Story:Homecoming

Operation Titanic Discoveries 2 is the second part of Operation Titanic Discoveries.

Hall of Paladins
The Batra appeared above the desert world of Delse.

Sol I Dor said, "The only true spaceport on the planet is the capital Koreska. Take the ship there."

The ship made its way to Koreska. The group immediately noticed the tall, zig-zaggy metal tower, surrounded by several structures that looked like blocks of hardened sand. "What are those? Etah asked, pointing at the sandy structures.

Sol I Dor answered, "Houses, shops, many different buildings. Buildings on Delse are mainly built using hardened sand. Better at keeping the heat and sand out than metal."

The Batra approached Koreska Hall, and, once on the landing pad, the door openned, and Sol I Dor's statement about Delse's heat was revealed to be an understatement. Having grown up in subzero temperatures his entire life, Ahrganot was not used to the intensely hot temperatures. He asked Sol I Dor, "You LIVED in this kind of weather?"

"I guess it's just something you're born into," Sol I Dor answered. Seeing the team practically roasting, Sol I Dor had them granted access to the Hall. They then walked into a large corridor, lined with statues of Delson Warriors, clad in various armors.

"What is this place?" Ahrganot asked.

"This is where the heroes of the Delson People are truly honored. This is the Hall of Paladins. For someone to be accepted here is the highest honor for any Delson."

Once near the end of the hall, the statue of a familiar Delson was seen. "Sol I Dor," Ahrganot said, "Is that..."

"Gerun?" Sol I Dor asked, "Yes, he was around at the Battle of the city of Galiana. He actually had to lead the defense of the city when the Commander there was slain. Ever since, he'd been honored as one of the first known Paladins of the modern age. However, the fame he obtained was too much for him..."

"So that's why he now lives on Color?" Ahrganot guessed.

"Yes, he still considers himself one of the last of the 'predatory' Delsons, and feels that he does not deserve this honor. However, whether we accept him as a hero is our opinion. His past is irrelevant to us: he is part of the reason we are as we are now, and he'll be honored as such."

Sol I Dor's words echoed in Ahrganot's head. His past is irrevelant to us. Perhaps the Dhragolon did have something in common with the Delsons after all.

The team entered the plaza outside the Hall. Again they were hit by the intense heat. "How hot can it get here?!" Etah asked.

"Between 300 and 400 degrees...max..." Sol I Dor answered.

"So...the fact that we're still alive means this is a COLD day here?!" Tholker asked.

"...Yeah, pretty much," Sol I Dor responded.

The team walked up to a vehicle depot. The Delson there clacked at the group. Sol I Dor clacked in response. The Delson Depot worker then clacked to Galiana, who clicked her tongue in what seemed to be a response. Finally the Delson looked at the other members of the group and clacked at them. Pyro asked, "Is he trying to talk to us?"

"I don't know, I don't speak Delson," Tholker responded.

The Delson language was still being adapted into the team's translators: there was trouble reading the tones and frequencies of the clicking, not to mention the various dialects of the language. Sol I Dor then clacked to the Delson, who then clacked and re-entered the Depot. When it returned, it was carrying a datapad. On it was a selection of vehicles, mostly treaded tanks and wheeled contraptions. However, Sol I Dor pointed to a 4 legged, spidery walker. Minutes later, one of the Spider Tanks came out of the Depot. Sol I Dor clacked to the Delson, then asked the others, "So, think it needs any improvements?"

"What is it?" Ahrganot asked.

"I've seen one of these," Galiana said, semi-excitedly, "A T4-5B Spider Tank, right?"

"That's right. One of the most customizable armed vehicles on the civilian market. So, what do you guys think..."

"Hold on," Ahrganot interrupted, "You said 'Civilian' Market? This is a Civilian Vehicle?"

"Yes...oh, I get it, the Delson race hasn't seen a civil war since the beginning of the Space Age. We can basically rest assured that the Delson Civilian populous can be trusted with Military-grade weapons." Sol I Dor then repeated, "So, what features should we add?"

"I think we'll need something a little quieter," Ahrganot responded.

"I think we need something with a little bit more firepower," Tholker countered.

"I think we need something with more armor," Etah countered.

Sol I Dor turned back to the Delson Depot Worker and clacked to it. The Delson then clacked in response, then released a shriek. Several more Delsons returned the shriek. The Walker then re-entered the Depot, and, a couple minutes later, re-emerged, the Walker re-designed. Its joints were modified to be more silent; it was bristling with Pulse Cannons, Missiles, and other weapons; and its armor was a good 2 inches thicker.

"Wow, you weren't kidding when you said it was 'customizable'," Tholker said. The group then loaded up into the vehicle, and they departed the city, into the wastes.

Desert Run
The team's T4-5B scattered across the sand. Outside, all everyone saw was a wide open wasteland. Then, Etah finally asked, "So, why the heavy firepower? All I see is a Desert."

Sol I Dor just turned to him, and said, eerily, "Bad things happen in the desert..."

The Spider Walker continued through the desert, the interior at an only-just-barible temperature for the non-native team members. Suddenly, the vehicle shook violently. Sol I Dor stopped it.

"What is it?" Tholker asked, "Why'd you stop us?"

Sol I Dor looked around. "We aren't alone out here..." Suddenly, the ground quaked, and, suddenly, a massive form rose from the sand: it looked like some kind of mantis, only several stories high. "Sevritulin!" Sol I Dor cried.

Galiana muttered under her breath, "The Dreaded Vorpal Mantis..."

Ahrganot had seen creatures just as big and bigger than the Sevritulin back on Ucharpli. However, whatever this creature was seemed like a noteworthy opponent.

Sol I Dor immediately turned to the others. "To the weapons, we have to fight this thing off!"

The team manned the Spider Tank's manual weapons, but, before they could fire, the Vorpal Mantis brought its blade-arm down. The shields of the Walker strained to hold the massive claw back. Etah shouted, "How long will these shields hold?!"

"I'm not certain, we've never had them tested against a Sevritulin," Sol I Dor answered. That didn't make the others feel better. Each of them got to a manual cannon set.

Ahrganot had control of a couple laser cannons, but, when he fired on the massive mantis, the lasers just washed over it like water on a rock. "These weapons have no effect!" he called.

"You must have openned fire too soon. Now some of the sand is sticking to it as glass!"

"Great, so now what?!" Tholker asked.

"Try some missiles!" Sol I Dor responded, maneuvering the mech out of the way of the creature's claws.

Etah and Pyro aimed the missile launchers they controlled at the mantis and fired. The creature slashed at the oncoming munitions, but, although it destroyed some of the missiles, a few managed to make contact, cracking the glass that now covered its skin. The creature roared in fury: it knew that the glass was what was protecting it from the lasers. It lashed out hard at the Spider Tank...and its blade smashed the shields and skewered the walker.

"We're immobilized!" Sol I Dor called.

Suddenly, Galiana redirected her Plasma Cannons and called, "I see something!"

The group then looked and saw what she was refering to: a break in the glass. Ahrganot directed his lasers to match Galiana's Plasma Cannons and they both fired. Their shots blasted into the Vorpal Mantis, and, the attacks hitting a weak spot, the beast collapsed.

After a moment of calm, Tholker went, "WHOOH! Who's up for round 2?!" The others just ignored this.

Suddenly, sparks and smoke appeared from the cockpit, and the interior began to smell like burned rubber. Sol I Dor stumbled from the cockpit and said, "Well...that hit did it, we aren't going anywhere in this thing. I set the recovery transmittor, but we have to keep going. That means travelling on foot."

What the others knew that Sol I Dor didn't say, was that that meant risk of heatstroke on their part.

As the team left the area, unbeknownced to them, the mantis twitched, and, when they were some distance away, it began to stir...

Sea of Sands
The team was trekking through the sands. So far, they didn't encounter anything. Suddenly, they heard a bellow. "What's that?" Tholker asked cautiously, getting his weapon at the ready.

Suddenly, a quadreped creature appeared. It has tusks and 5 large, armored lumps on its back.

"Wait, those are...Zorilikon, Quintus Camels, right?" Galiana asked Sol I Dor.

"That's right," Sol I Dor said, glad she remembered her lessons.

"So, are they..." Ahrganot began.

However, Sol I Dor interrupted, "Don't worry, they're herbivores, they mostly eat what little plant-life populates the planet."

Several more Zorilikon appeared, forming a large herd of the creatures. Suddenly, they heard a squeal, and the herd went on alert. The team left as a pack of Arcurvie, also known as Suvoraptors, caused the Quintus Camels to stampede.

The team watched as the Arcurvie took down one of the Zorilikon and tore into its corpse.

"Wow, life here is pretty...gruesome, isn't it?" Etah asked.

Galiana was wandering forward, when, suddenly, Sol I Dor shouted, "Galiana!"

Galiana looked back...and abruptly sank into the sand. Tholker lunged forward and grabbed her arm, before she could sink below the sand. Tholker then slowly pulled Galiana out of the sand. Suddenly, some of the sand began to bulge...and the bulge approached Galiana and Tholker.

Sol I Dor lunged forward and fired a concentrated ball of acid at the bulge. It sank for a moment...then a massive creature burst from the sand. "Rilikolikov!"

