Entry 1: It had been a couple of weeks since I pulled a stunt that Ningal had once taught me - sharing emotions with another human being. My target had been Angel. My goal had been to show Medika that she was a hero. The result was my own team (well, from over 5000 years ago) becoming quite angry with me and very untrusting. They thought I acted with malice and cruelty. They thought I would have hurt Angel. Tonight, I tried to talk to Angel and explain that the most that would have happened was that she could have slipped into a comatose state until the emotions faded over the next 24 hours. [I also took the time to explain, to Xochiquetzal, what became of my son.] Angel, being the stubborn child that she is, decided she didn't want to talk and forced herself into a comatose state. I "called" Medika for help (pulled her through a temporal spatial rift). Angel later told me that she thought I was threatening Medika, so she pulled herself together and started arguing and verbally attacking me, which caused me to grow agitated - at which point I decided to show them the truth.
Entry 2: We've been in their future (2098) for three months. Angel and Medika, while still a little upset with me, are beginning to realize that they should've listened to me when I warned them of the second Rikti invasion. The earth is now divided - part of the planet belonging to us humans and the other half belonging to the Rikti. Normal "civilization" died out back in 2017. Now, many humans live underground, ironically enough, in New Oranbega. Ironic that the Circle of Thorns, once our mortal enemies, now share their way of life with normal humans and super powered beings. It came as quite a shock to Angel, but Medika took it uniquely. Medika found it ironic, but comforting. It seemed as though it reaffirmed her belief that there is "good" in all living things. That won't last long.
Entry 3: It is now exactly one year before the Rikti declare themselves the conquerors of this world and open a new portal to attempt to conquer the next Earth. What they don't realize is that said action will result in their complete annihilation and, eventually, in all life on this Earth. Angel met herself six months ago, here in New Oranbega, and was very quickly chastised by her older counterpart for not having listened to me. Medika only met her older counterpart just last week. To hear the older Medika pouring out wisdom is not something new, but to see the young girl devouring every word was quite comforting. I have had to tread carefully. This is the time period in which I hurled my younger self forward in time, to toughen myself up, and so I must constantly monitor his movements and not have an encounter with him. I'm putting the timestream under great stress merely by being here, but I will not allow any harm to come to Medika or Angel - I have to take them back to their own time, eventually, but knowing how this history plays out and their involvement in it... I may be feeling some repercussions for awhile.
Entry 4: Ten months to go before the Rikti meet their extinction at the hands of the Nyorn. If I didn't know the outcome, I could take comfort in the genocide of these oppressors. Unfortunately, I know that the Nyorn are not the saviors that the first humans believe them to be. Sable... Medika has found someone. His name is Jason Wilke, codename StarBlast. In a world without Rikti, he'd have been one hell of an ally.
Angel has really thrown herself, body and soul, into the resistance, now. I'm not quite certain whether or not she completely believes me about the Nyorn, but she's constantly being given more and more proof of my honesty. Last week, she met her son - Archangel. One thing I'm happy with her about is how she hasn't mouthed off to Rush about knowing him in the future... in the past. She's seen how my younger self is with Archangel, though his dad has been gone for a few years, and how Rush treats him like a younger brother... and a little like a son. I do hope that Angel understands what her son truly meant to me... before the end comes.
I spoke with *log edited* Ban today. He told me that the Bansidhe is still making her strikes and tearing through Rikti like never before, but I brought Jason into the conversation and he couldn't help but smile. "Kid reminds me of me, after I turned my life around, Eric. Can't tell ye how many times that the Bansidhe has saved his ass, though. Rookie mistakes, here, cost a person's life. Anyway, I've noted the relationship that might bloom and informed the council to let it happen. Ye've told me ye'll be takin’ Med and Angel back, but I still wish ye'd tell me why ye brought them to begin with. As always, though, I'll trust ye're judgment." His brogue still finds its way to the fore, at times, and I love the old man. Since Rush was in the area, I spent the day and night with Ban. It was good to play chess with him, though we knew battles were constantly waged far above our heads. When the Bansidhe snuck in, I stole a kiss on the cheek from her and bade her a good night. (At least I know she'll survive.)
Entry 5: I've started making a new suit of armor, while we can spare the supplies, and encouraged Angel and Sable to do the same. Angel decided on a stealthier suit and Sable went for a suit of armor based on her old costume, only a little darker. I've told them that we now have exactly seven months and Sable has begun taking me with a seriousness that rather astounded me. Of course, both of them working in the resistance, they've both come to terms with the fact that these fights with the Rikti are a matter of survival.
