There were so many cute guys on Planet Farako! I wish my family got to pay tribute to the godking more than once a year. There is one guy who is a member of the godking’s Starvast. His name is Lucius Storm, the Purebolt. I know, right? MARRY ME!

* Journal of Karena Zephyr

Wulfo

Seems like a perfect match, eh?

The words of Pujo echoed through Horbel’s mind. And each time they did, they filled his heart with wonder. He’d been alone for so long. Had Pujo’s alchemists really succeeded in making him a suitable partner? Someone who could put an end to the eons of solitude? A wife?

Horbel sat in the darkness of his room. It was where he had been sitting since their three-day hyper-hop had begun. Captain Tyrus’s slaver ship was enormous, and he didn’t put it past himself to get lost. For whatever reason, getting lost on spaceships really pissed him off. And seeing as how he had been told multiple times by both Superior Pujo and Superior Vishka that the crew members aboard this ship were nonexpendable, he decided not to risk losing his temper.

Instead, he sat in the dark and thought of the fight to come. He hoped they would be even more of a match than Voon’ki. Maybe then he would have the worthy foe he so desired.

A voice came over the intercom of the ship announcing their arrival to Wulfo, and a wicked smile crept over Horbel’s face.

At long last, it was time to kill some Elementi.

Laluli had never seen anything like it. A ship so large it blotted out the sun as it made its way to Wulfo’s surface. At first, she wondered how many mechanics it would take to run a ship of that size. After she saw the worry on the face of her friend, Karena Zephyr, her mind quickly went to other places. Dark places.

“Is that a Farako ship?” Laluli asked her.

Karena ignored her little friend as she ran to the railing of the balcony where the two young girls had been swimming. Her blonde hair along with her blue and yellow garments flowed in the gentle wind that came over the railing. The balcony was large and filled with white furniture and a circular pool. The estate it was a part of hung on the side of a mountain that overlooked a large valley of yellow-leafed trees. The valley was surrounded by a ring of snow-capped mountains. In the middle of the valley was the capitol city of Fwahala. The city’s large metallic pyramids reflected an obscured image of the enormous ship as it landed just outside its borders.

It landed with great force, sending out a shockwave of destruction. Incinerating numerous crops, pastures, and homes. The shockwave even knocked down several of the buildings that were on the edge of Fwahala. Leaving only their foundations. The sound from the sonic boom reached the Zephyr Estate soon after.

Karena’s father, Telmont Zephyr, leaned over the railing of the adjacent balcony that was a level above the one they were on. He was one of the few Aerosi to ever earn a warrior’s title in Farako. He had long straight black hair and a round face.

“I think you girls should get inside,” he said with a calm but stern voice. “Find your mother.”

“Dad,” Karena replied as she pointed at the large ship. A small triangular craft had launched from its side and was now heading in their direction.

“Go! Now!” Telmont shouted down to his daughter.

Karena let out a huff of defiance but did as she was told. She took Laluli by the hand as she led them inside. It still felt strange to her. The small Liplee hand of her friend had been equal in size to hers only a few short years ago. Now, her little pink best friend barely came up to her waist, and being that she was Liplee, she wasn’t going to get much taller.

An overwhelming sense of responsibility surged through Karena Zephyr. Her family was stationed here with the Liplee people to ensure they remained under the Godking Darex’s protection.

She grew up hearing all the war stories of her parents and their comrades. Was this a New Jhori attack? Could the quarter-century of peace be coming to an end? She never imagined anyone would actually be foolish enough to attack a Farako planet. Now that they had, she started to mentally prepare herself for what her duties would require of her should her parents become… overwhelmed.

The balcony that Telmont Zephyr was on had three landing pads. One had the Zephyr family starship on it leaving the other two vacant. He approached one of the vacant pads with his arms behind his back and waited to receive his guests.

He knew that it was not a Farako ship. What he found most disturbing was why whoever it was felt the need to land such an immense craft right next to a heavily populated area. This wasn’t a military installment. As far as resources went, Wulfo was nothing more than a farm planet. The Liplees grew enough food to keep all of their citizens well fed and pay for Farako protection.

Could New Jhori really be that ruthless? There was no doubt that several Liplee casualties had occurred as it scorched the surface of the planet while coming down.

Telmont considered the notion that pirates from the neutral zone were the most likely culprit. He and his wife, Karavine, had dealt with them before. But since when did common pirates pilot such tremendous ships?

A thought suddenly struck him with fear.

Plaquar.

Farako and Plaquar had only a few skirmishes before agreeing on boundaries and specifying areas of neutrality. Had something changed that he was unaware of?

