Unknown - Chapter 25

      Chapter 25

      The world around the eight slowed down and the rain ceased to exist inside the jungle. Alen and Enil rolled down and stuck their swords at the wolves’ throats before ripping apart their huge underbellies in one swift motion. Another sprang towards them and caught Enil’s arm with its massive claws. Alen stepped forward and thrust into the wolf’s eyes, penetrating its brain. The wolf snapped at the young man only to have the sword sliced its brain into two. It shuddered for awhile, its red eyes watching the young man who stabbed it before falling to its side. Enil grits his teeth. Eliza had already bandaged the wound with part of Enil’s robe. She waved her fingers around the wound with her mouth mumbling words both teenagers had never heard of.

      Kalvel stepped in front of his daughter and ducked before his silver blades pierced the creature’s heart through its underbelly. He sliced the body opened and jumped at the second wolf as it leaped at him and dig one of its claws into the man’s chest. The old warrior grits his teeth and swirled his blade around, severing the creature’s head from its body. He landed on his knees and coughed blood and saw the third wolf behind the headless body of the second, staring at him with its cold blooded eyes. The old warrior crossed his swords in front of his face. “You won’t win me, beast” he said and coughed. His brown leather tunic drenched with the color of pale red.

      “Vento!” cried the Wind Guardian as he swirled his hand into a ball. A small typhoon erupted around his swirling hands. Edabu, with one of the sword Kalvel had given him, swings at the incoming wolf. It dodged the swing and dug its claw into the Fire Guardian’s thigh, ripping away a chunk of its muscle. Edabu screamed and fell head first into the flood. Shamah slammed his palms onto the flooded earth. “Terra!” he called forth and spikes made of stones pierced into the sky directly at the wolves in front of him. Sazara leaped over the injured Edabu and punched the wolf at its face. The typhoon around his hand pushed out and threw the wolf high into the air. Edabu thrashed and jerked. His hands tightened around his thigh. Shamah rushed to his side and held out a fistful of dirt in his hand. He threw the dirt to the wound and shout “Terra!”. The dirt wrapped itself like a living snake around the wound and tightened itself. “Get up!” he picked the young Fire Guardian up and shouldered him. The two staggered as Shamah tries to get the others regrouped.

      “Around me!” he shouts. Alen and Enil backed up as did Eliza, still holding her knife. She watched as her father tore up the second wolf.

      Out of a sudden, a shadow loomed over the two staggering Guardians before the circle could be complete. Edabu pushed Shamah away and jumped with his back to the water with the last bit of his strength.

      The wolf landed with a crack. Shamah rolled and looked up. “No!” he shouts and grabbed the dirt underneath the body of water around him. His vision obscured by the gray rain. He threw the dirt in the air towards the big object in front of him and shouts “Terra!”.

      Alen and Enil turned around in horror as they heard the crack behind them. Without even thinking and stumbling for his sword, Enil leaped into action first, ignoring the flaring pain on his shoulder. He sweeps the sword upward directly underneath the creature’s neck as it turns to watch the old man throws dirt at it. Alen followed his friend and slashed downwards from above the creature’s neck. The dirt in the air turned into stone needles and darts towards the creature.

      Eliza was the first to gasp at the horror that followed. The beast’s head splashed into the water as the needle darts pass them and went through Alen and Enil’s body. “No!” she shouts and drags herself towards the two injured teenagers as their bodies went down.

      Kalvel and the wolf stared at each other, oblivious of the event behind them. He had his swords crossed at the tip, pointing towards the wolf as it hunch and stepped back. The creature bears its fang to the old man in front of it. Its claws gave out the sound of a sword unsheathed as it digs deeper into the water. Its red eyes watched as the tip of the sword trembled and waver for awhile. It waited as the old man in front of it swayed. The smell of blood from his chest enhanced as the rain turned harder. The tunic he wore was red and so does the pants he wore. The dire wolf waits, it watched for weaknesses. The two circled each other as screams bellowed from behind them. “It’s just you and me” said the old warrior. The wolf growled low and stopped. It hunched back and digs its claws deeper into the water, and lunged at the warrior.

      Shamah rushed to the two teenagers lying on the water. He cursed himself inside his heart for what had happened. His legs splashed the water as he trudge his. Sazara unleashed another typhoon and threw the wolves in front of him away beyond the clouds. He turned glide towards the two fallen teenagers, unable to believe what has happened.

      “Don’t die!” shouts Eliza. She ran her finger down Enil’s chest, mumbling words of healing, sewing the skins over the hole. Blood drowned the young man’s mouth as he gags. Sweats and tears mixed with the gray rain. Eliza ran her fingers down to the side and placed a poultice before she whispered the words of healing to it. The poultice spreads around the wound and walled it shut, stopping the body from vomiting more blood out of itself. Enil’s breath was shallow and his heart raced like war drums. “Get him inside the caravan!” commanded the young girl and the two guardians obeyed. She turned and faced Alen who was lying unconscious next to the dead corpse of the dire wolf. “Please be alive” she prayed and knelt next to him. She placed her finger around the edge of his empty eye socket. “Eneth Minara” she whispered but nothing happened. She whispered again but the white glow that had saved Enil failed her. She weeps. “No, no…” she whispered, stuttered in her weeping.

      “Young Eliza…” the voice of a woman broke through her mind. She looked around, eyes filled with tears. “Use my power” the voice said. “Who are you?” she said, bewildered by the voice.

      “I am Grear, the Water Guardian” said the voice. Eliza turned her head to the woman lying on the floor, floating above the water. Lines of pale blue paint the outlines of her body. ”Do not worry about me, I am healing. Now your duty is to save the seal bearer, he has not much time left” said the Water Guardian. “Held you hand inside the water and placed your other hand to the wounds, I will channel my power through you and amplify yours” she said. The young girl nod in her sob and did as she was told.

      “Do not worry, we can still save him” said the voice calm. Eliza held her tears and pressed on the hole on Alen’s right eye. “Now utter the word of healing” instructed the Water Guardian. “Eneth Minara” she whispered and her hand glowed brilliant pale blue. Her body jerked upwards and the glow in her hand moved to her face. She gags as her mouth and eyes glows with the same brilliance. The wounds on Alen’s body began to stitch itself together. The muscles weaves, the skins stretched, the veins wormed for each other and the blood dried into stains of red.

      The light disappeared and the young girl slumped to the ground, unconscious. Sazara and Shamah were quick to pick her and Alen’s body up. The rain was as furious as it was before, relentless as if angered by the survival of the seal bearer. The two jumped down from the caravan again and picked Grear’s body from the water. Her face was scarred but her breathing and her pulse was steady. They looked back . “What about young Edabu?” asked Sazara. Shamah bowed his face.

      Kalvel stabbed his swords deeper into the dire wolf’s body. The creature shuddered and tried to claw the old warrior’s face but its strength had left him and his claws touched like a gentle hand. “Rest in peace” said the warrior. Sazara came up from behind and shouldered the old warrior who loomed over him. “You will be alright, master warrior” he said. Kalvel smiled and closed his eyes. His swords drowned in the flood.

      “We better head back to Lhamira and sail away, the continent is no longer safe” said Sazara as he sat on the driver seat and pulled the rein. The horses neigh and turned from a trot into a gallop back to where they from.

The Imaginarium - Chapter 4

      Chapter 4

      The inner compound of the Penitentiary was awfully quiet but was adequately lighted. Adam sneak near the wall, snaking and following as it waves and stop behind the guard's tower. He looked around the empty compound and managed to spot several guards standing and patrolling near the building. He peeked past the guard tower. "Four guards and two guard towers, nice." he said and leaned back to the wall again. Thanks to the dark night and the lack of lighting around the Penitentiary, Adam blend in perfectly to the shadows. He crouched and eyed the patrolling guards and the static guards near the door. He pulls out the key-cards and looked at it. "I guess, this is the key-card" he said and pulled the red key-card from the bunch and puts the rest back into his pouch. He zipped it and push himself back up.

      A blast of cold wind rushed down from the high walls of the mountains around the Penitentiary. Several of the patrolling guards stopped at their tracks and held themselves tight as they shiver from the sheer coldness. Adam clenched his fists and pumps it to let the blood in his body running. He was shivering but he ignored the feeling. He crept past the first patrolling guard and wait inside the shadow near the high fences surrounding the area and wait for the second patrolling guard to went past him.

      After successfully avoiding the second patrolling guard, Adam crept forwards towards the two guards standing guard in front of the front entrance of the main security building. He eyed the side of the building but the sheer darkness crippled his vision to see anything farther than a few feet in front of him. He rubbed his hands hard and blow into it. He cups it and rubs the warmth to his face, relishing the momentary warmth around his face. He smiled and looked back to the guards. He needs to do something about them or at least find another entrance, or windows.

