The long stretch of time felt like an eternity. Obsidian lays upon his couch, staring into the ceiling, motionless. He looks to his wall mounted television. He stares at the time, [20/20/200]. He chuckles at uniformity but still sighs. Its been a few months since he spoke with Zi, and true to his word, he has not made a single move until she gets back to him. He summons a book in his hands, hard-back literature, a very hard thing to find in this day in age. A buzz comes from the vibration of a tablet that’s received a notification. The book vanishes from Obsidian’s hands. He pick up the tablet from his table, “I’ve got a job for you partner. Meet me at these coordinates”. Obsidian’s face brightens up. “Finally!”
Obsidian arrives to the coordinates sent by Zi: planet Revix, in the ninth zone of Great smolder. He heads through customs and enters the city, wandering down the street. The city is sick, filled with the downtrodden and rancid. Like a mummy wrapped in gold, the towering buildings radiate luxury. Made in a bright white marble complimented with streetlights of red. The street is filled with a delicious smell, this is the sector known for its stomach delights. The massive buildings are brandished top to bottom tele screens promoting ads and propaganda. A number is promoting campaign ads for the planets exo-baron; the representative of the planet, and its immediate ruler. The ads only serve to suck the remaining life of the planet. Soulless, useless, uncreative waste. Most don’t even pay mind, others absorbed in the screens like lifeless corpses, watching as their freedom is stolen in a false act of representation.
Obsidian cuts down around a corner. He walks past a group of warriors beating on a lion man. He walks past the group, but accidentally makes eye contact with the bruised xeno. The lion man has eyes that beg for a savior. He looks upon Obsidian with hope. But Obsidian snickers and shakes his head maliciously as he turns towards a diner on the street. As he walks up the steps to the diner, a slurred voice call out to him.
“Hee—ay bud-- hiq*. Whaatss so funny, he heh.” Says a drunken warrior arm in arm with another of his drunken comrades.
Obsidian looks back, confused. He points to himself
“Yeah you!---tall, dark aannnd… grey he he. Look boys he’s a gray man ha ah.” the drunken warrior and the comrade he’s leaning on start laughing. The other two warriors wear their helmets, one looks a little stumbly but the other looks stoic and doesn’t seem under the influence of any kind. The talkative drunken warrior, stumbles up, to Obsidian.
“Youuuu, look like a xenooo bud, but you got the build of a… he he, heh, gross.” The warrior reaches up to Obsidian, but he grabs the warriors wrist firmly. He reaches behind his coat.
“Whoa buddy, are youuu, resisting. Well that won’t doo, haha.” The warrior yanks his hand away and pushes Obsidian.
Obsidian twitches, his eyes brows furl, and his lip quivers. Enraged. He face contorts into a furious smile, and a deep circular purple light emits from one of his goggles.
Within the diner, Ms. Zi sits patiently, chewing on a straw and scrolling through her device. Suddenly a warrior goes crashing through the window, landing at her booth. The warrior with a helmet quickly stands back up and gets ready to run out. Zi taps her foot and a black smoke captures the warrior's feet, hardening, making him fall. The warrior looks back shaking in anger. He looks up to Zi, who's still entranced in her device. She taps the table with her finger, and the smoke carries the warrior upside down, gluing him to the ceiling as it solidifies. The warrior, dangling, draws his pistol and shoots Zi in the head.
A look of surprise on Zi’s face, but all that comes out of her head is black smoke.
“Look at you. You’re making a mess of this fine establishment.” Zi looks to the hole in the walk the bullet made, her smoking head sealing up.
The warrior starts shooting at the smoke freeing himself, dropping to the ground.
The warrior gets up and points his pistol at Zi. She in turn, looks back and blows soot in the warriors face. While the warrior is busy trying to pull the soot off his face, Zi gets up and captures the mans arms with the black smoke coming out of her back. With the warrior trapped, Zi reels back her fist, she reels her fingers back and throws a powerful palm strike at the mans head, blowing away the smoke and cracking the warriors visor. Zi lets the man go retracting her smoke. He falls to a knee dazed.
“Sir, if we're gonna keep having problems, well.” From Zi's black smoke a long blade slides out. She summons forth a long zwei-hander greatsword. She sets it down, and leans on the swords wide guard.
