Orion Shelter

Journal entry #48

March 25, 2450

It's been years since I've awoken from my self-induced slumber, roaming this planet looking for answers and survivors from the old world. To my dismay, the only things I've found waiting for me are monstrosities reminiscent of ancient times. Along with cannibals, lacking in human decency, and lastly, a madman who considers himself a god using the same technology that has destroyed this world to control the masses within the Orion shelter. This world is bleak, unforgiving, and chaotic, but I must continue to push forward. I must find a solution before the next wave of aether turns this world into living void energy.

"Aden, what does he mean by aether?" Jayson, stocky and tall, stands near her twin brother, trying to understand who this mysterious man is and why he is looking into the unknown element she's never heard of before. "Your guess is about as good as mine's, sis." He puts the journal back into his backpack delicately, making sure the pages don't rip. "But this does help explain why the warlord of the Orion is all powerful." His muscular frame and rugged features brought about a presence that even intimidated Jayson at times. "So what do we do now? Where do we go?"

Having more questions than answers, Jayson became frustrated with this wild goose chase, wondering what the purpose was. "Jayson, I get your frustration, but we must figure out how to save our world and live a better life." Aden places his hand on his sister's shoulder, trying to comfort her with reassurance.

"I know, brother, but ever since you found that heartshaped locket, we've been left with more questions and little to no answers." Jayson sits near an old computer console in an abandoned chemical factory, stroking her fingertips over the keys. "I just wish we could go back to simpler times. No more adventure, no more visions, just us being happy at home." Unsure of what to say next, Aden paces the room, wondering has his choices along the way are too much for his sister. "I never knew you felt this way, sis. Maybe we should turn around and go home." Aden replies.

"No!" Jayson yells to the top of her lungs. "There's nothing back home but a madman and devastation." Jayson walks towards her brother. "Listen, I know we have a bigger purpose than those walls back at Orion. I trust big brother, and I know your instincts are spot on. I just wish it could be easier." Putting his arms around his sister, Aden whispers in her ear, "Everything is going to be ok sis, we will make things right, also duck."

Before they could fully enjoy the moment. An assassin from the king's personal guard attacks the twins throwing a multitude of kunai towards the twins. Aden jumps to behind the console, while Jayson jumps into the shadows of the old factory.

"You two have made a mockery of me for the last time!" The bitter assassin's tone rang through the rafters. "I will enjoy skinning you alive and feeding your carcasses to the squelch!" Aden stays silent, moving little by little not to give away his whereabouts. "You think you can hide from me in the dark!" The assassin cackles. In an instant she found, Jayson's location. "Found you little lamb." She jumps into the rafters, striking the youngest twin in the arm. "No more surprises from you. Now, where is your brother." Jayson stays silent. "Fine. I'll just have to cut it out of you then." The assassin unsheathes her blade, preparing to cut the twin until "Aden now!" In an instant, the twins switch places, with Aden stabbing the assassin in the heart with his father's dagger.

"Join the others in hell." Aden slowly digs and twists the dagger deeper until she falls to the floor. "Jayson, are you ok?" Jumping down from the beam, Aden rushes over to his sister. "Yes, brother, I'm fine. You know it takes more than this to keep me down." Her arm begins to repair itself, almost like a lizard regrowing its tail. "Good. We gotta move quickly. I'm sure more are on the way." Grabbing his sister's hand, Aden begins to have another vision. His eyes becoming foggy and distant, Aden sees a valley filled with life untouched by the aether, but he also catches a woman in this valley meditating. "The locket is the key to cleansing the aether." The mysterious woman speaks. "Who are you?" Aden asks curiously. "Go past the Caves of Order until you find the river of truth."

His vision ends before he could ask his next question, "Wait!" Not sure of what just happened, but Jayson could see the urgency in Aden's eyes. "What did you see?" For the first time since this journey, Aden's smile radiated the darkroom. "I saw hope." His shoulders relaxed, his eyes shined bright he felt at peace, finally realizing their questions are about to be answered and that now this baron wasteland called earth can someday be healed.