Wrath of Heaven Ch 5:

Rise of Evil

Midgard, the once revered home of the gods now stood as a barren wasteland of decay and destruction as eight figures stood in silent conference with one another upon the rocky ground that once glimmered with life. The world had earned their attention for no other purpose than the rumors of the power it possessed; yet now, it lay dormant and devoid of life, save those who held the unholy council.

"It seems as though the rumors of their power are well deserved," one of the eight replied as he gauged the terrain with a careful eye. "I had not thought their resistance would be so admirable."

"REGARDLESS, WE HAVE WHAT WE CAME FOR. NICOLUS, IS THIS THE DEVICE?" another asked, holding the orb for his fellow destroyer to survey.

The named being stepped forward and took the Dragon Orb from his companions outstretched hands, examining the artifact with careful scrutiny. Removing a strange and unusual device from his satchel, the figure gave a few readings before dropping the orb to the ground and the sphere shattered at his feet.

"Unfortunately, no," Nicolus replied as he addressed his companions. "It appears as though the powers possessed by these artifacts are tightly interwoven with this planet's existence. As this planet is now dead, none of these shall serve us."

"Then I suppose our search is still required," yet another of the beings said, shaking his head slightly as he turned to his fellow gods. "Come, we have much to accomplish and little time. We must seek out the device we require."

"It's possible either Cyril or Decus have had better fortune."

"Perhaps it is," commanded a new voice as his body began to illuminate with the power within him. "But until it is found, we must continue our search. Only then will we gain mastery of the universe once more." As the figure faded from sight, the remaining seven followed suit, each leaving behind the husk of the dying paradise.

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"So, you're feeling better I see?" Maria Traydor said, the ghost of a smile flirting across her features as she addressed the now conscious Cliff who sat rubbing his still tender ribs.

"Yeah, sorry to have worried you Maria," the large Klausian replied, shrugging as though the entire situation had worked within the scope of his ill-conceived logic.

"So, you mind telling me what did attack you and Mirage?"

The hint of the frown that deepened the lines around his mouth reflected within his eyes as he struggled to gather the shattered thoughts of the battle that ended with his subsequent defeat. "I…I really don't know," the muscular figure said, shrugging his shoulders as he addressed his friend. "Everything happened so fast. But whatever that guy was, I remember none of my attacks even touched him. Then he stabbed Mirage and then I can't remember anything after that."

His eyes shifted to the still unconscious form of his partner as Maria continued the conversation. "Well, if you're feeling up to it, mind taking over captaining duty for a few hours?"

His attention now back on the blue-haired young woman, Cliff shifted his weight as he nodded a quick affirmation. "You bet, anything to get out this bed."

"Good, I'm taking Fayt and Steeg with me to negotiate a treaty with Elicoor II."

"Elicoor huh? Tell Nel I said hi," Cliff replied, winking at the captain as though his simple greeting to the spy meant something more, to which Maria had no doubt it did.

Shaking her head to clear the memory from her mind as she pressed the final series of buttons initiating the auto-landing sequence of the transport vessel, Maria sighed in silent defeat. Though Cliff had seemingly recovered from his near-death battle, she could not help but feel guilty that her decision had nearly cost her two closest companions their lives. She wondered if perhaps her mission to stop the Vendeeni aggression would not cause more death and if the cost would truly be worth the price. At times when her mind wandered to such scenarios, she often wondered if she was truly strong enough to face that situation, and hoped beyond hope that she would not have to find out.

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The ruby-tipped porcelain petals of the delicate flower were held tightly between the fingers of the young man staring out the port window, yet not really seeing the terrain as it moved slowly within his line of sight. His fingers had settled into pattern of moving gently over the silky flower, his senses absorbing the sensations, from the soft comfort his skin felt to unmistakable scent that still lingered no matter how long this bloom had been cut from the stem.

So distracted was his mind that his ears had failed to detect the decompression of the landing engines, or the gentle hum of the door as it slid open. It was only until the hand rested upon his shoulder that he was startled out of his reverie.

"Fayt?" the Expellian ambassador said, his voice apologetic as he disturbed the young man's musings.

