Affinities

Chapter VII

POV: Vren

I've lost both of the vessels. No matter. I still have Rage, my own creation. I made my own, fashioned it after me, a red monster, no...a red savior, the one who will cleanse this world. 

"Sir," It was my assistant, Lucas. "We cannot locate both the vessels. The plans however, they are in place. I've also contacted them." 

"Very well. See to it that they have agreed to our terms." With that, Lucas was dismissed. 

I am still in awe that I have created my own vessel. It was a combination of the old and new technology, powered by my raging Affinity. Red, like the color of blood. I still feel that it is unfinished even after making some modifications to the power source. 

Unlike the others, Rage was taller, faster, most of all better. Up close, you can see the eyes, evil as it can be but for me those who looked at the eyes were just intimidated. I touched the smooth metallic leg of Rage. It was cool to the touch with a hint of heat. Confusing...but just like the name itself it was meant to be full of Rage, hate, anger, power...

I will change the world. I will do what I want with it. Years and years I've spent to build my loyal following of Affinities who have survived in this new world. My home was destroyed all because the Elders chose to be compassionate to humans, humans who blindly believe they are the sole race on this planet. Arrogant, narcissistic humans...a weak, pointless waste of life. It was supposed to be us, Affinities that are the rightful heir to this planet but no...we were forced to hide in the shadow. 

With Rage and the other vessels that are soon to be completed, we will take back what is rightfully ours. With great power, we will own everything...everything.

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The lab as I have expected it to be, is productive. Creators as I call them but to humans they are scientists, are working on transferring the mass of power from vessels, the power that allows them to magnify Affinities' powers. I am not blind to see that I needed a vessel to make my power stronger. But, what if I can do that on my own, figure a way to not need a vessel? That is what I have proposed to these Creators. They have created several vessels and have yet to find the right pilot for each of it. 

I walked over to Trian to find out their progress. I could see that he tried to ignore the eye contact and busily concerned himself with his papers. "Trian," I said. "When can I expect the vessels to be ready?"

He looked nervous for a brief moment then his face became unreadable. "It would depend on your definition of what it means to be ready." 

"To be deployed. Ready to be deployed. I have already chosen the pilots for each of the vessels." 

"We would need a year to test the compatibility for each-"

I cut him off. I do not have a year to wait. I have waited for so long. "No need for compatibility testing. Have the vessels ready by next week. The pilots will have to adjust and have been informed by the fact that each vessel may not suit each one of them. But as an Affinity, I am very certain that they know that they are no mere mortal to command the vessels. Do not underestimate my pilots."

I could tell Trian did not want to go through with it but he reluctantly agreed. As if he had a choice in the matter. "Very well, sir. Next week everything will be ready for your pilots." He again went back to what he was doing earlier, fixing papers. 

The vessels are at the very end of the huge lab. It looked to be more of a factory than a lab but that is not the point. About ten vessels are lined up in a row. Basic look, grey and black. All ready to be deployed on my command. I have yet to meet with the pilots again. They were the ones part of the training led by the Elders before. I am sure that they would sync with the vessels. I made sure that they were generic and had not linked to anyone. Originally, each vessel would have the same or sort of sync first with a power from one of the Affinities. This time I made sure that the vessels I have created are plain, my own soldiers. No self-awareness. No ties to anyone. Just a tool to magnify one's power. 

The faces are plain. Plain eyes, black and grey for each of the eyes. Each fashioned with their own set of wings. The whole body was grey. The linings were black. The fingers were black. I was proud of my work. The only disappointment I had was I knew they could not match either of the Black Wings or the White Sky. Both lost to me. And that James, that boy had Black Wings. The favorite pupil of the Elders, James...groomed to be the next leader...had made the Black Wings just for him...for him.

I saw Lucas approaching me. "Go find James. And send your team to retrieve the Black Wings." I ordered Lucas. 

"Yes, sir." Lucas obeyed. "You also have a meeting tomorrow with the officials from the government." He informed me. 

I quickly walked back to my office to get the stone relic. It was black star for the James' vessel. I have yet to find the other relic for the White Sky. Unfortunately, I have only known James to be the only one suited for the vessels. The program never finished due to our land being destroyed. Pity that the Elders could have done something. It was up to me to right their wrongs...to unite the remaining Affinities, even if I have to forcefully unite everyone. 

I open my vault and find the black star. It was just that...a stone. A lifeless object. Even with my power it would not resonate with me. There was no easier way to find him. I have to use the old-fashioned way of finding them by relying on intelligence and information. 

The view outside the windows were clear, blue sky, sun shining. Top floor of the building I owned. Vren, me, an Affinity and also known as the ruthless mogul by the world business club. I had my ways of amassing the wealth that I have..wealth that allowed me to fund my research and my cause. Soon, there would be no need of that...money...meaningless to me as I had my Affinity. 

Looking down from the top floor, to the streets below, I picture the world bowing down to me in the future. Humans, worthless creatures, frail, easily broken, who would be my slaves eventually. Yes, I just needed the right timing to manipulate everyone into my cause. I still had the stone in my hand and could only think that soon I will have the most prized vessel and will soon be the strongest among the Affinities. The Elders were wrong to choose you James, a young boy who isn't even a match for me. I still don't know what to do with you once I find you and your friend...