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Song of a Soldier: 5 - Howls of a Nation Pt 2

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Song of a Soldier


Chapter V: Howls of a Nation


    The day couldn’t be described to any other. If it did, it would be the exact opposite of the Annual Recruiting Day. It felt like there was electricity in the air. Sparks of excitement and anticipation was on the minds of Direan fans. It was the only time where Titans, Verians, and even Great Direans alike had gathered in one place to share the history. Many different clans had assembled and made an unwritten truce to be gathered here for thing: To see their players put their sweat and blood on the playing field. Tonight was a special event. Two fan favorite teams; both veterans in their own right. The Red Thunderwolves, a classic team that had been one of the first teams that played in this rough but honorable sport. The other is has been the New World Warriors. A team of agile and slender players compared to the Red Thunderwolves that in recent years have been rising up the ranks and even won a championship matchup.
    Lines of the concession stands were packed to the teeth with people order leg muttons and popcorn. Memorabilia was flying off the shelves because even though this was a good match up, the Queen will make her first appearance at the game.

    Everyone had taken their seats now waiting for their ruler to make her decree.

    The lights inside the stadium now dimmed for a dramatic atmosphere while only one light had beamed on an opening door.

    “Ladies and Gentlemen, all rise for our ruler, Queen Alpha Aurlenanth.”

     Walking now, along with her guards, was her Majesty. She stopped at the center stage of the field looking onward at the people. The crowd had risen from their seats to give honor to their queen.

    “Good People of the Republic, we have suffered many tragedies and losses. The brave men and women that had given us their blood to stand here to enjoy this game, should be given a round of applause.”

    Everyone had clapped their hands in agreeance. When the volume had toned down, she continued.

    “It’s was because of them the dread of the Pack Wars have finally ceased. It will take many years to build back our structures, bonds need to be reestablished, and wounds need to be healed. Tonight, we are gathered here in this very coliseum as a single pack. We are not enemies, but brothers and sisters to share happiness and unity. For that’s why--”

    She was interrupted by an applause; she gestured them to stop for a moment.

    “For that’s why I have arranged someone, after the loss of our beloved singer Estelas in the war, to sing our New Anthem of the Republic. So relax, you don’t need to sing along the first time.” she joked

    “Still...this talent that will perform for you all is unique. She truly represent what my Husband and I had meant about aspirations. Please, give a warm welcome to Telerenn of Xareil or as you may know her best as Lady Renn.

    Now the spotlight returned to the entrance from whence the Queen had came from. Her bones felt like they were rattling from the inside of her thick framed muscles. She boldly took a step to face her audience. She could hear the murmurs through the clapping hands of the fact she was this Titan who had this voice. Telerenn ignored this disbelief and walked confidently to where the Queen stood. There she was in her ceremonial gown with her hair straighten out. The garb that she wears is a bit reminiscent to old Atlantean elite thousands of years ago but of a modernist twist. A slit to show her leg from the belt, exposed midriff and a comfortably fitted top with a flowing cape draped behind her. Worn around her neck is a silver necklace, with it a large blue sapphire that shines brighter than the spot lights beaming on it. Telerenn looked so stunning it was hard to believe that underneath the ancient-themed dress, covers the scars of a warrior.

    “Now then, our new anthem is titled The Song of the Twin Moons” Spoke the Queen.

    The lights had faded down in that moment. The crowd had went dead silent waiting for something to happen. Then...the sound of the Vienna Horn drawn the people’s attention. This horn was followed another series of Vienna Horns. The wooden flutes then joined in giving a haunting beauty that interweaves with the horns. Timpani drums had slowly started their march with every bang on the surface. It could be compare to the sound of thunder in a steady beat. Now, the lights had illuminated not only Telerenn, but the orchestra behind her.

    She drew in the crowd with a deep hum that raised her pitch higher and higher until it was at the tone she needed it to be. Now that the opener had captivated the audience, it had all played the music for the anthem. She joins in now.


    Fathers our ancestry, through our history,

    we have shared each other’s pain.

    Fallen heroes, Living legends,

    You brought us a peaceful new reign.


    Twin Moons you have our glory

    To share with us your story

    We shall honor you to our days of old

    So generations can stay forever bold


    Twin Moons, we join together
    One Pack and One Clan

    We all share the love of our brother


    Through you O Twin Moons we shall prevail through Death

    Peace shall long live with every single breath


    O Twin Moons we shall avail

    O Twin Moons we shall prevail


    With the finishing touches of the Vienna Horns. The crowd couldn’t believed their ears as the swelling emotions of pride and happiness this voice invoked. The people didn’t just only clapped but they howled in unison. Everyone had instantly fell in love with Telerenn. She truly was a Titan above Titans. She humbly bowed in front of them and then turn to bow to her Queen. She had gestured to the crowd to give an ovation to the orchestra for their hard work.

