Valiants; Apoplexy (Autosaved)

7/28/2019 Valiants; Apoplexy (Autosaved)

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VALIANTS: APOPLEXY

CHAPTER 1

All was dark here; black, absolutely nothing, except an exceptional glimmer of water droplets falling

from the roof to the damp floor. It was actually a tunnel leading steeply to much darker inside.

Everything was completely silent as in some Buddhist monastery giving the place an unearthly and

mystic environment. Not a single creature was to be seen here which meant it must be hundreds of

miles below the surface. The dampness filled the place. Suddenly, a shadow loomed into sight. With a

tall body and shoulder length hairs, his features were herculean. Splashing water with his foot, he

hurried down the tunnel and in a moment, disappeared behind a turning. The place falls to darkness and

silence again.

The atmosphere was tense. It seems that all the people present in that cavernous place were radiating

their tension which was heating the room. It was some sort of big underground cave; not big, it was

enormous with a length of almost two football fields and breadth of three of them, only with one

exception; unlike ordinary rock caves, it was giving an impression of some artificial efforts. It seemed

that once a natural and rough place; it was modified by manual labor to suit their necessity. The walls

were cut into straight and sharp edges. Floor was smoothened for daily rituals and a numerous artifacts

occupied the place. Things from pasts, which are always considered the best source of understanding

and studying the history; history of mankind, history of earth and history of the origins which lead to the

birth of this universe. The place was anything but a museum but still, precious and ancient creations

adored the cave. In one quarter, there was an empty space with a large blue colored statue of a warrior- looking man, except his features were not resembling much like a normal man. His both hands were

clutched into feasts and in one hand, he was holding something which was golden in color. In fact, he

was indeed a male but not a human being from our world, not even from our solar system or galaxy. The

very presence of that statue was generating a unique effect which cannot be explained until and unless

you visit it yourself. In front of the statue, the floor was covered with saffron carpets which were

surrounded by lots of candle sticks giving the place a look of some worshipping hall. The rest two

quarters of cave was empty, with only white clothes covering the floor and a few strange looking devices

occupied the walls. Since a long time, legends have known this place as AGYAT GUFA; the unknown

cave and historians for many centuries have debated about its existence. But as it is obvious in such

curious cases, many people tried to break into it but whenever they entered this cave which looked justlike an ordinary one from outside, next thing they knew, they had lost consciousness and the authorities

were marching them to their homes. After a while, people with a desire for adventure started to look for

some different and more glorified events. You must have understood that the residents of this Gufa

were reluctant to let any outsider in; they were very reluctant to let any outsider in. So, they had

devised some trick to repel those who had got no business there (in a practical way of course) There

were seven similar small caves attached to this main place. These caves were apparently, served as the


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bed room of all the residents. There were no beds, but a thick matt of haystacks occupied the floor and

a number of commodities were in each room which reflected the hobby and nature of their residents.

Attached to the each room was a lavatory. All these rooms were also part of the same cave but it

seemed that they were cut and made manually by the respective residents.

Right now, at the center of the Gufa, an elderly man was sitting on a throne like chair surrounded bythree persons. Despite being of old age, the man showed no signs of aging. Except his whitened straight

and long hair which reached up to his neck and loose skin, he was perfectly in his middle ages. His eyes

were filled with a bold determination and a unique calmness. His feature, though not very impressive,

was a good one. With a height of six feet and 3 inches, he had the air of someone born for leadership.

He was wearing a short fitting brown Kurta and a tightly bound white Dhoti. His feet were clad in hay

string chappals. But what really distinguished him from the other people present in the room was a

gargantuan locket resting on his chest with a thick golden chain around his neck. The locket was a

peculiar one. Gold in color (but then, it was made of gold so pure and splendid as none are found on the

earth), it had a lot of strange cryptography on it with a number of odd figures. The very presence of that

locket was giving an unearthly effect to his overall appearance. A small pile of dry wood was burning infront of him which was illuminating the whole Gufa like a magnificent temple. All the other persons

present in the room were also in same outfit, probably following some kind of dress code, except the

color of Kurta worn by each person varied slightly. The elder man was in a deep thought; supporting his

chin on the finger tips, his eyes were closed and brows furrowed. All the other occupants were tensely

looking at him as if waiting for some words. Despite the fact that the Gufa was deep down the earth and

there were no ventilation system, the atmosphere was unexpectedly, not a suffocating one. Amazingly,

cool breeze was flowing through the place like at some sea beech. But as the Gufa had only one single

opening which was used both as an entrance and exit, there was no question of cross ventilation. So it

was hard to tell the reason for such a good weather inside.

