Chaos Mortalitus (29 page)

Shutting the large chamber doors behind me, I walk into my private study alone, as Mortalitus is my only companion this evening same as most nights. My private sanctuary away from the endless talks of revolution and war, away from these revelations that stalk my heart. Mortalitus has grown accustom to my silence, for some days I truly feel like an end to this struggle is within my grasp. Sadly though my days are filled with memories that bring tears to my eyes in an instant as my heart begins to surge with pain, for those I love have left me all but in the past.

Mortalitus retracts without a word sensing each cringe of discomfort as I embark on a nightly ritual. I walk to the private chambers within my study, leaving the side of Mortalitus to enter my hidden sanctuary. As I enter the camouflaged room the lighting is triggered revealing a beautiful art studio decorated with amazing portrait renditions. Sketches and beautifully crafted oil masterpieces dawn these walls, hidden from my outside world, hidden from all who could have known the life I came from in 2025 A.D. my only true happy days.

This place is like a dancing reflection from my dreams long ago as the surrounding walls have so few blank sections left and this room has become a daily reminder of my journey home. Angela has become my everyday heartbeat and within this room I worship the woman I dream of so dearly. In my only moments of peace I choose to wear the skin of Ash Mortal and make his mastery of art mine once more. I take a seat at a very simple easel and begin to press the charcoal sticks to an aged sheet of textured paper.

Images build within my mind and I can still remember her beautiful smile perfectly, as if the last glance was only yesterday. I remember her excitement in revealing our pregnancy, the joy in her eyes to watch my overwhelming reaction. Laying tone I press my fingers to the paper and begin to smudge out soft gray tones building a foundation for the image. I use finely hand carved utensils to harden facial features, as my wife's beautiful figure becomes infinitely glorious, shedding the ache to my soul and restoring my sanity for a moment.

Hours slowly fade as the image becomes as real to me as the last minute we shared together. Into the early morning on this beautiful world we call Avothina, an artist creates once more as a king pays homage to the gifts of his past.
I'll never forget that fateful morning when Mortalitus came to my side and told me of the preparations that must now begin
. "Lord Mortal, your imagery is uncanny. The mastery of this craft defies even the most legendary of mysteries within the universe." Mortalitus says using fine words of encouragement.

"Thank you Mortalitus. My inspiration is a strong flame today." I reply as I continue to sharpen the image. "I fear I do my wife no justice in these depictions, for her beauty goes beyond word or sketch."

Standing at my side, the presence of Mortalitus helps calm me. "This I know old friend, your love never flounders." Mortalitus says as he raises his hand to my shoulder. "You are truly honorable, in the ways that most have forgotten."

"Your kindness relieves me as this constant fatigue sets in." I reply. "I feel each day the same, each moment a step further from my truest heart."

"I've sensed it these days Ashton. Your demeanor is silent as this fatigue speaks loudly to us all. Mostly to those who would look to you for guidance."

"What would you have me do Mortalitus? Just put on a happy face and pretend this isn't happening, that I do not suffer?" I reply as I turn to face the creator of all things, the controller of all fates, seeking the simplest answer. Seclusion offers little as I face this constant emotional strain that is very much the last of my human qualities. Mortalitus understands everything about me, even the silence that fills our time together and as he has become my closest of friends, he knows my boundaries yet sometimes fate must be met head on.

"Lord Mortal, I am proud of your chosen path my young son, despite these obstacles that stall our growth. These united truths will define you for all time as the darkest hours of this universe close in." Mortalitus says as his eyes contrast against the shadows within my hidden studio.

I turn my focus away from him back to my portrait of an angel. "So you say old friend, yet sometimes I long to be a forgotten memory upon the pages of all histories. This constant burden has bled me dry."

"There is strength within you Ash. Your wisdom as a man, your courage as a warrior, your virtuous heart. You were born to lead this revolution."

A tipping point has been reached as I clutch the charcoal sticks in my hand so tightly they shatter. "I AM AN ARTIST DAMN IT!!!" I scream feeling the weight of all creation once again upon my shoulders. Throwing the easel to the floor my calming escape quickly scatters about with the sudden outburst of human emotion. Surprisingly enough, it's been sometime since my heart beat in my chest at such a pace, sometime since I felt alive. Mortalitus can understand only so far this ache within me; can only bear witness to the lunacy brewing.

"Forgive me Lord Mortal. I know your pain is constant."

I walk to the piece of art that lies on the floor of my workstation and as I kneel down to pick it up solitary tears form and I want so badly to be rid of this pain. I stare at Angela's beautiful presence and ponder. "No Mortalitus, do not ask forgiveness of me. It is your trusted nature that guides my hand. I ask you only to hold patience with this troubled soul of mine."

"Of course Lord Mortal. You're the only true friend I've ever known. I value our work together very much and hope to be with you always, if Father permits." Mortalitus replies walking toward me in the fashion of a friend, a brother in arms and as he leans forward I can feel the cool touch of his armor hugging me. My creator cradles this heart that teeters the edge and for this day I weep, like those who have lost their way, I weep. Like a scared child, I sob within the arms of my maker, this warrior now beaten by the constant flashes that haunt me every time I close my eyes.

"You're part of my family Mortalitus. You will always have a home with me, years beyond this conflict. Help me to create this new hope within our universe."

"Then so it begins Ashton Mortal. So draws the hour of liberation for all beings. We must make preparations to take back Edoxus and reclaim your throne in Siivech to finally restore the Imperial Nations to their former glory."

"What must we do next?"

"Summon Xenom, and prepare his team for departure."

"Departure to where?"

"You must send a team to Earth. It's time for your home planet to step up within this universe and become a part of our kingdom. You must send word of this induction of the planet Earth into the Imperial Nations of Avothina. We will station a large force under the command of General Bairix for security purposes."

