (transform equipment) to a karabela (dark curse) saber. The saber slashed through the ambusher’s thigh rendered him paralyzed. When the ambusher falls, General Frost send him one more of his ‘gift’; a hard kick that sending him flying back, thus hitting a cabinet.

He walked over to the all-bashed-up ambusher, squat beside him and said, “So there IS a fifth person in hiding. A vey good strategy, but not when you encounter me.”

General Frost went nearer to the ambusher, grabbed his collar single-handed and warned him, “Let me tell you something. I know what you are searching for. It is not for you to own; so, don’t you and your culprits ever dare to put your hands on it or the consequence shall not be good. It is destined to come back to my people.” He stood up, gave instruction for two soldiers to pick the fifth suspect up.

-break-

General Frost rode on his air engine and connected his communicator to the one of Lt. Bones, “Lt. Bones, please update me on Ms. Parker.”

“Yes, sir.”

A while later, Lt. Bones update General Frost on the progress, “General, we are able to locate Ms. Parker’s air-engine. It was last detected at North Edge 1. I’ve forwarded the location to you.”

“What do you mean ‘last detected’?” asked General Frost.

“We could not locate her about 30 minutes ago, sir. The backup team is on the way there.”

“Lt. Bones, I’ll leave the rest to Lt. Zenile and you. I’m off to get her.”

“Yes, sir.”

-break-

They were far away from where they begin the fight. At that point of time, Lynn was fighting a lance with a sword. Her coat was abandoned, blood slowly seeping through her obi belt and she had already lost her hair band in the midst of the battle.

“Give it up or you’ll lose your life for sure!” said the assailant as he continuously blocked her attack.

“I rather return to the soil than to ever let you off. Take this!!” she said as she launched another attack towards her enemy’s head. “Clang!!” the assailant blocked another of her attack.

“I have to finish this up now. My body can’t stand any longer with this amount of blood loss”

When Lynn was distracted by her own thought, the assailant kicked right on her abdomen sending her flying backward. “Swishh!” she landed into the pond. Angered by her carelessness, she stood up and yelled, “That’s it! Let’s end this once and for all!”

-To Be Continue-

The Last Exile, Chp3 : Midnight Exercise

2010-01-23T21:26:00.000-08:00

Last Chapter:
“Ms. Parker, I’ll take D.6 and you’ll take D.7. Do not deactivate your communicator,” instructed General Frost. Upon receiving the instruction, they both split at the junction of District 5.

Chapter 3:

Following the command, Lynn sped up to District 7. She lowered her air-engine so that she will be able to take a closer inspection at the street. Both on the left and right side of her are rows of shops. Above the shops are three-storey apartments. Most are asleep by now; only the street lights are left illuminating the street. While she slowly drove through the street, she caught a glimpse of a dark figure running into an alley at the corner of her eye. Lynn drove near to the alley and came down from her air-engine.

She kept her hand on her revolver that was hanging behind her long obi-belt. Taking her steps forward cautiously, she went into the alley. It was dark and crowded with large, empty baskets and discarded furniture. It was then she realized she reached a dead-end. Therefore, there are only two solutions to the dark figure she saw. It is either she was imagining it or ‘it’ is hiding somewhere in here.

There was no moment for her to ponder on the answer as she felt someone is approaching her. Lynn took a swift 180º turn and launched a high-kick. Her attack sent the assailant down. Before she could do anything further, another assailant kicked her from the back causing her to hit on the wall. While she tried to regain her position, both the assailant headed towards the dead-end. They stopped in front of an object covered with a black cloth. It dawned to Lynn that it is actually an air-engine when the two strangers threw the cloth away and boarded the said vehicle.

Without wasting time, she connected her communicator to General Frost, “General, the suspect…” A high-pitched frequency from the communicator rang through her ear causing her to throw the communicator on the ground thus damaging it.

“Not so easy woman, we won’t let you destroy our plan,” said one of the stranger who was holding a mechanical device on his hand. They then activated their air-engine and fled from the scene. Lynn, not wanting to let them meet freedom ran to her air-engine and chased after them.

