NaNoWriMo: Day 30 Part 3
Jun. 6th, 2013 12:54 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
polychrome_penIt's DONE. *throws confetti everywhere* The entire thing ends up clocking in around 78,000 words. The final prompt alone is a little over 18,000 words. Eheh...I got a little carried away. XD
Zarkan was certain this was his private version of hell. Swarms of gremwings biting, scratching, tearing at them, a cacophony of endless blasts from lava guns. And looming above it all was the prospect of losing not only one of humanity’s last outposts, but his only love as well.
“Amod!” he cried. “Stay with me!”
The blonde dragonator had taken a lava blast in the back, falling off of Titan. Zarkan had caught him just before a swarm of gremwings overtook them, and blasted the foul creatures into dust.
“Just…five more minutes,” Amod replied weakly. “I just want to sleep a few more minutes…” he trailed off.
“You can’t sleep now, babe,” Zarkan practically yelled. “Thunder, get me back to the Aristotle!” he told his dragon partner. As Thunder sped through the carnage all around them, Zarkan hoped and prayed that Z’neth and the others were having better luck.
*****
Z’neth and Summit flew through the secret passageways of Airlandis, moving as fast as their exo-wings would carry them. Orak had provided Peak with the data he had compiled regarding any remodeling that had gone on since their absence, and Z’neth was dismayed that Dread Wing had remade the Council chamber into his new throne room. The brothers were on their way there now, more than a little red clouding their vision.
Dread Wing had held Orak and their sister captive for weeks in their own home. Z’neth practically shook with fury at the thought. The Lord of Old Earth was about to get a serious readjustment to his new living arrangement if Z’neth had any say in the matter.
Z’neth was tired of the fighting, tired of the seemingly never-ending war with Dread Wing. Though he abhorred killing, as Dragonator One Z’neth had always suspected it would come to this. Old Earth was a violent place where the strong survived and the weak often perished. He would not allow Dread Wing to become the strongest. Humanity would show its strength today.
He would have to kill Dread Wing. It was not a decision he entered into lightly. But to Z’neth, the constant threat to his family and loved ones was more than he could bear. How could the humans ever rebuild in a world where the threat of war and death loomed constantly?
Z’neth and Summit lightly landed where the passageway moved above the Council Chamber. Z’neth could hear muffled voices below, apparently engaged in some sort of argument or fight, followed by weapons fire. Summit looked at him, took out the laser cutter on his Wind Jammer, and nodded. Z’neth followed suit, and in minutes the hole they had cut dropped down, revealing a grisly scene.
Dread Wing and Fryte were standing in sea of Dark Dramen bodies, which apparently had been under the lead of the last one standing. Fryte was well bruised and cut up from their battle, but Z’neth knew that the mutant could take a huge amount of punishment and still have the stamina to keep going. Dread was huffing, apparently out of breath after taking down nearly thirty of his own troops. Apparently there was trouble in the ranks.
Z’neth didn’t recognize the Dark Dramen warrior…and yet there was something so familiar about him he couldn’t place. Z’neth shook it away. Not wanting to waste the element of surprise, he and Summit activated their Wind Jammers and jumped through the hole, blasting Fryte and the Dark Dramen warrior with their first blasts. Summit then shot Fryte again before tacking the monster to the ground.
Z’neth’s blast never made it to the Dark Dramen. The energy simply stopped and dissipated in front of him.
“Foolish Dragon Flyz,” he said. “Always thinking with your fists instead of your brains.”
Z’neth never remembered hearing such an articulate voice from a Dark Dramen. He spared a look at Dread Wing, but the mutant lord had taken the opportunity to try slipping away in the confusion.
“Ah ah, Dread Wing,” the Dramen said, reaching his hand out toward the mutant. “You don’t get to leave that easily.” He closed his hand into a fist, and Dread Wing was smashed to the floor by an invisible force.
“What’s going on here, Dread!” Z’neth yelled.
The mutant’s words were choked, as if he lay under a great weight. “Gangryn…betrayed…”
Z’neth looked back to the Dark Dramen, who smiled with an insane glee. “Not betrayed. Oh no. Usurped is a far better description.”
“That’s a lie,” Z’neth spat, as he and the Dark Dramen began circling each other. “Gangryn is dead. My sister saw him vaporized.”
The Dark Dramen laughed – a cruel, harsh sound. “And does not a phoenix also rise from the ashes? My body may be gone, but my mind is stronger than ever!”
Z’neth was dumbfounded. “You’re…Gangryn?” he asked.
Gangryn sighed. “It appears even the least intelligent among your race can be taught.”
“But how?” Z’neth pressed.
Gangryn laughed again. “No way in which your puny human brain would comprehend, I’m afraid. Let’s just say that the weak minds are easily pushed aside.”
Z’neth had had it. Aiming with his Wind Jammer, he fired straight at the Dark Dramen, or Gangryn, or whatever the hell it was. He simply chuckled, swatting away the energy blasts like flies. “You can’t have honestly thought that would work, human.”
All Z’neth muscles went rigid as he, Summit, Fryte, and Dread Wing were levitated, then pressed up against the walls. “Yes, I think I shall enjoy killing you all,” Gangryn said.
“Not as much as I’m going to enjoy this!” Apex yelled as she and Peak burst into the chamber. Z’neth’s sister tackled Gangryn, psychic energy rolling off of her in waves. Z’neth and the others dropped unceremoniously to the ground.
Z’neth saw Dread Wing pick up a lava gun from one of his fallen soldiers and move to shoot Apex, Gangryn, or both. Z’neth aimed quickly and shot the lava gun from Dread’s grasp as he moved to intercept the Lord of Warnado.
“No more, Dread Wing! One way or another, this war ends today!” Z’neth yelled. Out of the corner of his eye, Z’neth could see Fryte and Gangryn try to scurry off, but Summit took off after Fryte, and Apex and Peak did the same for Gangryn.
Dread growled. “Yes, Z’neth, it does end today. For today is the day I kill you and your accursed family. You have been a thorn in my side for far, far too long! Your death will show the other humans that even your champions stand no chance against me. That I am the superior being!” he bellowed.
“Yes, superior at running your mouth!” Z’neth shot back.
Dread cast down his weapons. “If you think you surpass a king’s right to determine the future of this planet, then face me in single combat Z’neth. Place your ideals against mine, and then we shall see who emerges victorious.”
Z’neth slipped off his Wind Jammers. “Fine, we’ll do it your way Dread Wing. One final challenge to end it all.” Z’neth knew this was probably suicide, but there was no way he would let Dread Wing leave this room alive. His family, his people, the world depended on him. With that thought, Dragonator One threw the first punch.
*****
Peak didn’t know what to do as his sister and Gangryn engaged in Round Two of their psychic smackdown. Each blow cracked plasteel and crumpled sidewalks as they flew through the city. Peak had taken several shots at Gangryn, but they glanced off like water hitting stone.
Peak watched with horror as Gangryn threw his sister through a building, but breathed a sigh of relief as she emerged levitating plasteel beams as weapons, smashing Gangryn downward. If Peak didn’t figure out something, these two were going to level what remained of Airlandis.
Of course! Peak flew to his sister’s side. He could see the sweat running down her face from the intense concentration. “Apex, you’ve got to lead him to one of the turbine sites. We can detonate it then, and take him out with it,” Peak whispered.
“Gotcha, Peak – make sure you follow, but don’t think about the plan, or else he’ll pick up on it,” Apex grunted before zipping off. She fought Gangryn a few more moments before moving in the direction of the closest turbine.
Gangryn took the bait! Peak flew after them, narrowly avoiding the trail of debris they left in their wake. If Apex was this powerful now, Peak could only imagine what she could accomplish after training with Beltran and the other telepaths. Assuming they all survived this battle, of course.
When Peak finally caught up with Apex and Gangryn, he activated his helmet sensors and was pleased to see them almost directly over the turbine location. Peak repeated the bars of his mother’s song over and over again in his head in an effort to stop Gangryn from picking up any stray thoughts. Logging in with the codes Orak had given him, Peak remotely armed the detonator.
Apex began backing up, but slowly, using debris to fling at Gangryn to keep him over the detonation zone. When she had sufficient distance, Peak opened a Vox channel to her. “Get out now,” was all he said, and detonated the device.
The explosion and flaming crater were several orders of magnitude larger than the one Peak had seen earlier upon entering the city. Peak was blown backward several yards before his exo-wings compensated. “Apex, Apex!” he yelled into his Vox Box.
“I’m here, Peak,” she replied weakly, floating up through the cloud of smoke that wafted up from the ruined turbine. Peak was surprised to see a psychic force bubble enclosing her, as the smoke curled around it like clouds around the Earth.
Apex came to rest on the ground, and Peak landed beside her. “Did we get Gangryn?” he asked.
“I don’t sense his mind anymore…so I think he’s finally done for,” she replied, sinking to knees.
Peak helped her up. “We’ve got to get out of here, Pexy.” Apex turned her bloodshot eyes on Peak. Crap, that battle must have taken more out of her than I thought.
“But what about Z’neth and Summit?” she asked. “We left them to fight Dread Wing and Fryte alone…”
“They’re strong, and you and I know better than anyone that they can take care of themselves. But first things first, I’m getting you out of here,” Peak replied. Apex simply nodded, and Peak took hold of his sister under her shoulder, activated their exo-wings, and started the long journey out of Airlandis.
*****
Summit took every advantage of the airquake caused by the explosion. While Fryte was disoriented, Summit’s fist connected with the mutant’s face with a satisfying crack. Definitely a broken jaw at least, Summit thought almost gleefully.
Fryte crumpled to the floor, finally unconscious. Except now Summit didn’t know what to do with the mutant. He thought about taking Fryte back to the Aristotle and putting him in lockup, but the idea of dragging the huge mutie through the city was less than appealing.
