Chapter 1: Mission
The Nybians came undetected with new technologies from their allies. They came in great numbers and unparalleled in strength as they defeated Fliskan defense during this invasion.
Nybos, a kingdom on a planet of the same name, is the enemy of Fliska. It is said to be the homeworld of galactic criminals and rebels and is ruled by Kyron, whose mother's lineage is from the Renegade Prince of Fliska. The tyrant has been plotting all his life to take the Fliskan throne especially when he ascends the throne as King of Nybos. He holds the power stone called the Blood Basalt and its power is as strong as the Crystal Cross.
Now, the land was being pillaged by the enemy. The people ran here and there seeking refuge from the invaders. The palace was infiltrated by the enemy forces. The royals and the rest of the palace staff scattered all around. Some were struck down by the enemies while the others struggled to escape.
As the security group held off the doors being destroyed by the advancing enemy, the weakened queen resting in the corner faced Elzilaura. She placed the Crystal Cross in the hands of the latter.
"My daughter, know that no matter what happens, I will guide you through. Take good care and go flee to safety. Our kingdom's future is in your hands now." She musters her strength to hug her daughter.
Elzilaura refuses her wishes. When the queen released her grip, she responds. "No, this is not the end mother. This is not it." Her mother will not die. That's what she believed.
"Daughter, it is not the end. I will guide you through". The queen gasps for air.
A portal appears out of nowhere and the queen pushes her daughter inside it. Before Elzilaura could react, she was falling into a wormhole that disappears completely. The Queen tried to push Kanunia as well but the portal closes even before the latter could enter it. The princess slams on the floor instead.
"I am so sorry Kanunia. It was for both of you." The queen struggles to breathe again. She looks straight into Kanunia's eyes pulling the princess closer to her. "Find her and-" Before the queen could finish, she drew her last breath. Kanunia held her tight.
Before she could properly mourn, the remaining guards around her remind her that they need to get going.
Luckily, a servant who was hiding in the chambers came out and tried to open the passageway and was successful. As they prepare to enter, he offers to carry the queen's body so that the soldiers can continue protecting them. After opening it, they go through a tunnel. Unfortunately, the Nybians broke open the bedchamber doors and were able to follow.
As they reached the end of the tunnel, the invaders caught on and the guards had to engage. When they defeated the enemy troops, they heard another group coming. Quickly they started to move.
Since the end of the tunnel led to two separate ways, the Fliskan group was split in two. In trying to evade the incoming adversary, Kanunia and two guards ran to the left while the servant who carried the queen and some guards ran to the right.
Kanunia and her protectors then encounter another Nybian team and the two guards fought to the end giving the princess time to escape.
Kanunia ran as fast as she could but the Nybians were gaining on her. The poor princess reached a dead end and just before she thought she had to surrender, her armed and deadly hunters drop dead one by one.
Zyric, the retired marshal of the Fliskan forces, and his loyal friend, Harrion, came and finished off the Nybian invaders who were hounding the princess. She was so surprised to see them.
For a moment there, she marveled at Zyric's physique. He was the typical Fliskan from Craiine who had black hair and aquamarine eyes. He had a strong regal stance like his father. His toned body is a result of his military training. Though he and his elder brother are indeed handsome, Zyric was more tanned due to longer military training and other outdoor activities.
Harrion, the other guy, was more rough and rugged. He had a bad boy ambiance even though he had been through military school for most of his life. He has been rebellious for most of his life growing up without parents and only a few relatives who barely watches over him so he was a disciplined soldier but after his military service, he engaged in his vices. It was drinking and women that occupied his spare time.
"I did not expect to see you here." Kanunia let out a sigh of relief as she held his shoulder. "It is good to see you too Harrion." She tried to smile as she patted his arm.
Zyric then explains their presence. "I came to surprise everyone. You know that I won't miss the trials because I want to be there for Ella. That's why I arrived at the last minute. I brought Harrion with me." He looks at his companion and then continues. "Where is Ella?"
"Mother opened a portal for Ella to escape with the Crystal Cross. It closed before I could join her." Her voice was breaking as she continued narrating what happened.
"Mother is dead but as we escaped, I got separated from her and the other soldiers. I just hope they have fled to safety too." She tried her best not to cry.
Zyric laid a hand on her shoulder blade. "I hope so too but for now we better get going."
Kanunia nods in agreement and follows him. Zyric explains further as they started walking. "I don't mean to sound cold but the best option we have is to go back to Craiine and plan how we can find your sister."
The trio manages to get to one of the landing sites. Surprisingly, they find Alednos, an adviser to the Queen replacing his late father. He was a childhood friend of Zyric and Queen Azestina's daughters.
