Carpathia IV: Episode 250 - Lament of the Bat King
Aionaptara's Island
Admiral Zhang: Thank you, good sir. As Commander Joust said, I shall be happy to answer your questions.
Aionaptara reacted very little, other than to narrow his eyes and furrow his brow. Admiral Zhang seemed to sense, as Joust did, that Aionaptara had very little patience for polite pleasantries.
Admiral Zhang: To answer your second question first, humanity is a fractured species. My descendents took off into space and left Earth behind. We tried to go back and help the Earth humans improve themselves, but that always seemed to backfire. We haven't been back in decades.
To Joust's relief, Admiral Zhang's explanation placated Aionaptara, who nodded slowly when she finished.
Aionaptara: Thou canst not cleanse those who ne'er desire
To mendeth ways. If noble thou'st declared,
Then hast thou wisely chose to stay apart.
Mine earnest query I beseech thee now,
How'st aptarans venture far sans my ken?
Admiral Zhang paused before answering and every second that passed sent Joust's heart racing faster, for Aionaptara did not seem to be in possession of an abundance of patience.
Admiral Zhang: Before I answer, I would like to say that it is a long story. I can shorten it for you if you wish, providing only the essential information.
Aionaptara: In wealth of time I find myself immersed,
Pray, unfold the tale of aptarans' fate,
What bygone fortunes have they won or lost,
Disclose, with utmost clarity and depth.
Admiral Zhang: I understand. I shall tell the long version.
And tell the long version she did, starting with when Jaze landed on Ramewet, his first encounters with aptarans, and how they came to be there. Of course she did not leave out Wishmaster or Blue. The tokki wormhole gate. The years of King Riven and the time shift, and finally ending with how Ramewet elected to join with New Carpathia. All the while, Aionaptara listened in rapt attention, but also, from Joust could tell, possibly mild annoyance. Most non-aptarans had difficulty reading body language, but Joust could tell by the way that Aionaptara's wings gradually curled inward that something unpleasant went through his mind.
Aionaptara: That was a legend of grandios'ty,
And true it seems, for no pure aptaran
Would e'er align themselves with one untrue.
I do not grieve for Wishmaster's demise,
For he, despised by nearly every soul,
Did warrant not companionship nor love.
'Tis quite amusing, though, to think he sought
A fellowship where none would them oblige.
Once more, it appears the foolish tokki
Though unwise, I must grant a grudging thanks.
Pray, tell me, are these tokki still as fools,
Or hath repentance changed their errant ways?
Admiral Zhang: It was, in fact, the wormhole failure that caused them to rethink their ways. They are peaceful now and our allies.
Aionaptara gave little indication that he might be satisfied with that answer when he turned down the line with an eye toward Ryuu at the end. After shooting a menacing glare at Aire as he passed, he stopped short of Ryuu, his attention now directed at Phobos. Aionaptara tipped his head back and forth like a confused German shepherd while Phobos's ears twitched around. Though the rest of Phobos's demeanor radiated calmness, the ears told all. An upgrade, perhaps, from his old body. Aionaptara leaned in close and gave him several heavy sniffs.
Aionaptara: Thou dost bear semblance as nekomi's kin,
Entwined human traits, yon curious blend,
Yet 'pon thy frame, machine's scent doth reside,
If weapon sent to smite, ere I befall,
Mine own untouched, but comrades shall be pained.
Though there was no question, Aionaptara awaited expectantly for Phobos to say something.
Phobos: I am Ensign Phobos Amaranth-Leingod and I am an android. I am here to record this meeting if that is okay with you.
Aionaptara: Thy meeting's tale, I pray, shall be thus stored,
Yet prithee, if thy being binds machine,
Why tak'st thou form of human flesh adorned?
Methinks, a stronger shape would thee align,
Nay, nimble frame hath made thy purpose true,
Didst thou not think a wieldy form were fair?
Phobos: I chose the form of my father, the one who built me.
Aionaptara: Perchance, we may converse anon, yet needs
We tackle graver matters in this hour.
As he spoke, Aionaptara moved on to the last in the line, Ryuu.
Aionaptara: Thou art a dragon, bearing scent of kin,
It doth suppose that one forebear of thine
Once sought my life, with vengeful aim in sight.
Ryuu: My name is Ryuu and yes, I am a dragon. My great grandmother engaged you in combat long ago, but I am not here for a fight.
Aionaptara: I do presume, 'twas thou who did receive
Mine urgent missive's weighty words of need.
