Chapter 1 "Attack of the Warmongers!"

The end of Naku Eden?

Naku Eden; A lush, beautiful world, where the dominate population of sentient beings, the ancient and proud Elvish race reside in harmony with the world. The Elves were the first to bend the knee to the God of Gods in the infancy of all that is. They became the first of many powerful allies of the Gods and are the closest planet in the solar system to the Gods’ home of Ragnarök.

Their planet rotates around the Blue Star. The Blue Star in Elvish mythology was the first God to the Elves and the very source of their magical power. The Elves are noted far and wide for their ability to craft the greatest weapons in all that is and ever will be. It was the Elves’ bargain with the God of Gods; the Gods would protect the Elves with their great power and weapons they provided to the Gods. In exchange, the Gods would keep the Elves safe, the Elves themselves are smaller beings, comparable to mortals. Although they’re very long-lived, as long as Gods, they’re generally not as powerful, and depend on the Gods’ immense power and military might to protect them against external threats. This pact was sealed when the God of Gods, Ragnor, took the first Elvish princess as his wife. Their son, Lord Talidor, now sits upon the throne of Ragnarök as the Lord of the Universe.

The Elves are now frantically at work creating weapons for the divine. The metal they possess is called Gemmantium. This is a special blue metal, the only metal that can harm the Warmongers and other deities of Hell and even the Gods themselves; The only planet in the universe to house this precious material. This is why the God of Gods Ragnor made such a pact with the Elves all those millennia ago, taking the planet Naku and the Elves as their protectant. For the survival the Elvish race, the Gods, and even the mortals, the Elvish forger’s metallurgist cannot fail all that is, or their universe will die if the Warmongers and the Prince of Hell succeed.

The sky suddenly and violently ruptured, a flash of red, appearing as if the very fabric of the sky has been torn asunder by evil itself. The green sky turns red, the Blue Star is forever blocked, the first and eldest God of the Elves. Gone. All bleeds above and below. This is the harbinger of the presence of the unfathomable evil known as the Warmongers. For months now it was obvious they had returned from the mists of time. The Elves panic as they are not warriors, they are makers of weapons they create to fend off such a powerful force. As the sky bleeds from above, a river of blood springs from the largest Elvish settlements and the very capital itself. The screams of innocents are muffled by the cruel laughter of the Warmongers and the demons accompanying them. Throats are slit so viciously, heads are decapitated, limbs are cleaved, women are ghastly violated and split in half, with many demons choosing to continue these heinous acts with their corpses.

Within minutes, all the Elvish people, animals, grass, and water of the Ten Seas were obliterated. It was total war, which is the trademark for the Warmongers to leave nothing alive, leaving the planet totally dead. Planet after planet that was under protection of the Gods and Lord Talidor had been left a wasteland. All the signs of Warmonger attacks, ripped and ruptured atmospheres, bleeding skies, and no survivors. These were initially outer planets near the dimension of Phantomlor, an equally powerful yet far more vicious dimension where might make right. These turbulent times had led to an alliance between Phantomlor and Ragnarök, and a marriage between Lord Talidor and Goddess Warr-Za; The Warlord of Phantomlor.

The distress signal sent by the Elvish Emperor eventually reaches the Gods; Lord Talidor and Goddess Warr-Za. But unfortunately, it was far too late for the once living planet of Naku and the Elvish people who once populated the planet. They are now an endangered species as might very well befall living things in the universe.

“WE MUST ASSEMBLE A TASK FORCE IMMEDIATELY TO RETRIEVE THE ELVISH WEAPONS!”, Warr-Za shouts, ornate in her gold bra and matching G-string with white cloak.

The Goddess of the realm Phantomlor leaves little to the imagination as she enjoys the attention, she draws from her vivacious Succubus body. The beautiful, deadly, and self-proclaimed Goddess is a mystery as well as a hypocrite. A cruel, petty, ambitious, warlord, she did not inherit her throne and titles. She seized the title of Goddess, by taking control of a dimension that was built upon the strongest to survive and even the strongest rule. She had fought, scratched, clawed, manipulated, seduced, and married to gain power. The Queen Goddess was the sole ruler of her own dimension, and as every tragedy is an opportunity, she allied herself with the mighty Lord Talidor, the only son of the God of Gods, and ruler of the universe. This alliance has led to marriage, and many speculate in court she’s truly ruling both Phantomlor and Ragnarök in her husband’s name.

“My Goddess,” Lord Talidor says in subdue voice, “There may yet be survivors.”

