Void Magi: A Space Opera Fantasy Adventure (Star Magi Saga Book 5) Read online

  “Is that?”

  “Yep,” Aris replied, and called up a view of the Gateway. A huge hole in space, wreathed in blue energy filled the new window on the main viewer. As they watched, an enormous Void Dragon, complete with its rider, shot out of the Gate.

  A second later, another followed. And another.

  “Aris?” Orlan asked.

  “Doing my best, sir,” he replied as he piled on the speed. But at least one Dragon had seen them and was heading their way.

  My god, they’re fast!

  “Do better.”

  Aris didn’t reply, he needed to concentrate as he throttled forward, boosting the ship as fast as it would go, and taking evasive manoeuvres as the chasing Dragon threw Magical fire at them.

  “Can’t you lose it?” Orlan asked.

  “Easier said than done, sir,” Aris replied.

  “Fray me,” he cursed.

  Aris banked left again, the g-forces of his tight turns throwing them around, despite the ship’s inertial dampeners doing their best to compensate.

  As Mace swung back into view again, Aris regarded the planet under siege. The Valk might be fighting with the Nexus, but there were countless civilians down there that didn’t deserve to die in the super-heated plasma that the Void Dragons would spew over the surface.

  But there was little they could do here.

  “Sir, I really think you should consider retreating to the Nexus. We can’t help these people. We’d be dead before we even got close to the surface.”

  “These are our people, damn it. We can’t just run away like cowards.”

  “The rest of the Nexus and the Accord need to know. They need to know what’s coming.”

  “I… I know. But…”

  “Arrgh,” Aris cried as he spotted the Dragon on their tail throw more fire at them. The ship rolled right as more g-forces pulled on Aris and Orlan. “We don’t have much time, Admiral.”

  “I know… I just…”

  “Sir!”

  “Alright, go. Get us out of here. Get us to the Nexus.”

  “Yes sir,” Aris replied, relief flooding his system as he turned the ship and aimed it towards the centre of Nexus Space. The Dragon behind them banked and followed.

  “Bye, bye,” Aris whispered as he fired up the Flux Drive, and the ship suddenly shot out of the system at many times the speed of light.

  “I hope you know what you’re doing,” Orlan said, leaning into him before he turned and sat in a nearby seat.

  So do I, Aris thought.

  On the Arkady

  Anka’s Hidden Base, 16,143 Light-years from Sol

  “So, let me get this straight,” Amanda said, sitting on one of the large sofas in the Arkady’s main communal living space. Opposite her, the Demiurge sat beside Anka. The pair of them held hands, and Anka clearly only had eyes for him. They’d been apart for thousands of years, and it seemed her love had never faded.

  There was something to aspire to in that.

  Matt sat beside Amanda, with Jinx and Sabine just beyond. On her other side, Valerya, Kora, and her two remaining crewmates, Jaiden and Flik sat and listened.

  Amanda continued. “My mother, Sophia, the Aeon, gifted you Magic, and you then gifted it to the Archons, right?”

  “Correct,” the Demiurge replied.

  “So who created the Crux?”

  “That would be Theletos. He is also an Aeon, and is Sophia’s twin, or partner.”

  “Aaah, yes. Sophia mentioned that. Aeon’s are born in pairs and can only procreate with their twin, right?”

  “That is as I understand it, yes.”

  “So, why did Sophia’s twin create the Crux?”

  “Because of you, me, and all the Magi. When Sophia coupled with Theletos, she hid their offspring from him. When you were born here, in this universe, Theletos went mad with rage, and created the Crux.”

  “Amanda nodded her understanding.

  “Hang on,” Matt said. “If he was so angry, how come he didn’t just wipe out the Magi, and kill you?” Matt gestured to the Demiurge. “No offence.”

  The Demiurge smiled. “None taken.”

  “Because,” Amanda answered, looking at Matt, “the Aeon’s are forbidden by their own kind from interfering too much with this universe and probably others, too. So, Theletos couldn’t come here and destroy things because he would’ve faced consequences back in his own Realm.”

  “That is as I understand it, too. The Crux are the tool he uses to do his bidding here.”

