Hybrid: The Awakening

Epilogue

Date on Earth: Friday, October 13 

All conversations have been translated from Axonian to English for the readers' convenience.

Lord Temaku's throne was known for its illumination of pure power. It was a sacred seat for all great Axonian leaders. To be in the lord's presence as he rested upon it was either an enormous honor or a most terrible misfortune.

The once-general Inugio kneeled at his leader's feet, not yet sure what outcome would become of him. His heart was brimming with anger and defeat, as well as a hint of fear. After all, he had disobeyed his superior. And while he believed it was for the right reasons, he had yet to discern whether Lord Temaku would think the same.

"Rise, General." The lord's voice echoed against the walls of his white kingdom. Inugio immediately obeyed.

"Forgive me, Great Leader," the lower-ranked Axone pleaded. "I failed to retrieve the Jh'ai for our kingdom, a failure that aches deeply in my soul."

Lord Temaku tsked. "Your failure to return the Jh'ai to us is the least of your problems." He rose up from his throne. "Turning against your own soldiers, causing harm to the Jh'ai hosts, and directly disobeying my orders? Even one of these offenses would be considered treason!"

"Forgive me!" Inugio cried out once again. "All I wanted was to honor you."

"Enough with your blasphemy! I know the real reason you wanted the Jh'ai so much. It's the same reason I chose you for this very task."

The leader lifted up his spear and twisted it in his hand. "You have repeatedly shown that your motive to honor your brother comes before anything else." He stopped Inugio as he attempted to protest. "It's a noble motivation. I assumed since he lost his life protecting the Jh'ai, it would give you all the more willpower to succeed in your mission.

"My assumption was correct. However, the way you conducted it truly shows where your loyalty towards me stands."

The ex-general looked down shamefully. Lord Temaku walked forward and placed a hand on his shoulder, causing the Axone to flinch.

"You are a good soldier," the leader said. "But you must remember your place, something even I need to remind myself from time to time. The reason I ordered you to retreat if the Jh'ai had already chosen a host is because it means the Great One deems them worthy. Even being your leader, I cannot override His will."

Inugio bit his tongue. "What will be my punishment, Great Leader?"

The Axonian leader stepped back, still gripping his weapon. Inugio glanced at it in fear. Lord Temaku raised it and he cowered. But instead of bringing it down on him, the leader placed it gently against his throne.

"While your disobedience deserves great repercussions, your expertise is needed more."

The general released a sigh of relief. His leader ushered for him to follow as Lord Temaku trekked down a long hall.

The whitish-blue tile ran up the walls and ceiling, the reflection creating the illusion of thousands of shimmering gems. The long hallway led to the largest window in the kingdom.

"Look over there." Lord Temaku pointed at the town below. The white buildings contrasted greatly with the red barren landscape. Purple spheres were placed on top of every house, which served as a protective shelter for whenever a strong storm would pass through.

At first glance, nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary. However, as Inugio searched, he spotted what his leader had been speaking of.

Smoke could be seen in the distance, with dark creatures flying around it. At the sight, the general scowled.

"Krails," Inugio hissed.

"Their current leader Odon recently declared war on our planet," Lord Temaku told him, turning away. "As of now, their numbers are few and they are easy to hold off. But new ships appear at every rise of the sun. Soon, their numbers will overtake us.

"I need the strongest warriors in order to fight this battle, and you are the fiercest one I've met. So I am willing to give you one more chance. Will you head my orders and stand by my side like your brother once did?"

Lord Temaku held out a scroll and Inugio took it, holding it to his chest.

"I will, Great Leader."

__________________

Author's Note:

This is the end of book one! Thank you to everyone that read this till the end:) This is my first novel I've finished and shared, so it's been a learning journey.

If you enjoyed this book, I'd greatly appreciate it if you would vote on the chapters you enjoyed and comment your thoughts. That feedback will help me know what to improve in my future writing.

❤️