Just then, Obsidian comes in dragging the bloodied body of the man who touched him. He throws him down and steps on his head, the man groaning in pain. Obsidian grins sadistically as he starts crushing the mans head underfoot.
“Partner, lets not make more of a mess of this fine establishment, please.” Zi says kindly
Obsidian looks at Zi annoyed. He takes a look around the dinner. Everyone eye watches. Obsidian sighs, then he groans as he picks up the sobered man and throws him out of the dinner. Zi retraches her sword into her black smoke.
“Can you get this one too?” Zi asks pointing to the kneeling warrior.
Obsidian smacks his teeth, as he grabs the resisting warrior and throws him out too.
“Well thats one way to start a meet up. What pissed you off” Zi chuckles.
“Not a fan of filth.” Obsidian answers.
“How fun.”
The lion man that was being beaten, stumbles into the dinner, and walks up to Obsidian.
“Thank you, everyday those warriors take out their fury upon me. I longed for a savior such as—”
“Eugh!-- get the **** away from me.” Obsidian wretches
“Oh, my apologies.” The lion says timidly
A waitress comes up to the lion xeno and takes him away.
“With that taken care of, Lets have a seat, im sure your hungry.” Zi says.
The two sit down and Zi passes over a menu. Obsidian scans over the menu placed in front of him. “How goods the booze.” Obsidian asks
“Pretty alright I think, don’t try to get hammered, I need you a little of sober.” Zi says chewing on the straw of her drink.
A waiter comes by to take their orders. “Thank you, for getting rid of those warriors. They come in, get drunk and think they own the place.” She notices Obsidian has gray skin and is quite tall.
“Oh so your Ms. Zi’s friend, how pleasant. May I ask what species do you hail from?” the waiter asks in a polite manner.
Obsidian side eyes the waiter, making it obvious, through his goggles. “You think me a profane.”
“Oh… Sir, we don’t use THAT word around here.” The waiter says, taken aback, and pretty disappointed. She looks around to see if anyone heard that.
“Just take my order. I want your worst alcohol. Maybe some ribs too.” Obsidian says unapologetically
The waiter takes their order and walks off, disgruntled.
“Woooow. You’re a piece of work. Didn’t know you were prejudiced asshole.” Zi comments
“What? it’s just a description.” Obsidian says confused
“And it’s offensive, to most species if not all species. You need to be more mindful about others.” she advises
“Why should I?” He says genuinely
Zi sighs heavily. “Maybe you then you’d actually have friends.” Zi takes a large sip from her drink.
“Anyway, let's go over these sorties.” Zi pulls out a data pad from her bag and slides it over. “You got three choices on there, pick wisely.” As Obsidian looks over the sorties he realizes that all of them are specifically high paying jobs. However, they are also jobs Obsidian finds distasteful. An escort mission for a Lord, the assassination of a Revoltor commander, and a Hit on a hired gun who failed to cover their tracks.
Obsidian grunts as not a thing here seems interesting. But then he takes a serious expression as he begins thinking past his own base desires. He reads the briefing for the first mission suggested. The escort mission, in the Gamma Bright sector, one of 13 sectors splitting up the universe, there’s a lord facing potential assassination by Unified Revoltors. They are described to be a collective group of ragged fighters left over from the great black conquest, which concluded a little over 100 years ago.
He notes some key information: the Gamma Bright sector is controlled by one of 13 Black Knights, the king's strongest warriors, and they overseer each of the 13 sectors. To Obsidian the Black Knights themselves don’t mean anything to him, besides a general distaste of the group, except for two. And one of them oversees Gammabright. This lord who faces potential assassination, is a very well-known hero, and widely beloved. This mission could be an easy way to build strong connections for the future.
“I would like this one.” Obsidian points to the mission
“Oh, the escort. I thought you would take the assassinations; it seemed more your style. Any particular reason.” Zi questions curiously
“No.” Obsidian says bluntly
“That’s fine. After we’re done eating you can head straight to Gamma Bright.” Zi puts the pad away.
Just then the waiter brings the food, and the booze, and the two enjoy the rest of their time. Although Obsidian felt his drink tasted funny. He asks one of the waiters to bring a new drink, which tasted fine. Obsidian shrugs it off.
Zi and Obsidian exit the dinner, but there faced with a group of peacekeepers.
