The wind howled around Rhox as she sprinted towards her spaceship, the ACE-NQ5-Nightjarr, with leaves crunching beneath her feet. Her heart pounded with urgency as every moment ticked by, knowing Gel was in grave danger. After thirty minutes, Rhox arrived at the ACE, a state-of-the-art vessel cloaked in stealth technology.
"Vann, disable stealth!" Rhox commanded urgently.
"Understood," Vann replied, deactivating the ship's invisibility and revealing its formidable form. Rhox dashed inside, greeted by the AI Celer's familiar voice.
"Welcome back, Captain! How was your journey?" Celer asked cheerfully.
"Sorry, Celer, no time for that. Set planetary maximum speed immediately! It's an emergency! Use 10 ECs!" Rhox ordered.
"Got it, Boss! Initiating maximum planetary speed now. We'll get there in no time!" Celer responded.
As the ship readied for takeoff, Rhox issued more commands. "Rhaul, perform a wide planetary sweep for the tag identity: Gel'Hyne Laxuva."
"By your command. Starting planetary sweep... Progress at 12%," Rhaul replied.
Next, Rhox turned to Athena, the ship's defense AI. "Make our ship impregnable; we might be heading into a high-risk zone!"
"Understood, Master. Activating maximum defense capabilities using 5 ECs," Athena confirmed.
"Thron, prepare all weapon systems—activate the two auto cannons, one Piercer cannon on the transforming blasters, and get the proton cannon and shield disruptors ready," Rhox instructed.
"They shall witness our power and understand their futility! As ordered, General! I will be using 15 ECs!" Thron declared.
Rhaul's voice came through again. "Sweeping progress at 100%. The tag has been located 11,231 miles due west. I'll send the coordinates to AI Celer."
"Good. Celer, is our speed adjusted?" Rhox asked.
"Yes, Master! With the coordinates Rhaul provided, we'll arrive in precisely 14 minutes and 17 seconds at maximum planetary speed!" Celer answered.
"Alright, let's go," Rhox murmured. She strapped into her seat, closed her eyes, and whispered a quiet prayer. "I'm coming, Gel… Hold on."
Taking a deep breath, she commanded, "Hit it, Celer!"
"You've got it! Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up and close your eyes; we'll be there before you know it!" Celer announced.
The ACE roared into the sky, its immense speed creating a thunderous sound. As it hurtled forward, Rhox's heart raced—not just from the ship's velocity but from the intense urgency to rescue Gel.
.
.
.
In the lavish corridors of the Royal Palace, Queen Fel'Kyne's commanding voice echoed with authority. "Servant, are the arrangements in place?" she demanded.
Servant Kan'Killus, speaking with utmost respect, answered, "Yes, Your Majesty. The stage is being prepared, and the people have been notified."
Unwavering, Queen Fel'Kyne pressed further, "What about the executioner?"
Kan'Killus responded, "The executioner is ready. He has volunteered for the task and is eager to begin."
Executioner Kar'Konn, exuding a dark anticipation, let out a malevolent laugh. "Hehehe, I can hardly wait to strip her and savor her screams as I slowly skin her alive. Hehe...HAHAHA! My rusted knife is sharpened and ready."
The queen, satisfied with the preparations, nodded approvingly. "Excellent. We will proceed at dawn!"
With a sinister laugh, she envisioned the success of her nefarious plan. "At last, that woman will be dead, and the throne will be mine. Lavinali will be mine! HAHAHAHA!"
Her loyal servant expressed his unwavering loyalty, "Long live the queen of the Lavi!"
In a moment of dark amusement, Queen Fel'Kyne addressed her daughter. "Darling, could you check on your sister? She might not be 'feeling her best' right now." Her request was accompanied by a chilling chuckle.
Princess Vakk'Hann, clearly resigned, replied, "Alright... I'll go."
.
.
.
In the bleak confines of the prison tower, Gel lay on the cold, unyielding floor, her legs immobilized and numb. She crawled slowly to a corner where a small window framed a view of the vast, open sky. Her gaze was fixed on the night, with its distant stars seemingly mocking her imprisonment. The longing for freedom and the urge to explore unknown realms filled her thoughts.
As she lay there, Gel's voice, weak and raspy, murmured to the starry night. "Earlier today, I was scolding someone for being bothersome, and now my leg is shattered," she admitted with a mixture of weariness and self-awareness. A faint laugh escaped her lips between her strained breaths. "I won't lie... I was quite the bitch."
