Roka's mind floated around, drifting in the unknown abyss. He was pondering deeply, why would his own people betray him? His own brother? Did his words mean so little to him? He continued to think, but his train of thought was interrupted when he finally awoke. His eyes opened slowly as all he could see was the tiny cracks of debris that had fallen upon him, he couldn't feel anything, his body was crushed, but how was he still alive? He used whatever strength he could to push the debris off of him, but he was too weakened. Hope began to to fade away in his mind, believing that he'd be stuck here forever. Suddenly, the debris was pushed out of the way as the smell of smoke filled his nostrils. His eyes ceased blurring as he stared up at a familiar face.

Kraskus was staring down upon Roka, forming a light grin in amusement. "Sleeping, hm?"

Roka slowly stood up, letting out a hacking cough as he collapsed onto the floor.

"You could say that.. More or less waking up after being betrayed by your own people." He snarled.

"Hmm.. That explains the sudden hearing of explosions and battle cries from all across the land. Your brother must've waited for an opportunity like this to occur. You would prevent him from doing what is being done now." Kraskus said.

"The damn fool.. I thought he'd listen to me. But In actuality, all he did was lie and betray me.." He said quietly, kneeling upon the ground as he was still exhausted.

Kraskus took a deep breath and shot out a beam of fire all over Roka, much to his shock and dismay, he felt his body being renewed in strength and muscle. "I felt your life energies fading in my mind. You can thank me at another time for saving you. We much more pressing matters now." His eyes slowly glanced over at the glowing object, approaching with extreme caution.

"What's this doing here?" Kraskus asked, his head tilting curiously.

"I'm.. unsure, I found it before the troops knocked me unconcious. It radiates with dark energy, it seems." Roka replied, standing beside Kraskus.

Kraskus' eyes narrowed, his scales and ear fins vibrated as he let out a deep rumbling noise.

"I've seen these things in different designs. Species who wander down the path of darkness might stumble upon these pillars. Sometimes, the Dronox secretly plant these on various worlds in hopes of.. Coaxing the species into servitude."

"The Dronox? I thought the Grox would've done this-" Roka was interrupted rather quickly.

"The Dronox are creatures associated with the Grox. They have and always will be known as 'The Grox's new weapon of mass destruction'. They are considerably weak, despite being known for being a powerful weapon. But when they show up with pods and ships, things can turn rather difficult. The Dronox created these dark pillars and 'flung' them across the Galaxy, whatever planet they land on, it increases their chances of gaining.. Allies, so to speak." He nodded lightly.

"I hope we won't have to face them at some point in time. But that is not my concern right now, we need to stop my brother from destroying the others." Roka turned to leave as Kraskus slowly turned his body around, his tail thrashing against the wall.

"And what do you plan to do once you've returned to the city? Convince him otherwise?" Kraskus asked.

Roka glanced at Kraskus, his eyes narrowing. "He betrayed me, Kraskus. I do what I must." His claws gripped tightly. "If he still cannot see his own foolishness, I have to do the one thing that I hoped would never come to pass. I will challenge him for leadership and cease all this destruction before it's too late."

"Then let us make haste, your wings must be still exhausted, climb aboard and I shall carry you to the city."

He lowered his head as Roka gently climbed aboard. He felt rather uncomfortable sitting atop Kraskus, his scales felt like sharp blades being jabbed against his stomach and legs. Kraskus quickly swung his tail as he smashed the dark pillar, it cracked as it broke off into many pieces. He stepped outside as he leapt off the edge of the ruins, his wings flapped as a massive gust of dirt and wind picked up, gliding towards the city as Kraskus released a powerful roar.

(Meanwhile..)

Two-headed birds tweeted about, small insects crawled around the ground as life flourished near the Ki'zik city. Loud rumbling was heard as the bird and insects were rolled over by a group of Vanguard tanks, along with marching Roxxan troops as they approached the city. Cannons fired as their buildings were blown to pieces. Roxxan troops charged in, slaughtering any who would dare raise a weapon against them, the sounds of weapons clashing and screaming would fill Na'grar's ears, he himself would fight Tri'zik or force him into surrendering his people to his will. Signaling the General to follow him, they cut down as many royal Ki'zik guards as possible, their axes swinging off heads and leaving some without legs.