"Oh, Lord Ashton, I'm sorry…I didn't mean to seem rude," the blue-haired warrior said as he turned his attention to the other man and realized he had been trying to wrestle his attention away from the occupying thoughts that had consumed him.

Holding up a hand to stay the pending apology, Ashton allowed a small smile to tug at his lips as he shook his head. "It's all right, believe me. And we're companions in this endeavor not Fayt, please, just call me Ashton. I have to deal enough with pomp and circumstance on my own planet."

Tilting his head to get a better look at the flower within the young man's hand, Ashton took a moment to comment on it. "That's quite a lovely blossom you have there. Was it a gift? I only ask because you seemed rather distracted when I entered."

"Oh, uh…" Fayt couldn't prevent the heat from forming against the skin of his cheeks as he averted his eyes slightly and took a moment to gaze out the porthole, at the forested terrain Maria and chosen to hide their landing pod. "Yeah, it was. I'm surprised it hasn't wilted yet, I almost think Maria used her power to…oh," stopping his discussion as though he felt he said too much, the younger man looked to the ambassador as though gauging his response to the mention of the extraordinary powers he and his friend possessed.

Ashton however, continued as though Fayt had said nothing out of the ordinary. "Well, it's a lovely flower."

"Oh, uh…thanks. It's called the Maiden of Irisa and it's supposed to give its owner luck, I was just sort of wondering when it would start working."

A dry chuckle escaped the lips of the delegate as though he knew what the young man referred too, and at that moment, Fayt had no doubt that he did. "I see why you were so distracted then. Sometimes what the universe has planned for us can be a heavy burden."

"Yeah," the dejected sigh escaped Fayt as he turned his attention again to look out the window. "The girl…Ameena, who gave me this flower…died because of the war I participated in on this planet. I had never killed another living being before I came here, and now that I'm back…every face of every soldier that died at my hands keeps flashing in front of me…and I don't know how to get rid of it."

"The taking of life is never as easy as most people believe it to be. I still remember the names of a few of the soldiers who died fighting me in battle. Hear them curse me with their dying breath, see the fear in their eyes as their life fades…the only advice I can give you Fayt, is that it'll haunt you if don't let it go."

"We've arrived," Maria's voice called out through the intercom system, alerting that the pod had made a full landing.

A shudder of uncertainty crossed the young man's face as he looked to the Expellian. "Yeah, I know. But…maybe if I remember how bad it made me feel, maybe I'll be more cautious and try not to kill again," turning once more to wearily gaze at the surroundings beyond the port window before placing the flower on the desk and rising to his feet. "As much as I've come to think this planet is such a wonderful world, I can't help but confess that I honestly wished I'd never set foot on it again."

"Believe me, I can understand and appreciate your sentiment," Ashton replied with a sad yet knowing smile. As the two departed the room and walked the length of the small corridor leading to the exiting platform, Fayt turned a quizzical eye to the ambassador.

"Uh…Ashton, can I ask you a question?"

"Certainly Fayt, you can ask me anything," though the smile the older man wore was genuine, the sentiment did not reach his eyes, as if he were holding back information he feared to discuss. "I can always choose not to answer."

"Uh, right. Well, I was just wondering, you seem to be very interested in what's going on and what we're…I mean Maria and myself, what we're doing. I can understand, as you do represent your planet and I know you wouldn't want Expel in an alliance you couldn't trust, but why did you decide to come to Elicoor II with us?"

Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Ashton smiled lightly as he considered the best response. "From everything Maria told me about the planet, it reminded me of Expel before the Industrial boom. I've often missed the simplicity of what Expel used to be." Shaking his head to clear his line of thinking, Ashton nudged his head in the direction of the exit platform. "Come, we shouldn't keep Maria and Steeg waiting."

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"This is just great," Lieber replied in disgust as he threw his hands up in frustration. The two soldiers made their way towards the Vanshenoble, neither satisfied with the meetings that took place with the Klausian Senate. "I mean two…all they're supplying to the fight against the Vendeeni are two lousy battle-class cruisers? We might as well start throwing rocks at the Vendeeni."

