Burying the Hatchet (COMPLETED)

Masks

The Fortress

Rozen City

August 20, 4020

3 days after the Hearse City Siege

The Fortress is where the presidents of Thorne country reside. It is located at the heart of Rozen City which is its capital. Unlike most capitals from all over the world in the space age, the fortress is a floating civilization inside the city. In an aerial view it looks like a scarlet rose in full bloom. In a field of tiny rose buds. Mostly made up of titanium to keep it lightweight and be able to stay afloat. With a mixture of stainless steel that could withstand impacts made outside that could compromise its security.

It is hovering over Lake Prowler at a hundred feet. Another strategic way to fend off intruders. Beneath it is the Leviathan, a tough caliber mechanical snake packed with a boatload of arsenal. Able to strike in any direction and at top speed too. No one in history has passed through that lake and made it out alive on the other side.

A state of the art lighting system is installed in it too. Before it used to be pure white in color but due to the uprising of Revival it has been on alert status and in constant scarlet color. For the past five months now.

President Adam Clay stands on stage with a well rehearsed smile and conviction at bay. Looking sharp and put together as always in his grey tuxedo and trousers. His black leather shoes is so shiny he could see his own reflection in it. A silver watch hangs on his left wrist. He glanced at it and started to clear his throat.

It is time. He thought to himself.

He initiated a press conference as a countermeasure to the recent ruckus at Hearse City. This is just a normal protocol to appease his subjects and make them trust him more than ever. Believing the big fat lie that he is still in control of the country. That the lives of people involved in Revival who are considered traitors but still takes pity on them in public calling them victims.

“Our city is named after roses because when the first inhabitants of the new world came to space; roses seemed to be the most impossible flower to plant here. But miraculously it thrived one bud after the other. The first president of Thorne country Ruby Jeanherst was the one who planted that. Who happens to be a scientist too. And I am one with her in believing that people are like roses too. Before we experience the goodness that they have, we must endure their thorns.”

He heaved a deep sigh and held the podium on both sides with his hands. As if relying on it for strength for the next statements he was about to say.

“Our brothers and sisters. Your mothers and fathers. Even your closest friends who have joined the cause of Revival are like roses too. Though they are unable to thrive properly because of the weeds that corrupt them.” He looks at the people seeking for sympathy which they gladly gave him. “They have been brainwashed by the false ideals. Raised to go against us. My heart breaks to say these words too. Though their numbers are rising, don't panic. Even if they think they have won the recent siege at Hearse City, I as your president will stop at nothing to keep the peace all of us deserve.”

His heart swells with pride for what he has achieved. Applauses thundered the people’s hall, where the press conference was held. Confirming his convictions. Completely agreeing to what their leader has just said. Most of them keeps close ties with the president and his administration for their own benefits. Influence may come handy someday if it’s their head on the chopping board.

It has been in human nature to put themselves first above others. Waging war over petty things. A cycle of revenge that ends up in annihilation. Superior among creatures but has the least idea about unity and understanding. Jealousy lurking at the back of their minds even in ancient history. Killing their own kin for the sake of reputation. Trying to take control of their own fate but has poor judgment in the bigger picture that includes everybody else. Pride has toppled them many times over. Half the time proving it isn’t the case but is entirely about it.

***

A man in his forties, roams around the study while staring at the digital paintings on the wall. All in holographic frames as well. The previous presidents of Thorne country. Adam at the last portrait. Beaming with stature and integrity in his favorite midnight blue three-piece suit. A mask he wore so well over the years. Though it has a few cracks he manages to reinforce it. With what else? than his well crafted lies.

“That was a moving speech old friend, I almost teared up.”

Content in circling a glass of scotch in his right hand. While the other hand sticks inside the pocket of his black slacks. When he turned to face the president his belly stuck out under his with polo. Protruding below his black vest. Gone is the slender physique he used to own years ago. His arms looked like sausages wrapped in pig intestine. Only his was a brown coat.

“What a compliment from you Luke. Thank you. You’re enjoying your little escapade I suppose? Though last Thursday Venn had never looked so gorgeous. The years have been kind to her,” Adam stated it as-a-matter-of-fact, poking fun on his friend.

Reminiscing the uproar three days ago. Not even fearing for his own life. By his body alone if he were to strangle him, he’ll surely die without much struggle.

Luke just smirked and went near the table to pour himself a second glass of scotch while tossing in a few ice cubes. Gulped it in one go and replied, “she had too, her body is her bread and butter after all.” Then put the glass back and sat on the chair facing the president’s study table.

This time he lights up a cigarette. Ignoring the fact that he is talking to the most powerful man in the country. The president’s close in bodyguard was supposed to get the cigarette stick but Adam signals her to stop. Luke just scoffed at the effort. Showing her who’s boss. He even grabs her ass without blinking.

“I’ll take her home,” he said, as if ordering his favorite cup of coffee pronto.

The woman flinches but still composes herself. She looks at the president pleading for him to spare her. Adam nods giving her hope.

“This is not a brothel Luke. She’s taken too you uncultured swine.” Adam massages his temples feeling hopeless for his friend. “I have a reputation to uphold and I won’t allow anyone to taint it even if it’s you my friend,” he said with finality.

She’ll be well compensated later though. Besides she’s his latest personal bedwarmer. Even if she’d want to boast about her affair with the president to her friends, she can’t. Not that he still has a wife to start with. Adam filling her bank account to keep her mouth shut. Like what he does to everyone else. Though for those who can’t be silenced, the grave is always open.

He scanned the room further and noticed a mini library on the right side of the table. Thinking of a fitting comeback to get even with his friend. Then smirks as the thought dawns on him.

“Still a fan of tales aren’t you? Though you’re the man they curse in every book.”

Adam chuckles darkly. “I know right? Where did all the politeness go after all these years? You’ve become foul-mouthed compared to the saint I remember.”

“Venn and her betrayal happened. That’s why I’m overjoyed to see her camping out like a sullen teenager.”

A lie told so many times fearfully becomes the truth when people choose to believe it. They can even fool themselves.

“Right and she has my daughter mixed up too. You’re with me if I say we shall punish that thief right?”

His eyes met his and there could be no words that could describe how ominus the air felt around them. They wouldn’t care about the method as long as the results they want are achieved. Conscience and guilt has no place in their hearts anymore. It is so corrupted that even a little spark of hope could not foster. Not that they would give it a chance to.

“Couldn’t agree more,” Luke held out his hand and Adam shook it.

They just made a deal with the devil. That makes both of them for each other. Contempt written all over their faces. How time changes people. Even saints can become hell bent monsters when they let the pain and pride take control of their lives. Ravaging anything and anyone in their way. Merciless and unforgiving. Succumbing into the darkness that one can never come back from. Unless they are ready to embrace and be obliterated by the light they despised so well.