Dark Descendants: City of Domes

Chapter 4:The First Mark

Alexiese Morgann Ce’ Vieze’s POV

“Tell me woman, I know you knew something.” I threatened the healer. “We both know that her dream’s mean something.” I charged forward to her, almost getting my sword off it scabbard. She shouted.

“She’s chosen!” she was shiver’s, eyes closed. “Her dreams, it means another apocalypse is coming!” she added. I froze in my position.

“Don’t trick me woman! That’s ridiculous!” I boiled out. She can’t be chosen.

“That’s the truth! I also consulted a former keeper about her and her dreams! She’s one of those chosen! And if an ancient theory is right, the fourth apocalypse is coming and only she could stop the judgment!” she sits on the floor, still shivering and arms blocking me.

“What theory?” I asked again. “Is that written in a book?”

“Yes. It was written in a book of the famous Prophet named Simon Wills. But only 4 books were published, so I’m not sure if the central library has a copy of the book.” The woman answered.

“What’s the title of the book?” I asked again, my hand now holding a set of pen and notebook.

“Penta theory of Signal.” She answered, reminding me to right ‘a’ in the word ‘signal’ capital. Thus it looks like this; ‘Penta Theory of SignAl’. “The word ‘signal’ there means two joined words, ‘sign’ and ‘signal’.” She added. I looked at her this time, directly into her eyes as I saw her soul through it.

“Now woman, look straight in my eyes.” I commanded her. “You will forget our conversation and all about Solem. We didn’t meet and you never knew about the upcoming apocalypse.” She froze as the spell surges to her upon looking back to my eyes.

I walked out of her office, vanished rapidly and appeared in the castle of King Alexandrov. I walked to his office where he usually stays the whole day and night, but found him nowhere in sight.

“Alexiese.” He appeared on my back. Why am I not surprised that he’ll know I’m already here? I sarcastically whisper in my mind. “What brought you here?”

“I’m looking for a book.” I answered shortly.

“I’m not a Librarian. And this is not a library.” He answered while walking back to his majestic and glimmering gold chair.

“I know the book won’t be placed in the Library, and because only 4 copies of it were published, I’m thinking if you have one.” I looked him. “The book’s title is Penta Theory of SignAl” I pronounced ‘signAl’ as ‘saynal’.

“Why do you need that book?” he immediately asked, body alerted.

“I just want something to read while I’m on vacation.” I shrugged. He then slammed his desk hard and his eyes became bloodshot red.

“Don’t fool me Alexiese! Why do you need that book?!” he shouted, jaws and hands clenching. “That book contains a certain theory about Apocalypse written by a Prophet named Simon!” my jaw hardened as I lowered my head.

“So you knew about the Chronicles of Apocalypse?” I glared at him as my eyes reflect his.

Solem Zekiah Du’Tritz’s POV

“The cardinal symbol of the first A cardinal of fire, His mark is like a fountain of water, Or a swirling thick horn. He’s the beginning but not the end. He’s the A of the Z. A light on the dark. A star on the night. He’s the Bravest among all. Was born a warrior and became the leader. A burning fire that keeps everyone moving. A fuel of an engine. He’s as sturdy as a brick wall, But as warm as a loving parent Or as loyal as a bestfriend. No one could change his position. The Alpha” I repeated the riddle again and again on my mind.

“What does that mean?” I grimaced.

“In deep thought’s, I see.” Alexiese’s voice registered to me and woke me up from my thoughts. “What were you thinking Solem?” he asked as he sits beside me in the bed.

“Nah, I just heard a random riddle while walking back home and I was interested to what was the answer of it.” I answered, thinking again about the riddle. “What could be ‘the A of the Z’?” I whispered.

“That’s a pretty tough riddle, ‘the A of the Z’. Hmmm…” he rubbed his chin.

“By the way, have you eaten dinner already?” I looked at him, lowering the book from my face.

