"Following the Li(e)/(ght)s"

Demons… at first glance they are your typical normal human. In reality, they are vicious monsters straight from the underworld. These monsters had set their eyes on earth several millennia ago. They emerged on earth to take on the habitants and rule over earth. But the humans were not ready to give in their homelands just yet. Here’s where the mage part comes. Humans granted with supernatural abilities. They can bend elements to their will, control reality and time, disrupt the flow of nature, break the laws of physics and bend the atmosphere to a certain extent. Not all humans are born with these abilities. And not all humans can give birth to these kinds of humans. The humans who are not bestowed with the power of Color are kept away from the war. They are the everyday normal human. Keeping the normal humans unaware and away from the war is the greater purpose than exterminating demons for mages.

About a month ago

Tokyo International Airport

May 2nd 595 UY, Tokyo, Japan, Mirainr

I wiggled my way out of the terminal. So that’s how a plane ride feels like… I thought my ears were going to pop out. It was fun overall but, I don’t know why people call it scary. I did grit my teeth because my ears were hurting when we took off and while landing and that was all.

I arrived at Japan to work under ma’am Aya. If I remember correctly, it’s a private team of sorts. Not totally under the hands of the military yet official. I started to walk towards the gate where someone will come to pick me up. I stood there in the heat thinking what lies ahead. It’s Aya so I am sure the team’s going to be top-notch. Just as focused as ma’am herself. I saw guards and policemen patrolling the routes, on duty. Only the ones who have the power of Color are assigned for these jobs. Over 60% of world’s population are Color users. Mages and demons combined. It’s hard to tell who’s who. Color is something that the mages are born with. It’s a separate energy made in the human body, to fuel these powers. These powers also have reverse actions. Such as like I witnessed back at Akdteruß mansion; the man who threw a ball of fire at me got his hand burnt while my father got shocked when he zapped another one just to defend himself. These powers consume Color to activate.

It’s been a while... why doesn’t someone show up? It felt a bit awkward, standing under the sun in a foreign country. I checked my wrist watch.What's taking them so much time? It was quite a motion around me. I looked at the normal humans. They were busy minding their own business. Everything around is going with the flow, without disruption though they are not aware of the danger that might attack them anytime. The sole reason for human race's existence is the difference between the intelligence of humans and Demons also that the mages are busier running the world instead of defending. The demons are a lot stronger than an average human. But their endurance is same as a normal human and in terms of intelligence, they fall short. Not that they are heavily impotent but lacks usage. Reverse effect of Color usage is also shorten on the Demons. But the price is brain power.

The war between us mages and Demons started several millennia ago. It was not as wide-broad as it is now. The war for us at that time was simple: defend the world. But now the reason is insipid like water. It’s necessary but vague. Not that the Demons have lost their interest on earth. It was just a long forgotten goal. Still used as an excuse to keep the war on going. But dominating over the other race is the clear objective for both factions. Like a shadow. Always present… but unnoticed.

While thinking about it suddenly someone poked me from behind on my back and I flew 4 feet up in the air with a loud “AHHHH!!” and fell on my knees. I looked around. The people near me got shocked at my reaction.

“Well, someone’s sensitive.” The poker commented.

What a lout. “Who did that? Huh?” I looked behind while standing up. A girl? She’s shorter than me! At least 3/4 inch, maybe more. She’s all scrawny. She has amber hair and yellow eyes. They were complementing her quite well.

“Hi. You’re Rayemond, right?”

“Ye-yes” So... they sent a kid to get me?

“I’m Chini. Chini elfia-Graham.” She lifted her arm to shake hands.

I shook the dust off my pants and rubbed my back where she poked me then shook hands with her, "H-hi. Ni-nice to meet you."

"What's with all the blushing?"

Cuz it feels awkward.

She kept staring at me

"Uh-uhm..."

"Oh, how cute. Heh, don't sweat it."

I'm a bit shy when I first meet someone. I grow more friendly and responsive to them overtime.

“Anyways, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you like hours now.”

“But, it hasn’t been even an hour since the plane landed.”

“Just an expression kiddo. Enough chit-chat, let’s get going.” Woah, she's persistent.