Tholker gave one last heave, and pulled Galiana out of the sand, just as the Rilikolikov reached where she was just at. Sol I Dor then warned them to back away from the shore. They were unsure why...until a massive spear shot from the creature's mouth. Fortunately, it just barely missed Tholker and Galiana.

"A Vorpal Shark..." Galiana said.

"Are all the dangerous creatures of your planet labeled 'Vorpal'?" Ahrganot asked Sol I Dor, who just gathered up saliva and spat at the Shark. Skin bubbling and burning, the Vorpal Shark submerged with a roar, and fled.

"The Sand Sea," Sol I Dor said, recognizing the section of Desert.

"What's the Sand Sea?" Etah asked Sol I Dor.

"An area where the sand has grown loose, its consistancy is that of water. If you were to stumble in, it would lead you to a sandy grave..."

"Is there a way through?" Ahrganot asked.

"...No, there isn't," Sol I Dor answered, "We'll have to go around."

They prepared to keep going, when, suddenly, a group of Delsons appeared. "Ok, so, we have a team of your kind here, Sol, maybe they can help."

Sol I Dor then stared at the Delsons, which seemed to be..."No, they can't. TAKE COVER!" The team dived in time to avoid a volley of Delson Saliva.

"What the...did they just spit at us?!" Tholker shouted, as his cover dissolved, forcing him to find new cover.

"Wildbeasts!" Sol I Dor shouted.

"What's a Wildbeast?!" Pyro asked.

"A primal Delson," Galiana answered, "As a civilization, the Delsons are united. As a race...some are still nothing more than beasts!"

"So, that means..." Etah started, but a Wildbeast's flail smashed the rock he was behind.

"We're toast," Tholker finished. Then, the team looked at Sol I Dor, who just stared at the Wildbeasts. "Sol I Dor, what are you..." Suddenly, Sol I Dor leapt from cover, and charged the Wildbeasts. "SOL I DOR!"

One of the Wildbeasts attacked Sol I Dor...but the Krilek ducked. He uppercut the Wildbeast, causing it to collapse to the ground. Next, he whirled around, smacking another Wildbeast with his flail-like tail. Another Wildbeast charged, but Sol I Dor flapped his wings, raising himself off the ground, and dodging the attack. Then, he dropped on the Wildbeast. knocking it out.

Once the last Wildbeast fell, Sol I Dor calmed down. Etah asked, "What. Was. That?"

"...Nothing," Sol I Dor said, "Let's get going..."

As the team continued through, Etah asked Tholker, "Did Sol just ravage those guys like a feral animal, or was it just the heat?"

"No, that looked pretty animalish," Tholker responded.

Ahrganot was confused: that action could have just saved their skins...why did he just try to hide what he did there. Then, suddenly, Sol I Dor's words about Gerun returned to Ahrganot's mind, "He still considers himself one of the last of the 'predatory' Delsons..." Ahrganot realized that, maybe, the predatory instincts of the Delsons remained, and it was likely something Sol I Dor is not proud of. This meant...

That was the trial Sol I Dor had to pass: Getting past this and learning how to use it, rather than succumb to it.

After a while, the team saw a structure in the desert: the Temple of Illusions.

Temple of Illusion
The team walked up to the Temple, and saw the door, covered in Titanic Runes. The team approached the door, which just opened for them. They entered the main atrium...and the team was attacked by creatures, similar to Delsons, but horned with 5 sharp, long horns; 3 antenni; and curved, sickle-like claws.

Their appearance shocked Sol I Dor. "That...that's impossible! These are Korsaraptors...but they're supposed to have been extinct for thousands of years!"

"Extinct? Why?" Tholker asked.

"Back when the Delsons were still primal, we were in direct competition with the Korsaraptors," Sol I Dor explained. Then, pointing out the Antenni, Sol I Dor also explained, "Those antenni on their heads sense through heat, electricity, and scent. However, the Delsons were smarter, and we wiped them out...or so we thought..."

"Apparently," Etah said, "You didn't do a good job."

The raptors continued to approach the group, when Sol I Dor, through his thermal vision, saw a thermal spot on the wall. He charged towards it, and, the group seemed shocked by this: Sol I Dor realized the group didn't see the way he did: they didn't see a thermal spot on the wall; they saw a brick wall. He decided to enlighten them the only way he could come up with: by charging at the spot with reckless abandon. Before the team could react, Sol I Dor passed through the thermal spot, revealing a secret passage.

"What the.. come on!" he heard Tholker shout. Soon, he was joined by the others.

Galiana was the first to ask. "Thermal?"

Sol I Dor nodded in response. Suddenly, the team heard snarling, and saw the snout of one of the Korsaraptors poke through the illusionary wall. "Let's MOVE!" Sol I Dor shouted.

The team ran into another atrium, style room...only to run smack dab into another pack of Korsaraptors. The team tried to turn back, only to meet the pack from the first room. The team tried to find a way out of the room. Sol I Dor noticed another illusionary wall, but the new Korsaraptor pack was between them and it.

The team prepared to battle, despite the overwhelming odds...when, suddenly, a familiar roar-squeal sounded. Suddenly, a massive form burst up from the floor: the Sevritulin from earlier. They could tell from the cracked glass and scorch marks on its exoskeleton. The creature was also more pissed than before...a lot more. However, before it could attack, the Korsaraptors took attention to the new threat. The packs turned away from the team and charged the Sevritulin.

The team decided to take advantage of this distraction and get to the passage. However, before they could leave, Galiana and Ahrganot stopped: both took interest in the unfolding battle. The former, because seeing the Korsaraptors was like an Earthborn Human seeing a Dinosaur fighting. The latter because of Ahrganot cautiously eyed them to make sure that Korsaraptors could actually hold up against the Sevritulin.

A fight like this, mirroring a pack of Arkleons attempting to take down an Ice Behemoth, could either last very long to buy them time or end in mere seconds. Ahrganot carefully analyzed how it would turn out trying to predict if either one will triumph over the other or they will end up killing each other. Knowing how to do this was key to survival back in the Frozen Wasteland as such fights were common.

The Korsaraptors charged the Sevritulin, while the massive beast swiped at the raptors. When two of them were swiped by the attack, a number of the raptors retreated into the shadows while the bolder raptors kept up the attack. One raptor leapt up onto the Vorpal Mantis's neck and attempted to claw and bite through the armor, while the mantis desparately attempted to grab the creature in its jaws. The scene reminded Galiana of a movie she'd once watched.

Finally, the Sevritulin clenched the raptor's tail, tugged on it, and grabbed the torso of the sliding raptor, before throwing it into the wall. Seeing no more raptors in the room, the Sevritulin roared triumphantly, ignoring the team which it clearly sensed in the room in favor of the 'easier' food scattered around. The team, with the fight over, retreated into the corridor, to recover the sword.

The Whispered Legend
The team enters the next room, and found that it was larger than the temple was. "It must be an illusion," Ahrganot said, "It IS the Temple of Illusions, after all."

Sol I Dor responded, "Well, it's good one, as I cannot see the walls or ceiling."

The team continued through the chamber and looked at the Illusions: planets, stars, and other celestial bodies floated above their heads. One small asteroid floated near them. Galiana reached up and touched the asteroid. "It feels...real," she commented.

"These illusions are powerful,"" Ahrganot said, "They're here...yet they're not."

"And now, HERE is where you die!" The team then saw a blast of Darkness shoot towards them, knocking them to the ground. Then, they saw, escorted by 2 Harvester Drones, a unusual-looking Dark Warrior.

"A Dark Warrior...but I don't recognize the race," Ahrganot said.

"Besala. The master traders of the Delson Hegemony. They're a race of Amphibians that usually eat water plants. But they're still armed to the teeth, which they have plenty of, by the way."

"Well, Dark Warrior or not, let's go!" Tholker said.

Suddenly, Sol I Dor said, "No, this is my fight. I see the purpose of this quest we're on now, and I must face this trial alone." He began to advance towards the Dark Warrior.

Tholker began, "Sol I Dor, we're not going to..."

Then, Ahrganot held Tholker back. "No. He's right. We each have a trial to fight alone. This is Sol I Dor's."

Sol I Dor stepped forward from the team, as the Besala Dark Warrior also stepped forward. "You cannot stop me. I heard of how you captured Umbra, and I'm more powerful than that loser is!"

He then started firing blasts of Darkness at the Delson, who dodged someof the blasts, while deflecting others with Psionic Energy. The 2 circled each other, firing energy blasts at one another, when, suddenly, the Dark Warrior, realizing he isn't going to win this way, then looked at the team. He smiled, and fired at them. Sol I Dor, realizing what the Dark Warrior planned, leapt between his tean and the Dark Warrior, producing a sphere of Psionic energy.

The team called to Sol I Dor, as the Dark Warrior bombarded the shield he produced. "You're nothing but a predator," the Dark Warrior taunted, "Nothing but a hunter, always chasing your prey. How did your race ever become a spacefaring race? It would do the universe good if you all just...died out..."

No...no... Sol I Dor thought to himself, fighting the Besala's words. Then, suddenly, one thought said to him, Yes... This thought struck Sol I Dor deeply, ''Your race is still predators. Nothing is different.'' Suddenly, a realization occured. However, if we are predators, then who are the prey? This thought suddenly made him realize something, as the shield around him collapsed.''

