- Journal of Princess Lissie Monsoon
Imperia
The heavy storms of Imperia raged all around her starship. Green streaks of light flashed through thick gray clouds as water droplets raced across the windows that surrounded her seat. She had sailed past Imperia on several occasions when visiting the other moons of Elementa, but never actually broke through its ever-raging storm clouds to see the surface for herself. The Jhori had marked the world off-limits, and as a princess of Aerosi, Lissie Monsoon was expected to adhere to that law. Though, she had a strong sense that her current act of trespassing would soon be the least of her transgressions.
Which is why instead of her royal starcruiser, she was piloting a small two-person ship. Alone. She couldn’t allow anyone back on Aeros to know she was ever here.
Because moments from then on that very moon there was to be a gathering of Elementi royalty. A gathering hidden from the watchful eye of the Jhori. A gathering that her parents had decided to turn a blind eye to.
They were old fools. She loved them of course, but they were fools, nonetheless.
Lissie couldn’t decide if it was cruel or just plain odd that life would revert one’s mind back to that of a child when approaching the end. Or perhaps they had always been this way. Perhaps it was just that she was now savvy enough to realize how inept her parents truly were.
The king and queen of Aeros had received an invitation to the confidential meeting the night before. The only information given, other than the whereabouts, was that it pertained to the future of the Jhori Elementi.
Lissie would not have even known had she not overheard her parents talking about it when they forgot to hang up their communicators the night before. She knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but they just made it so damn easy breezy. And as the successor to the crown, she was more than concerned with what kind of mess her parents would be leaving for her to inherit. Her mother, Queen Keega, had already done a number on their relations with the elite houses of Aeros over the years.
Once Lissie’s ship broke through the clouds, she found that the heavy rains made it difficult to make out anything on the surface of the moon. Her navigation system had her heading in the direction of several blinking red lights that she safely assumed indicated the location of a parking balcony.
Once she had parked, a flash of green lightning illuminated the grand palace of Imperia. Through the rain she saw a glimpse of numerous waterfalls cascading down the corners of its many towers. Each one proudly displayed large statues perched atop their roofs. Lissie couldn’t imagine the statues were still possibly identifiable from the years of heavy erosion.
When the darkness had returned, Lissie noticed one of the rooms in the tower nearest her was dimly lit. She pulled her hood up and marched head down toward the tower. The heavy rain beat down on her back.
How could anyone actually live here? No wonder the Imperians took off to form the Farako nation.
The inside of the palace was dark and damp. The sound of water leaking through the ceiling echoed all throughout its stone hallways.
“What a dump,” Lissie said to herself. She went up a spiral staircase. Having to keep her hand on the wall to guide her. Every now and then more green lightning would shine through a window and give her a brief view of where she was going.
Finally, she spotted light coming from under a door down a hallway. Ideally, she wanted to find a place to eavesdrop on the meeting. However, the person behind putting this gathering together had done so wisely. It was impossible to spy on them from outside. Despite the fact that she could manipulate the winds to give herself flight. The heavy rains would drown out their voices entirely.
This particular room also had no rooms on either side of it. It jutted out from the side of the tower like a thick vein. She was going to have to attend the meeting and hope that the attendees would hold true to its confidentiality.
Lissie opened the door and was met with royal eyes holding varying degrees of disappointment. She pulled back her hood to reveal her pixie styled silver hair. She had tight black shorts on with long white tassels down the sides. Her jacket was also black and had the same long white tassels down the sleeves.
King Jrax Ferno was the first to speak out upon her arrival. “The hell you think you’re doing here?” he slurred.
“I am attending this meeting on behalf of Aeros,” she replied. “My parents had pressing matters this evening.”
“I didn’t expect any Aerosi to show up if I’m being honest,” said King Davus Tidal. He was a large man with a thick black beard and wild eyebrows. His long black hair was pulled back into a tight braid that fell over his shoulder and reached his belt. He wore bright blue garments that showed off an impressive physique.
Next to him was his beautiful wife, Queen Marcella. Her bright blue hair gleamed over her shoulders. Lissie envied her for several of her eye-catching qualities. Ultimately, it was her high cheek bones that she coveted most. They gave the queen of Luna a very regal and intelligent appearance. Even though Marcella was born of a citizen-class Lunanite, Lissie felt she looked far more like royalty than herself.
“Nor did I,” said Jrax. “But she needs to piss off. She isn’t one of the two Aerosi who were invited.”
“I’m in line for the throne,” Lissie protested. She had expected resistance, and she was getting it from exactly the person she expected she would. “My people deserve representation to this meeting. Despite what my parents believe.”
