Hey everybody, Crescent Rider Here and I'm here with the Imperial Prince himself.
Ragnar: Hello *Waves at the readers*
And we welcome you to the first Chapter of Empire's side of the story. The title's self-explanatory, but if you guys don't know what it means. I will provide a short and simple explanation.
They are chapters that are based on the Zeno Empire. Some are connected to Marcus' Past, Some lead to Future Arcs, and Some are just for the fun of it.
Ragnar: Indeed, and It also includes several OC Characters that Drakin had created in past.
Yep, I'm still waiting for a response from the guy.
Ragnar: I'm sure he's fine.
Yeah, but anyway. The rest of the stuff will be said at the end of the chapter and I will say that it is important for all of you.
As always, Enjoy the chapter!
Ragnar: He doesn't own Rick and Morty, Just his own characters, and Zeno Empire is owned by Drakin6345.
Planet Emeros... (3rd POV)
Inside the Main Capital Palace of Emeros, Ragnar was seen attending a meeting with his father as they discussed several things.
The Economy of their territories, The War against the Galactic Federation, and several potential alliances to the Empire. It was a monthly routine of the Empire.
After the meeting had been concluded, Ragnar then decided to spend some of his time alone reviewing a few lessons he was taught since his tutors needed their heir to be prepared when the day he becomes the new Emperor of his people arrives.
He then enters his personal chamber and went to his desk to review a couple of things. But unknownst to him, Someone else was inside the room and slowly crept up behind him.
Once that person was close to the young prince, A set of hands were placed onto the Imperial Prince's eyes.
"Guess who...?" A feminine voice whispered,
Ragnar gaped a bit, before smiling in recognition of the voice, "I know it's you, Oko. Your firm hands and sweet voice is already enough for me to recognize you,"
The girl, now introduced as Oko, removes her hands from the young prince's eyes, and the latter turns to her.
Oko is a Glidzoonian girl with light brown hair, wears a white long coat, a white shirt underneath, a pink skirt, gloves, and stockings. However, what stands out about her figure is that she had large boobs.
Ragnar smiled at Oko since he had known her since his childhood. Then stood up from his chair, and placed his hand onto her cheek.
"So, What brings you here?" Ragnar asked,
"Is it wrong to have your fiance visit you now and then?" Oko questioned,
Ragnar chuckles her response, but still maintains his loving smile to her, "Of course not. I just didn't expect you to come so often,"
Oko giggled, then leans in for a kiss. Ragnar kisses back and pulls her close until he felt her boobs pressing onto his chest.
After a brief while, The two soon parted from their kiss but they embraced one another as they smiled at each other.
"Do you have other things to do for the rest of the day?" Oko questioned,
"Normally, I would be reviewing what I've learned. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to go out and have a stroll with you for a moment..." Ragnar said,
The two then left the room and walked out with their arms locked together.
A few minutes later...
The Glidzoonian couple was now seen making their way to the back of the palace for a stroll. When they reached the door, There were two guards present.
These two guards were Pachyrhons. A Pachyrhinosaurus-like species but without the spikes behind its back. Apart from their Military Services to the Empire, they have other jobs as well.
One, in particular, owns a gardening center with varieties of exotic plants grown by the owner himself.
The two guards soon spotted the couple and saluted to the young prince.
"At ease," Ragnar ordered, and the two guards nodded at his command,
The two guards then continued with their duties while the couple went out.
As soon as they were out, The two soon encountered something chewing on a large bone with bits of meat.
It was a large cat-like alien with burnished black skin, six legs, four in the front and two in the back, long sharp teeth, two sets on each side of its neck, and ten sensory quills.
This was a Panthator, one of the Imperial Pets of the Palace and it's also Ragnar's personal pet. (The Appearance of this Alien Species is based on the Thanator from Avatar. But the name changes as per to drakin's request)
The Panthator soon sensed its owner nearby, dropped the bone, and rushed its way towards Ragnar and Oko.
The former simply raised his hand, and the Panthator stops just near the prince and sat down.
"Good boy, Fenris," Ragnar said, as he caressed the nose. Then he turns to Oko, "So, where do you want to go first?"
"I think the garden is good enough for me," Oko answered,
"Okay," Ragnar said, went to get a saddle, then mounts it onto Fenris' back.
After Ragnar latches the saddle onto Fenris' back, he gets onto it first, then lends Oko a hand as she rides behind him. Once she was on, She wraps her arms around Ragnar's waist and pressed her boobs against his back.
Ragnar seemed to enjoy this, but he decided to focus on the main task at hand and taps onto Fenris' right side a couple of times.
"Let's get going, buddy," Ragnar inclined,
Fenris lets out a cry, then makes its way to a certain garden with Ragnar and Oko on its back.
Palace Garden...
Ragnar and Oko soon arrived at the Palace Garden and settled down on a nearby tree while Fenris just laid down and curls itself to rest for a while.
The couple then made a brief conversation regarding their day. Then Oko soon thought of a question to the young prince.
"By the way, Ragnar. I'm a little curious," Oko admitted,
"In what, Oko?" Ragnar questioned,
"How did you and Marcus first meet?" Oko asked,
"Oh, That... To be honest, It's kind of a long story," Ragnar said while scratching the back of his head,
"I've got time, and so do you, right?" Oko said,
"Hmmm... I guess it wouldn't hurt to explain it all," Ragnar said, "In fact, Fenris is involved in the encounter as well,"
"Then that's what I call a bonus," Oko commented,
Ragnar clears his throat a couple of times, then starts with the beginning.
Past...
