"We approach the Nexus." Rozelle announced.
The Nexus, a hypothetical realm where time and space intertwined, where the fabric of reality itself quivered with anticipation. There, amidst the swirling tempest of energy, lay Mira, imprisoned within the depths of oblivion.
It seemed like it had manifested in their route out of nowhere but that was where they were headed.
The ship streaked through the void, a symphony of light cutting through the shadows.
Before they made the plunge, the beautiful world of Chemora graced them with its presence.
They could only momentarily see it before moving up ahead because there was no stopping.
Time was expensive.
The light from their home planet cast an eerie shadow on their faces but they quickly moved away, heading straight towards the ladder because it was time for them to head out.
But even as they approached, tendrils of darkness reached out, threatening to consume them whole.
"We are not alone," Xen's voice echoed with urgency, sensors around the ship were set ablaze with warning signals. "Prepare for engagement." Rozelle yelled, trying hard to minimize the impact.
There was nothing but darkness all around.
It seemed like empty space but when the boys jumped out of the ship, they landed on solid ground.
They could see Moira as clear as one sees the moon.
She suspended inside a vortex, guarded by a magnetic field.
Before they could approach her, they saw shadows descending upon her one by one.
Dark rays shot in every direction and blasts sent the ship rocking back and forth.
The boys immediately dispersed trying to draw the attention away from the vessel.
Their effort had its effect. The direction of their blasts was now the three of them.
They ran and rolled, dodging them easily but it beat the purpose. Those blasts threw them further and further away from Mira and they could see the shadows forming a circle around her.
It would have been easier had they been talking to each other, but each one of them worked on their own accord.
Suddenly their heads turned as they heard the sound of more approaching spacecraft.
Not one, not two, a fleet of them. But they all had different shapes and forms.
" We are here to help, brother. "
A handsome wolf leaped from one incoming ship and landed perfectly beside Braze.
" There are more coming. I heard that we were taking down the Dark Devil before reclaiming Chemorian lands? "
He hugged and shook Braze's hand and pulled him into a long embrace.
Braze could tell by his scent that they were related by blood.
Suddenly a round of bullets flew from another ship towards the one from where Brian had descended.
" Damn, those Xorons! Those scavengers are here as well. "
Brian did not hesitate to shoot at the Xoron vessel.
But it was Xen who interfered.
He sprang in front of Brian and smacked his face, sending him reeling.
It was Brazil's turn to step up.
" You didn't have to do that! "
He finally talked with Xen.
" Of course I had to. He was trying to kill my brothers. "
" Your brothers, started it first. "
Braze and Xen were breast to breast.
Xen scoffed.
" Of course, you don't know the whole picture. "
" What more does he need to know, prince of thieves? It's enough to know that soon we will be taking control of all of Chemora. " Brian was up and talking.
"Braze, it's time to hand the Staff over. We need to take it back to the Akashi tribe before it falls into the wrong hands. "
He urged Braze and nodded his head and with a smile.
Before long the Marines had also arrived.
Their women poured in and they went for Kian. Before long the Nexus had turned into a powerhouse of commotion with tribes snarling at each other while the boys watched and contemplated joining.
Their focus was so divided that they failed to realize that the Dark Mages had opened a portal above Mira from where he was about to suck her life force out.
Faint sparks of lightning traveled from the portal and was about to reach Mira's neck.
" Nooooo! "
It was Robert's voice that finally pulled all the attention back to where it was primarily required.
" Wake up, the three of you. Her life is in danger. "
He flung his body between Mira and the tendrils of light.
The hairs on his head stood up as his eyes rolled back and tongue popped out, as if he was electrocuted on the spot.
" Remove this fool! The altar must not be contaminated.The Dark Lord will be here any moment. "
One of the Mages yelled.
" Your existence is a contamination itself, did nobody tell you that? "
Kilian pulled Robert out of the sphere where Mira lay and his body tumbled down like a cascade.
" They did you bad, my boys. They did you bad. I thought Mira mattered more to two than your own lives but I see a different scenario here. "
They looked at each other but their expressions were unreadable.
Suddenly thunder roared all around.
An inky darkness began to cloak around them.
The Dark Mages fell on their knees.
" Kilian, I see that you are still doing your sister's bidding. Where is that wh*Are you mine? Did she not make it? "
An eerie laughter filled the atmosphere as chills enveloped all.
All the tribes set into positions.
A Xoron walked up to Xen and whispered in his ears,
" This is not our battle to fight. The Dark Lord is none of our concern. "
Xen turned towards him.
His neck burnt because he felt Kian and Braze staring.
" The casualties will be heavy Braze. It's better to take the Staff and return. " Xen heard Brian whispering into Braze's ear.
" Your mother waits for your gracious return dear boy! We do not need to see blood while engaging in futile conflicts.
" Our concern is the Staff and the Southern Star. The Dark Lord does not pose a threat to our plans. "