When Worlds Collide

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Then it hit me. He needed me. Or, more accurately, he needed me inside my machine but he had to conceal the fact that I was from the future. Why?


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Suddenly, the reason why didn’t matter to me. All that mattered was that I could finally be with the woman I loved with my entire being! I opened my mouth to shout out my desire…


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]And then I stopped. What would be the point? I still couldn’t be with Gaya. She was destined to marry a Mordue prince and unite the continent. As the Black Knight, I was fated to fight the Immortal Emperor and perhaps die in the duel. Why not just go home now and be done with it?


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Malin was looking through my head module as if he could see the man inside the MAAC. Frak me, he probably could! Suddenly, my heart was filled with homesickness. I missed L’Cor and Q’Wen. I can almost see their faces when they found out that I had returned from the dead. Wouldn’t that be something? I could go home!


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I want to be with Gaya,” The words were out of my mouth before I even realized it. After I said it though, I realized that it was what I wanted, even more than going home. “I don’t care if I’m with her as a friend, lover or soldier. I don’t care if it’s for a day, a moon or an orbit. I love her and I want to be close to her. Return me to my normal size!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Malin smiled and bobbed his head. “Thou have just saved this world from destruction with that decision. Now, only the work remains.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Huh? What the frak did that mean?


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Malin held up his hands in front of him. Between his palms, a translucent bubble formed out of thin air. Within this bubble were tiny moving insects.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Wait a minute! Those were not insects! Insects don’t move like that!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I zoomed my HUD closer and what I saw froze my blood. The things inside the bubble had three legs and walked with a weird triple gait. Many wore unpowered armour but the grand majority did not. There were about fifty of them, and while these early versions did not seem to have power armour, fifty Saxx with modern weapons were more than enough to dominate this primitive world.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]All of a sudden, I knew that my duel with the Immortal Emperor was the least of my worries. Armed with only my MFC, there was no way I could take on fifty Saxx and live.

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The journal entry ended so abruptly that L’Cor wasn’t sure at first that it was over. He was about to open the next entry when there was a commotion by the main hangar gate. There was a rumbling sound as the gate swung open and a large MAAC stepped through and into the hangar.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor almost jumped into action until he saw the emblem of the Royal Gayan Armed Forces boldly displayed on the shoulders of the MAAC. Then he noticed the battle damage.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As the MAAC turned and faced him straight on, L’Cor saw that there was an actual hole in the left torso of the Drac’en MkII. Also, the MAAC’s left arm terminated at the elbow and from what he could see, it did not look as if the arm had be blown off by a projectile weapon. Instead, it looked as if someone had gotten close with a MFC and chopped the arm off.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ivan looked up as the MkII approached and said, “Ah, good, she’s here!”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Who?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alain had already climbed down the Wyv’en’s ladder and was approaching the newcomer. The MkII stopped and its chest plate opened with a hiss of escaping gas. Unlike older models, the chest plate of the MkII opened upwards, so the first thing of the pilot that L’Cor saw was a pair of finely toned legs that seemed to go on for miles. After the legs came a thin waist, a generous bosom, and then a beautiful sweating face surrounded by short red hair.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ivan waved to the pilot and then said to L’Cor, “I believe you already know Major Liselle Tenshen. She contacted us while you were asleep.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle smiled tiredly and waved, “Hello L’Cor. Long time no see!” She hit an unseen switch and a ladder extended down from her cockpit.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alain climbed up the ladder and began to help Liselle get unstrapped from her machine. L’Cor was still somewhat speechless so Ivan continued with his explanation. “Liselle’s force consisted of a tri-quad of Drac’en MkII’s. Her orders were to negotiate some sort of settlement with the Black Prince and to take him out if an opportunity presented itself.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As Ivan spoke, he climbed down the Wyv’en’s ladder and gestured for L’Cor to follow. “At least we solved the mystery as to the location of the stolen Had’ras.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Once on the ground, Liselle greeted L’Cor with a warm hug and a kiss on his cheek. L’Cor found himself lost in memories because Liselle was the last person he had expected to see. Memories of a Liselle from R’Tus’s journal as well as his own personal memories of the real person clashed in his mind. “Uh, it’s good to see you Liselle. How’s your sister?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]At that moment, L’Cor heard the sound of someone clearing her throat and glanced around to see Yoko standing not ten feet away. He quickly pulled away from Liselle and gestured to Yoko to come over.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Cinda is doing fine L’Cor. She’s just had her second baby. A boy this time and she’s named him after R’Tus.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko came up and put an arm around L’Cor’s waist. “Uh, Yoko, this is an old army buddy of mine and R’Tus. Liselle, this is Yoko, the current reigning champion of the Tournament.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle smiled a broad smile and said, “Yoko Ana? I am so pleased to meet you. I’ve followed your exploits rather closely. You’re something of a hero back in my home town!” She shook Yoko’s hand vigorously and enthusiastically.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko smiled back but L’Cor could feel some tension in the arm that was holding him. Was Yoko jealous? He’d better defuse the situation fast. “After R’Tus ah…moved on, Liselle and I became friends and we kept in somewhat contact after the war was over. We lost touch though after I left the service.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko’s armed loosened its grip somewhat but the tension didn’t leave entirely. Liselle’s eyes scanned the hangar and when she saw the Wyv’en behind L’Cor, she gasped and said, “Is that what I think it is? But – “


