Rise and Fall

"Monsters are real, and they look like people"

The Kingdom of Hagasa Foire, would look to you as any other kingdom of the White Era would look like. Now, you might ask: What is the White Era? One can simply answer with, "It's the Era after the Great War, a time of advancement and expansion." But there was more to it than one would see on the outside. This was a special era, which even some believed didn't exist. Why? It was the only era that didn't fit in the past, the present, nor the future.

A myriad  of bells rang in the day. The capital city was filled to the brim of people rushing around, hurriedly heading to one place or another. In one corner, you could see children playing with their toys, enjoying the faithful breeze. In another, a couple was happily sharing their morning tea, addressing their matters in a calm manner. However, these looks of bustling prosperity and liveliness within their little home was only meant to be a mere facade to hide away the kingdom's darkest corners. 

"You lot of barbarians! Shall I never want to see any of your filthy faces again! Get out of my kingdom, NOW."

A frowning face emerged from the throne. The robes gently touched the floor, making a sweeping sound every time the figure moved. The man was furious! How dare these people insult him, the king, in such a vulgar manner! This flock of livestock should just stay down and bow their heads to their great owner!

"This is far too injust! Sir, our -"

The words were not said. They were thrown out without a second thought. The people cursed hideous words at the kingdom and walked out, but they knew this wouldn't do any good. To go up against the king's unparalleled military might with such a small number of people would be considered suicide.

"Shouldn't we find someplace to live?"

A young silver haired boy with fair skin tugged at his mother's dress. His light orbs glimmered with naiveness, but there was a look of aggression and clear resentment on his face.

"The king has mentioned he'll let us back, sometime in the future, so let's just be patient, ok? You'll do that for me, won't you?"

The mother's gentle look and soft response was nothing more than a mask. If you looked deep enough, there was a pool filled with concern and fear, for she too, wanted to live within the safe haven of Hagasa Foire. 

"But mother! Why-"

"Child, the kingdom is among the safest places we can live after the Great War. So we must not anger their rulers and wait patiently for their acceptance. The other kingdoms are much too far, we'll never reach them."

However, such mistreatment would not stand for some. They banged against the walls, fought against the guards, and stood up for their rebellion. Would any of this help? No, it didn't, it only made it worse. The Royal Guards struck them down mercilessly, laughing and coming back with more crude remarks. 

"You pathetic barbarians don't even know what you're doing! Challenging us royal guards? Please, it'll take you a million years before you can. Hahaha."

"I know right? Seriously, you should all just get lost. that Ando clan of your never stood a chance!"

"Who knew these little twits could actually have some spirit in them?"

The man in the front couldn't take it anymore. He was pent up in anger, filled with hatred and resentment, and his patience and calm demeanor had disappeared. Clenching his fist, he punched one of the guards that was busy in laughter. Grabbing his sword, he stormed the walls.  

"Husband-wait!"The mother shrieked in terror and she knew what would happen. Like a quick sonata, one movement quickly transitioned into the next. Her hands trembled, and drops fell down her face, as all she could do was watch her beloved become ruthlessly beaten down by the guards.