    Now the Queen had been escorted off the field, followed by the Royal Guard, Telerenn, and finally the Orchestra. Darkness is still there in the stadium, but the helping hands clear the field of the chairs and music stands.

    The lights had returned to the coliseum and the Smash ball players proceeded to enter the field. In a private balcony Telerenn sat with the Queen overlooking the best view of the game.

    “How do you feel?”

    “Incredible.

    “Truly a remarkable performance. This song will carry out the ideal of our new way of life. It took your voice to finalize that idea.”

    As the first kickoff was about to commence something shook the stadium.It wasn’t the thunderous stomps of feet that motivated the players but sound that was familiar to Telerenn. It went off again which hit a the note in her mind; bombs were going off. Underneath, the grassy fields were starting to crumble. Normal civilians were starting to panic as to what was going on. For the seasoned veterans among the audience, their training was beginning to kick in again. Some of them tried to step in to fight the intruders off, while most of them tried to get the civilians out to the exits. From the gaping maw of the hole, grenades were being thrown into the crowds.  Frantic panic was going through the people's minds.

    The Royal Guardsmen, including Telerenn surrounded the Queen for her protection.

Then it was clear who was attacking as the terrorist. The remnants of the Arrogrates were storming the stadium.

    In a nearby distance, a military police group were alarmed to be sent forward in case an attack was made to the city. The brave men and women had armed their weapons to fight against the intruders.

    Meanwhile, at the balcony, Arrogates who had disguise themselves as vendors, security and normal staff pulled out their weapons and began shooting at the royal guards.

    The Arrogates had wish they chose a different opponent; the moment they drew their guns, tiny throwing daggers had lodged into their throats. The guards were plowing through the invaders. Telerenn stuck close to the Queen in case anyone struck from behind.

    Chaos was everywhere the eye can see. The Arrogates kept chanting in a ancient Direan language, but it was clear they were saying “Death to the weak!”. The shots of the Direan Republic's military weapons was heard nearby, it gave a bit of relief to Telerenn that military police was taking action.  The people were screaming as they leave the stadium were nearly distracting to Telerenn but she had to keep her mind clear. All of a sudden the singer has been repressed and the soldier in her soul had returned. One of the wolves could spot the queen and the singer alone together looking fully open for an attack. “Kill both of those bitches” Screams one of them and they charged full speed to where they are.

    “Great, here they come, are you ready majesty?”

    “Never a time I wasn’t.” Says Aurelanth. The team run in full speed ramming through scared spectators and lower guards until they leaped high into the balcony. Telerenn spots one first and ducks, waiting for him to each over her to his ankle where she grabs it and stops him before he can reach the queen. With full brutal force, Telerenn throws the big wolf back and smashes him against the stone railing of the balcony knocking him out instantly. Aurelanth grabs another who tried to bite into her forearm but she instantly hard flexes the muscles and brutally dislocated his jaw before dropkicking him on his skull. The queen looks back to Telerenn, asking if she needs help. Telerenn grabbing another guy’s arm as she hard knees him in the stomach and he collapses. She is doing fine herself and watching the queen first hand fighting off the remaining two even with a bleeding forearm shows her a much better fighter than what the stories of old have told.

    A feeling came over Telerenn. A cold wet evil that felt like the hand of death was nearby. It was the same feeling she had before in the battlefield of a far way danger. She could feel the watchful eye of a sniper in the distance. Everything around her started to slow down. The sounds could be described like a tape recorder that’s speed was set to 24 but played on 12 instead. Her visual senses tried to pick up the location of the sniper. There in the top floor of the seating, was the shine of the scrope glass. She could see the trigger being pulled. With no time to lose, she dash forward, pushing away any civilian in her way. The Queen in the corner of her eye could see Telerenn charging towards her. With a brave sacrifice, Telerenn pushed away the Queen while taking the hit. The bone piercing bullet went clean through the shoulder blade. The second bullet that was fire lodge itself in her intestine.
    “Run…” The blood started to spill from her mouth. “Run!” she repeated.

    Aurelanth did no such thing. She rushed to Telerenn’s aid and pulled her out of the line of fire. They went behind a solid concrete wall to be safe for a moment. The sniper was not done though, he kept shooting behind the wall determined to kill the queen. The bullets went barely over her head had pierced through concrete wall.

