Zarketh

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© 2015 Matthew Boyle. All rights reserved.

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Published by AuthorHouse  11/07/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5827-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5826-4 (e)

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Contents

The End Of My Career

The Silence Is Broken

The Crusaders

The New Parasites

One Versus Many

The Cannon Of Opportunity

The Frozen Gate

The Horrific Return

The Power Of Earth

Damage Control

Rebirth

The Crater Of The World-Ender

Ryhn’s New Groove

The Burning Base

The Imperial’s Beauty

The Message

The Hopeless Dream

The Sion Name

A Day To Remember

The Colossal Rampage

The Experiment

Final Decision

THE END OF MY CAREER

Fighting, it was all I had ever been known to do. Ever since I first wielded a weapon, I had been put through many scenarios where I was forced to fight to survive. I had grown so used to it though that I began losing my sense of humanity and mercy. Creatures that I would once let go were now slain without any regret by my blade. It was a cold feeling, but it was comforting to know that I did what had to be done.

My name is Dmitri Sergei Sion, the man who has failed his purpose in life. I was chosen by the One-World to be its guardian, to protect it from any evil that would dare threaten it. However, during the recent events that had taken place four years ago; I had grown to realize that I was powerless to save my planet… that evil itself was too strong for me to handle anymore. Thus, I had given up fighting.

I stand six feet, four inches tall with dark grey, spiked hair that was falling towards my neck. My dark grey goatee and dark brown eyes only added to my aging skin. I wear a black trench coat along with worn pants and boots. Around my waist is a black, cloth belt. The straps on the front of the belt fall a bit further than my knees. Over my right shoulder and connected to the left side of my waist was a cloth strap that I used as a harness for my main weapon, which I kept sheathed on my back.

I wield four very unique weapons, each serving their own purpose. My main weapon of choice was the legendary scythe-sword, Freedom. Freedom is a massive weapon, being taller than my body in height but a quarter in width. I kept the sword slanted in a loose harness, making it easier to grab and pull out. The hilt of the sword was between two and three hand-sizes long. It was wrapped by dark brown, cloth bandages, which allowed me to wield it with ease. The blade’s colours were different shades of grey, mostly dark though. There was nothing special about this sword, except that it could never be destroyed.

The second weapon that I used was a sniper rifle known as Sirueh. Sirueh was slightly smaller than Freedom in size but was almost taller than my body. Instead of using bullets or shells like other guns, Sirueh used energy to fuel its shots. The weapon had a long barrel and a large body, mostly coloured in black and dark red. I kept Sirueh in-between Freedom and my back, slanting it the opposite direction of my sword so that I could grab it with my other hand.

The third weapon that I command was actually two weapons. I called them my Whips of Light. These whips were encased in a light enchantment, giving them a divine glow. Beyond the light though were the brown handles that were just slightly longer than my hand. I kept these whips latched onto the back of my waist so it wasn’t possible for people to see them unlike Freedom and Sirueh.

The final weapon in my possession is the elemental short sword known as Crystal. This mighty weapon possesses the power of the pure elements but is unable to maintain a physical form. I kept it sheathed on the left side of my waist, giving me easy access when I needed to pull it out fast. However, I only used this weapon as a last resort because of its dangerous power.

Ever since I returned to the One-World centuries ago, many creatures had begun teaching me the aspect of humanity that I had once forgotten. I was always thankful for their love and compassion, but in the end, it was my emotions that caused all of this. Many believed differently, but I knew the truth. I was the one to blame for this epidemic; I was the one that should be punished because I obeyed my emotions when I shouldn’t have.

THE SILENCE IS BROKEN

It was cold and quiet. The only constant noise was the faint rumble of the engines on the ship that I was in. I was sitting upon a stool, hunched over the counter in front of me and holding a glass of an alcoholic drink in my hand. The only thing keeping me sane right now was the cold misty breath coming out of my mouth. I would take a sip of the drink every few seconds or so and be lost in thought, miserable because of the failure that I was.

It had been four years since that dreadful day, the day when I vowed to quit fighting forever. Four years I’d been sitting here, rotting away and drinking myself to death. Did I regret abandoning my allies? No. I was an old fool who thought that he could save this world from the flame when in the end; the man whom I’d been fighting against this entire time was right all along.

