The Red Rover: Clash Of The Celestials

Guardsmen stood watch from the Aphotriton lookout posts high above the kingdom’s walls as they surveyed the jungle separated by the stone bridges. They each held stone daggers and spears in defense. To think that such inadequate weaponry could be employed to protect such a valued resource.

Kahlo sat hidden—high within the trees—nearly directly across from one of the posts. The Harvest was set to begin any moment now.

Splash! Splash! Splash!

Kahlo looked down to the moat below and smiled. Air bubbles could be seen coming from beneath the water’s surface. At least ten separate groups of them. Half to the lookout post in front of her and the other half heading to the left.

The bubbles moved towards Aphotriton. Upon reaching the foundation of the kingdom’s outer wall, a three-pronged talon reached out of the moat, digging into the stone with the greatest of ease.

It was soon joined by a second talon as the beautiful creature pulled itself out of the water and revealed itself to the world. Sirina’s latest progeny, the Reevil, a glorious six-eyed mutant spider, almost eight feet in size while being blessed with the speed, quickness and agility that only their goddess could give them.

The Reevil began to climb the wall as a second exited the water immediately after. The two creatures skulked up the wall as the lookout guardsmen were none the wiser. One of them raised their arms and yawned.

“Unfortunately, yes. Salm had us searching for the other celestial all night long and we still never found him.”

“No matter, we should have enough for the harvest anyway.”

“Oh, how right you are.”

The guardsmen turned as the first Reevil descended upon them. They attempted to fight back, but the second Reevil joined the fray and it was too late. They screamed in horror as they were being chopped into mincemeat.

Kahlo smiled as she glanced at the other nearby lookout post. The Reevils were annihilating those Aphotriton guards-men as well. A wonderful siren was heard as the Sorungulas appeared from the jungle running across the bridges towards the kingdom.

A distress horn sounded from inside the kingdom as the Aphotritons were clearly unprepared for the onslaught that was about to be released upon them. Kahlo deftly made her way down the tree. She reached the ground as more of her brothers and sisters ran past her to join the battle.

“Go forward to victory my brothers and sisters. Your goddess is with you always.”

A horn sounded as June dropped to her knees, covering her ears. She looked at the other three cadets. They were no better than she was. They were all writhing in pain. The sound of the horn was debilitating.

“What’s that sound?” Orion asked. His voice was pained as June had ever heard it.

The horn blew several more times as she could feel the blood straining against her ears. Her face was flush as her head was beginning to feel like it might explode.

The horn stopped as June held her head for a moment.

“The Harvest is upon us.” Faldrine said.

June raised her head as the others did as well. They looked at each other with concern. Their situation was growing direr with each passing second.

“We must fight with everything we’ve got. Leave nothing to chance. They’ll take Aphotriton over my dead body.”

The guardsmen cheered as Tuhriks secured a dagger to each hip. He was ready. He turned to see dozens of guards-men here in the armory. They all were holding spears and wearing body armor. This was their moment—the time had come for them to deter the spider scourge and send them back to the caves from whence they came like their ancestors had done generations before.

“For Aphotriton!” He said—his fist in the air.

“Aphotriton!” The guardsmen were in sync.

They filed out of the armory—one after another. The kingdom’s greatest warriors. On a mission against an enemy that would never be denied until one of them was destroyed.

A deep breath emanated from Severus’ lips as fear embodied his face. He stood on his balcony, watching the massacre that ensued throughout his crumbling kingdom. Sirina’s minions were too numerous to count and bloodthirsty to boot.

All he could do was watch and hope that the Aphotriton people, both guardsmen and civilian would have the resolve to fight for their survival. Severus looked to the heavens above him. The haze was as thick as ever.

“What can we do?” He cried.

He heard screams coming from the ground as all of the bridge gates protecting the kingdom were breached by Sirina’s forces. They were now being overrun by them.

Severus watched in horror as one of his guardsmen was dismembered by a beast. He could no longer stand to watch as he returned to his chamber.

Quora pleaded with him as he secured his body armor over his chest. He reached for a spear of his own before turning back to his sorrowful partner.

“My love, our kingdom is in peril. This is not the time for me to hide.”

“But you are no longer a guardsman.”

She was right. He hadn’t wielded a spear or a dagger in years. But the Aranean threat was too great to ignore. Every able-bodied Aphotriton needed to fight. There was no longer time for cowardice. His choice was an easy one.

Ceinon moved towards the front door as Quora hurried past him and blocked it.

“Ceinon please! Don’t go out there.”

