The News of the Invasion

“Ugh!” Belinda slowly opened her eyes, feeling a soft, cool touch on her jawline. The first thing she saw was Luca’s face, close to hers.

“Luca?” she murmured in a raspy voice.

“Bell, I have to leave,” Luca said, his words causing Belinda to furrow her brows in confusion.

Gripping the blanket tightly around her bare body, she began to sit up with Luca’s help.

“Where are you going? Did something happen?” She asked, her confusion evident in her expression.

“I just received news from Ares that the Ravis in the Danice and Arsy regions are mobilizing to Earth to carry out a mission—a mission to completely conquer Earth and annihilate humankind,” Luca explained, leaving Belinda stunned.

She fell silent for a moment, her mouth slightly open as if trying to speak, but no words came out. Thoughts swirled in her mind as she tried to process the shocking information. “A mission to conquer Earth? Does that mean they’ll settle on Earth soon?” she asked, her voice trembling with fear.

Luca nodded, his gaze filled with guilt and hesitation. “They believe humans pose a threat to their plans to dominate the Earth and its water resources. They aim to eliminate humanity entirely before humans can hinder their mission,” he said.

Belinda’s heart pounded in her chest. She couldn’t imagine a world destroyed, void of human life. “We have to do something, Luca. We can’t let this happen!” she exclaimed, newfound determination igniting within her.

“Yes, I know,” Luca replied. “But we must be cautious. There are many unknowns, and they have numerous warriors to support their mission.”

Belinda stared at Luca, feeling a growing resolve. “Then let me help. I can’t just sit back and watch,” she said firmly, her breath steadying.

“You still need to go to the Crystal Ice Castle,” Luca insisted.

“And what about the invasion?” Belinda pressed.

“I’ll go there and assist the Northern warriors in halting Danice and Arsy before they reach Earth. Meanwhile, you’ll head to the Crystal Ice Castle with Orion. After that, come to where I’ll be. I’ll wait for you, and together, we’ll fight them and restore peace to our homeland,” Luca proposed.

As their eyes met, both felt the heavy weight of their responsibilities but also the precious hope that fueled their resolve. This fight was not just about survival but about protecting everything they held dear on Earth.

Belinda nodded, though it pained her to leave Luca. “But… are you sure you can handle this alone? It’s not an easy task, Luca,” she asked, her worry apparent.

Luca took a deep breath, his expression firm. “I’m not alone. The Northern warriors will assist me. Together, we must stop them. And I need you to focus on your task. I’m a ruler; my power is equal to theirs. Trust me,” Luca reassured her.

“Orion,” Belinda murmured. “Can he be trusted to accompany me?” she asked, not doubting Luca’s choice but fearing a betrayal within the Ravis.

“Of course. He’s experienced in this. He’ll protect you. And Bell, you must hurry. We don’t have much time,” Luca replied, his tone firm yet gentle.

Belinda felt her courage reignite. This mission wasn’t just about the two of them—it was for all humanity and the Ravis. “Alright, I’ll go to the castle,” she said resolutely. “But promise me you’ll be careful and not get hurt. Promise, Luca?”

With a faint smile, Luca replied, “I promise. We’ll meet again and defeat them together.”

Belinda felt a strong determination surge within her. They were embarking on this journey for a greater cause, and though the road ahead was fraught with danger, their hope for victory burned brighter. “Now go. I’ll follow soon,” she said with conviction.

Luca nodded in understanding and walked toward the door, leaving Belinda with a growing sense of certainty. He wouldn’t stop fighting for a better future.

Luca soon found Orion in his quarters.

“You mean Arsy is collaborating with Danica?” Orion asked.

“Yes, and they’re also working with Gordon,” Luca added.

“What? Gordon? That’s treachery!” Orion exclaimed in shock.

“Yes, it is. Regardless, we must stop them,” Luca said. “Orion, I need your help.”

“What is it?” Orion asked, looking at Luca intently.

“I need you to escort Belinda to the Crystal Ice Castle. Protect her while I head to space to intercept those planning to invade Earth,” Luca explained.

“Luca, wait. Before you go, answer my question,” Orion said, his tone calm but his gaze sharp and cold.

“What is it?” Luca asked.

“Why do you want to protect Earth? Didn’t we all agree to make Earth our future home once Mars is completely dry and consumed by the sun?” Orion asked.

“I’m doing this because there’s another way to save Mars and the Ravis, Orion. With Belinda’s power, everything can be resolved. And I’ve promised Bell that I’ll protect Earth in exchange for her help,” Luca replied.

“And you believe your wife will do her best?” Orion asked, still skeptical.

Luca met Orion’s gaze with unwavering determination. “I trust Belinda. She’s more than just my wife—she’s an extraordinary ally. She has a power she doesn’t yet fully understand, and with it, she can make a difference.”

Orion exhaled deeply, pondering Luca’s words. “But we all know how strong Danica and Arsy are, not to mention Gordon. They won’t sit idle, and if they learn Belinda has this power, they’ll undoubtedly target her,” he said, his tone laced with concern.

“I’m aware of the risks,” Luca said. “But if we don’t fight now, we’ll never see a better future. If we let them destroy everything, there will be no hope left for either Mars or Earth.”

“So you want me to be her guardian for now,” Orion said, starting to agree. “Protect Belinda and ensure she reaches the Crystal Ice Castle safely, while you confront Danica, Arsy, and Gordon in space.”

“Exactly. And once she’s safe, join us. We must unite if we’re to defeat them,” Luca explained passionately.

Finally, Orion nodded, his expression resolute. “Alright, I’ll protect Belinda. As long as she’s not alone, I’m confident we’ll get the information we need.”

“Thank you, Orion. It means a lot to us,” Luca said gratefully. “I’ll leave now. Take care of her.”

Orion gave a faint smile, his tension easing slightly. “Be careful, Luca. We don’t know what lies ahead. And remember, if anything goes wrong, there’s always a way back.”

Luca smiled and nodded before turning to leave the room. Courage coursed through him, and though the challenges ahead were daunting, his heart was filled with hope. As he headed for space, one thought resonated within him: he wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of freedom and safety for Mars and Earth.