The sky above cast a grey hue over the soil below. A world in mourning over the victims of the great atrocities committed in the absence of law. Yet, even when reality accepted injustice as its rule, brave men and women rose to defy that cruel norm, many giving their lives in great sacrifices that shall not be forgotten, forever carved into the foundation of the Nova Cor Empire. From small gestures to holding the pillar of humanity against the weight of Fate, these people proved that hope lives and that dreams can still become reality.
Within the left-side hangar of the Hephaestus, the full strength of the 1st Marine Division of the World Forgers gathered to pay their respects to a fallen hero. The mood was sombre, yet the Earth glowed on the horizon, its lively shine casting into the hangar and onto the armour of the Marines that stood in perfect lines. At the front of each formation stood the respective captain of said company, all standing motionless as they waited for their turn to move.
Then, the blastdoor opened and allowed a row of World Forgers' honour guards Marines to lead the way, with the central Marine carrying the banner of the 19th company. Then, following right behind them was Captain Olanius, the newly promoted leader of the 19th company, who carried Voss's ash box between his hands. For this task, Olanius was stripped of his Marine armour and made to feel the full weight of the tungsten box with his bare flesh as a symbolic representation of the weight of responsibility.
Behind Olanius walked the 19 other lead captains of the 1st divisions, all heroes in their own right, but united in their mourning of their fallen comrade. Some, like Lambda or Gamma, can claim they had thousands of kills under their belt, while others, like Alpha or Omega, made entire battlefields kneel before their genius. Yet, these men stayed humble, all knowing what Voss did mattered thousands of times more than their best accomplishment.
Voss was one of the famed 20 first captains, but he was never anyone of note. To many in the past, his desertion even made him a traitor to the fleet. Yet, through blood and sacrifice, he redeemed himself and proved that no matter how deep you fall, what ultimately matters is how high you can rise. No man is perfect, even Emperor Horizon himself. But when faced with your own weaknesses, how will you react?
Last in the line were the Emperor and Empress themselves, both present to pay their respects to a man to whom they owe their lives. As the group moved past the rows of Marines, each captain returned to the front of their respective company, while others saluted Voss's ash box as it passed in front of them. The more Olanius walked, the closer he came to the massive exit facing the vacuum of space, separated by a thin glowing veil of molecular formations.
Standing at the edge of the veil, the whole strength of the 19th company waited for Olanius as he passed between them. Then, as he reached the edge of the veil, his eyes gazed into the void and the glowing surface of Earth. Olanius was born on the moon, yet the sight of Earth made him feel at ease, almost as if he were gazing at the door leading to home. But alas, today was not his turn to go home; it was Voss's.
With great effort, Olanius screamed as he spun around with the box to give it momentum before throwing it through the veil, toward Earth, toward home. Olanius then raised his hand and saluted his predecessor, ignoring the fact that the box left deep bleeding scars in his skin. Behind, even Mike and Krystal raised their hands to salute the fallen hero, the very man who served until the very end as a loyal World Forger.
As Olanius turned around, he accepted the banner of the 19th company from the Marine honour guard before kneeling as Mike approached him. In a symbolic gesture, Mike raised the same sword Voss used to make his last stand and tapped it slightly over both of Olanius's shoulders.
[Mike] - "Olanius, one of the Great Twenty, Captain of the 19th company. Rise if you could bear the burden of your forebearer, to serve as a loyal warrior of the World Forgers until either duty ends or you can no longer serve. "
Said Mike, his voice echoing through the quiet hangar with authority.
[Olanius] - "I accept the burden of Captain Voss until my duty ends or my own end. "
Said Olanius as he stood up, with his head still slightly lower in submission.
Dutifully, Olanius's fingers wrapped around the cold handle of the sword, still stained with Voss's blood. As Mike let go of the weapon, Olanius now felt the full weight of the sword in his hand. At first, it felt heavy, so heavy in fact that one's heart might crumble in fear at the thought of carrying it for the rest of their lives. However, Olanius stabilized himself, allowing the dried blood flakes to stab into his own fresh wound.