The Besala smiled. "Hah, say good bye to your shields, Delson!" Suddenly, one of the Besala's drill-like arm-spikes began glowing, as did the opposite hand. The Dark Warrior then finished, "And hello to Oblivion!" Aiming its hand at Sol I Dor, the Besala smiled and said, "Time to face your fate."

Then, Sol I Dor, seeming to be in a trance as he said it, said, "You're right, I am just a predator, a hunter..." These words shocked the team, and made the worried. Had Sol I Dor given in to the Dark Warrior's words. However, when Sol I Dor continued, his words put paid to those thoughts. "But my prey...is injustice, and I will chase my prey to the ends of the universe, in the hopes that I can bring hope to those without!"

With this, Sol I Dor began to glow. The spaces between his scales released lightish red light. His head rose, and, from behind his headdress, his dead, blind eyes glowed with pinkish light.

The Besala snarled, "Now..." as he fired a beam of energy, certain of his victory. Suddenly, Sol I Dor merely put a hand in the way of the attack...and dispersed the attack. "No...NO!" the Dark Warrior shouted in disbelief. ''That attack should have vaporized him! What happened?!'' he thought to himself.

Most of the team was speechless, but Galiana knew what just happened, somewhat. "He's...reached his full psionic potential!"

Ahrganot was then able to put things together from there. "The fact that his race was predatory in nature must have made him feel worthless, but this epiphany...must have been all that was needed to eliminate what was holding him back: he's conquered his past..."

Sol I Dor's eyes glowed brighter, nearly visible behind his headdress, and, suddenly, the serrations on top of his arm-blades glowed, the blades began to spin, and, soon, the blades released hundreds of purplish energy blades into the air after the Dark Warrior.

The Besala acted fast, and erected a barrier that shattered the blades like glass. "Hah!" he shouted, "Is that all you can do after all that nap-time?"

However, Sol I Dor wasn't doen yet: his hands began to glow, and crackle with energy. He shot up into the air, along with the Dark Warrior. From the ground, Sol I Dor looked almost...serene; calm and and at peace, to an extent that none of the others, not even Galiana, had ever seen him. "Hey, what's going on?" Pyro asked in confusion.

"Look at his hands!" Tholker shouted.

Sol I Dor manipulated the energy in his hands, before sending it out to the sides...snatching 2 planetoids out of the air. With a roar of effort, he suddenly pulled them in, and now held them in his Psychokinetic Grasp. "Those are...PLANETOIDS!" the Besala Dark Warrior said, his confidence finally sliding.

Sol I Dor's allies were equally surprised: none but the most powerful mortal psychic had the strength to move a SINGLE planetoid with his mind, let alone 2. Yet, Sol I Dor moved 2 planetoids without effort. "He must be in some kind of trance," Etah thought aloud, "Amplifying his powers, making him more powerful."

"And with his peace of mind..." Ahrganot added.

"That Dark Warrior doesn't stand a chance!" Galiana said, excitedly.

Sol I Dor quickly spun around, loosening the Planetoids, then, on tendrils of Psionic Energy, he swung them at the Besala. It blocked the first blow, but the second came with such speed, that the planetoid slammed into him, knocking him back. The Besala recovered, but, by then, Sol I Dor readied his final attack, a variation of the Delson Zodiark Martial Art Final Eclipse attack. "Oh no..." the Besala groaned, preparing for the strike, which came moments later.

However, as the planetoids flew at him, the Besala Dark Warrior, Yolinfernum Nekrol, cried in fear, "Momma!" A second later, he was flattened against the planetoids, which both collided with 3rd planetoid. The collision lead to a massive explosion, as the force of 3 planetoids was forced upon the Dark Warrior.

After the explosion, the team looked up, with Sol I Dor, floating serenely, but triumphantly, where he was a second ago. "Woah! Talk about when worlds collide!" Etah shouted.

"That Dark Warrior did stand a chance against my dad!" Galiana shouted gleefully.

Ahrganot was now glad that Sol I Dor had solved his issue, although, at the same time, he was more envious of his power. However, he realized that the team may need this power to defeat Infra.

Finally, Sol I Dor returned to the team. Leaving his trance, he said, "I guess that my past...will no longer haunt me..." Suddenly, a light appeared in the wake of the 3 Planetoids. Inside was a sword none of them have ever seen.

"What is that?" Ahrganot asked.

"The Sword of Rolalda. Until now, it was just a legend that our people passed on for generations," Sol I Dor said.

"Well, then it's meant for you," Ahrganot replied. "You deserve that blade."

Sol I Dor looked the weapon over, and smiled. "Heh...Well, come on, let's go! Next stop: Karnas!"

The Call of Home
For the third time this year, Colonel Etah was on Karnas. This time was met with far less fanfare and intrigue than the last two; First he was a celebrity, then a guest of honor. Now, he's on Karnas for the reason he never had been before:

He was a HIRIOT.

The Batra landed on one of the spaceports near Sauris; Etah enjoyed being able to walk down the streets without someone trying to kill him, or worse, get his autograph, or still worse, hysterically ask questions about his life as a HIRIOT, or the worst imaginable:

Trying to be able to say 'I went on a date with Etah Owar'.

Nope. None of that today. He and the rest of the team had casual clothing on, with only basic armaments. The Human and Delson drew some attention, but Eteno, Dhragolon, even some GHD already walked the streets casually. Etah pointed out several attractions; The factory where the first Sauren starship was built, the Shrine of Yetu, the numerous offices of bureaus and departments, living places of important figures, and a slew of other sights. Galiana was especially intrugued as they walked down an avenue filled with delies, restaurants, confectionaries, and butcheries. The scents of a plethora of meats, differently cut, differently sourced, differently spiced, differently prepared, filled the air.

"Where's all the vegetables and fruits?" She asked.

"How observant of you, young one. Karnasaurs are strictly carnivorus; Our digestive systems reject any kind of plant matter. Our culinary culture is based solely on meats and sweets."

They moved on, and Tholker's attention was caught by a military parade.

"I take it the Karnasaurs still enjoy some military pride?"

"Just because we don't conquer every race we meet, doesn't mean we don't have a bite to our bark."

"This city... it's all so intoxicating... I remember reading about Human cities on Earth; This place reminds me of one called 'Istanbul', but it has so much more... it's like a mix of all kinds of different cities and cultures, all perfectly blended yet still recognizable!" Ahrganot remarked.

"Karnasaurs discovered Earth a long time ago, but the Second Galactic War had the records of its location deleted. There were a few myths and legends about the humans, but they're long dead now. When we established contact, we left different bits of culture behind. A civilization called the Romans took on the regal side of our culture; Those on the continent they called Asia took on our philosophies from the Sauren medieval age. The more primal humans on thier homeland of Africa seemed to really learn form our priests, and learned much about the more spirtitual side to Sauren culture. Humanity largely developed by itself, but my people left seeds from which they developed. That city, Istanbul, was at a crossroads for civilization; A point where merchants, pilgrims, travelers, and all manner and a plethora of people would go from all around the civilized world at the time. It was a mixing ground of culture; A place where all the bits of Sauren culture mixed back together for the first and only time in Human history. But it also had something different about it; A unique Human touch. You're people are fascinating in they way that they have a way of making anything given to them thier own in some way or other, Galiana."

The young Human nodded solemnly at the sobering lesson in her own species' history and nature.

Suddenly, a young sounding gasp of excitement and shock echoed a few feet away. Etah looked in dread and resent as he realized the nature of the sound:

It was a young Karnasaur female, who couldn't be a day over 470, that somehow recognized Etah out of his military wear.

"Oh..." Etah muttered under his breath.

"Um... Colonel Etah Owar?" The young lady inquired with an unusually soft voice.

"Kene! How very nice to see you again! It was unfortunate we could not spend more time off duty at the Galactic Gala. How are you?"

"I'm great! How have you been?"

"Busy... running all over the Galaxy in the past few weeks."

"Is... is this GSSOC here?"

"Indeed. Captain Tholker Zhehvyit, Master Ahrganot Skizgo, Krilek Sol I Dor, Brigadier Commando Pyro Charr, and our auxilliary member, Galiana."

"An honor to meet you all. Truly. What grand company you travel with, Colonel!"

"Thank you, Kenè. It has been a pleasure speaking with you, truly, but I am here on official business of the urgent variety."

"Oh, yes, of course, Colonel. Forgive me for wasting your time. Surely you have much more important work to do than talking to a young historian like me."

As she began to turn, Etah felt a wave of cold despair and regret.

"Wait, it honestly really was a pleasure speaking to you, and, though my business cannot wait, I would very much like to speak, and if possible, see you again sometime in the near future. Perhaps we could..." Etah just realized what he was about to say and felt... odd. Like he he was guilty, happy, desirous, tempted, depressed, and foolish all at the same time. He disregarded this complex feeling and finished his sentance.

"Perhaps we could exhange contact information?"

"Idiot, could've just said numbers, sounded too form-but I didn't have to soun-listen to yourself, you sound pathe-but I really do want to see her again..." Etah's thoughts flew at breakneck speeds as they always did, but this was something he never thought they'd fly for.

"Sure! I'd love to! Here, please, call me whenever. But please, don't take time out of your schedule just for me, I don't want to be a bother."

