Only V

Chapter 13- The Plan

"Yeah, I know about it. Everyone does."

Avyan feels a deep inner shock as he hears these words. His throat goes dry as he starts to process that Soham had such a response to the death, literal death of one of his close friends. Time away has been huge but was it this much that it has no effect on him?

Avyan grows silent but from within, he is in deep conflict, "People move distant. Yes they do, but someone's death is a big deal. Even if you don't know someone, a death is heart-breaking. One can argue that Soham has seen things we haven't. These five years, he must have been through a lot of deaths and sacrifices. He knows how to overcome such pity. Climbing up the ladder sure does require a strong heart.

Will I turn into someone like him? With all the deaths I have been witnessing, times have been rough. I always thought of their loved ones, how their families and friends would feel, how would I tell them the news? But is it this straight-forward. Have people moved past this feeling of sorrow because of these tough times. I don't know, I do not think I can turn this cold-hearted. I do not blame him though."

Anirudh breaks the silence, "How is Akash doing? Where is he?"

Soham replies, "He is safe and well. The doctors have patched him good and he's in the most armoured truck, back there no zombie even got a hold of them."

Soham rolls down his window and lights up a cigarette, "It's better you guys take a good nap, you won't get much once we reach there."

Avyan looks over to Anirudh who turns his head sideways, pulls a curtain on the window and relaxes himself.

Avyan thinks, "Eldritch? So now we have superpowers, superheroes lurking in the wild. It feels surreal. I never thought this would become a reality. Raezi, super strength, enhanced physical features, regeneration, classic super-villain. Soham hasn't been the best at learning these things, he is on edge on too many details, I'll have to find answers elsewhere. Whatever it is, I have to survive, survive for him, for grandpa. I wonder how he's been, I guess I'll get answers once we reach there. Soham sure said that most of our families survived and are residing in the mountains. I am still worried.

I should get some sleep."

"UNLOAD, WE DO NOT HAVE ALL DAY"

Avyan wakes up in bright moonlight and looks around in a fuzz. Anirudh is already awake, looking outside the window at the soldiers unloading.

"Awake huh", Anirudh says

"Where are we? Where is Soham?"

"We're in the monarch's capital. Do you still have that gun?"

"Yes, I guess Soham forgot to take it back"

"Good, give it to me"

Anirudh takes the gun and adjusts it on his back, under his shirt.

"Sorry for the wait, we're done here. Please come out master.", Avyan looks outside his window and sees a tall woman with a sweet smile on her face.

Avyan and Anirudh step out of the car and are amazed to see around. Weary from their journey, they gaze in awe at the palace before them. As they stretch, relieving the stress of a long journey, a woman dressed in elegant, flowing robes steps forward to welcome them, "Welcome to Lunaria, masters. I am Elara, your guide and caretaker for your stay here. Please, follow me, and I will show you the beauty and splendour of the Frost Monarch's palace."