The Lord of Ragnarök keeps his face covered in a silver owl mask, worn in battle, scarred is the mask, though the Great Lord rarely, if ever, engages in battle himself, he is more philosopher than warrior. His father, Ragnor, the God of Gods disappeared thousands of years ago pushing the Warmongers and demons all the way to the Black Heart of Hell itself. In that time, Lord Talidor was raised as an intellectual, by the finest scholars throughout the universe, raised as someone who analyzes every decision carefully and does not have the warrior mettle or taste for blood. This isn’t to say he does not know battle, he studied war tactics along with mathematics, sciences, magic, the arts, etc.

He is more of a fair, well rounded, and just ruler than his wife and even his father before him. He was raised with notions of chivalry, honor, justice, and morality. However, this does not make him the right person to lead during this crisis. Lord Talidor wears long Elvish metal claws, with a black and white suit including a splash of silver. The Elvish blood in his veins gives Talidor access to magical powers. A combination of his father’s legacy of godly power and his late mother’s Elvan heritage makes him a fearsome enemy, but a spineless husband.

“THERE ARE NEVER SURVIVORS! WARMONGERS NEVER LEAVE SURVIVORS! The Hellish monsters can only be defeated by Elvish weapons! We must act quickly! Ragnarök is the next realm in their path, and then Phantomlor!”, she screamed at Lord Talidor, the God of War, the Gneox Court, and anyone in earshot of her demands. The breathtaking ruler of Phantomlor is demanding; But she is correct. If the Warmongers have destroyed the mighty weapons of Elvish origin, then all may be lost. The Goddess in her rage tosses a throne. Lord Talidor drinks his wine as his love and ally berates him in front of the GX Court and the God of War. The ruler of Ragnarök and the divine Court are little more than the court jesters when confronted by the powerful personality of Warr-Za.

The Goddess is as beautiful as she is deadly, a femme fatale without peer in the universe.

Lord Talidor the wise white owl; being of peace and divine justice, for he’s a deity more at home with debate and conversation instead of strategic battle planning.

The planning of the war against the 7 Deadly Tribes of Hell and their greatest weapon The Warmongers fall to General Xander, son of Lord Talidor. He was promoted to God of War and possesses a great strategic mind for battle, a proud and stubborn warrior, tall and lean, sharp Elf ears, flowing black hair and beard with piercing dark green eyes.

The next ruler of the universe, the direct descendant to the God of Gods and a powerful God of War, whispers in the Court include that Xander could one day surpass his legendary Grandfather, Ragnor, as a warrior.

The creator of Ragnarök is more malleable and outwardly passionate than his son. Even his grandson, Xander, who is more aware of the threats posed by both the enemy and a would-be ally, his father.

“Lord Father,” Xander exclaims, “It is our duty as protectors of the world of Naku to immediately send a team to see if there are any survivors and retrieve as much information on this attack of the Warmongers, to search for weapons for our defense.”

Goddess Warr-Za snapped, “Go then, Xander, you are the God of War! Take a force and determine what we can gain from this horrific tragedy.”

General Xander stands tall and proud with a devilish smirk, stating, “I am God of War to Lord Talidor. Not you. In case it hasn’t been made clear, YOU also had a hand in the destruction of Naku, Goddess. You instructed Lord Talidor to remove ships from around Naku and to use them as patrol for your planets!”

The Queen Goddess was stunned in disbelief as no living being has ever defied her, spoken to her in that fashion and not be slowly and painfully tortured to death.

“Lord Talidor, we desperately need to go to Naku, my love. It is the only chance we have, to defeat the 7 Deadly Tribes of Hell and the Warmongers. Also, WE made the decision to remove the defense of Naku and to place the forces near Phantomlor planets for the Warmongers could attack us from Phantomlor space,” says the Queen Goddess in a sweet and kind tone.

Lord Talidor takes a large drink of wine, then states while rising to his feet, “Xander, we did decide to protect the flank and you advised against this action and were concerned about Naku. I agree that is a planet we should have protected. But we have allies that need us to enable supply lines to not be disturbed. It was a difficult choice, and I would make the same decision again!”

Xander thought to himself; you would say that while you are sleeping with Warr-Za!

He proclaims, “You will take a scouting party to Naku, look for survivors, gather all the Elvish blades and weapons you can find. Go to the Capital and to Chief Metallurgist and Alchemist Larz’s forge & workshop. He was the greatest and most talented of all the Elvish smiths and possibly the greatest in Elvish history! If anything is left that can turn the tide it will be located there!”