"Oh, no no,no bother at all! Good day to you, Kenè."

"And to you as well, Colonel."

"Please, call me Etah."

"Very well, Etah."

As she walked away, Etah watched her with a smile. Turningback to the group, he saw Sol, Galiana, and Pyro looking with mildly interested looks, Ahrganot with a face that said 'you're 4500 years older than her', and Tholker simply smiled mischivously.

Staring at Tholker, Etah realized the full extent of what he just did and who he did it in front of.

"...Shut up." Etah said simply, as he walked to the Halls of Regality.

"Colonel, understand what you're asking is of no small consequence. No one has been in the Sepulchur since it was sanctified!" Emperor Clar exclaimed.

"I know, Your Majesty, but you've read my reports. Infra is a threat to the Galaxy as a whole, and must be stopped. To do that, I need to get into the Sepulchur." Etah replied.

"Yes, to get this 'Sword of A Thousand Lights'. You do know no such blade was buried with Baba Yetu, yes?" The Emperor retorted. Despite most thoughts to the contrary from several high ranking officers, Etah really didn't get anything he wanted from the Emperor.

"Yes, but if the Titan Na'zrah said it was there, than one way or another, it's there!"

The Emperor sighed and said, "Colonel, you know the process for entering the Sepulchur."

"Yes. I must receive a petition in my favor from each Vizier and be blessed by the Elder. After that, I must undergo the Rite of Reverance again as the lead, which I have done retroactively. I must have dire or severe need to enter the Sepulchur for the good of the Karnasaurs and, if applicable, all intelligent life, as deemed worthy by the Emperor, who can then and only then grant consent to enter. But Your Majesty, we don't have time to go through the motions and please the traditions. I must enter now!" Etah insisted.

"The only way I can allow you in there with peace of mind is if you enter alone, with no aliens and no weaponary beyond that which the Sepulchur would've seen. Your ensis and plasma revolver will do."

"Plasma revolvers were around for the Sauren ancient era?" Ahrganot inquired.

"In a primitive form; They were one shot deals. They carried a noble gas which was charged with static electricity. When fired, the noble gas was launched by a gunpowder charge forward, creating an inaccurate, widespread plasma projectile. It was expensive and inefficient; Only the Nightguard, the elite royal guard, carried them as a standard issue weapon." Etah explained.

"Whatever you find in there, Colonel, take nothing but what you need. Only one of royal blood should carry an heirloom of Yetu, and this sword is already pushing it." Clar demanded.

Na'zrah's words echoed through Etah's skull...

...Son of Yetu...

Disregarding this, Etah simply nodded his assent.

"Then by my right as Emperor of the Karnasaur Meritocratic Federation, as Regeant Lord of Karnas in absence of Her King, and Most Merited Man, I grant you, Etah of Clan Owar, consent to enter the Sepulchur of Kings."

"I take this consent with nothing less than the greatest grace, humility, and honor a hatchling of Karnas can posses."

"Go, Etah. Do what you must and return from the tomb." Clar said with a resigned tone as he turned and walked away, his rich violet cape fluttering behind him.

"You're sure you want to go in there alone, Etah? Who knows what you'll find in there..." Tholker inquired.

"I'm sure, Tholker. Besides, Emperor Clar is right: The Sepulchur is a sacred place to Karnasaurs; Only Karnasaurs are allowed in. An alien entering wouldn't just violate its sanctity, it would defile it, desecrate it, even. No, this is my trial to face. Feel free to explore the city; I think I'll be busy down there for a while." Etah answered.

"Alright. See you when you're topside, Etah." Tholker said in farewell.

With that, Etah towards the downward leading staircase which lead to the cellar of the palace, where the entrance to the Sepulchur was. He felt a call in the back of his head. It was a feeling like his blood rage in the way it was tied to the primal side of the Sauren brain. It was feeling not felt since the dawn of Sauren civilization. A feeling only the purest bred of Karnasaurs, descending directly from the original subspecies, not the relatives that eventually melded back into the modern species, could feel. A feeling that transcended the understanding of the relation between the brain and the mind. A feeling that was above electrochemical reactions and hormones. It had a name, a name not used in a long time. It was a kind of call back to a Karnasaur's roots, a homing beacon to a place of familiarity, a guide to a potent place

It was a compass to destiny.

It was the Call of Home.

The Trials of the Sepulchur
Etah descended into the dark, eerie stillness of the Sepulchur. No one had been down here in almost an aeon. Yet there he was, standing before a scarlet robed figure who didn't entirely resemble a Karnasaur.

"You must be Dominion. Keeper of the Old Realm."

"That is correct, Son of Yetu. Na'zrah has told me of your audience with him."

"Yes, and Ahrganot has told me of his audience with you. Or rather, audiences."

"Then you understand why I am here."

"To impart some kind of challenge or knowledge, maybe both."

"The Sepulchur is not as abandoned as your kind thinks. You know of the homeforce, yes?"

"The mythic energy which emanates from Karnas that links every Karnasaur to home? What of it?"

"It is not mythic, merely Titanic. The homeforce runs in rivers on Karnas; It all converges at one central location, were the resonance between a Sauren mind and the force is strongest."

"...The Shrine of Yetu?"

"Very good. Though his tomb is not at the convergence point, it is near it, and is strong in the homeforce as a result. This place resonates in your mind. You feel it, do you not? That sense of destiny? That Call of Home?"

"I...I do..."

"You must go to the burial chamber at the heart of this place, where the resonance is strongest. It is directly below the convergence point, but far deeper than the catacombs you know of. Along the way you will face three challenges. Only by defeating these challenges can you lay claim to your birthright."

"But I have dealt with my past, and Yetu's blade wasn't buried with him! It was lost!"

"The blade will come, when the time comes. As for your lamentations, there is a difference between dealing with the past and conquering it. You have sorted out your past, but it yet haunts you. Nightmares still rack your skull. Anger, fear, and hatred pollute your thoughts. Such thoughts will only weaken you. They must be purged. They must be conquered. So saith Dominion." Said the Titan as he disappeared in a flash.

With that, Etah moved forward.

Etah entered a kind of antechamber after some walking and descent. In the center of the room was a kind of... ring of lightning, which was neither bright nor chaotic. It twitched about like a predatory insect feasting on prey. Etah tried to avoid it, but it seemed to call to him. That, and the door on the far side of the room was locked. He knew this was a trigger for the first challenge.

Stepping into the ring, Etah felt a surge of emotion, followed by nothingness. The lightning was gone, but the room seemed to fill with mist. Then came two Karnasaurs whose faces he would never forget:

His mother and father.

"M...Mother? Father?"

They suddenly drew blades from thier sides and advanced on Etah.

"We've always loved you, son." Said his father, in an eerily monotone voice.

"We've always loved you, son." Said his mother, in the same tone.

Etah drew his ensis as they brought thier blades down on him.

"Don't you love us, son?" His father asked in his almost bored tone.

"Yes, yes father, I love you both!" Etah replied while blocking the flurry of blows from both of them.

"Why did you let us die? Why did you let us kill oursleves? Why did we have to die? We didn't have to die for you! We could have lived! We could have lived! But you stole our lives from us. Because you were too selfish and weak. Because you were weak. AND THE WEAK MUST DIE. " His parents said in unison, with rising anger.

"When did I ever choose something over you son?" His father asked.

"When did I complain about how you were always sick?" His mother pried.

"We gave you everything. What have you given us? DEATH." They said in unison.

"NO!" Etah shouted, tears forming in his eyes.

" DIE, ETAH. JUST DIE. YOU ARE NOT OUR SON. WE HATE YOU. DO YOU UNDERSTAND? WE HATE YOU. YOU KILLED US. YOU KILLED US... YOU KILLED US..." And so the torment continued.

Etah could not reply. His eyes were streaming now.

" LOOK HOW HE CRIES. LIKE A WHELP. ALWAYS LIKE A WHELP. YOU ARE NOT STRONG. YOU ARE WEAK. YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TOO WEAK. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE TOO WEAK. "

It was all Etah could do to keep blocking.

" JUST DIE. DIE AND PAY YOUR DEBT TO US. FULFILL OUR LAST WISH "

Etah then realized the only way to defeat the challenge.

"And so I shall." Etah affirmed, with nothing but resolution in his voice.

"...Become a legend...'"

Etah drew his plasma revolver and shot his mother in the face, followed by running his father threw with his ensis. Looking over thier corpses, Etah regained his composure. The bodies faded into mist and disappeared.

"I won't let you down, mom and dad." Etah said as he walked towards the now open exit.

Walking down the corridor, still shaken by the events of the previous trial, Etah entered another antechamber. Finding the ring of energy, Etah walked into it and felt the surge of emotion. The mist thickened, and then quickly dissipated. What he now saw was utterly baffling;

The Fallen. The ELICANs who died in combat.

Renr Kiin.

Gorn Nuok.

Sesh Juur.

Ruto Ga'diin.

Demu Yor'Don.

"Colonel! We have a situation!" Shouted Renr Kiin, who died from incredibly extensive machine gun fire.

"Bravo Team is trapped behind enemy lines, but we're getting it hard by approaching Hunre forces! We need to extract immediately!" Renr continued.