"Are you worried about something happening to Earth Mortalitus?"

"No. Even with an exact location, it would take Lord Erazux many Earth years to get there. This would also give him a strategic disadvantage seeing how most of the Milky Way has gone relatively unnoticed to some of the more colonized galaxies. They do not possess the powers to make a hostile advance on the planet without severe losses. We will send this unit as a precautionary method, along with revealing the existence of the Xxirian Verse War to the humans that call the silent blue pearl home."

"What role does Earth play in all this?" I ask. "Why involve them at all?"

"As a race they're still very primitive, yet maintain a precious quality rarely seen within this vast universe. Courage, in the face of annihilation, for the humans of Earth are descendants of the ancient rebels that once held rule over Siivech and the very name of goodness. It is time for all of you to once again reclaim what is rightfully yours and so you shall lead them Ash, you shall lead us all."

"So be it. We must go to Earth Mortalitus, I have someone I need to speak with."

General Xenom Bairix sits in his home in Avotha City, a very beautiful living quarters far grander than the rubble that lay at Seithux, the slave camp he'd known so long ago. It was in those broken days that the spirit of revolution died within him, a pride worn with his family name now disgraced by his weakness. Within these painful memories he holds his compassion dearly to his heart, for his only regret is that those he loved the most share not this dream of a united future. Remembering the day Mortalitus came to him, the day he came to them all, like a dream never realized and then from the heavens he fell.

A king with ultimate power like nothing witnessed before, an impossible measure. Thoughts of the brothers he loved so dearly, the pain of watching the death of General Trivusk Bairix at the hands of the dark warrior. In his heart Xenom knew the darkness that gripped his brother's soul, yet still felt a deep wound as he watched the battle cruiser explode with Mortalitus cutting through its center. Hopes of family and retribution consumed within fire and ash as this literal metaphor becomes a fate dangerous in comprehension. Thinking often of his brother and the glorious honors he's bestowed in the wake of their fore fathers, as Xenom lives in the shadow of his past.

There he sits cleaning his armor, sharpening the weapons of his family, gifts from his father. A quiet creature, Xenom's father was a hardened warrior honored by Lord Erazux himself, serving as personal guard to the self-proclaimed Lord for many Earth years. Like those before him he wears away dullness to the blade's edge refining its precision metals. He sharpens it slowly hoping his father's memory might reveal a forgotten truth. Although a warrior, his father was merciful in ways, true in spirit and it was he that implanted the knowledge and wisdom of the righteous within Xenom so long ago.

Silent to his sons, the Xxirian subliminally brought true honor to the heart of his favored son in hopes that one day his example might change history. Stealthily, I come upon Xenom as he perfects his utensils for war. "General. I must speak with you."

He suddenly stops, slowly turning his head toward my direction not startled a bit by the sudden orders from the shadows. "What would you ask of me Lord Mortal?"

I stare for moment back at my true friend through this perilous journey, my vindicated enemy. "I have new orders for you old friend. I want you to take Halex and Tikik and the female Xxirian, Jasfire with you on this. You have a new priority."

"Lord Mortal? What of Edoxus?" Xenom asks confused with the new developments. "The hour approaches with haste. Who will back you my Lord?"

"Do not worry Xenom. Many brothers and sisters have joined this revolution. Many have come to lend their lives for our cause as I take the truest of those with me to war. I will send my best to protect that which is most sacred to me." I say clenching my fist as a sudden jerk of pain causes my eyes to close and for a moment I can feel my family.

"My Lord? I do not understand." Xenom stares back at the king he holds so high. Any who might oppose his rule should ready their courage, for this Xxirian will stand by the side of Mortalitus all the way to the gates of hell, no matter the order.

"Earth is your mission. I want your team to take a fleet and make contact with the humans of Earth. Same as the other inductions you've performed. They must be made aware of the Imperial Nations of Avothina and inducted under planetary protection. Your fleet will be charged with the primary defense of the planet at all costs. Do you understand General?"

"Yes my Lord. I understand the order; I am just weary of the fact that you will not have me at your side my king. War is not the place for universal politics, spread out over vast distances."

"This order is not only mine, but the will of Mortalitus. I am your friend Xenom and through great distances know that I will never leave your side. Should evils find you outmatched, look to the sky brother and on the day of your final moment, be sure to remind them. Remind them that hell is coming." The tone is prophetic as I make a promise sealed in honor, a commandment to he who stands in the face of destruction with me.

"When do we leave Lord Mortal?" Xenom says staring slightly down, standing much taller than I as he watches his reflections in the metallic armor visible on my body once more.

"When the star of Avotha rises, so shall your journey begin. Finally, you will embrace your destiny as leader for the people of Earth and when Edoxus is ours once more, we will unite all worlds and spread peace for all time." My voice is strong as Xenom embraces the convictions of my heart and the absolution of the task at hand.

"Then I will go my Lord. In your honor and for the Imperial Nations, I will make first contact with your home world. With my last breath, I will stand against any who might bring harm to your planet, foreign or domestic." Xenom says kneeling down before me, to pledge his honor as I walk slowly toward him and place my hand upon the armor plating covering his shoulders.

"You bring honor to your family, to all Xxirians.
Might we one day find ourselves aligned with our enemies. Might we one day call upon them as friends, and embrace peace together
."

As evening approaches, the strategic chambers of Avotha City are at maximum capacity with friends of the revolution taking their seats at a large briefing table to discuss new orders. These rebels in the last epic war for the existence of all things have to ready their courage, for this victory will belong to the hearts of those declared fallen. Lord Erazux and his armies are a force like nothing the universe has ever seen, and there are many endless tales of bravery against this enemy occupation that now litters the cosmos.