The Uplift Protocol The Ouroborous Chain: Issue 5

 Issue 5: Chronos Ascending

    What is Aether playing at. Mustn’t let my “daughter” capture him before the opportune moment. I must find out what he is trying to keep us from. That Terran Alliance fleet has been building up to waylay us. Even destroy us. To protect what?--Encrypted Message to Sister Nyx.

    What is the Cripple’s plan this time. She abhors leaving her “friends” behind. What could be so important that they were left as a distraction. The J’kua I can understand. They can temporarily throw off my fleet’s bio readings.--Hilary “Dominion” Brookes

    J’kua vs Void Walker. It had to happen at some point. To take back the flesh stolen from them. What I didnt realize then? Aether had other soul shards in tow.--Unseen Archives Vol 1

Outer Shell of Z’ahramdus

Dominion’s Fleet

June 27th, 3266

    Aether scuttled along the jagged surface of the Wyrm.

    His J’kua strike team behind him. They had located the Drone Birthing vessel. Orange flashes made the ancient J’kua grin. Whitehouse was in his element. Arthon would guide them all through the hidden passages. Not only did his skin bear the marks of the Muthra? He had been training endlessly with J’kua marks. Dominion had only just acquired Chronos’ fleets. Aether would get the codex.

    Get her to swallow it. It would delay the transformation.

    The pieces would fall into proper sequence.

    The Arcane Order had been formed as the distraction. Willingly.

    Its mirror? The Unseen Order would be the one to bury the knife.

    Eliza would understand. Just as before. He would become the Warden.

    A piece of that Codex was meant for him. Dexter linked through the masculine Thronebearer line, <<I thank you brother.>> Elysium would rise. Aether didn’t respond. There was no need. As Uriel he had failed Elysium. He would not do so again. Eliza had gathered the Golden Host into the Spear. Those not bound to current mortal forms. He would loose this life in the end. Then join his brothers.

    As Dexter promised.

    Aether’s parting gift would be the J’kua people’s freedom. No longer bound to Abbadon’s machinations or Chronos’ delusions. He would miss the soft touch of grass. The bright flames of Sol. But it was a price he was willing to pay. That golden future grew within his mind’s eye. He sent a silent prayer to the Highest.

    Protect me as I walk the Low Paths.

∞

    Lightbearer aka Arthon jumped down the chute. The Keeper drone hordes didn’t scream. Their feet made a “shkick” sound as they climbed in after him. Orange flashes through the membrane gave the Muthra a sense of hope. Whitehouse was going to town. Matarn and his family were creating Light Shaman bombs to toss into the Wyrm’s central cortex. It wouldn’t kill the creature but it wreaked havoc with his internal senses. All according to the Unseen’s plan.

    Eliza would bring the healing light of Sol to Elysium.

    The Unseen Order would bring the pain.

    How little they had known at the start.

    Both orders would be needed for the climb.

    To rescue the souls entrapped by Abbadon.

    He grunted as he hit the bottom. He whirled on his right foot. Brilliant white sparks flowed into the chute. To fight the Void Walkers? He would burn them with their own tech. Their sigils. From the main source. J’kua formulas danced behind his eyelids as he formed the signs for “Inferno.” Bits of red ash fired from the expanse. He flung himself to the side as the drones fired back.

    Catch me if you can!

    He grinned savagely as the ash continued to rain down.

    Soon she would not even have these.

    No endless well to steal living stone or flesh constructs from consumed universes.

∞

    Sister Nyx followed Dominion into the cranial ridge of the left eye.

    The hybrid twitched as Chronos delved deeper into his “daughter’s” mind.

    They would loose the Primary Drone factory.

    Nyx cooed at the newest of her children. Its pale white body curled about her shoulders. They still had plenty of DNA subjects. The Forger project had been quite fruitful. It was regrettable that they had lost the codex to the Litari when Murphy had cleansed them. It had been so long ago but even a slice of that DNA had contained a vitality that allowed it to be spliced with other species. Its pink translucent mandibles clicked.