Xander is very frustrated with his father’s retorts and even more so with the influence his new stepmother is having on his King, the Gneox Court, and the empire.

“As you command, Lord Talidor,” Xander slightly bows, refusing to look his father in the eye. He desires to fulfill his role as General God of War, but only for Ragnarök and Lord Talidor, not for Goddess Warr-Za or the glory of Phantomlor.

“My,” says Goddess Warr-Za, “My son, Tott-Za, Captain in my forces would make an excellent Second in Command of the scouting mission.”

Xander’s green eyes flashed momentarily, for his disdain for the boy Tott-Za was well known in royal circles and in Court. Tott-Za is the Queen Goddess’ adopted son, a boy from a kingdom on Phantomlor’s Planet Earth. She had “liberated” from one ruler to no ruler.

This fact was not all lost on Xander who knew his future stepmother’s ambition and callousness is only matched by her breathtaking appearance.

“Father, what is your desire for the Second in Command?” Xander asks, staring at his father awaiting his decision.

The God of War is growing impatient and restates his place in the Court, “I make personnel decisions on my missions, Lord Talidor. It is within protocol that the God of War makes all personnel decisions on their vessels and missions!”

Lord Talidor looking into the eyes of his ally and lover through his mystic owl mask, taking another large drink of wine, “So be it, Goddess Warr-Za, Prince Tott-Za shall second my son on this very important mission, for my dimension and yours.”

Xander was utterly defeated and embarrassed by this turn of events and simply bowed to his father. He then turned and left the room only to be stopped by Goddess Warr-Za, “Be sure to gather my son before you depart, Xander and don’t let the boy make a mess of things, as he is capable of doing, remind him of that!”

“As you command, Goddess,” Xander replied while grinding his teeth.

Prince Tott-Za is a slender boy of no more than 18 years of age. The frail child, of brown and fiery red hair. But he lacked the passion his fire would indicate; his very appearance made Xander nauseous and to add insult to injury the boy was just a mortal. No different than the fools on Ragnarök’s Earth who believed Lord Talidor and Xander were Odin and Thor, or Zeus and Hercules, or any number of other gods that were created in their image.

Xander regarded Tott-Za as below the mortals on earth who worshipped his people for untold centuries. Now he is being forced to have one such as him on his crew and his Second Command. He already had a very capable Second-In-Command in Nia-Tuk. She was the perfect second to Xander; loyal, intelligent, and very attractive. It pained Xander to have to explain to his lover why she was demoted, and Tott-Za was promoted to her well-earned position.

Tott-Za had an admiration for Xander, he was known for being stubborn, passionate, and a very good God of War. Xander had all the respect of the other gods, races, and throughout the universe, the God of War, and was destined to be the new Ruler of the Universe. It was all the traits Tott-Za desired, to be powerful, successful. But to be loved by his mother is something the prince would never be able to gain or Lord Talidor could hope to achieve for that matter.

Xander enters Tott-Za’s quarters unannounced, standing tall over Tott-Za, Xander announces, “Gather your belongings Tott-Za, you are to be my Second-In-Command on a scouting mission.

Xander’s green eyes glared directly at the child’s brown eyes.

“What, I’m Second-In-Command on the scouting mission? Ww-why?” Tott-Za said with anxiousness and excitement in his voice, “How, how? How am I going…did you ask me to be your Second-In-Command?” Tott-Za hoped that Xander had asked for him as his Second-In-Command.

Xander rolling his dark green eyes, “Yes you are going and yes you are my Second-In-Command. You have 2 minutes to get your belongings and be on the ship or I will leave without you!”

Tott-Za sheepishly voiced, “Oh we are leaving that quickly? I have to say goodbye to mm..mm..mother.”

Xander very aggressively and in an angry manner, “Your mother knows you are going it was her damn idea! NOW GET YOUR ASS ON THAT SHIP THAT IS AN ORDER!”

The young Prince understands orders very well. Goddess Warr-Za has ordered Tott-Za to stay close to Xander and report back to her on his movements, who he is close to in the Court, and to try to become his friend. The Queen Goddess was concerned because Xander had no love or trust for Warr-Za, her ambitions, and what she would be willing to do to gain even more power.

Tott-Za will never be friends with Xander, but he can still follow his adoptive mother’s orders. He immediately knew why she ordered his presence on the mission, to simply give her updates on Xander and his mission accomplishments and how it can best benefit her. Tott packs his belongings for an uneasy mission and to fulfill his purpose to retrieve information for his mother.

