A Fractured Paradise

Chapter Nine (Part One)

Caeli appeared to Marcellus’s left, her blow blocked with a grin. “Even cheating I seem incapable of placing a scratch on you.” She breathed, exhausted from training. “Are you certain you are not a mind reader?”

“Tis those shining eyes that betray you, little one.” Marcellus answered. “Though your speed has increased, your eyes glance upon your destination. Do not fret, I am sure the enemy shall be too stunned by your abilities to realize your weakness.”

“Again.” Caeli straightened her stance. “There is never an excuse when I am positive it can be changed.”

Marcellus lunged at Caeli. She blocked and swung. He blocked, swung and forced her back with relentless blows. I don’t have time to visualize. I must be faster. He watches my eyes. I will stare at him and try a different way.

Caeli locked eyes with Marcellus, blocking a strike to her head. Utilizing her peripheral vision, she focused on where she would be capable of surprising him. There. She swung behind, pausing her blade mere inches from Marcellus’s side. 

“Excellent, little one.” He faced her with a smile. “I am always correct in believing you.”

Caeli smiled through exhausted breaths before her sight filled with black dots and her footing became unbalanced. She dropped her sword but Marcellus quickly steadied her.

“Are you well, little one?” He forced her to sit on the warm grass. “Perhaps it would be wise to rest. This is the longest you have trained with your new ability. I am impressed.”

“Only need a moment.” Caeli consumed some water and bread. “I wish to continue.” 

“Rest, little one.” Marcellus insisted. “You must be at full strength during battle.”

“Okay.” Caeli offered Marcellus some bread. “Sit. Eat and drink with me.” 

“Thank you.” Marcellus gratefully took the gift and sat beside Caeli. “You have made your mentor proud, little one. My greatest wish is for my kids to grow and be just as you are.”

“You are a great teacher, general, friend and parent. Your children should aspire to be as you are.” Caeli shook her head. “They are lucky to have been blessed with a father so amazing.” If only you and Liber could have been gifted to me.

“Little one, your mother and father are fools to not see how blessed they are to have been given such a strong daughter.” Marcellus nudged her. “You shall one day replace me and become the greatest general in all of Adytan history.”

“There will never be a general any greater than you.” Caeli whispered. “Adyta would be lost without you. You led the war against Aurea and saved all of Adyta from s*****y. You saved our beloved King. When Adyta was cursed by plague, you ensured the people remained calm, aided those in need and took in all of the remaining orphans.”

 “Those actions were performed by more than just me, including our king.” Marcellus reminded. “Though I appreciate your words, little one. I ask only that you learn from my actions.”

“I shall do my best.” Caeli nodded. “I am going to rest now.”

“I will awaken you when we prepare to leave.” Marcellus stood. 

“Caeli crawled into her tent and rested her head on her arm. I must be ready to fight.

*

Larissa stared from the queen’s window. If she squinted, she could see her parent’s shop. As busy as always. The girls are doing such a great job. 

Behind her stood the queen. I don’t want to tell her. 

It was just that morning she’d noticed the proximity between the militaries.

How close are they Larissa?

`“The children wouldn’t make it in time.” Larissa shook her head. “At this rate, they should collide soon. I informed Caeli.” Larissa wrapped her arms around her. “She will keep everyone safe.”

“I believe she will.” Queen Cassiana whispered, she placed her hand on Larissa’s shoulder. “Would you like to see my son?”

Larissa’s body eased as a flash of the prince’s smiling face appeared in her mind. It’s been so long.

They had been telepathically communicating, but Larissa found herself wanting more than just his voice in her head. Something had changed inside of her. She knew she had her siblings to care for, and dating the prince would put a target on her back.

But the anxiety of the citizens was consuming her. Fear of death shrouded her mind, but it wasn’t her life she feared for. Nor was it Caeli’s, as she knew Caeli was too capable to allow death to take her. It was the prince’s death that chilled her body and brought tears to her eyes. 

She loved all of her friends and siblings, but what she felt for the prince was more. She’d see his smiling face and kind, love filled, eyes anytime she’d blink. She was always thinking about him, and missing his touch when he wasn’t with her. 

It was the fear of loss from the citizens, that helped Larissa realize she shouldn’t wait for her happiness. It could be taken at any moment and if she missed it, she’d never forgive herself. 

“Please.” Larissa whispered.

The Queen escorted her down the marbled halls, glowing like gold from the sun’s rays. Guards formed a circle around them, blocking Larissa’s view. Will Adyta ever feel safe again?