Ki'zik archers quickly pulled back their strings as Na'grar dodged the arrows with ease, hurling his one-handed axe towards them, one was struck down as he rushed up the stairs and rammed into the second archer, his teeth bared as he sunk his teeth into the Ki'zik's neck and tore it open as blood spewed and all could be heard was gurgling noises. He wiped his mouth, spitting out a bit of flesh. He found this way of fighting delightful, joyful, it gave him strength!

"Shelra! Destroy the buildings, imprison any who surrender to our might!" Na'grar commanded loudly as he picked up his axe and made his way inside the Ki'zik main hall.

The hall doors bursted open as Na'grar marched his way inside, two of his men dispatched the royal guards behind him with ease. He gripped his axe tightly in his claws, grinning as he approached Tri'zik, who was sitting on a small rug at the far end of the room, meditating quietly.

Tri'zik slowly opened his eyes, standing tall and mighty, unsheathing a tall wooden staff, decorated with seaweed and leaves. He slammed the staff into the ground, causing the earth to shake slightly.

"We know your brother wouldn't have approved of this, Na'grar. You've chosen a terrible path to walk down upon and you will not take our city today!" He cried out, getting into a defensive position.

Na'grar started to laugh as he pulled out another one-handed axe, while also getting into a defensive position, he prepared for any incoming attack. "This isn't a terrible path, my people have been seen as weaklings long enough! We will show all species of this world that the Roxxan cannot be trifled with, you will either surrender to our might or be put to extinction.."

"We helped you against the Val'sha, we offered you friendship and guidance. After all this time, this is how the Ki'zik are repaid for their kindness? Annihilation?" Tri'zik shook his head, his grip on his staff tightened as he prepared to fight for his life. "Tri'zik guesses the Chief is nothing more than a weak, fragile cell."

Na'grar's eyes twitched as he let out a furious battlecry, charging forth with his axes swinging madly towards Tri'zik, during the charge however, Tri'zik waited patiently as Na'grar got closer and with a large wave of his staff, he conjured up a mighty gust of wind as it sent Na'grar back into the wall.

"This does not have to be this way, Na'grar. There is still time to cease this madness!" Tri'zik called out as he started to conjure up a protective barrier around himself. Na'grar refused to listen, his rage was brought to the boiling point as he hurled one of his axes towards the barrier, shattering with a light implosion as his axe slided across the ground.

Tri'zik landed gracefully, he did not wish to kill Na'grar, hoping that he could reason with his old ally, he charged up his staff and shot forth a beam of roots, hoping to entangle him, but with a mighty swing of Na'grar's axe, he cut through the roots like chopping up wood. He roared loudly as leapt into the air, his wings pushing him faster towards Tri'zik.

Tri'zik quickly tried to charge up his staff again, but was met with a poundful slam in the face, knocking him back as Na'grar landed infront of him. He swung his axe towards his head, but Tri'zik dodged as his staff charged up for a quick blast of air, but much to his dismay, Na'grar grabbed the staff mid-charge and headbutted Tri'zik, the staff fell out of his grip as he was completely unarmed.

He was grabbed by the throat, being slammed into the wall again and again, Na'grar furiously yelled. "WE. ARE. NOT. WEAKLINGS!" He slammed him into the wall for a final time before throwing him across the room as Tri'zik rolled over the floor. He spat out blood, but before he could reach his staff, Na'grar kicked him in the head, right in the eyeball.

"Now.. You die.." He snarled out, walking back over to retrieve his other axe, making his way back over to Tri'zik as he prepared to finish off the Ki'zik leader.

"This.. doesn't-have to end.. This way.." Tri'zik coughed out. "You.. cannot hope to face.. The darkness alone..!"

(Twenty minutes ago, on the outskirts of the city.)

Dark clouds formed around the land as rain poured down heavily, lightning would often strike the earth as the sounds of cannonfire could still be heard.

Kraskus flew as fast as his old wings would take him, noticing the airship firing upon the Ki'zik city, as well as another city in the distance.

"We arrived. What is our course of action, Roka?" He called out.

"I'll fly aboard the airship! You remain below and aid the Ki'zik! That's if you can.." Roka said with a slight hint of doubt.