Her thoughts drifted to her mother's teachings, which offered solace and wisdom during these trying times. "My mother always said that when everything feels like it's falling apart, just look up at the sky. The sky will have the answer," she recalled. Despite her physical discomfort, Gel struggled to grasp the wisdom her mother had shared.
"I don't understand, Mother. I can't see it," Gel lamented, frustration tinging her voice. "I can't find the answer. I miss your guidance, your presence. I miss your warmth."
Feeling the sting of isolation, Gel's tear-filled eyes remained fixed on the celestial dome above. In that moment, she reflected on her life, her actions, the relationships she had cherished, and the relentless pursuit of her goals. Amidst the desolation, she sought comfort in the sky, hoping for a glimmer of hope in the cold darkness of her confinement.
As Gel desperately gazed at the expansive sky, a beep suddenly interrupted the silence, signaling an incoming transmission call.
Beep! Beep! Incoming transmission call!
Amid her sobs, Gel managed to stammer, "A-Accept..."
Rhox's voice crackled through the transmission, offering a glimmer of hope. "Hey! I'll be at your location in one minute! Are you okay? You should see my ship. Look for four lights—they'll be on to mark you as friendly."
Determined to rescue Gel, Rhox illuminated the signal lights on her ship. "Do you see them, Gel?"
Gel, wiping away her tears and sniffling, responded, "*Sniff… Y-Yeah… I'm at the… tower… *Sniff… on the top floor…"
As Gel tried to communicate with Rhox, ominous clicking sounds echoed from outside the door. Princess Vakk'Hann, a foreboding presence, announced, "I've come for you… filthy trash! I want you to meet someone!"
Executioner Kar'Konn, with a sinister tone, added, "Let me see that lovely face… kekeke… just a taste… just a taste."
Desperately, Gel pleaded with Rhox, "Rhox… hurry." The tension escalated as the imminent threat drew closer, with Gel's only hope resting on Rhox's timely arrival.
The door to the tower creaked open, revealing Executioner Kar'Konn with a menacing grin. "Hehehe… Come here, sweetie… let me have a taste of you…"
Rhox warned Gel to brace herself as she clung to a table. Suddenly, a deafening explosion rocked the room, followed by blaring sirens.
Princess Vakk'Hann screamed, and Executioner Kar'Konn roared in agony. Rhox, using a piercer cannon, blasted a hole through the wall to access the tower. Amid the wreckage and smoke, she emerged with fierce determination, her eyes taking in Gel's injuries with concern.
Gel, relieved yet reproachful, whispered, "Y-You came… finally… you're so slow, you idiot…"
Rhox seized the executioner, her voice steady and commanding, "I've heard everything…"
Executioner Kar'Konn, now terrified, begged, "S-Shit! A Corvi! L-Let me go."
Rhox, noticing a rusty knife hanging from the executioner's belt, proposed a disturbing game. "Have you ever heard of 'hack to pieces'? I used to play it as a child… Why don't we give it a try, you and I?"
The executioner, horrified, protested, "N-No… No!"
Rhox, unfazed, continued, "I'll be the hacker, and you'll be the piece! I'm going to turn you from a 'Piece' into 'Pieces.' 'Hack to… PIECES!' Ready to play?!"
The executioner, in a panic, screamed, "H-Help me, Princess! Help me! Call for reinforcements!" His frantic cries filled the room.
Princess Vakk'Hann lay unconscious, adding a grim note to the scene.
In the dark confines of the tower, Rhox acted swiftly and precisely, using a binding gun to immobilize the executioner's arms and legs. "Stay calm… friend… we can't let anyone else join us, right? This is just between you and me."
Taking a moment to steady herself, Rhox grabbed the executioner's small, rusty knife, ready for a grim task. "*Phew. Now then… let's start with your fingers." The harsh sound of the blade scraping against bone echoed in the room as Rhox sawed back and forth, exploiting the knife's dullness. *SAW… SAW… SAW!!!... Tsschk… Tscchk… Tschhk.
The executioner's tormented screams filled the air. "AHHHHHHHHH! AHHHHHHHH! AHHHHH! STOP!!!! STOP!"
Rhox, relentless, taunted him, "Do you feel it… you piece of shit… did you stop when she said stop?" She continued her cruel task, sawing through his arms. *SAW… SAW… SAW!!... Chssk… Chssk… Chukk!
"AYIIIIII! AHHHHHHH! P-PLEASE STOP! HAVE M-MERCY! I DIDN'T DO IT! IT WAS THE QUEEN'S ORDERS!" the executioner pleaded desperately.
