Fiction:New Dawn/Year 5

An Old Threat Returns
25th February 2793

It had been many months since Crispy's attack on a Resurgence Enclave. Pyrak had been watching over the last stages of development, the body was fully grown and floated in the tank. Both of them surviving on supplies and energy reserves that remained from the attack. Pyrak had been incredibly lucky that his lab had been deep underground in a bunker, safe from the explosion.

One day, there was a signal on Pyrak's console. His eyes narrowed as the console announced that the maturation period of the entity in a large tank at the other end of the room was complete. He smiled, his razor-sharp teeth baring. He approached his console and growled, although not in a vicious manner, but in a more somewhat excited way.

Pyrak - Wake him up.

The console lit up, showing numerous diagnostics. A few electric arcs and the body twitched and jolted as it was brought to life. The eyes flickered open as the liquid drained away. Pyrak approached the tank, smiling as this entity - a reborn Volkarus, his master - began to awake. He placed his face near the tank, to really examine Volkarus. He clapped his hands together and touched the glass that seperated him and Volkarus.

Pyrak - ...My master.

The body stirred and looked blankly at Pyrak. Sadly its mind was a blank slate. He reached out cautiously and placed his hand over Pyrak's, the glass separating the two of them. In Pyrak's mind something stirred, he could hear whispers. The body opened it's mouth as thought it was abotuto say something.

Volkarus - Ma...ster...

Pyrak's eyes widened and his smile turned into a rather psychotic frown. He stepped away from the glass and growled. Had he reduced the once most powerful Draconis into nothing more than a mere man child?

Pyrak - ''M-Master! I am your servant, YOU are master!''

Volkarus titlted his head. Pyrak wasn't sure how, but something deep within his mind was compelling him to open the container anyway. Pyrak, reluctantly, approached his console once again. He looked back at the tank and pressed several buttons. His eyes were still wide as he looked at the newly-recreated Volkarus.

Pyrak - ...O-Open the tank.

Under his command, the tank opened, Volkarus looked at the door rising with curiosity. After it opened he stepped out slowly. Still looking blanky at Pyrak. At that moment. Pyrak felt himself walking towards VOlkarus, he couldn't understand it, he reached out his arm towards Volkarus's face. All of it beyond his control. All Pyrak could do was look and move hit other arm. as he rested his hand on Volkarus's face, both of them felt a rush, panicking Volakrus stumbled back and rested his hand by his head, seemingly panicked. Control was returned to Pyrak's own body. With a groan he grasped his head and looked to Volkarus, before approaching him again.

Pyrak - ''M-Master...! Master, don't be afraid, it's me...I am your servant, Pyrak.'' Volkarus - ''I know who you are! You think I wouldn't remember my most faithful servant!?''

Pyrak's frown turned to a smile. His eyes wide and his teeth showing as if he wanted the entire world to see, he began to try and withold a laugh. He had recreated life, successfully cloning somebody to maturity on his own.

Pyrak - ''Master Volkarus! R-Reporting for duty, sir!''

He slammed his fist against his left pec and bowed on his knee as Volkarus stood up and looked towards Pyrak with a smile. He looked around the room, realising what Pyrak had done he let out a bellowing laugh, aprently ecstatic with his servant's acomplishments.

Volkarus - ''You continue to impress me Pyrak... how long have I been away from galactic events?'' Pyrak - ''It is hard to say, my Lord. But it is safe to assume...several years year considering your growth rate.'' Volkarus - Your dedication is to be rewarded, In all these years you never lost sight of your goals. Pyrak - ''My Lord, knowing that I have been able to bring you back is a reward enough. But unfortunately...a majority of my efforts has been independent.'' Volkarus - All the more reason for the reward.

Volkarus lifted his arm and flicked hiswrist upwards, gesturing for Pyrak to approach him. The Zazane nodded and calmly walked towards Volkarus. As he did, he observed his physique. Thanks to Pyrak's efforts, Volkarus now had a muscular figure and his scales were a magnificent crimson. Pyrak was proud of the body he had carved so carefully and given to his master. A body of physical perfection and a body worthy of the exemplary figure Pyrak always believed he was. Volakrus also noticed what Pyrak had done with a smile. he rested his hand on his servant's chest and his eyes flared with energy. Pyrak felt envigored by this, Volkarus had not descended him but instead unlocked the potential to use desencion energy. Pyrak looked at his hands and with a thought, black fire emerged from his fingertips. Pyrak smiled and looked to his master.

Pyrak - ''M-My Lord...You have shared your gift with me...? I did not expect the Descension to survive the growth process, but...somehow the Essence had remained in your biology at a microscopic level. You are...a marvel.'' Volkarus' - ''My mind was hidden within yours since my death. Touching me transferred my consciousness into this...perfect body.'' Pyrak - ''My Lord, you continue to amaze me. All this time, I was building the gate for your mind to enter. I am so grateful that I served as your key.'' Volkarus - ''You have exceeded my expectations. You deserve my gift.'' Pyrak - ''But my Lord, I am afraid not...everything has gone according to plan. We have lost much since...since the great traitor destroyed our fleet.'' Volkarus - ''I remember. But thanks to you, I return.'' Pyrak - However, I bring good news. Volkarus - I must hear it! Pyrak - ''The Imperium! Those Ultanos bastards...they are under threat from their former allied Houses! The Imperium is becoming splintered once more, my Lord! We could take advantage of this!'' Volkarus - ''Yes... But wat is the resurgence's condition?'' Pyrak - ''We have been forced to retreat to enclaves across Andromeda. We have no way of keeping contact with other Khaxvis forces, in fact some of our former-Resurgence members have joined back with the Imperium and even the Inquisition.''

Volkarus clenched his fists upon hearing this. His lips rippled and his wings opened out. Pyrak was no longer blind to his master's energies as they flared. As with the rest of his body, Volkarus' wings had been improved, now larger in proportion than they ever had been.

Volkarus - Retreats...some...Joining...the Imperium...!? Pyrak - ''Traitors, my Lord. Cowards. The Imperium is opening its arms to us as if we really need their damned influence! The Brood continues to rat us out like vermin and now we have a new threat...'' Volkarus - What could possibly be worse. Pyrak - ...A rebel Brood faction calling themselves the Golden Movement, or Crispy's Insurrection. Volkarus - They sound more like potential allies to me. Pyrak - Tell that to the charred remains of our breathren on the surface.

Volkarus's seyes flared as his energies intensified. This news was nothing less than an atrocity to him.

