In a room inside the UN headquarters, President Calabrese, the Vice-President, and several of the lower office-holders sit in a room surrounded by Elemenian soldiers. As they do, they face a monitor as they speak with Xiratox, the Elemenian Emperor.

XIRATOX

So, then…do we have an understanding?

CALABRESE

You will allow us to retain our power as long as we acknowledge YOU as the true ruler of this planet. Is that correct?

XIRATOX

Yes. Now, do we have a deal?

CALABRESE

…Yes, we do.

XIRATOX

Good. Then your first official duty as my subordinate is to place a list of Elemenian soldiers, of MY choosing, in charge of every major government installation on the planet Earth.

When that has been completed, you will await further instructions. Is that understood?

CALABRESE

Yes.

XIRATOX

Yes, what?

CALABRESE

…

Yes, Emperor.

Xiratox’s image disappears from the monitor and an Elemenian soldier steps in front of the UN officials.

SOLDIER

You are all dismissed. We will now escort you so that you may fulfill your assigned duties.

CALABRESE

Fine. But, if I may, do I have to option of choosing WHERE I may begin?

Across the rest of the planet, people are forced to line up in the streets under gunpoint as the Elemenian soldiers take the already-decimated Earthling population and force them to submit themselves for cataloguing.

SOLDIER

Listen, all of you alien worms…

From this moment on, all the hopes, dreams, and daily routines you used to have are over.

Now, you will be what we tell you to be, do what we tell you to do, and think what we tell you to think.

Anyone who FAILS to do this will be executed without question.

Are we clear?!

A moment of silence passes.

SOLDIER

Now, listen very carefully.

Those of you that are of Elemenian or hybrid birth, should you possess powers, will be allowed to maintain a citizenship status in the new Empire. You will be assigned jobs, new homes, and a new way of life. Should you prove your usefulness to the Empire, you will may be allowed to increase your social status or join the Imperial army.

On the other hand, for the majority of you who are Earthlings or Elemenians withOUT powers, you may now consider yourselves slaves. You will receive no special treatment and you will have no rights. Of course, there will always be special cases, but chances are, you won’t be one of them.

Well then, if we’re clear on this, we will now record your identities and mete out fitting assignments.

The final scene changes to that of another former UN base…now under the control of the Elemenian Empire. Inside, Indigo, Genesis, Gladius, and the others, have been locked behind bars and are being held prisoner. Each one them has been outfitted with a power dampener. Indigo shares a cell with Thunder, while Genesis shares one with Shadow. Gladius (his armor removed), remains bunked with Goddess.

Inside Thunder and Indigo’s cell, the two haven’t spoken a word since being locked together. They both sit laid-back, stiff-lipped, and stare at each other. Finally, Indigo can’t stand it any longer.

INDIGO

If we’re gonna be locked up in here, it might help if we tried NOT to make this as miserable as possible.

THUNDER

…

INDIGO

What’s your deal, anyway?

Why were you guys so chummy with that Elemenian chick?

THUNDER

…

INDIGO

You might as well tell me. Doesn’t look like it’ll do us much good in here.

THUNDER

…

INDIGO
(sighs) FINE.

He lays back on his bunk, putting his pillow over his head.

THUNDER

……She was supposed to help us restore the Elemenian Monarchy.

INDIGO

(pulling off the pillow)

Huh?

THUNDER

I don’t know if you know this, but…I’m the son of the former king and queen of the most prominent nation on old Elemen.

You see, the Emperor wasn’t always in power. Years ago, the planet was divided into several nations. Xiratox sought to "unify" the planet and conquered each of the other nations. The reason I was put in charge of the Kindred was because I was the son of the former King and Queen of one of those nations…the last one to fall to Xiratox.

The dream of Narwal was to overthrow Xiratox and restore the Zennon family to power.

Dremora came to us and said she was willing to help. For years, she was our ally, and she proved an invaluable asset. None of us…could have ever imagine she’d turn.

INDIGO

I see…

So, our family was…

THUNDER

No…MY family.

I don’t give a damn what YOU or anyone else says. You’re no brother of mine.

Your only parents are a petrie dish and a test tube.

INDIGO

…

Alright, fine.

But you were supposed to take over the Empire with the pitiful little resistance you had here on Earth? You guys couldn’t even fight the UN government. How the hell did you expect to beat the Empire?

THUNDER

There’s no way YOU could know this, but the Kindred doesn’t extend to Earth alone.

INDIGO

Huh?

THUNDER

For years, we’ve worked in collaboration with some united resistance factions across the planet Elemen. We’d planned to wage a war against the Empire on two fronts…but of course, we couldn’t do that if we constantly had to war against the UN as well.

INDIGO

I see….

THUNDER

Oh you DO, do you?

INDIGO

Yep.

So….what’s the plan now?

THUNDER

(scoffs) "Plan"? Plan!??! There IS no plan!

It’s over! We’ve lost!!

INDIGO

So…you’re giving up!?

THUNDER

Um…yeah.

The Earth’s surrendered, the Kindred’s been decimated, Narwal’s destroyed…

I think it’s pretty safe to say we’re f*cked.

INDIGO

Heh. Well, you can give up if you want, but I’m not.

THUNDER

Huh?

What the hell are you talking about?

You don’t have any friends, any real family…you’re a nobody.

You’re a washed-up tool from a now-defunct government.

We’re locked in a freakin’ cell and’ll probably be executed soon!

INDIGO

Hey, I’m not dead YET.

When I am….THEN, I’ll give up.

…

Well, maybe not even then.

THUNDER

… You’re crazy

INDIGO

Yeah….and it’s FUN.

THUNDER

Well, then, Mr. Never-Give-Up…

How do you plan on getting out of here?

INDIGO

(smirks)

Well, let’s just say….I don’t think as badly of Dremora as YOU do.

THUNDER

….huh?!

Elsewhere in the base, Dremora talks with a group of soldiers.

DREMORA

Well then, you all know your orders?

SOLDIERS

Yes, Commander!

DREMORA

Good. Then carry them out!

The soldiers all go off to perform their duties, leaving Dremora.

DREMORA

…now, it’s time to start phase two…

Back inside Indigo and Thunder’s cells, Indigo’s and Thunder are lying awake, deep in thought. The next moment, though, someone walks up to the door. It opens and Dremora stands before it.

THUNDER

YOU!!!?!

DREMORA

Shh…keep your voice down.

Indigo sits up and chuckles.

INDIGO

Took you long enough.

DREMORA

You….knew I was coming?

INDIGO

I had a hunch.

THUNDER

Wait a second…I’m not buying this.

What makes you think I can trust you again?

DREMORA

You don’t have a choice at the moment. Come on.

THUNDER

…..

No….

No, I won’t.

DREMORA
What?! Why?!

THUNDER

….I think we need to face facts.

We’ve lost. The Empire’s beaten us.

I screwed up.

I may be part of the Zennon bloodline, but I’ve failed as a leader.

Maybe…it’s better this way.

DREMORA

….

I see. So, that’s how you feel is it?

THUNDER

Yes.

INDIGO
And I say you’re full of crap.

Dremora and Thunder turn.

INDIGO

Let me come. I’ll go with you.

DREMORA

You!??

INDIGO

Yes, ME.

What, do I have a venereal disease or something?

THUNDER

Ha. Let the boy go.

It won’t make any difference.

INDIGO

Look, if you feel this is so suicidal, there shouldn’t be any problem.

THUNDER

Huh?

INDIGO
You said it yourself. If you stay here, you’ll probably be executed.

So, how do you want to spend the last moments of your life?

Locked in a stinking cell or going out while giving the Emperor one final "f*ck you"?

THUNDER

…

INDIGO

Well?

THUNDER

Alright…

Count me in.

Outside the base, Calabrese, members of his staff and an escort of Elemenian soldiers enter the base.

CALABRESE

We need to make our way to the control room. That’s where we keep all of our major project data and information.

SOLDIER

Alright, then…lead us there.

But, if you make a wrong move, terran…You die.

Do you understand?

CALABRESE

Yes….

Calabrese and the Elemenian soldiers start to walk through the building.

CALABRESE

(whispers)…but not before I take all of you WITH me…

Elsewhere, Gladius and Goddess sit in the cell. As Gladius sits silently, Goddess continues to stare at him.

GODDESS

NOW I recognize you!

GLADIUS

Hmm?

GODDESS

You’re that guy whose daughter married Kryos!

GLADIUS

You’re right. That’s me.

GODDESS

I can’t believe we’ve met up again.

It’s a small world…TOO damn small.

GLADIUS

Heh.

GODDESS

So…let me ask you somethin’.

GLADIUS

Hm?

GODDESS

Whatever happened…..between Kryos and her?

GLADIUS

Oh, that’s right. You two were lovers, weren’t you?

GODDESS

Answer the question, please.

GLADIUS

Well, the two of them had a long, happy marriage…

…but they were both murdered a little more than two years ago.

GODDESS

Oh….I see.

Who did it? The UN?

GLADIUS

No…the Elles. More specifically, Zepheron.

GODDESS
Zepheron? You mean that guy Chris Beck turned into?

GLADIUS

That’s right.

GODDESS

That bastard killed Kryos?!

Dammit….

Now I REALLY hate him…

GLADIUS

Heh. Get in line.

GODDESS

Wait…why would Zepheron do that?

Why would he kill Kryos and your daughter?

GLADIUS

Because they were his parents.

GODDESS
His parents…!?

You mean….that Kryos’ son is….

GLADIUS

That’s right.

GODDESS

But…he said that Terran was his brother.

By the looks of it, his TWIN brother…

That means that Terran, too, is…

GLADIUS

Yep.

GODDESS

And if Karen was your daughter then Zepheron and Terran are…

GLADIUS
You got it.

GODDESS

…..

Oy.

I’ve got a headache now.

Just then, the door slides open and an Elemenian soldier walks through the door.

GODDESS

What do YOU want now?

Plan on copping a feel again, pervert?

SOLDIER

Well, I wasn’t…but since you brought it up….

GODDESS

Wait a second…

…that voice…

…you’re…

The soldier removes his armor helmet, revealing himself to be Indigo.

GLADIUS

Indigo? You escaped?!!?

INDIGO

Yeah…thanks to Dremora.

GODDESS

Dremora? She’s on our side again?

INDIGO

I don’t think she ever left.

I mean, think about it…if she’s an Elemenian soldier…it would make sense to allow us to be captured while she remained free. If she fought WITH us, she’d have been captured, too.

GODDESS
Yeah, that makes sense, I guess…

GLADIUS

Yes, yes…that’s good and all…

But it doesn’t mean a thing if we get caught while you all stand around talking.

Indigo…did you find my suit?

INDIGO

Yeah….

Indigo points to the side, where Gladius’ suit lays on the ground, covered in ice.

GLADIUS
What the hell’d you do to it?!

INDIGO

Hey, man…that thing weighs a TON. YOU try carrying it around without using powers.

GODDESS

Speaking of powers, kid…

Goddess points to the dampener on forehead.

INDIGO

Oh yeah…hold on.

Indigo presses his finger against the dampener. It deep freezes and then shatters.

GODDESS

****Ahhhh….much better.****

I owe you one, kid.

INDIGO

Hey…just keep in mind that "copping a feel" thing.

Goddess giggles and walks away a bit. Then she turns around gives Indigo an alluring smile.

GODDESS

If we make it out of this alive…

I’ll do better than THAT.

Indigo stands speechless as Goddess walks away. Gladius, with his suit back on, smacks him on the back of the head.

GLADIUS

Put your tongue back in your mouth and come on, boy.

Elsewhere, Calabrese and the Elemenian soldiers enter the command room, which . Calabrese walks up a flight of three short steps and walks over to the main console. As the Elemenian soldiers start to follow, Calabrese turns around.

CALABRESE

Wait!

SOLDIERS

What?!

CALABRESE

The floor in this area is scanned by sensors. When I start up the main program, it’ll check to see if only authorized people are standing on it.

SOLDIERS

….

Alright, fine. We’ll wait here.

But, you better not try anything.

CALABRESE

Wouldn’t dream of it.

Calabrese turns back around to the console. He then presses his palm on a small scanner and puts his eye in front of a retina-scanner. A green light turns on, indicating confirmation.

SOLDIER

Is it alright now?

CALABRESE

It will be in just one second….

Calabrese reaches out and presses a button. When he does, a forcefield suddenly shoots up around the platform, cutting him off from the soldiers and anyone else in the room.

SOLDIER

What the--!?

CALABRESE

Ha!! You alien freaks are quite stupid, you know that?!

SOLDIER

You’re dead, terran!!

Open fire!!!

The Elemenian soldiers fire at the forcefield, but the blasts bounce off and ricochet across the room.

SOLDIER

Cease fire! Cease fire! It’s a deflector shield.

CALABRESE

That’s right, you backwards freaks of nature.

You’ll never touch me while I’m in here!!

SOLDIER

You can’t stay in there forever!

And that shield can’t stay powered forever. You’re dead either way.

CALABRESE

You’re right….but that doesn’t matter…not one bit.

I don’t plan on leaving here.

SOLDIER

What are you talking about…!!?

Calabrese turns back to the console and presses another button.

VOICE

GOLIATH Satellite Program Activated.

Awaiting confirmation.

CALABRESE

Initiate Goliath.

VOICE

Voice print confirmed…initializing program…

One of the Elemenian soldiers grabs a technician and hold a gun to him.

SOLDIER

What’s he doing!?!

Tell me!!!