Telmont had little time to speculate as the mystery craft touched down on the landing pad in front of him. He gathered his bril into his palms which he kept behind his back. With it he could use the wind to knock the ship clean off the pad should he need to.

And he had a feeling he was going to need to.

The door slid open on the side of the craft and three menacing looking beings stood waiting behind it.

The largest of the three stepped out first and the suspension of the craft eased up greatly as his weight left it. He had gray fur, black hairy legs that ended with hooves for feet, and two large black horns that curved up from his bull-like head.

“I don’t think this one has ever seen a minotaur before,” the bull-man said with a deep growl of a voice.

“My name is Telmont Zephyr. Planet Wulfo is under Farako protection by decree of the Godking Darex Voltus.” Telmont’s green and silver embroidered clothes shook as heavy winds started to swirl around him. “As are the Liplees who inhabit it. You are gravely mistaken if you think this open act of war will go unpunished.”

A large scaly man with two horns protruding down from each jaw was next to hop out. His black scales glistened in the sunlight. “Godking,” he said with amusement. “I like the sound of that. Think I’ll start using it myself. Hey, Klasp, from now on refer to me as Godking Horbel.”

The minotaur rolled his eyes. “A name like that would get you killed in Plaquar,” he said. Then he turned his attention back to Telmont. “We were sent here to return the Liplees we lost. Plaquar conquered their world and all its inhabitants several years ago. These Liplees belong to us.”

“And I already told you they are under my protection.” He decided he had heard and seen enough at this point. Telmont used the bril he had been collecting to throw a heavy wind at Klasp, Horbel, and the craft behind them. The small ship lifted off the ground, but Klasp grabbed it with one hand and kept it from being blown away. Meanwhile, the one who called himself Horbel stood with arms crossed completely unaffected by the hurricane like wind.

Telmont threw all the wind he could gather, but it was no use. The large beastly man remained immovable. As did his dark scaly companion. He relaxed his bril and the strong winds calmed. After the gust subsided, the small ship landed back on the pad and the last of three intruders hopped out.

“What are we working with, Shalika?” asked Horbel.

Shalika’s six feline ears and nose twitched as she tried to sense how many people were still in the house.

“So, who gets to fight first?” asked Klasp. He started popping his knuckles in anticipation. “This one looks like he’ll do for a warm-up.”

Shalika yawned and rubbed her whiskers in between her fingers. “I smell several Liplees and three more Elementi inside. One adult, one child, and one that’s somewhere in between.”

“They’re called teenagers,” said Klasp. “Bane of my existence.”

“Don’t start,” warned Horbel.

“I gave her everything I could!” started the minotaur. “Took on the most dangerous contracts to spoil her rotten! And what does she do? Takes off in her brand-new starship without so much as a ‘smell ya later’. A starship that I bought her I might add!”

Stolen novel; please report.

“Save it for the shrink for shit’s sake,” said Shalika.

“Klasp, you can have this one if you swear not to bring up your insufferable daughter ever again,” said Horbel. “Worst case scenario, the galaxy has one less farting minotaur in it.”

Klasp laughed and took a couple of booming steps towards Telmont. “That settles it little wind man! I’m going to break your bones!”

Telmont used his bril to create cyclones of wind under his feet that lifted him into the air. This put him eye level with Klasp who stood about seven paces away. “You appear to be quite strong. However, it is safe to assume you have never faced an Elementi warrior.”

Klasp raised an eyebrow. “And what makes you say that?”

Telmont smirked at the minotaur, “Because you’re still breathing.”

Karena and Laluli rushed through the house as fast as Laluli’s tiny gate allowed them. Karena was tempted to just carry her, but they soon found Karena’s mother, Karavine, in the basement. She had gathered all the Liplees who worked as servants for the Zephyr family along with Karena’s younger brother, Phuro. When she spotted Karena and Laluli she held her hand over her heart in relief and motioned them over to her.

“Take the mountain path to the cave,” she told them without wasting a second. “The trees should provide enough cover to keep you out of sight until you arrive. Stay there until we come and get you.”

“I can fight!” said Phuro. He was just a boy of ten years. Unlike his sister, he had inherited their father’s Aerosi abilities. His hair was the more common and natural white of Aerosi as well. Unlike his blonde mother and dark-haired father.

“I know brave boy,” Karavine said as she caressed her son’s face. “But let your father and I handle this one today.”

“Mom, I don’t—” Karena started, but her mother interrupted her. Now was not the time for doubts.

“I’m putting you in charge,” she told her. “Keep your brother and everyone else safe. I’m counting on you.”