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Long story Liselle. We’ll fill you in later, promise.” Ivan interrupted Liselle’s question and then added, “We really need to know the current situation. Let’s go into a briefing room ok?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As the group trouped over to a nearby briefing room, L’Cor put his arm around Yoko’s shoulder and whispered in her ear, “We were only friends. Liselle was too in love with R’Tus.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The tension seemed to flow out of Yoko’s body with those words. She smiled and whispered back, “I love you.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I love you too,” said L’Cor.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Once inside of the room, Ivan closed the door while Alain turned on a monitor and switched it over to a news broadcast. On the screen was a slender young man with a haughty face and an arrogant expression. He was addressing the camera the way a monarch would address oppressed subjects. “I am Prince Morda, direct descendant of the Immortal Emperor. I have won a great victory against the forces of the usurper otherwise known as Empress Dana. I hereby declare this city to be mine by conquest. Through me, Mordue will rise once more and take back what was stolen!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alain turned the volume down as the self proclaimed Prince Morda continued to rant. “Sorry, but that’s what’s been clogging up the all the channels for the last several hours.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The image on the screen changed and L’Cor hissed in surprise when he caught a glimpse of four huge MAACs. These MAACs were bigger than anything he’d ever seen before. The head unit sat upon an unsually long neck which in turn sat on a large broad chest. Two large cylindrical weapons stood on either side of the head unit. It was obvious that these MAACs got their names from the nearly extinct Had’ra.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Those are the MAACs that ambushed my force,” said Liselle in a hushed voice. “I’m the only survivor of my tri-quad.”

 

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“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Wait a sec! How the hell did four experimental MAACs take out eleven Drac’en MkII’s piloted by the finest pilots in the RGAF?” L’Cor couldn’t hide his incredulousness at the idea.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle sighed wearily before continuing. “Ivan filled me in on your battle yesterday. I don’t want to sound like I’m belittling your accomplishment. Taking out eight MAACs with what you had was amazing. But you have to understand that the pilots in the force that attacked me were all ex-military. They were all veterans. Plus, those rail guns on the shoulders of the Had’ras can fire a new type of experimental ammunition called MFP.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]What’s a MFP?” asked Yoko.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A monofilament projectile is a new type of weapon based upon tried and true technology.” Ivan got up, went over to a whiteboard hanging on the wall and began drawing. “Basically, you take a very large calibre HVC but instead of loading it solid slugs, you load it with a specially designed mini monofilament cutter.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko snapped her fingers and exclaimed, “Like that Grif’cen that I took out! The pilot threw his MFC at me, and even that simple move embedded his MFC in my chest plate!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ivan nodded solemnly. “Exactly. Imagine now though, that you accelerate that cutter to what a normal HVC slug is capable off.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko gasped. “It would slice through the thickest armour as if it were paper!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Co,r remember the hole in the chest of Liselle’s MkII as well as the amputated left arm. “Frak!”, He swore vehemently. “What chance do we have? Those four Had’ras can take out anything with a single well placed shot!”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Wait everyone!” said Alain suddenly. “We need to hear this!” He turned the volume of the broadcast back up.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Prince Morda had worked himself up to a frenzy and he was shouting, “I call for the rebels who blatantly attacked my forces yesterday to surrender themselves at once! You will submit to me or suffer the consequences! You will come to City Hall and surrender yourselves to my mercy! If you do not, I will start executing the people of this city, beginning with your family and friends!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alain turned the volume down again because the Black Prince was starting to work himself up into another frenzy. “What do we do? We have three MAAC pilots, two damaged MAACs and two undamaged ones.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor cocked his head to look at Liselle. “What do you think about trading in your MkII for an undamaged Grif’cen? I know it wasn’t your favourite MAAC, but your MkII from what I could see is in no shape for another battle any time soon.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle grimaced. “As long as I don’t have to fly the frakkin thing, I’ll be fine.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Wait! Wait, wait, wait!” Everyone turned to look at Yoko. “Are you seriously thinking about fighting them? That’ll be suicide! Not to mention the collateral damage! This is my city we’re talking about!”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yes we have to fight Yoko,” explained L’Cor evenly. “If we don’t show up, that bastard’s crazy enough to start arbitrarily executing citizens. If we surrender, we’re as good as dead. I’d rather fight.” He looked over at Ivan and asked, “Can you use your underground contacts to start evacuating the downtown area quietly?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ivan nodded but Yoko was not done yet. “Wait. This Black Prince guy frequents the red light district right? Why can’t we just ask Madam Rouge to have one of her girls kill the bastard in his sleep?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ivan had a sad expression on his face as he fielded Yoko’s question. “Yoko, you’ve killed before, we all know that. But that was either in the Tournament, self defence or in the heat of combat. Deep inside though, you are not a cold blooded killer. Do you honestly think one of Madam Rouge’s girls can do what you’re asking?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko’s eyes welled up as she considered Ivan’s words and their implications. L’Cor quickly put his arm around her shoulders. “It’s ok Yoko. Besides, we have no idea if the Black Prince even plans to get his rocks off tonight.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle, when can we expect reinforcements from the RGAF?” asked L’Cor.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle shook her head sadly. “Not for at least a couple of days. Plan B was to send in a team of commandos to take out the Black Prince in his sleep, but that’ll take some time to set up. Besides, I think they’re monitoring most of the command frequencies. There’s no guarantee we can catch them by surprise.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Frak!” said L’Cor with feeling. He sighed deeply and said, “I don’t see a lot of choices.” He glance down and Yoko and asked, “I don’t suppose there’s much chance of asking you to sit this one out?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko glared back and said, “Not on your life!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor smiled and then looked to Liselle, “I know you’ve just been through a lot. Care to take another swing at these bastards?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle gave him a thumbs up and said, “You betcha!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ivan cleared his throat. “City Hall is in the downtown district. That area is mostly commercial and all businesses have pretty much stopped since the attack. Most people will be in their homes.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Good,” said L’Cor. He was thinking hard and many of his thoughts were only half articulated when he started to express them. “Ok, Ivan and Alain, we need both Grif’cens and the Wyv’en prepped and ready to go.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Won’t be a problem,” said Ivan. “The Wyv’en was a little banged up but most of the damage was done to the armour.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor nodded absentmindedly. No one mentioned that against MFP’s, fully repaired armour wouldn’t make much difference. “Give them a full weapons load out.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Sure thing, what’s the plan?”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Simple. Liselle, Yoko and I will present ourselves the Black Prince. While we have his attention, Dorjan and the rest of the Tournament players will sneak in behind the Had’ras and take out their knees.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]That’s not much of a plan L’Cor,” said Ivan grimly.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t have time to get fancy. The longer we wait, the more likely that this crazy bastard will take it out on the population.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]There was silence in the room as everyone considered L’Cor’s words. Deep down, they all knew that he was correct.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I’ll need a couple of hours,” said Ivan.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]That’s fine. Liselle, make yourself at home. Grab a bite and try to get some rest. We leave as soon as our MAACs are ready. Ivan, can you call Dorjan and the others here? I need to brief them.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]You get some rest too,” said Ivan with an inclined head in Yoko’s direction. “I’ll brief the others.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor was about to protest but a subtle but firm pressure from Yoko made him rethink it. Instead, he said, “Thanks. That’s it for now. We’ll regroup in a couple of hours.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]With that, Yoko took a firm grip on his hand and proceeded to lead him out of the room. On the way out, he caught a glimpse of amused expressions on the faces of Ivan, Alain and Liselle.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Back in his room, they made love with a fierce passion that exceeded their lovemaking from the night before. No words were said about what was to come. None were needed.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]When the call came from Ivan that the MAACs were ready, they got dressed into their neural suits, shared one last intense hug and left for the hangar and their meeting with destiny.