    <<Mother! The Brood grows. Chronos is wise.>>

    Nyx saved one item from the Drone Matrix.

    It had been used in numerous transfers.

    Hilary would ascend to greatness. Remolded into the image of her “father.”

∞

    Aether shivered. The atmosphere was minimal. His fellow J’kua fired into the mass of bodies crawling towards them. These drones had no protection. Newly formed. Aether sent one final message to Whitehouse, <<When the wave hits? You shall be within Elysium. Find the Cauldron. It will keep you safe. Do not stare into the sky. It is not for you.>>

    The human’s response came moments later.

    <<May God walk with you in all the dark places.>>

    Eliza wouldn't approve. She would move heaven and earth to keep her people safe.

    He could not do that within his mortal shell. He had to free the might of the J’kua. It was why the Highest had flung him down to this coil. This time. Cycles had power. His fingers tightened on his pistols as they bucked in his hands. Dozens of drones went flying. He would consume the Codex. Just not the one that Nyx had prepared. The voices of his fellows rose. They sang. Their melody rich. The Drones continued to fling themselves against his team. Only he would bear the brunt of death this day.

∞

    Hilary dry heaved into the white expanse. Images flashed.

    Chronos had done a transference of memory!

    White scales sparked as they walked upon the surface. Outside the coils of Shield World Elysium. There was no divinity. Just the cold expanse of the Void. What existed beyond it drove him. Nyx pointed, <<Do you see it?!>> Her voice was tinny across the communication’s net.

    The star consumed all outside the confines of the Shield World.

    It had three eyes. All opened to glare at the two specks upon the Ouroborous.

    Chronos smiled as the light poured into him.

    As if to denounce him.

    He sat up as the sound of birds echoed through the trees.

    They were back within the cage. Elysium designate Shield World 001.

    Technology could break the barriers of magic and those who patrolled the skies above.

    The Thronebeaers. Lucifer was their chief. Chronos held out his hand. Dear Nyx took it.

    “We have an answer. For violating the “laws” of this land. We beheld the infinite. There is one who is above this Highest that the Noah faction praises.”

    We would become gods. Not just servants to a Soul Shard system that kept everyone in light. Uniform. Boring. Submissive. That would be for those Bardaxians. He would lead his people into the promised land. Where they would decide. Not some cosmic entity that sat in its lonely sky and spat at them.

    He had the right to choose.

    Power flowed into his limbs. His soul shard warped alongside Nyx’s.

    Their bodies grew pale. Their eyes darkened. Limbs twisted.

    They were no longer J’kua.

∞

    Hilary clutched her head.

    That was the point of his plan?! To unseat Unity, Abbadon and this Highest character? Folly. The physical realm held more than enough bounty. To turn her enemies into dust? That was reachable. What he wanted was to unseat all order and chaos throughout the Multiverse. Sheer madness! Her right hand moved towards the hard exterior knob. “Activate Last Line. Code 22-49 Omega.” A sharp prick of pain hit her index finger.

    The mechanized voice replied, <<Understood. Director.>>

    Dominion howled. She still had his body confined within his old flag vessel. What was his angle?!

∞

    Nyx planted a kiss upon the top of Hilary’s head. The hard outer ridges cut into her lips. There was no response from Brookes. Glorious. She only suspected mere memory transfer. A few underlying subliminal commands.

    Hush Little baby, don't say a word

    Momma’s gonna buy you a mocking bird

    And if that mocking bird don’t sing

    Momma’s gonna buy you a diamond ring…..

    A swirl of silver wrapped around Hilary’s middle finger.

    A gift. Such a wondrous gift.

    Nyx keened as the Drone Ship exploded. Taking Aether with it.

    Such a disappointment.

    He had never seen the glory beyond the hollowed halls of Elysium.

    Worthless bag of flesh. To the marrow.

    She whispered, <<As you will it Director.>>

    There was no reaction from Hilary. Not yet. Nyx ran her finger down Brooke’s spine.

    “Be a good child. Find the codex we left for you.”

∞

    There was no pain as the fire consumed his mortal body.

