The Reckoning

Is this life? I thought to my self as i stood there holding my weapon across another females face defending the last known piece of bread to mankind. She reminded me of myself honestly, roughly almost 16 years of age, jet black hair with hazel eyes. We could have been related if someone random bumped into us in the street. But that didn’t matter what mattered at this moment was that i needed to make a name for myself. If some random girl can steal my food the other people out here may get the idea to try and do the same. “Let go of the bread and you can keep your life” ““this is a post apocalypse where everything around us is dirt and we are almost to the stage of cannibalism do as you please, not much to live for anyway.”” she had a point and now I’m in an even worse position in taking control of the situation. All eyes are on us now as she utters “kill me if you please” as i held the pocket knife more firm against her neck i took a chance to think.. this is what started where we are today. The control for power has drove everyone insane and made them turn on each other. “We can share it, it’s not much but both of us will get a portion and peace can be maintained “ in that moment everyone around us seemed more shocked i offered to share instead of just kill her. It’s like they were hoping for an exciting fight scene. “Fine” she said as she rolled her eyes.. for some reason i enjoyed her random yet slightly aggressive attitude. I handed over the bread and started to walk away. Little did i know i had a new associate right behind me. ““So what’s your name?”” The random girl asked. “Maia” i responded. ““That’s interesting what does it stand for? And my name is Sarai. I’m not sure if my name has much meaning.”” “My name originates from the meaning brave warrior.” “”Wow is that how you know how to fight so well?””

“Before the apocalypse i lived with my older brother who was insanely obsessed with practicing different forms of fighting and preparing for the worst. It’s funny cause i always criticized him and thought he was crazy.” I said as a tear slide down my cheek. “If only i could see him one more time to laugh at his crazy antics.” “It’s been 2 years since i seen my brother before he decided to run off and join that crazy war when it started. After the great explosion i just figured I’ll never see him again and it has not happened yet.” “”You’re such a good fighter why don’t you fight at the palace?””

“Those people are selfish and watch others kill each other for poor entertainment purposes.. no thank you.”

“The killing part is optional, but it’s understandable why the fighters chose the lifestyle. Free room and board and it’s better than roaming the streets looking for a piece of bread.” “”For some reason after the explosion i can’t remember much but I’d do anything to be in that palace. It seems great!””