“Actually I did, but I’m willing to eat again if you had cooked dinner.” He smiled. I stood up from bed and walked to the kitchen, mind occupied about the riddle.

“You’ll get that dish broken if you won’t stop thinking about that riddle for a while.” Alexiese chuckled that made me back to reality.

“Oh… yeah. Right.” I rushed to prepare his food and placed it in his front the moment I finished. “Eat, that’s sweetened pork. Hope you’ll like it. That’s one of my mother’s special dishes and Selene’s favorite.”

“Do you have something to do tomorrow Solem? Or you’ll be going with me to the hospital for the illustration of the woman we interviewed hours ago about the face of a werewolf she saw?” He asked upon feasting, mouth full.

“I’m going to the library.” I answered. “I will be looking for a book that could help me to find out the answer to that riddle.” I added, chuckled when I see him almost devour the whole plate.

“You’re getting too interested with that riddle huh?” he chuckled. “That’s good, atleast you have something to occupy your mind while were in vacation other than have nightmares.”

“Would you mind if I won’t go with you tomorrow?” I carefully asked.

“Ofcourse not, look—seeing you have fun on our vacation is better than see you work. Besides I could handle that meeting tomorrow all by myself. Don’t worry.” He assured to me.

“MA’AM do you know any book here that has answer to dozens of riddle’s?” I asked the librarian the moment I entered the Central Library.

“There are a lot of books that could be like that here ma’am, just look into the Riddle section. One shelf there is a bunch of books containing riddles and their answers.” She answered and pointed me to a direction nearby. “Go straight to that hallway and look for the Riddle section, ma’am.” She added. I walked to the direction she pointed and eventually saw the Riddle section she was talking about.

“Hmmm… Which one could it be?” I browse books, read and look for the riddle I wanted to be answered.

“Looks like you’re a newcomer here?” a random guy told me. “It’s my first time to see you here. What are you looking for? Maybe I could help you.” He offered. The way he smiles look genuine, and I didn’t even think for a moment before deciding to trust him.

“I’m looking for an answer to a riddle I heard when I was walking back home yesterday. Well, I’m having a difficult time looking for the answer. By the way, I’m Solem.” I introduced.

“I’m Johann. Nice meeting you. May I hear the riddle?” He asked as we sitted in a bench nearby with bunch of books I had opened earlier.

“The cardinal symbol of the first A cardinal of fire, His mark is like a fountain of water, or a swirling thick horn. He’s the beginning but not the end. He’s the A of the Z. A light on the dark. A star on the night. He’s the Bravest among all. Was born a warrior and became the leader. A burning fire that keeps everyone moving. A fuel of an engine. He’s as sturdy as a brick wall, but as warm as a loving parent Or as loyal as a bestfriend. No one could change his position. The Alpha.” I recited. When I looked into Johann’s reaction he was wide-eyed as if he saw a ghost standing on my back.

SILENCE… LONG DEAFENING SILENCE.

“So… you are… one.” He said upon seconds of silence. “You see, do you really want that riddle to be answered?” he asked while looking at me straight and sharp.

“Why? Is there anything wrong to answer a random riddle?” I innocently asked.

“What did he promised you?” he asked again, I stilled. “Do you know what you are entering to?” he added. My brows meet in the center, confusion and curiosity fills me up.

“What are you talking about?” I asked. “What do you know?” I changed the question.

“You put your life at risk, Solem. Are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of all people?” he asked again, and made my blood boil.

“I am part of the Eagle Legion! Ofcourse I would sacrifice for everyone’s safety!” my voice heightened.

“Ooohhh… a Legion warrior.” He smiled slyly. “Interesting.”

“What the hell is your problem?!” then the librarian appeared near us and motioned us to lower our voice—or my voice. “You’re making me confuse! What do you know about the riddle?”

“You will not see here the answer to that riddle, lady. I suggest you visit the Astronomy Section.” Then he immediately left me on the table.