    Aether sent one final burst to Marshall. He prayed the human would understand. There would be more work. The divine pattern could not be denied. His eyes snapped open and he bowed his head. The Golden Host Requilary. He had not been in here for countless cycles. His chest expanded. Dark indigo wings spread out from his back. He cupped his chalice towards the moonlight sky.

    Eliza would arrive.

    So would Lucifer. He would join his brothers in battle.

    Silvered waters filled the dark blue chalice.

    The Oversoul had forgiven him.

    “I swear upon the Three Eyes above, I will not fail you, not ever.”

    White robes curled around his frame. No longer in the body of a J’kua.

    He was whole again.

    Uriel spoke into the silent corridors of the Golden Reliquary.

    “Here I stand. Guarding the Door.”

Issue 4: Here

Issue 6: Here

The Uplift Protocol The Ouroborous Chain: Issue 4

 Issue 4: Posideon

    Truth within the layers. Each cycle had a piece of the puzzle. But to save everyone? It had to be weaved within the embers of dying stars.--Markav Histories

    We Hatheon have guarded the Origin of the Oversoul since the beginning. We had visions of the Highest’ arrival. Before Abbadon was a thought. We saw it all.--From the Primer of Stars: Hatheon Vol 1

    The Highest already existed as a proper force for Light. Creation. Good. Death was never meant to be an enemy. Abbadon’s goals corrupted his purpose. He always thought his role was one of containment. The truth is often a revelation. Thus my brother was made to take up that forgotten purpose. That mantle.--Unseen Archives Vol 1

Hatheon Circle

Amarka

Age of Arrival

    Posideon sighed, “They still think us dreams!”

    The Amache fluttered about the Dark Matter Cluster. So sure that it was the only thing that existed in the whole wide universe. The Weave reached out. Singing the deep song of Creation. The Twins would arrive. One swathed in Light. The other remade into the peace of the Dark. For without Death? Life would have no meaning. They were the first race of the Weave. The Amache were the first of the Over realm. The way of mortals would be born.

    Yet they took no physical form.

    The Songs rang out. The Light of all Life was coming.

    A brother would ruin the Song. The Cycle would be built upon a lie.

    The Red King would rule an empty tomb. While the Bone King would offer shelter.

    Souls would cycle through properly. But only after the Betrayer was entrapped within the realm of Hades. Hell. The 9^th circle of Dominion. As a warning to the next generations that evil came with a price. Posideon held his green trident towards the apex of Amarka’s primal magics. Each layline would be given unto the Followers of the Oversoul. Made in the image of the Highest. Their hands would safeguard the Legacy.

    One day the Amarche would find their footing. Redeemed within the warmth of Creation.

    Even now the first vibrations of the great Shield World Elysium phased through to touch the outer marks of the Weave. Noah’s people would not be the first. The shard bearers would guide their people.

    One male. One female. To maintain the balance.

    This is what the Dreamweaver promised.

    A spark of radiance encircled the city.

∞

    I watched as the white stag galloped between the corridors of the city.

    Its hooves kicked up sparks as it passed. Behind it ran a swine wreathed in fire and ash. The Highest vs Abbadon. In a way I could comprehend. I could tell because of the third eye ringed in gold around the stag’s forehead. Each black antler was tipped with white. I sucked in a breath. We all had a piece of the Highest within us. That vital component that Abbadon never understood. Thus he was rendered as a massive boar. His tusks a milky gray color. Rows of Hatheon merfolk ringed the Leylines. They kept the cosmic energy from overtaking the city. A shield world the size of three Jupiters floated overhead. Its outer metallic layers ringed with Light Shaman energy. Thronebearer sigils attempted to repel the birth of Unity. A lone ship, Noah’s Ark, sailed forth among the sea of Stars.

    Hoping to seed the multiverse with life.

    Posideon linked with the Haethon envoy. 12 men had been selected to record the rise and fall of Elysium. Each gave their life to add to the Unseen Archives that would help oust Abbadon when the time came. The final Watcher linked with his Patriarch.

