The Era of Darkness

[Ikhan]

Prologue

 

 Chernigov Prime, once a shining beacon in the Multiverse... Now, it was something else. With the rise of Alexei as Emperor, the planet went through drastic changes. For instance, the shipyards had been completely upgraded, as well as the creation of the Spire, a region of the planet that is around 30km in each direction, with the Imperial Palace situated in the center. However, many things had changed since then. For the average civilian, life went on as usual, but of course, they were now under the watchful eye of the Imperial Military. This had been different from previous rulers, under whom the planet was protected by it's own police force, the Imperial Defense Force or IDF, but such a thing could, of course, not last. It is unknown why the IDF was disbanded, but it can be presumed that it was a corrupt organization. This was not important to the average civilian... at least, not for a while. A few months ago, Military forces on Chernigov Prime were granted permission to sentence a civilian at their own discretion. This had only been employed for a period of two days at maximum, but four months was unheard of. Under the order of Alexei, all citizens found harboring rebellious tenancies were to be imprisoned and, if they did not end their ways after enough "persuasion", they would be executed. With the issuing of this order, we come to the present day.

 

Darkness Rising

 

 The Imperial Palace, a structure rising high over the Spire District, was silent. It was like that most of the time since it reached nearly to the edge of the planet's atmosphere. However, that was not the only reason for the silence, as it was a rule that most people who visited were to remain silent at all times. The throne room in particular, was silent for nearly one rotation, or 26 hours, as Alexei meditated. In this time, he saw many events occurring across the multiverse. For instance, he saw the death of Cenna and his wife, the destruction of a planet, genocide on many worlds in uncharted space, and the collapse of a universe to vacuum decay. However, his meditation was broken when one of his guards went to check on him.

 "S-sir? Is everything alright?" the guard asked as he walked over to Alexei.

 "I... am fine." Alexei said in a voice in which no emotion could be heard as he lifted the man up with the force and began to crush him with his own armor. Slowly, he walked over to a ledge near the throne and dropped the man off of it. "It seems I need to check in on my apprentice." he said as he walked over to his holotransmitter. A few seconds later, the transmitter lit up.

 "My apprentice, I wish to speak to you." Alexei said.

 "Yes? What is it?" the apprentice asked.

 "It has come to my attention that your training has gone well recently, and as such, I wish to grant you a reward." Alexei said.

 "A reward? I'm honoured." the apprentice said with excitement.

 "I give you second life, anoint you my wrath. One I will forge into a vessel of supreme power." Alexei said, his voice still emotionless. "Rise, Alexia, my Wrath." he said before the holotransmitter turned off. Upon this, he went back to his throne to rest. A few hours later, something disturbed him.

 

Vengeance

 

 A man appeared before the throne, his face partially covered by a mask, while his arm had been replaced with a cybernetic one. Slowly, the man walked towards the throne as Alexei rested. However, this was but a deception. In actuality, Alexei was simply gathering his strength for any attempt on his life.

 "So... The man who put my on this path finally shows himself. It is about time." Alexei said.

 "You know why I am here. I am here to destroy you." the man replied.

 "You are a blind insect, contemplating the void of space." Alexei said as he stood up. "My ascension is inevitable. A year, a millennium- it matters not. I hold the patience of stone and the will of stars." he said as he walked down the stairs towards the man. "Your striving is insignificant, let your death be the same." he finished as he ignited his lightsaber, it's blade glowing a crimson hue. The man ignited his lightsaber soon afterwards and walked towards Alexei.

 "I can't wait to destroy you." the man said as he approached.

 "There is no death, there is only the force, and I... am it's master." Alexei responded as he stretched out his hand. Upon doing so, torrents of lightning left his hand, which the man blocked.

 "You are weak, 'Emperor Alexei'." the man said mockingly.

 "You presume limits to my power... There are none." Alexei said, his voice still lacking any emotion. A few seconds later, he waved his hand in-front of the man, causing him to slowly turn into ash. "Even this is not my limit." Alexei said to the now dying man. "Thus, my daughter has been avenged." he said as the man finally died. With this, he went back to his throne once more to continue meditating. Upon reaching it, he stayed there for some time, exhausted from the fight he had just been involved in.

Edited January 23, 2017 by Alexei Lysenko