“You are destined for great things, Eri Elysia.”
An explosion woke her up.
The woman’s eyes snapped open at the sound, her hand
scrambling for the switch. The lights went on and she peered out of the window,
pushing away the dark green curtains that shielded her from the view. Voices
chanted from outside, and her eyes widened. She didn’t waste any time in
getting out of bed and slipping on a robe before running out, charging down the
stairs.
“Mutti, Vati,” she yelled, cringing at another sound. “The
Storm and Cloud are revolting outside, the clans are causing a mess!” her black
hair swished as she moved, finally reaching to a stop as she found herself in
the main hall. There was her mother and father, as well as advisors. Her eyes
caught two women waving madly, and she raced to Cissa Erstürmen and Lisa Sonne.
“Eri, we tried to keep you asleep,” Cissa tried, but the
former’s eyes narrowed with irritation. “We really did!”
“Asleep – why did you keep me asleep when Technika is
going into a rage?!” she demanded. “When did you even get here – I don’t
remember asking you two to come and stay!”
“Your mother told us to come as soon as the first
explosion came,” Lisa explained, biting her lip. “We had to be sure nothing happened
to you, that nothing would get to you. We had Cissa deepen your sleep and warriors
patrol your bedroom for the time being.” Eri tore her eyes away from her
friends and turned to her mother, who was directing orders to the soldiers of
the Elysian royalty.
“See to it that whoever is leading those riots get a
good message,” she instructed. Soon enough, her eyes met Eri’s, and they
softened slightly.
“Yes, Ms. Blitz.”
“Eri, love – you have to understand. The Storm and the
Cloud are dangerous, they are leading an uprising against us.” The older woman
knelt on one knee and put her hands on Eri’s shoulders. “Please understand
this. I had your friends come over to put up a resistance, to keep us safe.”
“But their families,” she tried, but Lisa smiled.
“Safe. I’ve told them to move.”
“Same here.” Cissa glanced at Lisa. “We’ve got things
under control, Eri. You have to calm down and let your mother handle this.”
Eri took a deep breath.
“Fine.” She looked at her mother. “Fine. But I have to
know who from the Storm and Cloud are leading the revolts.”
“I can promise it’s not anyone from my clan.” Spoke
Cissa, a touch of disgust in her voice. “They’ve got the water – we have the
air. I bet it’s Celeste’s family.”
“Celeste.”
“And Alpha from the Cloud.” Lisa looked away. “Though I
wouldn’t know why it’s them leading and not the designated leader.”
“Alpha’s mother isn't here.” Eri broke away and paced
around. “Celeste’s is the main leader. I don’t know anymore. I don’t even know why
this is happening.” She looked up. “But the worst that can happen is the
joining of the Himmel clan…”
“Himmel?” questioned Blitz.
Eri’s lips tightened.
“Amaya.” Cissa let off an irritated growl.
“Amaya…of course.”
“But aren’t there others in the neutral side of things?
Like Collette, Oddette, and, and – and Arturia?”
“I bet they are.” Eri closed her eyes. “They don’t like
to fight. They’ve never liked wars. Their clans – lightning, mist, and rain –
have never had any history in which they participated in or waged a fight with
another clan.”
“We can always recruit,” Lisa suggested. The three
noticed they were the only ones left in the Main Hall.
“No. I don’t want anyone else getting into this. Not
even you two.”
“Excuse me? Are you out of your mind, Eri? Those two
clans are deadly when combined; do you want either of them taking the Elysian
rule away from you?”
She didn’t answer. Cissa sighed. “Be reasonable, Eri. As
the future matriarch of the Elysia family as well as Technika, you have to get
your mind together. You aren’t the successor to the throne for nothing."