"We can't! AA Fire near Bravo Team is preventing the shuttle from approaching them!" Said Gorn Nuok, who died saving Etah from the Hashaeon A-M bomb.

"Then let's take out the AA guns!" Renr replied.

"No time! Hunre reinforcements are imbound!"

"Bravo Team doesn't have any ELICANs, we have to get them out of here with us!"

"We take out that tower, the shuttle's only gonna have time to rescue one team, and Bravo Team didn't cost the KMF billions of credits!"

"Then we stay here and find a new way to return to the fleet!"

"They need us there now!"

"Take out the tower," Etah interrupted. "And we'll go from there."

Suddenly, ETah felt like time had rushed forward. Suddenly, everyone was in a different place.

"Sir! AA's offline! Hunre reinforcements will be on top of us in 60 seconds! We need the shuttle here! NOW!"

"NO! Bravo Team needs extraction first!"

"We take priority!"

"Those who need assistance need priority!"

"We stay here, andWe won't be there to save anyone else!"

"There's a chance we can make it back without the shuttle!"

"A chance!!! The KMF needs more than chances, it needs results!"

"Colonel! It's your call! Tell the shuttle to get Bravo Team!"

"Bullshit! Tell them to pick us up! We need to live! We have a chance to live, sir! Don't you want us to live?"

Etah was pressured. He didn't know why. It was all just an illusion. But it didn't feel that way. He felt like he was actually having to make this choice, actually having to choose between innocent strangers with no chance of survival and his friends and comrades who had some chance of survival. He couldn't bare losing his friends again... after thousands of years, he couldn't bare losing these men with whom he had spent centuries with. Send the shuttle to them, Bravo Team dies, so what? The KMF did need them...

But nothing changed his beliefs. There was no excuse to leave the helpless to die. The rules don't change.

No matter the cost.

"Send the shuttle to Bravo Team. We'll find a way home ourselves."

And just like that, the trial's message became claer in his head. He had to learn to let go of his comrades; If he didn't, more than a single platoon of soldiers would die. Far more.

"Aye aye sir... You made the right choice..." Renr said, his voice fading with his appearence.

"And Colonel?" Said Gorn.

"When you meet that Infra person, give him hell. For us." He finished, startling Etah.

"See ya, boss..." Renr said as he and the rest of the ELICANs faded into mist.

They knew about Infra... they were more than just illusions...

Etah suddenly became very aware of just what feats Titans were capable of.

Shaking off this bewilderment, Etah moved forward, through the exit.

Entering the third and final antechamber, Etah was surprised to find Dominion standing where the energy ring should be.

"Congratulations, Immortal Colonel. You have completed Dominion's trials."

"You said there were three trials. I have passed only two."

"This one did not say how many were fabricated by this one. The two major links to your past have been conquered. Only the one known as Renr remains."

"I don't have time to hunt him now!"

"This one knows. Rather, this one offers assistance in this final trial. You will find him... here..."

Knowledge flooded Etah's mind. He suddenly knew where Renr was; A remote crater moon orbiting a gas giant.

"Why tell me this?"

"Because you must complete this last challenge in order to be fully prepared. Not only this, but Renr stands as Infra's final lieutenant. Remove him and Infra has lost his followship."

"But what now? There's still a final trial to enter the burial chamber."

"This one believes you will find it most appropriate. You must prove you are of royal blood."

"How?"

"...Directly."

"I suppose that's all I'm getting from you?"

"Yes. We shall meet again, Son of Yetu." With that, the scarlet robed Titan faded.

Etah pondered on it. Directly proving he had royal blood... perhaps some kind of Titanic blood mechanism? Something activated by certain properties of blood... but in order to activate the blood seal, Etah would have to bleed. He hadn't bled in centuries. He took out his ensis. Perhaps the hyper-sharpened blade could help?

Striking it across his palm, he found it to no avail. His flesh was unmarked. Placing his ensis back in its scabbard, he pulled out his revolver and shot his hand numerous times. Nothing.

Looking around the room, he tried to find something left behind for him. It was obvious that Baba had ties to the Titans, so it was possible he had something arranged during the construction of his tomb to help his descendent.

And then, Etah found it.

A vial of necronis.

It was a medium-sized vial. More than enough to open his palm. Walking to the center of the room, Etah opened the vial, and the bittersweet scent of the stuff filled his nostrils and burned his lungs. Dripping just a little onto his palm, he felt the light green liquid practically melt his flesh away. He now had a small, bleeding cut running along his palm. Turning his hand sideways to allow the blood to flow, he saw the trace few drops of dark green fall to the floor. Then, the pattern carved on to floor, which he could not see before, started to glow gently. He heard the door open up, and looked to see what had not been seen in aeons:

The burial chamber of the Sepulchur, with the Sarcophagus of Kings in the heart.

The Nexus of Time
Entering this sacred place, Etah walked up to the sarcophogus. It was ornate, to say the least. Gold with a silver pattern, with gems embedded into the pattern at regular intervals. It was placed at a slant, about a 45 degree angle to the ground. On the far end of the room was a pattern similar to the one Etah saw just outside, but this was larger and more intricate. It didn't seems like a blood mechanism, or any kind of activator at all, for that matter.

Etah looked about the room for any sign of where to find the sword, but found nothing. Looking over at the sarcophogus again, Etah had to decide wether or not to open it. To open it would be sheer heresy, unless it contained the sword. He would be damned for all eternity...

But then again, he remembered, there was no god to damn him.

Na'zrah had said that the entirety of the Sauren religion was false... that meant he had nothing to fear from divine intervention.

Taking hold of the sarcophogus' doors, he opened the ancient burial vessel, and was shocked by its contents.

It was empty.

Suddenly, the sarcophogus started losing its slant, becoming more parallel to the ground. When its platform was completely sunk into the floor, Etah saw the pattern on the wall glow. The entire far wall faded out of existence, leaving a hidden stairwell behind it. Etah cold feel the Call of Home pushing him towards the bottom of the stairwell. This wasn't the actual burial chamber, it was a decoy. A ruse. Built to protect intruders from the real burial chamber.

Walking down the stairs, Etah entered the true burial chamber. A simple, unaddorned coffin laid in its center. Once again, there was a Titanic pattern on the far wall, but this one was different than both of the others; It was very hard-lined, rather than curvy. Straight lines and zigzags addorned the wall, and Etah had no clue what the pattern's power could be. Walking to the coffin, Etah laid his hand on it, and the far wall started to glow faintly. He accidentally placed his bloody hand on the coffin, and he saw it had a blood mechanism pattern etched on it. Faded with time, but there.

Then the whole room exploded in light.

Looking now to the wall pattern, he saw it was starting to rotate, and the light it generated was nearly blinding. A loud, screeching noise pierced the air as the pattern seemed to drill into the wall, creating a kind of corridor that looked like it was made of nothing but light and gold to Etah.

Walking now to the far wall as the noise stopped, Etah noted that the wall itself was still 'there', but it was almost ethereal. Then Etah realized what the pattern did:

It tunneled a hole in time.

Suddenly, and to Etahs great shock, a Sauren-looking figure entered. It was ghostly, with no distinct features, and it seemed to be made from the same light and gold the time-corridor was made from. Despite the ghostly vagueness, Etah could tell that the figure was regally dressed.

"Astounding! It actually worked!" Exclaimed the figure.

"Who are you, entity?" Etah inquired.

"I? Why, if all has come to pass as Deus said it would, I am your father. Forefather, that is."

"Forefa- Baba Yetu?"

"That is the name which has been given to me."

"How is this possible? How can we speak through the eons?"

"Eons? Has it truly been eons? How blessed am I, to be able to speak with my own descendent, eons from my own time!"

"How blessed, indeed! How did you accomplish this!"

"Through Deus! He taught me to make this peculiar image, and told me it would tunnel through time to allow me to speak with my descendent."

"Then a Titan came and helped you?"

"Yes. Deus said he was a 'Titan'. I know much, my child. I know why you have come."

"The Sword of 1000 Lights..."

"Yes. My blade. I will give it to you, but first, we have much time. I wish to discuss things with you, my child. We have a chance unlike any other; A chance to use this, this... this Nexus of Time to speak across tens of thousands of years! Surely you do not wish to pass this opprotunity!"

"Absolutetly not! By the Angels, I never fathomed I could speak with King Baba Yetu himself!"

"Nor did I think I could speak with my descendent! Tell me, what is like in your day?"

"Monumentously great things have happened! We have pierced the skies, conquered the heavens, and dominate the stars!"

"Truly!? Tell me, do other races make their homes among the stars?"

"Yes, yes, oh yes! So many beyond counting! But three exist which dominate the galaxy."

"Who are they? How do they fair with each other?"

"The Eteno, the Dhragolon, and the Karnasaurs ourselves. We stand united as allies, in a single Galactic Senate, an organization of Sauren invention. Tell me, how did you get a hold of the Sword of 1000 Lights?"

And so father and son conversed. It was not until after an hour did they regain their sense of urgency.

The Gift of Aeons
"My child, I think the time grows to the point where we must part. But first, I must ask a final question. As I give you my blade as a gift, give me this answer as a gift in turn. The Gift of Aeons."

"Of course, forefather."

