Goddesses of War, page 3
Surrounding the city were flatlands speckled with lush, tall grass that bowed under the command of occasional breezes. In the center of the kingdom, the grass grew more abundantly where two large lakes sat. Their watery depths sustained various types of marine life. Strategically standing on stilts around the perimeter of the lakes were black glass houses infused with golden flecks; they were made using Zaria’s unique sand. As they were opaque, not a soul could see in.
Furthermore, Zaria was famous for two things: Its army of fierce soldiers on standby and its unbreakable glass. This special material could make use of solar and moon energy to power homes and energy stations.
The energy would also fuel weather towers, which were unique to Akin Kingdoms, but functioned just like Matrine towers, albeit no one was imprisoned inside. The secrets of making a Matrine and its barbaric practice was kept tightly under wraps. Many Akin learned the cruel truth only after fleeing to Zaria.
Another key difference in the Sand kingdom was the blue sky and bright daylight that mimicked Earth. This vastly contrasted the naturally dim golden hue of Titan, considering how far it sat from the Sun. With technology, the people could fake a sunnier environment. Of course, it was up to the queen’s discretion to create whatever backdrop and atmospheric temperature she deemed best for the kingdom.
As for gaining entrance into the kingdom, as was customary in every city and Akin kingdom, one had to pass through an archway. Zaria boasted one made of shimmering black marble. Connected to it were formidable walls that were made of the same material and wrapped around the city.
Akin kingdoms in the past had secret portals near the entrance so the leader could be notified of any visitors or incoming threats.
Positioned in the middle of Zaria and facing the archway was the throne. The grand structure featured meticulously carved marble stairs that led up to a building. Made of black marble, it was fashioned after images of the Patheon from Earth, which were in the old scrolls of Zaria’s library. Its entryway was open and doorless; three black marble pillars lined it.
Age got up from her golden throne. It was braced along a shiny black wall that led into a hallway that blocked outsiders’ view of her inner quarters. Right outside of the pillars lay around ten by twenty feet of open marble flooring. It extended off to the side to form a balcony that jutted out into the open air.
Dressed in a blue, silk robe that shimmered in the dying light of day, she walked over to the right. As if defying gravity, her milky white hair was standing high, the ends curled slightly forward. Her widow’s peak — a rarity among her people, signified wisdom and a higher purpose — stood out from the shaved sides.
From the balcony, her dark green eyes squinted out into the lightning-streaked horizon. She held a red staff, which culminated in a black, bell-like shape with a red clapper. It clanged as she let it settle against the cool floor. She lifted her staff and turned toward the stairs. As she smoothly sauntered down, her deep blue skin gleamed.
At the bottom of the stairway, she looked past the marble walls of the kingdom and sighed deeply. “They will return and bring a war with them.”
Frustration swept across her face, brows furrowing on her lined forehead. A thick white eyebrow arched upward as she pursed her full lips. A half grin formed.
“Well, perhaps it’s time that I stretched out these old bones.”
A sudden gust of wind circled her head. A small voice whispered, “I’m sorry, Queen Age, my cousins and I need a place to stay. Your dearest, Vivere.”
Age froze, eyes wide as dread overtook her body. Stay? She said in her head before yelling out, “The hell you won’t!”
She rolled her eyes and flung her arms up into the air. Whirling around, she frantically ascended the staircase she just came down, her staff clanging loudly as if to further express her irritation.
Age had to make plans to fortify Zaria’s defenses. If Vivere and her cousins came to her kingdom, it typically meant they were in trouble and needed refuge. The problem was that they consistently brought trouble in close pursuit. She cursed as entered the throne room.
“I really need to close my gates. I’m too damn nice!”