"They're politicians, its what they do Lieber. That's why I don't have much contact with my old man any more; they weigh the positives and negatives before making a decision, and of course listen to their advisors. The positives are, they help stop the Vendeeni offensive, the negative though, is that they aren't a target now, so why make themselves one. It's all more trouble than its worth," Lancar replied, hoping to ease the mind of his companion at the dismal results of the mission before stepping aboard the small ship.

"Yeah, I know, but I just feel like we could have done more."

"There's always more we could do," the security officer replied, a hint of deviousness in his eye as he looked at his friend. "Care to take a little detour before we head back to the Diplo?"

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The Quark members and the ambassador of Expel made their way steadily towards the gate of Aquios, hoping to arrange a meeting with the Queen regarding her assistance in allying the other leaders of Elicoor II with them. The fear, however, was that they could not meet with her majesty or she out right refused the request. Either way, the unscheduled meeting was a gamble at best, as they had not yet announced to the Queen their intentions.

Upon entering Aquios, Fayt and Maria immediately felt slightly more than self-conscious, as neither had anticipated the stares that graced them from the soldiers scattered about the capital. A self-mocking grin crossed Fayt's features as he looked at the young woman walking at his side, knowing full well she shared his thoughts regarding the unwanted attention they were receiving. Regardless, they pressed forward, both realizing for the first time Ashton's desire to wear the cloak when he chose to walk about his home planet.

"Fayt?" a soft, alluring voice called out, causing the four companions to stop short as they looked about for the source. The modest, unimposing steps of the gray-haired young woman drew their attention as she approached the party, the gentle smile so often seen on her face prevalent for them, allowing them to know how pleased she was to see them once more.

"Clair, how have you been?" Fayt asked, his smile matching hers as she stopped just before him, uncertain the reasons for their return to the planet.

"I've been well, thank you," the Shield Legion Commander responded, gauging the three other members of the entourage before her eyes settled upon the blue-haired young woman. Knowing she was among the numbers, the runologist quickly deducted their visit was not of a social purpose. Her smile faded slightly, yet her natural courtesy had not left her as she addressed the otherworldly leader. "It is a pleasure to see you again as well Lady Maria, though I must confess a curiosity about your intents."

"I understand your apprehensions, and unfortunately they are not baseless Lady Clair," Maria replied, bowing her head slightly in response. Though she had met the commander only once, the woman's inner strength and will, despite her quiet demeanor, had left a striking impression upon her. "We are here to request an audience with the Queen."

Nodding as if she expected the answer, Clair closed her eyes and released a breath of apparent apprehension before allowing the smile to return to her lips once more. "Of course, if you'll follow me I'll announce that you've arrived."

"I was curious," Ashton interrupted, mindful of the reproachful look Maria gave before continuing. "This city…reminds me a great deal of a city from my home planet. Would I be out of line to inquire if I may look around a bit?"

"Not at all," the commander replied, signaling to one of the guards standing ready to serve the gray-haired runologist. "Can you please show…uh…"

"Ashton."

"Could you please show Ashton around the city, and answer any questions he may have," Clair replied, smiling again at the gleam of excitement that danced across the ancient man's eyes.

"Certainly Lady Clair," the attendant bowed, signaling for the cloaked man to follow him as he began his given task.

"Now then, if you'll follow me," Clair replied, leading the members of Quark into the castle and through the large, marble corridors as they made their way to the throne.

"Hey Clair," Fayt said, breaking the silence as they continued their steady march. "Is Nel here? I'd like to say hi before we have to leave again."

"Unfortunately, Nel is currently in Greeton, trying to negotiate a treaty. Woltar went as well, as a representative of Airyglyph. Ever since we've learned that there are planets other than our own that exist beyond the stars, we've come to realize that there are more important things to do than engaging in war. Recently, we've entered into an alliance with Airyglyph for the good of all our people. If Greeton cooperates, then the continent will no doubt experience a level of peace and prosperity it has not seen since the days of the Messenger of Apris," Clair said as she came to a halt outside the audience chamber. "But I will inform Nel that you asked on her behalf. She will be disappointed that she missed speaking with you, however, as I'm sure you know the importance of duty.

