A/N: This is a story request set a while after season 2. When it comes to epic story writing, I... take some time between chapters just so you know. I guess you would if you're waiting for me to finish Ghost Planet... x( ... I will use all of my willpower to finish this one. All original characters will appear in this including numerous OCs. So with that note, enjoy the read.

Rating K+

The Stars of Eden

One. The Paths that Bind Us

The boy of Fire looked to the night sky and gazed in awe as planet Sand hung against the landscape of hundreds of stars. It appeared fixed in position, but the large world was moving alongside with its powerful world engines. Its yellow sand stirring in its atmosphere created a vibrant corona that made it look like a glowing ember. Like his Quarrior figurines, he wished he was older so he could wear cool body armour and go exploring into space. His mother had said wearing a helmet would extinguish the flame on his head, but he didn't let that dwindle his hopes.

"Hey, matchstick."

A tough looking Rock boy crossed his arms and glared in disapproval.

"Go play with your action figures."

The Rock boy's expression turned hopeless and he sighed. He knelt down beside the boy of Fire and joined him in the pretend battle.

"You can play with them a little longer. Seeing as how you lost your home and everything, I guess I'll play the grown up and be a nice guy."

The boy from Fire looked at him wide eyed and smiled.

"Flint! You playing with lava hair?"

Two other boys of Rock approached, their faces were lit with teasing grins as they snickered to each other. A large blue haired man of Rock made his presence known as he put a little more weight into his steps along the dirt path. He eyed the two boys steadily, and their snide expressions quickly vanished. They stood like toothpicks as the man passed them by.

Graveheart shook his head and returned his attention back to Pyrus who was walking by his side. He could tell that small scene hadn't bothered the young prince. If it had, he wasn't going to show it. Graveheart looked around as the people of Fire went about their evening routines and social gatherings. Most lived in Rock alloy homes. Some were able to build makeshift ones using scraps of metal from planet Fire. Large braziers lined the walkway and were placed in front of home entrances. Hot coals were thrown on the ground in an effort to regain some of planet Fire's environmental appeal. Graveheart found himself hopping like a child in an attempt to avoid stepping on them. In the distance, Fire's flyable throne room had nestled itself on a plateau at the side of a mountain. Pyrus looked sullen, as if the village was something he had little faith in.

"Your people are making progress," Graveheart said with a grin. He wiped away sweat from his forehead.

"They've accomplished a lot in a year." His voice was toneless. "But you and I both know we can't remain on Rock forever."

Graveheart's grin faded. After that one climactic day when the Beast was teleported to an unknown fate, Jade was the first to offer Pyrus and his people a part of her planet. Other world leaders had offered as well, but planet Rock had the most adaptable environment. Pyrus had been the only one reluctant to accept the offer, but everyone insisted it was the most logical decision. Looking back now, Graveheart could only feel guilty for not respecting him as a ruler.

"They're still searching for a planet in its volcanic age. Unfortunately, none they've found have world engines."

"I appreciate what everyone is doing for my people." Pyrus paused. His voice grew quieter. "But I don't know if I can do this anymore. I'm too young, too inexperienced to rebuild my people to the greatness they once had. One of the council elders would be a wiser choice." He looked up at the man of Rock who stared back saddened. "My people may look like they're carrying on with their lives, but I know how they really feel. They're disappointed because I couldn't find them a home of their own. I've dishonoured them. We can't depend on the Alliance to carry us on its shoulders anylonger." The anger in his last words was a blow to Graveheart's chest. "My people need a planet where they can be free to grow and prosper independently. World engines be damned."

Graveheart gazed ahead and breathed deeply. "You know, Cryos told me how much you are becoming like your father."

"Did Cryos really say that?"

He smiled and nodded. "You're out here every day with your people, helping them to rebuild their lives on a completely different world. You've shown them your bravery, not to mention recklessness, when you fought against the Beast. If those aren't good qualities of a leader, then maybe you'd feel more comfortable letting Femur take over. I hear he's out of the job." He looked around as men and women greeted them with nods of recognition. "No matter how many times you tell yourself you're no good Pyrus, the fact is, you are doing good for others and that's really all that matters." He warmly smiled and smacked Pyrus on the back, making him stumble forward. "Besides, no way we are leaving you to rot on some Maker forsaken planet in the middle of nowhere."

Pyrus curled a bemused smile. Graveheart wasn't sure his words were enough to heal his concerns, but just getting him to crack a smile, something he hadn't seen him do in days, was rewarding enough.

"Graveheart."

Jade's voice grumbled through his communicator sounding extremely irritated. He hesitated to respond, not remembering anything he did in their last meeting to potentially piss her off.

"Graveheart," she said impatiently.

"Yes Jade?"

"Get over here. Now."