“Oh dear.” Zi says surprised
“You are under arrest for the assault of the monarchy’s warriors!!!” Says a peacekeeper into a speaker.
“Well partner, how are…” Zi sees Obsidian slowly raise his hand cannon. Zi gently puts a hand on the piece and lowers it.
“Lets not make a mess. Okay?” She says sweetly.
Obsidian frowns.
Deep within monarchy-controlled space, we descend into a golden city on a planet known for its black skies. The sun shines brightly, signaling the day. The city is filled with shining massive buildings of gold. People fill the streets, trotting with joy. The city plazas are littered with performers and wonders. There’s a grand statue in the center of the city, where a crowd has formed.
“And here we have the statue of the legendary Lord of Gold; Para Dorado, born on this very planet, the great Umbra.” A speaker stands on the top of the statue’s steps giving a tourist attraction. The statue depicts a noble figure, with strong facial features, dressed in regal armor, and a flowing cape, depicted standing triumphantly.
“The Lord of Gold is beloved by all, a hero, who fought in the fifth and final era of the great 1000-year conquest. It’s said under his command he ensured the survival of every one of his men. And even still he ensures the well-being of all his subjects; he may be the greatest Lord the universe has ever known!” The crowd applauds.
“The Dorado name will forever be cherished, especially here on Umbra. Despite his valor in war, he never forgot where he came from, and we will always be grateful; to our lord, and his family name!” the crowd cheers.
In a neighborly section of the city, a very fancy limousine pulls up to a massive golden school.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
The car parks in front of the school. Inside a very classy young boy, With soft gold blonde hair and golden eyes, wearing a black and gold uniform, gets ready to exit the car.
“I thank you Alexander, I must go now.” Cheerfully says the boy.
“Of course young master, have a good day.” Alexander farewells
The boy excitedly hops out of his limousine, holding a school bag. He walks into the school yard, joyfully greeting the passing students. He spots his group of friends and greets them.
“Memphis, Tenncy! How are you today?” Midas asks in a joyous mood.
“Pretty alright.” Responds Memphis
“I didn’t want to get up this morning, but my parents yelled at me. Again.” Says Tenncy
The boys then enter the school, the schools inside is white, with complementary black, and orange accents. Kids walk too and from to get to there classes. Dorado in big orange and yellow text for everyone to see. As the young master walks through the hall way, he returns the waves of many kids and teachers he seems to know. He pass a group of students and has a personal handshake which each kid. The young master and his friends they all go to their class. They walk in and happily take their seats.
“Alright class, I will now be taking attendance.” Says a middle-aged man.
The teacher, proceeds to take attendance.
“Darly Wiles?”
“Here.” Darly responds
“Arnine Crutz?”
“Here!” Arnine responds happily
The teacher continues on and takes attendance for the rest of the students. Each one stands up as their names are called then sit back down.
“lastly, is Midas Dorado here?” the teacher asks
The blonde-haired boy stands
“Of course sir, I’m always present.” Midas says jubilantly
“Indeed, now take a seat.” The teacher turns to the screen board.
“Alright, class today is a good day.” The teacher playfully asks.
“Today, we head on down to the gym, and we finally begin spirit control training.” The teacher says joyously
The class cheers in excitement.
“but before we do, it is imperative that we are familiar with the basic, spirit can be a dangerous source of power. Get out your notes as we review the subject.”
The sound of paper and moving chairs and desks sound the children laying out their books. The teacher turns on the smart-screen to a presentation of the unit.
“flip to page 120 in your books.” Says the teacher. An Image of a Vitruvian man, surrounded by a aura appears on the presentation. A ghost of the image is outlined behind the man in the aura.
“In order to understand Spirit as an energy, we must first understand our deeper selves.” The teacher begins
“It all begins with the Eternal Body. The second, metaphysical vessel that resides within all living creatures. For many generations it has been described as a second, mystical flesh, or as ancient philosophers liken: it is our divine selves. Can anyone tell me what are the components of the eternal body.” The teacher surveys the class.
Midas is first to raise his hand.
“Yes Midas.”
“The main components of the eternal body are the: true heart, the rational mind, and the full core.” Midas answers proudly.
“Correct young lord.”
