Silent Storm

Several military vehicles traverse in and out of the Central Defense Force Base Camp.

A large energy gate opens and closes at both the entrance and the exit as the respective vehicles go through security checks.

Heavily armed guards stand watch by the gate.

Further into the base some cadets are jogging and chanting while a sergeant jogs beside them leading the chants and driving them on.

General Kross stands by the balcony of a large building at the center of the base, looking down and enjoying the view with a shot of hard liquor in his glass and a smile on his face.

The door behind Kross slides open and a little robot on wheels comes rolling through.

“What is it Toby?” Kross asks the robot.

“There’s a call for you on the secure line sir,” the robot responds.

“I can’t even get one damn moment to myself,” Kross says, before downing the entire glass and heading back inside.

“Put the call through Toby,” Kross commands.

Toby puts the call through.

“General Kross here.”

A disguised voice comes over Toby’s speaker.

“Kross! When were you planning on telling me about the attack in Vargos?”

“Again with the voice theatrics I see,” says Kross.

“One can never be too cautious, especially when dealing with you.”

“That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

“Kreel, is he really dead?”

“Last time I checked,” responds Kross.

“You seem pretty calm considering he was your right hand.”

“A luxury afforded to me by my many other right hands,” Kross responds.

“Heartless bastard. What the hell happened?”

“Some maniac in a hood strangled him with chains. Apparently, they were looking for the Nexus Orb.”

“Chains? do you think it’s her?”

“Could be, but that shouldn’t concern you, she has no idea of your involvement, I’m the one that should be worried.”

“Well are you?”

“Of course not, that bitch would have to be crazy to attack this base.”

“You and I both know crazy doesn’t begin to cover what she is.”

“Leave everything to me, I’ll deal with her.”

“This can’t blow back on me Kross, handle it.”

The call ends and Toby rolls away.

Kross pours another drink and sits down with a worried look on his face.

On a cliff, a great distance away from the base, sits Victoria.

She raises her left hand and places her index and middle finger vertically between her eyes. “Eye of the dragon,” she says, conjuring the Eye Rune.

Her eyes become reptilian, allowing her to get a clear view of the base camp.

“I see you’ve taken a liking to Aurora’s little magic trick,” says Zardon.

“Would you be quiet?” says an annoyed Victoria, as she continues to scope out the base.

She sees the heavy security and lets out a distressed sigh.

She lowers her hand and her eyes return to normal.

“You think they’re still keeping it down there?” Victoria asks Zardon.

“If they are, they must have it sealed up pretty good, because I can’t sense anything,” he responds.

“Either way it looks like they’re on high alert, we won’t make it too far if we just run in and start rampaging through the base,” says Victoria.

“So what’s the plan my lovely host,” taunts Zardon.

Victoria opens the palm of her hand and produces a tiny orange flame.

Flashes of hooded sword wielding assassins brutally assaulting and gunning down innocent people, crying desperately for help, begin to bombard her.

The flame in her hand quickly becomes as dark as night, causing Zardon to laugh hysterically.

Victoria holds her head in pain. “We have to do what we were sent here to do, she says, reaching into her pocket and removing a sparkling gold hourglass pendant.

She stares at the pendant.

“Well let’s get on with it then,” urges Zardon.

“Yea, but first I have to get you and this flame under control.”

Zardon continues his taunting laugh.

“Before I arrived here I was fine, I don’t know what’s happening now,” ponders Victoria.

“All your hate and anger, it’s rushing back to the surface now that you’ve returned, don’t fight it, just let it out,” says Zardon.

“You’d like that wouldn’t you?” says Victoria, as Zardon continues to taunt her.

“Let’s get out of here before someone spots us,” she says.

“Where to Vicky?”

“Like I said, I have to get you under control, you’ll see.”

Victoria leaves the area with a grin on her face.

*****

Several students are happily playing in the Field Garden as the sun begins to set.

Naveen, is touching up his precious hedges, when one of the kids crashes into, and damages some of them.

He becomes annoyed but playfully chases him.

The kid seems to be enjoying the chase, as he runs, laughs, and screams all at the same time, causing a flock of beautiful white birds, feeding on a clump of seeds, to scatter in the process.

He runs past the Training Dome, a large egg-shaped structure where students and faculty members go to hone their skills.

Inside the Dome, loud chatter fills the room as all the students from Cirrus III are gathered in different groups conversing with each other.

Riley is standing a fair distance from the others.

He’s in a heated argument with Rebecca Munroe, a tall and beautiful young blond, with hair reaching the tip of her buttocks.

“Would you just tell me what’s wrong?” Riley asks her.