Volkarus - ''WHAT! These... Vermin dare lay waste to OUR sacred enclaves!?'' Pyrak - ''They used a pure Shidium explosive in the guise of a small transport vessel in order to infiltrate our defences. Their leader, Crispy...I fear he may have kidnapped some of our kin onboard his own ship.'' Volkarus - Oh we shall give him a reason to be called 'Crispy'.... Pyrak - ''I am unsure of his true identity my Lord...but whoever he is, he is smart. And he has many resources at his disposal.'' Volkarus - ''He is still a mortal. That should be what matters.'' Pyrak - Which reminds me, we may still have at least one member of our kin still alive here if she isn't little more than charred remains. Volkarus - ...bring her to me.

Pyrak nodded and walked over to a smaller tank. He looked inside and grunted. Placing his hands at the side of the glass which seperated him and the resident inside, he tore it away, allowing fluids to spill all over the floor. He grabbed the resident by the shoulders and flung her out. It was Oreleva, who was heavily scarred and disfigured around her jaw. Oreleva coughed out the liquid as she emerged. She struggled to breathe and looking up she saw Volkarus's foot. Pyrak stood over her and he kicked her, an angered look on his face. Shouting at her to stand up. She lowered her head in shame in front of Volkarus who stared down at her rather dissapointedly.

Pyrak - Get up!'' Oreleva - You... do not.. order me... around.''

Pyrak kicked her again and then lifted her up by her throat, slamming her against a wall with an angered expression. His eyes flared and his large jaws glimmered in the light.

Oreleva - ''No.. imp-impossible.'' Pyrak - ''You are a failure to the Resurgence! If it wasn't for your involvement with the Zazane, my Lord would be welcomed back to life by his kin!'' Volkarus - ''This is her? How dissapointing.''

Oreleva looked away from Pyrak out of shame, embarrased that Pyrak appeared more in Volkarus's favour than her.

Pyrak - ''Look at you...If it wasn't for my science, you would still be on the surface irradiating and melting. I had to use my own spare regeneration tank in order to keep you alive, you weakling!'' Volkarus - Look at him and be grateful as he speaks to you! Oreleva - Why save me....sir. Volkarus - ''Use your new power Pyrak. You hold her life in your hand, i give you the chance to choose if she keeps it, or loses it.''

Pyrak kept looking to her with an angry expression. However, he let go of her throat, allowing her to drop weakly onto the floor. He panted heavily and kicked her once more, to let her know she was in charge.

Pyrak - ''From now on, you are my dog...my 'bitch', my 'pet'. You shall do everything I say and I expect you to do it as soon as I command it. This is what your little life has come to, you reject. I shan't reward you with death just yet. Any attempts to struggle shall be met with a lesson to keep you in line. You should be grateful that I am not going to have you thrown back out onto the surface. Yet.''

Oreleva growled and nodded. Volkarus looked at her dissapointedly. He looked away and focused on Pyrak. Oreleva was too ashamed to even look in Volkarus's direction.

Volkarus - ''The resurgence must know of my return. It has fractured without my influence... I expectded so much more from my chosen.'' Pyrak - ''The Resurgence can be great again, my Lord. You must have faith. We may have lost nearly everything, but we can rebuild. We shall come back greater than ever before. And we shall shatter the Imperium, Inquisition and the Brood!''

A wide grin spread across Volkarus's face, showing his sharp teeth.

Volkarus - ''First. We must unite what we have left. Is there anything else I must know before we begin?'' Pyrak - I have a ship one level below this laboratory if you wish for us to get off this planet. I also wouldn't recommend going outside for the next few thousand years because of the radiation of the Shidium. Oh, and we need to get you some clothes.'' Volkarus - ''Yes. Hmm.. one last thing before we leave.''

Volkarus walked over to Oreleva and grabbed her firmly by the throat, lifting her up into the air. She panicked and struggled, however even in his state he was stronger than her.

Volkarus - You no longer deserve my generosity.

At that, Oreleva felt herself becoming weaker, black energy clouded VOlkarus's hand for a few seconds before he let go. Rolling back his shoulders and leaving her with a fraction of her former power. Oreleva continued crying, she felt weak and pathetic in the presence of her superiors. Pyrak smiled as he observed him absorbing her power. He released a chuckle, seeing this in a more amusing light. As Volkarus turned, a piece of meat was thrown into his hand by Pyrak.

Pyrak - Your favourite.

Volkarus smiled and nodded. he bit into the meat and teleported them all to Pyrak's ship.

My Enclave Is Yours
8th March 2193

As Pyrak's ship approached a barren planet somewhere on the fringes of the Imperium, Oreleva noticed something on the ship's scanners. Pyrak noticed a change in her and approached Oreleva, wide eyed and a blank expression on his face. He appeared somewhat scary as he walked towards her. Oreleva stepped back slightly, she winced and looked away from him as she opened her mouth.

Pyrak - Well, spit it out, animal. Oreleva - ''There's a ship orbiting the planet...Codes identify it as an Imp-imperial.. E-envoyer class.'' Pyrak - And you didn't think to tell us quicker? Oreleva - ''It was i-in orbit when we arrived... I had no idea I swear!''

Pyrak remained quiet and looked back to his master, surprisingly his voice was devoid of any anger.

Pyrak - My Lord, the animal tells me there is an Imperial vessel in orbit around the planet, Envoyer class. Volkarus - ''Those ships are usually unarmed. However what they usually carry can prove very dangerous. Envoyer class ships are often used by diplomats, Pyrak.'' Pyrak - ''Diplomats? I see.'' Volkarus - If there really is an envoy party down there, then I have no choicep ut to pay the ma visit. Pyrak - Shall I bring weaponry, My Lord? Volkarus - ''An escort is often not too far behind. I advise it.''

Pyrak nodded and pushed past Oreleva, approaching the armoury onboard the ship. He seemed to completely ignore her. Volkarus walked past Oreleva and she followed behind after an inhalation. Volkarus kept his back to her as he joined Pyrak inside the armoury.

Oreleva - Most gracious lords I want to know how long I must serve my penitance. Volkarus - ''Your foolish actions cost the lives of an entire enclave. Not giving you the mercy of death is punishment enough.''

Oreleva reached out to touch Volkarus but grabbed her arm and lifted her into the air. Pyrak slowly turned to Volkarus and Oreleva. He appeared to have a rather blank expression on his face upon witnessing the commotion. He threw her to the ground and kicked her in the stomach. Turning his back afterwards he looked towards Pyrak.