      "Windows..." he said. He looked up and around the front side of the building for windows which, much to his dismay, there were none. He sighed. He crept closer and took the side trip to the side of the building. It was dark but the residue light from the front inner compound gave him just enough to guess what was in front of him. He looked up as he trekked the heavy snow and saw a lone window several feet near the center of the side wall. In the distance, he could see a small door with only a single light shining down to it. Tempted to try, Adam took the first step but stopped. "Nice, hidden camera" he said. Hidden by the strong shadows were a standard closed circuit camera pointing right at the door.

      Adam turned his head back to the lone window. The main security building was bigger than he thought. He could be taking his time around the building. Such thing worries him but he had no other choice. Carefully, he backed up a few steps back enough for a sprint and crouched into a starting run position. He took a deep breath and pushed hard on the snowy ground behind him. The snow dampened his speed but it was just enough to propel him to grab the edge of the window with his fingers. He groaned and kicked the wall for support. He slipped several times but finally managed to support his body with the toe edge of his shoes and push himself up.

      Adam grabbed on the window's frame and pulls it. The window creaked but nonetheless moved. Careful not to wake up the rest of the guards, he push on the window several inches every several minutes.

      When the window was finally open enough for him to slip through, Adam push himself up and slides in. He sat near the railing for awhile overlooking several guards who were on shift. He counts them and watch their routine before planning his entrance. He followed the first patrolling guard and watch as he march down the hallway greeting returning patrol guard and disappears behind into the first turn to the left. He turns his eyes back to the guards standing in front of the metal detector machine puffing out on his cigarettes and the man standing next to him. The way he statued in front of the machine made Adam frown. Unlike the others, the guard stood still, statued to the ground. Adam crept away crouching lower than the concrete railings. Moving along the shadows, he moused down the upper hallway to follow the first patrolling guard into the turn.

      "What's up?" said the first patrolling guard to one of the static guard.

      "Nothing. It's boring today." the static guard replied. The first patrolling guard smiled. "By the way, did you hear about the killing in the main terminal this afternoon?"

      The first patrolling guard shook his head. "I don't really watch much tv" he said and proceed to continue his mission.

      Adam listened and followed the guard again watching him as he passes through a fence wall that separates the front section of the building to the back section. He ran for the fence and his eyes follows its frame. It was steel and thick. Its tube frame ran along the walls up to the ceiling and down into a metal box with a large 'CAUTION' and the symbol of electrocution underneath it. He clicked his tongue and turn back.

      Adam crept back down the walkway. He eyed the walls around him in case he missed a staircase or anything he could use to go down a floor other than jumping. It was until he was halfway through that he saw a large shadow on the wall. Pitch black amongst the shadow. He walks to it and jerked his head forward. It was a staircase with no light. "How the hell do they run this prison?" he said and step down the staircase crouching. He hid inside the shadow once he hit the bottom and wait for the patrolling guard to walk back.

      It took awhile but the guard finally went pass by. Adam was about to lose hope when he saw the guard walk past him. It turn his hoping face bright and a smile broke. He crept forward, moving into the brighter area and peeked down the hallway – empty. He grinned and mouse his way towards the electric fence before. A large metal detector like machine sat in the center of the fence and another door with a keypad sat next to it. Adam took out the red key-card he got from Brad and slides it on the keypad. The red LED on the keypad dimmed and fade. The magnetic lock undid itself and another LED on the keypad glowed green. It worked, his mind exclaimed. He wanted to jump in joy but its inappropriateness held him back. He pushed the door open and gave it a gently push back to close. The magnetic lock clicked and the LED on the keypad glowed red again.

      Adam went through the large red door into an empty cafeteria. The place was dark and eery. Long metal tables coated red on top and silver legs lined in sixes across the room. Benches, wooden and old, some adorned with graffiti lined at each sides of each tables. It was packed but gave enough room to line up along the aisles. Adam make his way towards the side entrance with the word 'EXIT' written on top of it. He pushed the door but it pushed him back. A faint sound of something tapping on the other side of the door held it close shut together. He gave it a push again and listened to the sound. "Shit... chains." he said.

      He gave up and walk towards the kitchen. The metal door swings open revealing empty stations cluttered with pans and pots and unwashed dishes. Flies and maggots fills the dustbins and ants march around the floors. He pinched his nose and walked away squeamish. "What the hell?" he said. He went past the filthy kitchen towards the back door where foods and supplies were brought into the cafeteria. He makes a quick dash towards the steel shutter at the end of the cramped storehouse and knelt down. He ran his fingers through the bottom edge of the shutter and pulls it up. It cranks and stuck only after a few millimeters. "Damn!" said Adam. He sat on the floor and held his head with his hands. "Think, think!"

      Adam scrambled back to the cafeteria hall and back to the exit door. He gave it a push again and felt it retaliate. He looked back to the kitchen and frowned. "What if..." he said and heads back to the kitchen. The metal door swung open for the second time and Adam pinched his nose again. He heads for the sink where more ants march around the back of the sink and up the wall before disappearing behind the cabinets above. He pulls out one of the kitchen knife he deemed 'clean' and pulls a piece of paper from his pouch. He placed the knife on the station behind him and wrote down 'FIRE SWORD' on the paper. He held off his energy from seeping into the paper and wrapped it around the knife, holding it tight with his hand. He ran back.

      Adam took a deep breath. His grip on the hilt of the knife loosen and tighten. His palm felt sweaty and his heart felt uneasy. "One thing left to do.." he said and released his energy into the paper which in turn carries it forward and transfers it into the knife. The knife vibrate with enough intensity to make Adam think twice but he held on. A spark of red flame explodes around the knife's blade edge and extends into the air in front of it. Adam slides the fiery knife into the small opening at the center of the door and pulls it up towards the door's lock. His arms shouts pain to him and he felt the tugging coming from the other side of the door. Smears of red liquid drips onto the floor with hisses and smokes and the smell of burned grass. Adam pulls harder and slides the knife back and forth like a saw, hoping to get through the chain faster. The piece of paper he used to wrap the knife darkened.

      With one great pull, Adam managed to cut through the chain. He made a mad dash towards the kitchen and almost threw the burning knife into the sink. He turned the tap and let the water floods the cluttered sink before dipping the melting knife into it along with the charred paper in his hand. He looked to his reddened hand. Pain pricked at the skins like tiny invisible needles. He grits his teeth and sank his hands into the running tap hoping to cool it down. "Bad idea..." he said.

      Adam went back to the door. His hands were trembling but it was not longer hot. He tried for a grip but felt the skin too tight to let him so he gave up. He pushed the exit door slightly and poked his head through. He looked down the main compound and took a deep breath before pulling his head back inside. He sighed. "Okay, too bright" he said. He sat on the floor with his palm pressed to the cool checkered cement and inhaled. He let the coldness from the cement seeps into his hands.

      Adam let out a breath and push himself back up. His hands numbed from the coldness but his fingers still obeyed him albeit a little tight. He gave the door a slight push and slide outside, avoiding the hardened pool of metal from the chain he melted.

      The main compound differs greatly from the inner compound he passed earlier. It was larger and brighter. Floodlights splashes all over the place, covering every visible ground. Remnant lights floods shadows fading it. Yet even with all the light, it was the domed roof that caught Adam's by surprise.

      Adam crouched as low as he possibly can and moused to the corner of the cafeteria outer wall just before it joints with the main compound. The light stopped just before the wall giving him enough shadow to hide into. He peeked, counting guards and looking at their pattern of movements.

      Once confident and know what he would have to do, Adam pulls out several pieces of paper and folds them into the shapes of a grenade, a dynamite and a small mortar. He pulls out his marker and wrote down 'CLUSTER GRENADE', 'DRAGON'S BREATH' and 'MORTAR' on each of the origami. He closed his eyes and concentrate his energy into all three origami until they glow blue and whispers a hum. He looked to the open area of the main compound and placed a virtual marker inside his brain to where he wants the origami to go. He grabs them carefully in his hands and walk back a few paces behind. He placed them on the ground and picked up the first of the three origami, the cluster grenade origami. It felt heavy once his energy was infused into it but light enough not to encumbered him.

      Like an Olympian shot putter, Adam placed the grenade between his shoulder blade and his neck and using the leverage from the distance he moved back, he dashes forward and threw the grenade high into the air.

      The grenade arc into the air like a small golf ball over several guards and landed on the far end of the compound. It thud and sat silent.

      Adam felt the tug to his guts but he held on. He needs to time everything just right or else it would be hell. He went back and picked up the dragon's breath, a fancy name that he found very fond of for his favorite firecracker. Holding it like a knife, he gave a few turn and hurled it high towards the center of the compound. It landed flat on the ground and rolled before coming to a stop.

      Adam grits his teeth and fell to the ground holding his stomach. The tug was powerful for the dynamite added with the grenade, it felt like his stomach was about to be strip away from his body. He coughed light and silent and went back up on his feet heading back for the last of his plan. The mortar.