Was it really only two months ago that Sable came to my "home", crying and shaking, screaming through her sobs that she'd just "murdered" twenty or more Rikti? Angel, who'd come running at Sable's panic, huffed at the news and muttered something along the lines of "about time". Sable fell asleep, curled against my chest, still crying. In a way, it caused a sort of weird feeling of pity for my younger self. I remember, very clearly, when I realized that taking a Rikti's life was my only option... and how I'd wished that my Carolly were waiting for me, to hold and comfort me. Then again, I knew that day had been needed... as it had been that day, sadly, for Sable. I chastised Angel the next day, but Angel made a very valid argument - "We're at war, Blur," still spitting my name, "Sable needs to learn to grow the fuck up, okay?" Still, I persisted until Angel saw my point and acknowledged that Medika could not just snap into the stone cold warrior spirit that she or I could.
I do wish Carolly were here. The emotional balance of my wife could, I think, help me to convince Angel more easily. Nevertheless I miss my love simply because she is not with me, but I will see her soon.
Entry 6: Four months from the day that marks the end of the world. Angel has grown increasingly closer to her son and to Rush. She treats him like a brother, now... even if she still acts like she hates my guts, most of the time. I think it still sticks in her mind at how soft and comforting I was with Sable, months ago, but Angel is stubborn and she holds grudges for a long time. I just hope that she doesn't learn the wrong lesson from this trip through time - especially when she sees what happens.
Jason and Sable came by to see me, this morning, before they went out on patrol. The first time Sable brought him to meet me, he was a bit shaken. He wasn't truly expecting to see Eric Lawson's face, even though he'd been told, and to know that I was not the same man he knew. He gave me his vow of silence and I asked them to patrol with Archangel. When he asked me for an order confirmation, a look of shock swept over his face - after all, it's not often that a "mere soldier" is given Zeta Shadow clearance orders. I still never thanked Ban for that one and, with a lot of luck, can stop beating myself up over the guilt.
I've been monitoring Rush a lot, lately. It seems so weird to watch myself and catalog this time period as a mere historian, though I fight every day. He arrived a year ago, today, and has since become one of the council's most valued field leaders. Today, however, I knew to be one of the temporal points. Rush was to lose his patrol partner, Archangel. Rush is now on a "suicide run", something for which he's become famous for returning from.
I sped almost fast enough to accidentally slide into the timestream, but it was necessary. I had to take out the patrols that Jason, Sable and Archangel would have run into, dispose of the bodies and then turn my attention toward saving myself and teaching myself a lesson. I lay in waiting, having cleared the outpost's "offices", for Rush to arrive. I remember the moment. I'd thought myself fast enough to never be noticed. I winced at having to pull the trigger more than once, but I shot Rush in both legs and once in the back. "Sloppy, boy. Very sloppy. You're now a Rikti prisoner and will be tortured for information and then turned into that which you hate the most - a Rikti solder." I remember recognizing Blur's... my voice and the terror I felt when I turned to look at the one who shot me. "Why, Blur?!?! WHY???" Knowing history, I laughed as I remembered, and jerked myself up by the throat. "Because it's not your time, boy. Next time you act in such a sloppy manner, you might not live to regret it." With that, I slapped the data modules against his chest and, in my echoing voice, "Run home, slow poke." As the tears fell, I knew I couldn't show myself an ounce of pity, as he whispered, "But my legs... Blur, you've crippled me!" I have to admit, though, that slapping myself felt kinda good. "You're a speedster with a direct link to the energy that gives us our power, SNAIL! Now," I hissed and picked up the plasma cannon, "you either run out of this office or I'll never let you become a Rikti!"
I knew what awaited his - my return. Something I wasn't really concerned with - Rush, of course, was the miraculous hero... yet again. My home, however, was what had my attention. There she was, waiting on me - the elusive Bansidhe. She had taken up his mantle years before, and, having called me for the end, now led me to their secret home. Another visitor, Akarist, was kneeling beside the bed and half-smiled when he saw me enter. I moved to the other side of the bed, my tears slowly falling. "*log edited* Ban, old friend,” I took his right hand in both of mine, “I love you. You will never be forgotten. You, of all of us, were truly a hero. Sleep the sleep of angels and may He grant you rest." He slowly closed his eyes and drifted away, peacefully, old age taking him. She bent over, removing her mask, and kissed her lover goodbye. The three of us cried. After an hour, I turned to the pale beauty and whispered, "And what of the Bansidhe?" She whispered, "For as long as I am, there will *always* be a Bansidhe." Before I left, Akarist stopped me, “He did have one request of you, Eric.” Looking at him, I saw the sad, soft smile. “He asked that you please remember to take flowers to the site. He said that William, excuse me, Bubba and Prowl loved one another even unto death, and he asked that someone always honor their friendship and guardianship of one another.” I nodded and smiled, remembering their last stand against the Rikti. If Prowl had been human, they’d have made great lovers, but then they might not have even known one another.
