CHAPTER 9 - BIRD'S EYE VIEW

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The Shi'ar Imperial Star Cruiser streaks across the sea of stars, moving quite swiftly for a vehicle of such immense size and infrastructure. 

Within the spacecraft, Lilandra stands before the fractured M'Kraan Crystal, now set in an incubator. She looks out the chamber's massive windows, into the myriad of stars that is space. Deep in thought,  she reaches over to trace her fingers along the deep fissure running through the crystal, left there when the firebird escaped. 

Only by resealing The Phoenix Force within the crystal would it be healed. But to ensnare a creature with as much power and might as The Phoenix was no easy task, and certainly not to be taken lightly.  

The silence is heavy within the room. She knows what must be done to protect the universe. 

The chamber doors slide open and Gladiator rushes in, looking concerned. 

"Kallark, what is —"

"My apologies, Majestrix," he bows hurriedly, "but there's something you must see."

Gasps for air

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Gasps for air... 

Ragged breath... 

An albino alien woman with light bluish-white skin and hair lies on the floor of a dimly lit chamber, her limbs splayed out, reaching for something as she struggles to breathe. 

Gladiator and Lilandra enter the room, and spot the woman at the far end. Gladiator takes his empress' hand and flies to the woman's side. He gathers her in his arms. Lilandra kneels beside her, taking her hand.

"It is alright, Sybil," she coos, stroking the woman's hand, "try to breathe."

Sybil shakes her head, her eyes rolling in the back of her head. 

You would not believe it now, but Sybil was also known as Oracle and she was the second-in-command of the Imperial Guard. Her leader, Gladiator, was also her lover. She possessed vast psychic abilities, similar to Xavier and Jean.

 She possessed vast psychic abilities, similar to Xavier and Jean

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"You know not to fight it," Lilandra soothed, "let it be. Let it be." 

Her palliative words calm Oracle enough for her to focus again, and as her breathing becomes more controlled and steady, she bows her head with gratitude to her empress

"There we are," Lilandra smiles at her, cupping her face warmly, "your breathing is slowing, your colour is returning, there you go."

Gladiator assists Oracle in getting to her feet as Lilandra rises.

"Do not exert yourself, my love" said Gladiator.

"Do not be concerned for me, Kallark," Oracle said, breathlessly, "I shall be alright momentarily."

"Then, tell me, Oracle" Lilandra enquired,  "what did you see?"

"The Phoenix, Majestrix..." Oracle answered, her voice trembling with trepidation, "she has...she has chosen a host..."

 Lilandra's fear is evident in her wide eyes.



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