 

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Chapter 20 – Collision with Destiny


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor glanced around New Neomar as he and his companions walked their MAACs into the downtown area. There were obvious signs of past fighting, but the damage to the city in general was not that bad. With luck, the Black Skull forces had not noticed the Micks under OC that had preceded them into the city. His plan was simple, but he had no illusions about his ability to survive it. Right now, his priority was to disable as many of the Had’ras [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]as possible so that future actions against the Black Skull would be easier.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Oh, and it would be nice to minimize damage to the city, mused L’Cor. The Had’ras were experimental MAACs, and as such, they still had weaknesses that had to be ironed out before full production. Specifically, the knee joints on the beasts were somewhat weak. L’Cor had armed Tournament players’ Micks with HVC’s in the hopes that they could immobilize the Had’ras enough for L’Cor and his team to have a shot at taking down the monsters.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]His Wyv’en was armed with a pair of HVC’s and his MFC was docked on his back. Both Liselle and Yoko were similarly armed. He personally doubted that he would live long enough to use the MFC but it was comforting to have his brother’s favourite weapon with him.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As L’Cor approached the large building that was City Hall, he noted how closely the four Had’ra MAACs were positioned. He snorted in a self-mockingly kind of way. Too bad his skills with a MFC were not as good as his brother’s. If R’Tus were here, he could probably cut down all four Had’ras before they had a chance to fire!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor and his team stopped about one hundred feet away from the enemy MAACs. One Had’ra stepped forward with an arrogant strut and the Black Prince’s face appeared on L’Cor’s communicator screen.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I am Prince Morda! I hereby declare you to be outlaws and I command – “


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Whatever else the Black Prince was going to say, L’Cor did not hear it. Suddenly, his world seemed to be enveloped in a flash of intense light.

