literature

Chapter 4 For Honor, For Glory, For Life

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When Men were mere Mortals and the Gods ruled the Skies,
One can only dream of becoming Divine.
To Serve and Protect, to Fight and Survive,
Until the Kiss of Death reaches Thy and Intertwines.
For Honor, For Glory, The Code and Thee Life,
Thy Battle is Mine, A Warrior's Strife.
I, mere Mortal, challenge the Skies,
I, mere Mortal, will become Divine.


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The sounds of the coastline trickled into the room as the mid-morning sun's light rose over the mountains. The sea's waves washed up against the rocky coast, the salty air tickling her nose. There were calls from exotic birds, the gentle breeze carrying the sea air, and the warm sunlight pouring into her bed chambers. Her private quarters were elevated above the rest of the Villa, the window-less room overlooking the panoramic view of the ancient marina. Naval boats were docked at the harbor with the sailors transporting new supplies from the trade routes. The city, an architectural masterpiece, was showing signs of life, the streets bustling and merchant trading posts busy with business. The ocean breeze carried in the scents of oils, exotic fruits, and perfumes. She inhaled once again, each smell more beautiful than the last. She turned her attention to her bed chambers; the walls and floors carved from the finest marble, all four walls decorated with glass stones creating the mosaic art of marine animals. One wall facing her hand carved oak bed was the goddess who called it her domain. Her portrait, illustrated by the artist in precious stones, was of a woman with whale features and soft lavender skin sitting inside an oyster shell. Wearing a robed gown of bright turquoise, the Mother Goddess of the Turo Seas gazed with her strikingly blue eyes into the room along with the marine life flowing from the hems of her dress. Her long brown hair decorated with shells and pearls and the gold leaf painted onto the wall for her jewelry made her exotically beautiful. One hand held her legendary Triton, painted in gold leaf, while the other held the "Orb da Viva," the Orb of Life, in front of her stomach. It was solid crystal. When she stood back taking the mosaic in full, the legends, the art, the crystals took her breath away. How she knew of these alien myths, stunned her even more.

This world was alien and familiar to her all at the same time. It appeared to be Earth-like in the natural surroundings, but the time was foreign to her… she knew it, deep down she knew its exact time frame. Whether or not she believed she had time traveled was another story. But the Colonnade, a row of columns in the Corinthian Order, inside her bed chambers separating her room from the porch overlooking the marina told her otherwise. The columns were tall and thin, the flute or body reaching the ceiling in a delicate manner. The capitol or cap of the column was a fluid floral design, defined to the Corinthian Order. It was distinctly Roman architecture. How was this possible?

There was a knock on her bed chambers door. She walked towards it but paused. Who was that next to her? She turned, her heart skipped a beat. The mirror reflected the image of a young woman wearing a long robed gown of a sea foam green color. Her soft tasseled brown hair was pulled back in a loose bun with a gold head piece keeping it in place. Her arms were decorated with gold bangles, long golden earrings had rubies attached and her left ankle had an anklet of gold and blue metal chains. The belt around her waist carried a crest, the Mark of Turo. As she gaped at the woman in the mirror, Jenni realized it was none other than herself… in aristocrat clothing. What family did she belong to?

The knocking broke her concentration. Jenni shook her head breaking the trance from the beautiful woman in the mirror. She opened it, to her surprise it was a face she knew. The maid had shoulder length red fair, her head was swollen with one eye and a noodle shape body. Her private maid, she knew to call "her" Pleakley.

"You're awake, Malady." Pleakley gave her a smile, "Your presence is requested at the stadium, by orders of the Emperor." Jenni felt her stomach sink. A nagging feeling told her to be wary of this Emperor figure. "Her Highness expects you there as well." Her Highness? Who was she, the Emperor's wife or her Mother? "You know how your mother gets when you don't make a public appearance." Well, that answered that question. She sighed, somehow she knew she was not in Kansas anymore. "Well, come on," Pleakley had grabbed her arm yanking her into the hallway. "We need to get to the Collosorena (Co-la-soo-Rena), there's talk of the slaves reenacting the epic battle of Voldera, the Emperor of Turo's personal victory over the Mole people…"

"A victory? More like an unnecessary slaughter. The Volderians were outnumbered and weakened by the plague that wiped out a majority of their people." The words left her lips before Jenni had time to think. How she knew the information stumped her. Pleakley sighed and started to walk down the hall with Jenni in tow reaching the outside entrance where a green-horse drawn chariot awaited them.

"That maybe true, but it's the Emperor's choice and we cannot go against it. Whatever he says, goes."Jenni felt a lump at her throat as she sat down inside the chariot, the one eyed Noodle next to her. The green horse-like creatures began to move taking the chariot with them. She really was stuck in a Greco-Roman society… just with aliens… this was getting weird.

