Hypernova Series: Worlds At war Read online

  General Xar Gives Us A First-Class Tour

  We approach a rooftop with a circular landing pad. In the center is a large red dot. Waiting around the edge are humanoid figures draped in dystopian garb. I attempt to make out further features but can’t distinguish any yet. Eunoia levels leaving me to face Zara’s peaks.

  We settle gently on the landing pad and Ron has EON check the outside atmosphere.

  “Planet’s atmosphere is a little rich in ozone but breathable.” EON reports.

  Thank heavens. No suiting up.

  “Off we go.” Ron says.

  Allowing him to take the lead, I stay at his right-hand side. We are greeted by a platoon armed to the teeth. Sword-like weapons fitted with sharp-toothed indents rest idly across their backs held by magnetic fields. They also wield retractable silver shields, forming cuffs around their right wrists. I find it oddly primeval.

  A tall figure steps forward to address us.

  “I am General Xar, aide to their majesties and Commander of the Zara militia.”

  Xar’s long dark cloak is lined with amber trim. Fur protrudes from the cuffs on his military grade boots. I hesitate to stare at his face for fear or looking shocked. Yet I do so anyway.

  Xar’s face is flat with a wide bottle-shaped nose and lilac colored eyes. His lips curl into a permanent snarl, flashing a set of razor-sharp vampire fangs. He has two large bat-like ears that swivel in my direction ruffling the patchy-brown fur on his face.

  “You are young.”

  Xar’s ears flatten against his furred head.

  “Has the Citadel’s High Council resorted to training children?”

  I’m seventeen, don’t go treating me like an infant!

  “Uhm, no sir. I’m fully-capable of taking care of myself.”

  I hold back my biting inner commentary. Xar’s several cohorts stare at me in amusement. Their pink, pea-green, and hot-pink eyes bearing down.

  Ron interjects.

  “Forgive me for appearing hasty, sir, but we need to converse with your local scholars immediately. It pertains to the safety of the universe.”

  That’s a bit of an under-statement.

  Xar seems to sense something is off. He tilts his head, pondering my brother's true intentions.

  “The safety of the Universe, you say. Really? Yet as the Citadel didn’t inform us of your mission, how important can it be?”

  Oh, you have no idea…

  Xar snorts.

  “First-and-foremost, protocol demands that I take you to King Zazai and Queen Zuna. Come.”

  We are escorted onto a metal platform that descends into a brilliant neon-lit building. My eyes adjust as we sweep past multiple floors where Aronevian people are working away on strangely reminiscent pieces of equipment. Many look to be battle-tanks, fitted with long cylindrical cannons tipped with scopes. The one man-vessels are in various states of construction. Some lie with odd-shaped parts on the floor while others are receiving a final coating of some unknown material.

  Taking a bold step forward, I clear my throat and gesture to this work in progress.

  “Excuse my asking, General, but are your people…” I hesitate. “…preparing for war?”

  Xar shakes his head in disbelief.

  “Do you know nothing boy?” he snarls. “Spawn and Raider troops have been launching assaults on nearby planets in our cosmos. The Citadel outpost of Etis is doing little to come to their aid.”

  Xar’s glare is sharp as a needle's edge.

  “Guess they can’t afford the support, so we have to do all the work for them.

  Look what good becoming a Known Planet has done for us!”

  At which moment, we reach the bottom floor. And step off into a vast entrance hall. Ron decides to grab the bull by the horns.

  “Have you heard of the name Odium?” he asks, keeping pace with the general. I’m not so lucky, being behind them. I have to strain to hear them. I’m like the third wheel on a dinner date.

  “Yes, that name is one frequently spoken.”

  Xar escorts us onto the city streets. My ears are filled with the soft whine of multiple floating vehicles racing around the maze of streets which are also crowded with Aronevians going about whatever it is that Aronevians do.

  Man, this city is packed!

  The flying cars above me blast hot air into my face, tossing about my curly hair. As I stare in awe, an Aronevian citizen bumps into me. She’s clothed in a similar dystopian style as General Xar. She’s covered in fur, head-to-toe and draped in a dark-brown cloak. An apology forms on my lips but I have no time to tell her.