“She’s absolutely correct,” said the Onyxian king, Harley Stone. He spoke with a croaky voice. Both his wife Queen Fria and he showed no resemblance to their youthful selves now that they were well past 70. Once revered as elite warriors, many wondered just how much of their former prowess they still possessed. Lissie was more concerned with how much of their minds was left. Though, they seemed far more coherent than her parents. Who were themselves pushing 90.
“All Elementi should be represented in this meeting,” said Fria. She pulled out the chair next to her and gestured for Lissie to have a seat.
Jrax only grunted and pulled out his flask for a swig.
Lissie knew that was the closest thing to an invitation she would ever get from him. Jrax had always been a quiet and reserved man when Lissie reflected on their brief times of working together during the war. It was after the death of his wife Drelaine that he had become such an alcoholic asshole.
Lissie took the vacant seat offered to her from Queen Fria Stone. “Thanks,” she told her as she sat down.
“Of course, princess,” she replied. Her white hair was pulled back into three tails that met and twisted into one. “How is your mother? She never responds to my messages.”
Lissie knew that her mother loathed Queen Fria. She never had any reason other than she found Fria’s friendliness to be overbearing. So, now what? Lie to a queen? What could she possibly say? Sorry, my mother’s been busy for the last dozen years.
“We didn’t come here to gossip,” snapped Jrax. “Keep your squabbling outside of this room.”
Never had Lissie ever imagined a scenario where she would be rescued by Jrax being an asshole, but there it was. She almost wanted to whisper thank you to him. She was so relieved she didn’t have to answer that question.
The door of the room opened and a shorter woman with all white eyes entered the room. Her pitch-black skin was covered in bright white dots that drifted across her skin. She had long purple hair with black tips that reached the back of her knees. As for clothing, she wore very little.
“Greetings kings and queens of Elementa,” she said. “I am Lys, High Priestess of the Undying Light.”
A priestess? She felt her heart pick up tempo. Is that what this meeting was about? Joining some illegal cult that would get them all killed?
“I serve the Godking Darex Voltus on his quest to free his people, your people, from the Jhori’s grip.” Said Lys.
“Godking?” said Queen Marcella. “Is that what he calls himself these days?” her voice came off as amused more than offended. She flicked her luscious blue hair over her shoulder and gave her kingly husband a peculiar smirk.
“As the reincarnation of a celestial, it is only right to do so,” replied Lys.
Lissie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Freeing us from the Jhori’s grip. Celestial reincarnations. High Priestesses. Godking?! This was treason of the highest degree, and she would have no part in it.
“Well, I can already tell that I don’t like where this is going at all,” said Lissie as she rose from her chair. Her parents had been right not to attend this meeting. Maybe they had been right about a lot more than Lissie gave them credit for. She turned to leave, but Jrax slammed his fist on the table.
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“You may not yet be a queen, but you will act like one today,” he told her. “You’re the one that showed up uninvited. Now sit your ass down until the rest of the royals have adjourned this meeting.”
How dare he make her look weak in front of the other royals! She clenched her fists and collected bril around them. No. He’s the one making a fool of himself.
Lissie calmed herself and sat back down. Just being in this room was enough to have her sent to a Jhori prison for the rest of her life. How could the other royals all be so cavalier about what was transpiring right before them?
The High Priestess continued her little spiel as if nothing had happened. “We have spies within the Jhori capital. What some of you have feared has come to fruition. The Jhori intend to brainwash your children against you. They teach a doctrine that spits on the old ways. The ways of your people. Nothing is sacred to them, and if you oppose, if you decide to claim your independence, they will banish you and turn your own kind against you. On behalf of the Undying Light, Godking Darex Voltus has sent me to offer you and your people refuge and freedom. He wants to unite the Elementi once again. Unite your races and claim independence from Jhori oppression. You must do this before they send you into another civil war against each other.” She spoke with sincerity in her voice.
Who does she think she’s fooling? Lissie wondered. It was the Farako Elementi who had started the war after all.
“Darex’s ancestors have tried time and time again to take down New Jhori and have failed every time,” said Harley. “What makes you think this time will be any different?”
“Because every other time they tried they had our ancestors there to stop them!” shouted Jrax. “We could have all been free over 300 years ago had our ancestors had the courage to join forces with them. It’s time we undo the wrongs of the past!”
King Harley cleared his throat loudly. “Jrax, I know our people have lost certain liberties. We were and still are a ruthless and devastatingly powerful warrior race. They have good reason to keep a close eye on us.” Fria put her hand over the hand of her husband to lend her support.