    “Telerenn.”

    “My Queen, please get to safety.”

“Absolutely not. We’ll get out of here together.”

“Your safety…”

Your life is what matters to me! We need to get out of here and find a doctor.”

“The sniper needs to be taken out..”She drew in a breath. “He’s on the top floor to the left.”

“I’ll do it.”

“No, we need you to escape.”

“The guards are having difficulty as it is. They have their hands full with Arrogates. He’ll never expect us, but first we need to get you patch up”

“My Queen please… ” She tried to stand up from the pain.

“Telerenn… I am your queen, do as I say, because if you don’t survive…” She paused. “I don’t know what I’ll will do without you.”

    Despite the size of the Telerenn, Aurelanth was able to place Telerenn’s good arm around the Queen’s shoulders. She looked around for a EMR that the players used in their sports injuries. It was hard to push through the madness, but with perseverance and speed, she found the room. The Queen placed her on the medical table and went through the medical cabinets for the supplies.

    “I need…” Telerenn tried to speak. “I need peroxide, cloths, gauze, and bandages. Lot’s of them.”  

    The Queen found the items she asked for and Telerenn started to patch herself up. The cloth combine with peroxide, she used for cleaning up the excess blood while plugging her wounds up with the gauze. The Queen was able to wrap tightly the bandages around Telerenn’s waist and shoulders. Then appeared one of the Arrogates with a handgun ready to fire at them. With a blind rage, the Queen had started choking the Rebel until finally he drew his last breath. Her tolerance was at an end now.

     In her weak voice, the Queen noticed Telerenn speaking.

    “I need one more thing.”

    “What is it.”

    “Look for a adrenaline syringe.”

    She looked at her shockingly “Are you mad? That could kill you!”

    “I can’t even focus. I need to stay awake. If I give out chances are I’m not coming back.”

    She wanted to argue, but if that what Telerenn needed to keep going, so be it.

    Looking through the dressers for the needle she found it incase in a tin box. Opening it, she read the warning label ‘Use in extreme emergencies.’

    “Hand it to me…”

    She was hesitant, but she gave the syringe to her. Telerenn took a moment to breath, then stabbed the needle into her heart. The power she was feeling was nothing other. Her muscles began to bulge and ripple with strength. The sounds of stretching fiber over her body is turning the dress into a second skin. Each hard pulse sends blood coursing through her veins making them pulse and twitch, clearly visible under the fur. The muscle had expanded to the point where they closed the wounds off. The Queen had to stand back unsure what would become of Telerenn next. The rush of blood through body almost gave Telerenn in a state of ecstasy as her muscles quickly grew. She stepped off the bed almost became unrecognizable to Aurelanth.

    “Telerenn…?”

    “I only got fifteen minutes. After that, I’m dead.”

    “Oh… what have I done?”

    “What you had to do. Now.” She cracked her fingers. “Let’s finish this.”

    Aurelanth had fought in her days but never had to deal with something like this. As they run through the hallways. The queen knows best just to follow behind her rather than in front of a bulked-out powerhouse of fangs and claws. She knows the clock is ticking against her and she tells Telerenn the fastest way to get to the sniper. Meanwhile the sniper is having a personal blast picking off soldiers and civilians one by one. With hitting the famed singer of the anthem as consolation for his real target. He feels that nothing can stop him now. Then he noticed a loud bang, that made him jumped out of his fur. He soon remembered that he came out the same way under a three-inch thick steel panel. As he looked up, the panel was falling right under him and dodges out of the way with no time to pick up his rifle. The panel crashes over the gun destroying it completely. As he looked, he can see that the door has been bent right into a near-cone shape with an impression of a fist in the middle of it.

    He looked up and can see a thick, muscular arm that clawed it’s way into the ground getting to pull itself up. What he saw nearly made him forget all of his training from his life. The beast that stood before him had fur that stood on end over her shoulders, teeth bared up to the gum line, and the feeling of her heavy breathing echoed through his body. He had to step back for a minute to process what was happening. Was this the same woman he shot moments ago? The singer with the voice that brought a nation together? No, on this rooftop with the queen alpha by her side, he was facing a monster.    

    “I don’t know who you are, but it ends now!” Says Telerenn

    “You better do what she says.  Give up or die.”