Suddenly, a person entered the Gufa from the huge opening. Everybody moved their heads in his

direction except the elder man. He approached the chair with an air of a military officer and knelt on his

knees. Pradhan, he addressed him. The elder man slowly opened his eyes and looked at him with

utmost interest. Pradhan, the kneeling man said again, your information has been confirmed. He had

escaped from Mardoon three days ago and Banish is sure that he is more than willing to join hands with

the Alliances. If he escaped three days ago the manaddressed as pradhan asked, how come we

know of it only a few hours back? The other man replied with a little hesitation, There were some of

the guards who helped this jailbreak and somehow these traitors managed to conceal this news and

elongate the delay as much as was possible. But due to efforts of banish and using a little interrogation, I

succeeded to get this information from them. Pradhan sighed, Traitors he said, we never run short of

them for centuries. I knew we wont be able to keep it secure for much time, not when lord of Doxifrox

has his interests in him, but this could have been avoided if these traitors had not done their job. He

looked at the other men sitting around waiting for their opinion. One of the persons who was not so

warrior looking said, What should be done now Pradhan? Now that the matter is out of reach as we

had expected, what must be our next move? After a little pause, Pradhan said, Traitors or no traitors,


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avoiding trouble is inevitable in these days and we should be ready for any kind of it. Standing from his

chair, he addressed the other people, Valiants! he said loudly, it seems that the time has finally here

for which we have been waiting for so long!

CHAPTER 2

A teenager boy was running in that havocked place; panting and breathing hard. People were shouting

in background;Dont do this boy! Itsbeyond your powers. You can do nothing now to stop it. The boy

turned and said in a determined voice, That may be impossible, but I prefer to die trying to stop it

rather than uselessly. And he continued on his path. Mr. Raj!, suddenly a voice shouted across the

hall. Raj quickly tore his attention from his portable LED panel screen to Professor Thomas. Watching

that? Again? Professor Thomas came near, looking sternly at him with his hands crossed. Raj hesitantly

stood up and mumbled, lowering his head, No Professor, just recalling some facts sir. Facts?

Professor looked into his eyes, What facts? Raj said slowly, Facts about uses of details in facial

animation sir. Now Professor Thomas looked flabbergasted, Facial animation? For Gods sake Mr. Raj!

Is it a sketching class? Raj said nothing. This is the last time I am warning you boy! Keep your facial

animation thing confined to software classes. You are deviating from your current subject a lot these

days. So pay a little attention next time otherwise I will be forced to send your parents a complaint

letter. With it, Professor went back to the digital board and continued his class. As the bell rang, Ayush

rushed to Raj. So Mr. Cartoonist!he grinned, You will not leave your habit. Raj pulled his bag on

shoulder and made to leave the class. Cmon yaar, he said, It is not funny. I was trying to deduct the

expressions of Tom from that animation. Alexander Ruth has done a great job in characterizing him. Did

you ever notice how he was determined to fight the rival forces at any cost? Dont you think that if we

would also have fought with strategizing for the outcomes, things would have different? They were

going through a mechanical pavement moving by itself like an escalator. Hey! exclaimed Ayush, Why

you do that every time? Stop all this pessimism and live the life man! Cant you see? Its so nice here?

Much better than that wretched planet. I understand your feelings bhai, but we cant have survived with

such a disastrous condition there. Besides that, you tell me one thing, if it is for you, will you get into this

and try to bring things on earth back to normal? I mean, will you yourselftake such a risk ever?

Ayush, unlike Raj, was a thin and short boy. Although a college student, his physiques were still

immature which gave him a look of some ninth grader. On the other hand, Raj had a healthy personality.

Nothing was in him like some body builder, but overall, he had a good masculine body which was

appropriate for his height of around five feet and nine inches. He had dark black eyes and jet black hair.

With a brown colored skin, his overall appearance stated that he was an Indian and so was ayush.

When they came to the electronic door, Ayush put his card into the slot and the heavy metallic doors

opened with a hiss. Dont you agree with me? he asked Raj again. Raj turned to him, I dont know he

said, As I always told you, I feel that some day, I will have to get involved into this anyhow. I cant say

why, but I just feel so all the time. Okay gyani baba! Ayush affectionately hit on rajs shoulder with his


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fist and said, Enough of your gyan. This is a very bad habit of yours. You have got a knack to turn light

matters into serious stuffs. Now hurry up, I am hungry like hell. With this, he dragged raj with him

speedily. Raj was lost in his thoughts and didnt listen to whatever Ayush said afterwards. He has started

a chain of events in his mind and Raj was unable to put himself in words.

CHAPTER 3

The place was horrible. The raging winds had made the situation worst and with the squall of dust, it

was a hell. Gargantuan machineries had occupied that place which was like an immense desert in the

storm. Hardly anything was visible in the storm of dust. As far as one can see, only dust and sand was

observable. Slowly, a figure appeared from one of the colossal machineries. At the first sight, he looked

like a grizzly bear dawdling around the earth, but actually he was a human figure inside some sort of

protection suit. The sound coming from all the machineries was thunderous. One of the machines had

bore a massive hole in the earth, surrounded by several other human beings clad in same type of suit.

Pull up now! the man who had come out from the machinery yelled in his wireless communicator. He

was Jonathan Hawkes; Supervisor of The Mining Corp.; a governmental body whose primary function

was to mine mineral ores from earth which still had no alternatives on earth x. The gigantic spear

attached to the machine slowly began to come out on the surface with a thunderous roar. It was a weird

device; with a large storage tank and a sharp and pointed head, it seemed to be collecting something

deep down from the earth and right now, the glass screen fasten around its storage tank showed that it

was full of something; some kind of bluish mineral. The man with the communicator approached the

others. They were actually mining the earth for valuable minerals which are of utmost importance in

numerous aspects. The place had a very unearthly look in it; it was looking like some distant planet with

a strange atmosphere and storming clouds. The Supervisor gave some instructions to other workers and

returned back to his compartment in one of the machineries.

