AN: This chapter has references to storyline information from the Antioch Chronicles Legacy Starcraft Mod. If you are one of the owners of that body of work, I thank you for your amazing work and hope you are not offended by my using it in a condensed form.
To my anonymous Readers: Thank you for sticking with me on this. Even if you don't review or PM, I appreciate you.
emoryjmorrill: Thank you! I just now saw your review (December 13, 2020) on Servant of the Void as it appears that ffnet has been having some issues with the review system emails.
Additional note: To Anonymous reviewers who leave simple 'you need spacing bro' comments on old and completed stories, read the author's notes before you make a fool of yourself. I've deleted comments twice now like this. You read it, you're welcome to your opinion, doesn't necessarily mean you are worth keeping that space as the first review.
I'm salty as hell due to past interactions online, don't poke this bear.
That aside, I don't really post on a set schedule and hope that all those who are interested in my work will enjoy.
Kuldaris paced on the bridge of the Obsidian Flare, having awoken with a start when the first agonized howls from the Leviathan could be heard reverberating through his ship's hull. It had come close, yet thankfully remained far enough away that its entrails and blood did not get caught in the gravitational field of the Flare or the larger World Ships of the Ahr'Aht. Such would be not only a horrific mess, he shuddered at the thought that he may have ended up needing to clean any of it himself, let alone if he had ended up covered in the viscera.
Aurei had informed him immediately upon leaving his chambers that the Leviathan had dropped out of warp with the huge gaping wound in its side, and simply stopped there, the Ahr'Aht equivalent to the Flare approaching and appearing to interact with the Leviathan's Queen. Aurei had picked up several teleportation pings, between the Leviathan and the World Ship Xerxes had been whisked away to, before the smaller ship suddenly moved away, and used a travel conduit to go elsewhere.
Only a few minutes passed before it returned in the same manner, dragging another Leviathan with it, only this one was far larger and with a much grander flyer army accompanying it. Before he could hail Surriel to inquire, he received a brief update message from them, the translation rough yet understandable.
'Amon Stronghold Nearby, Leviathan attacked there. Zagara to speak with Xerxes.' Was all Kuldaris could make out, the Ahr'Aht translation filled with nuance language Aurei failed to translate properly. There were more teleportation pings, from the new Leviathan and the Ahr'Aht ship, to the vicinity of Xerxes on Samateus' worldship.
**Interesting. We'll wait then, I'm certain Father is preoccupied with all of this.**
**You should know, though I'm uncertain if he is aware, we are fairly close to the world I lost him on...** Aurei chimed, Kuldaris turning to the ghostly form of the AI when it materialized near him.
**I do not doubt you, yet are you certain? This is Zerg Territory.**
**We did not know their territorial boundaries until recently Kuldaris, as established once the End War was considered over by the Daelaam. I tried to save him, attempted to teleport him away, but the Zerg got too close, swarmed him in a way that did not harm him, yet blocked my ability to separate him from the other lifeforms around him. I fled, the Mutalisks and Scourge had started to get too close to my shielding in their searching for me, as they knew no ship was on the surface, and he had to have gotten assistance from a ship in order to travel. The Overmind had claimed your father right from under me. Even with his implant, they knew I could not save him.** Aurei explained, appearing pained and saddened, hugging herself as Kuldaris' emotions went from rage to concern to acceptance, nodding his understanding.
**He did not want you to. Not if he felt he could save others...** Kuldaris expressed quietly, taking in a deep shuddering breath as he almost felt himself shaking from the rollercoaster of emotions. **How long from when you lost track of him to when you woke me?**
**A decade, give or take a few months. The Conclave had long since covered up his existence in entirety, as on Aiur it had been nearly 200 years by that time. Only one had attempted to see what had befallen those on Umbra, an archivist under Jepok with Sinar and Verana.** Aurei shared a brief eye-smile at the mention of two of Kuldaris' friends from his youth.
Before the incident in Scion province and the neighbouring archive Sevorak had attacked, Moloch and Kuldaris had been training as Templar under Jepok of Antioch, who Kuldaris knew now to have been a close personal friend of Xerxes' prior to Sevorak taking control of and twisting his body. Taeradun, Kuldaris' former Teacher, had been manipulated and controlled on a lesser extent by Sevorak, had struck Kuldaris and nearly killed him before he had turned to and listened to the pleas of his fellow High Templar Nannoth -Moloch's Teacher- to put an end to the mad Judicator and his strange constructs, the Eyes of the Xel'Naga, which had been Sevorak's original target in attacking the Shelak archive and killing ten thousand of their own kin.