It was feeling less and less like the home she loved. Those left to guard were young. Those with completed training but whom King Vitus had deemed ineligible as they had yet to produce offspring. Yet the queen still desires to send my sister and the others away. Doesn’t she trust Caeli? Does she know something I don’t?

Loud knocks disrupted her thoughts. The door slowly opened.

“Yeah?” The prince’s annoyed voice caused Larissa to chuckle.

Ever the proper prince.

“Rissa?” Hope filled Prince Maximus’s voice.

The guards parted, allowing Larissa to approach the prince. He had dark circles under his eyes, but a smile brightened his face.

“Mariana, come with me for a little bit.” The queen instructed.

“Okay.” The princess happily skipped to her mother. “Have fun.” She taunted in a sing-song voice. 

The prince practically pulled Larissa inside and quietly shut the door. He held her close. “I missed you, Rissa.”

“I missed you too.” She breathed him in, a subtle hint of roses and mint brought a smile to her face. “They should face battle soon.”

Prince Maximus stroked her hair. “They’ll be fine. They have Caeli, Marcellus and my father.”

Larissa buried her head into the prince’s chest. “Still, their numbers are great.”

“Let’s not talk of negative outcomes.” The prince shook his head. “I’ve been so stressed out lately and I can barely leave my room.” 

“I know.” Larissa sighed, pulling away and sat on the prince’s bed. “I’ve been exhausted, maintaining visuals of our citizens and the army. It drains me so much.” She allowed herself to fall back on his bed. “My control is getting slightly better. How’s yours been?”

“I have migraines almost constantly.” The prince sat beside her. “I’m so tired. Mother won’t tell me anything. And even when you report to her, I’m not allowed to see you, for my safety.”

“It’s bullshit.” Larissa whispered. “Who would better protect you than I?”

The prince leaned over her, his chestnut eyes bright, reflecting her face back at her. He held a gentle smile on his bowed lips. “Have you seen Darius since the incident?”

Guilt filled Larissa. I went over to apologize almost every day, then he asked me to stop. He told me to stop coming over without asking if he was busy. I understand, but I don’t want to bother him since he’s so busy.

He knows you didn’t mean to, Rissa. The prince laid beside Larissa. You lost control, it happens.

Is that what you told yourself when you killed Magnus?

The prince tensed. Larissa could feel his anxiety and rage rising before her hand met his. 

He got what he deserved.

But you didn’t mean to. Larissa squeezed his hand. “Talk to me, Max.” How does that feel?

“Terrifying.” Prince Maximus’s voice cracked. “I don’t feel bad for killing him. He was a monster and the rest of the council deserves to die along with him.” His grip tightened as his breaths quickened. But what if I kill someone I care about? My mother won’t tell me anything! 

Larissa felt her energy drain, the world began to swirl around her. Max, stop. She fought the urge to close her eyes. I’m sorry. She couldn’t focus. I can’t calm him.

The prince blurred. Her body tingled as she felt her consciousness fading.

“Rissa, I’m sorry!” The prince’s frantic voice echoed, his lips moving out of sync with his words.

She felt a pressure around her body. “I’m sorry, Rissa.” The prince’s voice seemed calmer. 

Her gaze now at his chest. He’s holding me. She blinked slowly as the swirling in her mind slowed. 

“I’m so sorry.” The prince’s breath was warm against her ear. “Please be okay.”

She could feel his energy now, fearful but calming, and slowly flowing into her. Still slightly dazed, she felt no fear.

Larissa patted the prince’s side. I’m okay.

His grip only tightened. The gods cursed me and blessed you.

It’s not a curse, you have a different ability. Larissa slightly pushed away to face him. Tears stained his tanned cheeks. Larissa rested her hand upon his cheek. “Your mom is just as strong as you. Darius said they’re genetic. You could have her abilities.”

“I’m a monster.” The prince shook his head. “I’m pretty sure I almost killed you. Maybe mother won’t explain anything because she doesn’t actually know the answer.” His breaths began to quicken once more. “Maybe she’s just as afraid. She’s always got me blocked from her thoughts.” His tears began to fall once more. “I feel like I’m losing my mind. I can’t do this, Rissa. If I killed anyone I care about I’d die with them.” 

“Hey,” Larissa cupped his cheeks, forcing him to stare into her eyes. “You are not a monster. You will not hurt us. You will learn control. You just have to stay calm.” 

“How can I be calm when I could kill someone at any moment?” Prince Maximus scoffed. “I would be a danger to all around me. I’m a m******e waiting to happen. I should prevent that from happening.”

“No!” Larissa shouted, fear gripping her heart. I won’t let you go back down this hole. “We need you, Max. Caeli, Darius and I. We aren’t complete without you there.”