She grabbed my hand and took me out. I got to see the first sight of Tokyo. Nothing special or more ‘Japan like’. The sun’s up high, scorching. We walked to a cab waiting at the gate. The driver took the luggage from my hand and Put it in the trunk. I wanted to sit in the front seat but Chini insisted me to sit behind with her. Or, shall I say, forced me. We sat together and the car took off. I checked the outside using the window. It was quite busy, the roads. First the scorching heat and now traffic jam mixed with a vexing girl... great combo. I kept looking out the window. The only work normal people do are in private facilities; or something that doesn't involve Color. They don’t have much problem against or maybe because they don’t know about it in the first place. It's a colonized society and no one's aware of it except the Color users. Every man's future and life is decided without their consent; in a clever way. That's why there's no rebel act against the system. The normal people wouldn’t be far from this war for long. As time passed the normal humans were heading step by step to the truth. Evolution of technology, order, social media, time itself was taking them forward to the truth. The normal people are the ones who named them Demons. It was just a made up name that even the mages used. For them they were monsters who defy God. But after all it was just a myth. Half, undiscovered truth. Just one of the spiritual and religious assumptions. The mages had to do something before this myth of theirs became the truth.

In the modern era also know as the 21st century, a big battle between the mages and Demons occurred. Not all of the signs of the battle were erased. Normal people had witnessed some of the signs. Super natural events, increase of natural calamities, ghost sightings, all had increased in a suspicious rate. Which made the United Nations to search for the truth. As time passed searching for the truth and leading the world, The United Nations became stronger than ever. They were the kings of the world. They were at control of everything. Not even the government had any power over their countries. It was UN who took all the responsibilities to themselves. Thriving as the dictator over the world; UN would come to the truth one day. The mages had to take care of it. If the world came to know about the war, the mages feared that it’ll lead to a greater catastrophe. After many trials and errors, Hatching up plans, uniting the mages they came up with a plan. The mages decided to create an organization which will rival the United Nations. This organization was called, Super Nation. At first this organization was a small terrorist group. A lot of small terrorists group. But that was at least 3 millennia ago. They ruined and terrorized the world. But it helped the world to stabilize it's order, by tearing itself apart. But the terrorists weren't the only rebellious group. There were more small political and international organizations. But I'm lacking on the details. After all, it was almost 3000 years ago from now on. These so called terrorists spread like a disease all over the world. First they established themselves as a threat to humanity. As time passed, terrorists and other organization joined forces to oppose UN. They united and named themselves Super Nation to oppose the UN. It was a strategy all along. Spread into groups, then unite and fight. Over the years they reached the same level as UN. They attacked them from within and slowed them down for the sake of humanity. As time passed SN had toppled UN. But UN was not going to go down without a fight. Right about when they were about to be finished they took their last stand, The World War III. The most gruesome battle humanity had ever witnessed. Near annihilation of the world is an understatement to describe the war. SN won eventually because of Color. But it wasn’t an easy fight. The tech and weaponries were much advanced than that of SN. Not to mention it was SN against the whole world. But SN managed to come out as victor after all. They won alright, but torn the world apart literally. The people of the world didn’t take them as their leader right away. But over the years bending the truth, erasing memories, manipulation, rewriting history; they won the normal peoples trust. It was a nasty job but the intention was pure. Over time the humans understood and accepted them. SN created a new world out of the ashes, Euntritia. Terrorism, global conflict and other international dangers were decreased to a very low number because of the efforts of SN. But it also had its downside. The price for peace and harmony was the devolution of science and technology. Years after years mankind was returning to it’s past. SN was aware of the situation. They brought new technologies to the world ensuring the stability of science and humanity’s evolution. Blending magic with technology. the world is not like as it was in hands of UN. SN became the dictator of the world. The normal people didn’t care much about it. They were and kept themselves away from the world, leading their own life. Thus giving the mages the opportunity to rule the world as they see fit and just. Some 700 years ago, The SN had divided the world in 4 Super-Nation instead of 7 continents. The world changed. It is not like what it was 3000 years ago in the 21st century. Continents are not what they were. Emerge, submerge, division has changed everything like it is supposed to be, changed. I read about men who discovered lands. Like some Columbus discovering America. A kind-hearted mother Teresa voluntarily taking care of people. An overly hated Hitler who’s purpose was to wipe-out a certain race of men. Sports had major role in life back then. Now it’s only done for professional purposes. Land name and distribution is simpler now and better than ages ago. It is not continent now but Super-Nation. Unlike before Euntritia is not dependable of each and every land mass. It was the earth, mother earth that needed each everything and everyone to survive, that’s why they would keep all sorts of connection with each other for food, technology and so on. Now each super nation is dependent and reliable on their own. Relations are not that hearty either. Not that it had been burned to the ground but not so well structured. It is a new world and I’m damn sure people thousands of years ago didn’t expect anything like this.