Oreleva - ''P-please master Pyrak... what will it take for me to redeem myself?''

Pyrak approached Oreleva, but did not touch her. Instead, he simply looked down at her with a somewhat angered face.

Pyrak - ''Redemption? Animals don't comprehend redemption. They are too stupid. You are barely an animal. You should consider yourself lucky I have not made you my personal experiment. Yet. A specimen such as yourself would serve science greatly if I had you on my autopsy table.''

Oreleva was clearly frightened and backed away slightly upon hearing this.

Pyrak - ''Imagine it. I could have your body drained of all fluids and examine your dried out corpse hanging from a line. Or I could test how much electricity it would take to completely incinerate your brain. I could dismember you and see how long you would twitch for with some added assistance of adrenaline shots. Yes, there is so much I could do with a specimen like you.''

Oreleva panicked and nodded slightly in compliance.

Oreleva - ''I... Will make you proud... master.'' Pyrak - ''You talk like I am your parent. Not even I would want to be the bearer of a child like you. What were your parents like? Were they nice? If they were, I do not see why they should have been. I do not see why they showed sympathy for you. They should have left you out on the streets to die. Maybe then your "mistake" would not have happened.'' Volkarus - *coughs* Pyrak.

Pyrak continued to stare down at Oreleva before kicking her with the clawed-end of his foot. He turned away and walked back towards Volkarus who was ready to descend to the surface. he gave a nod to Pyrak. Pyrak gave Volkarus a blade and a plasma rifle, while getting himself a small scythe and a plasma pistol. Oreleva stood up, her stomach bruised form the ordeal, and picked up a rifle from the rack. She inserted a power pack and looked at her masters.

Volkarus - ''We're ready. I shall have this ship target that ship outside.'' Pyrak - ''The ship is at your disposal, my Lord. Feel free to do as you wish with it.''

Volkarus nodded. As he teleported to the entrance, the ship fired a barrage at the Envoyer class. It did not take long for shots from Pyrak's ship to overcome the defences of the Envoyer. The ship exploded in a fierball high in orbit, only just visible fro mthe planet's surface.

They arrived inside the main door where several Khaxvis turned to look at the new arivals. many of them dropped their jaws in horror. "Is that really him?" they muttered "has our lord erturned?" "who is he with!?". Volkarus stepped forward and spread his wings. Pyrak appeared beside Volkarus and stepped forward, observing the Khaxvis who all seemed to look in shock.

Pyrak - ''You are not dreaming, you are not experiencing hallucinations. You stand in the presence of Volkarus Khaxvis, leader of House Khaxvis and one of the most powerful Draconis to have existed. What have you to say?''

Most of them complied, albeit it a few were rather frightened. One or two however, refused. Volakrus snarled when he saw the stragglers

Volkarus - You do not kneel before your true leader? Khaxvis - Quite frankly, we are sick of your rule! Volkarus - ''You... reject my majesty?'' Khaxvis - The Resurgence's cause was lost millenia ago, you simply revealed how far we have fallen! Volkarus - Excuse me?

Volkarus lifted his arm and with a twitch of his finger, beckoned the khaxvis over. The khaxvis nodded and walked up to Volkarus, not seeming frightened at all.

Volkarus - ''Who gave you the courage to stand up like this? WHO!'' Khaxvis - Hm, the Imperium sent a few delegates in your absence, they told us everything. Volkarus - I see... Pyrak - ''And you still dare to hold the Khaxvis name? You, who despise your own leader, dare continue to call yourselves Khaxvis?'' Khaxvis - Not for much longer! Khaxvis - ''We are all. Done. with your tyranny. Under the Imperium we shall prosper ten times more than we ever had in millenia!'' Pyrak - And you expect us to miss you? Khaxvis - Oh no, We expect the Imperium to kick you out out of orbit! Volkarus - Then I have only one response. Khaxvis - And that is?

Volkarus lifted his arm, in the blink of an eye he punched into the draconis' torso and took a firm hold of his heart. Lifting him into the air he crushed the pumping organ, blood poured out of the khaxvis's mouth as he died painfully. Holding the dead body, he slammed it into the floor, explosing gore everywhere.

Volkarus - Does anyone else feel like kicking me out of orbit?

Those that stood up promptly kneeled. Pyrak shuffled towards Volkarus and whispered into his ear. Oreleva looked to her masters with a look of fear in her eyes.

Pyrak - ''My Lord, I wish to collect a few live samples for later experimentation. When we find their leader, will I be able to bring him home?'' Volkarus - <>

The group walked down towards the main hall. Volkarus pushed the doors open and they slammed against the wall. Near to them several Talon Ground Legionnaires primed their weapons while at the back, a khaxvis was talking with a Drallivian diplomat. Everyoen jumped as the doors were thrown open and the khaxvis in the chair dropped his jaw.

Volkarus - ''Pyrak. deal with that diplomat of theirs.''

Volkarus lifted his arms, he clenched his fists and as he brought his forearms down and the Talon soldiers felt their chests getting crushed, they collapsed in turn, leaving only the diplomat's direct bodyguards. Pyrak looked at the bodyguards blankly and swung his scythe-wielding arm. The scythe was attached to a long chain that was connected to a gauntlet on Pyrak's wrist. The scythe was sent slashing through the skulls of the bodyguards in one swift movement. Pyrak then approached the diplomat. The diplomat, realising he was in danger backed away and opened his wings to make himself look larger.

Diplomat - ''Stay back! I have a document from the Imperal Grand Senate that prohibits any harm to my person while on a foreign visit!'' Pyrak - It just expired.

Pyrak swung his scythe again, dismembering the diplomat from his feet and allowing him to fall to the ground. Pyrak walked over and examined the diplomat. He knelt down and examined him further.