Continuous hours had passed as the same thing I’d been thinking about for the past four years had crossed my mind once again, why? Why did I sunder Sion, the Demi-God, when he was my trump card? Why did I turn my back on Kaylen, the woman I loved, when she’d needed me most? Why did I hold back when I should’ve done what had to be done? There was only one logical conclusion that I could come up with. I had an emotion, something that I was taught never to obey.

For many years, I fought without the essence of humanity, to show people that I couldn’t be controlled or manipulated. Because of this, they both feared and respected me. Their admiration allowed me to inspire many to stand up against the forces that would’ve otherwise overpowered them. It was four years ago that I lost that prime because of the humanity that I gained. I’d been betrayed by almost everything that I once protected.

As I continued drinking myself away, hoping that the pain would vanish, I started thinking about the event that happened four years ago. It was a day that I knew I would never forget. It was on that day did I realize that I couldn’t fight anymore. It was on that day did I understand that my power was no longer enough.

***

She was getting annoying. A man said with a smirk on his face.

He crossed his arms as we both turned towards the open hatch on the hovering plane behind us. The man crouched down slightly, readying himself to jump onto the plane while I felt a faint essence flicker from behind me. After the man entered the hatch, he turned around then began waiting for me. I faced back towards the explosion from the grenade shell that the man had fired out of his gun.

There was no trace of her even though the smoke had subsided. I continued staring at it for a few seconds then decided that it was best if I left now. When I was about to turn back to the plane, I noticed a small, green sphere floating where she once was. I knew exactly what was going to happen as the ball began expanding rapidly. Once it was big enough, it started sprouting legs and arms but the liquid form was still retained.

After the liquid body was reformed, black, hardened skin began enveloping over it. I couldn’t help but watch as when the monstrous creature finished her regeneration, she looked at me irately. She immediately launched her spider-legs at me as I took Freedom with both hands and readied myself. As they all closed in, I began slicing through them with the Immortal-Slayer. However, little did I realize that the worst was still yet to come.

Suddenly, she started generating a massive amount of psychic energy within her body. After a few seconds, she released it in a huge nova and yelled furiously at the same time. I raised Freedom to block the nova but when the blast collided against it, the immense force immediately launched me into the air and off of the platform. My vision was disoriented as my mind was in complete shock.

How…?

How could she have generated that much power within a few seconds? How could she have betrayed me? Why didn’t I act upon this sooner instead of having an emotion and holding back? I could’ve killed her, but my heart wouldn’t let me. I loved her, but I hated what she became.

As I neared the ground, I didn’t even make the effort to ready myself to land. However, as I was about to hit it, I suddenly stopped falling. For a moment, I felt like that I had landed, but soon came to my senses. I looked up and noticed a vague figure holding onto my hand.

Gotcha! The man yelled then pulled me into the ship.

After he finished pulling me in, I immediately fell onto my knees as the man collapsed onto his back. I put my hands on the ground and looked at them while shaking my head. After a moment, I looked up towards the man who was sitting near the wall, seemingly exhausted and in shock as well. I froze for a brief moment before standing back up. After that, I helped the man onto his feet. Once he got up, we both stared at each other, as if we knew what the other was thinking.

Power like that, Dmitri, should never be in those types of hands.

He turned around then began making his way towards the bridge. I watched him, silent. He soon opened then walked through the door, leaving my sight within seconds.

I cannot stop it.

I couldn’t believe that it actually happened. Her power had grown so much within the time that I’d known her. She always claimed that she could surpass even Sion. I knew though that I could still defeat her but my emotions were holding me back because… I loved her.

***

To this date, I couldn’t bring myself to see that man, whom was my best friend, Ryhn. I had always been teaching and enforcing the one rule that we both proudly stood by. We did what had to be done, no matter what our emotions said. Four years ago, I broke that one rule. Ryhn must’ve been incredibly disappointed in me, and I wouldn’t be surprised. I loved Kaylen, and because of this, I couldn’t fight her. The world was better off without me anyways. So much carnage was caused because of my emotions, and I couldn’t watch this anymore. I rather just rot away here, where I would just become what everyone inevitably became in the end… a memory.

More time passed as I continued drinking from the many glasses before me. The robot bartender at the other side hadn’t said much to me, but that was because I didn’t often talk to it. All it was anyways was just simple programming and a bucket of bolts. I hated artificial life, more often than I hated anything else. To create a life like this was inhumane. Looking upon its soulless eyes always sent a chill down my spine. Even the most recent machines today worried me, because they appeared ever so human. I was certain that pretty soon, machines would be the ones to replace humanity.

