Guardian Angel
Writers : Severce and Yanmei (Charlotte)
Umarian Astral Raquamothla
Location: Treaty Defined Territory – Uniyan Spiral
Auniac’s Expanse
Military Arm Information – Special Allocation//Luminary Assimilate
Raatasi Tlataelat Ushacth
Arhotualorth Combine
Dedicated Forces:
6th Niaythian Fleet – 432 starships
13th Atabogyua Mobile Assault Fleet – 122 starships
3rd Hathaqu ‘Hand of Lao’Taun’ Fleet – 88 Sentient Leviathans and 900 Lothin Escorts
Special Attachments:
Otharthaca Order Cluster – 55 Stharlzo ‘Hornet’ Carriers – Fire Support
Bogotha Annex Mindhive – 2 – Assisted Battlefield Sentience Clusters
Phol Marine League – 31 Troop Transports
Command:
Telal ‘Titan’ Leviathan – 1 Titan and 50 Lothin Escorts
Special:
Yughoshi ‘Starplex’ Maternal Chonyosa
——————————
Yughoshi ‘Starplex’ Maternal Chonyosa
It was questionable if the treaty outlined by the multinational forces was going to hold. The rising voices of the slowly rebuilding Commonwealth once more began to stretch out across the Yirune Arm, even if their former oppressors had brokered peace the climate within the Yirune Arm was volatile. The business at hand within the Umarian Astral Raquamothla however was more focused upon the growing problem within the more extremist insectoid factions, the incidents which had occurred on the frontiers of the Ryuuesi Spiral and that Unyian Gates were no longer something that could just be ignored, the fallen image of Cystho was no longer enough to deter those who challenged the mandate.
Admist the turmoil, the long road to recovery an errand of a different nature was set within motion. The often misunderstood nature of the Leviathans and their place within the fold was once more at work. A valuable lesson had been learned during the campaigns at Ayenee and Lorenz, the fact that there are those who sought ambition to utilize the U.A.R to their own devices, and their Luminary without remorse or consideration of consequence.
S’elothotha Cystho : The Grand Cathedral of Cystho
Knock, knock upon the galaxy’s door
Your worlds once were but are no more
Epitaphs of hopes and your devoured dreams
A near eternity of measure invested in me
Tincture for nature wasted upon the floor
The skies stained black evermore
With charismatic salutations welcome me
For tomorrow you will try to surrender and flee
The embodiment of the Leviathan had reclined into the depths of the shadows as the echoing footsteps of the released Aestaesys Koshiro Kiri faded into absolution. During the years he had sat confined within her, during the quiet hours between the aggressive torture he received she had heard him weep. She had heard his cries for mercy, not unto her, not unto her son but to the one who had betrayed him. Angish upon suffered anguish had poured from the man like blood spilling from the slaughter upon the slab in offering. In time, it had gotten to her -worn not upon the feelings of mercy, but touching upon the basic functions of maternal nature. History had taken its course, and a line of betrayal stretched straight from Lorenz right into her own heart. During the campaign at Ayenee she had struggled with it, and then it was solidified as her son’s victory became not his own. Her rage had spewed forth across the cosmos and sunk into the remains of the republic and left it burning embers within the dark night, the new stars to which she now wept to, begging for mercy as Koshiro had.
Within her heart, the battle had ensued, it had taken upon a life of its own. There within the Sakruagna Docks it had been attempted to carry the chain of death straight to her own son. It had enraged her, intoxicated her with hatred as the reflections of the so called Ayen Queen echoed within her eyes. It had driven her farther than she had ever been driven before, it had sent her lashing at the other Leviathan. Within the broken fields of her rage, the miracles of the universe unfolded themselves once more. The broken hulk of Loschabho had fallen but so embeded within her maternal walls. The temper of the Leviathan Yughoshi Chonyosa could not be cooled. Mention of the garden and the Black Orchid that had sprung forth from the failed nations of Ayen was forbidden within her, the likeness of the Imperial Concubine had become a symbol of disloyalty. She would solve the problem herself, if it was a second Emissary that was called for — it would be provided and cultured from within.
Life, unique and perfect within the eyes of it’s creator was spawned within the womb of the Leviathan - Yanmei Tabothanosa ni Yughoshi Chonyosa was given life. Upon the balance of the Umarian ways however this new spawn was far from completed and distant from Lao’Taun who had come before her. It would take time before this new Emissary could prove herself, the the hordes of Lao’Taun were a test of both wit and bronze, they lived in turbulent times with the military arms already aching again for war. Upon the floor of the Cathedral the cacoon-like holding cell of the new Luminary awaited it’s first light, the glory of it’s birth that would be etched into the stars.
*
In the giving of life, the creator was to transfer much of the rage and unbridled hatred into what would become the second Emissary, whose soul purpose was to stand alongside Lao’ Taun, and be ready to raise arms up against those who had shown disloyalty to the Leviathans. This was far from a common occurrence for Yughoshi Chonyosa, in fact, this act was being done out of a desperate need. No longer would Lao’ Taun face those that seek to utilize him purely for power and their own ends. The newest Emissary would serve, not only as a deterrent, but also a painful reminder that if any dared to harm the Dominion Luminary Assimilate; that no mercy would be shown.
Within the confines of the cocoon-like holding cage, the first flurry of movement. Eyelids slowly opened to reveal striking jade green eyes. Yanmei’s head tilted left while she raised her right hand up and brought it up before her face; wiggling her fingers. The slender digits were pulled tightly into a closed fist, as her lungs filled with oxygen. Life. Easing back within the cell, Yanmei’s eyes darted back and forth taking in everything that was within her reach. Her mind already preset, for the Yughoshi had ingrained in her brain the processing of her thought patterns.
