A Rude Awakening

The sound of men marching was heard from less than a mile away. A couple of minutes later, they appeared with their feet pounding on the gravel. The dirt that was sent up into the air mixed with the gray clouds that swam across the dark blue sky. It was very unusual for Copper Town’s sky to be like this. It was usually Opaque Pink or a light shade of Lavender if it was a beautiful day. The darkness of the sky hinted that foul play was going on. The group of soldiers marched down the path of the town and one by one split off into the door steps of the houses. They knocked on the doors and entered on their own accord searching for the one thing their King told them to.1

The people of the houses were surprised at the act that was going on. Some attacked the soldiers, but it ended in their death. Others stood at the corner, afraid to stand for themselves. But the majority were the ones that were running around frantic because of what was happening. The soldiers started coming out of the house, some empty handed, and others holding babies in their arms. They walked up to the middle of the town and put the babies in a pile. Their mother’s screamed at the top of their lungs, fighting their way towards their babies, but ended up on the floor injured or dead. No one could have done anything, because there was nothing possible to do. As the last few soldiers got out of the houses and dropped the babies into the pile, all got quiet.2

Footsteps were heard, coming from the direction the soldiers had come. Everyone looked and saw the man of power, the King. He carried a torch in his hand with blazing fire that burnt everything it licked. He walked over to the pile of babies and threw the torch on them. The shrieking screams of the babies rang in everyone’s ears. The mothers screamed and cried out for them. The mixture of emotions they felt was clearly visible on their faces. Fear about dying, scared for their lives, pain they felt from being separated from their babies. They shouted insults at the King. But he just looked at the mothers and laughed. He was the ruler of Aydest and they were just his servants. He had the power to do anything he wanted. His power now was letting the babies die in an inferno.3

The smoke of the fire was being driven by the wind towards the busy town of Hazel. People looked and pointed towards the smoke, surprised that a simple house fire could create so much smoke.4

“The smoke is darker than usual, and there’s so much. That fire must be big,” said one of the towns lady to her friend. The people continued to stare at it for one last moment before they continued with their work. The streets were lined with tenets and stands, where people passed by once in a while to see the items that they had in stock. Merchants were trading with others, the people stopped to have a friendly conversation, and some even argued over the fact of who should be the right king of Aydest. The children laughed and played childish games that the adults wouldn’t approve of but didn’t really care. No one knew the real reason why the smoke was there and of what was happening in Copper Town.5

In the heart of Hazel Town, a group of people, about a hundred of them sat around a elderly man who was getting ready to speak. He rubbed his trimmed beard and thought of a story to tell. The people sat patiently, waiting to hear the latest story by the town’s famous story teller. Some of course, thought that they were waiting too long for a story, but none aside from one spoke out.6

“Come on, Dyami, hurry up before we get old.”7

Dyami the story teller looked at him and simply laughed. “Do not make me tell your mother what you were doing yesterday.” As the kid that spoke put his head down in embarrassment, Dyami went back to thinking. Finally, after a silent moment he had a story. 8

“Thousands of years ago, it was said that the Gods of above came down from the Heavens and granted us with good and evil. Ever since then, every century, two children were born with powers. They would be able to control any element of magic such as Fire, Air, Thunder, Water, and Earth. After so many years of just calling them The Ones, we came up with a name for them, Elementals. These special people used to be chosen to defend the world from the war against Darkness. But there was a problem involved. One of the Elementals was the Darkness. We thought that the God’s gifts were curses laid upon us for the stupidity and damage we inflicted upon our world. We became segregated with the special people and never spoke to them again. But yet, our foolishness did not inflict them and they kept on fighting for our safety and survival. The two Elementals would fight with their army at their side until death was brought upon one of them. The only way the war ended, was if the good Elemental used the Ultimate Power, or better known as The Power of Light. Thus killing the bad Elemental. Or the war could have favored the Darkness and let them finish us with The Power of Dark. No one knew how the war would end.” 9

The people talked to one another excitedly about what they had heard but silenced when the man continued.10

“Now, every time an Elemental died, two new ones were born. This went on for years and years without a single break. And sometimes, there would be four Elementals at a time. Because no matter how many were born because of the deaths, every century two new ones were born. The King, and the ancestor of our King, at that time, wanted more power than he had. And the only way he could get more power is if he controlled an Elemental but they knew better than to join his side. They fought against him until death overcame them. But the King found a better way to gain power. He offered the darkness riches. The Darkness agreed to the Kings plan of defeating the Elementals and making an army of Darkness to rule the world.11

“Since the Elementals were getting killed and two new ones were born, they continued the pattern of kill and collect and before no time, thousand’s of Darkness were alive. They destroyed the whole world and took over everything. Not a single piece of land was left untouched. Some were even destroyed and never rebuilt. But then about a thousand years ago, or less, an Elemental was born in secret. He grew up and mastered his magic. The King of the time suspected that something was wrong but could never put a finger on it. Until one day when he was ambushed and he and his kingdom got destroyed.12

