Chaos Mortalitus (28 page)

"You are no savior Ashton, but merely the hope of goodness. You are the recipe of fate as this drama unfolds, my one chance for a unifying peace. Forget not the dreams of all who depend on your courage, for their hour glasses pour the slow grains of sand with the ever passing moment."

"Is it not my destiny to save the universe Mortalitus?"

"Your destiny is to make the choice Ashton. You will ultimately decide the fate of the universe, of this physical world. These choices will affect every outcome in every plain of existence till the end of time."

"No pressure there." I reply sarcastically.

Over and over these same prophetic overtones are constantly pounded into my head, repetitively instilled in my mind and no matter the choice this beast intends to back me into a corner. In another life I might have negotiated to compromising terms, maybe even cowered in fear of this daunting task. In this other life I was Ashton Mortal, a fine arts painter, yet today I am king and this enemy will face the terms of Mortalitus. Within these
revelations
this enemy will bow before the awesome force of bonding creator with creation.

The choice is left to me, the fates of tomorrow with a glimmer in my eye for my target is set as this warrior longs for a home so very far away. It is these moments that help me to remember the better parts of valor, the subconscious teachings of the alien entity that gave this expanding universe and all that mirror its image the beautiful seeds of life. The intricate curtains that hang behind me once again flap riding the cool breeze that flows into my private study, the place where I find peace, this place where I have only my memories to comfort me.

General Xenom Bairix steps through the curtains and joins me on the balcony to stare upon my view. The large Xxirian soldier stands at my side, now my second in command and most trusted friend here on this alien world leaving the silence open, waiting for my word. Decorated in beautiful ornamental body armor, he stands proud at the side of his king for he now helps shape views of goodness and find moments where he can truly feel vindicated. "What is it General?" I ask. "Why have you come?"

"Forgive me Lord Mortal. An allied warship has just docked with the Vexicus III in orbit my Lord. The passengers are being shuttled to our base here in the heart of Avotha City."

"What relevance does this have with me old friend?"

"Most crew members onboard are of human descent my Lord." Xenom replies.

"Human?" I ask confused. "From where? Earth?"

"No my Lord, we have left the questions for you. They await an audience if you choose."

"Make it happen General."

Days grow long for Lord Erazux as the Shadow of Deoth floats silently in deep space, surrounded by a personal guard of thousands of the most dangerous war machines produced among the stars. Five years have tested the resolve of the largest Xxirian force ever aimed at one target. For any who see these ships on the horizon should tremble as death comes quickly for those fortunate enough, and slavery in its wake. The mysterious advisor to Lord Erazux weaves a dangerous web of secrets as a cosmic chest board arranges its pieces.

Like a theory of chaos, March 10
^th
echoes today as the battle of Seithux is now merely a memory and this figure from the heavens has become king, claiming to be a reincarnation of Vexicus Miogar. Calm moments build the foundation of the finest hour within this universe and now nothing can stop destiny, nothing can stop what's coming. A name has been given to this struggle and for every day that follows all will remember the Xxirian Verse War. "I GROW WEARY OF THESE GAMES!!!" Lord Erazux screams to the mysterious figure. "NOW IS THE TIME!!!"

"Patience Lord Erazux!" The dark one replies. "You know what's at stake here. This must be done with precision."

"Five years we've waited in the shadows. Why do we continue to hold?" Lord Erazux asks. "These humans are ripe for the taking. Let us be done with this!"

"You have not seen eternity through my eyes. Do not question me! It can only be done this way. Ashton must be vulnerable, it's the only way."

"Do you fear him dark one? Do you fear this Mortal man?

"I hold no fear in my heart. We have much in common as you know, I simply see his ways as those of the weak and
controlled
. Be warned Xxirian, he is dangerous and must be handled with caution."

"What are you dark one?" Lord Erazux asks.

"The universe is far grander than anything within your pitiful imagination. The mirrors of infinity reflect the essence of time in all places. I know what must be done to finish this and Ashton Mortal is the holder of the keys. At last I will destroy him, in every image. I am the destroyer of all things."

"Your riddles amuse me not." Lord Erazux snickers.

"Soon enough you will see there are no riddles within my words. A thousand truths surround you. You need only open your eyes and realize we're part of history, and that you along with all who share in this fight will be remembered for all time. Your hour approaches Lord Erazux and you will finally fulfill your destiny."

"What is my destiny?"

"Earth." The cloaked figure whispers.

The throne room in Avotha City is bustling in this late hour as I make my way down long corridors decorated with beautiful alien artifacts from worlds scattered throughout the universe. General Xenom Bairix joins my side as we head to meet these refugees, these humans. Aside from my home planet, humans have become mostly extinct to the universe or so we've been lead to assume and this news is greatly welcomed. We emerge through the large doors as my royal guards help to create a grand entrance for the king of the Imperial Nations of Avothina.

I walk slowly once I enter the room as many creatures have come to look upon me. For some, their king has kept a much lower profile as of late and they've come merely for a glimpse of the leader they hold so dear to their hearts. Sadly, war is enough to turn the purest heart to stone and although my resolve remains the same, my ego has become bloated. Coming about in front of my throne, I pull my cloak forward at the fabric's edge and sit down. My congregation follows my example as my royal guards take their place at my side.

"General Bairix, bring them in." I command.

"Yes my Lord."

General Xenom Bairix exits the throne room for a moment as I begin to wonder what these humans might be like, if not from Earth I can only imagine. After a minute or so, Xenom returns with a small group, five human and one female Xxirian. The humans share an identical likeness to those of Earth and I find an odd sense of familiarity, as I haven't seen a human being in many years now. Rarely has anyone even seen my human form because I feel I fit in better within the confines of Mortalitus as the metallic armor hides my darkened eyes.