What is the situation? he asked loudly to one of the workers among all the noise. We have collected

about three kilograms of Xalterium which would be enough to run Ozonifier for approximately one year

and two months. The worker replied. That is enough for today Supervisor said, Lets prepare for the

departure. Terrible day, he thought. His crew had just traveled thousands of light years to come here.

He never appreciated long journeys and had always hated this long journeys. Right now his head was

feeling terribly dizzy. But as the information was a critical one, he could not have missed this

opportunity. I wish we complete the work within this day, he said to himself looking in the rear screen

of the machinery. Since the human species had shifted from here to a distant and more safe place, it

had become a constant headache for the Mining Corp. for last few hundred years, even when they had

to carry out work from the underground base station back here on earth during the construction phase

of an artificial satellite for living purpose which took much long time than expected. As scientists were

still in progress to develop the essential alternatives of minerals necessary for existence of human life,

they had to rely on the Xalterium till then which was a newly discovered element (well, not that newly.

In fact, at that that time, it had already been about two hundred years since the discovery of that

element.). And the only substance to run Ozonifier; a device to create artificial ozone layer and most


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unfortunately, it was available in bulk only in one place; there old home earth. It was a highly classified

element whose details were restricted to the mining corps only as all the important parts of government

realizes it that if the Alliances ever come to know about it, the results would be more disastrous than

anyone can ever imagine. So after every one year, they had to give earth a visit and extract the minerals.

Now a new thought came to Supervisor; they were, by all means, like military. As despite having

constant danger from the Alliances, it was them who dared to come to earth and not the military. And

to add to the effect, on all the places on earth, the damn mine was here; right in the centre of one of the

Hazard Zone. Hazard Zone was referred to those parts of earth where the ozone layer had completely

become extinct and not even the handful of creatures still residing on earth would dare to venture the

place without any suitable protection. So a lot of precautions were needed if some work has to be

carried out in such zones. Otherwise, he thought, he wouldnt have worn this Ultra Thermo Ionic suit in

his life. The UTIs, as they were named, were equipped with a number of technical gadgets including

four integrated Freon ACs. But this had no effect in Hazard Zones. The Supervisor said to himself, After

all, its no ozone zone; the most disastrous environmental condition that ever existed on earth. Even

these powerful suits can resist the highly hazardous atmosphere only for sixteen hours which he prayed

to not happen. Apart from this, the sun was a burning ball of fire and he was feeling it right in every cell

of his body. The blinding rays had already slowed their work by two hours and evening had brought no

good news as everything was still as if in a midday clear sky. His mood became bitter with these

thoughts and he wandered what the devil would happen if the Alliances find out about their

exploration. But he was assured. Someonewas still there to make sure such a thing wont happen and

they will not let them get in danger at any cost. The consideration soothed his mind. He sipped coffee

from his mug and looked out of the rear screen.

All of a sudden, the mug slipped from his hand and crashed on the metallic floor. He recoiled with

terror, unable to think of anything. But he quickly gained his self conscience back, grabbed his

communicator and roared, Evacuate! Alliances are here! a complete chaos broke in the field and

everyone rushed to their particular machineries. In the distance, outline of three ghostly and gigantic

aircrafts emerged in the sky. Pitch black in color, they were looking terrific and the storming dust was

only adding a worsened effect to the situation. As the thundering mining machineries began to

transform into some type of gigantic flying ships, the supervisor was only thinking about one thing which

he had heard often from the legends, When the black demons appear in the sky, they will destroy

everything with much brutality and cruelty than any of the existing Satan. As he recognized the black

aircrafts as notorious thunder crafts of Doxifrox, his bones became frozen with a wave of chill.

CHAPTER 4

Thirteen years after, the place still dazzles Raj every time he observes its architecture and infrastructure.

When he had left earth with his parents thirteen years ago, he was very excited and happy for the

prospect of getting a new and far better life than they had on earth. The life which he spent on earth till


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now was mostly in the deep underground where they used to live in den like structures. He and his

parents were last of the group who migrated from earth to this new artificial satellite which was

recently constructed to accommodate remaining human beings as earths atmosphere was no longer

suitable to survive for them and it was penetrating the underground world too which was a hell in itself.

