KATELION - Book One of Justice

-PROLOGUE-

Freezing, deadly waves towered as they raced fiercely towards a dark cliff of an odd-shaped island. Roaring like a vicious beast, the waves lingered in the air for a split second, as if drawing an air of tension before the kill of the prey. The air surrounding the waves was sucked inwards. The tip of the waves curled in formation. Gravity took place and they regained momentum. They smashed against the cliff and the rocks beneath it; the impact could have easily crushed the bones of a human body.

The wind was ferocious and biting cold. It had always been there, ever since the creation of the world, ceaselessly aiding the stirring and brewing of a never-ending storm. The sky overhead was splashed entirely with black ink; not a star could shine a light of hope in the Sanctuary of Darkness. The lightning and thunders which struck just so often became the finishing touch of the picture.

Deep below the restless sea, a futuristic-like vehicle purged smoothly and effortlessly through a semi-transparent tunnel heading towards its unseen destination with two powerful headlights leading its way. The magnificent carriage which portrayed a miniature space shuttle was built to carry a maximum of three passengers and one pilot. The intricate design of a crest with golden linings on the seats made by the softest material found in Senadon told of an owner who held a taste for elegance and luxury. The diffusion lights from the sides of the carriage shone a chrome yellow. They became the only source of light thousands of feet under this dark sea.

“The wild and undefeated Tempest of Poseidon,” whispered the lone passenger in it. The sight of the dark sea had unconsciously seeped feelings of remorse and pain into him. What was done was done. Regretting his decisions for his actions would not bring any difference to what was yet to come. He was grateful for the silence for the past fifteen minutes. It gave him time to clear his mind. He opened his eyes as he heard of a small beep. We’re here, he breathed.

“Lord Valkyr will be waiting for you in his chamber, General,” informed the pilot through the connection. At the same moment, the door of the vehicle automatically slid open upwards.

The passenger stood up. As he lifted his head, the light caught his metallic mask. The mask symbolized a snake; he looked through the eyes of its slits with its body concealing his left cheek. His wavy, dark blue hair was striking against the yellowish light. His body was hidden beneath a brown cloak. Stepping out onto the dock, he pushed away any excessive feelings and denied all hesitations in him before making his way to meet the most wanted man in Kingdom Katelion.

“I am here to see Lord Valkyr. Let me pass,” the unknown man spoke in a low voice to the two guards who were guarding a pair of ceiling-to-floor doors. He flashed a round medallion of gold that bore a symbol of a black dragon with tattered wings at the guards. Only respected people of the Valkyr Empire were to possess such a medallion. It allowed the carrier the privilege of meeting Lord Valkyr immediately. Unfortunately, the guards hesitated a moment too long.

SLASH!

In a blink of an eye, he drew his sword and slit the throat of the guard standing on his left. The dying guard fell to his knees with his hands clasped around his neck. His eyes were widened with shock and fear as blood splashed from his neck and gurgled through his mouth. He heard a soft ‘thud’ as his whole self hit the ground. The last thing he saw were those mercilessly expressionless, dark eyes glinting from behind the devilish mask.

He withdrew his sword and returned it to its sheath gracefully. It was clear that he was a trained swordsman. Receiving the message, the remaining guard hurriedly but gently knocked on one of the door and announced his arrival a little breathlessly. Granted the permission, he swung the doors open for the man. Once he was in the chamber, the guard closed the doors.

“You bring good news, I suppose?" a male voice rang through the darkened chamber. The voice was cold and harsh. Dark Valkyr did not enjoy being disturbed from his rest.

“My Lord, I have done as you have instructed. Prince Raviex listened to my every word. He has sent his Imperial Army to the city of Grikshan. Other than Sir Damien by his side, Katelion is completely defenceless,” the man reported humbly. He was aware of the irritated note Valkyr placed in his tone, but he was certain that his Lordship would be pleased with his achievement.

“Well done,” said the figure sitting on the large and black armchair with its back facing the man, “You truly are my promising successor, Lazachus.” Valkyr added maliciously as he stroked his neatly-kept, long, silver hair which he always let down. He slowly spun his chair around and faced the man.

“You and your mask,” commented Dark Valkyr idly.

“Please, my Lord,” answered the man, hoping that Valkyr would understand his position.

Valkyr chuckled, clearly amused by his overcautious nature. “Do you really expect to find a spy in my own private study room?” They were words full of pride; over-confidence perhaps. However, his fortress was virtually impenetrable, considering the tight securities protecting it.

“Better safe than sorry, my Lord. I believe you realize that I have a reputation to keep on the Floating Land. Until the day you conquer Katelion, it is best, as we have agreed, that no one knows that I have been in touch with you.”

“Very well, we shall keep it that way then,” drawled Valkyr. Suddenly, he let out a spine-chilling laugh. The man, his face still blank of any expression, slightly bowed his head. As he retreated out of the chamber, he heard Valkyr’s declaration ringing through the thick walls of the chamber.

“Soon, Lazachus, I shall fulfill my forefathers’ destiny; the destiny which I shall rise up to by the written words of the Ancient Prophecy!”

Sir Damien Torrez gazed out from the balcony of his mansion that overlooked the Grand Capital of Katelion. He swirled the glass of divine wine in his right hand unconsciously. It was sunset, a beautiful one, too. But he could not bring himself to enjoy it, no, not when a bad feeling had been disturbing him since the Imperial Army had left for the Northern City, Grikshan. Grikshan had sent out a distress signal for help from the Floating Land as they were attacked by a large army from the Valkyr Empire.

The forty-five year old man sighed. Destruction and chaos had been everyday news throughout the Blessed Land since twenty years ago after General Dark Valkyr showed his true colours and left Katelion. Because of his greed for power and control, Dark Valkyr abandoned his post as one of the best guardians of Katelion and went down to the Blessed Land, accompanied by his supporters. He hid himself and began building his own empire and his army, which eventually grew powerful— powerful enough to threaten the peace and harmony of the world.