An Elvish blade was one of those belongings, a long blade given to him by him by his mother for an unknown purpose. He unsheathes and stares at the metal of the blade. As he gazed a moment upon the weapon Xander believes he has no business with, the legendary blade GodSlayer.

GodSlayer once belonged to Lord Talidor’s father, Xander’s Grandfather, the God of Gods; Ragnor. He who united the Gods and Demigods. Xander’s grandfather used the blade to cast down the ancient EverWrath in the early days of the Ragnarök universe.

Legend states the blade was lost in the Black Heart of Hell when the God of Gods sacrificed himself to defeat the 7 Deadly Tribes of Hell, and they had been until recently. Rumors state the blade was retrieved by residents of Phantomlor and given to Goddess Warr-Za as tribute. The boy doesn’t know how to use the blade; it his family’s legacy going back to the dawn of time and the start of God’s rule.

Was this a sick joke by Goddess Warr-Za or did she have dark designs for Lord Talidor and Xander?

While Warr-Za is warrior born she did not raise Tott-Za to be a warrior, which is odd given her people and their culture. This has not gone unnoticed to Xander, who can only theorize Warr-Za wanted her adopted son to remain weak and unable to overthrow her, with the GodSlayer blade given to Tott to demonstrate her ability to create a puppet with a legendary weapon, as an insult to his people and father.

In the throne room, Lord Talidor and Goddess Warr-Za discuss the mission with ease between them.

“My Goddess, what do you think of my son Xander and his ability to complete this mission, retrieve the Elvish weapons and information?”

“Hmm,” she ponders.

The wise owl stroking his white beard as he awaits his future Queen’s response. Goddess Warr-Za is taking a moment, she wanted to be careful and not insult her future husband’s son, but her disdain for Xander is well known, if not becoming an overriding factor in the Gneox Court.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The Gneox Court is the new collaborative space shared between the Ragnarök and Phantomlor realms. Gneox, also known as GX, is an Elvish word that means Hope and Unity. Every member of the GX Court signed an oath for this cause.

“Your son is a very capable God of War, my love, he shall succeed the mission.”

The Goddess was very careful not to give Xander much praise but to not insult him as well.

“Hmph,” Lord Talidor expressed, “My desire is for you to accept Xander as my son and your stepson, as I have accepted Tott as my son.”

The Goddess knew this was true, as a matter-of-fact Lord Talidor was much kinder to the boy than his own mother. But Lord Talidor was surprised to learn that Tott-Za was in fact not the Goddess’ biological son. This was another half-truth that the Goddess had been using to manipulate the Ruler of Ragnarök.

“My love,” the goddess stated, “I adore Xander, I just feel that he has yet to accept me as a stepmother…”

“…I know he has been without a mother for such a long time, and is an only child, so gaining a new stepbrother and stepmother would be difficult under normal circumstances. These are not normal circumstances, however. He is gaining a new family while planning and fighting a war that we are only truly gaining any measure of success. Xander is under an enormous amount of pressure. Perhaps the title of God of War is too much upon a person?”

The Wise Owl, while stroking his beard states, “Perhaps you are correct Xander has been under tremendous pressure with the war and new family.”

The Goddess now removing the mask of Lord Talidor, she then holds up his wine goblet and having him drink a large gulp of wine, “Of course I am right, my love. When have I ever been wrong?”

Lord Talidor simps, “You are never wrong, my Goddess, only as insightful as you are stunning.”

Goddess Warr-Za smiles, planting the seeds of future betrayals.

Meanwhile Xander approached his ship; a large black and white vessel that is one of the fastest in the universe. It can hold up to 25 gods and demigods. The weapons on the vessel are state-of-the-art. A combination of Elvish metals and divine technology has made the Stargazer one of the most remarkable ships in Lord Talidor’s fleet and the envy of Warr-Za.

The Stargazer would decimate any Phantomlor vessel in combat. The pride of the fleet of Lord Talidor and the flagship of that fleet is loud. It is a fitting vessel for the God of War in the middle of a war for the universe.

As Xander stood near the entrance, he looked upon the other 8 individuals who would be joining him and Tott-Za on this mission. He knew every moment counted as the 7 Deadly Tribes of Hell and the Warmongers are anything but subtle. The battle strategy of Hell is to use overwhelming strength and straightforward attack.

This makes them predictable but no less deadly.

