Chapter 1 - The First Stage

68 2 4
                                    


Long ago... Before the Saigner Period. The town of Liberte was known for its friendly and lively people. As well as its picturesque structures that truly catches the naked eye. The kitchen smoke rising from every home, and children playing near the Celeste Waterfalls with their parent's supervision. And the town's wealthy mayor, Monsieur. Claude Breathnach. Was proud hearing such news. He also formed a group of men, and their duty is to inform him all of Liberte's latest news. But it came to surprise that they barely came to Claude's Office to report him if there were any new case to be solved! Knowing this, he pieced a small smile in his face. Liberte may appear simple, and yet to be small unlike other cities. But the people never seem to complain. Laughter, smiles and singing. Those three is the reason why Liberte is still famous in books and literature, even though its name is near from being wiped out in the world's map. No problems to solve. And happiness was to behold. Until they realized there was still cruelness left in this world...



"Elowen. Do you mind if I ask you to do a favor for me?" Claude commanded his servant, with a rather sweet and hopeful look. Elowen stared at her master in a puzzled way. What could he be up to again? "What is it sir? Another murder case?", "Oh. No, no, no... I just a simple task, no need to worry." Claude quicky tuned his posture and smiled at her in ease. "I would like you to escort our soldiers, here in our training field. I suppose, another war might take place here in Liberte.", hearing this. Elowen expressed a frightened look in her face. She knew that Liberte didn't really had the best resources. And why so sudden? "War..?", "Yes. There were numerous rumors about disappearing people. And a few days later... They'll be found dead in some rather... Certain places." Claude explained before Elowen even got to hesitate even more. Elowen stared at him skeptically. She never seen Claude this serious in her previous conversations with him. He is usually cheerful and always had a gentle tone. And now. He seems a bit troubled. "So, what does this have to do with war, Monsieur. Breathnach?", "Well, the police said that they had several bite marks found in their bodies. And come to hear of it... I think it has a connection to TEMPEST." As soon as Claude said the dark, forbidden name. Elowen remained silent. This name is new to her. But she knew that this name beholds many secrets and tales to be told. "TEMPEST is an organization of Phantoms. And Phantoms, if you'd ask. Are mythical creatures. Similar to vampires... They usually feast on human's blood for them to not die of starvation. But the difference of Phantoms between Vampires. Is whenever they bite onto human flesh. They release a substance. Believed as a venom. And then inject it inside the humans. Which could cause infection. But by this day. No one believed in the TEMPEST nor the Phantoms' existence." Claude explained without spacing out or hesitation. There were many questions that Elowen wanted him to answer. But as soon as that. He swallowed all these questions, and masked her true emotions with a demure smile. "Noted, Monsieur Breathnach. I will gather all these information and report it to the police. I will also call the soldiers to settle here in the Training Court. I will return shortly.", "Very well." Claude changed his despondent frown, to a lively grin. Elowen made a low bow, as a form of respect. And left Claude's office with a disheartened face. Previously a smile. And thoughts swirling in her head. She had no clue if she should believe in this, or not. But my Claude's tone. He seemed furious and disappointed. What does he mean about 'no need to worry'?! This is a disaster! Or could he just be fooling around? I remember him playing pranks with Monsieur. Rustleburn... But that's not it! He seemed very serious... Oh, this is absurd! If this is not a prank then... Could this lead an end to Liberte..? No, no... Don't think like that, Elowen. Just keep it together!



At the time where Elowen reported the soldiers, as well as other officials about the news. The troop immediately head to the field with Chief Amethyst Rustleburn and Major Flinn Archer in the lead. Amethyst was treated like a royal, and everyone admired him. But it is true that he had a sharp tongue and strict when soldiers don't take their job too seriously. But everyone accepted his attitude especially his younger brother, Onyx. Meanwhile, Flinn. He was a close relative of Claude, himself. So, after hearing about Claude being the next ruler of Liberte. He decided to join the forces and trained his hardest. He also takes good care of his daughters. Fabienne and Francine. But despite being off for some time. He left his beloved twins in the mansion with the servants' supervision. But instead of crying and begging their papa to return home. They were supportive for his work and even enjoys the help of the nurses. And of course. He pays a visit thrice a month. And sometimes, he even brings his twins in the Claude's mansion for them to play with the other children. And this made him contented. But for now. He seemed very crucial. "Why, isn't it police-hat-wearing-dude. What brings you here as well?" Flinn teased Amethyst, and stared at him up and down. Which seemed like a sign of disrespect. "None of your business." Amethyst replied. Trying his best not to lay his eyes on the boy next to him. No wonder Luka told me this Rustleburn had a very sharp tongue. "Hey there. Watch your words. You know who you're talking to, right?" Flinn said, with a furious tone. Not to mention, it's really rare to see Flinn in this state. But still. Amethyst remained silent. "Hey! Are you even listening to m-", "Master Amethyst and Flinn!" Elowen came in by surprise and approached the two officials, cheerfully. They were distracted by one another that they didn't notice they already reached their destination. But as Flinn was distracted by the Field's beauty and architecture design. (Not to mention, Flinn used to be an architect when he was in an age of 21) Amethyst was already starting to turn red as a lobster, the very moment he heard the young, demure girl's soft voice. "Master Amethyst? Are you alright? Are you sick? You're turning red!" Elowen could easily perceive if a person is sick, due to her being a nurse. Before even reaching the name as 'Mayor's Assistant'. "Oh. N-no need. I was just... Tired after all that training, yesterday. It's normal." Amethyst corrected her, still blushing deep red. He felt like he wanted to scream... He just can't take his eyes off Elowen's gorgeous face. Even with the visible scars all over her body... Her beautiful face illuminates the unpleasant wounds. To simplify this. It is obvious that Amethyst has a crush on Elowen. "I really thought you were sick back there... But no need to worry... We can now proceed to the Training Field." Elowen said with a sigh of relief. Almost panicking about Amethyst's health. She knew there was something fishy about this... Why would he be so red for all of a sudden..? But, this wasn't really a topic to worry about, so she just shrugged this off. "Oh. And by the way. Monsieur. Claude is looking for you two, so you both should head to his office.", "Nah, don't worry. We'll make sure whatever he commands us both to do, we'll finish it in no time." Flinn said in a passionate way, with his chest out. Amethyst stared at him in despair. As if he was in front of a rotten, old corpse. "Don't speak too soon. He never brought the whole troop over, so this must be different from the missions we had from before.", "And was I talking to you?" Flinn replied, masking his frown with a large smile. Amethyst proceeded to walk inside the mansion without a word. And left Flinn in the scene. Flinn was dumbfounded by sight. Even though Amethyst was just walking in a regular pace. He seemed incredibly fast. (He's probably doing this to prove his strength towards Flinn...)

𝐸𝒩𝐹𝐿𝒜𝑀𝐸Where stories live. Discover now