"Queen? Which Queen? Give me a name," Rhox demanded.
Gel, amidst the torment, added crucial information. "Q-Queen Fel'Kyne, my s-stepmother huff… currently ruling… huff."
Intrigued, Rhox asked, "Then where's the king?" However, Gel, clearly anxious, urged, "R-Rhox… we need to… get out of here fast… huff… the alarm is sounding, reinforcements are coming, I'll explain later… *huff."
Rhox released the executioner and swiftly carried Gel to safety. The defeated executioner muttered, "Kurgh… I-I'm alive…!"
Rhox, determined to ensure justice, drew an energy pistol from her waist and fired a series of lethal shots into the executioner's chest. *Pzz!... Tschk!
Gurgle… The executioner's last thoughts faded as darkness overtook him.
As Rhox and Gel made their way towards their ship, Rhox threw a knowing glance over her shoulder. "I know you're awake."
Princess Vakk'Hann, who had been pretending to be unconscious, shuddered with fear. "E-Eeep!!"
"Rejoice in your impending demise," Rhox declared coldly. "Mark my words, your fate and that of your family will be one of utter slaughter—merciless and brutal."
"We'll be back," she added, leaving Princess Vakk'Hann trembling on the floor, unable to muster a reply.
Gel urged Rhox to leave quickly. "Let's go, Rhox… *huff."
"Right," Rhox agreed, and they boarded the ACE. *Vwoom!... tshhhh.
AI Celer greeted them warmly, "Welcome back, captain!"
AI Rhaul reported, "Hostiles are approaching rapidly from the base of the tower… awaiting your orders."
Rhox carefully settled Gel onto her bed and made a swift decision. "Let's vanish from here."
She instructed AI Vann, "Engage maximum stealth power, 15 ECS."
"As commanded… Stealth mode… activated," AI Vann confirmed.
Turning to Celer, Rhox said, "Get us to Red Fleet territory as quickly as possible… ensure the ship remains stable… we have a patient on board."
"Roger that, cap! Initiating lift-off!" AI Celer responded.
*VrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRkkkkkOOOOOM!!! The ACE shot through the atmosphere at high speed, leaving the dark tower and looming threats behind.
AI Rhaul's voice rang out inside the ship, "Enemy space fighters detected... they have yet to find us."
AI Vann, confident in their stealth capabilities, replied, "Expected… their primitive technology won't detect us."
AI Thron, the more playful AI, added, "Let them try to find us! I want to see some fireworks! Kekeke!"
Rhox acknowledged their efforts with a nod. "Hmm… great job, everyone."
But Gel's sudden cry of pain interrupted the moment. "ARRGH! It hurts!"
Rhox rushed over with concern. "What's wrong?!"
"My legs… it's so painful! ARGH!" Gel grimaced in agony.
AI Athena, the ship's medical and defense AI, offered a solution. "Commander… we have painkillers available in the medical compartments."
Rhox, relieved by the timely suggestion, quickly retrieved a painkiller and urged Gel to take deep breaths. "Deep breaths, Gel… Deep breaths."
Gel complied, her breathing labored. Rhox administered the painkiller with a decisive Tschk! followed by a kshhh.
"Fuuu…ck… huff… huff," Gel exhaled as the pain began to subside.
"Feeling any better?" Rhox asked, concerned.
"*Huff… yeah… better than before," Gel replied, the relief evident in her voice.
Rhox, her voice imbued with genuine concern, turned to Gel with a look of attentive empathy. "Tell me what happened," she urged, her tone soft yet insistent.
Gel, initially lost in her thoughts, remained silent for a moment, as if weighing how much to reveal. The turmoil in her eyes spoke volumes about the gravity of her situation. After a deep, steadying breath, she began to speak, her voice carrying the weight of her burdens.
The silence of the moment was abruptly interrupted by AI Celer's calm, mechanical voice. "Estimated arrival at the Black Glen… 8 hours using stabilized speed!" The announcement served as a backdrop to the unfolding conversation, marking the time they had to navigate the unfolding crisis.
Rhox, seizing the opportunity to delve into Gel's troubles, encouraged her to share her story. "We have time. Please, tell me what's going on."
Gel's gaze dropped to the floor as she recounted her harrowing predicament. Her voice was heavy with a mixture of fear and resignation. "My stepmother, the queen, has set her sights on eliminating me to strengthen her claim to the throne. She's determined to remove any obstacle to her rule, and as the crown princess and a leader of the Lakvi, I'm a significant threat to her plans."