“I have to find our daughter. Stay inside, you’ll be safe here.”

Quora covered her mouth. She was about to lose it. He pulled her in tight. Kissing her on her forehead.

“I’m sorry my love. I have to go. Because if I don’t, there might not be anything left to save.”

He blew a kiss at her and disappeared out of their home.

The battle raged on as large creatures shot webbing into the sky as they plucked guardsmen down to the ground where they made quick work of them—tearing them apart limb from limb.

Severus’ guardsmen remained courageous—killing one of the creatures by flinging a spear right through its hideous head. The smaller beasts were trying to break into civilian homes—but in the process of doing that, they were repelled by guardsmen as they had violated the first rule of combat. Never turn your back on an enemy.

“Ha! They’re not invincible after all. Repel them!” Tuhriks shouted.

Having gained some newfound momentum—the guards-men began to mount a defense—showing their strength in numbers.

Salm entered from the stairwell. He made a beeline for his three guardsmen who were protecting Severus’ chamber.

“We’ve remained at our posts as per your instructions, Salm.”

“We’re under attack, you fool. You need to be inside, protecting our Lord.”

He pushed them aside before barging into the chamber. Severus sat on the edge of his vast bed. His head was down, hidden inside his hands. He could no longer stomach watching the bloodshed taking place outside.

“My Lord. We have to get you to safety.”

Severus lifted his head—looking out towards the balcony.

“No. There is nowhere for us to run. If we are unable to turn Sirina’s forces, there will be no peace for us. Ever.”

“What would you have me do?” Salm asked.

Severus turned to him, tears in his eyes. While he had not been a perfect leader by any stretch of the imagination, he did love his citizens and did everything he could to protect them. Deep down, the citizens of Aphotriton knew this day would come.

It was a miracle that they were able to keep the Araneans at arm’s length for as long as they had. The harvest was an ill-conceived truce agreement between the two kingdoms—and was doomed from the start. However, an all-out-war with the spider creatures was untenable—as they were seeing right now.

They were being slaughtered left and right—while their enemies showed no signs of slowing down their hatred. There would be no truce this time. This particular fight was for their very survival.

Severus rose to his feet as his eyes narrowed.

“Release the Celestials.”

“They defeated a Veodruth once. Perhaps they can help us here. They may just be our only hope.”

Salm bowed his head. He turned back to his guardsmen.

“In here. Understand?”

“Yes Salm.” They said simultaneously.

He exited the chamber as the double doors closed behind him. He ran to the stairwell exit and looked down. It would take him forever to walk the stairs. Salm shook his head and stepped off the staircase ledge as gravity pulled him to the palace’s lowest level.

He was rocketing to the floor, but he reduced his travel time significantly. Three floors before the bottom level, his wings began to flap. He was still going too fast as his wings flapped as much as they could.

They slowed him just enough as he crashed to the ground. He writhed in pain, clutching both legs.

“Ah, by the Gods!”

Salm struggled back to his feet. The fall was brutal. He was hurting, but he wasn’t injured. He limped his way towards the dungeon as Severus had instructed—it was time to release the celestials.

Orion sat on the floor of the prison cell beside Rio and June. Their hands were all clasped together in the prayer position. If this was to be their end, then they needed to make peace with it. Gordie paced back and forth. He had zero interest in this type of reconciliation.

Noise could be heard coming from outside the cell. It sounded like the other cells were opening.

“Get out. Now. Go.”

Gordie moved to the cell entrance and looked out.

“What’s happening?” Rio asked.

“It looks like they’re letting them out.” Gordie turned back to them. “Maybe they’ll let us out.”

There were no maybes about it as Salm appeared in the next instant with four of his guardsmen. They were holding the cadets’ spacesuits, backpacks and weapons. To call this unexpected was an understatement. Things must have been a lot worse outside.

The other three cadets rose to their feet immediately. The cell was unlocked as Salm entered first.

“What’s this supposed to be? I thought you were supposed to harvest us.” June said.

He stood before them—looking apologetic. They were rightfully angry with him and the rest of the Aphotritons, but Salm didn’t look like someone who enjoyed being in this position. His eyes screamed desperation.

“Please. We need your help.”

“And why should we help you?” Rio said.

“Because if you don’t, the Araneans will not stop until they’ve destroyed our kingdom and everyone that resides within it.”

Orion’s eyes grew larger. Whether they liked it or not, they were now in the thick of it.

“Sounds like a good enough reason to me. Time to suit up.” Gordie said, hurrying towards the guardsmen holding their gear. He checked a backpack. “June. This is yours.”

