[Chapter 9 part 2] Hope - Sola's Legacy

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Hope struggled to tamper bubbling expectations. She was the one who’d benefit most from this journey. Theoretically, that is. She had the bad habit of getting her hopes up. I should know better. Cynicism had served her well over the years. It was a trusted friend. Whatever Astra is set to reveal, it won’t be good. She was sure of it.

Rounding the main dome, they passed her workshop, a repurposed recreation room whose furniture was stuffed with pebbles. Packing will be a nightmare. She slipped in and dumped her leftover ammunition. There’s so much thanks to Wise. She wasn’t grateful.

It’s easier to move now, Hope reflected sadly while catching up. Even Wise could lift twice his weight. I need a martial art, dang it.

“We’ll be heading outside the fortress. Prepare appropriately.” Astra said.

Awww, damn. It was exceptionally cold out there. Hope grabbed her outer layers from the nearby closet. On the top shelf, small cloth pouches were piled up. The tiny stones within would emit heat for hours once activated. No point in saving them. She filled her pockets while Wise waited patiently. If he had ill intent, he’d be so hateable. She tossed him a dozen. While irritating, he was fellow victim who’d be confined without her aid. I’d feel horrible if he missed something important.

Back outside, an airship hovered just off the ground, fifty feet long and seventeen wide. Floodlights lining the hull brightly illuminated the fortress.

“It’s six hundred years old but still top of the line.” Astra said.

“It’s… radiant.” Rose mumbled.

“Deep in the Fractured Earth, there’s only darkness.” Astra answered. “Seeing helps for piloting.”

It had the shape of boats she’d seen in books. It’d float on liquids if it obeyed the laws of gravity. There were still some fresh-water bodies where man sailed.

“This is Aery-made…” Simon commented.

Astra breathed deeply, “yes.”

Noting blank expressions, Simon explained, “Maximum height and rising speed depends on the materials employed. Construction at higher elevations is always better. Since Aery controls the uppermost portions of Enera, they have a monopoly over high-altitude crafts. What grade is this one?”

“Third grade.” Astra said.

Simon whistled softly, “Same as Aery’s military. Guess it should be expected.”

“I wish you wouldn’t raise unnecessary topics.” Astra said coldly.

Simon looked back blankly, “They don’t know?”

Everyone stood still. I’ve no clue what’s going on. Finally, Astra sighed, “I’m technically the heir to Aery’s throne, but it’s a story for another time.”

More secrets, Rose won’t be happy. Hope contemplated what this made her mother. Is she a queen or princess or neither? She wanted to asked, but didn’t think it smart. The subject seems touchy.

Astra approach the hull, “To open it, channel into this blue circle.” A section slid away to reveal a well-lit open space. Only the front and back were closed off, and there were stairs leading up. Same as outside, the surfaces were an ivory resin, but Hope sensed metal underneath.

“I’ve mainly use this for supply runs, hence the large cargo bay.” Astra walked over and pulled grey bags from a storage below the stairs. “These might be plain, but they carry heavy loads. Use them to pack.”

She looked around, “The front is the ‘captain’s quarters’, and the rear is the engine room. Both are locked. The main cabin is above. Be there tomorrow at eight AM.” Typical no-nonsense.

“That’s all.” Their mother declared. “Now I’ll show you the truth buried here.”

Astra lead them south through courtyards and side passageways. This place is a maze. She was the least familiar with the layout, only venturing out to spectate beautiful skies. Or when the cabin fever gets bad. Meanwhile the others had spent plenty of time investigating. I’m jealous, dang it. Only Wise had less outdoor experience, but he didn’t need to explore. He just ‘knows’ the way. Not fair.

Hope saw the south gate. The least frequented. While the North opened to the great hall, the South lead to a courtyard. Nothing comes from that direction. Astra flicked a finger and the colossal doors flew apart. Something was missing on the other side. Where’s her sleeping army?

“Mother moved them.” Wise said. “She also got rid of the snowdrift.” Being occasionally useful doesn’t redeem you.

They descended onto hard ice and advanced into a cleared area which went on for miles. About ten feet of loose snow is gone. A glacial gale assaulted them. Gravity-driven Katabatic winds from the pole… They never let up. Hope pulled her hood tight and trudged head down.

“This is far enough.” Astra said after an eternity. Yay! Hope moved to keep the winds at her back.