“What would something about astronomy do with riddles?” I whispered to myself. I walked back to the shelves and just continued browsing books hoping that something could lend me the answer to that riddle.

I was then surrounded by thick mist again, as nothingness surrounds me. Everything feels blank and lonely; no sounds and no one except me here.

“So do you have an answer to the riddle now?” the man in cloak appeared, body formed up from thick mist. “Or you still can’t figure it out?” the man smirked.

“I know soon I will. I just need few more time to seek.” I said. “But how could I see you when I have the answers already?” I asked immediately.

“I would know if you already know, young lady.” Then he vanished.

“Wait up! I still have questions to ask!” I shouted. But the man in cloak didn’t appear again. I sighed, suddenly I remembered what Johann told me a while ago. “What am I really getting into?” I asked myself.

“Solem!” Alexiese’s voice boomed on my ears. “Hey…” he said the moment I opened my eyes and saw him looking at me.

“What are you doing here Alexiese?” I sat up straight.

“I was looking for you because you told me that you will be here. Did you already have the answer to the riddle?” he asked again as he sitted in a chair beside me.

“Nope. I’ve been reading a lot of Riddle books here but I’ve seen nothing.” Then an idea struck me. “Could you help me with some books in the Astronomy section on the other hand? I would like to read astronomy now than to read this mind-shattering riddles.” I smiled to him as he gave me a questioning look.

“You don’t like Astronomy Solem. So what are you up to now?” he asked.

“A friend suggested me to go to the Astronomy section, I don’t know if that meant something about the riddles. But maybe that would be a great experience. I’ve been curious about how everything outside this dome’s look like before.” I smiled again and walked to the Astronomy section. I grabbed some books that caught my attention upon looking and thought to just read it at home. I was about to leave the Astronomy section until I stopped abruptly because a book dropped infront of me from one of the shelves. I picked it up and looked at its title.

“The 12 signs of Zodiac.” I muttered as I read the cover of the book. As curiosity eats me, I decided to add this book to the bunch of book that I’ll be reading back home. I headed to the desk of the Librarian and showed her my Legion Identification Card.

“I want to borrow these books for a while. I could bring this home with me right?” I asked the Librarian the moment she raised her eyes to look at me.

“Ofcourse ma’am. I’ll just confirm this Legion ID you have and you could go with those books.” She said and called someone in the telephone. “Yes… This is Paula of the Central Library I just want to confirm a Legion Warrior named Solem Zekiah Du’Tritz from Delta Force ID no. 884094476053… okay sir… thank you.” She said to the other line then she puts down the phone and faced me again. “ID confirmed ma’am. Just please sign this documents and you could go.” She handed me a paper that I eventually signed.

“Could you give me some bag to help me carry these?” I requested.

“Oh, here ma’am.” She picked up a bag under the desk and put all the books in it. I was about to carry it when Alexiese appeared beside me and carried it instead.

“Let’s go. It’s growing really cold outside. We need to go home now. Are you going to cook dinner tonight?” he asked the moment he carried the bags and we walked to the Library’s exit.

“The 12 zodiac signs are the twelve astronomical constellations that predicts fate and describes a person’s traits. Astrologists use these constellations to help a person determine and control the flow of his or her life. Commonly, a person’s zodiac sign is determined through the date of their birth… the 12 zodiac’s start with the Alpha sign; Aries, the cardinal sign of fire. Its main attributes are leadership and Impulsiveness. Fire sign’s like Aries are known for being temperamental as likely as what fire symbolizes. Second is; Taurus, the cardinal sign of earth. It has a steady stature like earth. Its main attributes are being Trustworthy and Stubbornness…” I narrated as I read the first few pages of the book. “…the seventh sign is; Libra. They are the wisest among all the signs. The scales represent their process of weighting both choices before deciding, thus getting the heavier reasoning before choosing. Their main attribute are justice and wit. The eight sign is; Scorpio, known for being one of the most secretive. They value secrets as a sign of respect to the decision of the other. They are a sign of water, alongside with their cardinal Cancer. Water signs are known for being emphatic and Scorpio is no exemption to this…” I continued reading.