Chapter 7
Gifts from the Grave Deux
Envision the power that you seek
Envision seeing your body once strong, become weak
Envision becoming the form that you crave
Envision going from a corpse to the grave
Envision all your power, unfold
Envision releasing all of your fears, untold
City of Cassi - Mining Town
The behemoth began pulling in energy particles from the mine. A golden trail of light disappearing into its coarse fur gave it a yellow hue. As the contours of its body grew, its eyes swirled violently. The beast tilted its head backward and bellowed into the dreary sky.
Rock was shocked to see it using a shift, which only humans could do, as far as she knew. Unsure of its abilities, she leaped back to gain more ground between them. Her toes lightly grazed the muddy ground, as her levitation skills did not adjust well to the sudden movement.
Just then, the behemoth plowed toward her. Fortunately, the movement was slower than expected as the wet earth swallowed its velocity. Sliding forward, it lost balance and glided across. The beast tilted sideways, scattering mud around as it coasted closer.
Rock waited for the right moment to palm the beast’s side so she could vault over its massive body. Making an arc in the air, she twisted her torso and slid her palm down its opposite side. As she descended, particles of yellow light floated toward her hand. Upon her landing, they transformed into sparks of electricity. Taking a deep breath, she pulled back her fist and launched a punch. Tendrils of electricity shot out and rammed the behemoth into one of the pathway’s walls. A spectacular light illuminated the area, then quickly died off.
The creature was sliding down the wall, which had been indented with its body’s outline. It lost consciousness for a just a quick breath. When its eyes opened, the colors swirled even faster. Upon getting back up, it shook out its long fur before opening its large maw. A piercing scream reverberated through the area.
Rock lost control over her shift. Sinking into the mud, she crouched as she held her ears closed. Her vision began to blur. Despite finding it impossible to gather a coherent thought, she managed to drag herself up.
The creature took advantage of the opening to rush forward and swipe its sharp claws into her side. Pieces of flesh plunked into the mud.
Rock’s own scream nearly deafened her. With the pain so extreme, her consciousness was slipping away. Her body and mind were growing numb as if she were entering a dream. Phantom lights filled her vision.
Its claw still embedded in her side, the behemoth gazed at her. A faint whimper escaped her lips as her body slackened. It was then the beast, seemingly satisfied with her reaction, ripped out its paw.
Her body shook before she fell limp to the ground. Blood flowed freely from the wound, forming a small puddle in the mud. She lay there gurgling, with eyes wide as her body began to go into shock.
The beast howled. It stood upon its hind legs and stomped down on her body with its forelegs. The sound of bone cracking resonated in the air.
Rock stopped breathing and convulsing. Her eyes were still wide open in shock.
The behemoth sniffed at her body. It scoffed as if disgusted, then plodded toward the residential buildings of Cassi. Its bloodthirst permeated the air.
Despite Rock’s broken body and mind, the vestiges of her waning consciousness sensed the disrespect. Shortly after, the world became dark.
In the silence, she heard a whisper ask, “Are you not enough?”
Suddenly, a fire lit her mind’s eye. She was transported to another realm. A circle of flames surrounded her. On her right, a version of herself was pulling desperately at what appeared to be ghostly tendrils that disappeared into the blackness of space. She went beside them to help tug.
A surge of emotion overwhelmed her once she touched the tendrils. Bitter tears filled her eyes as she cried out desperately while yanking on the shining essence. The flames grew larger, and she and her doppelganger were losing. The last of the white rope slipped out and disappeared alongside her duplicate. Her physical heart stopped. She fell to the ground, and the flames died out.
At that moment, an odd chime resonated louder in a methodical pattern. The air vibrated. Strange white energy particles shaped like stick figures stepped out of nowhere. Crackling with life and vigor, they cantered over and fused into her body.
Rock’s eyes fluttered open. She found herself transported back to the muddy earth where she had been left. Her broken bones and the gaping hole in her side had been repaired. She felt a renewed strength and vigor as well as an awareness of the energy around her like never before.
Somehow, barely any time had passed. The behemoth, who was not far ahead, paused, pivoted its head and sniffed the air. Surprise swirled its gaze. Turning its burly body around, it faced her once more. It stood on its hind legs, letting out a shriek before stampeding down the slope.