When the other gods and demigods awaited Xander’s order to board the vessel, Xander had to wonder if there was any hope of finding…anything. The Warmongers are nothing if not exact at extinguishing all life upon whatever planet or dimension they visit.

Xander standing tall and proud, announced, “All hands board the ship! All hands to their quarters to place your belongings and then to your stations!”

All the gods and demigods assembled boarded the ship by two, in very precise steps each matching the pace and cadence of the other. They had been drilled by Xander himself to be one with each other and the Stargazer. Nia-Tuk, the usual Second-In-Command of the Stargazer; she was the most talented and trusted of Xander’s crew and a very attractive Caucasian Goddess.

Next to Nia-Tuk is Zandile of an African God Tribe, a proud and mighty warrior, then Larem the Elvish helmsman, and possibly the last survivor God of Naku.

Walking side by side the two largest of Xander’s crew both approximately 7 feet tall, an earth spirit The Bigfoot, and the chief science officer, BlackHeart; a devil looking god with red eyes, where he might be thought to be a deity of Hell.

The two shortest are next; Hammersmith, the dwarf warrior with a great battle ax, and Chantel; the green witch and magic officer of the ship.

Tott-Za walks up the boarding platform carrying the enormous GodSlayer in both hands with a large bag also around his right arm. As the young man weaves and stumbles up the boarding pad, he begins to fall backward. Xander monitoring this, simply made a sigh of frustration while shaking his head.

This is my Second-In-Command of an important mission?

Instead of landing on the floor Tott-Za was caught in Xander’s arms; Xander was stunned that Tott-Za had nearly fallen coming on board, that had never happened before! Xander forgot Tott-Za was in his arms cradling the boy and almost smiling at him. Nia-Tuk stands next to them with her hands on her hips with a wry smile, “Are you leaving me for him, Xander?”

Xander’s face turned bright red as he was infuriated, embarrassed, and he was showing weakness and compassion during war time. He immediately dropped Tott-Za on the ground.

“Pull yourself together and proceed and board properly!!”

Tott-Za gets himself up from the ground and quickly goes toward his quarters with his head down, ashamed. Nia-Tuk looked at Xander with some concern and said, “You don’t have to be so hard on him, this is his first mission as Second-In-Command. Remember me on my first mission?”

“I am afraid that will not help him survive,” Xander said taking Nia’s hand.

At least Xander did not expect battle on this mission, that is why he rounded up only 8 other individuals for the crew. This mission depended on stealth and speed and to avoid any type of encounters with Hellish entities. This should be an in-and-out, brief adventure.

Xander following Tott-Za as the last crew member onboard the StarGazer, everyone had been to their quarters to place their belongings in an organized area of their quarters. Everyone expects Xander and Tott-Za.

He had no need to place his belongings in his quarters, as God of War most of his belongings were already onboard. The ship had become Xander’s home, especially due to his father’s marriage to Goddess Warr-Za, it was the only place he could escape from her prying eyes, until now. Tott-Za is her eyes and ears.

Xander addressing Tott-Za, “Go place your belongings in your quarters and report to your station!”

Tott-Za looking confused asked, “Ww-ww-which is my quarters, Xander?”

He was very upset with perceived disrespect at not being addressed as Commander or God of War while on his vessel and completely at his wits end with Tott-Za, snaps, “The Commander Quarters YOUR WORTHLESS WASTE OF SPACE ON MY VESSEL!”

But Xander pauses and takes a deep sigh, “Alas, simply sit on my right-hand side, DO NOT say anything or I will have you shot out an airlock!”

As Xander commanded, Tott-Za simply nodded and ran to his quarters and was tripping over his own feet. By the time Tott-Za got to his station the Stargazer was on its way. Tott-Za did as Xander told him, he sat at his station on the bridge to the right of Xander, to Xander’s left were the weapons and tactile, and Third-In-Command Nia-Tuk.

Unlike Tott-Za, Xander had total faith in Nia-Tuk as she was a proven warrior and tactile genius. Xander has a natural attraction to such an intelligent and successful woman, and it was an immediate attraction for both. His relationship with her was not a secret, but they kept it professional on StarGazer.

Zandile took his post as the strategic and weapons specialist, Tott attempted to speak to the proud warrior, “Mr. Zandile, how, how are you? This is my very first mission and I am so thrilled!”

Tott’s nervousness and excitement shined through.

Zandile was less than kind, “Hmph, weapons are functioning at full capacity sir, would you like to test any or all of the defenses or offensive weapons?”