Sir Damien smiled bitterly when he remembered the times when he fought side by side with Valkyr in many glorious battles. That belonged to the past. Now, plainly, he was a highly respected and famous knight with great influential power over the Prince. Then again, he pondered about the decision made by the Prince of delivering the Imperial Army to the far north of the Blessed Land. He realized that without the Imperial Army, the Kingdom was vulnerable. He prayed silently for the Kingdom’s sake. Perhaps it was his instinct that was trying to tell him something of which would befall on his beloved kingdom…

“To Katelion,” Sir Damien muttered, raising the glass and gulped down the remaining wine. “May the force be with Thee.”

Chapter 1

“Listen to my tale.”

I

Now which door was it again that led to the Grand Court? The girl asked herself. She had a puzzled look on her face as she walked around uncertainly. She could never remember the ways in the palace even though she practically grew up in it. Every wide and brightly lit hallway looked almost similar in her opinion. The frustrating thing was that no one ever bothered to place signs on the huge doors. How on Senadon was she supposed to know which was the correct pair of doors?

Turning around a corner, she heard voices. The spoken words were unclear to her. As she took a few steps into the hallway, the voices heightened to a crescendo. It sounded like an argument beyond control. She found the doors, which were left slightly opened which allowed the loud voices to resonate in the hallway. Despite the nobilities, they were arguing without reserve.

“We don’t know for sure if it is necessary to send out such a huge force like the Imperial Army to defend Grikshan City,” shot a Minister from the right side of the table.

“Are you saying we’re going to risk the capture of the Northern City by the Valkyr Empire because you assume that no help is needed?” snarled a representative from the Noble Residents who sat directly opposite the Minister who had spoken.

The members of the King’s Court of Kingdom Katelion were made up of three Houses: the House of Lords (the Noble Residents), the House of Knights (the Military Order) and the House of Laws (the Ministers). The head of the House of Knights, Knight Grand Cross Brigadier General Perrin Gyver, had a bored look on his face while watching the others biting their heads off.

It’s always about politic with these people.

“What we are suggesting is that the Imperial Army should remain on the Floating Land. The Imperial Army is the highest defence of Kingdom Katelion. We can’t just send it off all the way to the north!” A second Minister defended their point of view.

“Then what are we supposed to do? Grikshan City gave out a first class distress call. Are we going to ignore it and let our people suffer and die in those traitors’ hands?” flared another Noble Resident, rising from his seat indignantly

“We can always send the Superior Army!” snapped the oldest Minister in fury due to the stubbornness of the members of the House of Lords. “Why must the Imperial Army take up the mission? We couldn’t even confirm if it really is a genuine distress call as we couldn’t establish a connection to the city,” he added briskly.

“Isn’t it obvious?” spoke the same Honoured Resident sarcastically. “The Valkyr Empire is overthrowing the forces of the Kingdom. We can no longer uphold peace without using pure force.”

“How dare you disgrace—”

“Enough!” interrupted a young voice. The argument came to an abrupt pause as it rang through the hall. The King’s Court Ministers and the Noble Residents threw glares of daggers at one another. The tension of the atmosphere was sufficient to keep one stiff in place.

The Military Order, however, kept to their low profile. Their fights were on a battle field, not in a parliament. It was their policy to avoid involvement in politics. Second-in-command, Knight Grand Commander Five-Star General Kelve Hilan did not bother about the other two Houses. The House of Knights served only by the King’s (or the Prince’s, in this case) orders.

“Why do you speak amongst yourselves in such harsh manners? I believe my People would act more appropriately if they were invited to the King’s Court.”

“Forgive me, Your Highness but—”

The hailed one, sitting on the high chair at the head of the long table held out a hand to silence the Resident who tried to address him. He swept his eyes across the table, feeling disgusted and disappointed in his Court. Unity was falling apart quickly amongst them and there was no sign of tolerance at all.

He glanced at his Royal Advisor who stood at his right. He was doubtful of what he should say and he was sorting refuge. Nonetheless, he received only a slow nod, indicating that he must make the decision on his own.

A light grip on his shoulder made him turn to his left to meet the grim face of his trusted childhood friend, Erik Wilgate. Erik leaned close to his ear and whispered solemnly, “We can’t take the chance. The Imperial Army must go.”

He, who is the Instrument of the Light, bears the burdens of the Kingdom.

It was a painful sight for the Royal Advisor. For one so young to undergo the torments of the responsibilities of a king… if only he could spare the Prince a normal and free life. He had taught him everything he needed to be a good king and a decent man. But there were times when he must not assist him and let the Prince gain his own experience in this complicated world.

“Your Highness, please…”

“Colonel Wilgate is right. Please send the Imperial Army immediately, my Prince!” urged the Resident who sat nearest to him.

“Do not interfere with Prince Raviex’s decision, Duke Ralph,” warned the Royal Advisor coldly. The Resident retreated quietly but bitterly for he knew not to get into hot water with the Prince’s right-hand man.

Unexpectedly, Raviex slowly stood up from his throne, looking wearied. He was going to turn seventeen soon in two months or so, yet, he felt like he was seventy ever since he took over his father’s throne.

What would father choose to do if he were still here?

He finally gave his orders.

He was never there for me…

“Send the Imperial Army if you must. Defend the Northern City and protect my people with the grace of the Light.”

“Your Highness, please reconsider!” pleaded the ministers.

Tired of listening to his Court, he began walking out of the Grand Court. The girl who had been listening to the debate quickly hid herself behind a human-size display suit of armour as Raviex pushed open the door and headed off. Occupied with his thoughts, he was completely oblivious to her presence.

Before going after him, the girl caught the words of the Royal Advisor issuing orders to send out the Imperial Army for Grikshan City. Eager to get to the Prince, she hurried after him.

“Perhaps it is time you repeat the official command from the Prince, Sir Damien?” said Duke Ralph in mocked politeness.

Knowing that it was unavoidable, the Royal Advisor raised his gaze at the Court. He could only hope that the decision made by the Prince would turn out with a positive effect.