This new satellite was Rajs home now known as Earth X. He had just finished his dinner and was

standing on the balcony of his house. As he looked into the sky, the old feeling of being caught in a cage

came back in his mind. He appreciated this new world; everything was amazing here. From the ultra

tech technologies which included super speed cars and uniquely computerized infrastructures to the

artificial ozone which was mans greatest achievement till now. This artificial ozone was the reason they

were able to start a living on a different satellite as to the disgrace of many researchers, there was not a

single planet whose atmosphere was like Earths in all the planets they had discovered in seven galaxies

surround the earths Milky Way. Two hundred years ago, a group of scientists from WSO (World Space

Organization the space facility which is controlled mainly by the former NASA elements and included

other space organizations from countries of Russia, India and Germany) started a classified project on

developing the conditions best suited for human life to survive on a new environment. Eventually, they

succeeded in developing some sort of reactor to generate artificial ozone. However, the whereabouts of

the device was highly classified and many even doubted about its existence. Anyway, there was

something which has created the ozone here and it was only due to this artificial ozone that they were

able to live in such a completely strange atmosphere. But still there was this one big problem; this ozone

needed Xalterium for its formation which was available only on earth and it was very expensive to

develop artificial oxygen. Though the details of Xalterium were not disclosed to common mass due to

the fear of threats from the alliances, everyone had a little idea about this element as such

governmental classified data have a knack of getting leaked somehow. So Mining Corp. started to

recruit military servicemen to extract this element from earth as the task was not merely a simple

mining work. It also included dangerous exposure to The Alliances which were always aiming for a little

massacre. This artificial ozone was penetrated all over the planet which was the size of earths moon. It

kept hovering in the highest level of atmosphere. Freon, being lighter than Xalterium, kept it intact and

prevents it to go down and suns rays prevented the Freon to raise much away from the atmosphere.

These entire facts still amazes Raj, but there was one thing which he hadnt been accommodated to till

now, whatever he might try. The fakeness of all this uncomforted him always. He missed the nature

back on earth which were just stories to him; the trees, the mountains, the river and more than anything

else, his dream to make earth again as it was in his grandfathers time and before that. Though nothing

was much more as his grandfather used to describe in his stories and lore on the earth anymore, but he

still loved it. He was like a family back there. On this distant planet, he always felt like living in a rented

house, in an artificial doll home sort of place. And these things made him feel a surge of hatred towards

this new world and somehow, he wanted to escape this trauma. Although he had a quite good and

satisfying life here; his friends, his parents and his life, but still, a part of his instinct kept saying that he is

not for this stuff, he was meant for something different. He wanted to do something for his own planet,

like joining the Mining Corps and not keep working on this fake home and these thoughts used to make

him feel rough which he always found difficult to explain.


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What are you thinking son? Raj felt a soft touch on his shoulder. It was Mr. Sinha; Rajs father. Raj

slowly looked above the sky and said, Do you think papa we will ever go back to earth? Mr. Sinha

smiled slowly. He was a man in his early fifties but constant practice of yoga mudras and keeping a very

strict diet had hid his age and he didnt looked as older as he was. Like Raj, his hair was also jet black in

color and had a dense moustache. He was a calm natured man but sometimes very strict about on

particular subjects. Raj didnt know why, but he always felt a sense of guilty whenever he was with

father. It was unexplainable. Somehow, he knew that he is not and will never be what his father wanted

for him and from time to time, this thought used to trouble him a lot. If you believe Mr. Sinha said,

you will. But remember; only believing wont do any good. You have to work for it. Raj wanted to ask

what he should work on to go back, but he knew it was no use. He didnt want to irritate his father by

constantly bickering on same topic as it was not first time he was discussing this with him. There is no

use now to waste your time thinking on something about which you cant do anything. His father had

said before not in a very good mood, your line of field is now different and you are too old to start for

any of this. You must concentrate on your studies and start your career here as everyone else is doing.

Leave the Valiants and military take care of it. Raj became very depressed after listening to him. But in

a few days, his mind was back on the matter and he realized that he cant just let this thought go away.

CHAPTER 5

It was indeed a horrible day for Supervisor Jonathan of Mining Corporation. First the tiresome work of

mining in Hazard Zone and then, he and his crew member were being chased by Lakiterian troops.

Earlier, when he saw the black thunder crafts, he thought of Doxifroxians and the very thought sent a

horrible lurch in his stomach. But now he noticed it; the superimposed emblem of Lakiter over all the

ships which meant that they were another of the Alliances troops. As usual, they were using old and

dumped Doxifroxian gears. But still, the danger hovers over them, he thought. Although there ships

were equipped with all sorts of advance weaponry system, they were no match to even old Doxifroxian

thunder crafts. He yelled in his pilots ears, Better get out of this bloody place as soon as you can if you

want to see your home again! The pilot shouted back, No use sir! They are following us with very

insignificant breach and there is no question of losing them. Our mine ships are no match to those rusty

but speedy thunder crafts. The supervisor tried to think of something desperately. We must initiate

the tactical options, he said, prepare the auto guidance missiles. The pilot nodded quickly and his

fingers began to work on the buttons of display panel rapidly, but it was too late. Oh no! the pilot

yelled looking at his monitor with a horrified expression. The Supervisor knew what had happened

before pilot told him. One of the black thunder crafts had already launched a missile which was pursuing

them with an alarming speed. Activate the shield! supervisor cried, activate the damn shield! before

he had finished, the pilot had already activated the invisible shield around the ship. The missile hit the

ship with a tremendous impact and despite the fact that the shield was up, their ship was thrown away

with a great force. Inside the ship, alarms began to beep frantically and everything was covered in red

light. We are hit! the pilot shouted, Ship is losing the altitude dangerously. What about the other

ship? supervisor asked, all the feeds are jammed pilot said reading the data from the display panel,

butthey are not hit till now. Lakiterian aircrafts had mistaken the supervisors ship as destroyed so,


