Everyone gathered as Ashriel gave her words.
“I might have no chance of telling this soon therefore I want all of you to know how thankful I am, as your Leader, with everything you contributed. It’s my honor to lead all of you.” Her eyes looked at the countless armies filling the whole Austere.
She smiled. “Let’s win this battle.”
“Long live the Ruler!”
“Long live the Ruler!”
“May light be upon Theupholis and La Elora family!”
The armies roared and cheered, strengthening each other. Ashriel turned to her Cadre behind her and smiled.
“Let’s see each other again.”
They nodded and with one final hug, everyone departed to their positions. But before Nathan left, Ashriel grabbed his hand and kissed him dearly to which Nathan quickly responded. They broke the kiss and Nathan kissed her forehead.
“Promise me you’ll come back alive.” Ashriel whispered and Nathan pecked her lips.
“I will. Let’s see each other after this.”
Ashriel nodded and they went on their way.
After arming herself, Olive took a few deep breaths, calming her racing heart, before looking at Oriana.
“You prepared?”
Oriana nodded reluctantly. “Yeah. Just… Just nervous. It’s my first time fighting in a real war.”
Olive patted her back. “And it will be the last time.” She smiled and with their cue, the plan started.
Oriana nodded and turned back but stopped upon meeting Donovan. She became alert.
“Hey, I just noticed how pretty your body is with that outfit.” He whispered, closing their distance. Oriana’s eyes dimmed.
He tried to touch Oriana. “How about some-”
“Don’t you dare touch her.” Olive warned, pulling Oriana to her.
Donovan hissed. “Why so fierce, eh? She’s no longer needed anyways.”
“Touch her and I’ll turn the table. I betrayed my group and family. I can easily betray you if I want to.”
Donovan was taken aback and threw his hands in the air. “Okay, okay. Geez.”
They traveled through Aparctias and as expected, the borders were opened. Frank’s grip on his gun tightened with the sudden uneasiness.
“How come there are no guards?” He asked Olive firmly. Olive remained calm.
“Have you forgotten? This happens every time the Grand Event takes place, uncle. No need to panic.”
“Trust your nephew's words, Frank.” Edom said, gripping his gun tightly as well. He licked his lips, thirsty for Ashriel’s blood.
Entering the last border and Austere’s first gate, Frank never let his guard down. He observed the place.
“Is Austere’s population really this small?”
Edom glanced at the surroundings as well then looked at Olive whose eyes were fierce.
“It’s the Grand Event. The population must be- what’s that?” He stopped when Olive took a device from her inside pocket then grinned.
“Let’s start the party with a loud bang.” Olive clicked it and a helicopter hovered above them, releasing a bomb that shook the ground.
“What the hell was that for?!” Donovan shouted and suddenly, the ground shook again. “Huh?”
Olive and Oriana looked back and saw the gates closing. Olive managed to hide her grin.
“Crap! Quickly! Scatter the troops! Execute the plan!” Olive shouted and another bomb exploded when the gates finally closed, trapping the Quislings.
“Kill every single Aparctians you see!” Edom shouted and his troops ran with him through the palace.
Donovan looked back and saw no trace of Olive and Oriana. He hissed.
“I knew it!” He signaled some of his troops and searched for the two.
The battle started between the Quislings and Aparctians. Nathan and Natsuki were waiting at Austere’s main gate when they saw Olive’s bomb, signaling them that the gates were locked.
“It really started.” Natsuki said, tapping Nathan’s shoulder before sending a signal to the main base.
Olive and Oriana ran hand in hand, reaching the building where Xieaniel was waiting to fetch them. When they were about to enter, Olive groaned with the sudden tearing of her flesh.
“Lady!” Oriana shouted panicky and looked back, only to see Frank running towards them with some of his troops.
“You traitors!” He shouted angrily and shot another round of bullets which Oriana quickly dodge. She shot back.
“Don’t level us with you.” She spat and fired her machine gun.
“Let’s go!” Olive quickly got up and grabbed Oriana inside the building. Frank cursed and ran inside as well - which was what Olive wanted.
As soon as Frank and his troops stepped inside, there was a counting sound.
Thud, thud, thud.
They glanced above them and saw Olive, Oriana, and Xieaniel looking back at them.
“Goodbye, uncle.”
With Olive’s words, countless guns came out of the walls and ceilings and countless bullets rained.
“ARRGGH!”
Oriana looked away, unable to bear the blood and gore and Olive flinched when something suddenly covered her eyes, blocking her view. When she felt something on her nape, sniffing her scent, she completely knew who it was. She grinned.
“I thought it was true. Clever, don’t do that again.” Xieaniel whispered, hugging Olive from the back.
“Sorry, it was planned long ago. But seriously?!” She removed Xieaniel’s hands and faced him.
“Why the hell did you catch the dagger? What if something bad happened to you?! Do you want me to live in regret forever?!” She bombarded, frowning deeply, causing Xieaniel to laugh.
“If you told me it was an act, then probably I-”
“There, there. It’s terribly cute watching you two snipe at each other but we’re in the middle of the war, ma’am and sir. And we’re currently chasing the time so flirt later.” Oriana bumped in between his laughs.