    “Sorry…” The Sniper armed with his knife. “I’m not going to give in to the likes of you that easily”

    “Your funeral…” The beast had spoken. The Sniper took a swipe to Telerenn’s chest but avoided the attack. She had grasp the Sniper’s arm and crushed his elbow. Repeatedly, Telerenn had smashed his face into the guardrail of the seats. The sight was too gruesome to watch even for the Queen. She could hear the bones snapping into pieces that just felt unnatural to listen to.

    The man was a bloody pulp now, but still was alive.

    “Had enough?”

    The Sniper with his loose fang spat on her face. Despite the powerful urge to kill him for his insult, she let him go. Not that his legs would be useful for months.

    “You had enough.”

    The Sniper just went out cold. Turning to her Queen she kneeled her bulky frame.

    “Forgive me my Queen. I never wanted you to see this side of me. It was a personality I thought I left behind many moons ago.”
    “You are a soldier, Telerenn.” She overlooked the situation before her; the Republic Military had done their job at eliminating the rebels and now the medics move in to help whom they could reach. Aurelanth continue talking “You did what you had to do. From this day forth, you are my honorary royal guard.”

    She looked back to Telerenn, now her muscles were beginning to deflate back to normal, but now the blood kept in was starting to spill through the bandages.

    “Thank you.” She said and collapse while the Queen had caught her. The beautiful silver fur was covered with the blood of her true friend. She could afford to lose her, she had lost too many people she had loved; Telerenn’s suffering had triggered the memory of her Husband dying in front of her.

    “MEDIC!” Aurelanth screamed.

    “SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!! I NEED A MEDIC!”

    It was a grueling several hours but the doctors were able to make it in time. They had patched up the internal damaged made by the bullet wounds. She was under emergency care for the night. Her family was noted about what had happen and were privately escorted to where she was being held. The Queen had met up with them and told them reassuringly that she was going to be alright. The father tried to keep strong in front of the queen, but his age had made his character softer and began to cry. The mother was held back the tears too. The brothers and sisters tried to console each other and their parents.

    The media was sent into a frenzy of what had transpired tonight. It was too much for anyone to bare. Reports of saying from military intelligence say they had captured and destroyed the remnants of Arrogates. News reporters had waited outside the stadium trying to gain insight from the people to what had happen and their experience. Camera men had waited outside the hospital wanting the world the know of the condition of the Queen and Lady Renn. The aftermath of this event was simply out of control until finally, the Queen came out of the hospital to settle the matter once and for all.

    Flashing lights and probing microphones had fought there way to be close to the Queen’s face. She ignored the intrusive figures and spoke.

    “Tonight, what was meant to be a day of celebration, had turn astray. I wish to say first to all the families who were injured in tonight’s event. My prayers go out to you. Those men and women who were victims of this horrid tragedy. I too am affected. Not only because of the pain from my people, but up there is a person up there who risked her life for me. What she did tonight was impossible for most to do. She gain the courage to lead her life in a different direction. She chose to be peaceful and to inspire others. This marvel, should be an example for our people. For tonight, she lays up there in her medical room sleeping soundly from her recovery.”

    The moment she said that, a big relief was given from the newsmen. She continued on.

    “When you go to your homes tonight, do not live in fear. Fear is our enemy and to stop it, we must face that fear. For the Arrogates, it was the change of the times that they feared. From that fear they brought this war and what had happened here tonight. So we must face the times of change and accept it. For if we don’t adapt, we will not survive. So my people, take rest, and pray. Tomorrow live the life how you want it to be as long it is in peace. Thank you.”

    She then returned to the hospital and closed the doors to the world behind her. Things may have been looking up for Telerenn’s health, but it didn’t help the pain among her friends.

    A week and a half had passed by for the injured soldier. The bullet wounds inflicted on her was a constant reminder of pain to what had happen. A strict diet was of liquids like soups and juices so her intestines would heal properly was given to her. When she went to the rehabilitation clinic, it felt like the her first day at Dakarr. Moving her arm and trying not to hunch down because of her stitched abdomen proved to be a challenge. Xrodan came by to visit to give moral support. Both shared some funny stories to what happen to them into the past. She couldn’t laugh too hard though, but the smile alone was worth it.

    Of course her family came by to visit. She was glad to talk with her siblings and how things were going through school. Telerenn gave as much advice as she could to help them because life was hard for her as a teenager when she remembered. Her father told her that the loans were paid off and work was getting back on track. There wasn’t much the mother had said, but whenever she came, she always held Telerenn’s hand for small periods of time.

    Even though she was a tough, she was still a woman. Telerenn knew she tried to keep strong for her daughter, but felt her pain nevertheless.

