"Ashton Mortal? Who is this you speak of sire?"
"The figure Mortalitus is known as Ashton Mortal, the human you met on the planet Seithux. The human that destroyed your entire military unit." A mysterious voice from General Raithus' backside says.
Raithus turns away from his king hearing the mysterious voice from behind him as a sudden chill shoots down his spine traveling deep into his bones. This is a voice he's heard before, the only to ever strike fear into his heart but for a moment. His eyes lock onto the mysterious figure that has revealed the identity of the human known as Ashton Mortal and his connection with the creature Mortalitus. Instantly General Raithus begins to panic, unsheathing his Xxirian blade, he lunges into the air toward the mysterious figure with death in his eyes.
The hidden figure raises his hand somehow causing Raithus to freeze in mid air. Frozen there, he stares back at the mysterious figure unable to comprehend how this can be, why does Lord Erazux do nothing? Does he not know who this creature is, how can this be happening? Confusion fills the mind of the General as he prepares for anything when the figure suddenly releases him, causing a fall to the floor.
"I am not your enemy General Raithus." The mysterious figure reveals.
"He speaks the truth General. We are friends against this common enemy we now share." Lord Erazux explains.
"SIRE! THIS MAKES NO SENSE!" General Raithus yells terrified at the possible responses. "HOW CAN THIS BE?! DO YOU NOT REALIZE WHO THIS IS?!?!"
"Yes General Raithus. He is brother to all Xxirians, and the Monarchy of Chaos."
CHAPTER: 18
AVOTHINA
The histories of creation turn page by page with the days that pass between the celestial bodies setting the stage for the beginning of this final battle. These moments that will define all eternities in all places, the ones that give meaning to the truism of freedom. Each being scattered through the ongoing stretch of infinity feels this truth, each knows deep down the inner want to be free. This story will be left for those from every corner of the vast possible futures that await the embrace of fate. A message locked within the stars from the honorable beings that fought and died within this universe to preserve the essence of truth, and once again be free.
Seithux, a planet once known as a death camp, the mere name could shake the foundation of any free being's soul and now only a pile of rubble that waves the flag of death no more. Crippled by the figure known as Mortalitus, broken by the awesome power this individual wields as wreckage still burns brilliantly late into the evening. Panic and disarray chip away at the sanity of the once slaves, now liberated souls free to do what they will. Some carry this sense of freedom with uneasiness; for they know not the intentions of this figure Mortalitus and for some the death camp walls have been the only home they've ever known.
I remember the hours after the attack on Seithux, I remember the slaves liberated in that ambush and the terror within their hearts. Hope had faded for most long before my day, long before I knew anything of this genocide as questions race from creature to creature trying to understand the course of these events. Most gossip among each other, terrified at the idea of a counterattack from the Xxirian hordes and the majority know they need to be leaving this planet soon. Standing atop the red mountain where I met the small Mezarian boy, the brother Tikik Ranklix has been frantically searching for. I buried the child, under his last words.
Staring for a while in the late evening at the gravesite, I step forward and retract from Mortalitus. The cool evening air hits my face, sending chills down my spine. It feels like I haven't been just me for some time, with Mortalitus and I usually remaining symbiotically bonded most times. In these moments of reflection I like to face my friend, the only one who knows my truth. Mortalitus does fine just by himself, although he seems a bit quieter these days. "How did you feel about our approach today?"
Mortalitus hesitates for a moment before responding. "We cannot fight this entire war for them Ashton. They must find inner strength to rise up and take back what is rightfully theirs."
"Some are weak Mortalitus. We are few in strength."
"Yes my son, but we are many in pure heart."
"I thought this was our intention, to free those bound by tyranny and injustice, to finally put an end to the Xxirian reign of terror."
"Yes, but we are merely the foundation Ashton Mortal. We are the symbol they look upon. They must learn to unite as one common force of goodness, an impenetrable unit of decency." Mortalitus explains. "Dazzling spectacles on the battlefield do little to yield these oncoming storms. The truth is within them all, the same truth that brought you here to lead them from this place to a new home."
"I understand your point, it seems more than valid. Its just difficult to possess such power and not just take them all out at once." I reply.
"With that, there is no lesson to be had, merely a dramatic play fictional to the core. There is no true reality without free will. This is the essence of life, to choose goodness for the sake of goodness, not for prize or status."
"Your points are very straight forward Mortalitus. I sometimes wonder why you ever chose me to lead this fight."
"You are my creation Ashton Mortal, this is your choice alone. On the side of truth, your end result will always be victory. The choice is truly yours."
"Am I still Ashton? Does he even exist anymore? Sometimes I can't remember if he was just a dream of a life I wish I had."
"This is no dream. The events that have taken place are designed to align your purpose."
"I know. Just embracing the personal tragedy of this whole thing." I reply with a sarcastic tone.