Suddenly, her curled fist punched through the cocoon walls, sending out a blast of light from within. Her fist and arm were free, while the other hand was used to claw open the hole; make it wider so she could break free from its hold on her form. The tearing of the vessel, made a squelching sound as though she was tearing open a living organism. A slick green ooze poured out onto the floor, coating it in a sticky residue that surrounded the pod. Yanmei’s head and torso soon appeared. Naked breasts clearly visible while her rib cage was pressed tight to her skin. Each breath taken was making her heart beat faster. From the pit of her stomach a growl began to rise up and reverberated off her throat; slick and delicious as her awakening continued. Jet black hair; long and sleek was plastered to her head and back as she rose up, from bringing her knees up and then pushing herself up and free of her shell. The remanents collapsed upon the slime covered floor, whilst in its place stood the Emmisary in all her glory.
Yanmei rolled back her shoulders, dripping the green coloured bioplasm upon the floor. The newest Emmisary took her very first steps onto the cold steel of the chamber. Much like a newborn, she was slightly unsteady, but it took a split second for her to gain total control of her faculties. Both hands were now clenched into tight fists. Cleary, this new being was not one to be reckoned with. Her face showed disdain. One could almost say she looked every bit as fierce as Lao’ Taun when he was in one of his moods.
Yanmei Tabothanosa ni Yughoshi Chonyosa was everything the Yoguhoshi Chonyosa could have hoped for. A creature born specifically….to kill.
*
The song of existence, the celestial symphony played out through the barren landscapes of the expanse, the place where stars had long since died and the torrented vortexes of event horizons extinguished even light. The mark of Chonyosa, the vitality of a reign that ruled entire Spirals flowed through a second representative now, and responsibility for it took hold in a way that could only be described as Umarian. Their society was bent upon action, forged upon astral battlefields where millions seen death, and many seen victory – the difference between the two was those with the courage ability to struggle forwards and they were praised for it.
[Vesper] “The soil, the furtile ground of this garden was sacred. It was my birthplace as well, like me, yet different enough to be carved to me is what I am told you are. I see only flesh, a vessel filled with ambition. The forge is what is used to change that which has already been made, and the only thing that can affirm destiny is survival.” The whispered words, like that of the midnight wind would echo within the mind of the newly created one. Yanmei would need to earn who she was for that name meant nothing. The hands of Lao’Taun released the rice paper from his hands with the carefully written words of what he had set out to say, it drifted to the floor like the falling petals of a chrysanthmum before the rain. His presence was unmistakable, unfathomable, for within him was the will of the entire UAR and it was delivered with a force that seemed so opposite to that which had just been used.
The sound of the isolation door closing could be heard as Lao’Taun exited the chamber. The noisy mechanical disruption creating a stirr within the shadows, one that reverberated against both metal and chitinous exoskeleton. The Tthamaugn began to awake from it’s dormancy, the massive mantis-like monstrosity of the Insectoid castes tasted the air through the spiracles which descended the sides of it’s midsection. Mandibles opened and closed like massive barbed vices hungered for the offerings of flesh. Segmented appendages heaved the towering eight foot beast to a fully standing position, as it’s mirror-like hex filled compound eyes reflected the image of Yanmei.
The armoured coverings of the bug’s wings lifted briefly as it’s glossy webbed wings fluttered wildly, almost as if it was stretching. It was not just any monstrosity, it was one with intelligence, a citizen – but one given the task, the hopeful first kill of the newly born Luminary. It spoke within the already known clicks and hisses of the insectoid tongue, taunting the still naked Luminary, { My guts are empty…such sweetness you’ll give to the fill! A shame I cannot keep you, such warmth could only brood the finest of eggs. } It reared upwards, forward most appendages snapping their pincers in the air.
*
The glowing mark of the Chonyosa was evident upon Yanmei’s neck; proof that she was born of the Yoguhoshi Chonyosa. Yet, as Lao’ Taun had spoken, the second Emmisary was all but a name and a vessel. Proof would be shown through her abilities. Lao’ Taun’s voice carried through the air like a bird in flight, reaching her ears and though making her aware of his presence it brought little to no comfort. And why should it. Right from birth she was to be tested or else her usage was for naught. Vibrant jade eyes caught sight of the falling of the rice paper that heralded the words which he spoke. Barely had it touched the ground that she found herself left to her devices….course, that was far from true. The sound of the isolation door closing would give way to another more sinister sound. Likened to the dragging of chitinous plates across a bulk of armour that was not in any way metallic, but more like that of boned skeleton.
Yanmei’s head turned to the direction of the sound, whilst her body followed with her right foot dragging across the metal floor. Lining her up to face what was her first test to prove her worth. Her chin lifted higher and her eyes found their mark. What had been laying dormant possibly for years was now as awake as she. Yanmei released her digits from her closed fists so her palms were open and arms held to her sides, she was to face what others would only see in their worst nightmares. A Tthamaugn; a massive mantis-like monstrosity who was possibly female and well overdue for a feed. Silently Yanmei observed this hulking creature but all the while refrained from showing fear. As the Tthamaugn prized open its powerful mandibles, that were akin to razor sharp maws, Yanmei started to pace back and forth like a cougar that was trapped behind a steel grid fence. Her jaw line tightened as she flexed her muscles in her forearms, opening and closing her hands as she took in every inch of the beasts detail. From its long spindle like appendages, to the bulk of its torso and abdomen. You could hear the resident hiss as Yanmei drew breath through gritted teeth.