“Clear out, Dragon Flyz,” Orak’s voice chimed through the Vox Box. “We’re beginning the countdown.”
“Don’t need to tell me twice,” Summit replied. Well, that decision was made for him, then. “Maximize!” Summit yelled, spreading his exo-wings and taking off. He would leave Fryte to his fate, then.
*****
Z’neth pressed his hand to his side, trying to staunch the bleeding wound Dread Wing had inflicted moments earlier. The mutant warlord had gotten the better of him during that last airquake.
“By all means, take all the time you need in prolonging your death, Z’neth,” Dread sneered. “I do enjoy a good slow torture after all.”
“Go to hell, Dread,” Z’neth spat, glowering at the mutant as they circled each other. Z’neth’s free hand held a wicked blade he had pulled off a fallen Dark Dramen, and it had definitely been put to good use against Dread Wing so far; despite the warlord’s bravado, Z’neth had managed to inflict several nasty wounds of his own.
But he was tiring, and his footwork was getting sloppy. Z’neth vision swan for a moment from the blood loss, and he cursed not having a spray-sealer on hand. Definitely add that to the list of things to consider for the next round of dragonator equipment updates.
Dread Wing chuckled, deep and throaty. “Is that the very best your feeble mind can conjure up, human? Old Earth is a hell, and much like the demons of old I am not content to linger there forever. No, you cannot keep me from my destiny, Z’neth. I was born to rule as King of Earth and Sky.”
“You weren’t born to rule, Dread Wing. Not humanity at any rate. If you ever bothered to read you might know we did away with kings long ago,” Z’neth retorted.
Dread Wing was about to reply, but just then a massive airquake struck the city, worse than the previous one. Z’neth was thrown to the ground, his ankle twisting with a sickening pop as he crashed to the floor. The bombs must have all gone off, he thought with a sigh. He was despondent to see Airlandis destroyed, but he would rather it be a flaming wreck than the palace of a lunatic.
The city began a sickening free-fall. Z’neth tried to get up, but he cried out in pain as his ankle gave way.
“What have you done to my city, cur!” Dread Wing yelled, launching himself at Z’neth. The dragonator tried to bring his blade up, but Dread Wing caught his arm and twisted it, causing Z’neth to lose his grip and drop the sword.
“It was never your city, Dread Wing,” Z’neth sneered. With one simple motion, Dread Wing’s grip tightened, and Z’neth screamed as the bone in his arm snapped.
Dread Wing pulled off Z’neth’s exo-wings and tossed him to the ground. “If Airlandis was never truly my city, then at the least it shall be your tomb.” He unfurled his wings, turning away from Z’neth.
Z’neth felt himself go dangerously close to the edge of consciousness, but he couldn’t let Dread Wing leave here alive. He couldn’t allow the monster to wreak continued havoc on humanity. He couldn’t fail in such an important task.
And then, a blue angel appeared. Nocturna took one look at Z’neth and picked up the discarded blade. Moving silently and swiftly, she stalked up behind Dread Wing and plunged the sword straight through his back.
Dread Wing spun around, backhanding Nocturna and sending her sprawling on the floor next to Z’neth. “Nocturna…you would kill me to save the life of this human whelp?” Dread asked, as blood began to trickle from his mouth.
“Even I can do something a little crazy…when I’m in love,” Nocturna replied. “That was something there was no room for in your world, Dread.”
Dread laughed then, before doubling over coughing up blood. “I always expected you to try and kill me, Nocturna,” he gasped. “Though I admit I expected it to be for power and control of my realm.”
Nocturna picked up a lava gun and stalked to Dread Wing. “The funny thing is, I always did too. Good bye, Dread Wing,” she said, before shooting him in the chest.
Casting aside her lava gun, Nocturna returned to Z’neth. “Hang on, lover. We’re not through this yet.” She picked him up with a grunt of effort, though his vision went almost black with the pain of being moved.
Z’neth drifted in and out of consciousness as they escaped the falling city. He vaguely remembered Summit joining them at one point and taking over carrying him. When the trio finally emerged from Airlandis into the smoky sky, they saw Peak and Apex hovering there. Flying together, Z’neth’s heart broke as he saw a flaming, smoking Airlandis descend into the Warp Winds. “Farewell, my home. You have kept us safe in a torrent sea,” he whispered, before everything went black.
****
Gangryn found that pushing aside Fryte’s mind had been easier than any before. The dumb brute was buried now, or perhaps even cast out entirely. The body was powerful, but Gangryn didn’t miss the irony that he now inhabited the mulish idiot who he had often derided in private.
Gangryn was alive though, and therefore got the last laugh. Still, what a pity to lose Dread Wing’s body. He could have done amazing things with that shell.
Using Fryte’s body, Gangryn escaped the burning Airlandis as the city sank into the Warp Winds. It was a loss and a setback, of course. But not an insurmountable one. Gangryn (as Fryte) was the highest-ranking of Dread’s lieutenants left alive. And his first order of business was to get hold of Warnado and draw the city away from this bloodbath.
“All mutant and Dark Dramen forces return to Warnado,” he yelled, suddenly irritated when Fryte’s dull speech emerged from his lips. That would definitely require some work. “Dread Wing is dead! Retreat to Warnado!”
That got their attention. The mutant hordes poured back into the warship and Gangryn flew to the command post in what had previously been Dread Wing’s throne room. “As the ranking lieutenant, I am taking command of the mutant forces,” he spoke into the microphone, transmitting his message (laced with a few subliminal psychic loyalty tones as well) to the fighting forces. “We regroup and challenge the humans again another day in memory of our fallen lord!” Gangryn added before ending the transmission.
He had no intention of challenging the humans again. At least not any time soon. Gangryn knew the large community of telepaths below them was a formidable force, as none of the energy blasts directed at them after their shield was raised had caused any damage.
And obviously he had no intentions of doing anything to avenge Dread Wing. The power-mad fool had sealed his own fate.
Gangryn stared at the amber-encrusted throne for long moments before settling into it with a great sigh of contentment. Yes, this would do quite nicely indeed.
*****
Dram’s heart was heavy as he surveyed the wreckage of Airlandis. The floating city that was the only true home he really remembered had made it through the Warp Winds largely intact, but Dram was not sure it would ever be habitable again.
Orak’s bombs had done their work well. The turbines that once kept the city aloft were now twisted and burnt scrap-metal. The gleaming towers that ringed the city were broken, and even the great dome was cracked.
The city was still valuable, however, containing many raw materials. Dram and the United Dramen tribes were working with rotating teams of Dragonators to guard the city until the human Council came to a decision on attempting to repair it or simply gutting it for the materials. But even if they repaired the city, Dram did not expect it to fly again.
Privately, he thought it would be nice if they could repair the city as an outpost on Old Earth. Though Mount Alayas was lovely, humanity still needed place to truly call home. The city had crashed close to the mind-talkers, and Dram thought that being near other humans would be a great comfort to the Airlandeans in these changing times.
“How does the western perimeter look, Dram?” Zarkan asked as he pulled Thunder up next to Shockfire.
“Sadly as poor as the rest of the city,” the Dramen warrior replied. “My scans indicate severe structural damage here – I would advise against sending in salvage teams for the time being.”
Zarkan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Dram knew the man’s lover had been injured in the battle and was still recovering alongside Apex and Z’neth. “Great – more bad news to add to my report.”
“Indeed. I am very glad now for the small bits of happiness that come our way,” Dram replied. “You have heard about the upcoming wedding?”
“Who hasn’t?” Zarkan replied with a smile. “And believe me, I am so looking forward to celebrating something. And dancing and cake, of course.” His face grew serious then.
“Do not worry, my friend. Your sister will see to Amod’s recovery. Of that there is no doubt,” Dram said.
Zarkan chuckled. “Aye, that’s true, my friend. Our medical wards are full though, even with the psychic healers helping out.”
Dram simply nodded. It would be a rough road ahead for all of them. Warnado had disappeared in the aftermath of the battle, out of sensor range. Fryte was left alive – the only one of Dread Wing’s lieutenants known to survive. Dram was unsure if the dull-witted mutant could hold together such an empire, though. Kreigo or Vidak could easily step into the power void.
“I should finish charting the damage in this sector before the next shift arrives from Alayas,” Dram said.
Zarkan nodded. “Will you be coming back to the mountain with us, then?”
Dram shook his head. “No, I must continue to guard the city and my Dramen people. But I wouldn’t miss the wedding for all the amber on Earth.”
*****
Miriam was bone-weary and tired. She had been working almost twenty-four hours in the infirmary at this point, dealing with crisis after crisis. She desperately wished for the facilities of Airlandis, but was thankful that Dram and her brother had recently recovered five working medical capsules and brought them back to Alayas.
“Ilona, hand me the laser scalpel,” she asked to the lavender-haired girl beside her. Poor thing had huge bags under her eyes, though Miriam was afraid if she stopped to look in a mirror she would appear the same.
Turning to the young dragonator in front of her, Miriam tried to look as serene and gentle as possible. “You have a piece of shrapnel buried in your thigh. I’m going to have to cut it out,” she said, holding up the laser scalpel. “It will be slow, and painful. But once it’s removed we can regrow the severed nerves and you should be walking again in a few months.”
His face paled, but the young man nodded. “Do what you need to, healer. I can face the pain.”
“No need for dramatics, my young friend. I wouldn’t let you face the unadulterated pain of a laser scalpel without something,” Miriam replied. “Ilona, use a little of the anesthetic,” she said as the girl discharged a jet-injector into the man’s neck. His muscles slowly relaxed and his eyes drifted open and closed. It was almost a conscious sedation, but it was the best Miriam could do under the circumstances – their medicine supplies were drastically low, and had to be metered out slowly. Miriam quickly finished the shrapnel extraction and left Ilona to finish cleaning and closing the wound while she moved on to the next patient.
