The Eternal Imperium

Chapter 1: Written in Blood

The world's harsh reality dictates that the strong will conquer the weak. This fact is none truer than in the deserts of Vacuo.

Its unlivable conditions define Vacuo, its hardened people, and its devotion to the concept of Natural Selection. The beacon of these ideals is the capital of the harshest kingdom, and emphasized by its Huntsman and Huntresses who train within the capital at Shade Academy.

But these ideals are truly put to the test as the capital city of Vacuo is played under siege. Black ships the size of buildings hover over the city, casting shadows reminiscent of night itself over the people. Smaller transport ships ferry troops down into the city. The conflict between opposing forces leaves nothing but fire and destruction. The smoke and ash from the burning town create dense clouds that hide the black ships—making them appear as though they suddenly appeared within the city's destruction.

Each of the ships blares messages down to the populace of the city. Echoing even into the desert that surrounds the city.

Officer(speaker): "People of Vacuo! Do not resist! If you do wish to be harmed, stay within your homes! The Eternal Imperium is here to establish order and safety in your kingdom! If you resist, we will treat you as rebellious dissenters and will be shot! Do not resist!"

This message repeated from each hovering black ship as the people below hurried into their homes and hid for safety. The small vessels descended into the city as they offloaded soldiers wearing dark black and white armor. They moved through the city like a flood. Ushering people into their homes and stamping out any resistance they encountered with extreme prejudice.

The capital city of Vacuo had practically surrendered.

Except for Shade Academy. This was where most of the fighting had taken place as the bodies of both huntsmen and Eternal soldiers lay across the walls and entrance to the school. Within the academy's borders, the fighting was most intense. The Eternal soldiers fought efficiently against those who resisted, including the students.

Within one of the hallways of the school that led up to the headmaster's office, two individuals hurriedly ran to the office. One was the second in charge of the school, Xanthe Rumpole. Her bright brown hair had become unkempt, as she winced in slight pain as her right arm had been severed clean off, only leaving a cauterized wound. Behind her is the leader of the late team CFVY, Coco Adel. Her once fashionable attire had been torn and ripped in certain areas, and other spots were drenched in red, the blood of her team. Coco carried a grim and sorrowful expression but knew she couldn't collapse from the loss now. She had lost too much to give up.

Coco helps open the door to the headmaster's office for Xanthe as they enter. The office had seen better days. Papers lay strewn across the floor as bookshelves had been tossed to the side and chairs broken. At the center of the room was a large marble desk with finely made wooden drawers.

Xanthe: "Miss Adel, I know time is short. Very short. But if we want this last stand to mean anything...if we want your team's sacrifice to not be in vain. You must listen to me carefully." Coco could only nod.

Xanthe opens one of the drawers and lifts a hidden compartment under the drawer. To which she takes out a small book and a scroll. She types something on the scroll and then sighs as she hands the scroll and book to Coco.

Xanthe: "I know what I am about to ask you to do will be difficult, but you must stay strong. Okay?"

Coco: "Yes, Miss Rumpole. I'll...I'll try."

Xanthe: "Good. That's all I can ask and hope for."

Xanthe moves to a still-standing bookcase as she pulls a book from the shelf. This causes the shelf to unlatch and open to reveal a hidden passage.