    A fortnight had passed and things were improving. The doctors could say that could return to solid foods as long as she kept minimal for several more weeks. Finally, she was able to leave the hospital, only to go in the care of the Queen’s Alpha’s servants. She was waded hand over foot to whatever she wanted. In the last phase of her recovery, she was almost as good as she was before. However in the late night, the Queen in her private chambers requested for her. Aurelanth’s bedroom was indescribable compared to the other rooms in the castle. Windows that were set on the wall head length could view the cityscape. The stone tile was even different; it felt smoother and easier to walk on. He bed though...was odd. Not that it was out of place but it looks like it never has been touched let alone slept on. Across though, was a couch that’s fabric was wrinkled.

    Telerenn could see the Queen brushing her raven black hair. She wore an evening gown that comfortable hugged the curves of her body.

    “There you are Telerenn.”

    “My Queen, What ills you?”

    She didn’t know what she meant, but told her intentions “Nothing. I just want to girl talk.”

    “Girl talk?”

    The queen stood up from her boutique mirror and sat on the couch. Simply she patted on the cushion to sit next to her. Telerenn, as a  soldier did what she was told.

    “How are you feeling my dear.”

    “Strong as I can ever be. Just need to be cautious.”

    “Very good Telerenn. Blessed be the claws of fate that give you a speedy recovery.”

    “Yeah…”

    “Telerenn there something I need to say to you.”

    “Yes my Queen.”

    “I...I want you to go home.”

    “Did I disrespect you?”

    “No it’s not that, but as much as I want you here me, I think it’s wrong of me to keep you here without seeing your family. The reason I say this is, I spoke to your family and seeing how much they love you but never see you, saddens me. I feel guilty for keeping you here. A part me really wants you to stay here forever with me.”

    “Uh…” she was red under her black fur “Why thank you my qu--”

    “Another thing. Could you please stop call me ‘My Queen’. I know you’re being respectful but we’ve been together for months and have been the only real person I’ve have talk to. So say my name…”

    Telerenn was a bit weary of calling a high authority figure by their name, but if the queen requested it, so let it be. “Thank you... Aurelanth.”

    A smile brimmed her beautiful face.

    “So I suppose this is my release?”

    “You’re not fired, but I will request for you when I need you. I just want you to finally live your life the way you wanted. You more than earned it. There is just one thing I need you to do.”

    Aurelanth nodded to her bed.

    “Do you know how long I haven’t slept on that bed Telerenn? Since my husband died in the war. It was five years ago...ever since then, that bed has been too big for me to sleep in. I was thinking about getting rid of it, buy something that could fit me. What do you think?”

    “It’s really your call, if it disturbs you into sad memories, perhaps it best you get rid of it.”

    Aurelanth nodded. Then she gave a heavy sigh, “That’s not the only thing. I never really had slept well since then. I had developed a case of insomnia because of handling this whole war by myself as a leader. Most of my own people thought I was just a child with silly dreams, but we made it through the war and those dreams are paying off.”

    “It certainly has.”

    “Telerenn, I know we live long lives and stop aging at our twenties, but I feel like 200 years old instead of 97. So basically I’m saying all this so you can understand what I’m about ask you before you go.”

    “What is it my quee---I mean, Aurelanth?”

    Leaning in closer, the Queen caress Telerenn’s cheek.

    “Sing me to sleep. Just one more time?”

    “Should it be a lullaby or…”

    “No, just a gentle hum would do. It’s good enough for me. Ever since you arrived, your voice has been a big help in recovering my sleep.”

    “So will it be done on your bed.”

    “No, here on this couch is fine.”

    Telerenn stood up and kneeled down while Aurelanth had set herself upon the couch to ready for bed. The soldier searched inside the depths of her mind and heart to find something she could hum the queen to sleep. Once she did, she proceed to do her best. The melody was soothing She didn’t know how long in the night she kept humming until she saw the glisten blue eyes of the queen close her eyes. She still continue her song incase she was a light sleeper. She paused to see if she was asleep.

    “Aurelanth? Are you sleeping?” she whispered.

    It was official; When she heard the Queen make soft little barking noises in her sleep, there was no way she was waking up. Telerenn kisses her on the forehead and proceeds to leave. Returning to her quarters, she packed whatever she had and left her room. As she walks past the grand hall towards the exit. She asks one of the hard-working staff to arrange a transport for her return home. As the transport arrives, Telerenn looks back one last time into the hallway where the queen is sleeping.

“Thank you… for everything.” She says before boarding. The trip was long, but it was worth it. She had returned home.
Part 2 of 2, see more next week!
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