Pride, it was what unified humans and  was also known to be our very downfall. Everything was built on such a ideal; military, foreign diplomacy, culture, every single damn thing. My father said to me that i should never forget where i came from or who i am, to never forget the woman who showed us what it means to be human, that we were more than mere weaklings in a world filled with beast. Truth be told, I loved every last word he drilled into my head. kings, emperors, warlords who came before us were portrayed as Valiant individuals who only wanted to protect the people they ruled over. Wise, cunning, honorable men with the ability to lead millions of loyal warriors into battle without a moment's hesitation.

Queen Helios however, was the very first to spark the fires that started it all. Even after she was long dead three thousands years ago, her influence still remained in our hearts. It was because of that influence, that our leaders would go to such extremes to prevent your kind from stepping foot inside the origins of our civilization.

“What happen in the Citadel?"

You know damn well what happened, you could see it from orbit if you wanted! I hated the men who went through with it, men who were willing to destroy everything all for the sake of pride. However, without the help of the great calamity event, i wouldn't have met him, the demon with an smile.

“You mentioned this child before, who exactly is he?"

someone i admired, that i looked up to even though he was same age as me. The very definition of a champion of humanity, and a nightmare for all beastmen.  Be lucky that im last surviving member of my species and not him. Anyway, after the squad leader was taken out, things went from bad to worse. We needed leave alpha as soon as possible before time runs out. Lucky for us that there was a nearby subway system a few blocks down from our current position so it didn't take long to reach it. The boy who held on to me begged for us to stay hidden since it was safe, i wasn't having any of it. One of us had to man up.

“Look, we stay here then we die, just stick with us and everything will be alright." I went back reassuring him, which did calm him back down again. I guess i looked familiar to him, like a family member. A good reason why i could get him to relax so easily. A pity that he's not with us anymore. As our gang of mischief transverse the empty streets, air sirens began to sound. Their purpose were to warn all of alpha of an impending attack from one of our sister Citadel's if they decided to go rogue. However, instead of the typical low build up horn, the prime minister's voice  took its place.

“To all alpha citizens who can hear my voice, savages have set foot into our glorious city and had the audacity to stain the walls with their presence alone. However, they will pay the ultimate price for their heinous crimes." Something was off about him, he didn't sound like his calm collective self anymore. Humans were at the brink of losing this war,and that more than enough to strike at our pride.

“the beastmen shall burn by her Majesty's light while we will be welcomed by her loving embrace! Everything has lead to this singular moment, the time has come when we will still have the last laugh." He continued his rant well within the hour as we were already in the transit railway system. I could feel my heart skip a beat as the time was slowly ticking down, keep in mind that none of were aware what was about to happen. As the train automatically made a routine stop at one of the checkpoints, the kid who was holding on to me got up and ran out of the sliding doors. “What are you doing? We have to leave now!" I demanded as i reached out for him but he instinctively jumped back to avoid my grasp. “ i live in this area, i can't leave my mom and dad behind. Don't worry, I'll meet back with them in no time!" He told me as the door shut again the train slowly crawled forward. Just a hour ago, he was acting like a fucking crybaby and now he gets brave all of sudden?

All there was left to do was leave him be, i wasn't in the mood to argue and he already ran topside. I prayed that he would at least be smart enough to not get shot. Now only three remained of us, it wasn't long before a female announced from  the onboard Speakers stated that we would arrive at our destination in a few minutes. The train halted to a stop and we immediately rushed out, running up the steps. The explosions nonexistent from this distance but the prime minister's voice was still loud and clear even all the way in the outer walls of the citadel.

“warriors, our queen calls for us to enter her kingdom of light! KEEP FIGHTING, FIGHT TO THE BITTER END!"  he howled as we ran as fast we could through the service doors that lead past the exterior walls. My lungs felt as though they on fire, i kept telling myself to never look back, to just keep on running. I didn't know how long my feet were moving, adrenaline pumping into my veins endlessly.

By the time i was able to reach the forest treeline, the ground beneath me shook violently. The night suddenly turned into day with ball of Crimson light appeared behind me, i turned around to see what was going on but it was too bright for me to look directly at it but i knew what happened instantly. I couldn't believe it, i didn't want believe it. Everything was gone in flash, my family, friends, everything was gone in flash. That day, my old life burned along side with the last citadel humanity desperately tried to protect. We made these weapons to keep you in check, to make sure that you will stay afraid of us. Yet, we only used them against ourselves because of pride, because death was far better than defeat.

Do you know how it feels to lose everything at such a young age? To witness everything fall apart around you? You probably was sitting comfortably in your little home while all of this happened have you? You can never understand my pain, my suffering. It's one of the reason why i still hold so much hatred for beastmen within my heart. You took everything away from me.