    <<We have found the Golden Host reliquary. Shall I change the line of Bearers?>>

    The living tapestry. It would need to be shifted. Just enough that even Lucifer would not recognize the alterations. The Highest’s commands flowed through the Hatheon people.

    You have my blessing. I thank you.

    This will save creation cycle souls. Alongside those yet to be born.

∞

    The clash of antler and boar’s tusk dotted my vision. The great battle over souls from each countless cycle. Brothers raising an army against each other. For one followed the Path while the other denied it.

    Posideon nodded, “You see the truth of the pattern. Though it is translated to a level you can comprehend. Each cycle has the original hope of Elysium. Abbadon’s taint cannot override that commandment easily. It is why everyone can choose.”

    Unity had Abbadon’s threads but it never had commanded itself beyond the base purpose of corruption. A giant shell game. As dad would put it. A book of silver and gold phased into my chest. Posideon smiled, “It is the Word. Carry it with you. When all other lights go out.”

    My vision grew dizzy. He was running through fire and ruin. The screams of those who remained etched upon his soul. He would not be able to save their bodies but the soul shards? Those could be carried to a distant future. One to help seed the foundations of Earth. The crown jewel of the Eden sector. His legs failed him as fire rained from the sky. Elysium would go dormant until the Rulers of Bone and Rebirth walked the surface once more. A spark of the Weave remained.

    The Hatheon watcher fused with it.

    To carry on the last message.

    “Arbiter of Rebirth. Arbiter of Death. Here my plea. You must restore Elysium. Not only for Life but for Death as well. Bring the one wreathed in Twilight. Together you shall remake the cycle. It must be repaired.”

    That’s why prolong had become robust.

    Earth was infused with the first souls of Creation!

    Brought forth during the 2^nd phase.

    Posideon indicated the golden doors, “They shall open properly now. Lucifer will be drawn out. Listen to the Word.” I could see the flash of the Fallen One’s eyes. His mouth curled, “No wonder we couldn’t find him. I’ll cut him from you crippled wing!”

    A vision of the future. The Ur Flow closed in.

    “It is the time of the Twins.”

    The prophecies. Everything came in twos or threes depending on the function.

    We wouldn’t replace the Highest. My brother would replace Abbadon. Thus closing the cycle to its true purpose. One of Birth, Life, then Death. The Ouros would mix and match souls were needed. Instead of being funneled to the Night Realm. Unity’s home universe had been a pale reflection of that reality. I would face it head on. But not alone. The Climb would not just be for me but for us all. Dexter whispered, >>Now you see but a piece. Guard it well.<<

    I blinked as the room came back into focus. My father was cradling my head as I floated there. I sucked in a deep breath. “Oh.”

    The word came out mild enough that Mary did a double take.

    She replied, “That’s it? You see a slice of the big picture. Never mind. I suppose that’s better than gibbering into the winds.” A bitter note trailed off.

    I took a sitting position next to my father.

    Flight did have its perks.

    “It’s like pieces are falling into place. So I can drive the spear home into the heart of the void.” I wondered what I would see upon my 2^nd brush with death. It was needed because of Dexter. My three bouts would empower him.

    My left hand twitched. It tapped my knee.

    Correct.

    I was the smokescreen for my brother. Lucifer would find out via Elysium.

    Yes.

    At the time of Dexter’s choosing.

    As required.

    The Highest had linked with him from the start. Since our birth.

    To save us all.

    Dexter had a piece of the Highest within. Alongside the shard rejected by Abbadon.

    All in one my dear sister. It is why you had to be ignorant in the first phase. They think you a mere puppet of the Highest. You are our shield. We shall drive the spear into the heart of Evil. Always.

    My eyes widened, “My hand is not my own.”

    I hide within your shadow. As before. My cloned nodes are the key. Until I take the Throne of Death Uncoiled.

    My father nodded, “We will have the forces needed to assault Elysium. To take her back from the Living Stone masses. It shall end. On the terms promised.”

    The vision hit me then. My eyes clouded over.

    I saw us.

    I sat upon a throne of solid black. Its obsidian surface marked with golden runs.

