Valiancy

By Terrell Kornegay

After the fall of mankind as a whole, new life repopulated and flourished in the world, creating new civilisations. In the city-state Anosilvus, one of the many sprawling societies on the "new" planet, special individuals police the metropolis, those special individuals being the product of an experimental programme called the Aura-Attunement Programme. After a particularly damaging incident, however, questions about the special officers are raised and unrest begins to toil within the city. Then come the consequences.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365330001

Book preview

Valiancy

Valiancy

Terrell Kornegay

I’m not sure you’re understanding what I’m getting at—that was $60,000 in property damage! $60,000! That’s a lot of money. A man, at least half of one, was patronising.

The room was dark, probably to add some sense of intimidation they thought they had. It was a strange idea seeing that it was a tad difficult to intimidate someone you’re afraid of. Across from the scary high-ranking official was a monster. Across that table was a beast that silenced the mobbing crowd, a terror that brought death, a force of nature that made the bravest cower. Something you couldn’t afford to take as a joke.

I get you, playa, the ever-so facetious monster said while leaning back in his creaky, wooden chair. But it was unavoidable.

There was this moment of silence that wasn’t too silent at all; neither of them really said anything, they just stared at each other while the beast balanced himself on the two hind legs of his chair. The chair would creak as he rocked—and it was a loud creak that far surpassed the adjective of annoying.

Moon! The suit had enough.

The monster did indeed have a name. His name was Moon and it was just Moon. He had no last name nor middle name—Moon wasn’t even his first name. Moon was an assumed name required by all special officers like him. To his memory, he had no parents or family of any kind. All he could recollect was living on the streets as a kid until he was offered a life with the APD – Anosilvus Police Department.

I get it! $60,000 in property damage—the department knew exactly what was going to happen when they sent me to do my job! I’m the head of the Assault Division! How do you not expect these things?!

Before Richard, APD treasurer, could even open his mouth, the door to the room opened. Light shone behind a plump figure with his hands behind his back. Even though you couldn’t make out his appearance all too well, his trademark walrus moustache was visible in the silhouette. The door closing behind him revealed the figure to be O’Donnell, the rather round police chief of the department. O’Donnell, with a wave of his hand, signalled Richard to continue.

"We do understand, Moon. We get that. And since you seem like you have some general comprehension skill—"

—are you calling me dumb? Moon cut in.

Yes, Richard continued. But as I was saying, you can understand that’s a lot of money. We need you to be more careful.

Or what? Moon folded his arms.

From the way he said it to how he said it, he shut Richard right up. There was no hesitation, no regard for his superiors, and no respect. He even scared himself a little, but he didn’t show it.

Moon, O’Donnell solemnly opened his mouth. Leave the room. I need to talk with Richard privately.

Moon did as his chief said and stood up. He thought nothing of it, he just did it. He closed the door behind him and moved on to what he intended on doing before he was pulled to the side by the treasurer.

Six feet tall, oval shaped face, skin colour of brown, medium build; Moon was a pretty average person in all honesty, despite his irregular eyes. His eyes almost seemed as if they were mutated, the entirety of both of them being luminescent, dark blue, and snake-like; seeing that he was humanesque, they shouldn’t have been that way. Other than his eyes, however, his appearance was just as normal as everyone else.

Despite his physical appearance, what made him different was the reason he could cause $60,000 worth of property damage. Just like all of the other special officers, Moon participated in a programme that attuned him to the world energy known as aura. With the ability to utilise aura, he became an aura officer and served the city of Anosilvus under APD’s order.

Aura was a force that existed in all living things. Interior and exterior, the two basic forms of aura both needed to be utilised to be an effective user. All other forms of aura after those two were ventures that were to be had on the user’s mark.

Most sentient beings weren’t attuned to their aura, meaning that it was an impossibility to utilise exterior aura and near impossible to even feel interior aura. Through artificial attuning, however, it became possible for the use of both. The miraculous applications of aura extended from helping a plant grow to causing $60,000 worth of property damage.

Chapter 1 – It’s Probably Disciplinary

He walked down the halls, Moon did. His hands were deep in his pockets and he was hunched over, his fang necklace bobbling with each step. His eyes drifted down in realisation of what he had done. He was embarrassed, or at least he felt embarrassed. His hands had done too much damage. It was true that all he destroyed were abandoned housing projects, but it was still all too reckless. They all saw him as a monster—he knew they did. By the time he let his pent up air out in the form of an exhale, he was in the locker room. He moved on to the weight room after he changed his clothes and immediately went to work.