"At any rate, I'll notify the Queen you are here." With that, Clair vanished into the chamber, leaving the three companions to gaze about the entryway.

"This really is quite a planet," Steeg replied, scratching the back of his neck with his hand in a nervous gesture. "When you get stranded you really know how to pick them kid."

Fayt, uncertain how to respond, merely shrugged his shoulders as Clair returned. "The Queen will be most pleased to see you now."

Leading the way, Clair bowed to the majestic maiden who gazed upon the trio with an almost otherworldly eye, before coming to stand to the left of the Queen. "Your majesty," Maria said, bowing deeply to the matriarch, the action quickly followed by her two companions. "Thank you for meeting with us on such short notice."

"For those who helped to save our world from destruction, it is a great honor to grant such an audience," the queen replied, inclining her head as she spoke, showing her own respect to the travelers. "I must confess that I am surprised to see you again Master Fayt and Lady Maria. I can only assume that you do pay us a social visit."

"Unfortunately, no your majesty, there is a matter of great importance I wish to speak to you on," the captain replied, bowing her head and wishing she was not about to make the request she prepared to voice.

"Though you are unaware of what has transpired beyond the borders of your world, the universe is threatened again by the Vendeeni."

The name of the alien aggressors that decimated so much of the land and cost so many lives during the war caused a frightful stir to move about the gathered leaders of Aquios, Lasselle visibly shuddered as he turned his attention to the Queen. "Do…do you believe they may attack us once more?"

"I'm not certain," Maria confessed, wishing she had more stable information on the fleet movements. "But if they know you have the Sacred Orb, it is possible your planet may be in danger. That is why I am here your Majesty. I am seeking aid to oppose the Vendeeni."

Arching an eyebrow in unspoken confusion, the matriarch turned her attention from Lasselle to Clair and then to Lady Elena. "Forgive me, but I fail to see how we can be of any use to you? What we have seen you accomplish is beyond our comprehension. To think we could effectively support you is nothing less than brazen arrogance on our part."

"That's not entirely true your majesty," Maria bowed once more as she continued. "We've fought beside many of the warriors on your world. What you lack in technology you more than make up for in ingenuity. The Thunder Arrow itself was a creation centuries beyond your level of technology, yet still you managed to develop it, and use it to save your planet. That is more than reason enough for us to wish an alliance with you. Because despite the obstacles, you still achieve great things."

"To have ones such as yourselves have such faith in us is both humbling and enlightening," the queen replied, smiling at the swell of pride she felt for her people from the praise given by this woman who had seen more than she ever dreamed.

"Your majesty, if I may interject," Lasselle remarked, turning his attention to the queen before facing the Quark members. "I fear allying ourselves with these outsiders to be a grave error. Their very presence only brings about chaos to our planet and we are not at all strong enough to fend off the Celestial Ships again. Our military has been decimated since the war and our food supplies are dwindling with our continued support of Airyglyph."

"You need not fear the Vendeeni magistrate, we will work to protect your planet," Maria replied, hoping she suppressed her anger at the pompous man.

"Indeed," the advisor replied, and as the queen made no indications for him to stop, he pressed forward. "But I must question whether or not your desire to protect our planet is for the people, or for our sacred object? Do you intend to ally with us because you genuinely care for the well-being of this planets habitants or because you wish to use the sacred orb?"

Stricken by the suggestion of greed by the man whom, though she was never on friendly terms with, had always believed to be somewhat levelheaded, Maria opened her mouth to voice her protest before a soldier entered the throne room, his breathing labored and strained.

"Your majesty," he gasped, his face flushed with the exertion of his journey. "There's an intruder inside the castle. They've entered the Sacred Chamber and we fear he is after the Sacred Orb."

"This is what I'm speaking of," Lasselle replied again, seemingly oblivious to the nature of the tragedy.

"Is it one of the celestial beings?" Clair asked immediately, taking charge of the situation as Maria removed her communicator and flipped open the communications link with a practiced ease.

"Cliff, are there any signs of Vendeeni battle ships in the area?"

"Nothing here Maria, both on the periphery orbit and in the surrounding Gravitic Warp tunnels. Why, what's up?"

