Shadows of Atlas

15- The Answer

The Apostles were led to their room so that they would discuss their decision of joining the Corans in the fight against StriveCo. They knew that if they went against the company, they would be against the kingdom since Lucious Braxstone controls most of the government.

"So what should we do?," Raisa asked worriedly. "I don't know, they showed us concrete evidence of StriveCo.'s abuse and misdeeds," Fernando replied with his heart full of doubt. "There is still a possibility that they faked the evidence...," Licel trailed off. "If it were faked then why did my cousin suddenly start crying out of the blue? I saw what they did to him, he... he's part plant now. His cells contain cell walls and clorophyll, that is why he was unfazed when I shot him directly in the heart. Can't fake that can't you?," Wesley countered.

The Apostles were drowning in the sea of confusion since they were taught to always protect the kingdom. However, they never said from whom so these documentations of the misdeeds that the seemingly benevolent corporation had done stirred feelings of doubt that they never knew existed. What were they supposed to do? The prince was nowhere to be found and everything they knew was proven to be false. The only thing that kept them going were the good times they had with the prince.

"Kevin, your physical strength may shatter the strongest of barriers, but I never chose you as my Earth Apostle because of that. I chose you due to your giant heart, do not lose sight of that,"  the prince said in Kevin's flashback. All he could do was try and hold back the tears.

"Raisa, you've been gifted with tremendous beauty and skill. You are not just another pretty face, you have friends who will be there for you always," the prince said in Raisa's memory of him. She sat down and tried to process everything that was happening in the past two days.

"Fern, you need to come out of your comfort zone. You always said that you wanted to do more in life than invent machinery. Try and explore your surroundings... Who know's you might even find a new hobby," the prince chuckled in Fernando's memory. He moved his head down to hide the fact that he was about to have an emotional breakdown.

"Licel, stop underestimating yourself and be more assertive. The real you doesn't need to chain herself down to the ground when the sky is her domain. Spread your wings and fly through the horizon!," prince Elvin cheered in her flashback. She began to swell with anger.

"Wes... You have to be the ray of light that brightens the darkest of moods. Do not give in to sorrow and instead transform it into joy! I know that we will find your cousin because he can't be dead because there is always hope," the prince said in his final chat with him before he disappeared. He began to shake due to being torn with anger and sorrow

"Yoms, chin up! A leader should not grovel in the face of doubt or despair. She must be the pillar of strength for her subordinates or else the whole foundation of the team will crumble and fall," the prince reminded her of her role as leader of the Apostles. She then got up and looked at her comrades with a determined face and made her decision.

"We shall join the Corans," she said with a face full of conviction. "You sure Yoma? I mean if we do this, that will mean we will have the kingdom look at us like we are the enemy," Raisa reminded her of the risks of betraying Lucious. "Screw the risks, if Lucious had something to do with the prince's disappearance then he is the one who turned his back on Atlas," Wesley said with a decided look on his face. "If Raisa joins I will join," Kevin said  as he sent a flirty wink towards her. She started fake gagging as a response to Kevin's gesture. "Stop it you two this is serious," Licel interrupted the moment.

"All in favor of joining the Corans, raise your hands," Yoma ordered. She was shocked yet glad that the votes to join were unanimous. "I never liked Braxtone anyways," Fernando justified his answer. "We should inform Eto and his crew of our decision tomorrow morning," Licel suggested. "Indeed, the prince needs us and that is all that matters," Raisa agreed with Licel's suggestion and Wesley's statement. The Apostles had a peaceful slumber, it was one that they never had the luxury of experiencing since the prince had vanished.

In the morning, they met up with Eto and told him about their decision to join which overjoyed the boy. "That is great news! I feel like we are one step closer to finding the prince by joining together!," Eto exclaimed in happiness. "Yes, Lucious will pay for his company's abuse of the children used for genetic experimentation and other sins they commited," Wesley said while he clenched his fist as he promised to get revenge for his cousin. "Yo cousin, come here for a sec. It's time for that chat we were gonna have," Christian reminded him.

"So...," Christian started. "You don't know how happy I am to see you again, even if you were... well, you know," Wesley started to say but trailed off. "It's okay, I've been through hell, but it was worth it. I met Eto, the Corans, and I was reunited with my cousin after ten long years...," Christian said with a small, but genuine smile. "I promise I'll never let anything happen to you!," Wesley said in determination. "Look, about the village...," Christian started off. "Lucious lied to us, the only reason I'm here is because prince Elvin wanted to have a sleepover at his castle and since we were close childhood friends, I was invited and left you all alone when those asses came and took everything from you, I'm... sorry" Wesley apologized.  "Hmph, thats not an attitude a person who bears the title of Apostle should have," Christian said as he turned away from Wesley. "What? I'm apologizing for not being there for you," Wesley argued as he was confused by Christian's sudden attitude change.  "Maybe it was dumb luck that the prince wanted to have a slumber party, but if it weren't for him you wouldn't be alive anymore so stop apologizing," Chris said in protective anger. "You're right, the past is in the past and it's time to move forward!," Wesley said until he heard Andrew, Ernie, and Abner enter the room.

"Hey! Did you sleep well?," Ernie asked the Apostles. "Yes, thank you for the hospitality. We have our answer," Yoma answered. "Oh, please do tell us," Abner said impatiently, but also anxiously. "We shall join the Corans in the fight against Lucious Braxtone and StriveCo.," Yoma answered causing everybody to cheer. "That's spectacular news! I knew you guys would make the right choice! We have a plan to restore the prince," Andrew said in joy. "Please let us know in where we can help," Raisa said in determination. "Right! Eto has to get you up to speed so you can fully understand the objectives of this mission," Zai explained.

"Okay, so listen closely because every detail is important...," Eto started off.