Fiction:Red Snake Rising

A dark pact
Volkarus sat in a central room on his flaship, ever since his encounter with Tyraz he felt weak and had recorted to various methods to keep himself alive - cybernetics, nanite injections, nutrient baths and stimulants. The battle had disfigured him further as he now stood a towering 4.8 metres tall. As he sat on his throne a Rapidox messenger entered the room. He looked up at Volkarus with his lip quivering at the now-monsterous sight of his master.

Messenger - ''M-my lord, i bring word from the colonies... The Blood Dragons have discovered three enclave worlds in the Balas-6 sector. There were... no survivors and anyone who tried to escape was either caught in the orbital bombardment or shot down as they left the planets.''

Furious at the grim news Volkarus stands up from his throne. He spproaches the messenger with a demonic snarl and grabs the creature by the neck. He snarls, bringing the terrified alien close to his snout

Volkarus - ''I grow tired of grim news! If you have nothing beneficial you had no reason to risk-'' Messenger - ''But ... my lord I...'' Volkarus - ''What....? How dare you interrupt me! I should snap your neck for this insolence!''

As he gripped the messenger tightly he grunted in anger, the alin began to to shudder in pain, causing Volkarus to lose focus. As he looked at the alien he noticed his skin rippling up his arm like a wave as the alien screamed in agony, wasting away before his master's eyes. Horrified at this Volkarus let go, dropping the alien on the cold metal floor, he lay limp, quivering and chattering as his master looked with horror at his own hand, watching the scars close up. The moment of silence was broken when Vedrix, his personal advisor walked in.

Vedrix - Master Volkarus, there are a group of Zazane here to see you, they come with diplomatic tones... Vokarus - *grunts* send them in.

Vedrix returned to the Zazane Rebels waiting in the hanger with a smile on his face.

Vedrix - The master accepts your request for an audience... Zazane Rebel - Good. We are honoured that he has accepted.'' Vedrix - This way, and I advise caution - the master is not in the best of moods right now. > Pyrak Yannor - We shall take caution when speaking with him, then.'' Vedrix - ''Of course. Through these doors here.''

The Zazane pushed Vedrix aside when they arrived at the doors to Volkarus' throne room. At the mach of the towering room volkarus sat on his throne like a giant. He peered down at the Zazane who looked up to hom in surprise at how much he had changed from when their kind last saw him.

Volakrus - Why did you seek an audience with me? Pyrak Yannor - We wished to pledge alliegance to you and your forces, Lord Volkarus. Volkarus - ''I see. I take it you saw weakness in Tyraz Breek?'' Pyrak Yannor - ''Yes, you could say that. We figured that you were by far the more superior leader.'' Volkarus - Really, tell me what brought you to that conclusion? Pyrak Yannor - He is different to most Zazane, and difference brings weakness. Volkarus - I see. > Pyrak - Also, we have thought to bring you a gift to show our loyalty. Volkarus - ''I respect the strength the Zazane have. When I first heard of the Brood I admired you.''

One of Volkarus' honour guard approached Pyrak to accept the scrolls. Pyrak hanaded over the scrolls with a smile.

Pyrak - This is the archive of Moxix's terror. Volkarus - ''Moxix? The name escapes me.'' Pyrak - Moxix Breek...Tyraz's step brother.

The messenger sat at the wall, his blubbering and chattering startled the Zazane who looked at him with orror. His body was shriveled and pale.

Zazane - ''L-Look! A w-walking c-corpse!'' Volkarus - ''He's not dead... not yet anyway.'' Pyrak - Hmm....This reminds me of Moxix... Messenger - ''P-p-please... ma-master... spare m-m-me...'' Pyrak - Why do you let him suffer? Volkarus - ''One time, when I still honoured Tyraz' alliance I muttered something about his brother. He responded rather violently.'' Pyrak - ''Moxix was killed by Sylits after helping them out during their war. He said he wanted territory, and got shot in the face. And then he came back, and unleashed a horrid wave of undeath over the Universe...'' > Messenger - ''I could feel it... l-like my very f-f-f-flesh was... w-wasting away... It p-pulsed into the m-m-master's fingers....'' Pyrak - *shivers* Moxix could do the same... Volkarus - ''I never wanted such a horrifying talent! such a thing would only make me impure.'' Pyrak - If you saw what Moxix achieved....You would not be saying those words... Volkarus - Believe me, i do not like the idea of alien flesh coarsing through my body.

Their concersation was broken when Volkarus heard disembodied whispers inside his head. Startled he rested his hand over his forehead as thought it were a migraine.