I was busy checking out the environment. It's very different from Germany. The 4 SN are vastly different from each other. But they are similar within there own lands.

“So how was Stuttgart?” She popped out of the blue.

“Not much fancy. But it was better than my former life.”

“You’re the only one to get such a special treatment.”

“Yeah, I can say.”

“And, how was AI?”

Was she talking about Aya? “Are you talking about ma’am?” Who is she? I’ve never seen anyone calling her so informally.

“Of course, who else could Ai be?” I don’t know... someone else? Are you eager to get your head detached??

“3 years.” I replied.

“ahh... 3 years... What was she like?”

“Strict?” Hardcore actually.

“She’s now a general because of that STRICTNESS.”

“Ge-General?” how could someone be a general only in 6 years? I didn’t know she was that old...

“Anything else?” She harked.

“Very stoic, strong and bold. Epitome of perfection I guess. But there’s this one particular quality that caught my conscious.”

“And that’d be?” Why is she so persuasive about it? Not to mention, she’s talking very casual about her. Wait, are they blood related? Nope, never. They are complete polar opposite. Not to mention she has a very ‘kiddy’ voice. A naughty kid’s...

I continued, “When the word came out that I was to work beside her the Chief and also my instructor wouldn’t let me join her. He made an excuse that a human in the army is enough. But someone like me working with her would make her look like a laughing- stock. To this her reply was that if I work with her it wouldn’t make her look low but rather it’ll make me look someone with high prestige. In short she believes that whatever she got and she wants is the best. But not in a typical sense.” I wonder if I phrased that right.

“Oh, I get it...anyw-“

“So where are we headed?” I asked her before she could complete her sentence to change the topic.

“Headquarters.”

She didn't ask anything else. And I want it to stay that way. So, I also kept my mouth shut and looked away.

I do have a bit information of the environment of the 21st century. Comparing now and then; there isn’t much change. But only that, it’s bit more natural now. Though it’s totally not same; and not that different. The world is in 4 parts now. 4 almost different worlds. All of them are with their own qualities and features.

Super-Nation 1

Libertia:

The leading Super-Nation of Euntritia. The law of the world. The capital kingdom of the empire. They divided the world into 4 Super-Nations almost 700 years ago. This Super-Nation consist the continents North America & Australia. It also consist the North-Pacific making it the biggest SN in terms of water lands. The people of this SN are not so war concentrated. They are the higher-ups who oversee the world and war.

Super-Nation 2

Chefarre:

Also known as ‘Obsidia’. They are the ones who started the conflict with UN; Heroes of our salvation. This Super-Nation includes Africa, South-America and West Asia and South Atlantic. This SN is biggest because of the land count. The mages in this SN are the strongest in terms of physical attributes. The mages of this SN are only co-operating with others only because of one common enemy, the Demons. If the war was over, and a civil war for world domination occurred, they’d be the ones responsible for waging it. Because of their pride they keep themselves isolated from the world compared to the rest.

Super-Nation 3

Pendragon:

The most powerful military of the empire. This SN includes Europe, West Russia and Greenland. Also the North Atlantic Ocean. The mages of this SN are the most skilled in battle and Color usage. Also know as the soldiers of war. They are also the most connected to their past self like Mirainr. They still hold their traditions and culture instead of renewing it or leave it.

Super-Nation 4

Mirainr:

The most beautiful SN in existence thanks to Mother Nature. But that’s only limited to the south province. This SN includes East-Asia and East-Russia. Technologically they are the most advanced. And that’s only limited to the north. Along with North-Pacific They are also the most traditional. This SN is unique because of its coin like nature. One side being natural while the other side is artificial. They are brimming with natural resources and technology.