“The only thing left to do was have the Darkness defeat him and train the Kings son to be the ruler. But they, like the King, crumbled into ash’s and died. The Elemental was stronger and wiser than they were. He was also different then the previous ones. He was the strongest being alive, and to take out all the Darkness, he gave up his life to use The Power of Light. But something went terribly wrong. Whoever and whatever was near got destroyed along with him. This all happened here, where we now sit.”13

Everyone looked at the man, wide eyed with amazement. A pregnant woman, around the age of mid-twenties, looked at him and thought for a while on if she should speak. She plucked up her courage and asked,14

“How can you tell if your child is an Elemental? And if they are, how can you tell if they’re good or evil?”15

The aging man looked at her, a mysterious gleam in his eyes. He hesitated for a moment and continued watching her. He looked at her round belly before he spoke. And when he did, it was low and calm.16

“For your first question, you can only tell if your child is an Elemental when they first open their eyes after being born and when they use their magic. An Elemental is already born with magic, and the power it first learns, is the color their iris turn when they’re born. For example, if you child is born with the power of Air, their iris will turn crystal. Whenever the Elemental uses magic, their iris will turn the color of the magic they’re going to use. Ruby for Fire, Crystal for Air, Topaz for Thunder, Sapphire for Water, and Emerald for Earth.” He paused for a while, every word he spoke consumed his breath. But it wasn’t long before he continued. 17

“For your second question, there is no way to tell if an Elemental is good or evil. Only they know which side they lie in. The public only finds out when they use their Ultimate Power. Or by the actions they do towards the public. There are some people who can tell them apart. But other than that we’re clueless.” He looked around, waiting for someone to speak.18

The same boy who rushed Dyami, stood up and took a deep breath before he spoke. Clearly mocking the pregnant lady.19

“If what you say is true, then why isn’t there an Elemental now? Why don’t we see any action around here?” He had a triumph look on his face, which sadly confused Dyami. Some of the group nodded in agreement.20

Dyami shook his head and sighed. “Why must you always question me? But, there are not any Elementals because ever since that battle they just stopped appearing.” 21

“Stopped appearing? How?” replied the boy with slight interest this time. His mocking voice disappeared.22

“Yes, they just stopped appearing,” Dyami replied, “That is the great mystery.” He stared off into space at his last sentence.23

No one spoke towards him but to each other in whispers. He sat there for a while and took this as a sign to leave. He bade himself farewell and started walking towards his house.24

People were speechless at the information they just learned. Little kids walked off acting as if they were using magic. The pregnant woman stood up, rubbing her stomach, and looked up towards the heavens above. She slowly walked towards her house, opening the door, and walked inside.25

“Honey, I’m back home,” she said as she put her coat on top of a rocking chair. She walked with a little curve in her back and sat down on a chair with a comfort seat. She called once more for her husband when all of a sudden he appeared at the back door.26

“Yes?” came a deep voice followed by a man walking inside the house. He wore brown Knee Breeches, torn I various place. He wore no shirt, showing his tan complexion. His skin ripped into a muscular form. He walked over to his wife and gave her a peck on the lips, tickling her with his black goatee.27

“Where have you been?” she asked, tapping her foot impatiently on the floor. Her husband looked at her with a smirk on his face.28

“You know I was outside with the ladies. They needed a man to help with some stuff,” he said as he pushed his chest out trying to act macho. 29

“Morin Rems Soever! I’ll give you stuff all right.” She started laughing as he looked at her with a surprised look on his face.30

“Did you just use my full name?” he asked, “Mrs. Anya Scepter Soever?” He picked her up and put her on the couch and started kissing her.31

She acted as if she didn’t want to kiss him, but let her lips slide onto his once or twice. All of a sudden she felt the couch get damp. She quickly put her hands onto her stomach feeling a pain like no other.32

“Honey stop! I’m having the baby,” she exclaimed. Her voice breaking down in nervousness. Morin quickly stopped and looked around, not knowing what to do. He picked up Anya and put her on top of their bed.33

There was a rapid knock at the door and Morin ran to open it. At the foot of the door was one of the town’s blacksmith and friend of Morin. He looked over towards Anya and muttered a few words in his breath. He looked at Morin, dragged him outside, and closed the door behind him with a worried look on his face.34

“What’s wrong, Credent?” Morin asked. Credent looked at him and quickly spoke.35

“Anya needs to have that baby quick and hide it fast,” he said in an urging tone. When Morin gave him a confused look, he continued. “Word has just come that the King killed all the babies in copper Town.”36

“For what reason?” Morin yelled. Credent just shrugged and continued.37

“Now he’s coming here to kill the babies in this town. Most of them are hidden now. Others are going from house to house warning everyone. I have to go now. There are others to be warned.” He ran to the next house and quickly started knocking.38

Anya screamed in pain and indicated that the baby was on its way. Morin ran back into the house, locked all the doors, and ran to Anya and kneeling down.39