“I’m sorry you feel that way,” said Jrax. “But this meeting will be the last chance your people have at freedom. There’s no guarantee that any Jhori loyalists who choose to remain behind will not be considered an enemy from here on out.”
“Then I’m afraid that once this meeting is adjourned, that is what we will be,” Harley replied.
“It would appear so,” said Jrax. He raised his hand and a small bright flame appeared at the tip of his finger.
“What is the meaning of this?!” asked Fria. The old queen wore a similar dark green robe to her husband. Her eyes were wild as she gave Jrax a fierce glare.
“It’s alright, Fria,” Harley said, never looking away from the Pyran king. “Jrax, you called this meeting together in an effort to promote peace amongst us. Yet, how long did it take for you to start dealing out threats?” He rubbed at his long white beard. His dark skin was wrinkled and bore many scars and sunspots.
Jrax lowered his hand and extinguished the flame. “A close eye you say. Is that all that’s going on?” he asked. Then he looked over to the priestess, “Well are you going to tell them, or should I?”
Lys nodded. “What Jrax speaks of is the execution of Jhori initiative ‘Bril Restraint’. It involves several plans to eradicate the Elementi. The Empress Elect and her croons don’t ever want more of you than they can control. Since Darex ended the war when he succeeded his father, the Elementi have stopped killing each other off. It’s because of this that the Jhori are now concerned with lowering your populations.”
Priestess Lys then threw several small cubes onto the table that displayed holographic documents. Each one mentioned several ways in which the Elementi’s numbers could be diminished.
Lissie watched the other royals start to read through the holograms. They did not seem to like what they saw.
Initially, Lissie was going to avoid looking at the propaganda. That’s what her parents would have done. Though, that thought didn’t sit well with her, and she was already attending a treasonous meeting. Not to mention everyone else was doing it, so…
Before her on the holograms hovered detailed accounts of how to slowly introduce weakening poisons into their food and water supply. Some pages listed weapons that would be best suited against each type of Elementi. She was stunned to see how many atrocities the Jhori were allegedly committing against them already.
“I think I’m going to be sick,” Marcella said as she saw images of Elementi prisoners being subjected to different experiments.
“This doesn’t make any since,” said Lissie. “How can we be certain that these documents haven’t been fabricated to turn us against New Jhori?”
“You really think the Jhori have our best interests at heart?” Marcella asked her. “Have you seen the conditions our people live in? Our worlds have been altered in such a way that they can’t produce their own food. We survive entirely on the rations provided by New Jhori. This doesn’t raise any concerns to you?”
“The Jhori issue enough rations for everyone to go to bed with a full belly,” said Lissie. “We have everything we could possibly need given to us by them. What more do you want?”
“Freedom,” said Jrax. He stood up and pointed out the window. “Freedom to travel the galaxy as I please.”
“It’s clear to me now that Darex’s predecessors have always been in the right,” said Davus. He then turned to face Jrax. “The Lunanites will stand beside you. I believe this is what is best for the future of our people.”
“That’s good to hear, Davus. I never doubted the bravery of the Lunanites. However, I think we know where the Aerosi stand.” Jrax said while giving Lissie a dirty look.
Was that it then? Had she just sealed the fate of all her people? This seemed like a lot to dump on someone right before making a decision of this magnitude. Was this how all leaders were forced to handle choices? On brief whims with only a handful of intel?
“What about you, King Harley?” asked Jrax. “Are you going to be able to sleep at night knowing that your people are being poisoned just because the Jhori fear what we are capable of? Or are you still going to hold on to your misplaced loyalty?”
Harley took a long deep breath. Fria stood up beside him and spoke on his behalf. “My husband and I have seen the horrors of war firsthand,” she paused and looked deep into everyone’s eyes. “Darex’s father sought revenge for his people’s banishment on a near yearly basis. We grew up in constant fear. We eventually lost all six of our children to that bloody war. All of them were deemed heroes and now rest in our hall of legends.” She choked on the last word. Even after all these years it was still hard for her to talk about. The queen’s eyes began to water as she forced herself to finish. “I’d give anything for them to have been cowards! I wish they had been born with no skill whatsoever! There is no replacing what war takes away!”
Lissie recalled having been teamed up with two of her children during fierce battles. They were both known as renowned fighters who gave their lives in service of New Jhori. How could everyone be so quick to turn their backs on that loyalty?
The room fell silent as tears fell down Fria’s wrinkled cheeks. “I pray that none of you have to carry the burden of losing even one child. However, it will be inevitable if you go to war with New Jhori. If you go to war with anyone.” She then looked directly at Jrax. “You may as well kill them yourself.”
