Dark Descendants: City of Domes

Chapter 3:The Raven Legion

I WOKE up on a bed. My head still slightly hurts but now more bearable. I looked for Alexiese and found him sleeping beside my bed, head resting just beside my arm. I studied his figure and found some dirt still on his face, his clothes still dirty and his hair was messy. I remembered what happened earlier before I went to a blackout, werewolves attacked a nearby market here in dome 12. I patted Alexiese’s shoulder to wake him up and ask him about what I heard through my mind before the attack.

“You’re awake, thanks god.” He said upon opening his eyes and saw me awake. I sitted on my bed. “I was worried about you. What happened with you Solem? Why did your head eventually hurt?”

“I don’t know Alexiese. It just came and I heard whispers through my head. It says about a sort of ‘judgment is coming’ and that I was chosen.” He too was bewildered on what I said.

“Chosen for what? And judgment? That’s no joke Solem. We should tell this to Commander Brick or someone in the Legion.” He was slowly panicking.

“No, were still not sure about this Alexiese. We can’t just come back to the base shouting that ‘Hey everyone! Solem got a prediction that the judgment is coming!’ just like that. Maybe I was just imagining though. I even saw you with bloodshot eyes.” I told him, his eyes became wide with shock. “See? I think I was having a sort of hallucinations. And I think I should consult to a healer about this tomorrow.”

“Did you really saw me with red eyes, Solem?” he asked while looking at me straight in the eyes.

“I’m just hallucinating Alexiese. Not if you’re a vampire.” I mock on him. “C’mon tell me, are you a vampire?” I tested him. Ofcourse I know he’s not.

“Of-cour-se n-ot!” he stuttered. “That’s ridiculous!” he exclaimed.

“I know.” I sighed. “Maybe I should seek the old healer. She’s just nearby in alley 17. It was just 10 blocks away from here.” I laid my back to bed again.

“Maybe that’s because of fatigue or stress. You’re starting to hear and see things.” He’s now annoyed. “You need to rest.”

I was walking into a land full of dead body; land full of blood scattered everywhere and wrecked homes. I recognized this place. This is Dome 12. I looked above and saw that the dome has a hole. The large fan was now destroyed. Upon continues walking I saw people catch their breaths. I was about to walk and help them when a person walks to them and slashed them the sword he was carrying. He was wearing a red hood cloak that covers his entire body but I know he’s a man with his build. His sword is a double edge bloodshot sword bearing around 31’’ and has a black elongated handle.

“WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!” I shouted to him. He removes his hood and revealed his face. A handsome man with a scar in his right eye, perfect facial features and a tall built. I stepped aback when his eyes became all black. I felt my goosebumps upon looking into his eyes. His sword vanished from his hand.

“Oh Solem? Why are you stepping back? Do you know me?” he smiled creepily and walked towards me. “Why don’t you try to kill me?” upon hearing that an idea rushed into my mind. I held my sword in my side and attacked towards him, slashing it swiftly to his body but failed. Before my sword even touched an inch of him he vanished infront of me and appeared in my back. When I faced him his hands held my throat hard and brought me up about a foot from the ground. I held his hands to gasp for air. My sword fell from my hands to the ground.

“I am the nightmare of everyone living Solem, and even you can’t defeat me. Many more like me will emerge from the ground every one of you are walking on, even angels that will fall from the sky will never defeat us. We will bring havoc, misery and death to your beloved homes. And everyone will beg to our knees. Even you…” he smiled again and let go off my throat. I fell to the ground, and I felt weak again for the second time in my lifetime. I looked around me, dead bodies and people struggling to stay alive. The domes are echoing with cries and shouts of terror. I held my sword again and tried to s***h it to that man’s body but again he vanished and appeared again.

“You’re awfully brave, woman, but not enough to stop what’s coming.” With that he vanished again and did not appear around this time. I walked around again limping, stopped everytime I saw someone crying to their family’s bodies. I reached the royal castle of king Alexandrov. They were no guards at the gate so I entered. I was about to enter the castle when I saw something at the peak of the castle roof.