TECHNICIAN
He…he’s started up a satellite defense program.

It’ll systematically target whatever locations he specifies and wipe out everything in the area within a 20 mile radius!!

SOLDIER
What!?

CALABRESE

That’s right!

Now, let’s see…where were the most of you vermin gathered!?

Oh, that’s right…in Washington DC.

Calabrese presses a few buttons on the machine and the target changes to Washington DC. Out in space, a group of satellites come to life and begin to turn into position. After a moment, they begin to charge up energy and fire simultaneously. Down on Earth, in Washington, everything within a twenty-mile radius from the impact point is vaporized in a powerful blast.

TECHNICIAN

Sir!! What are you doing!!? You fired on a city populated by millions of…

CALABRESE

Shut up!!

It’ll all burn!! Everything will burn before I hand it over to these alien freaks!

I won’t let them take my planet!!

SOLDIER

You fool!!

Do you realize what you’re DOING?!?

CALABRESE

Of course I do.

Excuse me while I enter the coordinates of this base into the targeting computer.

SOLDIER

What?!!?

You’ll destroy YOURSELF, as well!!

CALABRESE

And your point would be?

I told you…I don’t plan on leaving here.

And I doubt any of you will in time, either.

SOLDIER

Dammit!

CALABRESE

You’ve got fifteen minutes before the satellites get in position, gentlemen.

Hehehe…

Good luck.

Meanwhile, Indigo and the others have freed everyone, and they ponder their next move while staying out of sight.

INDIGO

So, what now?!

Anyone got any ideas?

THUNDER

Well, this was YOUR plan, fearless leader.

INDIGO

Well, um….uh…

GODDESS

How about we go to the dock and try to find a ship we can use escape in?

Can you pilot them, Dremora?

DREMORA

Yeah, of course.

INDIGO

Well, it’s settled, then…I guess.

Let’s go—

Just then, a loud alarm begins blaring.

ALARM
Attention! Attention!!

Everyone must evacuate. I repeat…everyone must evacuate.

The base will be destroyed in less than 15 minutes by a satellite defense program.

Evacuate immediately!!

INDIGO

You GOTTA be kidding me…

GODDESS

The Goliath program…

GENESIS

Huh? You know something?

GODDESS

I’d heard about this…but I didn’t know it actually existed.

The Goliath program was the UN’s last resort. It’s a machine designed to destroy entire cities in the event that they’d been captured by the Elemenian Empire.

GLADIUS

My God…are they THAT obsessed with not allowing Earth to be taken!?

GODDESS

Apparently…

But…the last I’d heard…the program could only be initiated by the UN President.

THUNDER

Calabrese….

INDIGO

That bastard’s ALIVE?!?!

(Indigo grits his teeth.)

Alright, look…I’m going to the control room. The rest of you go and try to get a ship.

If I’m not within three minutes of the countdown, you take off without me.

GENESIS

But…

INDIGO

Don’t try to talk me out of going. It looks like Calabrese’s planning to kill himself and take a WHOLE lot of people with him. I need to talk with him before he does that.

THUNDER

TALK with him!? What about?!

INDIGO

None of your damn business!

GODDESS

I’m going with you.

INDIGO

No…you have to…

GODDESS

You’ll need backup. I’m GOING.

GLADIUS

And so am I.

INDIGO

….okay, fine.

But let’s just go…that countdown isn’t getting any slower.

Back in the control room, the Elemenian soldiers have escaped, having locked the technicians in the room with the President.

TECHNICIAN

Mr. President! Stop this, PLEASE!!!!

You’ll kill all of us!

CALABRESE

Consider yourselves martyrs!

We’ll all die for our planet and be eternally rewarded for our sacrifice!

TECHNICIAN 2

You’re crazy!!

We gotta get outta here!

TECHNICIAN 3

How!? Those bastard soldiers locked us in here!!!

At that moment, there’s a loud explosion and a hole is blown in the wall. Gladius steps into the room, followed by Indigo and Goddess.

INDIGO

Hey! Come on!! Hurry up and get to the dock!

Find a ship and get the hell out of here!

The technicians run past Indigo, Gladius and Goddess…heading to safety. Some thank him as they go.

CALABRESE

Spineless wimps!

You’re a disgrace to your race and your planet!!

INDIGO

Calabrese!! Stop this, you bastard!!

CALABRESE
You’re too late, boy.

This entire area’s going up…and all of us with it.

That is, unless you allow ME to leave. Then, I MIGHT be able to send a remote signal to stop the countdown.

INDIGO

…

CALABRESE
Well….!?

INDIGO
I’m thinking.

CALABRESE

Haha…don’t hurt yourself.

GODDESS

Dominic….you coward. Why do you have to make everyone suffer!?

What did our kind ever do to YOU?!

CALABRESE

Do you want to know…!? Do you REALLY want to know!?!

GODDESS

YES, dammit!!!

CALABRESE

…

Fine.

When I was a young man, I enlisted in the war…I wanted to help protect my planet and the people I cared about…my wife and child.

One day, I received a letter. Apparently, my family had been killed during an Elemenian attack in our city. My family was taken hostage, and used to allow the Eles to escape. But, when they did, they killed them anyway.

That’s when I realized then and there…that your kind doesn’t care WHO you hurt…or what you do to achieve your goals. You’re scum. You’re a disease! You all deserve to be wiped out!

INDIGO

And what YOU’RE doing is better!? Wake up! You’re ready to kill your own kind!!

CALABRESE

Don’t you lecture me! I’m doing the will of God!

Humans are the intended leaders of this planet. God placed us all here for a reason!

Humans…the meek…will inherit the Earth. Not you walking purveyors of destruction.

You and your whole planet are a heresy! God created US to be his chosen ones! WE were created in God’s image…not YOU!!

INDIGO

Oh my GOD! You are so full of sh*t!

CALABRESE

Don’t you DARE use the word "God", you alien freak!

Only humans have the right to—

INDIGO

What the hell!? Do you even hear yourself?! You use the word "Human" synonymous with "Earthling". You act like "Human" couldn’t mean something more than what planet you were born on! Don’t you GET it?! Earthlings and Elemenians are the SAME. Sure, our genes are a LITTLE different…but we share the same features…our blood is the same color…we can even BREED. Don’t you think this makes us all the SAME SPECIES!?

CALABRESE

Are you quite done?

You only have seven minutes left…

INDIGO

Dammit! If you’re not coming out, WE’RE coming IN!!

Indigo fires a blast of ice energy at Calabrese, but it bounces off the deflector field and freezes the ceiling.

CALABRESE

Give it up, boy. You’ve lost.

If you leave now, you MAY be able to survive…and then all I’ll need to do is stop the launch and walk out of here myself.

Then again…even if you leave, YOU won’t be around much longer anyway.

INDIGO

Huh?! What are you talking about!?

CALABRESE

Tell me, something boy…

Have you felt more tired than usual? Do you have less energy than before?

And more importantly, do you have frequent spasms and lapses of intense pain?

Indigo’s eyes open wide.

INDIGO

That’s another thing I wanted to bring up!

Apparently, I was born with some sort of a "flaw". What is it?!

CALABRESE

Heh…

INDIGO

Tell me, you bastard!!

CALABRESE

….

Alright. I guess telling you won’t change anything.

We only intended for you to be a tool.

Something for us to use and then discard when we were finished.

GODDESS

That’s exactly what you told ME ten years ago, you bastard!

That’s why I defected from the project and led the escape!

CALABRESE

And did I lie?

Every last one of you are mere objects to me.

A puppet whose strings we pull and then get rid of when we’ve done what we intended.

Except, YOU, boy…are a puppet we built from scratch.

INDIGO

…

CALABRESE

You see, Elemenians have a slight flaw in their bodies, anyway. Using their powers gradually decreases their body’s durability. Eventually, when Elemenians use their abilities frequently, they die sooner in life….up to ten to fifteen YEARS sooner.

INDIGO

Where are you going with this!?!

CALABRESE

We built a similar prospect into YOU, boy.

Only on a much LARGER scale.

You see, we realized you were FAR too dangerous to keep around forever…and it could prove difficult to kill you when you were programmed for self-preservation.

So, we came up with an idea…

Why not increase the amount of wear-and-tear your body endured when you used your powers!?

INDIGO

!!

CALABRESE

That’s right.

Every time you use your powers, you’re speeding up your own death.

You’re a puppet…but you’re a puppet with a BATTERY.

And from the sounds of it, your battery is running low, boy…

VERY low…

HAHAHA…

INDIGO

Son of a BITCH!!!

CALABRESE

I estimate you have another few months left the way you are now.

Of course, when you use your powers, that number gets smaller…and smaller….and….

VOICE

Five minutes to impact!!

Please evacuate facility and reach minimum safe distance.

CALABRESE

Ah, well…looks as though our time has run out.

Looks like you won’t have to worry about it, after all.

INDIGO

…

Well, at least this way, I’ll know that YOU die, too.

And I hope you become the devil’s whore while in Hell.

CALABRESE

Not likely, son. If your kind even has an afterlife, I’m sure it’ll be quite painful.

Indigo grits his teeth, feeling defeated. But then, he smiles slyly.

INDIGO

I admit Calabrese…you had all of this figured out.

Everything except for one TEENSY little detail.

CALABRESE

And that is…?

Indigo grins.

INDIGO

Gladius…teleport us inside the field!!

CALABRESE

What…!?

GLADIUS

Gotcha, kid.

Gladius grabs Indigo and teleports the two of them inside the deflector field.

CALABRESE

No…NO!!

INDIGO

Heh.

Well now…ain’t YOU in a pickle?

CALABRESE

W-Wait…I can….I can stop it….

INDIGO

Nah, that’s okay.

We were just leavin’.

But, before we DO….

Indigo freezes Calabrese’s hands.

CALABRESE

Ahhhh! You…you son of a bitch!!!!

INDIGO

(smiles) Enjoy the next three and a half minutes, chief.

Toodles.

Gladius, Indigo and Goddess teleport away, leaving Calabrese.

CALABRESE

Wait!! WAIT!!!!

At the dock, Gladius, Indigo and Goddess reappear. In the dock is a lone ship with the bodies of Elemenian soldiers littered outside of it.

CALABRESE

That must be the ship! Let’s go!

They rush to the ship and the hatch opens, allowing them inside.

DREMORA

What the hell kept you?

INDIGO

Heh…worried, sweet thing?

DREMORA

…

If you call me that again, I will burn your face off.

Now everyone get ready…we’re taking off!

The ship takes off and leaves the base. Back inside the control room, Calabrese struggles to use his frozen hands to enter the deactivation sequence for the Goliath. But, it’s impossible. As the timer winds down to zero, he yells out in frustration and the satellites fire on the base simultaneously, destroying it and him with it.

End of Chapter One

Hours after escaping, Indigo and the others sit onboard the stolen Elemenian ship, attempting to formulate a plan.

GODDESS

Well, guys...? What now?

GENESIS

…

INDIGO

What is it, Genny?

Is something wrong?

GENESIS

Um…well…

INDIGO

Wait…I’ve been meaning to ask you again: What happened to Terran and Merlan?

Genesis doesn’t answer.

GLADIUS

They’re dead.

INDIGO

WHAT?!?!

Everyone in the room is taken offguard…and Genesis remains silent.

INDIGO

Are you….are you sure?

GLADIUS

There’s no doubt about Merlan. She’s definitely dead.

We never actually SAW Terran die, but it’s a safe assumption.

THUNDER

How did it happen?

GLADIUS

…

It was Zepheron.

INDIGO

Damn…THAT guy again?!

DREMORA

…

THUNDER

Terran was probably the most powerful one out of all of us.

If he was killed by Zepheron, that doesn’t leave much hope for the rest of us.

GENESIS

No….

…he’s alive.

INDIGO

What?

GENESIS

He’s alive. I know he is.

GLADIUS

Look, I want to believe it as much as you…

..but you yourself said that you couldn’t sense him anymore.

He’s most likely dead, then.

GODDESS

Or out of range.

Sometimes, when someone can’t be sensed telepathically, they’re probably out of range.

GLADIUS

So exactly HOW far does your "range" stretch, Genesis?

GENESIS

….The entire planet.

GLADIUS

So then, if Terran’s alive, and out of range, that means he was taken off-planet.

GODDESS

And the only place they’d take Terran to off-planet is…

DREMORA

….Elemen.

GENESIS

But…But why would the Empire take Terran to Elemen instead of just killing him?

DREMORA

….

Indigo turns towards Dremora.

INDIGO

You know something, don’t you?

DREMORA

…

INDIGO

Look, we don’t have TIME to play twenty questions, okay?

If you know something, spill it.

DREMORA

….

The Emperor of Elemen is a telepath. He’s a psychic so powerful, he can alter the mind of just about anyone he wants whose will is not strong enough or is not protected by special means. He doesn’t have range like Genesis does, but he can use his power in great bursts.

THUNDER

So…? What’s all this got to do with Terran?

DREMORA

The Emperor is around 100 years old. He’s survived this long by constantly switching bodies again and again throughout the years whenever one left the point where its power was at its peak. A few years ago, he attempted to do the same thing to Zepheron.

GLADIUS

"Attempted"?

DREMORA

Zepheron’s will was too strong.

Zepheron would not allow the Emperor to take over his body.

So, instead, the Emperor devised a new plan:

To use Zepheron to bring his brother to Elemen whereas the Emperor could take over HIS body instead.