Kanunia rushes to greet him."Alednos! You survived too. How did you get here?" He approached the royal princess and his movements reminded Kanunia of his late father. Alednos was shorter than the other men. Unlike Harrion and Zyric, he appeared somewhat slender when they stand altogether. He had dark brown hair and was dressed in a formal cut coat of Ateria silk made from special plants of his region, Vanaris.
"I stayed below the balcony with other advisers and diplomats when the attacks began. Everyone was storming out of the palace but I tried to get in. It took me a while to overcome a stampede and had difficulty holding off the enemy. I've been looking for you and your sister. Where is she?
"Elzilaura escaped into a portal with the Crystal Cross. The queen is dead and I got separated from them." She discloses sadly.
Zyric reminds. "Time is of the essence, we have to board those jets." He then notices some weapons at the side.
"You guys go on ahead. Harrion, take Kania with you. Proceed to Craiine. Set your course to the Atilene base. My father's troops are waiting there."
"Yes Sir." Harrion salutes. Kanunia hesitates to join him. She would not budge from her position.
"I don't bite, Kania." The Fliskan officer claims. They both started to giggle. She was once afraid of animals fearing that they would bite but Harrion taught her to appreciate them. His statement definitely brought back some fond memories. He holds out his hand which she takes and they proceed to the nearest vessel.
"How are you Kania? It's been a while." Harrion asks.
"I've been good since last we've been together," Kanunia responds.
"Right." Harrion then assists her as she boarded the plane. He immediately returns to the runway following Zyric and Alednos in gathering the available weapons.
Once they loaded their cargo, they took off. Upon reaching planetary space, Nybian space vessels tracking them down engaged.
"Alright team, Listen up. Let's split. Harrion takes on the left. Alednos, go right. " Zyric commands.
"Affirmative" Harrion agrees.
"Copy that," Alednos responds as well.
Harrion and Alednos do as they were told. The two pilots moved forward but eventually spiraled.
"Hold on Kania," Harrion commands his companion.
"It's alright Harrion. I can pilot this. Concentrate on the Nybians." Kanunia's response surprises the Fliskan.
"How did you learn to fly?" Harrion was astonished.
"A few months ago, my sister and I recently came to this base to participate in an event. The officers taught us how to fly. Since then, we returned to train as often as we can."
"Wow! Okay then." Harrion gives Kanunia the controls while he focused on their attackers locking in on them. Carefully, he guides Kanunia regarding the route to take. One by one, Harrion took down their opponents.
Zyric dives down and fires from underneath. He especially targets the space vessels closing in on Alednos.
When a jet locks on Zyric, he moves far away and gives another command. "Alednos, prepare for Spiralis Maneuver."
"Right." Alednos sets his controls. "Ready Sir."
The two of them fly parallel to each other until they turn in opposite directions. Afterward, the two Fliskans circled back and when they were about to meet, they swiveled abruptly changing direction. The Nybian vessels trailing them suddenly collided.
"Good job Alednos. Seems you haven't lost your touch." Zyric says.
"Thank you, Lord Marshal." Alednos salutes.
Once they eliminated their adversaries, they maintained their original course.
"Is everyone okay?" Zyric asks.
"Of course. My copilot here has some flying skills." Harrion claims.
"Well done, your highness," Alednos says.
"I'm really impressed by your flying skills Kania. I want you in my squadron if I ever take up command again." Zyric mentions.
Kanunia just laughs. "Thank you, guys. I learned from the best. My mentor here is excellent."
"Well, I had my work cut out for me. Her original flying instructor was good." Harrion explains.
"Who taught you, Kania?" Alednos asks.
"Lieutenant Commander Dofere Pelivfa. Originally, she trained Ella but my sister transferred to Commander Toramor so I became Mr. Dofere's student."
"Ella flies?" Zyric was curious. "And trained by Horth Toramor, the legend? Since he retired from active service, he trains only the best of the best."
"Yes, she does Zee. We took lessons a few weeks after you left for Craiine." Kanunia narrates further. "The commander deemed it best to teach the future queen. Besides, Ella seems to be a fast learner too."
"You shouldn't have resigned. Otherwise, you would have been the one guiding her. Imagine you two up in the air. That would have been some date." Harrion jets.
"I won't date her. She is our princess and one of my closest friends. She's almost like family. Besides, she is engaged to Prince Jarin of Galmar."
"We know that but you can't keep denying your feelings for her," Harrion says.
"I told you we're just friends," Zyric emphasizes.
"Yeah right. You're just friends yet when she's around, you light up like a lampshade." Harrion retorts sarcastically
"No, I don't." Zyric angrily rationalizes.