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]His optical sensors shut down in response and for several seconds, L’Cor sat in complete darkness. After what seemed like an eternity though, his sensors eventually rebooted and he was able to see where he was.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]However, he was not where he thought he was. He was somewhere else entirely. Feeling almost like a character in a long ago children’s story, L’Cor panned his head unit around as he took in his surroundings.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor! What happened? Where are we?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor glanced at his communicator screen and said, “I’m not sure Yoko, but I don’t think we’re in New Neomar anymore!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The trio of MAACs stood at the head of a large valley. L’Cor was reminded somehow of the Badlands back during the war.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle’s face appeared on his communicator screen. “L’Cor, do you see that?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]He linked his secondary monitor to Liselle’s Grif’cen and watched as Liselle zoomed in on an area on the valley floor. His blood froze as he saw the dozens of three legged figures marching down the valley.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Oh frak! What in Hade’s stinking armpit are Saxx doing here?” Suddenly, thought of where he was disappeared as old war habits kicked in at the sight of his old enemy. “Liselle, Yoko! Form up on me. Delta formation!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle’s MAAC complied instantly but Yoko’s face appeared on his screen with a confused look. “Uh, fearless leader? What’s a Delta formation?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor swore under his breath. “Never mind that. Yoko, get in the air. I don’t see many heavy weapons in the Saxx force. Liselle, you’re with me. We’ll hit them as Yoko makes her strafing run!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko’s Grif’cen leapt into the air as L’Cor and Liselle started a quick loping run. L’Cor contacted Yoko again and said, “Be careful Yoko. Fighting Saxx is not quite like fighting people. Tournament rules do not apply here. Target the beasts in armour first. And for Gaya’s sake, don’t stop moving. If they get a bead on you, they’ll swamp you with coordinated fire.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko looked as if she wanted to crack a joke, but instead, she said, “I understand. You be careful too ok?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]He gave her a nod and the contacted Liselle. “Just like old times Lis!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle gave him a wild grin. “I don’t know where we are, and I don’t know what the frak is going on, but it’s good to have an open battlefield!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor pulled his arms out from their sockets long enough to type several commands into his keyboard. “I’ve synched my targeting computer to your Grif’cen. Stay on my wing and hit anything that I’m not hitting.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle simply said “affirmative,” but her grin told L’Cor that she was slightly amused that he had automatically assumed the leadership role even though he was no longer in the military.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]From that moment on, L’Cor acted on instinct. He had fought the Saxx for so long that he knew, beyond the shadow of any doubt, that the Saxx force had to be destroyed completely. His HUD showed the estimated number of Saxx to be no more than fifty, so he knew that this was just an scouting party Still, if any Saxx survived to communicate back to whatever passed for their homeworld, then fifty would soon become fifty thousand.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As he came into attack range, two things seemed somewhat odd to him. First, was the complete lack of powered armour among the ranks of Saxx. Second, and though he was no expert in Saxx psychology, was the apparent shocked reaction of the Saxx force as he and Liselle opened fire.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor was used to Saxx who fought in tightly wound teams. He was used to Saxx who moved and fired in coordinated groups. He was used to Saxx whose discipline in the middle of combat made them seem more like machines rather than giant alien beings. What he was not used to were Saxx who ran about helter skelter in undeniable panic.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]He and Liselle fired their HVC’s into the mass of Saxx and it was like shooting turk’as on a firing range. Yoko’s strafing run was announced by a flight of missiles that added to the panic and devastation that L’Cor and Liselle were causing.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Despite the obvious confusion amongst the Saxx though, L’Cor made no attempt to get closer and engage with his MFC. It was obvious that he currently had the advantage of both range and surprise and getting into the middle of that mess was a sure way to get himself killed.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko’s Grif’cen came screaming back in on another attack run, but this time, she slowed her velocity and cut loose with more missiles and a barrage of auto-cannon fire.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]After several minutes, L’Cor’s HUD showed no more hostiles. It couldn’t have even been considered a battle. It was more of a massacre. None of the Saxx had even tried to fight back because the shock of seeing armed and armoured assailants was too severe for them to handle.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko! Get up into the air and see if you can find their ship. We have to make sure its destroyed too!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Without a word, Yoko fired her afterburners and headed away. L’Cor contacted Liselle and said, “I know you hate flying, but see if you can help Yoko. We don’t want any of them to get away.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle grimaced but said, “Roger!” Her Grif’cen shifted its body parts until it resembled a large armoured aircraft.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Before she could take off though, a giant explosion seemed to reverberate throughout the valley. “Yoko, are you alright?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko’s face came on his display. She had a huge grin on her face. “Nothing to it, oh fearless leader. I found the ship and it was completely unprotected. I thought Saxx were supposed to be tougher opponents?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor gave her a shrug and said, “Who knows. Get back here on the double.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko’s Grif’cen flew back and converted to ground assault mode in mid air. It rode its jump jets down until its feet were firmly planted on the ground.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Liselle had converted her Grif’cen back as well. “What the frak is going on L’Cor? One minute we were about the face our fates at City Hall, and the next minute we’re slaughtering a bunch of Saxx! Where are we?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Now that the action was over, L’Cor took some time to really observe his surroundings and to mull over everything that had happened. There was no sign of modern civilization for as far as his sensors could see. The Saxx had reacted as if they had never seen MAACs. Their equipment had seemed…well for a lack better word…primitive. A sinking feeling assaulted his gut as he said, “I think the more important question is, when are we?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Just then, blinding light flared up all around the trio of MAACs. L’Cor squeezed his eyes shut but overrode his MAAC’s automatic shut down of his sensors. Instead, he dimmed the reception until he could just barely see. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much for him to see. The three MAACs were bathed in light. There was no ground and no sky. There was only light.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Something seemed to be approaching him though. He turned his attention to it as it approached and his heart skipped a beat as he recognized the shape of another Wyv’en. The Wyv’en had obviously seen better days, but it appeared to be intact. In fact, it looked very familiar to L’Cor.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Could it be?

 

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor reached up a hand as if to touch the other Wyv’en as it passed, but his MAAC’s armoured hand seemed to pass right through his brother’s machine. L’Cor reached out in a vain attempt to touch the other MAAC and then, as suddenly as it had arrived, the light vanished and R’Tus’s Wyv’en was gone as well.

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alright, I only have a short time to record my thoughts. Oh frak! What the frak happened to me?


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Where do I start? Well, without much fanfare, Malin cast his spell that restored me to my right size. He was also nice enough to magically transport my MFC here as well. I remember feeling a bit of a perverse delight when I realized that I was in fact taller than him. Yeah, I know…whatever.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Anyway, I jumped into my Wyv’en and made my way to where Malin shown me. On the way there, I was still trying to figure out what kind of tactic I could use. I didn’t have many options. The only thing I could think of was that these Saxx were obviously a lot more primitive than their future counterparts. This must be some sort of early exploratory force. Still, armed with only my MFC, fifty to one odds did not seem survivable. I may get lucky and kill a dozen or so, but the rest were sure to figure out that there was only one of me and get their act together. Well, I’d always wanted to go down fighting impossible odds, right? Not!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I reached the valley without incident and I perched on the side of a mountain as I analyzed the force below me. I was just calculating my next move when this incredible light surrounded me. A second before my sensors shut down, I realized that I had seen this light before.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]When the light was disappeared, I was no longer on the mountain looking down at the valley. I was in some kind of modern day city. I was back in the future!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As soon as I realized that however, I was confronted by four huge MAACs of a design I didn’t recognize. For a split second, I experienced déjà vu, and I had to give myself a shake. Yes, these were MAACs and not men in armour!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A face appeared on my communicator and was shouting something on the all bands frequency. “I am Prince Morda! I hereby declare you to be outlaws and I command you to lay down your arms or I will start executing citizens!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Prince Morda? As in the Mordue empire? What the frak was going on? Did I jump into an alternate future where the Mordue won the war?


