The Guardians' Legacy

The calm, pragmatic melody music coming from the radio on the wooden bench in the corner of the room filled the room with a somber feeling.

Colth and Celina couldn't wait for the usual schedule to be interrupted, the agreed moment was arriving along with the notion that all of this could completely change history.

When he noticed Celina watching him from afar on the sofa, the boy tried to appear calm and confident. His doubts, etched on his tired face, were as clear as the lightning that tore through the rainy sky outside the restaurant building.

He was bothered by that look and, disguising that feeling, he got up and went to meet the only person who accompanied him on that night that seemed eternal.

— You don't need to worry, Celina. — he said gently as he sat down next to the girl.

— I'm not worried.

— It's not what it looks like. — Colth replied. The girl didn't pay much attention to the words, but the boy insisted. — They'll be fine. Garta is there, you've seen what she...

— Stop it! — In a harsh whispered tone, Celina showed her tense eyes. — I hate when they say “it’s okay”, “it’s going to be okay”, or “don’t worry”. I hate that!

— Okay... Sorry. — he replied, lowering his head in annoyance.

There was silence for a few seconds until a new song began to play amid the hissing of the radio on the counter. Colth raised his head again.

— Celina, why do you care so much about him?

— I already said that...

“You know…” Colth interrupted her on purpose. “I hate people who lie. Especially people who lie to themselves.”

— ... — She brought her eyes to the boy's, as if she was surprised by his insistence, even though she didn't show it.

— You're so direct and logical, all the time. It's pretty obvious when you're lying or hiding something.

— Is it that obvious?

— Yes, but that's not the point. You shouldn't keep hiding. I think you should talk more, maybe saying what you're feeling will help.

— I'm not hiding. — She looked confused. — I'm right in front of you.

— Huh?... — Colth sighed with little patience, but he noticed the sincerity expressed on the girl's face, and tried to remain gentle. — Listen, I wanted to apologize to you. For putting you and the others at risk back there in that house. I know I was... selfish.

— I don't understand.

— I guess I didn't want to get dirty, you know? And that's why I hesitated to hit the cop when I had the chance. I didn't want to turn into... — he looked away.

— In a murderer?

The conclusion of the sentence came from Celina, she didn't change the confusion on her face even when Colth answered her with a surprised expression.

— I wouldn't be so direct, but yes. A murderer.

— Aldren said something like that a few times.

- Serious?

— Yes. “I’m not a murderer.” — she replied, looking away to find her own feet dangling subtly over the floor. — He cried a lot that night.

— I imagine it must have been hard for Aldren to kill someone. He's not a person who would do that kind of thing. — Colth saw in Celina the opportunity to satisfy his curiosity, he continued without hesitation. — Why did Aldren do it?

— He did it to protect me. To get me out of the prison I was in.

Celina continued to stare at her loose feet, but her tone was quite calm and even a little devoid of emotion considering the content of the subject. Colth was surprised enough to shut up with his own thoughts for a few seconds.

—I... didn't realize it. — he whispered.

—But I suppose I understand the situation a little better now. Thanks to you.

Colth was surprised again when he was struck by the girl's expressionless gaze and words of gratitude.

- I?

— Yes. I never understood why Aldren cried so much in the nights following that day. But now, I understand that it seems difficult to take other people's lives — she said in a matter-of-fact tone as she looked directly at the thoughtful boy.

—Is it difficult to take other people's lives? — he repeated in analysis. —Of course it is... At least, it should be.

— Should I? Well, considering your advice to talk about what I'm feeling: I guess I feel compassion for those who are hurt or killed by other people.

The obvious answer, even for a child, was said naturally by Celina. She had definitely never stopped to think about it, much less had she spoken to anyone about it, but it only proved her humanity, even if it sounded ridiculously strange when said by a girl her age.

— Good. — Colth sighed in genuine relief. — I'm really happy about that — he said in a sarcastic tone that was not even remotely understood by the listener. — And to think that Garta thought I was the naive one for having lived trapped in the reality of my city.

The sound of the door opening interrupted the friendly, subtle atmosphere that had finally been established.

— What are you... — Colth said instinctively, holding the warm hand of the girl next to him and getting up from the sofa, then moving away from the man who had just entered the room.

— Relax. I'm just going to use the radio. — replied the Manager.