Karena wanted to argue. She wanted to tell her mother that she had to come with her. She couldn’t protect anyone by herself. She didn’t have a warrior’s spirit. Not like the rest of her family. Even little Phuro was ready to go and fight the intruders. But not her. She only gulped and nodded at her mother’s instructions. She could feel the tickle of tears trying to swell in her eyes, but she fought them back. Now was not the time for doubts.

Karavine hugged her children tight before running up the stairs to join her husband in the fight. A little too tight. Karena felt something in the embrace. It felt like a potential good-bye. Only feeding into her fears all the more.

Laluli was surprised to find that her nerves were not even slightly rattled. Maybe it was an overabundance of faith in her protectors. She just could not envision an Elementi ever losing in a fight. She had watched Karena spar with her parents on several occasions. Every time she did, she had been blown away by what they were capable of. She was certain that Lord Telmont and Lady Karavine, would be able to handle the intruders without any issue.

Karena led her little brother, Phuro, and the Liplee servants out the backdoor that made way to the mountain path. She could not help but feel as though she was surrounded by children. Even if most of the Liplees were much older than she was. Though they were small, their bright neon colored skin still made them easy to spot. She was grateful for the cover that the trees and shrubbery provided along the path.

“Our parents have fought worse than whatever is back there, right?” Phuro asked as they quietly walked up the mountain path. They stayed as close to the trees as they could while they crept along.

“Of course. These idiots have no idea what they’re getting into.” Karena responded. “Probably some dumb pirates that got their coordinates jumbled.”

She sounded confident enough, but Laluli knew better. There was a slight quiver in Karena’s voice that only a best friend could pick up on. The Zephyr family had been stationed on Wulfo ever since her and Karena were small girls. They became quick friends and remained friends despite Elementi maturing much faster than Liplees. Karena was on the cusp of womanhood whereas Laluli was still in her species longer adolescent state.

“Then why are we leaving? I want to watch!” Phuro whined.

A large bolt of lightning shot into the air on the other side of the Zephyr estate. A loud thunderous boom echoed up the mountain path soon after.

Several of the Liplees awed at the spectacular sight. Laluli assumed they shared the same mutual feeling of safety as she had. Only the elders remembered the days of Liplees being dragged off and sold into slavery by Plaquar slavers. They had known nothing but peace since they had settled on Wulfo and joined the Farako nation.

Loloru, Laluli’s father, was one of the older Liplees who had evacuated with them. He was appointed the job of flying the royal ship and keeping up on all its maintenance. He had known peace his entire life, but he too seemed to have doubts about Telmont and Karavine’s chances of success.

“How long can we hold up in this cave?” he asked Karena.

“Relax, pilot!” Phuro said. “I doubt we even make it to the cave before they’re calling us back for dinner.”

A loud blood curdling scream came from the other side of the Zephyr estate that stopped everyone in their tracks. They all knew it was Lady Karavine, but no one had ever heard her make such a desperate sound before. A scream of sheer horror and despair.

Laluli’s sense of security shattered. Something terrible had just happened. Everyone froze in uncertainty and gazed at the estate below them. The only sound now was the wind funneling up the path. That, and the sounds of their hearts pounding in their chests.

The backdoor of the estate suddenly burst open, and a blue humanoid cat pounced outside of it. It started sniffing at the air and soon looked up in their direction.

Karena didn’t know if it was because leadership had suddenly been thrust upon her or if it was a newfound need for vengeance, but the fear that had had a grip on her was starting to fade. “Forget the cave. Just get off the mountain.” She said as she started walking back down the path.

“Karena, no! Come with us!” Laluli pleaded.

“Sorry to say this Lady Karena, but if your parents couldn’t defeat them then you don’t stand a chance,” said Loloru. “This is no time to be reckless.”

“We don’t know our parents are defeated!” Phuro shouted. Tears began to swell in his silver eyes. “There’s no way. My parents are warrior class Elementi!”

“That one looks to be a tracker. She’s probably not very strong. I can hold her off and buy you all time to get off the mountain.” Karena insisted. She tried to sound brave, but what little fear she had left still managed to creep into her voice and make it crack. She cleared her throat and spoke with more conviction. “Make for the valley forest. Stay off the paths.”

Laluli’s eyes began to water. “No way! Just come with us. We need you.” She wiped away the tears that had now overflowed onto her cheeks. She truly could not imagine life without her best friend. “I need you!”

Karena embraced her little friend tightly. The memory of her own mother’s embrace engulfed her mind.

Is this another potentially final hug? I that why I can’t bring myself to let go?

Finally, Karena pulled herself away. As she did, all the warmth and safety of companionship exhumed from her body. From here on she would have to face this terror alone.