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The lead MAAC stepped forward and the two long barrelled weapons on either side of the long head unit lowered in a menacing manner. It didn’t take a genius to know what its intentions were, and where MAAC tactics were concerned, I was pretty darned close to being a genius.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]My MFC was in my hand even before the long barrelled weapons completed their descent into firing position. As I moved, I grinned savagely. It had been a long time since I didn’t have to hold back! Also, it was awfully nice of these mysterious MAACs to position themselves so close to each other!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Something flashed over my shoulder as I ducked and closed the distance. I didn’t pause to give it another thought.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]My MFC drew a blazing blue wave as it arced upward. It sliced through one of the long barrelled weapons near the base. The resultant explosion surprised me a bit, but I was already beyond the first MAAC. It was clear, whatever these weapons were, a critical hit on one of them caused them to explode cataclysmically.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]There were three more MAACs in my field of vision. Instead of an emblem for the Royal Gayan Armed Forces though, these MAACs sported a black skull, which from my experience over the last six orbits, I knew to be the banner of the Mordue empire.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The three MAACs already had their weapons in firing position so I put all other thoughts into the back of my mind. My next target, I decided subconsciously, would be the MAAC in the middle.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I leapt into the air and somersaulted forward. I briefly noted several lines of bright light flashing through the empty space where I had been. As I turned in midair and faced forward once more, I lanced out with my MFC and bisected the centre MAAC. It wasn’t enough to destroy the MAAC though, so when I landed on my feet, I ducked and cut through the MAACs left knee.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I let my momentum carry me to my right and launched myself at the MAAC there. My MFC pierced through the chest plate and I deactivated it for a second. With my MFC stuck in the MAAC, I twisted my body around which had the effect of turning the massive MAAC that I had impaled. When I had turned the MAAC around enough so that it was between me and the last enemy, I reactivated my MFC and pulled it out. I saw two large holes suddenly appear in the torso of the MAAC and it suddenly dawned on me that these MAACs must be shooting some sort of small MFC projectile at HVC speeds. If I had stopped to really think about it, I think I would have scared myself silly!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The last MAAC was almost two hundred feet away. The back of my mind was calculating the chances that I could reach the last MAAC before it fired again. I decided that it would be close…maybe too close. As I ran and closed the distance, I flipped my MFC around and then hurled it at the enemy MAAC as if it were a javelin. I let my forward motion carry me down and I tucked and rolled as a last ditch effort to avoid being hit.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]It must have worked because I didn’t get hit. When I got back onto my feet, I saw that the last MAAC was staggering a bit and then it fell backward. My MFC had skewered the MAAC right in the centre of its chest plate.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I walked over and recovered my weapon. I deactivated it and clipped it back onto my back.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The first MAAC that I took down moved ever so slightly and I approached it cautiously. I could see a small figure crawling away from the open chest hatch. This, I surmised, could be none other than Prince Morda, the descendant of my enemy. Should I crush him?


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I’ve never killed an unarmed opponent before and it’s a good thing I never had the chance to seriously consider it. As with before, a blinding white light engulfed me and I left the modern world.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Something strange happened after that though. During my time travel back, I managed to turn on my sensors ever so slightly. What I saw though, left me dumbfounded. I had the sense that I was traveling in a straight line, although there was no visual proof of that. What I saw coming towards me though, was three familiar MAACs. Two of them were Grif’cens and the third was a Wyv’en – and not just any Wyv’en either. It looked very much like mine! What the frak?


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The Wyv’en reached out with a hand but that hand passed right through me. I tried to turn to follow the trio’s progress but they quickly passed out of sight.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Well, that’s all I can say about that adventure. My next one looms ahead of me. This time though, I will be on my own, in the flesh. And, there will be no help from the magical department either.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Oh…wait, that sound you hear in the background is the funeral horns. Malin did not live long after I got back from the future. I guess that little spell of his really took its toll on the old man.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Even the joy in Gaya’s eyes at seeing me restored to my own size has been overshadowed by Malin’s death. Even worse though, is that somehow, Emperor Morda has caught wind of Malin’s passing and has issued a challenge for one on one combat to end the war.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As I am Princess Gaya’s champion, I have accepted his challenge. Tomorrow, I shall face my true destiny.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Signing off.

