A World Divided

War unfolding

"Flappy, don't wander too far ahead!" A man swayed with each step as he smiled at the young boy bouncing up and down the road a couple of feet away. The boy turned and gave a grin before zooming off again. Behind him was a frail looking member of their group staring at their pink haired companion. 

"Ha! What a strange group we have!" The man chuckled before taking a gulp of a bottle near his bag. The girl trailing behind was silent as a bird landed on her finger and she made a clicking noise, chatting with the animal. The man sighed and tousled his hair before taking another sip. A large crash echoed throughout the forest, sending animals reeling in surprise. 

"Danger! Flappy!" The feral girl screeched before leaping ahead towards their leader. Alcohol wasted no time and charged ahead with the other two companions.

 A constant dripping noise echoed throughout the caverns as a lone man with a bow stared at the droplets that would fall with a plunk. He exhaled slowly and shifted his weight to look at the crystals hidden underneath the water surface. The man smiled and spun around. 

"Today is going to be fun."

Alistar raced ahead of Alcohol and Nadjaki to join Puera and Flappy. Within moments, shots ricocheted throughout the forest with loud pings. Alcohol cursed and hurried up to join his companions.

Flappy struggled against the fist that held his cape. A greedy eyed and slim man lithely held him despite Flappy's struggles. One by one, his companions arrived and their faces shifted from fear to anger. Alcohol and Nadjaki took a step forward to rescue their leader but was stopped almost immediately by another greedy man.

"Typical humans, think you can always win fights with just petty words." The newcomer scoffed and exchanged glances with his companion.

"You see, we are Unknown. For almost six thousand years we were locked up until your kind released us ever so graciously. I must say, I've never tasted humans before. The elders say that we're supposed to live in "Harmony" with these things. Hah! More like become our dinner, right Edgar?" The man licked his lips and stared at Flappy and his friends like a predator and his prey. Alistar and Puera went on the defense, backing behind Nadjaki and Alcohol who lunged forward for Flappy. 

Darkness began to encircle the seven until immediately it disappeared. Liam stood in the opening staring uninterested at the group. He shook his head and slowly joined the two Unknown.

"What do you think you're doing?" He sighed and frowned immensely. The two Unknown gulped and hastily threw the kid to the ground. Liam's eyes flickered to the boy for a moment and quickly shifted his eyes as Edgar launched himself at Liam. They rolled on the ground until Liam had Edgar pinned. Edgar wheezed and puffed, gasping for air.

"Alexi..." He cried out while reaching towards the other man. Almost on cue, Alexi joined the fray, kicking the side of Liam who only grunted and twisted off Edgar. The five humans only watched with dismay as the fighting escalated and the scenery disintegrated. After a moment of fighting, Liam brushed off his vest. His icy glare spiked fear into the two Unknown who braced themselves for another attack.

"Don't interrupt, this war has just begun!" His voice low and harsh ebbed out of his mouth as he stared lifelessly at the open field. Flappy froze as his eyes failed to catch the speed of two more Unknown, one male, one female. Alcohol clasped his weapon again and scanned his surroundings. Whatever was coming, they were ready. The man placed himself in front of Edgar and Alexi and stared warily at Liam while the woman placed her hand on Liam's arm.

"Liam." Was all she said as her black hair swooped behind her. His body relaxed but not before giving another glare to the Unknown. He straightened his back and waltzed back to the opening and was followed by his assailants. 

"Nusquam, make sure Liam doesn't do anything too drastic,will you?" The woman watched as he nodded and began his pursuit. The group stood straight as the woman placed herself in front of the five. She tilted her head and allowed her hair to brush past her face.

"I am Naomi and I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience of Edgar and Alexi. They reacted unethically. Do not be afraid, we Unknown love humans. I regret the events that recently took place. Have a good day." Without any other hesitation, Naomi carefully backed away and disappeared into darkness, leaving Flappy's gang mystified.