A Macross II fan fic by Wega the blue sun. No copyright infringement is intended, the characters of MII don't belong to me and I'm not making any money off them. Only the story and the OC's in it belong to me, and I'm still not making any money!
A/N: MII: Lovers again is probably the least popular component of Macross and after much controversy has even been relegated to take place in an alternate timeline. And yet none of this matters to the few of us who proudly love this innocent little movie/series, we retain our affection no matter how others go on about how inferior it is to DYRL etc. etc. blahblahblah. The longwinded arguments concerning MII have filled many forums with tediously repetitive and increasingly bitter discussions. Considering all these facts, it's not surprising that few MII fan fics exist. Still, I feel that the story line has merit and I've decided to fill the lamentable void with this brand new fic, partly in the hope that other MII fans will also post their stuff! My story begins before the events of the movie, and will end many years after the defeat of Ingues. Readers will find most of the characters from the original series and a few new ones. Chapters will be posted as quickly as my RL permits, and the story rating may also increase, so keep an eye out for updates and review after you read! Enjoy!
Ch. 1 Fateful encounters
The tall young man carefully examined his reflection in the mirror and was pleased with what he saw. The dress uniform fit him like a glove and showed off his lean physique, hardened by constant training. He'd taken particular care to apply his facial markings as neatly as possible, sloppy marks were the hallmark of a careless commander. The bold lines enhanced his chiseled features and made him look even fiercer. And for once his stubborn hair was behaving agreeably and remained neatly brushed back. Yes, he was the very picture of a highly motivated junior commander, squared away in all the details and keen to prove himself worthy of the Masters trust, Lord Feff nodded and the man in the mirror returned the gesture just as crisply.
It wasn't just simple vanity that made him check his appearance, his motives were far nobler that that. An important event was about to take place, and soon much attention would be focused on him. Emperor Ingues had looked upon him with favor, and Feff was determined to make the best use of the opportunity he'd been given. Without further delay he strode out of his quarters and proceeded to his destination. The Masters had invited him and a few thousand of his fellow Lords and it wasn't advisable to show up late to the ceremony.
On the way he encountered a few familiar faces in the crowd, but there was no time to catch up with acquaintances, so Feff left it at hastily nodded greetings as he proceeded towards the holiest place in the Emperor's homebase. As he joined the tightly packed procession of officers streaming into the cavernous hall, the young man felt his heartbeat speed up. This was always the case when he entered into the presence of the Master, but today his excitement was also fueled by the anticipation of the upcoming ceremony. Very soon, in just a matter of minutes he would receive his very own emulator, Lord Feff thought as he lined up with the other Marduk commanders. Some were battle scarred veterans of many campaigns, their facial markings tiny slashes of drab color on their timeworn faces, but many others were young and eager for their promotions. All had taken care with their appearance, they too understood the importance of making a good impression at first sight.
Feff squared his shoulders and stood even taller. He wanted a good look at what was about to be revealed and his excitement grew as the hall filled to capacity. The air hummed with the nervous energy of the Lords and Feff stood his ground while some of the men shifted in their places. How much longer would it be before he met his new emulator face to face, he wondered as the hushed voices of thousands rose and time slowed down to a crawl.
Ingues woke reluctantly from sweet dreams of holy conquest when the distorted voice of his attendant whispered that the assembly of the Lords was ready. His field of vision cleared, and a tiny smile tugged at the corners of his sculpted lips. There they were, his proud warriors, anxiously awaiting the magnificent offerings Lady Elensh had prepared according to his orders. The Emperor sighed as he recalled the distant past. Once he'd dreaded this ceremony, and the multitude of conflicting emotions it awoke within his people. The participants eagerness to meet their counterparts struck him as unseemly, until he'd realized that despite all the changes he'd imposed on the people, remnants of the old ways remained in their psyche. Not only had he learned to accept these tattered shreds of ancient feelings, he'd learned to exploit them to his advantage. The Marduk were making such good progress, each new generation had far fewer deviants than the previous. These minions of his responded so well to training, he thought as the smile spread further across his elegant features.
Only the most dedicated and pure of heart could help him achieve the lofty goal he'd set for the people, but the Marduk thrived on challenge. This chaotic universe needed their sanctified presence, its confusion ached for their stern order and discipline. It was an ambitious plan, but the warriors here were manifestations of his unbending will, embodiments of his dedication and he knew how much they yearned to cleanse the realm. Soon these proud knights would carry his teachings to the edge of the universe, and neither he nor they would stop before all creation bowed to the steely gospel of Marduk.
Lady Elensh surveyed the crowd of young women and tried to suppress her growing sense of imminent loss. No matter how she prepared herself for the inevitable, she always felt like this when a new group of emulators was ready for service. Here they stood, her bright acolytes, unaware of what they were about to encounter. Their first step beyond the confines of the temple - the only home they'd ever known - would bring them in touch with a harsh reality. Elensh's heart ached with the knowledge of what awaited these girls, because not so long ago she'd been one of them.
She'd trained the maidens to the best of their abilities, and confidence was evident in their proud bearing. Today these emulators would begin their lifelong service to the empire, but many would never return to the temple. And although Elensh reminded herself that it was an honor to die for Ingues and the cause, she still mourned the loss of many she'd grown fond of. Of course it was heresy to even harbor such thoughts and feelings, but on rare occasions like today Elensh allowed herself to experience the powerful rush of forbidden emotions.
From where she stood the nervous crowd of waiting males was invisible, just as the emulators were still hidden to the eyes of the men, but all too soon the two groups would meet for the first time. The high priestess knew the scenario well enough, she'd participated in the event more times that she cared to count. As soon as the women were revealed the men across the room would turn towards them: pupils dilated and nostrils flared, the hunters would use their sharp senses to fully take in their prey. Soon after the girls would leave her protection and, together with the Lords they were now pledged to serve, would immerse themselves in the cold embrace of eternal war. It was the Marduk way of life, and it would remain as long as the universe was uncleansed.