The very unsure Tott asks, “Can I test them, or do I test any of them?”

“It is up to the Second-In-Command to report to the captain that the ship and all its operations are functioning before we leave,” Zandile stated looking at Tott-Za and finding him wanting as a commander, he adds with frustration, “I anticipated an issue with a new Second-In-Command and took the liberty of running a diagnostic on all weapons and defenses and we are functioning in mission parameters, Sir.”

Hammersmith, the dwarf warrior and junior weapons officer, refused to look at Tott-Za or even acknowledge his presence. He would only speak to his senior officer Zandile. Tott-Za did not know if this was protocol or simply that everyone despised him.

Tott-Za viewed it as the former. The Second-In-Command then went to the other stations and attempted to get a feel for the crew, their positions on the ship, and their attitude towards him. He observed a very capable crew and gods for that matter.

BlackHeart intimidated Tott-Za, he believed he could very well be a demon, were it not for his blood red skin and devil horns. As it turned out the Junior Magic Officer was the chattiest and along with Nia-Tuk, the kindest to him. But even they made Tott-Za a bit nervous with their nonchalance.

“Don’t worry about a thing, Kid. I remember my first mission, I didn’t know whether to check the titan levels or to sharpen my horns, if you get me kid,” BlackHeart said with a smile and chuckle.

Chantel the Chief Magic Officer was more distant to Tott-Za. The ancient witch was almost as old as Xander, but looked much older than he did. She was very knowledgeable of magic, its applications, and how to best use it on a mission on a ship or on the ground.

She was very unfriendly towards Tott-Za. Chantel never spoke, BlackHeart wouldn’t be quiet, which was a nice change. He was much younger than the rest of the crew, which could be why he was so friendly with Tott-Za.

Still, BlackHeart was indeed a massive and powerful creature.

Tott-Za then went to the sensors and the engineering with The Bigfoot, the hairy and a god for Earths’ tribes. The large creature spoke in short, blunt sentences. The Second-In-Command didn’t know if this was due to him being on the ship or if was just his nature.

The Bigfoot and a non-descript white male were the lead engineer.

“All sensors are online; all diagnostics are within an acceptable limit,” Bigfoot said staring at the small boy.

“Thank you, Bigfoot, is that all I need to know?”

“The Bigfoot switches back to his screen, “It is all that is required for you to report to the captain.”

Oh, Tott thought.

“Everyone is required to give the update to the Second-In-Command before we take depart, that is protocol,” The Bigfoot stated before returning to his tasks. The Lead Engineer, who had no personality whatsoever, informed Tott-Za the engines and warp core were functioning within mission parameters. Tott-Za never knew what mission parameters for each station happened to be, but he accepted what they said.

Tott-Za reported all the operations information to Xander, who went back to each station to double-check his report. Xander did not trust his stepbrother being able to know what the performance of HIS ship should be. After discovering Tott-Za’s report was correct, Xander went to his station without saying a word to his Second-In-Command.

Nia-Tuk smiled at Tott-Za, as he went to his station. He was on the right side of the captain’s chair, of Xander’s chair. She stopped Tott-Za and spoke to him, “Xander is not that bad. He respects effort and results, if you can show him.

“Third-In-Command, how long will it take us to arrive at Planet Zero?”, Xander asked realizing what he just referred to Naku as, speaking to the left side of his chair, careful to not look in Tott-Za’s direction.

“God of War, we will arrive at in 8 parcels,” according to Nia-Tuk.

This time displeased Xander, as he wanted to arrive in 6 parcels or less.

“Sub Commander why is it taking 8 parcels when the usual time is 6 parcels?”, Xander asked. He was a bit vexed at this extra length in time. Nia-Tuk explained, “We are going in at 1/3 of the speed, God of War. We are trying to maintain stealth and to gather information on the Warmongers’ ripping of the fabric does to space and time.”

“Nia-Tuk, who gave this order?”, Xander asked curiously while maintaining his composure.

“It was your Second-In-Command’s orders when he aboard the ship,” Nia-Tuk answered as she turns to look at Tott-Za, who looked away when her eyes guised upon his visage.

“Really? HIS order?”, Xander asked looking right at Tott-Za, who shrank in his seat as Xander looked upon him, “Nia-Tuk, full speed to Planet Zero. Second-In-Command to my ready room NOW!”

Tott-Za stood very unsure and followed his commander to his ready room; the office featured a large desk with a very ornate chair behind the desk and a small chair in front of the desk. As Tott-Za went to sit on the small chair, Xander stopped him.