Pyrak - What does it feel like? Diplomat - Wh-what? Pyrak - ''How does it feel? To be seperated from your feet?'' Diplomat - ''Well... rather disorienting to be honest...'' Pyrak - ''You're taking this calmly. You are not like others I have seperated from their feet. Why do you not squeal and beg?'' Diplomat - ''Mainly because I have no clue what is going on. Also... those were cybernetic feet.'' Pyrak - ''What about your hands? Your arms? What about the rest of your legs? Your pecs? What about your forehead? You have ruined my evening with your cybernetic enhancements, but then again, I guess it's more fun to find the vulnerable flesh itself.'' Diplomat - ''J-just my legs... Hiking accident.'' Pyrak - ''I must thank you, for not dying on me or going unconscious. Are you aware why we are here?'' Diplomat - ''It's all a bit of a shock really... Your friend looks erm, somewhat familiar.'' Pyrak - ''My Lord, Volkarus. I brought him back. I am a good servant in his eyes.'' Diplomat - ''That's nice for you... Wait, you're one of those Resurgence loyalists aren't you?'' Pyrak - ''I serve my Lord without question or regret, even in his absence. I am indeed a loyalist, but the Resurgence has fallen into disarray because of the Imperium beginning to accept our members into your empire.'' Khaxvis - ''We're done ith your opression! This entire war has turned our entire house into a faction of monsters!'' Diplomat - ''The imperium is willing to open its arms to any of the resurgence who agrees to turning their back on your barbaric ways. We were close with this enclave before you three showed up.'' Pyrak - ''Barbaric? You call my work and my Lord "barbaric"? I have brought back life from scratch, designed it in an appealing image and managed to keep his own memories stored within my brain. What you call barbarism, I call sophistication.'' Diplomat - Eugenics, idolotry, barbasrism, these people want to turn away from that! Pyrak - ''We do not care. The only way the Khaxvis shall be part of the Imperium is when my Lord becomes its new Paragon.'' Diplomat - ''That's not what these people want! Please, you must understand these dwellers want a safe palce, they want a sanctuary, not more war.'' Pyrak - ''There will be no war if your people give my Lord what he rightfully deserves; the title of Paragon and the exile of the Ultanos House. The conflict shall end, life is well for all.''

The diplomat lifted his head and glared at Pyrak Giving the Zazane his answer silently. Volkarus dug his claws into the body of the man sitting in the enclave master's chair and leaned down. Pyrak remained quiet and then stood up, leaving the diplomat to bleed on the floor.

Pyrak - ''The scythe is tipped with a paralyzing neurotoxin. You will not be able to move for the next few hours. You may as well just sleep.'' Volkarus - You are not the enclave master that was assigned here, where is he! Khaxvis - ''In the cells... we couldn't kill him so we decided to lock him up.''

Volkarus forced his foot down and crushed the body of the man he was standing on. He then looked up at Pyrak

Volkarus - We may as well pay the man a visit. Pyrak - ''Oh good. I was getting a little over-excited.'' Volkarus - I hope you do not mind your "pet" joining, I want to show her something.

Pyrak nodded and turned to Oreleva, staring at her.

Pyrak - ''Animal. My Lord demands you come with us. You shall not disobey or you will suffer the same fate as the diplomat you see on the floor.''

Orleva nodded quietly and walked over to the pair.

Volkarus teleported them below to the cells and found themselves face-to-face with a large metal pod. Volakrus looked at the controls and typed into them, his codes allwoed the pod to open to reveal a heavily-restrained Blessed One who roused from drowsiness.

Pyrak - ''Look at him. He looks pathetic, perhaps on par with my animal.'' One - ''Pathetic? Urgh, before those traitors imprisoned me I was one of several descended by Tyraz himself!'' Pyrak - ''That does not change the fact you remain here imprisoned by lesser beings. One would think you would be a more impressive specimen. ''It seems not. And I am disappointed.'' One - Hrmph! Pyrak - My Lord, what do you think? Volkarus - ''He let himself get subdued. Don't worry child, I have a plan to make you more useful.''

Volkarus walked up to the pod and raised his hand to press against the blessed one's chest. Volakrus smiled deviously and looked at Pyrak before his hands began glowing red as black energy leaked from the Blessed one's body and into him. The restrained Blessed One screamed in pain as he struggled to free himself but by then he was too weak to break out of his bonds. As the reitual progressed, the One's body began to crack. it became clear VOlkarus wasn'tsimply weakening him.

Pyrak - ''Your full potential is to empower my Lord. WHta power you offer shall now become his. This is not self-preservation, you are an example of prolonged storage. My Lord saved you for a rainy day.'' One - ''What gah... I waited all this.. argh.. time for this!?'' Oreleva - My lord plase, you're going to kill him!

Volkarus simply laughed as the One's skin began to crack and his scales burned to ash. Pyrak turned and punched Oreleva onto the floor once again, an agitated look on his face before looking back at the spectacle.

Pyrak - Quiet animal, stop your barking. Oreleva - ''All his years of service.. and this is how you reward him!?'' Pyrak - I said stop your barking!

Pyrak slammed his fist against her face repeatedly and painfully, stomping on her body in anger. She raised her arm in surrender and blubbered as she begged for her life, al lthe while the final ashes of the One's body became nothing but vapour, every scrap of energy was absorbed into Volkarus's body and he smiled.

Oreleva - ''I'll stop. No more!''

Pyrak smiled as she begged and stomped on her some more before eventually stopped, leaving her bloodied and bruised but still alive. He looked at his master as the Blessed One turned into vapour. Volakrus roleld his shoulders back as the last traces of energy flowed into his arm and coursed though his body.

Pyrak - You devoured him down to his mere particles. Volkarus - ''Every scap is worth it. And now our work really begins.'' Pyrak - What do you have in mind, my Lord? Volkarus - ''I need time to plan. I hope you are not being too rough with your new pet. Make yourself at home, we shall use this enclave as a new headquarters.''

Oreleva blubbered, she wanted to say something but was afraid to. Pyrak looked to Oreleva and approached her calmly.

Pyrak - You have something to say. Oreleva - ''Wh... what acc-commodation do I deserve.. m-master?'' Pyrak - ''Oh. You shall be receiving a high grade room, with a view over the landscape and full plumbing so you can wash, drink and clean.'' Oreleva - R-r-really? Pyrak - ''No. You will be resting in the dungeon. You will be fed once a day with a small meal portion of krann food and you shall have the opportunity to be washed once every fortnight, where you will be hosed down and scrubbed. For your bad behaviour tonight, you will not be receiving food for the next three days. You will however be supplied by water, albeit my wash water. If you desire to eat, I am sure there are several rodents down in the dungeons for you to capture.'' Oreleva - ''Three... days?''

She sighed and nodded. Pyrak dragged oreleva down through the enclave's dungeons before he kicked her into a small dank cell and slammed the door behind her. It was dark, cold and grey. She could hear the squeaking of slikkids - small bipedal lizards that often lived in such places. Perhaps one of her only food sources.

Volkarus took the enclave master's quarters for himsself, a litle dissapointed that the furniture was a little too small for him. No matter, he could always make better furniture using the enclave's replicators. He felt he only deserved the best so in taking the personal chambers, he reserved the adjacant corridor and the associated rooms. Pyrak took one of the empty quarters near to the enclave's science facilities and quickly set about gathering test subjects, victims for his future experiements, primarily those who resisted in their takeover.