A small fleet of Imperial ships was en route to another system with the Imperial Prince boarding the leading ship of the fleet.
The goal was to meet up with a representative of a potential ally for the Empire.
However. Things went for the worse for them when the Federal Fleet was there first and a space battle occurred.
Unfortunately for the Imperial Ships, They were outgunned by the opposing fleet and sounded the alarm for immediate evacuation.
Four of Ragnar's Bodyguards, excluding Dezar, since he wasn't around at that time, escorted the young prince to the main hanger to the prince's ship.
After they've arrived, Ragnar and his bodyguards strapped in and the Imperial Prince fired up the engines.
There, He flew out of the hanger and made their way to the planet's surface since going into hyperspace was risky.
However, Their escape wasn't gone unnoticed as Federal Fighters detected Ragnar's ship and opened fire at him.
Two of Ragnar's bodyguards went for the mounted turrets and tried their best to keep the fighters back. But Ragnar's ship soon sustained damage and started burning up as it enters the planet's atmosphere.
A few moments later, The ship managed to maintain itself from burning up but the altitude was dropping fast.
"Shit, Brace for impact!" Ragnar loudly advised,
The Ship then crashes into the planet's surface and slide against the ground while knocking a couple of trees along the way.
However, It did knock some of the passengers off their seats and smash against the interior of the ship.
Once the ship finally stops sliding, Ragnar pants heavily, then turns to his bodyguards.
"Is everyone alright?" Ragnar questioned,
"Most of us," Bodyguard #1 said,
Ragnar unstraps himself from his seat, stood upstraight, and turns around. There, he spotted one of his bodyguards killed on his seat when pieces of the interior pierced through his vital organs and bled to death.
Ragnar could only look away from this, but he steels himself to move forward.
"Check the ship's transmitter, See if it's still working," Ragnar ordered to one of his bodyguards,
"Understood, Your Majesty," Bodyguard #2 replied and began examining the transmitter, then Ragnar turns to the remaining two,
"As for you two, gather what remains of our equipment. Since the Federation is still here, There's a high possibility that they'll search to find us," Ragnar ordered,
"Yes, Your Majesty," The two bodyguards replied, and started gathering with Ragnar helping as well.
After a while, Bodyguard #2 went to Ragnar after examining the transmitter.
"Prince Ragnar. I'm afraid to tell you that the transmitter isn't working," Bodyguard #2 reported,
"Can it be fixed?" Ragnar questioned, and his bodyguard shook his head in response.
"So we're stuck here..." Bodyguard #3 commented,
"I'm afraid so, But we can't give up just yet," Ragnar said, then cocked his pistol, "Do we have any radios we can use,"
"We only have two, Your Majesty. However, this dense jungle prevents us from using them," Bodyguard #1 stated,
"Take it with us, If there's a possibility that there are survivors in the fleet. We could contact them if they're nearby," Ragnar stated,
After they've gathered their equipment, They forcibly break the bay door open and the bodyguards were the first to exit before Ragnar.
With the coast clear, They proceed to make their way through the jungle in hopes of finding survivors of the fleet.
Hours Later...
Ragnar and co. traveled through the thick jungle in search of any escape pods or crashed ships of the fleet.
So far, they have had no luck in finding one and the thick jungle was getting harder to navigate through.
But that was the least of their problem...
As they kept on walking, one of Ragnar's bodyguards notices something from the distance and taps onto one of his comrade's shoulders.
"What is it?" Bodyguard #01 questioned,
The former points at the distance, and they soon spotted a Federal Gromflimite just meters from them.
"Get down," Bodyguard #01 quietly stated,
Ragnar and the other bodyguards immediately crouched down as his order.
"What is it?" Ragnar questioned,
"A Federal Soldier, just straight ahead," Bodyguard #01 informed,
"Can we take him out?" Bodyguard #02 questioned,
"No. When there's a soldier, there's also a squad," Bodyguard #01 said,
His instinct was true when more Federal Soldiers showed up. Which brought concern to Ragnar and his bodyguards.
"Let's avoid them for now. As long as they don't see us, we might get some distance between us and them," Bodyguard #01 recommended,
"Sounds like a plan to me," Bodyguard #03 said,
With that, Ragnar and co. sneaks their way around the squad of Gromflomites. It worked out just fine.
But their luck ran out when Ragnar and co were caught in between two squads of Gromflomites and one of them was spotted.
"Over there!" A Gromflomite yelled and alerted his comrades.
"Shit, Move!" Bodyguard #01 shouted,
Ragnar and co. were soon on the run as the Gromflomites started firing at them. Ragnar and his bodyguards returned fire as they took cover behind the trees.
They managed to take down a few Gromflomites while keeping their distance away from them. But things took a turn for the worse when a stray shot pierces through Ragnar's abdomen.
This caused the Imperial Prince to fall on his back while one of his Bodyguards tend to him.
"Your Majesty!" Bodyguard #04 cried out with concern,
As Ragnar tried to get up, the injury he sustained caused him to groan in pain,
"Damn it," Ragnar cursed as he held onto his wound,
Bodyguard #04 then decided to help Ragnar up while the other three bodyguards decided to give them some covering fire.
After a while, things get out of hand as more and more Gromflomites showed up, and pinned down Ragnar's bodyguards. Without any other options in mind, Bodyguard #01 chose to recall his duty before making one final call.
