Nova Force Book 1

After absorbing every fragment of information, we rallied all capable fighters within the village. Among our inhabitants, not everyone possessed combat prowess; many were adept at farming, monster butchery, or assisting Ted in fortifying our defenses. Our community boasted a sizable number of children, making it crucial to ensure their safety. Besides the brave souls who had ventured to the dungeon, our fighting force numbered thirty, with Analu and myself rounding it out to thirty-two.

Contemplating our situation, I speculated about the strength of our adversaries - Nevarro and Badger - estimating they might have twenty fighters each. Uncertainty loomed over us; we lacked concrete knowledge about their fighting skills or the nature of their attacks. Analu's mental reconnaissance revealed limited details, leaving me to ponder their potential strategies. "What if they underwent training at a dungeon?" I mused aloud, my mind grappling with the possibilities.

Amidst my musings, Analu gathered all capable fighters and some willing volunteers. Wooden shields and swords were distributed, everyone gearing up for what lay ahead. "I want to assist," insisted my mother, but I urged her to remain behind, safeguarding the children and providing healing support for any injuries that might occur.

"This isn't like hunting monsters. These are adversaries with abilities, possibly trained in combat," I emphasized, ensuring everyone understood the gravity of our situation. Janessa handed out potions made from the mangue bleue tree, ensuring everyone was equipped.

"Okay, everyone, we'll split into groups of five. Depart in four different directions, five minutes out, discreet as possible. This is reconnaissance," instructed Analu, outlining our strategy. She delegated tasks for those staying back and designated lookout positions, ensuring our defense while scouting. But dissent simmered among some, notably Jay, a skilled yet resentful fighter.

"Who says we should take orders from someone who's not even from here and from someone who's also cursed?" Jay challenged, his skepticism evident. Ted, a voice of reason among us, silenced Jay's protest, highlighting the imminent danger we faced.

"Jay, we dont have time for this. Can you handle three spiked dogs alone?" Ted confronted him, exposing his vulnerability. The retort silenced Jay, who begrudgingly complied with the plan. 

"Your reward for being rude Jay, you will be grouped with Analuon this mission." said Ted.

With our team assembled, we surged through the biting cold, the fog cloaking our surroundings in an eerie shroud. Every step forward felt like a battle against nature's defiance. The sky, a canvas of foreboding darkness, forewarned of an impending deluge.

Our sprint was abruptly interrupted by a sudden impact on my head, a jarring collision that felt like a stone strike, though it was merely ice falling from the murky heavens. Undeterred by the relentless hail, we continued our advance, our determination unyielding. Reaching our designated position, we scanned the area with every ability at our disposal, probing for any sign of the impending threat. But all that greeted us was the resounding din of the storm, as if the tempest itself conspired to mask any trace of our adversaries.

Retracing our steps, we hurried back to the safety of the village, our wooden shields now serving as our bulwark against the relentless assault of ice shards. Each clang against our makeshift defenses reverberated through the air, a cacophony of defiance against the storm's wrath. I couldn't help but wonder how any windows would withstand this hailstorm - the glass would surely splinter into a million fragments.

Arriving back at the village, everyone sought refuge from nature's fury. The atmosphere crackled with an imminent threat, a tangible sense of foreboding hanging heavy in the air. Despite our scans and vigilance, the storm seemed to be the only adversary present, its unforgiving onslaught masking any other signs of danger lurking in the vicinity.

No one will be trying to attack us in this weather. We didn't have time to stop and talk or anything. We just headed straight for shelter. I signaled with my hands to Analu and we both ran over to my house. Inside was my sister and my little nephew. Mom was over at the medical center. I wonder how they are doing over there. The sounds on the roof were like gunshots.

"I wonder if these wooden rooftops can hold out much longer. Ted needs to speed up his process so we can have stronger walls and roofs but I do thank God for the progress so far.'' I said to Analu.

"Yes, ungratefulness is worse than witchcraft." She replied.

"Ooh, we have a bible reader here." I said with a grin.

" Hey are you guys ok?" Asked Janessa." 

Yea we're ok. Made it back in time. Outside is a disaster. this will totally destroy crops. " Said Analu. 

"Oh shit. Our crops and even cattle! " I said anxiously. 

"Dont worry too much. Ted and some others are out there using their Nova Force as shields to protect some of the crops. The cattle, on the other hand has been transported in their shelter. We don't have a lot of cattle so it was done quickly." Said Janessa. 

"That Ted, he does think fast. He's a perfect fit for our leader. I would have to get him a drink after all this.'' I said.

"Uncle Rommie, the ice fall from the sky and goes boom bang bang on the roof. At first I was scared but then mommy hugged me and gave me one of the ice to eat. So I'm ok now. " Said Atwaine like a story teller as he gestured with his hands.

It was nice seeing him so excited and even happy. I wonder if his father and little brother are still alive. If his father was alive why didn't he try to find him? Well I guess he might have his hands tied up with protecting his little brother. Or maybe he's still a deadbeat dad. Thats if he is alive. 

We all talked and laughed for a bit about the old days. before everything got all gloomy and sad Analu and I went towards my room. This time maybe I will get some action going on. Two of us in my room alone again. I'm so nervous. Should I make the first move?? Or wait, she has to show me a signal again. She has been showing some signs lately but females are weird. I don't want to do anything that I'll regret later. 