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they proceeded to pursue the next ship but the ship was not destroyed. The protective shield had

absorbed much of the impact and after losing the altitude for few feet, it was back to normal, thanks to

the skilled and trained hands of the pilot. When supervisor was informed of it, an expression of

retribution covered his face. They must not be allowed this every time he said to the pilot with

clenched teeth, they attacked us for no reason and we have no idea what they have done or will do to

our sister ship. They should feel the fear which they bring upon us all the time. Listening to supervisor,

the pilot looked trouble. We must keep a low profile sir he said, sensing what supervisor was coming

with, it is no good trying to fight them back. No! supervisor said sharply, enough of keeping low

profile. We cant do it every time. We must strike back for once and for all. Anyways, if we dont make it

to the portal which I doubt we ever will with them hunting so savagely for us, we have to do something

at least to save the others. Prepare for the attack. The pilot tried to say hesitantly, but sir. The

supervisor stared him sharply and said in a firm tone, If you have any objects Smith it is now time to put

them aside. The Mining Corp. is no more a mere earth digging governmental unit. We are more or less

one of the arm forces and we were trained like that. Now is the time to exercise those trailing sessions.

The pilot was filled with a new determination and nodded firmly to his supervisor. He pressed some keys

on the panel. Target locked. a mechanical female voice said. The pilot pressed a button and a missile

zoomed from the ship and advanced towards one of the black thunder crafts. Fortunately, the missile

had destroyed the sensory systems of supervisors ship due to which the enemy thunder crafts were

unable to detect it and they assumed that the ship was destroyed. So, when the missile was launched

from it and preceded towards one of them, they didnt detect it till it was in the visible range. But there

was nothing to be done and before the pilot of that thunder craft had thought of something, it was hit

with a terrific bang and bits of it shattered in the sky. The explosion alarmed the other thunder crafts.

They had not expected such resistance from Mining Corp. which enraged them. Instead of pursuing the

other ship, all of them move ahead to the source of explosion which gave enough time to the sister ship

to escape earths atmosphere and get into the portal. On the other hand, supervisors ship was in now

much grave danger than the previous one. Supervisor knew they had lost it but he was satisfied when

the pilot told him that the other ship had safely entered the portal. Soon they were surrounded by a

number of black thunder crafts. Just try to dodge them and make way he said firmly to the pilot. He

looked at him and nodded, shaking. Pale to his roots, he tapped the keys nervously on the panel and

accelerated the ship. A missile launched from one of the black thunder crafts and narrowly missed the

ship. It was too late though, as supervisor watched in horror that now the missile was speeding towards

his ship. As he watched, paralyzed, the missile going to collide with the ship, he felt nauseated and

closed his eyes. He thought of the explosion, of his teammates going to be killed so brutally. In a matter

of second, a thunderous blast forced him to open his eyes. He watched in utter surprise the bits of

missile penetrating the sky a few inches away from his crew ship, as if it was rammed into something

invisible before touching the ship. In a flash, he knew what had caused this and he felt relieved like

never. Pull down, he smiled to thepilot, Nothing is to worry now.

CHAPTER 6


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Raj, wake up. Raj slowly opened his eyes and felt someone shaking his body. His eyes found the alarm

clock finally. What happened? he asked his father when his eyes became accommodated to dark in a

sleepy tone while his fingers tried to stop the alarm, Its only threeo clock. First you get dressed up,

his father said, There is someone here to see you. He was sounding anxious and raj wondered who it

could be at such an odd time. After getting dressed, he descended the staircase which leads to the

drawing room. There was someone sitting on the sofa with his back towards the door. From his really

broad shoulders, raj guessed it must be someone with a good masculine physique and he tried hard to

remember whether he knows anyone with such a personality or not, but nothing came to his mind. He

was now standing beside the man and looked carefully at him. The person he saw their completely

shocked him. He was the man whom he had never met before but was more than willing to meet for a

long time. He recognized well those black and mystique eyes, the white radiating skin and the

determination in such an age which had no effect on his age with that heavy build physique of a young

man. Perplexed, he staggered to the sofa and fall on it with a thud. sorry to disturb you this early son,

the stranger said in a deep but calm voice and extended his aged but strong looking hands towards him,