      He gulped. It was heavy and hurling it would be killing him, that much he know. So instead he pick it up and heave it to the door of the cafeteria. He placed it nose down and leaned it to the wall. He felt like puking but held it down with a deep breath. He gasped, tightening his own throat holding the pressure coming from each unreleased bombs. He closed his eyes and took another deep breath. What comes next is going to be one of the craziest things he had ever done. He whipped out his sword and shield origami and send down his energy towards it. Both origami glow blue and a faint miasma emerged from them the shape of shield and sword. The miasma of the sword glistened underneath the bright lights. He held the sword origami in his hand and the shield origami, he placed it in a small zipped pocket on his jacket. He took one last breath and made the mad dash.

      Most of the guards whipped to face him when they heard his scream. A couple moved back to rang the alarm. Adam ran forth towards the first two guards nearest to him. He slashed their arms before they could aim their rifles to him and used their bodies as shields. He picks up their rifle and countered the incoming fire from a patrolling guard. The alarm blared to life. Red lights danced around the closed compound, sending the floodlights brighter. The mixed of red and yellow light shoots out the temperature inside the closed area. Sounds of gears boomed in the distance and with a mighty heave, the domed roof above slides open, revealing the dark starry night. Cold winds stampede the ground sending some of the soldiers back to hiding. Adam grits his teeth but kept vigilant. He ran towards the nearest patrolling guards and shot them point blank. He ignored his bloodied face and heads for the next set of guards who were hiding behind sandbag walls.

      Adam leaped over the sandbag walls and slashed down at the surprised guards. He pushed himself forward and hid behind the wall himself. Behind him back at the cafeteria, more guards flood the main compound. Adam took a peek. A squad of guards exist the cafeteria. Adam closed his eyes and tightened his stomach. The energy that binds him to the mortar disappears as did the energy that binds him to the dragon's breath. Both explosives explodes and the vibration caused the walls of the cafeteria to crack and implode. A wall of fire erupted from the center of the main compound, separating the guards from the cafeteria and the guards from the main prison complex.

      Adam placed the sword back into his pouch after inhaling the energy from it. He picked the two rifle from the dead guards and rushed forward towards the main entrance. He shot down two more guards as he makes his way towards the entrance. Two guards stood near the door and aimed at Adam. He discards the two rifles and jumps with his shield in front. He pulls out his sword origami from his pouch and fills it back with energy. The sword origami hums and glowed blue and the sword miasma reappeared. He landed on the ground taking severl steps backward, pushed by the momentum from the bullets. Adam pushed his legs with every strength he has and dash forward using the opening when the rifle reloads.

      Panicked struck the two guards but before they could aim back, Adam had already stood in front of them. He slashed both guards neck and kicked the door to a dent. The wall around the door shook with such power the hinges cracked and dusts fell off from the ceiling. Adam stopped himself using the door and heave for air. He had overused his energy and is running low. He spat looked around the door. He noticed the small keypad and a slide for key-card above it. He looked back to the center of the main compound. The dragon's breath was still active preventing anymore backup from the front compound inside. He smiled and pulls back the energy inside his shield and sword giving him momentary relief. He scrambled for his pouch and pulls out the key-cards. He slides the blue key-card – nothing. The green was the same. Confident, he slides the yellow key-card but was met with the same buzzing sound of error. Furious, he slammed the keypad open. Sparks and smokes flew from the broken keypad.

      Adam stepped back and pulls out a piece of paper. He looked to the thinning packet and sighed. "I should have packed more" he said and fold the one he held in his hand into the shape of a grenade. He pulls out his marker and wrote down 'BUNKER BUSTER' on the origami. Blue energy seeps from his hands into the origami, turning the light paper into the weight of a grenade. "Let's hope this is enough to blow the door away" he said and threw the grenade towards the door.

      The grenade hits the door and slammed itself into the dirt in front of it.

      Three seconds past.

      The grenade explode.

      Taking down the entire building down with it. Adam looked with wide eyes and gaping mouth. "Okay... maybe I try not to use that next time..." he said. The fire wall behind him began to waver. He took a quick glance and ran inside through the destroyed wall.

      Corpse of guards crushed by the wall or killed by the blast littered the front room. Adam walked past them, looking straight into the deafening prison cell area. Screams and banging of bars echoed throughout the prison area. Men and women of all convictions screams for release, scream in joy for whatever it is happening to them.

      Adam step inside with darting eyes. He went past cells after cells looking for Melissa. He called out to her but his voice was drowned by the screams and the banging of bars. Distressed and out of time, Adam broke into a jog. He screamed louder, ignoring the taunts and the invitation by convicts eager to get out of their tiny cells.

      "Adam"

      Adam whipped to face the end of the area. A large fence guarded behind it by a horde of guards stood with rifles and batons in their hands all looking at him with angry eyes. He squints and focused his ears amidst the screams and bangs.

      "Adam"

      The voice came again from behind the guarded fence. Adam reactivated his shield and his sword. He kicked the ground hard and dash towards the fence with his shield in front. Rifles fired and pallets of metal bullets rained Adam, hitting his shield like hailstorms shot from point blank. He crouched and pressed his way towards the fence, hiding his body behind his shield as much as he could.

      Adam slashed on the fence and it fought back, almost prying his sword off his hand. He quickly hide behind his shield again and looked for another way through. Another hail of bullets rained on him, pushing his down to the concrete floor. With nearly depleted strength, Adam placed his arm on the side of his head and let his body becomes the support for his shield. "Shit!" he said only to saw the keypad on the door next to him. He pulls out the remaining key-card and inch slowly towards the keypad. The guards followed him as he draws closer towards the door. Some left their rifles to the ground and proceed to pushing the large table behind the fence to block the door.

     Adam stood behind the door and held his shield to cover his upper body. He slides the blue key-card and watched it dismay as the red LED blink. He quickly change to the yellow key-card and slides it just in time to block a bullet from hitting him from the side. The bullet ricochet and hit a prisoner in the chest, sending him flying to the floor. The LED blinked green and the door swung open halfway through before being blocked by the table. Adam growled. He took a few step backwards and shouldered the door with his shield tuck to his shoulder. The door slammed the table sending it jerking but the combined strength of the guards held it from being flown away. Furious by the guards, Adam pulls out his sword and send down even more energy into it. The origami in his hand crumpled and the miasma changed into something more physical. The blue glow intensify and with a roar, Adam slashed down through the opening, cleaving the door and several guards behind it.

     He gave the door another push and fell forward into the panicking guards. Not wanting to give the guards time to aim their rifles, Adam pushed his already aching legs to the floor sending him sliding towards the guards. He slashed at their ankles and watch them fall shooting the ceiling. The blue glow on the sword and shield waver. Adam held his head, his vision began to spin. He slapped himself hard and pushed himself back to his feet. Heaving for air, he looked down to the two screaming guards and tore their arms from their rifles with a slash from his sword. He inhaled and stood with closed eyes. His shield and sword origami transformed into dusts and fell off his arm pocket and his hand. His heart race, his lungs burning. He was drenched with sweat. Scratches from near hit bullets cut through his face and legs. His arm holding the shield trembled from overuse.

     The scream in the area continues as he stayed longer behind the fence. Some of his strength had came back to him but he was too low on energy to fold anymore paper. He opened his eyes and picked up the rifles left by the dead guards on the floor and checked the ammo still left inside. "Enough, I guess.." he said. He lean his back on the wall and slammed the butt of the rifle to the door, sending it swinging open and slam itself to the wall on the other side. Adam took several quick peek inside. Confident with what he saw, he took a step into the room followed by another. He grabbed the door and closed it back behind him without the sound. The scream and banging of bars behind him muffled by the walls.

     Adam frowned.

     The room was dim, almost dark and there was nothing inside save for a small chair and a hanging light that gives out dying light. It flickers as it swing lazy to the sides.

      "Melissa?" he said but there was no reply.

      "Melissa!" he said again. A footfalls came from beyond, amongst the shadows.

      "Adam" a voice followed the footfall. A shadow slides down the floor where the fading light shone. A figure came out with a smile.

      "Melissa" said Adam. He stepped forward and hugged his wife tight. His fatigue lifted and he felt refreshed to see her smiling face. She was badly bruised and her hair was a mess. She was wearing a single green robe, like the ones they used in hospitals only hers covered all over her body.

     Melissa sobbed.

     "It's okay, darling, don't worry, I'm here" said Adam.

     "I'm sorry." said Melissa.

     "Don't worry about it" said Adam. He massaged her hair and back. He kissed her cheek and forehead before giving her face another look.

     "I'm sorry." said Melissa smiling. Tears fell from her eyes when she pulls out the dagger from Adam's chest.