"How do my days come to an end? How did it come that you were my last descendent? Why do you not rule?"

Etah felt a twinge of pain. He had to explain to Baba how he dies.

"If... if I tell you, you must let it come to pass. No matter what. History cannot be changed."

"I have no quarrel with meeting my end when fate ultimately demands it."

"Your brother... Cain... he grows jealous of you. He raises followers. One day, he will rise up in a great coup, murder you and your kin, and take the throne of Karnas for himself."

"Cain? No! Were I of lesser mind, I would claim it impossible! He is my brother! My clansmate! We share blood, we are friends and companions through and through!"

"But you are of greater mind, forefather."

Baba stood, shocked at this revelation.

"Am I avenged? Is my death vindicated?"

"Absolutely. The day after Cain takes the throne, all of Karnas rises up against him. Every man, women and hatchling takes up arms and defeats Cain."

"All of Karnas?"

"All of Karnas."

Baba thought for a moment.

"How do they kill him?"

"They don't. They remove his wings, place him aboard a ship, and sail him out to sea, destined to forever be exiled and doomed to die alone."

"Hmm... I see. A fitting fate, for one whose name means 'Wanderer'. What happens to my kingdom?"

"In your absence, we established the next best thing; A meritocracy. The Most Merited Man, who rises above all others, rules as Emperor and Regeant Lord of Karnas."

"I see... admirable. I have but a final question, my son."

"Ask, forefather."

"Do you intend on continuing the blood and retaking the throne?"

Etah thought. His ancestor just asked if he was going to have kids.

"...Yes, father. I plan on it."

"Good. May the clan of Yetu live on for eternity!"

"Yes, forefather. Eternity." "But now we must part. How do you intend to give me the Sword?" Etah inquired.

"Deus told me that my blade could be sent through the Nexus, but it requires a special kind of energy found in our blood. 'Allow your blood to drizzle freely to floor', he told me, 'and the Nexus shall feed on its power'." Baba explained.

"Then let us bleed, father, and let our blood send a gift across lifetimes." Etah suggeted.

"Yes, my son. Let's." Baba concured.

With that, Etah poured the last of the necronis onto his hand and Baba slit his wrist with a dagger. As he saw the blood drizzle to the floor, he saw itstart to evaporate. The dar green blood turned into a golden dust cloud, which ascended. Baba detached his scabbard from his side and held it out. The golden cloud surrounded the scabbard, and another loud, screeching shriek pierced the room. Etah could hardly see anything past the immense amount of light the cloud was giving off. It tightly held itself to th scabbard, and grew brighter and brighter.

"The blade! It is transferring over to your end! It grows lighter and fades more and more with each moment!" Baba exclaimed.

"I can see it! It seems to be growing more and more solid every second!" Etah shouted back.

The scabbard was astoundingly bright at this moment. Etah had to shut his eyes, and even then he felt he was going to go blind.

"My son! The transfer is done, but the blade yet glows! I believe you must complete it by taking it from my hand!" Baba shouted.

Etah, silent, opened his eyes and saw it: The scabbard was glowing brighter than Saurasol, but it was there, physically there. It needed to be physically removed from the Nexus of Time to complete its transfer between ages.

Reaching out, Etah grabbed hold of the scabbard, gripping it with all his might. The room exploded in light once more, and the painful screeching noise reached a crescendo before dying out.

Looking down at his hand, he saw it:

The Sword of 1000 Lights.

Shadowbane and Lightbringer
"My child, the Nexus fades. But there is one thing you must know of the Sword." Baba began.

"What is it, father?" Etah asked.

"The scabbard absorbs a shard of the soul of its true wielders. Whenever it is passed from father to son, the new wielder is connected to all those who held it before them. Through the scabbard, I will watch over and guide you. My voice will whipser in your mind whenever I choose it to. But only while you hold the scabbard at your side." Baba explained.

"Astounding... thank you, my ancestor. For all you have done." Etah thanked.

"Nay, thank you, my descendent, for keeping the bloodline strong, and protecting our people, our allies, and our beliefs in face of the greatest adversities. And child?" Baba said.

"Yes?" Etah answered.

"The blade. It has a name." Baba began.

"What is it named?" Etah inquired.

"Shadowbane, for it purges darkness wherever it strides." Baba replied.

"A fitting name, ancestor, especially now, when it shall hunt down the darkness and sear it away from the Galaxy." Etah said.

"Good. Go now, my child. Do as only those of Yetu can do." Baba said, in farewell.

"Goodbye, ancestor. I will not fail." Etah replied.

Turning now, as the Nexus of Time faded away, and the wall returned to normal (albeit without the Titanic pattern), Etah made his way back through the crypt to the surface. Along the way, he thought of his own ensis.

"Let them be partners, your blade and mine. That you may wield both that of yourself and your ancestor. Shadowbane and Lightbringer; Two who need the other and cannot exist seperately."

Startled a moment, Etah remembered Shadowbane's unique property of connecting him to his ancestor. Thinking it was sound advice, he attached the scabbard containing Shadowbane on his left and switched Lightbringer to his right, so that Shadowbane could be his main hand weapon.

Returning to the outside of the Halls of Regality, Etah was met by his team mates.

"Did you get the sword?" Ahrganot asked.

"Yes, I did. And much more." Etah replied.

Waving away his comrades' curiosity, Etah said he would explain later. For the first itme in a long time, Etah felt truly, and utterly, happy. At that moment, a thought flew by; Yes, he would. He was going to chat with Kene when thye got back to the Bunker before heading to Ashadra.

"Be sure to take off the scabbard for that, boy. I have no wish to invade your privacy." Baba whispered in humor.

"Like you already haven't?" Etah replied jokingly

Through the Looking Glass
The Batra exited FTL over an almost Earth-like planet. However, the planet bore several scars: areas where the Harvesters just burned everything. Seeing her homeworld in such a state, Galiana almost cried.

"Galiana?" Ahrganot said to her, "What is it?"

Galiana responded, her voice cracking, "Nothing, I..." She promptly left the bridge.

Sol I Dor then said, "It's her homeworld. To see it in such a state must really break her heart."

"Preparing to land," Pyro said, "Sol I Dor, get her composed, we'll be departing soon after touchdown."

The team landed on the world, near where Galiana used to live. Once the team exited the craft, Galiana was again on the verge of tears. The team advanced ahead, and saw nothing that would be of help.

"Well, now what?" Etah asked.

Galiana, composing herself, said, "I think I remember...a continent that no one has entered: a fortress called 'Lemuria'."

"Lemuria?!" Tholker responded, "I remember an Earth Legend of a lost Continent called 'Lemuria'."

"Well, it looks like this 'lost continent' is found," Sol I Dor responded.

"Do you remember where it is?" Pyro asked.

"Yes, but..." Galiana said.

"What?" Ahrganot asked.

"...Nothing, let's just go..." Galiana said, leading the way.

The team came across a demolished house. However, at the sight of it, Galiana stopped.

"This can't be it!" Tholker said.

"It isn't," Galiana said, "It's..." She almost burst out crying.

The team then immediately understood, but it was Sol I Dor that did so quickly enough to voice it...being that he had been there before. "It's her old home..."

Galiana entered the ruins of her old home, and came across the skeleton of a Harvester; the one that threatened her those many years ago... She stomped on the creature's skull, crushing it, in the vain hope that it would release all her anger at the Harvesters. She then just stood there, sniffing and almost crying for a few minutes. No one wanted to disturb her, just because it seemed like it would be a bad idea.

Finally, Sol I Dor walked up to her. "Galiana, we...have to keep moving."

Galiana wiped away her tears, and responded, "...Sure, right, right. Come on, we can't be far."

The team followed her, and Tholker asked, "Are you sure we should have her at point on this one?"

"It's her homeworld," Sol I Dor responded, "She knows it better than any of us."

"Yes, but her return has made her...emotionally unstable. I don't think it would be the best idea to..."

"No," Ahrganot responded, "Galiana has to do this." He again remembered what Dominion had told him: But before you can face your great foe, each of your friends must pass Dominion's challenges. They too must conquer their pasts to be just as ready as you are. This was Galiana's challenge: to conquer her heartbreak over the fate of her world, her home, her family...and rise above it.

The team prepared to depart, when a squeal could be heard. Suddenly, Galiana got her weapons ready. "This is not good," she said.

"What is it?" Tholker asked, getting out his weapons just in case.

"That squeal, that was Harvester Language. And it was Harvester for..." Suddenly, from the debris, a Harvester lunged. "Attack..." Galiana finished.

The Harvester charged, but Tholker easily put it down. "Let me guess: Harvester?"

"Yes," Ahrganot responded, recognizing the shelled hammerhead.

However, suddenly, several horned Harvester Drones appeared. "These things are hideous!" Etah said.

"And not just that," Ahrganot explained, "They're made from parts of other aliens."

"That's just sick!" Tholker yelled in disgust. He fired on the cobbled-together soldiers, and found they were much more resiliant than he thought. Still, they started to fall before they were in range. Suddenly, a massive roar sounded, and a Harvester Colossus charged in.

Tholker readied to fire, but the Colossus just batted him aside. Etah openned fire, but it just passed him by. Galiana, however, had an idea. She waited for the Colossus to get close, before diving to the ground, slashing towards the creature as she did so. It continued to charge at Pyro and Sol I Dor...at least, until it started to fall apart: Galiana had hit one of the stitches holding it together.