Ne'er did I deem thou wouldst in tow bring friends,
To gather here, within this hallowed space.
'Tis with heavy heart I beg the dragons,
That thou might lend ear to my entreaty.
Ryuu: I will hear your request and I promise I will relay your words precisely to the dragon council. It might be worth mentioning that these people with me are the ones who brought me, rather than I them. They have as much interest in your request as the dragons do.
Aionaptara reached up and picked at his ear while casting a skeptical glance back toward Admiral Zhang.
Aionaptara: I ponder why these awkward beings deign
To grace my plea with their attendance nigh.
Still I do not begrudge their presence here.
Perchance thou heard Lazmaedia did slay
The aptaran planet, I crave vengeance,
Upon her; 'tis upon your scales I plead,
For dragons do desire to purge the skies
Of demigods like us, who dare to rise,
Lazmaedia's honor is a cleft shell,
Her philosophy is naught but a whim,
Save that which pleases or displeases her.
I lack her might. With dragon's aid we'll rid
Ourselves of this, the most loathsome being
Wouldst thou attend me to Vashtaria
To see this most paramount task fulfilled?
And then, to the astonishment of all, Joust especially, Aionaptara lowered himself to his knees and bowed deeply before Ryuu. Ryuu seemed just as stunned as everyone else and appeared at a loss for words, for he hemmed and hawed, but said nothing.
Aionaptara: Something vexes thee, sir dragon. Prithee,
Dost thou divulge thy pondered thoughts to me?
With a deep breath, and more consideration, Ryuu finally spoke.
Ryuu: Lord Aionaptara, I fear that you may not be aware of the recent situation. How long ago did you put that message in the asteroid?
Aionaptara stood with a curious look on his face, tipping his head to the side and, for the first time, there was a tentativeness in his voice. Or, rather, the voice that emanated from all around them.
Aionaptara: I hath proffered tidings two score years yond...
Now, his ears flicked up and his face narrowed and crinkled into anger.
Aionaptara: Speak, ye dragon, what hath transpired hence
Amidst my elongated hermitage?
Ryuu: We dragons only have two functional ships, which is nowhere near enough to go up against the entire Vashta fleet. These good people's ships would take nearly a year to get to the Vashta. However, we are certain that she will be coming here. We don't know when, but probably soon. My captain could explain better.
Aionaptara stepped back, with one eye twitching. Joust cast a glance at Aire, who clearly had no idea what he should do, sweat manifesting profusely across his brow. Aionaptara pointed to each in turn, but skipped Aire.
Aionaptara: Thou hast declared thy rank as Admiral
And Commander o'er these noble vessels.
Thus, it befalls this humble soul to be
Named Phobos, as he doth proudly proclaim.
It was then that Aire finally dared to speak.
Aire: My apologies, Lord Aionaptara. I am their captain.
For a moment, Aionaptara's eyes widened and then every feature on his face narrowed and crinkled into a demonic scowl as he slithered his way to Aire, finally ignoring him no longer. Aire swallowed nervously, wondering what Aionaptara would say to him. He leaned in close, though not as close as he did with Joust, and took a sharp, mighty sniff. Then, in a flash, he bore his gritted teeth and thrust his hand out, grabbing Aire by the neck.
Joust panicked. Everyone panicked, but there was nothing they could do. Aionaptara stepped away from them, deeper into the sand where they could not go and Joust knew that if he tried to fly to him, he'd be struck down in an instant. Aionaptara held Aire aloft, his feet dangling helplessly below him, and his claws dug deep into his neck, sending rivulets of blood trickling down onto his uniform.
Aionaptara spoke, this time, with his own voice, which was deeper and somehow more terrifying than when it came from all around.
Aionaptara: The putrid scent of Valro clan doth cling
To thee, whose presence I endured thus far.
But I refuse to deem it true or just,
That thou, a captain, would these people lead!
How many Aptarans, dwindled in count,
Hath thee, in union with Lazmaedia, slain?
Explain ye forthwith or meet sand's embrace,
For thou shalt be fed to its wolfish depths!
Without loosening his steel grip, Aionaptara lowered Aire's feet into the sand. Immediately, the sand creatures, or whatever they were, latched onto his soles and started to slither up his leg.
Aionaptara: Confess thy sins, and swiftly shalt thou die;
Or be prolonged to feed the hungry sands,
Slowly consumed by time's relentless hand.