Regardless, he leapt off Kraskus' back as his wings flapped repeatedly, sending him high into the air as he flew below the airship and ended up landing inside the lower deck.

"Stop! All of you!" He called out, drawing his blaster. "Is this what you want? To see our race turned into monsters and to be known as the most hated species on this planet? Has my brother's foolish plans swayed you that easily?!"

The troops from the cannons quickly turned around, pointing their blasters at Roka as one of the troops spoke up.

"You're suppose to be-"

"TO THINK MY OWN KIND BETRAYED ME! I HAVE AN OUNCE TO ABANDON YOU ALL FOR FOLLOWING MY BROTHER'S IDIOTIC PATH!" Roka yelled furiously, his eyes glowed with pure anger. "Now, either you ceasefire and stand beside me, or I will have every single one of you imprisoned for this treachery. We must unify this planet under means of peace. If we ever have a chance to stand against the Grox, if they ever come, then we must stand together and forge the future under one banner!"

The troops kept their aim towards Roka, only for them to slowly sheathe them. Some nodded their heads, while others shook their heads, unsure what to think about the act they were committing.

"The General is with your brother. She left us in charge of the airship." One of them spoke up, keeping quiet. "If we're all on the same side of the planet. We will.. Repair the damage.

A second troop spoke up.

"We'll try and convince the others, but we cannot guarantee that everyone will listen to you, Roka. Na'grar led us for a long time, his word is law. But.. You do have some valid points, maybe it's time a new leader stepped up to the mantle. I'll find a way to make amends for the atrocities we were committing."

Roka slowly nodded as he quickly jumped off and glided downwards towards the Ki'zik city. Smoke filled the skies, cries of suffering filled his ears as he witnessed his own people slaughtering their once called allies. Kraskus circled the main building, seemingly his attempts to cease the bloodshed failed as he tried his best to aid the Ki'zik, as well as another species' city, which wasn't very far.

He flapped his wings slowly as he landed at the main hall, snarling lightly as he rushed inside. The doors were already open, he saw Na'grar kicking Tri'zik in the eye, preparing to end the Ki'zik leader. Just as his axe went down upon Tri'zik, Roka withdrew his blaster and shot the axe out of Na'grar's grip.

"Roka?! I should've known you would've found a way to escape. I take it you've come for round two?" Na'grar growled loudly.

"I thought I could trust you, you were my brother. Lied, betrayed and beaten by my own kind, because of your foolish decisions to wage war! You failed to listen, and now will pay for all the blood you've shed." Roka held a tight grip on his blaster. Rage was boiling in his mind, he didn't see his brother, all he saw was a mad tyrant and one that must be brought down.

"I didn't want to kill you before, I had hoped that you would soon realise the mistake of your idiocy. We must dominate, unify this planet under our banners and crush any who would dare stand in our way. Just like him." He pointed his other axe to Tri'zik, whom was heavily exhausted and breathing quietly on the floor.

"My mistake? I wouldn't order death upon thousands of lives! You've changed, Na'grar. This is your last chance to stand down.. I won't hesitate to kill you." He said rather coldly, his eyes glowed as fury continued to build in his heart.

"I've beaten you before, I'll do so again! Only this time, you won't be alive long enough to witness the future of our people!" Na'grar held his axe tightly, his eyes staring into Roka's eyes, more importantly keeping a gaze on the blaster. "Fight me, like a true warrior. Put the blaster down and prove to me that you aren't a completely honorless."

Roka growled under his breath, his eyes glanced down towards Tri'zik, who suddenly evaporated away in a small cloud of smoke, with his ally safe from harm's way, Roka tossed the blaster aside as activated his gauntlet, sharp blades unsheathed from the fingertips.

The brothers stood far from one another, the howling wind flowed through the chamber as they glared at each other. Na'grar growled loudly, his left eye twitched as he let out a furious battlecry and charged forth at his brother, immediately leaping into the air with a great flap of his wings as he raised his arms, bringing his axe down upon Roka. Roka quickly rolled out of the way as Na'grar landed as his axe clanged with the ground, Roka swiped with his gauntlet, tearing open Na'grar's left wing, he snarled and swung his axe towards Roka, his axe struck across his chest, leaving a bloody mark.