“By the orders of His Royal Highness, Prince Raviex Katelion, I, as the Royal Advisor, Sir Damien Torrez, hereby proclaim the dispatching of the Imperial Army to the Northern City, Grikshan City. May the Light guide the way and protect the Kingdom from the darkest of threats.”

II

Sweet spring breeze brushed past the wrinkled skin of an old lady. Feeling her throat getting sore and dry, she paused at her words. Regretfully, she knew she was at her limit. Her age was catching up with her a little faster than she thought.

“That is all for today, my children,” the old lady let out a sigh. “I shall continue the story another day when I am not too tired.” She was lying back on a rocking chair, seemingly at rest, leaving her grandchildren in suspense.

“But, Grandmamma, we want you to finish this tale!” pouted the girl of six, pulling at her dress. Her inquisitive heart couldn’t forgive her grandmother for cliff-hanging her and her brother.

“Come now, Kishari, Grandmamma needs her rest. We shall come back tomorrow for more of the story,” beckoned her brother who was four years older than her. He knelt down and allowed her to climb onto his back. He took leave from the elderly woman, receiving a smile and a slow nod from her.

“You promise you’ll take me here again tomorrow, Vekenai?” asked Kishari, placing her tiny arms around his neck. She let out a muffled yawn and rested her head on his shoulders.

He stood up with ease, holding onto her protectively. As he walked down a field of a thousand glorious daffodils, he turned his head to find Kishari already sound asleep.

“I promise, little Kishari, I promise,” he said quietly, smiling at her tender features.

Chapter 2

“Teach me how to forgive and forget.”

I

After leaving his court, Raviex gave no hints as to where he would be as a precaution to prevent any disturbance and interruption during his private moments. If he did not wish to be found, not even the Royal Guards would be able to keep on his tracks. It was natural as he knew the Floating Land better than anyone else, having to explore the land during his free time in his childhood.

Right then, he was standing alone, leaning on the rampart securing Katelion City. He enjoyed the majestic view offered to him. Daiburn City, which was in view, was a dazzling city with captivating buildings. It was not the height but the structures of the buildings that made them unique. The buildings were built to have dome-shaped tops. Their domed roofs were made of tough, green glass that shimmered delightfully under the sun rays. Looking from above, they could easily pass as oversized gems.

How long will my kingdom last?

Raviex’s thoughts sank deeper. He allowed the evening wind to embrace him, soothing his troubled mind. It had been hours since the Imperial Army had left for the Northern City, Grikshan. Everything seemed to be still and peaceful. He really hoped this peace would never be shattered.

Yet, it all felt so wrong. There were those who dreamt to be a ruler but he, a king-to-be, wanted nothing more than to have a taste of a normal life. He craved to roam the Blessed Land, walk among the people without the identity of the Prince and definitely, without the presence of his overprotective bodyguards. Most of all, he just wanted the privilege of doing things without always having to think so much about duties and responsibilities.

Is it too much of me to ask for?

“My son, one day, my throne will be yours. However, until then, you must learn to fulfil your responsibilities as a prince,” spoke a father’s stern voice to his son.

“Responsibilities…” Twelve-year old Raviex sighed. “Father, what if I do not desire to be king?”

Abruptly, King Levon stood up from his throne chair in fury. Young Raviex who was standing before him knew that he had angered his father with his words but he had to get the message across. He only yearned for his father to understand. For an instant, the father and son fixed their similarly blue eyes on one another.

“You are my only son. Who else could rightly be my successor if it is not you, my flesh and blood, a direct descendant of King Leo Katelion? What of the people who need you when I am gone? Do not let your stubbornness hinder your growth as a wise king!” The King’s voice rose steadily. Queen Seraphina went to her husband from her throne chair to calm him down.

“Please, my King, our child is still young. He does not know of what he speaks of,” she comforted, placing a hand on his arm. She tried to mend the situation before it got worse. She was worried for their relationship. Raviex rarely had the opportunity to spend time with his father as the King himself was mostly occupied by work. Certainly, their bond was fragile. The Prince was more accustomed to his mother for she had brought him up and gave him the care and love a child deserved. Nevertheless, her love was not enough to replace a father’s love.

“Raviex is twelve. He will be stepping into early adulthood next year. I will not tolerate anymore of his childish behaviours, Seraphina,” answered King Levon softly, his temper cooling down slightly at the words of his Queen. He laid his eyes on Raviex again, addressing him.

“I do not want your professors entering my throne room reporting that you have missed classes without permission after this meeting. I want to hear that you have a hundred percent attendance for all your classes and that you have passed the Royal Examinations with flying colours, especially in your sword-fighting exam. You barely passed the last time! You will do well to set a good example for the Kingdom’s children and you will learn to be a selfless king, Raviex, a king who is willing to sacrifice for his people,” demanded King Levon firmly.

Raviex looked up at his father, a man he regarded with high respect, in disbelief. “Sacrifice even his family?” he questioned quietly. He turned around, leaving the King speechless. He left the throne room before his father could stop him.

Suddenly, his anger evaporated as King Levon painfully realized his mistakes. Raviex’s words weighed heavily in his chest, as if judgement was passed on him as a father. He had completely neglected his son after the early years of his birth. He was too occupied imposing on Raviex to be the perfect successor but had forgotten that he was also his son. He had always spoken to Raviex as a king, but never as the father Raviex thought he had.

“What have I done, Seraphina?”

Raviex never really understood the reason why his father loved the people to the extent of putting his family second in his priorities. Perhaps he was beginning to see things from his father’s point of view. Then again, it could only be because he was alone, without a family. As much as he was the Prince of Kingdom Katelion, he was nothing else more than an orphan.

You never ask, father, what of your son who needs you when you are gone…

II

“Brother, I’m home!” called out a girl, sixteen years of age with attractive brownish-red hair tied up into a loose bun. Her sharp and intense chestnut eyes swept across the living room of her brother’s home and saw that it was empty. A mouth-watering aroma, nonetheless, filled the air. She immediately concluded that her sister-in-law was cooking at the back of the cottage.

“Christine, honey, Keith’s still in his lab,” an older female voice answered her call. “I’m in the kitchen. Dinner’s almost ready. Could you go get your brother home on time?”