“the True Heart; is the source from which spirit bleeds. The rational mind the control matrix which dictates the flow. And finally the full core, where the spirit is stored and distributed into the physical body.” The teacher taps the screen and a side-ways infinity symbol passes through the three components.
“Each component, works together in perfect harmony in order to grant the physical body incredible power, any disruptions could equal dramatic reductions in energy or worse death.”
Midas raises his hand.
“yes Midas.” Acknowledges the teacher
“What is spirit? And why do we produce it?” Midas inquires
“Well, Midas. To quote the great scientist Renazac Firstson; *A persons strength comes from how much they desire the perfect life*. Its theorized spirit is the eternal body giving the physical body the power to make change upon the world around them. A persons desires and personality shaping what’s within, giving whats within the blueprint it needs to breed strength.” The teacher turns off the presentation.
“Now that we’re good and refreshed on what powers our bodies, there is an assignment on your devices. Once everyone has finished, we’ll head down to the gym and begin training.” The teacher sits down at his desk to focus on his own work.
The children all turn to there devices and begin their assignments. Midas opens the test, and begins quickly moving through the questions, with laser focus. However in the back of the class a group of kids are being obnoxious. Midas tries to ignore them but their being unnecessarily loud.
“Ahaaaa!! That why your built like an uncooked Ranto flipped upside down dipped in honey, greasy ass.” Roasts on of the kids
The group go back and forth with their roast battle. Its all fun and games until things begin to get a little heated.
“Broke ass boy! It’s a wonder you got into this school, bank account looking like an empty pot of gold. Whats at the end of this rainbow? A broke leprechaun. Sweet ass, ginger ass boy! Magically delicious ass boy!” The whole group begins to cackle at the barrage piercing insults. The receiver of the disrespect smacks his teeth. Until he takes a devious smirk.
“Oh yeah. Thats why yo mom looks a santorect tribe head with downs-syndrome. Built like the buddha, fat, oily ass. I can bet a hunnid sharix yo parents split, daddy got the hands. Im right ain't I.” The group starts dying laughing but they quickly die down when seeing their friends face.
“AY DON’T TALK BOUT MY MOM!!!” The grabs the other by the collar and the two start to scuffle.
“Boys! Cut—-”
“CEASE YOUR FOOLISHNESS AT ONCE!!!” yells Midas as he stands up quickly.
“MIND YOUR…” the aggressive boy, quickly tempers himself once he realizes who he's yelling at.
“Midas, I can handle this, take a seat please.” asks the teacher.
“The heathens think they can act however they wish. May they insult my fathers name, AND I'LL SIT THEM DOWN MYSELF!” Midas directs his threat to the rambunctious boys, who quickly take their seats.
“Damn, daddy’s boy.” The punks whisper under their breath, smacking their teeth.
“Im glad you feel that way Midas but please take a seat.” The teacher says one more time.
“Hmph.” Midas exhales as he takes his seat.
The teacher goes over to the punks to talk with them. One of the boys glares a Midas while his friends are getting lectured.
“Silvers! pay attention when im talking to you.” The teacher snaps his fingers
The class gets back on track. After the last kid had finished their assignment, the teacher finally gets up from his desk.
“Alright class, it's time to head down to the gym. Now, I want everyone on their best behavior. If anyone cause a ruckus I will be ending things early. Understood?!”
The class all acknowledge the teachers request. In a cacophony of moving chairs, the children all arise to head to the gymnasium.
“Alright! Welcome gold class. You kids ready for the next stage of your training!” an enthusiastic broad gym coach greets the class with a wide goofy smile. The class collectively returns the high energy greeting.
“Now that's what I like to hear. You guys ready for the next step to becoming proper warriors!”
the kids cheer louder than before.
“You kids are brimming with potential, and right we'll help you to discover how much we're working with. Everyone here know how to flex their true hearts, am i right.”
The class collectively nods
“yes my students have already have awakened their second vessels.” The teacher confirms
“Alright! As i expected from the top class. We’ll have each student come up one by one and show us what they got. Who's the brave soul willing to go first ey! Any volunteers.”
The coach looks around analyzing the class. The students look at each, chatting with each other.
Midas comes to the front, volunteering to go first.
“Well well, no better than the lords son to show how things are done. Come on up buddy.”