Calm as ever, the man dressed in his beautiful black suit walked elegantly until he found the bench where the noisy device was.

Colth and Celina remained attentive in the corner of the room as they apprehensively watched the Manager getting ready. He adjusted the microphone connected by wires to the transmitter on the bench that was completely engineered and built by Bertha.

Celina was bothered by the boy's holding of his hands, she subtly let go without him noticing when she was surprised by the coldness coming from them.

The radio went silent as if the transmission had been cut off without warning. A beeping sound came from the radio's speaker.

—That was... —Colth whispered.

—The warning Bertha mentioned—Celina added in a low voice so as not to be noticed.

Colth smiled. This was evidence that everything had gone well so far. It meant that Garta and his group had reached the Ministry of Communications’ transmission tower and attached the signal-shunting device Bertha had designed. It could also mean that everyone was safe and the plan was moving forward without a hitch.

The Manager, sitting in front of the microphone positioned on the counter, finally began to speak. He seemed sure of himself and committed to making this work, his eyes were determined like never before.

— Good evening, citizens of the seven great cities. My name is Edgar Vellk. I am known as the Manager, the last of the Shadows of the North. I seek equality among peoples and justice among peoples. For some years now, we have been living under the harshest conditions imposed by the empire. For some years now, we have had food shortages in Nyasan and Taemar. We have seen uncontrolled deaths in Rasuey and Tekai. We have tolerated corruption in Lagunia and Toesane. And of course, here in the Capital, we see the Central region getting rich and reaping all the fruits of the labor of all those who live in the border regions on the outskirts of this corner called the Royal Capital. We are tired of this, aren't we? Tired of these vermin who take everything from us, all the time, and surround us with these walls. This wall, which only serves to separate us. Prevent us from exchanging experiences. Prevent us from joining forces. Prevent us from being free.

Colth swallowed hard. He was fully aware that the man was no good, but he still felt the slightest bit moved by his words and wondered where he was going with this.

The Manager stood up from his chair without moving away from the microphone and took a deep breath to emphasize the strength of his voice coming from the depths of his lungs.

— Have you ever wondered why a citizen cannot enter or leave the Capital without permission? Well, aren't we all one nation, as they tell us? The excuse of the powerful is that those outside are without Light. They do not possess the grace of the Goddess. Lie!!! The Goddess created us equal, there is no cursed blood. There is no blood with Light. All this is to separate us, to break our strength.

Edgar remained fierce, his words spat out with force, Colth could feel the power and motivation breaking from his firm voice. He remained completely silent and observant beside Celina.

— A people controlled by a bloodthirsty, meticulous and false empire. Inside and outside the walls, we are the same. In fact, we are consumed by the same parasites. That is why today is a very special day. Today is the day that will mark the beginning of the end of this era. Today is the beginning of freedom. That is why I ask for help from all those who are exhausted by this mediocre life we ​​live. Let us destroy this evil that disturbs us so much. If you want to join me, you know what to do. We are tired of living off scraps while we hide so that the false Light can endure. The uprising of the Shadows begins now! Have a great night.

The radio broadcast, heard by thousands of people from all seven cities, was ending. As soon as the manager finished his speech, applause and wild shouts filled the nearby streets.

The Manager took a deep breath as he sat back in his chair and relaxed his shoulders while Colth and Celina remained motionless and distressed by what was to come next, they simply wanted to be forgotten until the man left the place. The sleepy music was heard again brought by the radio waves, this atmosphere prevailed for almost a whole minute.

— How are you? — asked the Manager without showing his face.

— ...

— I asked. — He stood up, raising his chin and turning intimidatingly to the others. — So, answer me!

— W-well. — Colth muttered, his eyes widening as the man approached.

— That's good — he replied, relieved, his distressed expression changing as he stopped in front of his only listeners. — Good, good, good, fantastic!

Colth and Celina looked at each other, surprised by the sudden change in mood and tone that the man carried with him.

— What is it?! — The Manager, previously civilized and now restless, pressed his face against the other two. — Don't worry, as long as we're here in the North, we'll be safe. The empire would have a hard time attacking us here.

—What are you talking about? — Colth asked uncomfortably.

—Isn’t it obvious? He’s using the civilians as a shield. — Celina was direct as she tried to turn her face away from the man’s nasty smile.

— Smart! — The threatening man walked away and took aimless steps. — He understood the game just by watching the plays.

