"...We never asked to be protected by the likes of you!"
The dream began with a flurry of scenes.
The sight of a city, under the clear skies. People going by their lives.
A place that would be ravaged by insect-like horrors from beyond the cosmos.
"...No! Don't die! Someone, help..!"
The spilling of human blood. The destruction of civilization. The alteration of life to feed into the terrors borne of this land...
And then... the signal of their arrival – saviors in towering, blazing armor.
"Commence the operation. Remove the Swarm from this border planet."
Ashen knights that beat back the relentless insectoids, and defended the helpless humans.
A hand was placed on one such knight – their armor bearing wings, their helmet cracked, and an eye looked back at them.
'It is time. Wake forth.'
'For Her Majesty...'
A chorus of acknowledgment was heard, and soon... everything was light.
My eyes open on their own. The dream shifted into a familiar sight.
Falakor. A picturesque world of pristine cities and peaceful fields, with people from every walk of life living in unity and happiness.
While ships adorned with the colors of the faerie lifted off, venturing forth to bring the fruits of civilization.
'There is glory in your birth. Feel it.'
'For Her Majesty.'
I walked through the cityscape, seeing others like me march in unison.
For some reason, if felt vacant, as if no one was present in the palace... and in the garden as well.
'You who have been granted your destiny... accept it with honor.'
'For Her Majesty.'
Soon, I reached the council chamber. Its doors swung, and I was greeted with the sight of a woman seated upon the throne. One glance up showed that her face was blurred, and her hands hung wearily.
"Don't look up."
Someone whispered in my ear. The person bore an identification tag – AR-26702. What does that mean..?
I felt a pulse in my body, bringing with it knowledge. That was a numerical designation, granted to people like them. Soon enough, my number came up as I look at myself –
AR-26710. A number imprinted on the side of my collar.
'Come closer... my child.'
A voice spoke – that of the Empress on her throne. I felt myself seize up by a driving force, compelling me to approach her... and kneel down.
When I planted my lips on her finger, it felt cold, yet firm.
'You are born to burn brightly, for the vision of paradise... for the future of Glamoth.'
A moment of lucidity manifested within me. Soon, I hear myself speak a voice...
That belonging to someone else.
"...For Your Majesty..."
It felt like a wondrous moment, yet...
Either way, I shouldn't think much about it.
(／0＼)
A thud resounded, forcing my consciousness from the dream and into waking reality. I found myself within the interior of a ship, its door unfurling to a vast hangar bay.
There was a brief moment for me to examine myself. I was wearing a gray bodysuit with silver patterns, its black inner wear clinging to my female form. Others like me also had this suit, although the only difference was how their silver hairs looked...
An invisible trail appeared in my mind. I see the people leave the ship, and I would follow them...
Albeit reluctantly, as my feet come to a halt.
"Any issues, 26710?"
"?" A voice broke me from my thoughts, leading me to turn to a woman looking slightly older than me. Also with silver hair and suit.
"Any issue with your Wakening?" she asked in a distant tone. "Some of us experience stress upon leaving the incubation pods, but you should be acclimated with your surroundings shortly after."
"I... May I ask who you are?" I try to say, mentally noting my alto voice. "And where am I?"
She looked away, as if not directly responding. "Allow me to escort you to the assembly hall. The gathering of the new Knights will start soon."
"Knights..?"
We left the hangar bay, our footsteps matching as we arrived at a wide lift.
"If you want to know," the stern woman told me as the lift moved down, "I am AR-1368. Right now, we are within a Fort."
1368... Then again, it probably feels natural for people like her to have numbers as a name...
"A Fort?" I think of what she said. "Is it a space station?"
"You can say that. It's one of the last holdouts of humanity, apart from Her Majesty's palace."
The lift stopped with a click, the door opening to a corridor on three sides. I saw many others with the same silver pattern walking forward. While the area was mostly quiet, I could hear some converse with each other, and a few noticed me.
Eventually we reached the assembly. I could see many lining up in organized groups, their every move coordinated like they were well-behaved. I felt myself following their example, as if I was compelled to be like them.
"Don't think too much about this," I hear the woman named 1368 tell. "Just listen to the Empress. Let Her guide you."
I nod without a word, and soon she moved away.
As soon as I took my position, my eyes turn. Beside me was a Knight, roughly the same height as I was and with cropped hair. She had a distant expression on her face.