 

[ERecTile]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Chapter 21 – Endings and Beginnings


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Almost two weeks later, L’Cor sighed deeply as he reclined on Yoko’s old but comfortable couch. Yoko sighed contently and leaned against his shoulder. The last several days had been a nightmare of pomp and circumstance.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The Empress herself had insisted on meeting with the unlikely group of heroes who had saved New Neomar and ended an insurrection before it could begin.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Empress Dana had been very generous with the rewards. Among them was a royal order for Yoko’s sister Kasa to receive the very best medical attention in Camu, the capital of the Empire. Jan, and Ivan were still there monitoring Kasa’s progress while L’Cor had finally persuaded Yoko that her sister was in good hands.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Other rewards had included monetary grants, as well as elevation to nobility. At this thought, L’Cor glanced at his Star of Knighthood that sat proudly in its gold case on the coffee table and shook his head ruefully.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]When he had embarked on his quest to fade away from life, the last thing he had expected was to find a lovely woman to love, win the gratitude of the Empress, and most of all, reconnect with this brother.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]During some private discussions with the Empress, L’Cor had shown Empress Dana some of the entries in R’Tus’s journal. After viewing a few, Empress Dana had asked if she could make a copy of the journal. L’Cor, of course, had readily agreed. Along with the request had come a royal command to never reveal the truth to anyone else.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko shifted uncomfortably as L’Cor raised the remote for the holo-tube and turned it on. “How come, the first thing you do when you get home is to turn on the holo?”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Because I’m an insensitive man,” said L’Cor with a grin.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The holo was showing a news report and at the moment, the biggest news on the planet was an amateur recording of the famous battle at New Neomar’s City Hall.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor sniffed amusedly. Battle was too big a word. The entire action only lasted several seconds. R’Tus had lost none of his skill as he dispatched four experimental heavy assault MAACs as if they were toys.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Of course, the general public did not know that R’Tus had come back from the dead to save the city. Because L’Cor and R’Tus had been piloting the same MAAC, the actual credit for saving the city had gone to L’Cor.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]At first, L’Cor had been uncomfortable with this, but Empress Dana had very firmly ordered him to think of the whole incident as being classified Top Secret. She had not given any details and L’Cor had not felt inclined to ask for more. Besides, it’s not as if he could easily explain to the whole world that his brother had returned from the dead – no from the past – and saved the Empire!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko reached up and took the remote away from him. “I still think it’s odd.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Hmm? What’s that love?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko gestured to the images on the holo. “Now that I’ve seen your brother in action, how can you honestly say that I’m as good as him? I mean, look at him! If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was simply dressed in armour. His movements are so fluid and natural!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor kissed Yoko’s forehead and said, “Don’t forget that he’s had many years of training and experience in piloting a MAAC. This reminds me. Are you really going to go through with your plans?”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]You mean to retire from the Tournament? Of course! Now that I don’t have to risk my ass, I’m not going back in there!”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]What about your plans to go into business with Ivan and Alain?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko cocked her head to one side. Her eyes did not leave the holo as she said, “Yup, that’s pretty much official. I’ve got some ideas that should revolutionize MAAC development. I went over some of them with Ivan before we came back and he thinks that they have a lot of merit. As unpopular as the Grif’cen is, I really think that the future of MAACs is mobility over weaponry. The Had’ras were really badass, but when you stop to think about it, they’re as mobile as a rock – look!” Yoko gestured to the holo. “There, how did R’Tus know to go for the knee joint? He had what…a few seconds to size up his opponents?”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]They didn’t call him the Whiz Kid for nothing.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]No offense honey, but now that I’ve seen you two, I have to wonder how the heck you guys are related. I mean, you’re good, but dagnag-it, he’s a natural!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor chuckled. “Actually, not too many people know this, but R’Tus and I are actually not related by blood.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko suddenly jerked upright. “What?!”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]My parents…my real father and my mother that is, always wanted another child as I was an only child at the time. Anyway, they were unable to conceive and eventually adopted a little boy to be my brother. After my father died, my mother eventually remarried and gave birth to Q’Wen.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]You mean you and R’Tus are not brothers after all?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor frowned and said, “We are brothers in everything except blood.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Blood is thicker than water but love binds us all,” said Yoko. “Did R’Tus ever know?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]He shook his head. “No. We were going to tell him one day, but then our father died, and then our mother remarried. The timing never seemed right.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A beeping noise interrupted their conversation. Yoko frowned and said, “I thought we agreed to turn off our phones for at least today?”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I did,” said L’Cor as he fished though his pockets until he found the source. “That’s odd, I thought I turned this thing off?” He held up R’Tus’s journal and it turned on by itself.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]R’Tus’s face smiled at the couple. “Hello L’Cor.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]What the frak?” exclaimed L’Cor. He fumbled with the journal and almost dropped it.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Now, now L’Cor. No need for such language. There is a lady present after all.” R’Tus turned to face Yoko and said, “I am pleased to see L’Cor keeping company with such a beautiful woman. May I have your name please?”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Uh, Yoko. My name is Yoko.” Yoko’s face mirrored the confusion on L’Cor’s.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]R’Tus laughed. “You guys should look in the mirror! Surely, after your experiences, you believe in magic now?”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]But…but…”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]But how is this possible?” asked R’Tus. “Easy! I showed Farad my AV journal and he was somehow able to make a replica of this and then send the replica into the future where it landed on your bunk L’Cor.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Farad? But…he…wasn’t…”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Corrrrrr!” sang R’Tus. “Shut up and pay attention. Yes, this is really me. No, I don’t really understand the mechanics of magic enough to tell you how this works, and yes Farad: as in Malin’s apprentice and wizard to Emperor Morda. That Farad. He’s really not that bad a guy, once you get to know him. Of course, he did try to kill Gaya so many times, but let’s not dwell upon the past, shall we?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]There was a faint crying sound and R’Tus looked away for a moment. “Oh, sorry, duty calls. Here, you need to see this entry. Maybe it’ll bring you up to speed.” R’Tus waved a hand and then his image was replaced with a younger looking version of himself.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor and Yoko watched in astonished silence as the younger R’Tus began to speak.