4 worlds, 1 objective. When the flames of war are over and the smoke clears, it won’t take much time to turn against each other. After all, peace was never meant for humans. Just an excuse; lie. Thriving victorious against the other was, is and always will be the true meaning of human existence. People will always fight against each other; with and without reason. Taking matters to head is something and taking them on shoulder is another.It’s a lust, a desire that can never be quenched nor understood. After all, conflict is what makes the evolution of humanity on going. Hatred over each other is what makes them interesting and what makes them the best is conscious.

After quite a long ride, we arrived at a school. I asked her,” I thought we were headed to headquarters.”

“But this is the headquarters, HardStone Academy.”

Then she pointed at a 2 storeyed building inside the school campus.

“That’s a convenient place to hide HQ.” I complemented.

“Who’s hiding?”

What?

She’s short and doesn’t have much sense of formal manners, a clown through and through. Might not be the one to keep the encounters steady. But good for outside of the box.

We got out of the car. The driver came out and pulled my stuff out of the trunk. I carried them. Then the driver took off. WHY DID I HAVE TO PAY THE FARE? Chini was standing at the gate waving at me to follow her. I entered the school. It was huge. But very low amount of students.

“It’s such a magnificent place. Are only the posh people around here because it’s hard to afford?”

“No. It’s a mage school. Outsiders are not allowed in here. There’s a great demand of this school in the area but not everyone is accepted except the children from mage family.”

No wonder...

We were walking on the campus and suddenly a new voice appeared from behind.

“Chini-Chan!!!” someone came running at us. Finally, someone who is Japanese. She was wearing school uniforms.

“Hey Miki, skipping classes lately?”

“I DON’T SKIP CLASS!!” hmm, I guess she has a huge pride... wait, every woman has that. Except if you are Chini.

Then she looked at me and said, “Oh, hi there.” She had straight black hair, and very deep black eyes. She’s a bit taller than me. Of course... why not?

“She’s also a member of our team.”(Chini)

“My name is Yuki Mitzuki."

I tried to keep a straight face and said, “Oh, my name is Rayemond lynn-Akdteruß.”

"Don't worry Miki he's a bit shy."

"Oh, how cute."

Don't tempt me.

“R-amu-stei....” She tried to call my name.

“I think you need a bit practice.”

I thought she was a relative or something of Chini. But I never expected her to be a member.

“So, where are you headed?” Chini asked her.

“Oh, I was going to meet Kirisaki-San. I heard she’s with Aya-Sama.”

“We were also headed there. Care to join us?” Chini offered.

“Sure.”

She has a very friendly tone and a lovely charm. Good for deception. But I don’t know if she can use it as a skill. Or maybe she’s friendly towards us because she’s using her skill. She’s warm and kind. Just your average girl.

The 3 of us then headed for the HQ building. We reached the second floor and Yuki opened the door. It was a big room. Very big. I landed my eyes on the left and saw a huge clock. I took a look around and found that it was well oriented and immaculate. The atmosphere was clear and sound. It also had all sorts of rooms. It’s more like an apartment. Anyone could live here. I tried look for some faces. A boy about my age was sitting on the couch. There was also another girl. Standing, her back was against the wall. She was doing something on her cell phone. A clicking noise came from it. And then I saw her, Aya. The girl who told me about the world and how it worked. And filled me with lies. But I don't blame her. Children needs to be known to the light side of life. She's just doing her job. And I have no problem with that at the moment.

She saw us and said, “You’re late Chini.”

“C’mon Ai, ye know how much traffic’s out there in the rush hours.” IS SHE ON A SUICIDE MISSION?

“Or perhaps you were taking a detour.”

“Nah... We bumped into Miki while we were heading here.” Who is she? Ma’am’s close relative?

She didn’t answer. She was reading some papers. Quiet seriously.

“I’m impressed Raye. You’ve done well for a human in this past 6 years.” She turned to me.

“Uhm, Thank you.”