I guess you have a little idea who am I, but nevertheless, let me introduce myself . Little idea about

him?, Raj thought wildly shaking his hand, his heart was pumping hard, Of course I know you! I spend

halfof my teenage days thinking about you! the stranger continued, My name is John Matter and I am

the lead member of Valiants; an unofficial squad of seven discreetly chosen soldiers who aim to defend

the allies against the alliances at any cost. He paused for a moment and continued again, or in simple

words, we want to turn things back to the time when everything was normal and there be nothing like

this fake anywhere. He stared into Rajs eyes who were exasperated as if he knew exactly what raj

was thinking at the moment. He continued, I am here to deliver you a very important message to which

you must give your full attention. He shifted a little in his chair and then said, As far as I know you, you

are one of those rare persons who want to get out of this world, not in any negative sense but for a

better good. Who wants to see things as they were in good times and who wants to be a part of the

revolution which will break these chains of age long misery? It was a statement, not question. Raj;

mesmerized, was looking at him with silent appreciation. John continued, I assume you already know

that Valiants are a team of seven members, and I think you know too that we are one member short

currently due to some unfortunate events. Raj knew a little about that unfortunate event too which this

man had mentioned. He remembered when the news broke out three years ago of fall of an important

member of Valiants in a battle with Doxifrox. Like the other thousands of questions, he was desperate to

ask this one too but he knew it was not the right time. After a moment of pause, he asked, But you

havent found any evidence that Siddhartha is gone forever, have you? John smiled a little, I shall tell

about it later. For now, you must know that he is not with us, and Valiants are in need of a new member

to retain their full potential.Raj asked again, But really sir, why make a team of seven? I mean, you

could do better with more men, couldnt you? John answered him politely, As I said, you will know

everything when the time will be right and. There was a note of finality in his tone and Raj understood

not to ask him such questions, not for now. Finally, John looked to his face directly and asked, As the

leader of the Valiants, I am here to recruit you Raj as I see the same potential and capability in you best

suited for a Valiant. It seemed that John knew what was going on in Rajs mind. Um, he mumbled,

There are questions, a lot of them which I wanted to ask you for a long time but was never allowed to

because everyone thinks that Valiants shouldnt be disturbed by any means, at least not by


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preposterous questions of a teenage boy.John cut him and said, It will do you no good to conceal your

curiosities though, some of them should be answered in correct moments. I am here to recruit you

because I can sense your feelings about this war which is going on for decades and this passion you

withhold is the very thing to be a valiant. Though, its completely your decision. There is no pressure.

Now it was becoming too much both for Raj and his parents. He thought about it; yes, he always wanted

to get into Valiants, but it was one of those wild desires like getting into the role of a superhero

character. He never considered it seriously. And now, the leader of Valiants; John himself or Pradhan, as

he was popularly known is inviting him to join! This was absurd, may be some weird dream. But it is

impossible. Rajs father said suddenly which brought him back to present, Raj never had any military

training, his field of interest is entirely different. Besides that, how he is supposed to posses all those

super natural powers which you and your team mates have? John slowly stood up and walked towards

him. Listen to me, he whispered in a low tone, You know that Valiants is not a military squad. Our

system of recruitment is a very elite and discreet one. That is for a some good reason which I daresay I

cant explain to you. I will only say that if Raj joins us, his role will be a very significant one in this war to

achieve what we lost so many years ago. But as I said, itscompletely his decision. He turned to Raj and

said, Hope I shall see you again raj. and prepared to leave when suddenly Raj called back, But sir! I

will get the answers of all my questions, wont I? John turned to him smiling and said in a calm voice,

When the right time comes, you sure will. For a long time, Raj stood there like a statue. Then as his

parents started discussing the matter to each other, he slowly moved towards his bedroom. Where are

you going Raj? his father called back, this is some important matter son. We need to discuss it. Raj

replied tiredly, not now Papa. I am tired. and closed the door. It was no use though, pretending to

sleep. Tonights events had done enough to deprive him of it. Finally, when he found himself unable to

come to any conclusion, he gave up thinking and hoped again that whatever happened down the hall

was really not a dream.

CHAPTER 7

Pradhan was in a deep thought when Viraat entered the Gufa. He was not surprised; Viraat like all other

Valiants had a knack to complete his task before the given time. It was the news which surprised him

though very slightly. Not that he ever expected it. On the contrary, it was he who had confirmed the

arrival of Doxifrox on the earth; Banish had informed him about it long ago. Pradhans thoughts riveted

towards Banish, who had done an excellent job as a Valiant. While assigning this task, even Pradhan was

a little worried about him but it turned out that he was coping with it with much more excellence than

Pradhan had expected. He had stayed at the weapon developing unit which was a joint team effort of

Doxifrox and Xantor (heavily dominated by Doxifrox as it was the central power among alliances and

Xantor played role of a mere puppet with a handful of Xantorian scientists working on it) in disguise

much longer than expected and not a single Xantorian or Doxifroxian had ever suspected him. Well,

Pradhan thought, then, he was the very guy who scored maximum in disguise course during training. But

what really came as a final blow was involvement of Querone. Valiants have defeated Querone a

number of times but Pradhan knew he can be a real problem for Banish. The very thought still make him

a little uncomfortable. But he finds peace in thinking that Banish proved to be as better as always and


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had fooled Querone too; which again, thought Pradhan, proves that bulky men have bulky brains.. But

still, Pradhan didnt want to risk him and now, after the prison break, he was quite concerned about

him. But right now, he couldnt do anything, not even he can warn him because situations had turned a

little bit different as planned and unwillingly, Banish had found himself much closer to Zrotux than ever.

