《Soldiers of Light》Chapter 4 – The Aftermath
Advertisement
Ask yourself the following question: How would you define evil?
I imagine you'd cite a comprehensive list comprising: Merciless dictators, infamous serial killers or possibly even corrupt governments and organisations, however is anything, (or indeed anyone) inherently evil? Did those seemingly evil personalities begin their lives as soulless reincarnations of a Luciferian devil? Humans are born from light; whatever faith, spiritual or intellectual understanding you align yourself towards, "Light" remains an eternally existent entity, slowly diminishing within the venomous and unrelenting darkness. Darkness births within the light, however the light will never truly be extinguished, inevitably returning to maintain balance in this infinitely wondrous universe within which we reside.
Perhaps this is why I remain ever hesitant, unable to castigate those abundantly dark individuals in spite of hasty outcries telling me otherwise. My beliefs never overstep the boundaries into altruism, however a belief in morality and the potential for good to overcome evil can't be wrong. In similar fashion to Oskar Schindler's noble quest, the dangers remain ever-present and yet for now my resolve remains unwavering. However, every human has a breaking point, as a great man once said:
"Either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain."
Therefore, the question remains: How much more can I possibly endure before finally falling head-first over the edge??
===========================================================================================
"Miss Marcien-san, your timing has been almost a tenth of a second slower than usual. I believe this session would prove more beneficial at a later date."
Sienna Marcien's pent up frustration was released with one final exasperated cry, her right ankle connecting firmly with the bottom of the large red boxing bag held by her trainer Komugi. Regardless of how much power or weight she threw behind her punches or kicks; the bag remained permanently immovable, as if being held steadfast by plates forged of reinforced diamond.
Advertisement
"Komugi, I see you maintain your stubbornness in refusing to refer to me on a first name basis. Your uncompromising dedication towards your Japanese heritage remains truly remarkable…. Also please forgive my unusual lack of effort…. I'm still... Somewhat in disbelief."
"Perfectly understandable Miss Marcien-san. The steam room has been prepared for your immediate use; I shall now humbly proceed to take my leave." Absolute efficiency, never wasting even a single Joule of energy for a menial day-to-day occurrence such as frivolous small talk. Komugi Itawabi was Japanese ex secret service, hired to personally hone the fighting abilities of the elite warriors within the SoL. Bowing his head in typically polite fashion, Komugi silently exited the 12 ft by 12 ft matted sparring-room, providing the Portuguese beauty some solitary privacy in order to recover.
Dressed in a pulsating skin-tight black vest and matching shorts; Sienna glanced down towards the 2 tiny puddles of sweat collecting in extremely unfeminine fashion directly below her tape-strapped hands. As is habit amongst soldiers requiring momentary thinking time; Sienna's eyes glossed over whilst involuntarily clenching and unclenching her fist, before proceeding to rip the tape off her hands and wipe any remaining sweat onto the side of her vest.
"Ami….. If only… I was there… Maybe… Things could have been different." Whispering under her breath; Sienna's words lacked conviction, tainted by feelings of despondency and regret. Wishes to reverse the flow of time, stem from self-destructive feelings of helplessness, inevitably culminating in a never-ending cycle of negativity. However, being a veteran within the SoL meant acting as a role model for the new recruits. Having joined the SoL as an eager yet reckless youth at the sprightly age of 24; 6 years down the line and her refusal to publicly display emotion highlighted not only her resolute strength of character but furthermore, the astonishing rate of development in her maturity, fondly admired by both superiors and juniors alike.
Advertisement
With a small reminiscent shake of her head and an extremely weary sigh; Sienna trundled into the women's changing room, carefully stripping off her clothes and undergarments before scrutinising the bruising she'd come to expect from a typically intense Komugi training session. Content with the acceptable levels of damage, (whilst also stealing a few customary glances towards her famously pert behind), Sienna proceeded to wrap the cosy lavender-scented towel around her naturally tanned skin, paying careful attention to cover anything which could potentially have her labelled as an exhibitionist.
The recently-built, state of the art WFA facility was situated deep within the heart of Tokyo, Japan; on account of being co-funded by numerous governments around the world, its resources were virtually limitless. Therefore, it's only fitting that in-house facilities, (in particular for members of the cherished SoL) would be the utmost premium. The gym, sparring mats, swimming pool, tennis courts and boxing ring were available for either gender. However, each gender-specific changing room contained multiple showers, a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, whilst physiotherapists and massage therapists were available around the clock. Personal entertainment facilities were also readily available comprising: A cinema, bar, skating rink, arcade room and karaoke room. Finally, nutritional provisions were comparative to 5-star Michelin quality; world-renowned chefs working 24 hours a day to provide irresistible palates, with careful consideration towards dietary and nutrient requirements.