Her words painted a grim picture of a life teetering on the edge of danger. Gel's eyes were shadowed with the pain of her situation, revealing a deep-seated worry that went beyond mere survival.
"The situation is dire," Gel continued, her voice trembling slightly. "My stepmother has orchestrated this elaborate plot to ensure my downfall. She's ruthless and has spared no effort to consolidate her power, even if it means resorting to murder."
Rhox, her concern deepening, listened intently. She could see the burden Gel carried—the weight of not only her own life but also the lives of those who depended on her. The stakes were high, and Rhox understood that Gel's struggle was not just a personal battle but a significant conflict that impacted many.
"What's the situation with your people?" Rhox asked, trying to understand the broader implications of Gel's plight. "How are the Lakvi involved in all this?"
Gel's expression hardened as she spoke of her people. "The Lakvi are caught in the crossfire of this power struggle. My stepmother's actions have not only endangered my life but also put the entire Lakvi race at risk. She views them with disdain and is determined to see them diminished. Her rise to power is intertwined with her ambition to subjugate and marginalize my people."
Rhox could see the strain in Gel's eyes, the fatigue from carrying such a heavy burden. "I can't imagine the pressure you're under," she said, her voice filled with empathy. "It sounds like you're fighting not just for your life but for the survival and dignity of your people."
Gel nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and despair. "Yes, it's a fight on multiple fronts. I need to ensure the safety of the Lakvi and find a way to counter my stepmother's machinations. It's a daunting task, and sometimes it feels like I'm up against insurmountable odds."
Rhox, taking in Gel's plight, felt a growing sense of resolve. "We'll get through this," she said with conviction. "You're not alone in this fight. I'm here to help, and together, we'll find a way to confront this threat and protect what's important."
The gravity of Gel's situation hung heavy in the air, but Rhox's words were a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. Gel's shoulders relaxed slightly as she absorbed Rhox's reassurance, a small glimmer of relief piercing through the storm of her fears.
Rhox, intrigued by the complexity of Gel's predicament, leaned in with a thoughtful expression. "What's the difference between 'Lavi' and 'Lakvi'?" she asked, seeking to unravel the intricate layers of Gel's background.
Gel took a deep breath, preparing to reveal more about herself. "The Lavi and the Lakvi are distinct in their origins and their ways of life. The Lavi are known for their strict adherence to tradition and their lofty status in society. They hold the throne and the power. On the other hand, the Lakvi are often marginalized, seen as outcasts because of their unconventional methods and association with the Black Market."
She paused, her gaze distant as she continued, "I'm of mixed heritage. My father was a pure-blooded Lavi king, and my mother was a pure-blooded Lakvi who was deeply entrenched in the Black Market."
Rhox's eyes widened as she connected the dots. "So your mother was involved in the Black Market? That must have had a significant impact on your people."
Gel nodded, her expression reflecting a mixture of pride and sorrow. "Yes, she led the Lakvi into a world that most would consider corrupt. She was a figurehead for the underworld, guiding her people through the shadows of society. The Black Market became a refuge for them—a place where they could survive, albeit by unconventional means."
Rhox's brow furrowed as she absorbed this new information. "That might be why your people have such a bad reputation. It's not just about the Black Market but also the stigma attached to it."
Gel's eyes hardened with a sense of resolve. "Yes, it's more than just reputation. The Lakvi faced rejection and severe hardship. Our way of life was born out of necessity rather than choice. We were cast aside and left to fend for ourselves, which drove us to the edges of society. Theft and deception became survival tactics, not mere criminal acts."
Moved by Gel's heartfelt defense of her people, Rhox reached out and touched a metal pendant she wore—a tangible reminder of her own past struggles. It was a symbol of her journey, a relic of her own hardships and the resilience that had defined her.
Gel noticed the gesture and tilted her head slightly, curiosity piqued. "What's the significance of that pendant?"
Rhox's voice held a note of raw emotion as she continued, her gaze focused on the distant stars. "I came from a military family. My early years were spent aboard a dreadnought, immersed in the life of cleaning space fighters. My parents were both exemplary pilots, respected and skilled in their field. They died during a supply run, ambushed by the Almarian pirate fleet."
Her expression grew somber, shadows of the past flickering across her features. "After their deaths, my brother and I were too young to serve. We were sent back home with nothing—no food, no money, no home. We were left to navigate the streets, scraping by however we could."
Rhox paused, a shadow of weariness passing over her face as she recounted the darker days. "In those desperate times, I resorted to theft just to survive. But then, we were approached by a syndicate. They offered us a way out of the streets—a semblance of security and purpose."
