Twelve

Aaliyah quickly went up to her room and closed the door behind her. She felt a surge of anger and frustration, as she recalled the events of the day. She had been forced to accept Zara's offer, to become her bodyguard and to move to the capital with her. She had no choice, as Zara had threatened to expose her secret and to harm her sister. She hated Zara, and she hated herself for being so weak and helpless.

"What a shitty day," said Aaliyah as she grabbed a rucksack and started to put her things inside. She didn't have much to pack, as she had lived a simple and modest life. She had a few clothes, a few books, a few personal items. She had nothing valuable, nothing precious, nothing that she would miss. She threw everything into the rucksack, without caring about the order or the neatness.

"Even the system won't be able to help me." Aaliyah sighed before a holographic icon appeared.But the system had remained silent, as if it had abandoned her.

"There's still no mission, which means I won't be able to get rid of Zara." Said Aaliyah as she abruptly threw her clothes into her backpack. She felt a pang of despair and resentment, as she realized that she was stuck with Zara, and that she had to follow her orders. She wondered if the system had a reason for this, or if it was just a cruel joke.

Once Aaliyah had packed most of what she needed, she went downstairs to find Zara and Zoé. She hoped that they were ready to leave, as she wanted to get this over with. She also hoped that they would not make a scene, as she wanted to avoid attracting attention. 

Zoé looked very happy and Zara had a smirk on her face, as they waited for Aaliyah in the living room. They had already packed their bags, and they had already said goodbye to the house. They had no regrets, no attachments, no nostalgia. They were eager to leave, and to start a new life.

"Let's go," said Aaliyah, as she joined them. She tried to sound calm and confident, but she couldn't hide the bitterness and reluctance in her voice. She wished she could stay, or at least say goodbye to the house. She wished she could have a say in this, or at least have a choice. 

They left the house and found a carriage waiting for them outside. It was a magnificent carriage, made of wood and metal, adorned with gold and jewels. It was drawn by four white horses, and driven by a uniformed coachman. It was the carriage of a princess, and it was the carriage that would take them to the capital.

"We're really going to ride in it," said Zoé, who was in awe of the carriage. She had never seen anything like it, and she had never imagined that she would ride in it. She felt a surge of joy and wonder, as she approached the carriage. She felt like she was in a fairy tale, and that she was about to meet her prince.

Aaliyah looked at the carriage, and felt a mix of disgust and dread. She had seen carriages like this before, and she had seen the people who rode in them. She knew that they were the people who ruled the world, and who oppressed the people. 

They climbed into the carriage, and the coachman whipped the horses. The carriage started to move, leaving behind the town and heading towards the capital. Aaliyah, Zoé, and Zara sat on the plush seats, facing each other. The carriage was spacious and luxurious, with velvet curtains, crystal chandeliers, and gold ornaments. It was also equipped with a magic device, that projected a holographic map of the route and the surroundings.

Zoé was fascinated by the carriage, and by the scenery outside. She opened the window and leaned out, feeling the wind in her hair and the sun on her face. She saw the green fields, the blue sky, the colorful flowers, and the wild animals. She felt a sense of wonder and adventure, as she witnessed the beauty and diversity of the world. She said, "This is amazing. I can't believe we're going to the capital. I've always wanted to see it. What's it like, Zara?"

Zara smiled and said, "The capital is the most magnificent and marvelous city in the land. It's the center of culture, commerce, and politics. It's the home of the palace, the parliament, the academy, and the market. It's the place where magic and technology coexist and flourish. It's the place where dreams come true."

Aaliyah listened to Zara's words, and felt a mix of curiosity and dread. She had heard of the capital, but she had never seen it. She had heard that it was a place of wealth and power, but also of corruption and oppression.

She had heard that it was a place of opportunity and innovation, but also of danger and conflict. She had heard that it was a place of magic and wonder, but also of fear and violence. She wondered what it would be like, and how she would fit in. She said, "The capital sounds impressive. But is it safe? Aren't there enemies and threats?"

Zara nodded and said, "The capital is not without its challenges and risks. There are many enemies and threats, both inside and outside the city. There are rebels and traitors, who want to overthrow the royal family and take the throne. There are criminals and smugglers, who want to exploit the people and the resources. There are hunters and slayers, who want to kill the magical beings and the hybrids. There are also dangers and mysteries, that lurk in the shadows and the secrets. That's why I need you, Aaliyah. That's why I want you to be my bodyguard. You have the skills and the courage to protect me, and to help me face these challenges and risks."

Aaliyah felt a surge of responsibility and pressure. She realized that Zara was not exaggerating, and that she was in serious danger. She realized that she had agreed to a difficult and dangerous task, and that she had to fulfill it. She realized that she had to protect Zara, and to help her survive and succeed. She said, "I understand, Zara. I'll do my best to be your bodyguard, and to keep you safe. But I hope you know what you're doing, and that you have a plan."

Zara winked and said, "Of course I do, Aaliyah. I always have a plan. And you'll find out soon enough. Just trust me, and follow me. We'll make a great team, you and I. And we'll make history, you'll see."

They continued to talk, as the carriage sped along the road. They passed by villages and farms, forests and rivers, hills and valleys. They saw the signs of life and civilization, but also of chaos and destruction. They saw the effects of the system and the missions, but also of the conflicts and the wars. They saw the wonders and the horrors, of the magical world.

After three hours, they reached the capital. They saw the city from afar, and they were stunned by its size and splendor. The city was surrounded by a high wall, that was guarded by soldiers and cannons.

The city was divided into districts, that were connected by bridges and tunnels. The city was filled with buildings and structures, that were made of stone and metal, glass and wood. The city was alive with people and creatures, that were of different races and species, cultures and backgrounds but no demon. The city was glowing with magic and technology, that were of different types and forms, functions and purposes.

Zoé gasped and said, "Wow. It's incredible. It's beautiful. It's amazing."

Zara smiled and said, "Welcome to the capital, Zoé. Welcome to your new home."

Aaliyah looked at the city, and felt a mix of awe and anxiety. She said, "It's impressive. It's huge. It's overwhelming."