GENESIS

Oh, no…

INDIGO

Dammit! Well, he’s probably done it by now.

DREMORA

Perhaps not.

INDIGO
Huh?

DREMORA

It takes the Emperor several days to build his power enough to capture a strong mind.

The Emperor would not take any chances with Terran. I imagine he’d want to be at full strength before he attempted the mental transfer.

GENESIS

Then, there’s still time!

DREMORA

Yes.

GLADIUS

There’s just ONE little thing that’s bugging me, though.

DREMORA

And what is that?

GLADIUS

None of this could be known by an ordinary soldier…not even a member of the Trai Digan.

You went into intimate, PERSONAL detail about the Emperor. You know more about him than anyone I’ve ever encountered.

DREMORA
…

INDIGO

Who are you?

How do you know all this?

DREMORA

….

I know this because….

…

The Emperor is my father.

EVERYONE
WHAT?!?!

THUNDER

Your….father? Xiratox?!

DREMORA

Yes.

INDIGO

Then you’re a princess or something!?!

DREMORA

No…I stripped myself of that title a long time ago.

INDIGO

Huh!?

But why….

DREMORA

I’ve answered your question.

Change the subject now.

INDIGO

….

Fine.

(sighs)

Okay…now we know "who", "where", "what" and "why".

Now, all we need is a plan to say "HOW" we can stop it.

GENESIS

I think it’s obvious…

We have to go to planet Elemen.

INDIGO

Oh yeeeeah…suuuure….

Why did I think of that!?

Oh, I know, we’ll just hope on the next bus, right?

GODDESS

Wait…this is an Elemenian ship, right?

Can’t we just use THIS?

DREMORA

This is a B-Class cruiser starship. This is pretty much used as a transport vehicle.

The Empire has set up a perimeter around the planet. If we try to break through it in this pitiful little thing, we’ll be torn to shreds before we can enter hyperspace.

THUNDER

Damn….

Then we need to find a bigger, better ship somewhere.

GENESIS

Somehow, I doubt it’s going to be that easy.

THUNDER

Guess we can nix that idea, huh?

We should just stay on the planet, then…lay low for a whi—

GENESIS

No!! We HAVE to rescue Terran!

INDIGO

But you already know that we can’t right now.

There’s no way we can…

GENESIS

Look, you all can give up if you want…

…but I refuse to just give up and leave Terran to the hands of that…that….

…despot!!!

I don’t care what you think! I’m going to rescue Terran!

THUNDER

Gen! You’re just being naïve!

I’m sorry about what’s happened to him, but…

…it’ s just IMPOSSIBLE.

GLADIUS

Maybe not.

Everyone turns towards Gladius.

GLADIUS

Genesis, do you remember the Yagamo?

GENESIS

T-The Yagamo?

Yes, of course…but, it was "destroyed", right?

INDIGO

Wait wait…what the hell is a "Yagamo"?

THUNDER

Yes…I would also like to know this.

GLADIUS

It was Merlan’s ship. And her base of operations.

INDIGO

Whoa, whoa…is THAT what you were hiding in that damn basement!?

Merlan had an entire freakin’ STARSHIP hidden in her basement?!

GODDESS

But, if this ship was…"destroyed", then how are we going to?

GLADIUS

Don’t worry about that. Leave it to me…

…and Genesis.

GENESIS

…me?!

THUNDER

Wait…out of everyone here, you’re the most mysterious.

We even know more about Dremora than we do you.

Now, you’re asking us to put our lives in your hands?

GLADIUS

Yep.

Don’t like it?

Quit whining and just quit.

THUNDER

You…!

GODDESS

Danny….

THUNDER

(sighs)

Alright, alright…

Okay…let’s give it a try. Geez.

Some time passes and the ship winds up flying over the Atlantic Ocean…near the coast of England. As it does, Gladius stands in the control room, watching their location on the navigational system.

GLADIUS

That’s good. Right here.

TIBURON

Gotcha. I’ll stop here.

The ship stops.

GLADIUS

Okay, Genesis…we’re going to teleport down to the ship.

GENESIS

W-What?!

GLADIUS

Don’t worry. I can do it.

When we get there, you’ll have to find a way to start the ship.

GENESIS

How am I supposed to do THAT?!?

I thought Yagamo was destroyed.

GLADIUS

Merlan once told me that you could control the Yagamo…

…even if its auto-systems were deactivated.

I don’t know how or why…but I know that Merlan wouldn’t just make something like that up.

GENESIS

….

Well, if you think I can, then…

Just then, there’s loud "BOOM" and the ship shakes violently.

INDIGO

What was THAT?!?

TIBURON

We’re under attack!

One of the ship’s monitors shows three small shadows chasing the ship.

DREMORA

It’s…them!

INDIGO

Who!?

One of them uses a powerful gravity blast. The ship starts to shake and the sound of twisting, tearing metal is heard. Soon afterwards, the ship’s alarm begins blaring.

TIBURON

I can’t keep it in the air!!

We’re going down!!!

Everybody hold onto something!!

The ship crashes into the water hard, kicking up waves high in the air. After a moment or two, everyone starts to move, groaning.

INDIGO

Unnngh….

Hey, if any of you died from that, raise your hand.

DREMORA

Quick! We have to get outside.

The ship will sink soon.

INDIGO

Yeah…

But who the hell are those guys?

DREMORA

My "teammates".

Outside, Ragan Glor tosses a ball of light at the ship, striking it with a powerful impact. Vanessa Chang and Rodom Granat both float above the water, waiting.

RAGAN

Come on out and play, kiddies!

This is getting boring.

VANESSA

We should just kill them.

RAGAN

Pfft. And not have any fun?

After a few moments, a powerful explosion comes from the ship. Dremora, Goddess and Thunder emerge from it.

GODDESS

You have buy Gladius and Genesis time.

Since you two are the only ones that can fly, you have to take them out.

THUNDER

Got it.

DREMORA

We’ll take care of it.

Thunder and Dremora fly up into the air, to lead the attack.

Meanwhile, Genesis and Gladius warp down to the Yagamo….everything is just as they left it…cold and lifeless.

GENESIS

We made it, but…how am I supposed to work with this stuff!?

GLADIUS

This is the control room.

Merlan said you would know how to work those monitors.

GENESIS

"Merlan said"

"Merlan said"

Did you ever think that Merlan could have been WRONG?

GLADIUS

No.

GENESIS

(sighs)

Okay…fine.

But, I have NO idea what I’m doing here.

I mean…you expect me to just touch the machine and have it suddenly….

Genesis touches one of the consoles of the ship. The area she touches lights up.

GENESIS

…work!?

Wha…!?

Genesis jumps back as the ship suddenly starts to light up and come to life again.

Back on the surface, Dremora and Thunder attack the Trai Digan fighters…Dremora battling against Vanessa while Thunder takes on Ragan Glor. Dremora fires a blast of fire at Vanessa, but she uses her wind abilities to blow the fire away.

VANESSA

So…you’ve joined the rebels now, have you, Dremora!?

DREMORA

…

VANESSA

We always knew you were a traitorous wench.

DREMORA

No…I’ve merely opened my eyes.

You’re all acting stupid AND blind.

Thunder fires off a blast of electricity at Ragan. He creates a shield in front of himself and then fires of light back at Thunder. Thunder dodges the blast and then flies toward Ragan again.

RAGAN

Dammit! Stand still so I can KILL you!!

THUNDER

Even if I did, you’d never be able to hit me with YOUR aim.

Dremora starts to attack Vanessa against, but Rodom Granat creates a gravity field that protects her. Dremora bounces off of the field and struggles to regain her balance. Vanessa creates a gale-force wind that starts to push Dremora back, hitting her like a brick wall.

VANESSA

Haha!

You must realize that there’s no way you’re getting out of this alive.

And when we’re done with you…

We’ll report this to the Emperor…

Heheh…

And you KNOW what’ll happen then.

DREMORA
N-No!!

NO!!

Dremora’s powers begin to surge. She pushes back Vanessa’s wind with a wave of heat that singes Vanessa. Before Dremora can continue the attack, though…Rodom Granat rams into her, knocking her back. He then traps her in a gravity bubble, and starts to crush her with it. Dremora yells in pain as he does.

INDIGO

Dammit!

They can’t beat them when it’s three on two!!

I need to go help!!

GODDESS

Wait, kid!

You can’t even fly! What do you plan to…!

Indigo doesn’t answer. He pushes his way past Goddess and leaves the ship, going through the hole that Dremora created. He comes outside of the half-sunk ship and looks skyward.

Meanwhile, Dremora continues to scream in pain as Rodom squeezes the life from her. However, a moment later, Rodom grunts as a huge mass of ice appears on his arms. He lets go of Dremora and she starts to fall.

INDIGO

Oh, crap!

Indigo uses his powers to freeze the water and make a path. He runs on it for a little bit until he’s directly underneath Dremora. He then causes a long pole to rise beneath himself, riding it upwards. He catches Dremora in mid-air and then create a slope and slides back down to the ship.

INDIGO

Hey!

Hey, you okay!!

Dremora starts to awaken. She coughs and then sits up.

INDIGO

Hey..you’re not hurt are you?

Dremora turns and looks at him.

DREMORA

Why…(huff)….did you…save me?

INDIGO

Oh, sorry.

My mistake.

I mean saving the life of someone who’s in trouble.

Won’t happen again.

DREMORA

...

Dremora stands up and starts to fly back to the fight.

DREMORA

Thanks for the help.

But don’t expect me to fall madly in love with you anytime soon.

Out of nowhere, another blast of wind comes, knocking Dremora around again…and knocking Indigo down as well. The wind also causes a huge wave to come which washes over the ship, sinking it completely.

THUNDER

NO!!!

While Thunder is distracted, Ragan hits him with a blast of concentrated light.

RAGAN

Ha! Let the trash sink to the bottom of the ocean.

Let them ROT there.

Dremora and Thunder become surrounded by the enemy, with no way out.

THUNDER

Dammit…

I can’t believe we actually tried to do something this stupid.

That mechanical bastard was probably lying.

Like there’s really a ship under the…

Before Thunder can finish, the water below starts to rumble. It then begins to split apart as a massive object rises from it. A huge, massive ship, larger than some CITIES, rises from the ocean and floats into the sky. The ship looks almost like it’s alive…the outer shell looks organic, and a single wing protrudes from its side. On the top of the ship, the stolen Elemenian craft rides on top, having been brought up as well.

THUNDER

My God…

The Trai Digan soldiers are distracted just long enough for Dremora to tackle both Ragan and Vanessa, her arms on fire. She burns them harshly as they yell and then push away from her.

VANESSA

How DARE you…!!

I’m going to…

Vanessa attempts to attack Dremora, a powerful blast shoots out from the ship, almost hitting her.

VANESSA

What the—

That could have killed me!!

RAGAN

Dammit! We don’t have the firepower for this!!

(pulls out a communicator)

Backup units, come in!

Attack!!!

Suddenly, an entire squadron of Elemenian ships arrive, attacking the Yagamo. Inside, Genesis begins to panic.

GENESIS

Oh, crap…what…what do I do?!

VOICE

Allow me, Lady Genesis.

GENESIS
Yagamo!!?

You’re alive!!?

YAGAMO

Yes.

Now, please excuse me.

Ten small holes on Yagamo’s sides start to draw in energy. They all fire simulataneously, destroying the Elemenian ships.

THUNDER

Unbelievable…

As Indigo, Goddess and the rest of the Kindred climb out of the wrecked Elemenian ship, Gladius appears outside of the Yagamo.

GLADIUS

Quick, this way!!

Gladius leads them to a hatch on the ship. They all start to go inside and Gladius turns to Thunder and Dremora.

GLADIUS

Hey, you two! Come on!

INDIGO

Yeah!!

Quit playing pitty-pat with your friends and get your asses in gear!

Thunder starts to head back towards the ship. Dremora stays behind, trying to fight the trio.

INDIGO
Dremora!

What are you doing!?!?

DREMORA

Just go!! I can’t let them get away!!

INDIGO

Just forget about that!

DREMORA

Shut up!!

You don’t understand!!

I CAN’T let them live!!

If they do, then….

..then I’ll lose everything!!

INDIGO

Look, I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about…

But do you REALLY think you can beat those three on your own?!

DREMORA

Just LEAVE ME ALON—AH!!

Dremora doesn’t notice as Rodom again rams into her from behind.

INDIGO

Goddamit…

Indigo starts to run towards the edge of the Yagamo. When he reaches the edge, he uses his powers to create a chain made of ice with a hook on the end. He throws the hook at Ragan, and when it catches him around the waist, he changes the hook’s shape so that it closes around him.

RAGAN

What the hell!?!

INDIGO

Say goodnight!!

Yanking the chain hard, the bladed inside of the hook tears through Ragan’s flesh --chopping him in half.

The other two Trai Digan soldiers are shocked to see this. Distracted, Rodom barely notices as Dremora fires a blast of energy at them. He manages to put up a shield in time, but Vanessa doesn’t. Vanessa becomes incinerated by Dremora’s intense blast.

RODOM

My team!!

Damn you!!!!

Ragan creates a huge gravity well, which begins to suck everything inside. Indigo has to freeze his feet to the floor to keep from being sucked inside. Dremora pulls back with her powers.

INDIGO

Okay, Dremora! That’s TWO, let’s go!!!

DREMORA

(out of breath)
No…not until HE’S dead, too…

INDIGO

Dammit, come on!!

Or we’ll all die!

Is that worth it?!?!