“You have Caeli.” The prince closed his eyes. “She has always been a better warrior and leader than I. She would take care of you two. I know she’d give you a great life.”

No, don’t let those thoughts consume you again. Please, Max. 

Prince Maximus had been mentally scarred by the devastation of the plague. He had felt powerless to his peoples’ suffering. The spirits had come in endless waves of wails. Caeli, Larissa and the prince had been kept awake for endless nights by their wailing, though they most tormented the royal family. Until the shadows began taking them. 

The shadows would appear from the tiniest source of darkness. Like snakes, they’d creep upon walls or the ground. As they reached a spirit, their figures would begin to dissipate like ripples on water. Their cries would turn to agonized shrieks that chilled the soul. All Paskoins could feel their pain, sorrow, confusion and anger. 

Prince Maximus felt as though he were somehow at fault. That somehow he should’ve been able to heal his people. 

You and Darius have the same thinking but it was just a disease. You couldn’t control it or predict it or stop it. Tears weld in Larissa’s eyes. Sometimes things happen in life that we have absolutely no control over. That’s just life. Larissa held his head tightly in her hands, forcing his eyes to remain locked with hers. “But what you can control is how you react to it and what you do with what you have. You are not weak or a monster or any negative thing. We will never abandon you.”

A quick shimmer caught her attention. The heart-shaped necklace she’d gifted him glistened gold and blue from the light of the sun. She cupped the stone in her hand.

“Do you know why I gave you the heart one?” She sighed, determined to stop all of his fears once and for all. “Ever since we were little kids, you and Caeli have been the most passionate people I have ever met. You two always led our adventures and were never afraid. I fell for both of you fiercely, even dreamed that maybe we could have a polyamorous relationship.” Larissa smiled, recalling the childhood fantasy. “But Caeli does not desire to be with a man, nor does she desire to be our leader. You are our leader. Not because you're a prince but because you care so fiercely for everyone and everything in Adyta. Because you’ve given the actual clothes off of your back, and to a traveler in need; along with two bags of coins in every currency you had available. And all because he gave Mariana a little wooden horse for free, not knowing who she was. Because you cried when your first lily died.” Larissa closed her eyes, a tight feeling in her chest. “Because you don’t want to be anything but you. We will never abandon you. I know you’re scared but we are too. I could’ve killed Darius and my sister. But that just means I have to practice more. Ask your mom if you can have space and time to practice. You can do this. I know this is all so much, so fast and honestly I don’t think any of us are doing well. Trust me, all of Adyta feel frightened.” Larissa shook her head, sighing. “I gave you the heart, because you’ve held mine since we were four years old and you gave me that midnight rose you had your mother help you grow to match my eyes.”

“You remember that flower?” The prince eased.

“I had my mom preserve it in resin. I keep it in the back of my closet.” Larissa smiled. “Until the kids are old enough to not accidentally knock it over.”

The tightness in her chest lightened, as she finally made her decision. She rested her hand on the prince’s shoulder, butterflies formed in her stomach. “I will always stand by your side, Maximus.” She smiled at him. “I love you.”

*

Dusk came quickly. Marcellus gently woke Caeli, she donned her armor, dressed her horse and they rode. Despite the sun, there was a chill in the air. How odd. The rains are not due for another few weeks. She focused her energy, the enemies’ energy practically slammed into her. 

“General, let us proceed with caution.” Caeli slowed Sora to match Marcellus’s horse. “They’re not too far away.”

“Thank you.” King Vitus signaled the troops to be cautious.

He advanced slowly; Caeli on his left and Marcellus on his right. Caeli’s stomach began to twist, her body tensed and she couldn’t help but tightly grip Sora’s reins. Unlike other battles, she was nervous. There’s something very wrong. She was unable to locate exactly where this feeling was rising from. But I can see the enemy and that's all that matters. She closed her eyes, malicious energy filled her, and she could still see them stringing their bows.

Their archers are preparing a strike. Caeli warned her comrades, despite the massive headache. 

Caeli deflected thirty arrows from her comrades. 

“Let them charge!” King Vitus commanded.

“Guard up, little one.” Marcellus drew his sword. 

Caeli focused on the front of the army. She easily deflected more arrows and pushed back soldiers emerging from the trees. I am in control. Nothing shall harm my comrades or king. 

Attempting to maintain her focus, she noticed their forces separating. 

They’re attempting to surround us.

Some of her comrades quickly headed to block them. Caeli remained close to the king. 

Sora, if I am dismounted from you, flee home. 

No, friend. Sora sprinted to match the king’s horse.

