Vengeance of the Union

Chapter 2

"A bombing from America has taken place at the Area 54 Elementary School. Before any of you start any peace protests or get up and attack America, we were very lucky as there were no casualties. Before the bombs had landed on the school, ICUE's Intelligence and Security Unit were able to warn them and the evacuation process had started.''

Applause and whistling spread throughout the auditorium, but there was no denying in that Leo was still anxious about the safety of his sister.

"Because of this, we will be excusing everyone to go home so please take your belongings and head out. No student is to be on the University premises after 15 minutes. Thank you."

Tori lightly touched Leo's tensed arm. "Leo? Leo we can go now. Hey, are you okay?" There was no reply. "Leo I know your little sister is there but you heard the Dean! She's probably alright! She and all the other children there are alright! Don't worry, okay? Let's just go home an-"

Without a second thought, Leo rushed out to grab his bag and ignored Tori's persistent shouting. Bashing through the gate of the University, he made his way towards the elementary school.

Dust. Smoke. Ashes. The once vibrant green pillars had been reduced to mere stumps lying in the middle of a barren wasteland. What appeared to be the remnants of classroom displays and drawings had been torn up into shreds and were laid on the crumbling masonry. The memories and nostalgia attached to these lifeless scraps had been senselessly purged from the face of the world.

Dragging his feet across the asphalt, completely disregarding the oncoming fatigue building up in his muscles, his eyes scoured the sea of burnt decay before they landed on a flash of white-gold. Leo picked it up carefully, brushing off the dust. 'Lilah...'

Ring. Ring.

Leo was startled by the sudden ringing in his pocket. "Hello?"

"Leo, dear, where are you?"

"Mum! Has Lilah called? Where is she? Have you heard? What's goin-"

"Oh don't worry sweetheart, Delilah's just fine. Just come to the Area 56 Hospital as soon as you can and we'll talk it out, ok?"

"On my way."

Rapidly shoving his phone back into his pocket, once again, he took flight towards the hospital.

After the Union had been formed, the land was split into a total of 470 Areas with its own ruling power. Of course, the Official Government Headquarters were situated in a location unknown to the public to protect themselves from enemy attacks and infiltrations. They were the ruling government of the Union in charge of governing all Areas to ensure peace ran throughout the land.

Thankfully, Area 54 was a close neighbour of 56, and Leo did not have to travel too far.

Panting and out of breath, he arrived at the front desk. "Good afternoon sir, how may I help you?"

"My sister - Delilah Kiyoshi - where is she?"

"Delilah Kiyoshi... Please wait a minute..."

Leo tapped his foot impatiently.

"Are you a relative?"

"Yeah I said she's my sister..."

"...Right. Please sign the guest register. She's in Room 301."

Signing his name in a barely legible scrawl, Leo rushed towards the elevators.

15... 14... 13... 12...

'Come on... Come on....'

11... 10... 11... 12...

"SERIOUSLY," he shouted, with everyone's eyes turned towards him.