<A/N : I WROTE THIS AS A ENGLISH ASSIGNMENT WHICH SAID I NEED TO WRITE A STORY ON MAN'S LAZY ATTITUDE ON AIR POLLUTION... YOU CAN SEE HOW IT GOES DOWNHILL FROM THERE>
SMOKE AND SHADOW
Part one : The Rise
The scene outside the cabin window was dark and unwelcoming. Only a grey, toxic mist known as the Dark Cloud, was seen everywhere, and residences were sealed air-tight to keep all the toxins out. Inside the cabin sat Beatrix Zondra, sipping Ice-Tea to beat the Humid Summer. She shared her cabin with her long-time best friend Valentina Lennon, a tech-savvy trying to impress the world. Reading an absurd article from a quirky magazine, a Book Advertisement caught the eye of a time-passing Beatrix. "Ghazaan: Master of Miracles or Mayhem? – By Callista", there was no man who had more fables about him than Old Ghazaan himself. Some said that he was behind the Dark Cloud itself. Valentina ( or Val ) was thinking on her own when Beatrix broke her reverie. "Hey Val!" she began. "Guess on who Callista's newest Book-" "Now, Don't you go believing that freakish Fraud. It doesn't matter who her new book is about, it's not like it's going to be interesting, let alone true to the facts." Shushed Val pompously. "Well, what if it's about Ghazaan? Who doesn't want to know more about him?" Beatrix triumphed as Val sighed. Even she had to admit, Ghazaan was a person worth exploring. After what felt like eternity, Valentina finally emerged from her workroom. "Behold! I present you The Synthetic Spirit Encrypted Matrix! Or just S-SEM for short." Val showed a small hourglass-like object; it had a glowing sky colour with black motifs all over. "And now my Ms. Zondra, join me on my quest to travel through voids of time and explore the life of The Great Ghazaan! ""Yes, Yes, Yes! Of course, I am coming with you! I have already bought the Book by Callista, and you won't believe the number of details she has mentioned!" "Of course I won't" Valentina rolled her eyes sarcastically. Valentina fiddles with device, which started whizzing and glow. "Here put these on your wrists" She handed Beatrix a pair of fancy bracelets which seemed to be in sync with S-SEM. The air around got distorted as the girls went Back in Time. "Long ago, there used to be a harmonious haven known as Brynxton, where all living beings could live peacefully together, forever. Then everything changed Ghazaan attacked. A Tyrannic Rebel, Ghazaan's actions tore down the peace and brought the dark age upon humanity.... Well, that's what the book says anyway." Beatrix concluded. They had landed in a Medieval Town, in front of an old Gothic Clocktower. Nearby, a Boy was performing tricks with a pet Monkey, He noticed them and said "Hey! You two seem like someone who'd like a good show! ". Val quickly stuffed the S-SEM down her satchel as Beatrix shrugged and dragged her near the mini-circus. Suddenly, someone identical to the boy came marching up to the three of them. "How many time have you been told not to setup this circus anymore, Azima!" Azima's Twin Sister turned to the girls and said "I apologize for my brother's antics. My name is Azula Jade. You look like tired travellers.... May I treat you both with a lovely lunch at my mother's farm? You can even stay here for a few days.... It's just over by the next hill." Beatrix beamed and quickly agreed, as Val sighed. The twin's farm was a welcoming abode, something The girls hadn't seen before. Their mother gave them a warm meal and the Girls asked the family about he current affairs. "Well, to be honest with you, Things aren't the best around here. There is a new rebel on the rise, goes by the name Ghazaan. Some say he is planning a siege against the government, that didn't sit well the local gangs around here, so their recruiting extra muscle to strengthen their forces." The Mrs. Jade paused to wipe a tear, "The dear twins' father....he became a victim of such a practice... I cannot afford losing anyone else..." Mrs. Jade let a soft sob in her handkerchief, then quickly resumed happily serving the girls. Val and Beatrix sympathised with old women and agreed to help her in everyway they could. Mrs. Jade gave a smile and thanked them by giving double helpings for dessert. One afternoon, Azima returned to the farm with a tear-stricken face. Everyone knew that face well enough to know just what happened. Azima was missing. The painful silence echoed around the farm, filled with quiet sobs. The three girls set out, searching downtown for any clues on finding Azima. Scouring the town on the bikes from the farm's shed, the trio arrived at the clocktower, where a few boys were playing a game. Azula called one of them and said "Has anyone of your group seen Azima here?" "May have...around noon today....was performing some monkey circus when...." the grim boy held out a hand. Azula sighed as she put a coin into his waiting hand. " When Doji showed up and offered some serious cash. The Agni Kais, The Triple threats, all gangs are looking for new muscle. So all in all,...Your Brother's been recruited by the Dark Nebula. They mistake him for you apparently. They're planning an assault soon with the latest machinery. And That's all you're getting out of me!" the grim boy ran away with his group. "oh, I knew this would happen soon...."Azula shook her head sadly,"There is a turf war brewing, and Azima's caught himself right in the middle of it." Azula didn't break the turf war news to Mrs Jade, but told her that they've found clues. The trio had gone the Dark Nebula's hideout, which was in shambles. There was only one mark painted on the now crooked door. A triangle cut vertically by a line, holding a circle inside it's sides. Azula only grew more desperate after that, promising she will tell the meaning of it at the farm in the night. She didn't want to stay in the town after sunset. "You see, the local gangs around here usually oppress people into their bidding, or in this case bribing" Azula spoke into