Several hours later she slumped down on the couch in the medical office. Summit’s hearing was in a few hours, and she needed to get at least a few hours rest before going through another emotionally draining experience. Miriam set her alarm and promptly fell asleep.
*****
Summit breathed a sigh of relief as he saw Miriam skid into the Council chamber mere minutes before his hearing began. He was thankful she was here for him, though by the looks of her rumpled lab jacked and wild hair he should be supporting her. She sat down next to Z’neth's hoverchair, and immediately began checking his leg wound. Summit sighed – sometimes that girl just didn’t know when to quit. His family was all in attendance – including Dram, who had made a special trip to Alayas just for the hearing.
“This special hearing is called to order,” Joshua commanded from the table where he and four other judiciary Councilors were seated. “We are here today to decide the matter of Dragonator Summit defying the Council’s express directions and taking martial command of the Dragonator Corps.”
“The evidence speaks for itself,” a councilwoman began. “Summit, you defied our strict orders. What you started led to a chain of events that ended in losing Airlandis itself.”
“Elspeth, you go too far!” Aaron said, rising from his seated position. “There is no possible way to correlate…” he started to sputter, before being cut off by Joshua.
“Order please, Aaron,” Joshua said. “We have not recognized you specifically to speak on this subject as of yet. But yes, the court agrees that Councilwoman Elspeth’s…connection lacks sufficient proof. We had already forfeited Airlandis after the first battle.”
Iranda pulled Aaron back into his seat, and Summit was definitely glad for this mother’s presence – if only to calm down his father. Summit knew what was coming – they all did, really. He would be stripped of his status as a dragonator for his blatant act of defying the Council.
Joshua continued. “Further, this court has had ample time to review the evidence, and it is our opinion that the matter be treated with a certain amount of delicacy.”
Summit’s eyebrow shot up at that one. What was Joshua getting at now?
Joshua cleared his throat. “Given Dragonator Summit’s past history of valor and bravery, and the emotional nature of the search that began this whole unfortunate incident, this court has decided to leave his dragonator status intact.”
“What?” Summit cried, unable to stop himself.
“Despite what you may think, we are not heartless in this matter. We understand the importance of family, especially during this trying time,” another of the Council members said, giving Summit a warm smile. “And we understand that your family in particular has sacrificed and done a great deal of good for the people of Airlandis and humanity as a whole.”
“There is more, however,” Councilwoman Elspeth added, shooting Summit a dark look. “Due to the nature of his defiance, Dragonator Summit shall never be permitted to ascend to the position of Dragonator One. He shall also be barred from leading any squadron of dragonators until such time as the Council and the Head of the Corps agree he is worthy of our trust. On this matter the Council is absolutely one.”
“Furthermore,” Joshua continued, “Summit shall be barred from leaving Alayas for a period of six months, during which time he shall serve guard duty. At the end of this probationary period, we will review the case again. This ends our judgment on this matter.”
Summit sighed. It was a harsh sentence for a dragonator, but he was more than equal to the task. He would prove he was trustworthy to the Council. Still, he didn’t for one moment regret his actions. His cynical side thought that Joshua was just saving face with the public – as stripping him of his position was a bad move during this fragile time.
“Do you accept our terms, Summit?” the kind councilor asked.
“I do,” Summit replied, placing his hand on the scanner to verify his acceptance of the terms.
Council Elspeth sniffed. “Then we shall reconvene in six months’ time to review the case. And we’ll be keeping a close eye on your, Dragonator Summit,” she said, before rising from the table and leaving the room.
Miriam was suddenly in his arms, hugging him and crying. His family was over the moon that he wouldn’t lose his dragonator status, and Summit was right there with them. Even Joshua gave him well wishes. Summit couldn’t remember ever feeling so relieved in all his life.
*****
Iranda thought she might cry at any moment while she helped Apex get ready for the big day. After shooing Cifex and the boys out, Iranda’s crack team had gone to work on her daughter. Apex had been adamant that she didn’t want anything too fussy, and Iranda had to agree that Apex’s taste trumped her own in this instance.
The svelte wedding dress had turned out beautifully. “It wasn’t easy to keep the design from the boys. Without Nocturna’s encryption codes, I think Cifex was ready to start digging through my personal files to find out what the dress looked like,” Iranda said with a laugh.
“Always happy to be part of a little espionage,” Nocturna replied. Iranda was glad that Apex had invited the mutant woman to be one of her attendants today. Their relationship had been rocky from the beginning, but once Z’neth had made the family understand that he and Nocturna were in a relationship, Apex really had tried to spend time with and get to know Nocturna. The funny thing was, they actually ended up friends. (Iranda privately thought the girls had butted horns because they were too similar, but in no way was she ever going to reveal that little tidbit.)
“Don’t worry, I had to pry Summit away too,” Miriam added as she and Nora walked in, both looking resplendent in their gowns.
“They claim they don’t care, but when it really comes down to it they want to see the dress as much as anyone,” Nora scoffed. As Nocturna finished weaving the small crown of Alayas flowers into Apex’s hair, Nora handed her a bouquet of the same blooms.
Apex took a deep breath, savoring the scent. “To think that these beauties once made us all go crazy.”
“I’m sure I can re-engineer one or two for any guests that get out of hand,” Miriam said with a smirk.
Iranda sighed. “Pandemonium is the last thing we want at the first wedding since Airlandis crashed.”
“I still wish we could have gotten married there,” Apex said.
Iranda patted her daughter’s shoulder. “I know, dear. You know I tried to convince the Council to let us hold the ceremony there, but the city’s not safe right now with all the structural damage.” Iranda looked down at her chrono. “Oh my, I need to go find Cifex! The ceremony starts in half an hour, girls – Aaron will be by to pick you all up shortly.” She kissed her daughter on the cheek, “And I love you so, so much my darling daughter.” Tears pricked both Apex and Iranda’s eyes as the golden-haired woman left the room.
*****
Cifex smiled as Iranda rushed up to him, breathing heavily. “Sorry I’m running late – just making sure everything’s okay with Apex and the girls.”
“It’s quite fine,” he replied. They stood at the back of an open field where chairs had been set up for the wedding. A warm wind blew up from Old Earth, rustling the orange flowers gently as an undulating carpet. He looked at Iranda, decked out in the lovely indigo gown she had pack carefully so long ago on the Explorer. “You look lovely, by the way,” he said, spinning her around to take in the full effect.
Iranda blushed. “Yes, well, Apex was adamant that I wear it. I just wish it wasn’t almost twenty years out of style!” she said with a chuckle.
“Timeless beauty is never out of style, Iranda,” Cifex replied, squeezing her hand.
She blushed again, before touching him over where a human’s heart would reside. “Neither is strong moral character and courage, Cifex.” She flashed him a winning smile. “I’m so glad it’s you marrying my daughter today.”
“I am equally glad,” he replied. “And…thank you for giving me away today.” Airlandis had a tradition where the bride was given away by her father, and the groom by his mother. Cifex not having any family, Iranda stepped in as a proxy.
She waved a gloved hand at him. “You were my family before today, Cifex. This just makes it official. I’m proud to stand at your side today and any day.”
Cifex felt something wet rolling down his cheeks. “My optic systems must be malfunctioning again,” he said, as Iranda took a handkerchief from her purse and wiped his eyes.
“I’d say they’re working just fine,” Iranda replied with a smile as she straightened his jacket collar and adjusted his pocket square.
“Looking good, Cifex,” Summit said as he, Z’neth, and Peak joined them. Cifex smiled at his new brothers-in-law. He got along well with Summit, and things seemed smooth with Z’neth (though understandably they hadn’t had much time to get to know one another with all the chaos), but Cifex still worried about Peak accepting him. The youngest brother had seemed surprised when Cifex asked him to be one of the groomsmen at the wedding.
“You know I…don’t totally approve of you marrying my sister,” Peak had admitted to Cifex earlier. “So why ask me?”
“Because I am committed to making Apex happy, and I want you – as her brother – to be part of the ceremony where we commit our lives to each other,” Cifex had replied. Things had been marginally less strained after that between them, and Peak had somewhat mellowed to the idea of Cifex as a brother-in-law. Still, Cifex knew the youngest dragonator would be keeping a close eye on his sister.
Snapping back to reality, Cifex grinned as the music began to play. He offered an arm to Iranda, and the pair began their stately walk down the grassy path toward the front of the assembly, where Joshua waited to perform the wedding ceremony. Iranda stayed standing by him as they turned around in time to see Aaron arrive with Miriam, Nocturna, and Nora. Each of the brothers took their respective partners in hand and strolled down the aisle, leaving only Aaron and Apex at the other end.
The music switched, and Cifex couldn’t stop himself from smiling as Apex’s dress was revealed. She was an absolute vision. Cifex spared a look toward Iranda, and she gave him a wink before dissolving into happy tears. After long moments, Aaron and Apex arrived at the front of the gathered crowd, and Joshua began the ceremony.
“Fellow Airlandeans,” he began, “We are gathered here today to celebrate new love that can spring from the most unlikely of places during the darkest of times. As the first wedding since losing our fair city, I hope we each take a moment today to reflect on the power of our bonds. And please take a moment to thank this beautiful couple for giving us all a moment of pure joy and happiness amidst so much sorrow. The union of Cifex and Apex gives us hope for tomorrow – that a brighter day dawns after the long night.”
He continued on with the ceremony, and vows were exchanged. Aaron and Iranda wrapped a silver cord around the newlywed’s arms, symbolizing the joining together of their two separate lives into one new life. Finally, Joshua said, “You may seal this ceremony with a kiss.”