Kneeling, her mother put both hands on the ice and channeled. I’ve never sensed anything that intense. The ground vanished under them. She’s making it transparent! First it was a dozen feet, then several dozens. Two hundred feet down, dim outlines emerged. The expanding crater exposed a hazy landscape. It’s eerie. They stood on an invisible surface high above.

Astra rose, and light exploded when she placed her hands together, forcing them to avert their eyes. She released the energy into the heavens where it scattered into miniature suns, turning night into day. Below was a twisting labyrinth of windowless, metallic buildings stretching back to the fortress.

“This is Sola’s Legacy.” Astra stated. “Also known as Earth’s End.”

Fixed in position, creatures were swarming the mangled architecture. They were a grotesque mix of aspects not belonging together. Mammal parts, reptile parts, horns, claws… The number of limbs and general form had no consistency, and disturbing bug features were mixed in. Furry insects legs… Spider eyes on mammal faces… Yuck…

“They’re Chimeras.” Astra continued. “This was Sola’s base of operations for decades.”

I’m happier about leaving. Those monstrosities creeped her out. They’re something Free would make. With a sinking feeling, she shot her sister a glance. Don’t you dare! They’d have serious chat later. Free was NOT getting inspiration from this. I swear, if I find a mouse with spider legs in my room, I’m going to lose it.

“See those buildings?” Astra pointed out a large complex. “That’s where she performed resurrections.”

This meant nothing to Hope. The others must feel the same. They’d never lost anyone. That might change, but I pray not soon.

“When the Dark Age began, she built a larger headquarter North of the equator. Before leaving, she converted these facilities to spew out an endless stream of horrors.”

“It’s awesome.” Light mumbled.

Everyone rolled their eyes, except Simon and Dawn. The necromancer was contemplating seriously. He’s grasping Light’s mindset. As for Dawn, she was staring down, motionless. What’s so distracting? Their brother’s attitude was especially flippant this time. I won’t understand, but I can’t help wondering: what goes on in his head? She eventually gave in, “We’ve been living next to a nightmarish doom factory sealed under the ice. How‘s that ‘awesome’?”

Light faced her as if she was mad, “You just said it yourself, ‘a nightmarish doom factory sealed under the ice’. Isn’t that the embodiment of cool?” Yeah, he’s broken.

This was partly her fault. ‘Why don’t you try being a ninja?’ She’d suggested once when he’d been in a slump. It was her dirty little secret. I never expected him to take the advice so deeply to heart… She’d been even more surprised when he’d started winning. This success made it harder to tell him to tone it down. Even Astra has accepted his new persona…

Light waved his arms, “Look at that! It’s huge and goes on for miles! Built by the greatest villain the world has ever known, crawling with freaky monsters inside and out, filled with forbidden secrets… God, it’s incredible.”

“Many died because of this ‘incredible’ place.” Astra said quietly. “It’s also why I’ve been stuck here for millennia.”

“Ah, sorry about that…” Light rubbed his head awkwardly. “But it’s still amazing.” Since I refer to Wise as ‘nemesis’, I can’t be normal either. That said, he’s several degrees farther gone.

“Light got one thing right.” Rose said. “It does go on forever. How’d Sola construct all this?”

“Easily.” Astra answered. “For fifty years, she had a monopoly over the most valued commodity. With everyone courting her, she’d obtain anything she desired.”

Hope eyed the structure where Sola raised the dead. Why didn’t mother bring us there? It’d make sense to center their outing over the most important location. Unless… She looked down. What an unpleasant notion. Which was why it had to be true. Trust pessimism. For once, she copied Wise and asked a question knowing the answer, “You found us here, right?”

Astra sighed, “Yes… By that long building near the edge. I’ll explain tomorrow.”

So we’re from a ‘nightmarish doom factory’. So unreal, it was oddly funny. Could the monsters below be considered brothers? Actually, do they even have genders? This would take a lot of dark humor to process. I should wait to hear the rest before trying. More was certain to come.

“Enough.” Astra Reached up, clasping her fist, and the suns disappeared. When their vision returned, so had the white ice below.

“Thank god.” Dawn whispered, pale faced. Had it really bothered her that much? Good. The thought was mean and satisfying.

“I’ve preparations to make, so you’re on your own.” With a ground-shaking leap, Astra flew back to the fortress.

I guess it’s time for packing… She’d never done it before, but Hope already suspected she’d hate it.