Gardens of Destruction

The general, the professor, and Jana stood before the massive door of the base, bidding farewell to all who were embarking on their journey. Their expressions were somber. No one wanted to accept this moment of parting; no one knew if they would ever gather together again.

Valentina gently embraced her mother and whispered,

“I will return, mom, I promise! Very soon, I will come back stronger than ever.”

Tears burst from Jana. The general bore a sorrowful look, while the professor noisily blew his nose, trying to mask his tears. Yet, nothing could sway the child’s decision. And no one attempted to dissuade her further. They all understood that she represented humanity’s last hope for survival.

“Let’s go!” Valentina commanded. “It’s time for retribution, time for Creation!”

“I will always be by your side, my little Queen!” Mark nodded.

“I know, my General!” she smiled back at him softly.

Valentina glanced towards the colossal silhouette looming in the distance, and the three warriors slowly set off on their path. The child took Mark and Andrey by their hands. With their peculiar weapons slung casually, they marched towards the unknown. They did not know if victory was but a dream, yet they set out in search of it, their gazes fixed on the murky future of humanity, a future carried by the name of a fragile child!

***

From space, Earth still looked as beautiful as ever. Only the unnaturally embedded giant asteroids marred the familiar visage of our world. No one yet realized that Earth was on the cusp of change. The massive objects seemed to shimmer for a moment and then began to rotate slowly.

END OF PART ONE