Roka groaned in pain, but he did not let his wounds best him, he furiously rammed his head into Na'grar, the two brothers stumbled briefly after the headbutt, their snouts starting to bleed.

Na'grar raised his axe quickly, bringing it down upon Roka's head, but his gauntlet blocked the attack. Roka swiftly kicked Na'grar back and swiped with his gauntlet as a large gash stretched across Na'grar's face, his eyes narrowed as he suddenly leapt forward, his jaws opening as he tried to tear into Roka's neck, but was quickly met with another swipe in the face.

Na'grar wiped his snout, growling as he flapped his wings to leap backwards, grabbing ahold of his other axe and hurling it towards Roka, which he blocked with his wing, leaving behind a medium-sized cut.

"YOU WERE NOTHING BUT AN OBSTACLE!"

Na'grar shouted out, charging forth and ramming Roka into the wall, grabbing him by the throat.

"I led our people. I am and always will be their true leader!"

Roka tried to strike Na'grar with his gauntlet, but his brother reflected it as he grabbed ahold of the weapon and threw it off his claw as it clattered with the ground. His grip on his throat tightened, intending to choke his brother to death. His strength began to wane, his eyes slowly closing as he was succumbing to the suffocating.

Suddenly, Na'grar would be pulled away as a great gust of wind flung him into the air and pounded him into the earth with a loud thud face-first. Most of his teeth were shattered as his eyes glanced upon Tri'zik, who remerged from the throne. "Tri'zik prefers following a peaceful leader, not a tyrant! Today, we will have justice for the many lives taken by you!" He lifted his staff into the air as Na'grar was flung up again, roaring.

"You wouldn't allow this, would you brother?!" Na'grar gazed towards Roka, as he was rubbing his neck. He stared up at his brother, he felt the world slow down around him as he pondered what should be done.

They spent a long time together, since the very beginning, the brotherly bond they shared throughout the centuries. Deep down, Roka knew that leading for so long would take ahold of his brother and change him into a tyrant. Was he beyond saving, though? The lives he took, nearly killing his own brother and closest ally in the process. Whatever choice he makes today, shall affect him for the rest of his life.

Roka took a deep breath, gazing over at Tri'zik and slowly nodding, allowing him to finish the job.

Tri'zik was somewhat surprised, but didn't intend on arguing. Na'grar killed innocent people and the call for justice has come. With a mighty swing of his staff, the winds blasted Na'grar through the ceiling of the building and into the skies. He brought his staff down with a thunderous slam as a bolt of lightning struck down the tyrant, all could see as lightning spreaded across Na'grar's body, head to toe as he let out a cry of agony.

Roka only stared up in utter silence, wondering if he made the right choice, his eyes closed as he shed a light tear down the side of his face. He dropped to his knees, claws grasping the floor, he let out a mournful roar. He breathed heavily, his mind raced around, filling him with memories of the past. He allowed himself to grief, despite what Na'grar did, he was still his brother.

The storm slowly ceased, the clouds began to disperse, small raindrops would drip inside the main hall as Roka sat in utter silence. He had no expression, only light breathing as he stared at the lifeless corpse of his brother. The body was annihilated, smoke would rise from the burning scales. Tri'zik slowly approached, using his staff to walk as he knelt down before his friend.

He spoke softly, placing a claw on his shoulder. "It had to be done, old friend. He gave us no alternative. You may grief, but know that it isn't your fault for his actions. What you've done for us, shows that you will never go down that path like he did. You've seen what is out there, old friend. Only by standing as one can we hope to bring an end to the creatures in the darkness."

"But he's right about one thing.. I am no leader." Roka said calmly, his eyes closing slowly. "I was the brains, he led my kind through dying times. All I did was make us smarter." He uttered quietly.

"Perhaps.. But now that you have more intellect in your mind, what is stopping you from being a good leader? Ki'zik believe in you, Roka. You have potential to unify this planet under means of peace. Tri'zik knows this." He smiled lightly, removing his claw from Roka's shoulder. "Remember him as the brother who protected you from the young days. Forget what he turned into." He slowly turned around, walking back to his small rug as he sat down, legs crossed.

