Forlorn

"Nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space, or so they say." The barely conscious woman thought to herself. "...but somehow HE did. He heard my cries and appeared like a miracle—an angel, come forth to bring me salvation."

A man in a strange spacesuit appears, spreading his dark mechanical wings. He grabbed the damaged space shuttle, gently guiding it towards the red planet below. The man notices "Mourning Sun," written boldly on the side.

In the year 3025 A.D, humanity finally attained world peace. Ironically, it was after human civilization ascended into space, leaving behind a tattered Earth filled with the aftermath of old wars, regrets, and grudges. Journeying far and deep into the darkness, with only a glimmer of hope as a guiding light.

These achievements were possible due to the Cardia Corporation, a multi-trillion dollar tech company that birthed new-age space travel. And Elliot Malcolm, the founder of Cardia, created a dynasty in the new worlds above.

Millenniums have passed since humanity's ascension, living in an Era known as the Cardium Utopium. Trillions of people now live across the universes and beyond, establishing new worlds and homes within countless galaxies. Worlds that all belong to the Cardia dynasty, ruled by The Father of Space himself.

But the wealthiest and most technologically advanced planet is Caelum, a world created and designed by Elliot Malcolm. This is the heart of the Cardia dynasty, the center of all human civilization. Those few lucky enough to be born here live a life of privilege, unburdened with concepts of hardships, work, hunger, sickness, and even death.

Floating high above the cities of Caelum is Deorum Island, a kingdom dedicated to the descendants of The Father of Space. Here, they live like gods, worshipped as they indulge in pleasures and fantasies. Those born here have never seen the world below or above, ignorant of the deceptive machinations of the Cardia dynasty.

A race of half breeds known as Aegis, bioengineered by Elliot Malcolm, guard the island paradise. Their kind is a mix of man and parts unknown, tall, muscular, pale, and have eyes that glow when emotional. Dressed in fine garbs of silk robes, they've lived since the establishment of Deorum.

Sir Regis, a stern Aegis, stares at a portrait of Elliot Malcolm from the hallways of the Mirror Palace. His admiration is interrupted by the footsteps of a distraught palace servant.

"Sir Regis, pardon the intrusion..."

Sir Regis unfolds his arms, "Yes, what is it?"

"It's the Primus..." The servant replies apprehensively. "He... he has left the island."

"What!?" Sir Regis's eyes angrily glow. "Where has he gone, now!?"

Beneath Deorum Island lies the capital city of Vidtrium, a futuristic wonderland filled with robotic servants, resource cloning, DNA alterations, and all the pleasures of the modern era. On this particular day, Primus Filius Aderan Cardia indulges in his wealth and status, interacting with the "peasants" and "mortals" of his dynasty.

An older man with grey hair and wrinkles arrives, flying in his luxurious vehicle of gold. Dressed in expensive clothing, he is accompanied by dozens of bodyguards and women. Entering a prestigious nightclub, he confidently intimidates the other guest.

The man sits on a levitating couch. "Bring me Pure H2O!" He shouts at an android waitress.

A table appears filled with gourmet foods.

The man laughs happily. "Now, let's get this party started!"

He takes out a vile filled with golden liquid and inserts it into an inhaler.

"Hmm..." He calmly whispers. "Ambrosia."

The older man miraculously regains his youth, retaining his hair color and smooth skin. His loud outbursts disturb the other patrons, who ignore his antics because of his bodyguards. But a handsome young man sits at the bar, casually sipping his drink as he watches the local news.

"It has been more than two years since the Twelfth Primus succeeded his father, Primus Filius Adjasin Cardia." The attractive broadcaster reports on the holoscreen. "And all of Caelum has yet seen any results...some say he is too inexperienced for the responsibility."

The holoscreen is suddenly disrupted by a bottle.

"The NEW Primus is a joke!" The older man chuckles. "I'd be a better Primus than whatever his name is!"

"Primus Filius Aderan Cardia," The beautiful young woman beside him replies. "I think it's too soon to tell."

"Shut up!" The older man yells, slapping the beautiful young woman. "Who asked you? The kid's a failure like his old man—Good riddance to him..."

"Here is your bottle of Pure H2O" The android waitress arrives with a large diamond filled with liquid. "Shall I pour you a glass?"

As the android begins to pour, the handsome young man abruptly grabs it, drinking every drop.