Today I have the look of an ancient warrior, more like the king all the creatures in my protection need and morale is key within this conflict. These human strangers walk toward me with one Xxirian counterpart, their gaze fixed on the floor. Coming to a halt in front of my throne the group takes to one knee in the presence of their king. Four females and two males crouch in front of me offering their backs and courage in allegiance to the Imperial Nations.

Tales of victory have spread through the universe as unrest begins to brew and the Xxirians are finally met with a strategic rebuttal. Six have come to me this day, six new friends to the cause of the righteous, these brothers and sisters of the revolution. Led by a woman, late twenties early thirties with long blonde hair pulled back into a simple ponytail. Blades and ion weapons dawn her body, strapped to every available appendage. A jagged deep scar across her throat reveals the horrors of war as this woman's fight began long ago before the days of Mortalitus, before this conflict was my own.

She fights for freedom, for independence from tyranny, yet fights nonetheless. Nightmares, the horrors of war all haunting her memories, plaguing her every dream as she bows to her king. Silence races around the room and those who've grown to know me sense my reaction for they know the human within me and have embraced Ashton Mortal as a leader. I stand and slowly walk toward the kneeling group as my cloak moves about revealing only hints of the brilliant armor of Mortalitus. Coming to face these new friends I seek their reasons and cause, for their hearts have come to pay homage to the king that freedom follows.

"Who are you?" I ask. "Rise and speak to me."

The woman's eyes open slowly as she takes a deep breath to face the moment. She's heard many versions of who Mortalitus is and knows only a select few have the privilege of attaining an audience with him. She stares back at me with deep rich eyes as they lock onto the glowing slits in my helmet, a defining moment indeed. Studying my figure, she wonders what lies within as her eyes peer toward this creator. "My name is Mandrinx Talya, Lord Mortalitus." The woman humbly responds. "These are my most trusted soldiers, my Lord. We've come to lend our hands in this struggle."

"How can this be?" I ask. "Are there more humans?"

"Yes, my Lord. Many more willing to fight and die for you!" One of the young men kneeling says. "You need only command!"

"HOLD YOUR TONGUE RINKIN!" Mandrinx yells scolding the man.

"We are friends here, there is no need for that. Our tasks are great, our worth based on good will toward all creations in all places. No opinion is unworthy today, or any other." I say.

"A thousand apologies my king." Rinkin says in a slightly more somber tone. "I did not intend to speak out of turn. I hope you can look past this transgression my Lord."

"Apology accepted Rinkin. As for the rest of you, rise with introductions if you please."

Those kneeling before me rise to their feet before the king whose influence has touched each life personally. In these days I could never have imagined my true impact on this universe, never felt the pace of their hearts when I spoke of triumph and freedom for the rest of time in this universe I call my kingdom. They all stand and stare upon me, calling forth their intelligences to try and understand this very alien figure before them. Most have heard of the many tales and legends of a king named Mortalitus, but the one that stands out most is the fact that he is believed to be human, in one form or another.

Mandrinx walks a few steps closer to my throne. "My Lord. You honor us by allowing this audience on such short notice." She says bowing her head to me. "Might I present to you my friends and comrades in battle. You've already met Rinkin Cilakex. The other male is Demixil Sabraks, our weapons specialist. Next we have our female medical advisor Dr. Soharix Janilux and decorated warrior Zenica Logaxus. Our Xxirian friend is called Jasfire, the backbone of our team."

"Glad to have you with us." I reply.

"My Lord. We've made this journey to Avothina not only to join this fight, but to also bring word that it seems the Xxirian fleets are currently not at full strength on Edoxus. This is very disheartening my Lord, there must be an ulterior motive." Mandrinx reveals.

"We shan't be defeated, not this day or any other." I say, rising to my feet. "Wherever they go, we shall find them."

"With all due respect my lord, this is no ordinary enemy. All who've faced an Xxirian encounter head on have succeeded at a less than decent defense." Mandrinx replies taken back by the confidence of her king.

"There will be no defense when I return to Edoxus. The Xxirian forces will be crushed and the shores of Edoxus will once again be home to the Imperial Nations. Soon this universe will embrace the calm."

Demixil looks to his king and must know the truth of rumors and speculation. "Forgive me Lord Mortalitus, but I must know. Is it true? Are you the reincarnation of Lord Vexicus Miogar?"

"Yes Demixil. Lifetimes ago I was Lord Vexicus Miogar, but today I am my own entity. My name is Ashton Mortal, but those I hold closest call me Ash."

Staring forward at my new friends I feel Mortalitus begin to retract from me as I step forward to reveal my human image as the blackness in my eyes breaks from the glowing vibrancy. Mortalitus stands at my side facing our new human friends, his physical body gleaming with the bright lighting in this room. I stand facing these creatures as the black cloak still shields much of my identity.

"I am human, born to the planet Earth, or at least I was. I've not seen another human being in a long time, so this is quite surreal for me. Thank you for your journey here to Avothina and know that you are welcomed here in Avotha City by all free beings."

"Thank you my Lord. We have a humble request. Might we be placed on the frontlines during the attack on Edoxus, for the honor of our ancestors who were slaughtered by the Xxirians billions of years ago. We wish to help reclaim our home world." Mandrinx asks her head still bowed.

"Make no mistake with a false cause. There is no honor in war. In all I've seen I have yet to find the honor most so desperately cling to, with justification of atrocities in the name of war. We acknowledge our task at hand and know that we must take back our rights as free beings in this universe. Through the most just of causes, we must face every adversary who might again ignite the fires of chaos. Truth be told, I hope the children of this war forgive us as the pages of destiny continue to turn."

CHAPTER: 23

PREPARATIONS