Prologue (1/2)

Prologue

A heart-rending memory appeared on my vision when I fell from the exploding sky ducts. It was as if time, like how a turtle moves, slowed down because I feel that I can catch the falling fragmented gla.s.ses. I swiftly grabbed my laser gun which I had dropped earlier, then aimed it against a Legion who must be planning to shoot me down. I was first in firing laser beams. Nine continuous shots. .h.i.t his snake body. His blood sprayed on my face before all objects inside the Sanctuary floated up. The galvanized iron sheets of the force field, fragments of the wrecked sky ducts, drops of water from the artificial lake, the ashes created by the fire which devoured the forest – everything floated up. Probably, Anemone had already activated the Sanctuary mainframe’s anti-gravity mode – which means we’ve been saved from falling.

The enemy Legions didn’t stop firing laser beams against me. Fortunately, I’m still quite lucky since I could avoid them. Hovering in the air sickened me though after I peeked below. The siren’s ringing echoed throughout the whole Sanctuary and it signaled the danger the whole outer s.p.a.ce station is facing.

“Normalizing the atmospheric pressure. Security level 3 is observed. Firewall will shut down in three… two… one!” The Sanctuary’s virtual a.s.sistant announced to us before it returned the place’s normal gravity. It was if Death swallowed my whole body. From the air, each of us fell, together with the other objects. Time ticked fast again and then I plummeted down on the stream’s deepest part. I felt like my back was battered by water when I sank down on its depth.

I’m running out of breath.

I’m feeling nervous.

Once again, the never-fading memories of the past haunted me. It was morning in our kingdom. Mother, Father and Elder Nebula was pulling and dragging me to the citadel.

This memory suddenly became clear to me.

And this is it… This is how the story started.

“Castor, please! Don’t do this to our son, he still cannot ma-“ Even before my mother finished her pleading, father shut her down.

“Ca.s.siopeia, our son is in right age. What’s happening to him is a test given by the G.o.ds and G.o.ddesses.” My father, the king, gave me a venomous stare, and then he started comforting my mother, the queen, who cannot stop being restless due to worry.

I didn’t let emotions take over me. Instead, I faced and tried to fight back against the glare from my father’s greenish eyes. In my mind, I want to rebuke my father. Even long before, he never showed care and took notice of me despite all of the things I’ve done. He’s a good leader to his subjects but he’s lacking as a husband and father towards his family. I loathe him.  He’s so unlike my deceased grandfather who was very reliable and had always been there for me when he was still alive. The relations.h.i.+p between my father and I is not good which made me wonder if he ever loved me as his only son.

Father held my both arms and blabbered those irritating words which he had always been preaching me since I was small. “Orion Tudor II, my son, be strong when facing the challenges given by the G.o.ds. You will be the next protector of our clan, our whole planet and our whole colony!”

This person is really annoying.

I only pretended to listen to his teachings and the expected flaring of my heart and conviction didn’t happen. I couldn’t help it. I avoided meeting those green eyes which I inherited from him.

If it will be observed closely, it could be said that my father and I are like a watermelon fruit cut in half. All his face’s angles had been pa.s.sed to me. Perfect eyebrows, snow-like complexion and a heart-shaped face. The only difference is on how father has a mustache and beard which adorned and curved around his neck and chin.

“Son, I know my shortcomings towards you.” Father added. For the very first time, I heard him sounds regretful. I steeled myself though, and made sure I will not be carried away by emotions. I became numbed, my heart hardened into steel. “Even though it’s late, I still want to ask for another chance to have your forgiveness. Stay alive and uphold the dignity taught by the Tudors. Don’t let the dynasty which our ancestors died for collapse. Please, my son.”

Never did my father worry for me. He’s only worried for his clan’s dignity. I stopped myself from grumbling and decided to just remain silent. It’s a relief that at least the weather is fine and it’s helping me calm myself. It’s the spring season for this kingdom and the fragrance from the gold-colored ‘katllarks’ which surrounds this hidden garden accompanied the beating of my heart. The tall trees of huskcorns, liver trells and roak palm under the shade of the force field which protects this place are lively and strong in vigor. The kingdom’s force field covered ten miles. This secret garden by the way is called ‘bunker’ and is the meeting place of the n.o.bility in times of calamity or invasion from the barbaric pirates. This garden also contain traps and instead of Royal Legions, the place is being guarded by hazardous genetic engineered plants and cybernauts placed by the Defense Department for the bunker’s security.

“Your Majesty, his Highness the prince has to leave already. I’m worried that someone will see us.” Said by an old lady whose speech betrayed his age.

“Elder Nebula, give me one more minute. I still want to be with my son.” My mother begged.