Entry 7: Two weeks before the fateful day and no one truly understands what the Rikti are in an uproar about. I wish I could tell them and have them believe me, but I've tried that before and it didn't work. Archangel, by the scientists' tests, has reached the peak of his powers and the results were frightening. Rush introduced the idea of having Archangel unleash a psychic assault on the Rikti Matriarch. The council took the plan and decided to debate on it. The fools. They never understood that such a release of his power would not only kill him, but *every* living thing on this Earth.
Angel wanted to speak up, but Sable held her back. When reminded of my warnings, I watched a single tear slide down Angel's cheek. She's finally accepting what I've said. I truly hate that it took this. No one should ever have to watch their child die, but neither of them know that that's the end of what I have to show them.
Entry 8: It happened, today, as I knew it would. The Rikti, celebrating the victory on our Earth, opened the portal to their next conquest. Eighteen hours later, every single Rikti - man, woman, child, soldier, leader, Matriarch - fell to the Nyorn. They were cut to shreds as a farmer of old would thresh wheat. The slaughter was so intense that the very ceilings of New Oranbega became stained with the blood of our enemy.
Though advised against by the council, hordes of normal human beings emerged from underground and began cheering the Nyorn - up until they realized that their fellow revelers were quickly being snatched up and eaten, as if mere snacks, by their "saviors".
Due wholly to my "lesson" to him, Rush was able to save hundreds of lives and seal off New Oranbega. When the death toll came in, while Rush was a hero, it became clear that he didn't even save a thousandth of those who rose to the surface.
Angel retreated to her home and, as I listened outside her door, I heard her crying through the night.
Sable stood guard with me, at Angel's door, the entire night. We both knew what she was going through... what she was realizing and finally accepting.
Entry 9: The Nyorn have set up their main garrison in the Rikti Matriarch's old (what we would call it) castle. Unbeknownst to anyone, I made my way to the surface. I needed to confirm that which I already knew - the Nyorn, having come from an alternate dimension, were contacting our dimension's Nyorn and arranging an assimilation of their forces.
One week and the bastards were already planning further conquests, giving the "insects" (us) little more consideration than a new food supply and how to best breed us. Fortunately for us, the Rikti never really had SPBs, so the Nyorn were going to be in for a hell of a fight.
Entry 10: Four months ago they came. Almost a century ago I began crying wolf. Today, the resistance suffered its worst defeat yet. Angel's older counterpart led a battalion of SPBs against the Nyorn, in an effort to find old Portal Corp. technology. The plan was simple - find another dimension in which we could retreat and seal this world off. If not for her being so damn stubborn, she'd probably have been one of the first to fall. As it was, she was the last. However, she was made an example to the rest of us "insects". She was brutally slaughtered - dismembered and her various pieces were "auctioned" off. We lost a third of our SPB force, today. Angel's death wasn't the only one so brutal, but the leader had to be used as the brightest example.
The young Angel couldn't contain herself. She puked until there was nothing left and then began throwing up blood. Sable did her best to keep Angel alive and healthy, but I fear the repercussions will last for years to come.
Entry 11: Jason came to me, today, and asked my blessing to ask Sable to marry him. I didn't have the heart to say no. This evening, Sable came to my home and threw her arms around my neck. "Eric, for all the pain you've put me through, I just wanted to say thank you."
Later, as I readied for my nightly meditation, the familiar flames lit up the room. "Hello, Horn." The throaty chuckle echoed softly and he whispered, "The Horn bids you greetings, master of time." I looked up at him and cracked a smile. "You know I'm not and I don't get my kicks from such vain titles," I replied and grasped his arm and shook. "The Horn has been keeping an eye on Medika, Blur. Do you think this is wise?" That's when I cracked. "Horn, I warned you about this, a century ago. Look around you. It is as I have said. Do you think anything has been changed?" Letting his guard down, the demon whispered, "No. That is why the Horn called you the master of time. Not to appease your vanity, but to acknowledge that which was spoken so long ago." Staring directly into his eyes, "Horn, every living being on this Earth will die in seven months and there's nothing anyone can do to stop it. Before the wave hits, I will take Angel and Sable back. For now, Sable finds comfort in being with Jason and I don't have the heart to take it from her. Do you?" With that, the Horn shook his head sadly and turned his back to me. "Give her my love, master of time," as he disappeared.