The Holy Dominion
15th March, 2793

Shalonar, a scientist working for the  was being escorted though  Rex's palace to deliver some important news. He was joined by Vetarion and as they arrived at the doors to the great hall they spotted Kragh. Both of these men were the sons of Kordan. Their heritage, as Shalonar believed, made them akin to gods below Zr'An'Kar.

Vetarion - ''Afternnon brother. I wasn't expecting you here.''

Kragh chuckled as he looked to them.

Vetarion - What's so funny. Kragh - ''Can I not come here to mock my father from time to time? Anyway, who's the boyfriend?''

Kragh pointed at Shalonar. The young Draconizane gazed upon the children of Kordan with awe, bowing before them while murmuring.

Shalonar - ''Great ones... I bring news from the other side.'' Vetarion - ''He brings word of a new universe, or so he tells me. I was here to inform our father.'' Kragh - ''New universe? What, without our divinity inside of it?'' Vetarion - Not for long, if father approves. Shalonar - ''It was... magnificent.'' Kragh - He's an old man now, he'll believe anything. Shalonar - ''Countless civilisations there. Trillions of lifeforms. All lost, without our guidance. We must act.''

Shalonar had barely managed to make himself speak, both from the presence of his divine masters and what he saw in the outer universe. As they talked, One of Kordan's guards opened te door slightly and looked to the group, bowing his head as he did so.

Guard - His majesty can see you now. Kragh - Yeah, give us a moment!

Kragh proceeded to punch the guard away for interrupting. His strength sent the guard flying, slamming the door in the process.

Vetarion - All of it ripe for our hand to spread. Kragh - And how can we be sure this...mortal doesn't speak lies or insanity?

As Shalonar spoke, a small serpentine creature slithered out of his sleeve. The explorer smiled at its sight.

Shalonar - ''This is what I managed to get from the world behind the wall. Kragh looked at the serpentine creature and grabbed it forcefully.''

Kragh - ''Looks like nothing more than a worm...! Friend of yours, Vetarion?'' Vetarion - No. it's a shame Mithra was not here to see it, you know what she is like with animals.

Scared, the creature screeched loudly, as if in fear, and then attempted to escape Kragh's grasp. As it did, he realised it had in fact left a coat of acid on him - it was hissing. Kragh looked at the little creature and threw it back at Shalonar. Because he was descended he was not really bothered with what it did to his hands. But he was still angry over the fact it secreted on him in the first place. Vetarion chuckled.

Kragh - You dare bring such a vile creature into the house of gods?! Vetarion - I don't think it likes you.

Kragh panted heavily and clenched his fist. However, a hand gripped his head and dragged him into the room - Kordan Rex himself.

Kordan - I've heard enough of your empty threats, today. Shalonar - ...My apologies, Great On- Lord Kordan...

Vetarion followed his brother inside, pulling Shalonar with him. Shalonar now stood almost motionless, his religious awe taking him over. Kordan was a god made manifest to him. His colossal stature towering over Shalonar, making him feel insignificant. Kordan remained silent and threw Kragh across the room before taking his place on his throne. He looked down to Shalona once he was comofrtable. Shalonar did not believe his own eyes: God Emperor Kordan before him? Not only that but speaking to him.

Kordan - Remind me, what was your name, youngling?

Shalonar - S-s-shalonar Taros, o Emperor... Kordan - ''Shalonar Taros...Ah yes, I remember that name. A scientist, a philosopher?''

Kordan chuckled at Shalonar's face. It wasn't often that mere mortals such as him saw Kordan in his own palace.

Shalonar - Scientist, my liege. Vetarion - He claims to have discovered a new universe - one that potentially fits Zr'An'kar's prophecies.

Kordan growled at Vetarion. Prompting his son to gulp with nerves.

Kordan - You may address his "prophecies" as "truths". Vetarion - ''Y-yes, father. As you wish.'' Kordan - Taros, tell me more! Shalonar - ''Yes... I have seen thousands of species there. And I am not exaggerating, my lord.''

Kordan leaned forward, rubbing his chin.

Kordan - ''Zazane? Draconis?'' Shalonar - ''And hundreds of starfaring empires. None of them can even be compared to our own, but... some of them distress me. Some of them... are almost like us.''

Kordan slammed a fist and stood up. The force cracking the metal that made up the armrest of his throne. Vetarion stepped back and had his hands behind his back.

Kordan - ''Nobody compares to the might of my race or kin! You disgrace your own kind by even contemplating such comparisons!'' Shalonar - ''You should have seen them, Great Ones. They looked like us... but different. In a strange way. I... I can't explain it.'' Vetarion - Choose your next words carefully, mortal...

Kordan nodded and sat back in his seat.

Kordan - ''It is confirmed. This is indeed the universe that contains the Zazane and Draconis.'' Vetarion - ''It is as Zr'An'Kar said. But can you tell us; in this universe are they allies or enemies?'' Shalonar - ''Allies. They forged an alliance spanning all their galaxy.''

Kordan slammed his fist again and looked to his two sons, growling aggressively.

Kragh - Ugh, Zazane and Draconis are allies now...? Vetarion - Don't you remember when Zr'An'Kar revealed himself to all of us? Kragh - All I remember was word of this man, "Tyraz Breek"! Vetarion - ''Father. With your blessing we shall go to this universe and carry out our lord's will.'' Kragh - By our lord's will, you mean annihilate every piece of worthless scum we can find! Shalonar - ''Tyraz Breek. I heard this name.'' Kordan - ''Granted. You two shall take an exploration and military group into this new universe, to route out and destroy any trace of Zazane or Draconis you can find, as well as bring us new slaves. And you shall take the mortal with you.'' Vetarion - ''As you command, father.

Vetarion bowed and placed his hand on his chest.

Kragh - ''Yes! At long last, I shall fight the foes that you, Old Man, fought long ago!'' Shalonar - ''Service is its own reward, Great One. I shall comply.'' Kordan - ''One thing I shall ask of you is NOT to screw this up! You are demigods, when I was younger I had no great Essence swords or powers and I eliminated them by myself. Well, alongside my loyal people. You shall lead yours the same way, I hope.'' Vetarion - We shall not dissapoint you, father. Kragh - Yeah, we'll kick their shyrak-spewing asse--

In the blink of an eye, Kordan proceeded to warp from his throne to in front of Kragh, pummeling him into the ground aggressively.

