Daughterly Departure
By Lore
- 109 reads
Abrupt Mourning. The return journey was much quieter than they had thought it would be. A quiet snivelling followed the group as Char tried to reassure Sky that they had done the right thing. There were more than a few occasions where Lore wanted to break the silence and ask Varkral if he found what he was looking for but it didn’t feel like the right time. They were almost to the docks before anyone spoke louder than a whisper.
“And this is where we part ways.” Varkral unholstered his staff. It’s crown now had an emerald orb nestled at its centre. “All the best to you and your quest.” He smiled and gave a short wave. His staff’s newly recovered head began to glow as he jogged away from the group. Lore watched as he tossed the green orb ahead of him. An emerald gateway opened and just as he ran through it, subsequently closed.
“That’s one way to travel I suppose.” They muttered to themselves. In their attempt to see Varkral off, they had sped ahead of the group and so decided to maintain their current pace to ready The Destiny for immediate departure. Speed walking onto the bridge, they began plotting the co-ordinates for their final destination immediately. “Final stop then we’re done.” They nodded. “Rexel. Shame it’s not Illia.”
“I know Rexel’s a mess but is Illia much better?” Destiny chimed in.
“I was thinking more about the circularity of our post marriage adventures. We got married then it was straight to Illia. Now it’s almost over… Perhaps we could spend a day there or something once this is over?” Lore laid back in their chair. “Perhaps.” Their daydreaming of a well-deserved holiday was cut short when the rest of their group returned. Instead of simply walking with Sky, Char had them over her shoulder. “What’s happened here?” Lore did what they could to help their partner carry their unconscious body.
“After War died, their veins started glowing. I thought it was just a reaction to them using their abilities to save us but then it got more and more intense. Not long after you stormed off, their whole body began to shine and then they collapsed.”
“It’s only natural.” Durien moved out of the shadows. “When a Paragon dies, if they are a part of a set like all of us, the remaining Paragons get the deceased’s abilities shared between them. Sky is now the Paragon of Chaos and War.”
“And The Rexian is now the Paragon of Pestilence and War.” Brian added grimly.
“Then we best get going.” Lore looked at their Breacher. “Well, he won’t be when we’re going.”
With one of their fighters out of commission, they pressed on. Reappearing at the Rexian checkpoint, Syd’s troops gave the standard greeting before beginning their boarding procedures.
“Just need to give everyone a quick scan then we can let you in properly.” The trooper held the thermometer to their heads.
After scanning everyone who he could see, the trooper began to search the ship for anyone else. He came to the med bay and saw Sky’s unconscious body.
“Ok. What have you done to them?” His tone went from professional to accusatory faster than a shot. “That’s Commander Sky but they’re older. What have you done?”
“It’s alright.” Lore chose their words carefully but came across as condescending. “This is a time ship. It travels not only in space but time too. This Commander Sky is from ten years in the future. They volunteered to join this mission but they were injured in combat.”
“May I?” Lore nodded and allowed the trooper into the med bay. “At least I know you age magnificently.” He set himself down in the nearby visitor chair. As he did, Sky’s eyes snapped open. It took them a moment to adjust to the difference in surroundings but after that, they continued to rub at their eyes while staring at the trooper sat opposite.
“Daniels?” He nodded. Sky lunged at him, nearly knocking him from his chair. They smothered him in kisses. “I am so glad to see you.” They smiled. Awkwardly, he removed the thermometer from his belt and took their temperature.
“I’ve got to get going but… It was nice to get a glimpse into the future.” He planted a goodbye kiss on their cheek before disembarking The Destiny. Sky clamped their hand over the spot he had kissed as if scared it too would leave them.
Now cleared, The Destiny pressed into Rexel space. Lore gathered everyone in the garage to discuss their plans.
“In a few hours time, The Rexian will destroy the majority of the orbital research stations. We can’t do anything until he has.”
“Why not?” Sky looked around the room. “We are basically gods, so what’s stopping us?”
“The Rexian has to see the destruction of the labs or else we will lose our opportunity.” Tay pointed to the map. “After the lab’s destruction, he will return to Rexel Five to ‘report’ on the human treachery that caused the death of all those being cared for at those stations. That’s when he’s at his most vulnerable.”
“Right.” Lore continued. “Once we’ve got him, we can start setting things right.”
“Ah. About that…” Tay gave a sheepish look. “There’s already two of me in this time zone. Adding a third and using my abilities may do more damage than good.” Lore was about to talk but stopped, counting on their fingers.
“I know you’re on board the lab orbiting Rexel Five and you’re here but…” Lore was still clueless but Char gave them a knowing smile. “Oh.” They pointed to Char’s abdomen. “Really?”
“I only know because I know how this story ends.” Tay smiled. “So, I have to say goodbye. But before I do.” She moved in closer to Char and held her hand over Char’s belly button. A blue light slowly grew from the centre of Tay’s palm. Before the disc could grow too large, Tay grabbed it and slowly turned it clockwise. As she did, Char began to grow. “See you in a few months.” She gave Char a pat on the shoulder. “It’s been amazing.” Then, she was gone.
“That kind of puts a spanner in the works but… We can roll with it.” Lore bit their lip. “Sukal and Durien, you’re with us, Brian and Alodrass, you stay here and wait for the signal with Sky.” There was a slight lump in their throat. They swallowed it down, knowing that they would soon get to meet Tay all over again. Empowered by that knowledge they began setting their plan in motion. Disguising themselves as merchants, Lore and Char were once again ready to visit Rexel Five. Reaper Reforged.
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