The two High Templar, merged together as an Archon, had defeated Sevorak, following an expert attack from Jepok, Sinar and Verana that had sufficiently distracted the mad Judicator, the black-hided Protoss collapsing against an obsidian pillar with a single blade strike scar along the right side of his face, the two Eyes struck by the blast that had almost slain Sevorak -who was actually the twisted form of Xerxes- fell and rolled helplessly away from their tether. One of the devices had been quickly and expertly hidden away by another of Xerxes' loyal followers, the other taken by Jepok and his remaining forces, Kuldaris left amongst the dead as the forces of Antioch quickly gathered any and all technology amongst the followers of Sevorak, absconding from the world and labelling those there dead or Exiled.
Then, once the Protoss from Antioch had gotten beyond scanner range, Aurei had whisked Xerxes, as he slowly reverted to his own form, and Kuldaris with any who had been injured up to her quickly before doing the same with the remainder, the Obsidian Flare having hidden herself and followed Sevorak as he could not use her, having locked himself out of her control when he changed Xerxes' body so drastically. Once recovered enough to explain, Xerxes had explained what happened to him to all of those they had saved, some opting to remain awake as long as they wished, the rest turning to stasis willingly. Kuldaris took some time to physically recover, having awoken from stasis only after Xerxes had been taken by the Zerg, his injuries so severe that he had to go into stasis immediately. Aurei had explained everything else to him, what had happened to the others from Antioch, where they went, even that Xerxes had been his father, showing the genetic scans and even how they had fluctuated when Xerxes had been changed by Sevorak. That had prompted the removal of his dampening chip, so he did not experience any of the pain or infection Artanis had much later.
Many other events had occured on Aiur in his absence, some of the records quickly retrieved remotely by Aurei through cleverly hidden psionic network connections that no Khalai had noticed at the time, her appearance and ability to cloak with a far superior method to the Arbiters used by the Conclave elect making her movements and activities imperceptible. One had noticed her, briefly, who she knew now to have been Karax, and kept his observation of the spatial distortion to himself, the memory making her eye-smile to herself. Kuldaris chuckled, nodding lightly.
**We should see if perhaps Sinar or Verana still live, when next we see the Daelaam.**
**You should know, however, that Judicator Jepok was later slain by an agent of the Conclave for treason. Sinar was... Cut in half by the same agent.** Aurei explained haltingly, seeing the pain in Kuldaris' eyes at the loss of Jepok, and for Sinar's plight. He remembered the two young Templar were very close, that Verana and Sinar could no longer even experience each other's touch, having seen what the Dragoons had become, he shook his head sadly.
**Xerxes should know of this also.** Kuldaris frowned, surprised he still had not heard from the Ahr'Aht as they were conversing and reminiscing. Aurei simply nodded as well, looking out toward the injured Leviathan.
**Zagara, have you informed Izsha and the Terrans of the attack on your Leviathan? I would like to include them, and potentially the Daelaam if you'll allow.** Xerxes asked, Surriel having long since returned to his duties aboard his own ship, Samateus remaining as their alliance representative while Xerxes, Dehaka and Zagara conversed. Lia'Ashra and Aliszha remained nearby, talking between themselves privately and watching their Zergling charges, Arska and Taluth having recovered their energy surprisingly quickly and asked to play with Onehorn again, who had gladly rested herself following the lengthy chase session with the two young Hybrids. Aliszha agreed, Onehorn charging at Taluth and leaping clear over him before heading into the deeper bush, the two happily chasing after, two other Swarm Zerglings watching and then joining in on the chase.
**I have informed Izsha, however I am... Apprehensive in asking the Daelaam for assistance.** Zagara responded cautiously, not wishing to offend the large Primal Hybrid, whose shared genetic material still kept Abathur busy even some time after it was gifted to him. Xerxes nodded, understanding the animosity between both races, being a blend of both, and still so protective of his birth race, he hoped to broker peace and possibly even more pleasant interactions between the two in the future.
**Understandably. Despite my efforts, I'm certain the Overminds transgressions, and those of your Queen when still under Amon's control, will continue to create a significant divide between the Swarm and the Daelaam. We will tell them later, once this stronghold has been eradicated.** Xerxes understood the need for discretion and patience, Zagara nodding and wordlessly expressing her thanks to him for willingly taking on a form of liason position for the new Alliance within the sector, and now also extending the same for her with the Daelaam. **I'm certain Artanis is presently working on a way to make my return less... Startling, to the public.**
"You are, too trusting." Dehaka snorted, lifting his head and craning his neck to peer down at Arska, who had hopped over his tail to hide between his side and tail, hoping to ambush Onehorn as their play had circled back around behind the much larger Primal. He relaxed slowly, Xerxes eyeing him and closely watching his interaction with the much smaller Primal Hybrid.