“Don’t act dumb with me Riley, I heard you were flirting with some girl in class today.

Kim to be exact,” Rebecca responds.

Riley’s facial expression turns to one of absolute shock and awe. “Who told you that? You know you’re the only one I have eyes for Becca,” he says, as Rebecca rolls her eyes and scoffs.

“Really Ri, that was so corny. I just need you to stop making a fool out of me--- it’s not very wise to break a witch’s heart you know,” she says as she waves her hand across Riley’s face, which is suddenly taken over with disgusting warts.

Riley scratches his face uncontrollably. “Becca what the hell?” he screams.

“We good babe?” she asks, both in innocence and with threatening intent.

“Yes, yes, we’re good, now can you stop this?”

Rebecca waves her hand again and the warts disappear.

She kisses Riley on the lips and walks away.

“Guess who’s never dating a witch again?” Riley says to himself as he walks over and joins Gale, Jason, Muscle and Brain.

Gale does nothing to mask her contempt for his presence.

Riley returns his own expression of disgust, letting Gale know the feeling is mutual.

Several feet above the students, a door slides open, and members of the faculty walk through and take their places by the balcony.

Marie and Vanessa follow, along with Ghost and Striker closely behind them.

Ghost with an impressive sword on her back, and Striker with two similarly impressive handguns strapped to each thigh.

The chatter ceases, and the room goes into complete silence as Gregor begins to speak, his deep voice reverberating throughout the dome. “I’m assuming you’ve all heard what happened to your colleagues yesterday while they were out in the field dealing with an Awakening.”

Gregor scans the students below in anger as he gets no response. “Well, am I speaking to myself?” he asks.

“No Sir Gregor,” the students respond in unison.

“Good,” says Gregor. “All of you here are final year students, you’re all in Cirrus III.” Gregor glances at Riley. “Well, most of you---and as such you are required to be out in the field whenever the need arises. Now while we’re glad no one was killed yesterday, we have to be better prepared next time, and that’s why you’re all here today.”

Ike coughs profusely in the background and is eventually forced to make a hurried exit.

Marie notices and follows him with a concerned look on her face.

“I’ll let your principal elaborate further,” Gregor concludes, as he gestures to Vanessa that the audience is hers.

He steps back, and Vanessa takes his place. “Now I’m not going to sugar coat anything. Jason and his team got their asses handed to them yesterday. The same thing or even worse would have happened to any one of you. Your lives, and the lives of every other Altere out there are in danger. From now on no one leaves the Academy on any mission unless accompanied by a member of the faculty. Every day, one hour after regular classes you are required to report here for advanced training sessions, with the exception of Gale, who’s been handed a special assignment and will be out for a few weeks.”

“Another one? What’s with all these super, secret assignments she keeps getting?” Riley interrupts.

“Riley shut up!” Vanessa yells as streaks of lightning run across her eyes.

Gale giggles childishly, but immediately stops after a stern look from Vanessa.

“Sorry Aunt V,” Riley says.

“We have separate sessions planned for the witches which will be spearheaded by Isabella. Marie and I will be overlooking Jason and Riley’s training personally, and the rest of you will be with Gregor and Jackson. However, today will be an introductory session everyone can take part in together.”

“Lady Terrell, we should probably wait until Nurse May gets here,” Isabella cautions.

“You’re right, where the hell is she?

Nurse May hurries through the door, panting as if she’d been running for miles. “Sorry guys, I’m here now,” she says.

A short but handsome young man with dark hair, Damon Voss, whispers to Rebecca.

“Why do we need the nurse for an introductory session?”

Rebecca shrugs her shoulders.

“Great, now that the nurse is here, Ghost, why don’t you let these youngsters show you what they’ve got.” says Vanessa.

Ghost leaps over the balcony, completing an acrobatic landing below.

The students gasp and step back in fear and awe.

“Oh, now it makes sense, the nurse is definitely necessary,” says a worried Damon.

Rebecca lets out a nervous giggle.

“What are you waiting for? Did I forget to mention your performance in these sessions are going towards your final grades?” warns Gregor.

Indistinct mumbling takes over the dome as the students talk amongst themselves.

Ghost taunts the students by signaling them to attack.

“You guys are a disgrace,” says the ever-impatient Riley as he rushes Ghost.

“I swear he gets dumber every day, it’s incredible,” says Gale.

Riley forms water whips with his arms and swings them at Ghost.

Ghost dodges with ease and counters with incredible speed, her body flickering as she moves.

She reaches Riley in the blink of an eye and delivers a swift kick, which sends him flying and rolling right back by Jason and the others.