DREMORA

…

Reluctantly, Dremora flies towards the Yagamo. She, Indigo and Gladius all enter the ship.

GLADIUS

Alright!! Let’s get the hell out of here!!!

GENESIS

Okay, Yagamo!

Let’s go!

Next stop, Elemen!

YAGAMO

Alright, here we go!!

The Yagamo starts to shoot out into the atmosphere, leaving Rodom behind. After they’ve gone, Rodom stops the gravity well and floats in the air, smiling.

RODOM
Heh.

This has just gotten pretty interesting.

Very well, then, Dremora…

We’ll continue this on our homeworld.

End of Chapter Two

Yagamo continues through hyperspace. Onboard, everyone is feeling tense and tries to relax and unwind to be ready for the challenges up ahead. However, most are completely unfamiliar with the environment that exists within the ship and are taken aback by it.

INDIGO

Okay…can someone please tell me exactly when I stepped through a portal to the Twilight Zone?

Indigo sticks his hand out in front of himself and a portal opens. Indigo curiously sticks his hand through it and then pulls it back out.

INDIGO

Yes, I’m also wondering just what the hell kind of ship this is.

I’ve never seen an Elemenian ship like THIS before.

GLADIUS

This is a Lemuan ship.

METALM

Huh….a "what?"…ship!?

GLADIUS

(sighs) Pull up a chair.

This may take a while.

As everyone gathers around Gladius, Dremora walks off, holding her arm in a peculiar way. As she does, Indigo notices as trickles of blood roll down. A portal opens and Dremora goes inside, disappearing from sight.

Meanwhile, on Planet Elemen, Zepheron walks into a huge, dark circular room. In the center of the room is a glowing circular shape, pulsing with a dim light. When Zepheron steps on it, the light becomes brighter and a holographic image of the Emperor appears. Zepheron kneels on it, lowering his head.

ZEPHERON

Your majesty…

I have retrieved my brother…alive…just as you requested.

He is now yours do with as you will.

XIRATOX

Ah….I’m truly surprised, Zepheron.

For once, you have actually proven to be useful.

Perhaps you do have somewhat of a brain in that head of yours.

ZEPHERON

….

If our business is finished, my Lord….

…may I take my leave?

XIRATOX

I’m afraid not, Zepheron.

You see, now that you’ve gotten me what I asked for…

…there’s no longer any need for you.

ZEPHERON

…What?!

XIRATOX

…and now, I will put you with the rest of the trash…where you belong!

The disc Zepheron is standing on glows even more brightly and an intense beam of energy appears. Zepheron’s eyes open wide, but he can’t react in time before the energy overtakes him. Zepheron’s body disintegrates, leaving no trace behind.

XIRATOX

Well now…

Now that that’s been taken care of, I suppose I’d better get down to business.

Back on the Yagamo, Dremora sits down on a bench-like object, alone. She cringes in pain as she removes her Elemenian armor and takes off her uniform top. On her arm, there is a very major gash with moderate bleeding. Before she can do anything to it, another portal opens and Indigo walks through.

INDIGO

Hey, Dremora…are you….?

…

….whoa….

DREMORA
AH!!

(Dremora covers herself)

You IDIOT!!!

Why didn’t you knock?

Indigo scratches his head.

INDIGO

And just HOW was I supposed to do THAT?

DREMORA

….

Look, just get out.

Get OUT.

INDIGO

Okay, okay….you don’t have to be so…

(Indigo notices the gash on her arm.)
Yow…that looks pretty bad.

DREMORA

Shut up. It doesn’t…it doesn’t even hur—

NGH!!

Indigo walks over to her, ripping off his shirt.

DREMORA
Wh-What do you think you’re DOING?!

INDIGO

Relax. I’m just going to treat the wound.

DREMORA
Look, I’m fine.

You don’t have to worry. If I just use my power to heat it up, it’ll cauterize the wound.

INDIGO

"Cauterize?" What is this, the 18^th century?

Here, old on.

Indigo reaches into a pocket in his pants and pulls out a first-aid kit.

INDIGO

One thing that’s good about being a programmed killer….

…is knowing enough about anatomy to SAVE lives as well.

Now, hold still.

Indigo takes a swab and starts to clean the area around the wound. After a moment, Dremora flinches in pain.

DREMORA
Ow!

WATCH IT, you moron!!

INDIGO

Geez…

Stop being such a baby. I thought you were such a "tough gal".

DREMORA

…

INDIGO
How’d this happen, anyway?

In that last battle?

DREMORA

(cynical) No…I fell off my tricycle.

Where else would it have come from?

INDIGO

(sighs) Forget I asked…

DREMORA

Well, since we’re asking questions, I have one for YOU.

INDIGO

Yeah?

DREMORA

Why are you trying to help me?

What do you expect to get out of this?

INDIGO

Huh? "Get out of this?"

You think I’m helping you for some ulterior motive?

DREMORA

Aren’t you?

INDIGO

Why would you say that!?

DREMORA

Because that’s what you men do.

INDIGO

….

Oh, I see now….

You’re a feminist.

DREMORA

….

INDIGO

Well, that explains a few things.

DREMORA
Heh. Oh, it does, does it?

Indigo closes his eyes and shakes his head…continuing with his treatment of the wound. For a few moments, the room is completely silent.

INDIGO

Why do you hate us so much?

DREMORA

…..

INDIGO

Well…?

DREMORA

….

You wouldn’t understand.

INDIGO

Try me.

DREMORA

….

(lets out a deep breath)

On my planet, the status of being a woman is only a step above being a slave.

Women have no rights, no liberties. We are completely at the mercy of the opposite sex.

We’re mere objects.

INDIGO

Even a princess?

DREMORA

More or less.

INDIGO
Is that why you gave up your status?

DREMORA

That was…ONE…of the reasons, yes.

INDIGO

So then, if you hate the Empire so much, why did you join the military?

Why didn’t you join the rebellion?

DREMORA

….

I…can’t tell you that…

It’s…too personal.

INDIGO

Ooookay….fine.

As Indigo starts to wrap a bandage around Dremora’s wound, he glances at her back. All over her back and arms, there are scars and different markings…not all of which look like battle scars.

DREMORA

I…know about YOUR past, too.

INDIGO
…..eh?

DREMORA

About how your memories weren’t real…

…about how your family, friends, and life were all fake.

INDIGO

How did you find out?

DREMORA

Thunder told me.

He told me the same night that you all escaped from the Nevada base.

INDIGO

I see.

(chuckles)

Yeah…my life sucks.

DREMORA
One thing puzzles me, though…

INDIGO
What’s that?

DREMORA

You keep fighting.

INDIGO

Huh?

DREMORA

You’ve lost everything. Your home, your family, your reason for living…

EVERYTHING.

And yet…you continue to fight. You keep pushing ahead.

Why?

What could you POSSIBLY have to fight for?

Indigo remains quiet for a moment. Then, he lets out a long sigh.

INDIGO

I guess it’s because…

…this is all I have left.

DREMORA

What?

INDIGO

It’s true that my life was fake. Everything I thought I knew about myself…about my life…turned out to be one big falsehood until one year ago. Yes…I know that.

But, that also means that everything I do now is real.

If everything that happened before was fake, then that means I wasn’t truly "born" until a year ago. I wasn’t in control of my own destiny until a year ago.

But now that I am, I want to live my life in the way I want it to.

I want to live a life that I can be proud of before I…

DREMORA

Before you what?

INDIGO

…Nothing.

Indigo stands.

INDIGO

Your bandage is done.

Dremora looks at her arm and sees that Indigo has dressed her wound with a professional dressing. All the bleeding has stopped as well.

DREMORA

Thank you.

INDIGO

Look, knock it off with the thanks, okay?

We’re all in this fight together, right?

We have to watch each other’s backs.

I cover you and you cover me. Deal?

DREMORA

…….Deal.

INDIGO

Heh. Cool.

Well, then…my work here is done.

So, if you’ll excuse me…

A portal opens and Indigo starts to walk through it.

DREMORA

Indigo…

Indigo stops and turns around.

DREMORA

…I just wanted to let you know…

…that you’ve earned a measure of respect from me just now.

INDIGO

Heh. Oh, really?

DREMORA

Don’t get any ideas, you perv. I still don’t like you.

I just said I respect you…a little.

INDIGO

Hehehehe.

Oh yeah.

You want me.

Dremora grits her teeth and throws a fireball at Indigo.

DREMORA
Get…..OUT!!!!

Indigo disappears into the portal, avoiding the fireball.

Some time passes and later, everyone stands in the control room of the Yagamo.

GLADIUS

We’re almost in Elemenian airspace, people.

I hope you’ve gotten rested up.

GENESIS

So, what do I do once we’re there?

DREMORA

I can guide you where we need to go.

THUNDER

Well, that’ll be the LEAST of our worries.

GODDESS

That’s right.

We’ll have to worry about the Elemenian defenses.

DREMORA

That shouldn’t be a problem.

INDIGO

Why not?

DREMORA

Elemen doesn’t have a very strong planetary defense unit.

After all, Earthlings aren’t capable of attacking the planet.

INDIGO

Oh yeah…that’s right.

I guess we were all worried for nothing, then.

The Yagamo begins to slow down, coming out of hyperspace. As they do, a bunch of monitors pop up in front of them, displaying the Planet Elemen….

…surrounded by an Imperial fleet.

Everyone stands with their mouths open. Then, they turn and look at Dremora.

DREMORA

Don’t look at ME.

I have no idea how that got there.

The fleet gets ready to attack, keeping the Yagamo in the armada’s sights. The Yagamo, completely surrounded, is a sitting duck.

GENESIS

Yagamo….

Um…do you think you can handle all of them?

YAGAMO

Well, I must confidently assure you…

….that we don’t have a chance.

INDIGO

Well, I guess that’s that, then.

It’s been nice knowing all of you.

The armada charges their weapons, preparing to fire intense firepower at the Yagamo…when suddenly, powerful shots shoot out from the planet’s surface, destroying a multitude of ships.

THUNDER

What the hell…?

The attack continues, and the Elemenian ships begin to retreat.

GODDESS

I don’t—I don’t believe it.

Who’s doing that!?

VOICE

…if you can hear us…come in.

I repeat, whoever is on this ship, please respond.

GENESIS

Yes! We hear you!!

VOICE

Ah, we’ve finally gotten through. This is the Yagamo, correct?

GENESIS

Yes, it is! And—

Wait…that voice…

Do I know you?

VOICE

I guess that you might say that.

Just then, an image appears on the screen. A familiar face greets them.

INDIGO

No way….

GENESIS

It can’t be….

…Merlan!?

WOMAN

Not quite.

Hello, everyone. My name is Myaga.

Welcome to Planet Elemen.

End of Chapter Three

The Yagamo slowly descends upon the Planet Elemen. Nearby, crews of Elemenian workers work to make preparations for the docking ship. As they do, a woman who is the spitting image of Merlan walks outside, watching as the ship comes to a stop. After a moment or two, a portal opens outside the ship and Genesis, Indigo, Gladius and the others exit.

MYAGA

Ah, you’ve all made it. I’m glad.

GENESIS

Um…thank you.

Wow. You…uh…you really DO look a lot like Merlan.

MYAGA
(chuckles)

Well, we ARE twins, after all.

INDIGO

Twins?

The same as Terran and Zepheron?

MYAGA

Yes.

GENESIS

Well, I’m sorry to tell you that your sister is…

MYAGA

Dead?

Yes, I know.

GENESIS

But, how…?

MYAGA

(smiles) I know more than you realize…Genesis.

Genesis is stunned.

GENESIS

How…How do you know my name?

MYAGA

(turns) Come with me.

I’ll explain everything inside.

Myaga walks into the building. The others follow after her.

Back in the royal palace, Rodom Granat, one of the Imperial Knights, walks into the same dark hall that Zepheron did earlier and kneels on the same pulsating disk. When he does, a hologram of the Emperor appears yet again.

RODOM

My lord…my team has been decimated by the Earthlings.

Both Ragan and the Earthian Vanessa were killed.

And Dremora has betrayed us…she has joined with the rebels.

EMPEROR

Oh, has she now?

I knew it was only a matter of time before Dremora turned…but no matter. My daughter had already outlived her usefulness.

RODOM

That is true, my lord….

But shall we commence with her punishment?

EMPEROR

In due time. But for now, I have an assignment for you, Rodom.

RODOM

Of course, My Lord.

Just name it.

Indigo and the others follow Myaga as she walks through the huge building. To their surprise, on the inside of the building is a vast city, filled with hundreds of thousands of people. As they follow her, they gasp in awe of the sight. Eventually, Myaga and the others make their way to a large tower.

MYAGA

Well, this is the command room.

Let us go inside so that we can talk.

But…there is one small thing.

GENESIS

What?

MYAGA

I would only like for Genesis, Indigo, Gladius, Thunder and Dremora to come inside.

The rest of you please remain outside.

INDIGO

Why?

GLADIUS

She’s right. While some of stay for Myaga’s story, the rest of us should look around this place and become familiar with the surroundings.

INDIGO

Well…if you say so.

GODDESS

Well, we’ll be going now.

We’ll meet up here in a couple of hours, alright?

THUNDER

Yeah, sure.

Goddess and the rest of the people not picked to stay walk away. A portal opens and Myaga starts to step through.

MYAGA

Well then, shall we?

After everyone enters the room, they come into a room where there is a large, rectangular, clear glass-like table surrounded by chairs. Myaga sits down in one of the chairs, and the others do the same.