“Hey…” Alexiese peeked on the door before entering. “I see, still reading books. What’s that now?” he sitted beside me.

“It’s about constellations that determines one’s characteristics and guides their destiny. It’s a book written by an astrologist back in the past centuries before the apocalypse happened. Fifth book on my borrowed astronomy books.” I answered him, putting my eyes off the book for a moment to look at him. “I wonder this wasn’t taught in the academies anymore.”

“Because nobody could read the stars nowadays, the sky is covered with poisonous smog. Even a telescope wouldn’t be enough to see through it. So what’s the essence of teaching that to the students?” he answered before my curiosity even crawled out of me.

“I wonder what night sky looks like. I was born here in the dome, so I didn’t have the chance to see how beautiful this planet was before.” I said before returning my focus on the book Im reading.

“They say night sky is like a black paper with twinkling lights scattered on it. Constellations originated from stars. As they form a figure, they will be named and classified as a constellation. Too bad, I bet that’s really beautiful.” He commented. “One of my ancestors luckily had the chance of painting how beautiful the night sky of earth was during different occasions and in different continents. Badly, I didn’t know if his paintings survived the past apocalypses.” He added.

“Oh look! This book has an illustration of constellations positioned in the night sky.” I pointed the figure to Alexiese. The very moment he saw the picture, his mood changes. “Hey, what’s the matter? Aren’t you atleast satisfied we saw a picture of it?” I joked at him.

“Nothing. I just remember something with that.” He answered with his eyes dull and void of any emotion. He’s covering again. “I’ll go to sleep now, Solem. Night.” He immediately said, rushing back to his corner, laid his back on the sofa and closed his eyes.

“Ookaayy. Goodnight Alexiese.” I responded, just observing him and his weird actions. Moments later, I fell asleep reading the book I hold.

The next day, I woke up with Alexiese saying he’ll be going into an important appointment. I fixed my bed upon leaving and head straight to kitchen to start to cook for lunch.

While I currently cook, someone knocked to the door. I minimize the fire of the soup I’m cooking and hurriedly opened the door for the one who knocked outside. My eyes widen as I recognize the person infront of the door.

“Hi.” He greeted. “I asked the librarian of your address, were a bit close since I’m a regular visitor of the library, so she gave in after I insisted. I just realized that it was rude of me the last time we talked so I came here to apologize personally.” He added.

“What’s your name again?” I asked. “J-Jonathan? Jo-jo—” He cut me off.

“It was Johann. J-O-H-A-N-N.” he spelled out his name. “I see you immediately forgot my name. Does that mean I’m already forgiven?” he chuckled.

“It actually doesn’t matter to me what you’ve done back there. Have you eaten lunch already? I’m cooking inside.” I smiled. “Come in.” I opened the door widely.

“My pleasure would be.” He smiled back. “Thank you.” He walked inside.

As he entered, I hurriedly ran to the kitchen to check if the soup I’m cooking got burned. When I saw it was exactly cooked the way I wanted and it wasn’t got burned, I turned off the stove and got back to the living room where my visitor is waiting for me.

“So, you’re a legion warrior?” he asked as I entered the living room. “You’re in vacation?”

“Yup. I only have estimated 18 days left of my vacation. What brought you here by the way except to apologize to your rudeness back on the library?” I chuckled. “Don’t tell me this was all for that.”

“Actually, it is.” His face became serious. “I’m not really a rude person that’s why I got boggled on what I acted to you.” He was sincere with his words; I see it in his eyes.

“You could’ve just sent me a letter.” I commented. “Where do you live by the way?”