"Tera," Bodyguard #01 called out,
"Yes sir?" Bodyguard #04, now known as Tera, responded,
"Take the Imperial Prince, and run as far as you can," Bodyguard #01 ordered,
"What?! B-But what about you!" Tera questioned,
"Our orders are to protect the prince. Therefore, we will stay here and hold them long enough for you two to escape," Bodyguard #01 stated, which shocked Ragnar and the other bodyguards,
"N-No! There's has to be another way!" Tera begged,
"Tera! Remember your training. An Imperial Bodyguard is a shield that protects the Royal Family. Therefore, We will give our very lives to ensure their safety," Bodyguard #01 strictly reminded, "So do what you are told, and get the Prince out of here!"
Tera had no other words to say, only tears to shed at the sacrifices of his comrade. After a while, Tera reluctantly did what she was told, wraps Ragnar's arm around the back of her neck, and carried him out of the battle while the rest of the bodyguards stayed behind while momentarily watching them go.
After a while, The bodyguards that remained made their last stand. But not after one last conversation.
"Imperial Bodyguards are the shield of the Royal Family? Guess you're really whipped to all of their training?" Bodyguard #02 noted,
"Hmph. Indeed I am, but..." Bodyguard #01 reminiscence all the things he had done, and took pride in all of it, "It's always been an honor to follow such duty,"
"You're right about that," Bodyguard #03 agreed, while Bodyguard #02 shook his head at this,
"Still, It won't help us with this situation," Bodyguard #02 noted, as he peeked at the Gromflomites closing in on their position,
"If that's what you want, why not go with Tera and the Imperial Prince?" Bodyguard #01 suggested,
"And miss out on all the fun? No way in hell I'm letting you two getting the glory in this thing," Bodyguard #02 stated,
They chuckled at one another but soon made a smile as they readied their weapons one last time.
"Everyone... It's been an honor fighting alongside you," Bodyguard #01 thanked, and received a nod from the two,
A moment later, They make their stand against the Federation while letting out one last cry to themselves, "FOR THE EMPIRE!"
Not Too Far from the Bodyguards' Position
Tera continued to carry Ragnar out of the battle while faintly hearing the ongoing fight. It pains her to hear her comrades dying in the line of duty.
But she strengthens her resolve to protect the Imperial Prince rather than have her emotions get the best of her.
Ragnar, on the other hand, was still weakened by the injury he sustained. But what pains him more is the loss of his people. But he dulls himself from this by recalling the lessons he learned from his father.
But still, It's a pain that won't faint so easily...
Sometime Later...
Ragnar and Tera continued making their way through the guard despite the latter's fatigue. But what kept her going was training in the Imperial Academy and her duty to protect the prince.
So far, they have yet to encounter any Federal Soldiers in the area. Instead, they encountered something else.
"Your Majesty, Look," Tera pointed out,
As Ragnar raised his head, he saw smoke not too far away from them and assumed that it belonged to one of the crash ships of the fleet.
"Look's like it belongs to one of ours," Ragnar noted,
"If we get there, we might find something or someone to help you with your condition," Tera said,
"I hope so," Ragnar said,
The two then made their way to the location of the smoke and hoped that there was someone who can help them. But as they arrived at the location, their hope came crashing down when they were welcomed by a gruesome sight.
The sight was indeed a crashed ship. However, the survivors weren't so lucky as they were torn apart, and scattered all over the place.
"W-What happened here," Tera frighteningly questioned,
"Whatever it is, It's definitely not good news for us," Ragnar said, "But for the meantime, you should find something useful here. This wound is starting to burn a little,"
"R-Right," Tera responded, then she decided to put Ragnar just near the trees where she can see him while giving him a blaster pistol in case of any hostility that might approach him.
All in the while, Tera went to the crash site and scavenge anything she could use for the Imperial Prince. Fortunately for her, She manages to find an emergency medkit from inside the crashed ship and takes it with her.
"Okay, let's see," Tera muttered as she opened the medkit, which remained untouched much to her relief,
Once she closed the medkit, she takes it with her and returns to Ragnar's side.
"Did you find something?" Ragnar questioned as he still clutched onto his wound,
"A Medkit, and it looks like it remained untouched," Tera said, then started treating Ragnar's wound,
Ragnar felt relieved at the find. However, he felt somewhat curious as to why would everyone in the crash site died while a medkit remained untouched.
Not to mention, The bodies were covered with unusual scratch marks across their bodies. While he was in thought, Tera finishes with the treatment and sighs afterward.
"There, It may not be much. But you'll be fine for now," Tera told,
"Thanks," Ragnar thanked, as he slowly stood up while still clutching onto his wound,
Tera smiled while acting as support, but things take another turn for them when trouble came along.
Apparently, The two tensed up when they heard growling noises from behind. When they turned to the source, they spotted a pack of small Pathator gnashing their teeth on the two of them.
But after seeing the claws and teeth, Ragnar finally put the pieces together.
"Those things..." Ragnar muttered, "They're the ones that killed everyone here,"
Tera was alarmed by this, pulled out her rifle, and aimed towards the pack while Ragnar did the same with his pistol.
Without a moment's hesitation, One of the Pathator screeched, and a few of the pack charges forth.
Ragnar and Tera managed to take out a few from a distance. But those that managed to get close resulted in closer quarters or evasion whenever a Pathator pounces at them.
But things didn't last so long as a Pathator manages to push Ragnar into the ground and the same can be said for Tera.
The two struggled to keep their respective Pathator from biting their neck off. But it looked like that it was going to be the end of them as the Pathator went to their sides.
'Damn it..." Ragnar cursed and Tera thought of the same thing,
Before the Pathators could get the chance to kill the two. Something intervenes when a high pitch soundwave was played and the Pathanors whined as they rubbed their ears and shook their heads to block out the sound.