MYAGA

Well, then, how do you like the planet so far?

GENESIS

It’s…kinda weird.

It was hard just keeping my balance at first.

MYAGA

(laughs) Yes…the gravity here is a bit stronger than that of Earth.

It takes a bit of getting used to.

INDIGO

(yawns) Yes, yes…this is a reeeally interesting conversation and all, but can we please get to the point any time soon?

DREMORA

Be quiet and keep your mouth shut. Try and show a little respect.

MYAGA

It’s alright, Dremora.

DREMORA

But…

MYAGA
Dremora.….

DREMORA
(sighs) Yes, Panma…

THUNDER

Wait…

"Panma"? You just called her "Panma"?

INDIGO

Uh…what’s a Panma?

GENESIS

I believe it’s the Elemenian word for "mother".

INDIGO

What? So…you’re Dremora’s MOM?

MYAGA

Not exactly.

But, I guess you could say that I’m her step-mother.

After all, I married her father.

However, Dremora bears no relation to me.

THUNDER

So then, you’re the Empress?

MYAGA

Yes, that’s also correct.

GENESIS

Wait…I this is so confusing.

You’re Merlan’s twin sister…

But, you’re Dremora’s step-mom you’re the Empress.

MYAGA

Please allow me to explain.

Merlan and I are sisters. The last two surviving members of the Lemuan race. We both escaped the destruction of our race and sought to start over on a new world.

<Flashback>

Myaga and Merlan are onboard their ship, far out in deep space.

MYAGA

We’ve lost everything. Our people…our civilization…

…everything.

MERLAN

What do we do now?

MYAGA

Our people have come too far…made too much progress…for us to simply let it all fade away.

The Lemuan race MUST be reborn.

MERLAN

Yes, you are right…but exactly how should we do it?

MYAGA

We must find a world where we can begin again.

MERLAN

Indeed…

…but we must be careful. Most of the planets of this galaxy have turned against us.

That leaves us very little option.

MYAGA

Well, then…

Perhaps we should try the two remote planets that we had not yet made known to the other worlds?

MERLAN

Ah, yes…Ezuria and Earth.

But, of the two, I must say that Earth looks to be the best option.

MYAGA

I don’t agree at all.

The people of Earth have nearly squandered away their resources. They’ll never be able to build a sufficiently advanced civilization with the meager amounts they have left.

MERLAN

Perhaps…

…but they are also the more intelligent of the two races. We might be able to teach them to advance themselves without squandering their resources.

MYAGA
Ha! And how long will THAT take?

A century? Two?

Do you really think we have that long to wait?

MERLAN

Nothing worthwhile can be gained expediently, sister.

MYAGA

And I say that the best results are the short-term ones. The longer we wait for our plan to develop, the more potential we have for error.

MERLAN

That is why we must take our time and plan this through. The Lemuan dynasty wasn’t born within a decade, sister. It took millennia to create…

MYAGA

And less than that to fall, sister.

Which is why we can’t afford to take the slow and steady approach with this.

MERLAN

It’s for that very reason that I believe we SHOULD undergo this very carefully.

MYAGA
(sighs)

Well, it seems that we won’t come to any sort of agreement on this.

MERLAN
So, what do you propose?

MYAGA

Well, perhaps we should both go to the two worlds separately.

That way, we can both begin our plans on opposite foundations.

MERLAN

Are you sure that’s wise?

MYAGA

Well, the way I see it, it’s the best option.

That way, we can see which of the two ways is more effective without totally ruling out the other.

MERLAN

Hmm…

MYAGA

So then…do we have a deal?

MERLAN

..

Yes…we do.

</Flashback end>

INDIGO

So, you’re saying that you and Merlan…

….were the two responsible for advancing the two planets this far?

MYAGA

Yes.

My sister and I both had hands in the way

GLADIUS

Don’t leave out the part about how YOU caused this war.

THUNDER

What?

MYAGA
…

(lowers head)

Yes…it’s true…

This war…is partially MY fault.

GENESIS

"Partially?"

MYAGA

When I first came to this planet, I decided to ally myself with Xiratox. At the time, the planet was populated by several warring factions. Xiratox’s dream was to unite the planet Elemen into one nation and putting an end to the wars that plagued the planet. His ambition was just what I was looking for at the time.

THUNDER

And so, you helped him conquer the whole planet.

MYAGA
Yes.

INDIGO

So, why are you now suddenly "against" Xiratox?

MYAGA

After Xiratox came to power, I began to see how he USED that power.

Xiratox began to create a dark, heinous world…one that I hadn’t envisioned for this planet.

DREMORA

For example, Xiratox’s value of his subjects was determined on their ability to use their powers. Those who had effective and useful powers were capable of becoming laborers, soldiers, and performing other useful tasks. However, less than 10% of Elemenian women possess any abilities…and even less than that have abilities that rank anywhere near those of men.

INDIGO

So, that’s why women came to be held in such low regard.

But…that brings me back to another point…

MYAGA

Which is?

INDIGO

Exactly WHY did you join the military, anyway, Dremora?

It’d seem to me that, as a princess, fighting for the world your father was creating would be the LAST thing you want to do.

DREMORA

…

MYAGA

The boy does make a good point, Dremora.

Perhaps you should answer it.

DREMORA
But, Panma!!!!

MYAGA

Why are you so ashamed, Dremora?

You can’t keep it inside of you forever.

DREMORA
…

GENESIS

Huh? "Ashamed"? Ashamed of what?

DREMORA

….

MYAGA
Tell them, Dremora.

DREMORA

I joined the military because…

…I was in love with someone…

THUNDER

Well, that’s kind of a stupid reason, but I don’t see what the big deal is…

DREMORA

….the person I was in love with…

…was Zepheron.

Everyone in the room is silent. Their mouths open.

INDIGO

Say, what?

You were in love with….THAT freak?

MYAGA

Please understand…Zepheron wasn’t always like he is now.

GENESIS

Um…I think we’re gonna need some more explanation on this one.

Dremora looks at Myaga and Myaga nods.

DREMORA

….when I was younger, I wasn’t allowed to leave my father’s palace.

In fact, I wasn’t allowed to make contact with anyone aside from the nursemaids that took care of me.

<Flashback>

A young Dremora, about 5 years old, runs around the palace grounds, chasing after a small rodent-like animal.

DREMORA

(giggling) Hehehe….come back here, you!

I’m gonna catchya!!

Dremora continues to chase the creature as it heads down the palace steps, through the backyard.

NURSEMAID

Princess!! Princess, wait!!

Princess Dremora, please wait!!!

Dremora’s nursemaid chases after her, but the woman is older and out of shape, so she’s hard-pressed to keep up with the more nimble young girl. Dremora runs after the rodent, which disappears into a crack beneath the castle wall. Dremora slides underneath the crack, which is just large enough for herself to squeeze through. As she continues to chase the rodent even farther, Dremora winds up going into a large group of trees. As she goes farther and farther into the foliage, she loses sight of the creature. And then, she finds herself lost. Dremora calls out for her nursemaid, but there’s no answer. Lost and not knowing what to do, Dremora starts to cry.

However, as she wallows in despair, she suddenly hears a voice call out to her.

VOICE

Hey, why are you crying?

Dremora looks up and sees a young boy, around her age, standing in front of her.

DREMORA

W-Who are you?

BOY

My name’s Zepheron.

Who are you?

DREMORA

You don’t know who I am?

ZEPHERON

No.

DREMORA
What!? I’m the Princess!

Everyone in the palace knows me!

ZEPHERON

I’ve never been in the palace.

DREMORA

Really? That’s….strange.

ZEPHERON

Oh, it is, huh?

DREMORA

Yeah.

Dremora looks at Zepheron inquisitively, who has a sword in his hands.

DREMORA

What are you doing?

ZEPHERON

Hunting.

DREMORA

Huh? What’s that?

ZEPHERON

You don’t know what hunting is?

NOW who’s weird?

DREMORA

Hey, shut up!!

ZEPHERON

Okay, okay…sorry, Your Highness.

But, I guess I can show you.

Follow me.

Zepheron takes Dremora’s hand and leads her through the woods. After a while, they reach a clearing in the forest, where there’s a gentle, gazelle-like animal grazing.

ZEPHERON

Alright…now, watch this.

But, be very quiet….

DREMORA

Okay! (covers mouth)

(whispers) Oops. I mean…okay.

Zepheron starts to sneak towards the animal, being as quiet as possible. Dremora watches him closely. Zepheron reaches down and picks up a rock. Then, before the animal can see him coming, he tosses the rock at it, hitting it right in the head. The animal’s head it cut from the impact and it falls to its side. Dremora gasps in horror at the sight. Quickly, Zepheron rushes towards the animal, raising his sword.

DREMORA

Stop it!!!

Surprised, Zepheron loses his momentum and falls backwards to the ground. Dremora quickly runs over and sees to the injured creature.

DREMORA

Why did you do that!? You hurt it!!!

ZEPHERON

What?!

That’s what you’re supposed to do when you hunt something!!

DREMORA

Well, stop it!! Just stop it!!

ZEPHERON

You’re crazy!!

Zepheron gets to his feet and pick up his sword.

ZEPHERON

Get out of the way!

DREMORA

NO!!

ZEPHERON

Come on, move!!

DREMORA

STOP IT!!!

Dremora slaps Zepheron, making him drop the sword. Zepheron, angry, gets ready to hit her back, but then looks her in the eyes. Her eyes full of tears and sorrow, he feels them staring into him.

DREMORA

Why do you think it’s okay to hurt another creature?

All it wants to do is live…like the rest of us!

ZEPHERON

I…I…

I was only doing what I was told…

DREMORA

Can’t you think for yourself!!?

Don’t you have your own mind!?!

ZEPHERON

I…I don’t know…

DREMORA

I don’t want you to kill anything anymore, okay!?

Promise me you’ll stop!!

ZEPHERON

Okay…okay…I promise.

DREMORA
Really?

ZEPHERON

Y-Yeah…

Just don’t…look at me like that….

Zepheron looks away from Dremora in shame.

DREMORA

Um…Zepheron?

ZEPHERON

Yeah?

DREMORA

Thank you.

ZEPHERON

….

Just then, the two hear someone coming.

VOICE

What’s taking you so long, boy!?

Aren’t you done, yet!?

ZEPHERON

Oh, no!!

DREMORA

What is it?!

ZEPHERON

It’s my master!!

DREMORA
Your….master!?!

ZEPHERON
Quick, hide!! Before he sees you!!

Zepheron pushes Dremora into hiding within some foliage. After he does, a man walks out of the clearing, dressed in a long cloak, possessing a thick beard and wearing a regal crown. He is the Emperor Xiratox. Behind him are three of his personal guard…one of whom is Rodom Granat.

XIRATOX

Well…?!

What’s taking so long?

Zepheron falls to his knees, lowering his head.

ZEPHERON

I’m sorry, Master.

Please forgive me.

XIRATOX

Stop your pathetic quivering, boy. It’s disgusting.

ZEPHERON

S-Sorry, My Lord.

Xiratox looks over and sees the wounded creature.

XIRATOX

Well, at least you’ve managed to catch one.

Maybe you’re not such an idiot.

….heh…

No…I don’t want to say something I’ll regret later…

ZEPHERON

….

XIRATOX

Well, come on, boy…

We haven’t got all day.

Get a move on and kill the thing already.

Zepheron doesn’t move.

XIRATOX

What are you, deaf as well as stupid?

I said kill it!!

ZEPHERON

…

No….

XIRATOX

W-W-What did you just say!?!

ZEPHERON

No, I won’t.

I won’t kill it.

Xiratox, becoming agitated, backhands Zepheron with his fist. In hiding, Dremora watches in horror as her father then proceeds to kick Zepheron while he’s on the ground.

XIRATOX

You good for nothing twit!!

How DARE you say "no" to me?! ME!?!

I’m the one who took you in…

…who gave your meaningless life a purpose!!

Xiratox then pulls out a long chain and starts to hit Zepheron with it.

ZEPHERON

Aaah!! M-Master!!!

P-Please, stop!!!

XIRATOX

I’ll beat some sense into you, you worthless moron!

Your own parents didn’t want you….they abandoned you!

They knew how worthless you were!

But, I thought I could make something of you.

Pfeh..

I guess I was wrong.

Trash is trash…

Zepheron, bruised and bleeding, lays on the ground, sobbing. Not able to take it anymore, Dremora rushes forward.

DREMORA

Stop it!!!!!!!

Dremora runs over to Zepheron.

XIRATOX

What in the world…!?

(turns to his guardians)

Find the nursemaid responsible for allowing her to escape and have her executed.

RODOM

Yes, Your Highness.

DREMORA
Why are you doing this, Father!?

WHY!?!?

XIRATOX

How dare you question ME!?!

You’re not only a child…you’re a female.

None of this is any of your concern.

DREMORA
Don’t…don’t punish him, Father!!

I’m the one who told him not to kill anymore…

I’m sorry…it’s my fault…punish me!

Xiratox stands silent for a moment…looking at Dremora.

XIRATOX

Heh….it figures.

It’s just like a woman to stick her nose where it doesn’t belong.

(turns to Zepheron)

Is this what you want, boy?

To be weak and pathetic, like a woman?

Should we dress you up in girl’s clothes?

Hmm?

ZEPHERON

….

DREMORA

I….I’m NOT weak!!

XIRATOX

What!?

DREMORA

I’m not weak!!

