Page 3 of Fated to the Alien Chieftain

“This is so weird; I can’t see my hands,” Pebbles calls out in a rush of words. “I can’t feel any buttons on it. How the hell do I turn it off, Krogoth?” her voice grows more panicky, with each passing moment.

“You just have to think it,” I answer, clasping her camouflaged outline around the shoulders, hoping to steady her nerves.

“The only thing I’m thinking about is how will I ever use the bathroom again when I’m bloody invisible!” Pebbles exclaims.

I resist the urge to laugh as I feel Pebbles’ shoulders move as she takes a deep breath. And as quickly as she disappeared, she reappears once again, waving her now visible hands in front of the narrow-slanted eye slits of her mask.

The crowd breaks out into excited cheering once again. “It’s real!” some shout out.

“I never thought being invisible could be so scary,” Pebbles says, as she hastily removes the warvisor from her face, tucking it back into her dress. “Good thing I wasn’t thinking any violent thoughts. Probably would have blown up the entire planet or something crazy,” she says, catching her breath.

“Sadly, it can’t do that,” I say. Her words bring a smile to my face. “Because the sacred warvisors come from the Gods themselves, it interfaces directly with your thoughts. There is no other technology like it in the universe. That’s why many pay a fortune for them, hoping to steal its secrets.”

Pebbles plays with her necklace, rubbing the Elerium at its center, her eyes glazing over in thought. “When I put it on, I was so nervous, I was thinking about not screwing up with so many people watching me… I guess the warvisor assumed I was a lost cause, then hid me completely,” she finishes with a dry chuckle.

My heart aches for Pebbles and I hope this minor mishap hasn’t soured her experience for the day. “Not at all. You spoke like the elegant Chieftainess you will soon become,” I reply, taking her by the hand and helping her into the Chieftain’s chair once again. “I’ll handle it from here. You relax and enjoy yourself,” I finish with a smile before turning to address the crowd myself.

I look into the faces gathered. There’s not a one I don’t recognize. Many of them served under me with honor and glory in the countless battles and wars we’ve fought in the name of the Scythians. Many are maimed and scarred using artificial limbs. Seeing them again reignites my burning hatred of our overlords, the Scythians, reaffirming my choice to destroy them. Such a disgraceful fate for my kinfolk, my war brothers.

The crowd begins to quiet down, noting my wish to speak. “Glorious brothers, my thanks for coming to honor Rocks'Proving!” I exclaim loudly, holding my arms aloft, awaiting total silence before continuing.

“She has just demonstrated the cloaking ability of her warvisor, so none can doubt the authenticity of my love’s Proving,” I shout, my voice ringing out over the packed hall. I notice many of the attendees nodding their heads in agreement.

“Under the likeness of the Goddess Machsin, Rocks prayed. It was with her mercy that she bestowed her blessing upon the first non Klendathian to complete the Proving. This was no act of pity, but a reward for her immeasurable courage and skill! For not only did she have to brave the beasts of the forest, slaying Xyronath the Shadowstalker but also endure the treachery of Clan Magaxus,” I continue, my face twisted into genuine anger. The retelling of the events feels like discovering them anew.

I reach into my robes and place in front of the crowd the pieces of Magaxus markings I had gathered from the maniac Prospects that hunted my beloved. Heated murmurs can be heard interspersed with calls of “Magaxus traitors!” as the crowd takes turns coming to the back of the hall, to examine the evidence.

I wait for the commotion to die down before continuing. “It is the Magaxus elders under Zyraxis that sent three warriors armed with plasma weapons into the Proving with the sole mission to murder my Rocks! They did not foresee her incredible cunning and speed, and one by one she endured, slaying each one!” I roar to the crowd, gesturing to Pebbles who’s seated, leaning forward, listening intently.

Many faces turn to look at Pebbles, some with wonder and awe, others with mouth agape in total disbelief. I can hardly blame them. To look upon her beautiful tiny figure, it’s hard to imagine her defeating so many Klendathian Prospects.

“Like a true Draxxus warrior, she endured and prevailed. That’s why as an honorary Klendathian we will complete theMortakin-Tok and shine as a beacon of hope for all you, my brothers, that we can rebuild our shattered civilization, becoming Mortakin-Kai’s and fathers once more,” I promise them, watching as many swap confused glances amongst themselves.

I’d expected such a reaction, knowing many would dismiss the possibility out of hand. But I always speak plainly and honestly, finding politics and subterfuge as the tactic of cowards and deceivers. “Chieftain, The Gods will never bless such a union. They never have!” the respected hunter Lorik calls out from the crowd. Many nod their heads in agreement.

“I have faith they will. Rocks and I were visited by the Gods. We shared the same visions despite being separated half a world away. They blessed her Proving. They will bless our union too!” I affirm unshaken in my resolve. The crowd exchanges more confused glances, some with concerned looks on their faces.

“The Gods do not exist, because if they did, they would be the cruelest evil to have ever befallen a people. To allow us to have suffered so much!” Jarxius, the healer, shouts over the crowd, his face showing barely repressed resentment.

“You dare blaspheme, healer!” my long-time friend Rylar roars back, his face and voice twisted with anger. “How can you deny their existence? Did you not just witness the sacred warvisor?” he spits out. The sight of Rylar twists my face with a sneer, reminding me of his betrayal, sending my Pebbles into the Proving against my wishes, but I judge it better to deal with him later.

“Advanced ancient technology, nothing more!” Jarxius retorts simply. The crowd erupts into heated bickering, the vast majority siding with Rylar as they begin to shove and push each other. I need to act now before another brawl breaks out.

“Silence!” I roar, using the voice I usually reserve for the heat of battle.

It has the desired effect, as the crowd stops immediately, as if frozen in time, before turning to look at me. “A universe full of enemies, yet you fight each other.” I sigh, taking a deep breath before continuing. “Soon Rocks and I will lead the way to Lanaisor and complete the Mortakin-Tok. We will prove the truth of the matter either way,” I finish, happy to see the others have stopped bickering.

“Chieftain Krogoth, I am Harkus, the teacher. If I may make a suggestion?” The ancient scholar rises from his seat.

A broad smile crosses my face, delighted to see my wise old teacher. “There's no need to introduce yourself, scholar. I daresay you’ve taught almost everyone in this room!” I say with a short laugh, which is mirrored by the others.

Harkus smiles and casts his eyes around the hall. “Yes, I think you are correct,” he laughs before continuing. “In more ways than one, I believe,” he stops to clear his throat. “An auspicious eclipse is due in three days. If you recall from your studies, it indicates a strong omen. The union between Dagdorix of the Star Eyes and Machsin, to usher in the new union of Rocks and yourself.” He finishes by showing a calendar projected from his wrist console.

As he finishes speaking, I feel a tingle run down my spine. The eerie timing of this portent fortifies my faith that the Mortakin-Tok will succeed. “A fine idea, Harkus, as long as Rocks consents?” I ask, turning to stare at Pebbles, who sits upon the Chieftain’s chair in deep thought.

My heart flutters in anticipation awaiting her response, having not discussed the topic of the Mortakin-Tok with her since before being held by the Council of Elders.

Maybe the ordeal of the Proving has changed her mind?

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