With a look of courage, Olanius puffed his chest and pounded his fist against it.
[Olanius] - "Blood reforged in gold, Empire cast in carbon! "
Yelled Olanius in a pompous voice.
In unison, the other Marines also mirrored the gesture in almost perfect synchronization before uttering the motto of the World Forgers in a deafening sea of roar. Stepping forward, Krystal, in her dark angelic dress, extended her hands and caught everyone's attention.
[Krystal] - "We march in tribute to those we've lost. Let our tears sprout the seeds left by those who had departed. In the vastness of the universe, in our infinitely small existence, no voice is loud enough to let them know we had won thanks to their sacrifice. Only through action, through change, through the collective fire in our hearts, can they see our victory as the beacon that shines brighter than any stars. "
Said Krystal, her voice echoing across the ranks and files, reaching the ears of every man.
Many gripped their weapons tighter, determined not to let their brothers' sacrifices go to waste. The empress's gestures carried grace and power, and her words inspired courage and endurance, almost as if they carried the essence of an angel. At the very back, beside the 20,000 Marines, many crew and fleet soldiers also attended the ceremony. Among them, Ella stood discreetly, adding notes inside her little book that would one day start something greater than herself.
At the same time, on the carrier of the 9th fleet, the Merciful Wrath, the same type of ceremony was held for Michalis and Christos. However, according to their fleet culture, the funeral was done differently. Wrapped in red capes, the ash boxes of both Marine heroes were carefully transported into the back of a gunship by Spartan honour guards.
Meanwhile, afar, Demetri, while pressed against the leg armour of 1st Marine general Pantheon, waved his old friends goodbye with a pair of tearful eyes. Just when Demetri thought he had gained a big brother, he was taken away from him. Seeing how Demetri was crying, Pantheon knelt down and caressed the boy's head gently to comfort him.
[Pantheon] - "It's alright, child. Not all heroes can live forever. Especially the heroes we hold dear... "
Said Pantheon while reminiscing about Athena.
For a moment, even Pantheon seemed overwhelmed by grief at the thought of the brave Knight Marshal. Yet, upon seeing the boy still weeping, he knew he needed to be strong for those who needed it.
[Pantheon] - "However! We are Spartans, defenders of humanity and protectors of the helpless. From the day we agreed to be a part of the 9th, we accepted our roles as the paladins of a world that needs guardians. And I suppose you came to the fleet because you wish to be a part of us, of this family. "
Said Pantheon, suddenly straightening himself out.
Demetri couldn't stop the tears from flowing out, but still managed to nod at Pantheon.
[Pantheon] - "Tell me honestly, who do you truly want to be. Michalis and Christos might be your friends, but do not let their actions pressure your decision. Once you make a choice, there is no turning back. You will be expected to give your life someday, just like Michalis and Christos. "
Said Pantheon while gently passing his finger around the boy's eyes to extract his tears.
There is an air of infinite patience in Pantheon's demeanour. Despite being an Imperial Marine, one of the deadliest warriors in the galaxy, his manners and voice were controlled and caring. He sounded like a hardened soldier, harsh and disciplined, but tempered in his emotions. Suddenly, the boy was startled as two more Marines encircled him, one behind his back and another to his right.
Looking to his side, a Marine with much slimmer armour stood above him, with distinct red crosses as decorations and an armour painted with white and blue patterns that resembled that of an emergency vehicle, while still retaining the core elements that distinguished her as a warrior of the 9th. Taking off her helmet, the warrior revealed her black, short curly hair as she knelt beside Demetri and extended her hand toward him.
[Demeter] - "Nice to meet you, I'm Brigadier-General Demeter, Medical Marshal of the 9th fleet. Happy to meet the boy who returned two of our fallen with such courage. "
Said Demeter with a disarming and warm smile.
Demetri immediately felt the motherly aura surrounding Demeter, who in Greek mythology represented agriculture, fertility and motherhood. Unlike Pantheon, she felt soft and loving, more like a civilian than a warrior. Truthfully, she really is an unenhanced human wearing a custom-made Marine armour, but that didn't diminish her in her supposed role.