  Xar, Ron, and our guards are already piling into a gigantic floating shuttle with triple-energy-turbines. My calculating mind ponders as I squeeze into the contraption fitted only with an open door and handrails.

  How do their vehicles fly without using copious amounts of energy?

  Glancing towards the back of the ship, I notice a familiar crystal plugged into the wall. Rays of dark energy pump through the conduits like oil to a car.

  The crystals fuel their machinery? An empty feeling sinks in…This trip might end up being for nothing.

  “The King and Queen believe the recent attacks on our galaxy have been executed by Odium. We are the last remaining unscathed planet, and we are well prepared for a counter-attack.”

  Ron nods.

  “That’s excellent news and a great relief. Tell me, has anybody ever seen this Odium dude?”

  “No.” Xar says. “He is but a name whispered on the wind. We do not know where the rumour began, but we will not take any chances.”

  “That makes good sense.” I interject. All eyes turn to me.

  “From what I've experienced Spawn are just mindless monsters. No way they could launch attacks without some sort of malignant guidance.”

  “And malignant this man is.”

  As Ron questions Xar, we lift off the ground, zipping through the sky. My hair whips in all directions due to the open door. Our vehicle is bee-lining straight for the spiral structure in the center of Zara.

  That must be where the King and Queen reside.

  Xar stares up towards space, peering at the distant sun piercing the clouds. Our ship gives a gentle whirr, landing before the spiral tower. The restricted walkways from the city disappear, as we cross a magnificent garden path bordered with unfamiliar triple-leaved plants.

  We make our way towards the entrance. In the center of the entrance way is another crystal. It glows a brilliant silver. At our approach, the door glides open, inviting us into the main hall. Continuing to follow General Xar and Ron, my boots pad onto a stunning red carpet that stretches towards a set of golden stairs. Behind, multiple halls split into divided rooms. An Aronevian citizen struts from a corridor, dressed in a gold-coloured apron and white shirt. The individual has fingers tipped with sharp claws clutching a familiar Citadel grade tablet.

  “General Xar, who are these people? Their majesties are not expecting guests.”

  The servant's voice is feminine, her large oval ears caress the nape of her neck.

  “I’m aware, Ziabella.”

  Her slick black fur is combed around her wide bright-blue eyes which stare at us. Ziabella seems surprised and displeased with Xar’s curt mannerisms. He continues to ignore her.

  “This is urgent.”

  Shoving past her, Xar leads us towards the stairs. I catch Ziabella rolling her eyes, stomping back the way she came while mumbling incoherent insults under her breath.

  Climbing the stairs, we step into a monumental corridor. Another door, fitted with yet another gem, is guarded by two large Aronevian guards. The warriors are armed with menacing neon-blue blades held by firm hands.

  At the sight of their Commander, they both bow then snap to attention.

  “General Xar!”

  One of them addresses him.

  “Sir, the King and Queen have ordered that they not be disturbed. They are preparing for-”

  “Uh huh…”
/>
  Xar ignores him and pushes forcefully on the door. Ron and I stand firm as the door slams against the interior wall, the sound echoing across the throne room.

  Alongside the walls are four sets of golden pillars, protruding from the pure white carpet decorated with mind-bending corkscrew designs. At the end of the room are three thrones, all of the same height, but with various designs. The first is empty and coated with a silver matte finish. The second is blood-red and gold; the arm rests have twisted tips like those of vine leaves. Sitting upon it is a tall and burly Aronevian with mouse-brown fur. Atop his furred head sits a golden crown encrusted with a black jewel.

  A female Aronevian sits upon the golden throne. Her silver fur is also slicked back like Ziabella’s, giving her an obvious, feminine appearance. Her attire consists of multiple layers of gold and black lace. The queen’s large silverish-blue eyes land upon Xar, a grin forming on her ebony lips.

  “General Xar, I’m afraid Prince Zibrail is not here to accommodate your visit.”