I do not wish for you to be injured or killed. Caeli’s sword sliced the throat of an enemy, while she simultaneously forced them away from her comrades. Please listen. If you lose me, return home and I shall meet you there. 

Okay, friend. Though I vow not to lose you. 

Surrounded, cries of pain echoed throughout the field. 

They’re fast! Caeli pushed back fifteen from her right. They are more organized than our recent foe.

“Caeli, show them our power!” Her general commanded.

Caeli absorbed the energy of Duniwa. A gust of wind swept around her comrades, taking the enemy into the sky and away from their sight. She continued to consume energy. I can’t pass out. She shook the fog from her mind. 

For a moment, her comrades calmed. The enemies were dwindling quickly. We will soon be victorious. 

Though reading energies grew difficult the more she utilized the wind, Caeli was confident the battle would soon end.

I have yet to see their king. Perhaps he didn’t come? No matter, we will continue to advance until this is over. 

“Aaaaaagh” 

Caeli turned her attention to witness King Vitus fall from his steed. A soldier in their clothing held a sword dripping in the king’s blood. 

My king, no! Caeli sent a gust toward their traitorous comrade. Ezra, how could you?! Vitus! A jolt flowed through her as she appeared beside their fallen king. She fought the pull for sleep as Marcellus practically fell beside the king. He pulled his friend onto his lap. King Vitus gasped in his friend’s arms.

“Caeli, return the king home!” Marcellus ordered, handing the king to her. “He must be saved!”

Caeli took a deep breath and squeezed the king’s hand. She visualized Darius’s office. I must travel there. A jolt flowed through her as cold stone emerged beneath her.

“The king is injured!” She screamed at a frightened Darius before focusing on returning to the battlefield. With another jolt, thick iron filled her nostrils. 

To her horror, Adytan soldiers were fighting themselves, along with the remaining enemy soldiers. Though some now bore a green band on their arms. Anguish slammed into her. They were in full retreat.

Shadows slithered across the ground. Flashes of the plague threatened to consume her with anxiety, but she had a duty to her brethren. Before her eyes, hundreds of her comrades lay dying. 

“No, I do not want to go!”

“Please, allow me to return!”

“My children need me!”

“I am all my family has!”

“Please no!”

“No!”

“Please, I wish to return home!”

“Why have you betrayed us?!”

The voices of the fallen begged for mercy; a second chance. Caeli attempted to block the shadows from the fallen, but it was useless. Holding back her tears, she continued to fight.

It pained her as she slaughtered those she’d trained with, hunted with...grew with. Every ounce of Adytan blood spilled by her hand, shattered her soul. 

This can’t be real. 

Everything seemed to slow. Her body felt numb, as though she had left it. Yet energy gathered with a rage she didn’t know was rising until a gust of wind sent all of her enemies slamming into trees, as the trees themselves cracked and fell. 

She fell to her knees, but collected more. I cannot pass out. 

“Marcellus!” Unable to focus on any one energy through the chaotic fog of the dead, living and shadows.

“Help us!”

 “Caeli, please!”

“I don’t want to die!”

“Mom!”

Help me!”

“Talia, I’m sorry!”

Cries of her comrades pulled at her already broken soul. 

Breathing heavily, Caeli gathered many of her fallen brethren at the hospital, both dead and alive, leaving all those bearing the enemy band. No honor.

 Her sight grew dim, yet she returned to and from the field thousands of times. I must save them. They must return home. 

Her blade ended many, her body seemingly on autopilot. Cries of her brethren lead her into the forest. She continued the only thing driving her; any fallen she returned home.

She gave Darius no time to speak with her. She did not know the king’s condition. Every new arrival, the hospital seemed more chaotic and crowded. But that didn’t matter now. There were still people to save. They had been betrayed.

How couldn’t I tell? There was no warning. No ill thoughts. How could they guard themselves from me? This can’t be happening.

She fell against a tree, the cries for help quiet now. The horses are gone. Maybe Marcellus escaped?

The sound of metal clanging pressed her forward. 

“You traitorous bastard!” A familiar voice spat.

She followed the voice.

“We know what you and Vitus did to his father.” Metal clanged once more.

“Your punishment is death!” Caeli came upon Marcellus pinned, against three.

“No!” Caeli sent two flying back, though the third had barely moved.. She rushed toward her general.

A burning pressure emerged in her lower abdomen. She gasped from the pain, locking eyes with the man who injured her. Dario.

He pressed his sword deeper, twisting as the metal sunk into her body. An anguished cry escaped her throat. This pain was not like the arrow, it was quick but now she was numb; her adrenaline keeping her conscious. “You are an abomination.” Dario smirked, ripping his sword from her body.