    My brother reclined on a throne of white. Ice blue runes sparkled against the twin backdrop of planets. On one side? Typha. On the other? Earth herself. Always circling. Our blood mixed with mortal works. We were wearing our Defender uniforms. Black stood to my leftmost side. White had one hand on Dexter’s Throne. Her eyes blazed.

    Beyond them were countless other twinned Soul Shards. Previous Arbiters of the Arcane Order. Of the Unseen Order. All linked alongside us for all time. The Vigil would be passed on. To forever oversee the realm of the Ninth circle. The Titans cirlced its blackened sphere. Lightning crackled along the surface. It resided between Earth and Typha. We would guard it always. The souls of the condemned would howl. Aether bowed, <<This was my choice.>>

    He would be the warden. His mortal form was a cover.

    Aether pointed, <<I shall not be alone.>>

    Argos and Cerberus circled. Their head’s held high.

    The future swirled.

    J’dax sat upon a sheet of purple grass. An unlit cigar in his mouth, “Look how they bleat. They hate seeing the Dark Star in the skies but it is a reminder of the House folly. Not only in us but in all others as well.”

    The Ninth Circle pulsed.

    Elysium rose in the west. Its metallic plates cleared. Crystalline Ouroborous circled. The Terran Alliance fleets patrolled every facet of the space above us. The Commons joined them. The Typherian hulls gleamed dark indigo in the reflected rays of Elysium. Tarkanan circled the Earth. Opposite of our Moon.

    I whispered, “Creation Level souls reborn into later cycles. Within each race that walks upon the Multiverse.”

    Mary let out a low whistle. “That explains a few things.”

    I replied, “The Floridan Blood Curse.”

    They were the remaining soul shards of Elysium reborn into the current cycle.

    That was why the Hatheon created the Triangle.

    To commune with Florida in particular. Earth’s maps updated. The sigils for Posideon’s Trident replaced the Markav word. HeroNet updated as the Legion of the Sunset Palace registered. Another red herring cloaked with Truth to distract the enemy.

    Sunset Showdown added, << Bait placed your Arbitership! We even put down a nasty set of necrotic hoards. Unity had a necromancer waitin’ in the wings. Ill update the Unseen Archives with the goods.>>

    An odd holo flickered. A pale gray Koala floated in the space above the habitat rings. A giant, “Kick Me” sign attached to its back in elegant writing. A red music box was dangling next to it. Beady black eyes stared into the pickup. It blinked slowly. A discordant note floated over the Thronebearer line. I examined it.

    Its seething rage flooded my senses. What remained of that soul shard was corrupted beyond any hope of redemption.

    “What a way to go.”

    I clicked on the report. Sunset Showdown had been a busy demi.

∞

    Pandora shouted within the meat sack that held her soul shard, <<I know you can hear me Unity! I don’t care what happens! MAY YOU ROT UPON ABBADON’S LIMP #(U%#Y#!>>

    Black Scrawl erupted from the Australian mammal's nose, eyes, ears and mouth.

    No response.

    Typical. She attempted to bite Adam Lazer as the demi floated toward her. Small green constructs floated behind him as Green Defenders assisted. Florida would burn for this. What was that damnable blood curse anyway?! Useless Necromancer.

    Narmon.

    His mousy thin face contorted in pain. His black hood in tatters as he fled into the depths of the Triangle. Being bound to that mortal was unforgivable. Her koala hands battered uselessly against the green construct. Her host body was necrotic. Not like she needed air. She would find the owls that had consumed her mortal form. She would get her revenge. But how to leave this useless creature? Her last act would be to burn its body into the heart of Sol. From the sounds of it the star would quite enjoy immolating such a thing.

    Her bulbous nose hit the edge of the square.

    A Bardaxian in the form of a Springer Spaniel yipped anxiously.

    << Koalas are nature’s redundant systems. But I sense an ancient terror within its fat innards!>>

    Lazer said, <<Noted. I’ll get this to the lab so we can help Sunset track the necromancer.>>

    Black Scrawl exploded outward from every orifice to cover the construct.