"Succulent..." The handsome young man states. "That really is an expensive bottle of Pure H2O."

The older man stands up, "Do you know who I am?" He angrily asks. "I am Dante Cradle...A gangster that runs these parts!"

The handsome young man seemed unimpressed, winking at the beautiful young woman beside Dante. Dante waves his hand, signaling his bodyguard to take care of the disrespectful young man. The bodyguards grab the young man, ready to carry him somewhere discreetly for execution.

"Gentleman." A pale young man with shoulder-length brown hair appears. "Let us peacefully resolve this with a replacement?" He suggested with a smirk.

A pale woman with long wavy brown hair appears. "Will this suffice?" She asked while holding several bottles.

Dante smiles while leering at the pale woman. "Depends, my dear...Do you come with the bottles?"

"Tch...what are you two doing here?" The young man asked the pale man. "Were you not enough to brave the city?"

"Of course...I'm of the seventh." He replies. "Lady Cerise was already here when I arrived."

"...I was bored of the same old home cooking..." Lady Cerise states while staring at the many beautiful women with lustful eyes. "...Thought I'd taste something different tonight."

Sir Romauld sighs at Lady Cerise. "I'll deal with you later..." Turning his attention to the young man. "Come, we must leave."

As Sir Romauld walks toward the young man, he is apprehended by Dante's men. Lady Cerise smiles, shaking her head with a grin.

"Now, you've done it..." She warns them. "He doesn't like to be touched."

With extraordinary strength, Sir Romauld lifts each man with one arm. He effortlessly throws them like rag dolls, sending them smashing through several floating pieces of furniture. Dante's men quickly unsheathe their weapons, bombarding Sir Romauld with explosive bullets. Loud bursts echoed in the room, causing smoke and bystanders to hide.

The room suddenly becomes silent, waiting for the smoke and debris to settle. Wrapped in mechanical wings, Sir Romauld stands over the empty bullet shells. Everyone in the room gasped in horror, realizing who Sir Romauld and Lady Cerise were. All the innocent bystanders immediately leave, escaping into the streets.

"Do you know the penalty for attacking an Aegis?" Sir Romauld inquires

"I'm sorry..." One of Dante's men whispers. "We didn't know..."

Sir Romauld points to Lady Cerise. "It pales in comparison to endangering the life of a Primus!"

Lady Cerise unwraps her wings, revealing the young man.

Sir Romauld takes out a device that creates a loud sound, which causes each of Dante's men's heads to explode. Dante shrieks in horror as their blood falls on him, shivering beneath the table to hide. The young man, now revealed to be Primus Filius Aderan Cardia, pushes the table aside.

"You..." He angry stares at him. "You insulted me and, most of all, MY father."

"My apologies, my Primus!" Dante pleads. "Have mercy!"

Aderan grabs Dante's head, squeezing his eyes with his thumbs. He laughs manically, hearing the screams of his agony. Sir Romauld sighs and informs him Sir Regis will be unpleased, halting him from further torturing the wounded man.

"Here, my Primus." Lady Cerise cleans Aderan's hands, "Shall we leave?"

"Not quite..." Aderan turns back and walks past the shriveling Dante, "You..." Pointing at the beautiful young woman.

"Yes, my Primus." She replies while bowing her head.

"You're coming with me."

"Yes, my Primus..."

Lady Cerise escorts Aderan and the beautiful young woman outside.

Sir Romauld looks around and sighs, "Regis will definitely NOT be pleased..."

Dante crawls in agony, screaming in pain. Romauld walks over to him, hunches over, and hands him a blue neon card.

"Here, go clone yourself some eyes." Sir Romauld takes out a communicator. "Send someone over here to clean this mess."

"Yes, sir." A man replies.

Sir Romauld crouched beside Dante, "Be sure to not speak of this, or next time you'll need more than credits to fix your problem."

In a world filled with endless innovations, there was only one place on Caelum that was void of technology. The small town of Paristina was a place free from the plights of a modern age, isolated high above the world on Deorum Island. The residents here live simply and peacefully, coexisting with the wonders of nature.

Myra sits on the cliff's edge, waiting for the morning sun to rise. She sees a ray of light, moving towards it to bask in its warmth. She nearly falls before Everit catches her, pulling her by her waist towards her to safety.