Jason looks down at Riley. “Are you done?” he asks.

“Were you all able to follow Ghost’s movements? Asks Gregor. “That was Accendo, a technique you would have been taught in your final term, but you’ll have to learn it sooner than that now. You regulate your Aether to significantly improve your speed and agility, allowing you to cover short distances in a flash---sorry for interrupting Ghost, you can carry on with the thrashing---I mean training.” Says the visibly thrilled Gregor.

Jason lends Riley a hand and helps him to his feet, then begins to address all the students. “Listen guys, Ghost can’t take us all on at once, let’s do this together.”

“Ok, but how about my team and I lead, and the rest of you follow?” says Rebecca with confidence.

“Fine by me,” says Jason.

Rebecca turns to her team members. “Ready Guys?” she asks.

Damon’s fists become enveloped by a blue ball of energy, and he glances at Mergana Kane, a young woman with a long furry tail protruding from her lower back.

Sharp claws extend from her hands, her eyes turn yellow and her pupils vertical.

She then turns to Jasper Grey, a young man wearing an immaculate suit. He removes his jacket, moves his hands over his tie, causing it to seemingly untie itself and fall to the ground. His sleeves also appear to roll themselves up.

They all turn to Trish Frost, who seems more interested in her appearance than what’s going on around her as she is deeply focused on her portable makeup mirror, fixing her short dark hair.

Rebecca, Damon, Mergana and Jasper all yell Trish’s name to get her attention.

This startles her, “Alright, alright I’m ready,” she says. She throws the mirror in the air and it floats above her.

Several other mirrors quickly emerge from the original one.

She leaps into one of the mirrors and vanishes.

The mirrors then move towards Ghost, circling about her.

Ghost grabs the sword on her back.

The handle begins to glow a bright red.

Damon and Mergana charge in and begin their attack.

Ghost draws her sword and blocks all their attacks.

She then tries to move away from them but the mirrors follow her every move.

Trish appears and disappears repeatedly using the mirrors as doorways, attempting to strike Ghost at every opportunity.

However, all of Trish’s attacks fail to land as they phase through Ghost’s body.

Rebecca and Jasper begin walking towards Ghost, with their hands stretched in her direction, conjuring Scythe Runes.

Ghost staggers and drops to one knee, holding her head in pain.

Seeing an opening, Jason charges Ghost, his left fist is streaking with electricity.

Striker quickly draws his pistols; the handles begin to shine a bright blue. He opens fire on the students, shattering the mirrors, causing Trish to come flying out, crashing to the floor. Rebecca runs over to see if Trish is ok.

“Relax guys, those were my non-lethal bullets, nothing too dangerous, Trish is fine,” reassures Striker.

Trish begins to come to and rises to her feet.

“Striker, that wasn’t fair, we were supposed to be fighting Ghost,” says an upset Rebecca.

“Cordelia doesn’t know the meaning of the word fair, with her you have to be prepared for anything,” scolds Vanessa.

Striker jumps down from above and joins Ghost.

“Don’t be afraid guys, you all saw it right? We almost had Ghost,” says Jason.

Rebecca turns to the other students, urging them on.

“Yea, if the rest of you join, taking down those two will be a piece of cake,” she says.

All the students become highly motivated and charge Ghost and Striker at once-----

----- The duo makes light work of the students, leaving them sprawled out on the floor, as they receive treatment from Nurse May.

Those that can stand are desperately gasping for breath.

Ghost and Striker, without a single scratch on them, brace the wall and look on at the carnage.

Vanessa and Isabella walk amongst the students helping some to their feet.

Isabella stretches a hand out to Rebecca and helps her up. “You good little sis?” she asks.

“You know Izzy, I’ve had better days,” Rebecca responds.

They both laugh.

Marie returns without Ike and with a nervous look on her face.

Vanessa glances up at her with concern then refocuses on the kids. “You kids had fun? I know I did,” she says.

“After Nurse May takes a look at all of you, you can shower and head over to the dining area, Patty and the kitchen crew cooked up something special for everyone,” she continues.

“Make sure you all rest up for more fun times tomorrow,” says Gregor.

The students let out collective sighs and groans.

***

Inside the Holy Cathedral, a beautiful red carpet lines the walkway, stretching from the entrance to the steps leading up to the altar.

Several benches are lined off on either side of the carpet.

A large table with numerous candles, sits at the middle of the altar, covered by a white and gold cloth. A giant painting of a man with outstretched arms surrounded by angels serves as a backdrop.

Victoria is sitting on one of the benches with her head down.

A man dressed in a black robe is kneeling at the altar, praying with a woman.