A moment later, The pack leaves while Ragnar and Tera were relieved and confused that they've left just like that. Apparently, they couldn't hear the soundwave.
After the pack had left the area, Someone emerges out of hiding and footsteps caught the attention of the two.
Ragnar and Tera were met with an armored man holding a device in hand. Once he was closed to the two, he turns it off the device and stared at the two.
Ragnar and Tera remained cautious towards him. But the latter was more so than the former as she stood up from the ground, picked up her rifle, and aimed towards the man.
"Who are you!" Tera demanded,
The armored man remained silent to this question, but it also looked like he was unfazed by the rifle aiming towards him.
Ragnar chose the calm route as he stood up from the ground, and placed his hand onto Tera's rifle. When she turned to him, he shook his head to her.
Tera remained hesitant but followed his order as she lowered her rifle. Then Ragnar steps forward with a stern look on his face, "Are you a bounty hunter?"
The armored man said nothing, instead, he stood there and remained unresponsive to the two.
Ragnar and Tera could only glance at each other before setting their sights back on him.
Eventually, The armored man makes a move by drawing a pistol that caused Tera to act by shielding Ragnar with her body. But to their surprise, The armored man aimed to the side and fired a single shot.
With it, a single shot was a dead Gromflomite, and more showed up.
"Federation Soldiers!" Tera yelled, and it somehow caught the armored man's attention,
"It's the Imperial Prince, Open fire!" A Gromflomite Soldier yelled, and every soldier fired towards Ragnar and Tera,
The two could only close their eyes at the blaster fire, but the armored man got in between them.
When Ragnar and Tera slightly opened their eyes, they witnessed the armored man using a nano shield to block the blaster fire. The latter then made a hand signal to the two, and they understood before running into the deep jungle.
Once they were out of the range, the armored man disables his shield, took out a couple of Gromflomites, and follows suit.
A few moments later...
Tera and Ragnar managed to get out of the area, and both were out of breath. But a moment later, the armored man meets up with them.
"I don't know who you are right now. But I would like to say thanks for getting us out there," Ragnar thanked,
"Don't mention it," The armored man said, and the two immediately turned to him with a surprised look on their faces,
"You can talk?" Tera questioned,
"Of course I can. What? You think of me as some mute or something?" The armored man questioned,
"Not really," Ragnar said, "We thought you were the silent type,"
"And I'm not. The reason why I didn't answer your questions is that I focused on the Federation's movement," The armored man stated, "But anyway, Now is not the time to play the question game. Because sooner or later, more of those bug freaks will come,"
Ragnar and Tera were alarmed by this, and the former asked him another question, "Are there more of them out here?"
"That's alright. In fact, This very system is under Federal Jurisdiction," The armored man stated,
"What?!" Tera exclaimed in disbelief, while Ragnar's stayed quiet but was dumbfounded by this fact, "But how would you know that? The report stated that this system remained independent from Federal Jurisdiction,"
"Then there are two possibilities. It's either there's a rat in your ranks, or the one who sent the report is responsible for it," The armored man stated, which caught Ragnar's attention and hoped to get to the bottom of this, "But as I originally stated, let's stop with the questions for now. I know somewhere we could hide from these bugs, If you want to join me, Then I won't stop you,"
The armored man then goes in a certain direction while Ragnar asked one last question, "Why are you helping us?"
The armored man stopped for a moment and sighed once, "Oh, nothing really... I just hate the Federation as much as you do,"
Ragnar and Tera were quite shocked to hear such words from a bounty hunter. Normally, they wouldn't care about who they work for as long as they get paid well.
But hearing it from him was a first for them.
With that, Ragnar and Tera decided to trust him for a while and followed behind as they make their way to his supposed hideout.
A Few Minutes Later...
The three made their way to the location of the hideout. But as soon as they emerged from the jungle, they were standing right in front of a cliff face.
"Um... Is your hideout at the top of this cliff?" Tera questioned,
"Nope, my hideout is just right in front of us," The armored man said,
"There's nothing here," Ragnar noted as he glanced around,
The armored man scoffed at this and marches forward. A moment later, he somehow phases through the cliff face.
They widened their eyes as soon as the armored man disappeared from their line of sight and were hesitant to follow him through. But soon afterward, they chose to follow him and walked towards the cliff face.
Once they were in, they were greeted by the sight of the armored man's hideout. There was a desk with holo computers on one side, a couple of crates that's possibly filled with weapons and equipment on the other.
And lastly was a large Panthator sleeping right in front of them much to Ragnar and Tera's fright. But the armored man eases their worries, "Don't worry about that thing trying to attack you, I tranquilized it and it won't be waking up for a couple of hours,"
"Well... That's reassuring," Ragnar said,
"Anyway, Let's get a look at that wound you have," The armored man said,
"Um... Okay?" Ragnar reluctantly agreed while the armored man dragged a rock for him to sit on,
Once Ragnar sat down, the armored man examined the wound and made a few nods at that.
"Well, it's not infected. Other than that, You'll be in top shape for a day or two," The armored man concluded, then he turns to Tera, "And you got fine medical experience,"
"Well, I was taught the basics in the academy," Tera admitted while instinctively rubbing her arm,
Afterward, The armored man dragged two more rocks to sit on, grabbed some rations from one of the crates, and passed them to both Ragnar and Tera.
Before Ragnar and Tera could open theirs, they've decided to eye on the armored man as he took off his helmet.
Once he had removed the helmet, Ragnar and Tera were surprised by the reveal.