"You know your father wouldn't have stood for this." Pleakley's words hit her like a ton of bricks. Her father? What about her father…? "Even in times of war, your father, Emperor Zeottualus, was against senseless killings. He conquered for financial gain and territorial unity, not to enslave other regions for sport. He was a great man, a valued ruler, a people's Emperor they called him." Jenni broke her gaze with Pleakley for a moment staring at her feet. She was the daughter of the previous Emperor of this city. A very liked Emperor apparently. "I wouldn't be sad, Malady," the alien continued, "your father died a warrior, and the Chancellor has stepped in until a male heir is born."

"He's doing one hell of a job, isn't he…" she retorted sarcastically.

The chariot came to a halt. Pleakley was the first to step out standing to the side of the opening for Jenni to climb out. She stepped down, watching her footing, and then looked up. In front of her was a massive concrete structure reinforced with steel sidings and decorated with polish marble. This stadium, known as the Collosorena, stood at 200 feet and over 400 feet long. Cubical in shape, the large square structure resembled the ancient amphitheaters, one coliseum came to mind. There were five tiers or floors rising one above the other with decorative columns and arches for structural support. It was an architectural marvel, a mix of past and future technology. It left her breathless…

Her surroundings blurred, finally refocusing inside of the Collosorena. Jenni found herself seated inside of a large rectangular private seating box, ones used for the upper class. She scanned the stadium; there were many different species of aliens and humans cheering in the stands! They varied: tall, short, colors from all variations, animalistic to downright odd. Pleakley was bowing to an alien being addressed as "Grand Council Woman." She gestured for the other to sit. Jenni was seated next to her. Wearing a soft cream robe with a dark blue headdress, an older but wise female alien bearing green skin and slender figure brought her full attention to Jenni. The alien had long arms, her three digit hand held onto Jenni's in a motherly manner. Her leg structure was different, almost backwards than normal lifeforms' leg configuration. The woman's expression softened, speaking to her in an ancient wise voice.

"My daughter, are you enjoying the festivities?" Jenni felt her mother figure's hand close tighter.

"Yes, you're Highness." Her answer came out. So this was Her Highness, her supposed mother.

"I am pleased you made an appearance, after your husband's passing I was afraid you wouldn't venture out of your Villa, my dear." her hand was now caressing Jenni's cheek, "As a widowed mother, I understand the pain of losing one so dear. Think of your daughter, my dear," She had a dead husband and a daughter? Boy, where was she those nine months? "to ensure her future, making public appearances will attract male suitors, securing your stability as well as my granddaughter's." her attention was out towards the stadium's arena field. "I've heard rumors," her mother figure's voice lowered, "that certain senators have taken a liking to you. And be warned…" her Highness's voice dropped lower. "I've also received word that the Emperor himself fancies you. He's sitting in the next box." That sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach came again. Her gaze fell on a small creature with distinct gerbil and rabbit like features and beady red eyes. He had white fur and had to stand at two feet tall. He wore a red cape crafted of the finest silk and thorns woven into the design. Upon his head was the crown worn by all Emperors; a brass metal encrusted with leaves symbolizing the olive branch, a symbol of peace. Jenni's stomach turned, the hamster-like alien gave her the creeps. He probably was a pervert.

"That's…the…Emperor?" She looked back at her mother figure with a disgusted expression. She was applauded. "Him?" Her Highness pursed her lips.

"I know. Vile little Vermin, isn't he? I begged your father to take him off the Grand Council before he left to conquer the East, but look how that turned out. Your father's passing on the battlefield and Chancellor Hamsterviel taking over as temporary Emperor until he can pass the legislation securing his title for good. It's terrible."

"Terrible? What are you thinking, Crazy head?" Pleakley jumped into the conversation. "It's a downright political scandal!" Jenni shook her head in agreement, her private maid was right. This was scandalous.

"We'll talk about this vermin issue later," Her Highness's gaze looking out onto the arena's playing field. "The reenactment is about to start."

On the opposite side of the Collosrena, two massive wooden doors opened letting in groups of men pouring into the stadium. One group dressed in blue and gold armor, the other clad in brass and brown. Every one of the slaves dressed as soldiers representing both Turo, blue, and Voldera, brass, stood on their respective sides, facing the general box where the Emperor was seated. The rodent was smiling.

The leader of each group stepped forward, their shields at their chest, their arms extended in the air holding their only weapon, a sword. They recite a pledge in the ancient Turoan language, proclaiming "Hail, Divine Emperor, We who are about to die, Salute you!" A classic declaration, giving their lives in the name of their Emperor, in the name of divine glory. It turned her stomach.