The man and the woman rise from the altar. “Thank you, Father Joseph,” the woman says.

“Peace be with you my child,” Father Joseph responds.

The woman makes her way down the altar and exits the cathedral.

Father Joseph looks at Victoria.

“So how much longer are you going to just sit there? I assume you came here for me to pray with you,” he says.

Victoria raises her head.

“Come up here, it’s ok,” Father Joseph urges.

Victoria goes up on the altar, and Father Joseph leads her to kneel.

Victoria bows her head.

“Anything in particular you want to pray for?” asks Father Joseph.

“I’ve been touched by darkness Father,” says Victoria.

“What makes you think that my child?” asks Father Joseph as he places his hand on Victoria.

Victoria raises her head and stares at Father Joseph.

Her eyes have turned completely black.

All the candles suddenly go out.

Father Joseph darts away from Victoria and falls on his buttocks.

“Abomination!” he yells.

Victoria rises from the altar and approaches him.

“Just hold on a minute, let me explain,” she says.

The priest reaches into his robe and takes out a flask.

He opens it and throws water in Victoria’s face.

Her face begins to burn as she screams in agony.

The priest removes a necklace with a cross pendant from around his neck.

He swiftly moves behind Victoria and tries to strangle her with it.

They both fall to the ground; Victoria gasping for breath, with the necklace wound tightly around her neck.

“Vicky what have you gotten me into? What the hell kind of Priest is this bastard?” asks a panicking Zardon.

Victoria’s eyes go back to normal.

She struggles to speak. “God—father--it’s--me,” she says.

“Godfather? I only know of one God Daughter, she died 18 years ago,” says a confident Father Joseph.

“She didn’t die, it’s me Godfather, Victoria.”

“Impossible, it can’t be,” he says, as he releases Victoria and moves a safe distance from her. “You can’t be her, you’re a demon,” he continues.

“No, I’m not--well technically I am--look it’s a long story, I need your help,” says Victoria.

Father Joseph has a confused look on his face.

“I was very little, but I remember you use to visit our village a lot, I remember sitting on your lap while we were having dinner with my parents, I remember you use to tickle me when I didn’t want to go to bed.”

Tears begin to flow down Victoria’s eyes, her voice begins to tremble. “I remember how tightly you use to hug me whenever you were leaving.”

Victoria continues to sniff and sob. “I remem--”

Father Joseph dashes over to Victoria before she can finish her sentence.

He embraces her tightly and looks up at the painting of the man with outstretched arms.

He begins to weep, but his face is full of joy.

They embrace each other for a while.

“Vicky, how did this happen to you? What happened in the village that night?” asks Father Joseph.

Victoria wipes the tears from her eyes, as she begins to reminisce on the night her life changed forever-----

Several villagers are clustered in the Vargos Gathering Square holding hands. They are all looking on at an enormous video feed, where a much younger Marie and Vanessa can be seen on their knees, bruised, and battered.

“I didn’t quite understand fully at the time, but the whole world was distracted. Lady Stanislaus and Lady Terrell were fighting a battle to save us all, a battle they couldn’t possibly win.”

A 4-year-old Victoria is held tightly by her mother, Natasha Marcano. She looks on in the distance at the colourful flashing lights.

“The battle was so fierce, it illuminated the sky, I was captivated by the lights, so was everyone else.”

A strange gas envelopes the village, and villagers begin to collapse as they inhale it. Several individuals wearing gas masks, armed with swords, and bows and arrows swarm and start attacking and killing the villagers. Those that haven’t yet collapsed try to fight back using rune magic, but they eventually succumb to the effects of the gas.

“They used some kind of toxic gas, and everyone who inhaled it got paralyzed and collapsed, but they were still conscious while they were being slaughtered. Men, women, children, it didn’t matter--they moved so fast--we tried to fight back, but that damn gas.”

Victoria’s father, Rafael Marcano, picks her up and grabs her mother’s hand and runs inside a small but beautifully crafted wooden structure. Inside are four cryptic symbols at the center of the floor, glowing brightly. Four young women are sitting in a circle, on each symbol. Their eyes as white as snow as if in a trance. Hovering above them is an orb as black as night, giving off flashes of light at intervals. A tiny, insect shaped bot hovers towards Victoria’s father and begins projecting a video screen, which goes blank almost immediately. A ‘Signal Lost’ message being the only thing displayed on the screen. Victoria’s mother collapses. The attackers enter the room. Victoria’s father raises his hands towards them and sends them flying back through the door. Several more burst in and surround Victoria and her parents.