Rounding on the oversized mantis like creature, Yanmei heard it speak to her in a series of sharp clicks and hisses, that rolled off its serpent like tongue. { My guts are empty…such sweetness you’ll give to the fill! A shame I cannot keep you, such warmth could only brood the finest of eggs. } Yanmei stopped walking, and then a cruel smile appeared upon her thin lips. The second Emmisary cracked her neck and then jutted out her chest proudly in a display of open defiance, as she brought out her arms on either side, raising her hands slightly, her right foot being drawn back, before arching her left foot and digging in her toes to the cold surface. A final hiss came from between razor sharp teeth that were visible as she drew back her lips like a wild animal baring them. Yanmei’s rasping voice sounded hollow as she said each word so they were clearly defined from the other.
“I….don’t…think…so….” You could hear the air from her breathe as she spoke, before going into a full series of back flips; three all told and landing again solidly upon her feet so to face the behemoth. Within her own eyes she mirrored the creature, while giving her clearance to start what would be a strategy used to counter even the largest of foes. She drew her right arm viciously across the front of her and started to crouch as she cried loudly;
“YOU…ARE…GOING….TO…FEED….ME!” Her declaration as much to rise to the challenge, was her mantra as she started to alter her form, right before the Tthamaugn…to become exactly the same. This process of course did take time, time that the original may well use to its advantage. The pain was excruciating feeling the very lengthening of bone under skin, and materializing into the likeness of the Tthamaugn that was opposite her now.
*
Lao’Taun was present again within a few moments, emerging into the faint coloured splay of light coming from the stained glass archway behind the balcony which overlooked the Cathedral floor below, a place normally reserved for the upper members of the Anuin Congress. Within the walls of the Cathedral, he practiced a new nature upon this day – the birth of a new regime, curiosity be held within nebulous orbs as they remained entranced upon that which the Chanyosa had provided him. Bold declarations sounded from below and with them a mild sense of trepidation accompanied that curiosity, there was a fine line between that which made to compliment and that which were to be made to replace.
The Tthamaugn was a formidable opponent, the election of mirroring it’s structure was probably a wise way to contend with it. After all it was the first of thousands of representatives she would be exposed to. So far it was an appendage; if she was going to advance it further things were going to get interesting. One of his former Chenghui emerged onto the balcony, bringing for him the pot and cup. The faint scent of green tea played within the air. “Xie Xie…” Lao’Taun said, his eyes not moving off Yanmei below. The young Chenghui almost looked disappointed, the tea brought with the hopes of yet again – ignored favour.
The cry of the Tthamaugn that came in return to the Luminary’s declaration was an ear piercing whine, the bounds of insectoid language abandoned for the more fearsome nature that predated their enlightenment within the dimensional confines of the prison that which held them at bay. The Tthamaugn lurched forwards, segmented appendages working hard as it’s angered steps busted the clay tiles of the floor. Its right pincer opening wide as it swung it through the air, cleaving towards the transforming Luminary’s elongating and shifting left forward appendage, pincer working with the intent to grab it so the beast could drag her towards itself. Sticky mucus spilled over the mandibles of the now angered insect, it wanted nothing more than to eat – the basic fundamentals of survival ruled over the civilized, it had fasted for weeks in preparation. It would either dine or become part of history.
As the “battle” ensued the Congress was becoming aware of the arrival of the new Luminary, the true battle lines would be drawn for there would be those who supported her and those who would seek to use her to compromise the mandate to bring power for them. The elusive following of Lao’Taun worked both for and against him, a balance he kept a powerful hold on. Hidden amongst their whispering diversity were members of his hand, and every whisper was heard and weighed in the equation of his reign.
*
Within the Emmisary’s mind, it was ticking over the traces of thought from her creator. The idea that creatures were simply food, was not at the forefront of her mind. Conquest and the ultimate destruction of those that stood against were. An adversary, the first of many to be sure was now facing her and this would be sorely tested to see if she had in her what was to be expected. Facing off against the creature, Yanmei made her choice which was a simple one. To utilise her power; to mirror her combatant to a T. However this was not by any means easy, and it did take time. But one thing to be understood was that as she changed the eruption of hate that was seeded in her being blossomed to the full. Never before would one witness and marvel in the will of a female’s wrath.
The gauntlet was thrown down in her war cry and so the Tthamaugn retaliated as expected. A full on charge to sweep up the incomplete Yanmei, who would suffer the bouts first strike. The monstrosity lumbered towards her with the shattering of the clay tiles beneath, much like the splintering of glass. This coupled with the roar of the beast would only add to the spectacle that Lao’ Taun would be witnessing from high above. How he viewed the second Emmisary at this moment, may well shape his view of her in the future. However, below Yanmei was zeroing in on her foe. The left forward appendage made its mark, seizing the partially morphed Yanmei and dragged her body across the broken floor. With hunger its driving force, it may well be blinded to the tactic that Yanmei was to employ. Only through the eyes of the Emmisary could you see the cold blooded designs that she had now set. A closed in game meant for a faster finish. Sacrifice…for further gain.