-break-

After departing, General Frost headed as fast as possible to District 6. While on his way, he felt the whole incident was out of logic. “The fact that it takes five kidnappers to break in the house and kidnap a child doesn’t make sense. If one wants to kidnap a child, suppose they will do it quietly to avoid big commotion but why…” he thought. A sudden realization came to him. He activated the communicator and directed it to the lieutenants.

“Attention to Lieutenants of Squad Point-Blank! Lt. Zenile and section will depart to the victim’s house compound immediately. Lt. Bones and section shall continue to pursue the suspects.”

“Understood,” replied both lieutenants.

-break-

It was the general who arrived first at the scene followed by Lt. Zenile and his section. The neighborhood in District 8 of 1st Precinct is mainly populated by middle-class men. Unlike any other districts in 1st Precinct, majority of the houses are double-storey terrace house. At this time of the hour, most have already retreated to their beds long time ago.

They are now gathering in the house opposite the victim’s resident. And as the question to how they get in, the authority always have their way to accomplish task, especially the elite unit of the Guardian clan, the Point-Blank. Currently, they had dispatched two of the Guardian to survey on the situation in the house while the rest planned on the next move.

Laid out on the dining table is the map of the house. “According to research, there is a ….” said Lt. Zenile before he was interrupted by the communicator.

“General, the suspect…” the channel was broke off after a high-pitched frequency rang through. Both the lieutenants and general who received the call had the look of confusion and surprise on their faces.

“Lt. Bones, trace down Ms. Parker and send out backup to assist her,” instructed General Frost. It wasn’t long until the guardians dispatched to survey on the surrounding came back.

“Report General. The house is guarded by at least four suspects. Two of them are interrogating the victims of three in the room with the lights on, while the other two is guarding the front and back doors downstairs. All of them are armed with hand guns.”

“Sir, are you suspecting this incident is somewhat related to the previous break in we have lately?” asked Lt. Zenile out of curiosity.

“I’ve received an order this evening from the Chief of Staff. The higher ups received reliable information that a secret association was formed and are out to hunt for an object believed to be able to surpass the authority. We’re ordered to hunt down these guys and finish them for once and for all,” explained General Frost. Silence broke through the tensed atmosphere as the sign of understanding.

“Well then. I want all entrance to be secured, and the rest shall break in. Casualties are only allowed to happen when necessary. All suspects are wanted preferably alive for further interrogation. Lt. Zenile, you will lead a group to break in while the rest secure the entrance. Let me repeat; NO.ONE.IS.ALLOWED.TO.ESCAPE.” ordered General Frost.

-break-

Two air-engines was seen flying mid-air in full speed toward the border of Precinct 1.

“This is the Guardian patrol engine, to the air-engine without a plate and two hooded men, please pull over and land for inspection,” warned Lynn over and over again as she chased the suspicious strangers. Her warnings fell into deaf ears as the air-engine sped even faster. Unwilling to lose the suspects, she took out her revolver and aim single-handed at the energy-house of the vehicle. “Bang!” the shot hit right on the target. Both the men on the failing air-engine jump out of the vehicle and miraculously transformed their hooded-cloak to a parachute.

“Great!” she remarked sarcastically to herself as she dived down. They are now somewhere out of town where grass grew as high as human on a damp field. The only source of lighting was the crescent moon floating on the dark-blue sky. As they landed, Lynn climbed down her air-engine and went to search for the suspects. When she arrived to the landing site, she found nothing but two black cloaks.

“Bang!”

“Ah!” Lynn fell on her knees…………

-TO BE CONTINUED-

The Last Exile, Chp2: Of Brother, New Superior and Midnight Kidnapper

2010-01-22T00:04:00.000-08:00

Hey peep! This is the second chapter continuing from the previous post! Enjoy! Oh yes, read and review kay!

Guardian; one of the clans in Elpida. The Guardians are those who carry the responsibility to protect the land and to maintain the safety of its occupants. The clans of Elpida possess a type of power which they call ‘Gailion’. Each clan possesses Gailion of different nature. In this case, the Guardians possess the attack and defence type. There are some offsprings who possess no power in their Gailion (Zero Gailion). Depending on the clan of their fathers, they will be posted to a suitable post in the governing body of the clan.