??? - ''Why not? You could do so much...'' Volkarus - ''What.... Something was in my head! And it wasn't Tyraz..'' Pyrak - ''What? You hear Tyraz's voice often?'' Volkarus - No. But he is one of few I know who has such ability; him, my honour guard, and my lieutenants. Pyrak - ''Hmph. If you wish, read the scroll. One of my Zazane will be happy to translate if needed.'' Volkarus - Thank you for the offer. Pyrak - It is a pleasure, Lord Volkarus. Messenger - ''What... did i d-d-o to deserve such t-torture?'' Honour guard - *appraoches the alien* silence! Volkarus - ''You mentioned Moxix shared the ability to.... absorb flesh. Where is he now?'' ??? - Finish him....Take his flesh and blood.... Volkarus - ''Damnation! Something is inside my head...'' Messenger - ''*panicking* Please... I-i-i don't want-t... to d-die!'' ??? - Do it....Take his flesh....DO IT NOW!! Volkarus - ''I will not.. corrupt my body with... his... impurity!'' ??? - Do it....Or you shall not regain what you lost....to Tyraz....

The voice had planted a seed of doubt in Volkarus' mind, he gazed at the hand that was once wrapped around the messenger's neck and the muttered to himself.

Volkarus - ''However for that... one moment.. I felt... better...'' ??? - ''Do you wish for everlasting pleasure? Your former shape? A greater shape? Take his flesh and blood....Even his bone....'' Volkarus - ''I... How do I know you are not tricking me!'' ??? - I know....from experience.... Volkarus - Experience? Zazane. Do you know where this 'Moxix' is now? Pyrak - ''He is long deceased. He has been for three years.''

Volkarus nodded as he stood up and walked over to the cowering alien, his body creaking under it's own weight and fragility.

Vokarus - ''At first I was just going to execute this one. But now... Now he can serve a better purpose.'' ??? - Devour his flesh....blood....bone....regain your former self and glory.... Volkarus - If you are uncomfortable about what I am to do you may want to leave the room.

As Volkarus picked up the mesenger the Zazane nodded out of respect and quietly left the room with the advisor. Volkarus was hesitant at what he would about to do. After they left the alien's screams echoed through the door, horrifying enough to send a cill down anyone's spine.

Vedrix - Master Volkarus would be happy to accept a translation of the scrolls. Pyrak - I figured, seeing as not a single Draconis is fluent in Zazane writing yet... Vedrix - Master Volkarus says he has learned some from Lord Breek, something to do with a telepathic link. Pyrak - ''Well, that scroll is said to have some of Moxix's essence in it. I cannot figure what though....'' Vedrix - Pardon me if i'm mistaken but are you suggesting Moxix may have some of his soul in those scrolls? Pyrak - I heard somebody once say that the ink used to write on the scrolls was made from his blood....Whether this is true or not, I do not know. Vedrix - Sounds like supersition, but if it is true it could explain why the master is hearing voices. Pyrak - ''Go, do not tell him of the legend of the scrolls. I value my life...''

The advisor returns inside for a few minutes and comes back out with a slight smile on his face, if slightly pale.

Vedrix - Master Volkarus tells me that accomodation is to be provided for you. Pyrak - Ah, that is good news. Vedrix - ''He has reserved a few suites if you desire it and respects that you have considered him stronger than Tyraz. He would be happy to include you into the resurgence.'' Pyrak - *nods* Tyraz shall fall by the end of this year...Him and his Brood.... Vedrix - ''Excellent, we look foreward to a fuitful partnership. I will have the servants show you the chambers the master has assaigned for you.''

Vedrix beckons over several servants who attend to the Zazane rebels, guiding them down the corridor as Vedrix returns inside.

Pyrak - ''Go ahead. Show us to our suites.'' Alien servant - Follow us.

Vedrix entered to see Volkarus standing in the middle of a room as a skull slipped through his fingers, impacting into fragments like a clay pot as it hit the floor. He looked at his tand for a few moments he turned to Vedrix.