Midas steps up to the front. “Whenever your ready buddy, my partner in the fancy glasses got you covered.” he nods to the man holding a tablet.
“Very well, sir.” Midas closes his eyes. He starts to glow, he erupts in a mystical shining gold light.
“Alright! Thats what i like to see! What we working with.” The coach Asks his assistant.
“Midas Dorado’s spiritual potency, is high. His flow rate is a stable 1362 ppm.” reports the assistant
“Not bad at all kid. But you look like this is a stroll in the park for you. I wanna see what you can really do. Lets see those limits!”
Midas looks at the coach. His calm expression widens into a bright smile. He clinches and explodes in a blinding light, but he reins it in a dense aura of light.
“Whoa nelly! That's some heavy spirit! Whats it say now?”
“Potency is supreme class, and pulse per minute is 5173. within the Gammabright academy average he is a 10 percenter.” reports the assistant
“Nice! Good job kid now hold that for a moment.” The coach turns to class
“As you can Midas's spirit is shining, It's also pulsing at a high frequency and it glows brightly. Everyones spirit flows differently and will have different attributes, just Focus on your own stats and give your best!”
“Midas you can step down, thank you for volunteering.” Says the assistant
“Of course sir it was my honor.”
The rest of the class then gives it a try. One by one each kid steps up and flares their spirit. Each child has a variety of auras, different colors, different flows, different pressures. Some flow like fire, some like water, others flow like light, similar to midas. The last student to step up is the boy named silvers. He seems to have a serious disposition and never seems to talk with anyone.
“Alright bud, last but not least. Show us what you got.”
Silvers closes his eyes. Then as he opens them his iris’ shine a luminous, soft gray, then an cold Intense heavy pressure crushes the room. A then glow radiates off his body, and his hair faintly glows white. Suddenly his spirit stops, then erupts into flames that whip like tendrils.
“Whoa! Alright kid i think we got it. You can stop now!” The coach yells
“Silvers Graham, potency exalted, flow rate undetermined. You may end your demonstration now.” Says the assistant
Silvers walks down to Midas still flaring his spirit. He looks upon the young lord, Midas looks unwavering.
“Silvers! That's enough, we already told you to stop.” Orders the coach.
Silvers glances back, then finally extinguishes his spirit.
“Incredible friend, a marvelous showing indeed.” Midas compliments, putting out a hand.
Silvers stares at Midas, before huffing and walking to the back of the class. Midas looks at Silvers confused, but intrigued.
“That kid. Silvers. Whats his rank.” The coach asks.
“In most averages. He'd Be in the top 5%” answers the assistant
“Hmm.” The coach seems to contemplate
The sound of the bell announces the end of the school day. Midas walks out of the school doors with his two friends.
“Today was a pleasant day! Can you two agree.” Midas asks his friends
“I guess. But did you see that Silvers guy, he seemed to have beef with you Midas.” Warns one of his friends
“Really? I can't fathom why.” Midas says
“Well he is the son of the count Graham, pretty sure his father was in a scandal of some kind. Can't remember what though.”
“Fascinating, well i suppose. But if thats the case, I'll just have to introduce myself to him and i can get to know him.” Midas says pleased
“I don't know man. He seems dangerous” Says his other friend
“Don't fret, I am the son of the great lord Dorado. Danger bows at my name. Haha!” Midas lets out a hearty laugh.
“Oh! That would be me. Farewell my friends.” Midas runs off to his ride.
His friends yell their goodbyes.
Midas enters his personal ride.
“Hello sir Alexander!” Midas greets
“Hello young master, i hope your day was well.”
Alexander pulls out of the school and begins driving.
“It was splendid Alexander. We finally begun spirit training. I was top of my class of course.”
“Brilliant master, your Father would be proud.”
“Hehe. But their was someone who seemed to have more talent than I.” Midas says
“Oh really, now that's truly remarkable.”
“Indeed I believe his name was Silvers, Silvers Graham.”
“Graham you say… Not to speak ill but you should stay away from that one. His family is not one to be trusted.”
“What was this scandal his father is known for?”
“Well that is something to ask your father.”
Midas sighs, “very well.”
Alexander turns down a low populated corner.