Unknown - Chapter 24

      Chapter 24

      The jungle would have been a complete darkness had it not for the partials of light that penetrated the canopy above. The air smells of fresh spring dew and the sounds of the faunas reverberates the air around the slow moving silent caravan. Leaves from low branches and green overgrown bushes ruffles as the caravan past by them, alerting the small warriors amongst the shadows of the undergrowth to the danger. Hooves hits the damp undergrowth in a muffled thump and the caravan creaked as it vaulted over small rocks. Flies and mosquitoes swarmed the caravan like persistent peddlers.

      Alen looked around, fascinated by the thick jungle around him. He lets his body jolt and vault with the caravan but held his head still. He slammed his palm onto a mosquito trying to stab his forearm. “Damn these mosquitoes!” he said and smacked another one on his finger.

      The other closed their eyes and let the grogginess of the caravan lull them to sleep, ignoring the constant interruption by swarms of mosquitoes around them.

      “We are coming to a junction, which way master Sazara?” said Edabu sitting at the front. The Guardian in the green robe turned his head towards the young man. “Take the right trail, please” he said with strange calmness.

      Alen slumped back and turned to face the Wind Guardian. “I thought this was a scary jungle” he said almost smiling. Sazara looked at him. “It is, only not during the day” he replied. Alen took back his smile and looked outside. Let’s hope nothing happens tonight then…

      “Did anyone hear that?” asked Edabu. He darts his eyes upwards towards the canopy above. The green roof swayed to the sides and stilled and swayed again. “Stop the caravan” said Sazara out of a sudden. Edabu jerked the rein hard and the horses came to a sudden stop, jerking the rest of the occupants to wake. “Why the hell are we stopping?!” said Shamah annoyed by the sudden stop. The Wind Guardian said nothing but left the caravan to stand on the damp undergrowth. He looks around, to his back and above, past the canopies. “Everyone wait here and prepare for camp, please” he said and gathered the wind around him. “What for-” but before Shamah could ask further, the Wind Guardian vanished with a sonic boom above the clouds. The trees around them creaked and bend to the sides, the canopies opened; revealing armies of gray clouds marching above head.

      “Damn it” grumbled the old Earth Guardian. “You three, go set up camp!” he commanded Alen, Enil and Edabu. They nod and pulled out canvases and animal hides from the caravan. “Kalvel, come with me!” said Shamah, his hands gestured for the old warrior. “Girl, go and ready the meal!” he said and points to Eliza. Thunders rolled above the canopies as the six parted ways.

      Alen watched the darkening sky above him. The wind blows with howling speed, thrashing the leaves up on the canopies like a mad little kid. “The sky looks different” he said like a whisper. His friends looked at him and to the sky. “Yeah, we better hurry up” said Enil busy with the tents. “It’s different” and Alen kept his eyes fixed to the sky.

      “Come on!” Shamah shouts for the old warrior behind him. They shouldered enough firewoods to last them a week in the jungle behind their back as they made their way back to the caravan. Kalvel heaved for air, his muscles bulged and his veins twitched, sweats pours down his forehead and his legs felt chained to the ground. The wind swept past them again, almost knocking the old warrior from his feet. Shamah looked in anger. “You’re a warrior, damn it! Move faster!” he shouts at the heaving man kneeling on the ground. Kalvel grits his teeth and forced himself up. The sky had darkened as if night itself had fallen into the jungle. The Earth Guardian looked up. He watched as darker clouds move in, as the winds bend the canopies to its sides. He clicked his tongue. “Come on!” he shouts again to the old warrior.

      The Wind Guardian swept through the darkening clouds, tearing the fogs away from his eyes as he looks for the source yet no matter how far or how high he flew he saw nothing. He flew above the clouds where the sun still brightly shines and watched as blue flames shot across the sky. “This is bad…” he said and he flew down, into the darkening sky where the blue fires battled against each other.

      Alen, Enil and Edabu grouped together underneath a tent of animal hide watching the silver curtain drops down from the canopies above and flooded the ground below. The fire in the firepit they had tried so hard to light before had died almost instantaneously when the first downpour hits, leaving sad gray smokes and drenched blackened wood behind. Eliza curled up with her father inside another tent made of canvas, bigger than the animal hide but not more comfortable. Shamah sat alone inside a hole of a tree he found when everyone was busy trying to get into the tents.

      Sazara swooped down with the heavy rain and splashed into the firepit. “Hey! Look where you’re landing!” complained Enil as he wipes the spots of mud on his robe. The Wind Guardian looked at him and cocked his head to the side. “Sorry, young Enil” he apologized. “But we need to get out of this place now” his words took everyone by surprise. “But it’s raining!” said Alen. “Yes, but this is no ordinary rain” the Guardian replied. “Young Edabu, take the caravan and prepare to move, I’ll go and talk to master Shamah” he ordered the dark skinned Guardian. Edabu nods and left the tent towards the caravan. The horses were restless but had held their nerves underneath the cumbersome rain. He pats the horses’ necks and jumped onto the driver’s seat. “Come everyone, let’s make haste” he said to the others. His whole body was obscured by the heavy downpour. Enil clicked his tongue. “Well, let’s go then” he nudged Alen’s shoulder and together they rushed into the curtain of water towards the caravan. Kalvel held Eliza in his arms and hunched forward, shielding the young girl from the rain as they trudge the muddy dirt towards the caravan. “What about the tents?” Enil asked as he stepped inside the dry caravan, clothes and body drenched.

      The Earth Guardian stood and braved the heavy rain as he steps into the caravan with Sazara, both drenched and face grim. “Young Edabu, let’s go” said the Wind Guardian without looking at everyone else.

      The Fire Guardian cracked the rein and the horses neigh yet their hooves where bound to the ground as if chained. He shouts at them and cracked the rein again ordering them to move but no neigh came from the, their heads fixed, stoned like a statue. “The horses, they won’t move!” he shouts back. The ground began to flood with water.

      Sazara looked around him. The bushes jerked and jumped under the steady hammer of the rain. He tried to focus his hearing but the constant howling of the wind had robbed him of his senses.

      “They are here” said Shamah who was already standing in the rain, palm touching the flooded earth. The bushes around them rattled and clashed at each other violently. The trees began to tremble as the earth shook underneath the caravan. The caravan went empty, the horses stoned, the rain never ceased and the earth shook.

      Then the scream came.

      It was piercing in the rain. Strained and getting louder. The rain obscured the visions but could not defend itself when a black object shot past the caravan and landed on a tree trunk where the tree explodes into splinters. The sound of rain ceased from the ears of the eyes that watched the event unfolding in front of them. The earth erupted in a wall of water when the tree explodes. The Wind Guardian, drenched underneath his robe, plough through the flood towards the destroyed tree. Smokes hissed as water clawed and clamored back at the blackened stump of the tree, dragging the unconscious body with them underneath.

      “Don’t worry about him” Shamah turned away to face the trees where the object had flown from. “We got other things to worry about” his voice grim underneath the blanket of the rain. It was then that the others heard of the low growl coming from behind them at first and spread to their surroundings. Instinct forced them to into a circle, eyes out towards the trees and bushes and waters around them.

      Sazara bend down near the body and ran his arms underneath it. The scarred face looked to the man. “Sa…za…ra…” it said with a woman tone. “Rest, Grear, we will take care of those hounds for you” said the Wind Guardian and he pluck her out from the flooded earth towards the caravan. Around him growls a pack of gray fur dire wolves, barring fangs and claws scraping the water beneath them. Their huge hind legs and the silhouette of spine than ran behind their back hardened as the glows in their eyes turned vicious. Drools of black liquid tainted the flood. Alen and Enil stood side to side, eyes darting to the two huge dire wolves in front of them. They gripped the sword Kalvel had given them earlier, wondering what happened to the cutlasses but said nothing of the thought.

      “This is one whole lot of fighting for two teengers” said Enil with a grin flashed on his face. Alen smiled at the amusement his friend mentioned, though he knew it would not be anymore easier than before. “At least if we survive, we’d be able to screw our kids saying they were girls for never knowing adventure, eh?” he joked to which the two laughed.

      Eliza gripped hard on her knife. Her father’s arms barred across her chest defending her from the wolves. She watched with scorn as the wolves steps closer. Her heart burns with anger and resentment to the animals.

      Kalvel’s eyes jumped from one dire wolf to another, seeking their potential weaknesses though he found none. “This were bred wolves, not wilds” he said to the circle. Everyone eyed him. “How can you tell?” one of the two teenagers asked. “They are too perfect” he answered simple and said nothing afterwards.

      Shamah and Edabu stood with their backs at their four companions. They watched as Sazara bend down and pluck the body from the water. They watched as his green eyes erupted in green flame. “It’s Grear” he said once he passed them. Shamah’s face grim. Edabu looked away from the scarred face of his fellow Guardian. “Kid, can you light anymore fire?” asked the old Earth Guardian. Edabu looked at the old man. “No, I’ve used too much of my own body fat, I’m going to need something else” he replied with vain. Sazara placed the unconscious body of the Water Guardian down at the center of the circle and joined the two Guardians. “I’ll call down a lightning, use that” he said calm. Edabu nods to the idea and prepared his magic.