[Ares] - "And I'm Brigadier-General Ares, Commissar Marshal of the 9th. I personally thank you, young man, for bringing our men home. The fleet needs inspiring young talents such as yourself, so what do you say? Will you be interested in following in the steps of your big brothers? "
Said Ares in a flattering, soothing voice.
As Demetri turned around, Ares removed his helmet, but his face didn't help as his armour still scared the boy back a few steps. Per tradition of the fleet, Ares, being the Commissar Marshal, had the names of every recorded fallen Marine of the 9th carved into his plates. With the tragic history of the 9th, many parchments full of names even hung from his armour, as there was simply not enough space on his armour to carve every single name.
As Demetri fell back, Demeter quickly caught him before he tripped and fell.
[Pantheon] - "You have four paths. Before you, the gunship awaits you and will bring you to an adoption center where we'll assign you to a new family. That is, unless you choose to stay with us. "
Demetri clenched his fists, feeling almost insulted by Pantheon's offer, which screamed cowardice. For a boy who crawled into the cramped suitcase of a warrior he barely knew, so he could reach the skies where he resides, his mind was already made long ago. With a firm shake of his head, Demetri adamantly rejected the offer.
[Pantheon] - "Very well then. We respect your courage. "
Said Pantheon as he tapped the butt of his spear against the floor.
Demetri was immediately frightened by the sheer vibration that resulted from this strike. Like an initiation and a test, Pantheon analyzed Demetri's eyes for any sign of fear or doubt. However, when Demetri caught his gaze and stared back at him with pure determination, Pantheon knew the boy would be a great candidate for a Spartan Marine.
[Pantheon] - "Your first path is with me, the way of a hardened Spartan Marine, unyielding and unbreakable in his steps as he holds his shield for the weak. However, as a line Marine, being compassionate will not be enough, as you will still need to serve as a brass-hearted warrior of the Nova Cor Empire, loyal to its citizens and its Emperor and Empress. "
Said Pantheon as he tapped his spear again.
However, this time, Demetri didn't even flinch, even as the impact shook his organs.
[Demeter] - "Your second path is with me, to become a Medical Marine of the 9th, just like your friend Christos. Your duty will be to your comrades and to the people, as you preserve lives and bring healing to a wounded world in need of your expertise. You will also have to be quite smart, as you'll be a medic and a mechanic, trained to bring the same healing to the engines at the heart of our momentum. "
Said Demeter as she caressed Demetri's head.
Unlike Pantheon, Demeter didn't attempt to scare him, and instead treated him as if he were her own son in her arms.
[Ares] - "Your third path is with me, to become a Commissar Marine of the 9th. You follow your brothers in war, but you are also responsible for keeping morale high in your unit. Your brothers will count on you to keep your unit supplied, and you'll also bear the responsibility of a witness to every event before your eyes. It's not an easy position, as we need men whose hearts have enough strength to bear the burden of others. "
Said Ares while looking down at Demetri as he stood up.
Looking forward, Demetri noticed on the parchment hanging from Ares's waist the names of Michalis and Christos, which were newly added. There was simply so much space left to fill below their names, which left Demetri with a sense of dread.
[Pantheon] - "What path will you choose, boy? "
Michalis was a warrior just like Pantheon. Michalis was a Medical Marine, just those under Demeter. And Ares' armour held their names like a walking tombstone. Even though he was just a kid and didn't know what path he should ultimately choose, there was something that pulled him toward Ares. Demetri wanted to fight and protect just like Michalis, and also wanted the same impact Christos had on people. So naturally, being a Commissar fulfilled both these conditions, as he would not only fight, but he would also carry the burden of others.
Even as the way Ares's look scared Demetri more than Pantheon's spear strikes, or felt cold and eerie, unlike Demeter's embrace, he bravely approached the Commissar Marshal and pressed his palm against the names of his fallen friends. Understanding his choice, Demeter smiled at him with a thumbs-up of encouragement while Pantheon nodded silently in approval. With an impressed grin, Ares lowered his arm and helped Demetri climb onto his shoulder.
