The Eternal Conqueror

Chapter 5 : Shadows in the Void

The vast expanse of space rippled with tension. In the heart of this cosmic void, the Blackium fleet coiled, sleek, and shadowy. Orion stood silently; his eyes locked on the holographic display in front of him.

The Starborn fleet loomed on the edges of the cosmos, massive and radiant like vultures circling their prey. Their ships, gleaming silver under the cosmic light, were almost three times larger than Blackium's. A mixture of dread and defiance surged within Orion as he surveyed the incoming tide of warships, their energy weapons casting an ominous glow across the dark void, each bristling with the power to unleash destruction.

"Evacuate all civilians to the underground bunkers!" Orion barked, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. The urgency in his tone resonated with the gravity of the situation.

Turning to Tron, he added "station your troops outside the city. If they want to take Blackium, they'll have to go through us."

Tron clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "I'll make sure to give them a warm welcome," he growled. "My face is going to be the last thing those bastards see." His teeth were gritted in anger, a fire burning in his eyes.

Kaelan jolted awake to the sound of sirens wailing through the city, a piercing alarm that sent ripples of anxiety through his chest. He blinked, confusion clouding his mind as he stumbled to the balcony.

The view was horrifying; the streets below were filled with panicked citizens rushing to and fro, their faces painted with fear. They clutched bags filled with their most treasured belongings.

"What the hell is going on?" he whispered to himself, dread creeping in.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Kaelan jerked his head toward the sound, hesitating before he opened the door. Two soldiers stood there, their uniforms crisp and serious.

"We are here on the orders of General Orion. We will escort you to the underground bunkers," one of them said, urgency lacing his voice.

"What's happening? Why are all these people rushing?" Kaelan demanded, his heart racing.

"The Starborn fleet has encircled our planet. Please, gather your essentials. We must leave now." The soldier's tone left no room for debate.

"I want to go to my brother! Take me to him!" Kaelan protested, desperation creeping into his voice.

The soldiers exchanged glances. "We cannot. We have strict orders."

Kaelan's mind swirled with confusion and fear, but he reluctantly agreed. As he walked through the city, his heart sank deeper. The once peaceful streets were now a scene from a nightmare. It was chaotic. People scrambled in every direction, clutching whatever they could carry clothes, food, keepsakes. The orderly life of the city had disintegrated into a frenzied mess. People shoved past each other, each desperate to reach the safety of the bunkers, concerned only with their own survival.

Amid the panic, Kaelan overheard the murmurs of those around him. Some people cursed Orion's name, blaming him for the war that had brought the Starborn fleet to their doorstep. "If only he hadn't provoked them... this is all his fault!" one voice spat. Others, however, still clung to hope. "Orion will save us," a woman whispered to her child, her eyes full of faith. "He's always protected us. He won't let the Starborn take us."

The conflicting voices stirred something deep inside Kaelan, but he remained silent, his fists clenching at his sides. He knew better than anyone how strong his brother was, how determined Orion was to protect Blackium at all costs. While the people around him were lost in fear and uncertainty, Kaelan held onto the one thing they seemed to have forgotten: faith in Orion.