"Four years after the fall of Atalante, the kingdom of Yulong ascended into power through deception and force. A rule of tyranny, starting from the blood king – Zhou Bingwen swept the remaining continents into their downfall. The sovereign state of Mahajan returned to dust. Goue Ryk surrendered to the soil. Fantasma made a stranger of themselves while Alfiniq is at the brim of extinction due to extreme slavery. Ruling above all these past prestigious kingdoms, Yulong corrupted men and assaulted women in every feasible way."

"The reason why we are living in these abandoned mountains. Is it to stay away from the chaos that is burning these kingdoms?"

Headmaster Shaka placed the book on the mahogany table set in front of him. "To be or not to be involved in the matters of the world..." his dark brown eyes relaxed into a gentle smile, "one doesn't have a choice for we are all human, born with the purpose of taking part in the matters of this world."

"Headmaster, are you saying we should put our noses right into everything that is happening around us?"

The elder looked up from the pages and blinked, "think about the current situation little one, you have learnt of our past and know why we reside in the Forbidden Mountains."

"Yes, master."

Shaka exhaled with extreme serenity and flipped a page, whilst reading the content he voiced another question, "And do you agree that this state of our lives was caused by the influence of the downfall of Atalante which follows on with the present clutches of tyranny?"

The headstrong voice which had been arguing about this subject sharply replied, "I agree master."

The teacher nodded – satisfied with the answer.

"But have you ever taken part in everything that is related to its downfall?" he looked up, "have you put your nose in every occurrence of war and violence, poverty, or social disparity?"

He focused his vision on the young child sitting two rows behind him. She was questioning her own ideas; he could see it. Her eyes wavered and then with a slight puff of realization, she chuckled.

"No. I have not. Yet I am included in the outcomes for I am living in this world." Umber mild pupils locked stares with the teacher, "Is this what master wanted to explain?"

Shaka straightened his posture, "Yes, but now I see that you need a little bit of self-reflection on this subject. Also, the study of politics and governance is boring." He grimaced at the stack of books meticulously kept on the shelves nearby. Row after row, the marron, red, brown-coloured books glared at him, begging for some attention.

"let's wrap up the lesson for today, I'll give you one night to think about this question."

The large hall which was donned with marble pillars and lustrous wooden tiles as large as grindstones clamoured. Silent chatters and loud drags of chairs and tables were heard as the students shifted to stand up. They greeted their headmaster and watched him walk out of the hall, the prattle grew louder and more powerful.

"Maeve!" Zola rushed out of her seat and grabbed onto the sleeve of a tall olive-skinned teenager.

"Why? Are you gonna lecture me about arguing with the headmaster again?" Maeve chuckled and clutched her books in one hand. Together they walked out of the study and onto the arched bridge made of redwood and gold.

"I know it's useless to lecture you about that," Zola answered with an obvious expression that made the other smile wider.

"Alright, alright I'll try to be more careful next time." Her warm eyes held a feeling of home towards Zola.

They met at the age of three, Maeve arrived with a strange man who was wounded severely. He died shortly after meeting Shaka, leaving her best friend to fend off for herself in the Forbidden mountains.

Being reminded of these memories, the young girl couldn't help but look at Maeve, taller than the average girls of her age, with deep brown hair which they secretly cut up to her neck every time it grew long, slender built yet strong arms which were able to carry four pales of water up the mountains every morning. They have come a long way. 

Her own parents were nowhere to be found ever since they left the Forbidden City. 

Who else was there for them?

"I know for one that when you stare at me," Maeve stopped walking and turned to lock eyes with Zola, "you are always reminded of those days."

The gentle breeze that ran across the mountains fluttered on the faces of these young girls whose lives were far more complicated than they themselves had known. Zola gazed at the familiar look of concern emitting from the eyes of the other and flung her arms around Maeve's neck, embracing her tightly.

"It's been twelve years since we met." Maeve heard her friend mumble into her chest. "Happy birthday." She couldn't help but beam at the sudden utterance. Long arms wrapped around Zola, drawing her close to the other.

"Happy birthday to you too." Auric tender eyes twinkled at the light of the drowning sun. "I'm glad I met you."

"I'm glad too." Zola forced her weary arms to tighten her hug once more and drew back, clutching Maeve's hand, she started to dart out of the school premises into the forest that was near the dormitory. The skies were clear with big blotches of light blue covered with foamy clouds as white as milk. The trees shone brightly at the feet of the sun rays and the sweet scent of peaches and plums mixed with the burnt crust of grass filled their atmosphere.