As quickly as it had begun, the morphing process sped up, with the chitinous plates forming. Her body building, doubling…tripling…while her wide maw released a deafening sound due to the piercing of her flesh, that was being stripped away in the changing. Little did the Tthamaugn realize its pincer was becoming embedded and locked between the armoured folds of the female. Now…face to face..or head to head, the vile mucus of the newly fashioned creation stared down the Tthamagun as she made her first attempt to strike. She opened her own right handed pincer and brought it in on the full, to slam into the side of the beast, while being drawn in so close now, escape was no longer an option. Kill or be killed. No regrets.
The massive head of Yanmei went back as it prepared to be launched forward, with the mandibles ready to take the head of her foe and go into a death lock, with the goal to start eating first.
*
Cunning ingenuity and a lack of fear is what Yanmei showed in her works. Allowing her to be grabbed and dragged in order to buy herself the time to finish transforming as well as to close the distance between herself and the monstrosity. Lao’Taun seemed impressed, ceramic cup being lifted to his lips as he watched uninterrupted. The implications of her existence were beginning to settle with him, the crushing sound of her pincer claw tearing into the chitinous exoskeleton of the Tthamaugn, brought a coy smile to the Luminary’s face. It was not the fact that she was killing it, it was the matter in which she executed that kill. The battle was not over yet, but slimy green gushed from the smashed opening that Yanmei had cleaved within the beast’s side.
Overestimation, driven by hunger the Tthamagun had compromised itself before the first exchanges of battle had even begun. It was unable to move it’s left pincer, caught between chitinous plating which had formed over it during the rest of her transformation. The beast shrieked, it’s compound eyes reflecting the now changed image of the Luminary – it was a look of trepeditation, typical of it’s kind it would try to struggle. Back legs struggled with the broken tiles, pushing the Tthamaugn forwards, trying to push Yanmei backwards. It’s right pincer claw coming up in an attempt to grab her between the head and thorax, the crushing pincer trying to behead her. It was a move of desperation, it’s over zealous campaign already near over. Then again it was questionable what the intensions of the Chanyosa and her son were in terms of testing this new Luminary, the insect had fallen to a promise for praise and glory. Now all it seemed to be facing was death.
The battle itself didn’t matter to the Congress, using their various means of finding out more information about what had been done. The hopes of power created by the vacuum of recent events had been crushed in one single move. It was assumed that the act of Yanmei’s creation had been triggered by Lao’Taun, his attempt to fill the gap that they had only assumed was going to lead to the former Imperial Concubine taking power. Power that Lao’Taun had never even considered sharing with the outsider. It came down to a definition, one that was enigmatic and misunderstood with the diversity of what was physically considered to be Umarian. One thing that was not in doubt, it was highly likely that the last remaining curiosities of a secluded ruler were about to come to an end, sheltered minds would be quick to grow in the presence of companionship.
*
With the greenish goo like substance of the embattled Tthamaugn spilling over the broken tiles, it created for a dangerous and slippery surface for the encounter. The aggression shown by Yanmei in full size now was to only mean that this match was going to be brutal and the female Emmisary unrelenting. It did not even phase her in the slightest when she heard the crushing of her impact upon the armoured plates of her foe. The sinking in of her razor sharp pinchers had a hook like effect, so when pulling back, this may well do even more damage than when it went in. To create a hole is one thing, but to cleave back the sections, leaves the underside exposed and much more blood loss. The scent that the Tthamaugn gave off was not pheromones but more so the smell of fear itself, something that Yanmei simply did not know. Human like emotions such as love, joy, sorrow, and sadness were quashed by the dark evil that penetrated every ounce of her being.
Now in a death struggle, the Tthamaugn tried to use its girth to push the Emmisary back in order to gain ground and perhaps an advantage, however the slippery surface under its many spear like legs made for keeping the force behind the push difficult. Yanmei did not have the same problem and dug hard into the floor surface with a ripple like effect that went down the full length of her body assuring her place was stationary. In any game of push and shove, the return would be with equal aggression. Yanmei performed a double movement in a sense, as her pincher came free of the plates, tearing out a bigger hole and then making for a second slam, same place only in order to rip out the delicate inner tissue and possible vital organs.
The Tthamaugn brought in its pincher to clasp around the throat of Yanmei in a dying attempt to sever her head from her body, but this was countered as she had already made the head swing forward to lock the head of the Tthamaugn into a vice grip with her mandibles. This connecting, regardless of how hard the Tthamaugn tried to squeeze the pinchers, Yanmei’s jaw came down and tried to start the feasting. To break open the Tthamaugn’s head and eat it alive.
*
Lao’Taun watched, nebulous orbs locked upon Yanmei as she worked – each sip of tea seemed to move into the next, and as he finished it – she finished the Thtamaugen. The crushing sound of chitinous exoskeleton busting within the grip of her mandibles was something that the Luminary Assimilate would remember for a long time. It was the sound of victory, the gushing fluids and mucky pinkish organ may of been disgusting in the eyes of most, but for those who spoke so boldly as to the effect of eating their prey – it was the ambrosial fruit of a worthwhile win. The monstrosity’s pincers opened and closed wildly, save for the one that was still caught within her armoured skin. She had what she wanted, eating her prey as its hearts still beat.
The looming form of Lao’Taun gazed towards Yanmei with focused intent. It was the begining of a path that would be seen to it’s end. One that he could not ignore and in that he was greatful to the Leviathan for its gift to him. At least he believed that it was for him, there was confusion that had settled beyond the reassurances of Yughoshi. He had questions that needed answers, and the time to ask them was quickly approaching.