“OH MY GOD!” I covered my mouth with terror, recognizing that the body was King Alexandrov himself. His mask was covered with blood while still wearing his usual black coat and all black outfits, and a sword was pierced through him and to the wall causing him to hang. I gasped and my eyes widen in horror when I looked into his eyes—

“SOLEM!” Alexiese’s voice boomed and cutted my dream. I got up gasping for air. “Hey what happened? You’re having a nightmare again.” He was worried over me, while I am still occupied with my dream.

“I think I saw the next apocalypse Alexiese, and the King—He…he died.” I sobbed. Then his arms wrapped me around and gave me comfort.

“That’s not gonna happen, Solem. That was just a nightmare. Always remember that.” He said while still hugging me.

“But Alexiese—the king… The domes will not survive if King Alexandrov dies. No one will rule, no one will take his seat in the castle and make the domes peaceful. We… we…” But instead of hearing me out, he silenced me using his index finger.

“Sshhh… That was just a nightmare. Forget about it.” He cupped my face and hugged me again.

“The world went to three apocalypses’, and it was written in the books Alexiese. I think what I saw in my dreams are the next. It was horrifying and—” he silenced me again.

“You’re over thinking Solem. You need to rest, then we’ll go tomorrow morning to nearest healer here in Dome 12. Okay?” he negotiated. I nodded in agreement but I am not assured if the healer would be really the answer to what I was going through and what does my dreams actually means.

THE next day we went to the dome 12 healer, the old woman said I just need some rest and I should be rest assured that my dream’s doesn’t mean anything. But honestly speaking, I don’t believe what the healer said. I feel something strange in my guts but I didn’t show it to Alexiese. Afterwards, we went to the base to report to Commander Brick about the attack of werewolves in dome 12.

“So, werewolves are attacking again?” he repeated. “Is there any casualties from the attack?”

“Yes sir. But rest assured that everyone in dome 12 was safe during the attack. They were damaged structures but no casualty reports sir. I was with Solem the moment the werewolves attacked, and we responded quickly to assure the safety of the citizens. Then they’re pack run off when we killed their Alpha who tried to attack Solem while we are saving civilians.” My eyes widen upon Alexiese’s report; I was having a severe brain-cracking headache when the attack happens so I didn’t have the chance to help secure the civilians. I was about to talk when Alexiese held my hand under the table of Commander Brick and signaled me not to talk and just go with the flow.

“Very well, warriors. Actually I just received a letter from the palace about you. But I can’t tell you the details for now because you’re both currently on leave. Therefore, I’ll be announcing you the details after your 31-day vacation. Besides, I want you both to finish a certain mission. This was given to me by King Alexandrov’s Palace General with the seal of Eagle Legion with it.” Then he hands us an envelope sealed by the logo of Eagle Legion.

“I bet this is really important. When there’s an envelope sealed with the logo of the Eagle Legion, it’s always prestigious or confidential. So it’s either of the two.” Alexiese said and looked to Commander Brick who’s just staring at the two of us. “Am I right sir?” Commander Brick just nodded and didn’t say anything.

“Aren’t you going to open it?” I asked Alexiese, that he eventually did. But then after he opens it his eyes widen.

“What was it?” I eventually asked.

“This—this is...” he was stuttering.

“Argh! Give me that!” I get the envelope on his hand. “What is this?” I innocently asked upon seeing the image of a black Raven and a golden Eagle holding one magnificent sword with both claws grasping the handle, and tip of it pointing down.

“That’s—that’s the logo of…” he can’t continue what he was saying.

“That’s the logo of the mythical Royal Squad. The Raven Legion.” Commander Brick announced. “Sending you the envelope containing that logo means you’re both candidates for that secret Legion.”

“There was a secret Legion? Raven Legion? That was the mythical legion only told in the books. But there was no evidence that this Legion really exists. Aren’t you joking in here?” I was fully bewildered.

