Disclaimer that applies to the whole story: I own nothing but my ideas.
A/N: I can't believe I'm finally rewriting this story, I've been meaning to do that for years. Comment if you will. (Next chapter will be longer.)
The Forsaken
Chapter One: Abandoned
Another bolt of lightning pierced the sky, illuminating the darkness for a moment, shorter than the time it takes to count to 1. But even in such a short time, great things can happen; a daughter born, a choice made, a world changed. In this moment, all these things happened. A daughter, who would have to be abandoned, who would go on to change so much of the fate of the world. Not that the two Ing who birthed her would know that until much later.
She was an ordinary child, and were it not for the hive nature of Ing, perhaps she would have grown to be their greatest warrior. It was a wonder the child had even been born, as no Ing other than the Empress have the necessary structure to produce children; she was an impossibility, not that that would stop her. The Judges had declared that as a misfit, she would be no worth to the hive, and must be killed. The parents decided to run.
Through the rain of the bog they ran, carrying the child, hoping to give her at least a chance to develop on her own. As they left her hidden and headed off to find somewhere to hide themselves, they knew they would not be able to return to the hive; those who disobey are traitors, and there cannot be traitors.
In the light world, near the same location where the parents left their child, a team of Luminoth were putting the finishing touches on a new portal. "Alright, sir. The portal should be operational, it's locked onto the transfer frequency." said the technician.
"Perfect. Alright men, once this thing opens up, we've got a 2 minute window to get all of us through. So no screwing around. Throw the switch, Rella." The technician, Geldis Rella, placed the final panel on the portal device, using a bit of his psionic ability to activate it. The first tear is always the most impressive, because it creates the very same portal mechanism on the other side, bending space and sending light and sounds through the tear. This tear was no different in that respect, although it also carried a rather unexpected object. "Men, back away slowly until we determine if it is hostile." spoke the sergeant, as a small black quadruped crawled through. "It's definitely an Ing, but it's so small and underdeveloped. Rella, you're the closest to it, and we have you covered. try and grab it." Geldis nodded, walking forward slowly, so as not to frighten it. It was strange, how the tentacle-like 'hair' on top of its head was moving, with jerks and erratic twitches. As Geldis approached, it turned, looking at him through its eye, which is more of a collection of small glowing dots that give the ability to see light, heat, and sound as well. It tilted its head, as though asking a wordless question, who are you? Geldis bent down, and reached out a hand. the creature stared at the hand, then nuzzled it. The men sat dumbfounded as this small Ing, child of their most hated enemies, began to rub Geldis as he petted it.
"It isn't hostile. Geldis, thank you for your work with the portal today. Go to U-mos and decide what to do with it."
Geldis stood up with the Ing nestled in his arms, and began to walk away. He paused for a moment, to speak a few words, then headed for the great temple. His words were, "Her, Sergeant."
It thankfully wasn't a long trek back to the temple, and despite the odd looks he received, Geldis was not stopped on his way to U-mos, the leader of the Luminoth. He entered the chamber atop the great temple, and walked forward to U-mos. U-mos turned away from the energy controller, towards the man who had just entered his "office" of sorts. "Hmm, Geldis, what have you got there?"
"This is an Ing," petting it all the while, "that seems to have been abandoned, and I think it may have bonded with me."
U-mos examined the child, using his psionics to probe its mind. "I believe you are right. It would be a shame to waste such an opportunity... Geldis Rella, I relieve you of your duties in the defense an charge you to raise this child as your own."
Geldis kneeled, bowing his head. "I do so humbly, and may the light shine on the future that comes from it."