When in the gym, the aura-attuned worked out unassisted by aura. They relied on what their body could do on its own and they built upon it, bettering it. Was it actually needed? Not entirely; if a scrawny kid could use aura well enough, he or she could lift more than a bodybuilder. To have natural strength and fitness, however, was a good backup to have. Not only that, but working out just felt good to Moon.

It wasn’t long until he noticed a familiar face in the department gym. She was across from him, using a weight machine designated for triceps. Her hair was in a bun, out of her face; she had a diamond face shape, a gorgeous smile, and round cheekbones that only accentuated said smile. Her eyes were sly and narrow, commonly likened to that of a fox. She had an athletic body, her skin was brown, and her eye colour was a darker brown.

When she noticed he was looking at her, she flashed a smile at him and continued doing what she was doing. Just seeing her was enough to banish the unwanted thoughts from his head. He continued his workout; muscles pulling, beads of sweat bouncing off of him, and breaths coming in and out of him like clockwork. He was focused and enjoying every second of it.

An hour and a half went by before she was done, and as soon as she finished, Moon followed. She was bent down and in her locker, rummaging for whatever she needed. Moon walked over, his locker right above hers, and leaned against the lockers beside her.

You were pretty late. She pointed out.

I had a little trouble. Moon answered.

Her name was Raika, humanesque, long-time partner to Moon. Just like him, she only had a single, assumed name. The two were homeless together in their younger years and were accepted into APD around the same time. She was an aggressive one, one you would always have to watch your words with; just pronouncing her name as ‘rye-kah’, the proper pronunciation, instead of ‘ray-kah’, her preferred pronunciation, could set her off. Most people could never be comfortable with her because of that temper of hers. Alternatively, there was a silly nature within her as well, almost a rare sight that only tended to come out when she’s ready to show it to you.

I heard, she continued as she closed her locker. But you let that get in the way of your workout though. Kinda lame, Moon.

What are you saying here?

I’m saying you better go in there and finish your workout. She ordered as she picked her jacket out of from her locker.

Moon was going to protest but after she turned and looked at him, he didn’t even attempt. All he did was say ‘yes mam’ and march right back into the weight room. With a turn and a satisfied grin, she walked away with her bag in hand. Her being off duty meant it was time to either buy anything good looking or go off to nap; by the time she hopped in her car, she realised the latter was far more appealing.

When she pulled into her driveway, Raika stepped out of the car and just stood there. She leaned against the driver side door and simply stood still. There was a type of appreciation she had for the world; it was the type of appreciation that would have her take time out of her day to respect it. It was a love for all that was real, all that she could see and feel. There was a beauty to everything, she felt. Anytime she would try to explain the sentiment, it would never come out right, so she eventually quit trying.

Her nap came as soon as she walked into her house and crashed on the couch. The amount of time she used to sleep was unknown to her, but it had to be more than two hours since a sight for sore eyes was with her as she woke up. Her head was comfortably on his lap while he was watching some show on TV.

How was the workout? She asked, looking up at him.

Never did it, gonna be honest with you. Moon confessed.

Ugh, you’re such an ass. She replied as she turned over to watch TV.

Before I left, O’Donnell assigned us a case. We have to get on it in the morning as soon as possible.

Raika turned her head around and buried her face into Moon’s torso; the very idea of work wasn’t something she wanted to hear, but it came as an interest to her. People in Assault Division didn’t usually get called out on cases, they were treated like the cavalry of APD.

Did he brief you on it? She asked.

…Yeah… Uh, apparently, I’ve been acting too reckless, so he put me on an assignment that forces me to behave. So yeah.

Wait, we’re on punishment?

Yep.

Because of you? Raika looked up at him.

Yep.

…Eh, that’s ok.

There was only one person in the world who Raika wouldn’t allow her temper to run rampant on. Anyone else would have probably fell victim to a storm of swear words and, if she were really angry, taken a couple blows. With Moon on the other hand, every mishap was an adventure she was willing to take.

Chapter 2 – What Power Means

Moon and Raika sat in their cruiser, both exhaling the heavy burden that was put on them. Their assignment was one that would require great precision; they were both put on the case of a 47-year-old man who was suspected of body trafficking—more specifically, a child trafficker. Detectives found evidence that linked the suspect to humanesque trafficking, but it wasn’t definitive. He was to be taken in and questioned, however, there was a slight problem; the suspect was a shut-in so he’s with the kids 24/7. It was doubtful that he would leave with officers peacefully, so force was likely necessary. Not extensive force, for the sake of the children, but force all the same. It was all about restraint for the two Assault Division officers, something that they weren’t used to.