“It was hidden, Warrior Solem. And it only exists within those who are in the Eagle Legion. Do you see that Black Raven and Golden Eagle holding one sword?” I nodded. “That sword is King Alexandrov’s. It was prohibited to warrior’s that knew about the real existence of Raven Legion to tell people about it, and so it remained as a myth written in the books with no solid evidence known. Now, you received the candidacy to be part of the Raven Legion. You can decline the candidacy, and if you do you can’t tell anything about it. But if you accept and passed the challenges in accord with the candidacy that you both need to go through, your family will receive unlimited benefits from the palace, though everything will stay confidential. And more things about your candidacy and about the Raven Legion will be discussed prior to the end of your leave and when you’re both back here.” Commander Brick explained. “By the way warrior Alexiese how did you know about the existence of the Raven Legion?”

“Because sir I believe that the mere fact that it existed among the pages of a book is evidence alone for me.” He smiled. Commander Brick just nodded, satisfied with his answer.

“Then you may now go back to dome 12 and enjoy the remaining days of your vacation.” Alexiese and I then stood up straight and saluted to Commander Brick before leaving his office.

The moment we stepped outside Commander Brick’s office, I immediately asked Alexiese about what he reported to Commander Brick minutes ago inside.

“What’s wrong with what I told him either? You were really there with me right when the attack happened. You also did respond to help the civilians.” He said.

“You knew that I was having a pang headache that time Alexiese. Don’t cover up my dirt and make it look like it was a masterpiece. It irritates me. I hadn’t helped you that time and made me felt more useless.” I grimaced.

“Solem, it was not my intention to let you feel useless. Because I knew that if you weren’t having that blinding headache you would do what I just said to Commander Brick like you supposed to.”

“I’m feeling guilty.” I admitted.

“Don’t be. Just think of it as a part of preserving the oath I promised.” He smiled.

A WEEK passed after the first attack of the werewolves here in dome twelve. It was an unusual peaceful week for me and Alexiese. Actually I was slowly getting bored because there’s no action coming up in here, but Alexiese looks like he enjoys the peace and serenity he gets here. Under the cold night, 21 days left with our vacation, I decided to savor the cold breeze of the peaceful and silent night while sitting infront of my house.

“I wish it could always be this peaceful, but I knew better than this.” I sighed, remembering that life isn’t as peaceful as what people likely wants.

“It can.” Alexiese voice suddenly interfere my moment. I turned my head to see him stand beside the open door of my house, slightly leaning to the door frame while eyes on me. “What are you doing here outside during this late night, Solem? You still can’t sleep due to your nightmares?” he asked, walking to my direction.

“Yeah.” I admitted. He sitted beside me in the lawn chair.

“I knew it.” He sighed. “Do you have any idea so I can help you fall asleep immediately?” he asked and I just shrugged as an answer.

“I didn’t even know if I can even do anything.” I stared above, sees the large fan and the glass of the dome. “Do you think there’s still a possibility that we can soon live outside the domes like the old times written in the books? See some blue ocean, blue skies, mountains and forests?” I asked him out-of-nowhere.

“I guess so. Everything has an end right? It only matters if we have a chance to see the end of all of this.” He sighed again, deeper this time as if he had something to tell me but he was getting torn on telling me or not.

“What is it Alexiese?” I eventually asked, forcing him to spill.

“Let’s drink.” He smiled. “If you don’t mind because it has been a very long time since I tasted some liquor. Also to help you sleep easily.” He offered, but with the glint on his eyes I knew it wasn’t what he wanted to tell me a while ago.

After a couple of drinks, I finally felt my head dizzy. Alexiese on the other hand was now drooling while he sleeps beside me. He mutters incoherent words for almost an hour since he got drunk, and now I think he already fell asleep completely. Here I thought he has a high alcohol tolerance but by the looks of it, he only made it an excuse so he can convince me to drink and help me to sleep easily.