And kiss they did. Fireworks seemed to be going off all over Cifex’s neural net as he held Apex in his arms for long moments. Her brothers added to the atmosphere by whooping and hollering along with the crowd.
“Welcome to your new life, my love,” Apex whispered as they pulled apart, both grinning like fools.
*****
Summit smiled as he and Miriam watched Aaron take Apex, and Iranda take Cifex for the traditional first parent-child dance of the evening. Twilight had come to the plateaus of Alayas, casting the sky in blues and purples and gold. Hanging lanterns were spread around the vast gathering, joining their brethren stars in shining down upon the wedding banquet.
Aaron and Apex sashayed, while Cifex spun Iranda in beautiful circles. Summit knew the evening had been magical, and something stirred inside him. He’d never thought Apex would be the first of them to get married. Still, Summit liked Cifex, and was delighted to be gaining a new brother.
Miriam slipped her hand in his as they sat at one of the tables ringing the dance floor. All around them, dragons had lined up like honor guards - valued guests in the wedding of one they considered one of their own.
Summit stole a glance at his beloved as Miriam tucked a lock of hair back into the updo she wore her hair in. By the great dragon, I love her, he thought silently.
The first dance ended, and Aaron escorted Iranda off of the dance floor. Cifex then took Apex in his arms, and they began a slow waltz. Summit was pleased to hear the band playing refrains from one of his songs alongside bits of Iranda’s music in their medley.
They make a good couple, he thought as Cifex twirled Apex, and her dress billowed outward. Strong, reliable, willing to face the odds together no matter what tomorrow brings. Sudden clarity hit Summit like a free fall from Sky Fury.
As the second dance ended, Summit and Miriam joined the other dancers out on the floor, and as he placed a hand on Miriam’s waist, he leaned in and whispered, “Do you think we’ll be next?”
Miriam blinked, but didn’t miss a step. “Are you actually trying to ask me a different question?”
“Maybe I just don’t know how to ask that question exactly,” Summit replied with a grin.
Miriam quirked an eyebrow. “Don’t know, or too afraid to ask? Because you know the answer is obviously yes,” she added with a wink.
He pulled her close as the music slowed. “Then let me ask properly - Miriam, will you marry me?”
She kissed him deeply, passionately. “Nothing in this life would make me happier, Summit.” The other couples spun around them in a haze, but Summit saw nothing but what he’d always wanted.
*****
Peak felt the slightest twinge of envy as he watched Summit propose to Miriam, then announce it loudly to the whole crowd. Two of the sibs now. The Dragon Flyz were probably a thing of the past, and Peak was some strange combination of irritated and depressed to see it go.
Or maybe he was just irritated with himself for feeling this way. Peak’s greatest joy had been flying with his siblings; he had dreamed of it his whole life. He hated to admit it to himself, but Peak realized that he’d projected his feelings of dismay at the Flyz possible disbanding on Cifex. He’d admit that to the android sooner or later.
Still, he was happy for Apex, and Summit. He loved Miriam like a sister, so that was certainly no problem. He just wasn’t ready for everything to change so suddenly. He certainly wasn’t ready for such a change in his own life.
Nora’s hand was suddenly on his chest, and she was pulling him away from the hot crowded dance floor. Peak picked up two flutes and a champagne bottle from a nearby table, and the two strolled off a short distance from the crowd.
From afar, the wedding looked like something out of the old-fashioned fairy tales Peak remembered reading as a child. Dragons, knights, and ball gowns as far as the eye could see.
“You look a thousand clicks away,” Nora chided him as she slipped off her heels and started walking barefoot through the grass.
Peak simply shrugged. “Maybe I am.”
Nora stopped and planted her arms on her hips. “Don’t shut me out, Peak.”
Peak chuckled. “Is this role-reversal night? I’m usually the one who says that to you.”
Nora traced the outline of his jaw with her hand. “I’m usually the one who needs to be told, but not tonight.”
Peak sighed, placing his free hand over Nora’s. They strolled a little further in silence before coming to a large, flat rock beneath a huge oak tree. Nora settled herself while Peak popped the cork and poured champagne. Soft jazz refrains drifted on the wind from the party, but for once Peak was glad to not be the center of attention.
Peak sat down next to his...girlfriend? Sometimes, even now, he still wasn’t totally sure. He took a sip of the champagne (a gift from Beltran’s vineyards), and savored the bubbles popping on his tongue. Nora placed her head on his shoulder, sighing softly. Peak was unaccustomed to this softer side of his paramour. He could handle tough-as-nails, driven Nora easily, but seeing her out of uniform often elicited strange feelings.
They sat in companionable silence for a time, sipping their champagne.
“Peak?” Nora asked, looking him in the eyes.
“What is it?” he replied. “Are you ready to get back to the party?”
Nora shook her head, twisting a lock of orange hair in her hands. “No...I just wanted to ask you something.” Peak gestured for her to continue. “I just want to know...are you happy with me?” she said, looking away from him as she spoke.
“Would we be sitting under the stars drinking champagne if I wasn’t happy with you, Babe?” he replied.
Nora quirked an eyebrow. “I get that on a gut level...but sometimes I’m not sure that I’m what’s best for you. Events like this remind me that I’m not ready to get married and settle down. There’s still so much I want to do and see - there’s a whole new world out there to explore. I love being with you, Peak, but I don’t want to tie you down to someone who’s probably always going to be chronically commitment-phobic.”
Peak sighed, then laughed. “Is that it? I thought it was something more serious!”
“This is serious, Peak!” Nora huffed.
“Babe, you’re not commitment-phobic. You’ve obviously committed a lot of time to your work as a dragonator, and I respect that,” Peak said. “You actually inspired me to take training a little more seriously - something Z’neth will forever be grateful for. But I’m no more ready to settle down than you - I mean, I really like you, but it’s cool if you don’t want to be my girlfriend. We can have fun without labeling it.”
Nora looked sheepish. “I never said I didn’t want to be your girlfriend,” she added quietly.
Peak was momentarily dumbstruck. “Wait, does this mean you actually want to start going together officially?”
“Yes and no?” Nora replied. “Peak, I want something more with you, but it needs to come organically. I don’t want to force anything.”
Peak nodded. “Me either - but now I’ve got you marked for eventual gf status, babe,” he said with a wink.
“Fine by me, tiger,” Nora said. “As long as you can keep up.” And with that, Nora jumped up and ran back to the gathering, where she and Peak kept dancing until the stars disappeared.
*****
Z’neth was beginning to muse as the evening wound down. Apex and Cifex had left a few hours ago, and Z’neth had noticed Peak, Nora, Miriam, and Summit sneaking off not terribly long ago. A few people were still dancing on the floor, but by and large most of the guests had gone home.
It had been a beautiful ceremony and reception. Z’neth was touched by all the well wishes his sister and Cifex had gotten.
“Good night, son,” Iranda said, kissing Z’neth on the cheek and breaking his reverie. “Your father and I will see you tomorrow morning for cleanup,” she said with a smile, gesturing to the giant mess left over from the reception.
“Want me to help you make sure Dad gets to bed okay?” Z’neth asked with a smile. Aaron had had just a hair too much to drink, and was passed out at his table.
Iranda pulled a small anti-grav belt from her handbag. “I’ll be fine, dear. I brought this just in case.” She sauntered off to float Aaron off to bed.
Z’neth rose from his chair, brushing a few crumbs off of his dress uniform. He scanned the crowd for Nocturna, but couldn’t see the blue mutant anywhere. Gods, she had looked beautiful in that dress. Z’neth had been beyond pleased when Apex asked Nocturna to be a bridesmaid. Maybe they wouldn’t be so at each other’s throats now, though Z’neth privately thought that the occasional sparring was just as likely to continue.
Z’neth waved goodnight to the last few guests before heading back to his quarters. He pulled off the dress uniform jacket, savoring the cool night breeze. As he punched the entry key to the door, it whooshed open to reveal Nocturna sitting on the small balcony with a glass of synthohol.
“I didn’t know you drank much,” Z’neth said as he pulled off his shirt.
Nocturna gave a languid stretched before draining the glass. “I don’t know why I do either - this stuff is terrible.”
“Liquid escape?” Z’neth offered, pouring himself a glass and refilling Nocturna’s before sitting next to her on the balcony. “Cheers, by the way,” he said, clinking his glass to hers.
“What’s the occasion?” Nocturna asked.
“You made it through an entire day in a dress and didn’t tear someone’s eyes out,” Z’neth said with a chuckle.
“Ha ha, Z’neth. I’m laughing on the inside.”
Z’neth looked seriously at Nocturna. “You really did a good thing today, though, and not just for Apex and our family. It was the first step for people to see the mutants as having a positive future with the humans.”
Nocturna flicked his forehead. “Except I didn’t do it for them. I did it for you.” She ran a hand over Z’neth’s bare chest, and soon they were dancing to an older, deeper song.
As they lay in bed afterward, Noctura traced patterns on Z’neth’s arm. “Tell me what the future holds, lover,” she whispered.
“I thought you lived for the day?” he replied, stroking her face.
Nocturna rolled her eyes at him. “You bring out all sorts of unpleasant things in me, including actually hoping for a satisfying future.”
“Well,” Z’neth considered. “We’ll have to figure out what to do with Airlandis – hopefully she’ll fly again. Then there are the terraforming operations. We’ve got lots to learn from the psychic humans as well…” he trailed off as Nocturna kissed him.
“Silly boy,” she said when they pulled apart. “I meant our future.”
Z’neth looked deeply into her golden eyes. “Lady Blue, I can’t say what’s in store for us, except I’m sure it will be full of adventure, danger, and love. But the best part is that we get to write that story ourselves.”
~fin~
Thanks so much for reading! Now to finish the little epilogue!