"You will carry on through this victory Ashton. You will be remembered for all time, that much is guaranteed. To what end remains to be revealed to us all."
"What do we do next?" I ask. "What do I tell these creatures?"
"They must leave here and you will guide them, for they have no leader. They are in need of a new home and most of all, inspiration."
"I can see that. Where do you suppose we go Mortalitus? Where should I lead them?"
"To a place without the reminder of this vicious death camp. A lush habitable planet, free from the destruction of civilization, an undiscovered system in the Neshuza Galaxy. The planet called Avothina, once home to an amazingly advanced race that discovered the true essence of liberation. Their entire civilization came together as one people and left their home world long ago to spread a message of freedom and goodness throughout the universe. They like many float among the stars unaware of the dangers that wait, unaware of these dark events."
"Avothina? I'm confused. We're just going to take over their old planet?"
"Not at all, but contribute to it once again as those before us did. We will build a society on principles of peace and freedom for all beings calling this universe home. Avothina will be the new home of the reformed sect known as the Imperial Nations of Siivech. You and I will take the place of king of this universe, rallying support from the furthest reaches against this common enemy and then we will take back Edoxus. Together Lord Erazux will meet his end and this genocide will be finished."
"Know this Mortalitus. I only long for a quick end to this fight for the sake of my family. So much time has already passed and I know they need me. Like I said, I'll do what is needed of me, but my reunion with those I love is my only true motivation. Till then I will remain focused on the task at hand."
"As you wish, my young friend."
Paintbrushes stroke canvas slowly as they dance in the creation of art with sunrays breaking through the high skylights above. It's the early morning on April 9th, 2030 A.D. for Kalden Skamar, world renown at this point, a talented visionary in the art revolution. Since the disappearance of his dear colleague and trusted partner, his life has changed drastically. Kalden would feed off my ideas and inspirations the same as I fed off his brilliant technique and creative expression. Now the once lively art studio where we worked day in, day out is silent with t
he subtle sounds of running water from a small fountain.
Kalden continues his work for the sake of his masterpiece collection and the memory of a brother who shared the same vision in this beautiful world. Unknowing to the true fate of the man he knew as Ash Mortal, he feels the crack in his heart of hearts, for his routine way of life is no more. Now the man that once inspired him so scales the mountains of greatness far away from the dream the two shared together, from the simple life they sought to preserve. Lately life has been hard for Kalden as he has become worrisome, for the recent evenings have held nothing but nightmares.
He remembers the talk of nightmares long ago in his deepest conversations with his partner, conversations about the nightmares that led him to art in general. Kalden now paints with no explanations as well and the infamous black-cloaked figure has returned once more. Now he depicts these epic struggles through his eyes at the swipe of a paintbrush. A figure he has only seen in the works of his faithful partner and now his own dreams, for these dreams seem to have some hidden meaning. The silent setting abruptly breaks as a door to the large art studio opens and a small bell rings at its movement.
Kalden pulls the brush from the piece of art and turns his body toward the figure that has entered, squinting his eyes a bit to help them focus. Painting for hours can cause your vision to distort, or so he has found over the years. Smiles are exchanged as he welcomes the company on this particularly lonely day at work. "Good morning Mr. Mortal. What a pleasant surprise. How are you today?"
"I'm doing alright Kalden." Daniel Mortal replies. "I was in the neighborhood, just thought I'd stop in and say hi, see what you're up to these days."
"Well glad to have you. How's Grace?"
"She's good, been spending a lot of time over at Angela's. Trying to help out with Seth as much as possible. Angela's been working hard, selling prints of Ashton's work worldwide now. I wanted to thank you personally for all your help with everything she's trying to do. Your artwork and contributions have been a blessing." Daniel humbly says.
"Nothing need be said dear friend, I consider your family my own. Anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."
"That is very kind of you Kalden, you were always a great friend to my son." Daniel says turning to look at his son's old workstation from so many years ago.
Kalden has always kept my workstation the way I left it, a mess for the most part. An unfinished painting sits atop my favorite easel waiting for finishing touches, many years in the making. A detailed view of the solitary black-cloaked figure remains untouched. Kalden dusts the station regularly, in hopes that maybe somehow I could create art with him once more. Pictures of friends and family litter the workstation, along with odd trinkets I've collected over the years, most gifts from Kalden. My father holds for but a moment taking a deep breath, reminiscing on visits to this studio to watch me paint.
He would always try and spin some amazing science fiction story from my paintings, an underlying meaning to their existence. "That's good of you Kalden, to keep his station all these years. You're a good man."
"Just in case right? A man never loses his touch with art. I miss him dearly, so for now I will continue our legacy alone. This way, Ash will always remain close to my heart."
"Were glad to have you as part of the Mortal family Kalden. So we'll see you next weekend for the family barbecue?" Daniel asks.
"I wouldn't miss it Mr. Mortal."
