Through The Stars

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

     The ride back to Galaxias was long. We had to go for different stops to fetch other recruits like me. The ship was swift though as we managed to travel to different parts of the world in less than a day. Representatives weren’t allowed to talk to each other, so we just sat on that gigantic ship with the soldiers headed by the man with a dark aura. They said that we will have a time to introduce ourselves once we hit base.

     I just stared at the small window behind my seat, looking down on the barren soils beneath us. I wondered how my father is right now, or of Rafael has regained his consciousness already. I’ve never bid them goodbye because I think it’s inappropriate to do so. Goodbyes are only meant for people that are never returning. I will come back. I have to. How? I don’t know yet.

      As the scenery ahead transformed into a better one, I knew then and there that we are finally approaching the country of The Highest. They had enormous buildings and a thriving community around there. It’s obvious that they don’t starve neither have any hardships around as their city is built to somehow withstand nature’s cruel hands. If they had shared resources with the rest of the world, we could have been all better off.

“Romeo Hotel to Whiskey Tango, we are approaching. Lever off the shield. Over.” The guy with green flaring eyes spoke over his radio.

“Copy that.” A static spoke.

      The Highest had their little community country surrounded and protected by an invisible shield. It is known to everyone that it can stop tornados, tsunamis and external forces to wreck the city inside it. It’s their shield from the outside world. It also protects them from the UV of the sun so people inside the dome no longer needs protection goggles like we outside do. How lucky right? They have less to worry – well except for earthquakes. But since Erik Harald is smart enough, he built his kingdom far from fault lines which decreases their risk of experiencing any ground rattle.

     In a few minutes, we felt the ship being leveled to the ground. We probably have reached Galaxias now.

“Get your asses off of the ship now!” The man with the cold staring green eyes shouted amidst the ship.

    Whoever he is, he sure has a bad temper that no one wants to mess with. I can tell that by the look his subordinates give him whenever he speaks. Probably because he has authority too. They always seem afraid of him. I can also say that with the way he dealt with Rafael earlier. He seems younger though than the rest he was working with. It’s just our first time to meet, but I think that I will hate him for the rest of my stay in Galaxias.

“Hey, stop staring at him.” A random guy approached me and whispered that stealthily.

    I was quick to avert my gaze when I was warned.

“Don’t you know who that was?” The tone of the guy I was talking sounded afraid.

“No. Who is he and why is everyone making that face when they speak of him?” I asked, curious.

“From what country are you and why don’t you even know that he is the feared, Major Rune Harald?” He asked unbelievably.

     We were following the lines set out by the soldiers but I stopped in tracks.

“What are you doing? Keep moving! They’ll see us and we’ll be dead!” He nudged me.

    That was why my gut screams for hatred for that man. He surely will inherit the cruelty of his uncle.

“So, he is Erik’s nephew. The sole heir of The Highest.” I stated.

“Yes, he is the “Ruthless Rune” as they call him. And he is one of the heads of Galaxias. He will be training us.” The stranger exclaimed.

     I bit my lower lip in disgust. I could not stand to be in the same room or area as that man. He would inherit a kingdom that took away lives inhumanely. No doubt he will be just like his uncle.

“My name is Jinhao, by the way. I’m from Japan – well, the remnants of it. You?” Jinhao introduced himself to me.

“I’m Genesis Wade. I’m from the Philippines.” I answered him.

“Wow, cool. Neighboring countries, huh?” he smiled.

“I guess so.” I replied.

“LISTEN UP!” The guy, Rune Harald, yelled in front. “I want everyone to look at that giant screen over there and find your country’s name. The other countries on the same listing as you will be your team. That will be your group for the rest of your lives, so you better get along or rot.”

     Everyone looked at the screen and so did I. It looks like we have been grouped already prior to our arrival. It was a group of 13 people in an overall 15 teams – totaling the 195 used-to-be-countries of the world. I found my country’s name alongside Jamaica, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, China, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Cambodia. All of my colleagues are males and I am the only female in the group.

“We have a female! This is incredible. I think she’ll be our lucky charm. We only have 2 females out of 195 representatives.” The representative of Korea told me. “I’m Lee Jun, by the way.”

“Who’s the other female?” I asked. “I’m Genesis.”

    He mouthed to the direction of the other girl. She has blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. She was astoundingly perfect physically. I wonder if she ever suffered because her physique looks like she’s never been out in the real world.

“Amethyst Silvosa. She’s from Spain, I heard.” Lee Jun tells me and I just nodded.

      We all gathered based on our assigned teams. When everyone settled down, it was again time for Rune to take the center stage. In the corner of my eye, I saw how Amethyst looked at him and licked her lip. Gross. I mean Rune looks like a god, but I will never fall for that kind of guy. I do not find him attractive at all. He probably has a lot of blood spilled by his hands. Given the genes that he has, he surely has killed without mercy as well. I would never love a monster like him and his uncle.

“You will all proceed to your barracks. You will share the same room as your team. You will all further be guided through by my co-officers so make sure that you all adhere to the protocols implemented here. Nobody try to make a scene of escape here. Once I catch you, I won’t hesitate to kill you in the best possible way I can.” He threatened.

       His eyes caught mine and I glared before looking away. As the lines started to move, Rune approached where my team was. I tried not to give a damn of him when everyone was already freaking out as he neared. When the man in front of me moved ahead, I tried to follow, but I was halted by a firm grip on my arm.

“Genesis Asha Wade.” Rune’s raspy voice came into my hearing. He called me out by my full name.

    I turned to look at him without any hint of fear in my eyes. I am not afraid of him, or his uncle, or anyone here.

“There’s something about you. I don’t know if I can call it bravery or stupidity. Volunteering to save a friend.” He said coldly, but with a scary smile plastered on his face.

“You’ll not know what it’s called. Because you don’t know it.” I replied sarcastically.

    His smile faded and his grip tightened. I probably pissed him off but I don’t care.

“I’ll make your life a living hell in here.” He threatened me.

     I smiled. Looking into his eyes, I know he is true to his word. He will do just as what he says. But what’s left to fear? I have witnessed the worst of the worst outside this dome. I have been through a lot every single day.

“It already is, anyway.” I replied and forcedly removed my arm from his grip.

     I enclosed the long gap that has been ahead of me, brought by the scene Rune has made. He no longer came for me after what I said. Me and my teammates made our way to the halls, directed by a Galaxias officer to our own room while she explains rules and regulations.

     When we are ordered to change into cadet uniforms, my mind seemed to wander off back home. I wonder if they are doing fine or fearing another rise of the waters. The harvest is near and the soldiers will pick up half of our produce once more – killing anyone who would oppose.

    I should teach Rune one lesson. He cannot threaten this girl with the thought of making her life a living misery or tragedy. Because if there is one thing I learned through their ruling, that is, hell is empty and all the demons are on earth. What’s left to fear when I have experienced more than inferno?

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