Galiana looked at the fallen Colossus, then, suddenly, saw something in the corner of her eye. It almost looked...

Galiana dashed towards the back of the building. "What is it?" Etah asked as she passed.

When Galiana got to the back of her old home, she found...a human, apparently taking a rest. He was about her age, dressed in worn clothing. Could he have survived what the Harvesters did, several years ago? she asked herself.

The young man seemed to notice her, and seemed confused. Maybe he thought he was all alone. "Who are you?" he asked in Ashadran.

"Galiana," Galiana answered, in the same language, though with some difficulty. It had been almost 13 years since she spoke in that language, and she barely remembered it. "Galiana Arcad. And you are?"

"Enrico Placidi," the young man responded. Just then, the rest of the team arrived. The young man seemed startled by them. "What are they?!" he asked.

Galiana looked back, and saw the team. "Don't worry, they're on our side," she said. Then, to the others, she said, "So, what now?"

"What do you mean, 'what now'?" Tholker asked, "We go find Lemuria, we recover the artifact, we leave."

"I mean, what about Enrico?" Galiana asked.

"What about him?" Ahrganot responded, "He'll get in the way if we bring him with us and ultimately get himself killed."

"I'm not going to just leave him here! He's the first human like myself I've seen in a long time, and I cannot just let him rot here!"

This reaction startled the team. After a few moments, Etah suggested, "Maybe...we can...have him...head back to the Batra, and wait for us until we get back. He can then...come with us, when we leave."

Galiana thought about it. Tholker, however, said, "I don't think we should let just anyone into the bunker."

"Oh yeah?" Sol I Dor responded smugly, "What about Karla?" He was referring to Tholker's girlfriend who had to stay in the Bunker after being chased by terrorists.

Tholker just stood for a moment, before responding, "I vote for taking the human with us..."

"Thanks," Galiana said. Then, she turned to Enrico. "Go that way," she said, pointing in the direction they originally came from, "You should find a ship there. We're getting you off this rock after we finish some business we have here."

"Thank you," Enrico responded, "I'll never forget this." He then ran off towards the Batra.

Then, Pyro said, "Now that that's out of the way, shouldn't we be heading off to Lemuria?"

Into Lemuria
The team continued through the neighborhoods, until they reached a forest, untouched by the Harvesters: there was even some wildlife left. This seemed to raise Galiana's spirits a bit. Finally, they exited the forest, and faced a large plain...with a massive wall at the end. They reached Lemuria.

The sprawlling fortress reached into the sunset. To the veteran GSSOC members, who knew about Earth, Lemuria looked like Aztec and Mayan Architecture, right down to the carvings on the walls.

They approached the wall and found what appeared to be an excavation site. Apparently, the humans of the world tried to access the continent, prior to the attack. They approached the site and found a section of wall that looked different: like a door should be there.

The ruins reminded Ahrganot of images of Aztec Ruins from Earth. He initially thought it was Titanic in origin, but the cuts on the walls' stones were imperfect: this was not Titan Architecture. However, they were more accurate than any primative civilization could perform: they were obviously made by an advanced civilization.

On the wall, they found a symbol: a dot with 8 points sticking out of it. However, as Galiana approached, she recognized it. "It’s a pair of hands, one human, one alien, over each other..."

The others thought she was joking, but, looking at the symbol like that, it made sense. "It’s like a keyhole. Apparently, you have to put your hand to it, and...it does something," Etah guessed.

Sol I Dor found the skeleton of a human: apparently an archeologist who was damaged too much in the Harvester attack to be of use to them. He found a journal on it, and read it out loud, using what little Ashadran written language he knew.

''The symbol on the wall is most obviously a key. The symbols below continue to elude understanding. We believe that it supposedly describes how to open the door: some pattern, a key, something. We're working to decypher the message, but, so far, we can only read the first message: "Only the Chosen can heed our warning". We do not know what this means, and, it is likely, we may never know...''

Galiana then approached the symbols, then, looking at the first message, repeated from the journal, "Only the Chosen can heed our warning." Then, she looked at the 2nd message, and muttered, almost unconsciously, as if she wasn't aware of it, "Only the Chosen can recover what laith within."

The team seemed surprised by this. If the message was correct, and Galiana did just read that message, that meant that...

"Galiana, you have to open the door," Etah said.

"What?" she asked, incredulously, "What makes you think I know what to do?"

"The message, the message!" Tholker urged, realizing what Etah was getting at, "Only the Chosen can heed our warning. Only the Chosen can recover what laith within."

Ahrganot explained, "The first half says, 'Only the Chosen can heed our warning.' That means that, if you can read that, you must be the 'Chosen' the inscription speaks of. Each of us was obviously the Chosen of some Titan. You must be the Chosen of whatever Titan led these 'Tokarthi'."

Galiana seemed uncertain: this WAS a lot to take in. Sol I Dor then said to his adopted daughter, "Galiana, ever since I found you, I raised you as if you were one of my own. However, it's been obvious to me that you've always been destined for more. I'm certain you can do this." Galiana still seemed uncertain. "Come on. This is your moment. We've all had to face ourselves on this quest. Now, it is your turn."

Galiana stood uneasily near the door. "But...what if I'm not..."

"Trust me, Galiana. I think that worry is unneeded."

Galiana looked nervously between the door and her team. Then, slowly, and, with gradual purpose, she approached the door, and placed her hand on the dot and the lines that represented human fingers.

The lines began to glow blue, as did the gaps in the bricks on the city's outside. This caused Galiana to pull her hand back, startled. The bricks then began to shift, folding in on themselves, openning up pulling themselves aside, revealing the hallway behind it. Galiana nervously looked at the others, who were still awestruck at what just happened, and she entered the structure, the others following soon after.

They entered a large atrium. Immediately, a device in the center of the room activated. As it rose, several hologram projectors activated. They showed wisps of light swirling around the room, finally meeting in the center, at the top of the raised device. Then, the wisps of light coalesced into a single, reptilio-humanoid form.

The creature was floating, its feet not touching the ground. It's face had small hooks underneath it. Its hands were armored, with 2 fingers and a thumb, similar to the symbol that Galiana used to open the door. It was armored in armor that Tholker thought looked like Human Samurai Armor.

When it was finally fully formed, it looked at Galiana, and said, "At last, the Chosen comes..."

Galiana just stood, shocked by the holographic creature before her. Tholker pushed ahead. "Who are you?!" he asked.

With a snarl, the creature turned towards Tholker, "This one speaks to the Chosen, not you!"

Galiana, also curious, then asked, "Who are you, then?"

The creature turned to her, and said, "This one is known as Grandmaster Fal'Kor'Rih'Dah."

Galiana then thought to say, "I think it would work out if you were to answer the others' questions, in addition to my own..."

The Tokarthi looked at her, before saying, "Very well.."

Ahrganot remarked, "Your speech is similar to the Titans."

Fal'Kor'Rih'Dah answered, "The Tokarthi race speaks much like Lord Selvarius, their leader, practicing his same examples. This one is of the Tokarthi, the ones that brought the Chosen's kind to this world."

"You introduced the humans to Ashadra?" Sol I Dor asked.

"Yes," the Tokarthi said, "Long ago, this one's kind discovered the planet of E-arth. This one's kind had searched the galaxy, following Selvarius wish to find the Tokarthi's successors. The humans proved to be the Tokarthi's final hope. So, this one's kind located a segment of the world, cut off by nature and isolated in society, and the Tokarthi transported the continent, known by the inhabitants of E-arth as Lemuria, to Ashadra, sealing the Trelythys Ocean beneath."

"You moved an entire continent from one planet to another? The technology you used to do so must be highly advanced!" Etah replied in surprise.

"The power granted to the Tokarthi by Selvarius was great. With it, this one's kind spread across the stars. Unfortunately, the Tokarthi encroached on the territory of the only ones with the power to destroy this one's kind..."

Etah immediately knew. "The Harbingers..."

"Yes. As with all adversaries, this one's kind thought they would fall easily. This was not the case. The Tokarthi's empire was destroyed by the Harbingers, while the Harvesters wiped the Tokarthi out completely. Yet, the Amulet remained, and this one remains here to guard it, waiting until the Chosen of Selvarius came to claim it, as is her destiny..."

Galiana then asked nervously, after thinking, "What do I need to do?"

"That, you must find for yourself. Even this one knows not what laith within. It is your destiny to enter the city, and it is your destiny to face the trials alone. Only then can you claim the Amulet."

"I...understand," Galiana said uneasily.

Finally, Sol I Dor asked, "What are you? An AI or something?"

"No," the Tokarthi responded, "This one is the digitized consciousness of a Tokarthi, one of the last of them. This one's final duty is to guard Lemuria, withholding the legacy of the Tokarthi, to the end of Time...it is an honor to finally meet the Chosen. Good Luck, and may Selvarius guard you."

With that, a door openned, revealing the way. The team walked through the door, which sealed behind them. Once they were a distance away, a large, Tokarthi-Like Figure appeared next to Fal'Kor'Rih'Dah.

"So, servent of Selvarius, is it done?"

"Yes, God-King, your Chosen has arrived, to face her destiny..."