— What are you talking about, Celina?

— What he intends with all this is to make it difficult for the police and even the empire to act. It is as difficult for the empire to resolve this as it is for a body to treat its own cancer.

- What?

— Biology... The body will end up attacking its own cells and will weaken.

— Attack yourself? — Colth widened his eyes, not really understanding.

— Smart! — Edgar interrupted. — As expected, from the girl who spent her life studying while hiding, like a true coward! Isn't that right, Celina?

— No! It's not true! — the girl screamed, surprising Colth.

He had never seen her so defensive and energetic as she was now. So sudden, he noticed the change in atmosphere with concern.

— Oh yeah? And what about your skills, Celina? — the Manager asked sarcastically. He approached the other two again and then held the girl's cheeks with just one hand. — You could have been helping your friend, but no! You couldn't do it without even using your precious skill.

The girl didn't respond, she just shook her head, trying to free herself from the menacing man's rough hands.

— Get your hands off her! — Colth exclaimed, pushing the man away.

It was almost like a wild protective impulse that took over his body to find the courage to take such action. Maybe it was a result of the promise he had made to Garta, or maybe he had finally positioned himself as a true member of this world.

The Manager took two steps back until he regained his balance. As soon as he did so, he bit his teeth in anger and put one of his hands under his jacket. Without further ado, he pulled out a revolver, scaring the two younger men.

He immediately smiled with the corner of his mouth and pointed the gun at the girl's forehead. The disjointed and surprising act made Colth lean his back against the wall as he took a single step back. Celina froze with her eyes trained on the chrome barrel of the gun.

— I'm sorry. But if you don't have the abilities of a guardian, you're completely useless to me. Like a cancer, right? — said the man seriously and confidently, frightening anyone.

He placed the tip of the gun barrel against Celina's forehead, who was unable to react, just stood there, not knowing what to do or think.

— Wait. — Colth despaired, his eyes wide and his hands shaking with tension. He just tried to buy time without knowing how to proceed. — What got into you? Why are you doing this, Edgar?

— I already told you. Celina is useless here — the Manager replied. He saw the girl get upset with the words. — Unless you can show me otherwise.

“Useless?” She thought, swallowing hard. She tried to imagine what Aldren would do in a situation like that, but it was in vain, there was nothing she could do, she was completely at the mercy of a man who had shown himself to be completely unpredictable.

— So!? — The Manager took a step back and positioned himself to shoot while cocking the revolver with his thumb. — Can you show me what you're capable of?

— No! Please don't do this — Colth pleaded.

— Say something, girl! Or I swear I'll shoot you!

Edgar's voice grew louder and more distressed, the situation had reached the peak of unexpected tension a minute ago.

— Haaa! — He shouted with his finger on the trigger.

— No!!! — Colth stepped into the firing line as the last of his resources.

— What's up? Are you suicidal, are you? — the man asked, lowering his gun in an ironic tone. — Of course I'm not going to shoot her. It would be stupid to lose my newest weapon like that.

— W-won't you? — Colth asked, confused and still nervous about the situation.

— I’m sorry, Celina. I thought you might feel pressured to show off your skills. I’m sorry. — The Manager’s strangely regretful tone toward the girl, who remained motionless behind Colth, was completely unexpected. — Don’t be afraid, young lady. I’ve already told you that you are precious to me.

— ...

Silence was established amidst the pause in the music on the radio and the silence of the three in the room.

Cold sweat ran down Colth's forehead. He relaxed his shoulders slightly, thinking the worst was over. He was wrong.

A thunderclap from the incessant rain echoed across the region and caused the buildings to shake and the windows to rattle.

— As for you... — The Manager became serious again with his words towards Colth. — You are of no use to me at all. — He raised his gun.

Colth was back on edge, and before he could react. Before he could think. Before he could beg. The trigger of the revolver was pulled.

The explosion of gunpowder in the gun barrel echoed throughout the room and blocked everyone's ears.

Colth didn't understand right away. A sudden chill in his abdomen began to take over his entire body. Looking down, as he touched his own belly, he saw the redness spread across his hand and consume his vision.

— No!!! — Celina screamed in despair.

When the boy realized, he was already on his knees trying to resist the closing of his own eyes that betrayed him. In a matter of seconds, everything went dark with the sound of the rain comforting him.