Graveheart remembered the fancy assembly being held to officially welcome planet Mist into the Alliance. He had only met a Mist noble briefly, but as he recalled, it was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of his life. He grinned and raised the com.

"Exchanging hooks with the emissary?"

There was silence. He glanced at Pyrus who raised his head in understanding.

"If anyone asks Graveheart, the attack on the emissary was provoked."

He shook his head hopelessly. "Jade, please? At least try and act like an empress. I'm on my way."

Pyrus stroked back the flame on his head. "Maybe I should be there."

"Judging from your last encounter with them, that... wouldn't be good."

"And I thought we were the ones with the temperature."

As he and Pyrus parted ways, Graveheart took one last moment to appreciate the glow and magnificence of the Fire village around him. He smelt something strange and felt his feet start to burn. Jumping back from the hot stones, he looked down at his melted boots as if heartbroken. He shook his head, silently laughing at himself. Even with the Beast gone, he could tell the coming year was going to be paved with hardships and unexpected happenings. The most a man could do was brave them with a smirk and hope he comes out the other end with his sense of humour still intact.

. . . .

*Bleep* *Bleep* *Bleep*

*Bloop* *Bloop*

The Ice helmsman pointed a blue finger at a button on the Aurora's dashboard and princess Zera slapped it away.

"Don't help me. I know it's that one."

The pilot shrunk back in his seat and glanced at Cryos who brought his fingers to his forehead and shook his head. Clearly, it was a mistake letting her take the helm. As a father, he had thought it was prudent considering she expressed a desire to expand her knowledge in the field of space travel. He hadn't accounted for her lack of listening skills. Worried she was going to crash the ship into the nearby planet, Cryos went to her side and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Zera looked at one of the monitors. "It looks like... the surface temperature is... approximately... sixty degrees." She looked up at her father. "Is that hot enough for Pyrus?"

"I'm afraid not," he said dimly. "The people of Fire need a temperature nearly double that amount if they are to live long and healthy lives."

Zera's large insect eyes gazed at the brown and yellow clouded world through the bridge windows. Slowly her eye lids lowered in disappointment. Even though she wouldn't admit it, Cryos could tell she was deeply concerned for Pyrus and his people.

"They may be a race few in number," he said. "But there's no doubting their longevity."

The bridge's sliding doors opened as the robotic woman, Tekla, walked through. Her attention was buried in a small data pad she was holding as Voxx beeped around her. Judging by her relaxed demeanour, Cryos could tell she had nothing new to tell them.

"This planet does not have them either," Tekla said plainly. "After scanning the star system planet Mist resides in, and the systems we have observed thus far, I can only conclude that if a system has one planet with world engines, all of its other worlds must have them, and most, if not all, have life."

Cryos gazed at her. "If what you say is true, then in order to find a planet for the people of Fire, we must look in already inhabited worlds." He frowned. This realization had already crossed his mind before. Pyrus would only be leading his people into a similar situation: having to share a world with another race.

Tekla smiled and tucked her data pad away. Her thoughts seemed to linger on another matter as she folded her arms.

"And how is the Alliance's new flagship coming along?"

Cryos rolled his eyes and turned his head. He was expecting this. "Apparently, Femur wants to give it green dorsal fins to enhance its... Bone appeal. There were several other superfluous modifications he wanted to implement but I'd rather not mention them for fear of making my headache any worse." Tekla hid a giggle behind her hand. "I sent him back a transmission saying I'd rather have Sternum decide on planet Bone's additions to the ship. If he's as much of an architect as he is a ruler, then there's hope."

"So I assume Rock has completed its modifications?"

Cryos blinked slowly. "Yes. While working with Rock soldiers was a little more degrading than I could bear, the battle moon canon schematics were finally integrated into the ship's weapon systems. Five canon ports is... a tad excessive, but, you don't argue with Jade when she wants her way."

Zera stepped forward and crossed her arms. "Ahem. Of course, nothing as impressive as father's nanonite ice shield invention."

Cryos humbly smiled. "Yes, well, as much as I admire your enthusiasm Zera, there is no need to make this into a competition."

Zera returned to the helm and plotted a course while her father wasn't looking. The helmsman watched her nervously.

"And what does our Tek representative have in store?" Cryos asked. "You've been working hard on something, I'm sure."

Tekla consulted her data pad for a moment. "It is still in its experimental phase. If you wish," she started excitedly, "we could try implementing it when we return."

His interest in this new technology was high, but like all of her inventions, they had a tendency to blow up.

"Perhaps... it would be wise to test the device separately."

"As you wish," she said as if Cryos had passed on a great opportunity. "Have you decided on a name yet?"

"The ship is supposed to symbolize the union of the planets and our liberation from the Beast. Naturally, The Freedom came to mind. Graveheart suggested The Vindicate, which is a fine name as well. I'm finding it most difficult to decide between the two."