  “So,” Matt continued, looking between Amanda and the Demiurge, “you two are kind of like siblings. Brother and sister.”

  “That is a fair analogy,” the Demiurge replied.

  “Sounds about right,” Amanda agreed. “Seems like I’ve gained a brother today.”

  “Indeed, and I am grateful for getting to meet you, Amanda, daughter of Sophia. This is a momentous day. Not least, because you have returned me to my bride.” He pulled Anka in closer.

  Amanda smiled, pleased she’d brought them some happiness, even if it would be short-lived, given the crusade against the Crux they would need to undertake.

  “My pleasure,” Amanda answered, finding their display of affection endearing.

  “But this day brings less welcome news. You say the Archons are free and are now working with the Crux, and for Theletos. This is a disaster. How did this come to pass?”

  “They were freed through the actions of a Nomad who killed one of the Archons. Samael’s death broke your Magic.”

  “And how did they accomplish this?” the Demiurge asked. “The death of one Archon should not have that effect.”

  “She used the power of a green orb, and the Lazarus Scroll,” Amanda explained.

  “A green sphere of great power? I know of this. I understand now. This is one of Theletos’ creations and the true reason for their freedom. I see it has accomplished its task. Where is the item now?”

  “Sophia has it,” Amanda answered.

  “That is good. Well, hopefully, the barrier to the Aetheric is still in place.”

  “Um,” Amanda answered, feeling a hole appear in her gut. “Actually no, that was also destroyed at the same time the Archons were freed.”

  Any humour or happiness that had been left on the Demiurge’s face fell away. “The barrier is gone?”

  “I’m afraid so,” Amanda replied. “But, that’s good, right? We finally have access to the Aetheric.”

  “And it has access to you. There was a reason I put that barrier in place.”

  “Didn’t you do it to keep the Archons away from the Magi?”

  “Partially, but that was not my primary reason.”

  “Oh, and what was that?”

  The Demiurge stared at Amanda for a moment and then sighed. “This universe, especially the Aetheric, is greater than you know. Tell me what you know of the Aetheric Realm.”

  Amanda nodded. “Sure. You have the Near and the Deep Aetheric. The Near is a reflection of the Material Realm. And beyond that, the Deep Aetheric is where we find the Realms of Fairy and such.”

  “Indeed. Are you aware that there are more, beyond even that?”

  Amanda frowned. “No, I was not. I don’t think anyone is.”

  “I am not surprised,” the Demiurge replied. “We referred to them as the Outer Realms. Vast, nightmarish vistas, filled with hateful life that wishes nothing but death and worse for Sophia and her favoured children.”

  “Well, they sound like great tourist destinations,” Matt replied.

  “Trust me, they are not,” the Demiurge answered, missing Matt’s sarcasm. “For aeons, nothing separated the Aetheric from the Material Realm. The creatures of the Aetheric, including the ageless horrors of the Outer Realms, could pass freely between the Material and Aetheric Realms, until Sophia created Acheron, separating the Realms, and banishing these nightmarish creatures. This was long before I was born. Then, much later, when I left Earth for the first time and travelled across
the deep void, I discovered these nameless beasts and their boundless hatred for Sophia and her kin.

  “I returned to Earth to bar entry into the Aetheric for good, which was when I found my children, the Archons, ruling over humanity with an iron fist. I created the barrier, and placed my children on the other side of it, all for the safety and betterment of Earth and humanity. Now, I discover that it was all for naught.”

  “For the record,” Matt interrupted, “Amanda did try to stop Yasmin from freeing the Archons.”

  “And I am grateful to you for it,” the Demiurge replied.

  Amanda glanced at Matt, who gave her a winning smile. She wiggled her eyebrows at him. ~Scoring some brownie points are we?~

  ~Just making sure he knows we’re not part of the problem.~

  ~Thank you.~

  ~My pleasure.~

  Amanda returned her attention to the Demiurge. “This is troubling, to say the least. I will need to speak with Sophia about it.”

  “Indeed,” the Demiurge replied. “I wish I could just replace the barrier. Alas, I am a mere shadow of the man I used to be. The Crux have leeched away my powers for millennia. A feat such as creating that barrier is beyond my reach, for now, at least.”