“You’re very pragmatic and phlegm. You don’t have much strength but you know how to utilize it thanks to your brain. You also seemed to survive in extreme conditions. Your body is very hardy, but conditional; Something unexpected from you judging by your posture. But the most interesting part of your body is, it can heal scars. But the reports say that it’s not because of Color. A huge mistery that is. Your parents might be the reason to that. But it's just a hunch. You’re morality and decision making is also wise. Trusting the army to you wouldn’t be a bad idea but, everything comes at a price."

“And that price would be?” Chini asked her. I wonder why she's curious about it.

She stood up and said, “Your HUMANITY.”

Everyone stood still as if the time had frozen. Even the clicking sound stopped.

“But I wouldn’t say you’re a robot.” Aya broke the silence.

What’s that supposed to mean?

“Of course there is another price... That’d be your physique.”

Chini sniggered.

“Look who’s talking, shorty.” I teased her.

“Now now, you don’t insult your superiors or even elders.”

“Yeah right, someone short as you could be 1 or 2 years older than me”

“I’m 22”

*LIGHTNING STRIKE*

“Great, as if we didn’t have enough handicaps.” The girl who was playing games boomed out of nowhere.

“He’s at least better than you.” Ma’am came to my defense.

“Better than me? Oh yeah shorty?? Bring it on!!” What a snob.

“Desperation won’t solve anything.” I told her.

“Who is she?” I asked Yuki.

“She’s Una Kirisaki.” She answered me. She had short red hair and brown eyes. Her physical appearance was just like me... but only taller. An inch perhaps?

“Girls with small ASSETS always have a bad temper.” Chini commented.

She covered her chest and said, “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT YOU PERVERT?!?!”

“I was talking about your brain. What do you think I was talking about you nitwit?”

She was all red. Her eyes were still as rock. She was so embarrassed as if she was about to cry out. I laughed out. Yuki tried to hold her laughter.

So, she has a hot temper and desperate to climb over others. Not the one to fool around with. But not good at keeping a calm game in hand. Someone I wouldn't want to keep beside me. But rather use as a tool.

The boy on the couch stood up.

“Oh, how are ye doin’ yer majesty?” Chini asked him.

“Majesty?” I asked.

“He’s the prince of Pendragon.” Yuki told me.

What’s the prince doing here?

He walked to me and said, “Nice to meet you. I’m Lars Mikheil Pendragon.”

Are you British or are you Russian? He had brown hair. And blue eyes. He is taller than me. Similar to Aya. 3/4 inch. A very calm face. I can tell it is made up. Nothing new from a member of the royalty.

“I didn’t expect you to wear boy’s clothes.” Was that a joke?

“ehm... what?”

Chini guffawed.

“Wait, what? she’s a boy?” Lars realized.

“What do you think I was!?” IN WHICH ANGLE DO I LOOK LIKE A GIRL?? AND AFTER THE CONVERSATION WE HAD HE COULDN’T GET A CLUE?

Naïve nature. But he keeps up a strong pose. Just a fake shield. And it’s also his real value. With the prince in our hand, we have a great political advantage. But it varies depending on the situation.

“Nope, you’re sensitive.” Chini replied.

“It’s not sensitivity. It’s just that whenever someone touches me I feel it bit too much than usual. It’s not like it tickles or hurts. It’s just too strong for me to handle” I told them

“That’s exactly what sensitivity is.” Una replied.

"It doesn't activate from physical injury but rather when touched on a focused point on the sensitive parts."

“Then why don’t we check it out?” Chini came up to me and slapped on my back then...

“Did... he... just fainted??” (Yuki)

I woke up on the couch. I searched for my glasses. It is on the table right beside the couch. I checked the clock. It has been like 10 minutes since I passed out. I stood up. I am feeling a little groggy. Only I, Chini, Aya and Yuki are present in the room.

“Welcome back.” Chini greeted me.

“Don't do that!” I pleaded her.

Yuki passed me a water bottle. I opened the cap and drank on it. It was brackish than the one in Stuttgart. Guess settling in japan would take a bit of time.

“Here.” Yuki came up to me, with a packet in her hand.

“Oh, What’s this?” I asked her

“Your school uniform.” Yuki replied

“Uniform?”

