Altiris Knights:The Fall

Chapter 1:Infestation

Arlen, the Helkaites emperor, checked the reports. There was an alien infestation on a backwater Helkaites world of Xaraeon. Several cities have been covered in a sudden surge of black vines, and everyone there killed. The local garrisons were helpless against the growth, and they, too, were destroyed. The economy on Xaraeon suffered, as those cities were a critical part of the support system, major locations for import and export of various goods. An infestation there meant possible spread to Kaeltos, a world closer to the Helkaites capital. That, in turn, would mean the infestation would spread to other places as well, possibly to the Alliance and Kryva territory.

He heard someone approach, and looked up. His twin daughters, Deila and Exaera walked in, followed by Pyros, former grand general of the Helkaites forces, now a chief of the Royal Guard. Two more followed them. Pyros's lightning powers were taken from him by the young Raelin Kaires 12 years ago, when the Altiris Knight chose to spare him, instead of avenging his father's death. 

Even with his element taken away from him, Pyros was still a deadly, and loyal fighter, and thus, he was allowed the post.

"You called for us, Your Highness", Pyros said. "Yes. I have a mission for you. You will go to Xaraeon, and find the source of the infestation. Do whatever you can, enlist help from the surrounding cities. Several Altiris Knights and Kai Tor Luso warriors will go with you", Arlen said. "What about Kaeltos?" asked Deila. "I have already sent out teams. Empress Selta provided aid as well. Your mission is to take care of the infestation on Xaraeon. It is best you leave now. Any delay is dangerous for us", the emperor said. "At once, Your Highness", Pyros said, as he, Deila and Exaera exited the chamber.

...

A ship dropped out of lightspeed over Xaraeon, and flew to the surface.

Exaera, Deila, Pyros and the other two guards sat inside the salon, waiting for the ship to land. "Entering the atmosphere. Strap yourselves in", the pilot said. They obliged, and leaned against their seats, as the ship started rocking, as the powerful winds surrounded it. Finally, after several minutes, they cleared the upper atmospheric layer and came in for a soft landing in an empty city square. The five of them exited the ship, and looked around. Indeed, every building and much of the road was covered in black vines, and the air reeked. The reports were correct.

"Stay close to us", Pyros said, as his hand hovered over the hilt of his sword. The twins nodded, and drew their weapons, Deila her bronze energy sword, and Exaera her blue bladed energy pike. "The vines are thicker towards that tunnel", one of the two guards said, pointing with his spear. "Ready your weapons", Pyros said, drawing his sword, as he led the way into the tunnel. Deila and Exaera conjured golden balls of light, and the two guards, balls of fire and lightning. The reek grew stronger, and Deila created an air bubble, keeping the air around them relatively fresh.

"I have a bad feeling about this", Pyros muttered. Deila's eyes widened, and she released an air wave, throwing the other four aside, and ducked, as a volley of dart-like projectiles whistled through, barely missing them. "Was that really necessary?" Exaera asked, somewhat annoyed, as she rubbed her shoulder "Shut up, I just saved your life", Deila shot back. Exaera rolled her eyes, and brought up an earth wall, just as another volley was fired at them. "We need more light!" one of the guards said. The twins released more light balls, just in time. One of the guards sent out a burst of blue lightning, as a creature leapt at him, throwing it into a wall. The other unleashed a torrent of fire, burning four more.

"They are everywhere!" Exaera yelled, as she sent out several beams of light, burning through a group of the creatures. Deila seized several in an air grip, and clenched her fist, crushing the life out of them. "Princess, look out!" Pyros called, as he dashed forth, decapitating two of the creatures and drove his sword through another's torso. He slam kicked another into one of the two guards' spears.