Zarkan was certain this was his private version of hell. Swarms of gremwings biting, scratching, tearing at them, a cacophony of endless blasts from lava guns. And looming above it all was the prospect of losing not only one of humanity’s last outposts, but his only love as well.
“Amod!” he cried. “Stay with me!”
The blonde dragonator had taken a lava blast in the back, falling off of Titan. Zarkan had caught him just before a swarm of gremwings overtook them, and blasted the foul creatures into dust.
“Just…five more minutes,” Amod replied weakly. “I just want to sleep a few more minutes…” he trailed off.
“You can’t sleep now, babe,” Zarkan practically yelled. “Thunder, get me back to the Aristotle!” he told his dragon partner. As Thunder sped through the carnage all around them, Zarkan hoped and prayed that Z’neth and the others were having better luck.
*****
Z’neth and Summit flew through the secret passageways of Airlandis, moving as fast as their exo-wings would carry them. Orak had provided Peak with the data he had compiled regarding any remodeling that had gone on since their absence, and Z’neth was dismayed that Dread Wing had remade the Council chamber into his new throne room. The brothers were on their way there now, more than a little red clouding their vision.
Dread Wing had held Orak and their sister captive for weeks in their own home. Z’neth practically shook with fury at the thought. The Lord of Old Earth was about to get a serious readjustment to his new living arrangement if Z’neth had any say in the matter.
Z’neth was tired of the fighting, tired of the seemingly never-ending war with Dread Wing. Though he abhorred killing, as Dragonator One Z’neth had always suspected it would come to this. Old Earth was a violent place where the strong survived and the weak often perished. He would not allow Dread Wing to become the strongest. Humanity would show its strength today.
He would have to kill Dread Wing. It was not a decision he entered into lightly. But to Z’neth, the constant threat to his family and loved ones was more than he could bear. How could the humans ever rebuild in a world where the threat of war and death loomed constantly?
Z’neth and Summit lightly landed where the passageway moved above the Council Chamber. Z’neth could hear muffled voices below, apparently engaged in some sort of argument or fight, followed by weapons fire. Summit looked at him, took out the laser cutter on his Wind Jammer, and nodded. Z’neth followed suit, and in minutes the hole they had cut dropped down, revealing a grisly scene.
Dread Wing and Fryte were standing in sea of Dark Dramen bodies, which apparently had been under the lead of the last one standing. Fryte was well bruised and cut up from their battle, but Z’neth knew that the mutant could take a huge amount of punishment and still have the stamina to keep going. Dread was huffing, apparently out of breath after taking down nearly thirty of his own troops. Apparently there was trouble in the ranks.
Z’neth didn’t recognize the Dark Dramen warrior…and yet there was something so familiar about him he couldn’t place. Z’neth shook it away. Not wanting to waste the element of surprise, he and Summit activated their Wind Jammers and jumped through the hole, blasting Fryte and the Dark Dramen warrior with their first blasts. Summit then shot Fryte again before tacking the monster to the ground.
Z’neth’s blast never made it to the Dark Dramen. The energy simply stopped and dissipated in front of him.
“Foolish Dragon Flyz,” he said. “Always thinking with your fists instead of your brains.”
Z’neth never remembered hearing such an articulate voice from a Dark Dramen. He spared a look at Dread Wing, but the mutant lord had taken the opportunity to try slipping away in the confusion.
“Ah ah, Dread Wing,” the Dramen said, reaching his hand out toward the mutant. “You don’t get to leave that easily.” He closed his hand into a fist, and Dread Wing was smashed to the floor by an invisible force.
“What’s going on here, Dread!” Z’neth yelled.
The mutant’s words were choked, as if he lay under a great weight. “Gangryn…betrayed…”
Z’neth looked back to the Dark Dramen, who smiled with an insane glee. “Not betrayed. Oh no. Usurped is a far better description.”
“That’s a lie,” Z’neth spat, as he and the Dark Dramen began circling each other. “Gangryn is dead. My sister saw him vaporized.”
The Dark Dramen laughed – a cruel, harsh sound. “And does not a phoenix also rise from the ashes? My body may be gone, but my mind is stronger than ever!”
Z’neth was dumbfounded. “You’re…Gangryn?” he asked.
Gangryn sighed. “It appears even the least intelligent among your race can be taught.”
“But how?” Z’neth pressed.
Gangryn laughed again. “No way in which your puny human brain would comprehend, I’m afraid. Let’s just say that the weak minds are easily pushed aside.”
Z’neth had had it. Aiming with his Wind Jammer, he fired straight at the Dark Dramen, or Gangryn, or whatever the hell it was. He simply chuckled, swatting away the energy blasts like flies. “You can’t have honestly thought that would work, human.”
All Z’neth muscles went rigid as he, Summit, Fryte, and Dread Wing were levitated, then pressed up against the walls. “Yes, I think I shall enjoy killing you all,” Gangryn said.
“Not as much as I’m going to enjoy this!” Apex yelled as she and Peak burst into the chamber. Z’neth’s sister tackled Gangryn, psychic energy rolling off of her in waves. Z’neth and the others dropped unceremoniously to the ground.
Z’neth saw Dread Wing pick up a lava gun from one of his fallen soldiers and move to shoot Apex, Gangryn, or both. Z’neth aimed quickly and shot the lava gun from Dread’s grasp as he moved to intercept the Lord of Warnado.
“No more, Dread Wing! One way or another, this war ends today!” Z’neth yelled. Out of the corner of his eye, Z’neth could see Fryte and Gangryn try to scurry off, but Summit took off after Fryte, and Apex and Peak did the same for Gangryn.
Dread growled. “Yes, Z’neth, it does end today. For today is the day I kill you and your accursed family. You have been a thorn in my side for far, far too long! Your death will show the other humans that even your champions stand no chance against me. That I am the superior being!” he bellowed.
“Yes, superior at running your mouth!” Z’neth shot back.
Dread cast down his weapons. “If you think you surpass a king’s right to determine the future of this planet, then face me in single combat Z’neth. Place your ideals against mine, and then we shall see who emerges victorious.”
Z’neth slipped off his Wind Jammers. “Fine, we’ll do it your way Dread Wing. One final challenge to end it all.” Z’neth knew this was probably suicide, but there was no way he would let Dread Wing leave this room alive. His family, his people, the world depended on him. With that thought, Dragonator One threw the first punch.
*****
Peak didn’t know what to do as his sister and Gangryn engaged in Round Two of their psychic smackdown. Each blow cracked plasteel and crumpled sidewalks as they flew through the city. Peak had taken several shots at Gangryn, but they glanced off like water hitting stone.
Peak watched with horror as Gangryn threw his sister through a building, but breathed a sigh of relief as she emerged levitating plasteel beams as weapons, smashing Gangryn downward. If Peak didn’t figure out something, these two were going to level what remained of Airlandis.
Of course! Peak flew to his sister’s side. He could see the sweat running down her face from the intense concentration. “Apex, you’ve got to lead him to one of the turbine sites. We can detonate it then, and take him out with it,” Peak whispered.
“Gotcha, Peak – make sure you follow, but don’t think about the plan, or else he’ll pick up on it,” Apex grunted before zipping off. She fought Gangryn a few more moments before moving in the direction of the closest turbine.
Gangryn took the bait! Peak flew after them, narrowly avoiding the trail of debris they left in their wake. If Apex was this powerful now, Peak could only imagine what she could accomplish after training with Beltran and the other telepaths. Assuming they all survived this battle, of course.
When Peak finally caught up with Apex and Gangryn, he activated his helmet sensors and was pleased to see them almost directly over the turbine location. Peak repeated the bars of his mother’s song over and over again in his head in an effort to stop Gangryn from picking up any stray thoughts. Logging in with the codes Orak had given him, Peak remotely armed the detonator.
Apex began backing up, but slowly, using debris to fling at Gangryn to keep him over the detonation zone. When she had sufficient distance, Peak opened a Vox channel to her. “Get out now,” was all he said, and detonated the device.
The explosion and flaming crater were several orders of magnitude larger than the one Peak had seen earlier upon entering the city. Peak was blown backward several yards before his exo-wings compensated. “Apex, Apex!” he yelled into his Vox Box.
“I’m here, Peak,” she replied weakly, floating up through the cloud of smoke that wafted up from the ruined turbine. Peak was surprised to see a psychic force bubble enclosing her, as the smoke curled around it like clouds around the Earth.
Apex came to rest on the ground, and Peak landed beside her. “Did we get Gangryn?” he asked.
“I don’t sense his mind anymore…so I think he’s finally done for,” she replied, sinking to knees.
Peak helped her up. “We’ve got to get out of here, Pexy.” Apex turned her bloodshot eyes on Peak. Crap, that battle must have taken more out of her than I thought.
“But what about Z’neth and Summit?” she asked. “We left them to fight Dread Wing and Fryte alone…”
“They’re strong, and you and I know better than anyone that they can take care of themselves. But first things first, I’m getting you out of here,” Peak replied. Apex simply nodded, and Peak took hold of his sister under her shoulder, activated their exo-wings, and started the long journey out of Airlandis.
*****
Summit took every advantage of the airquake caused by the explosion. While Fryte was disoriented, Summit’s fist connected with the mutant’s face with a satisfying crack. Definitely a broken jaw at least, Summit thought almost gleefully.
Fryte crumpled to the floor, finally unconscious. Except now Summit didn’t know what to do with the mutant. He thought about taking Fryte back to the Aristotle and putting him in lockup, but the idea of dragging the huge mutie through the city was less than appealing.
“Clear out, Dragon Flyz,” Orak’s voice chimed through the Vox Box. “We’re beginning the countdown.”
“Don’t need to tell me twice,” Summit replied. Well, that decision was made for him, then. “Maximize!” Summit yelled, spreading his exo-wings and taking off. He would leave Fryte to his fate, then.