“I’m on it!” She turned on her heels and stepped back into the open. Her ears caught the evening chatter just as she went outside again. It was loud and buzzing all around.

It was the time when men returned from work and did some exchanging of the day’s experience with one another for self-pleasure. Women were gossiping, talking in shrill voices and hands were waved animatedly. Children were laughing and chasing each other in a game of tag. She loved the villagers of Mabluku Territory. They were so cheerful, merry and carefree.

Christine brushed some dirt off her hunting gloves before taking them off as she walked towards her brother’s laboratory which was only a few minutes walk away. She easily inserted her them into the pouch hanging from her waist belt. Just before coming to the door, she let down her hair from her bun, which fell above her waist. She then resumed tying her long auburn hair into a high ponytail, just the way she liked it with her blue satin ribbon.

Knocking on the door, she allowed herself to enter and found Keith watching a screen attentively, absolutely ignorant to the knockings. Like every other buildings in Mabluku Territory, the laboratory was made out of stone walls. The villagers here evolved over time, specializing in hunting and trading due to their environment. The territory existed in the middle of a forest from the beginning. Technology did not play a huge role here. Ironically, Keith’s private laboratory was overwhelmed with state-of-the-art machines and gadgets, completed with access into the Kingdom’s satellites placed in the atmosphere of Senadon.

Christine stood over Keith’s shoulder to take a look at what he was so enthralled about. Her eyes flickered in curiosity. The video taken from a satellite angle revealed a huge army of airborne fighters and war crafts leaving the Floating Land in an orderly fashion earlier on that morning.

“Are they having a drill?” asked Christine sceptically, raising an eyebrow.

“Oddly, no, the army left seven hours ago, give or take, and never returned. You don’t need to be a soldier to know that a drill won’t take that long,” Keith disagreed, shaking his head. Greetings between the siblings were well forgotten.

The girl hit the pause button and peered closely at the screen. She typed in the command for a hundred times zoom-in on a specific part of the frozen picture. There, displayed before her, was a red flag with the code of arms which has a golden lion as its focus.

“That’s the crest for the Imperial Army!” exclaimed Christine. “What are they doing leaving Katelion City? Is there a raging war somewhere that I do not know of?”

“Well, that’s the troubling part. There’s nothing up north, yet, apparently, that’s where the Army is heading,” said Keith. He cleared his throat and continued, “The strangest fact for the day, believe it or not, is that the satellites were locked from the Kingdom. We’re lucky we tapped into the satellites through a different source or we wouldn’t be analyzing these videos too.”

“Are you telling me the Kingdom denied all access for the usage of the satellites?” she blurted incredulously. “But that would be ridiculous. They’re jeopardizing the Kingdom’s security on a very serious term.”

He gave her a quick amused glance. “Oh, trust me. The guys on the Floating Land are not very happy about that. They’ve been trying to recover their control over the satellites the entire day. The satellites’ security wall did not budge a single bit.”

Christine knew he was proud of himself for having to be able to manipulate the satellites when no one could. Keith was a brilliant man; even the smartest man on the Floating Land would have to admit to his genius. Even so, he was humble.

Keith stared at the screen now with a worried and uneasy expression on his face. “Christine, I know you’ve just returned with your hunting squad but… I need you to prepare a fresh squad for patrol tonight. I have a feeling something is hiding behind the shadows of confusion.”

Her mood quickly altered. She resented what she was asked to carry out. She became silent and refused to respond to his order. Keith was not upset by Christine’s abrupt coldness towards him for he understood clearly of her actions. He took her hand into his as he ran through his mind for words to calm her.

“Christine…” he started but was cut off by his younger sister without warning as she let out her fume.

“Brother, you promised that we won’t interfere in any business that concerns the Kingdom, especially one that involves the Floating Land. We’re supposed to only focus on the welfare of Mabluku, keeping a low profile,” said Christine obstinately, putting up her own stand. “I don’t see why we should spend our resources scouting the area and keeping on a look-out just because someone in Katelion City screwed up their codes.”

The elder sibling gave a small chuckle and patted her hand softly. The patting gesture reminded Christine a lot of their late father who, too, used to do the similar action to comfort and assure her when she was either afraid or simply being stubborn. Keith had picked up the habit since their father’s death. At times, she felt fortunate to have such a responsible brother like him. Not only did he take up the role as a brother, he had to compensate for the loss of their parents by acting as her guardian.

“My dear Christine, I am protecting Mabluku this way. We must ensure that throughout the night, nothing could endanger the villagers. My instincts might be wrong but prevention is always better than the cure itself. I do not ask you to fight for the Kingdom herself. All I ask of you is to keep us save,” he explained. Keith took another look at the screen and then at her. “You are chosen by the god of Righteousness, Calith, himself. You are a protector, a Yamist.”

Christine’s eyes saddened and portrayed deep sorrow and despair at his last few words.

“I… am a protector, a Yamist.”

III

The girl stirred as she felt a thick material brushed against her skin. She tugged lightly on it until it came into her mind that someone had placed it over her. A gush of hope and anticipation blew her awake.

“Raviex!” she gasped, opening her eyes only to find a Cerulean-haired guy half-kneeling before her, surprised and embarrassed by her jolt of movement. She winced at her mistake and apologized to him for it. The other merely smiled sheepishly. “What are you doing here, Erik?” she added.

“You’re not the only one who’s worried about Raviex, Kairalina. Were you not here to wait on him?” Erik asked the obvious, trying to keep the conversation going, also to escape an awkward feeling growing in him.

Kairalina nodded twice. There was a distant look in her hazel eyes as her thoughts wandered off to Raviex. Earlier in the day, she had given full effort to trail him but she was unable to keep up. He was someone whom she held special feelings for. However, it was undeniable that every time he disappeared into nowhere, she was frustrated. Not to mention the feeling of disappointment and hurt she experienced. They were in a special relationship for two years already. Still, somehow, she sensed that he had not wholly submitted to her.