“This will not take long!”, Xander stated while standing over the boy, looking down upon him, “YOU and Goddess Warr-Za are not in command of this vessel! I am the God of War! And I shall be addressed as such! You are not in charge of this mission, and neither is the Goddess. All decisions on this mission will be made by ME! Is this understood!?”

“Mm-mm-mother wanted to collect data, and to learn as much as possible on the way to Planet Naku-I Mean-Zero.”

Xander pushing Tott-Za against the wall of his ready room, “Once again I am the God of War and commander of this vessel, and you are NOT fit for your command! You are removed and confided to quarters for the remainder of this mission. You are making a mess of things like you always do!”

Tott-Za’s very uneasy with Xander’s comment. “You’re making a mess of things like you always do,” was what Warr-Za always said to him. He caused him mental anguish and hurt.

“NO!”, Tott-Za then pushes back at Xander against the wall and states, “I was put in Second-In-Command by your father! You can’t remove me!”

Xander was a bit surprised and impressed that Tott-Za stood his ground to him in private. Perhaps there was more to the frail mortal child than Xander had given him credit for. The boy had a good point.

More importantly, Tott-Za was correct, the orders had come from his father to make him Second-In-Command. Should it get back to the Goddess that Xander removed the boy so quickly on the mission from Second-In-Command, he would likely have to explain it to Lord Talidor. Also, the boy was correct that he was in command of speed unless he was overridden by the commander.

Xander carefully pondering, “I will allow you to remain to your post. But you shall be removed immediately if you so much think about looking at me with an evil eye, understand!?”

Tott-Za simply nodded.

Both Xander and Tott-Za left the ready room and returned to their posts.

As they took their respective seats the words already were out of Xander’s mouth, “Subcommander Nia-Tuk, increase our speed to max and have all stations on prepared for combat and unexpected surprises on the way to… what was once Naku.”

The Bigfoot looking confused responded, “Sir, this is a scouting and intelligence gathering mission. We do not have a large enough crew for combat.”

Xander again feeling as though the Goddess and Tott-Za were standing over his command and his position as God of War, “Bigfoot, I am aware of our mission parameters. We are simply preparing ourselves for whatever we may encounter. If we do encounter any hostiles, it is my intention to disengage and retreat.”

This was an obvious lie. Xander had every intention of engaging in battle if he could. He is the God of War, not the God of Scouting.

Warrior-born, Xander desired combat to test his skills, his crew’s skills, and most of all, honor. Unfortunately for him, his desire to engage in battle, the trip to Planet Zero was uneventful; even Tott-Za did nothing to instigate Xander and stayed seated and silent. This seemed to provoke Xander even more than if Tott-Za had been annoying Xander, at least then he could remove the boy from his station and threaten violence.

Larem the Elvish Helmsmen voice then beamed into Xander’s ear, “God of War, we will be coming into a view of Planet Zero at any moment.”

“Finally,” Xander stood from his captain’s chair, “Prepare visual and scan the planet for survivors. Also scan for all weapon forges on its surface. We need to determine what, if anything, is left that we may use in this war.”

Now Xander is believing he simply a scavenger for anything left by the Elvish Empire. Not the most glory a God of War could have in his role, but a necessary one. This is for the sake of both Ragnarök and Phantomlor and the survival of their existences.

Zandile the proud warrior spoke with uneasiness, an uneasiness that’s making Xander nervous, “Sir, our scans cannot penetrate the hellish clouds surrounding the planet; we have never seen anything like this before.

Xander came to the realization that this was full-well the first planet they reached so soon after an attack, that such a possibility would exist.

“Chantel can you or BlackHeart detect anything, anything at all,” Xander asked his magic officers.

“No sir,” Chantel responded, “Whatever has been done to the planet is blocking any magical scan and all my knowledge.”

BlackHeart chimed in, “Sir this occurrence is like magic that my people use, but something darker. There is something very evil about what I am sensing, but I cannot penetrate this magic.”

“Nia-Tuk,” Xander stated trying not to show his nervousness, “Can any of our scans reach any of the weapon forges and the highly populated areas?”

“No sir,” she answered with a very straightforward reaction, “And we are having difficulty maintaining position.”

Xander looking bewildered, “What is the issue? This vessel can maintain position around a star, why would this be happening?”

Nia-Tuk also confused responded, “Unknown sir, perhaps we should move a safer distance away from the planet. This could bring down the whole ship.”

