Start of the End

RO

One brave leap and we would have a possible chance of surviving this. I haven't checked if everyone on my team followed my lead but I closed my eyes and jumped. Five seconds after and I felt the impact on my back. I let out a groan. Darn it, I felt like my spine cracked.

I immediately stood up, together with the few who followed. Not long after, some of the Aenelus fighters saw us and headed to our direction.

"They're coming, brace yourselves!"

I was panting already. I don't know when this will end and my body's hurting everywhere. Looking up, the fighters who cornered us disappeared. I know it wasn't a good thing. And I was right… Together with the other fighters, they approached us. Apparently, their leader, Hans Spiderwick led the attack. In short time, we were surrounded. And they were pushing through…

"What do we do now?" – Sebastian asked

I gulped nervously. This is it, I guess. I tried to think of a possible escape. Anything. Just something to keep us out of here. Anything that would preserve the safety of the sanctuary. But that's not what's happening now. What's staring back at me was a nightmare-ish experience. And they get closer and closer every second that passes.

"Ro!"

Sebastian might've thought I wasn't listening to him. I turned and realized that everyone else was looking at me. As if… as if I was their only hope. I mouthed an "I'm sorry" to Sebastian. I… I don't know what I was doing. What was clear to me that time is that if I don't do what I was thinking of doing next, they will kill us all. I believe there has been enough killings and bloodbath for the day. I closed my eyes, hearing the closer footsteps and the circle of our enemies getting smaller and smaller as it heads to capture us in the middle. What I was about to do contradicts everything I stand for. I'm not proud of it but I have no choice. It's either I do this or let the Aenelus slaughter us.

I gulped.

You got this, Ro.

I dropped the gun I was holding and it landed with a thud. With my eyes closed, I held both my hands up, claiming our defeat. Slowly, I knelt, feeling the coarse pebbles hurt my bare skin. I heard different voices around, confused of what I just did but I knew I have to do this. The situation calls for it. We can always retaliate later. For now, this is the safest and the best thing to do.

"ah, finally… come on, men. Tie them one by them and get their weapons!"

I guess the attack was over. That was Hans Spiderwick talking. By that, I opened my eyes when I felt two men grab my arms and pulled me up. I looked at them, directly at their silver armors. Above us, the sun has completely risen. I bet not all sunrises are about beginnings. This one signified our end. For now, that is.

"Make sure none of them escapes. Check all the areas. Gunthor would be so pleased seeing our victory today. Hail, Aenelus!" – The huge man cheered with a wide grin on his face.

The rest of his warriors chorused. It was deafening.

All I can see as I look around are humans dragged by men in silver armors into their huge vehicles. It was heartbreaking that a sole tear ran down my cheeks. I was one of those, on our way to doom. No one really knows what awaits for us in the Aenelus Headquarters but my memories of what happened to my parents are evidence that it is never good. I knew when we reach there, we will be given the choice to either be a part of them or choose death instead.

I'd rather choose death.

"ouch! Careful!" – I shouted to the men who pushed me inside one of the trucks. I fell to the floor and hit two other people already sitting in there. My capturers only gave me a dead look and closed the hatches of the truck.

Two bulbs of fluorescent light were switched on inside and I got awakened to a sad sight. I saw at four others of these trucks outside and I was on the fifth. The fifth but the people inside as I estimated was about 30-40. We were crowded in this tight space. Men, women… children. I gasped. Apparently, the Aenelus found the cave. I searched the room quickly to check on them. They were bruised. Some have cuts. The hatred I felt in my gut aggravated. What kind of a person orders his men to hurt the innocent ones? Just like that, I promised to myself another mission. I won't stop until I have my revenge. And I certainly know to whom I should vent my hatred and rage.

Hans Spiderwick. That insufferable, selfish and unconscionable scumbag.

What did the human race do to him to justify his leadership for the enemy? I couldn't imagine the amount of rage I feel right now. He makes me sick. Especially with this disheartening sight in front of me.

"Ro? Oh, thank God it's you. You're safe!"

Before I could react, Benz already pulled me and gave me a hug. My tears fell. I… I don't understand what I was feeling anymore. When he let go, he looked at me. I saw his expression changed from being thankful to worried. His forehead was bleeding and his lower lip was cut at the corner.

"Ro? Did they… did they hurt you?"

I shook my head slowly, diverting my gaze to the others.

"Hey… I heard of what you did out there. Don't blame yourself. You had no choice. You couldn't turn that situation around. You did the right thing, Ro. You saved their lives."

I gulped. If what I did was right, why do I feel so guilty now? Why do I feel like I could've done something better?

"You don't need to comfort me, Benz. Nothing can make me feel better about what I did."

I walked away from him and sat at the corner. I closed my eyes and hugged my knees, hoping this is only one of those bad nightmares.