“Dome 6.” He answered. “But no worries, I have a friend who’s transporting people to domes that’s why I have no difficulties on travelling into each. I usually go to the Central Library everyday actually.”

“Oh, good to know that.” I smiled. “You want to eat lunch here?” I asked him.

“That would be great.” He beamed out as we walked to the kitchen.

“You’re a great cook, does anyone already said that to you?” Johann smiled while we eat. “These taste really, really good.” He said as he ate another spoonful.

“Im flattered, thank you.” I smiled.

“You know what, for a legion warrior you’re an essential piece to survive. Imagine if a troop will be deployed and no one knows how to cook, there will be only a thin chance the whole troop could survive.” He commented while still eating. “Why did you enter the legion however? You could’ve just built a food house so you could earn lumps of money every day. Food is essential and no one would dare not to taste your cooking.” He smiled.

“I entered the legion because I have my reasons.” My mood changes as I remember the reason I’m keeping. “Everyone does, right?” I smiled fakely.

“Have you done reading the books you borrowed from the library?” he asked, changing the subject.

“No. Not yet.” I answered. “I—” I was about to say something when Alexiese appeared in the living room with eyes shooting daggers at Johann who’s back is facing at him.

“Get out.” Alexiese roared, Johann stood up and faced him, a bit surprised.

“I’m still eating, that’s unrespectful.” Johann shortly answered after he sees Alexiese who’s face reddens like a tomato, not even minds the menacing tone of Alexiese to him.

“Do you know each other?” I stood between them.

“No.” Alexiese quickly answered while Johann only smirked at him. “But I don’t like his presence here.”

“Why is he so hostile at me? Is he your partner? I thought you’re the only one who lives here.” Johann asked me, while he still face Alexiese who only glared at him.

“Yes, but he also sleeps here. He’s my comrade, were both in vacation so I let him stay here in my house.” I pinched Alexiese on his side. “Alexiese this is Johann, a friend of mine. Johann this is Alexiese, my Legion Buddy.” Johann laid his hand infront of Alexiese to shake their hands, but Alexiese didn’t do the same. He remained unnerved. I pinched him again.

“Act nice with him or I’ll kick you out of this house. He’s my visitor.” I whispered at him.

“Why would I? He’s a stranger and we shouldn’t trust him easily. You only met him in the library and you eventually invited him here?! That’s ridiculous Solem.” He mocked at me.

“I maybe should go, Solem. Your buddy seems not to like me here.” Johann smiled as he walked to the doorway. “Thank you for the great lunch.” He waved goodbye and eventually disappeared on our sight.

“Then all settled. It could’ve ended earlier if he quickly leaved.” Alexiese murmured to himself. I got back to the kitchen to clean the dishes we haven’t finished eating.

“Hey. You shouldn’t let that guy talk to you again okay?” He said as he followed me while I clean the table. “I bet he’s dangerous.” He commented again but I just stayed silent while putting the dishes in the sink.

“Are you mad because I acted that way on him? Are you favoring him? You don’t know that guy well—” I cut him off, pissed because of the way he acts.

“And do you?” he shut up. “You don’t have the right to tell me who will I only allow to enter here in MY HOUSE Alexiese. I will let someone enter here as long as I wanted to, with or without your permission, even if you like it or not. Because this is MY HOUSE!” I shouted, still trying to hold back and control not to burst out.

“I’m just concerned here Solem. We can’t just trust anyone!” he shouted back.

“So I shouldn’t trust you then? We only met in the annunciation! I don’t even know you well since we became buddies!” I retorted.

“That’s not what I’m pointing out, Solem!”

“So what then, Alexiese! What’s your point on acting that way with my guest?!” I shouted again. “Because I don’t get any conclusion on why will you act that way!”

“Nothing. Nevermind.” He walked past me to the doorway and left me.

Alexiese Morgann Ce’ Vieze POV

Solem was pissed because I acted that way to her visitor, and so was I. How dare he step inside Solem’s house. If Solem only knew this person thoroughly she wouldn’t let him enter.