“It’s already inevitable!” Jrax snapped back. “The proof is on display right before your very eyes!”
“There is always an alternative to war. There must be,” said Harley. “It seems clear to me that the Jhori are prepared for it. If not anticipating it. How do we know we aren’t playing right into their hands? This woman is wise in the ways of espionage. How do we know she isn’t a spy for the Jhori?” Harley waited for a response, but no one spoke up. “The Onyxians will not go to war with New Jhori,” he announced loudly. “And I hope with all my heart, that we are not forced into war against each other.”
Suddenly, the door came crashing open and a large man stood in the opening. He wore a black sleeveless shirt that showed off bulging veiny muscles. He had short bright blonde hair with large blonde bushy sideburns. His face was stern, and his eyes were bright blue. Lissie recognized him all too well.
“My kings and queens, I present to you, the Godking Darex Voltus!” Lys announced to the room.
It had been 25 years since Lissie had last seen him. Though, she had never been this close to the man. He had an intimidating presence. Even in a room full of the most intimidating people she knew of.
“You have a lot of nerve showing up here,” said Fria.
Darex looked at her with his cold blue eyes and slowly walked over to her.
“War is upon us,” he said to everyone. His voice was deep, dark, and calm. Then he spoke down to Fria. “It will come, and no amount of hoping is ever going to change that.”
“So, you came here to declare war then?” asked Lissie. Where the other royals had somewhat relaxed, she stayed poised and ready to attack. She was 18 when Darex had become King and the war had ended. 25 years was not enough for her to let the winds of time erode the suffering. This bastard had put far too many of her comrades in the dirt. ‘Prince of Pain’ had been a common nickname for him amongst her peers.
She was on planet Horshguise during ‘The Final Siege’ when Darex and Jrax had both been called away from battle to inherit the crowns of their fallen fathers. Before that, her childhood had been filled with funeral attendances for the warriors lost in the war.
“No,” Darex responded. “My envoy is fully capable of delivering this message. That I have declared war on New Jhori, and any who choose to follow them.” Then he turned to Harley and Fria. “The only reason that I stand before you today, is to do something I could never send an envoy to do.”
Harley clenched his fist and manipulated the special stone marbles he kept on a bracelet. The marbles quickly assembled into the shape of a large shield that he held up to protect his wife and himself.
Darex took a knee and bowed his head before them. “I came to apologize for the death of your sons,” he told them.
Harley released the stone shield, and it turned back into marbles that all fell to the floor.
Lissie was stunned. From all the tales she had heard, asking for forgiveness was never included in any of them. Seeing such a large man put himself into such a humbling position was certainly a sight none would soon forget.
“I came to apologize for my father, who was responsible for the death of all your children. I would never expect a mother to forgive her son’s killer. All I ask is that you think about the future of our people. Your grandchildren deserve the chance to explore the galaxy as they please. Not to be imprisoned here until their dying day. Only to be sent out on contracts for the betterment of the Jhori. The very people who keep you imprisoned on your homeworlds.” He rose and bowed once more. “War is upon us. And I am certain that with our strength combined we could finally obtain a lasting peace.” With that said, he turned around and left the room. Lys bowed and followed behind him.
Everyone sat in awkward silence until King Harley Stone slowly stood up and spoke. “We have peace. War does not produce any true victories. It only ever grants a side who has lost less.”
Fria huffed and said, “Only a man like Darex could fail to see the irony of apologizing to someone and threatening them all in the same breath.”
“New Jhori wants us dead. Farako wants us to live. I don’t see what’s so hard about this.” Jrax tried to reason. “We could live in a nation where the Elementi are admired rather than feared and hated.”
“I would try to offer my aged wisdom, but I can see it will only fall on deaf ears,” Harley said with sadness in his voice. “Apparently, it only takes a single generation of peace to sweep up the tragedies of the past.”
“Then I believe this meeting is adjourned,” Jrax said sharply as he took another swig from his flask.
Lissie half expected everyone to start battling it out right then and there. Given the people in the room, the palace would be leveled before morning. She was relieved to find that in the end even Jrax had chosen to adhere to the agreement of a peaceful meeting. Barely.
She filed out of the room with the rest of the royals in silent caution. The ultimate debate rattled around in her mind. What if the Lunanites and Pyrans were right to join Farako? Regardless of what was right or wrong, she wanted to pick the option that was best for her people. She needed to figure out which side would be victorious in the war to come.
Of all the doubts that now loomed in her mind, there was one thing she could almost be certain of. She didn’t know when, she didn’t know where, but she knew that someday soon she would most likely be forced to kill someone from that very room, or vice versa.