“I could call a legion more, if I wanted.” he said, voice echoing through the cavernous chamber of the S’elothotha Cystho. “–but then you’d be there, full from them as well. Our appetite for it, the thrills of war is unending.” He set the empty ceramic cup down and onto the ledge. “But there is more to us than that..” He told her, watching to see when she would decide to drop the transformation.
Lao’Taun was fixated upon what the course would be for the U.A.R. The treaty signing with the Yirune Arm had been a costly compromise, one which was not driven by the usual brutal forces which pushed their military arms forwards — he was still hungry for more. They would need to seek their next campaign, it meant letting go of that which was being left behind. It was with that thought that he realized there was nothing left to let go of, there was nothing shared at the campaigns of Lorenz or Ayenee. Assisted Betrayal crippled his enemies, but what did that do? His forces were far superior to anything either world had, there was no deed to praise. Nothing else needed to be thought upon it, he awaited her voice.
*
That horrifying crunch as her jaws prized apart the head of the Tthamaugn was the sound of a sweet victory to be sure, however to Yanmei it was the final act it what had been her first of many tests. The beast that had tried so valiantly to bring her down before the Emmisary had failed. Misjudging and blindly attacking without realisation of what it faced. Never judge a book by its cover, for beneath this latest creation was the very seed of evil. Yanmei withdrew her right pincer from the Tthamaugn’s side and it contained the shredded remains of its left lung which she shook free from her appendage and allowed it to fall to the broken floor with a sickening splat.
The life within the eyes of the monstrosity was slowly fading away as Yanmei released the head, withdrawing her mandibles, that were coated in a slick red and green ooze that dripped over the embattled mantis’s head. Yanmei pushed back, only to feel the tearing of the embedded pincer that was still trapped within her plates. She wilfully reached around with her right pincer and tore it free so that her foe may finally fall away from her and onto the ground in a disgusting mess. Now bleeding herself, and with her razor sharp mandibles coated in slime, she drew back her head and let out a terrify roar of victory, before Lao’ Taun’s voice flooded the chamber.
“I could call a legion more, if I wanted.” he echoed, making sure she could hear and understand his words. Her vile head snapped around and she hissed violently in his direction, his image captured in her eyes. The loud pounding of her many legs, smashed into the remaining unbroken clay floor tiles as she appeared to rise up to a new height. Being so bold as to snap at the air with her claw like vices. The head drew back on his conclusive statement; “–but then you’d be there, full from them as well. Our appetite for it, the thrills of war is unending.” Yanmei’s breathing was ragged and she spat part of the fallen Tthamaugn’s skull onto the floor before her. ~clunk~ “But there is more to us than that..” Lao’ Taun said, finishing his tea and setting down his cup.
Lao’ Taun did not seem to be fussed with the newest creation, at least that is how Yanmei felt by his words. She spun her massive head towards the fallen Tthamaugn and then with the full power of her lungs Yanmei roared at it, so only her call would be heard, and maybe to all that had witnessed, they would see that she would become a new and more dangerous threat to those that dare to defy the word of Lao’ Taun.
The battle now done, she lowered her head to concentrate as the morphing process could be reversed. This was not only painful to watch, it was dreadful to endure as all the chitinous plates started to collapse back on the other, and she slowly shrank in size, till she was once more the humanoid form of the Emmisary. At its end, she was on her knees, holding her side from the pincer strike. Bleeding, but very much alive. Placing down her right hand, whilst breathing hard, she pushed herself to standing; her long jet black hair shielding her face from those high above. Slowly she turned around, and then with her right hand curling its digits into a fist, she brought her arm up across her naked chest in a diagonal line and stared up at Lao’ Taun, before uttering;
“Those that underestimate me…..will do so at their peril.”
*
Lao’Taun watched as Yanmei reverted back to the Emissary form, the sound of bones crunching and fluids gushing didn’t really bother him. He had accepted what he was a long time before, during his constant state of war following the fall of his predecessor. He had fought for what he had, and so would she. He watched as she sunk to the floor, cradling her bleeding side and trying to make herself less vulnerable in her humanoid form. He was amused, not out of the fact she had tried to cover herself but the fact that the instinct was there to do it. “The simplest way to not be underestimated is to not underestimate yourself.” She was a mess, the blood of the slain monstrosity, her own blood and everything else shared and feasted between — It was the closest thing to an ‘Angel’ he had ever seen.
With him, everything was valued with the worth of action and potential. There was a matter of conflict however that would need to subside, the persistent echoes of Yughoshi’s words within his mind, as usual overprotective and for his own good but he didn’t need it. The campaigns at Lorenz and Ayenee had brought him out, and not just on the field but into the ranks of the Umarian people. He had experienced what most did in an entire lifetime within the spans of a few well spent years.
Lao’Taun had done what he could for the years that he had dominated over the Ryuusei and Unyian Spirals, many measures had been taken in his attempts to bind the the metaphysical presence of his rule. He had appeared in many forms, he even at one point had arranged orders of those who served him – during their break from their binds that Cathedral was not the desolate place it was now. Nothing had pleased him; nothing had completed the master piece of what he considered to be the Umarian way. Following it, cultured gardens bearing false flowers were exposed to just be silver tongued outsiders. And finally it came down to the most loyal of his servants, the place where exploration had been endeavoured the most for the sake of doing so. It was lost to him, it enraged him more than it had helped and its part of why he had tortured certain prisoners how he did. That was gone.