    <<Nasty little bugger.>> Adam Lazer added a shell of specialized metal over the construct. Thanks to Bulleteer and Blue Blaze. It was carved with Light Shaman sigils.

    Pandora seethed, <<I will eat your flesh from your bones!>>

    The Bardaxians growled, <<Not if we burn you in the loving rays of Sol first!>>

    Pandora raged, <<Ith nara solcum!>>

    She bit back a scream as the curse backfired. Her skin was covered in boils.

    Useless.

    Sol came online. It asked, <<Arbiter! I shall monitor the small mote of Unity. This won’t require the Arc of the Covenant. Anywhere my light has touched? Even within the Weave, I shall find this darkness and help the good people of Florida.>>

∞

    Doc glanced up from her reader, “I know that look. What happened?”

    I replied crisply, “Sol wants to recycle a koala.” Her right eyebrow raised.

    “...does this have to do with Florida?”

    I held my head in my hands and leaned back against the bedrest.

    I felt her arms go around me. “You can tell me after this next phase shifts.”

    Another update hit my H.U.D.

    Two alligators.

    One an albino. The other was a mix of green, red and black. Obviously modified. <<Tick and Tock! At your service oh Arbiter. We have a few notes from the Unseen.>> The lazer guns attached to their backs fired. Small dark shapes fled deeper into the Triangle. A mix of the physical world intertwined with the Weave. A kaleidoscope of color washed over them as a Hatheon female wrapped her arms about them.

    <<They are such wonderful friends.>> She scratched their bellies.

    <<Saved them from the Necro’s lab! Now the sharks have friends!>>

    I maneuvered so I could rest my head on Doc’s chest.

    I closed my eyes as her healing pulses took care of a headache.

    <<I saw Sunset’s reports.>>

    The Hatheon princess grinned. Her hair ticked by the waters around her.

    <<Posideon’s influence expanded suddenly.>> She winked at me.

    I checked my Chrono.

    Mondays.

Issue 3: Here

Issue 5: Here

The Uplift Protocol The Ouroborous Chain: Issue 3

 

 Issue 3: The Expanse of Unknowable Depths

    Animated by Abbadon’s realm. Does he know just how much power Chronos stole? Yes, the flesh was made from those taken by Unity. Much like the Living Stone. But the animation? All flows from the Night Realm.--Aether

    Chronos is mine to use. In whatever fashion I deem necessary. --Abbadon

    I have done this countless times. Each new meat puppet lets me analyze the Red King’s hold over everything.--Chronos

    While we were shoring up our defenses overall, our enemies were playing an elaborate game of Poker. Who had the best hand? In the end? They all thought they had the best cards to complete their goal. The end result wouldn't be anything they could have dreamed of in their vast array of nightmares. The twin mirrored orders of the Arcane and Unseen were all that stood between creation and utter destruction. My sister knew this. She always said I was stronger but we needed her. Memory gaps and all.-- Unseen Archives: Vol 1

Mirror Sector

Z’ahramdus’ Upper Pathways

June 20th, 3266

    I leaned into the tackle.

    Every hit made one of the Brood Warriors grunt. White ichor stained the passageways. My eyes burned as dark matter spilled out. Each beam burned through marrow and muscle alike. I just had to remind myself their flesh was made from recycled universes. No soul shards remained within their tortured forms. We had to buy more time for our fleets to get in position. Dragging the Ark of the Covenant to the edge of Edenverse was tricky but doable. Its power would be diluted here but we had to give Hilary false positives.

    Z’ahramdus bellowed, <<Welcome back! You tasted delicious last time. I shall consume your shards!>> Mary hurled Light Shaman imbued spheres towards the adjacent hallway. I didn't want to linger on the pulsating necrotic fleshy bits so I dived through the opening. A crack split the air. Black Scrawl exploded off my chest.

    Hilary’s black within black orbs glittered within the semi darkness.

    My uniform warmed. The glow made Hilary shield her face.

    Aether would need time to infiltrate Hilary’s systems.