“If that one can track us then there’s no point in running. Once I put her out of commission, I’ll be right behind you.” Karena assured her. It was all rehearsed. It was easy. She had read and watched reenactments of true heroes many times over. She knew what needed to be said. But was she a hero? Could she really save their lives?

Karena clenched her fists as she looked around at the group of scared faces that she saw gathered around her. Yes. She would be a hero. She would save them. She would buy them the time they needed to escape.

She jumped high into the air and quickly made her way back down the path by propelling herself off the cliff faces that lined the mountain path.

Karena focused her bril into her hands. Yellow bolts of electricity spiraled around them as she prepared herself for the upcoming battle.

Shalika watched the young Elementi girl race down the path. “Guess it’s my turn,” she said as she retracted her claws.

Karena made one last leap high into the air and shot the electricity down at her opponent, but Shalika was too quick. The feline warrior raced to the spot where Karena was about to land so she could slice up her foe. The young Farako warrior somersaulted in the air and came down with a kick that Shalika was forced to block.

The two then quickly unleashed their combination of attacks without either one gaining much ground. Shalika was fast, but Karena was faster. Her training with her father had prepared her for combat at these speeds. She could keep up with the feline so long as she kept her distance from those razor-sharp claws.

After a few rounds, Karena found an opening and tried to sweep Shalika’s legs out from under her. Shalika fell but was quick to recover and pounce back to safety. She licked a drop of blood off one of her claws.

Karena felt a sting on her cheek and wiped it with her hand. Sure enough, her hand was stained red from blood.

I didn’t even feel it! She thought. She looked down at her body and almost threw up. She was covered in large cuts that were staining her clothes red.

Her claws. They must be so sharp I can’t feel when I’m being sliced open!

“Any closer and you’d be missing half your face,” Shalika teased.

Karena gathered her wits and got back into her fighting stance. She couldn’t let her enemy get into her head. She had to focus. Her friends and family were depending on her. All she had to do was buy them time. It didn’t matter what injuries she had sustained. She would not fail them.

Horbel held the head of Telmont Zephyr up for Karavine to see. Klasp had her submitted in place from behind with a firm grip on each arm.

“And here I thought you Elementi were supposed to be great warriors!” Horbel teased. “This guy was pitiful!” He tossed the head and it rolled to Karavine’s feet.

She closed her eyes and turned her head to avoid having to see the gruesome sight. This got a laugh from both Klasp and Horbel.

Karavine focused on gathering as much bril as she possibly could. The more bril she gathered the more pressure she felt being exerted on her body. Gathering more bril than her body could handle could cause fatal injuries, but she was well past considering her own mortality. She had to keep these monsters from reaching her children.

“I think she’s up to something,” Klasp said as he observed more and more electricity streaking around the warrior he was holding.

The pressure Karavine was now feeling caused her to let out a pained cry. When she finally felt like her body absolutely could not last a moment longer, she unleashed it all. An explosion of electricity jolted from her body in all directions.

Horbel was barely able to jump back in time to avoid being struck. Klasp was convulsing violently with his eyes rolled back in his head. His hands remained attached to the steady current of high voltage.

“I thought her electricity didn’t bother you,” said Horbel casually.

Smoke started rising from all around Klasp and he made a deep growl.

Karavine continued to scream as she let out all the bril she possibly could.

“Just let go, you dumb ox!” Horbel shouted at Klasp.

Klasp slowly turned his head and shouted back through clenched teeth. “I… can’t!”

Karavine kept the stream of electricity going. If she could take down even one of the intruders, it would greatly enhance the chances of survival of her children.

Klasp’s growl grew louder and louder. Smoke started pouring from the beast’s mouth. Then the minotaur unclenched his teeth and let out a battle cry of his own. He pulled himself away from Karavine, with her arms still in his hands.

She let out a terrible scream of agony and fell to the ground. Blood gushed from where her arms had been ripped from her shoulders.

Horbel stared over at Klasp with arms folded and an unimpressed gaze on his face.

Klasp dropped Karavine’s arms and held up his own hands in surrender. “I didn’t mean to! I couldn’t let go of her!” he replied while coughing up black smoke.

Horbel shook his head. “I wanted to play with her. She seemed a bit more competent than the male.”

“I think she’s still alive,” Klasp said as he gave Karavine a nudge with his large black hoof.

“Leave it,” said Horbel in disgust. “She won’t live long.” This whole experience had been so underwhelming. These warriors wouldn’t have even stood a chance against Voon’ki. He made a mental note to go kill him after this job was done. No warrior of that skill should die of old age. Though, not all was lost. There were still two Elementi left. “Hopefully, her offspring will still make for some decent entertainment.”