[Ares] - "You made a choice that speaks volumes when it comes to your bravery, little brother. You have a warrior's soul and a paladin's heart; you're perfect for the path you chose to walk. "
Said Ares as he helped Demetri balance as he sat on his shoulder plate.
As Ares carried Demetri away, the gunship carrying Michalis and Christos's ash boxes also took off as the Marines lined up on both sides saluted to pay their respects. Demetri turned slightly around, just enough to catch a glimpse of the gunship leaving the hangar. There was a feeling of sadness as Demetri watched the craft leave. However, as Demetri also imitated the Marines in their salute, he secretly promised himself that he would visit his old friends again on the day when he fully became a Marine just like them.
And so, Michalis and Christos joined their fallen brothers in the garden of the 90,000. The tombs of the Spartan Marines were arranged in a way that made them look like they were still in formation before the grand tomb of Athena, serving even in death, beyond the earth they used to tread, into the clouds where they belong.
In the sky, a tiny shooting star passed through the blue expanse, burning the brightest at the end of its trajectory before being extinguished.
Back inside the World Forgers' new base established in the Italian Alps, where the ruins and memories of the Sundering were slowly removed and replaced by the symbols of the new era, Hyperion was strolling casually in the large marble hallways while in the company of Ari. All around them, construction crews and World Forger Marine volunteers moved tirelessly to build the new Imperial capital.
Without his helmet, Ari found Hyperion much more pleasant to look at. Two individuals forged to kill, now casually talking about mundane stuff and having a good time. After all this time, Ari finally figured out why Hyperion was given such liberties while only being a captain of the World Forgers. On Hyperion's armour, very faintly to the eyes, the pale outlines of the cyberknight rune can be seen at specific angles.
[Ari] - "So you're saying the whole 11th company was mostly made up of cyberknights in hiding? "
[Hyperion] - "Well, it's a tactic we employed in the Sundering to surprise the enemy. Then, it just stuck around even when Emperor Mike was gone. "
Said Hyperion proudly while grinning.
[Ari] - "So you're not truly an Imperial Marine? "
[Hyperion] - "Me and Polmeris were the exceptions here. We were some of the rare cases where we were both Imperial Marines and cyberknights. So if I were to take off my armour, you'd still see some pretty insane muscles. "
Said Hyperion teasingly while flexing his arm at Ari.
[Ari] - "Ooohh... I'd want to see that. "
Said Ari while playfully biting her nail.
However, Hyperion quickly came to a stop as he saw Mike approach him from a distance, followed by another young man. As Mike stood before the two, Hyperion and Ari both quickly dropped to one knee and lowered their heads.
[Mike] - "Rise, you two. Drop the formality if there are no people around. "
Said Mike while signalling for the two to stand up.
[Hyperion] - "I only kneel because you deserve the respect, my Emperor. "
Said Hyperion as he stood up.
[Mike] - "Alright, enough. This is Ulric; he shows potential with the crystals, so I want you to train him as your apprentice. As a cyberknight, there always comes a day when you need to take on the role of a teacher. "
Said Mike as he watched Ulric step out of his shadow to meet Hyperion.
[Hyperion] - "Really? You think I'm worthy of being the teacher of this guy? Come on now, Lord Mike, there must be someone better suited for this. "
Said Hyperion, while pretending to be humble.
[Mike] - "You're not dodging responsibility, Hyperion. It's not like I assigned you a toddler; Ulric is beyond qualified for both Marine and cyberknight training. He broke his ribs twice while shooting over three full magazines of the Chimera carbine. Not a simple task for an unenhanced human. Without his bravery, Ari might not even be alive today. "
Said Mike as he crossed his arms.
There was a genuinely impressed look on Hyperion's face as he stared at Ulric.
[Hyperion] - "Well, can we not talk about business while I'm... You know... "
Said Hyperion while making a slight gesture that referred to Ari.