"No, it wasn't them," the soldier said, panicking as he spoke. "It was a tall man with silver hair. I've never seen him before…never seen anything like it. He blasted away the wall with a flick of his wrist. I barely got away."

The captain closed the transmission before responding however. The last thing she wanted was Cliff charging down her while still wounded. Turning to face the Queen once more, Maria paused to share an apprehensive look with the blue-haired young man beside her before thrusting the communicator in Steeg's hand. "We'll go see what's going on your majesty. Steeg, notify the Diplo and prepare a strike force to beam down should we need it. But tell Cliff he is not to leave the bridge. In fact, don't even tell Cliff, work through Marietta. Fayt, let's go."

"I'll go with you," Clair said, turning quickly to receive the nod of approval from the Queen before rushing down the flight of steps to join the two warriors.

Without giving the time to question the decision or the merits of bringing the commander along, Fayt and Maria hurried out of the throne room, followed closely by Clair as they made their way to the Cathedral. Immediately, Clair activated the trigger to allow access to the underground tunnel before following after the two warriors.

"Who do you suppose he is?" Clair asked, the purpose of the question not lost on the two. It was useless to ask what he wanted, that much was obvious.

"Hard to say," Fayt replied, allowing his sprint to speed up a bit more in the rush to make it to the chamber on time. "But I have a pretty good idea." Not elaborating for the commander, Fayt turned his attention to Maria who gave the same knowing, yet uncertain look he himself felt sliding across his features. If they were right, they would more than likely face the being that had incapacitated both Mirage and Cliff…or at least one like him. Whoever the intruder was, from the guard's description, it was obvious he was not a Vendeeni, which gave the intruder an edge as they were uncertain what to expect.

"This…is unbelievable," Clair said, her eyes growing wide as the three entered the shrine, her attention drawn to the soldiers commissioned to protect the temple, each and every one dead. "A being with enough power to do this also has the power that he would not need to take these lives. This…this just butchery."

Suppressing the chill that worked its way down his spine and the bile that rolled within his stomach at the sight of the death about them, Fayt placed his hand on Clair's shoulder, bringing her attention back to the situation at hand. "Come on Clair, we have to stop whoever did this."

Closing her eyes against the tears she felt overwhelming her, the commander nodded curtly to her friend before moving onward. The transformation from her gentle, serene smile to the grim and ready visage was nothing short of alarming, and for the first time since Fayt had met her, he truly understood why the Commander of the Shield Legion was among the best and most revered fighters on the continent.

The determination that now pressed their journey and fueled their anger caused their minds to wander at the image of death they left behind, each hoping they could abandon the memory like so many others. With blind instinct guiding their path, they soon found themselves outside the chamber that housed the Sacred Orb. Many of the obstacles or traps that barded the path here were destroyed, making their journey all the less hampered. With his hand holding the doorknob, Fayt paused a moment to verify his companions were ready for whatever awaited them on the other side before forcing the entry open.

"Yes," the voice of the man who's back was to them said quietly as he surveyed the object in his hand. "This must be what we are searching for. I can even feel the power radiating from it. Indalecio should be pleased with this."

The ringing chime of steel against leather echoed throughout the chamber as Fayt bared the blade of his sword, glaring at the man who turned slowly to face the source of the sound, a gentle smile parting his lips as he gauged his intruders.

"I don't know who you are," Fayt replied, his anger growing steadily as he gripped the hilt of his weapon and prepared for the coming conflict. "But I won't let you leave with the Sacred Orb."

"Ah," the large man smiled, pulling at the collar of his coat before taking several steps towards the three warriors. "Fresh meat."

To be continued

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A/N: Gah…I'm soooooooooooooo sorry it took so long to write up a new chapter. Life's been uber busy lately. And yeah, I actually had planned to make the next chapter part of this one, but with all that was going on…anyway, next chapter: Fayt, Maria and Clair face off against one of the Ten Wise Men. Meanwhile, Lieber is up in arms over Lancar's little "detour" literally. As always, if you're kind enough to read my work, please be kind enough to review. Thanks much and hope you enjoyed it.