Advisor - Is everything alright sir? olkarus - Yes... the voices were right...'' ??? - Yes....You shall begin the Great Feast....Consume all that you can....Including this petty underling.... Volkarus - No. he has not dissapointed me me, not yet. ??? - ''Is he of that much importance to yourself?....Has he lost everything? He looks better than yourself....'' Volkarus - He has served me well, killing him would be pointless. ??? - ''What has he ever done to serve you? Has he fought on the battlefield?'' Volkarus - There are more places to serve with distinction than on the field. ??? - It does not matter in the end....When you are a god.... Volkarus - ''And what am i supposed to do in the meantime? Write up the expeditures and crew manifests myself?'' ??? - Crew tires easily....At least, living crew.... Vokarus - ''That one i just feasted on. He was but a messenger, no-one would miss him and all he did was bring me bad news... What are you suggesting?'' ??? - Turn them....Kill them and ressurect....They will never tire....They will never need or demand.... Volkarus - ''No... I will not lower myself to necromancy!'' ??? - Why not?! Tyraz has done it....I have done it.....Dark stains upon ourselves....But we became as strong as gods!'' Volkarus - The dead deserve respect! ??? - Then why do you disobey me?! Volkarus - ''Tyraz already killed me, when he held that infernal sword of his against my chest. I died and cam back stronger than ever! Is that what you suggest?'' ??? - You died and came back....Why not do this to your crew.... Volkarus - I have done, my lieutenants are bound to me. ??? - ''What about the rest? You can resurrect them....Like I did.....but as ravenous servants under your command....'' Volkarus - ''Can you share your knowledge? I want Tyraz Breek to pay for what he did to me! Trapping me in this form as an abomination!'' ??? - I was like you....I was decomposing....And then....I feasted and became stronger....So powerful.... Volkarus - I value my kin, but there are other sources... ??? - ''Ohh? Such as what?'' Volkarus - Inquisitors, traitors, other aliens - there are quadrillions in the Imperium alone! ??? - Devour them.....Or force them under your rule.... Volkarus - My advisor is currently having those scrolls translated, but perhaps that is not entirely neccessary. ??? - I will help you read them.....After all.....I share your head.... Volkarus - ''I accept. All that matters in life is power, after all.'' Moxix - ''I am Moxix Breek, step brother of Tyraz Breek, and son of Korda. I turned honourable Zazane warriors into undead slaves, who ravaged and feasted on the living! I was deformed, but through feasting, I became near god-like!'' Volkarus - ''You.. I once hinted at your name and Tyraz nearly snapped my neck.'' Moxix - I am what made Tyraz different...I bullied him as a child....Almost killed him..... Volkarus - ''Had I done that to my siblings, my mother and my elders would have shunned me. Union is what kept the house together, made it strong.'' Moxix - And now it collapses under Tyraz's pathetic foot.... Volkarus - I was wrong to trust him, he is weak! Moxix - Yes....He is weak....Yet he alone managed to collapse your whole house.... Volkarus - ''He and the Inquisition and the Imperium's military. But with the combined knowledge of you and my kind's Inquisition, I will become unstoppable!'' Moxix - Yes...But first, you must feast....The stronger your food...The stronger you become.... Volkarus - ''Inquisitors; they have proved to take on entire warbands and emerge victorious. A perfect stock!'' Moxix - ''Yes, yes! I can feel the power.....rushing through our veins....'' Volkarus - ''Under your guidance. I will have my kin hunt and trap inquisitors like the vermin they are!''

As Volkarus contemplated an enormous figure appeared in front of him; a pallid and deforemd Zazane built from countless decomposing corpses. The look startled Volkarus who looked at him with disgust.

Moxix - You shall become a god.... Volkarus - Is... this what I would become? Moxix - *snarls* Behold the face of a god... Volkarus - As you wish, lord Moxix.

The guards were oblivious to the appearence since only Volkarus could see Moxix. They looked at him as though he was talking to himself. One guard asked another what was going on but he was simply given a shrug in response.

Moxix - A thousand mouths shall cry out in pain before the wrath of Volkarus.... Volkarus - ''Yes! The Imperium shall still have it's divine Paragon! I submit to your wisdom for now, lord Moxix.'' Moxix - ''Good, good...First, feast on your current Honour Guard. They take you as insane!'' Volkarus - ''And who would replace them? I am still weakened from fighting Tyraz. But their essence... They hold fragments of Tyraz' power i can use!'' Moxix - Yes....Now you understand....The more power you regain, the closer you are to matching Tyraz's strength! Volkarus - Tyraz was unchanged from the masses he descended, perhaps I am the same. Moxix - You are weakened from the attack Tyraz struck against you...You MUST feed! Volkarus - To me my honour guard, I want to offer you gifts for your service.

The Honour Guard approached their master, surrounding him with curious and determined looks.

Moxix - Feast, Volkarus....Leave nothing left of them.... Volkarus - You are all to serve a higher purpose in restoring your master to his former glory!''

The halls of the ship echoed with screams of pain as Volkarus turned on his own guards, absorbing every scrap of flesh on their corrupted bodies. Everyone within hearing range turned to the source, both frightened and confused as to what the onise was. Many of them assocciated it with Volkarus expressing his displeasure and returned to their duties. After abosrbing the final scraps the nanites within VOlkarus bloodstream set t owork, using the flesh as a stock for repairing his body. Several of his scars closed up and a slight colouration returned to Volkarus' scales.