"Come on, let's celebrate, we don't have more classes anyways." Zola giggled along with Maeve as they disappeared into the woods.

 

 

Thousands of miles away from the Forbidden Mountains rest the Port city belonging to the domain of the Draakans - the royal bloodline of Goue Ryk. Its plains are fertile, increasing in crops and earthly riches by each passing hour. The main supply of food and water needed for the monarch in Yulong is provided by the Draakans as it is considered the best. It flourishes with a good economy and is run by the power of aristocrats who are educated enough to own acres of large lands equipped with slaves of their own kind. In between these two social classes are the working class, striving to maintain balance in life as well as riches and reputation. Hence, it is right to state that Port city bates breath every second despite night and day.

Hundreds of miles away from this city grows the centre of autocracy...Yulong empire resides in the core of Atalante as it is written in ancient books. The common folk tell tales about how their first ancestor fought for his wife and unborn child with such valour, and as a result of it the birth of this city.

It wasn't named Yulong from the first days, this empire where the uneducated, over powerful privileged rule, was initially named Tianguo - A pathway towards heaven. 

Yet the tragic death of a certain royal family bought drastic changes in the lives of the people living in and out of Yulong.

There wasn't any form of despotism in the fresher days of this empire, royal blood was considered holy and unscathed. The kings used their powers and governed the state with utter benevolence. There was merry-making, grand festivals and blooming prolificacy roaming every street under the sun and the moon. There was no incongruency between the aristocrats and the proletarians, nor was slavery encouraged.

The constitutions and the reforms bought out by the best scholars were headstrong against corruption and embraced humanity securely.

One could tell within a single glance that this empire was of great history...then...what could have gone wrong? In such a successful city that made an uproar of justice and righteous lawmaking, what could have been born to taint and bring doom upon the people, upon the legacy created by the blood, sweat and tears of the past generals and kings?

Who would possibly ruin the colourful painting and splash it with thick red blood?

"GREETING THE CHOSEN HEIR OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR! RULER OF ATALANTE! OUR ROYAL HIGHNESS TIAN FENG DIJUN!"

Once...the Jade Emperor fought against the king of beasts, his powers causing the most bottomless pits of the earth to shake. His argent armour donned under the crimson cape of humanity and justice. The emperor wielded Requin* with such commitment and he indeed tamed the Immortal Dragon who later on served as his guardian and leading general. 

( * Requin - is the name of the Jade Emperor's Weapon )

The gigantic doors which led to the entrance of the Yu-gong palace gave voice to this tale as it was gracefully carved onto it.

They were pushed open by the imperial bodyguards causing a loud BANG! that echoed through the vast palace. An entire cohort of fifty soldiers marched in, stepping on the red carpet that went up to the throne placed inside the royal court, right above the large staircase.

Behind the infantry followed five flagmen, the first carrying the emblem of Yulong, the second carrying the emblem of the military and then the three kingdoms Fantasma, Goue Ryk, and Alfiniq.

Palace guards, maidens, eunuchs, and the head ministers including every individual of any status fell on their knees and bowed, feeling the rough surface of the ground scratch against their foreheads. The sun scorched their back and the elderly felt utterly hopeless because the next one to enter the parade took her time to slowly walk along the path, and climb up the stairs entering the royal court.

The Dragon robe which fell on her broad shoulders fizzled with a rich colour of black, its catastrophic designs depicting the Dragon King who won thousands of battles beside the Jade Emperor. Platinum flowers bloomed at the long sleeves, climbing up at the skies where neat patterns of clouds gleamed against the sun. Under that coat was a dark-crimson robe – tightly wrapped around her masculine body. It fell onto her feet beneath the clutches of a twinkling argent belt at the waist bringing beauty and fear upon any who would come across this sight. But all that was visible for the servants were the black boots made of rare animal skin. 

Even a slight movement of raising one's head during the passing of the empress was punished by death.

Along with a dozen generals at her tail, the empress finally sat on her throne kept behind a thick black veil, glowering at the people scornfully.

"Your highness, we welcome you to the Imperial Courts." The prime minister humbly spoke through great self-restraint and bowed which was followed by the rest presented in the hall.

"Let us start with the trials without further delay."

A voice mixed with sonorous callosity thinly wrapped with a hint of humanity and sharply edged with virulence caused goosebumps in the people who were listening below. 

They bowed lower and agreed. The Imperial court officially began, and two individuals were bought into the hall, accompanied by two guards who gave them sympathetic looks.

One was a woman in her late thirties and the other was a beautiful little girl. They were clearly of the lower class. With grubby robes and torn pants, they were made to kneel at the feet of the throne. The little child looked around, completely clueless as to what was going on, but her mother on the other hand began to shiver and sob.