**Some might see my Trust as being well placed. Others may think I am a fool for doing such so easily. I am not a fool in trusting my own sibling, regardless of his upbringing and past.** Xerxes rumbled a low warning, Arska turning to bob her head at him in understanding, quickly darting away from Dehaka as Taluth pursuing Onehorn ran past, attempting to startle and trip the larger and more experienced Zergling as they continued their chase. **Artanis is my younger brother, Vorazun is my daughter, Karax and Rohana are good friends from before I became Hybrid. I trust them and their judgement amongst the Daelaam, as I have no other choice.** Xerxes turned to Samateus, seeing that she had turned her head and tilted it to one side, her visible tell of when another of her kin spoke to her.
She tended to turn and tilt her head more to her left, likely a result of the injury to her ear long ago, and she did so subconsciously. Zagara picked up on this, moving to rise as she felt through her connection to her Swarm, that the Leviathan she had loaned Aliszha had finished healing its wounds and slowly returned to normal function after several hours of agony. Samateus also rose from her spot, stretching much as one would see a cat do, only making a show of arching her back and spreading her wings, lightly flapping them to make certain the feathers were layered correctly and not twisted from lying down so long.
Zagara did not fully understand the familial relation and how it could build such strong trust bonds, however understood it to be something also shared innately by some species, including Terrans. She equated it to how concerned she had become when her Leviathan had been attacked and Aliszha could not confirm her condition immediately, a parental reaction, certainly, and were Aliszha to have a sister, exactly her age and of similar essence, they may act similar to each other as Xerxes' Zerglings Arska and Taluth. Xerxes nodded, seeing in her distant expression that Zagara had figured out a bit more equivalence between herself, her Swarm, and He and his children, which also extended to the Daelaam Hierarch Artanis, and the Nerazim Matriarch Vorazun, in relation to his emotional attachment with each. Zagara shook her head, so much information that made so little sense to her, yet intruigued and encouraged her enthusiasm to work alongside Xerxes and Samateus.
**Surriel let me know the Hyperion just sent a communication to him, they are willing to assist if needed. Though I'm certain your Broodmothers would enjoy some entertainment.** Samateus addressed Zagara, including Dehaka, Abathur and Aliszha with Lia'Ashra nearby. Xerxes turned to Zagara, willing to help with the Obsidian Flare and Kuldaris, if she wished, respectfully waiting for her to decide on their course of action.
**My Broodmothers are, divided, on assisting at this moment. They wish to see what you and our new allies are capbable of before making any decisions.** Zagara motioned first to Xerxes, then to Samateus, who nodded, looking sadly to Dehaka.
**Whilst I am feeling better after a bit of rest, I may not be able to assist as I did previously, however Surriel is easily excitable when his fleet is tasked with eradicating opposing forces. Almost to the point of being a child with a loaded weapon and plenty to shoot at, as Terrans would say.** Samateus flicked her tail lightly. **I am sorry Dehaka, we'll have to leave you here for a little while.**
"I will wait, for you to, return." The large Primal nodded his head, moving his tail closer so he did not leave space to be used as an obstacle for the small Zerglings playing around him. Aliszha offered to remain as well, enjoying watching her Zerglings play with Arska and Taluth. It helped all involved become more spatially aware as they moved through thick bush and additionally added more tactical thought to each individual, Arska and Taluth easily evading their two pursuers, the smaller young Zerglings, while still chasing their target, Onehorn.
**Very well. Xerxes, will you accompany us aboard my Leviathan or your Alternate's ship?** Zagara asked, stretching up her six lower limbs and shaking herself lightly, nervecords clattering almost musically as she flexed her talons. Xerxes chuckled, looking to Samateus briefly, narrowing his eyes at a private question.
**Kuldaris knows, yet hasn't received your information?** Xerxes sounded almost shocked, or perhaps hurt, Zagara could not properly place the emotion.
**Surriel ensured he was informed, though I believe the translation matrix of your Obsidian Flare may have slimmed it down significantly. Ahr'Aht language is full of nuance and emotional addition to the written form that makes translations extremely difficult.** Samateus explained, snorting a puff of golden energy smoke at Xerxes. **I hope he has kept it to himself and not informed Karax via the Flare and Spear's remote connections to each other.**
**He likely knows the need to refrain from informing the Daelaam. Perhaps it might be easier if a familiar ship accompanies you with one unfamiliar one?** Xerxes asked, looking to Zagara. He did not wish to impose on the Ahr'Aht any further, and wished to speak with Kuldaris after the revelation that Amon had a large stronghold where he had been abducted in the first place. Zagara nodded.