Kordan - You do not curse inside of my home.

Vetarion backed away at this sudden bout of aggresion. Kordan let go of Kragh and warped back to his throne. There was some excitement in his eye and aura.

Kordan - ''You have both grown so much. If I could, I would come with you, to fight those rabbid beasts alongside my children. But I must remain here and watch over the Dominion. I cannot do everything myself anymore.'' Vetarion - If you like father, we can bring this 'Tyraz' back with us for you. Kordan - ''I do not see anything special of this particular mortal and I am shocked you refer to him by name. It is almost as if he is respectable enough to be indentified by his name.'' Vetarion - I remember Zr'An'kar took particular interest in him. Kordan - ''Yes...Find this man, and bring him here before me. Kill anybody you must to achieve it.'' Kordan - Vetarion, I expect you to be responsible this time. Vetarion - As long as my dear brother does not have me on a leash the entire time I will do my upmost. Kragh - It's not my fault you had your...rear handed to you during the war with the Society! Vetarion - I could have done better if you didn't contantly treat me like a child! Kragh - When you learn to look after yourself without resorting to your Demon Form, then I'll respect you like an adult!

Vetarion folded his arms and turned away from his brother with a huff. Kordan grunted and placed a palm to his snout. He became irritated whenever his two sons argued like children.

Kordan - Leave my sight before I really get angry.

Vetarion unfolded his arms. He took a firm hold of Shalonar's right arm and pulled him away. Kragh chuckled and walked away slowly, but not before uttering "Old Man" once more as he left. Kordan chuckled as they left the room - he was not so weak that he could not hear Kragh's mutterings.

Stratocracy and Resurgence
6th April, 2793

Gnorvi of the Gros send a transmission to what his sources had told him was a Khaxvis planet. He hoped to get their allegiance like he had done with the Kordalu. On the other side was static. All he could hear was a voice on the other end.

??? - Who is this and how did you get this frequency? Gnorvi - ''I am Grand Admiral Gnorvi of the Stratocracy of Karnagtah, and I have my ways. I take this is the Khaxvis Resurgence speaking?'' ??? - ''Gnorvi eh? We've heard rumours...'' Gnorvi - ''I wish to do business. So be a good person and get someone on the screen. I'd rather not talk to static.''

As Gnorvi spoke a cloud of black energy formed behind him. One of the first things to emerge was a pair of glowing red eyes.

??? - The last time the Resurgence did business with aliens we lost more than one of our holdings.

The tendrils on Gnorvi's back all wiggled and he started to cough from his cigar.

Gnorvi - What the...how did you get here?

The cloud reformed and standing behind Gnorvi was Volkarus. Looking at the Gros with a devious smile on his face.

Volkarus - I have my ways.

Gnorvi turned his chair and stared at Volkarus, surprised. The guards around the room, made up of Gros and Kordalu Zazane, all aimed their weapons at Volkarus.

Gnorvi - ''...Volkarus Khaxvis? My sources told me you were deceased...'' Volkarus - I was, but it takes more than some reject alien to get rid of me. Gnorvi - ''Well. You being alive and in front of me only proves my lead. Stand down, men. That's no way of treating a guest.''

The guards all lowered their weapons.

Volkarus - A wise decision. Gnorvi - ''You said aliens caused you losses before. That's because you sided yourself with weaklings. I hope to make Andromeda a galaxy where the weak are no more, and your people have potential.'' Volkarus - ''I am glad to see you appreciate the resurgence's ethos. The Imperium has grown weak and frail, but I shal lrestore it to strength. We can both benefit from this little deal, you and I.'' Gnorvi - ''Yes. I propose an alliance between us. Mutual aid to bring down the weaklings who make up the Commonwealth. Also, note where you stand. This is Segmentum Exterioris. I'm sure I could get you some territory in here, safe from anyone who may attempt to hunt you.'' Volkarus - ''Your offer -is- tempting hmm. But I have seen the reports of this "New Dawn". And I am sure more commonwealth vessels will follow.'' Gnorvi - ''Indeed, that cursed ship roams the Segmentum. It has visited one of my planets, actually. But worry not, I have a large connection of information brokers, bounty hunters and pirates all under my control to keep it off your track.'' Volkarus - ''Perhaps we consider this: We work together, I become paragavatus of the Imperium and under my authorit, Segmentum Exterioris shall become yours without question. Any who defy such a statement can answer to both of us.'' Gnorvi - See, I knew you were a good businessman. Volkarus - Naturally.

Volkarus paced about with his hands clasped over his stomach.

Gnorvi - ''The Stratocracy is currently in no position of waging war, which is why links with strong empires such as yours are being made. We are going places, my friend. The weak must serve the strong, the strong must serve us.'' Volkarus - While the resurgence's enclaves do fulfill the role of a haven, it would be nice to have a bastion to call my own...for now. Gnorvi - ''Now, I believe we are done here. It's been a pleasure to make business with you.'' Volkarus - ''I forsee a grand future Gnorvi. As long as your peopel are not disrespectful mine shall not think the same way, and you and I will go far.'' Gnorvi - ''Oh, worry not about such. I respect the universe's strongest, and your presence alone proves you are such.'' Volkarus - ''Glad to hear. There is just..one thing to do before I leave. To seal our agreement.'' Gnorvi - I'm listening.

Volakrus pulled out a disk containing a transparent petri dish like object rimmed in gold. He opened a latch on the disk and opened it up, using one of his own claws he made a tiny incision on his finger and let his demonic blood drip into the container. After his blood coated the bottom he moved the holding hand and the disk towards Gnorvi.

Gnorvi - A blood pact, hm? Volkarus - Only fitting, don't you agree?

Gnorvi chuckled and pierced one of his fingers with a claw slighty to make some blood drip into the disk. After a few drops, Volkarus snapped the lid shut and chuckled. He passed his finger over the rim, an intense heat sealing the disk.

Volkarus - ''Thank you. I shall now be on my way.'' Gnorvi - Farewell.

Volkarus stepped back, turned into black vapour with a smile and vanished before Gnorvi's eyes. Meanwhile, the Gros admiral looked a this finger with a smirk.

Gnorvi - Good thing blood pacts don't really mean anything to me.

Hostile Takeover
8th May, 2793

Arvaad Tactical Solutions, ATS for short, was a Private Security Company headquartered in the. Contacts across Andromeda and beyond, with interests not just in security contracting but also mining, engineering and the arms trade. Their headquarters on Orviona was a busy hive of commerce and productivity. Overlooking the office tower in the city's financial district was. She crouched low and peered over a ledge, observing the security on the ground floor.