Volkarus - ''I can feel my strength returning. It was uncomfortable but it was satisfying!'' Moxix - *lets out a growl* They....They were delicious... Volkarus - Is my body stable or must I do this for eternity? Moxix - You are far from Tyraz's power....If you wish to become a god, you must absorb all life in this Universe, or at least this galaxy... Volkarus - ''My cybernetics and these nanites sustained me until now, but devouring the universe or the galaxy... What point is there to ruling a dead realm?'' Moxix - ''You shall create your own life... And that life shall eternally worship you'' Volkarus - But you did not answer my question. Willl I need to constantly replace my strength with new bodies or will the esssences of my honour guard remain for eternity?'' Moxix - ''It will fade from your body if you do not continue to feed! Stop feeding, you will soon die!And that life shall eternally worship you Volkarus - ''I have not fed on the living until now and yet here I am, perhaps I am stronger than what you expect.And that life shall eternally worship you Moxix - You were not getting any stronger... Volkarus - True, but I wanted to be a ruler, not a devourer of worlds. Moxix - Then allow me to show you how you will rule.... Volkarus - If you insist...

Moxix walked over to the remains of Volkarus' Honour Guard. He lifted them up and smashes them together, sculpting and fusing them to make a gotesgue creature resembling a Draconis - grey scales, empty eyes and a dull, twisted snout. The wings were tattered and there were lumps and growths along it's back.

Moxix - Behold, the dead given new life.... Volakrus - ''This is not what I wanted... And what of their minds? Must they be be dependant on me?'' Moxix - So long as you live, they will continue to move and serve. Volkarus - ''Again you are hiding things from me. Will they be able to live out personal lives without my constant intervention?'' Moxix - No...They have no minds, except to kill, feast and spread. Volkarus - I have no interest in an empire of the soulless. Moxix - Then you refuse to have a supreme army.... Volkarus - Only when you suggest that my entire domain is the same way. Moxix - ''I despise the living, Volkarus! Life turns out pathetic, and then you die! A whole demain of the undead! Imagine it! Life for them....They experience no personal or exclusive pain!'' Volkarus - ''Look around you Moxix! My kind celebrate life in all it's forms, you may despise life because it was taken from you but I will not agree to your philosophy on this! If I destroy life in the Imperium I also destroy EVERYTHING they have built. Every statue, every building, every streetlamp was made possible because my kind could think and create! I would do anything to gain power but i would not deprive the imperium of what is at it's core!''

Moxix snarled, grabbed Volkarus and slammed him against a wall. The metal bulkead was bent inward slightly, leaving a giant imprint.

Moxix- ''My undead army screamed death and fire all across the Gigaquadrant, Volkarus! I was a god! Until ALL of it was taken away by disgusting, filthy mortals! All mortal life should be PURGED!! If everything dies....THERE CAN BE NO MORE DEATH!!!'' Volkarus - ''I... Disagree... The entire galaxy saw your army as abominations, a crusade was called to end it! Because You. Threatened. LIFE!''

Moxix slammed him againt the wall again, pressing him into the wall even harder with the desire to make him feel extreme pain.

Moxix - Says the man who would happily slaughter the Paragon and his wife! Volkarus - ''I would happily slaughter the very family who cast mine into exile! Forty-thousand years of hiding... Ultanos will pay but not life itself!'' Moxix - ''With death comes new life! And with new life, evolution! And with evolution, intelligence! And then, technology! War! And then complete death again! The cycle happens over and over!'' Volkarus - ''Unlike you I am quite happy to experiment with life sciences. I can simply create life to restore that which was lost. New species, new intelligenct life. I don't need to wait for nature to take it's course to sustain myself. Perhaps I could create an even better Draconis with such science, removing the weaknesses that Drakon left in. I can still become a god as you imply Moxix, but that does not mean I have to rule over a dead universe...'' Moxix - ''Do as you wish! You will need to feed! You shall soon realize that your ultimate destiny LIES IN UNDEATH!!''

Moxix slammed him into the wall once again before letting hi mdrop to the floor. As he said his final words his body changed to sand, blowing out of Volkarus's sight. Weakened and on the ground he contemplated Moxix's word before deciding that action was needed.

Volkarus - *snarls* There must be another way, but this is the best solution for now...*telepathically* Advisor, inform the soldiers that we are to go hunting for Inquisitors!

Vedrix had left Volkarus and was attending to the Zazane rebels in the ship's upper suites. Truly a great honour for any Khaxvis aligned non-Draconis who had reserved the upper decks of their own ships for themselves. His duties were interrupted when Volkarus' voice filled his head.

Vedrix - My master calls me elsewhere... Pyrak - ''Of course, Draconis. We shall settle in.'' Vedrix - He tells me that i am to prepare the soldiers for hunting for inquisitors, which might include you. Pyrak - ''Okay then. We shall prepare ourselves for such a hunt.''