Gentle was the breeze that escaped from the large windows of the hall. 

There was deadly silence...

She was observing the victims.

After some time, the voice spoke from behind the veil,

"What is the matter this time?"

Shen Mingshen, the Minister of Justice cleared his throat and stepped out. "Greetings your majesty, this woman claims that her husband has been extremely abusive towards her and her daughter. She lost her eldest son recently in one of the attacks led by him."

The shadow behind the veil seemed to tilt her head. Slowly... in a very relaxing manner.

"Is that so? Any proof, minister Shen?"

"We have investigated the case so far and indeed we tracked down some evidence which led to this conclusion. He is in the wrong this time. But unfortunately..."

"Unfortunately?"

The minister felt his bones shiver. His forehead was covered in sweat. The figure behind the veil shuffled and everyone present in the hall heard footsteps descend from the throne. They fell to their knees and hid their sight from the glinting viciousness that neared the two victims.

"Oh?" the empress exclaimed, "you look adorable."

Shen Mingshen glanced sideways from his stooped position to see a pair of stygian boots stand in front of the woman and child. His heart hammered against his brains, and he knew that this time, there was no redemption towards these two...just as it has been before, in all the times of trial.

"How old are you?" the little girl whose head was held down by her mother flinched. She felt the grip behind her head loosen and couldn't help herself but look up slowly. When she finally met the gaze of the great Tian Feng Dijun, she started to whimper.

Inhuman amber eyes stared down at her with a sly leer. The little girl shivered and felt her heartbeat rapidly. She couldn't do anything nor cry out to her mother who was right next to her. Therefore she waited helplessly as the emperor crouched closer to her.

"Little one?" Those eyes were beastly! She could see a vicious scar running across the elder's right eye, starting from her eyebrow. A crisp tanned complexion matching.

"What's your name?"

"X-xiao...Yue." The child stammered.

"XiaoYue?" she nodded.

"Has daddy been bad to you... XiaoYue?" the abyssal voice of hers deafened the child's senses as her lips trembled. The memories of her father's brutal behaviour now mixed with this person in front of her, it was too much to take in.

"Has he been hitting you?" XiaoYue watched as a murderous grin climb up the other's sharp thin lips. the child visibly sobbed, silently. Begging her mother in her heart to take her away from this scary person in front of her. But the woman did not notice, she herself was dreading death, pleading for life.

Shen Mingshen couldn't watch this anymore. He saw enough of lives falling in vain. "Your majesty we should continue with the proper..."

"AHH!"

The child screamed. The face which was a bit further suddenly closed its proximity and was now inches away from hers. A veiny cold hand rested on her left cheek. She started to breathe faster. Those big merciless eyes dipped right into her mind, and she trembled visibly.

Seeing this, the women started to sob harder. She never knew that the rumours in her town were true. That the empress did not care for low lives and murdered children without any second thought. That the ruler of Yulong was a corrupted tyrant who sexually assaulted women and men, and murdered innocent lives.

They flocked at her brain, and she regretted this decision badly.

"Your majesty please have mercy on us!" she cried and pleaded. "Please have mercy! Please have mercy!" her voice cracked, and she begged out loud.

The empress blinked as if she was deaf all this time and had never heard the cry of this lady before. She turned toward the woman and stared at her. The commoner hid her face but the other stooped low and observed the fear struck face with an animalistic smile.

"Are you sure that this is your daughter?" the ministers closed their eyes. "You look fucking ugly. She certainly ain't your offspring." They knew what was coming next.

"When your daughter was treated like you said by your husband have you ever protected her?" the empress questioned, all playfulness now gone away from her face.

"If you knew that your man was such a person, why give birth?" her eyes dug holes into that woman. "If you knew that he would hurt this child why bother even FALLING IN LOVE?!"

PA!

"MA!" XiaoYue shouted at her mother who jerked sideways from the slap that was blown at her. The child ran and hugged the ankle of the empress. "Please don't hurt her! Leave her alone!"

"Wah...she even taught you to be so cowardly." There was another kick and the child fell away.

"Pathetic low-lives." Shen Mingshen clenched his fist, trying to keep the uprising anger silent. Keeping his aching heart hidden for the two lives that had already greeted death.

"If you gave birth to your children knowing that your man was not someone who would love them then why blame it all on him?"

"Your majesty this is-"

"SILENCE!"

The Prime Minister sighed as he looked away in shame.