“Solem...” he whispered. “Could you promise me that you’ll stay the same even if you’d know all my secrets?” he asked in a sleepy-dreamy manner.

“Why?” I asked, half-dizzy but still continuously pouring liquor unto my cup.

“I can’t attain to lose you… you got something… precious to me… you…y-you…” he closed his eyes and sighed, “I can’t tell you… if I tell you everything… I might lose you permanently…” he continued.

“Alexiese what are you saying? Is this how you act when you’re drunk?” I chuckled. He lifted his head from the table and looked me in the eyes, his eyes half-hooded due to drunkenness.

“Can we forget… being comrades while were here? Can—we… I…” he now looked troubled speaking. “I want to tell you a joke.” He smiled and lowered his head back to the table but still facing my direction with half-hooded eyes.

“Go on, I’ll be laughing. I promise.” I smiled. It took minutes before he opened his mouth and threw me his joke.

“I love you.” He smiled. My eyes widen but then I suddenly realized he was joking. I faked a laugh, nervousness eating me up.

“That really was a great joke Alexiese.” I then stood up from the chair and helped him get up and walk to our room. “Maybe you should sleep now.” I laid him on the usual spot where he always slept and lied down in the bed, still looking on him. His eyes now closed, and for the first time since I met him I saw him as a normal man. Not the Sturdy and stoic man I met during the Appointments, not the buddy I get along with for the past years and not my so-called-knight-in-shining-armor partner.

“Solem…” he whispered again. “I love you.” He opened his eyes and reached out my face.

“You’re drunk.” I pointed out. He caressed my face as if this is the last time he’ll be doing it, as if memorizing every tiny detail of my face.

“I love you… but I shouldn’t… right? Because the Legion… has rules we can’t break…” he continues and I was now getting worried about the words he was saying. My mom used to tell me that drunk people tend to tell everything they’ve been keeping in their hearts for a long time, or secrets they’ve been hiding and every whereabouts that can all be said true. Because drunk people tend to pour down as their guards turn down.

I was in daze on what he just said until my eyes widen because his face moves closer to mine.

“Alexiese… what are—you doing?” I muttered under my breath as his face continues to move closer.

“I want to kiss you before my mind convinces me again that I shouldn’t.” he whispered as his lips touched mine. I didn’t know if it was because of the liquor or something but I just found myself kissing him back the same way that I should’ve not been doing.

“F*ck the Legion, f*ck the rules. I want to forget everything behind while we’re here.” He said between our kisses. He kissed me senseless like he has only limited time, like he was afraid to stop, and like he wasn’t getting enough out of it.

And this made my heart and my mind collapsed into a complete chaos.

The next day, I woke up late. It was already 10 am and I still haven’t cooked for lunch. I was getting up when I remembered that fiery kiss I and Alexiese shared last night before I fell asleep looking into his deep bright grey eyes. My cheeks reddened with that memory flashing.

“Would he remember that?” I whispered to myself. “That would make us really awkward later, I must say.” I finished fixing my bed before I walked out the room and looked for Alexiese. I found him cook something in the kitchen.

“Good morning.” He greeted with an awkward smile plastered on his face. I looked away and pretended not to know a thing about that kiss.

‘Does he remember last night?’ I whispered through my mind.

“Yeah, and my head hurts like hell. This may be the thing they called hangover.” I chuckled awkwardly, I focused my eyes on what he was cooking instead.

“Uhhhmmm… Solem?” he asked after a moment of awkward silence, he placed a plate full of delectable food infront of me as I sat to the dining table.

“Yes?” I answered without looking to him, I stick my eyes to the food on plate and waited him to talk.

“By the feels of this awkward atmosphere we have, can I ask you what I did last night?” he slowly asked, which I automatically shakes my head in response to his answer. “Stop lying. I know I did something really embarrassing last night, because that’s what always happens.” He sits to the chair parallel to me and started to feast on the food he prepared.”