A horn's echo rang throughout the Collosorena. The crowd's reaction in the stadium was roaring with applause and cheers. The blue armored slaves who bore the traditional Turoan helmets with long feathered trains, clustered together with their swords pointing towards the slaves in Volderian uniform. The horn blew again; the game was starting. In a scene out of history itself, Jenni watched as a great battle took place on the arena's floor; blades clashing, shields connecting, and the anguished cries of the fallen filled the stadium. The cheers from the audience rose to louder volumes. The men turned from just mere slaves into fighting machines which Jenni could only describe them as 'gladiators.' Men forced into slavery and used for entertainment by sport. One by one, the so called 'gladiators' fell, ran through by blades or smashed against shields.

Jenni caught the movement of a man wearing the blue armor of the Turoan army. He was taller than the others, not by much, but enough for him to stand out. The Turoan 'gladiator' had dark grey skin with a pale grey underbelly coloring, and his face hidden under the helmet's protective design. His movements were fast, each thrust and slice with his sword were calculated and precise. He plowed through each opponent, his blows leaving them stunned and lifeless. Jenni found her mind thinking he was a seasoned soldier. There was another one of his species with dark purple skin and the light variation for the underbelly wearing the Volderian uniform fighting behind him. She watched them both take their opponents out, fighting with brute force until they, just mere slaves, were the last two standing in the arena… alive.

The crowd cheered, chanting for the fight to continue. Both males turn towards each other; Jenni could hear their heavy panting through the helmets. She thought she saw the dark grey male hang his head before picking up a shield and adjusting his sword. The dark purple male rushed forward, leaping into the air with the sword slashing downward. The grey 'gladiator' held his shield up, taking part of the blow as he jumped backwards. He ran forward, tossing the shield like a discus thrower at the Volderian imitator. The shield connected with his face taking a spray of violet reddish liquid with it. The dark purple male found his footing, grabbing his sword and swinging wildly at the grey Turoan slave. Jenni watched the dark grey male leap and dodge the blows, a few swings striking his sides; their roars and painful grunts could be heard over the cheering of the stands. Finally their blades clashed, the metal making an ear splitting cry each time they connected. Blow after blow, slice after slice, swing after swing, the two males were locked in a sword battle the gods themselves would find awe-inspiring. It seemed like hours the 'gladiators' were fighting for their survival, until the dark grey male in Turoan armor ducked to the side of his opponent, disarming him, and kicked him to the ground. The 'gladiator' laying on the arena floor gazed up at the grey male pointing the sword at his neck. Jenni held her breath, she heard the crowds chanting for the kill. Her hand tightened around her mother figure's waiting for what would come next.

And what she saw was completely unexpected.

The 'gladiator' in Turoan armor stepped away from his defeated opponent, his sword held out by his side. He gazed up towards the Emperor's box, still breathing heavily, and tossed the sword off to the side. He finally spoke, his voice deep and hardened of a man who knew years of torment.

"I won't kill him." Jenni heard the gasps of the crowds. "I won't slaughter a fellow brother for your entertainment!" His voice rose as he turned his body away from the Emperor's box, extending his arm to the fallen comrade. The other slave clutched on, being pulled up by the dark grey male until he could stand on his own. Jenni heard the high pitched curses from the hamster-like Emperor shouting,

"You, you pathetic excuse for a slave! I demand you remove your helmet and state your name!" The dark grey male paused, seeming to have frozen hearing the Emperor address him in such a manner. Jenni noticed the dark purple male looking at his samaritan with a confused expression. "Slave!" the Emperor leapt off his seat and onto the box's ledge. "I command you to remove your helmet and state your name!"

She saw him turn, his body fully facing the Emperor's direction. His hands reached for his helmet, pulling it upward off his face. The helmet hit the arena floor, revealing the man under it with shark-like features. Jenni felt a gasp escape her; she knew him, she knew it had to be him. Who else did she know bearing the dark grey skin with striking blue eyes? Who else had that voice? And again, he spoke.

"My name is Gantu, son of Bettos, Captain of the once proud Turoan Armada, Conqueror of the Blackwatuerous territories in the East, and Supporter of the only true Emperor of Turo, Zeottualus." He was standing a little ways away from the other male of his species. Jenni glanced over at the Emperor who turned a paler shade of white (if that was possible) before staring back at Gantu. She heard her mother's voice in a surprised whisper, "He served under my husband…"

"KILL HIM!" The rodent's high pitched screech silenced the Collosrena's gasps. "Guards! Take this ridiculously large fish-man to the center of the ring, and EXECUTE HIM!"

It all happened so fast. Instantly four guards surrounded the Shark-man, two holding his arms forcing him onto his knees while the others began to beat him physically. Gantu began to thrash back and forth, trying to break free from their holds. One of the guards pulled out a dagger, and through his struggle, connected with the right side of Gantu's face, a deep slice from the bottom of his cheek to the top of his brow. It went over his eye.