"You know, we celebrated his birthday yesterday, had the family over at Angela's." Daniel reveals. "Seth really had a great time."
"I'm sure it was wonderful. I bet Ash would've loved it Daniel." Kalden replies with a soft voice.
"I know he would've Kalden. I know he would've."
A chopper flies over the Pacific Ocean as the evening approaches steadily. Blinking lights reflect off the dark diamond surface of the water below. There is a stiff feeling to the cool ocean air as a slight drizzle dampens the side windows of the chopper. Inside, the President of the United States of America makes his way to a mystery location. President Jonathan Reynolds collects his thoughts as the chopper nears its destination. "Mr. President. We have to be in Washington two days from now where Air Force One will escort you to your upcoming world leaders conference in Europe." The President's secretary says.
"I just want to be updated on any progress. I just want some Goddamn answers! Are they ready for the meeting at the site?" Jonathan asks a bit flustered.
"So far everything looks good Mr. President. They still haven't reported any major discoveries at the pyramid site though."
"Figures! Progress might as well be at a standstill. We spend three and half billion dollars to build this state of the art facility around the damn thing and we still know nothing about it. Brilliant!"
"Well hopefully you find what you're looking for Mr. President."
"It's not what I'm looking for my dear, but rather who I'm looking for that is the problem."
The chopper continues to head for the large military installation built over the alien object that showed up out of nowhere and still remains stationary from its arrival years ago. The pyramid has been a thorn in the side of President Reynolds for some time now. It had to be hidden from public view and now a hundred miles off the coast of San Diego California, floats this government fortress that cloaks a beacon from the stars.
Secrets are told in one of the endless chambers within the large fortress on the planet Edoxus called Xxiria, home to Lord Erazux. General Raithus speaks with the faithful advisor to the king himself, Veorix Deif, about the current situation surrounding the mysterious visitor who seems to know so much about this human called Mortalitus. A dangerous threat to the Monarchy of Chaos as General Raithus does his best to make sense of the situation pacing back and forth. Wearing his tattered battle armor he is always reminded, having seen combat in many forms through his years but nothing like this, never like this.
Just trying to comprehend what all this means and who this mysterious stranger is frustrates the large reptilian creature. "Are you sure about this Veorix? You read my report, you understand what it meant don't you?" General Raithus asks.
"Yes, but its Lord Erazux's order General. If he declares this creature a brother to Xxirians, so it shall be."
"I don't like this. How could we ever trust that thing? I don't care what it says!" General Raithus says with an escalating tone. "I've seen this before you fools!"
"We know what you think you saw, but understand what were dealing with now. You can't begin to imagine this creature's power. Don't you see, this could be the weakness we need General. In time you shall bear witness to the end of the creature known as Mortalitus, and the beginning of Xxirian rule over all the known universe."
CHAPTER: 19
DEPARTURE
Newly liberated, the slaves of Seithux talk amongst themselves wondering their fates in the early morning of this changed day. Smoke billows high into the sky from the smoldering wreckage littered in every direction. Everything these creatures knew as their home has been turned to ashes in a single moment and their mysterious liberator hasn't been seen for hours. Xenom Bairix is no longer a leader but most look to him today for answers. Some hesitate, having developed a hate for Xxirians over the years of torture and persecution. Actions are the basis of judgment and even for these untrusting creatures, it was this former Xxirian General that came to their aid in this the direst of situations.
To those who've never seen a selfless act from an Xxirian, it truly is a new day. The former slaves grow restless as the minutes tick by, yet still there is no answer for the whereabouts of the mysterious figure from the heavens called Mortalitus. "Where is he? Where is this Mortalitus? Why would he just leave us after all this? Does he not understand? The Xxirians will return to retaliate!" Sirec says sensing certain doom. "We have to do something, now!"
"Do not worry Sirec, he will return." Xenom responds without hesitation. "I know he'll come back for us."
"What makes you so sure? Ho
w can we even trust anything you say? We know not your intentions."
"He chose to come in the first place didn't he?" Xenom snaps back with a growl in his voice. "Randomly dropping out of the sky to level the entire Xxirian force on this planet and liberate us. Believe me Silokian, this is no easy measure against Xxirian warriors, no one before him has ever accomplished such a task. Mortalitus is truly a hero, I can sense his honor."
"I agree with your word friend." Halex says. "I sense goodness within his heart."
"Well then, where is he?" Sirec responds to his long time friend sarcastically.
"Forgive my absence." I say, interrupting the trio. "I was honoring a fallen comrade."
Upon my return from the red mountaintop, I found unrest among my new friends, for a constant state of fear has become their everyday lives. No blame falls on their shoulders, for they do not know the kindness some of us take for granted. An endless sea of different races turn their heads toward my direction in hopes of understanding the one that has set them free. I stand bonded with Mortalitus again, covered in this biological armor, wearing the dark black cloak of my forefather. I turn my focus toward Tikik, the small Mezarian female.
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