**I understand, and fully agree. It will show my Broodmothers that even the Protoss are willing to work alongside the newcomers, even if it is only you and your son.** Zagara appeared pleased, enjoying the banter and escape from her usually infighting Broodmothers. **I am ready for transport, when Surriel is available.**
**Thank you Zagara, for being more open than I would have ever expected. I hope to visit some of your other worlds and broods, if you'd allow, once everything is fairly settled?** Xerxes hazarded the question, briefly looking to Dehaka as well. Zagara nodded yet did not respond, disappearing in a flash of light. Xerxes looked quizzically at Samateus, who moved closer to him and gently nuzzled his forehead.
**You will do just fine. You've already adapted some Illithichtiel skills Leon hasn't dipped into yet, and some that are very unique to you.** Samateus purred soothingly at him, Xerxes shuddering lightly as he thought of his other family, those still trapped elsewhere by Amon's servant Vicar and her shapeshifting thrall Xe'Rajan. Samateus held her nose to his brow a moment longer, withdrawing from him as she was certain he had recovered his calm from his brief emotional spike. They were then ferried away by a remote teleporter, the flash of light dissipating quickly.
Dehaka closed his eyes a moment, glad for the repreive from Zagara as he did not like the Swarm Zerg, as they were less focused on individual change and instead focused on improvement and expanding the already dangerous and deadly strains at their disposal. Soon, he dozed off, and Aliszha and Lia'Ashra soon moved to carefully and, without waking him, braid sections of Dehaka's beard, intended as a prank, which Aliszha caught on quickly to and fully supported as the massive Primal appeared far too stuffy for their liking.
**Ah, I was wondering when you'd come to let me know what was going on.** Kuldaris chimed happily when Xerxes and Samateus appeared on the catwalk to the bridge. Samateus' armour slowly flowed over her body, stopping at the back of her jaw as Xerxes moved closer to Kuldaris, purring lightly himself.
**Apologies, it was rather, time sensitive.** Xerxes began, gently patting Kuldaris' shoulder with one of his smaller hands. **Surriel did not realise the translations would not work very well with our technology, I hope you did not inform the Daelaam as yet.**
**No, I felt you would likely wish to do so once the situation had been handled. Why all the fuss for a single Leviathan?** Kuldaris gently leaned against Xerxes when he moved closer to stand next to him, shoulder nearly at the same height as his, standing up normally as opposed to Xerxes' quadrupedal movement. Kuldaris quickly squashed the strange thought of disgust that attempted to rise up in his thoughts, he did not care that Xerxes had become Hybrid, Primal or otherwise, and that any part of it bothered him subconsciously worried him. Xerxes gently nudged him right back, rumbling purr-like vocalisation helping Kuldaris calm.
**The Overqueen created a daughter for herself, and said daughter had, much to the surprise of Zagara and I, nearly suffocated when the Leviathan lost its environmental containment. The Leviathan is one of Zagara's, however it had been gifted to Aliszha, her daughter, for a mission.** Xerxes paused, raising a brow at the star chart on one of the holoscreens. **Aurei told you we were near the world I was abducted on?**
**Yes... We had a lengthy conversation regarding it.** Kuldaris paused, taking in a steadying breath as remembering Sinar and Verana also brought thoughts of Moloch to mind, thinking of the others from his youth and not knowing their fates deeply pained him. Xerxes picking up on this despite Kuldaris fiercely fighting the emotions welling up in him. Instead of speaking further, Xerxes wrapped a wing around Kuldaris gently and sent a brief psionic push to Aurei, inquiring why Kuldaris had become so upset by their earlier conversation, her ghostly holo-image appearing near Samateus.
**Admittedly, I had no intention of causing undue stress. To you or Kuldaris. Yet you should know, Jepok was ousted by the Conclave some years after you had disappeared.** Aurei explained, Xerxes carefully holding Kuldaris closer with his wing, able to feel the youngster tensing. **Verana and Sinar were spared, not without significant injury to Sinar. They had left Aiur afterward, having attempted to find like-minded Judicators to serve under and finding none. I am uncertain what happened from there.**
**Injury? He was cut in half at the Waist.** Kuldaris hissed, shuddering lightly as he braced himself on the console before him, talons lightly starting to hurt as the metal and glass-like crystal console would not give to them as he gripped it tightly. Xerxes frowned, curling his head and neck awkwardly, in order to press the side of his face and crest against Kuldaris'.
**She means no offence son, calm down. We will look for them also, when able. I promise you.** Xerxes soothed, Kuldaris slowly relaxing and sighing at length as he allowed his rage to subside. The Conclave had been slaughtered by the Zerg, so he had none to aim said rage toward, instead gently tilting his head more into Xerxes' to show he would be alright, Xerxes cautiously withdrawing and removing his wing, carefully curling the appendage back to hanging off his shoulder. Samateus crooned sadly at the two after a moment, then turned suddenly toward the approaching Ahr'Aht ship as it moved closer to them before addressing the two before her.
**Surriel is ready when we are. Leon is going to join us with his Ark once we've roused the enemy.**