"Furthermore you raised her to be such a weary human. WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO RUIN HER LIFE LIKE THIS?!" The empress boomed as the woman got back on her knees and pleaded mercy. The hallways were filled with her desperation and mixed horribly with the sounds of her daughter's crying. There were plenty who wanted to save them, but they valued their own lives more than these lower-class commoners.

"Your husband will be dealt with brutally." The empress exhaled through her fury, "it is his last days that are coming, I will make sure he pays for your son's death and XiaoYue's trauma."

The woman felt relieved, "OH! Thank you, your majesty! Thank you! Thank you!"

"However,"

The moment every official dreaded came into place.

"You are to blame for choosing the wrong partner in life. See what your unwise decisions have bought." The great ruler of Yulong motioned toward the nearest general and unsheathed the blade of his. "I name you guilty and will see to your punishment personally."

"Your majesty!" Shen Mingshen cried, "this is not justice your majesty, this is unrighteous your majesty! Spare her life! It is against humanity!"

"MA! Leave my mom alone! Go away! Leave her alone don't hurt her! You monster!"

"YOUR MAJESTY! Spare me, your majesty! Please have mercy, your majesty! I beg you! I BEG YOU!!"

"Your highness!" the Prime Minister joined in, "this is entirely wrong! Reconsider your decision!"

"RECONSIDER YOUR DECISION, YOUR HIGHNESS!!"

"Reconsider your decision, your majesty!"

"I plead of you!"

"YOU MONSTER!"

There was chaos running in every nerve and bone in the court at that moment. Flames of pleadings and hypocritical implores, immature sobs and claims that said she was undeserving to even function as the ruler of Atalante.

But her smile widened, her eyes beamed, and she raised her sword, slitting the woman's chest with one move.

"MOOOM!!!"

"Your majesty!!"

The loud entreat vanished.

There was silence in the hall.

The woman vomited a thick burst of blood and dropped to the ground, writhing horribly. Her gaze locked upon her daughter. She saw her little blessing run towards her with screeching cries, yet a pair of inky boots got into her vision,

"GET AWAY FROM HER!! LET ME GO!! MOOM!!Ahhhhhhh-ahhhhh!!!"

Shen Mingshen felt a warm tear drop down his cheek. His eyes lamented for the child who was now trapped in the clutches of the empress. XiaoYue fought back and struggled to release herself from the grip of the other who held her hair in a tight grip.

"X-xiao... XiaoYue..." sprawled on the luxurious carpet, the woman stretched her blood bathed hand at her daughter who was suffering at the hands of the so-called chosen one from Heaven. "XiaoYue...let, let her go...please."

"You have taught your daughter nothing but cowardly behaviour. Look at her fighting for your life which has no hopes of redemption." The empress hissed as her grip tightened on the hair of the child.

"Since she's in the path of no return then there's no use for me to spare her either."

"YOUR MAJESTY DON'T!!" the Prime Minister dragged his knees towards the centre. He banged his head on the floor. "RECONSIDER THIS, YOUR MAJESTY!! She's merely a child! A child! Reconsider your decision, your majesty!"

"Let me go! Let me go to my mom! You monster!!"

"You even taught her to speak in such manner," the tyrant never spared anyone a glance, her eyes were in a deadlock with the dying women. She spoke to her and her only. Making her last minutes more miserable than the other.

"Not even my father dared to call me such words. None of these ministers disrespects me like that, you dare to teach your child such profanity?"

"Have mercy, your majesty, have mercy!"

"We plead your mercy, your majesty!!"

Amid the dark blood pool, the woman struggled to reach the child, but her heart was dying with every move she took. Her eyes looked up at the empress, the hope that was supposed to serve them with benevolence, where was the justice? Where was the law? The legacies made by the ancestors were already dead, weren't they? she just did not know...and was too late...

RIIIP!

The severed head of the child rolled away from the one who did it, a tender body dropped to the floor near her feet. There was a loud cry of sorrow. A clamour of angry men who were helpless in front of her and she loved it!

"All of you low lives cannot do anything against me...HAH!!" she pointed at the dead bodies and chuckled, "Justice?"

Shen Mingshen felt her gaze on him, "Justice was never there, to begin with."

"JUSTICE WAS NEVER! NEVER THERE TO BEGIN WITH!" her loud scream and her bone chattering laugh echoed through the halls ripping at the lamenting ministers, but one banged his head on the floor in silence,

Another day...

Another trail...

Two lives...one barely started.

He served to let impartiality prosper, fairness grow, yet the grimy atmosphere now tainted with the scent of innocent blood made him call unto heavens. To ask for hope...to plead forgiveness,

To put an end to this reign of terror and lunacy.