      The dire wolves roared at the circle of people in front of them and lunged with claws cutting the air and fangs opened.

      “Now!” shouts the Wind Guardian.

The Imaginarium - Chapter 3

      Chapter 3

      The train hissed like it was from the station before and stopped in front of the concrete platform adorned with white and yellow lines. The door slides open and people rush out of the train. The first coach, mostly visitors, were the first to exit the train and was escorted to the main terminal by an army of armed guards. Brad stood near the door looking at Adam as he was escorted. He sighed and hoped he had done something good.

      Adam looked around. He had rode two escalators reaching two storeys high each and a full football length walkalator. The walls were clean as does the floor. Wooden rim donned the edges where the escalator touched the wall and in between escalators. He watched as the escalator climbs the last several feet and a large glass door emerged in front of him.

      The escorts walks in front and pushed the door open ushering the visitors inside and quickly form ranks again around the group like a living wall. They moved with the sharpness and the quickness across the beautiful main terminal.

      Adam glanced at the colorful shops around him. The terminal itself was not as empty as he had thought. It was packed with people, some wore the casual winter wear, thick overcoat with snow cap and mufflers while others, the what he called professionals wore a more grandeur garmnets with animal furs and leather trench coat complete with caps and hats. A guard behind him pushed him forward with the butt of his rifle and points towards the front with his chin.

      Adam sighed. He wondered his eyes around while his mind race for ways to find anything he could use. He reached for his pouch and held it with his hands. He thought it was going to be easy, but now, he is going to need to improvise.

      The group reached the main entrance and their escorts stopped them on their spot. Two smartly dressed officers walk towards them with their hands behind their back and a proud smug on their faces. They grinned at the visitors and greets them.

      "Since today is the prisoner transfer day, we had to escort visitors into the prison compound. I am sorry for the hassle, but please understand that this is for your own safety." said one of the officer. He points to the guards, waving his hand like a lasso to him. The guard nods and began to order the visitors to head outside where a double decker bus awaits.

      Adam looked at the bus and gulped. Things are going too fast for him. He need to get out of the group.

      He glance to the guard standing next to him. "Excuse me, but I need to go to the toilet." he said. The guard nod to him and move away, giving him room to walk out of the group. He then proceeds to escort Adam back into the main terminal building.

      The toilet was a grandeous white marble room. The door was black oak lined with gold plated steel at its edges with a large round mirror and the symbol for male at its center. The cubicles were partitioned using white marble wall and the floor reflects a mirror like shine. A large rectangle mirror hangs on the wall where the basins sat. At the center of the toilet sat a large circular support beam lined with more basins.

      Adam wanted to gulp but glancing at the guard standing behind him, he stopped. He looked around for awhile before choosing a cubicle. The guard escorts him to the cubicle and stood with his back facing the cubicle door. Adam shuts the door and locked it. He sat on the white marble toilet bowl and rubbed his forehead. He needs to get away but there was nothing he could think of. He could do something grand but he doubt he wants the attention from it.

      The guard knocks on the door and ask him to be quick. Adam replied with an okay and pushed the flush button on the wall behind the bowl. He took quick breaths. "Shit, now what..." he said to himself.

      The guard knocks again and Adam replied, somewhat annoyed. He opened his zipper and closed it again, trying to bluff his time. Then it hit him. He grinned. Now he know what to do.

      The guard was about to knock for the third time when the door opened and Adam walk out with a piece of paper in his hand. He smiled and apologize to the guard. Before the guard could react, Adam slashed the paper to his rifle, cleaving it in half and gave the guard a hard tap to his head sending him flying into the empty cubicle. Adam closed his eyes, hoping no one would hear the commotion. The toilet was silent again. Adam looked to the split rifle and the unconscious guard. Unconscious might be a tad too dangerous in the future, he thought so he pulls out another piece of paper, folds it into the shape of a sword and wrote with his marker the word 'SWORD' on it. The folded sword glows blue and a line of shine went past it.

      "I'm sorry, but I have to do this. Forgive me." he said and slashed the guard's throat. He watched with sad eyes at the gushing red blood smearing the pristine white marble floor and cubicle. It pooled inside the toilet bowl turning the once clear water dark red.

      Adam walked away. He pulled away his knapsack and took out everything inside. He undressed. Crumpling his shirt and jeans into a large ball and placed it inside the basin. He washed his face, gave it a slap and turn back to his knapsack. He flipped the inside out and replaced his crumpled shirt and jeans first. He took a new pair of jeans, Petrol, and a new pair of shirt, a ragged hip hop style oversized white t-shirt with a huge logo of a cadillac in front. He replaced his cap with another baseball cap and his red tinted sunglass with a full frame reading glass.

      Satisfied and confident with his new garments, he zipped his knapsack close and slings it to his back. He walk towards the door and pushed it open, ready for his next move.

      "HELP! SOMEONE HAS BEEN MURDERED!"

      The main terminal erupted into a uproar. Everyone began to panic and run in every direction. Prisoners transferring from the train towards the main entrance were shocked as did their escorts. FRUs and guards closed ranks around their prisoners. They looked around cautious. A man in white oversized t-shirt with blue jeans ran pass by unseen by any of the guards.

      The two officers from earlier walked into the uproar and began to shout, asking for everyone to stay calm. They walk towards the toilet and disappear inside it only to appear a few minutes later each holding their ears. Their mouth mumbles and their head kept nodding as if they were talking to someone.

      Adam looked at the commotion from inside the sea of people. He smiled when he heard the officer announcing the main terminal closed and no visitors will be allowed to enter the Penitentiary anymore for the day until the investigation finish. He turn away and along with the crowds, he left the main terminal through the side exit.

      It was cold outside. The Penitentiary sat at the center of a crater walled by the mountains. Though it occupies the entire crater floor, the Penitentiary only used two third of the area, leaving the rest to mother nature to take care. The air was clean and the sky felt shaded by the mist above head. Adam walked out and inhaled the cold air. It was both refreshing to him and to his lung.

      He stood leaning to the wall of the main terminal looking at the high electric fence of the Penitentiary over the horizon. He ran his fingers to his packet of paper inside his pouch and counts. Not many, he sighed. People around him chattered like flies, each talking to one another. Worries and fear snaked inside their words. Something Adam knew he doesn't need. He watch as several of the guards who escorted him jog inside and back out with dead guard. The buss door shut and it roared to life before swirving around the large roundabout and exit the station.

      Adam turned to face the wall and pulls out his packet of paper. He folds it into a rectangle and wrote down "WOOD" on it with his marker. He stored the paper back inside the packet and turn back towards the crowd. He waited, looking at the crowd, greeting those who wanted to talk to him only to back away when they start to annoy him. Adam looked on at the fences and wondered how he would break into the place.

      Night fell and in the crater, it was fast. Adam sat along with the other crowd waiting for any sort of help from the Penitentiary. The main terminal was still closed and the only company they all have were the lights coming from the walls and themselves. The cold evening air before turned bone chilling and it forced the group to huddle closer. Adam sat with his back still on the wall and he kindly rejected any offer to warm up from the others around him. He crossed his arms around him tight, concentrating the heat into the small space between his legs and his chest. He buried his face into it and close his eyes.

      "Wake up... Adam...Wake up...."

      Adam felt his body shaken. He felt himself sucked into body and its momentum kick him in the chest, sending him jumping from his seat. He looked around and realize that the place was empty. A lone guard stood bending in front of him looking at him. "Sir?" he said. Adam rubbed his eyes and gave his head a light shake.

      "You can't sleep here, sir" said the guard. He stood back up and points towards the door. "The terminal is now open to business sir, you can stay at the hotel inside." he said pointing towards the escalator inside the terminal.

      Adam cracked his neck and knuckles and peeked inside towards the escalator the guard showed him. He smiled at the guard and thanked him before heading towards it. His body was trembling so the tropical heat inside the terminal was a great relief to him. He make for the escalator and rode it up towards the hotel lobby.

      The shower was a welcome feeling. It picked on Adam's cold skin and its heat burns his core temperature. He let the hot water ran down his body, streaming through every scars he had occured during his life. He comb his hair and let the water ran through each strands, lamenting on the refreshing feeling on his head.

      Adam walk out with the crawling steam and set the air conditioner to low, turning it from cold to just nice. He gave his head a good rubbing and look out of the window into the darkness. There was no light except for the ones coming the inner compound of the Penitentiary and those from the main terminal itself. There was no streetlight, no floodlight of sort.

      Or at least that's what he could see and thought of.