She fell to her stomach, as her blood gushed from her wound. She found herself gasping, though she knew not why.

“Goodbye.” His sword began down, toward her throat.

Marcellus’s anguished cry snapped her from her fog. No.

“Go!” She forced her assailant back, his neck snapping as he hit a tree at an awkward angle.

Stumbling with a weak barrier, she collapsed onto her knees beside a bleeding Marcellus, his assailant lay dying from a wound Marcellus must have given him. “Stay.” Caeli gasped. Home. With a jolt, Caeli fell upon the stone floor of the hospital for the final time. “Help him.” She allowed her head to fall upon the cold floor of the hospital.

It appeared as though all of Adyta had gathered in the hospital. A blurry Liber pushed through the anxious crowd.

“No!” Liber cradled Marcellus. “I need help!”

“My...love…” Marcellus gasped. “We...were...betrayed...I...love you. Our...kids…”

“Do not speak.” Liber kissed him. “My heart, please rest. My love, we are safe.”

A nurse knelt beside Marcellus.

Please do not die. Caeli gasped, closing her eyes she squeezed his hand. Can’t lose you.

“Cae...you did...well…” He gasped. 

“Caeli!” Larissa’s frightened voice erupted from the crowd. She lifted her from the ground. “Help!”

“Here girl!” Amu’s voice forced Caeli to open her eyes. Why is he here?

He gestured to an empty, though blood-soaked, bed. Caeli grew cold as Aquila removed her armor. “Her abdomen has been wounded.”

“Caeli.” Princess Mariana stood beside her.

“The...king…” Caeli fought the fog in her mind. “Marcellus…”

“Just breathe.” Larissa squeezed her hand. “We must stop the bleeding. Damn it, where’s Darius?!”

Aquila swiftly exited the room.

“Working on daddy.” Princess Mariana whispered.

“You need to get behind me.” Larissa grabbed her arm and pulled her behind her. 

Aquila returned with a torch and Caeli’s dagger. “We shall fix this.” She placed the blade within the flames.

“We should give her something.” Princess Mariana attempted to walk away.

“Are you crazy, don’t do that!” Larissa shouted.

“We do not have time for stitches.” Aquila smirked, almost enjoying what she was about to do. “She will bleed out if we do not stop the bleeding now.”

“This is the consequences of disobeying your parents.” Amu chuckled.

Larissa sent Aquila back. “You are not burning her!” She began packing gauze upon Caeli’s wound.

Adrenaline fading, Caeli felt an agony she never knew possible. Every touch was like fire exploding through her skin. She felt as though she was suffocating from the pain.

“You will show us respect!” Amu shouted, Larissa falling to her knees.

“Stop it!” Princess Mariana shrieked.

“Go get Darius!” Larissa instructed. “Amu, don’t do this! She’s your daughter!”

Aquila warmed the blade again. “This is what happens to disobedient sluts.”

Caeli held her scream, yet clawed at the bed as the glowing blade burned within her. It was a pain she had never felt as though her skin would boil from her body. Her body tensed then everything lightened. She felt as though she was floating. Caeli closed her eyes.

I failed them. I’m sorry.

*

Darius and the queen came rushing in. The queen immediately forced Amu and Aquila to the ground. Free from Amu’s control, Larissa rushed to Caeli’s side once more. 

No, no. She pressed her fingers to Caeli’s neck. There was too much chaotic energy for her to even attempt to read Caeli. But it didn’t matter; she wouldn’t have read anything.

“Caeli, no!” Dread chilled her body. “Darius, her heart stopped.” 

She’s dead. The world seemed to slow and quiet. All the emotions that had been slamming into her ceased. She felt nothing. Everything seemed to lighten, as though the world was now bathed in clouded white. She fell onto Caeli, her body shaking as a grief-stricken scream escaped her lungs. A gust escaped her, but seemed to be swallowed as soon as it emerged.

Darius shook his head. His mouth moved but Larissa was unable to hear his words. 

He shoved Larissa out of the way and placed his hands upon Caeli’s chest. His shoulders bobbed as he began pressing down.

The queen’s hands grasped Larissa’s shoulders. She led her from the room. The queen’s turquoise eyes glistened with an empty sadness that only filled Larissa with more dread. 

“I will not let her die.” The queen’s words didn’t reach Larissa until the door was already closed.

She turned, watching the activities around her in slow motion. Nurses worked in rooms and hallways. There were more injured than healers it seemed. People were crying, and some panicked. Soldiers lay alone, bleeding on the floor.

Larissa began instructing those around her, sending some to get supplies and directing others to those who need aid. Everyone in Adyta was required to learn basic first aid procedures, per order of Darius.