Alednos and Harrion boisterously laugh while Zyric kept his silence.
The curious Kanunia then asks. "Zee, you must tell me, do you have feelings for my sister? The former marshal paused a bit. "Oh, I think we are coming into Craiine. Get ready to descend."
"Affirmative." Harrion replies and then adds. "Now you know, Kania." He then chuckles.
"What?" Zyric was annoyed.
The witty soldier replies. "That we are now entering Craiine airspace. Welcome to the Dukedom of Craiine, Princess Kanunia." Harrion and Alednos laugh even louder.
Craiine is Fliska's only moon. Unlike most natural satellites, Craiine is a paradise equaling the beauty of its mother planet. It has vast bodies of water and natural resources even lovelier than the ones in Fliska.
It has always been ruled by the Duke of Craiine who shares a common ancestry with the Fliskan ruler. That is why he is also referred to as Lord Prince as an alternative to his title and his immediate family bears the right to be entitled "prince" or "princess".
The reigning Duke of Craiine is Prince Ocvon, Zyric's father. He is the second most powerful man in Fliska but as the queen has fallen and the heiress is missing, he is now their commander-in-chief. All emergency powers are granted to him.
For an old man, Ocvon still exuded manliness. He used to appear taller than his actual height because of his strong stance which gave him more length. Now, his posture has changed and his true height showed. He moved at a much slower pace than he used to. No matter how powerful he is, his age was catching up to him and his recent decline in health was taxing him also.
Upon reaching the tarmac, he clasps his son's shoulder and greets the royal princess. "I am glad you are safe, Princess Kanunia." The Lord Ocvon says.
"I have heard the reports that your sister escaped and a group of lords who managed to flee the palace has possession of the Queen's remains. My sympathies, princess." The Duke of Craiine bows in respect.
Now, our troops are getting ready. We have sent out distress signals and our allies are rushing into to our aide. Some will help us hold off the enemy as we prepare to evacuate.
Kanunia was surprised. " Why should we flee? Why can't we fight?"
"The enemy forces are too great. It's not the Nybians alone that attacked us. They have support from their other allies. Right now, we do not have enough resources to defend Craiine. The best possible option is to flee and retake what is ours later.
I myself do not have enough strength to use the Sapphire Sphere. I am saving it for sending you and my son with an expedition team to find Princess Elzilaura whilst we join our allies in preparing to take Fliska back."
"How could this have happened? Who is responsible for the mistakes that brought upon us this chaos?"
"I thought of that too. We are looking into it but not dwelling much upon it. I am focused now on finding a solution to defend us instead of wasting time pointing fingers at each other. We must work together to preserve what is left." The duke emphasized.
Then, a soldier came and approached the duke. "My Duke, Lord Zedon has sent word. The first emergency ship has arrived to take the first set of people. Lady Zora is supervising the evacuation."
"Thank you. Tell my daughter to make the evacuation as quick and careful as possible. Send word to my son to standby regarding the rendezvous point." The soldier salutes and heads off.
"Zyric, I am entrusting you the fate of our kingdom and the life of our Princess Kanunia."
He then turns to Kanunia. "I also believe it is you who will be able to identify your sister. Find our princess that she may rightfully take her place as our queen."
The limping Duke of Craiine led his son and the princess together with their companions to a waiting vessel. "You will lead this mission, Zyric. The rest of your crew is already on board awaiting your instructions. Once you reach the skies, I will open a portal to where the princess is. Wishing everyone the best of luck."
Zyric and Kanunia together with Harrion and Alednos bowed before the duke. While the rest rushed to board the vessel, Zyric stayed behind facing his father.
"Father, opening an emergency portal will weaken you further." The son worries.
"I am willing to risk my life just as you would, my son, for our kingdom which now looks to Princess Elzilaura as its rightful ruler. We also care about her as both our future queen and an extended member of our family. Go now and find our beloved Ella.
"Father." Zyric was worried. The duke places his hands on his son's shoulders.
"Do not be afraid my son. Trust in your capabilities and in the strength of your old man who will not only open a portal successfully but wait for you to return safely." He smirks at his son and clasps his shoulders. "Go. Bring back Princess Elzilaura so she may undergo the trial of light and become our Crystal Princess. Only then can she summon the full power of the Crystal Cross and defeat our enemies."
Zyric nods and strikes his chest with his palm before leaving. He was the last to board the space vessel.
Soon they took off. Once they were above the skies, Lord Ocvon opens the portal, and the vessel journeys to the unknown in order to retrieve Elzilaura, the girl destined to be the Crystal Princess, and regain the Fliskan Kingdom.