I can be just as strong as YOU!!!

Xiratox and the other soldiers start to snicker…then, it bursts into heavy laughter.

XIRATOX

Hahaha…oh, please…

Don’t waste our time with such nonsense.

Now, move aside.

Xiratox steps around Dremora and Zepheron, placing his hand out, with his palm towards the animal. Dremora and Zepheron watch as a intense beam of energy shoots out, obliterating the creature.

DREMORA

NOOOO!!!!

XIRATOX

Heh. Let that be a lesson to you, boy.

No one got hurt today but YOU.

…which is what will always happen when you’re WEAK

(turns to his guards)

Take him to the pits.

ZEPHERON

No…

DREMORA

What..what are you going to do now!??

XIRATOX

Me? Why, nothing.

But, the inhabitants of the pits, I’m not so sure about.

That’s where the most vile, sinister, and insane prisoners are kept.

Maybe if he’s lucky, they’ll leave him alone…

…or maybe, they’ll eat his skin.

Heh. Who knows!?

(snaps fingers)

Take him.

The guards start to drag away Zepheron…as Dremora watches helplessly.

</Flashback>

GENESIS

Oh my God….

Dremora remains silent for a moment, as if she’s trying to fight her emotions.

DREMORA

For years, Zepheron and I secretly saw each other.

We supported each other…and, we grew to fall in love…

INDIGO

I still don’t believe it.

He’s, like, totally different now.

MYAGA

Over the years, Xiratox tormented Zepheron with lies about his parents’ betrayal and how they chose his brother over himself.

Zepheron’s rage grew more and more as time passed.

THUNDER

Eventually, it drove him insane.

MYAGA

Correct.

Both Terran and Zepheron have an extremely harsh side that comes from their rage.

However, Terran’s has been suppressed all these years while the Emperor cultivated Zepheron’s in order to be a weapon.

That’s why Merlan took Terran in and allowed Gladius to train him…to try and teach Terran to keep his rage under control.

GENESIS

Wait a minute….

How could you possibly know THAT?!!

Earlier, when you named all of us, I just assumed that Dremora could have told who were were.

But now, you’ve just described something that there’s no WAY you could have known about.

INDIGO

Yeah, she’s right. How DID you know about that!?

MYAGA

Well, it’s complicated, but…

GLADIUS

Myaga has all of Merlan’s memories.

EVERYONE

WHAT?!?!

THUNDER

Would someone care to explain exactly how THAT’S possible?

MYAGA

Well…

As I told you before, Merlan and I were twins. However, Lemuan twins are not like human twins. Instead of being split BEFORE birth, we’re split AFTER birth.

You see, Lemuans are beings of psychic energy contained within a body composed of malleable cells.

INDIGO

…..

Would you care to say that again, for those of us who aren’t rocket scientists?

GLADIUS

She said that Lemuans are spirits, and that their bodies are able to change composition on a molecular level.

MYAGA

That’s correct.

While most creatures’ minds are focused within their brains, every single cell within a Lemuan’s body is capable of conscious thought. That’s why we can transform into a form like water and still be in control of our bodies.

GENESIS

But…how do you split AFTER birth?

MYAGA…

When a child is born with tremendous psychic potential, we can split the child into two.

Since every cell in their bodies hold a piece of their…."soul", if you will….this will allow us to raise two children of equal potential.

We only do this with young children, because it allows for equal development amongst the two individuals.

INDIGO

But why do that!?!

MYAGA

The reasons vary…

…but Merlan and I were split in order to serve a scientific purpose.

GENESIS

Scientific?

MYAGA

Knowledge and information is everything to a Lemuan. It’s almost like a religion to us.

Information, when gained, must NEVER be lost…no matter how trivial.

Merlan and I were two of the most prominent scholars in Lemuan society. We were split so that we could gain more information from our studies by acting separately.

In addition, when one half of a bisected Lemuan dies, all of the information and memories she learned automatically goes to the other. Our psychic link always binds our souls together.

GENESIS

I see…so, when Merlan died….

MYAGA

(nods) Her memories came to ME.

INDIGO

Man, this is just too weird…

THUNDER

(looks at Gladius)

Did you know about this?

GLADIUS

Mostly, yes.

GENESIS

But, if Lemuan twins are split AFTER birth, then…

…that means that Terran and Zepheron…

MYAGA
Yes….that’s right.

Originally, Merlan’s daughter only gave birth to ONE child. Merlan, however, sensed that the child was, indeed, capable of the schism. However, Merlan’s daughter hated the war and was unwilling to help Merlan. Merlan knew what an asset the child would be, and was afraid of what might happen if the Empire got hold of him. Merlan felt that if she could secretly split the child into two, she could raise one without her daughter knowing.

However, just as Merlan feared, Imperial soldiers took one of the children. That boy turned out to be Zepheron.

INDIGO

Geez…..does this ever END!? I’m getting a headache from all this.

GENESIS

But, if Zepheron and Terran were separated like you and Merlan, then that means….

….

…oh my God.

THUNDER

What is it!?

GENESIS

I just realized something…

INDIGO

What?!

GENESIS

What Myaga just told us….

She said that if a split Lemuan dies, their memories will go into the other half….

it means that if Terran dies, his memories, his knowledge…

….his SOUL…

…will become part of Zepheron.

MYAGA
Yes…

…That is correct.

End of Chapter Four

Shortly after the meeting with Myaga has ended, Dremora walks up to Myaga.

DREMORA

Panma?

MYAGA

Yes, Dremora?

DREMORA

I…I have something I have to tell you.

MYAGA
Which is?

DREMORA

Rodom Granat can verify my involvement with the rebellion.

And furthermore, he said that he’s going to report it straight to the Emperor.

MYAGA

Oh dear….

That is NOT good.

DREMORA

I know…I’m sorry.

I screwed up.

MYAGA

(shakes her head) It’s not your fault.

You did the best you could.

DREMORA

Yes, but that won’t matter if my father makes good on his threat…

What if….what if something’s happened….

Myaga remains silent, her eyes closed.

MYAGA

I don’t feel that will be necessary to worry as of yet, Dremora.

DREMORA

But…

MYAGA

Please, trust me.

I think that we can proceed as planned.

In fact, I’m positive.

DREMORA

R-Really!?

But, why…?

MYAGA

I can’t say just yet…

…but you’ll need to trust me.

Soon, everything will fall into place.

DREMORA

O-Okay, Panma…

If you say so….

(bows)

I’ll take my leave now….

Dremora turns and walks away. Elsewhere, Genesis and Thunder stand at the balcony of the city, looking out at the people below. Everyone is hard at work doing something….performing some sort of task. However, all of them look tired, weak and hungry.

GENESIS

What is going ON around here?

THUNDER

They’re preparing to strike at the Imperial palace.

If I’m right, this is Sylenia, one of the many places on the planet that opposes the Empire.

GENESIS

What?

THUNDER

This was the plan we’d anticipated the whole time. These people are the Ezurians….one of the many pockets of resistance on the planet. At one time, they all stood united against Xiratox under the Zennon family…but eventually, King Traachsen- my father- was murdered. My mother tried to escape to planet Earth, but she died soon after she arrived.

Her body was taken by the UN and her unborn child was plucked from her womb. What you now see before you is the final result. Back here on Elemen, though, the rebellion fell apart without the strong central figure of the Zennon family to guide them. Everyone loved my parents…and so everyone was counting on ME to arrive to re-create that unity.

GENESIS

I get it now.

(sighs) But, in all honesty, it’s…it’s not really the rebellion I’m worried about…

THUNDER

Terran?

GENESIS

(nods)

Danny, do you know what the last words I said to him were?

THUNDER

No…what?

GENESIS
"I hate you. I wish you’d shrivel up and die."

….and it was in a MUCH angrier tone.

THUNDER

Ouch. What did he DO!?

GENESIS

Nevermind…it’s not important now.

I just…I just don’t want the last thing Terran remembers about me to me saying I "hate" him.

…because that’s not true…not at all.

I love him….I love him more than anything.

Thunder looks at Genesis for a moment and then closes his eyes and sighs.

THUNDER

Lucky bastard.

….

You know, Gen….I have a confession to make.

GENESIS

What’s that?

THUNDER

I…never really hated Terran…

….in fact, deep down, I never really even believed he was responsible for what happened in Narwal. It was just that…he’d managed to do something I never did…

…earn your affection.

I kinda resented him for that.

GENESIS
Well….

…that’s all behind us now, right?

THUNDER
Yeah…I’m past that.

We’ve got more important things to worry about.

GENESIS

Yeah…

THUNDER

But, don’t worry, Gen…he’s alive.

…and I’ll be right there to help you get him back.

GENESIS

Danny…

….

Thank you.

The preparations for the attack continue, and as they do, Dremora sits outside of the city, peering off into the distance. Outside of the protection of the interior city, the climate of the planet is very rough. Thick black clouds cover the sky, blocking out almost any sign of the planet’s sun. Fierce winds howl, and in the distance, multiple stationary twisters can be seen.

But, as Dremora remains lost in her thoughts, she hears someone walking up to her. She turns around quickly to identify the person, who turns out to be Indigo.

DREMORA

What are YOU doing out here?

INDIGO

Hey, hey…don’t get snippy at me.

I’m just here to talk, okay?

DREMORA

….

Indigo sits down next to Dremora and lets out a deep breath.

INDIGO

So…..I guess we’ve got one thing in common, huh?

DREMORA

Which is…?

INDIGO

We both have some f*cked up childhoods.

Dremora looks at Indigo for a moment. Then, the corner of her mouth cracks and she smirks.

INDIGO

HA!! I got a smirk!!

DREMORA

….don’t let it go to your head.

INDIGO

Yeah, yeah…fine…whatever you say, Princess.

DREMORA

….

The two remain quiet for a moment.

INDIGO

You know, I have to say….I admire you.

DREMORA

What? Why is that?

INDIGO

Well, with me…my childhood was fake…

…but at least I have happy memories of it.

You…you went through HELL.

DREMORA

….I guess that is true.

But, I didn’t exactly do it alone….

<Flashback>

The scene shows an adolescent Dremora, age 14, as she trains with a platoon of Elemenian trainees. Rodom Granat is their instructor.

RODOM GRANAT

Alright, pay attention!

The next and FINAL objective in your training will be the obstacle course.

You are NOT to use your powers during this obstacle course and so, you have been fitted with power dampeners. You are NOT to remove them….or else you will fail and be rejected from any service within the military whatsoever.

Is that clear!?

EVERYONE
Yes, sir!!!

RODOM GRANAT
Cadet Dremora Genesha….Cadet Sylus Ferran…

…step forward.

Dremora and another soldier, a young man, slightly older and more muscular, step forward.

RODOM GRANAT
The two of you are the highest-ranked cadets of the entire platoon.

As such, ONE of you…and ONLY one will be allowed a chance to earn a place with the Trai Digan.

Unlike the other cadets, the two of you will run the course side-by-side…and the first one to finish will earn that spot.

Is that clear?!

DREMORA and SYLUS

Yes sir!!

RODOM GRANAT

Well, then…get to it!!

The platoon breaks formation and the cadets prepare to attempt the course. As they do, Rodom pulls Sylux and three other cadets aside, talking in secret.

RODOM GRANAT

I trust you all know what to do…

SYLUS

Yes, sir. We’ll take care of her.

RODOM GRANAT
Good. Because if you don’t, and you allow a WOMAN to earn the highest rank of the platoon….I’ll expect you to forfeit your lives to retain your dignity.

CADET
That won’t happen, sir.

RODOM GRANAT

Very well…

…see that it doesn’t.

The rest of the platoon goes through the obstacle course…some making it, some failing to do so, others dying before they could finish. After all of the other turns had come and gone, Dremora and Sylus stepped up to it. As they go through the course, Dremora, despite the disadvantage of the less-muscular body, manages to keep up with Sylus. However, as they reach the cusp of the obstacle course, Dremora looks around and suddenly doesn't see Sylus anymore. She looks around for a moment, realizing that he couldn’t have passed her, but he shouldn’t be THAT far behind, either. However, not wanting to dally further, Dremora presses on. But, suddenly, Dremora is yanked to the side as she feels two pairs of hands holding her down.

CADET

Where do you think YOU’RE going, "Princess"!?!

CADET 2

Do you really think you belong here? Huh?

You think a woman can do what a man can?!!

Dremora’s mouth is being covered by one of the cadets, so she is incapable of moving. Also, the cadets have their dampeners removed….because they’d already completed the course. Dremora finds herself helpless.

SYLUS

Heh. I didn’t really need you guys to do this, anyway…

…but oh, well….since we’ve got her, let’s have some fun with her.

Dremora continues to struggle as Sylus moves close towards her, licking her on her face. She’s still being gagged and restrained by the other two cadets, and can’t do anything to stop him. Sylus’ hands move down her body, touching Dremora through her clothing. Dremora feels a feeling of powerlessness and fear wash through her as she anticipates what’s coming.

But then, Sylus suddenly rises into the air, slamming against a nearby tree. Then, the other two soldiers go flying as well. Dremora looks up to see Zepheron standing in front of her, his hand stretched out to her.

ZEPHERON

Are you okay?

DREMORA
Yes….

….but how did you…?

ZEPHERON

I was watching.

DREMORA
But, won’t you be punished?

ZEPHERON

I’d rather have that happen to me…

…than allow them to do what they wanted to you.

DREMORA

Zepheron, I….

ZEPHERON

Don’t you have a course to finish?