“Point taken.” The two answered in unison.
***
FLASHBACK AFTER ASHRIEL’S WEDDING
“Olive and Oriana, you stay.”
Oriana’s eyes widened as fear suddenly crept her spine. Ashriel made sure everyone left before talking to the two. Oriana glanced at Olive from time to time but to her surprise, Olive remained calm.
“Don’t worry. I won’t harm you.” Ashriel said and took her phone.
“Your Highness, what’s the matter?” Oriana asked with a shaky voice.
“Everything Olive did was part of the Ultimate Plan, Oriana.”
Oriana stopped. “W-What?”
“I understand your reason for hating me and Thaddeus’ father but as the Ruler, I won’t let any of my people suffer. Hating us will hurt Thaddeus’ heart you know. And I know you love him so much. So listen to this.”
Ashriel clicked the play button from her phone and loud rain could be heard. It was as if the rain was shouting.
“Young Master, please hear us out.” A man with a deep voice pleaded. Oriana’s eyes widened. It was her father.
“We found out just now that the Atherton clan was a part of the Quislings all this time. I clearly have no idea that what they wanted us to do was part of their plan.” He explained.
“How can I trust you?” Young Ashreil asked with the same cold tone.
“They are planning to stay at Aparctias for one whole week to kill every members of the Noble Houses. After that, Edom is planning to kill you and take the Rulership. Young Master, you know how faithful we are to you yet… because of what we’ve done… Ruler Meredith died.” His voice cracked.
“So Young Master, I’m begging you please… kill us.”
Oriana’s tears betrayed her.
“What?” Young Ashriel said in shock.
“Kill us. We betrayed the Atherton Family by telling you their plan so eradicate us but please… Please spare out children.”
There was a moment of silence.
“T-Though my wife and I’s life are only two and our children are three-”
“Don’t worry. The three of them will be spared.” Ashriel reassured. “Is that… your final wish?”
“Yes, Young Master. Let us die with honor.”
“As you say.”
“Thank You. May light be upon the Theupholis and La Elora family.”
With that, the call ended and so did the recording. Endless tears streamed down Oriana’s cheeks.
“Y-Your Highness I’m… I’m…” She hiccups. “Forgive me… I though-”
“I understand.” Ashriel cut her.
“What I did was high treason so why? Why won’t you kill me? Why are you being unfair?” She sobbed.
“I’m not being unfair, Oriana. You asked for forgiveness.”
“But many begged you as well.”
“They did beg me to spare them. But never asked for my forgiveness.”
***
“Boss!” Olive shouted as soon as they reached the base. Ashriel quickly ran to embrace them.
“Good. Now it’s my turn to go and fight outsi-” Suddenly, her vision turned blurry and her head felt heavy.
“Zi!” Venice shouted in panic when Ashriel lost her consciousness.
“Boss!”
“Stay here and follow the plan. I’ll take care of her.” Venice commanded and Xieaniel quickly yet carefully carried her to Venice’s office.
“Go back now and assist Lady Kitori.” Venice commanded and Xieaniel nodded. He glances at Ashriel one more time before running back to the base.
“What on earth happened to you? Is it fatigue?” She whispered.
“Probably.” Spencer said and after undergoing a few checkups, their eyes widened.
Finally, Ashriel regained her consciousness. As soon as she did, she quickly got up but Venice and Spencer pushed her back.
“You need to rest.” They said in unison.
“No. I need to go back since the war starte-”
“Listen to me or my nephew and his grandchild, '' Venice pointed Spencer. “Will be in danger.” She said swiftly and Ashriel froze. It was as if her breathing stopped. Venice smiled and a thin film of tears spread in her eyes.
“Y-You mean…”
Venice nodded. “Two weeks.” She smiled and tears escaped her eyes. “You’ll be a mom.” She hugged her.
Ashriel hugged her sister back, unknowingly tearing up in joy as well.
“But I need to go back to the base.” Ashriel said desperately. “I can’t just abandon my people just because I’m pregnant.”
Venice and Spencer exchanged glances then sighed in defeat.
“Fine. Then follow what I say and don’t stress yourself out. Your baby’s just two weeks old so be extra, extra careful.”
Ashriel nodded. “It’s good that you're physically fit.” Venice spat and removed her lab gown.
“Boss, there’s a problem. Edom’s forces managed to enter the tunnel.” Olive reported as soon as Ashriel entered. “He managed to hostage four squads and he’s threatening to kill them.”
“Which tunnel?”
“The exit.”
Ashriel hissed and held her tummy. If they blocked the exit, it’ll be difficult for them to escape when the time bomb explodes.
“Inform Diana and Ethan together with James, Lady Octavia and-”
“I’ll join.”
Their heads turned to Emmette.
“But Father,”
“Oh my baby girl. Have you forgotten that Daddy’s a general as well?” Emmette laughed and ruffled Ashriel’s hair. “Besides, Edom and I had an unfinished conversation.”
