The Hearth Fire

Thus, the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months. They had no choice but to become sponges which absorbed everything their Leader and Mentor threw at them.

They had shed sweat, blood and tears.

Every day they would learn about business, war, diplomacy, ethics and self-development; All while fighting their own demons.

Amaranthus had the charisma to lead, and the iron hand of understanding to teach. Although Centinus and Andara struggled to keep up, they faithfully held on with a death-like grip.

Honestly, it almost felt as if Amaranthus was doing everything in his power to shake them off, but that's beside the point.

They had no choice in the matter, if they wanted to be a part of something much bigger than themselves, that is.

...

When the Terran Displacements started fourteen years ago, Centinus had a family of twelve. After the world got news of the cover up orchestrated by every major nation and the World Government, anarchy reigned supreme in every corner of the world. It caused nations to collapse, and all form of order to disappear. Even the days had turned darker.

The product of the governments deceit and attempt to cover up such a significant event, was a people who became distrustful, panicked, desperate and rageful.

In the years that ensued, people died. Loved ones were killed or trafficked, daughters were sold off as commodities, mothers r**** and abandoned, even children were fending for themselves.

Any attempts made by large governments to rally a common banner were torn apart. Their power stripped from their imaginary authority. The people no longer paid any heed to the so called top class, nor the self proclaimed religious leaders.

Righteous Rebellion in chaos, was far more enticing than a corrupted government and an oppressive lifestyle.

Centinus's family was dealt an unfortunate hand in life. His parents were a pair of lovebirds that became bed ridden soon after their twelfth child, they died in their sleep due to unknown causes. Thus, Centinus had to protect his little brothers and sisters.

He was only thirteen when the responsibility was pushed upon his shoulders, and he did his best for the years that followed.

But he failed.. Everyday he was haunted by the faces of the siblings that went missing, that were kidnapped, killed or much much worse..

Until, one day, the man himself came and rescued them from certain doom when Centinus was twenty-four.

At that time, Amaranthus was just another human who was trying to survive, a young boy with a fierce hand and an even bigger heart. As he grew, and developed, he became something more and the mark he left on people grew exponentially.

That day, Centinus decided to follow in his idols footsteps, as weird as it sounded for a twenty-four year old to follow a seventeen year old youth.

Many people carried that same weight, the painful hollowed feeling in one's chest from losing family.

Andara grew up on her own because she was abandoned. Even then, she still tried to build a supportive circle.

She failed.

She was lied to, betrayed, left for dead. She was so close to giving up on humanity, and it had broken her.

But then, Amaranthus staged a raid on the southeast part of Northwind City, saving her.

Ever since then she had found a home.

Of course there was the occasional quarrel, but it was more home than anything she had ever experienced.

She even gave Amaranthus a nickname that closely followed his main title, and which many within the faction grew fond of, and the biggest reason why he was able to accomplish what many failed to do.

"The Hearth Fire."

The warmth of home.

...

After a full year of training, the previous versions of Centinus and Andara were all in the past, they had grown up in mind and heart.

They were capable of protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their people. They were true leaders in every sense of the word.

They became Amaranthus's Mini me's, haha.

....

Today, they met on the top floor of the Dark Chrome building.

A year later, the day was exactly the same as when they had witnessed Amaranthus's heartfelt speech.

"You both have exceeded my expectations." Amaranthus smiled gently as he slowly stood up.

His every move was subtle and natural.

He stood in front of Centinus and Andara, gazing at them gently. He had grown fond of these two, for they carried the heart of those who were willing to sacrifice themselves to keep their home safe.

"You two will be placed as my Sub-Leaders. Effective immediately you will be thrown into the fire. In the event that something happens to me and I am unable to fulfill my duties as the Leader of the Unfading Heart Faction, you two will replace me."

Centinus was surprised, how could they be thrown into it just like that?

Andara was the quieter and more observant of the two, so she had gained a blurry picture from the beginning. She only silently nodded, meanwhile Centinus' jaw dropped.

"My Logistics Hand is waiting for you in the lobby, she will help you transition into your roles. You are dismissed."

They both bowed gracefully before leaving.

...

He stood in front of the window in his office, overlooking Northwind City.

"Uncle, they will have a chance, even if I'm not around anymore."

Amaranthus once more, felt the hollow feeling of loss.