-break-

The early autumn morning was greeted by the windy weather. Outside on the front porch of No.12, Whiney Road, there stood Lynn, Garner, two women, one man and one old lady. They came to bid their farewells to Lynn.

“Lynn, take care when you are at the city alright. Never trust people so easily,” advised the old lady, Mrs. Oliver.

“Especially men. They’re one of the hybrids of sly foxes,” added Mdm. Slant. Lynn gave a smile as a sign of ‘okay-I-get-it’.

“Don’t listen to her, Lynn. Not all men are like that. However, keep your eyes open for the bad lot. Better to be safe than sorry,” said Mr. Johnson protecting the men’s pride.

“Honey’s right, dear. People are more complicated in the city. Unlike us town folks, always straight to the point, never do we play the I-backstab-you-you-backstab-me game,” said Mrs. Johnson supporting her husband.

“I will remember these wise words. I won’t be far for long. I’ll come back once in a while for a visit. Then I shall prepare dinner for all of you. Mrs. Oliver, please take care of your health when I’m gone. Remember to go for your monthly check up at the clinic,” said Lynn holding Mrs. Oliver’s hand.

“I will dear. Now go off, before you miss the train,” replied Mrs. Oliver.

“Lynn, we have to go,” said Garner who was keeping quiet behind Lynn all this while.

There, Garner gave Lynn a ride to the train station. In the car, the silent atmosphere has gotten more awkward then never. It was Garner who broke the silence, “Lynn…”

“Yes… Severus,” said Lynn turning to look at Garner. Upon hearing his name being called, he looked back at Lynn for a second before turning his attention back on the road.

“It has been a long time since you called my first name but that’s not what I wanted to say.”

“Certainly, you wouldn’t go around asking people to call you by your name, would you? That would be too queer,” said Lynn with a slight tease. They both chuckled at the statement.

“What I’m trying to say is… err… how should I put it?”

“You can always go straight to the point.”

“Alright. Let me think for a minute.” The reason for this difficulty of Severus Garner is because he is the type of man who does not speak his mind. He might be smart and all that in his work but he can never manage to convey his emotions accurately. Garner’s one minute turned into 10. They are both at the station now. The train is about to leave in 5 minutes.

“Severus, if you still can’t think of proper words to spill, I’ll board the train now,” said Lynn as she glared at Garner.

Garner, feeling the threat, gave a sigh and spoke in high speed, “Okay, okay. Don’t worry about your house and the town’s people here. I’ll take good care of them (that’s what I’m here for anyway). As for the same, take good care of yourself and remember that I’ll always be there when you need me like I’ve always been.”

At that very moment, Lynn gave Garner an embrace and said “Thank you Sev.., brother for all these years. If it weren’t for you…”

Garner who has hugged her in return interrupted, “That’s what a brother’s for.”

-break-

In the Guardian HQ, a certain General is getting some lecture from his superior, “Frost, This is going to be the last secretary we’re giving you. If in any case she leaves, the blame is on you, you’re on your own sonny.”

“It isn’t my fault they’re not up to expectation, sir,” Frost retorted back.

“What expectation do you have? What is it that you can ask so much from a secretary?!”

“General, sir,” he paused, stared right into the other’s eyes and continued “It’s…,”

That is when the firing between the Chief of Staff and the General began.

-break-

At the corridors of the HQ, Lynn is being led by another young lady, perhaps a little older than her, to the Head of Generals room.

“Thank you again Ms. Dubreil or else I would have still been wondering around the HQ, clueless,” said Lynn

“Ms. Parker, I’m going to abandon you if you keep on thanking me. Oh! Here we are. Wait here for a moment,” said Ms. Dubreil as she knocked and entered the office.

-break-

“Knock, knock, knock.”

“Come in,” answered General Hartsburg, Chief of Staff who is flushed from the heated argument.

“General Hartsburg, Ms. Parker, the new secretary is here,” informed Ms. Dubreil.

“Thank you Ms. Dubreil. Give us five more minutes. Then bring her in,” instructed General Hartsburg. When his secretary left the room, General Hartsburg passed a file to General Frost.