While envisioning metal gauntlets, Rock pulled back her right fist. She felt an electric tingle in her hands as a soft, yellow hue materialized into what her mind had imagined. Their black metallic form shined brilliantly with a soft crackle and pop of electricity.
She threw the punch right at the beast’s lowered head. A lightning bolt burst through the barrier above them and exploded as they made contact.
Rock skidded backwards. Her crossed arms high on her chest in a defensive posture as it protected her from the impact and debris, but a smoky haze blurred her vision. In that instant, the behemoth had gone, leaving only footprints as evidence of its existence.
Gazing around the pathway, slowly her ears perked up at the sound of whispers. Unknowingly, citizens from the residential area had slowly drifted over, curiously glancing down the pathway at her, some with mouths ajar or grim. Nearly all of them held some type of farm tool in hand. An air of confusion permeated as no one could find the target that had created such a ruckus.
Rock smiled faintly at their willingness to help. She fell to her knees once the pulsating energy around her hands left all at once.
“I refuse to pass out; I refuse to pass out,” she mumbled to herself.
She struggled to control the wave of nausea as her body began to shake violently. Cassi’s Elder, Maman Lilith — Maman was a term used for the leader of a city or sector — rushed over. A holder with fair skin and long, white, curly hair, she thoroughly looked over Rock. Though very old, her heavily wrinkled skin couldn’t defy the youthful vigor that lit her eyes and vibrated throughout her body. Lilith’s broad arms scooped the exhausted Rock up off the ground. The ease made her strength apparent.
Rock whispered while smiling into the distance with half-closed eyelids, “I beat it Maman Lilith. Titan gave me power to do so.”
A worried look overcame the normally calm Elder’s face as her thick brows burrowed even deeper into her forehead.
Her deep voice spoke, “Child, that power was not of Titan, and I’m afraid that you did not completely destroy the beast. Look!”
Down the pathway, something was crawling into the dim light of the mine. Apparently, the explosion had catapulted the behemoth back down. Much to her surprise, a tiny creature crawled out. Under the soft lights of the lanterns, she could see a gray wolf pup with red and purple eyes. It stumbled before falling to the ground. She blinked a few times and laughed hysterically before passing out.
Chapter 8
The Awakening
I wish to sleep a little longer, I wish to continue out my lie
I wish to believe this life is real, that I live not in a disguise
I wish to slumber for eternity, not learn the truth, it is no prize
I wish to turn my head from reality, I wish to continue out this lie
City of Cassi – Mining Town
Joints stiff from not having moved, Rock awoke to find herself in her apartment. She looked around and felt herself sway with each small movement. She was suspended in a netted bed, otherwise called a hammock on old Earth. The comfort was balanced out by some quills in the feather-filled pillows poking her neck and legs. Beside her, a fire was roaring in the tiny fireplace. The wood crackled as it burned.
Her head felt clear, but memories of the fight were hazy. Someone had put her into a long-sleeved, night dress that was far too big. Its ivory color glaringly contrasted her chocolate skin. She suddenly realized it belonged to Maman Lilith.
“How long was I out?” she whispered.
Before attempting to leap out of bed, she tapped her knees to warm them up. It was then a soft snore from beneath her gave her pause. She swung her head to glance below. The wolf pup, curled in a fuzzy ball, was slumbering peacefully. She gawked in horror and confusion.
The door opened, and in came her friend Dayo. Tall and slim with tightly coiled, cropped black hair, he was dressed in a fitted, dark blue sweater and loose black pants. His boots were speckled with mud. As Cassi’s scientist, he was tasked with helping the land grow more food.
Dayo brought a wire mesh basket filled to the rim with freshly washed fruits. He cocked up an eyebrow at Rock as his semi-smile remained frozen. They stared one another down before she finally decided to nestle back down into the hammock. He nodded his head, grabbed a round end table from outside and placed it next to her bed.