      He wiped himself dry and pulls out a black shirt with a caricature of a crying man on its chest, his black leather jacket and black jeans. He won't be using any cap tonight nor sunglasses. It is going to be a fast work and he needs all the speed he can gather. He puts them on and buckled his pouch to his waist. He check the packets of paper inside especially the one he had written earlier . Satisfied, he took out two more and place them on the bed. He fold one to the shape of a small shield and the other to the shape of a small knife. With his marker, he wrote down 'SHIELD' on the shield origami and 'SWORD' on the sword origami. He smiled. Although he knew it probably won't be enough to go against guns and rifles, it will be enough for the work he has in store. He took another piece of paper and folds it into the shape of a gun. "Just in case" he said to himself and wrote down 'PISTOL' on the origami. He gathered the three origamis and placed them inside his pouch.

      Now he need to think of a way to exit the main terminal without being overly suspicious.

      Winds rushed to his face as he look down from the window of his room. The circular garden at the center of the roundabout in front of the main terminal looked like a green soccer ball and the people nearby were like moving golf balls. He squints, not from the poking winds, but from the sheer drop in front of him. He pull back and closed the window. "Okay, that's not an option." he said.

      Adam peeked to the emergency exit door at the end of the hallway. He looked the other way. No one, he thought. He slides out of his room and gently lock the door behind him. He placed the keycard inside his pouch and make his way towards the exit, always looking to his side and back for people who might accidentally bump into him. He jumped for the door knob and gave it a light twist, testing to see if it was locked. The door knob turn without resistance and the door pushed open. Adam smiled and pushed it just enough for him to pass through. Once he is out, he closed the door and clicked the lock. He hates it if someone finds him out halfway down the staircase.

      Alone inside the emergency exit, Adam took bolder move. He jumps on the railing and leaped down, landing on the first railing and doing a backflip onto the second. He jumps back down onto the steps and jumps two at a time before repeating his rail jump down the floor.

      Adam landed on the railing of the last staircase and jumps down to face the door that leads into the lobby. He looked behind the staircase for any other door and realized there was none. "Shit" he said under his heavy breaths. He looked back up the stair case to the large window. It was a single frame and bolted to its concrete frame. He clenched his fist and clicked his tongue. It was too easy, he thought. He opened his pouch and pulls out several pieces of paper from his packet along with his marker. With great care, he folds each paper into strips and tore according to the line it created. He wrote down 'WOOD' on every strip and with great care, placed them like a small panel on the concrete wall behind the staircase. Each strip glows blue and stuck to the concrete wall as if it was glued there.

      The blue glow from each strip touches each other and extends until each strips glowed in synch with each other. The word on the strip dissolves and disappear from the strips. Adam gave the area surrounded by the strip a light kick and heard it knock. He smiled and gave it one powerful kick, enough to broke through the wall and pull cold air into the emergency exit. He wipe the sweat from his face and crawl his way out through the newly made exit.

      The wind was more gentle down on the ground. He looked back to the hole and the scattered concrete on the ground. He kicked some into the hole and cracked his neck. He needs to be quick. He had wasted enough time resting, now he need to break into the country's most secured prison. He smiled. A strange exhilaration filled him. "It feels like old times, now" he said and walk down the grassy knoll down towards the dark road.

      Adam crouched to one knee when he reached the sidewalk. He lied to the ground and peeked towards the outside wall. Once confident he saw no one, he slides down to the sidewalk and crossed the road. There is no other transportation towards the prison besides the bus and there is no bus, so he did the next fastest thing he could. He ran.

      It took him what he thought half an hour to get near enough to the outer wall of the Penitentiary. He stopped and lightly ran on the spot. Heaving for air, he gulped his breath and let his body cool down by itself. It was a relief to him the air was cold enough for him to cool down. He crouched down and make his way towards the nearest wall he could before it reached the guard tower. He leaned to the wall and follows it down the road towards the main entrance to the Penitentiary. Once he finds himself near enough, he turn towards the wall and remove the piece of paper he folded earlier. It was a special folding he learned from an origami master back when he travel the world working for the mafia.

      He placed the origami on the wall and channeled his energy into it. The origami glowed blue, faint amongst the darkness around him. It seeps into the wall and a line of blue light copied the shape of the origami onto the wall next to it. Adam watched as the light finished copying the origami. He pulled a tiny piece of paper on the origami like a door. It opened as did the wall next to it. He smiled. He never thought it would work. He needs to send the master a thank you gift when he gets the chance, he thought to himself.

      Adam slides himself into the wall and slipped through the inner compound towards the first building: the main security building.

Unknown - Chapter 23

      Chapter 23

      “Lord Varoum, the seal bearer had just left the port town of Lhamira” announced a bloodhound to the little turtle pacing in front of the stone tables inside the huge room. The door closed behind the bloodhound as he leaves and silence crept into the room once more.

      He rubbed his scaly chin. “Why Kevil, why Kevil…” he murmured alone in the gray gloomy room.

      “Vahula!” he shouts and the bloodhound bursts through the door. “Yes, my Lord?” his mouth touched the dusty floor.

      “Tell the spies to watch who was with the seal bearer, now!” he shouts and the bloodhound slid his still bowing head across the room. “Yes, my Lord!” he replied and the door shuts in front of him.

      “Don’t tell me it’s a Guardian… or was it the second seal?” the little turtle murmured again.

      The door bursts open again and a dire wolf walks in. “Sire, the Emperium has begun their expansion campaign to the north. The spies had reported a massive army being gathered at the edge of the port town of Qitar at the northeastern edge of Kevil. Also there are reports saying that a battalion of the Jiguvar had marched south, burning the towns especially smith towns as the past along” he said with his head bowed down.

      “I see” replied Varoum. “How did they managed to cross the sea bringing massive armies with them?” the turtle asked.

      “They had managed to create a ship that can carry the massive amount of loads using something they called water crystals, sire” said the dire wolf.

      “And what is this Jiguvar? Why are they attacking their own towns?” asked Varoum.

      The dire wolf shook its head. “We do not know sire. Our last spy sent to the King’s chamber was apparently killed by a slingshot from the King’s barbaric son” he said. Varoum shook his head in dismay. “Sent another spy and make sure they know where to hide themselves!” he shouts to the dire wolf. The wolf cowered and gave a slow nod and left the room.

      “Damn it! I’m surrounded by fools!” he shouts and slammed his little hands onto the stone table in front of him. The sound echoed in the empty room. He pants for air and his dark hands felt warm.

      “General Virin” a huge man-bear approached the Spider-Witch.

      “General Bara” the Spider-Witch gave Bara a low bow with her head. “It has been a long time” said the spider and smiled maliciously at the man-bear. “Yes, it has” the bear replied with tiny flames shooting out of his eyes. “I have heard of your recent activites” the spider hissed and past the man-bear without glancing. The man-bear grits his teeth only to change it into a grin as the spider was about to fleet away.

      “Your father is amongst the seal bearer”

      The Spider-Witch stopped on her tracks. “Is that so?” she asked without turning. Her body glowed pale blue in the cover of darkness. Bara’s breath turned powdery white and the flame shooting outside his eyes began to frost. The man-bear’s hands and feet trembled as icicles and frost spreads out from the jutting rock over the ceilings and the support beams.

      The Spider-Witch turned her head. All her eight eyes burned with fiery flame of pale blue. She held a wicked smile that held a thousand years of misery and agony. “That is certainly good news to me” she said and left the tunnel.

      Bara shook his head and the frost encapsulating it thawed into pale blue mists. The icicles and frost around the tunnel disappeared, leaving the tunnel colored with pale blue fog. The man-bear growled low and clenched his fists.

      The bloodhound bursts the door open panting for air and bowed its head at the Varoum’s feet. “My Lord” he said. Varoum looked at him. “What of the report?” he asked and the bloodhound nods. “Yes my Lord, the spies had confirmed that there are three Guardians accompanying the seal bearer together with his friend, a girl and a huge man of great sword mastery” said the bloodhound. “And the three Guardians are?” the turtle cocked his brows. “They are the Fire, Wind and the Earth Guardians, my lord” said the bloodhound face watching the dusty floor. Varoum paced the room, walking back and forth between the two stone tables, eyes looking at the sole light shining inside the pale room. “I see” he said under his breath. “You can go now” he dismissed the bloodhound who exits the room with great haste. The door closed behind him and Varoum was once again left alone.

      “So they are looking for the final Guardian, this is certainly a good news” he smiled. “They will lead me to the port town of Kliph and the old sage. After that, the seals will reveal themselves to the boy. So all I need to make sure of is to have the boy followed all the time and strike before he could manage to re-seal everything back” he smiled at the thought. “Then the Source will return” he held himself from laughing. “And then I can have the whole world to myself” he beamed. The door behind him opened and an echo of taps and thuds followed. The room was empty again.

      Bara stood at the mountain outcrop overlooking the huge city of white stone standing miles beneath him. The wind caught his face and tried to push him off the cliff. Bara clenched his fist and roared at the wind. Gray smokes hissed from his mouth and rode the wind past him. The azure flame in his eyes flickered and his chest rise and fall with his hastening heartbeat. The man-bear general spread his black wings and reached for the sky.