She breathed out purposefully, defeated. “Both of us know how stubborn Raviex can be. I guess it’s pointless of me waiting here.” Kairalina let the blanket slip off her, exposing her bare shoulders, as she came to her feet. Her long cherry-blossom pink dress fell right above her sandals; the dress carefully outlined her curvaceous body. “He will return only when he wishes to,” she continued, heading for the bed chamber’s pair of doors.

Erik blinked absent-mindedly and chided himself for zoning out, mesmerized by her feminine beauty, which, in his opinion, was as close to perfection as he could possibly imagine, like how the stars were described as the closest to the heavens. He went ahead of her and courteously opened the doors for her. “May I have the honour of walking this fair lady home?” he requested teasingly, slightly bowing while disguising his voice in a deep tone with a thick accent.

The eighteen-year-old girl giggled and accepted his chivalry lightly. She walked out of the bedchamber with him by her side. As they disappeared round the corner of the hallway, a new pair of footsteps was heard. It stopped in front of the doors leading to the Prince’s private chamber.

Raviex opened the doors and took a stepped in. his eyes instantly caught the sight of a milky-coloured cotton blanket, half fallen off the day-bed. “Kairalina,” he muttered knowingly to himself. She was here. His chamber was filled with her sweet, indulging scent. Though perhaps, it was better that she was gone. Company was not what he needed right then.

Exhaustion caught up with him. He waved Kairalina out of his mind, resting his tired body on his illogically huge bed. He did not bother to have a change of clothes, nor pull the drapes of curtains around his bed. A good night sleep was all he needed, and a piece of thought that tomorrow would be a brighter day.

The time was 2117 hours.

Chapter 3

“Witness the battle in the skies.”

I

0006 hours.

What was that?

Raviex was wide awake as he felt the ground shaking beneath him. The desire to sleep completely left him. What could have possibly caused the ground of the Floating Land to shudder? He remained lying on his bed, wondering if he had imagined it.

The ground shook abruptly a second time, this time a lot more obvious than the last. It was not till the scale that the walls were crumbling. It was as if a light jerk. Nonetheless, it was enough to grasp Raviex’s curiosity. He got up and went to the huge windows. Lifting the thick golden curtains slightly aside, he saw men below going about in an urgent fashion, hustling for time. They too were holding their weapons openly in their hands.

Who issued a pre-war order, Raviex pondered. He was evidently displeased that he was not informed of it. He quickly went to his enormous wardrobe and opened its doors. For once, he was thankful that he was decisive when it came to picking out the clothes he wanted to wear. His collection of clothing ranged from formal to informal, elegant to trendy and casual. He took out the set of clothes he wanted and changed into it.

In a minute, he was ready to go. He was clad in his favourite blue jacket, white top and black trousers. Shifting and making sure his hands were comfortable with his black fighting gloves; he grabbed at his sword and left his chamber in a dash.

II

“This is the Kingdom Katelion Army Force Headquarters. The Capital is under attack. I repeat: the Capital is under attack. All war crafts and men return to the Headquarters immediately and return fire,” a cool female voice related the orders from the Floating Land. It was eerie how calm the programmed voice could speak while informing such news of nightmare.

“General Ford, the tracking device has picked up at least twenty thousand signals from the war crafts of the Valkyr Army,” informed young Bridge-Officer Rise.

“What’s their location?” the General barked.

Bridge-Officer Rise shot a disbelief look at his superior and gasped, “The enemy is fifteen hundred kilometres from entering Katelion City’s airspace. Estimating sixty speed-built war crafts have infiltrated the city and are engaging the city’s ready forces. Besides that, I’m receiving report that…” his voice trailed off, unable to announce the report sent to them from the Headquarters.

“Well, what is it?” pressed General Ford.

“The force field that was supposed to be shielding the Floating Land has faltered and vanished. The cause is not known yet.” He looked at him, aghasted. Never had the force field died down before. Why did it happen now when it had never before?

The middle-aged general’s eyes widened with shock and anger. He punched a red button which was connected to all communication system of war crafts and Z-Genes belonging to the Imperial Army.

“Attention, this is General Ford! To all war crafts and Z-Genes: full speed ahead to the Floating Land! You have heard the emergency call. Your motherland needs you now!” ordered the Knight Commander Three-Star General in a strong, commanding voice which burnt the patriotic spirit of his soldiers.

“Roger!” the whole of the Imperial Army responded in unison with determination.

He released the button and in a troubled tone, he added, “Let’s hope we’ll be in time to save her, Rise.”

The officer left for the pilot room at the bridge of the mother-ship to get the approximate time of arrival at the Floating Land. Alone in the command room, General Ford smashed his fist into his office table in frustration, denting the surface of it.

He recalled the anonymous message directed to the commanding office of one of the mother-ships of the Imperial Army through the International Communication System (ICS). They had been travelling for more than seven hours then; their destination Grikshan City.

“Katelion City is in grave danger!”

The Imperial Army was confused and in the dilemma of whether they should return or continue with their journey as ordered for by the Royal Prince. Based on his instincts, General Ford chose to return to the Floating Land. After half an hour of debate with the other generals, the Army switched course.

Now, six hours after the message was received, it was proven genuine. His decision was the right one. He dared not imagine the consequences if they had ignored the warning. What mattered the most currently, was to reach Katelion City in time to prevent the most tremendous defeat in Kingdom Katelion’s history—the capture of the Capital herself!

III

Raviex arrived in front of a computerized metal door. Still gasping for breath from his running, he placed his palm on the glass panel on the right of the door. He waited impatiently as the computer came to life as a red sensor blinked. A green ray shone as it scanned his palm thoroughly. Seconds later, though it felt like eternity to him, the computer permitted his entry.

“User identified: Raviex Katelion. Identification process completed. Access approved.”

The heavy metallic door created to withstand forced entries to the highest form of explosions drew upwards slowly. Unable to wait for it to be fully drawn up, he ducked and stepped into a dimly-lit colossal hangar. His eyes met a gigantic robotic warrior, standing ten storeys tall. It had never failed to spark awe in him. He was rather intimidated at times in the presence of a Z-tech Generation (Z-Gene), the creation of Z-technology, due to its incredibly massive build. It was currently lifeless; its head drooping slightly.