Once I went through about half a glass of my drink, I stopped for a moment, catching my breath. I slammed the glass onto the table then began thinking again. As I continued looking down at the dirty object in front of me, I wondered why I was drinking this. It wasn’t doing anything except enhancing my pain. However, many have claimed that it brought sensation to them in their time of need. Perhaps one day, it could do the same for me.

After staring at the glass for a few seconds, I raised my eyes to the robot bartender whom was currently cleaning another one that I had just finished recently. Its back was faced towards me as I continued staring, disgusted by its presence. I was about to put my hand on the hilt of Freedom until I heard a noise coming from behind me. Unsure, I paused for a moment then realized that a door was opening. I lowered my hand and slouched over again. After the door opened, it closed shortly afterwards. I didn’t hear anything for a bit but I could definitely smell someone else in here. It was familiar, but somehow fresh. The person was probably staring at me, trying to find the right words to say.

Suddenly, I began hearing footsteps echo across this once empty room. I didn’t bother to turn around. Instead, I took another sip of my drink. After I put the glass back on the table, the footsteps suddenly stopped. I began feeling a faint gust of channelled air tickle my shoulder every few seconds.

Dmitri. The person said, sounding like an elegant woman.

I paused for a moment then took my hand off my drink, angered. After a few seconds, I turned my head enough to see who was behind me and noticed that it was… her.

It was Calcutta Prueh, the biological machine that had surpassed even my expectations. Calcutta was built during the Rise of Sion by my best friend, Ryhn Prueh. Her brain was that of a super-computer, able to calculate over ten thousand different processes within a span of a second. During her early years on this planet, she was emotionless, only able to project logic and not showing any care for anyone, despite her saying it. It was only six years ago that she started learning on how to be like a human. She had improved drastically and almost could simulate emotions just like a normal person. While I thought that was a great trait for her to achieve, it also further worried me on what her plans for the world could be.

Calcutta stood five feet, eleven inches high and appeared petite. She has short, blond hair that was groomed back away from her forehead but still covered her ears. Her eyes were a glimmering blue and her black lashes seemed well groomed. Her skin was young and radiant, seemingly perfect in some eyes. She sported a grey, leather suit that covered her entire body and most of her neck. On top of that suit were patches of black, shiny armour that she had padded on her shoulders, around her forearms and most of her upper body. She also wore black, plated boots along with pads on her shins and upper legs. In the middle of her chest was a crest with a circular, bare, background. The crest was a red scimitar pointing diagonally down towards the left while flames were occupying the edges.

After immediately seeing Calcutta in this new outfit, I turned back to the counter. To be honest, this was the last person I would want to see right now. Calcutta and I never really had a strong relationship together. I didn’t enjoy her company because she would often have a bland look on her face and always talk in a monotone voice. When she did simulate emotions, she did things that both Ryhn and I would never expect her to do. There was one event in particular four years ago that changed my entire opinion on Calcutta. I used to trust her for Ryhn’s sake, but now… I didn’t know.

Dmitri, please talk. She said and inched herself closer to me.

I remained silent then raised my glass again. After taking a sip, I lowered it back down onto the counter.

Why did it have to be you?

I wanted her to leave, even though I hadn’t spoken to her in a long time. That event four years ago was never solved, and she was never changed. I couldn’t ever trust her again, not after what she had planned to do. She was a machine; she would inevitably try something like this again.

Leave. I said boldly, finally summing up the courage to speak.

Calcutta paused for a moment but didn’t seem to listen to me. I let go of my glass and put my hands on the edge of the counter.

It’s been four years, Dmitri-

Did you not hear me?! I yelled angrily.

I turned and stood up, moving slightly closer to her.

I said leave!

She pulled back, terrified. I saw little green dots move around in her eyes, which informed me that she was doing a reactive calculation right now. After a few seconds of silence, I sat back down on the stool then turned back around. Suddenly, Calcutta moved forward a few steps then stopped.

Please don’t ask me to do that; I want to speak to you.

I remained silent for a moment then grabbed the glass.

Whatever it is, Calcutta, go talk to Ryhn. He’ll help you a lot more than I ever could.

I raised the glass then took another sip. After that, I put it back down on the table then took my hand off again.

But it’s been four years. We really could use your help.