"What? Aren't you going to eat that or do you prefer something else?" The armored man questioned,
"Just... What are you...?" Ragnar questioned,
"Oh, silly me. I've must have forgotten to answer that question back there," The armored man said, clears his throat before giving the introduction, "The name's Marcus, and I'm a Mercenary for Hire. As for what I am, I'm human. But for aliens, they call me a Terran,"
"Terran? But aren't they a primitive race?" Tera questioned,
"Most of them are," The armored man, now known as Marcus, answered, "But I know a few who aren't as primitive as you acknowledge,"
"Well, that's a first," Ragnar commented, "By the way, what brings you to this world?"
"I was on a job. My client wanted to catch that thing so that he could add it to his collection," Marcus stated, "Now that I have it, I can deliver it to him and get paid afterward,"
"Someone hired you to poach animals?" Ragnar questioned,
"Something like that, and if you ask if it's illegal. Yes, it is. But it isn't when no one's there to see it," Marcus stated, as he finishes his ration,
Ragnar and Tera tensed up from this statement, but Marcus soon began to chuckle at their reaction, "Got you good, didn't I? But don't worry, I won't kill any of you since you're from the Empire and not from the Federation,"
"Well... That's a relief," Tera said, "But... how did you know that we're from the Empire?"
"The clothes, The Guns, and of course, the most notable is Prince of the Empire, 'Ragnarous Vex Andrel'," Marcus pointed, "And to be quite honest, I've never dreamed of meeting you in person. Yet here we are, making a discussion,"
"Um... Thanks, I guess?" Ragnar said,
After a while, Ragnar and Tera finished their rations and Marcus let them wander around his hideout. Despite it being inside a cave, everything in it was somewhat impressive and killed some time by examining the weapons and equipment.
As for Marcus, he was busy with his own things like maintaining his current weapons and equipment, killing time by playing a couple of video games on his holo computer, and for the prince's sake, eavesdropping on Federation Transmission.
But a moment later, Something caught Ragnar's eyes as he took a momentary glance at the mercenary.
Apparently, Marcus was playing a fighting game and for some apparent reason. He was fighting against an online player and was winning by performing a series of combos that cornered his opponent.
It had caught the prince's interest and he went beside him and watched the entire fight. Once Marcus won against his opponent, he notices the look in Ragnar's eyes and a small idea crawls up to his head.
"Do you want to give it a try?" Marcus questioned as he held another controller to him,
"Seriously?" Ragnar questioned,
"Of course, I wouldn't mind at all," Marcus assured,
Ragnar was a bit hesitant, but soon takes the controller and Marcus starts a new game with the former as his opponent.
After the two picked their characters, the fight begins and Marcus attempted to make the first move on him. But Ragnar somehow countered him and dealt a quarter of damage to him.
This caught Marcus by surprise, but he was far from done as he pressed the attack.
In the end, Ragnar wins when he manages to send Marcus' character into the wall, rushed towards him, and dealt the final blow. While the screen played the victory pose of Ragnar's character, Marcus turns to him.
"Have you played before?" Marcus questioned,
"A couple of times, but not always," Ragnar said,
Marcus scoffed once, then started a new round, "One more,"
"Uh... sure," Ragnar said,
As for Tera, she simply watches the two play.
A Few Games Later...
In the final round of their 7th match, Ragnar and Marcus' health bars are only low and only one hit is needed to decide the winner. As for the previous matches, they were tied and this match was a tie-breaker.
Both blocked blow after blow and neither one of them couldn't see or make an opening. Tera still watched despite not knowing what's going on between the two.
Speaking of which, Marcus and Ragnar remained somewhat focused on their game as if their waiting for the right moment to strike. Unfortunately, time wasn't on their side and they needed to end it in the next ten seconds before it results in another draw.
Marcus attempted to force Ragnar into making an opening by unleashes a series of combos. But the latter manages to keep his distance and block the necessary attacks.
With five seconds on the clock, Marcus had no other choice but to resort to one last method. He quickens the assault before attempting a grab move on Ragnar, the latter immediately counters the assault but his eyes twitched when he saw the grab coming.
The prince attempted a counter grab at the last second, but it was already too late as Marcus' Character finishes off the match with a smackdown, and the mercenary jumps off of his seat and pumped his fist triumph.
"YES! Now that's how it's done!" Marcus yelled in sheer triumph followed by a chuckle,
As for the Imperial Prince, he just smirked and puts the down controller. But soon felt a couple of pats on the back from the mercenary himself.
"Good game, Man," Marcus commented,
"Yeah, Good Game," Ragnar said,
"But I will be real with you. Out of all the players I fought in-game, you are by far the toughest one I've ever faced," Marcus noted, "Therefore, I underestimated you for something,"
"And what would that be?" Ragnar questioned,
Marcus grins at that, and wraps his arm around the prince's neck, "You're not the stern prince I once assumed you'd be!"
Ragnar was a bit speechless, but a little smile soon crept up onto his face and took his words as a compliment.
However, the moment was soon ruined when Marcus' holo computer received a notification and everyone turned their attention to it.
"Well, that's new," Marcus commented, then inspects the notification,
"What is it?" Tera questioned,
"Looks like I've managed to intercept a transmission from the Federal Fleet. Let's hear what they've said today," Marcus said, then proceeds to play the transmission,
"Captain, any signs of the Imperial Prince?" Federal Fleet Commander questioned,
"No, Sir. But we're still looking for him. But I do have a report regarding the survivors of the Imperial Fleet," Federal Captain stated,
"Proceed" Federal Fleet Commander insisted,
Ragnar and Tera's attention was caught by this.