Everit and Myra were sisters, identical twins that were far from "identical." Everit had blonde hair and blue eyes, different from her sister's red hair and green eyes. She was also considered the eldest of the two, having a good work ethic and level of maturity. Having lost both their parents recently, Myra has been lost in thought.

"Myra...why do you insist on doing this EVERY morning?"

"I'm sorry, Everit." She replies. "But don't you ever wonder where the sun goes when it leaves the sky at night? Do you suppose that's where they are?"

"You ought to stop..." Everit advises. "Or else they'll never stop calling you Myra Mourning Sun."

"I don't mind," Myra replies, staring at the sun. "They don't understand...and when people don't understand, they need to label it as how they perceive it as."

Everit sighs and grabs Myra's hand. "Come, we have a lot to do before tonight!"

"What's tonight?" Myra curiously asked.

"Have you forgotten? It's the annual banquet at the Lord's Estate."

"Oh, Everit...I don't think I should go."

A beautiful woman enters the bedroom chamber of Primus Fillius Aderan Cardia, drawing the curtains to welcome the morning sun. She turns and sees a beautiful young woman naked in bed beside him, wearing a collar and covered in light bruises.

The beautiful woman stares at the naked woman. "Yet, another stray..." She softly sighs. "Wake up, brother...it's morning."

"Leave me alone, Valeska..." He annoying shouts. "I am the Primus, and I command you to leave me be."

Valeska slaps her brother's back.

"Valeska!" He upsettingly yells. "What in Caelum is so urgent!?"

"You've been summoned by Sir Regis." She replies with a mischievous grin. "He...has words for you."

Aderan gets out of bed naked, casually walking to the next room. A handful of maids begin to wash him, scrubbing, drying, and then dressing him. Now fully dressed and in proper attire, one suited for a person in leadership, he leaves to meet with Sir Regis.

Valeska looks back at the naked woman in her brother's bed. "Have someone take care of this..." She points with disgust.

Aderan enters Sir Regis's office and sees him accompanied by Sir Romauld, Lady Cerise, and another Aegis wearing a helmet with wings.

"Morning, Sir Regis, Sir Romauld, Lady Cerise, and Sir Raziel." Greeting them with a bow. "If it's about last night..."

"You know well you are not permitted to leave—"

"But I am the Primus...why shouldn't I explore what belongs to me?"

"Please, my Primus...Do not interrupt Sir Regis."

"We Aegis were created by the Father to protect Deorum, his descendants, and all of Caelum." Sir Regis walks around Aderan. "What if Sir Romauld or Lady Cerise weren't there? What if you were injured? Then what would I purpose be?"

"I can take care—"

"ENOUGH!!!" Sir Regis's eyes angrily glow. "Have you not learned ANYTHING from your father's assassination?"

Sir Regis regains his composure and stares out the window. "Sir Raziel has news for you from the Spire...If you please, Sir Raziel..."

"Yes, Sir Regis..." Raziel steps forward with a parchment. "I was told to deliver this message to you, my Primus."

Aderan unrolls the message and is appalled by what he reads. "I am to be married?" He looks at the Aegises. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Specifically...you have been betrothed." Sir Romauld replies. "It is to be announced later tonight at the banquet."

Aderan stares blankly at Sir Romauld and then at Sir Raziel, "Well then, who is she?"

The concept of money did not exist in Paristina, as people gave freely to one another. Many were skilled in farming, crafting, and woodworking, while others were better suited to raising children, cleaning, or cooking. But whatever the people couldn't provide for themselves, the Lord's Estate would.

Myra and Everit were talented seamstresses, weaving beautiful fabric made of silk, linen, and wool. The people in Paristina wore Stolas, Pallas, Chalymas, and Chitons, clothing once worn by the Greeks, an ancient civilization back on earth.

An old woman arrives.

"Good morning, my dears..." She pleasantly greets them. "Are you all excited about the annual banquet?"

"I suppose..." Myra shrugs, "But I'd rather stay home."

"Here you go, Isadora..." Everit hands her a beautiful colored Chiton. "Don't pay Myra attention—she'd rather be staring at the sky for most cases." She states, laughing.

"My Anastasia is of 'pairing age' and the maturity to be a mother..." Isadora said proudly. "I remember when the Aegis arrived with her...she was such a tiny thing. Now she's ready to be a mother, and I, the age of ascension."