Did you not listen to Ryhn? I asked for time and time alone. Why can you not grant me this one wish? Why can’t you just obey my direct order for once in your soulless life?! I said, raising my voice near the end and slamming my fist against the counter.

She fell silent again and bowed her head as I could tell that I had really upset her. Calcutta often told us that she wanted to be like a human, have human emotions and live a human life. What she lacked though was the one element that made me human, the soul. She tried to emulate a life regardless and I could tell that she was trying really hard at moments. However, I always knew at the back of my mind, she was just programming encased in metal.

I won’t leave. You always told me to never give up, to never lose hope. It’s been four years and I can no longer stand by and watch this world’s one true chance at survival fall like this. Calcutta said then raised her head, serious.

We need you and no matter what you say, I won’t leave without you.

I paused for a moment again then stood up from the stool. Calcutta pulled back slightly, afraid again while I stared at her for a few seconds. Suddenly, I lost my patience and moved swiftly towards her. I put my hand on the hilt of Freedom and quickly grasped her neck. As I raised her off the ground, she put her hands on my hand in attempt to break free from my grip.

I don’t need to say anything to convince you to leave. I will not hesitate to strike you down here and now. Do you understand me?! I will kill you right now! I yelled angrily again.

Calcutta continued struggling but didn’t seem to be trying at her hardest which surprised me.

Please… please just talk. I don’t want to… Calcutta said while gasping for air.

I tightened my grip for a moment but then realized that I should calm down. After a few seconds of choking her, I loosened my hold, causing her to fall and collapse onto the floor. I took my hand off Freedom and stared at her while she put her hand on her neck, gasping for air. After a moment though, I turned around then walked back to the stool. When I got back there, I was about to sit down but felt a gentle hand on my arm, forcing me to stop.

Please don’t sit back down. Talk to me, Dmitri. Calcutta said, sounding sadder.

I looked at her hand then turned my head towards her, noticing small tear drops flowing down from her eyes. Without hesitation, I quickly moved my hand forward, forcing her to let go of it.

Please no more hate. I just want you to talk to me.

I approached the counter then sat down. After a few seconds of silence, I put my hands on the counter, hunching myself over.

Why can’t you just obey me, Calcutta? Why must you torture me with your presence? I asked.

Because I haven’t given up on you. You’re a great man, and I won’t let you fall like this. I have watched you save the world from Sion’s wrath and observed as your tortured heart attempted at a peaceful life. I don’t want to see you like this. You can’t give up hope now. Calcutta replied, sounding more determined.

I fell silent again then raised myself from the counter. After I turned to her, I was quick to notice a fierce look on her face.

You really believe this? After four years, you still believe that I will return?

Calcutta immediately nodded.

Yes.

She seemed really confident in this, but something came across my mind that I must know.

Is this because of your feelings for me?

Calcutta fell silent and looked away from me. She grabbed her left arm with her right hand, looking as if she was embarrassed.

I thought so.

I asked this question because of the event that happened four years ago. It was the day when Calcutta declared her love to me over my best friend, Ryhn. She then rebelled when I told her to deactivate and was going to try her hand at killing Kaylen whom was the Queen of the Parasites. Ryhn was forced to shut her down for a little bit but we never did resolve the issue. He just explained to Calcutta what she did wrong but didn’t temper with her programming to ensure that this would never happen again. That’s why I was still cautious of her. Watching her switch her mood in a split second had given me the reason to always keep my eye on her.

My feelings for you haven’t changed, but I always looked up to you as my superior; a man that I can truly trust if everything went wrong. Ever since I was able to walk among the creatures as one of them, I always admired you and based my purpose off of your example. Calcutta explained then looked back up at me.

I haven’t forgotten my mistake that I made four years ago, and I calculate a ninety percent chance that if you come back now, I won’t ever do something like that again.

So it’s blackmail then?

Calcutta took her hand off of her arm and shook her head.

No, it’s because you inspire me to do better. Everything that I’ve done is all because of your example. When I saw how angry you were with me on that day, I made a promise to myself and to Ryhn that I would never let you fall down that hole like I did. Calcutta explained then hugged herself.

She seemed really emotional, which was a first for me. She was acting almost like a real human. Four years ago, I could tell that she was nothing but a machine. Now, it seemed like she was one of them.

You promised me, Dmitri. You promised me that you would come back. You told me that you would never give up on your humanity. Please don’t break that promise. I can’t calculate what the world will be like if you truly gave up.

After a few seconds, I squinted my eyes and crossed my arms.