This was his Z-tech Crusader: White Dragon. Unlike a Z-tech Fighter, a Z-tech Crusader possessed greater statistics of powers and strengths. It ranked the second most powerful category of the Light-delivered Z-Gene and was considered to be an extremely rare breed of it. It was people’s belief that supposedly, the Z-technology could only be used by those of strong-willed and of high spiritual energy, otherwise known as Sacred Energy.

Logically, the higher the rank of a particular Z-Gene, the more powerful his pilot must be in order to move it. The Z-Gene was normally owned by warlords, famed fighters, the Royal Prince and the King himself. There could never be a twin of the same Z-Gene because every Z-Gene was unique, like how no two fingerprints could be alike.

The Z-Gene originally was used in wars because of their strength and the heavy armouries on them. During the peaceful era, it was used for heavy duties such as transporting materials for construction and also used during emergency rescues from natural disaster. Raviex wished it could remain that way where the Z-Gene did not have to harm but help others.

He ran a few steps ahead but came to a pause when he saw a lone yet familiar figure standing before White Dragon. He was certainly not expecting to see him. “What are you doing here?” questioned Raviex. He remained silent and motionless. Irritated by the response given to him, Raviex let out a frustrated scowl.

“Whatever it is, Erik, don’t try to stop me,” he warned bluntly. They held eye contact for a moment before he continued his jog towards his Z-tech Crusader. Just as he was about to pass him, Erik spoke up quietly.

“Don’t regret this, Raviex.”

The words sank in the Prince; an unsettling feeling aroused his inner self. Shrugging it off, Raviex rushed forwards. Time was essential. He had gotten hold of a guard and demanded to know the source of cataclysm on the Floating Land. In a nervous tone tone, he relayed the news that the Royal Advisor had issued a pre-war order to defend Katelion City from the attack of the Valkyr Empire.

Raviex’s pulse raced as he felt his adrenaline pumping furiously. Now that he had overcome the shock of the unexpected coming of the Valkyr Empire, he was ready to battle after two years of hard training. He was determined to crush the enemy of Kingdom Katelion and even more determined he was to hunt down the murderer of his father— Dark Valkyr. He decided that it was time he would fulfil his vow on his father’s grave.

Alarms rang urgently as men ran hectically in every direction, going on with their business at hand. Orders and commands were being made through speakers by higher authorities. Monitors and screens were showing the destruction done on the city above.

“What the hell are you and your men doing down there?! Get the force field over the city, right now!” shouted a lieutenant Z-tech Fighter pilot; his voice booming through the operator’s earphone. The helpless operator winced.

“There’s some sort of unidentified problem and—” the operator started to explain but was cut short.

“I don’t bloody care what your problem is! Get the force field back on or neither of us will survive this day!” spat the lieutenant and hanged up the line as he steered his war craft away from a line of laser from the enemy.

Cold sweat dripped along Sir Damien’s sideburns. The controller vibrated tremendously in his hands as he fought to keep stable control over his Z-tech Arch-Defender. His magnificent Z-tech Arch-Defender, Eyphion was one of the finest created. He was on hot pursuit on a war craft. He tried to focus on the war instead of allowing his mind to wander about his premonition of bad happenings and the convenient failure of the force field which acted as a shield to protect the Floating Land from attacks such as this. Could it be that fate had turned its back from Kingdom Katelion?

He tapped on two buttons and without delay; a target ring appeared on his monitor. He focused it on the opponent’s war craft and fired two missiles at it. Both hit their target and blew it into pieces. He smiled in satisfaction.

In the middle of enjoying his small win, Eyphion spun in confusion after being hit fiercely on the side. He cursed himself for letting his guard down but discovered when he recovered from the spinning that it was Z-tech Crusader White Dragon who had crashed into him on the side. And for a good reason, too; missiles were launched at his previous position.

“Be careful, Sir Damien, you’re not as young as you used to be,” Raviex warned half-jokingly through the speakers. Sir Damien grumbled on that remark. He was, after all, the Prince’s mentor.

“Team Alpha, Beta and Gamma of Superior Army and Team Arietis, Centauri and Eridani of Great Army, handle the situation here. The remaining of Superior Army: follow me! We’ll have to lead the Valkyrians away from the Motherland at the north and west wing; Great Army to the south and east wing. Sir Damien in command! Hold your ground to your deaths! Do you read me?!” directed Raviex.

“Roger!” responded the two armies.

As he flew higher and further away from the Floating Land, Raviex gained a full view of the enemy. Blood pumped in his veins with wild poundings. He remained floating in midair, waiting for his army to assemble for battle. He could give a straight guess the number of war crafts they would have to face. Somewhere in the midst of those war crafts, perhaps he would be able to find the infamous Dark Valkyr.

The assembly did not take long and soon, all were in position. Watching the swarm of enemies approaching, a sense of fear clung onto him. The human part of him yearned not to be present on this battlefield. Was it cowardice? But every living flesh has the instincts to preserve its life. War leads to bloodshed; bloodshed leads to pain and death. This was what robbed his father’s life.

No, Valkyr did! He caused the war.

His fury overwhelmed him. He was strongly reminded of the reason he chose to be here. I will avenge my father’s death!

While clenching tightly on the controller with the turbo engines on full blast, Raviex sped forwards, executing his attack.

“FOR KATELION!”

Both war craft and Z-Genes possess their own advantages. War craft is designed for long-range attacks whereas a Z-Gene is created in the image of a human body to fight using gigantic swords, metal rods and other weapons. But there is no doubt that a Z-Gene could easily defeat a war craft if it turns out to be a one on one match.

Raviex grabbed a Valkyr war craft’s wing and punched a fist into a vital part of it where the engines of it were likely to be placed. When he retrieved his hand back, the damage was visible. The metal which made out the outer layer of the war craft sunk back below, forming a print of White Dragon’s fist. The pilot of the war craft struggled to free it but his efforts were futile. Raviex shot upwards a few feet with the war craft in both hands and spun it around. He aimed it at two other war crafts which were closing in on him and let go. The impact was so strong that when it smashed into the unfortunate two, the three were badly damaged and crashed into the ocean below, swallowed by the deep blue water of the Phillarion Sea.