“U-N-I-F-O-R-M. Uni-Form. A piece of cloth that you wear while attending or working in an institute.”(Chini)

“I know what a uniform is!!” I replied.

“You’ll be attending school until you graduate.” Ma’am told me.

“But why do I need to attend it?” I asked.

“You need a proper graduation to fully apply in the military.”

Ahh, I see, they let me to apply for the army though I am a human. I’ve trained for 6 years in an private institute. At least I need some kind of degree to show my worth officially.

“And I’ve already skipped your 2 years in school though you are already a year younger for the current year and also you’ll be joining in the half of the semester... do you want any more exception?” Aya told me.

“Here, put it on.” (Yuki)

“Oh, you want me to try it on?”

“No, we want you to attend class starting now.” (Aya)

“Right now? Today?”

“Yes right now. There are plenty of vacant room up ahead. You can use one of them.” Aya replied.

Hmm, guess I can check out the place I’m dealing with.

Aya is not the one to fool around with. She's smart and good in combat. Mind games don't work with her. She also has the ability to manipulate the game her way. She doesn't let personal emotions get the better of her. She always keeps a straight and stoic face. A strong personality capable of leadership.

I picked up the packet and entered a room. Well furnished. Fitting for someone like ma'am. I changed the clothes and stood aside a mirror to check myself. Black pants and white shirt. With a Black Coat along with a tie. A red one. It was a bit big for me but nothing alarming.

I came out of the room and Chini took a picture of me. “This one’s going to the album.”

I came to the main hall. Yuki was waiting for me. She grabbed my hand and said, “C’mon, let’s go. Classes are about to begin.”

We got out together. Then I remembered, I don’t have any books. I asked her, “What about books?”

“Don’t worry. It’s all done. We have a set prepared in the classroom.”

I and Yuki went out of the office.

“So, how did the revelations go?” Aya asked Chini.

Chini took a deep breath, “You were right. You should’ve sent someone else to pick him up.”

Chini looked down for a moment then started again and tried to sound cheerful, “Don’t worry, for now he doesn’t pose a threat. When you look at him from afar away he looks calm and seems as if he has a cold demeanour. But when you talk to him personally, he is just shy and has a very cute attitude. But no one will call him cute if they knew what he did and went through in Stuttgart along with Brandenburg. Not that he's cute on the outside and psycho on the inside. He's normal and shy; aware of his actions and doesn't hesitate to pull the trigger. Simply put, he has outgrown that weakness. Actually, he never had any... I like him.”

“What do you think? Is he hostile?”

“He isn’t the one to kill first and ask questions later. Also not the one to react slowly. He has a dynamic mindset. I don’t think he’ll turn that for the time being.”

“That is for now and current situation. He might change his actions some other time. All the more reason to keep an eye, no, lots of eyes on him.”

Aya stood up and walked towards the glass wall behind her work desk. "Rayemond... his parents died while protecting him. Because he's a human his parents didn't let him know about the secrets. But they ended up keeping him isolated from existence. But if the THEORY is true, we can use him. The problem is, we are wasting too much on it I suppose."

Someday 589UY, London, Britain, Pendragon

Colossus Fortress de Camelot

“So, what happened to Rayemond?” Sir Tyler asked Aya.

“He was self voluntary to join.” She Replied.

“Did you brief him up?”

“I lied about him about the origin of war and many more topics.”

“Akdteruß is dead. If Rayemond choses to stay in peace, he may. If he wants to bathe in fire, I nor anyone will interfere. After all, there is a POSIBILTY.”

“That’s why he’s coming with me in Japan.”

He narrowed his eyes a bit, “Are you sure? The prince is also your duty.”

“He won’t turn. Besides, I have set commandoes to survey him at all times. We also implanted a tracer on the left side of his stomach of which he is unaware of.” She assured him.

“Are you certain that is enough?” He was doubtful about it.

Aya stood up from the chair and said, “He is just a kid… human nonetheless. If worst comes to worst, it won't be hard to put him aside. And anyways, he was never meant to be our main plan. And second priority."

To Be Continued

Name(s), Character(s) & other element(s) are subject to change without notice. Many element(s) of this franchise might be taken over to another resulting a ban to this franchise.

21st July 2017