[Mike] - "Hyperion! "
Said Mike, his voice growing more firm and serious.
With a sigh, Hyperion relented to his lord's orders and stopped resisting.
[Hyperion] - "Fine, anyone Ari owes a debt to has my respect as well. "
[Ari] - "Awww, that's so sweet! "
Said Ari with a cute smile.
[Hyperion] - "You know, Lord Mike, you're one lucky guy for having her sister as your Empress. Must be nice seeing that smile on the daily. "
Whispered Hyperion as he gestured at Ari.
[Mike] - "Mind your own business. "
Said Mike coldly before walking away.
Backing toward Ari, Hyperion quickly leaned toward her and whispered.
[Hyperion] - "When he's embarrassed, he acts like that. Guess your sister has him really under her spell, huh? "
[Ari] - "Of course she has, who else but my little sis? "
Said Ari proudly while crossing her arms.
However, as Hyperion saw Ulric standing in front of him, confused as to what would happen next, he quickly adjusted his attitude and tackled him playfully with his arm.
[Hyperion] - "So! I'm face-to-face with some local legend just like me, huh? What's your motivation for joining the league of unhinged superheroes? "
[Ulric] - "Ow! I'm just... I'm just looking for something to do. "
Said Ulric while he struggled uselessly against Hyperion's insane strength.
[Hyperion] - "Come on, spill it out, I don't like it when people are this reserved. "
[Ulric] - "I like to see the world, okay? I want to join because I want to witness horizons I've never seen before. I love adventures and such! "
Said Ulric as he gave up his worthless struggle.
[Hyperion] - "Fuck man, really? Guess the Emperor didn't make a mistake assigning you to my care. I think we'll get along just fine, my friend. "
Said Hyperion as he released Ulric from his grip.
As Ulric fell forward, Hyperion quickly caught him and lifted him up to his feet.
[Hyperion] - "Welcome to the 11th company! Don't die on the first day, and we'll be good friends until the end. "
Said Hyperion sarcastically as he violently shook Ulric's hand.
[Ulric] - "Yeah, I'll try my best, haha. "
Said Ulric, torn between being scared and confused.
On the other side of the palace, Krystal had just finished instructing Ella on the basics of joining the Cyberknight order. However, before letting her go, Krystal pulled Ella close for a final few words.
[Krystal] - "Train hard, okay? Once you're done with your training, come and find me. I will have some special assignments for you. "
Said Krystal while carefully removing a speck of dust from Ella's uniform.
[Ella] - "I will, Dark Angel, Empress Zenith, beloved by all! "
Said Ella with a respectful bow before advancing toward her new Cyberknight instructor.
Krystal was momentarily stunned by how much reverence Ella showed toward her, but didn't think much of it. As Ella walked away with her new instructors, she couldn't help but turn toward her master and ask one simple question while holding her little book tightly against her chest.
[Ella] - "Say, master, do you think the Emperor and Empress are more than just strong members of our order? Do believe them to be perhaps... Gods or deities? "
The instructor hesitated, knowing full well what kind of cosmic powerhouses the two individuals in question are. To her, it almost felt like asking if God is real. To some, believing in God is pure superstition, but to others, that is the only answer to the unanswered questions of life. With a long silence, the instructor finally uttered her response with a gasp of hesitation followed by words that came straight from her heart.
[Instructor] - "I believe they are beings beyond our understanding... perhaps, like you said, deities or Gods. "
Said the instructor with an equal part fear and certainty.
Later, inside the Imperial bedroom, Kadyn slipped Audrey's recording device into her pocket and undusted Oltevin's ash box. As Mike entered their room, Kadyn happily walked up to him and gave him a big, greedy kiss.
[Mike] - "Ready to go? "
[Kadyn] - "Doesn't look like I forgot anything. "
Said Kadyn as she reached for Oltevin's ash box.
With the ash box in her hands, Kadyn smiled at Mike before the two walked toward the door.
[Kadyn] - "Time to go home, my friends. "
Said Kadyn as she looked down at the metal box in her hands.
To be continued...