He spoke quietly, almost as if whispering to someone who was not there. “Open tank 947-C-Emissary Two’s outer doors and flush the containment.” The second he spoke, Yughoshi reacted, and in the aquatics section of the Leviathan one of the tanks was opened to space, and water and flesh were released into space – sent to the empty spans along with the rest of the things which meant nothing to him and nothing to the UAR. [Myothe] He grabbed a hold of the railing of the balcony and vaulted himself over it, the air rushed around him sending his overcoat flaring as he fell towards the cathedral floor. The electrogravitic field system activated, controlled by the mind hive buried within him slowing his descent and eventually bringing him to a hover within a few paces of Yanmei.
*
Down below on the damaged floor of the chamber was littered with the blood and debris of the first battle of Yanmei with her chosen foe; the fallen Tthamaugn. Its bulk now strewn across half the floor; a tangled and broken pile of chitnous plates and ruptured entrails. The scent was not one for the faint hearted and even in the moments following its death, a vapour of hot gases rose from the bleeding wounds. Yanmei stood within the midst of the destruction she caused, as it served as a backdrop that one day painters may try to capture from the minds of those that bore witness. For now, it was a glowing testament to her abilities.
Yanmei kept eagle eyed watch on Lao’ Taun, for he may well have yet another creature he wished to release on her, and maybe derive some dark pleasure in watching her continue to fight her way through the most destructive and vile beasts the UAR has to offer. She breathed in through her nostrils, which flared from the stench around her. Not overly pleasant, least not for those who had weak stomachs. Lao’ Taun spoke in reply to her bold statement, that she was not one to be underestimated; “The simplest way to not be underestimated, is to not underestimate yourself.” Slowly, Yanmei lowered her fist, bringing it back down so her arms were at her side. She did not stand in a manner to try and cover herself, for she did not care that she was without cloth. Natural, as her creator had made. Crafted carefully and moulded to fit the model that the Yoguhoshi Chonyosa had envisioned.
Unaware of Lao’ Taun’s whisper to release whatever was held in another part of the Leviathan, she remained silent till he gave orders of what was to occur next. Yanmei was after all like a new child to this world, having no knowledge of the workings of the Chambers. Lao’ Taun would not keep her waiting long however, as he leapt over the railing and sailed down to hover just before her; his coat trailing from behind him.
As she had done with the Tthamaugn, Yanmei began what could be best described as a ritual like pacing, back and forth. Eyes taking in every detail of his form. Though she was not clenching her fists as she had done before. Nor was she making the defensive hissing sound, and the baring of teeth. It was more curious if anything. He may find this, somewhat amusing, perhaps even annoying. Yanmei was not a typical female by any standard. Once satisfied, Yanmei came to stop, but side on to him, so she was casting a glance across the line of her shoulder; her body silhouetted by the artificial lighting.
“Have you decided to test me as well?”
*
Lao’Taun was formidable, not just in the sense of domination he held on the battlefield but the way he was able to keep control of a society that worked upon the very premises that usually tore nations to peices. The strengths of the military arms, all of the eleven remaining was that the strongest survived – the strongest prevailed and the most intelligent would be the ones to lead them. “Test you?” He whispered in response, even at such a low tone it still echoed through the massive chamber which now had fallen back to its usual dimness. “The hordes will do enough of that, our enemies will do enough of that — you have been born to times when victory is the thirst for more. If I was to test you, it would be just another unquenched ambition; your name will be made in battle not in simulation. The trial is existance, and you’re high enough to be your own judge.” He smiled faintly, stepping forwards, sinking into the less illuminated recesses behind her. “You were born for battle, but what else will you become?” his question didn’t really have an answer. An acceptance had come from within.
{ Mine, immaculate dream,
Made of breath and skin,
I’ve been waiting for you,
Signed with a whole tattoo,
Happy birthday to yoou,
Was created for you.
I cant help but keep from falling apart,
At the seams,
I cannot believe their taking my heart,
Into pieces
Ohh it might take a little time,
Might take a little crime,
To come undone,
Now we’ll try,
To stay blind,
To the hope and fear outside,
Hey child, stay wilder than the wind, can blow me in,
To crime,
Who do you need,
Who do you love,
When you come undone.
Who do you need,
Who do you love,
When you come undone.
Words,
Play me deja vu,
Like a radio tune,
I swear Ive heard before,
She’ll,
Resist something real,
Or the magic im feeding,
Off your fingers.
I cant help but keep from falling apart,
At the seams,
I cannot believe their taking my heart,
Into pieces
Lost,
In a self filled sky,
Might make it alright,
To come undone,
Now, we’ll try,
To stay blind,
To the hope and fear outside,
Hey child, stay wilder than the wind, can blow me in,
To crime,
Who do you need,
Who do you love,
When you come undone.
Who do you need,
Who do you love,
When you come undone.
I can’t help but keep from falling apart, (apart)
At the seams, (who do you need)
I cannot believe their taking my heart, (who do you love)
Into pieces
I cant help but keep from falling apart,
At the seams, (who do you love)
I cannot believe their taking my heart into pieces. }
His steps took him in circles around her, slow progressing analytic steps and motions where his eyes beheld all that she was. “A name, you’re born with one and then in fire you’re given another. The name upon which the legends are written because the spirit behind the vessel will long outlast it.” his gaze narrowed as he returned to position behind her. This time he was a lot closer than before, form affixed so that his gaze passed over the opposite shoulder than the one she looked over. “Xia Yuèha…” he whispered, giving her the designation that would stick with her long after her first trial.