“What was that about?” She asked. When he didn’t answer, she asked again with a higher tone. “What was that about Morin!” He looked at her and tried to hold back his tears.40

“Nothing. Credent just wanted to know if I could make him something. Now come on our baby is about to be born.” About ten minutes into the process there was a strong knock at the door and the knob turned. Morin looked at Anya and muttered under his breath, “The King!”41

He looked over at his wife and spoke in an argent tone,” Anya you need to have that baby fast. And try not to make any noise, or else we’ll get caught.”42

“Caught from what? She asked. But Morin simply shook his head and urged her to have the baby. Another knock came at the door, this time it was stronger and more rapid then the last. Anya continued to deliver the baby as the knocking grew louder with more force. She tried to silence her screams but they just seemed to slip out of her mouth. She gave one lost push and all was quiet. There was a knock at the back door and Morin went to go answer it.43

“Your Majesty! It’s a pleasure to see you. Is there something wrong?” Morin asked. His voice cracking with fear. The King entered the house at his own accord and started looking around. His short stout nose seemed to touch and inspect everything. His face had a smooth look to it, except for the soul patch. His bald head reflected with the light, his whole image was grim like.44

“No.” His simple word gave a shudder to Morin, but he didn’t let it get the best of him. “I’m just here to do some…raiding.” Morin’s keen eyes followed him wherever he went. The King looked around, inside, and under many things. He walked up to a cabinet and touched the handle. He looked over to Morin and Anya who were both sweating and quickly let go of the handle. He walked towards Morin and said, “You’re good. I shall leave now.” And with that he left the house, not bothering to close the door behind him.45

Morin closed the door and locked it. His face held a relieved expression as he looked at Anya. He walked up to the cabinet where the King just was and opened it. Inside was his baby girl who just nascented into the world. He carefully picked her up and took her towards Anya who still looked confused. He handed the baby over to her, who was sitting up right, ready to take a hold of her angel. The baby wasn’t crying, something Morin thought strange.46

“Do you care to tell me what that was about?”47

Morin hesitated for a while but decided that it was best for her to know. “The King killed all the babies in Copper Town.”48

“What? That’s a horrid thing to do! Why would he do such thing?” She was taken aback and started crying for all the babies that died.49

“I don’t know, but he now came here to kill all the babies here in Hazel.”50

Anya stared at him and started crying even harder. “So you’re saying, he was after our unborn child and all the others here?” Why didn’t you tell me Morin?” she screamed.51

“Because, I thought that it would be worse if you knew what was going on. That you wouldn’t have the baby until he left. If you did do that the baby would have died, along with you.”52

“Yes, I guess you’re right. I’m sorry for yelling at you.” She looked at the baby in her arms and started playing with her. The baby started crying, but not in pain. It was tears of relief. As if she knew what had happened. They continued to watch her and looked with awe as she opened her eyes. Her aquamarine eyes looked up at her parents. She opened her mouth in a way that made her seem as if she were smiling, until she closed her eyes to blink. Her mouth closed, and when she opened her eyes again, they were no longer aquamarine. Her iris was red, looking much like a rube, and it stayed that way until she blinked again a minute later.53

Anya and Morin stared at each other with their mouths open. They looked back at the baby who opened her eyes again. She stared at them with her original aquamarine, smiling as if nothing happened.54

“What the hell was that?” Morin asked with an aghast look on his face. Anya looked at him with the biggest frown on her face. She told him all that she heard from the storyteller. Morin’s eyes widened with every sentence. When she finished talking, he looked back at his daughter laughing.55

“My little baby! An Elemental? I can’t believe it.” He was astonished from the news he had just heard. He just couldn’t believe that this little baby would soon grow up into a beautiful woman and save the world. He kissed his daughter in the cheek and looked at his wife. His wife kept a serious look on her face.56

“Anya what’s the matter?”57

“It’s just that, at the end when she fights the Darkness, she has to give up her life to defeat it. And think of all the dangers she’ll be facing. Don’t you think she won’t be ready for it? I’m worried sick that she’s not ready to accept who she is.” A single tear streamed down her face. She wiped it away with her hand and looked at Morin.58

“Yes I do think about that. She’ll be read no matter what. She’s got us with her and when she goes to fight the Darkness, she’ll accept the consequences.” Her face stayed serious. No one talked for a couple of minutes, until Morin broke the silence.59

:Have you chosen a name for our little savior yet?” Morin asked, his arm around Anya. Her kissed her in the lips and said, “You can choose it not matter what.”60

She looked at him, smiled, and nodded. She had been thinking of a name ever since the baby was born. She turned to Morin, a tear in her eye. She couldn’t believe it. She had a child of all her own and the King wanted to kill her. Anya was lucky to have this child. The baby taught her that not everyone was what they seemed.61

She stared at her husband and said, “I have chosen a name. I thought very well on it and it is the one.” She looked at the baby and shed another tear before she continued, and when she did she only said on word.62

“Faith.”