July 16th, 2702 - Demigods (part 3) - Arcadeus Mara

It has almost been a month since General Arcadeus Mara declared war upon the Human race. Since then there has been a great divide among the people of Earth. Humans rioted against the Demigods who they deemed too risky to live with. To the common eye, the picture was black and white but there were those who knew better.

The war wasn't simply Humans versus Demigods. There was much more. There was politics. When General Arcadeus called for the unification of Demigods he intended every single one to follow him without question because he insisted that it was the only way they would ever stay safe and survive. History will go on to show that most, because not all, Demigods answered his call. Those who refused were also split into two groups. Those who believed they could serve the Human race as 'superheroes', a term not taken lightly in the real world. Then there were those who saw Arcadeus unfit to rule and opposed him completely. Things were never really simple.

By July 16th General Arcadeus had France under his control and was coordinating attacks on the neighbouring nations. His intentions were to simply scare them off to gain breathing space but the Humans were persistent in their attacks. There were casualties every day but fortunately for Arcadeus, there were fewer Demigod deaths than Human. His army was untrained but tough which pleased him. But those who opposed his rule pained him constantly. Weeding them out was impossible until they protested or struck but when they did Arcadeus made sure to torment them publicly in front of everyone. 

On this day, in the evening, there was another protest in the city streets. Demigods with their fists in the air chanted "Death to Arcadeus". This was something he didn't tolerate and could no longer give room to. Incidences such as these had to be put down immediately. 

About twenty or more Demigods were protesting. They arrived in front of the General's fort and demanded to see him. The fort was designed by him and made by Demigods who could control and bend Earth's natural minerals and resources to their will. It had a strong resemblance to old German forts but with a darker touch that demanded authority and obedience the moment anyone laid their eyes upon it. 

The protesting Demigods were finally stopped by two giants. These men were like living myths, reaching a height of seven meters, and guarded the entrance to the fort. Everyone had powers of their own that had incredible potential but no matter how strong anyone was size always seemed to threaten people more. However, the guardians of the gate never initiated in battle. This was because Arcadeus needed the training. 

"Leave the premises and never return." said one of the guardians. 

"Death to Arcadeus!" chanted the protesters in unison. 

"Leave the area! This is for your own good! You will not be warned again!"

"Death to Arcadeus! He has brought destruction and death upon us!" 

"Heed your words!" roared Arcadeus from atop. "You dare blame me for what has happened? Have I not fought for your right to live?" The protesters angrily followed the voice with their eyes and found the General who had let his hair and beard grow to a good length, covering his visage from any onlookers. He looked like a mess but the man had never been more focused in his life. He simply had no time to waste to look his best. He wore a black trench coat that further contributed to his image, creating a menacing looking figure. "I have lost a wife! I fought for your lives! This is how you repay me? You are NOTHING without me!" he spat. 

"No one gave you the right to stand for our way of life!" replied a woman among the crowd. "You and Tasia appointed yourselves to lead us Demigods but you never asked for our opinion! You simply believed that war will come because of hostility amongst our races but you, in fact, forced this. You wanted war General Mara!"

"And did I want my wife dead as well?" he questioned. "Did I want this war so passionately that I sacrificed my beloved wife? Do you hear the words coming from your mouths? Or has the illusion of self-righteousness consumed you all?"

"Your death will bring the world peace! We simply wish to live with our families once again."

"If you're here in Paris instead of wherever the hell it is you came from then you must know by now that you are unwanted in the rest of the world. WE are unwanted. The only place safe for Demigods now is France and it shall stay that way!"

"Not if you surrender! Take back your..." The woman suddenly exploded, blood and guts spraying in every direction. Arcadeus landed roughly in the middle of the crowd and immediately began pummelling down on the awestruck Demigods. 

Lightning and fire shot across the streets, burning and jolting everyone Arcadeus had an eye on. Roughly twenty seconds had passed until all of the protesters but one was alive. He hastily grabbed the Demigod, a man who looked like he was in his mid-thirties, and stared directly into his eyes.

"Tell everyone that this is the last. No more. What I did here is being nice. You should count yourself lucky should your death ever be as swift as theirs the next time you cross me." The Demigod simply stared back, pale as the moon. "I will not and cannot allow any more disturbances from my kind. I will not show any kind of leniency. I am at war. I am here to serve and to protect my race. If you believe that I am at fault then face me but only after this war. After all, this isn't a governmental position we're arguing about here. This is war and I am a General. Do you understand?" The man nodded, shivering with fear. "Democracy is not dead. It is simply on hold. I am no dictator. But like I said... We are at war and I have no patience at the moment. If there are any more of you I want you to go back to them and tell them what I have told you now. Politics will have to wait."

Arcadeus eased off on his grasp and let the Demigod breath. "Now go." The Demigod turned and quickly hurried off but Arcadeus wasn't finished. "Hey!" The Demigod turned only to see Arcadeus leaping on to him like a wild animal. He thrust one hand upon the neck of the Demigod and the other on his arm and began pulling the limb apart. The Demigod screamed in agony. "You will NOT leave here unscathed! You will cherish the SECONDS of life I give you once I am done with you. Anyone who mutters my name will do so with RESPECT! You do NOT threaten my life. Not after all I've done. Not after I've lost my wife for this cause!" The arm finally tore off and was thrown to the side. Arcadeus lifted the man by the neck and glared once more. "Death to Arcadeus? How fucking dare you."