"We'll help repair the damage that was done, old friend. I.. I must prepare to take up the mantle and to lead our people on a better path." Roka nodded slowly, walking over to reattach his gauntlet on his right arm. His eyes gazed upon Na'grar's axe, he gently picked it up and stared at it's design. He fell silent again, gripping it tightly. "I'm sorry, brother.. I may never forgive myself for this decision. But I promise to see our people persevere into the future." With that being said, Roka bowed his head to his old friend and departed, prepping himself for the mantle of leadership.

On the outside, many of the Roxxan troops were being cuffed, along with General Shelra. Roka approached as he walked down the steps.

"Those of you who followed my brother's command and slaughtered innocents will be placed in Ki'zik prisons and will pay appropriately for their crimes. I, Roka, hereby lead the Roxxan people into a better future. Those of you who will follow me, step forward."

Many of the Roxxan people stepped forward, bowing their heads to their new leader, while others remained unsure. Appearing skeptical, if anything.

"The first thing we will do is make amends for the destruction caused to both cities. We will repair what was destroyed and ensure that our allies survive into the future! The Grox are out there, my people! They will be coming one day and if we cannot stand together, then we will surely perish or become their slaves! I for one, will not allow this to come to past!"

An uproar began, the sounds of cheering echoed throughout the streets. Roka nodded firmly, only to look up to notice Kraskus, who was perched on the rooftop, gazing down at him. "Hmm.. You have the potential to not repeat the same mistake as your brother, Roka. I speak for all species when I say: I hope I will not be disappointed." He said with a loud rumbling noise, fins vibrating. "Now you must work towards uniting the planet. I trust you will do whatever it takes, young one."

With that, Kraskus took off into the orange sky, circling the Ki'zik building before departing back to his lair. Roka and his people returned home as the night was soon upon them. Despite the darkness that now loomed across the land, the Roxxan city lit up like fireworks, various shops remained opened and everything felt normal as before.

Within the throneroom, Roka sat in silence, continuing to stare at the axe. His index talon scraped the metal lightly. Suddenly, the hall door opened up as Ambassador Uvenk marched in with his small army.

"So, you are Roka?" He asked loudly.

"I am, yes." Roka replied, standing up from the throne.

Uvenk nodded slowly, grunting a bit. "Considering the damage that was done to my people, and from what we've heard about Na'grar, it seems justice was given swiftly. I made the request to form an alliance before, but that failed. I trust you will be more intelligent than your brother."

Roka scratched his chin briefly, puffing smoke from his nostrils. "Hmm.. What can you offer us?" He asked.

"The Briniik have the best technology you'll ever need. Advancements, my engineers can help improve your tech, along with vehicle construction. In return, you'll trade spice and other various materials. What say you?" Uvenk folded his arms, four of them in fact.

"Hmm.. Fine, Uvenk. I agree to this. I hope this alliance is long and prosperous." Roka said calmly, his wings folding as he sat back down. "Although, did you have to come propose this at the middle of the night?" He grumbled.

"Hah! The Briniik don't need sleep! Plus, I felt it would've been easier to get the proposal out of the way as soon as possible. My engineers will arrive soon, be ready to commence the trading. Good day." Uvenk turned around as his troops stepped aside as he marched out, the troops followed along as the doors slowly closed.

Roka rubbed his snout, sighing deeply. He felt very exhausted, leaning back into the throne, staring up at the ceiling as he pondered. He feared the coming of the Dronox, from what Kraskus told him, they are a dangerous foe. He would have to unite all cities as one, an idea popped in his head. [Of course!] He quickly ran over to a nearby table, unrolling a scroll and picked up a quill and ink. He started to write down a letter, asking one of the guards to call upon a messenger.

The messenger walked in, although exhausted. "You called, new chief?" She said quietly.

"Give this letter to all the cities around the area. There will be a meeting held here, peace will be made in the coming weeks. We must prepare to stand united. Now, go." Roka uttered, the messenger took the scroll and quickly dashed off.

"Guards, have the engineers prepare a new blueprint. Construct a bigger vehicle, airborne, heavy weaponry." He ordered proudly.

"When it's complete, are we using it for defense purposes?" One of the guards asked, tilting his head curiously.

"No. It's time we spread our wings beyond the skies." Roka pulled a lever, as the ceiling opened up to reveal the starry night, along with the large planet in the distance. The time had come, to fly into the abyss, the unknown. The Galaxy beckons!