*****
Z’neth pressed his hand to his side, trying to staunch the bleeding wound Dread Wing had inflicted moments earlier. The mutant warlord had gotten the better of him during that last airquake.
“By all means, take all the time you need in prolonging your death, Z’neth,” Dread sneered. “I do enjoy a good slow torture after all.”
“Go to hell, Dread,” Z’neth spat, glowering at the mutant as they circled each other. Z’neth’s free hand held a wicked blade he had pulled off a fallen Dark Dramen, and it had definitely been put to good use against Dread Wing so far; despite the warlord’s bravado, Z’neth had managed to inflict several nasty wounds of his own.
But he was tiring, and his footwork was getting sloppy. Z’neth vision swan for a moment from the blood loss, and he cursed not having a spray-sealer on hand. Definitely add that to the list of things to consider for the next round of dragonator equipment updates.
Dread Wing chuckled, deep and throaty. “Is that the very best your feeble mind can conjure up, human? Old Earth is a hell, and much like the demons of old I am not content to linger there forever. No, you cannot keep me from my destiny, Z’neth. I was born to rule as King of Earth and Sky.”
“You weren’t born to rule, Dread Wing. Not humanity at any rate. If you ever bothered to read you might know we did away with kings long ago,” Z’neth retorted.
Dread Wing was about to reply, but just then a massive airquake struck the city, worse than the previous one. Z’neth was thrown to the ground, his ankle twisting with a sickening pop as he crashed to the floor. The bombs must have all gone off, he thought with a sigh. He was despondent to see Airlandis destroyed, but he would rather it be a flaming wreck than the palace of a lunatic.
The city began a sickening free-fall. Z’neth tried to get up, but he cried out in pain as his ankle gave way.
“What have you done to my city, cur!” Dread Wing yelled, launching himself at Z’neth. The dragonator tried to bring his blade up, but Dread Wing caught his arm and twisted it, causing Z’neth to lose his grip and drop the sword.
“It was never your city, Dread Wing,” Z’neth sneered. With one simple motion, Dread Wing’s grip tightened, and Z’neth screamed as the bone in his arm snapped.
Dread Wing pulled off Z’neth’s exo-wings and tossed him to the ground. “If Airlandis was never truly my city, then at the least it shall be your tomb.” He unfurled his wings, turning away from Z’neth.
Z’neth felt himself go dangerously close to the edge of consciousness, but he couldn’t let Dread Wing leave here alive. He couldn’t allow the monster to wreak continued havoc on humanity. He couldn’t fail in such an important task.
And then, a blue angel appeared. Nocturna took one look at Z’neth and picked up the discarded blade. Moving silently and swiftly, she stalked up behind Dread Wing and plunged the sword straight through his back.
Dread Wing spun around, backhanding Nocturna and sending her sprawling on the floor next to Z’neth. “Nocturna…you would kill me to save the life of this human whelp?” Dread asked, as blood began to trickle from his mouth.
“Even I can do something a little crazy…when I’m in love,” Nocturna replied. “That was something there was no room for in your world, Dread.”
Dread laughed then, before doubling over coughing up blood. “I always expected you to try and kill me, Nocturna,” he gasped. “Though I admit I expected it to be for power and control of my realm.”
Nocturna picked up a lava gun and stalked to Dread Wing. “The funny thing is, I always did too. Good bye, Dread Wing,” she said, before shooting him in the chest.
Casting aside her lava gun, Nocturna returned to Z’neth. “Hang on, lover. We’re not through this yet.” She picked him up with a grunt of effort, though his vision went almost black with the pain of being moved.
Z’neth drifted in and out of consciousness as they escaped the falling city. He vaguely remembered Summit joining them at one point and taking over carrying him. When the trio finally emerged from Airlandis into the smoky sky, they saw Peak and Apex hovering there. Flying together, Z’neth’s heart broke as he saw a flaming, smoking Airlandis descend into the Warp Winds. “Farewell, my home. You have kept us safe in a torrent sea,” he whispered, before everything went black.
****
Gangryn found that pushing aside Fryte’s mind had been easier than any before. The dumb brute was buried now, or perhaps even cast out entirely. The body was powerful, but Gangryn didn’t miss the irony that he now inhabited the mulish idiot who he had often derided in private.
Gangryn was alive though, and therefore got the last laugh. Still, what a pity to lose Dread Wing’s body. He could have done amazing things with that shell.
Using Fryte’s body, Gangryn escaped the burning Airlandis as the city sank into the Warp Winds. It was a loss and a setback, of course. But not an insurmountable one. Gangryn (as Fryte) was the highest-ranking of Dread’s lieutenants left alive. And his first order of business was to get hold of Warnado and draw the city away from this bloodbath.
“All mutant and Dark Dramen forces return to Warnado,” he yelled, suddenly irritated when Fryte’s dull speech emerged from his lips. That would definitely require some work. “Dread Wing is dead! Retreat to Warnado!”
That got their attention. The mutant hordes poured back into the warship and Gangryn flew to the command post in what had previously been Dread Wing’s throne room. “As the ranking lieutenant, I am taking command of the mutant forces,” he spoke into the microphone, transmitting his message (laced with a few subliminal psychic loyalty tones as well) to the fighting forces. “We regroup and challenge the humans again another day in memory of our fallen lord!” Gangryn added before ending the transmission.
He had no intention of challenging the humans again. At least not any time soon. Gangryn knew the large community of telepaths below them was a formidable force, as none of the energy blasts directed at them after their shield was raised had caused any damage.
And obviously he had no intentions of doing anything to avenge Dread Wing. The power-mad fool had sealed his own fate.
Gangryn stared at the amber-encrusted throne for long moments before settling into it with a great sigh of contentment. Yes, this would do quite nicely indeed.
*****
Dram’s heart was heavy as he surveyed the wreckage of Airlandis. The floating city that was the only true home he really remembered had made it through the Warp Winds largely intact, but Dram was not sure it would ever be habitable again.
Orak’s bombs had done their work well. The turbines that once kept the city aloft were now twisted and burnt scrap-metal. The gleaming towers that ringed the city were broken, and even the great dome was cracked.
The city was still valuable, however, containing many raw materials. Dram and the United Dramen tribes were working with rotating teams of Dragonators to guard the city until the human Council came to a decision on attempting to repair it or simply gutting it for the materials. But even if they repaired the city, Dram did not expect it to fly again.
Privately, he thought it would be nice if they could repair the city as an outpost on Old Earth. Though Mount Alayas was lovely, humanity still needed place to truly call home. The city had crashed close to the mind-talkers, and Dram thought that being near other humans would be a great comfort to the Airlandeans in these changing times.
“How does the western perimeter look, Dram?” Zarkan asked as he pulled Thunder up next to Shockfire.
“Sadly as poor as the rest of the city,” the Dramen warrior replied. “My scans indicate severe structural damage here – I would advise against sending in salvage teams for the time being.”
Zarkan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Dram knew the man’s lover had been injured in the battle and was still recovering alongside Apex and Z’neth. “Great – more bad news to add to my report.”
“Indeed. I am very glad now for the small bits of happiness that come our way,” Dram replied. “You have heard about the upcoming wedding?”
“Who hasn’t?” Zarkan replied with a smile. “And believe me, I am so looking forward to celebrating something. And dancing and cake, of course.” His face grew serious then.
“Do not worry, my friend. Your sister will see to Amod’s recovery. Of that there is no doubt,” Dram said.
Zarkan chuckled. “Aye, that’s true, my friend. Our medical wards are full though, even with the psychic healers helping out.”
Dram simply nodded. It would be a rough road ahead for all of them. Warnado had disappeared in the aftermath of the battle, out of sensor range. Fryte was left alive – the only one of Dread Wing’s lieutenants known to survive. Dram was unsure if the dull-witted mutant could hold together such an empire, though. Kreigo or Vidak could easily step into the power void.
“I should finish charting the damage in this sector before the next shift arrives from Alayas,” Dram said.
Zarkan nodded. “Will you be coming back to the mountain with us, then?”
Dram shook his head. “No, I must continue to guard the city and my Dramen people. But I wouldn’t miss the wedding for all the amber on Earth.”
*****
Miriam was bone-weary and tired. She had been working almost twenty-four hours in the infirmary at this point, dealing with crisis after crisis. She desperately wished for the facilities of Airlandis, but was thankful that Dram and her brother had recently recovered five working medical capsules and brought them back to Alayas.
“Ilona, hand me the laser scalpel,” she asked to the lavender-haired girl beside her. Poor thing had huge bags under her eyes, though Miriam was afraid if she stopped to look in a mirror she would appear the same.
Turning to the young dragonator in front of her, Miriam tried to look as serene and gentle as possible. “You have a piece of shrapnel buried in your thigh. I’m going to have to cut it out,” she said, holding up the laser scalpel. “It will be slow, and painful. But once it’s removed we can regrow the severed nerves and you should be walking again in a few months.”
His face paled, but the young man nodded. “Do what you need to, healer. I can face the pain.”
“No need for dramatics, my young friend. I wouldn’t let you face the unadulterated pain of a laser scalpel without something,” Miriam replied. “Ilona, use a little of the anesthetic,” she said as the girl discharged a jet-injector into the man’s neck. His muscles slowly relaxed and his eyes drifted open and closed. It was almost a conscious sedation, but it was the best Miriam could do under the circumstances – their medicine supplies were drastically low, and had to be metered out slowly. Miriam quickly finished the shrapnel extraction and left Ilona to finish cleaning and closing the wound while she moved on to the next patient.
Several hours later she slumped down on the couch in the medical office. Summit’s hearing was in a few hours, and she needed to get at least a few hours rest before going through another emotionally draining experience. Miriam set her alarm and promptly fell asleep.