The other was a boy (distinguished by his suit pattern), a bit shorter, and with a slight frown on his face. The latter noticed me looking at him before looking back straight.
A low sound echoed throughout the tall assembly, directing me to look at the holographic map ahead that displayed a few twinkling stars. I could feel a tinge of anticipation in the atmosphere as it warped into a prominent visage.
'My children – so beautiful to behold.'
Her Majesty – Empress Titania – spoke with a voice as clear as the telepathic link that resonated with every one of us.
'In your dreams, you have glimpsed the paradise I wish to realize for everyone. A nation among the cosmos which you serve from the moment of your birth – the Welkin Empire of Glamoth.'
A projection of the Empire's cities and fields manifested in front of us, with ships lifting up and moving. I could even hear the amazement of some – this wondrous sight's just like in my dreams.
'We were a nation among the cosmos, aiming to unite even the farthest of horizons. However, that dream is threatened.'
A looming insectoid appeared, followed by smaller others that swarmed the lands. 'For every day that passes, an enemy immeasurable in force threatens to devour that dream. Many of our glorious Empire's worlds have already fallen, and even our cradle of civilization could be the next.'
Soon the ravaged lands faded, replaced by the Glamoth insignia.
'Unless you step in and become our saviors.'
The iconic form of an armored Knight – known as the Fyrefly Frame – appeared, its masked visor lending to its refined design. Others resembling it followed behind, including an emblem that represented them all.
'You are Glamoth's Iron Cavalry Regiment – the bulwark that will stand for us. You have been born for this moment. With your brightest flame and your unwavering resolve, you will drive out the Swarm and secure for humanity the paradise we once sought.'
I let out a bated breath, feeling excitement at the prospect of becoming a Knight...
'Let my presence guide you to our ultimate triumph.'
At once, did I hear voices declare allegiance and loyalty with outstretched arms. Even I felt compelled to do so.
"For Glamoth! For the Empress!"
Her Majesty's display faded afterward.
A pulse would follow shortly, sensors built into my suit registering a set of rules that flashed in my mind – Glamoth's Military Regulations:
Article 1: Iron Cavalry Knights should feel honored to be born.
Article 2: Knights must remain on guard at all times.
Article 3: Every Knight is cherished by their Empire, be it in form or in deeds. Every Knight is beloved by Her Majesty, Empress Titania.
Article 4: Unnecessary exit of a Frame cockpit is strictly prohibited.
Article 5: Every Knight must utilize the fullest extent of their strength.
Article 6: Knights never show mercy to their enemy.
Article 7: The Iron Cavalry must adhere to their superiors in command.
Article 8: Surviving Knights should voluntarily return to their Units. If none are active, then follow Article 43...
Soon, the assembly would buzz with quiet activity, everyone moving for preparations.
(／0＼)
The blast door unfolded, leading me to one of the Fort's armories.
A selection of dormant Fyrefly Frames were present in the maintenance holdings on either side, their towering ashen armors unmistakable to even the Knights themselves. Their designs varied according to the role they serve as well as their iteration.
As I looked, my mind was informed – one Frame was equipped with a stealth device (a Type-IV Tactical Pan Recon Model), there was one with gray trim had a turret emplacement on one of its shoulders (a Type-III Field Assist Support Model), another was bulkier in design and durability (a Type-V Field Buster Assault Model)... and so on.
But when my eyes were locked onto one – a Type-IV Tactical Heavy Assault Model, something about its design stood out to me. It had gold trims like the others, and its armor pattern on the chest was simple compared to the others, but... it had to suit me the most.
"Hey there!"
Just as I considered, someone called out to me.
"Never thought you'd head straight to the armories after the Empress made Her speech," the Knight said excitedly. "Are you feeling ready to do your part for Glamoth?"
"I, uh..."
I struggled to find the words when she looked at the Heavy Model. "Looks like you've figured out what Frame you'll use! I'd pick the Valiant Model if I were in your place – it emphasizes both agility and destructive output, a great pick for first-time-"
"2504, you're overwhelming her."
"Wah?!"
A soft-spoken Knight with long hair and parted bangs came up behind her.
"Don't sneak up on me like that, 73251! I was just getting to the good part!"
"She is a Wakened."
"O-Oh... right."
Glancing at the startled Knight who scratched the back of her head, she introduced themselves. "Please excuse us for the rough entrance. I am AR-73251, and the Knight beside me is AR-2504."