Not that Aire could say or do anything with Aionaptara's claws wrapped around his neck, though he struggled mightily against it. Still the sand crept up Aire's leg until it neared his knees. Before he even realized what he was doing, Joust shouted in a fit of panic.
Joust: STOP IT!!!
Aionaptara whipped his head around to face the disturbance, baring his sharp, pointed teeth yet again.
Aionaptara: If thou hast words in defense of this knave,
Speak them with haste, for neither time nor sand
Have patience for thy prattle; speak or end.
His mind racing as it was, Joust did his best to calm himself quickly and compose a defence.
Joust: Captain Valro is from the same planet I am from. None of us knew of the Vashta planet or that Lazmaedia was in charge until two years ago. It started when we met one of their ships looking for some runaways. We engaged in combat and by Captain Valro's wits, we escaped. When we engaged again later, it was also Captain Valro's wits that defeated them. It wasn't until we met the second ship that we learned of the Valro clan and one of them tried to kill our Captain. He's a good man, Lord Aionaptara. He risked his entire career to rescue one of our crew and took down two corrupt politicians in the process.
Aionaptara's face softened for the entire duration of Joust's spirited defence, inspiring him to keep going to the end. When he finally finished, Aionaptara held his head low. The sand, now up to Aire's thigh, turned back to the grains that they are and fell to the ground. Aionaptara hoisted Aire back into the air and gently plopped Aire back into his original position.
From there, he turned his back on them and took two steps away, folding his wings behind his back and shaking the blood from his hand.
Aionaptara: Weary of the label "devil" I bear,
In youth, I kept to myself and roamed free,
Skies were my playground where I'd often fare
And travellers, I'd play tricks upon with glee.
When craven deeds I'd chance to witness there,
I'd chastise the one, causing them to go
Mad with my wrath, I'd set them unfettered
To wander lost, where once they used to know.
One day, I found my home invaded by
A throng of villagers who'd learned my plight,
A shrine they built to honor me did lie
This was, indeed, an bothersome event,
For I do cherish solitude with grace.
Nevertheless, I made up my mind hence,
To overlook them, and not be maligned.
One day, the spirit of a child, deceas'd,
Came unto mine abode dishevel'd, lone.
"What hath befall'n to thee?" I queri'd him.
He claim'd he was a sacrifice to please
Mine dark desires. I comforted the lad
And kept him close, for innocent blood
Hath little worth beside the twisted mind.
Each passing moon, a child would come to me,
By the seventh, a plan hatched in my mind.
When congregants to the shrine arrived near,
In secret I awaited, hiding there.
Another child placed on the plinth to be,
Prepared for sacrifice, as I did watch.
Then did I show myself in darkened air,
With wings spread wide, in grim and potent guise.
"Good folk, there are six of these children here,
In my abode they dwell, but not for long.
Cease sending them to me, I bid thee halt!
I rather see thy offspring free and true,
With honor bred, than mine dark realm pursue."
The congregation murmured low in fear,
As the high priest, flushed with contempt and ire,
Lifted his staff, with anger burning bright,
And pointed at me with accusing gaze.
"Thou art not our god," cried he, stern and bold,
"But a devil sent to tempt us astray!"
My patience, thin as the hair on my tail,
Did vanish utterly. I seized him fast,
And lifted him aloft, his neck in grip.
Then spake I thus, "Enough of thee, I say!
Thy presence I have borne with, barely cared,
But now my patience ends, my mercy gone!"
I set him ablaze from within, and cast
His burning form unto the stone below,
Where he turned to ash upon the floor.
The people, in fear and awe, prostrated,
Their bodies bowed in worship at my feet.
Midst them, a woman stood, unafraid,
Whose hand I took, and raised her from the ground.
"Behold your new high priestess," thus spake I,
"Sacred text I shall bestow upon thee,
Which all must heed and follow to the word.
Under her guidance, you shall tread the path,
And obey her words as though from my lips."
The congregation, lacking choice, did nod,
In grim assent to my decrees proclaimed.
"I am the Dark Lord," thus did I declare,
"I seek not children, but the corrupted soul,
The evildoer, whose sins run deep and old.
For the aged sins and sinners are most sweet."
I summoned forth the spirits of the dead,
And made them visible to all, that they
Might witness the foul deeds of yonder priest.
Then vanished I in a cloud of vapor,
To play with these children for many years,
Ere guiding them to their eternal rest.
And when a sinner's soul passed by my door,
I took great pleasure in its passing hence.