The Trial of Ingenuity
The team entered the next room. The floor, walls, and ceiling were all polished, and statues of Tokarthi decorated the room. At the head of the room was the statue of a massive Tokarthi, with more ornate armor and an unusual amulet.

Suddenly, machinery whirred, and a set of artificial constructs appeared: massive, mechanized Golems pulled themselves from the walls and rose themselves from the floor. The massive machines held themselves up on massive, pillar-like legs, and their architecture made them look similar to medeival Europe Castles. However, these Automatons looked a lot older.

"What are these things?!" Tholker asked.

"Golems - ancient robots. But I've never seen any so advanced!" Ahrganot remarked.

"They must be Tokarthian then," Etah added.

The torsos of the Golems looked like furnaces, and their eyes blazed like fire. Their torsos glowed brightly, and the team dove for cover, as the Golems emitted massive bursts of light. The team just barely missed getting vaporized by the Golems.

"That's a lot of firepower!" Etah commented on the Golems' attacks.

Galiana looked at the Golems. How were they going to get past them? Suddenly, Sol I Dor pointed out, "These things look like they were made to guard the Amulet from unwanted intruders!"

Then, realizing, Ahrganot called to Galiana, "Show yourself to them! If Sol I Dor's assumption is correct, they should stand aside for you!"

"And what if they don't?!" Galiana called back, uncertain.

"Come on!" Etah called, "You need to have some faith in yourself!"

Galiana remained hidden for about a minute, before finally mustering up the courage to face down the seemingly-invincible Golems. The menacing automatons stared her down...before the fires in their torsos and eyes began to die down, and they returned to their spots in the floor and walls, blending seemlessly with them.

Galiana just stood there, surprised by what happened. The others came up to her, and Ahrganot said, "More than meets the eye..."

Then, Tholker said, "Let's get moving, before those things change their minds..."

The Team entered what looked like an arena, with 3 symbols on the floor between them and a statue. On the statue was an Amulet with glowing runes all over it. "There's the Amulet!" Tholker called.

Suddenly, as the team rushed forwards, Metal Spikes shot out of the ground, separating Galiana from the others. The floor then drew the others into what looked like a jail cell. Then..the first of the symbols on the floor, one bearing the image of a serpentine 5-headed creature slid aside like a trap door, revealing a large, 5-headed 4-legged monster, each head armed with a menacing mouth. The team thought the creature looked very much like a Hydra of Earth Legend. They realized this beast may very well be the inspiration of that legend. They suddenly realized that Galiana was in the room with the Hydra by herself.

"We have to get out of this thing and help her!" Sol I Dor exclaimed to the others.

"He's right," Etah responded, "She won't last five minutes against that thing."

"No," Ahrganot responded, suddenly.

"We cannot let her die out there against that thing..." Sol I Dor angrilly responded.

Ahrganot sharply answered back, "Each of us had to face battles of our own to get our artifacts. If we interfere, what good will she be against Infra?"

As much as he hated it, Sol I Dor realized that Ahrganot was right: this was Galiana's fight.

The Hydra launched its insect-jawed head at Galiana, who barely dodged the attack. Then, a shadow loomed over her. She looked up, and rolled away from the Radial Head of the Hydra. However, the bug jaws shot forward and clenched Galiana down.

The team began to shout at this, shouting encouragement to Galiana. Unable to escape the Hydra's grasp, she looked over the creature, in a supposedly vain hope to try to stop it. Then, she saw it: between the creature's necks was its eyes. As the creature drew her in, she dug into her supplies and pulled out her energy pistol, which she fired at one of the beast's eye. The shot struck home, and, with a squeal of pain, the creature let go.

Now, taking her swords into her hands, Galiana charged past the heads of the Hydra. The beast desperately tried to grab her, but to no avail. She dove in and swiped 2 of the creature's eyes. The beast roared in pain. As Galiana dove for the last head, however, the Hydra's Shark Head struck. Its razor sharp teeth left cuts in Galiana's shoulder and back, causing her to collapse in pain.

"Galiana!" Sol I Dor called, fearing for her. Suddenly, she forced herself to her feet. Then, with a final exertion of effort, she stabbed her blade into the Hydra's last eye.

The monster roared in pain and anguish, as it backpedaled into the hole it emerged from. Then, the symbol sealed the creature in again.

The Trial of Courage
Galiana then wobbled over to the group again and rested herself on the bars of their prison. She hissed as the metal bars made contact with the wounds sustained from the Hydra's attack. Etah moved close to her, on his side of the bars, and examined the wound. "It looks pretty bad," Etah said, "Those teeth practically filleted your shoulder. It's a wonder the nerves survived."

Galiana cringed as Etah had to touch the wound to examine it. Suddenly, the Amulet glowed, and Galiana's wounds began to heal. Etah leapt back, as Galiana exclaimed in shock, "What the..."

Ahrganot noticed the Amulet, and remembered the Symbols on the floor. Then, he realized, "It's the Amulet. It's preparing her for her next trial."

"Next...trial?" Galiana asked nervously. Suddenly, the 2nd Symbol, bearing the image of a wolf, slid aside, and a bipedal, werewolf-like creature sprang out. Its howl chilled the team to the bones, bringing up a felling of fear into them.

The creature immediately stared at Galiana, and, to her misfortune, Galiana's eyes met its. Immediately, she was overtaken by a piercing, burdening feeling of dread. She knew she had to do something, but because of the utter feeling of terror she felt...she couldn't do anything. All she could do is just stare at the beast, and back away, as the werewolf-like monster slowly approached her.

Suddenly, a shout pierced her terror-blocked mind. "Galiana!" It was the others. She could not let this thing stop her. If she did, it was all over. If she failed, Infra would take over, and destroy everything she cared for. She could not let this beast beat her. She could not lose...

More out of pure instinct than anything else, Galiana swiped her blades at it, as if the swords were alive and hunting for the beast's flesh. This sudden display forced the beast to leap back, a fatal mistake. Galiana suddenly realized something: if any of those attacks were to have hit, they would not have caused much damage. This creature hates pain.

Now, newly envigarated by this revelation, Galiana now attacked with reckless abandon. Now, the creature worked desparately to defend itself, and, then, suddenly, Galiana struck several times on the beast's hide. The beast howled in pain, and it backed from Galiana. She prepared for the creature to charge again...but then, it was pulled back into the hole from where it emerged.

The Trial of Determination
When Galiana sat down there the team's cell, it was Ahrganot that was the first to realize what that fight was about. "It must have been some creature of fear," he stated, "A creature designed to test the limits of your courage. To see through its visage to fight the weak foe behind it..."

"Hold up," Sol I Dor started, then he started counting his clawed figures. "That was only 2 creatures, and on the floor, there's..."

Just then, the final symbol opened. This one was very familiar to Ahrganot, Etah, and Tholker. "That's that symbol for the Egyptian Scarab," Tholker said, "A creature in Egyptian Mythology. The Scarab itself is a real creature...but its Mythological Counterpart was much larger..." Tholker said, "Like THAT!" He pointed toward the symbol.

Out of the new crevice in the ground came a massive beetle the size of an Elephant. It released a menacing screech as it emerged onto the ground. Galiana was taken aback by the size of the creature, but, taking a deep breath, she readied her swords. Crossing her arms in some kind of Delson battle meditation she learned, she tried to recover some of the energy she spent in the previous battles. However, being a non-Delson, it did revigorate her as well as it would have an actual Delson.

Soon, the Scarab charged Galiana. She easily dodged the bulky insect, but, when she struck, her swords merely slid off the shell. The creature seemed to snicker, as Galiana tried again and again to pierce its shell. Her frustration mounted, as she realized her weapons didn't seem to effect it.

This is too difficult, I can't seem to beat it! she thought angrilly. It's hide was too hard, her swords not strong enough. There was no way she could deal enough damage in one area, this foe was beyond her... No, she thought to herself, ''I cannot think like that. I can defeat this, I MUST defeat it!'' She knew she had to defeat this thing, and she realized that meant piercing its armor. However, she could not deal enough damage in a strike to do it. Then, suddenly, she realized, I do not need enough damage in a SINGLE strike, if I can just deal enough continuous damage...but that would mean...

She knew what she had to do: she HAD to perform Soul Purge. It was the only attack she knew of tht could cause enough continuous damage to have a chance of breaking this thing's shell. It was also the only Shemhazai Style attack she failed at: every single time she tried to practice it, she fell flat on her butt.

Well, she thought, Now's as good a time as any to try it again... she decided. She immeditely felt paralyzed: she'd never successfully executed the maneuver before, and now she had to perform it perfectly or the she would possibly die here. The situation seemed impossible...

Suddenly, she remembered many incidents in her life: when the Harvesters devastated her homeworld, when she adapted to Delson life, when the Harvesters later kidnapped her and she was left alive long enough to escape them years later...her whole life has been filled with impossibilities turned reality. With these in mind, she decided that if all that could happen to her, she could do this too.

She then closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and concentrated. As she did so, the Scarab began charging her. Then, suddenly, she swiftly dodged to the side, and swung her blade at it. She felt the momentum of her swing, and, with it, swung the other sword she had. Her hit struck the same location as her first.

As did her next, and her next, and her next...