As Isadora reminiscences her youth, Myra playfully rolls her eyes and pretends to fall asleep behind her. Everit nods and tries not to laugh, discreetly throwing several pieces of clothing at Myra.

"Isadora, I wasn't aware you are the age of ascending..."

"Yes...unfortunately, I am dear. I hope Anastasia is paired or chosen to be a mother before I go...she'd be so lonely without me."

"I'm sure she won't be too terribly lonely..." Everit replies, knowing a secret about Anastasia that Isadora was unaware of. "Alright, Isadora. I guess we'll see you and Anastasia both tonight." Everit gently escorts her out the door.

Myra innocently smiles. "You didn't find her story boring at all?"

"That's how she is...you should respect those ready for ascension."

"Why?" Myra stomps her foot. "Where do they even go? Don't you wonder?"

"Yes—They're all leaving to a better place, to the spire to live with Father."

"Doesn't that all seem odd to you? Doesn't all of this seem odd to you?" Myra frustratingly asks. "Why can't we visit them? Nor decide things for ourselves?"

"Myra, please...don't say such things. Our family doesn't need another reason to be ostracized."

"I'm tired of having to live a certain way because that is what to be expected."

"Nevertheless, you and I live on Deorum—the home of Father, and so we all must obey HIS laws."

"But—"

"Do you wish to be branded? Or worse?" Everit sternly stares. "Quit being so odd and finish your work."

"You must hate having a sister so different from you..."

Everit sighs and walks into the other room.

When night approached, the people of Paristina arrived, dawned in finely tailored attire. Crossing the bridge to the Lord's Estate, they pray to the giant golden statue of Elliot Malcolm, the Great Father, as they pass. Under the careful watch of the Aegises, they are greeted by the large staff of the Estate.

Waiting high in her tower, Valeska stands naked in front of her window. She stares at all the Paristinians arriving, annoyed by their presence.

"Why must we continue with these events?" She scoffs with annoyance. "I prefer people of a high standing..."

"Because it is tradition, mistress..." A muscular Aegis with dark hair and beard arrives. "...and tradition also dictates you to greet them."

"Sir Roan, have you been standing there all this time?" She turns bare naked, silently gazing at him. "Well...how do you like my new body? I've put a request to have these especially done." Pointing to her posterior.

Roan sighs and looks at the maid attendant. "Please get her ready..." He commands before leaving.

The attendant bows, "Shall I put this on for you, mistress?"

Valiska rolls her eyes. "Very well..."

Myra and Everit arrive at the banquet hall, where all of Paristina are enjoying themselves. In keeping with the tradition and wishes of Elliot Malcolm, no technology was allowed to be used in their presence. Candles lit the stone pillars surrounding the open space, with tables full of exquisite and exotic food.

Anastasia waves to Everit, "Everit...thank you again for fixing my Chotin." She lovingly embraces her with joy.

"Happy to have helped! Did Vaughn think?" Everit whispers.

Anastasia's eyes widen with shock. "Shhh...Everit! Are you trying to get me in trouble?" She angrily mutters. "Pairing without approval from the Aegises is forbidden."

"I know, I'm sorry..." Everit replies with a grin. "But did he like it?"

Anastasia glances discreetly over to Vaughn, a handsome man with long dark hair. He sees Anastasia staring at him, giving her a flirtatious look with enamored eyes.

Anastasia blushes, nodding in embarrassment.

"But I do hope you two get paired tonight. I'm tired of keeping this secret..." Everit shakes her head. "So, have we missed anything?"

Anastasia points to the group of girls surrounding a handsome man. "Just the usual girls vying for Josin's attention."

Myra loudly sighs and rolls her eyes.

"Hello, Myra. How are you?" Anastasia politely asks. "You seem...like your usual self..." Remarking with an awkward smile.

Everit gently pushes her sister. "Myra, why don't you get something to eat? Look at all those fruits."

Myra walks to the table and is amazed by the mouthwatering dishes, quickly taking a large portion of everything she finds.

Anastasia sighs and rubs her forehead. "It's puzzling how two people can look exactly alike but are the complete opposite from each..." She stated with a smirk. "She must be a handful?"

Everit smiles, "She's a handful, alright...But I still love her."

Myra sees all the various fruits and meats, some she'd never seen before. She begins to stuff herself, eating without restraint. Too preoccupied with her loud chewing, she was unaware Josin was behind her.

