Chapter 573: Pledge (1/2)

An ancient, unknown source of power surged in the surrounding air. Without exception, all eyes were focused on this continuously growing, majestic being. This entity, that should be their sworn-up leader, the first man, the face of their just cause.

This man, that was suddenly stood distant, high above not just them, but the entire world.

Madam Dara could barely contain the chaotic, heavily thumping heart's beating. She could barely contain to forgo all common sense and lunge at this marvel of a skink with all the heat she felt. She could barely, just barely force common sense up on herself, and take a few stumbling steps back and stand back to the front of her Daughters.

Tolliah's shock and surprise gradually transformed into an elated, increasingly widening smile as she kept looking at her beloved Papa. She always knew that his Papa was strong. She always felt the safety when she was in his arms, or by his side. Even just to reach and touch the hem of his robe was enough to cause her to worry and dark thoughts to be scared away and feel like a happy, cheerful little girl once more.

Only his and her mother's presence could ease her constant worries. Only by the thought that they would be once again together as a happy family could make her continue pushing forward, despite all this… heavy darkness that kept on engulfing them.

”[Reptilian] My papa… Show them! Show everyone how strong you are!” She muttered to herself, whispering her wishes into the wind. With her small right fist, she caught the escaping drops of tears and smeared them across her little face as she slowly lost herself in the sight of his majestic father…

…

”[Reptilian] My dear friends!” Like a strike from a thunderstorm, Aiden's boastful voice reverberated as he exclaimed. A deep, otherworldly undertone carried along with each of his words, further enhancing the august of his speech.

His glowing golden eyes were like brightly brimming stars, providing the only source of light amidst all the looming despair and desperation. The common rabble could only marvel, and get lost in those deep penetrating stars.

”[Reptilian] I can feel your worries, I can smell your fear.” Aiden continued, catching most of the people off-guard with the strange approach of his speech. Yet none spoke up, but listened to him intently, even ignoring the growing shadow in the distance. Suddenly even the approaching army became an irrelevant factor, and only the words of their leader were the only thing that mattered to them in their short, feeble life.

”[Reptilian] It is okay to be afraid. It is natural to be scared. The enemy wants nothing more than to see your… no, OUR demise. They want to see us lying down in our own pool of blood. They want nothing but to make us suffer. To die, miserably for our defiance against their order.”

He paused for a brief moment, giving time for his words to sink into the minds of those present before continuing.

”[Reptilian] They want us to suffer for going against the words of their High Priest, and consequently, the words of the supposed Ancient One!”

He raised his right fist into the air, as he continued with more ferocity in his following words.

”[Reptilian] Well, I say, no more! We will not listen to the words of a corrupt, fake priest! We will not follow the guidance of someone that's only desire is to lord over the weak. We will not follow a heartless bastard! If he really is the one chosen by the great guardian, then…”

Aiden stopped once more, giving even more time for the people to process his words, his vow he is just making, unbeknownst to them as of yet.

After a couple of breaths time, he continued.

”…[Reptilian] Than I say, screw him also! We don't need a God that doesn't care about us! We don't need a traitorous guardian, that isn't only a kinslayer and a destroyer of our world, but would also be so heartless! We will carve our own path, trudge through the dangers together as a family….”

He sighed as he went further.

”[Reptilian] As I stand before you, I give this promise, this pledge to you all: I will fight for your freedom, I will protect your futures. I will not let these monsters steal away the happiness we have all created here! This is my vow to you all.”

Finishing what he wanted to say, Aiden shocked all those present once again with his unexpected action.