 

[ERecTile]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Start of Entry​

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]This day has been the most incredible day of my life. Before you wonder, yes, Gaya and I were finally able to consummate our love last night, and no, I’m not going to recount those experiences here!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Basically, the purpose of this entry is to document my duel with Emperor Morda. I had gone into the duel this morning, convinced that I was going to die. Well, obviously, I didn’t!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]See, Emperor Morda had this spell put on him by his wizard Farad. He was immortal. Obviously, a spell of this magnitude requires a lot of power. It’s no wonder that Farad looks as if he were ninety orbits old instead of the forty that he is.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As if to punctuate my feeling of doom, the day was cloudy and dreary. Big thick clouds threatened to drop torrential rain everywhere.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Gaya helped me into my armour. We did not speak but I could see tears in her eyes. When she kissed me one last time before closing my helm over my face, I could taste her salty tears.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]She helped me belt on my sword belt and then watched quietly as I slid Callus home into its scabbard.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]When I tried a test draw though, I found my mobility to be seriously hampered. We spent the next few minutes arguing about the armour. Gosh, women can be so stubborn. If I was going to die today, I was determined to die on my feet, facing my enemy – not lying on the ground like an upside down ter’le. Even though I wouldn’t be able to kill the Emperor, I was still going to give it my best shot. For that, I needed mobility. We compromised in the end. I switched out all that metal armour for a basic leather breast plate, forearm braces and a helm with a face guard. Heck, at least I got to kiss her again!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]This time, Callus leapt from its scabbard and into my hand as if summoned by magic. I was ready.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The arena was small with no hiding places. This was going to be a simple duel. Emperor Morda was standing in the centre of the arena. I saw that he had outfitted himself in basic leather armour as well. Either he was confident in the spell that protected his life, or he preferred to fight as light as possible.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]His face was protected by a mask like mine was. As if on some unspoken signal, we both drew our swords and saluted each other.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]He attacked first with a lunge, which I parried. He carried his broadsword as if it was a rapier and I was somewhat surprised at his speed. Oh well, I’m no slouch when it came to primitive weapons!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]We battled back and forth in the arena for a while. After the first few strokes, it became obvious that we were actually pretty closely matched. I could see by his posture that he was starting to take the duel seriously. His strokes started to come faster and stronger. I blocked the ones that I could and parried when I saw an opening.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]He got in a good stroke though which I barely deflected with the back of my left arm. Thank goodness Gaya convinced me to leave the forearm braces on!

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A little bit later, I managed to mirror his stroke and drew a line of blood on his left side. His left arm was just a little too slow to deflect it.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I think the fact that I drew blood shocked him. I heard him say, “Impossible!” Then, he really started to attack in fury.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]One of the first things I learned about fighting was to always keep a level head. I sensed my opening well before it happened. Emperor Morda was becoming increasingly frustrated and it showed in his moves. Suddenly, he took his sword in both hands and hammered at me as if he were holding an axe and not a fine instrument of death.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I timed my blow to coincide with his upswing, knocked his blade further up than he had intended, and then ran him through his chest.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]His sword fell from his grasp as I pulled Callus from his chest.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]How…how is this possible? I am the Immortal Emperor. Only my blood can kill me!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I had no idea what to say to him. I was still shocked that I had won!


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Who…who are you? Let me see your face!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I shrugged mentally and removed my helm. In response, Emperor Morda began to laugh. There was a shocked silence from the crowd that was watching. Morda was still laughing when he pulled off his helm.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]He had my face!