"Oh." Their numbers become recognized to me in that moment. "I'm AR-26710, a newly Wakened Knight."
AR-73251 nodded. "You seem to feel uneasy after Her Majesty's appearance to us. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." I feel my hand touch the back of my hair. "I'm still thinking about what She said – about the Swarm threat."
"It is all too real."
As we talked, AR-2504 started moving elsewhere, probably to examine the other Frames.
"As a Knight who has experience fighting those entomons, I know there can be no greater honor than facing them. But even they have equal terror in numbers." I glimpse 73251 curl her fist, before relaxing it. "When we receive our missions, you will understand."
"I..."
Another pulse was felt before I could say.
The information it brought was different. It was a mission order – to somewhere called the Fersei Expanse.
"Okay."
"Article 1 of Glamoth's Military Regulations: Knights should feel honored to be born." 73251 told me. "Remember that... AR-26710."
Not a moment soon, and 2504 hurried over.
"Hey Knights! Check this out!" She still kept up her energy. "We're being sent on an extermination mission! On our homeworld!"
"I'm also assigned that mission," I tell her.
"Yeah. Even 73251 here's also joining in!"
"It's almost time. Any Wakened must select their Fyrefly Frame and meet up at the designated hangar for the briefing." The stern 73251 was about to leave. "I will go ahead."
"Shouldn't take too long, then!" declared 2504.
The Heavy Model stood dormant in front of me. The other Knights must be choosing what Frame they would use for combat, so I may as well do what's needed.
With one hand I touched the silver-tinged chest plating.
Then it glowed a soft green, information suddenly rushing through me like a violent stream – combat systems, frame iteration and armaments (built-in plasmoid casters and weapons-grade wrist guards), and so on...
Fyrefly Type-IV Tactical Heavy Assault Model registered to Wakened Knight AR-26710. On standby.
That notice flashed in my mind at the end of the surreal display.
When I opened my eyes, the Frame was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a Shaper device was on my hand, signifying that it was on standby for activation. Its silver gold patterned look, even the green light wings it had, bore resemblance to a beetle.
"You done?" I turn to see AR-2504 holding hers with a smile.
Nodding, I hold on to mine tight.
From there we went to one of the Fort's hangar bays. I could see many of the Iron Cavalry present with their Shaper devices, and some of them looked anxious or anticipated. There would be a Knight who will provide the mission briefing and any details, if required.
"All of you Wakened of the Iron Cavalry, attention!"
And it turns out to be one who's distinguishable by her loud voice and rough hair.
"My designation is AR-5418, a Fyrefly Type-III Tracker Knight." I notice some of us feeling anxious by her briefing. "I want nothing but the best out of each of you as we step into a decades-long war. And since we are assigned to handle the situation in Fersei Expanse, I want you all to listen!"
I feel a light tap on my shoulder as a Knight looked to me with worry.
"Not right now," 2504 quietly said to her, and I could only shake my head lightly.
"I said, listen!" 5418 snapped. "Article 7 of Glamoth's Military Regulations: Follow your superiors when they speak, be it on site or on standby!"
The whole hangar hushed as she began the briefing proper.
"As you all know, we've received reports of a Swarm incursion in the battlezone. We are sent in to exterminate them all, and leave no Sting unbroken! And don't you dare think about leaving, because we are meant to face them as proper Knights!"
With her right hand outstretched, she activated her Shaper, and transformed in the flames around her – the intimidating gray form of a Type-III Field Tracker Recon Knight in full view. Of important to note is that this made use of rotors on its heels.
The Knights around me did the same, engaging their Shapers and turning into Frames of various Models from the fires. A few were struggling with theirs or were busy with other matters... like us.
"Move out!" 5418's voice, now deep with a synthetic filter, boomed. "For Her Majesty!"
"For Her Majesty!"
Any Knights followed her out of the air-locked hangar bay, leaving the three of us be for now.
"What is it?" I ask the worried Knight – AR-410, according to the number on her suit's collar – beside me.
Her voice quivered. "I'm scared..."
"Come on. You've got this," 2504 encouraged her.
"But what if I'm going to die?!" she objected loudly.
"Then it'll be for the Empress! Frame on!"
The once energetic Knight looked serious yet eager for battle as she used her Shaper, the slim but pointed look of a Type-IV Tactical Valiant Striker Model manifesting in her place.