All around him was destruction. It was a miracle that they were able to prevent anymore of the enemies from entering the city. The six airborne teams that remained in the city had done a great job in taking out the foes there. Nevertheless, the city was already in a bad shape.

He envisaged a bloody scream as he pierced White Dragon’s sword into the centre of another Z-tech Destructor where the pilot would be sitting. Sparks danced around the sword as it was smeared by the victim’s blood. Instantaneously, the Z-tech Destructor fell out of the air.

“Nice kill, Prince Raviex, I’ve always thought he wasn’t worth enough to be given a Z-tech Destructor,” a voice coursed through his speaker. It chuckled. A terrible sense of dread trickled down his spine as he turned. “I have finally found you, dear Prince, and I shall be your challenger.”

“Who are you?” demanded Raviex in a composed voice. He hoped nothing had betrayed his little fear for this new challenger. The voice was almost too friendly— and confident. Raviex knew the rank of the challenger’s Z-Gene. Its aura was much more significant than the previous Z-tech Destructors he had defeated. For the first time in a real battle arena, he was facing a Z-tech Templar of which, in the concept of yin and yang, had the same ranking but a total opposite of a Z-tech Crusader. The Crusader was delivered from the Light. Conversely, the Templar was delivered from the Darkness.

“I am the favoured Second General of Dark Valkyr, the renowned pilot of the infamous Soul Stealer. You may know me as Second General Hendrix Crone.”

“If you really are so favoured by Dark Valkyr, why are you only the Second General and not the First?” mocked Raviex.

Obviously aggravated, Crone sneered in despise, “If it weren’t for his connection to the Lord Valkyr, that brat wouldn’t have gained the position as the First General.”

“Brat?” repeated Raviex, puzzled. Valkyr Empire’s generals sure have some issues going on, he thought.

“And to think I thought this Kingdom has the most state-of-art technology to gain information about their enemies,” snorted Crone. “I’ll tell you his worthless name, Prince of Senadon— he is Lazachus.”

Before Raviex could ponder about the newly known name, Soul Stealer charged towards him, his sword ready to slash him into half!

In a dense forest nearby Kaza City was a teenage girl on the canopy of a tall tree, watching the attack of the Valkyr Empire on Katelion City. Of course, it was impossible to watch the battle by using only the naked eye. Held to her eyes was what looked like a pair of binoculars. But the binoculars were not your everyday kind.

The Fourth-Sight, named by her older brother, Keith, was invented to look at extremely far things, even at the range of hundreds of kilometres with the feature of night vision as well. At the bottom right corner of its lens, there were numbers in brilliant-green indicating the distance of the scene from the seer. It was equipped to zoom in up close and take instant photographs. Furthermore, attached to it was a satellite signal sender which enabled the receiver of the signal to watch what was being watched by the seer. All viewings could be recorded if the appropriate equipment was set up.

“Taking in information now,” informed Christine, speaking into her modified microphone. It was placed just outside around the curve of her right ear. She snapped many pictures of the on-going battle. It was no doubt that there were others witnessing the battle above the sky but not as detailed as what she was seeing. Moreover, the night sky was only illuminated by the stars and the three moons. It would be difficult to make out what was happening without night vision. She made a mental note to herself to thank Keith for this wonderful invention of his. Most of her gadgets and equipments were, as a matter of fact, invented by him. No one could have owned better weapons than her.

“Received,” her brother’s voice broke through the silent line.

The girl of sixteen frowned as she focused the lens on two particular Z-Genes which were clashing their swords, attacking and lunging themselves at each other. Though there were other war crafts and Z-Genes fighting around them, strangely, those two stood out from the others almost instantly. She captured a few pictures of them in action. She noticed that both were excellent fighters and pilots who fought with immense amount of strength and speed.

Suddenly, one of the Z-Gene was struck from behind by another Z-Gene. Despite her character of staying on neutral ground, a loud cry of foul play rang in her mind.

“C’mon! C’mon! What’s the matter?” Erik Wilgate muttered. His fingers raced across the keyboard which was connected to a single gigantic screen on the wall. It displayed datas and sophisticated diagrams of the power crystals stationed at allocated areas on the Floating Land. 3D holograms of the crystals were formed at the space between him and the monitor. These crystals functioned as mediums for energy to flow through to create the force field. The sixteen crystals were checked but the result placed them to be in perfect condition.

So, why wasn’t the force field generated? The question kept spinning in his head. Twenty-year-old Erik was the youngest member in his department of computer scientists. His achievements of becoming the captain of his team at the age of seventeen, joining the ranks of the Chief Executive Officers three years later and also receiving the title ‘Knight Messenger, Colonel’ were considered amazing. Lots believed he was to be a great leader of the Kingdom in time.

The Katelion City Underground Security Army or the KACUSA (pronounced as Ka-Q-Sa) was part of the Kingdom Katelion Army Force. This department battled the enemy by using highly advanced technologies. Set with about five hundred computer scientists, war crafts and Z-tech experts and experienced strategy analysts, KACUSA fought by corrupting the enemies’ war crafts and Z-Genes’ systems through the usage of computer viruses. Easier said than done; in order to penetrate ten average war crafts, it might take at least thirty minutes. But KACUSA had proven itself handy at times.

If it was possible to penetrate the enemies’ systems, inevitably, the enemies could do so as well. So, it was up to the war crafts and Z-tech experts to heighten the defence system of the fighting machines, giving the enemies an extremely hard time or no chance at all to sabotage them. Strategies analysts worked to break off the enemies’ attack, making the Army’s job a lot easier.

Now, the crystals’ holograms were replaced with random live images of the battle going on in the skies. Erik knew that the two Armies were trying to keep the enemies out of the city but… how long could they keep this up? It was KACUSA’s responsibility to get the force field back over the city and to keep the citizens safe. The problem here was no one had any idea what the error was.