  “Your Majesty-” Xar bows, but the Queen waves her hand.

  “No need to be so formal, Xar. You are family after all.”

  The General’s eyes turn soft.

  “Thank you, milady.”

  The King looks questioningly at Xar.

  “I imagine that it has to do with those individuals behind you! Xar, we’ve told you many times, we need warning before you bring issues to our throne room.”

  The King’s voice rumbles as though it comes from the deepest depths of the ocean.

  “You are aware we are hosting a formal gathering tonight?”

  “Yes, your majesty.”

  He stands firm before them, his hand resting on his hip.

  “These two men are Finn and Ron Bates from the Citadel’s outpost of Altair. They say they have something of great urgency to discuss with our Senior Historian.”

  Xar’s head tilts towards my brother and I and we step forward.

  I've never been face-to-face with royalty before, what the heck do I do?

  I give a curt bow, but it seems to only agitate Xar further.

  “I find their uninvited arrival suspicious, and felt it appropriate to bring them to you…”

  Xar steps aside, allowing us to stare at their majesties eye-to-eye. They glare.

  Why do I get the feeling this isn’t going to turn out well?

  King Zazai & Queen Zuna Take A Nap

  “What is so important that you need to arrive here uninvited and ask to meet with our Historian?” the King demands.

  His wide nostrils flare, and it seems as though he is taking in our scents. Ron probably smells like Axe body spray. Me? Sea salt and nervous sweat….

  Ron takes a step forward. His hand lunges into his pocket. He pulls out the crystal, raising it above his head so that the dark swirls glimmer under the overhanging lights.

  “Finn and I were on a mission recently, to a planet in the K-A system. We discovered this. A dark crystal fueled by powerful, ancient magic...sound familiar?”

  The king's forked fingers dig into the twisted wood upon his throne.

  “That sounds oddly like an accusation, boy.”

  Ron doesn’t falter.

  “My name is Ron Bates...and it is.”

  His arm drops, but the crystal remains flat on the inner-side of his hand. I can’t stop myself from staring at it once more. An alien sensation beckoning me to come closer...closer….my fingers twitch, toes wiggling with a surge of adrenaline.

  Queen Zuna looks at Ron. When she speaks, her voice is soft and refined, pulling me away from my brief entrancement.

  “Our crystals are not fueled by magic. They are a natural material called Hotherium which we excavate from the mountains. Hotherium is an ancient mineral indeed, but not capable of harm.”

  She tilts her head, and those long ears point at my brother.

  “Tell us, exactly what harm did this crystal cause? As far as I can see, it is an ordinary rock.”

  “It’s far from it.”

  The words slip from my mouth before I can catch them. With no other choice, I continue.

  “It has the ability to mind-control certain individuals and amplify any malicious intentions they may have. It’s also been seen to increase one's physical capabilities."

  This seems to catch them off guard. Both sets of eyes widen in alarm.

  “That sounds familiar.”

  The King whispers. Raising his hand, he beckons for General Xar to approach his side. The general crouches, as his majesty whispers in Xar’s ear. I study their lip-flaps but the words I manage to gather are…’Get the prince.’

  The General nods, hurrying off into the corridor and leaving us alone with the King and Queen.

  “Yesterday,” the King tells us, “my son, Zibrail, returned from a rescue mission on a nearby planet. Before one of the native residents passed from their extensive wounds, they mentioned an enemy with enormous power, fueled by a crystal in his chest.”

  Enormous power?! Fueled by the crystal...just like Gaqeet!

  Frantically, I put two-and-two together, forming a solid hypothesis.

  “Ron…” I tap him on the shoulder. “There must be more than one crystal, and those Raiders that are attacking planets use them as power sources. Or perhaps, weapons.”

  “Makes sense.” Ron takes a deep breath of relief. “Thankfully this trip wasn’t for noth-”

  BLAM!!!