She took a deep breath, the gravity of her experiences weighing heavily on her shoulders. "The catch was harsh. We were nothing more than disposable pawns. We were sent to military camps, tasked with sabotaging equipment before being trained in aviation. Our mission was to ambush highly guarded cargo belonging to the empire. It was a death sentence dressed up as duty."
Rhox's eyes darkened as she continued, her voice steady but heavy with the weight of her past. "Out of 671 trainees, only 21 of us survived the brutal training and missions. My brother and I were among those few, clinging to each other amidst the chaos and loss."
Gel, her eyes reflecting empathy and curiosity, asked softly, "What about your brother? Is he still with you?"
Rhox's lips curled into a soft, bittersweet smile. "By my side… always," she said, her voice tinged with both pride and affection. The bond she shared with her brother was evident in her words, a testament to their unbreakable connection.
The air between them was filled with a profound silence, each of them reflecting on the harsh realities they had endured. Gel absorbed Rhox's story, the depth of her hardship resonating deeply with her own experiences. The shared silence spoke volumes, a moment of mutual understanding and respect for the trials they had both faced.
Rhox, her concern deepening, noticed the weariness in Gel's eyes and the weight of her burdens. "I see," Gel said, her voice barely more than a whisper, as if the weight of her revelations had finally settled upon her.
Rhox, her mind shifting to practical matters, suggested, "Maybe you should consider relocating your mother's Black Market operations to the Black Glen. With her influence and connections, it could be a significant asset to the Red Fleet."
Gel's eyes darkened, and her shoulders slumped as she revealed the tragic truth. "She's dead… skinned alive and burned on a pedestal… at the hands of my stepmother."
The depth of Gel's loss and her immense responsibility became starkly apparent. "Now, the Black Market and the entire Lakvi people depend on me alone."
Rhox, seeking clarity, asked, "What about your father? Didn't he support you?"
Gel's voice turned grave as she responded, "My father is also dead. He was murdered in his sleep by assassins sent by my stepmother."
Reflecting on the brutal turn of events, Gel added, "Everything unraveled after my father's death. He was one of the few who respected the Lakvi and their struggles."
Rhox pieced together the narrative, summarizing, "So your stepmother's desire for the throne drove her to eliminate anyone who could challenge her rule, including those she harbored prejudice against."
Gel's reply came with a bitter twist of irony. "Yes… isn't it ironic?"
Rhox, absorbing the gravity of Gel's situation, acknowledged, "So it's clear now that your stepmother is the primary antagonist."
Observing Gel's fatigue, Rhox suggested, "You should get some rest. I'll contact the Red Fleet and let them know about the situation."
As Rhox started to move away, Gel, overwhelmed by a surge of trust and gratitude, called out, "W-Wait," her voice trembling as she reached out to grasp Rhox's hand.
In that delicate moment, Gel reached across the emotional chasm that had once separated them. For the first time, she felt a genuine sense of safety and peace. The touch between them transcended mere physical contact; it symbolized a profound emotional connection and mutual understanding. Rhox, having offered her kindness and support, had become a beacon of comfort for Gel.
With tears of gratitude glistening in her eyes, Gel's voice wavered as she expressed, "Thank you for saving me, Rhox. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you… I'm truly sorry for the way I acted before."
Rhox, moved by Gel's heartfelt words, enveloped her in a gentle embrace. "It's alright," Rhox murmured softly, her voice filled with warmth. "I understand. What matters is that you're safe now."
In the midst of their embrace, Gel experienced a new, unfamiliar emotion—one that stirred feelings akin to those she had for her mother but now with a deeper, more intense dimension. Her heartbeat quickened, overwhelmed by the strength of her emotions. Embarrassed by her vulnerability, Gel's cheeks flushed with color, and she buried her face in Rhox's chest, seeking solace.
Rhox, curious about the sudden change, chuckled softly and asked, "What's going on?"
Muffled by her hiding place, Gel admitted shyly, "It's blueberry cheesecake..."
Rhox, puzzled yet intrigued, responded, "Blueberry cheesecake?"
Gel, still hidden, continued, "...You asked me back at the ruins what my favorite food is… well, it's blueberry cheesecake..."
Rhox's face brightened with amusement as she gently lifted Gel's face, her eyes sparkling with a newfound warmth. "Blueberry cheesecake it is then!" Rhox declared with a smile, her tone light and affectionate.
In that tender moment, the connection between them deepened, blending the bittersweetness of their shared experiences with a sense of hope and renewal.