But she was not so inhibited as them. She took several steps back from the ledge and took a flying leap off the edge, soaring through the air, aided by the energies had given her. She aimed for a middle-story window and, shielding herself, passed rought through it without so much as chipping the glass. The office workers were shocked as she phased through the walls. She ended up in an office where an executivve was startled by her presence. She pinned him against a wall and as he panicked she firced him ot stare into her luminous eyes. As he did so he felt drowsy and collapsed. Stuffing him under the desk, Tytho assyumed his from. He panicked pleas he had made were perfect to disguise her own voice. brushing herself down she swiped his ID hand headed out of the office and towards an elevator.

She avoided eye-contact with any and all security and any personnel that may recognise her. The brief period she spent staring into the executive's eyes gave her the information she needed ot reach the top: Passwords, key contacts, directions. She had gotten lucky.

Arriving at the top floor she took a few minutes to look around and admire the decor, red velevet met white and black marble, trimmed with silver and gold. She haded for a large metal door that was flanked by two guards armed with SMGs. As she paced up, the guards noticed her and one of the mstepped in front of the door. Tytho cleared her throat, ready to mimic the executive.

Guard - What is your business here? Tytho - I have business with the chairman. Guard - Authorisation?

Tytho showed the executive's ID. However the guard scoffed and displayed a joking smirk. As he did, Tytho grabbed him and his aprtner by the skull. The tail on her disguise whipped around and crushed their guns one at a time efore she brought them close. They felt paralysed but as she concentrated they struggled less. She let go and the guard who originally scoffed her blankly opened the door for her. Inside, a Colmar in a high qaulity suit was alking via holocommunicator, Tytho waved her hand; the door sealed and the hologram was shut off. The Colmar, Chairman Orfiv; ATS's director turned to look at Tytho looking furious.

Orfiv - ''Hey, buddy, do you have a death-wish or something? I was in the middle of business!'' Tytho - I don't care. Orfiv - ''Are you listening? I was in the middle of a bloody contract. Did your ego inflate above your pay-grade or something?'' Tytho - Not really.

In the blink of an eye, Tytho reappeared right in front of Orfiv's rather large desk. he stood up and backed away - she had uncovered her true form, a nightmarish image athat loomed tall over him. Colmar were the samllest of the Solonese races but Tytho's visage was even taller. She waved her hand and orfiv found himself drifting vertically into the air and close ot her face. He tried to pull himself away but she grabbed his face and forced him to stare into her luminous white eyes. her gaze became hypnotic, after a few seconds he became entranced and stared with an absent look on his face.

Tytho - ''From now until I release you from service, you will do as I command. Your company, your assets, shall all answer to me.'' Orfiv - Yes.... Tytho - ''When I say you jump, you jump. Am I clear?''

Orfiv nodded lazily. With a smirk, Tytho had him drift back down and he landed on his feet. Snapping out of his trance he looked upat Tytho.

Tytho - ''I will make suer you are compensated. Oh and...I wish to visit the other top executives.'' Orfiv - I shall arrange for you to meet with them personally, ma'am. Tytho - Excellent.

A sinister smile spread across Tytho's face, spreading from ear-to-ear. She gave an acceptive nod to Orfiv and dissapeared from the room. As she did, Orfiv suddenly could not remember the form he saw, only that he would be compelled do whatever her voice asked of him. Within a few days, the rest of Arvaad's board were the same. It had all been a setup, an engineered plan. One of the most well-connected PMCs in inner Andromeda was now a puppet of Tytho's and - by extension - the. However this was no expertly-tailored plan by the Dark Lord. This was Tytho's own mission, but she still had the Empire's goals in mind. And waht a goal to have such an influential military unit within Andromeda wrapped around her finger.

A Servant's Lamentation
17th May, 2793

Oreleva lay on her bed in her cell beneath the enclave. She often spent her nights crying to herself. She often slept facing the wall, preferring not to bear seeing the room she had been reduced to. She was one of Volkarus's chosen, she was beyond mortal and at one time had power beyond most mortals. All of that was now gone. She was a slave to ' msot faithful servant, above all a Zazane, worse, a Zazane Volkarus had altered. It secretly burned inside her how Pyrak was somehow of higher standing to her master compared to her.

This evening, what little morsal she had for food had been eaten, she hated eating, she was not given any fine things, she was forced ot eat leftovers. Tonigght it had been some boiled half-eaten slikkid that onf of the enclave's Krann had not fully eaten. it tasted like rubber and it was as if the boiling had drained the taste away. She lay facing the wall that night, as usual, quietly sobbing. She muttered to herself. Pyrak had beaten her earlier that evening, as he always did. She wished him suffering but as she sat sobbing to herself, there was a sudden voice after she spoke. It was very familiar, in fact it was rather scarring. It had appeared out of nowhere with no hints to when it had got to behind her cell door.

Pyrak - ''And what? You go and live in a palace without suffering for your own mistakes and faults? Stand up, I'm tired of hearing you mutter. Animals shouldn't talk anyway.''

Oreleva's eyes widened, she did her best to stop her blubbering but it was difficult. She sat frozen. Instead of standingup, she curled up further, hoping Pyrak would go away but a part of her mind stated otherwise.

Pyrak - Shall I have to repeat my order or did you not value the air you had in here tonight? Oreleva - ''N-no... master.

She slowly climbed off her bed, hanging her head low as she shambled towards the door. Her scarred and disfigured face was still screwed-up from her time alone. Ever since the day Crispy had bombed the enclave, ever since she was thrown out of that tank prematurelyshe had been disfigured. Pyrak looked down at his wrist and pulled out a key that was hidden under some of his scales, acting like a pocket. he barely looked at Oreleva as she shambled over towards the door.

Pyrak - ''Next time, I expect you to do as I say. Disobedient animals that step out of line often get punished further.'' Oreleva - I wasn't being rebellious this time, I swear. Pyrak - ''Then explain your sentence before I arrived. Or rather, during the five minutes I was watching you sob and cry out of ungratefulness. Are you not grateful for the food I give you, for the water? Are you not grateful for the air you breath and the living quarters I have given you?'' Oreleva - I used to have better. Pyrak - ''Better? Failures get punished, not palaces or rewards.''

Pyrak opened the door to her cell and approached her slowly. His intimidating figure meant that she stepped back and he could easily see the fear in ehr eyes. Pyrak was one of Volkarus' "Superzazane", an experimental counter to the 's own Niddan Ho as well as a way to ensure a sense of loyalty for the Zazane under the resurgence's command. As such, he was taller tthan hear, a full head at least. it was almost fitting how he treated her like an animal, clearly signifying how weak she was in his presence.

