The Lost Princess 2.0

Something [[terrible]] has happened.

You are [[alone]]

The dungeon is empty. The safe room created by your father in the depths of the castle was dark and musty. Moss grew on the walls, giving the air a damp smell which had seeped into your clothes and hair. Food supplies were dwindling. Your [[father]] had been the first to leave. Your [[mother]] followed shortly after. [[Luke]] was last to go. You [[pace]] the room nervously, surprised you hadn't worn into the stone floor by now.

Your family have relatively strong affinities, as expected for a royal family. Your father’s is tactics, including tactical battle strategy, and tactical fighting. Nobody had ever beaten your father at anything, he was always two steps ahead. An affinity fit for a king. You feel so [[alone]].

Your mother had a gentler affinity, that of charm. While appearing perhaps less valuable to a royal, your mother’s powers were so strong that whomever she speaks with can do her no harm. Her spell can only last for so long however, and it works better on some than others. A particularly weak willed person would be very susceptible to her soothing voice, but someone stronger of character is more likely to be able to resist. [[alone]]

Your younger brother Luke is showing his true colours as a strong member of the royal family, with his affinity having already been identified by the courts council. For a prince, an affinity of accuracy is one of unmeasurable value. He will be trained in archery, sword fighting, cannons, amongst other methods of battle and warfare. He will grow to be a strong prince, and an even stronger king. So [[alone]]

An affinity of life, your father had said in equal parts awe and fear, when your magic first showed itself. An affinity of life was rare enough, you also had an affinity of death. The most powerful of affinities, and the hardest to control. All you had to do was touch somebody with intent and they would just cease to live. You also had the power to bring back the [[dead]].

The door looks tempting. A glimmer of light leakes through the edges, teasing you. It had been so long since you had felt the warmth of sunlight on your skin. You want to [[leave]], but you had been warned to [[remain]]. It was unsafe, and you couldn't control your powers.

You turn the handle, the bright sunlight immediately blinding you as you begin the climb the steep steps up to civilisation. Or what used to be. The dust starts to clear and you can fully take in your surroundings. Fires still burn, their black smoke creating an ominous cloud over the city, blotting out the sun. You take some time to look around and take stock of your surroundings. What is [[new]], and what is now [[missing]]. You [[continue]] on your way, looking urgently for someone to help you.

What now[[?]]

Are you sure you want to stay? [[Yes]] or [[leave]]

It's cold. You're running out of food. There is [[nothing left]] for you here.

You had been completely alone in the bunker, listening only to the chaos and destruction outside. You had had no way of knowing the time, knowing what was happening outside, or knowing when it was safe to [[leave]]. It was only when you had run out of food, and your waking moments had started drifting into your unconscious ones, that you decided it was finally time to leave. It seems as if everyone is gone. The city is empty, with only bodies as your company. Now your head has cleared slightly, you find it easier to walk. The bodies lying strewn in the streets make you feel light-headed, and you have to pause every few steps to control your nausea.

The tree under which you had your first kiss had caught fire, the darkened memory all that now remained. Your best friend’s house is an empty shell, burning, smoke billowing from all windows. You had no idea if anyone was in there or not, and no way of finding out. You didn’t know how long it had been since the uprising had ended. As soon as it began, you retreated to your hidden bunker, designed specifically to protect the monarch should any danger hit the city. Your entire family had entered the bunker at first, along with your royal escort, but these number quickly dwindled. You should never [[leave]] the bunker.

After a few steadying breaths, you kneel on the floor beside a young man of around twenty. You can feel every muscle in your body tensing as you reach out a tentative finger and press it against his cold skin, only for nothing to happen. Rocking back on your heels, you close your eyes and try to feel the familiar cold sensation which fills your body when you use your affinity. Still [[nothing]] happens.

You let out a cry of frustration, your body feeling hot and clammy instead of the chill you craved. You didn’t deserve this, you hadn’t asked for this. A sudden flush of anger rushes through your body at the thought of your parents. Had they not suppressed your [[powers]] you might not be in this situation. You would have been able to help. The heat that had filled your body with the anger, in a flash, was replaced with a coolness which raised the hairs on your arms.

You let out a cry of frustration, your body feeling hot and clammy instead of the chill you craved. You didn’t deserve this, you hadn’t asked for this. You had been in line for the throne, preparing for it; now being thrust into power in such a manner, you were not ready. A sudden flush of anger rushes through your body at the thought of your parents. Had they not suppressed your powers you might not be in this situation. You would have been able to help. The heat that had filled your body with the anger, in a flash, was replaced with a coolness which raised the hairs on your arms. You wanted to [[use your powers]], but suddenly felt hesitant, worried it would [[go wrong]].

Extending your index finger, you press the tip against his forehead again, jumping back as his eyes fly open, air being forced into his lungs, blood being forced through his veins. Anger. Anger was the key. “Tell me. What happened here? Where has everyone gone?” You demand, trying to get the young man's attention. “I am alive.” He only says, hands passing over his body, eyes wide and untrusting. “How…” “Never mind that.” You say impatiently, gripping the front of his tunic. “Where has everyone gone? [[TELL ME]].”

So excited were you that your powers had begun working again, a much larger amount of power surged through than you were expecting. All the bodies surrounding you in a twenty metre radius jolted to live, sudden cries of shock, fear, and confusion echoing around the empty city. Do you [[test your powers further]] or [[release the bodies and continue trying to revive only one person]]

“My princess.” He now gasps, recognising you. “You were declared dead. How is it you are here? How is it I am here?” The boy’s colour is fading. You haven’t used your powers for so long you are struggling to maintain them. A pain is starting to swirl at the top of your head, straining your eyes. Pushing through the pain, the boy stays alive, but you know you cannot hold it for much longer. As with most things, affinities needed practice. Your parents had shunned yours and the only practice you had was on small animals in the castle. Bringing a human back and maintaining their life was a much greater ordeal. You couldn't continue like this for much longer. You need the information quickly. [[Use force to get the information]] or [[Push your powers and hope that they hold until he can talk]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

You will surely go crazy before long in this [[terrible]] silence.