    I moved. Everything slowed. I gripped Dominion’s left arm. Hurled her over my shoulder. She cartwheeled into the hardened bone wall. I held my fists up in the ready position. “Fancy meeting you here!”

    Dominion hissed. She spat green blood on the ground. Razor thin cords wrapped around my wrists. The pressure climbed. Brookes ran her thumbs across the floor. “DIE!”

    I brought my arms together. That hideous gray face twisted.

    Another set of eyes peered into my soul.

    Ancient. Endless. Terrifying.

    My blood burned against the cords.

    I was free.

∞

    Chronos whispered the rites into Hilary’s subconscious. His voice curled around her fingers. Ever so gently. The sizzle of Thronebearer blood hit the ground. Z’ahramdus howled. Indignant. “Tainted flesh!” A necrotic wind knocked the Banner off her feet. Sending her careening into the expanding dark. There was another play at work here.

    J’kua schemes.

    Aether was here.

    The purpose should worry his newest host.

    Chronos whispered. Mimicked his daughter’s voice down to the last thread.

    This would be her brilliance.

∞

    I broke the surface.

    Icy rivulets of ichor ran into my mouth. I spat.

    Who had peered out from Dominion’s eyes? Abbadon? Perhaps. I exploded from the liquids as clammy hands attempted to pull me under those unfathomable depths. That glare had been targeted. Beyond Hilary’s usual diatribe or wrath. The Ur Flow was erratic. One image burned behind my retinas.

    Aether.

    Alone.

    I sprang towards the flickering lights of my companions. Each layer of Z’ahramdus resisted. Its voice curled around my spine, “Not for you little light.” Dark shapes hurled themselves at me from all corners. Their eerie blue glow stung my eyes. The Children of Chains. My fist past through their forms. I summoned my spear. Light Shaman wards ignited the dark cloth curled about their chests.

    Voices cried out, “You are no hero.”

    “Save us!”

    “….the ouro lies upon the depths…..there is no salvation….”

    My left arm twitched. My fingers tensed on the bone wall.

    Shards exploded outward.

    I bellowed, “Not on my watch!”

∞

    Dominion lurched to the side. Countless drones flowed past her through the breach. The resulting silence made her ear drums pop. She inhaled the foreign scent.

    J’kua.

    She reached up to seal the remaining breach. She ordered Z’ahramdus, <<Delay the Banner. By whatever means necessary. I have a rat to catch!>>

    She peered into silky white nodes of Z’ahramdus’ nervous system. Near the base of his spine, each neuron fired off once every hour, but she had to be sure. No J’kua resonance. There was a smattering of Scholar filth. She howled.

∞

    Matarn sealed the rest of the supplies within the arcane node. They would be here for the long haul. Di’axi motioned towards the base of the Necrotic Wyrm’s spine. There were a few blind spots they could hide a beachhead. Aether dabbed a J’kua symbol upon their forearms.

    “It will hide you somewhat from the patrols. I will distract the Sleeve of Chronos.”

    It was a despicable violation of Creation. But Chronos had never cared. Aether knew the poison was spreading when he read Lorain’s reports on her “stay” within Tarkanan. He had taught the All-Father a piece of the puzzle. But not the whole violation of the soul shard network. The trouble was that Hilary had developed a sliver of a shard of her own. Due to her mother’s heritage so the transfer process would be hindered. Sy’ra held out her rod. It was brass. With each end capped in silver. Light Shaman sigils flowed. “Not the family outing I expected but this time….”

    Di’axi finished, “We fight together!”

    Artheon and Whitehouse joined them.

    The old general spread his arms wide, “Let’s get this rodeo started.”

    He held up the black box. “Where you want these beauties Aether?”

    The J’kua smiled. Opened a port on his forearm. Three small spheres of gold rose.

    “Follow me.”

∞

    I dashed towards the Jupiter Rising. Sending drones flying every which way I could. I wouldnt let them on that ship. Not with my team aboard. Lightning crackled as Ritark and Professor Nara circled above. Nara’s third eye was open wide. It spat out Thronebearer sigils! Not of my level or Dexter’s but….