So, he was literally walking on a swords age. Pradhan looked at the golden locket hanging around his

neck and thought of its history. In a moment, he had readied his mind for the war. Slowly he lifted his

head. Viraat was still leaning in front of him, he motioned him to get up and looked at the other Valiants

intently, It seems, he said to them, that the time has come. The Valiants knew what Pradhan meant.

For a long time, ever since Banish left them, they were waiting for it. But none of them dared to show

their curiosity as they were fully aware of Pradhans way.We must not make haste Pradhan

continued, but it is high time to regain the full potential of Valiants as soon as possible because Banish

wont be able to with hold his position for a long time. All of you now see to your respective chores. I

will inform you about the next move in a few hours time. They silently bowed before him and made to

leave the hall when suddenly they felt it. Do you sense it? Ralph; a strong looking guy with brown hairs

and a French cut mustache asked Aryan; another heavy build person with a dark skin and bald head. He

came to an abrupt halt and looked at his other partners; all of them now looking alarmed. They turned

to Pradhan. Dont delay, Pradhan said and nodded to them. All four of them exited the Gufa in a rush

as if a deep trouble was on their head.

Quick, Viraat asked Tim; who was the youngest member with a sharp mind and knowledge of modern

warfare technologies and an unusually short height which gave him the impression of a boy in his late

teens, It was from somewhere in north west. Yeah, Tim said. They ran to the mouth of the Gufa

where all of them came to an abrupt halt. Okay, Aryan; who was the leading commander of Valiants,

said, Here is the plan, we will reach the point and observe the situation. Then, whatever the conditiontells, we will act according to it. Everyone nodded in agreement. They closed their eyes and cried, TAN

TAN TERAN! and propelled their body against earth. With a great force and a blast of dust, they leave

ground and began to fly. They were crossing the abandoned terrains and mountains. Whole planet was

looking like some war prone area; no vegetation, no signs of flora or fauna. Only dust and rocks. They

passed through certain cliffs like jet planes with great speed. Suddenly Viraat heard a voice in his head; it

was Ralphs; I see them guys, just a few miles away. He had also felt their presence nearer. He replied

to the telepathic conversation, Alright, lets make sure no innocent one is harmed. And with this, he

dashed towards a mountain and so did the other Valiants. When they reached the other side of

mountain, they were horrified, Shit! Aryan exclaimed. The scene in front of them was indeed nerving.

Half a dozen Doxifroxian mini thunder crafts were furiously chasing two airships of Mining Corp. thoseblack thunder crafts were looking more ominous in the hazy and dust covered atmosphere. Without

saying a word all of them advanced towards those ships in a blazing speed. Suddenly Tim saw one of the

Doxifroxian thunder craft shoot a missile. Quickly he stretched his palms towards its direction and

shouted, PROTECTORACTUS! The Mining Corp. ship which was targeted was immediately covered by a

translucent bubble like transformation and the missile exploded a few inches away from it. Good work

Aryan said to him and closed his eyes, Sir. We are here to control the situation. Please take your crew


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away from here as quick as possible. He contacted the Supervisors radio system through his telepathic

conversation. Thanks Valiants supervisor said, We are grateful you are here. Dont be sir. Aryan

said, Its what we are here for. He signaled the other Valiants. All of them scattered in the sky and

start chasing the Doxifroxian thunder crafts. He stretched one of his palms toward the enemy thunder

craft which was in the front of him and cried, VISTRAKUS SASSANDRAS! a hot blaze for fire erupted

from his palms and hit one of the blades of that thunder craft which was pursuing another Mining Corp.

ship in a frenzy. The blade parted from it with a shriek and it lost its balance giving way for Mining Corp.

ship to escape. Chief! he heard a voice behind him as the airship made its way to the outer rim of

atmosphere towards the escape portal, look out! before he did so, something hard hit his shoulder

and he was thrown high in the sky. What the.! He looked at the object; rubbing his shoulder. It

seemed that Ralph had also blasted one of the enemy thunder crafts without warning him at right time

which had collided with his shoulder. Ralph! he shouted, If you ever do such a thing, I will kick your

ass out of Valiants! Sorry Chief, Ralph said; a bit embarrassed. All of a sudden, the other remaining

enemy thunder crafts started bombarding them with bullets which they dodged swiftly protecting the

supervisors ship. At last it also made it to the outer rim of atmosphere. Thanks for your efforts

Valiants Aryan heard a voice which he knew was of supervisor who was communicating to him

telepathically as he was trained to do in case of Valiants. Aryan nodded. Its our duty sir he said, now

immediately advance to the escape portal. Suddenly, a bullet from one of the remaining thunder crafts

missed him by inches which infuriated Ralph. They dont get it easily, do they, he said and reached for

the cockpit of one of the ships. ZRAKIN SHARPO! he shouted and a large shining blade erupted from

his palms. It hit the cockpit with a great force, slicing it from the rest of the plane. With a thunderous

rattle and a lot of smoke, it began falling and in a moment, was away from the eyesight. Son of a .!,

his cry suppressed into the roar of falling debris. He rushed to help the other Valiants. Viraat was busy

dodging the bullets from one of the thunder crafts. He was flying swiftly across a maze of mountains and

terrains and the bullets were ramming against the rock all around him. Abruptly, everything became

silent; the war craft stopped firing. He felt something terribly ominous and turned in right time to see it

firing a missile towards him. As quickly as he can, he shouted the shield spell. Even though his bubble

shield absorbed most of the effect, but his arms were injured a little. Temper started to boil inside him.