Curiosity burned, like the carved out cores of dying stars it was unpredictable and yet harnessed with precision all at the same time. There was no question of the thoughts this one had been made with, no question of where she had been and how she had been violated. It turned out, he had done exactly what he had threatened without even knowing it – He had a counterpart made, one that he could rely upon without the question of taint – at least for now. “The Umarian way, our way is the translated words of the celestial symphony. Our ambition the true dawn after the false dawn has long since passed.” He placed her within history at that moment, the usage of ‘our’ had never once been uttered from his lips in that manner, he had never offered to share anything even a breath before.
*
In the empty chasm that was the chamber now it was just the two that remained. Two of a kind, both opposites ends but to complete the puzzle of their existence. Little did she realize the importance of her creation. The whys…the who…Yanmei was the ying to his yang. But clearly he had suffered greatly over the course of his time, and through this had built up a defensive wall that was impenetrable by many that had attempted to get even close in. All Yanmei had in her mind was the directives of the Yoguhoshi Chonyosa, so when he appeared to decline when asked if he was to also test her, she became intrigued. Was that not her purpose?
“The hordes will do enough of that, our enemies will do enough of that — you have been born to times when victory is the thirst for more. If I was to test you, it would be just another unquenched ambition.” – Lao’ Taun spoke just above a whisper, but it did so echo the chamber. Yanmei’s eyes flickered upwards to see if any were still witnessing this meeting, but to her eyes she saw none. The heart within was of a warrior, and beat fiercely, when Lao’ Taun commenced to walk around her slowly, as though she was now the one being on display. She kept her arms at her sides, but her head, her eyes followed him as he made his way around her slowly. Vibrant green eyes burned; a piercing gaze that would send most to flee from her, in case she launched into an attack. Yanmei did not raise a brow, or act discourteous, but just as curious as he may well be.
Her jet black hair that draped her shoulders started to slip and flow behind her as she caught him moving behind her line of sight again. But then he spoke…and words that would not ever be forgotten by her;
“A name, you’re born with one and then in fire you’re given another. The name upon which the legends are written because the spirit behind the vessel will long outlast it.”
“A name?” -she said just above a hiss of a whisper.
“Xia Yuèha…” – he replied back in the same low whispered tone.
Slowly, she raised her chin. So that was to be what she would be known as by the scribes of their time. When she fought alongside him in battle, that will be what was cried out with hatred. A slow smile crept on her stained lips, and…she approved.
“The Umarian way, our way is the translated words of the celestial symphony. Our ambition the true dawn after the false dawn has long since passed.”
Yanmei turned her body so now she was facing him dead on, and then took the last two steps towards him. Partner in blood…Partner in spirit…Partner by design. The look in her eyes was unmistakable, a full and complete understanding, of what the Umarian way was.
“The sun will set on those….less deserving. Their fate now rests with us.”
*
Lao’Taun was amazed by Xia’s words, ensnared and entranced within the implications of what had finally been done. If it was possible for a Celestial Lord to have a list of things that they wished to experience in life, one of them had just vanished from his. There was plenty to this ‘design’ but for once it wasn’t a design that was caught within the motions, it didn’t leave him guessing or requiring more explanations. He knew full well why she had been created now. The eons suffered within dimensional confinement, their struggle when that prison began to fall and when they broke free of its hold – his name was etched into that. His rise against his teacher and Master, the rise of the the Nyshakrlzhao – his name was etched into that too. It was all for the Raquamothla, each victory and each trial had been met and matched – even the attempted take over from the Ayeneeans. He never fell for a single advance, the bat of a single lash – he bore no resemblance to the Norian Aestaesys who were bent upon their failed schemes of love and romance. Its not like he had ever asked for anything, his people praised him for what the mandate called for – his blazing image placed upon the hulls of their vessels, but none of it ever seen as anything of substance. There was always another battle, another challenge, and the greatest one was living with the silence within the Cathedral.
“The sun will set on those….less deserving. Their fate now rests with us.”
Even when she had finished speaking, there was no longer silence – no longer vacancy. An internal war had ended there, and for once Lao’Taun faced something he had never before. Defeat. The almond shaped slits of his eyes narrowed and his gaze lowered ever so slightly before rising again to meet hers. “The rays of this dark, dead star have been everlasting. This symphony was perfect the way it was strung, the most immeasurable and divine song ever written. I heard not the flaw, seen not the flicker of this light until you. My ears no longer accept the lie which was discord, for I hear the symphony clearly now, the third for each chord included. It was imperfect without you.” His words were uttered not just vocally, but through the links to the rest of the Umarians. Every mind hive, every entity including those trapped within subspace clusters stopped. They stopped and recognized the fact that everything had changed in a single moment, and for once he couldn’t even see them. “You were made, you complete me.” He surrendered, within his own admission. He stepped forwards and embraced her, gazing towards eyes that he had never seen but had always known.
*
Xia Yuèha’s striking jade eyes narrowed to slits whilst watching Lao’ Taun closely. His reaction to her words had sparked something inside of her. Likened to an ember that had been struck, and then rising to a flame that soon would turn blue. Silence in all but the beating of hearts as they stood opposite each other, almost like waiting for the other to make another move. Then there it was, the change in his facial expression. Unmistakable. The Second Emmisary had broken through the barricades that had been erected by Lao’ Taun to keep himself from being harmed. You could say that the union was going to be more than just the planning of the creator, it was far more than that. Xia Yuèha followed his sweeping gaze and then they locked eyes together. The final obstacle.
“The rays of this dark, dead star have been everlasting. This symphony was perfect the way it was strung, the most immeasurable and divine song ever written. I heard not the flaw, seen not the flicker of this light until you. My ears no longer accept the lie which was discord, for I hear the symphony clearly now, the third for each chord included. It was imperfect without you.”