She found herself standing, shouting out to the guards in the arena floor. Her legs pushed her body out of the private seating box, running towards the stairwell leading down to the Collosrena's platform. Jenni could hear both her mother and Pleakley yelling after her, but her legs ran faster. She lifted the hems of her dress reaching the ledge that separated the stadium seating and the arena floor; she jumped the six foot plunge, landing inside the arena battlefield. All around her Jenni could hear the crowd's outrage cries of the scandal in the making. She was almost to the stunned guards, her hands outstretched for the one with the dagger. Jenni was able to push him to the side and stand in front of the condemned Gantu. Her heart was pounding.

"I demand this slave be transferred into my servitude!" She panted, her arms outstretched towards the guards in front of her. She felt all eyes upon her, especially a pair behind her. "I demand he be transferred NOW!" her breathing quickened when she saw the Emperor, in his box, cross his arms.

"You dare challenge my authority?"

"Yes,… for it is not yours! It still resides in my Father's name!" the crowd roared, obviously entertained. The Emperor wiggled his nose and shook his head.

"It seems you have been misinformed, silly human. Your Father named me Chancellor before he left to conquer the East, and with his death, I control the Throne!"

"What you control is temporary!" She fired back. "The legislation has yet to pass that grants you such a title!" Jenni had never felt such rage before. This little vermin was insane! "That Throne is still under my Father's name, and I, his daughter, want this man in my servants quarters now! I'll buy him if I have to!" she pointed to Gantu behind her. "I'll buy him and his comrade!" Her peripheral vision caught the dark purple male straighten up in a surprised manner. She looked at the guards, motioning for them to step aside. "My authority trumps yours, Chancellor Hamsterviel… the men are my property now." The Turoan guards backed away from the slaves, Gantu finally being able to stand.

"Fine!" She heard the gerbil alien pout, "Take them and their abnormally large fish legs out of my arena! Bring on the next games!" The sounds of the crowds' reaction for the newest game to start reached her ears. She breathed a relieved sigh. She was not sure if her plan was going to work to be honest, but Jenni was sure glad it did. Her heart finally resumed its normal rhythm. She turned around looking up at the familiar marine alien.

The alien's presence standing before her was commanding and intimidating. He stood at his full height, Jenni guessed around 7 feet tall. While his size was greatly shorter than normal, Gantu still towered over Jenni which was very daunting to her. His features were more shark than whale, the dorsal fin behind his head proved that. The tusks attached to his face suffered multiple cuts, his lips had splits from dehydration. Jenni noticed his smooth skin seemed dry and bruised. The dark circles under his eyes told her of his exhaustion. He looked as if he went to Hell, and came back. His comrade, in the same physical weakness as Gantu, approached behind the dark grey alien removing his helmet.

"We should go. They're bringing out the new slaves," His voice was a few pitches higher than Gantu's, not as heavy and Jenni felt a sense of innocence about the dark purple alien. He was young.

Her eyes caught the glisten of a purplish red liquid trickling its' way past the opening of the wound and dripping onto Gantu's neck. His eye appeared to have bled. Jenni lifted her hand towards his injured eye, standing on her toes to reach. His fingers wrapped around her wrist, the pressure overwhelming. She yelped, his hold of her wrist increasing. Pain shot through her limb, Gantu's grip could easily snap her arm. He pushed her hand away from his face, the instant relief never felt so good.

"I don't need your sympathy, Human." The growl that came afterwards made Jenni jump some feet in the air. Her breathing trying to keep up with her raised heart beat. Without rational judgment finalizing in her mind, Jenni's hand extended in a fast motion, connecting with Gantu's face. She slapped him. She felt her body stiffen as she heard her own voice shout,

"I just saved your life, show me some respect! This Human owns you now, whether you like it or not!" She turned on her heel, marching her way angrily towards the exit. The massive stadium doors were open, revealing a dark abyss waiting for her. Jenni glanced behind her, both Turoan males standing away at a distance; Gantu holding the right side of his face, the young purplish one holding onto Gantu's shoulder. It dawned on Jenni. She smacked him on his injured side. Normally she would have felt horrible and apologize for it, but Gantu's attitude before pissed her off. She shrugged it off, he was by far the most infuriating male she met on this whole damn planet! A private bath sounded heavenly to her at that moment…

"Slaves," Jenni returned her attention to the open doors where the black fog crept out calling to her to walk into it. She stood waiting for the two male aliens to approach behind her. The young purple male to her right, Gantu on her left still covering his injury. She caught him clenching his teeth, obviously furious being called like a child's pet. Jenni sighed. He was going to be a lot of work. "Let's go." She heard them reply, "Yes, Malady."

Jenni walked into the black fog, feeling its cool sensations sweeping over her. Where she was being swept off to, Jenni did not know. She just hoped there was a hot bath waiting for her.
Chapter 4 :P

ooo, purple dude is an OC named Oximus lol my wifey :iconavmysterrie: has already claimed him XD haha you finally get a chance to see him :D
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