“Just right in time. I actually waited for you, you know.” He smiled, but I know more than that smile.

“HOW DARE YOU!” I roared and attacked him, he vanished and appeared again. I changed my eyes and vanished to appear on his back. I punched him hard the moment he faced me.

“You became stronger than the last time we encountered. That’s good to know.” He smiled as he rubbed his lips that got swollen because of my punch. Seconds later, it healed and doesn’t look like it had just been gone through something.

“And you became sloppy.” I gawked at him, while he still has his smile plastered in his face.

“She’s beautiful. Too bad she became one of the chosen.” He smirked. I was about to attack him again but I got frozen in my position, my hand hangs on the air and I can’t move.

“What the hell!” I mouthed while trying to get out of his power.

“You can’t stop everything Alexiese. The marks already appeared on the other three cardinals.” He said while only standing and watching me try to move. “And look who’s sloppy.” He mocked at me.

“So you knew.” I looked at him dreadfully. “Is that why you go near her?!” I shouted as I broked out on his power and tried to punch him. But before I do, he vanished again and appeared in branch of a nearby tree.

“You still know nothing about the prophecy.” he mocked again, arms crossed in his chest. Then I saw something in his arm that was covered from his long cloak a while ago. The moment I saw it, I realized why he knew.

Solem Zekiah Du’Tritz POV

After Alexiese and I argued, I rushed to finish washing the dishes before he comes back here. I immediately got back to the bed and read books again instead of arguing with him. I grabbed the book ’12 signs of Zodiac’ I was reading last night. This is the fifth book I had read since I borrowed bunch of books from the central library. I was reading the last page when realization dawned at me.

“The cardinal symbol of the first, a cardinal of fire, his mark is like a fountain of water, or a swirling thick horn. He’s the beginning but not the end. He’s the A of the Z. A light on the dark. A star on the night. He’s the Bravest among all. Was born a warrior and became the leader. A burning fire that keeps everyone moving. A fuel of an engine. He’s as sturdy as a brick wall, but as warm as a loving parent or as loyal as a bestfriend. No one could change his position. The Alpha—the answer is Aries!” I shouted as I realized the answer. But before I can continue my joy of celebration everything becomes blurry and I was surrounded again by thick mists.

“At last you got the answer child.” The man in cloak materialized from the mist. “Tell me what do you choose between these four and get it.” He then showed four things in his hands; a ring, a key, a card of 4 aces and a glamorous mask. “Everything could give you such help on the coming battle, but with limited purpose. Now, grab one and we are done.” He added. I think thoroughly as I decided to take the ring.

“The ring answers all the questions in the world that you could’ve asked. But it cannot tell you secrets kept untold for centuries by the celestial cardinals for the sake of humanity unless you become celestial like them. It serve’s like a library, or a journal, in which can help you understand things deeply.” The man in cloak said before he vanished and the thick mists was gone.

I’m back in my room standing alone. The ring on my hand brightens up like a shining star I saw once in those textbooks I got from the astronomy section of library. The moment I wore it in one of my pointing finger, I felt a pang pain crawl up from the ring to my arm and a scorching fire sparks trail on my skin and stops in my head. Then I felt something divine and powerful surge unexpectedly inside me. I hurriedly looked for the mirror and see what happened and what was in my forehead.

“Oh my… holy god.” My eyes widen with mix of shock, surprise, confusion and horror.

“SOLEM!” Alexiese was rushing to enter the room, his eyes widen too the moment he saw the black ink trail from my finger with the ring to my arm like three separate road lines that stopped on my forehead with a black tribal tattoo of fire with the sign that look like the sign of zodiac Aries enclosed inside and gleaming like gold.

“What’s this Alexiese...?” my voice came panicked. “I can’t understand what’s happening…” I murmured. Then everything becomes blurry then black. I passed out.