“I’ll be joining too. I have words I need to say to him as well.” Amber butted in which was greatly opposed by Ashriel and Emmette.
“Jasper’s not a burden.” She said full of determination.
Ashriel hesitated but agreed anyway. “Okay then, let’s go and kill that bastard.”
They all nodded and were about to leave but stopped.
“Let’s? You’re joining?” Emmette asked.
“Of course.” Without any hesitation and with Venice’s frustration, they left the base and traveled through the tunnel. But upon reaching the area, countless Quislings were already lying on the cold floor covered in blood.
“How’s the situation?” Venice asked.
“We managed to save the hostages but the asshole escaped.” James reported, wiping the blood from his face. “I almost killed him but he-”
“There he is!”
They flinched and looked at where Emmette pointed. Without any hesitation, Amber runs to follow Edom.
Ashriel and Emmette run to follow them as well.
“Arrgh! Rockheads!” Venice shouted in annoyance before they ran to follow the three.
“Seriously?! You preggys must stay there!” Emmette shouted, still sprinting.
“Our baby’s no hindrance, Father.” Ashriel said, never taking her eyes from the two.
“Stop now!” Amber shouted, pointing her gun to Edom who stopped inside the abandoned factory. The same factory where he held Meredith and Ashriel as hostages before.
He grimaced. “You bitch. Do you really think I’ll listen to your goddamn words?!” He saw her baby bump and grinned.
“You even managed to produce your own kind.” He spat and was about to shoot Amber but groaned with the sudden pain that pierced his shoulder.
“Amber!” Ashriel shouted.
“You bastard!” Emmette fumed. “Surrender now and I’ll spare you.” He said, pointing his gun to him. The muzzle is still smoking a little from the shot.
“Asshole. The hell would I listen to you. The moment you stepped down from your position, I lost my interest in you!”
Suddenly, some Quislings jumped from the building and pointed their guns at them. Emmette hid his two daughters behind him. But Ashriel heard Siel’s voice from her earpiece, telling her backups are coming.
“Zillian, dear nephew. Give me the rings and I’ll spa-”
“The heck would you spare me.” Ashriel spat and started to shoot her machine gun. Venice, Kate, and Raith hurriedly ran inside and helped.
The whole place became chaotic and Edom threw his smoke bomb, causing the place to look foggy. Venice quickly covered Ashriel’s mouth and nose to protect her baby and Amber saw where Edom went so she quickly ran and followed him deep inside the old factory.
Seeing her, Edom hissed and hid behind the piled wooden box with a sharp tube in his hands. Amber slowly walked, looking everywhere and making her hearing sharp.
“You know what?” She said, “No matter what you do, you will never, never be the Ruler. A person as greedy for power as you will be destroyed.”
“Huh. I’ll destroy you first.”
Amber’s eyes widened when a voice suddenly spoke behind her. She looked back and was about to click the trigger when the sharp tube pieced her stomach.
“You bitch.” Edom spat.
“AMBER!”
Ashriel furiously clicked the trigger, hitting Edom’s back but he pushed Amber and quickly ran away.
Ashriel quickly caught her and tears formed in the corner of her eyes.
“No. No. No! No! Wake up, don’t sleep!” Ashriel panicked. Her hands were trembling. Seeing her situation Venice quickly checked her but Amber’s trembling hand held her hand.
“S-Sis…”
“Shh. Don’t move and don’t speak. Control your breathing. Everything will be alright.” Venice said calmly though her heart palpitates. “Tory will come in a minute.” She added, trying to stop the bleeding.
Ashriel felt her body tremble. Despite not being an official doctor, she knew her twin’s condition was critical.
“Sa-Save… Save Jasper.” She said, more like whispered. “The tube didn’t reach him so please…”
“Silly.” Venice’s tears betrayed her. “I’m her aunt. Of course I’ll do my best to save him so just hold on. Hold on and I’ll do my best to save you as well.”
Endless tears were streaming down Amber's eyes and she reached for Emmette and Ashriel who was holding back their tears.
“I-If ever something happened… I know you’ll take care of him.”
Ashriel bit her lower lip. “Don’t say that.”
Amber smiled sadly. “Tell him how much Chaster and I love him…”
Ashriel nodded her head. “Of course. Both of us will say that to him.” Her voice cracked and she took Amber’s hand and placed it on her tummy.
“Our babies will play with each other, twin. They will.”
Amber’s eyes widened a little. “Y-Your pregnant?”
“Yes. Two weeks. So make sure to survive and let us watch our children grow.” Another tear escaped her eyes. Amber smiled and reached for her locket with Chaster and her face during their wedding.
“Give this to him when he grows up.”
“No. You’ll give it to him.” Ashriel said, closing Amber’s hand. “Please… Don’t leave me.”
“Please…”
Amber glanced at Emmette who was crying beside them.
“Father… Thank you for everything. Since I was young I know… I know you and mother cared for me.”
Emmette took her hand and kissed it dearly. “Of course. We always loved you, my dear one. Mother and I love you so much.”
Finally, Tory arrived with the helicopter.
“Thank you… for everything.”
Amber’s eyes turned black.