She sat on my bed and invited me to sit beside her. The nerve of this girl. This is my room! I didn't object to anything I just hurried on over beside her. The bed creaked as I sat down. It was as if there was no storm outside. The room had an airy but awkward silence to it. The feeling of anxiety and something else was in the air also. It was nerve wrecking yet felt good at the same time. I turned around and looked in her eyes as she started back at me. It was like we were staring into each other's souls. I was speechless. I didn't know what to do. My hand acted on its on and touched her hands on the bed. When our hands touched it was like sparks flying. I haven't felt this in aged. 

But wait....did she love me??. I'm not sure. That one question and hesitation killed the whole mood. We were moving closer to each other but I pulled away. Leaving her hanging. "What's wrong?" she asked. 

"Leaving a girl hanging I see. This is embarrassing. I'll be with your sis and nephew if you need me." She said. Before she got up I held her hand and pulled her back. "No don't leave." I said, sounding like a desperate little girl. "I'm sorry....I...I just....I have a hard time when it comes to stuff like this based on my last relationship. " I said. "Do you want to talk about it?" She asked. "Well... not really but lets just say I was sick to a point where I was next to vegetable state and only someone who loves you with a pure heart would stick with you and love you. 

My ex, however, did me wrong and treated me like trash majority of the time I was sick then left me for some guy she was flirting with when I just got sick." I explained to her. "Wow... she sure sounds...sounds like a real shit head. Not everyone is like that young Iglesias." Said Analu as she kissed me on my cheeks. "I'll tell you one thing...the first time I saw you, you weren't the one the really stood out at all but I like guys like that to an extent. The mysterious guys. You surprised me when you came and started dancing with me but I liked it. You seemed cool and everything but....what intrigued me the most was that after a few days I could read everyone's thoughts to an extent except for you. 

I could see fragments of all your friends' thoughts but nothing at all from you. Even now. That just helped to build my interest in you...." Analu explained. She even started to look all over and twist her feet. Her cheeks flushed red also. Was she actually blushing? I've never seen this side to her. It's even cuter. Im such an idiot. I let my past ruin a perfect opportunity a few moments ago with the most beautiful girl ever. 

"Then that lead to...other things developing." She said in the softest most angelic voice ever. "But I'll leave that here for now."

I know she liked me but did she love me?!?? Now I'm even more curious. I wish I had her abilities just for a second. "To be honest, I really like you. I think you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen before and after the Supernova." I said.

Like what did I just say!! I seemed cooler on the outside but I was totally freaking out on the inside. My statement made her blush uncontrollably. "You're greatest feature though is your strength and your beautiful soul. That outclasses physical beauty any day." With this she had a radiant smile on her face and said thank you. I couldn't let her be the only one giving compliments here. Well it's not a compliment for me. I merely just speak the truth.

The noise outside dwindled, allowing an eerie silence to settle, but just as tranquility teased its presence, a thunderous bang shattered the calm, followed by a terse, urgent call that sliced through our hushed conversation. We hurried to the front door, startled, only to find Tom, his countenance etched with worry, a man typically unshakable in the face of uncertainty.

"What's going on, Tom?" I inquired, my voice tinged with concern.

"Sam... he went back to retrieve his sword from the Mangue bleue tree," Tom explained in a rush. "He hasn't returned. We scoured the area, saw no one, nothing out of the ordinary. I'm not in a panic, but it's odd. I need you to come with me. I'll show you where we last saw him."

"Analu, keep an eye here," I instructed my companion. "Make sure everything stays secure. If I'm not back in 30 minutes, gather the others and come find us."

"Wait, Rome, I'm coming..." Analu's voice trembled with a mix of determination and concern, but before she could finish, I gently interrupted her.

"We can't leave the village unguarded. You know we're the two best fighters here," I spoke with a tone laced with resolve. "You stay. I'll go. Okay? And thank you for spending time with me. It's the highlight of my day," I expressed, offering her a grateful smile before hastening away.

As I turned to depart, a myriad of emotions surged within me. Gratitude for Analu's unwavering support battled against the urgency that propelled me forward. The weight of responsibility bore down on my shoulders, a solemn reminder of the duty I carried to protect our village. Despite the gravity of the situation, a pang of regret tugged at my heartstrings, leaving a bittersweet taste in my mouth as I left Analu behind.

I felt a sense of purpose driving my steps, yet a fleeting glance backward betrayed a twinge of longing. The bond between us, forged through shared experiences and battles fought side by side, lingered in the air like an unspoken promise. But duty beckoned, drowning out the yearning for companionship as I ventured into the unknown, my heart heavy with both resolve and the ache of leaving behind a cherished moment.

Stepping outside with Tom, an unsettling tension hung heavy in the air. Shadows played sinister games amidst the foliage as we ventured toward the Mangue bleue tree. Tom's usually unwavering composure betrayed a flicker of apprehension, heightening my unease.

"Are you sure you didn't miss anything, Tom?" I pressed, my senses on high alert.

"We combed the area thoroughly," Tom assured, though his voice wavered slightly. "This way. He was right around here."

A chill ran down my spine as we approached the tree, its gnarled branches casting elongated shadows that danced menacingly on the ground. Something felt amiss—unsettling and ominous. The absence of any sign of Sam sent a shiver through me, a foreboding silence enveloping the surroundings like a sinister cloak.

As we probed further, the woods seemed to swallow the echoes of our whispers, leaving us ensconced in an eerie stillness. The mystery thickened, and a palpable sense of urgency hung in the air, driving us deeper into the heart of the unknown.