For a moment, it was like Xia Yuèha was in tune with every hive mind, and all had stopped to hear Lao’ Taun’s decree across the vastness of the subspace clusters. The magnitude of this was not lost upon her. At first her face showed conflict, confusion. Xia Yuèha was created to serve as a weapon, a tool, a protector. But as Lao’ Taun approached those last two steps, she came to realize that she was the embodiment of his completion.
“You were made, you complete me.” Spoken as he held her in his embrace. It was then both their hearts began to beat in perfect unison. and her face illuminated as the blood pumped through her. Acceptance. A creature born to attack, allowed this coupling. No such thing as fate. This was chosen.
“You are my Lord….You will never be unhappy again. I swear it.”
In the silence of the chambers, the will of Yughoshi Chonyosa was done. Xia Yuèha bowed her head and brought it to his chest, the only male she would ever succumb too.
*
Words were exchanged, he was already captivated – and the nation beneath him was captivated with him. It spread like fire, the second Emissary had come and not only had she arrived, she had Lao’Taun at her side. It started out as a simple whisper, but within minutes it had become something else entirely. Upon the black armoured surface of the Chanyosa the volumetric emitters began to activate, turning inwards against the hull they projected the avatar of Lao’Taun along with Xia Yuèha. Leviathan after leviathan followed suit, from the vessels with the combine in the spans to those receiving hyper band communications thousands of light years away, the military arms gave reverence. Lao’Taun could not see this, for he had been captivated. The Hand of Lao’Taun did as they were designed to do, rerouting Mind hive traffic away from the Cathedral, and increasing security around both Luminarys – they were charged with order to them both now.
“You are my Lord….You will never be unhappy again. I swear it.”
The words she spoke were hard to process, his eyes locked on her. He didn’t move, he didn’t even breathe. What had been created? Was this real? The passage of time seemed to become meaningless as he accepted her words. She gave an oath that was binding, he had spent so much time away from everything and everyone he had accepted happiness as the thrill from battle and true happiness had never even been a consideration. No doubt by then, the cities were charged with people searching for answers – answers he wasn’t willing to give up before. This meant sharing alot more than victory, it was everything.
As her head fell forwards to his chest, his left hand moved to the dark silk of her hair. He found himself astounded, gratified by her submission and encompassed completely with the ramifications of what had been chosen. It wasn’t what he imagined; he didn’t feel weakened by her presence. He felt empowered, he felt completed. His fingers clasped slightly through her dark threads, holding her almost as if she was going to evaporate. Her blood along with that of the beast she had defeated smearing across his clothing, the symbiotic armour shifting to allow her to feel his warmth.
“You are mine….You will never know disappointment…You will never know another’s touch…I swear…” He returned her oath, possessive and unrelenting of his resolve. Several cloaked figures stormed from the Congress, mostly conniving females had hoped to get near him that now knew they would never have the chance – not that they ever did, prior attempts had been squashed beneath his boots.
*
From the moment when she opened her eyes within the cocoon pod, to fighting the Tthamaugn she had begun her battles to show worth to those of congress and also Lao’ Taun. But her greatest victory was in the winning of his heart, something many before had tried and now laid discarded by the wayside like dead soldiers that simply couldn’t measure up. In the midst of the ruins of the chamber that had been her battlefield; smeared with the blood of her foe, she had come out the champion.
Now she was set to reap rewards that were not the plan of her creator. It was in his arms she found the warmth of a man, who by very definition was colder than the metal of the ships that serve him. Her sworn oath to serve him was met with a similar decree. However it was in his actions that Lao’ Taun displayed the need to touch her, gripping her hair with his fingers. Xia raised her head back, so she could watch him, as he spoke to her, and to all that could hear. Lao’ Taun had made his choice. The female Emmisary was to belong solely to him. No other would touch her, no other would disappoint her.
To reciprocate, Xia placed her arms around him, interlocking her fingers behind his back. Though her body had cooled from the lack of movement within the chill of the empty chamber, his body gave off a warmth that would spread right though her; entirely.
What few may not have recognised, as they left them to their devices, was the Lao’ Taun had achieved the unimaginable. Tamed the one being who had the will to destroy every living being that came within a close radius of Lao’ Taun, with the intent to do him harm. Xia was in every sense of the word, his guardian angel. A gift from the creator, that would carry him to new heights of power, and all selflessly. Not just because she loved him, but because was created to complete him.
“You will no longer walk alone, my Lord. I am your companion, till the day I die.”
*
The Builder’s oversight had been corrected, the single element that had made the Umarian unstable, unbalanced and worthy of the prison that had once held them had been eliminated. One more peg of stability moved into place, they had the potential to destroy and effectively the spirals would tremble within their path. — But that would have to wait.
Lao’Taun leaned down slightly in his stance, arm moving behind her thighs to lift her up with her arms still coiled around his neck. The core of the beings that were the true Umarians was complete, for even with all the diversity until now there had only been one. Emissaries of their people and beheld only by one another they would continue into the vastness of the frontiers in search of the victory they sorely deserved. His eyes never left hers, from the place where he had picked her up, all the way to the other end of the Cathedral where he stepped onto one of the site to site transporter pads to be sent to the inner chambers where no one but him had been previously permitted to go. Tonight it was the Cathedral that would sit empty and not him.
“In her surrender, I found the only victory I will ever need” ~ Lao’Taun, Address to the Anuin Congress.
>Pause