    Nara bellowed, <<Get inside! We must flee!>>

    Speculation would have to wait.

    The sharp bark of Emerald K-9 announced the cavalry.

    My senses took it all in. Mary waved everyone else forward while Eddie brought up the rear guard. His ray guns blazing against the milky white caverns of the Wyrm. Nola was beside him. Her mirror glinted against the red, green and blue energy shots. I dashed towards the rear lines. I picked up a massive club dropped by a Brood Hoard. I flew straight at the main mass.

    Bodies went flying.

    All were animated corpses. My father’s voice rang out, <<All aboard. Move it Space Cadet!>>

    The remaining bright pink sparkles told me my sister was dangling from the rear docking bays, >>WOO! 20 points! 100!<< A massive pink ball steamrolled over additional drones as I zipped over to the bay. The door closed with a soft click. My stomach rolled as Jupiter performed a hyper jump within the cavernous mound of Wyrm innards. My senses cleared. We were back within Edenverse borders. I ran through the biofeeds linked through the ship. My eyes widened, <<Where’s Aether!?>>

    Di’axi and his parents were missing.

    Artheon and Whitehouse as well.

    I dashed towards the hidden Arcane compartment. Mary was already there.

    I faced my father as his Judgment gear faded from view. It was just us three.

    My father held out his hand to forestall questions, “Unseen Order business.”

    I paced about the room. “Then where does the fleet plan to…..”

    Mary clasped her hands over the obsidian slab of a table. Silver sigils flowed across its surface. “We are going to retake Elysium. The first Shield World of Creation.”

    Other names flashed across my H.U.D.

    Countless J’kua had joined Aether.

    Dad stated frankly, “It was their choice. They wanted to be the spear against the combined forces of Dominion Chronos.”

    I blanched. “That was why….”

    He was inside her!

    My dad frowned, “More like she will become the new vessel for….”

    I shuddered. I held my breath. “Is that why the visions change?”

    The doorway swirled inward as one more entered.

    Anna held up a concoction of white liquid. Flecks of orange floated within the V shaped canister. “Drink up Golden Child. Another piece of the puzzle awaits you!” I gingerly accepted the vial. Brought it to my lips.

    It tasted like vanilla and cherry.

    The world blurred.

∞

    Whitehouse grinned wolfishly as the drones dissipated in clouds of crimson dust. Each one was one soldier less that the Fleet would face in the skies above Elysium. He held his rifle to his shoulder. It let out a ting ting noise as each projectile found its target. Artheon made sigils in the air as Muthra fields cut through flesh and bone. Learning from the older cycle Markav had been a blessing. A curse to their enemies. The past 1000 years had been preparing everyone for this moment. They could not let evil claim Dexter’s rightful throne.

    For he was the pathway to regaining the balance.

    Evil would no longer control the rebirth cycle. Eden would no longer stand alone as a soul-shard safe haven. Whitehouse knew why prolong had been extended. They could not let their allies fall into the clutches of the Night Realm. Each death would add fodder for Abbadon. For those who wished to unseat the Red King. This was known. This was destiny. Whitehouse shouted a battle cry as the she-demon herself entered the fray.

    He’d get in one good shot. One way or another.

∞

    The water was calm. Voices rose as the Highest greeted them for the first time.

    I opened my eyes to behold a city carved into the dark matter cluster itself. Not on the physical side but within the newly formed Weave. The Amache had never known it had existed. For they only knew the physicality of the Void. Of Space. The stars that began. Posideon leaned over, “Ahh. I wondered when you would see this moment. Arbiter of the Highest.”

    I blinked at that.

    “Oh boy.”

    The Hatheon Patriarch made a curt bow. His hands spread wide.

    “There are layers to all things dear Eliza.”

    I watched as the magical laylines danced around the outer portions of the city.

    Realization made me gawk.

    The same laylines that ran through Earth herself.

    “Now you shall learn of the first history. Unclouded by the covers of the Highest.”

Issue 2: Here

Issue 4: Here