Suddenly the car explodes as it crosses a cross road. The car is launched up, crashing on the roof, completely flipping over. Midas is left in a daze. His head is ringing and in pain as he dangles from his seat. He can vaguely see dress shoes. Then a pair of combat boots stomps in and a scuffle begins. Then a thud hits the car, and Alexander's body falls to ground lifeless. Midas’ heart drops, as the door is ripped off and a scaled xeno, pulls Midas out of the car, and knocks him out.
Midas wakes up to a pitch black darkness. He can feel a bag around his head. He feels a chill, an uncomforting breeze.
“Announce yourselves! Who has the gall to foolishly take me capture!” Midas yells out
“Oh great the damn brat woke up. Told you the damn gas wasn't gonna work.” Says an unknown voice. His words muffled due to the bag on Midas's head barely able to make out the sounds.
“Do something…captured the brat.” A different voice speaks from much further away.
“Alright you little nepo baby, here's how this is gonna go down. You're gonna shut the hell up and sit all nice and pretty, while we lure in your pops and x him real quick. I don't wanna hear another—”
“You truly believe you can smother my fathers glorious luster.” Midas interrupts
There's a brief pause
“What? Don't f****** in---”
“My father is the greatest lord the universe has ever known, no one can match his stature!”
“Well that's simply incorrect; i can think of like ten other lords… Wait no! Shut the f*** up! Im not hearing this today.”
“Well that's quite unfortunate my dear kidnapper. You have made a grave mistake, and now you'll pay the price. Im sure my father will gladly spare your lives. If you got on your knees and begged for mercy.” Midas says snobbishly
“Oh my god, hmpf!”
Midas feels a sharp blunt pain on the side of his head. His head starts to spin as he feels disoriented.
“Shut. Up. Or next time it'll be a other end of the rifle you'll have to deal with.”
Just then a noise comes from what seems like a radio.
“This is Lieutenant watchdog, Status?”
The sound of static is followed by a click.
“He's here, keep the boy secure.” a click seems to end the call.
“You've all made a terrible mistake.” Midas says ominously
Midas feels a sharp burning sensation followed by a bang. He screams out in pain, as the hot metal singes his side. His right leg feels wet as blood pours down.
“I dare you to say some shit again. After the lord, your next, then your mother. So sit tight and wait like a good boy. Maybe then you'll make daddy proud.” the man then walks away.
Midas grits his teeth trying to hold it in. He will not fear, he will scream, he will not cry. For his father has arrived and nothing will shake his will. After a moment of silence, prolonged by the excruciating pain Midas feels, a storm of gun fire rings from afar. Then silence. Then the sound of boots. A crash and the sound of metal hitting the wall behind Midas.
“OPEN FIRE!!!” A storm of gun fire erupts. An intense pressure is felt throughout the room, and a blinding light shines through the bag on Midas’ head, then silence. The sound of heavy foot steps approaches Midas.
“My boy! What have they done to you!” says a regal voice.
The bag is then ripped off of Midas's head, revealing his cracked bleeding forehead. The cold room blinds Midas, as every inch of the place is pure solid gold. Each kidnapper, now only golden statues.
You're bleeding! And you've been shot!!! Oh god. Ben! Get medical aid at once! I'll have everyone of them destroyed my boy, that i promise.” Midas's restraints are torn off and he's then picked up gently. He looks up to see his father, wearing a black and gold helmet, while also sporting his regal cape, like a statue come to life.
“Oh father, I did not fear for a moment. I knew you'd come.” Midas hugs his father tightly.
“Of course, I'm beyond proud of you. My brave little boy.” The Lord Dorado embraces his son.
Dorado carries his son outside into the sun light, the entire building now turn to gold, statues of soldiers littered throughout. The butler named Ben runs up ready to carry off Midas to receive medical attention.
“Gently, thats my son.” Orders the Lord
“Of course sire.” Ben carries Midas to a stretcher.
The Lords sighs heavily through his helmet. He takes it off revealing soft golden hair.
“I can't keep this up forever. I believe my time home is coming to an end. I hope my request went through to the H.G.A.” Dorado sighs
From a distance in a tall building, Dorado’s head is lined up in the crosshairs of a sniper. the sniper zooms in, the digital scope checks off the shot is perfect. The sniper carefully squeezes the trigger. But then there's a glare. Suddenly a bright light comes and pierces through the scope of the sniper, and his head splatters as he is silenced.