BloodLust

“The world as we know it is no longer. War, famine, violence, destruction caused the world to succumb to a point of almost no return. People fought, parents turned against their kids and kids against parents. Family was no more. What you once knew was now over. How it started is unsure, but like a virus when it spread there was no stopping it. The violence contaminated the world and no one was to be trusted, because there was no trust in the world, only rage and pandemonium. The world was ablaze and so were people. Just as it was thought that people were close to reach their point of no redemption, to cross the line and become more savages than animals. When it was thought that all humanity was lost, and from the dept of darkness in peoples’ souls and the dust and ashes of the fires came hope. Just like there is Light in Darkness, and there is a Yin to a Yang, there is Good in Bad, and this was the time for Good to rise up and shine on the land of destruction. Legend has it that one morning the sunrise was brighter, as the sun showed its first glimmers of light, and the first ray welcomed the barren earth a flash of pure white light and a strong gust of wind swiped the whole land, crossed seas, shook the last salvageable trees and awoke humanity. Just like a trumpet instead, this one was not like the Bible announcing the end of the world, instead it was the beginning of a new world. With the wind, seeds were blown away and propagated the earth. With the light, the seeds bloomed and rose from the almost numb dirt. And the sound… the sound woke up the saviors. As the sun kept rising and the tint of orange spread, from the horizon five shadowy figures appeared. These five people were the epitome of diversity, and yet, they all wanted the same, to live in peace with each other and restore what was once broken. Their names were, Nagasaki, Avalon, Nahukúa, George, and Faaria. How they got together is still part of the mystery of the legend, no one knows. How they persuaded the people to change after years of bloodshed is also a mystery, and this is why to some they were angels sent from Heaven to bring peace where there was none left. To others they were said to be mirages and for it to be all fake, a product of imagination. Some, even go a step further and declare that the war never happened. The world was never destroyed, people were not slayed, and we were never saved by five strangers, after all how could they just show up and change the world? However, in certain parts of the world, the most damaged ones, you can still see the effects of the devastation. So, was it all fake? Just a part of it? No one knows, or maybe not anymore, as those that could possibly hold the answer have now passed away of old age. What is true though is that once people regained their humanity and worked together to save the Earth, Avalon, Nagasaki, Nahukúa, George and Faaria where nominated by the people to rule them. After many and long debates they came to a decision. Nagasaki would take the once named Asia continent, Faaria would ruled Africa, Avalon would be the ruler of Europe, George would get North America, and at last Nahukúa would get South America. It was a chance for a new beginning and with that said, everyone wanted to start afresh. North America became known as Willowberg, South America is Makya, Asia turned out to be Srimuang, Europe became known as Britgh, and Africa was renamed to Sepsephet.” “That’s us!” Nabyra squeaked and gave her mom a shook in the arm, caused by the excitement. Queen Anneke smiled softly and nodded while directing her daughter and princess to lay in bed again so she could continue with the story. She did as told, getting her tiny tanned body back inside the linen covers, and she stared back at her mother with her big green eyes, awaiting the rest of the story. “Centuries have passed since the downfall of the world, less centuries have passed since the world was renewed and given a second chance. But, this story may never be disregarded, may never be forgotten, as doing such terrible mistake might lead to destruction of the human race, the animals, the nature, and the world again, and this time, it may not survive. The legend drags on, the story is told from parents to children, from generation to generation, so ignorance is not widespread, but kindness, humbleness and love are. We are all the same, and yet we are not, and for that reason we all need each other, we all accept each other, and we embrace who we are and this world, by remembering that there is so much more out there than just us. So, think about the next one, like the saviors did, think about the next one, like Mother Earth did. And remember… always remember, and pray, and give gratitude to your ancestors, and nature, for give everyone another chance.” With the last words softly leaving Queen Anneke’s lips, almost like a whisper, she closes the big book. She gently passes her fingers on the imprints in the red faded leather and takes a deep breath, remembering to be grateful. She moves her gaze from the book to her daughter. Nabyra is still wide awake, her eyes wide open and you can see the excitement shinning through them. “I loved it!” She shouts while throwing her arms up in the air. Queen Anneke can not help but let out a laugh at the reaction of her daughter. She reads her this book once a week, and every week she has the same reaction. She never falls asleep when her mother reads this book to her, while with others it is a give or take. The book does contain more than a bedtime story, it contains details of the Lost World and of the New World, including the lands and their kingdoms. One day Nabyra will be old enough to read more than just the bedtime story that roughly covers two pages of the book, but for now, her childhood must be preserved. The Queen gets up from her child’s bed and gently tucks her arms back inside the covers, Princess Nabyra is still rambling about her love for the story, their past, and their ancestors. She is a bundle of joy, her excitement being contagious. As the Queen looks down at her overly excited daughter she is grateful for having her, even with her quirks she could have not asked for anything else, but she worries. The enthusiastic princess, beloved by all, feared by none, one day to be Queen of Sepsephet, is all but a child that is not yet prepared to learn the royal ways. Her mother can not help wonder if there will ever be a good time to start teaching her their ways, and if when the time comes, the light that shines in her will slowly dim because of the burden that comes with the throne and crown. There is no war. There is no conflict. There is no drama like in the book, but there is duty. Duty to the people of their land. Duty to the crown and throne, and if not managed properly it can be dangerous. If not managed correctly with the right people around you to support you, it can be your ruin. Queen Anneke had already been approached by King Khut on the importance of making sure that Nabyra is promised to someone, as that would ensure that the lineage would continue, that an alliance would be strengthen, but most important to the Queen, that her daughter would be supported once she was gone from the land of the living. She would be able to depart in peace and be reassured she would be ok. “Mother?” Queen Anneke looks down at her daughter only to realize she was looking back at her with an expression of worry. She must have been out of it for a while. “Worry not my girl. Now, get comfortable and go to sleep. I’m going to go check on your brothers.” She leans forward and kisses her forehead, and leans down a bit more to rub noses with her, “I love you.” “I love you too.” And with those last words she closes her eyes and gets prepared to dream. Queen Anneke unties the rope on the bed poster and lets the curtain fall and just like that, it hides the body of her daughter behind the beige curtain waves. She turns around and walks out of the room to check on her boys so she can go to bed herself shortly after.