"Hello, Myra..." Josin greets her. "You seem to be...enjoying yourself?"

Myra continues to eat, "Quite..." She replies while turning to look at him. "You must try these...they're delicious!"

"Uh...maybe later. You know the statue of the Great Father near the bridge? I did that!"

"Wasn't that always there?" Myra said with confidence. "I remember seeing it last year—the year before that and the year before that!"

"Uh, well...yes." Joslin awkwardly clears his throat. "I meant me and the others spent a week fixing it up for the banquet."

A group of women walks over to Myra and Josin, led by a woman with light blonde hair. She steps between them, eyeing for her friends to surround Myra.

"Hello, Josin!" She greets him with a flirtatious smile. "We were all looking for you. How are you tonight?"

"Hello, Enora...How are you?"

"Fantastic banquet this year, hmm? And I heard you made the statue of the Great Father—You did a wonderful job. Right, girls?"

Enora's friends all nod their heads and praise Josin for his work.

Josin awkwardly smiles. "I better go check on my mother..." He excuses himself. "...Tonight's her ascension."

Enora scornfully looks at Myra, "Listen, Mourning Sun. Stay away from Josin...He's mine! Everyone knows we'll be paired tonight! Go stare off into the sun and cry about your dead parents."

Enora angrily shoves Myra aside, gigglingly as her friends do the same. Myra quietly turns away, looking back after hearing her sister's voice. She sees Everit picking Enora up, apologizing for accidentally tripping her. Enora storms off, covered in dirt.

"Everit..." Myra calmly called for her. "...Was that sincerely an accident?"

"Perhaps we're more alike than you think..." Everit replies with a mischievous smile.

Myra embraces Everit, and they laugh before the music fades. A staff announces the arrival of the Lord and Mistress of the Estate, accompanied by their Aegises. The audience all gather, gleefully clapping in excitement to see them. Aderan arrives and sits on his throne beside Valeska, adorned by the people of Paristina.

"Good people of Pristina, welcome to the annual banquet..." Aderan states. "My sister and I all hope you are enjoying yourselves."

The crowd cheers and claps.

"Without further delay...Sir Regis will begin the proclamations."

Sir Regis appears dawning a monocle, smiling and waving as he is praised by the people of Paristina. He first begins the work assignments for the youth, deligating their jobs for them. Next, he begins assigning children to the various young women, as children on Deorum were not birthed but blessed by the Aegises.

"Here it comes, the pairing!" Anastasia gleefully tells Everit.

"Please, Great Father...please let me be paired with Vaughn," she desperately prays.

All the young women gather at the front, waiting to hear their names along with Joslin. One by one, young men and women are called, disappointing a few while others are delighted. Joslin's name is called, and he looks at Myra, hoping to hear her name next. Enora angrily scowls at Myra, eagerly waiting to listen to her name.

Everyone silently waited in anticipation, though neither Myra nor Enora was called. Instead, to her surprise, Anastasia's name was announced. All the young women stared at her with envy and confusion, but none was more surprised than Anastasia herself. Staring at her true love Vaughn with longing, she becomes overwhelmed with emotions and flees.

Everit runs after Anastasia, hoping to comfort her friend. Myra stays behind and is relieved that she was not called, not realizing the announcement is not yet over. Next came the ascension of the elderly, as age, wisdom, and experience have granted them passage to the Spire.

The Spire was where the Great Father dwells, where all newborns are brought from, and the final resting place for the devoted. No one who had ever gone to The Spire had ever returned, so this was their final goodbye. The young men and women of Paristina bid their farewells, embracing one last time those who had watched over them.

Sir Regis turns to Sir Raziel, also known as the messenger of the Great Father, a title that holds significance. Sir Raziel walks in front of the crowd, creating a deafening silence. Many looked in awe with fear, curiosity, and eagerness.

"I have returned from the Spire with an announcement, a command issued by our Great Father." Sir Raizel opens this parchment. "On this night, Lord Aderan will be paired with Myra of Paristina, and she will live with him here on the Estate, eventually blessing us all with an heir."

Everit returns alongside Anastasia, unaware of what transpired. Curious about the heavy silence, she stares at Myra for answers. But seeing her eyes filled with fraught, Everit is suddenly overcome with concern. She knew something was wrong, something that would change both their lives.