Chapter 8

Ouroboros: Part 2

With a weak buzz on his ear, Noah started to open his eyes. Around him, he saw purple soil, rough as sand. When he tried to move, the pain started.

His scream was enough to make the wildlife around him flee.

Twelve hours after the destruction of The Excelso.

Zeta Remeda system.

Zemedian counsel’s hall.

                -I think it’s time for us to begin talking about our military distribution. – Ouroboros said while his transmitter showed Noah’s body lying on the ground.

                -Why are they still alive? – the oldest Zemedian asked.

Ouroboros ignored the question.

The other Zemedians stood silent. Some were ready to start the violence that Ouroboros proposed, others were skeptical about the survival of the target.

                -I asked you a question, strange man. – the old man said defiantly.

In a moment of anger, Ouroboros took the blade of the Zemedian next to him and put it on the old man’s throat. Every Zemedian was ready to attack him.

                -A explosion can occur by many factors. he said while getting away from the elder.

When everyone lowered their weapons, he proceeded.

                -Trouble on the engine, a stray asteroid. – he stopped while pointing at the monitor.

On the screen, Arana lightly injured approached Noah. Behind her, Dorian, slightly more injured than her, walked slowly.

                -A explosion that kills them, just like that, could be considered a simple accident. – Ouroboros said while looking directly at the screen.

                -I think he broke something. We must also check him for any concussion. – Arana said while looking around for the girls.

                -Look, those pods are designed to survive entering the most hostile of orbits on any planet. An explosion like that won’t even budge them. – Dorian said trying to calm his wife.

Arana nodded while both checked on Noah.

                -A threat doesn’t work if there’s nobody that can receive it. –

With the press of a button, he activated the microphone of his transmitter.

                -Dorian Neverender. – he said slowly, enjoying all the tension and fear he could provoke on his adversary.

His skin prickled, his bones shook, his heart skipped a beat, he swallowed saliva and turned to Arana. Arana showed as much fear as her husband did. After a second, they both turned to see the image of the evil man.

                -Let me introduce myself. My name is Ouroboros. I am your original sin, taking revenge for the rest of your life. – he said while looking directly at the couple.

Ouroboros’ tech allowed him to maintain the Zemedians hidden from the Neverenders’ eyes.

                -This is a statement. From now on, you and your family are not safe. The Mara Empire will fall. And you and your family will be crushed below it. – he said while pointing at the hurt Noah.

                -You definitely made a mistake. And while you’re more focused on my husband right now, you should put your complete attention to me right now. Given that you have no idea who you’re messing with. -Arana replied furiously.

                -Aran. You and Dorain, right now, possess something no one else in the galaxy has my benevolence, I suggest keeping your mouth in check from now on. –

Dorian lifted Noah gently, trying to get him away from the scene.

                -Dorian. – Arana said worriedly.

Dorian turned; the transmitter showed a little list with names of planets on it.

                -My generosity is extended this way, while any member of your family is located on any of the planets of this list, they’ll be safe from me and my associates. – he said while pointing to the first name on the list: The Earth.

Dorian exploded in anger. Ready to curse Ouroboros, he opened his mouth. At that instant, the connection ended.

On the counsel’s hall, all the Zemedians stood silently, accepting Ouroboros’ plan as solid, ready for the war he promised.

The elder approached him, he nodded showing his respect, and stood back.

Ouroboros took a seat, he remained quiet while the Zemedians waited for his next move. Inside the helmet of the man, a tear fell from his eye.

Ouroboros took a breath and started talking. That damned speech would change the course of history forever.

                -My transmitter isn’t working. – Dorian said desperately.

                -The Excelso has an identifier. As soon as the ship exploded a patrol ship was deployed to look for us. -

While both looked at the sky, Noah started to breathe agitated.

                -We need that patrol soon. I don’t know if we’ll be able to stabilize him a second time. – Dorian looked at the girls while holding Noah’s hand.

                -D. Who the hell is him? – Arana asked him while holding Noah’s other hand.

                -I have no idea. But when we find out who it was… - Arana interrupted him putting her hand on his shoulder.

                -He said Earth was a safe place. Does that mean the opposite? – she asked confused.

                -We should return with your parents, if something happens, we should be there and protect them. – Dorian said.

                -They have guards and a whole army ready to fight for them. The Fenders don’t have that luxury. -

Dorian nodded while looking at Noah.

Seven hours passed before the patrol arrived. The med team checked Noah while Arana and Dorian took care of the twins.

With the transmission equipment, Arana put her parents up to speed.

An apprehension order was put for the man named Ouroboros. The Zemedians on the other hand declared a mark of death over the Neverender family.

With the pieces on the board finally arranged, Ouroboros left Zeta Remeda.

                -Check. – he thought to himself, excited for all the chaos that his actions on that day would lead to.

Back on the purple planet, Arana and Dorian received the news that Noah was stabilized.

                -He needs some days of rest, but he’ll be okay once his broken bone gets recreated. – one of the medics told them.

                -He’ll have enough days to rest on our trip to Earth. – Arana said confidently.

Dorian turned to her, but she avoided looking at him. Her choice was made. Dorian sighed and nodded.

                -You Heard her, notice your crew. – Dorian decreed.

                -I promise you. We’ll be safe. – Dorian said while hugging Arana.

While containing her tears Arana tried to reply. No words came out of her mouth.

NEVERENDER

EPISODE 2

OUROBOROS

HISTORY: Tonatiuh Martínez Núñez

ART AND COVER: Liam Daniel González González

EDITION: Intermissum Comics & Novels