"I can see this ship is very important to you. In any case, The Freedom has my vote."

With the addition of planet Mist to the Alliance, the new flagship was certainly going to be one of the most unique and adaptable crafts in the galaxy. Ever since Cryos and Graveheart formed the Alliance, building a ship like this had been a dream. Something that would set aside racial differences. Younger generations could see the ship and be reminded of the history of the war planets.

Princess Zera grinned in self accomplishment as she directed the Ice ship from the planet's orbit, admittingly, with the help of her co-pilot. She was just calibrating new coordinates when she saw a bright purple star twinkle in the distance. Squinting, she realized it was growing larger, rapidly. It was heading directly at her. By the time the helmsman noticed it too, the purple ball of light had zoomed over the Aurora, missing its hull by a few hundred meters.

Zera blinked as she studied the monitors. "That was no star," she said as her father and Tekla came to her side. "I believe, we are under attack."

Cryos glanced at the helmsman and firmly nodded. In response, he activated a low pitched beeping alarm that sounded through the ship. The Aurora's hull luminesced for a split second as its shields energized. Cryos placed a hand on the dashboard as he gazed out into space. There was no sign of what had fired on them. There were only a couple planets left in the star system to visit, but he highly doubted they supported life. Everyone was quiet and still as they waited for whatever it was to reveal itself.

"I'm detecting something," the helmsman said, "but its energy reading is extremely weak. I can't be sure what it is."

Cryos studied the motionless stars. This strange occurrence was definitely a welcoming change in pace. Spending days hopping from one lifeless planet to another was starting to weigh on his spirits.

"Bring us closer to the point of origin."

Tekla brought her knuckles under her chin. "A warning? Perhaps they do not like visitors in their system."

"Perhaps," Cryos pondered wisely. "It could also be a distress flare."

Zera looked up at him and tugged his arm. She seemed more bothered by the situation than anyone. "What if they're hostile?" she asked in a frightened royal tone. "What if it's the Beast returning to finish us off?"

Cryos smiled. "Doubtful my dear. In any case, we take precautions when we aren't sure." As he spoke, the sound of propulsion thrusters sounded as a small probe flew from one of the launch ports.

After a long moment, the probe started to send back telemetry. Tekla read the information displayed on the monitor and her eyes slowly widened.

"What? What is it?" Zera asked.

"By the matrix, it is not possible." She looked at Zera and then at Cryos. Forcefully, she took control of the helm and directed the ship to where the probe had gone at full impulse. Her expression was tense, as if she was holding back premature joy.

Cryos' mouth was ajar as he tried to figure out what could have prompted such behaviour from Tekla.

"Tekla," Cryos said as he stood beside her and studied the information she read. His eyes widened. He now understood her reaction. "This could only mean-"

"That it is a Tek ship. Another survivor of my home world."

Zera spun around with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. A wave of both happiness and scepticism swept through Cryos.

"How is this possible? I thought your ship was the only one to escape the Beast planet."

"I do not know," she replied with unaltered glee. "I am hailing them now." She opened a com link and took a steady breath before she spoke. "Tek vessel, this is princess Tekla of planet Tek. Please respond."

There came no response and Cryos exchanged glances with his daughter. Tekla gazed hopefully into the blackness of space. Her palms pressed down heavily on the dashboard. As the Aurora drew closer to the vessel's location, the ship' sensors picked up weapon's fire. Dim flashes of purple and red could be seen in the distance.

"No." Tekla's expression turned panic-stricken.

Cryos could see some kind of ship taking heavy fire from another.

"Quickly, we must defend him!"

"Tekla." Cryos reached out to her with a hand but she had already activated the Aurora's weapons and seemed intent on obliterating the attacking ship.

Cryos' eyes widened as a silver, single winged ship came into view. As far as he could remember, it was the same design as Tekla's ship. Dark blast marks charred its hull, as smoke and vapour emitted from its damaged engines. It was floating at an off angle, appearing defenceless. Turning sharply and heading straight for the Aurora was a grand and ferocious looking ship. Its pilot seat was nestled in a similar way as an Ice fighter but instead of two wings, it had long protruding spikes evenly spaced around the hull so it looked like a star with many points. Blood red painted its metal. The side edges of the cockpit were black, the paint curving demonically like the solar flares of a sun. Even though it was small in comparison to the Aurora, Cryos had no doubt, there was more than confidence that backed up its pilot's course.

Cryos eyed the Ice helmsman. "Hail them."

"Don't waste your breath," Tekla said angrily. "I will not stand by and do nothing like before. No." Her brows angled deeply and she clenched her fists. "I will not let any more of my people suffer that fate again." She targeted all of the Aurora's turrets at the incoming ship and fired.