Dayo set the basket down on top before chirping, “Morning, sleepy head!”
Rock shot him an annoyed stare while imitating his words with her lips in an exaggerated manner.
“Very funny. Anyway, I brought in some fruits to help with your recovery. They’re replicated from old Earth!” He pointed to each one as he said their names. “Bananas, apples, peaches, kiwis and grapes! I found some old documents in the lab and decided that my last job as a scientist would be to re-create them!”
Rock’s expression softened. “Right, you’re the top pick to become the Matrine for Cassi… Don’t you find the secrecy of it all a bit worrisome? No one ever goes in or comes out.”
Dayo placed his fingers to his lips. “I think all of the rumors of it being something evil are a bit much. Ultimately, we need one since our current Matrine is a bit hard to handle, with the constant rain and all for the last twenty-four years! Cassi can’t withstand another decade of this. Vegetation won’t grow without balance, and it could possibly become waterlogged.”
Rock sat up. “So, you’ll become the city’s sacrifice?”
Dayo placed his hand to his chest in mock surprise. “My dear, having people wait on you hand and foot for nearly two centuries is hardly a sacrifice!” He straightened up. “I mean, yeah sure, my duty would mean I would remain without a companion, but I’m sure I can make up for lost time once I’m out for the last fifty years.”
Rolling her eyes, she let out an exasperated sigh. “You can’t be serious?”
She looked down silently at the fireplace to her left. In her mind, her childhood friend would be suffering a fate worse than death.
Dayo cleared his throat and shifted from one leg to the other. “Um, Maman Lilith mentioned that you had not eaten the week you were out. We don’t need to talk about what happened, but at least get your strength up before you play superhero again.”
Rock's eyes widened as she screamed in her head, I was out for a week!?
To lighten the mood, Dayo said, “Don’t lie there for too long. Your ass will become flatter than it already is!”
She turned to shoot him an icy glare before staring at the fireplace again. A brief awkward silence led to both of them erupting into laughter.
Before Dayo walked out, he paused at the door. “The Matrine’s failure to keep the behemoth outside the city has caused a lot of fear and concern. I will be pushed to replace them within a month or two.”
He turned the knob with his head lowered and exited silently. Rock felt her eyes well up. She lay down and stared at the ceiling. Her eyes felt heavy as a deep slumber overcame her once more. She dreamed feverishly of blood, war and death.
Sometime later, her eyes snapped open, and she felt on edge. She glanced around, wondering how long she had slept this time as she noticed the withered fruits and the new yellow nightgown she was wearing. Sweet and woody, it smelled of the oil Maman Lilith would rub on herself.
Her eyes softened at the thought of her. Maman had been a mother figure to her and Dayo from the time they were found as babies deserted on the outskirts of Cassi over twenty years ago.
She perked her ears at a sudden noise. “Is that humming?”
As if by reflex, her body tensed up. She stretched out her legs and grabbed them. They felt more toned than normal as if her muscles had grown despite the lack of activity. She sat up and threw her legs over the side of the bed, dangling them as she tested their reflexes. Next, she stared at her palms in wonder. They looked and felt different, but she couldn’t explain how.
Her mind was crystal clear, and she felt stronger and faster than ever before. She jumped down, avoiding the still-slumbering wolf pup, and eased out the door into the cool night air.
In rare form, the sky was clear, but residual puddles still spotted the walkway, a clear sign the rain had just stopped. The energy in the air seemed to vibrate as if humming a tune that was soft and inviting yet haunting. The melody kept repeating, becoming louder as she drew closer to its source. She felt as if something powerful was calling her.
She climbed the metal banister and perched on it. Entertaining the strong desire to leap down from her place on the third floor, she jumped. Her bare feet splattered mud all over her night dress. Soft light from a lantern parked outside the residence outlined her petit yet muscular frame. She gazed down and stared in shock at the new muscles around her calves.