Aionaptara turned around and waved his hands over the sand. A ripple spread in the sand, with him in the center, like a drop of water in a pond, leaving little clouds of dust as it engulfed the entire island. The sand now appeared normal, no longer bearing vague images of screaming faces, but natural waves of light and dark.
Aionaptara: The sand is safe, walk upon't without risk,
Now, Captain Valro, speak of thy dealings
With the Vashta, I shall listen gladly,
In rapt attention, hear thy words unfold.
Aire, still struggling from his recent demigod fondling and trying to ignore the rapidly drying blood on his neck, spoke.
Aire: Commander Joust and Ryuu have already mentioned the most important points. The first ship was lead by Ksenva Lazmal and she destroyed herself and her ship to avoid capture. The ship of runaways was barely functional when they found us and we only just had enough time to get everyone off before it exploded. The last ship was headed by Nyana Keara and she surrendered herself to us and gave us our ship. She claims that Lazmaedia sent her to find out what happened to the other two ships. She was the first we met who knew of the Valros. She suspected that Lazmaedia knew this and that's why she sent her. One of her crew was a Valro spy and he tried to kill me when he realized I would not refer to Lazmaedia by her titles. What's important in all of this is that Lazmaedia has now lost three ships not far from here. We have been told time and time again that, eventually, she will come and investigate herself. If we send a fleet to her planet, she may very well show up here and we will have no defenses.
Admiral Zhang: I believe we both want the same thing. Though I can't say that we want to kill anyone, it surely won't be possible to protect ourselves without killing her.
Aionaptara: Thou wishest thine defence. I seek vengeance.
Our destinies, entwined, doth bring us here.
I will aid thee, but ere thou dost depart,
Pray, bid Joust to step forth, that I may speak.
Joust sucked his wings back into his back once again, wondering what Aionaptara might be planning this time. Surely he wouldn't kill an aptaran now, right? Joust took a tentative step forward and Aionaptara several to him. Aionaptara reached up, past Joust's head, and he flinched, as though expecting to be struck. Instead, Aionaptara rubbed his head gently, like a father to a son.
Aionaptara: Joust, take heed, and guard thyself with care.
Though four million strong, Aptarans dwindle,
Scarce few remain. I yearn to witness more
Of thy kind soaring in the boundless sky.
Joust: Our numbers grow every day. As part of the Commonwealth, we are free, happy, and fed.
Aionaptara nodded and took a step back. With a wave of his hand over the sky, the clouds began to dissipate, but not before one more lightning bolt crackled down and struck the marble slab, splitting it in two. Aionaptara leaped to the remains and, after a moment of shifting the rubble, pulled out a massive book at as wide as his arm and as thick as a dresser drawer.
Aionaptara: The shield is gone; thou art free to roam at will,
To Carpathians I grant this planet's reign,
And whom they approve. Ere long, I'll depart,
Ne'er to return. Explore the library,
And take this gift: the Aptaras Gigas,
My sacred tome, once held by priestess fair.
Tend it well; 'tis heavy, so I entrust
Thy metal friend to bear its weight with ease.
Aionaptara brought to book to Phobos, who now held out his arms, and he placed it gently into his care.
Admiral Zhang: If we need to contact you, how shall we do that?
Aionaptara: If e'er we must converse, I shall send word,
When Lazmaedia draws nigh, on field to fight,
I make one plea, 'tis simple and absurd,
For many years, no soul has felt my view.
I yearn not for discourse of weighty woe,
But tales of shoes, and ships, and sealing wax,
Of cabbages and kings in mirthful pomp,
Wouldst thou or thy friends tarry and repose?
I swear to thee, within a day's embrace,
I shall release thee from my company's hold.
Before he realized what he was doing, Joust raised his hand and spread his wings wide.
Joust: I will stay. However, it is the rules of the Exploration Force that we should keep to teams of three, at least, when away from the ship. I'm sure you know some of our crew are nearby. Would you mind if I seek volunteers?
Aionaptara: Bring hither thy companions in swift stride,
I bid thee farewell, with peace as thy guide.
With that, Aionaptara wrapped himself in his wings and sunk into the sand. Not only Joust, but all those around him let out deep sighs of relief.
Admiral Zhang: That went as well as could be expected. Let's find out who might be interested in a chit chat with the devil, shall we?
Commissioned art in this episode from:
AvareonArt
Zelbunnii
Less_End
Thatwildmary
Colourbrand
Falke2009