The demon ship emitted a flurry of red lasers that impacted all of the missiles before they had even gotten close to its hull. Tekla reared back and her eyes widened. Shock had completely frozen her. A wave of both fear and frustration swept through Cryos as he made a harsh expression to the helmsman. He knew exactly what was going to happen next. Coming from a ship with that kind of defensive capability, the Aurora was in definite danger.

"Full power to the forward shields!" He grabbed Zera whole and held her tightly.

There came a flash of bright red light as a boom shook the ship. The hull buckled as if the Aurora had just crash landed full speed into a planet. The helmsman flew forwards, ricocheting his helmeted head off of the dashboard. Tekla lost her footing and fell backwards hitting the back off her head hard. As Cryos crouched holding onto his daughter, it felt like the world around him was going to shake until it exploded into pieces.

Somehow finding his footing, the helmsman shouted, "Shields are down!"

"Activate the hyperdrive, get us away from here!"

"No!" Tekla's mad expression was like a sword through Cryos' body. Sprawled on the ground, she gazed at the shaking young girl in his arms. Tekla's eyes slowly closed, her head lowered.

Zera opened her eyes over her father's shoulder.

"Look!"

Her blue finger pointed at the Tek ship that had appeared dead in the water. Something on its hull glowed purple as if building up energy. At lightning speed, it unleashed a purple projectile that ripped through the fabric of space and collided with the demon ship's stern. Its engines exploded in a fantastic ball of fire. Everyone on the bridge stared in awe as the demon ship staggered as sparks flew from its power grid. The long red spikes that shaped it like a star, suddenly glowed yellow. It sharply turned away from the Aurora, showing its smoking and demolished impulse engines. As the tips of the star ship reached a blinding brightness, its hull stretched like it was being pulled at both ends. Like blurred laser fire, the demon ship slipped away into subspace. It was gone.

Cryos quietly breathed a sigh of relief as he gazed down at Zera's smile. He glanced at Tekla, whose reaction was a mixed one. Everyone remained silent as they found their footing. The Tek ship that floated in the distance, appeared completely without power.

"Status," Cryos said calmly, his eyes scanning the smoking consoles around him.

Sparks snapped as the helmsman attempted to probe the dashboard. "We still have main power." He put a hand to his helmet and shook as if shaking off a headache. "Casualties are coming in."

"And the Tek ship? Any life signs?"

"Life signs are weak. Secondary power still active." A beeping sound came from the console and he looked back at Cryos who breathed a sigh of relief and slowly nodded.

He activated the transmission, and a dazed looking Tek man appeared on the view screen. His eyelids weighed heavily on his gaunt face, and he carried a slash on his left cheek revealing broken circuitry. His arms propped up on the dashboard in front of him as if to keep himself from falling over. His sad, bright blue eyes lingered over the people before him. Slowly his face changed into weak happiness, an act that appeared strenuous.

"Thank the maker," he gasped. "I apologize. I could not warn you of the Eden vessel for it is able to scramble nearby communications." He took a moment to close his eyes and breathe deeply.

"You've nothing to apologize for." Cryos gazed at the Tek man in disbelief. "I believe it is us who are in debt to you." He looked at Tekla who slowly stepped forward.

A weak smile lit the Tek man's face. "Princess Tekla," he almost whispered. "You are alive..." He recoiled at the pain in his body.

"Please," she urged, "you must reserve your strength."

"No," he grunted. "I must say this... Our people... they live."

Tekla's lips slowly parted. Her face was plastered with disbelief.

He grinned and flinched again. "Yes." He breathed heavily. "The... Salvation."

Tekla's eyes widened in recognition of the name. The Tek pilot lost his footing but was able to keep himself up by the arms.

"My people are on their way to-"

"It is... too late for me... blue one." He grinned, the weakness and finality of his words shattering Cryos' heart. He was going to die. "I..." His voice trailed away.

"No!" Tekla cried. "Please, tell me, what is your name?"

As tears fell down Tekla's face, Cryos could only bow his head and shield his daughter from the immanent moment.

The Tek pilot's mouth moved but no sound could be heard. Slowly, he stopped. The blue light faded from his eyes leaving only darkness. Tekla lowered her head and closed her yes.

"Teksonis," she whispered. Cryos gazed at her not understanding what she had said. " 'My name is Teksonis. The people of Tek, and our princess, will live on in salvation.'... His final words."

Cryos could not imagine the pain Tekla was feeling. After going on for so long believing she was the only survivor of planet Tek, she had finally discovered someone of her kin, only to witness him die moments later. He knew how strong her spirit was, he had seen it, but this reminder to Tekla of how she had lost her father and her planet was something Cryos himself could not bear. As he gazed down at Zera, his only daughter, he could only be grateful for the paths his life had taken. Tekla's people were alive somewhere in the depths of space and Cryos would not stop unit they were found.