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Blood bubbled out of his mouth but he managed to say, “Yvain…son…” Then the Immortal Emperor fell face forward and died.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Someone, I think it was Farad, led me out of the arena before it became a complete madhouse. I was still in too much shock. Suddenly, Gaya was there too and the three of us managed to find a quiet corner.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Farad looked at me with wonder in his eyes and then knelt and bowed his head to me. “I pledge my allegiance to thee, Prince Morda.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]What? What’re you talking about? My name is R’Tus!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Gaya wrapped her hand around my shoulder and hugged me tight. “Nay, my love. Thou art the son of Yvain and King Groken. Malin informed my father and me many orbits ago.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I pulled away from her embrace and stared at her. “What’re you talking about?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Gaya grabbed my hand and held it tight as she looked into my eyes. “Oh, I have wanted to tell you for so many orbits, my love! Tens of orbits ago, when my grandfather was still a boy in King Groken’s court, Yvain seduced King Groken in an attempt to undermine the unity of the Camu kingdom. Her seduction bore unexpected fruit though and thou were born. She never wanted anything to do with thee and allowed servants to raise you. One of these servants was Malin, who became thy mentor and tutor.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]My head was spinning and I had the feeling of something being lifted from my mind. Suddenly, it all came back to me. Yes, I had known for a long time that I was adopted. My mother had told me one quiet night. Yet, the memories of the time before I was adopted had always seemed blank. Now, though, those memories came flashing back. I remembered rolling hills and long serious talks with an old man with sad eyes. I remembered laughing in delight at the tricks of light that flashed in this man’s hands. Most of all, I remembered a fateful day, full of flashing steel and splashing red. The old man was there and he had said, “Aurron, something bad is happening. I will not allow thee to come to harm. Though born a bastard of a senile king and a wicked temptress, thou have the right to live your life free of these evil tangles.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Without realizing it, I suddenly found myself sitting on the ground with my head in my hands. My real name was Aurron! “Malin sent me away, didn’t he?” I asked of no one in particular.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Gaya knelt down beside me and said gently, “At the time, all he wanted to do was to keep thee safe. He would not tell anyone where he had sent thee. Everyone assumed thou were dead.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Farad knelt down in front of me and bowed his head. “When Yvain came back to Mordue, she had a little boy with her. My spells quickly ascertained that he was of no relation to Emperor Morda. When I informed the Emperor, he was happy and ordered the deception to continue. A few orbits later, he became worried that Yvain would not hold to the secret and ordered her poisoned.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I looked up at Farad. He looked almost as old as Malin, yet I knew that he was younger than King Auril. This was the face of the man who I had fought remotely with for the life of Princes Gaya. I couldn’t bring myself to hate him for some reason. “Why would you follow a madman like that?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Farad sighed deeply and looked extremely sad. “Many orbits ago, my master and I parted ways over a difference in opinion. He believed that the future of this world was in the hands of a tiny insignificant kingdom. I believed that the only way to save this world would be to take an existing empire and mould it into a force that can defeat the alien Saxx. I am sure that you can figure out the rest. The spell that Emperor forced from me as the price of his cooperation drained my life force until I am merely a shadow of what I once was.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I nodded to show my understanding. I don’t know why, but I believed him. Farad turned to Gaya and said, “I am deeply sorry for all that I have done Princess. I should have placed my trust in thee long ago.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Princess Gaya shook her head and said, “Farad, if it were not for thee, Camu would not have been forced to become as strong as she is now. We became strong because we had to face strong opponents.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]They looked at each other the way old friends who had been reunited after a long absence would and shared a small smile. Given their history though, it’s not surprising that they did know each other from long ago. I had a nasty little suspicion in my mind and I had to ask it. “It was you, Farad wasn’t it?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]He looked at me in surprise but I forged ahead. “Every time you sent one of your assassins, something warned me. Even when I was deeply asleep, I always knew when an attack as going to come.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Farad didn’t say anything but I could see his answer in his eyes. I think that was when I made up my mind to trust him. However, I still had no idea what to do now. “What do I do now?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Gaya leaned over and kissed me on my lips. Then she asked, “Wilt thou marry me?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]That startled me but I instantly said, “Yes!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]She rewarded me with a smile that out dazzled a mid day sun and said, “Then we shall unite this continent together and our children shall unite the world!”

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]End of Entry
​

 

[ERecTile]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The journal entry ended and the image of the young R’Tus was replaced by the older one. “Does that answer most if not all of your questions?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor belatedly realized that his mouth was open and then shut momentarily before saying, “So you’re the Morda prince that Princess Gaya married?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]R’Tus grinned. “I thought that was obvious. Also, I’ve been doing some thinking lately. It’s my fault really that you had to deal with that so called Black Prince.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Why?”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Well, after Gaya and I got married, she banished the puppet prince that everyone had thought was the grandson of Emperor Morda. Poor guy ran off swearing vengeance and he went on and on about how he would return one day and reclaim what was stolen. He honestly thought that he was Yvain’s real son.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]That sounds familiar,” said Yoko with a wry grin.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor suddenly found his throat to be dry and his eyes teared up. “That’s really you, isn’t it R’Tus?”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Instead of quipping, R’Tus said, “Yes big brother. It’s me. You were always there for me, and I never got to say how much I appreciated you as a brother.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I never got to tell you how proud I am of you,” said L’Cor thickly.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]R’Tus was about to say something else but he was interrupted once more by the sound of crying. “Oopsy! Hang on a sec.” His face disappeared from the holo for several seconds. When he came back though, he was holding something in his arms. “Ok, I can’t keep this connection up. It really makes Farad tired to hold this link open. I don’t know when I’ll be able to contact you again, but there’s someone you should meet.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor, you are my big brother, and as such, you always got to do everything before I did. You started dating girls before me, you graduated from school before me, and you joined the military before me. I’ve never complained, but at least I finally got to do one thing before you.” R’Tus held up a squirming baby up to the holo and said, “Allow me to present my son and your nephew: Euther Tendra’cen!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Tears ran openly down L’Cor’s face as he saw the image of his nephew. “You did good little brother! He’s beautiful!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]R’Tus nodded in Yoko’s direction and said, “You better get cracking if you want to catch up. My brother’s not getting any younger you know!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko laughed and shook her head ruefully. “Maybe we’ll start practising later, but I have no intentions of becoming an unwed mother!” She directed at the last to L’Cor who immediately fell to one knee.


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Yoko Ana, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Hmmm….let me see,” said Yoko playfully. She winked at R’Tus and then exclaimed, “Yes!” She jumped into L’Cor’s waiting arms and kissed him fiercely.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]R’Tus whistled and applauded clumsily and said, “Congrats big bro! Something tells me that you’re gonna have your hands full with this one!”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor came up for air and regarded his brother. “Thanks R’Tus.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]R’Tus shook his head. “No L’Cor. I should be the one to say thanks. Thanks for always being there for me. Thanks for being my big brother.”


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]L’Cor wiped away more tears and said, “I love you R’Tus.”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I love you too, you big lug! I won’t say good bye. I’ll say farewell and please give my love to Q’Wen, ok?”


“[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I will,” promised L’Cor. He was still crying when the journal beeped and turned off. His emotions threatened to burst out of his body so he did the only thing he could think of. He wrapped his arms around the woman he loved and held her tight until the storm of emotions passed, and with it, all of his pent up grief.

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The End
​

 

[WhiteLion]

Impressive dude.

 

[Ihandsome]

I fell into your link while searching other information. Yes I am also impressed.

 

[Upyale]

Neato there, ERT.