DREMORA
(smiles) Yes…yes, thank you.

Dremora goes off, leaving Zepheron. She finishes the obstacle course….much to the dismay of her fellow cadets and Rodom Granat. She drops to her knees, panting for breath.

RODOM GRANAT
….

Well done. You’ve completed the obstacle course.

Because of this, you are now awarded full insertion into the Imperial Army.

Rodom Granat pulls out an Imperial badge and holds it out to Dremora. Just as Dremora prepares to take it, he drops it into the mud and walks away. However, a few moments later, the badge levitates from the ground and right in front of her. She reaches out and takes it and once again finds Zepheron standing in front of her.

DREMORA

Zepheron, I….

…thank you…for everything.

ZEPHERON

You don’t have to thank me.

It’s the least I could do.

Zepheron and Dremora hug one another and Dremora is overjoyed.

VOICE

How pathetic.

Zepheron and Dremora end their embrace and turn to find the Emperor standing next to them.

DREMORA

Father…

Xiratox walks imposingly towards Zepheron and Dremora. Zepheron steps in front of Dremora, guarding her.

XIRATOX

Ha. You ignorant fool.

Don’t act as if you could do anything against me.

If I intended to harm her, I could have easily done it by now.

Xiratox smiles…but his smile hides some darker meaning behind it.

XIRATOX

I merely wished to congratulate my daughter on successfully becoming a member of the Imperial forces….not only that, but part of the Imperial Knights as well.

DREMORA

I…

…I thank you, Father.

XIRATOX

Oh, but there’s just one thing, my dear Dremora…

DREMORA
What…what is it?!

XIRATOX

Having both the title of Knight AND Princess is a bit…..much, don’t you think?

DREMORA

…what…what are you saying?

XIRATOX

I’m saying….

…that you must choose between one or the other.

Knight or Princess, my dear? Which will it be?

DREMORA

Wh….Why are you doing this!?

Why are you making me choose?!?!

XIRATOX

Because there won’t be any day soon when I’ll see a woman in a position of concrete power in MY Empire. Things would have been a lot simpler for you if you’d simply done what you were told and given up this foolishness. Nothing is more annoying than a woman who doesn’t know her place.

DREMORA

….

XIRATOX

Well, then…?

What will it be, Dremora?

Dremora, speechless, looks over to Zepheron.

DREMORA
Z-Zepheron…what do I…!?

ZEPHERON

Dremora, you—

Before Zepheron can answer, he suddenly yells out in pain and grabs his head. He continues groaning in agony until he falls to his knees and eventually passes out.

XIRATOX

Don’t bother with the trash.

He’ll be dealt with soon enough for his insolence.

Now give me your answer. NOW.

</Flashback end>

DREMORA

After I chose to become a soldier, I lost all rights and privileges of a princess.

My father completely disowned me…

….and I was all alone….

…except for Zepheron.

INDIGO

But, I don’t get it.

If Zepheron was SO nice back then, why is he such a dickhead now?

DREMORA

I…I really don’t know.

He just CHANGED one day….I never underst—

VOICE

Excuse me…

Just then, one of the Sylenian soldiers walks up to them.

DREMORA

What’s going on?

SOLDIER

Myaga has called for you. She said you’re to come to the communications room immediately. It’s important.

Not hesitating, Dremora and Indigo follow the soldier to the communications room. When they arrive, they already find everyone else waiting for them.

INDIGO

What’s going on!?

THUNDER
Why don’t you take a look for yourself?

Thunder gestures towards the monitors…which display city after city on the planet being attacked by Elemenian ships.

MYAGA

The Empire’s made its move.

They’re now ready to wipe out the rebellion once and for all, and they’re systematically eradicating each individual rebel factions throughout the world.

DREMORA

No…..

INDIGO

Well…!? Aren’t we going to DO something about it!?

THUNDER

Like what!? Take on the entire Imperial armada?

INDIGO

Oh, I’m sorry…I thought that was the WHOLE FREAKIN’ REASON why we were here!!!

THUNDER

Don’t be an idiot. You can’t possibly think we can—

Before Thunder can finish, another screen pops up with Rodom Granat’s image on it.

RODOM

Greetings, you rebel dregs.

I have contacted you to inform you that the Empire has effectively begun crushing your pathetic pockets of resistance one by one.

It’s only a matter of time before every last one of you pests are exterminated.

INDIGO

Is it just me, or does this guy REALLY like to hear himself talk?

RODOM

Oh, and "princess" Dremora…

…if you’re watching this, I want you to know that I had a long talk with your father….

A horrified look crosses Dremora’s face.

RODOM

Now, you’ll reap the consequences for your treachery, wench!

Or should I say, SHE will!?

Hahaha

Dremora grits her teeth in anger and Rodom ends his transmission.

DREMORA
You bastard!!!

INDIGO

"She"?!

What the hell was he talking about!?

Who’s "she"?!

DREMORA

….

He…He was talking about Beldez….

GENESIS

Beldez…?

Who’s….Beldez?

DREMORA
My daughter….

GODDESS
Your daughter!?

THUNDER

Wait…don’t tell me….

That Zepheron….

DREMORA

Yes….Zepheron is her father.

Beldez is the child I bore from Zepheron.

And she’s currently being held hostage…by my father…

…the Emperor.

INDIGO
What?!

So, what does this mean!?

MYAGA

Xiratox suspected Dremora of treason shortly after Beldez was born nearly three years ago. Because of this, he ordered the child taken from her. He promised that if she did anything to oppose him, he’d have the child executed.

GENESIS
That sick son of a….

So, what are we going to do about this!?!

MYAGA

What CAN we do!?

I don’t think Xiratox has carried it out yet…after all, he’s got his hands full with Terran’s body and the invasion of the other rebel factions.

INDIGO

So then, you’re going to do NOTHING!?

MYAGA

No…I think we should merely wait until…

INDIGO
F*ck that!!

What, are we going to wait until she’s DEAD?!?!

DREMORA

But, Myaga said that….

INDIGO

Listen to me, Dremora….

This is your DAUGHTER you’re talking about. A child.

As of right now, she’s living on a countdown.

Can you REALLY tell me that you can stand by and let that countdown continue?

DREMORA

….

THUNDER

Okay, look, Rambo…

If her daughter’s being held hostage by Xiratox, that means she’s in the palace.

And if she’s in the palace, that means she’s in the most heavily-guarded area on the planet.

Do you REALLY think we can just waltz up there and get her!?

INDIGO

If the Armada’s busy attacking the rest of the rebel factions, that means that a good portion of their forces aren’t positioned at the palace.

Also, if we can get the factions that haven’t yet fallen to the Empire to fight WITH us, we can distract them until we infiltrate the fortress with minimal resistance.

Tell me..do you think that’s better than waiting until the Armada’s not only guarding the castle again, but we have no allies to back us up!?

THUNDER

…

GENESIS

I agree with Indigo.

We should attack NOW.

GODDESS

I’m with you, too.

GLADIUS

Same here.

Indigo turns to Dremora.

INDIGO

What do you want to do, Dremora?

Dremora is quiet for a moment. She looks over at Merlan…who gives her a stern, stone-faced stare.

DREMORA

I-I’m sorry, Panma….but…I can’t wait any longer.

I’m going to get my daughter back, or die trying!

INDIGO

Good, then we’re all agreed.

So, now…..let’s get ready to pimpslap the Empire and show them that we are NOT to be screwed with.

End of Chapter Five

<Flashback>

The scene shows an event three years ago, as Zepheron and Dremora, both dressed in casual Elemenian clothing (since they are off-duty for the moment), share a private moment in their quarters as they lie in bed next to one another.

DREMORA

Zepheron….

…are you awake?

ZEPHERON

Yeah.

DREMORA

Zepheron, I want you to answer something for me….

ZEPHERON

Okay.

DREMORA
Do you….do you think we’ll make it?

ZEPHERON

….huh?

DREMORA

I-I’ve had this bad feeling that something bad’s going to happen…

…I don’t know what….

….but I just feel it’ll be something HORRIBLE.

ZEPHERON

…..you worry too much.

DREMORA

But….but I just feel so afraid…

…for both of us.

I don’t know how all of this will turn out.

ZEPHERON

I don’t understand.

Why are you so afraid now?

You’ve always been the stronger one.

DREMORA

I….I guess it’s because….

ZEPHERON

What?

DREMORA

Zeph…I’m….

…I’m pregnant.

ZEPHERON

What….?

DREMORA

Some of the physicians confirmed it.

I’m carrying our child.

ZEPHERON

….

Zepheron gets off of the bed and walks away a bit. Concerned, Dremora sits up.

DREMORA
Zeph….?

Don’t tell my you’re upset…?

ZEPHERON

No….

Well, not about the child, anyway…

…but rather, about what will HAPPEN to the child.

DREMORA

What?!

ZEPHERON

When our child is born, we’ll be bringing it into this…….this…..NIGHTMARE.

And, we both know what’s going to happen to this world.

Elemen is doomed. The Empire completely used up the planet’s life-supporting resources. Within a decade, this planet will be HISTORY.

DREMORA

I know…

But….but if we could somehow get to Earth…

ZEPHERON

Earth…?

How are we supposed to do THAT!?

You’re an ex-Princess-turned-soldier. I’m a slave.

DREMORA

If we join the rebellion. Both of us.

ZEPHERON

The rebellion….?

DREMORA

Yes. I’ve…I’ve worked it out.

Myaga’s been part of the rebellion for the past six years. It shouldn’t be hard for us to join her….

ZEPHERON

…..

DREMORA
Zeph…..?

ZEPHERON

I don’t like this.

I don’t like it at all.

DREMORA

Would you rather just let our child stay here?

ZEPHERON

….

DREMORA

Well, what do you think?

ZEPHERON

….

I don’t know…..

I just don’t know….

</End of Flashback>

INDIGO

--to Dremora….Helloooooo!??

Dremora?!!

Dremora snaps back to her senses.

INDIGO

You okay?

DREMORA

Oh. Yeah….yeah, I’m fine.

INDIGO

Okay, so explain to me WHY I have to wear this crap again?

Indigo and the others have dressed themselves in a tight, expandable armor that looks like something of a cross between rubber and wool. Indigo fidgets around in it, trying to get comfortable.

DREMORA

These are battlesuits. They allow you to use your individual powers and are resistant to most things, like extreme heat and cold. Also, the small amount of armor gives you extra protection. Not much, though.

INDIGO

That’s all good and all…

But who the hell made the CROTCH in these things?!!?

Indigo tugs at the lower section of the suit, trying to adjust it.

INDIGO

These things are so freakin’ tight, I’m going NUMB down there!!

DREMORA

Are you sure you put it on, right?

INDIGO

Um…yeah. I’ve been dressing myself since I was…

…er…well, I don’t know, but I’m sure that, amidst learning how to crack a man’s spine in five seconds, they programmed some of that in there, too.

DREMORA

Well, in that case, I don’t know what to tell you.

You’ll have to deal with it.

INDIGO

Yeah, yeah…

Heh…I know what it is..

(puts his hands on his hips and puffs out his chest proudly)

These suits weren’t built for someone of my…ahem…"size".

DREMORA

….

INDIGO

Hey, I’m "perfect", remember?

Don’t you think that accounts for LOTS of things?!

DREMORA

……

(turns around)

Anyway….is everyone else ready to go?

The group walks back to the control room, going over to where Myaga is standing, waiting.

MYAGA

Ah, you’re prepared.

Good.

But, we are not quite ready to begin.

There’s still one more task to be done.

GENESIS
What’s that?

Myaga raises her hand, and a monitor activates.

MYAGA

We will need the combined forces of the rebellion to commence a joint attack on the Empire….and we need a single cause to unite them on. So, this is where YOU come in, Thunder.

THUNDER

Me!?

MYAGA

Of course.

You ARE the last-surviving member of the Zennon family.

You must be the one to lead the attack on the Empire.

Is this not the moment you’ve waited your entire life for?

Thunder is silent for a while. He looks at the monitor, then he turns around and looks at everyone else….Genesis, Gladius, Dremora, the members of the Kindred, and last, but not least, Indigo. After a while, he stops and turns back around.

THUNDER
I’m sorry, but…no.

Everyone is taken aback.

DREMORA

Huh? "No"? What do you mean "No"?

THUNDER

Look, you’re right…this IS what I’ve been waiting my whole life for.

Ever since I was a kid, I was told that I HAD to be a leader. I HAD to one day lead my people to freedom. It was all up to ME.

Thunder stops and lets out a deep breath.

THUNDER

But, I never liked having that much responsibility. Being a leader requires putting aside your own personal feelings in order to best provide for the needs of others. In that area, I’ve failed. I let my personal feelings control my actions time and time again.

To top it all off, I’d almost given up a while back. I didn’t want anything more to do with the rebellion or the fight. But, someone talked some sense into me and helped me get up and continue the fight. If it weren’t for that person, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.

So, to put an end to this long speech, I think the one who leads our people…

….should be YOU….Indigo.

Indigo looks around and points at himself.

INDIGO

Me?

THUNDER

Yeah. You.

You’re the one who convinced us to start this assault.

Out of everyone here, you have absolutely NOTHING to gain from this, and yet you still fight.

I think you’re the TRUE heir to the Zennon family’s….OUR family’s….. legacy….

….brother.

INDIGO

…well, yeah, but…

DREMORA

…huh…"nothing to gain"…?
What do you mean?

Don’t you think he wants to live in a free world as much as we all do?