  “I understand,” Amanda replied. “However—and I don’t wish to minimise the threat the Outer Realms pose—but we do have more pressing matters right now.”

  The Demiurge nodded. “The Crux. Indeed. If we do not stop them, there will be no humanity for the Outer Realms to threaten.”

  “To be sure,” Amanda agreed. “And with you now free, there is nothing to stop the full force of the Crux and Archons from launching an all-out assault on the Nexus.”

  “This day just keeps getting better and better,” Matt commented.

  “Again, I must disagree, it does not,” the Demiurge replied.

  “Sorry, that was just my sense of humour,” Matt replied.

  “Oh,” the Demiurge replied with a frown. Matt withered slightly under the Demiurge’s gaze.

  Amanda cut in. “We must return to the Nexus, and hope we’re not too late.”

  “Indeed, we must,” the Demiurge replied, looking back at Amanda.

  “I agree,” Anka spoke up. “But I must ask your indulgence, please. I have not seen my love for an age, and I ask for but one night alone with him.”

  Amanda sighed as she considered Anka’s request. “I… I don’t know.”

  “If you want our help, I ask that you grant us this,” the Demiurge said. “I am tired, weak, and in need of rest. I will be more useful to you tomorrow.”

  Taking another breath, Amanda nodded. She struggled to find a good reason not to allow them this small reprieve. They certainly deserved it, and while their mission was urgent, it was unlikely that a single night would make too much difference.

  “Sure, go on,” Amanda conceded. “We’ll be waiting here.”

  “Thank you, sister,” the Demiurge answered. Amanda smiled and nodded, enjoying being referred to as sister.

  Kora stood up. “Before you leave, I just want to say goodbye,” she said to Anka. “We won’t be returning to the Nexus. Our place is here, in Crux Space. We’ll help in whatever way we can, though.”

  “Thank you,” Amanda replied. “I’m sure I can drop you off somewhere.”

  Anka rose from the sofa and approached Kora. “You have my eternal thanks, Kora. You have gone above and beyond for me, and we shall never forget this. Please, I know you’re without a ship, so I offer you mine. The Gnosis is yours.”

  ~I will be glad to serve you, Kora,~ Logos, the AI on the Gnosis replied over the general Link.

  “Thank you,” Kora answered and hugged Anka warmly.

  “Jinx,” Amanda said. “Make arrangements for the Gnosis to dock so that Kora may board.”

  “Of course,” Jinx replied with a nod and moved towards Kora, who turned to Valerya.

  “We have space for another if you want to come?” Kora asked.

  Valerya smiled. “No, thank you. I actually want to return to the Nexus. I have a fight to pick with the Crux.”

  Kora smiled. “A bit of dragon on dragon action, eh?”

  “Something like that,” Valerya smiled.

  “Kick some ass for us?” Kora asked.

  “With pleasure.”

  “This way, please.” Jinx led them out of the room, and Valerya turned to Amanda. “I hope you don’t mind me hanging around a little longer?”

  “Not at all,” Amanda replied. “Help yourself to any of the free rooms.”

  “Will do,” Valerya answered.

  “Here, I know one you can have,” Sabine said, and led Valerya across the room.

  “See you soon,” Anka said, and with a snap, she and the Demiurge Ported off the ship. Amanda guessed they’d probably gone to her asteroid that was a short distance off the Arkady’s bow.

  Amanda turned to find only Matt in the room with her, sitting on the sofa behind her. His eyes flicked up to hers, betraying where they’d been looking a moment before.

  “Getting a good eyeful, were ye?” she asked with a smirk.

  “Taking my pleasures where I can get them,” Matt answered with a smile and a shrug. “It feels like life has become just a little more complicated.”

  Amanda dropped into the sofa beside him. “The Outer Realms,” Amanda stated.

  “Yeah.”

  Amanda nodded. “Yeah, that’s messed up.”

  “You had no idea?”

  “None,” Amanda confirmed. “Honestly, I’m not sure even the Council’s aware of it.”

  “There must be some Magi who knew?”

