Precious Gems

The Start that seems to be the End

Our country is divided into four nations. They are the Ultra, Tyrant, Possessor, and Kaiser. Each of them have their own strength and something that can be proud of. Unfortunately, there is a powerful and weak nation among them. The Ultra is considered as the most powerful nation in our country. They already colonize the half part of Tyrant, the second most powerful nation. They are also the cause of wars in our country. Meanwhile, we, at Kaiser, is the lowest and the weakest compared to other nations in terms of population and military system. Thus, all of us were afraid to be colonize by them.

“Go and practice more so you’ll become stronger than before. I will not allow you to go home until you beat your opponent.” Shouted by our captain who guides us on our practices. Since we were a kid, we already practice how to fight on a battlefield. It is not allowed for us to become weak and clumsy because there will be a great punishment waiting for us if we did. But it’s okay for me to experience this hardships because I know that it is for my beloved family and for our nation , my precious gems.

“ Isko! You’re already home, here drink some water first.” My mother said.

“Thank you Mom, where is Carlo?” I asked referring to my youngest brother while putting bandage on my wounds.

“He’s at the backyard, chopping woods, are you hungry? I already prepared our food, sit here.” I shook my head.

“No thanks, lets eat together.” I said before sitting in front of our small table.

“Brother! How’s your day?” Speaking of the devil, my brother tap my back. I smiled at him. “ Mom, you’re the best cook ever.” Carlo said as he tasted our viand using his index finger. Mother slap his hand and they laugh together. I watch them and realize that they are so important to me and I’ll do everything just to save them. Me and my brother grew without our father on our side. We did not know where he was and if he is still alive and kicking. Our mother told us that he has a big responsibility to take that he needed to leave us so that no one gets hurt. His ancestors were also against about the relationship of our parents. Nonetheless, I’m sure that he loves us truly.

“Isko, you seems to had a nice day, you’re smiling with yourself.” Mother said.

“I just remember Dad.” We’re shock when Carlo flounce and walk out. I suddenly remember that he hates our father so much.

One fine day, I wake up and notice the open window in front of me, sign that my Mother, Amelia, woke first before me, as expected. I left the bed and went to our dining area. “Good morning Isko, eat so you can go to the camp already, President Zamora have an important announcement today.” I nod my head and start eating. Seconds after my brother woke up, we heard a knock on our door. My brother stand to open the door. I heard a soft voice of a girl.

“Good morning can I talk to Isko?” By just hearing the voice I knew already who she is. I take a look at the door and notice the reaction of my younger brother. His jaw drop while looking at one of the beautiful assassin of our nation. “Hi! Are you ready? Let’s go to the camp.” Lucia asked. I nodded and jokingly close the mouth of my brother while laughing. As Lucia and I walk on the way going to our camp we talk about the new lessons and techniques that we have learned in the past few days.

When we arrive, we stop from walking when we witness the people running and rushing while wearing their armors. “Hey! What’s happening? “ Lucia asked one of the assassin.

“We need to be ready, the President raise the level of warning to red.” My eyes widened trying to figure out what’s going to happen. “ He announce earlier that the Ultra decided to colonize us!” I got more nervous because of the news.

“What? “ Lucia asked. I got lost to reality, I thought it will going to be a fine day, turns out that it seems to be the end of our nation.

As I’m wearing my armor, I can’t help but to think the safety of my family. Will we going to be safe or can we survive? I heard the sound of the horns, sign that the Ultra are approaching us. I get my sword and take a deep breath. No one will going to surrender, I will fight until the end.

“Are you ready?” Lucia asked.

“Yes!” I said firmly even though I can hear the loud beat of my heart because of nervousness. We positioned ourselves and ready for the fight. The enemy’s big missiles can destroy our nation.  Their soldiers doubled the population of the people living at the Kaiser. I can imagine that this war will going to be bloody and will leave a history. I know that we lack of military support but every people here in Kaiser are brave and have determination pushing them to achieve victory.

As the Ultra approaches us, the war begins. I apply all the lessons and techniques that I have learned on our practice sessions. I fight as I could even if I already have many cuts and bruises. I guided the women and children to the place where they will be safe.

As I guided them, I saw Lucia walking carefully behind the back of the leader of Ultra. My hope for the victory rises. I knew she can do it because from the beginning she shows to us that she has determination and dedication.

But suddenly, I notice one of the soldier pointing his gun to her. I quickly run after her and grab her hand. I pull her to hide on one of the big stone. I was shock when she push me with an angry look on her face. “What are you doing?” she shouted.

“I saved you, you was nearly shoot by a soldier-.” She cut my words. “ I don’t care! That… that person killed my whole family and ancestors. He doesn’t have mercy yet he is living?” I was shock by her confession.“He is so bad and I don’t care if someone kill me, I want him dead he deserve it!” she cried. I pity her, If I knew it from the beginning I, myself will be the one to kill that bastard. I pick my sword and go out from where we hide to found my mother and Carlo bended their knees in front of the crying leader of Ultra. Before I could react, Lucia run towards the leader of Ultra with a knife on her hands.

“No! He’s my husband!” my mother shouted. My eyes widened as I watch my father lying on the ground full of blood on his left chest.

“No!” I shouted too. My mother cried and before she can come near to my father, someone shoot her head. I froze while hearing my brother shouting in pain because someone shot his stomach. My eyes blurred because of the irritating tears that continuously flowing. Its hard to believe on the things that had happen. I cannot believe that I will be meeting my Dad in this sort of situation and I cannot believe that I’m going to witness the massacre of my family this day. No! I run towards them but before I could step forward someone stab my left chest, directly into my heart. I look at the side and found the grinning Lucia like a demon.

“ His family should die too!” That was the last thing I heard before I lost my consciousness. I’m sorry my precious gems, I failed.