She had a weird sparkle in her eye and i could tell she was genuine with what she said. “Well, if you like the palace let’s go visit. I’m sure we can find some kind of random entrance.” It’s funny all this time I’ve never been far from the palace i just chose never to go but today that all changes. We slid our coverings over our heads and faces and set off through the hot dry dusty land. Approaching the palace there were no obvious way entrances so we kept walking until we stumbled across a random small opening in the gate on the back end. This is it. We were really doing it. Sneaking into the palace is a major thing but could also be very dangerous. Walking around i then understood why people so desperately wanted to be here. The fancy gowns and luxurious living. Even the ceiling made you want to cry just looking up at the beautiful mosaics and chandeliers. “”You know I’m not sure why but this place has always felt like home to me”” i let out a slight roar and continued walking looking for a place to hide. Just as i found what looked like a random room no one ever goes in we hear a loud HEY! next thing i know Sarai is screaming. I quickly run to aid her and see a scary 6’3 200 pound man grabbing her arm. He was shaking her so hard her covering fell from her head down to her shoulders exposing her neck and something very rare. I had to contain myself and watch the scene play out if i was to interfere for an attack. Around her neck was the most beautiful heart shaped locket necklace i had ever seen. It had a bright gold chain and heart pendant with a emerald stone right in the middle. “Who did you steal this from?!” the guard yelled at her. He now has 1 hand on her shoulder the other with the necklace in hand. This was my chance. I ran up behind him jumping as high as i could luckily landing where i had hoped for and put my knife on his neck “let her go” i said just as reinforcements arrived. All of a sudden this very plump wealthy looking man emerged from the middle of the security circle that stood in front of us. “Someone had infiltrated my palace?” He questioned. He looked generally stunned to see my head popping over the man’s shoulder to look at him. He let out a bouldering laugh “a young girl at that” “”2 your majesty. 1 of them has stolen some jewelry from the castle as well.”” The man i had just retained then stepped to the side to reveal my friend who was still clutching her locket. The king took 1 look at this girl and down his cheeks millions of tears ran.. “it can’t be, Sarai?” “”That is my name but how would you know that?”” “Sarai, do you not remember me? How could you not remember your father?!” It was at that moment everyone stood still, confused about what was going on but knowing better than to interrupt. “Sir i caught them stealing.” “”I think you should stop talking if you know what’s good for you”“ the king said. “If this is my Sarai she would never intentionally steal anything unless for survival purposes. I taught her that.” He slowly walked up to Sarai making her clutch the locket in her hand even tighter. “Please” he said. This will confirm if what i know is true. She unhanded the locket and the king immediately started recrying. “SHE HAS RETURNED” he boasted. “THE LONG LOST PRINCESS IS BACK!” “Princess?” Me and Sarai both said looking at each other very confused as i unclimbed the man’s back. “After the great explosion we looked everywhere for you relentlessly searching the streets! We assumed someone grabbed you during the explosion and moved you to keep you safe. Everyone else said you died but i knew deep down that couldn’t be true! THIS IS A MARVELOUS DAY WE SHALL PUT TOGETHER A BANQUET FOR THE PRINCESSES RETURN AND THE GREAT WARRIOR THAT BROUGHT HER! You, young lady i must have extremely underestimated. You shall fight in my games. Win or lose no harm should come to you and you will forever have a place in this castle. But if you shall beat my champion even greater rewards await you. You will meet all the fighters tonight, you 2!”(addressing 2 random household maids walking by) “take the Princess and umm “”Maia”” i said “Maia” somewhere immediately and have them cleaned and done up let them pick dresses etc for tonight we shall celebrate the great return!!” “”Yes your majesty!”” 1 thing i can say the palace was much more exquisite than anything i had ever seen in life. Every room was more grand than the last and basically everything sparkled. After taking our showers and getting dressed a very old handmaiden came in to assist and cried just as hard as the king upon seeing Sarai. She hugged her so tight it looked like she had stopped her circulation. “2 years we went around looking for you and 1 day you just randomly appear. You’re still the same old Sarai just like when we played hide and seek you’d wait hours to the point we got scared then you’d pop out.” “”I’m sorry madam but i don’t remember that nor who you are I’m terribly sorry.”” “Oh goodness the blast must have erased some of your memory as well. I’m so sorry we didn’t protect you well enough. That was the 1 thing i promised your mother.” By then it seemed the lady was having a breakdown. “Do you atleast remember her? Queen Alana?? She was the most beautiful and sweetest lady of the land. She passed when you were around the age of 6 to sickness and your father did everything to prepare you and keep you safe for the day you take the thrown. That is until the explosion. But before your mother passed she had these necklaces made for all of you. Your mother was buried with hers, you have yours and your fathers is locked away in his chamber. I’m so sorry you don’t remember but maybe it’s for the best. Dinner is almost ready now and you girls look wonderful! I hope you have fun.” And fun it was.. the king had any and everything you could think of prepared with a personal band etc. it was beautiful. It was now time for the feast to begin so it was time for the king to show off his fighters so they could join us. Each one was more handsome or stronger than the last “AND NOW FOR MY CHAMPION” he walked in with a face covering on and when he removed it i broke down.. could it be?! As soon as our eyes met gaze i knew.. “BROTHER?!” i ran and embraced him letting the tears and hurt from over the years go but then it hit me.. i guess Sarai isn’t the only one that got a family reunion. Could i really fight my own brother, no, worst off could i actually finish off Maximus?