On the Run

Note:This is a work of fiction. It has nothing to do with real people, places, things or events in real life.

As the king falls on the ground, Hamd shouts to call guards

and servants. Kai holds the king up and shakes his shoulders, “Yours Highness!

Stay strong!” William, king’s personal servant enters and falls down on his

knees as his eyes falls on the dreadful sight. His eyes and brain couldn’t grip

the sudden calamity as his eyes are wide open and seeing king falling down on

ground and General Kai looking at him anxiously and Prince Hamd shouting at him

but his senses are not responding as he can’t hear anything.

Hamd (shouts): William!! What are you looking at? Help father!

William: My lord! (*shouts and rushes to hold the king*)

Let’s quickly go to Royal Medical Clinic.

Court ladies and servants enter the chamber. Whole castle is

in complete chaos. The assassin who invaded has been killed. With the emergency

treatment, queen’s wound is stitched back together but it’s a loss cause. They

shift King and Prince Aadin to Royal Medical Clinic. Hamd lies down beside his

mother’s corpse, crying and screaming wildly. "Maa! Mom! Open your eyes once.

Please don’t leave us alone".

Nora rushes inside the room and her scream is stuck inside

her throat and couldn’t let it out. She slowly walks towards Hamd, and sits

down near him and gently pats his back while trying to hold her tears

back.

Hamd: Nora! My Omma! (*crying and sobbing as he hugs Nora*)

What will happen to us? Why today!? (*looks up to her face*) Tell me it isn’t

true. Tell me I am dreaming. Tell me! It’s a lie right! Nora why are you

crying? Answer me it is a dream. Wake me up. I cannot stand it anymore.

Nora: Calm down Hamd, please! It will be all fine. I

promise. Go to your father and Aadin. They need you right now. (She trying to

hold her feet strongly and wipes her tears and drinks all her fears. She never

knew that the night of her marriage could be this frightful) Go to the medical

clinic. I’ll check everything here. You need to stay strong for your country

and your family as well.

Hamd wipes his tears and nods to Nora, with his stumbling

foot stands up and leaves to check after King and Aadin. Nora asks the court

ladies to clean the blooded room and clean the queen and dress her up for her

funeral ceremony.

Mari (Princess Nora’s personal maid): My Lady! Are you ok?

Nora: I don’t know. Maybe I am a bad luck for this country. I shouldn’t have married Hamd.

~She couldn’t hold herself and burst into tears.

Mari: No my lady! Don’t think like that. It’s all fate. This is not your fault. Have some faith

in God. Everything will be fine.

Eden’s neighboring country; Moora has already begun War at

West Coast. There is loss of soldiers and assassination of Queen. Royal Family

is under threat. Whole Eden is in state of crisis, a sudden calamity for Eden. All

the 4 Tribes, Fire, Air, Water and Land all have been in complete chaos. These

four tribes hold the major power which holds the economy of Eden. They support

the royal family in a democratic way yet within an imperial state. Eden’s main

major ministers, Uzuki from Land Tribe is considered the most powerful among

all as he has the major share of power. Shen-Ro is  minister from Water Tribe, Damian is from Air

Tribe and Kyle; father of General Kai from Fire Tribe. Uzuki being notorious

for various illicit acts but even the king can’t do anything as according to

the rules and laws, majority votes wins.

Meanwhile in Fire Tribe;

In Whisteria Mansion;

Whisteria Dante, owner of “Whisteria Weaponries”. He is one

of the most powerful businessmen of Fire Tribe. He has direct links with white

and black mafias. He provides weapons to the Eden’s soldiers. He is one of the trusts

worthy person of King. His wife died leaving a 5 years old daughter; Dia alone

with him. He raised his daughter alone.

Whisteria Dante: Dia! (*knocks her room’s door*) open the

door. Listen to me.

Dia***(*****opens the door while yawning with her bed hair*)***: What

happened father. You need something at this late night. I am all sleepy.

~Dia Whisteria, 20 years old lady, with beautiful brown wavy hair and grey eyes.

She is an epitome of kindness and purity. Not only is she kind and passionate

as well as strongest warrior. She belongs to the Fire tribe and only daughter and

successor of “Wisteria Weaponries”. Manufacturing firm that is majorly responsible

for manufacturing all the military weapons of Eden. She is a spoiled kid and also

a crackhead. All the people from Fire tribe are trained to fight and she is one of

the best trained women. Her father is an old buddy of General Kai’s uncle who

passed away.