      Virin caught the black shadow crossing the sky above her as she stood watch from the side of the mountain overlooking the sea to the west. The pale blue flame from her eyes had died, leaving only the azure flame caged inside. She looked at her dark hands, the claws cuts through the wind passing her. The cool breeze touched her like a warm blanket, enveloping her senses, robbing her ears of hearing. It was absent yet it was there like a splinter inside her heart. She clicked her tongue. The image of her father flashed through her azure eyes. Gentle and kind and loving like any other parents.

      A weird sensation flooded her already numbed senses. Her cheeks felt warm. She clicked her tongue and left the outcrop.

      Varoum stepped inside the laboratory filled with bleeping monitors and mechanical gears and pipes, turning and hissing. Smokes billowed from everywhere as if produced by the mountain walls itself. His tap and thud footfalls turned the attention of the workers inside the laboratory. They stopped and bowed at the little turtle as he walks to the center of the room where a large green tank sits.

      Bregan stood and bowed at Varoum. He wore a monocle and his feature was more lively than it was when he had freed Virin. His hands carried a clipboard with papers depicting charts, graphs and pictures of the specimen inside the green tank.

      “Bregan” said Varoum. “How long will it take before the specimen is war ready?” he asked. The wolf bowed. “It will take a little bit more time than we first calculated, my lord” he said. “Though his power output is currently sixteen percent above our first estimation” he continued, head still bowed. “Good, good” the turtle replied while holding his chin. “Give me the ladder” he commanded and two of the workers rushed to push a small metal ladder to the green tank. Bregan watch as Varoum pushed himself up, leaving his staff behind next to the metal ladder. More steam hissed behind him but he ignored, his eyes fixed to the little turtle as he reached the topmost steps and wiped the frosted tank window. The turtle peeked inside the translucent fluid.

      “I see” he murmured to himself. “Was there any signs of movements from the specimen at all?” he shouts to Bregan. “No, my lord, not yet. Although the specimen’s vital signs are normal and improving with every increment we did” the wolf replied. Varoum nods. “Good!” he said and lowered himself down the ladder effortlessly. He picked his staff and walked towards the wolf. “I want the specimen closely monitored at all times, it was hard enough to get one and I don’t think I can spare another” he said and shot a glance at the tank. “This is my baby, Bregan, I will not let it falter. I will not have this project fail”.

      The wolf bowed again. “Yes, my lord, I will make sure of it”. He smiled when Varoum turned his back on him. “If I may ask, my lord?” said the wolf. “What is it?” said Varoum without turning.

      “Why are we doing this?”

      Varoum snorted. “Because of time, and power, my friend” he said.

      Bregan frowned. “But does we not have all but one of the thirteen generals with us in suspended animation, my lord? Why such hassle to create a new breed?” he asked to which Varoum only laughed at him.

      “Yes, Bregan, we do have the generals, but I fear that their power might have been weakened due to the nature of their existence. So it is with great need that we sow a new breed of generals with new power to match the needs of time” the little turtle explained. “You may not understand my intention, my friend, but soon you will see why we need this new breed of Unknowns” he said. Bregan nods slow. “Then what about the other two generals, my lord?” he asked.

      “I’ll deal with them” said Varoum and the room echoed with the sound of tap and thud. The metal door that leads to the laboratory hissed open. Bregan watched as Varoum’s shadows left the laboratory and the metal door closed with a thump behind him before letting his face decorated with his sly smile. “And I’ll deal with you, my friend”

Inside the tank, the specimen’s hands twitched.

The Imaginarium - Chapter 2

      Chapter 2

      The train station was packed with people in black suit and white shirt bustling to and fro, waiting on platforms and walking towards platforms. Adam slides his quick ticket and stepped inside. The National Penitentiary had only one train going to and from it and he intend to take it. So he looked to the large signboard announcing the arrival and departure of trains and their respective platforms. It took him awhile to catch which train heads to the Penitentiary and once he got it, he rushed towards the platform where it stops.

      He stood in front of the escalator once he reached the platform and looked to a sea of people some in blue jumper suit with a large 'FRU' written on their back while others wore the same black suit white shirt, each with a chained person in front of them branding 'PRISONER' behind their jumpers. Adam pulls his clothes tight to him and shade his face with his cap. Once he saw the others began to turn away did he finally move from where he stood into the farthest edge of the platform, right where the first coach stops. He waited with his hands inside his pocket as trains around him arrive and depart. His heart fluttered and his throat tightened everytime he saw someone looking at him. He tried to breath calm and steady breath only to feel choked by his effort.

      The signboard on the platform flashed and the orange colored wording changed telling those on the platform of the arrival of the train they were waiting for with the blarring scream of siren. Adam stepped forward right behind the white line on the ground. He looked to where everyone was looking and saw the enlarging train. His heart skipped a beat. He was worried. Fear gripped his heart and curled around it like a snake. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

      The train hissed and came to a halt. The first coach stopped right in front of Adam pushing air to his face. He squints at the pressure and looked to his sides. Those in the blue jumper suit stood tight around the person they were escorting. The door hissed and slides open revealing guards complete with military garbs. Rifles sat ready behind their back and their standard issue nine milimeter handgun strapped holstered to their hips. Adam gulped.

      The guard exits the train and moved to stand beside it. They pull their rifle down and placed its butt end to the ground in a synchronous manner. The FRUs marched inside the train with their prisoners followed by the men in black suite. Adam stepped forward. He looked to the platform one last time and step into the train.

      The door hissed again and the guards step back inside, replacing their rifles to their back. The stopped in front of the door looking out and wait for the door to shut itself. The door slide and the train rocked back and forth before finally moving towards the National Penitentiary.

      Adam sat on his seat, alone and worried. He looked out to the window but the speed of the train gave him blurs. He was annoyed but his worry and fear overcame it just as it tries to seep into him. He sighed and tried for a shut eye. It would take an hour's ride to the Penitentiary and he doesn't feel like talking.

      "Is this place empty?" a voice took him by surprise. He quickly readjust his sunglass and turned to face it.

      "Yeah, sure." he said. It was a lady, beautiful primadonic face. Her flaming red dress felt weirdly enough annoying to him as did the glitters around her neck and fingers. He turn back to the window and shut himself out of any try for conversation.

      The train moves on for another thirty minute. Adam was half asleep watching the blur in front of him went another voice disturbed him. He closed his eyes, trying to settle his anger down. He turn to the voice and saw an officer looking at him with a stern face.

      "Sir, could you come with me for a moment?" he said and points to the back of the coach.

      Adam gulped. He wondered if the guard had seen through his disguise so he ran his fingers to his red tinted sunglass. It was still there so he touched his head and felt the baseball cap. Still there too. He nod and stood, apologizing at the woman in the red dress as he press his way out. The guard move to give way to him and both of them walked to the back of the coach, pass the door separating the passengers area and the smoking area.

      "Was it true?" the guard spoke.

      Adam sighed and scratch his head. "I don't know. I woke up, turned the tv on and voila, she was there handcuffed and brought to the Penitentiary for attempted murder." he said.

      The guard walked to the vending machine and bought two cans of coffee latte. He gave one to Adam and opened on for himself. He took a gulp and wipe his mouth with his sleeve. "So, what're you going to do? Break into the prison and save your wife?" he said and took another sip.

      Adam sighed. The can hissed when he pulled the pin and pried out the metal cap off. He took a sip and looked out through the small window on the door. "I'm thinking of breaking in but saving her... well, that depends on her story." he said. "What about you? And what's with the guard's clothes anyway?"

      The guard smiled. He ran his hand down the crisp uniform. "I'm currently, 'working' for the Penitentiary. As a guard" he said.

      "Yeah, figures" said Adam. They laughed.

      "Come on man, the least you could do is compliment the uniform. They feel awesome! No wonder everyone wants to work with the Tower." he said smiling. He took another sip and wiped his mouth with his sleeve.

      Adam turned towards the passenger area. No activity.

      "Anyway" said the guard. "Here, take these keycards. You're going to need them to bypass the security chambers." he said and hands Adam several colored keycards each coded with colored barcodes, each for specific doors.

      Adam looked to his friend. "Why are you helping me?" he said.

      The guard smiled. "It's not like you're the only one bored to death with a 'normal' life." he said and they both laughed.

      Adam nods. "Thanks Brad. I'll repay you someday" he said and left the smoking area.

      Brad smiled back and watch his friend went back to his seat. Once Adam disappeared from his sight, his smiled fades and he pulls out a cellphone. He pressed the quick dial and wait as the other side rang.

      "Hello?"

      Brad rubbed his eyes. "It is done." he said.

      "Good."

      Brad gulped. He gripped the phone hard and turned away from passenger area. "Now give me back my wife damnit!" he said.

      "You will. She will be near the station when you come back from work today"

      Brad closed his eyes frowning. "Thank you."