  “Probably, but none that I know of. They’ll be ancient though, I’d think.”

  “What about some of the Un-Sundered, the ones that live inside Concord Prime territory.”

  “Yeah, maybe.” Amanda smiled. “You’ve been paying attention.”

  Matt shrugged. “A little. Pays to know about these things, I think.”

  “It does,” Amanda replied, enjoying the twinkle in his eyes.

  “What?” Matt asked.

  “Nothing. It’s just cute, is all.”

  “I’m just… You know,” he answered, shifting in his seat. He looked uncomfortable under her gaze.

  “Making an effort? Thank you, it’s nice.”

  He beamed at her.

  “What are you after?” she asked.

  “Nothing.” Matt looked offended. Or maybe guilty, as if he’d just been caught.

  Amanda was well aware that Matt liked her, but he also didn’t seem too keen on the way Amanda currently went about her love life. Playing the field, and sharing were apparently not his thing.

  She understood that, but for so long now she’d avoided getting close to anyone. She’d done it before, of course. Several times down through the ages she’d let herself fall in love and be in a monogamous relationship. One of those led to Maya’s birth. But for hundreds of years now, she’d pursued open relationships, free to see whoever she liked, with Maria being a long-term lover. It had been fun, but it wasn’t what Matt wanted.

  He wanted something more traditional. Something exclusive.

  The idea had a certain appeal, she had to admit. She liked Matt. He was a good friend, and kinda cute, especially when he made all this effort with her.

  The idea of getting serious with him was actually kind of appealing.

  She’d need to talk to Maria, of course.

  She glanced away from Matt.

  What had gotten into her? She wondered if it was something to do with the Demiurge and Anka. They clearly had a deep and abiding love for one another that had lasted for centuries.

  That had a certain appeal.

  She looked back at Matt and gave him just a hint of a knowing smile. “Are you sure?”

  He blushed, and her heart melted. He looked unbearably cute sitting there, looking like a deer caught in headlights. He perhaps wasn’t what you might call, strikingly handsome. He wasn’t particularly buf
f, but he wasn’t unfit either. He was just kind of…normal.

  Normal was good. Normal was nice. Normal was perhaps something she needed more than anything else right now.

  He’d also been there for her from the beginning, literally.

  He’d helped her mother give birth to her when he was barely out of his teens.

  “Well…” he replied.

  ~Amanda, we’re under attack,~ Anka yelled through the Link, sending her a clear image of where she was, along with the image of a Magus she knew all too well.

  Amanda jumped up from the sofa, scaring Matt half to death.

  “Whoa,” he yelled.

  Amanda Ported without saying a word, flooding her Aegis with Essentia.

  She appeared in the remains of a large bedroom. To her right, the Demiurge was picking himself up off the floor with a grunt, Essentia swirling around him.

  Ahead, Anka, her Aegis glowing, stood before her lover, protecting him from the blonde Nomad that stood to Amanda’s left.

  “Anastasia,” Amanda intoned, her voice low.

  “You’re keeping things from me, Mandy. That’s not nice.”

  “Feck you,” Amanda replied, and threw a barrage of Essentia strikes at the Nomad that slammed into her Aegis. It wasn’t her most powerful hit, but she’d been caught unawares after everything on Centrum, and frankly, she felt drained.

  Her Essentia flashed around Anastasia’s Aegis but didn’t penetrate it.

  Anastasia smiled.

  Magical energy flared again as it rushed out of the Nomad and slammed into Anka’s already-damaged Aegis. Ten more copies of Anastasia snapped into existence around the room, and let fly with their own Magical attacks. Two laid into Amanda with a ferocity which surprised her. Amanda set several of her Multitasking minds to defend her and maintain her Aegis as she attacked with lethal energies of her own, and focused in on one of the copies of Anastasia.

  With another thought, Amanda duplicated herself too, and four clones appeared around her.

  She was tired and drained from the assault on the Crux, and just conjuring four was a stretch. They attacked, hitting two of Anastasia’s clones as hard as they could.

  Energies flashed and arced through the room, ripping furniture and walls apart.

  ~Amanda, we have a pair of Void Dragons up here,~ Matt called out through their Link.