“You only drooled and that was the most embarrassing thing you did last night other than mutter incoherent words like an infant having tantrums.” I faked a loud laugh as if I was stopping myself to burst minutes ago, even pointing my index finger to him for conviction. “I thought you’re a tough man! But when I saw you last night, I never thought that you’ll be drunk that fast.” And to my relief he bit my act. He sighed like as if it was a sense of relief.

“I thought I did something out of hand.” He whispered but I still heard. “Maybe I was only dreaming.” He smiled beamingly, as if he already successfully removed a prickly needle from his throat.

“What do we have today then?” I asked him to change the topic.

“Oh. I’ll start to investigate and ask people who was sent to the hospital after the attack. It’s impossible that someone didn’t even see where the werewolves run to when they retreated. And maybe those who were attacked could spill me something interesting.” He was now back to the Alexiese I knew. The tough looking Alexiese whom I never thought would have just made my body burn into chaos and desire last night. “Are you going with me?” I nodded, but still in deep thoughts about last night.

“MA’AM can you tell us any details about the attack? Anything that can help us locate the nest of the pack of those werewolves who attacked you?” Alexiese asked the third person in his list. It was now around 5 pm since we started gathering information about the werewolves who attacked last week.

“I can’t remember clearly. Sorry.” The woman apologized. “All I remember was one of the werewolves face when he returned to his human shape. He—he was tall… he’s—” Alexiese’s cut the woman speaking.

“Could you describe the man’s face tomorrow ma’am? I’ll be bringing a cartoonist here that can draw your descriptions, is that okay if we will come back here tomorrow rather?” Alexiese asked. “And Uhhh—we will be requesting forces from the legion to look after you here ‘til we come back tomorrow.” The woman nodded as an answer. Alexiese and I stood up and waved goodbye to the woman who recovered from the werewolves attack last week.

“Alexiese, what are we doing next?” I asked the moment we stepped out of the room.

“You go home first Solem. I’ll be dropping by to a friend, but I’ll be fast promise.” He answered.

“Okay then, will I be cooking dinner?” he just nodded and we went separate ways the moment we got out of the hospital.

I walk silently heading back to my house, until everything around me became shivering cold. Mist thickens around me, I stopped walking. I hold out to my sword who’s silently hangs in my side. I waited until something emerges from the thick mist. Everything became dangerously silent and dark. I looked around, and I turned my head to see in my peripheral if there’s something standing in my back. Nothing. There’s nothing around me but I sense danger.

“If there’s something you want to tell me, c’mon don’t be shy and show yourself to me.” I dared to say out-of-nowhere, hoping that someone will finally emerge from this thick mist surrounding me.

“Very great.” A voice, like a whisper, emerged out of the dread silence. “I see that you have a very strong instinct woman.” A man, a deep man voice.

“Who are you and what do you need in me? Are you a sorcerer or what?”

“I’m someone who was sent to give you a gift, a special one.” Smoke charges forward and stop near me, then a body formed by it. A man in cloak was what I see, but I can’t see his face. He’s still in a form of smoke. “All you need to do is to answer one question.”

“Why would I even do that? And why should I trust you or even be interested to whatever you’ll be giving?” I challenged the man to convince me.

“Because you are one of the chosen…” he replied. “And because I have something you’ll need in the near future, in the event that’s coming…” He added.

“What did I have to do with something coming? And what do you mean with the word coming? Is it another wave of apocalypse?”

“Answer the riddle and I’ll answer you…” he negotiated.

“Okay.” I replied.

“Here’s the riddle;

"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 stopped, looked the man in cloak and think thoroughly for the answer in the riddle.

“For the reward you just need to choose between; a ring that can answer millions of questions, a key for a celestial lock, an ace for a royal flush or a mystic mask of an ancient ancestor.” He said before vanishing, together with the thick mist and everything was back again.

I looked around, noise now filled my ears, and I am now in the ark of alley 27.

“How could I even answer him if he vanished without saying a word?” I confusedly asked myself while looking around. I just popped in here, is he also the one who made it?