Erik took off his half-framed glasses and slumped down on his armchair. He ran his hands over his face in exhaustion. He closed his eyes and let his thoughts lift him. He needed to relax to think clearly. It was not of any help if his mind was on the verge of panicking.

Kairalina…

“Damn!” he muttered. He swore to himself he would never think about her in a way that he wanted her. He thought he could get over the fact that right now, his best friend, Raviex and his dream girl were together. It was not as easy as he thought. But what could you do when you have a shy nature? Moreover, when your love rival is an unofficial king? Besides standing aside watching over them, Erik really could not think of anything else.

Three swift knocks tapped on the door and before he could say a word, the door flung open.

“Kaira, what… what are you doing here?” Erik stammered, surprised to see her here. He fumbled for his glasses and put them on hurriedly. He stood up to meet her.

“Thank goodness I’ve found you, Erik!” Kairalina hugged him briefly in relief. “It’s a horror up there!” The young man nodded in agreement, clearing his throat rather awkwardly.

“What happened to the force field?” she asked, expressing the question Erik was certain the people of the Capital were wondering about. As much as he did not want to look bad in front of Kairalina, he had to admit that he did not know anything more than she did.

“I hope the force field will generate soon. The whole city’s going to be destroyed by the Valkyrians!” the girl exclaimed in distress. Her voice was seething with anger and worry. Erik knew instinctively she was praying in her heart for the safety of her father and the Prince. She sighed, “The situation must be really bad if a Noble Resident comes down here personally to check on things, isn’t it?”

Erik frowned, folding his arms to his chest. “A Noble Resident in KACUSA’s headquarters? Who?”

“Duke Ralph.,” she replied simply. Kairalina shrugged. “He is a Noble Resident anyway. He’s authorized to be here, right?” He nodded slowly, letting it to sink down. An uncomfortable feeling formed in his sub-conscious mind.

“Where did you see him?” The question shot out of his lips all of the sudden.

“Three rooms down on the left from this room,” replied Kairalina gradually, curious that Erik should ask such a question.

“The power source room!” He exclaimed as he rushed out of the door with her trailing behind him.

Erik keyed in the password needed to open the door to the power source room. A thought flashed through his mind.

How did he know the password?

The door slid open and he saw that everything in the power source room looked the same as usual. Colourful lights were blinking from the buttons of some complicated machines and computers which were fixed to the walls of the room.

At the dead centre of the room was a long tube which stretched from the ceiling to the floor. Inside the tube was a multi-coloured crystal rock. It had been here since Katelion City was born, and for 556 years, this peculiar rock had been glowing for every alternate second, causing the room to be filled with tens of bright colours. It was from this rock where Katelion City received her energy and power. It was only right for it to be called the Heart of the Floating Land.

While Kairalina marvelled over the wonderful colours that surrounded the room, Erik stepped in and began his intense checking of the power source room. He did not really need to do much though; he just had to punch a few buttons and the computer would automatically scan through its data and recent condition. A fifteen-inch flat screen lighted up and the result was on it, ready to be read.

Erik settled himself on a chair and was prepared for a long stretch of reading when he stiffened and leaned forward to peer at the screen.

“What’s wrong, Erik?” asked Kairalina, curious.

“I’m not sure myself… It just feels… weird.” He shook his head. While the system claimed that everything was in order, there was something nagging him inside. He was a man of science and following one’s heart, as people put it, had never appealed to him. But right now, he was desperate. His heart was beckoning him to at least pour through the entire report. He resigned to it, though knowing very well that it could be a complete waste of precious time.

After a short while of reading, Erik was certain that something was very wrong with the report. He stood up unexpectedly and gave Kairalina quite a fright.

“You discovered the cause?” she gasped.

“The data… it’s impossible!”

Kairalina answered him with a befuddled look.

The bespectacled one glanced at her, nervous. “The data records that for the past five hours, the force field’s crystals power output are consistent—stagnant.”

“So, is that good or bad?” she asked, feeling as quizzed as before. She grimaced when Erik knitted his eyebrows at her. “I’m sorry. I don’t really get all these stuff.”

A tight, thin smile spread across his face as his fingers typed in a string of commands. He did not expect her to know anyway. Kairalina was not one to take interest in computers and technologies. “The power output of the force field’s crystals, as far as anyone knows, is never the same. There’s always a drop or rise in it, however insignificant it may be, despite our efforts to fully stabilise it. I suspect we’re merely looking at an image someone deliberately put up for us.”

“What?! But who…” Her sentence was left hanging as Erik cursed under his breath. He rarely lost his cool. This could only mean he was tremendously furious.

“If I ever get my hands on the wretched traitor—”

“Traitor?!” Kairalina repeated, wide-eyed.

Erik sucked in a deep breath to calm himself. He closed his eyes and counted from one to five in his head before resumed his current mission. “The computer system’s been rigged. Someone downloaded a program which freezes the pattern of the energy of the crystals’ power output. It successfully tricks the system into thinking that everything is in place. In actual fact… the energy level could be zero, which easily explains the force field’s disappearing act.”

The system detected no signs of being hacked; KACUSA would have been alerted almost immediately. No, whoever is responsible for this treachery did it from inside KACUSA’s lair. The culprit, without a speck of doubt, has the access into the Headquarter’s and the system itself.

He was quick to identify the harmful programme and destroy it. Once deleted, an alarm blared out, deafening the two. The girl covered her ears with her hands, wincing. The screen was now screaming, ‘INSUFFICIENT ENERGY. FORCE FIELD FUNCTIONING AT 17%.’

Both shared anxious eyes. The colonel wasted no time in commanding the system to restore the energy level back to normal. Soon, the alarm ceased and the power source room regained its peace. This time, the screen informed, ‘ENERGY LEVEL RESTORED. FORCE FIELD FUNCTIONING AT 99.97%’.

“It worked!!” Kairalina held Erik’s arm and congratulated him for his success and brilliance. Erik, nevertheless, was not yet in a joyous mood. Ironically, he was more troubled than ever.

Now, the question is… who is the traitor?