This isn’t a good idea, Raika said as Moon drove, anxiously tapping the side of her head, resting her elbow along the side of the door.

I know. Moon added in.

"What does he think this is—some kind of life lesson? Those kids are gonna be in danger as soon as we step in that house. This is really not a good idea." She said, much more nervous currently than she was last night.

Then we don’t have any other choice. We have to be careful.

We wouldn’t have to be careful! We wouldn’t have to do anything if he assigned the right people! She exclaimed.

Relax, it’s alright. I know you’re worried about those kids, so use that worry to help them. He told her.

It took her a second, but she calmed down, even though she didn’t want to. She realised that keeping a level head was truly the only way to ensure the safety of the children. The case was her responsibility now no matter what, so she had to play with the hand dealt. She looked out of the window, watching the city go by, still unsure. Moon, on the other hand, was ready to get the job done.

They pulled up to a nice suburban home, the type of place you wouldn’t expect any atrocities or offences to happen in. As the two stepped out, the house’s front door opened up and out came a long haired man that can easily be described as a hippie. He greeted the officers with a kindness that masked smugness. Moon approached and innocently greeted him in return, but Raika stayed quiet at the car. She only folded her arms and leaned against the car, trying her best not to stare daggers.

I can see you’re used to our kind, huh? Moon asked, casual.

Officers have been around once or twice. You can say I’ve adjusted. They say a lot of things about me, but all I’m doing is providing for my children. The suspect said.

His children. They’re his children, he told Moon. When Raika heard that, a nerve was struck. She wanted to level him—erase everything about him. What she wanted, however, was something that would get in the way of her job and she knew which one was more important.

Moon analysed the suspect while speaking to him. He was clearly the type that liked to talk a lot, mostly about himself. He didn’t look very strong and he seemed unarmed, not like a weapon would really matter. Unfortunately, that was all the information he could gather. Moon always tried to examine people thoroughly like a friend of his did; the information he could get out of even a measly smudge on a suspect’s shirt was unbelievable and Moon’s been trying to emulate his ability ever since he met him.

Well you’re never going to have to deal with us again, Mr. Oppun—it is Oppun, right? Moon asked, in which the suspect nodded. Yeah, yeah, you don’t have to worry about us ever coming here again. We’re bringing you in.

I’m sorry? Why exactly?

Let’s be honest Oppun, we know you’re a child trafficker. Moon told him.

I don’t know what you’re talking about man, haha. This sounds way too crazy for me. Oppun played innocent.

The only thing that’s crazy is how easy it is to get someone to turn on someone else. Remember your last client? Moon smugly played his trump card.

There was a flash of distress that came across Oppun’s face, one that he quickly concealed. Moon’s bluff was getting to him so, naturally, it was time to keep attacking.

It’s over, he continued. We have you on selling kids like they were property. You’re done.

Mr. Oppun was put on a mental tilt, shaking him and making his past experience with officers useless. He panicked, his face plastered with fear and shock. He was unsure of what to do, feeling the jig was up. He soon came to a decision, however; he ran back into his house and slammed the door behind him. Moon sighed afterward, marvelling at the dumb choice he just witnessed. Raika stood up from the side of the car and joined her partner. With a twist of the knob, the door opened.

He really forgot to at least lock the door? Moon said.

Or maybe he let us in on purpose. Some kind of trap. Raika said as she walked in, humouring the notion.

Like that matters. Moon replied with a shrug.

They were in a hallway that had sides holding doorways which led to different rooms of the dark house. Immediately to their left was what looked like a living room, a little ways further to the right was a kitchen, directly ahead and to the left were personal rooms, and across from the personal rooms on the left was a staircase leading upstairs, the place where the kids likely stayed.

They walked down the dark hallway, floorboards creaking. The squeaks of the wood were the only sounds in that house, like it was abandoned. Each room was checked until the only place left to go was upstairs. Raika went up first, only to be greeted by nothing. Not a soul present.

Anyone up there!? Moon asked aloud.

Nope! I think I’m just gonna seek!

Go on ahead! Call them out as soon as you see them.

Seeking was an ability aura officers employed to find suspects in hiding. It was like a type of visual filter, darkening everything in sight with the exception of aura. If it’s alive, you can seek it and that’s exactly what Raika did. Her eyes panned across the dark house with her now even darker view. She eventually looked down to see Moon and something directly under Moon. It was a group of yellow outlines.