Slight detour in narrative notwithstanding; Sienna wrapped her fingers firmly around the large brushed-metal handle of the steam-room door before proceeding to open the door, immediately finding herself enveloped in a thick plume of steam forcing a hasty aversion of her gaze.
"You're letting all the steam out, hurry inside and close the door."
Being caught unaware twice in the space of roughly 30 seconds was generally unheard of for the fastidiously alert veteran; Komugi's constant reminders towards maintaining a professional and emotional balance began feeling increasingly important. Subsequently the origin of the emotionless voice ordering Sienna to close the door was never in doubt. The harshness of tone, outright refusal to address Sienna by name and (most importantly), the overarching arrogance, could only be attributed to a single, (slightly intolerable) female. Her inherent talents and polished techniques were undeniable, her ruthless efficiency second only to the hardened warrior, Komugi Itawabi.
Unquestionably the most powerful remaining member within the SoL, (after Felicity's less than glamorous departure): The self-proclaimed Flame Princess, Rea Kazuki.
Advertisement
- In Serial6 Chapters
Chikyu No Shugo: Gaojinizer
2060 AD, Humanity continued it's conflicts against itself, though peaceful on the surface, the tension was clear. However, this tense peace was destroyed by an otherworldly force, that overwhelmed the earth's defenses, and its militaries... Now, 30 years later, the organization known as the UEF tries to defend against the constant raids, and begins their attempts to take earth back. Note- This is a Mecha Story
8 191 - In Serial10 Chapters
The Arkfel Chronicles
The archmages of Charun summon humans from Earth for their outside viewpoint: people from the world of technology do interesting things with magic. Leo is the latest to be summoned – but there’s a problem. When he arrives, he finds the Arkfel School empty, abandoned for two centuries and home only to monsters, automated guardians and a handful of overmatched explorers. Something has gone terribly wrong. A curious soul, Leo has many questions: What happened? What place do humans have in this world? Does magic even make sense? Is it all a fever dream? But to find the answers, Leo has to survive, with only a paltry handful of magical abilities. And that’s not going to be easy.
8 116 - In Serial8 Chapters
Captain Hudson and the Red Ghosts
Some Secrets Should Stay Buried..... In the murky world of a mercenary, no job is considered too dangerous, even if it does come from a mysterious businessman who communicates by means of telepathy. For Captain Zach Hudson, the loss of his boss and mentor will see him lead his team into the most terrifying mission of their lives. Can they escape the horrors of Fort Nebula? Or will a shocking twist leave them facing certain death? Find out now.
8 127 - In Serial29 Chapters
Reborn! A Thief's Greed in a Fantasy World
Due to a few mistakes and stepping on a few too many toes, Keith Manowar, a career thief, and self-proclaimed "heist artist" is given a choice. die for good or be reborn in another world! However, he asks for one specific thing in this new world, magic.
8 196 - In Serial16 Chapters
Curiosity
This is the story of a broken man in a broken world. Only, he knows his situation, but the world does not. He never got to live the life he wanted, instead being taken prisoner by an evil group, tortured and being used, until one day he died. Now, he has come back in time with his knowledge for the future, determined to live his life as he wanted in this nefarious, magic world. Through any means possible. ------------------ Now the actual synopsis. This is a world of magic, beasts and myriads of races. The protagonist, Lukas, is a man with a twisted personality, having become like that after being used by the big people, and is now ready to say 'fuck it' and live in freedom. He dies, goes back in time, but uses his knowledge to steal, kill, and use anything he can to become stronger. May he succeed. ++++++++++++++ For the first few chapters there will be two per week, each at about 4-5k words (it settles at 4k from about chapter 9). This is my first novel, but I quite like it and I hope you do too. While I would like you to be gentle, please give any criticism you have.
8 133 - In Serial37 Chapters
My Second Life
From 21 century, Catherine who is a big fan of K-pop world and a champ in combat sports dies at early 20s.Found her self in a totally different world inside someone else body, who neither was talented nor good in anything. Thus she was inside a "good for nothing" girl.The world was totally different, were people fight with magic and swords almost unbelievable. The time when the king's and queen's rule the world and an all time war. But unknowingly she went back to her past life. She found that she got back to her previous life through the legendary God Helia.Let's join this adventure and see how she goes through these obstacles with fun, trusted friends her life partner and her rivals.#1 rank (magic) 25/10/2022#6 rank (crownprince) 17/10/2022
8 106