"We've managed to locate all of the crash sites. Most of the survivors have been dealt with, and the rest were killed by the wildlife of this planet," Federal Captain reported,
Tera was horrified by this while Ragnar was fueled by anger. However, the two calmed down when Marcus silently shushed them as the transmission continue.
"Excellent Work. Once you've handled the Imperial Prince, The Morality of the Empire will crumble very soon," Federal Fleet Commander stated,
"But still, I can't believe Representative 'Arnav Tann' was willing to do this for the Federation," Federal Captain said,
However, this name not only caught Imperial Prince and his Bodyguard's attention but also the Mercenary as well...
"Indeed, but speaking of which. How is your search for the Mercenary going so far?" Federal Fleet Commander questioned,
"Surviving Squad Members have reported that there were sightings of him with the Imperial Prince. But they've managed escape but they will be found soon enough," Federal Captain stated,
"Good enough. Continue your search for both and eliminate them on sight. That is all," Federal Fleet Commander stated,
Once the transmission was over, the only thing they all had in mind was anger. But Marcus was the first show before the two.
"Arnav... That slithering piece of shit!" Marcus yelled as he pounds his fist against the desk,
"I'm guessing that you're acquainted with him?" Ragnar guessed,
"I am. In fact, He's the client who hired me to capture this sleeping monster! Hell, I fucking risked my fucking neck just to capture that fucking thing!" Marcus yelled, then points at the Panthator,
"Well, what a coincidence, Arnav just so happens to be a representative that I was supposed to meet with," Ragnar revealed as he crossed his arms together, "He said he wanted to discuss a noteworthy deal that would benefit the Empire considering that the system he is in consist of materials used to create bulkier ships. Guess that plan has now gone to waste,"
"Your problems don't concern me at the slightest. My real concern is that I've got through all the trouble just to get myself stabbed in the back," Marcus stated, much to Tera's disdain as the mercenary cared only for himself instead of the Prince's problem.
Ragnar wasn't affected by this since he knows full well that most mercenaries only care about themselves getting paid and nothing more. Instead, he had another question in mind, "So... What are you going to do now?"
"Simple, I pack my bags, waste everything I've done here by releasing that thing into the wild, and wring Arnav's neck while publicly dragging him all across the streets of his homeworld," Marcus stated, "Once I'm satisfied, I'm going home on Earth and drink to myself on how much of fucking waste this job has become,"
"Then what about us?" Tera questioned,
"Normally, it's none of my business since you're not a part of this job. But since I'm in a good mood with you two, I can arrange an urgent distress signal for your Empire and supplies for both of you as you wait for your extraction," Marcus stated,
Tera felt a bit relieve by the mercenary's kind gesture, but she still hates his selfishness to just leave the two. As for Ragnar, he had remembered a certain code regarding mercenaries, and it just gave him the idea to do just that.
"Hey, Marcus. Since you'll be quitting your job here, do you have any other jobs in mind?" Ragnar inquired,
"No," Marcus responded, as he prepares to pack up everything,
"In that case..." Ragnar then made a serious look in his eyes, and tells the following, "How about I hire you?"
Marcus immediately stops the second he heard Ragnar's request while Tera almost questioned the prince's intention. But the mercenary simply turned to him with a look of disbelief on his face, "... What?"
"I said, How about I hire you?" Ragnar repeated,
"You. Want to hire. Me? Is that some kind of joke you're making?" Marcus questioned,
"Do I look like I'm joking to you?" Ragnar inquired,
Marcus inspects the look in the prince's eyes, and he immediately knew that he was dead serious about his request. But soon afterward, Marcus began to chuckle a few times before letting out a burst of laughter as if he had momentarily lost it.
"Wow! I didn't take you as the serious type as well. But if before I give my answer, I'm going to state a few conditions," Marcus stated,
"Go on," Ragnar insisted, while Tera remained concerned about this,
"*Raises his right index finger* First, you give me triple the amount of what my client once offered to me. *Raises his right middle finger* Second, when it comes to guarding duty, I call the shots when we're in the field. *Raises his ring finger* And finally," Marcus requested, before stating his last condition by lowering his three fingers and points at the sleeping Panthator with his right thumb, "YOU keep this thing for yourself. Because I ain't wasting it the effort of catching this thing,"
Tera was outraged by these conditions. To her opinion, she felt that this kind of offer is somewhat unfair and she wanted to object to all of this. But she didn't get to say as Ragnar spoke while maintaining his serious expression.
"Deal," Ragnar said, much to the surprise of Tera and Marcus. But latter simply smiles at the prince's straightforwardness,
"Y-Your Majesty! Are you sure hiring this mercenary is a good idea?" Tera questioned,
"No... But it's currently the only option I could think of," Ragnar told his bodyguard, "So I might as well take it rather than leave the opportunity aside,"
After that brief conversation, Marcus clapped his hands once before offering a handshake to the Imperial Prince to seal the deal.
The latter accepts this deal and shook his hand in return.
"Now that the deal's been set. Tell me what you want, and I will answer," Marcus stated,
"Simple. I want to return to Emeros, homeworld of Empire," Ragnar requested,
"Alright, but first," Marcus withdrew his hand from the prince's hand, went to his holo computer, and opened a large galactic map that shows multiple galaxies, "Tell me which one of these systems is yours. That way, I don't have to guess things,"
Ragnar carefully analyzed the map to identify which one is his system while hiding his amazement of multiple galaxies that the Empire has yet to approach.