THUNDER

No, you don’t understand.

Indigo is—

INDIGO

Alright, alright.

That’s enough.

THUNDER

…

INDIGO

I’ll do it.

Just so this conversation gets the hell off ME already. This is embarrassing as hell.

MYAGA

Very well….

Go ahead. We’ll translate your every word into Elemenian.

And remember, you’ll be speaking to everyone on the planet…

…even the Empire will receive this transmission.

INDIGO

(sighs) Thanks for not giving me ANY sort of pressure, Myaga.

Indigo walks forward to the monitor.

INDIGO
Okay, I’m ready.

Across the planet, people everywhere notice as Indigo’s face comes onto their monitors. Some of them rebel soldiers, some Imperials, and some ordinary folk. When it happens, most are at least curious as to why this kid is appearing to them. A small number dismiss it completely. But, none of that matters as Indigo begins to speak.

INDIGO

People of the planet Elemen….

…none of you guys know who I am….so, you’re probably wondering why I’m showing up like this.

But, to answer that question, my name is Indigo. No….actually, that’s not my name at all. That’s a false name that was given to someone who was a weapon….a product of this war.

My TRUE name….is Johnathan. Johnathan……Zennon.

I’m one of the two surviving members of the Zennon family. And basically, the reason I’m appearing to you like this is because, I need your help.

At this time, the Empire has begun to attempt to destroy the last pockets of resistance across the planet one at a time. If we don’t stand up and fight NOW, we can forget about tomorrow.

I know that everyone here is tired of this war. GOD KNOWS I am. A year ago, I lived what I believed to be a happy life on Earth, totally oblivious to what was truly going on. But, ever since then, I’ve been balls-deep in this war, and I’ve just gotten SICK of it.

Haven’t ALL of you?

I’m told that this planet used to be beautiful once….but the Emperor warped it into something twisted and dark. Look around you….this world is dying. How many of you have children? Families? Loved ones? Don’t you dream of a better world than this?

Indigo doesn’t exist anymore. That name is now dead. From now on, I’m Johnathan Zennon. And if you all fight with me, I swear that I’ll bleed with you and fight for you until my dying breath. This war HAS to stop. That’s all there is to it.

I guess that’s all.

Do as you will.

Thank you.

The connection ends, and Johnathan steps back.

GENESIS

Indigo…

JOHNATHAN

I told you….that name doesn’t exist anymore.

From here on out…just call me Johnathan…or John…or Johnny, okay?

GENESIS

Okay.

THUNDER

That was well-said, brother.

I never could have said it any better.

JOHNATHAN

Yeah, well…if they actually listened to a damn thing I said, then I guess it wasn’t a total loss. Come on….let’s get this over with.

A few minutes later, the group of heroes and hundreds of other rebel soldiers are being bolted into odd, bulky forms of armor. Everyone is lined up in rows, and above them is a missile silo-like shaft and opening.

JOHNATHAN

What’s up with this stuff?

DREMORA

These are launch suits. Basically, these are designed to mobilize a large group of soldiers and allow them to travel towards their target without wasting their own energy.

INDIGO

Swell. Is it hard to control?

DREMORA
No. There are neuro-circuits that can register mental commands. It’ll take a bit of getting used to, but you should be able to handle it in no problem.

JOHNATHAN

Alright, then….let’s do this.

A moment of silence passes.

DREMORA
I don’t understand you.

JOHNATHAN

Huh?

DREMORA

What are you getting out of this?!?

Why are you helping us?!

JOHNATHAN

Didn’t you listen to the long speech I made up there?

I already said it….I’m TIRED of this war.

DREMORA

That CAN’T be the only reason.

What are you hiding?

JOHNATHAN

……

Look, I just want to die knowing that I lived….

TRULY LIVED…. without any regrets, okay?

DREMORA

You keep talking about "dying".

Why are you—

Just then, it hits Dremora.

DREMORA
No…..

JOHNATHAN

….

DREMORA

You’re…you’re going to…

JOHNATHAN

I’m ready. Let’s start the launch already.

Johnathan, Dremora and the rest of the soldiers brace themselves. After a countdown of some sort, the thrusters on the armor come roaring to life. Everyone goes shooting upwards, flying out of the base.

Meanwhile, a formidable force of Elemenian soldiers and ships waits outside of the palace. Rodom Granat remains at the forefront.

RODOM

Everyone one of you….be alert!

Today’s the day when we crush the rebels and trample them in the dirt once and for all!

SOLDIERS

Yes, sir!!

Rodom looks towards the horizon and smiles.

RODOM

And so the final chapter begins….

The Sylenian rebel forces continue to fly across the sky. As they do, dozens of rebel battleships accompany them.

SHIP PILOT

You guys handle the small fry. We’ll keep those Imperial ships busy.

DREMORA

Roger.

MYAGA

Dremora…can you hear me?

DREMORA

Panma?!! W-What are YOU doing here!?

MYAGA
I’m coming along.

DREMORA
No, you mustn’t…it’s too dangerous!

MYAGA

Believe me, I’m safer in this ship than YOU are out there.

DREMORA
But…

MYAGA

I have invested too much time into this planet NOT to be present and witness how it all ends.

DREMORA

….

Alright, then.

Just, be careful.

MYAGA
I will.

The Sylenian rebels continue on ahead. After a while, the palace comes into plain view….as well as the soldiers guarding it

DREMORA

Okay, this is it, people!

Let’s keep sharp, and wait for…

JOHANTHAN

The hell with that!!!!!

Let’s get the sumbitches!!!!!

Johnathan kicks in his thrusters and zooms off towards the palace. Following his lead, the rest of the soldiers start to do it, too.

DREMORE

Hey, wait a—

….

…eh..the hell with it…

….I’m coming, Belle…!!

Dremora follows after the others, and within moments, a fierce battle has begun. Both the rebel forces and the Imperials are using the launch armors, so the battle is mostly airborne. All of them are equipped with a powerful rifle, so everyone has a weapon with which to attack. This is particularly good news for Johnathan, with his hesitance to use his ice powers.

However, as the battle gets underway, it become abundantly clear that the rebels are VASTLY outnumbered. Johnathan alone find himself having to face SIX opponents at the same time. However, he has quickly learned to adjust to the launch armor and struggles to evade all of his adversaries. He dodges a blast from one, then flips forward upside-down and shoots another.

As two more approach, Johnathan zooms towards the ground and then pulls up quickly to shake them. However, his acrobatic antics don’t keep him safe forever, and he soon finds himself catching a blast in one of his thrusters, making it catch on fire. Johnathan starts to careen out of control, but soon regains his composure and is once again on the offensive.

DREMORA

No, you fool!

That thruster’s completely destroyed!

The suit might explode if you continue to use it.

JOHNATHAN

I know that.

….in fact, I was hoping for it.

Dremora is totally confused by Johnathan’s statement, but Johnathan charges towards two Imperial soldiers. Dodging the shots fired at him, he suddenly unshackles his armor and drops. He then lets the thruster fly straight into the Elemenian soldiers. Totally taken off-guard, they don’t get a chance to react before the armor explodes. Meanwhile, however, Johnathan starts to fall straight down. However, before he hits the ground, a red streak flies in and grabs him.

DREMORA

I can’t believe you did that!!

JOHNATHAN

Heh…it worked, didn’t it?

DREMORA

What would you have done if I hadn’t caught you?

JOHNATHAN

I knew you would.

DREMORA

Huh? Why?

JOHNATHAN

Because I have faith in you.

…..

…and because I’m too damn sexy.

Dremora lets Johnathan go from about 10 feet up and lets him hit the ground hard.

DREMORA

Try to keep your ego in check until this thing is over.

Dremora flies off to continue the fight, and Johnathan starts to get to his feet.

JOHNATHAN

Oh yeah….koff…

…I’m a stud.

The battle continues to rage overhead and at ground level. Fighters from both sides are falling right and left, but the Imperials are gradually pushing back the rebel forces. In one area of the battlefield, the Kindred (Thunder, Goddess, Metalm, Tiburon, and Shadow) are all working as a team, trying to protect one another. Elsewhere, Gladius (whose suit has "merged" with the thrusters) takes down several soldiers on his own, his suit protecting him. When one soldier fires his rifle at him, Gladius blocks it with his energy blades and then zooms in and slices the soldier with the blade. Genesis (having long detached from her armor) fights using her telekinetic abilities to fly, shield herself, and attack. Without the armor wearing her down, she’s far more mobile than the Imperial soldiers.

However, for all their efforts, there are STILL far too many Imperial soldiers. And as the fight continues, the rebel forces become overwhelmed.

THUNDER

(dodges a blast)

Arggh!! These guys are pissing me OFF!!!

Thunder fires a blast of lightning at a group of soldiers, but it only strikes one. The others all avoid it safely.

THUNDER

This is hopeless!!

GENESIS

Don’t give up, Danny…

…we’ve come too far!

THUNDER

Yeah, yeah…

…but my bolts aren’t any good against multiple targets!

Dammit, if only Cascade were here…

…her water powers were a BIG help.

Just then, Thunder hears a whistling noise.

JOHNATHAN

(whistling)

Hey, Sparky!!

THUNDER

What?

JOHNATHAN

I understand you need some water.

THUNDER

Yeah, but where do you expect to get it from?

JOHNATHAN

Man, what were you doing back in kindergarten? Sticking pencils up your nose?

What do you think ICE is made of, genius!?

Johnathan stretches his arms forward, draws up his strength, and then lets loose with a powerful blast of cold. Snow forms from it and covers a large part of the battlefield.

THUNDER

Out-freakin’-standing!

Okay, Goddess…round them up!

GODDESS

Roger, Danny.

Standing in the snow, Goddess (also having shed the bulky armor) unzips her battle suit until it goes past her navel, showing her body to the Imperial soldiers.

GODDESS

****Come on, boys…what do you say we get some snow in our jammies?****

Several soldiers, under Goddess’ influence, approach her in the snow. However, as soon as they get close, Genesis swoops in and grabs Goddess out of the snow. Meanwhile, Thunder remains airborne, charging up a ball of electricity.

THUNDER

You know, this one of those times it’d pay to have a really cool catchphrase…

….but, oh well.

Thunder tosses the ball of electricity at the snow, where the charge shoots through the cold mass and shocks all of the Imperials.

DREMORA

I can’t believe that childish plan actually WORKED.

I have to say, I’m slightly impressed, Ind—uh, Johnathan.

There’s no answer.

DREMORA

Johnathan?

Dremora, concerned, looks around the area where Johnathan last was. She finds him leaning against a wall, gasping for breath.

DREMORA

Are you…okay?

JOHNATHAN

(coughs)

Y-yeah (coughs)….just give a….minute.

Johnathan starts to cough again. And a bit of blood comes out of his mouth.

DREMORA

What’s…what’s wrong with you?

JOHNATHAN

(smirks)

heh…let’s just say that my battery’s low

DREMORA

Maybe you should….

Johnathan ignores her and starts to walk off, heading back towards the battle.

JOHNATHAN

We’ve gotta keep going.

Come on!

DREMORA

Wait….!!

At this time, one of the rebel’s ships is shot down, crashing into the ground with a firey explosion. And with their cover greatly reduced, the infantry are now punished by the massive firepower of the Imperial fleet.

TIBURON

We’re being pummeled here!!

We need to escape!

THUNDER

NO!

One way or another, this battle ends NOW! If we give up, there will NEVER be another chance!

GODDESS

Well, then…I guess it’s decided.
To the death, then.

Thunder looks over at Goddess and nods.

The Kindred gets ready to attack, knowing that this will probably be the last move they ever make. However, just before they do, a huge energy beam comes from nowhere and strikes an Imperial ship, crippling it. Startled, everyone turns to see an entire FLEET of rebel ships coming in their direction.

REBEL SHIP

Sorry it took us so long. It took us a while to gather up our forces.

DREMORA

I don’t believe it…!! The other rebel factions are helping us!

REBEL SHIP 2

We weren’t sure if we actually SHOULD help you, at first…but then, we realized that we were letting people who weren’t even from OUR planet, even when their own planet has already been conquered, fight our battles FOR us. On the pride of the rebellion….and the Zennon royal family….we will NOT let that happen!

The two fleets go head-to-head, attacking one-another.

REBEL SHIP

If you’re going to attack the palace, DO it.

We can’t hold these things all day.

JOHNATHAN
Okay, we’ll get right on.

…And thanks again.

REBEL SHIP 2

Thank us by beating the crap out of the Emperor, Your Highness.

JOHNATHAN

Heh. Will do.

GLADIUS

We should take a small group to infiltrate the castle. A larger one will attract unwanted attention.

GENESIS

Okay. But I’m going…no matter WHAT.

GODDESS

The rest of the Kindred and I will stay behind and keep the Imperials busy.

Thunder, you should go in.

THUNDER

Right.

DREMORA

I’m going, too.

JOHNATHAN

Well, what’re we waiting for?

Right outside the palace, Rodom Granat waits. As the group approaches, he hovers above the ground with his arms folded.

RODOM

Well, I must say…I’m very impressed that all of you have gotten this far.

JOHNATHAN

You think that’s something?

Wait until I show you how far my foot can go up your ass.

RODOM

You terrans and your meaningless drivel…

(snaps his fingers)

The gates behind the group close and a few dozen Imperial soldiers arrive, holding the group at gunpoint.

RODOM

Welcome to the end of your lives.

But do try to put up somewhat of a fight…..or else, this might get boring.

End of Chapter Six