the dim lantern light. "Azima knew we were running a little short on money, so he accepted the cash innocently" The three girls were sitting in the attic of the vast and ancient home. A small lantern lit in the centre, illuminating their grim faces. "The sign we saw on the door was of Ghazaan. It's everywhere on places he has ambushed and conquered. He's more of a Dictator than a rebel these days...Conquering or destroying his path..." Azula continued. The two girls realised there were into a dangerous reckoning. The next evening, the trio ran into someone holding a micro phone. He was announcing some "Revelation" Pep Rally by Ghazaan. The girls immediately collected some of the flyers he was distributing and decided that they were going to infiltrate the Rally and somehow get Azima back, no matter what it takes. The Rally was at 6 pm, the same day. The Girls kept scoured the flyers and found the location on the map, which was formed when you placed multiple flyers together. The pep rally was being held at a broken-down theatre outside town. As the time approached, the disguised and sneaked in, trying to be subtle as possible. "My fellow followers, It is my humble honour to introduce you to the Revelation. The world is filled with Bemish. For too long these governments have been ruling the us with their biggest lie. Their lie stating, they have given us freedom. True freedom can only be achieved when oppressive governments are torn down. Together, we will forge a world without Kings or Queens, without borders or nations, where man's only allegiance is to himself and those he loves. We will return to the true balance of order. And Why, Ladies and gentlemen you maybe asking? BECAUSE OF NATURE. NATURE IS THE BIGGEST OPPRESSOR. FORCING US TO FOLLOW ITS LAWS. All of that will change. We shall fight back nature! It has showered us with it's merciless attacks! We shall pollute it as payback! We'll burn down the world if we'll have to, WE WILL WIN! Before that, I must show my newest invention...." Ghazaan was standing on the he stage, and was now speaking to his audience. He was had a strong physique and wore a white mask covering his real identity. Azula was carefully surveying the stage, looking for Azima. "As test subjects, I have picked a couple of our local oppressors trying to use us a doormat. This band of brothers and sisters of anarchy, are witnessing the beginning of an era of true freedom. We shall show them how it feels like to be crushed by one's feet." The crowd rejoiced as henchmen brought a couple of shabby, suspicious looking people. Azima stood quivering at the end, like a lamb brought into slaughter. Azula quickly moved to the front to get as close to him as possible. Behind Ghazaan, A machine was brought into the light, It had a chair with chains for binding someone, on top of which heavy machinery was kept. "My dear Doji, How about you go first?" Beatrix and Val gasped as Callista happily hauled up Doji on the chair, bound in, and a case was put on his head. They couldn't believe their eyes, but their shock mulitplied as the Machine turned on. The lights flashed and Doji suddenly started screaming. "This invention alters the human mind's brainwaves into following one's own commands. Doji here would soon be our little loyal puppet." The screaming stopped as Doji's eyes became unfocused. Before anything else could happen, a loud hiss was echoing the whole theatre. Smoke was engulfing everywhere. Azula had triggered the fire alarms and created a distraction as Beatrix and Val quickly climbed the stage to untie Azima. Through the complete chaotic anarchy, Ghazaan knew this was not just any accident. As soon as the girls untied Azima, they ran straight into Ghazaan himself. "So, it is you two who have dared to cross my way. Well, let's just say, your wilful determination will be remembered." It was just the three them against the most hostile dictator. When all seemed doomed one, of his hench man tried to pounce on Azima, blocking Ghazaan. Azula took the opportunity and quickly took all of them out of the theatre, vanishing in the shadows, trying to get to the farm as fast as they could. The night at the farm was bittersweet. Mrs Jade was beyond herself with joy to have her son back and kept thanking the girls every moment she got. The kids wanted to tell Mrs Jade the truth of how they saved Azima, but She never questioned. But there was one thing, that Mrs Jade said that calmed their anxious selves, "All's well that End's Well". The morning's breakfast was interrupted by a knocking on the door. A formal looking man in red Military attire, was standing outside with couple of men behind him. "Greetings, My name is General Iroh from the Order of the Red Sun. It is my utmost honour to serve a Grand-Sun warrior of the Order, Mrs Louella Jade." The kids were shocked, as Mrs Jade chuckled "Why, You thought I wouldn't find out how you managed to get Azima out of Ghazaan's clutches? As soon as I found out, I gave a call to the Order." She smiled and turned to the girls and said "The Order of the Red Sun, also known simply as the Red Sun, is an ancient and secret society that transcends the boundaries of the nations, seeking philosophy, beauty, and truth. They are devoted to sharing ancient knowledge across national and political divides. And The three of you have proved to be worthy enough to pass on the secret." "So, may I ask why have you graced our home, General" Azima asked breaking the silence. "That, Azima, is because Your mother informed me you have seen Ghazaan's Revelation Movement." informed Iroh. "We, the Order of the Red Sun, are trying to stop Ghazaan's Empire before it starts. And we needed to someone who knew Ghazaan's plans, and The Four of arrived on the Silver Platter." "Now my dears, It will be dangerous, but important, as the fate of the world will lie on our shoulders. Will you join our quest?" Beatrix and Valentina realised their visit will be Legendary.