They’re right under you! She called out, deactivating seek.

The suspect heard Raika’s voice, but before he could even do anything, Moon came crashing through the floorboards and landed in front of the group. The kids looked scared, but the suspect looked more frightened than any of them.

Come on now, let’s go. Moon said as he extended his open hand as an almost friendly gesture.

All Mr. Oppun had to do was reach out and grab Moon’s palm, it would have all been over if he did that. But he didn’t. He made another dumb decision and drew a previously concealed gun. He shot it without so much as a care for something many people call ‘aiming’. The pop rang in the ears of the children, deafening many for a moment. Oppun missed entirely, his hands too shaky for him to acquire his target. Moon knew he was going to miss, he could tell, but he was more so disappointed that Oppun fired in general. He withdrew his hand and approached, shaking his head.

I dare you to do it again. He egged the suspect on, his voice low and menacing.

Oppun’s hand squeezed the trigger, but he missed for a second time; to be fair, it wasn’t his fault, it was the fault of the person behind him. That person was Raika, her left arm around the suspect’s neck and her right hand redirecting the gun upward.

You know there was a trap door that you could have went down. She asked, directed at Moon.

You had more time to look for one than I did.

The arrest was made after the suspect was disarmed. The children were let out of the basement via ladder and kept together outside. While Moon handled Mr. Oppun, Raika took time out to tend to the shocked kids. The group was in variety, every other child being that of a different species; hybrids and humanesque, they were.

The world was riddled with diversity all due to a calamity that happened so long ago that an exact date couldn’t be determined. Earth was a progressing planet before the great disaster that ended it all; the remnant of that disaster was a planet-wide radiation that grew weaker as time moved forward. That radiation was what is now known as aura. In the early ages, aura oddly mutated what was left of the planet, whether it was biotic or abiotic. Organisms merged with each other, merged with the environment, or just changed in general.

Hybrids came from the merging of the human species with any other animal; humanesques looked exactly like humans and were the closest you could get to being a human, despite genetic alterations. Generations upon generations of breeding improved the mutated species’ with each step; no longer were there disgusting defects roaming the land, but proper creatures without a foot growing on their head and a hand coming out of their rear. They were the ones who stood tall on the new planet.

She was fortunately able to calm the kids, Raika was; when they were calm, she was calm. There were no casualties, only minor damage, and an arrest was made. They had passed that little test that O’Donnell forced them to take and Raika wanted to shove that in his face. She planned out exactly what she would say in her head when she would see the chief again.

The children were taken to safety and the suspect was taken into custody for the time being. Moon and Raika did their job, or at least they did the job of the Chaser Division, so the case was handed off to other officers when they returned to the department. The two reported to O’Donnell afterward, in which Raika was finally able to rub it in his face. The chief didn’t care for the gloating much, but he didn’t go ballistic over it. Raika could never cause him to lose his composure, none of the aura officers could. They were like family to him and him to they. Even Raika, whose soul was set on bragging as soon as she stepped in that office, was close to him.

You done? O’Donnell asked.

Not even close. Raika replied.

Well you’re going to have to be because I’m assigning you another case.

It was an assignment that, once again, wasn’t their forte. This time, however, O’Donnell told them that they were only assigned to the case because of how it related to them, not because it’s some kind of punishment. They were to capture a fugitive, one who was once an officer. It wouldn’t have been a problem for the two normally, but when they were told who it was, there was definitely an issue.

Sora, an assumed name, was previously an officer of APD—a close friend with both Raika and Moon. A while back, he was accused of murdering a witness in a case against one of the most powerful, influential people in the city. The evidence against him was staggering and by protocol alone, Sora was supposed to be captured. Not a single aura officer wanted to arrest him, believing that he was innocent, so they never really tried.

No way, chief. Get someone else to do it. Moon outright denied.

See, this is what I’m tired of. Everyone believes he’s innocent—I get that—so goddamn prove it! That’s your assignment! Prove that Sora is innocent! O’Donnell demanded before he shooed them off.

To prove his innocence was an order they were willing to accept. They themselves had no idea how to begin the assignment, so the first thing they did was ask around in the Detective Division. Those in it were happy to help.

With a point in the right direction, the two found themselves in the western portion of Anosilvus, nearing Bethesda Maximum Security. It was a prison tower situated in the centre of Bethesda Lake holding the most dangerous of criminals. They took a ferry to the island tower and gained access after showing their