1. Enemies Within

Reddest Orkh, known as The Anti-Angel, had just arrived in the exalted region of Ketheroz, accompanied by a formidable legion of Dæmon and Druuj (the greater and lesser fiends). Their unnatural progenitor, Trevulguz, had slowly forged a path to this realm after escaping from the endless void of Daath. His immense form coiled through storm clouds on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Amoun-Rah, seated on the high throne, reflected in amazement at the audacity of these adversaries. Such an event had never transpired in his royal court before. Fortunately, several of his honor guards had remained in the court while defending the secondary zones, Bynah and Zhokmah. Notably present was the Archangel Azhah Vahyzthah, along with three of the seven Amezhah Zpentaz: Ameretath, Armaythyh, and Haurvatath.

Crucially, the inhabitants of Ketheroz could rely on Bez, the guardian troll. He was the first to respond to Reddest Orkh’s unvoiced challenge. Bez seemed out of place in the otherwise ethereal environment of Ketheroz, which resembled what humans would perceive as heaven. This regal realm was adorned with unfathomably intricate structures; metaphysical manifestations of physical realities.

Bez expanded in size to match Orkh and stepped forward to confront the Anti-Angel. Life on this plane felt monotonous to him, so he eagerly embraced the chance for action. Without hesitation, Bez swung his maul at Orkh’s head!

Orkh’s head recoiled slightly, but his tentacle tongue lashed out, ensnaring Bez's weapon. The troll attempted to withdraw his maul, but the Anti-Angel's tongue was astonishingly powerful. Soon, shark-like teeth shredded the weapon's handle, forcing Bez to resort to fisticuffs. Reddest Orkh allowed Bez to land a few free punches, which he absorbed with a grin, before swiftly using his claws to slice through the troll’s throat without hesitation!

Even Amoun-Rah flinched at the sight of Bez's head severed from his body. Hovering in the rarefied air nearby, Zpentah Ameretath inquired:

“Preceptor of Neterz — will you allow this blatant Abstruction to persist unchallenged in our esteemed court?”

“It has unfolded as mother Maath foretold. Only the most formidable could overcome Bez.”

Azah Vahyzthah drew his sword, prompting Orkh to chuckle with delight. Neither had forgotten the overwhelming defeat Orkh had inflicted on Azhah during their previous encounter in orbit around Tellz in the Orz solar system. Nevertheless, the Archangel addressed Reddest Orkh:

“Do not celebrate too soon, vile Dæmon, for your arrival was anticipated. I longed for a rematch in the vicinity where our foundry energizes my sword and bow.”

Before they could engage, Amoun-Rah directed his attention to the Anti-Angel:

“Reddest Orkh, I see you believe victory is within your grasp, yet allow me to counter. Since you relish combat, I have arranged a fitting punishment for you and your detestable companions. You shall wage war continuously across a thousand light years within the galactic center. Prepare yourself, for this is merely the inception of a prolonged battle.”

With those words, Amoun-Rah and the High Court of Ketheroz vanished, leaving both angels and demons suspended in the cold void of space, where countless stars shimmered in the distance. Enraged, Reddest Orkh shouted:

“Return immediately, you cunning coward!”

But it was too late. Azhah added:

“Do not worry, more allies are en route to join us. You have yet to meet my youngest brother, Zpentah Dex. He is significantly stronger than I and will provide ample challenge. In the meantime, let us warm up. Prepare yourself, foul creature!”

Azhah’s sword ignited, and the Anti-Angel fiercely gripped his weapon; Kernunnoz’ Antler. Thus began the battle spanning a thousand light years…

2. Friends Without

Zpentah Dex was indeed heading toward Ketheroz, though not entirely intact. To simultaneously defend zones Bynah and Zhokmah, he had to separate his Khabz from its Khuh, resulting in his division into two parts.

In zone Bynah, Dex was accompanied by fellow Zpentah Kzhathrah Vayryuh and Minister Aywaz, the Patriarch of Yazadz. Yazadyh Ztellah brought up the rear with a thousand Yazadz from her sorority. They stood near the portal to pathway Beth, awaiting the heavenly gatekeeper, Vortexyuh.

In zone Zhokmah, Dex was joined by his other brother, Vohu-Manah, and Prince Ztaoth. An angelic legion of Fravahz loyal to Ztaoth (and their mother, Queen Manthrah) provided backup. This group stood by the portal to pathway Aleph, anticipating Vortexyuh's arrival.

Regrettably, the Dæmon and Druuj had taken her personal passageway while making their advance toward Ketheroz. Consequently, she would not appear. However, she managed to relay a message to the gold and silver spires of these higher zones. Messengers carried the news to each group, whereupon Dex declared:

“I regret to inform you that our beloved Vortexyuh has encountered a delay. Therefore, we must hasten to an impromptu entryway at Daleth — which will soon open — for a brief stay.”

With that, both parties rushed toward Daleth with urgency.

3. Allies All About

Orbiting Marz in the zone of Geburah, Vortexyuh stood with Major General Zadokh and Special Sergeant Zeudh of the Marz Imperial Konautz. An army of Konautz numbering in the tens of thousands was currently reorganizing under their command. Damaged mechs and injured pilots were being transported back to the red planet’s surface via a continuous stream of frigate vessels. Simultaneously, fresh reinforcements were arriving to support the ongoing war efforts.

Although the latest battle had ended in victory, losses were significant while too many enemies escaped unscathed. Among those joining them was Qualyuh, a mutual acquaintance of Zadokh and Zeudh. She brought her Konauth close and greeted them and Vortexyuh:

“Greetings, my fierce companions, and to you, my fair lady. Imperator ßeroß has sent me ahead to inform you that we are nearly ready. His custom Konauth is powering up in Amazonyuh Planyzyuh alongside the Imperial Y-Wing. He intends to personally oversee this military operation, and I’m certain that nothing will deter him.”

Vortexyuh voiced her apprehensions:

“I hope you all understand the risks involved. I have temporarily lost access to my personal portal. This means we must traverse half the length of pathway Teth and then ascend Gymelh, past the dreadful abyss of Daath, before finally reaching the outskirts of Ketheroz. Unknown perils lie ahead, and I dislike placing others in jeopardy.”

Zeudh reassured her:

“Do not worry about us, Mistress Vortex. We Hybryd-ÜZ crave adventure and are always prepared to sacrifice our lives. Our ancestors were true adventurers, who came here from Lunah. They sacrificed everything they cherished so that we could become the resilient beings you see before you. Every Imperator before ßeroß has perished in active duty.”

Down below, ßeroß was nearly prepared for departure. Regardless of how formidable the enemy, he possessed more than enough firepower to put on a spectacular show!

Author’s Note: This segment is part of an ongoing LIVE novel. A complete list of chapters follows.

Further Readings

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