Interesting…

Calcutta bowed her head while I fell silent, surprisingly feeling her pain. She seemed really sad and was desperate for me to come back. This was the most human I had ever seen her and that was amazing. Four years must’ve changed her a lot. Then again, four years had changed me.

There was always a reason why I stood down. There was always a reason why… I couldn’t fight. I said and turned back to the stool.

Why?

She looked up at me, concerned. I paused for a moment, slightly surprised that Ryhn didn’t tell her.

It doesn’t concern you. I replied and sat back down on the stool.

Please tell me. It does concern me if it’s hurting you. Calcutta begged.

I put my hand on the glass then began raising it. However, about half way, I felt a hand on my arm, stopping me from bringing it to my mouth. I paused for a moment then looked to my right, seeing Calcutta beside me, staring with confidence in her eyes.

Don’t drink anymore, Dmitri. Please just tell me what’s wrong and let me help you.

I would take her hand off and tell her to leave again but she seemed really determined to help me through my troubles. Calcutta had earned a new respect from me by emoting almost like a real human. Maybe the thought of me leaving really did break the gap between her machine side and humanity. Because of this, I listened to her and lowered my arm, putting the glass back on the table. I looked at it and bowed my head slightly.

You can’t help me. The path I walk must be taken alone.

Let me try, please. She said in a softer tone.

She lessened the pressure on my arm as I fell silent for a bit. After a few seconds, I raised my head and let go of the glass.

The world is falling apart. Every day, I find myself more unable to help those in need. I’ve become weak in situations where I should be strong. My body is starting to fail me and soon enough, my mind will follow. I explained.

Calcutta froze for a moment then appeared confident again.

If one man is able to stand against the prime evils, is it not his destiny to fight them?

I looked at Calcutta, confused.

Can it really be that simple?

I remembered when I had told her that during the early years that I had known her. When she was able to walk among the planet as one of us, Ryhn asked me to teach her the aspect of humanity. I based my entire teachings around one line. If you lose your humanity, you’ll become nothing but a weapon. While I still believed in that line, it was the other one that seemed to have more of an impact right now.

If one man can rise against evil, then that one man can become many voices. As long as I draw breath, I will forever stand against them. I said and stood up from the stool, looking away from Calcutta.

I began realizing what a fool I had been. I gave up on my planet, because I believed that I could no longer help it. Maybe I was looking at it the wrong way. While I couldn’t do much alone, if I fought, others would join me in the struggle. If it happened before, during the Rise of Sion, it could happen again.

Yes, that’s what you taught me.

I paused for a moment then shook my head.

But can I really still fight despite everything that had happened?

Calcutta nodded.

Yes. You’ve faced impossible tasks before and succeeded. You’re still able to fight so why not continue?

I thought more about her words and realized that perhaps, I could fight again. The Rise of Sion taught me that despite my past and the current situation of my home, others would rise if I fought against their foes. However, it was only my feelings for Kaylen that held me back. Perhaps if I continued fighting, then maybe I would realize that there was still hope for her.

I sat here, believing that I had failed my planet… that I have lost. I am not dead; I still stand. I can still wield my weapon with pride. I am just one man, but I know if I fight, I will inspire many voices to rise up from their den and fight with me. I replied, speaking to myself.

It was what I was taught all along.

Calcutta smiled, happy.

You already have.

I turned to her, confused.

What do you mean?

She paused for a moment then turned to the door.

Please follow me. I will show you what you inspired many to do. Calcutta replied and began walking towards the door.

I felt confused, trying to figure out what she was talking about until I realized that the answer would be given to me in a few seconds. As I decided to follow behind her, I quickly became curious. When she arrived at the closed door, she stopped and turned her head, waiting for me to catch up. When I approached her side, I halted and looked at her, still trying to figure out what she was talking about.

Highlord Dmitri Sion, I re-welcome you aboard the Warship Kargeth. Calcutta said then pressed the button beside the door.

The doors slid open as I began to hear many voices from the room ahead. When I turned towards it, I was immediately in shock. I found people there, each wearing different uniforms. There were a lot of them, talking amongst one another and moving to different destinations.

I walked into the hallway and looked around with confusion. It was then that I quickly questioned where these people came from. I had never sensed their presence during the four years I was in that bar. Now I could suddenly feel their essence right after Calcutta opened the door. There were many logical answers to this issue, but right now, I was too focused on being