He grabbed the suit, backpack and weapons. June hurried to him as Rio and Orion did the same.

Gordie passed June her gear, then Rio, then Orion. He took his last as the guardsmen exited. Salm left next. Orion immediately stripped down to his underwear so he could put his spacesuit back on as the girls followed his lead.

He noticed Gordie just staring at them for a moment. This was probably the first time he had ever seen either girl’s body this up close and personal. It was Orion’s as well, but they had bigger issues to deal with. This wasn’t a time for titillation.

He snapped out of his haze—turning to Orion.

“Hey man. Focus.”

“Oh yeah, my bad.”

Gordie stripped down next. Time was of the essence. Orion secured his helmet. He looked down and sighed. His sidearm was resting on his backpack. He really could have used his primary weapon. If only he hadn’t lost it on Cnaeus. He was fortunate the other three cadets still had theirs.

He turned to June and Rio. They were ready.

“Gordie, you good?”

“Is that a rhetorical question?”

“Unfortunately, it isn’t.”

“Then ask me again tomorrow. If we happen to make it through this.”

“Enough talk.” June interrupted. “Let’s do this.”

The cadets looked at one another. Their weapons were up as they exited one after another. The cell door slammed shut behind them as they turned back.

“Faldrine, you’re not coming with us?” Rio asked.

“I’d rather see this kingdom crumble than go into battle for a coward that dares call himself a lord.”

Bloody hell. And they thought that Gordie was being overdramatic. He had nothing on Faldrine. But what could they have possibly said to him? He was an Aphotriton—who had seen it all. It was understandable if he didn’t have the strength to fight another war.

“Go in peace and deliver yourselves to victory. I no longer have a stake in this world.” Faldrine went on.

“Well that’s encouraging.” Gordie said.

“Please Celestials. We must hurry.” Salm added.

The cadets turned to see his guardsmen leave first as Salm exited behind them. One after another they left the dungeon, leaving Faldrine behind.

A horde of crimson Araneans in their spider form were traveling across the moat bridge towards Aphotriton. The goddess, Sirina the Harvester, rode on top of them. She was more massive and glorious than ever. This was the first time she had been outside in ages.

The battle raged all around them—Sirina was undaunted by it. Her children, the Reevils and the Sorungulas were doing the goddess’ work. It wouldn’t be long before this kingdom fell to her feet and begged for her mercy.

Her horde reached the spire and began to climb it, one over the other as they brought their goddess forward like a moving ladder. The carnage below her—had given her chills. It was wonderful.

Kahlo quietly landed on Severus’ balcony, her crystal staff in hand. Her goddess and the rest of her brothers and sisters were still climbing the spire. They would be here in no time. She turned her attention to the Aphotriton leader’s chamber.

Through the curtains she could see Severus sitting on his bed with his head in his hands. She entered the chambers with a smirk.

“So this is the mighty lord.”

Severus looked up at her. The fear of death in his eyes.

“I have to admit. I’m underwhelmed.”

The chamber doors burst open. Three of his protectors entered carrying spears. As if that was supposed to deter Kahlo. They clearly hadn’t the slightest idea of who she was nor what she was capable of.

She pointed her staff at them, shooting a crystallized solution—a direct hit on two of them. Their weapons dropped to the floor as they were blown backwards by the ferocity of her attack. The crystal devoured them, eventually covering them from head to toe. They were embalmed on the chamber’s stone wall.

The third guardsmen charged Kahlo with a spear. She blocked the attack with her staff, knocking the spear out of his hand and with one of her free tentacles, brushed him back to the ground.

“Care to try again?” She smiled.

The guardsman rose to his feet, pulling two daggers from his hips. He was not afraid of her. He attacked once more, but Kahlo was too smart to engage in such silliness. She flicked her wrist, pointing the staff at the guardsman.

The solution sprayed against him, shooting him back against the wall beside the other two.

“Wow. That was almost too easy.”

Kahlo turned to Severus, who was speechless. He looked at her for a split second before he tried to run. As he did so, a spider web flew past Kahlo—attaching itself to the small of his back. The web yanked as Severus was thrown back into his bed.

Kahlo slightly looked back as Sirina entered the chamber from the balcony. She turned to Severus, who was finally able to feast his eyes on the Aranean Goddess. He cowered like the coward he was as Sirina moved closer to the bed—casting an immense shadow over him.

“Now where do you think you’re going?”

Salm and his guardsmen led the way as Orion and the other three cadets exited the palace foyer. They stopped in their tracks as the clash before them was an eye-opener. The Aphotritons were being slaughtered by all kinds of unfamiliar beasts. They were ghastly.