She sighed as the moments passed. A ripple of excitement ran through the colorful ranks of the young women, they were ready to meet their destiny and prove their devotion. Elensh scanned the group but failed to locate a particular individual. Where was her protege, she wondered. The foremost position she'd intended for Ishtar was still empty, and the ceremony was about to begin. Sharp anger instantly replaced the foreboding she'd just indulged in as the high priestess rushed off to search for her missing acolyte.
Ishtar shrank against the wall as the towering dark figure moved closer towards her. In her mad rush to get to the assembly she'd failed to pay attention to her surroundings, but that didn't excuse nor explain the man's presence. What was he doing here? No male was permitted on temple grounds, and trespassers faced immediate and severe punishment. And yet it was obvious that the sallow faced man cared nothing about the rules, and this arrogance scared Ishtar. She didn't know his name, but the facial markings distinguished him as one of the high officer's cadre. From the shadows he'd stepped into her way, and cleverly used his bulk to keep her from leaving. What does he want from me, she thought frantically as his colorless eyes remained fixed on hers, his glare almost a physical thing. He was repulsive in his insistence and seemed to derive enjoyment from her plight. "I ask you again, Lady, what is your name?", he whispered, his harsh voice clearly more accustomed to shouting orders. Ishtar tried to shake off her fear. She'd been warned about men like him. Hushed rumors of deviants and the terrible things they did to hapless emulators filled her mind, and she was desperate to escape.
"Thank you for finding my acolyte, Lord Toht!", the voice of Lady Elensh suddenly filled the corridor and Ishtar relaxed as her fear began to drain off. She was saved! Surely the man wouldn't defy the high priestess, she thought as she slipped out from under the man's wavering gaze and hurried to the older woman's side. "You must have lost your way, otherwise you'd know that you've entered temple grounds. Allow me to call the guard to escort you back to your quarters", Elensh said, her voice sharp with barely suppressed fury. His bluff called, the sullen Lord retreated slightly. "That won't be necessary. As you said, I lost my way. Forgive my intrusion!" He strode by the two women and turned to Ishtar as the last moment. "My apologies if I frightened you, Lady. Maybe we'll meet again soon? I am to receive a new emulator today ...", he added and bared his sharp teeth in a menacing snarl as he walked off.
"Are you well? Did he harm you in any way?", Elensh whispered urgently as the dark figure retreated into the depth of the corridor. Ishtar shook her head and dropped to her knees. "Why didn't you call for help?", the high priestess scolded. "Forgive me, Lady, but he caught me unawares", Ishtar pleaded. "I hurried to join the others when ..." " Rise, young emulator! We don't have time for this!", Elensh said and motioned to Ishtar. "Put this encounter out of your mind, I want you to be calm for the ceremony!".
Just before they entered the great hall Ishtar turned towards the priestess. "Is he the one?", she asked hesitantly, afraid of the answer, but Elensh merely shook her head. "I told you not to think about him!", she replied as she guided the girl towards her assigned position. "You will never see him again", she added just as bright lights filled the enormous room. The ceremony was underway.
Feff took a deep breath as the females came into view. The distance between the two groups was large enough to make details indistinct, and the overall impression of the women was one of soft colors and elegant shapes. The long, dark capes the emulators wore concealed their bodies, and their elaborate facial markings obscured their features, but they all appeared to be beautiful. One of these bright creatures belonged to him, but which? Was it the one whose golden curls glowed like a halo? Or was it the bluehaired girl to the left, he wondered as his eyes darted from one emulator to the next. For the first time in his life Feff was only dimly aware of the Emperor's voice, his attention fully focused on the extraordinary sight before him. Had he looked to either side he'd witnessed the rapt attention the other Lords were paying to the women, but he was too absorbed to spare a moment. Now a female's voice filled the air, and Feff recognized the stately figure of the high priestess who'd taken up a position between the two groups. After a seemingly endless time the speeches came to an end and at the priestess's signal the Lords rushed forward to take possession of their new emulators.
"Lord Feff, please meet Lady Ishtar!", Elensh announced and motioned for him to step closer. The woman next to the priestess was very young and quite lovely. Long blue hair framed a small face dominated by sparkling eyes and pastel orange markings. The girl glanced shyly at him and Feff wondered what she was thinking of at this moment. Was she pleased to be assigned to him? In the presence of this delicate apparition he was suddenly assailed by the strangest thoughts. What would it feel like to run his fingers through her unbound hair? Surely that rippling stream of pale blue had to be as silky as it looked. He'd never touched a woman, since even the most casual contact was strictly forbidden by the rules he'd pledged his life to. The sheer deviancy of these inappropriate thoughts startled him and he struggled to regain control of his wandering focus.
Ishtar waited patiently for the tall man to say something. For a moment he'd almost looked confused, but now he'd recovered his composure and he bowed his head politely in greeting. Ishtar hastened to return the gesture, gave the appropriate response she'd practiced and Elensh nodded her approval. She'd heard only good things about this young Lord, and she'd made certain that Ishtar would be assigned to his fleet. Although he had a reputation as a fierce fighter, he wasn't known to be cruel or abusive to his subordinates, which made him a rarity amongst his peers. She motioned for the couple to be on their way since there was nothing more she could do for Ishtar and she sighed as the two young people walked away. May you serve well, she repeated the phrases she'd quoted during the ceremony. May you fight well and bring honor to the name of Marduk, and may you return from the field of battle, she added as the lights dimmed. The great ceremony was finally over and all her girls were gone.