*****
Summit breathed a sigh of relief as he saw Miriam skid into the Council chamber mere minutes before his hearing began. He was thankful she was here for him, though by the looks of her rumpled lab jacked and wild hair he should be supporting her. She sat down next to Z’neth's hoverchair, and immediately began checking his leg wound. Summit sighed – sometimes that girl just didn’t know when to quit. His family was all in attendance – including Dram, who had made a special trip to Alayas just for the hearing.
“This special hearing is called to order,” Joshua commanded from the table where he and four other judiciary Councilors were seated. “We are here today to decide the matter of Dragonator Summit defying the Council’s express directions and taking martial command of the Dragonator Corps.”
“The evidence speaks for itself,” a councilwoman began. “Summit, you defied our strict orders. What you started led to a chain of events that ended in losing Airlandis itself.”
“Elspeth, you go too far!” Aaron said, rising from his seated position. “There is no possible way to correlate…” he started to sputter, before being cut off by Joshua.
“Order please, Aaron,” Joshua said. “We have not recognized you specifically to speak on this subject as of yet. But yes, the court agrees that Councilwoman Elspeth’s…connection lacks sufficient proof. We had already forfeited Airlandis after the first battle.”
Iranda pulled Aaron back into his seat, and Summit was definitely glad for this mother’s presence – if only to calm down his father. Summit knew what was coming – they all did, really. He would be stripped of his status as a dragonator for his blatant act of defying the Council.
Joshua continued. “Further, this court has had ample time to review the evidence, and it is our opinion that the matter be treated with a certain amount of delicacy.”
Summit’s eyebrow shot up at that one. What was Joshua getting at now?
Joshua cleared his throat. “Given Dragonator Summit’s past history of valor and bravery, and the emotional nature of the search that began this whole unfortunate incident, this court has decided to leave his dragonator status intact.”
“What?” Summit cried, unable to stop himself.
“Despite what you may think, we are not heartless in this matter. We understand the importance of family, especially during this trying time,” another of the Council members said, giving Summit a warm smile. “And we understand that your family in particular has sacrificed and done a great deal of good for the people of Airlandis and humanity as a whole.”
“There is more, however,” Councilwoman Elspeth added, shooting Summit a dark look. “Due to the nature of his defiance, Dragonator Summit shall never be permitted to ascend to the position of Dragonator One. He shall also be barred from leading any squadron of dragonators until such time as the Council and the Head of the Corps agree he is worthy of our trust. On this matter the Council is absolutely one.”
“Furthermore,” Joshua continued, “Summit shall be barred from leaving Alayas for a period of six months, during which time he shall serve guard duty. At the end of this probationary period, we will review the case again. This ends our judgment on this matter.”
Summit sighed. It was a harsh sentence for a dragonator, but he was more than equal to the task. He would prove he was trustworthy to the Council. Still, he didn’t for one moment regret his actions. His cynical side thought that Joshua was just saving face with the public – as stripping him of his position was a bad move during this fragile time.
“Do you accept our terms, Summit?” the kind councilor asked.
“I do,” Summit replied, placing his hand on the scanner to verify his acceptance of the terms.
Council Elspeth sniffed. “Then we shall reconvene in six months’ time to review the case. And we’ll be keeping a close eye on your, Dragonator Summit,” she said, before rising from the table and leaving the room.
Miriam was suddenly in his arms, hugging him and crying. His family was over the moon that he wouldn’t lose his dragonator status, and Summit was right there with them. Even Joshua gave him well wishes. Summit couldn’t remember ever feeling so relieved in all his life.
*****
Iranda thought she might cry at any moment while she helped Apex get ready for the big day. After shooing Cifex and the boys out, Iranda’s crack team had gone to work on her daughter. Apex had been adamant that she didn’t want anything too fussy, and Iranda had to agree that Apex’s taste trumped her own in this instance.
The svelte wedding dress had turned out beautifully. “It wasn’t easy to keep the design from the boys. Without Nocturna’s encryption codes, I think Cifex was ready to start digging through my personal files to find out what the dress looked like,” Iranda said with a laugh.
“Always happy to be part of a little espionage,” Nocturna replied. Iranda was glad that Apex had invited the mutant woman to be one of her attendants today. Their relationship had been rocky from the beginning, but once Z’neth had made the family understand that he and Nocturna were in a relationship, Apex really had tried to spend time with and get to know Nocturna. The funny thing was, they actually ended up friends. (Iranda privately thought the girls had butted horns because they were too similar, but in no way was she ever going to reveal that little tidbit.)
“Don’t worry, I had to pry Summit away too,” Miriam added as she and Nora walked in, both looking resplendent in their gowns.
“They claim they don’t care, but when it really comes down to it they want to see the dress as much as anyone,” Nora scoffed. As Nocturna finished weaving the small crown of Alayas flowers into Apex’s hair, Nora handed her a bouquet of the same blooms.
Apex took a deep breath, savoring the scent. “To think that these beauties once made us all go crazy.”
“I’m sure I can re-engineer one or two for any guests that get out of hand,” Miriam said with a smirk.
Iranda sighed. “Pandemonium is the last thing we want at the first wedding since Airlandis crashed.”
“I still wish we could have gotten married there,” Apex said.
Iranda patted her daughter’s shoulder. “I know, dear. You know I tried to convince the Council to let us hold the ceremony there, but the city’s not safe right now with all the structural damage.” Iranda looked down at her chrono. “Oh my, I need to go find Cifex! The ceremony starts in half an hour, girls – Aaron will be by to pick you all up shortly.” She kissed her daughter on the cheek, “And I love you so, so much my darling daughter.” Tears pricked both Apex and Iranda’s eyes as the golden-haired woman left the room.
*****
Cifex smiled as Iranda rushed up to him, breathing heavily. “Sorry I’m running late – just making sure everything’s okay with Apex and the girls.”
“It’s quite fine,” he replied. They stood at the back of an open field where chairs had been set up for the wedding. A warm wind blew up from Old Earth, rustling the orange flowers gently as an undulating carpet. He looked at Iranda, decked out in the lovely indigo gown she had pack carefully so long ago on the Explorer. “You look lovely, by the way,” he said, spinning her around to take in the full effect.
Iranda blushed. “Yes, well, Apex was adamant that I wear it. I just wish it wasn’t almost twenty years out of style!” she said with a chuckle.
“Timeless beauty is never out of style, Iranda,” Cifex replied, squeezing her hand.
She blushed again, before touching him over where a human’s heart would reside. “Neither is strong moral character and courage, Cifex.” She flashed him a winning smile. “I’m so glad it’s you marrying my daughter today.”
“I am equally glad,” he replied. “And…thank you for giving me away today.” Airlandis had a tradition where the bride was given away by her father, and the groom by his mother. Cifex not having any family, Iranda stepped in as a proxy.
She waved a gloved hand at him. “You were my family before today, Cifex. This just makes it official. I’m proud to stand at your side today and any day.”
Cifex felt something wet rolling down his cheeks. “My optic systems must be malfunctioning again,” he said, as Iranda took a handkerchief from her purse and wiped his eyes.
“I’d say they’re working just fine,” Iranda replied with a smile as she straightened his jacket collar and adjusted his pocket square.
“Looking good, Cifex,” Summit said as he, Z’neth, and Peak joined them. Cifex smiled at his new brothers-in-law. He got along well with Summit, and things seemed smooth with Z’neth (though understandably they hadn’t had much time to get to know one another with all the chaos), but Cifex still worried about Peak accepting him. The youngest brother had seemed surprised when Cifex asked him to be one of the groomsmen at the wedding.
“You know I…don’t totally approve of you marrying my sister,” Peak had admitted to Cifex earlier. “So why ask me?”
“Because I am committed to making Apex happy, and I want you – as her brother – to be part of the ceremony where we commit our lives to each other,” Cifex had replied. Things had been marginally less strained after that between them, and Peak had somewhat mellowed to the idea of Cifex as a brother-in-law. Still, Cifex knew the youngest dragonator would be keeping a close eye on his sister.
Snapping back to reality, Cifex grinned as the music began to play. He offered an arm to Iranda, and the pair began their stately walk down the grassy path toward the front of the assembly, where Joshua waited to perform the wedding ceremony. Iranda stayed standing by him as they turned around in time to see Aaron arrive with Miriam, Nocturna, and Nora. Each of the brothers took their respective partners in hand and strolled down the aisle, leaving only Aaron and Apex at the other end.
The music switched, and Cifex couldn’t stop himself from smiling as Apex’s dress was revealed. She was an absolute vision. Cifex spared a look toward Iranda, and she gave him a wink before dissolving into happy tears. After long moments, Aaron and Apex arrived at the front of the gathered crowd, and Joshua began the ceremony.
“Fellow Airlandeans,” he began, “We are gathered here today to celebrate new love that can spring from the most unlikely of places during the darkest of times. As the first wedding since losing our fair city, I hope we each take a moment today to reflect on the power of our bonds. And please take a moment to thank this beautiful couple for giving us all a moment of pure joy and happiness amidst so much sorrow. The union of Cifex and Apex gives us hope for tomorrow – that a brighter day dawns after the long night.”
He continued on with the ceremony, and vows were exchanged. Aaron and Iranda wrapped a silver cord around the newlywed’s arms, symbolizing the joining together of their two separate lives into one new life. Finally, Joshua said, “You may seal this ceremony with a kiss.”
And kiss they did. Fireworks seemed to be going off all over Cifex’s neural net as he held Apex in his arms for long moments. Her brothers added to the atmosphere by whooping and hollering along with the crowd.
“Welcome to your new life, my love,” Apex whispered as they pulled apart, both grinning like fools.
*****
Summit smiled as he and Miriam watched Aaron take Apex, and Iranda take Cifex for the traditional first parent-child dance of the evening. Twilight had come to the plateaus of Alayas, casting the sky in blues and purples and gold. Hanging lanterns were spread around the vast gathering, joining their brethren stars in shining down upon the wedding banquet.