“So these are the Araneans, I’m guessing?” Gordie asked as he turned to Salm.

“This can’t be real.”

“No time for gawking Rio. It’s battle time.”

Orion held up his sidearm. He didn’t waste any time as he commenced shooting at every creature that didn’t look like an Aphotriton. Orion nailed two of them as they squealed in agony. He turned back to the other cadets—gesturing to them to join him.

Gordie cocked his weapon—bringing it into the ready position as June and Rio did the same. They immediately began shooting at the Araneans. Their weapons were strong enough to level the playing field as they blasted these aliens to kingdom come.

The Aranean scourge scattered to regroup as they noticed the cadets were a much greater threat.

“Come on men. It’s now or never.”

Salm and his guardsmen took flight, attacking the closest Araneans they could find. With their daggers, Salm flew in, slicing and dicing. One of the larger creatures was creeping up behind him.

Gordie set his shot and blasted a hole right through the chest of it as it screamed before collapsing to the ground.

“Whoa. I got one.”

He didn’t get long to celebrate—however—as the other creatures saw that he had killed their brethren and now were ready for revenge. He took off running as June and Rio gave him cover fire. A six-eyed mutant spider was bearing down on the two girls as Orion spied it. He barrel-rolled into a set shot—blowing both of the beasts’ arms off. It screamed as Orion set up for one more shot and fired.

Headshot! The beast keeled over. It was finished.

Ceinon fought side by side with his Aphotriton brothers as they tried to repel the Aranean spider soldiers. He stabbed one of them as his spear became lodged in his enemy’s body.

He lunged for another Aranean—taking the soldier to the ground—while knocking a staff out of its hands. He punched the Aranean several times before stabbing it in the neck with a dagger.

“Die! You filth!”

Ceinon reached for the staff and pointed it at one of the Sorungulas, but nothing happened. He had seen the Araneans use it to crystallize his people. Now it wasn’t working for him.

The Sorungula now had Ceinon in its sights. He was only left with his dagger as the crystal staff was worthless to him. Just before the Sorungula could strike, Ceinon was saved by Salm, who flew over top of the Sorungula.

Salm stabbed it several times in its back as the creature struggled to get him off. The Sorungula eventually threw Salm off as he went flying through a wall of a nearby home. Ceinon used the distraction to hide as the Sorungula lost sight of him.

He exhaled—how were they ever going to defeat them?

Severus squirmed as Sirina held him out in front of her. She was mummifying the Aphotriton king. Kahlo was watching the sequence with a smile. She derived great pleasure from this. After all, it had been her—who appealed to her mother Goddess that the Aphotritons had outlived their usefulness.

She saw firsthand how arrogant Bijeana and her ilk had become. They didn’t understand that Sirina was allowing them to exist. This oasis was no longer large enough for their two kingdoms. Their days of existing beneath the surface were over.

Araneus was named after them. It was their right to rule this planet with a sharp talon. To give their Goddess back what she had given them. Life itself. When the destruction of Aphotriton was complete, they would scour the rest of the world and bring every creature into the fold.

Resisting would not be a prudent decision. The time had come for change. And change would be swift and brutal if necessary.

“Please. You don’t have to do this. We never missed a harvest.”

“Irrelevant. My Goddess is the rightful ruler of this kingdom—along with the rest of this world. If she desires it, then she shall have it. You should consider yourself fortunate that she allowed you to rule for as long as you have.”

Sirina resumed the mummification process until Severus was fully wrapped. He squirmed for a moment or two, but he was unable to breathe as his body eventually went limp. Sirina tossed it aside—she had given too much attention to Severus in the first place.

Kahlo turned to her, a proud look in her eyes as Sirina stroked her cheek with one of her tentacles.

“This is your world my Goddess. It rightfully belongs to you.”

The Aranean horde had begun to overwhelm them as the cadets had moved into a tight formation. Everyone was now back-to-back, covering all four sides. It was obvious that their enemies had realized that the humans were their strongest adversaries and needed their undivided attention.

“God, I hate bugs.” Gordie said.

“There’s still too many of them. Where are they all coming from?” June said.

She looked skyward, there were spiders raining down on them from the palace. She shot several who were attempting a sneak attack.

“The hell if I know. Keep shooting.” Rio said.

The cadets continued to shoot at the Araneans who were slowly waiting them out. They held a tremendous advantage numbers wise and it only seemed to be getting larger. It was beginning to look like they needed a miracle.