Tott-Za then slowly raised his hand, gesturing he would like to speak.

Xander seeing this and letting out a grumble, “Speak, Second-In-Command, let us hear your theory on the matter.”

“Ss-ss-sir,” Tott-Za said in a very sheepish and nearly unheard voice, “This is a theory I had when the Warmongers take a world; the destruction affects the magnetism of the world and can shift poles, making the world almost a small black hole for a short amount of time.”

If this is the case, then he and the whole crew are in grave danger. Xander’s dark emerald eyes grow large due to this realization. The corrupted planet of Naku would be able to take down his vessel as collateral damage.

“Larem!”, Xander exclaimed, “Move the StarGazer out of orbit NOW!”

As commanded, Larem’s hands glided over the controls, but the ship did not move.

“God of War, we cannot move! We no longer have guidance control over the StarGazer,” Larem’s said with the inflection of concern.

“Do we have any recommendations?”, Xander asked in response.

Xander was expecting Nia-Tuk to answer, instead of Tott-Za, “We should try to guide the ship; that might be able to get us to the planet’s surface.”

He pondered what Tott-Za just recommended, perhaps if it had come from another source, Xander might have considered it.

“Nia-Tuk, give us full speed out of the orbit, NOW!”, Xander shouted.

She responded with a nod and attempted to break the planet’s orbit, “Sir, it appears that is simply causing the StarGazer to lose power and fall out of orbit!”

Xander, now fully realizing the severity of the situation. He would probably survive the crash, but he was one of the most powerful and durable of Gods. Nia-Tuk and the rest of the crew, however, would not be so fortuitous, nor would Tott-Za if Xander cared.

“Nia-Tuk, prepare to all personnel to go orderly to the bridge and as closely together as possible. Aim for the plane’s surface and at the largest population areas,” Xander now knowing he had errored in approaching the planet and not being more careful.

“Coming into orbit at full speed!”, Nia-Tuk said with loud excitement.

Standing tall and proud, Xander now screamed, “Everyone to the bridge! Everyone to the bridge! Aim for the softest landing on the planet’s surface! All personnel to the bridge!” He grabbed Tott-Za by the arm and held him tightly. Xander knew that Tott-Za’s personal safety was his reasonability.

As everyone on the StarGazer all gathered on the bridge, Xander pondered letting Tott-Za go down with the ship, it would be better than saving him. Xander holding Tott-Za tightly, his blue Source Divinian aura began to expand out and around Tott-Za. This would allow him to survive the impact of the crash.

Xander then attempted to expand his blue aura out to the bridge to encircle Nia-Tuk and the rest of the crew. Though for the crew of the gods and demigods, it was unlikely they would live through the crash. Even Bigfoot and BlackHeart wouldn’t be expected to survive it.

The God of War could only attempt to expand his aura over the bridge and to keep everyone alive.

Xander thinking; my first mission with Tott-Za and now we crash, alas, I am not surprised.

His aura burning blue completely encircles Tott-Za; Nia-Tuk and the rest of the crew were not so lucky. A huge hole opened in the hull of the ship; Chantel was able to create a shield to protect her from being sucked into the void of space; Hammersmith and the engineer were almost instantly sucked into space.

BlackHeart and Bigfoot, the 2 largest, physically strongest and most durable, shy of Xander’s power, attempted to grab on to their chairs to keep them from being sucked into space. To no avail, both large warriors were taken into the cold embrace of the vacuum. Almost everyone is already gone.

Xander tried grabbing ahold of Nia-Tuk, but the gravitational pull of going down on the surface of the planet was too great. Her body was pulled to the top of the ship by the force of gravity. There was a sickening thud of Nia-Tuk’s bones breaking.

“Sir, can we save the rest of the crew!”, Tott-Za meekly stated.

Xander looks at Tott-Za, “Most likely you and I will be the only survivors.”

“Tott-Za looking down simply stated, “Oh, I liked Nia-Tuk.”

“As do I, but these are the risks we take on any mission.”, as Xander is barely able to hold onto Tott-Za, then looking at him, “Brace for impact! I have you in my aura and will try to crash us someplace soft.”

“Crash the ship!!!,” Tott-Za exclaimed, “You mean we are going to crash on a hell cloud planet!!!”

“Yes,” Xander calmly stated with a smirk, “The good news is I will survive. I am not so sure about you.”

~

KnightmaRe Team

Created by KR Kraken

Written by KR Kraken with Ryan D. Cox