"Activate your Shaper," I tell 410. "You know how, right?"
"I don't think I can do it..."
If I remember correctly... "Just hold it, and let your will to fight link with it. Then you will enter your Frame."
Activate.
I demonstrate in front of her. The moment I imagined it while holding my Shaper device, I felt a burning sensation rush through me – one of resolve. I could feel myself exposed, the Heavy Model's armor shifting its form around me in place of the bodysuit.
Soon, my vision was overlaid by a green interface, and I would immediately brace myself for how interlinked the Frame was with my body – not just feeling its cold interior protecting me from the elements inside the hangar, but also sensing new information such as my vitals and Frame integrity, to start off.
Ignite.
The Molten Core and Engine connected to the Frame ran at optimal performance – signified by how concentrated my body heat was now in my chest. The feeling was like a warmth at that specific area.
[Now you try.] Even my voice, that of a young woman, changed similar to 5418's, low and mechanical.
"R-Right!" It took AR-410 a second to do it, and soon she was in her Frame.
[A Type-V Field Buster Assault Model.]
2504 remarked in the same deep voice, [Yeah, this one packs more punch compared to the previous iteration.]
[Really..?] I could still sense the shyness in 410. [Does that mean...]
Sensors registered an immediate shrill tone, followed by an activation of my communications system.
[Time is of the essence.] AR-73251 has sent an order on our channel. [Those who delayed, form up with Squadron 3 – on me.]
She must be already waiting for the rest of us. [Hear that, you two? Let's move!] 2504 urged.
[Understood.]
[I-I copy!]
The three of us engaged the many afterburners installed in our Frames, vermilion red flames emitting out of them and producing thrust. The acceleration was enough to tightly constrict my chest, not much that it was painful, but still a feeling I have to get used to.
With the rest of the Iron Cavalry Knights, we flew away from the hangar – and into the open vacuum of space.
[Whoa...] 410 must have felt amazed at the sights.
As Fyrefly Squadron 3 flew by jewel formations, our prosperous homeworld of Falakor was laid bare before our eyes – lights glittering on its surface, and life still at sustainable levels.
[There's our homeworld.] 73251 reminded us on the squad channel. [Still standing despite the constant threat of the Swarm.]
[It looks... different?] I had a tinge of disbelief as the world's green began to give way to a dull gray. [I imagined it would be more vibrant like in the dream.]
[Isn't it obvious?] 2504 was serious. [Those entomons managed to get their stubby legs on it, and they're ruining the Empire further.]
[And we're here to stop them,]
[Indeed.] 73251 gave the update. [Squad 3, maintain formation. We are behind the other two squads, so our entry will be late. Any objections?]
[None.] [No, all clear.] [We're good.]
Silence filled the squad channel after that.
I glance at the pin shape of the Iron Cavalry Fort orbiting a planet of yellow and green (identified as the savanna colony world of Gresta). Both bodies grew distant from view as we traversed the starry void.
There was enough time to contemplate, with my mind accessing information on the nature of this war.
The Iron Cavalry Regiment is created for the purpose of combat – the silver Knights of Empress Titania, born to fight. To that end, we are genetically engineered as weapons meant to guard Her Majesty and her dream of the Welkin Empire, and through her link we are instilled combat knowledge and operations, all while being guided to fulfill our duties to her.
And our enemy? A force of self-replicating insectoid terrors only known as the Swarm. We never know their origins or their reason for coming here to our star system, but what we do know is that these entomons follow nothing but primal instinct for the sake of consuming everything in their way. They even laid waste to the Welkin Expeditionary Fleet while it was on its mission to expand our Empire's destiny in the cosmos, before reducing us star system by system, life by life.
How long has this war lasted? The records show decades, and yet it ended several years ago, according to what remained of the Welkin Empire's network.
There was no time to ponder about things irrelevant to our mission. It's just like what that Knight from the Fort said: Let the Empress guide me.
This is my moment to prove myself, to be a worthy Knight in the Iron Cavalry's ranks.
(／0＼)
This was a tale of survival from a bygone era
- in a universe of mortal pathstriders and ascended aeon deities.
And yet, it is about neither.
Rather, it concerns a single nation.
One that struggled against the cruelty of life -
both from beyond the cosmos and within their framework.
These were the waning moments of that long battle,
in a time when all life in the universe faced disaster from unceasing insectoids.
And this is the beginning of a knight's story.