Once he had taken his time, he points at his system and Marcus locks the coordinates onto his holo computer.
"It's not too far from here. But I'd say will be there in a matter of minutes," Marcus commented,
"You have a ship?" Ragnar questioned,
"It's not far from here. But to get there, we're going have to reach the top of this cliff," Marcus stated,
But after he does that, he also started packing everything else with a push of a button from his watch, and everything in the cave, including the holographic device that covered the entrance, disappears as if wasn't there.
Ragnar and Tera were a bit surprised since they've already seen too much about the mercenary.
"If you're going to ask where it all go, It went this container," Marcus told, and held up a keychain box from his belt, "And don't ask how it's made. I don't share secrets of my weapons and equipment,"
Afterward, The three would make their way to the top of a cliff with Marcus taking the lead. The trek took a few hours since they had to walk up a steep path and take a few occasional breaks whenever Ragnar and Tera felt tired.
There was one instance where Tera kept tripping rock after rock and Marcus got so irritated that he decided to carry Tera on his back much to her embarrassment while Ragnar found this scene quite funny.
Once they've reached the top, the three were greeted with an empty field. Marcus simply walked towards the empty field while Ragnar and Tera were a bit confused about the area.
"Um... Where's your ship?" Ragnar questioned,
Marcus smirked to himself, pressed a button on his watch, and a ship suddenly appears in front of them. As for the duo's reactions, they just slumped down and made a deadpanned look on their face as they've seen too much about the mercenary's secrets. (Model of the Ship is the Milano from Guardians of the Galaxy but the paint job is red and black striped)
Marcus then opened the bay door and all three of them boards the ship. Ragnar and Tera took some time to glance around the ship's interior before reaching the cockpit.
The cockpit had five seats. Marcus and Ragnar took the two on the front while Tera took the one in the middle. After they've strapped in, Marcus fires up the ship and prepares for lift-off.
"Oh, I should have asked you something first," Marcus remembered, while Ragnar turns to him, "Tell me, Have you ever been to flight school before?"
"What do you mean by that?" Ragnar questioned as he was unfamiliar with the term, while Marcus rolls his eyes at that,
"Do you know how to fly a spacecraft? Marcus asked,
"I taught by my mother and a few fleet admirals, why do you ask?" Ragnar said,
"A simple yes or no would have sufficed. But as for why, You are now my co-pilot while your bodyguard occupies the weapons system," Marcus stated,
"Just what are you planning?" Tera asked worryingly,
"If we want to get out of this system," Marcus grins much to Ragnar and Tera's concern, "We need wreak some havoc on that fleet,"
"With a ship this small, are you mad?!" Tera frantically yelled,
"In a way, yes. But if we don't do this, There's no getting out of this system," Marcus said,
"How are you going to fight a fleet of ships with a single one?" Ragnar questioned,
"Three things. High-Quality Weapons, Piloting Skills, and some kick-ass music," Marcus stated,
"Um, shouldn't luck be included?" Tera added even though the odds are against them,
"HA! If luck is needed, Then you're only the ones who are going to need it!" Marcus said,
With that, Marcus pilots the ship out of the planet's surface. In the midst of it, The ship's system detects several incoming several Federation Ship attempting to pursue them.
"We've got company!" Tera yelled,
Marcus grins at this and flicks a few switches before yelling out, "Fire in the Hole!"
At the back of the ship, a single container was launched and swirls in mid-air as it descends towards the enemy ships. Once in range, the container explodes and nothing remained of the enemy squadron.
Meanwhile, the ship shook a bit while Ragnar and Tera turns to Marcus.
"What was that?" Ragnar questioned,
"Seismic Charges. Quite handy when up against squadrons of enemy ships," Marcus answered,
After a while, The ship finally reaches the void of space, and the Federal Fleet was still in orbit. But their arrival didn't come unnoticed as several squadrons assemble and prepared for their assault.
"Hey, Little Girl!" Marcus called out, "You're on weapons detail! Start shredding those fighters to pieces!"
"For the record, My name is Tera!" Tera yelled, then operated some of the ship's weapons system,
It consists of several mounted turrets and each has its own targeting system. Tera was also given a small yet simple instruction on how to operate them all and skims through all of it.
Afterward, She started locking on several fighters and the turrets began to fire at them. The ammunition used for the turret were miniature seeker missiles and each shot destroy each fighter it hits.
Meanwhile, Marcus made several spins and turns to avoid turret fire from Federal Cruisers to avoid sustaining severe damage to the ship while preparing a special surprise for them.
"Hey, Ragnar. Take the wheel for me!" Marcus said, before passing on the controls to Ragnar,
Then Marcus immediately stood up from his chair and makes his way out of the cockpit while Ragnar narrowly avoids turret fire,
"Hey, What are going to do?" Ragnar questioned,
"Just a little surprise for them! But whatever you do, Just keep avoiding the turret fire and keep this ship straight," Marcus said, "But on my signal, I want you to pull up and get the ship out of range of over five hundred feet!"
"We're charging into a fucking fleet! The ship will tear itself apart in seconds as soon as we get too close!" Tera yelled while still firing at the Federal Fighters,
"Don't worry about it! This ship has been through action time after time and it still hasn't blown up!" Marcus assured,
While the two were occupied, Marcus went to the ship's torpedo bay and lifts one with a thunderbolt insignia. Then he carries it into the torpedo launches, pushes it in, and tightly seals the hatch.
Afterward, He sat down on a chair with a targeting console in front and aims towards the center of the fleet. But as he focuses, the ship roughly shakes from the intense turret fire.