Whisteria Dante: Daughter! Our country is under War and…

Dia (*cuts him*): What war?

Whisteria Dante: Moora has crossed the barricades and got

charge on our West Coast.  I have to

leave for business stuff. And unfortunately, I don’t know is it true or not.

Dia: What Dad?

Whisteria Dante: Queen has been assassinated.

(Dia shocked after listening to what her father told her.

She couldn’t understand what is going to happen)

Dia: When are you coming back?

Whisteria Dante: I don’t know. Maybe, things will be under control.

You have to take care of yourself and don’t go around everywhere alone. We are

under war and things will not be peaceful.

Dia: Hmm… yas dad! Please take care of yourself. I’ll wait

for your return.

Whisteria Dante kisses Dia’s forehead, “Yas my daughter, I’ll

take my leave then. Stay safe”

Dia: Aigoo! Back to my sleep (yawns and falls down her bed

*and sleeps in no time)*~She is master of falling asleep, isn't she?

~At Castle~

Aadin regains consciousness. His body burning and head

spinning as he couldn’t see anything clearly. He feels the fog surrounding him

with a chill running down his spine. He tries to get up. Kai helps him to do

so.

Kai: Are you okay Aadin?

Aadin: My head is spinning. What happened? (as he recalls

what a drastic nightmare he witnessed right in front of his eyes and shouts

with his all strength) Momm!!! Ommaaa!! Kaii! My mommm! Where is she? What’s

with this look?

Kai: You should know the answer yourself. (he falls down on

his chair) your mom is no more with us.

Aadin: Don’t joke with me. (*grabs his collar*) you want to

die?

Kai: Act straight Aadin or you want to lose your father as

well who has been worried sick. Get your head cool and go to see your mother

for last time. We have to leave castle.

Aadin: What do you mean by leave the castle?

Kai: King ordered me to leave the castle with you to my

tribe for time being.

Aadin: I am not going anywhere.

Kai: Prince Aadin, this is Royal Command that I have to

follow even if you won’t agree, I’ll drag you out. I have my ways as well. Respect

the decision your father made.

Aadin: Where is he?

Kai: In the Daffodil court, preparing for funeral.

Aadin stands up and stumbles again. Kai gives him the

shoulder and helps him to walk to the Daffodil court where queen’s funeral is

being prepared. He looks at his mother for the final time covered in white

kimono and red rose bouquet in her hand. She was wearing the gold phoenix with imperial

jade stone ball in its wing that only highest Royal princesses are granted with.

He bows down to pay his final regard as he burst into tears and mumbling. I’m

sorry omma, I couldn’t protect you. I am your useless child. I always made you

worry. I’m sorry omma.Hamd goes to Aadin and pats his back and hugs him.

Hamd: It’s not your fault Aadin. We all couldn’t protect her.

Aadin: I was with her just a minute ago. I couldn’t sense anyone.

Hamd: Calm down! We all are humans. You are not a dog who

can smell anyone. Calm down. (he hugs him tightly and asks him gently by

patting his head) You trust me Aadin?

Aadin: Of course I do. You are my younger yet older brother.

Hamd: Leave with Kai. It’s too dangerous here. You know what I mean, right?

Aadin: Hmm…Kai told me. Don’t worry.

Hamd: Kai has prepared everything. You will take Bandai with

yourself. Kai will return after getting you settle down. Bandai will stay with

you like a shadow.

They both hug each other and burst into crying like kids. “We

have to stay strong”, “Everything will be fine”, “For my family”, “For my

country”, “A duty to fulfill”. These thoughts are circling around each other’s

heads. Aadin meets the king and says his farewell.

Aadin: Dad! Please take care of yourself.

King Eon: Never knew within one night my child will become

so thoughtful. You didn’t complain my decision this time.

Aadin: Back then mom was there to support me. What can I do

now? Besides I know why you made this decision. I trust you.

Eon hugs his boy and cries: After tonight I can’t say either

we will meet again or not. But I want you to stay safe. You need to support

your brother and never leave his side. It’s time for you to see the world. You

are free from my side.

Aadin: Farewell Dad!

General Kai and Bandai are outside Prince Aadin’s chamber

waiting for him on their horses. Aadin takes the cover and hides himself under

the turquoise cloak and rods his white horse named Pegasus. With teary eyes he bids

farewell to castle where he stayed every day of his life within for 23 years.