Entry 12: Six months until the end of all life on this Earth and a week and a day after Jason proposed to Sable. She came in, a day late from her assignment, and tossed the report on the council's table. "I made sure the baby got out alive. The rest are dead... including StarBlast." Her tone of voice sent chills down my spine. She spoke not another word and left. I'd become mysterious shadow elder a week after *log edited* Ban died. No one ever questioned my comings and goings, as such, so nothing was said when I left the room. Seconds later, I was in Sable's home, waiting for her. She walked in and saw me, and I swear I'll never forget that look on her face. It spoke volumes. No. It screamed volumes. She realized, whether or not she would openly admit it, that she was a hero. It also told me that she now accepted my old statement - "sometimes, just sometimes, the ends do justify the means". She just stared at me and whispered, "You knew, didn't you?" How I prayed, at that moment, that God grant me a merciful death on the spot and spare me the guilt! "Yes, Sable. I knew." She did exactly that last thing I could ever have imagined - she wrapped her arms around my neck and whispered, "Thank you. Thank you for letting me at least taste happiness." (Even as I dictate this, my heart is still pleading God for that merciful death.) I hit my knees and broke into a child-like sobbing. "Oh, Sable. I'm sorry. Please, please forgive me." She sat across my legs and held me tight. "There's nothing to forgive, Eric. All animosity between you and I has long been forgiven. When you do take us back to our time, I will sacrifice my life, if I have to, to prevent this future from ever occurring."
Two hours later, I went to check in on Angel. She'd become a virtual recluse after seeing her older counterpart's fate. "Angel, I know I'm probably the last person you want to see, but I stopped by to let you know that Jason died yesterday." She looked up at me, from her corner, and whispered, "I'm sorry, Eric." Shaking my head, I replied, "No, Angel. I'm sorry. I realize that you must know what is to come, but you still have to bear witness. I just hope that, someday, you'll find it in your heart to forgive me."
Entry 13: The end is near. A mere three months away. The Nyorn of our dimension are assimilating with the other Nyorn and, as far as I've been able to gather, are preparing a major offensive into New Oranbega. I've alerted the council. As it has always happened, they go back to the plan for Archangel. Rush is summoned and details are hammered out. The plan is made. It is set in stone. Once all of the Nyorn from our dimension have arrived, Archangel and Rush will be set in motion.
I was able to rouse Angel, today, and get her to join Sable and I. They asked me when I was taking them home, though it sounded rather hollow coming from each of them. After being here so long, I knew they wanted to stay... to keep fighting... to find a way...
The Bansidhe paid me a visit, just before I began recording this. She slipped into my room so quietly that an ordinary person would never have noticed. She knows, though, that I know when any living thing moves and that I can control that movement, if I so wish. "Is it so, ancient one?" I looked up at her and nodded, "Yes. The plan is agreed upon. You have three months. You can do it. I have faith in you. You are the Bansidhe." With that, she disappeared. I'd come upon this plan with her and *log edited* Ban, years ago. Humankind must survive - no matter the cost. (God forgive me.) For every two she could get out, one would have to be caught for either the breeding pens or some leader's table.
Entry 14: The last of the Nyorn are in orbit, now. Where once the Champions space station had orbited, there are now Nyorn ships. In seven days, this all ends.
Sable's older counterpart, today, took half of what was left of the SPB force and headed a full frontal assault on the castle. They didn't last an hour. Medika, however, wouldn't give the Nyorn the satisfaction of having our forces taken for delicacies and the rest cast away as if so much refuse. Instead, she drew upon the heroes' resonant psychic energies, as each fell, to cause the bodies to explode and take out whatever Nyorn thought it was about to snack. Medika, with her last action, exploded in such a wave of psychic energy that the council almost decided against using Archangel. On the battlefield, six hundred former superheroes and supervillains died...and thirty-thousand Nyorn.
Entry 15: I have to witness this day yet again. Though I've not been able to speak with him during my time here, I still feel such love for Archangel. He was a colleague... a companion... a friend... a brother. Angel woke screaming. Sable woke to resignation. I don't sleep anymore.
One hour until zero hour. I cannot bear to witness this, but I know I must. I know Angel and Sable must. Dear God, why couldn't I have been a normal human and grown up and grown old and died?!?!?
Five minutes until zero hour. I walk up to Archangel and Rush... the mysterious shadowy elder. I let my robes drop and I take off my helmet. "Yes, Rush. I am you. Because of what is about to happen, though, you will not remember." I turn to Archangel and, with all of the homage I can muster, "You will succeed, today. I love you, brother." I turn and walk to Sable and Angel. We see the Nyorn rise above the hill. Somehow, instinctively, they know this is the final battle. What they don't know is that this is their final battle.
One minute... I spot the Bansidhe, off in the distance, as she nods to me and disappears. Rush and Archangel take off. I grab Angel's hand in my right and Sable's hand in my left.
Zero hour. Rush cannot stop his momentum and in seconds his speed will hurl him into the time stream. He lets go of Archangel’s hand. Archangel stands before the Nyorn ruling patriarch and unleashes all of his power. Even as I begin the trip back to the past, I can feel the wave of deadly psychic energy at our backs. Somewhere in the distance, I hear Angel and Sable plead that we stop... that we stay and help... but to do so would condemn them to death.
"Blur Chronicle" copyright 2005 R.Smith.
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