  The roof explodes in the blink of an eye. The energy wave from the explosion throws me to the floor. I curl up in a ball, covering my eyes in desperation as an onslaught of rocks pelt every inch of my body. Screams of concern reach me but I can’t make out any clear sentences. When the dust settles, a series of coughs rip from my chest. I wipe dust from my eyes, staring at my blood-soaked hands, which have been cut every-which-way by shrapnel. A familiar terror rips across my body. My lips tremble.

  “R- ron?” My voice is a croak. I try again. “Ron!?”

  “It’s ok Finn, I’m here.”

  A hand reaches from the left side of my peripheral vision, gripping me by the shoulder pad and tugging me in that direction. I twist to face Ron. Behind his bruised and cut face, I can see dust and mountains of boulders.

  “The roof caved in.”

  “No.” I retort. “This is an attack.”

  A tingle in my chest forces me to hack unapologetically. Ron pushes a rock the size of my head away from his right foot. Rising to his knees, he examines the throne. Ron’s eyes widen.

  “What...in the world?”

  The thrones are empty. The King and Queen now lay face-down in the debris. Their royal garb is draped across their still figures. My mouth turns dry, breath catching in my lungs.

  Oh no, they’re...dead!?

  Standing above them, twisted dagger in hand, is a cloaked shadow with an all-too-familiar gem lodged in his chest. As the murderer twists to face us, I notice the light splatters of blood on his black, full-face masked helmet. A hiss of laboured breath escapes from air holes lining his lower jaw. The sharp coat-tails of his nightshade cape catch the wind as he steps over the dead King and Queen.

  One, two, three steps towards us...we remain frozen.

  “Finally.”

  The villain's voice is familiar. Light and arrogant. He hisses each verb like a snake.

  “I’ve found you.”

  With the fog now completely cleared, the reflection from his gloss coated helm hurts my eyes. His knee-high boots have buckles that jingle-jangle with each step, like the tolling of hell’s bells. As he lifts his hands, I notice his thick gloves are also coated in stains of black and scarlet.

  “One of you has something that belongs to me.”

  Managing to catch my breath, I stumble to my feet.

  “We don’t know what you're talking about, murderer, but you better surrender now!”

  My attempt to sound threatening is woefully pathetic. The stranger explodes into hearty laughter, going so far as to hold his stomach
in pain.

  “Look at you, little Aster! So cute!”

  Ron limps to my side, hand gripping my wrist. Slick as a whistle he pushes the crystal into my palm. Stepping in front of me, Ron places his now empty grip with his photon blaster.

  “You heard my bro, you're under arrest. We’re bringing ya’ back to The Citadel!”

  The heavier piece of equipment creates a deep whirring sound emanating from within the matte-white casing.

  “You.” The enemy cracks the heel of his boot against the Queen's limp knuckles as he further closes the distance between us.

  “Aver Bronze Ron Bates, I'm glad to meet you face-to-face.”

  He sheathes the dagger under his cloak. Raising his hand, it looks as if he is beckoning my brother to take his grasp.

  “My name is Odium. Remember it well, for it will be known as well as the Devil’s by the time my war is won!”

  My entire body goes stiff with horror...his voice!

  I look down at the demonic object in my hand.

  It’s the same one in the crystal. Odium is the one who mind-controlled me! Or at least, he’s somehow telekinetically connected with the object.

  A whooping alarm erupts from what seems like the city-center. It’s loud enough to be heard from beyond the corridor. Another series of explosions erupts, sending me back to my knees.

  General Xar’s voice is hardly a whisper from the beyond.

  “Aronevia is under attack!”

  His concern is palpable.

  “Man the tanks, get to the battlefield! Evacuate the city. Fight, fight for your lives!”

  Tag, Odium! You’re it!

  Odium presses his forefinger and thumb together.

  Snap!

  For a second everything is silent...a psychic ray of energy surges through the air towards Ron’s face. Ron has no time to pull the trigger before the blast nails him in the chest. I’m helpless as blood spurts from his nose. His head snaps along the base of his neck. His blaster shatters into a million pieces as he’s catapulted through the air, flipping multiple times before slamming back-first into a gigantic portion of rock. He gasps, eyes rolling, before he slumps to the floor unconscious.