“Lynn Parker. Citizen of the 8th Precinct lives in a small town in the northern region. Excellent skills in driving, sword-fighting, handling firearms and self-defence. A very good fighter indeed. Unfortunately, she possesses Zero Gailion or else she would have been a very useful asset. Her resume from Lt. Garner is also up to standards. Most probably the best secretary to date, compared to the previous ones you had,” explained General Hartsburg.

“Tch, ‘most probably’ aren’t convincing enough,” smirked the other general upon the statement.

Another three knocks on the door and the secretaries were given permission to come in.

-break-

“Tch, ‘most probably’ aren’t convincing enough,” I smirked upon my statement. Indeed, this Parker here has a good record but one can’t believe in everything one hears until you have confirmed it for yourself and this is exactly what I’m going to do.

The three knocks came ramming on the door again. The door creaked open. Seriously, they should do something about the creaking doors in this whole HQ. Such an irritating noise.

A young girl came in, behind that old man’s secretary. A short pitch dark black hair with a white hair band pushing her fringe back, round and clear black eyes, sensitively cut nose, thin pink lips and a determined chin. My estimation of her height would be about 1.7m. There are some areas that seemed too obvious to ignore; her lacking in certain areas and artificial colours (in other words, cosmetics) that are absent from her face (something which I greatly appreciate). There’s a type of alertness and shrewdness shown on her face. Anyway, I’m not very much good in judging someone by his or her first look. Somehow, I feel that I have met her somewhere before.

-break-

“Ms. Parker, I’m going to abandon you if you keep on thanking me. Oh! Here we are. Wait here for a moment,” said Ms. Dubreil as she knocked and went in the office. Oh how dreadful, that butterflies to fly in my stomach. Ms. Dubreil came out from the office and signaled me in. Well, let’s just be natural. I brace myself and went in.

In the office, there are two men. One has grey hair covering his head, sitting behind the desk which is three times bigger than Severus’ desk. He looked irritated indicated by that deep frown of his. I am guessing that he is General Hartsburg whom I am supposed to report to. Sitting opposite General Hartsburg, sat a younger man, from estimation about thirty years old. From his uniform, it is obvious that he is a general too. Although he is in a sitting position, I am pretty sure he is about half a head taller than me and has exceptionally broad shoulders. I mentally described him; platinum blonde hair, thick-fierce eyebrows, a deep-set emerald eyes, long nose, thin lips and a firm jaw line. With the combination of all these features, no doubt, he is a good-looking man. No wonder Severus said that secretaries all over Elpida want this job. However, he emits a certain vibe that gives me a chilly feeling. Maybe I’m being over-sensitive.

-break-

It has been a month since Lynn set foot on the Guardian HQ. She managed to get along well with her colleagues. It is most probably the way she always appeared in; warm, friendly, efficient and always smiling. In the context of her relationship with her superior, it has been kept only within their job scope. No more, no less.

Other than the extra paperwork, she has been patrolling around the city at night with General Frost and his platoon. Under him there are two lieutenants; Lt. Bones and Lt. Zenile. Every night, they each will lead a section of the platoon to patrol the city while General Frost and Lynn will go to each city gate to pick up daily reports from the security check points.

It is a windy night - as expected of an autumn night. Soon, winter will come. The Holy Day is two months away. This particular day marks the beginning of a new year. It is also a day to remind every occupant of Elpida to preserve and protect the peace that was claimed by their ancestors through years of hardship.

General Frost and Lynn took their usual route back to the HQ after stopping by at the five city gates. Usually, when the lieutenants finish reporting their progress, they are dismissed to head home. Unfortunately, things are not going that smoothly tonight. When both of them were heading back, they received a call from Lt. Zenile. Activating his communicator hanging on his ear, an urgent voice spoke “Attention to Guardian of Platoon 8, a group of five suspicious intruders have broken into a citizen’s house and kidnapped a ten-year-old girl. They were last seen heading towards District 6 and 7. All suspects are in a hooded black and white cloak.” Both of them who were in District 5 sped to the area mentioned.

“Ms. Parker, I’ll take D.6 and you’ll take D.7. Do not deactivate your communicator,” instructed General Frost. Upon receiving the instruction, they both split at the junction of District 5.

-TBC-