Chaos had engulfed the once peaceful city like a plague. The air reeked of death and burning flesh. Cries of horror and anger resounding through the ears of the group who were currently running to a special destination. They wanted to help, they truly did, but they could not stop for anything in this dire situation.
“Hurry now,” urged a deep voice, “we must get her to the portal. For it is our only hope for any chance of survival.” He looked down at the girl in his arms, the little girl was crying. Each sob she took caused her tiny frame to shake. “And for her survival too.” His eyes filled with sorrow as he gazed upon the girl. His heart constricting each time she sobbed.
He was broken out of his emotional reverie when a gentle hand touched his shoulder. Turning around, he saw a woman with amber eyes staring at him. Understanding the silent message, he resumed their quest to the portal.
Following the path that lead to the temple where the portal was hidden, the man and his associates were forced to stop. Thorns had blocked the entrance forming a briar patch, it looked almost impossible to pass through.
One of the guards had raised his hand, a faint aura beginning to encompass it, however, he was made to stop as the man forced him to lower his hand.
“No,” he began, “if we use any magic, she will sense it. We cannot afford to be discovered now.” He observed the briar patch. Cautiously, he extended his hand to further examine the thorns. His hand swiftly removed itself from the thick thorny vine as though he had been burnt. Eyes wide in disbelief, he lowered his head and grit his teeth. His arm unintentionally tightening around the child held in his arms.
“No, it’s not possible!” he tried to reason in his head, but this magic signature was one he knew all too well. “How could she have known we were coming here? No one knows of this path except the select few of royal guards.” He glanced at the guards with the corners of his eyes. “Did one of them tell her about it? No, they are far too loyal to the royal family to betray us. Then how?”
A soft whimper reached his ears, breaking his thoughts. He directed his gaze at the small child, realizing he had been squeezing her too hard, he loosened his grip and gave a gentle hug as a means of apology.
“My lord,” voiced the guard who had been stopped earlier, “if we cannot use magic to get through this obstruction, how will we bypass it?”
“We will have to go through it I’m afraid.” He had gone over every other way to get around it in his head, but no other plan was as discrete. Hugging the girl closer to him, as to not let the thorns injure her, he carefully made his way through the thorns. The rest of the group following after him.
Finally exiting the briar patch, they had found themselves directly in front of the temple entrance. It was old, ancient. The outside walls overrun with vines. Pieces of it chipped away from years of disuse. Though it was in this state, it seemed elegant rather than an eyesore. Walking forward, the man was startled by a loud cry.
“Above!” cried out the woman.
The man raised his head to the place she was pointing. Directly above his head was a Keese, coming straight towards him. Keese were close relatives to bats, the only difference was they were far bigger and vicious. The Keese heading towards him was a Thunder Keese, who were known for giving a nasty shock.
He quickly placed the child in the arms of the woman and reared his fist back to kill the bat. As soon as the Keese came into range, it was slammed into the ground, the force the man had rammed his fist into it with had snapped its neck. Effectively killing it.
Shaking his hand, he dispersed any remaining sparks from the bat. Only then did he take the girl back from the woman. Entering the temple, they carefully descended the spiraling staircase. Any careless step would cause it collapse.
Reaching the bottom, they marched through the hallway. At the end of the hallway was a door with ancient text on the archway. The door’s entranceway was sealed off.
Stepping forward, the woman began chanting the words on the archway.
Almost immediately after the chant was over, the door opened, allowing them entry to the chamber where the portal was.
However, their luck was about to run out.
An ear-piercing cackle resonated within the chambre. Appearing from a black mist, a tall woman with long pink hair flowing down to her waist and black horns revealed herself. A malicious smirk present on her face.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my dear brother-in-law,” her voice a malevolent tone, “and my beloved little sister.” She said ‘beloved’ with such malice that one could’ve sworn if words could kill, the woman would already be dead.
“Why are you here, Lilith?” bravely questioned the woman, even though on the inside she was trembling with fear.
“What? Am I not allowed to see my precious niece, Asteria?” Lilith said, a mocking tone in her voice. Before she could reply, the man interrupted her.
“Not when you plan on using her as a weapon, Lilith!” he barked. Bringing the girl even closer to him.
“You should know you only speak when spoken to, Atlas,” all traces of mirth left her voice, her face becoming like stone.
“Now, why don’t you hand over the girl and you can save yourself the trouble of having to be killed right where you stand,” she paused, “although it really doesn’t matter, I’ll still kill you in the end.” Giving a fanged grin, she walked towards the group.
Their training from the barracks coming into play, the guards got into their positions, ready to defend the King and Queen.
“Go my lieges, we’ll hold her off so that you may get the child to safety!” yelled the commander of the guards.
“I leave it to you, Commander Corvus.” Grabbing hold of Asteria’s hand, he sprinted towards the portal chamber.
“I don’t think so,” before Lilith could stop them, the guards intervened.
“Back you hag!” shouted Commander Corvus.
“Hag?” screeched Lilith, “how dare you associate someone of my beauty to a hag!” Seething at the insult, she launched herself at the guards.
Panting, Asteria and Atlas continued to run to the chamber. At last, the two of them reached the chamber. Swiftly opening the doors, they hurried into the room.
“Come now, place the necklace around her neck.” Atlas put the small girl on the ground to stand. Asteria placing the necklace over head, the necklace in question was beautiful. The pendant a striking crystal shaped starburst. A mixture of purple and pink.
“My child,” Atlas began, “I fear it is time for you to leave this place. It is no longer safe here, so your mother and I are sending you somewhere.” He enveloped her in a bear hug. “Somewhere where you will be able to grow into a wonderful young lady. Somewhere with no war or killing. Somewhere you will be able to make friends and hopefully get away from those books of yours.” Atlas said with a watery chuckle before breaking down completely.
Asteria, no longer able to contain her own tears, joined in the hug.
“Go, my daughter,” whispered Asteria, “step into the portal. When you reach your destination, make sure to show the person who finds you this necklace.” She ushered the girl into the portal.
“And remember this, we love you with all our heart… Twilight.” With those final words said, the portal gave a hum coming to life. Bright lights engulfed the room. The last thing Twilight saw was the tear stained faces of her parents, similar to her own, before everything turned white.