-----“My dad took me and my mother to the shrine and tried contacting the Academy, but no one responded. Then they came running in, my dad tried to fight but he was too weak from the gas.” Victoria’s voice begins to tremble uncontrollably. “They surrounded us.”

“Why? Why kill so many innocent people?” asks Father Joseph.

“They wanted the Nexus Orb,” says Victoria.

“Who are ‘They’ Vicky? How did you survive? And where have you been all these years?”

Victoria holds her head in pain. “Please, I can’t, it’s too much.”

“Vicky,” says Father Joseph.

Victoria lets out a loud scream, with tears dripping down her face. “I can’t,” she says.

“It’s ok,” says Father Joseph, as he embraces her. “I’m here now,” he says.

Victoria passes out in his arms.

***

Jason is laying down on his stomach with Gale sitting comfortably on his back, as they watch a past performance from music sensation Ivy Rose on a virtual screen in his bedroom.

Jason has a dull, uninterested look on his face. “Jason you look bored, how can you possibly be bored, you’re looking at Ivy bloody Rose,” says Gale.

“I told you a million times Gale, I think she’s annoying.”

Gale laughs and jabs Jason in the ribs. “You stupid jerk,” she says.

“Maybe you should be with Riley instead, he loves Ivy more than anyone,” says Jason.

Gale bursts out in laughter. “Never in a million years,” she says as she playfully nibbles on Jason’s neck.

Jason turns over and is now lying on top of Gale. He kisses her and looks deep into her eyes.

“I love you Jason Terrell,” says Gale.

Jason smirks and tries to kiss Gale again.

Gale turns her head, rejecting the kiss. “Jason, I just said I love you.”

“Yes, I heard you,” Jason responds.

“Really Jason? You know this is starting to get really old.”

“What do you want me to say? I’m 17 years old, what do I know about love?” asks Jason.

Gale pushes him off her with great force---

Meanwhile, Riley and Rebecca are soaking their feet in a pond, situated at the center of the Academy Field Garden.

The moonlight beams down on the water.

Riley runs his fingers through Rebecca’s hair and kisses her on her cheek.

Rebecca turns to Riley with a stern look on her face. “Riley, we need to have a serious conversation,” she says.

“Here we go again,” says Riley.

“Are you seeing other people?” asks Rebecca.

Riley throws his hands up and rolls his eyes. “Becca, how many more times must we go through this? I only have eyes for you.”

“Is that right?”

“Yes, and I’ll prove it right now, just tell me what I need to do.”

“Ok, then let me take a look at your Wrist Pad so I can see who you’ve been talking to,” says Rebecca.

Riley takes his feet out the pond and stands up. “You know Becca it’s kinda late and we probably shouldn’t even be out here,” he says as he starts walking away.

Rebecca stands up with a frustrated look on her face and walks in front of Riley, blocking his path. “No! No Riley, I won’t accept your disrespect any longer,” she says.

Riley holds Rebecca’s hands and stares deep into her eyes. “I love you Becks, don’t be like this.”

“There it is ladies and gentlemen, the Riley Stanislaus ‘I Love You’ special. Why should I believe the words of a man that takes nothing seriously, not even his own education? When was the last time you passed an exam?”

“Look Becca, you knew what you were getting yourself into, if you want serious, go be with my brother.”

Rebecca pushes Riley into the pond, but he simply stands on the water, which angers her even more.

“You ass!” she screams, as she walks away. “I’m done Riley, we’re done,” she says---

Back in Jason’s room, the tension with Gale intensifies. “You know, I’ve been going on these secret missions for years now and you never once asked me about it,” says a frustrated Gale.

“It’s a secret mission Gale, why would I ask?”

Gale gives him a blank look.

“The mission is all that matters,” Jason continues.

“I can’t do this with you tonight, I’m going to see Brain, at least I know he cares,” says Gale as she storms out of the room.

“Yea that’s right, go on and run to your little bestie as usual,” says an angry Jason as he throws himself back on his bed in frustration.

Riley suddenly walks in. “What’s up with Gale? She looked more cranky than usual, what did you do?” asks Riley.

“She told me she loved me and I didn’t say it back”

“Are you kidding? Rebecca got pissed at me cuz I did tell her I love her,” says a confused Riley.

“I’ll never get women,” Jason responds.

“True that,” says Riley.

“You think if dad was around, he would have helped us with this kind of stuff?” asks Jason.

“There you go again with this dad crap. My mom is your dad, and your mom is my dad. Dorian was a murderous lunatic.”

“Yea maybe you’re right, but I still wonder about him sometimes.”

“Be careful with that brother,” warns Riley.