Pyrak - ''Come here. I demand you. Look me in the eyes.''

Oreleva was hesitant ,constantly fearing her master's whip. Constantly fearing the next 'disobediant' act would garner another beating. With hesitation she looked up at him, she felt a chill run through her spine as she looked at him. But Pyrak, his face welling up in anger, slammed his fist into the side of her head, knocking her down with sheer force. Somehow furious with her as she hit the cold ground of her cell.

Pyrak - Never look me in the eyes! Oreleva - But you said to... Pyrak - ''You are stupid. Looking one's master in the eyes is a sign of disobedience.'' Oreleva - ''I..am no.. animal.''

Oreleve scrabbed up from the floor and attempted to hit Pyrak. Her fict went straight for his stomach, but upon collisino it was like solid rock. Pyrak barely moved and held a blank expression on his face, he simply watched as she harmlessly attacked him. One punch was all it took for her to back away apologetically. She looked down with shame.

Oreleva - I...I'm sorry! Pyrak - ''You act on impulse and want, like an animal. Your display of disobedience there was a perfect sign that I am correct.''

Pyrak turned away from her and gestured for her to follow behind. She complied, muttering High Dracid expletives udner her breath and behind his back. Obviously, Pyrak noticed and could make some of the words out.

As they walked though a main corridor, Pyrak waited until Oreleva was close enough. He turned around and punched her in the side of her head again, roaring out aggressively. This caused her to back against a wall, some of the other enclave inhabitants looked at her with either confusion or dissapointment as they passed. It was no secret how Pyrak treated her, but in knowing waht she had done, most agreed she deserved it. Others didn't question, confident in that Volkarus would have made the right choice no matter waht the circumstances.

Pyrak - ''You are lucky not to be living in a cage! You are lucky I even consider you an animal, yet you try my tolerance you worthless sack of Shyrak waste!''

Oreoelva tried backing further, looking away from Pyrak feeling disgraced with herself.

Pyrak - ''How DARE you lay a scale on your master, who has given you the treatment you deserve after saving your life from your own mistake! Attempt another attack like that...and I'll have your room taken from you and reduce you to one of the vermin that live in our waste disposal systems.''

She tried to speak, but inside she knew that there was no point and kept silent, isntead she nodded submissively.

Oreleva - I won't master... Pyrak - ''Good. Follow me, Master Volkarus wishes for our presence. Or rather, he desires my presence and has asked me to drag you along.''

A Sinister Plan
Oreleva nodded and followed quietly. Volkarus was in a strategy room looking over charts and maps. He looked up to see Pyrak enter, Oreleva timidly kept behind him.

Volkarus - I take it your pet was being disobediant again? Pyrak - When is it not? Volkarus - If you keep beating it, you might end up with nothing left.

Volkarus walked around Pyrak and glared directly at Oreleva. His piercing red eyes and herculean pysique made her feel pathetic, moreso than whenever she spent time with Pyrak.

Volkarus - ''A shame... before my death she used to be one of my most loyal.'' Pyrak - Alas, I think its corpse would be more useful now. Volkarus - ''I digress. I have a plan that might get me the throne. Granted it is a little unorthadox.'' Pyrak - Strap this worthless walking piece of Shyrak with a bomb and send her near the palace?

Volkarus chuckled and ignored any seriosu thought on Pyrak's remark. He picked up a holoemitter and tossed it between his hands, before he placed it onto the table and activated it. The projector dispalyed a holographic image of Alessa Ultanos.

Volkarus - ''Ever seen her before, Pyrak? Pyrak - ''Only in outdated news reports. I heard she is very popular amongst her family as a diplomat.'' Volkarus - ''And one of Uriel's older daughters. He is very approving of her.'' Pyrak - What I wouldn't do to get a sample of her tissues and torture it until it is no more... Volkarus - Now now, you can consider that once my plan is finished.

Volkarus and Pyrak talked quietly for an hour, leaving Oreleva to sit in a corner. She wondered to herself what the plan could involve or how it could involve Alessa. Whatever it was, Pyrak had a mild look of concern on his face but Volkarus felt confident. She noticed that the two of them stopped talking when she saw Pyrak walking over to her. Looming over her, he put on a smile and exended his hand to her. Thisconfused her but, rememebring what happened earlier refused ot look him in the eyes.

Pyrak - Oreleva was your name, wasn't it? Oreleva - Y...y-yes. Pyrak - How would you feel about living in...more civilized quarters? Oreleva - I would be overjoyed master! Pyrak - ''If that is the case, you shall be resting within the upper levels. Although you shall be assisting me within our labs.'' Oreleva - I do not mind master. Pyrak - ''Oreleva, you shall be fed regularly as of this afternoon. Standard heated meal.''

A broad smile spread across Oreleva's face as she heard the news. It was almost dreamlike; Pyrak offering her a comfortable room and the chance of a proper meal. But osmething dawned on her; what if this was an attempt on Pyrak's behalf to abuse her again?

Oreleva - You're not setting me up for a fall are you master? Pyrak - If you are to be of assistance, Oreleva, you can be considered a standard member of our team.

Oreleva kneeled before him, she was about to cry with joy at this news. It was no lie, she was getting respect at last. As she kneeled, Pyrak's smile returned to his usual blank expression.

Oreleva - I will do what I can to not dissapoint you, master. Pyrak - Pack whatever things you have and move to the fourth floor by tonight.

As Oreleva nodded and ran out of the room, Volkarus stepped up to stand beside him and looked out as Oreleva rand thought the corridor.

Volkarus - She's looking more obedient already. Pyrak - It is only a temporary disgust. Volkarus - ''She'll calm down once things set in. I hope you are not too disturbed with this plan of mine Pyrak.'' Pyrak - ''I fear for you, my Lord. What if you become...carried away?'' Volakrus - ''Alessa is nohing compared to me, she will be not buthing a tool. I find it unlikely.'' Pyrak - ''Do not tread the path of love lightly, my Lord. One can lose themselves easily along the journey.'' Volkarus - ''I will bear that in mind. For now, we must prepare, this mission will not be an easy one.''

Volakrus waved his hand casually as he turned back towards the table, a sign that Pyrak was dismissed. He nodded and turned away before walking out of the room quietly, leaving Volkarus to his thoughts.

The Kidnapping
20th May, 2793