Aaron and Apex sashayed, while Cifex spun Iranda in beautiful circles. Summit knew the evening had been magical, and something stirred inside him. He’d never thought Apex would be the first of them to get married. Still, Summit liked Cifex, and was delighted to be gaining a new brother.
Miriam slipped her hand in his as they sat at one of the tables ringing the dance floor. All around them, dragons had lined up like honor guards - valued guests in the wedding of one they considered one of their own.
Summit stole a glance at his beloved as Miriam tucked a lock of hair back into the updo she wore her hair in. By the great dragon, I love her, he thought silently.
The first dance ended, and Aaron escorted Iranda off of the dance floor. Cifex then took Apex in his arms, and they began a slow waltz. Summit was pleased to hear the band playing refrains from one of his songs alongside bits of Iranda’s music in their medley.
They make a good couple, he thought as Cifex twirled Apex, and her dress billowed outward. Strong, reliable, willing to face the odds together no matter what tomorrow brings. Sudden clarity hit Summit like a free fall from Sky Fury.
As the second dance ended, Summit and Miriam joined the other dancers out on the floor, and as he placed a hand on Miriam’s waist, he leaned in and whispered, “Do you think we’ll be next?”
Miriam blinked, but didn’t miss a step. “Are you actually trying to ask me a different question?”
“Maybe I just don’t know how to ask that question exactly,” Summit replied with a grin.
Miriam quirked an eyebrow. “Don’t know, or too afraid to ask? Because you know the answer is obviously yes,” she added with a wink.
He pulled her close as the music slowed. “Then let me ask properly - Miriam, will you marry me?”
She kissed him deeply, passionately. “Nothing in this life would make me happier, Summit.” The other couples spun around them in a haze, but Summit saw nothing but what he’d always wanted.
*****
Peak felt the slightest twinge of envy as he watched Summit propose to Miriam, then announce it loudly to the whole crowd. Two of the sibs now. The Dragon Flyz were probably a thing of the past, and Peak was some strange combination of irritated and depressed to see it go.
Or maybe he was just irritated with himself for feeling this way. Peak’s greatest joy had been flying with his siblings; he had dreamed of it his whole life. He hated to admit it to himself, but Peak realized that he’d projected his feelings of dismay at the Flyz possible disbanding on Cifex. He’d admit that to the android sooner or later.
Still, he was happy for Apex, and Summit. He loved Miriam like a sister, so that was certainly no problem. He just wasn’t ready for everything to change so suddenly. He certainly wasn’t ready for such a change in his own life.
Nora’s hand was suddenly on his chest, and she was pulling him away from the hot crowded dance floor. Peak picked up two flutes and a champagne bottle from a nearby table, and the two strolled off a short distance from the crowd.
From afar, the wedding looked like something out of the old-fashioned fairy tales Peak remembered reading as a child. Dragons, knights, and ball gowns as far as the eye could see.
“You look a thousand clicks away,” Nora chided him as she slipped off her heels and started walking barefoot through the grass.
Peak simply shrugged. “Maybe I am.”
Nora stopped and planted her arms on her hips. “Don’t shut me out, Peak.”
Peak chuckled. “Is this role-reversal night? I’m usually the one who says that to you.”
Nora traced the outline of his jaw with her hand. “I’m usually the one who needs to be told, but not tonight.”
Peak sighed, placing his free hand over Nora’s. They strolled a little further in silence before coming to a large, flat rock beneath a huge oak tree. Nora settled herself while Peak popped the cork and poured champagne. Soft jazz refrains drifted on the wind from the party, but for once Peak was glad to not be the center of attention.
Peak sat down next to his...girlfriend? Sometimes, even now, he still wasn’t totally sure. He took a sip of the champagne (a gift from Beltran’s vineyards), and savored the bubbles popping on his tongue. Nora placed her head on his shoulder, sighing softly. Peak was unaccustomed to this softer side of his paramour. He could handle tough-as-nails, driven Nora easily, but seeing her out of uniform often elicited strange feelings.
They sat in companionable silence for a time, sipping their champagne.
“Peak?” Nora asked, looking him in the eyes.
“What is it?” he replied. “Are you ready to get back to the party?”
Nora shook her head, twisting a lock of orange hair in her hands. “No...I just wanted to ask you something.” Peak gestured for her to continue. “I just want to know...are you happy with me?” she said, looking away from him as she spoke.
“Would we be sitting under the stars drinking champagne if I wasn’t happy with you, Babe?” he replied.
Nora quirked an eyebrow. “I get that on a gut level...but sometimes I’m not sure that I’m what’s best for you. Events like this remind me that I’m not ready to get married and settle down. There’s still so much I want to do and see - there’s a whole new world out there to explore. I love being with you, Peak, but I don’t want to tie you down to someone who’s probably always going to be chronically commitment-phobic.”
Peak sighed, then laughed. “Is that it? I thought it was something more serious!”
“This is serious, Peak!” Nora huffed.
“Babe, you’re not commitment-phobic. You’ve obviously committed a lot of time to your work as a dragonator, and I respect that,” Peak said. “You actually inspired me to take training a little more seriously - something Z’neth will forever be grateful for. But I’m no more ready to settle down than you - I mean, I really like you, but it’s cool if you don’t want to be my girlfriend. We can have fun without labeling it.”
Nora looked sheepish. “I never said I didn’t want to be your girlfriend,” she added quietly.
Peak was momentarily dumbstruck. “Wait, does this mean you actually want to start going together officially?”
“Yes and no?” Nora replied. “Peak, I want something more with you, but it needs to come organically. I don’t want to force anything.”
Peak nodded. “Me either - but now I’ve got you marked for eventual gf status, babe,” he said with a wink.
“Fine by me, tiger,” Nora said. “As long as you can keep up.” And with that, Nora jumped up and ran back to the gathering, where she and Peak kept dancing until the stars disappeared.
*****
Z’neth was beginning to muse as the evening wound down. Apex and Cifex had left a few hours ago, and Z’neth had noticed Peak, Nora, Miriam, and Summit sneaking off not terribly long ago. A few people were still dancing on the floor, but by and large most of the guests had gone home.
It had been a beautiful ceremony and reception. Z’neth was touched by all the well wishes his sister and Cifex had gotten.
“Good night, son,” Iranda said, kissing Z’neth on the cheek and breaking his reverie. “Your father and I will see you tomorrow morning for cleanup,” she said with a smile, gesturing to the giant mess left over from the reception.
“Want me to help you make sure Dad gets to bed okay?” Z’neth asked with a smile. Aaron had had just a hair too much to drink, and was passed out at his table.
Iranda pulled a small anti-grav belt from her handbag. “I’ll be fine, dear. I brought this just in case.” She sauntered off to float Aaron off to bed.
Z’neth rose from his chair, brushing a few crumbs off of his dress uniform. He scanned the crowd for Nocturna, but couldn’t see the blue mutant anywhere. Gods, she had looked beautiful in that dress. Z’neth had been beyond pleased when Apex asked Nocturna to be a bridesmaid. Maybe they wouldn’t be so at each other’s throats now, though Z’neth privately thought that the occasional sparring was just as likely to continue.
Z’neth waved goodnight to the last few guests before heading back to his quarters. He pulled off the dress uniform jacket, savoring the cool night breeze. As he punched the entry key to the door, it whooshed open to reveal Nocturna sitting on the small balcony with a glass of synthohol.
“I didn’t know you drank much,” Z’neth said as he pulled off his shirt.
Nocturna gave a languid stretched before draining the glass. “I don’t know why I do either - this stuff is terrible.”
“Liquid escape?” Z’neth offered, pouring himself a glass and refilling Nocturna’s before sitting next to her on the balcony. “Cheers, by the way,” he said, clinking his glass to hers.
“What’s the occasion?” Nocturna asked.
“You made it through an entire day in a dress and didn’t tear someone’s eyes out,” Z’neth said with a chuckle.
“Ha ha, Z’neth. I’m laughing on the inside.”
Z’neth looked seriously at Nocturna. “You really did a good thing today, though, and not just for Apex and our family. It was the first step for people to see the mutants as having a positive future with the humans.”
Nocturna flicked his forehead. “Except I didn’t do it for them. I did it for you.” She ran a hand over Z’neth’s bare chest, and soon they were dancing to an older, deeper song.
As they lay in bed afterward, Noctura traced patterns on Z’neth’s arm. “Tell me what the future holds, lover,” she whispered.
“I thought you lived for the day?” he replied, stroking her face.
Nocturna rolled her eyes at him. “You bring out all sorts of unpleasant things in me, including actually hoping for a satisfying future.”
“Well,” Z’neth considered. “We’ll have to figure out what to do with Airlandis – hopefully she’ll fly again. Then there are the terraforming operations. We’ve got lots to learn from the psychic humans as well…” he trailed off as Nocturna kissed him.
“Silly boy,” she said when they pulled apart. “I meant our future.”
Z’neth looked deeply into her golden eyes. “Lady Blue, I can’t say what’s in store for us, except I’m sure it will be full of adventure, danger, and love. But the best part is that we get to write that story ourselves.”
~fin~
Thanks so much for reading! Now to finish the little epilogue!
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Date: 2013-06-07 02:55 am (UTC)awesome battle on a military holiday :D [it's the anniversary of D-Day today]
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Date: 2013-06-07 03:24 am (UTC)By the by, were you able to follow all the battle stuff (there was a lot of head jumping after all)?
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Date: 2013-06-07 03:33 am (UTC)and yeah, I was able to follow the battle stuff
off topic - but did you see one of the variant covers for the Fluttershy issue of the MLP: FiM micro? I just about died laughing