      There was only the monotonous sound of a line cut. Brad replaced the phone back into his pocket and leaned his head to the side wall. He banged it slow clenching his fists.

      The train moves into a dark tunnel with a boom of air pressed towards the outside immediately muffling each ears inside the eight coach train.

Unknown - Chapter 22

      Chapter 22

      Day three on the ship was another day of silence. Edabu sat with the two Guardians, talking about things none understand lest he had lived as long as they did. Alen and Enil sat with Kalvel, learning swordplays with his cutlasses with huge difficulties. Alen kept fumbling his stance, Enil kept fumbling his sword. Kalvel’s voice dominated the ship next to the silence whisper of the waves around them. Eliza kept herself to the kitchen and the cooking, saying nothing about what had happened when she went out to follow Enil. Kalvel asked her nothing, respecting her decision as what to follow. He kept on pushing the two teenagers, sparring with them occasionally when fatigue began to take over their heads with the repeated slashes and parries and thrusts.

      As the sun began to waver to the west, the first sight of the port town of Lhamira came to the horizon. The huge lighthouse sitting above a sole rock alone out in the sea contradicted the cool blue white sky. Alen and Enil stood at the bow, swords scattered onto the deck, much to Kalvel’s disappointment, though he hides it with a smile. The black silhouette of the port town rose from the sea as the lighthouse went past them. “It’s Lhamira!” the two teenagers shouts, fingers pointing towards the emerging dock.

      “Yes, marvelous, but come and collect your cutlasses kids!” shouts the huge man behind them.

      The two teenagers scrambled on their feet and plucked their cutlasses from the deck before handing them back to Kalvel who gladly opens his hands to reach them. “Bad mistakes don’t do it again” he warned them to which they gave a nervous nod.

      The port town of Lhamira opened to them with the great whiff of spices and metals and steel blowing in the air. Seagulls decorated the rooftops and edges of walls made of stones. Wooden doors leading to cases of stairs rose few feet above the sea, landing directly into the docks. Merchant ships, sloops, war galleys and small boats adorned the busy dock. The black ship sailed gentle and swift, docking next to a war galley. The three Guardians were the first to step onto the dock, slow and gallant. Alen and Enil trailed behind him while Eliza and Kalvel were the last to leave the ship. Sazara spoke with the dock master sitting underneath a huge archway, waving his hands around, pointing at the ship. The dock master replied with his hands and Sazara paid with a small leather pouch.

      “The dock master will resupply the ship as long as it docks here” said Sazara. “I will go and get us a caravan and some supplies for the journey” he turn back to face the huge archway that leads to the center of town.

      “I’ll wait at the tavern, look for the sober man once you done with everything you want to do” said the old Earth Guardian and walked away.

      “We’re going to see the city” said Alen with Enil nodding next to him. “I’m going with them” Eliza interrupted and turned to her father. “Can I?” she asked to which Kalvel only smile and give an approval nod.

      “I will go see what rumors I could gather from the townspeople” said Edabu. They all shot a look at Kalvel. “Join Shamah at the tavern” he said simple and everyone parted ways.

      The smell of spices and metals and steels were vigorous as the sea stayed behind and the stone roads narrowed in front of them. Beggars sprawled around between rows of houses that rose into the sky like claws. The street opens up into a small compound with a small dried up fountain at the center. Alen and Enil sat on the grey walled fountain watching the veins of dried mosses between the cracks. Eliza sat beside Enil on the fountain. “What to see, what to see” Alen joked. “Makes you think of Naresh, don’t you think?” said Enil smiling.

      “What kind of town is Naresh?” asked Eliza. Alen and Enil looked at each other. “It was busy and foul smelling and, well, busy” said Alen. “Yeah, the place is a merchant city so it’s hard to not have a busy day” Enil continued. They both gave a weary laugh though they know it’s not always so, especially between Trade Festivity.

      “Let’s go and look around” said Alen and both of his companions nod in agreement. High rise houses made of clay and stones surrounds the open area divided by a road every three buildings. Each road littered with ragged booths and stalls and the homeless lies in between. Alen looked around and saw a huge wall at the end of one road. “Hey, let’s see if we can go up that wall there” he points towards the dark stone wall. Enil and Eliza looked. “Is that accessible?” he asked. Alen shrugged.

      The fence cringed and creaked open. Three shadowy figures stepped onto the flight of steps and leaped two stairs on one stride. Cool spring breeze moved from the eastern horizon and floods the walkway above the wall, creating a shield against the sun. Six legs stopped on the walkway.

      “It’s beautiful” said Eliza.

      “It’s like an unknown territory” commented Enil.

      “It’s a jungle” said Alen.

      “I wonder how far it stretches though” said Enil. He squints and puts his hand above his eyes. “It’s a jungle through and through”

      Alen looked around. “There are columns of stones over there, I wonder if that’s the checkpoint Sazara talked about” he said.

      “We’ll know once they’re ready” said Enil and pats his friend’s back. “Let’s get a change of clothes. We’ve been holding on to these for what, a week? It reeks” he continued and points his finger back towards the city. Alen nods and the three fell back to the busy street behind them.

      The door to the tavern opened and all eyes fell to the silhouette of a man standing at it. The green robed man scanned the tavern and saw what he seek sitting with his face looking at the ceiling at the dark corner of the room. Ten empty mugs stood on the table in front of the man and his hand was holding the eleventh. The green eyes underneath the man’s hood glowed. Heads trailed his motion as he steps inside and walked towards the sober man.

      “Master Shamah” he spoke. Eyes behind him disappeared and the sound of chattery rekindled. “Master Shamah, it’s time” he spoke again but the sober man only snorted.

      “Wha-!” the sober man jerked almost hitting the man in the green robe. “Oh, it’s you” he rubbed his forehead and his eyes. He grabbed the edge of the table and pulled himself up. “How long was I out?” he look around and shook his head. “Two days I think” said Sazara. “I have the caravan ready and the others are already waiting for us at the gate” he bowed. Shamah looked at the Wind Guardian. “God, my neck’s stiff. Come, pull me up” he said and waved his hand towards the man in the green robe. Sazara shouldered the old Guardian and drag him across the room. Eyes fell to them again and trailed them until they disappeared outside.

      “Ah, the sun…” Shamah’s eyes turned to a slit and he pushed Sazara away. He let out a groan and stretched his back. His body pops and cracks as he moved his hands and neck and shoulders. “That feels better” he said and gave the Wind Guardian a weary smile. He slapped his face hard several time and the hardened eyes of the old Guardian lit to life. “Come, let’s go” he said and the two departed for the gate.

      “This thing feels weird” said Alen as he flaunts his travel robe around. “Not to mention it’s heavy” he cringed and took the robe off. “I like it just the leather shirt and pants and boots, light and easy to travel with” he slapped his shirt as he utters the words. Enil picked the robe from the street and threw it inside the caravan. “I don’t know, I think this suit me” he said and looked at the heavy robe draping down his body. He pulled his shoulders back and stretched his neck. “It’s comfortable” he said and smiled.

      “It is not Kevilian though” said Edabu who was watching them from the seat on the caravan. His hands were holding onto the reins as the horses neigh. The caravan mumbled and snorted with a deep voice. The air was still, humid but warm as spring. The two teenagers looked at the dark skinned man. “What do Kevilian wear?” they asked. “Metal armors” the man answered short.

      “Come on pricks, it’s time to go” Shamah’s voice leaped to their ears. They turned to face the square face man, wearing a brand new tunic and short pants with white sash. His huge arms dangling at his side as he walks. The green robed Guardian walked behind him face still unknown to the others save for the green glow of his eyes. “Where is young Eliza?” he asked.

      “Here” a girl’s voice came from the side of the caravan. The dark skinned girl emerged with her hair bound behind her head like a tail of a pony and a leather tunic with leather pants and boots. “Wow, you’re like a girl warrior now” joked Enil. Eliza kicked his shin and laughed at his scream. She slid a small dagger at her waist and cracked her knuckles. “Ready” she said much to the surprise of everyone in front of her.

      Edabu whipped the rein on his hands and whistled at the horses. They startled at first but quickly trot along the stone road past the metal gate archway that divides the port town to the outside world. “Steady it, you dumb prick!” Shamah complained. Sazara laughed underneath his hood while Enil and Alen smiled as they watched the port town of Lhamira slowly descend into the earth behind them.

      Sazara tapped the young Fire Guardian’s shoulder. “Take the route to the left and avoid the rocks please” he said to which Edabu nods. He pulled the rein and the horses walked at a much slower pace.

      “This jungle, is it safe?” asked Alen.

      Sazara looked at the young seal bearer. “Outside the realm of the Lordship, my young seal bearer, nothing is safe” he said. “Everyone” he paused and smiled. “Welcome to the Jungle of Jahuupha, where the dead lives and the live dead”

      Everyone gulped and watched in fear as the sky above them turns black.