While running through the wild. They crossed the river late

at night with intense cold winter night, snowflakes falling off from the sky. Tears

that could be felt like ice water, heart that was numb, mind that was frozen

with the worst experience, heart that was screaming as loud as if it was going

to explode out of fear and sadness. They kept riding in the wild. Kai who was

given a major duty of Prince’s run and safety stayed on guard and took the lead

while Bandai gave Aadin cover from behind. After riding horses whole night,

they could see the dawn light. Kai asked to take a break and feed horses and

themselves. They stopped at the hill side while having a little rest. Aadin sat

down numbly on the rock looking down silently to his hands.

Bandai: My Lord! It’s your first time outside the castle. (shakes

his shoulder) yours Highness?

Aadin (coming back to reality): What?

Bandai: I said that it’s your first time outside castle.

Look up around yourself and witness the world.

Aadin stands up and goes near the cliff edge and was

witnessing the first ever rising sun in his life. How can this be so beautiful

when I am so sad? Uncontrollably, tears fell down his cheeks as he raises his

hands towards the sun and closes his fists while grinding his teeth. He looks

up the sky as his tears keep flowing and says, “Hey Bandai! I’m so weak that

they hide me in castle all life and when castle is dangerous, they made me flee

the castle. What a lame Prince I am. You must be laughing at your master as

well like those ministers.”

Bandai: No Sire! Never! I know how capable you are. You are

one of the strongest swordsmen…

Aadin: Strongest… Hahh! Yeah strong enough who couldn’t

protect his mother. (*As he laughs in pain on his own pitiful fate*)

Kai: Prince, don’t get gloomy. We need you, which is why king

ordered us to protect you and take you to my tribe. You are an asset of Eden.

Aadin: Yeah, yeah I know. What you all mean. (*he shakes off his sadness with his light laugh*) Let’s move. I want to walk for a while.

Kai: Sure! (*smiles*)

**Bandai:**(*starts crying*)

Kai: Yah! What’s wrong with you now?

Bandai: I don’t know. My Lord is so brave. Please never

abandon me sire!

Aadin: If you won’t stop crying. I’ll abandon you here.

Bandai: Ok! My sincere apologies sire!

Kai: Both childish kids (*smiles*)

Aadin: Don’t act like an old geezer. You are just one year

older than me.

Finally Bandai was able to make the stressed mood light.

They walked through the wild for a while. Aadin gets mesmerized by the snowy

trees, and sunlight passing through the leaves and its refraction. After a

little walk, they start to ride horses again and rush towards the North to Fire

Tribe. From a far, they could see the tribe’s valley.

Kai: This is my hometown.

Bandai: It’s so peaceful sir.

Aadin: Well I am glad my first ever travel destination isn’t

bad.

Bandai: It’s so close! Let’s go quickly.

Kai: Not now. Let’s take a break here.

Aadin: Why though?

Kai: You are with me. If anyone knows I’m back. You will

blow your cover. It’s cold let’s just take a rest. I’ll look for a hidden way

to enter tribe’s land. Besides we are still far away for about 10 miles. Bandai

you come with me. Let’s gather fresh apricots from trees.

Aadin and Bandai both agree to Kai’s plan. Kai and Bandai

both start gathering apricots from trees in their neckerchief. While Aadin lying

down on a tree log closes his eyes and keeps recalling his mother’s blooded

kimono. Her pale dead eyes keep appearing in front of his memory. With ever

little piece of last night’s memory breaks his heart into million pieces. He is

being away from home, stepping outside the castle for the first time, on the

mercy of God. He can’t think straight as he wishes that he would have been dead

instead that would be much better. I’m useless anyway. Why was my mother slashed

down? Uncontrollably, he loses his cool and his tears falls down. He tries his

best to drink his own tears while keep pressing his eyes under his arm while sighing.

~As he feels a light steps around him, he controls his

emotions and keeps his eyes shut.

Aadin: Help yourself first. I’ll eat later.

~I guess you need help more Sir. Are you okay?~

He hears the words from an unknown voice. He opens his eyes

to see tons of colorful feathers in front of his face. He jumps backwards

falling down on ground. “What the hell is this!!!” he shouts.

On the shouts of Aadin, Kai and Bandai rushes back to him.

Kai: Are you okay?

Bandai: Master!

~Oppa!

That creature rushes to Kai and hugs him tightly.

~You returned!

Aadin and Bandai draw their swords and rushes towards Kai

for the rescue.

Kai: Yahh! Stop you two! (he leans down towards the [creature]

and removes the mask) Dia what are you wearing? Why are you here?

Dia: (*smiles brightly and winks*) Guess Oppa!

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