"Hey, Marcus! We're taking heavy fire from those turrets! I'm pulling up now," Ragnar said,
"No! Keep her steady!" Marcus denied,
"But if we don't pull up now. We all die!" Tera yelled,
"I'm the fucking captain of this ship, and your Prince agreed to the conditions! If you pull up now, you'll fuck up my plan!" Marcus yelled back,
Ragnar literally wanted to pull up. But if he does, he would be violating one of Marcus' conditions and the risk of their contract would be null and void.
Without a second thought, Ragnar pushed on while Tera still had her concerns but she kept them to herself and focused on the fighters.
The ship began to take some damage from constant turret fire despite Ragnar's best effort to evade them all. But once Marcus knew the center was in range, he fires the torpedo, "NOW!"
On his signal, Ragnar immediately pulls up while Marcus returns to the cockpit. As the torpedo travels towards the center, it primes itself for detonation. Once it hits its marks, the torpedo detonates and generates an electromagnetic pulse that hits every ship in the fleet.
As for Marcus and co. They've managed to get out of range and the former immediately takes over.
"Weapons hot, you two. It's time for some payback," Marcus stated,
Without a moment later, Marcus turns the ship around and engaged the now defenseless fleet. One by one, the ships blew up with ease and they couldn't do anything but await their impending destruction.
After a while, The entire fleet was destroyed. All that is left was the remnants of their ships, floating in the vast space.
Marcus then sets the coordinates to Emeros and brings the Imperial Prince home to collect his payment...
Present...
"That's the end of the story," Ragnar concluded,
"Amazing... I didn't know you and Marcus made quite a team," Oko commented,
"Indeed..." Ragnar said, but he sighs as he made a discouraged look on his face, "But sadly, Something changed him..."
"What do you mean?" Oko questioned,
"Well, whenever I was with him. He usually laughs at the face of unparallel danger regardless if the odds were against us," Ragnar stated, "Now... The smile he has now is but a fragment of his past self,"
"Do you think something happened to him?" Oko assumed,
"Who knows... Whatever it was, It must have hurt him that badly..." Ragnar said,
Afterward, The two would stare at the garden as they wonder to themselves...
...
...
...
What changes the mercenary...
...
...
...
Earth...
Within the thoughts of Mercenary's mind, he could only see darkness...
But eventually, the scenery changed to a place where the flames burnt everything in his surrounding.
Marcus glanced around as if he was in search of something... But nothing can be found...
"Marcus..."
A voice was heard. But as it went louder, The flames slowly dies by it.
"Marcus...!"
The Mercenary frantically glances around as he searched for the voice's owner. But the flames have grown too dim as it made one final call.
"MARCUS!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Marcus screams as he jolts up from his bed and donned a frightened look on his face. He proceeds to glance at his surroundings and saw nothing but his room on Earth.
He then checks the time on his digital clock and noticed that it was already past midnight.
After he turns away from his clock, he covers his eyes with his hand and heavily sighs to himself...
...
...
...
"... Damn it..." Marcus muttered,
Unknown Planet (Bonus)
Arnav, a literal snake-like humanoid, was seen sitting on his desk relaxing quite luxuriously in his office after tricking not one but two people for the Federation's sake.
However, things went to an unexpected turn when a package suddenly arrived.
It was a box with a red button on it, Arnav didn't know what to make of it. Therefore, his curiosity soon became his undoing when he pushed the red button.
Box then opens and revealed a bomb counting down on five seconds while a voice tape played.
"Here's for the double-crossing you've made against me! You slithering piece of shit snake!" Marcus yelled,
Arnav had no time to react whatsoever, and the bomb detonates in face as well as everything in his building as Marcus had seemingly prepared several other charges towards several support columns.
Not too far from the building. Marcus himself was seen sitting on a foldable recliner chair, wore a pair of sunglasses, and enjoyed a glass of iced tea he had made not long ago.
As soon as the building blew up, Marcus happily scoffed at the snake's idiocy and enjoyed the destruction like was watching an ongoing firework show.
You all thought I forgot about this story since I've been working on my other stories lately especially the new ones. But I'm here to tell you that I haven't!
The reason why it took long is not just because of my other stories. It's also because I had to attend to a few IRL stuff and I tend to be quite forgetful at times.
But regardless of the circumstances, I will keep working as the days passes by. As for the next chapter, It'll be Rick Potion #9 and I've got something special for that.
Now it's time to read the reviews!
Gamerlover41592: this has potential let's see where this goes.
I'll try not to disappoint. But if you don't like what is to come, I won't stop you for leaving.
emoryjmorrill: Great
Thanks for the compliment
hoangxuan: Glad to see a new update to a successful heist but honestly the only thing I care is the Zeno Empire road to domination and Marcus appearances with R&M in their adventures. And honestly you need to describe how Marcus hair look like and how tall he is because the intro kinda miss out on some of that stuff. And I hope you could focus on this story more because S5 just released and this story hasn't even finish S1 yet.
I've fixed the hair and height problem in the intro. Hopefully, it'll give you a clue on what Marcus' hair looks like and how tall he is. Also, I know Marcus' adventures with Rick and Morty and the Zeno Empire's Road to Domination have been highlighted throughout the previous episodes. I still want to create my own stuff aside from the Full House Gang since Rick and Morty has the most potential for me to release my imagination.
Also, No promises on the whole 'pick up the pace' gig. The Episodes of Rick and Morty are quite a challenge for me to alter at times.
That is it for the reviews, Stay safe from the Virus, and I will see you all in the next chapter!
The Crescent Rider has signed out...