He was always of an aggressive nature and a short tempered person. It took him a lot to learn

controlling his temper and anger in the training session but now, it was more than enough. He could not

bear overthrown by such an artificial and wretched creation. Without losing a moment, he kicked the

rock of one of the mountains hard and shouted, TAN TAN TERAN! With a great speed he hit the side of

the thunder craft with his shoulders. The impact was very hard, the thunder craft instantly split into two

heavy and shapeless mass of debris. Viraat watched, panting, as it flied out of sight. Suddenly he noticed

that two of the remaining thunder crafts were making a retreat. Immediately he contacted all the other

Valiants through Telepathic conversation; Chief! Last of them are escaping.

Aryan also saw it and commanded all the Valiants to pursue them. It was a hot chase; the Doxifroxian

thunder crafts, even the old ones had some of the amazing and unique technologies for which DoxIfrox

was notorious. One of these technologies was Escape Accelerator or EA which is a system of

transferring all the energy source and powers of an aircraft to its propeller system in time of retreat or

emergency. It was a very useful technology and one of those which was yet inaccessible to any of the


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Allies. Right now, the thunder crafts were using the same thing which was causing a trouble to the

Valiants. They are using EA! Tim said; he had noticed the unbelievable speed of the thunder crafts and

several canyons and terrains were making it hard for them. We cant go that fast, Ralph said and

looked at Aryan. Suddenly, Aryan whispered something to himself and next moment, he was moving

with the speed of a bullet, leaving his inmates far behind. Thats not right! Ralph exclaimed, How

come he has the powers we are not even aware of! He is Chief, remember? Viraat replied him. Aryan

was just inches away from them when he saw it, a portal started to open in front of him towards which

the thunder crafts were advancing the escape portal. I have to do something he thought, I cant let

them escape. He concentrated his mind as hard as he could on both the planes and again, his body was

propelled forward with a great speed, but he knew it was too late. He had just touched the tip of one of

the thunder crafts tail when they entered the portal and he was slammed hard against an invisible wall

as these portals were designed in such a way that no creature from Allies could cross it in any

circumstances even if they try it in a disguise or as an imposter; another of the unique Doxifroxian

technology and a team of militants constantly worked to keep its program intact or as they say jokingly,

virus free. The hit was hard and Aryan was falling down with a prodigious speed. But such accidents

were no new to him. He gained consciousness in the middle of the fall and tried to locate the other

Valiants. Chief he heard Viraats voice, we have found something among the debris. Did you get

them? NoAryan replied, What is it? he asked. You should see it yourself. When Aryan reached

the site, all the other Valiants were busy searching the area. Any idea why Alliances attacked the

Mining Corp.? Ralph asked. No Aryan replied. Chief Viraat waved his hand from distance, Over

here! when Aryan reached him, he saw that he was holding a piece of metal from the debris. Give it a

look he said to Aryan and gave him the metal. Aryan looked at the superimposed emblem of Lakiter

over the Doxifrox for a moment and returned it back to Viraat. I already saw it. He said, But this is not

the trouble. He looked into Viraats eyes and said in a grave tone, I suspect something else is going on,

something much bigger.

CHAPTER 8

So, Ayush sat behind Raj in the canteen and asked him menacingly, Why not give it a try today? I

mean, weather is super, everyone is cool, Rajat is not present and, he munched his sandwich slowly

and said in a low tone, you are the, tobe Valiant. Shhh Raj silenced him, That is why I never want

to tell you such things but hell know why I do this all the time. You just cant keep your beak shut, can

you? Ayush ignored his sarcasmand said coolly, You cant afford it mate. I am your best buddy and

you have to tell me such critical things otherwise I daresay you will take some wrong steps without

guidance of an expert Raj hit him on the head and said, So much for the Mr. Expert! If I had been into

your advice, my life would had be ruined a long ago. Ayush looked at him with fake sadness, It hurtsRaj, you talking like this. Being a Valiant doesnt means thatyou have to act so mean. Raj grabbed a

handful of his hair and said, laughing, Really Ayush, if you wont stop now, I will give you a good

smash.Ok, Ok Ayush was also laughing, Now cut out this whole crap, you deviated me from the

main concern. Hegestured in opposite direction, but Raj didnt have him. A little irritated, he pulled Raj

towards him and showed him in that direction. There she was, as charming as always, her graceful face

bearing an evergreen smile which displayed her pearls like teeth. It was one of those few secrets for


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which Raj would have died rather than getting them unveiled. He always liked Anu, but as with most of

the boys, he never gathered much courage to ask her out, nor did he ever tell of this affection to

anybody else except Ayush; he possessed the dignity in such affairs which fewer boys have. But all the

same, he liked her very much. What are you doing? he tried to free himself frantically from the grasp

of Ayush, If she will see me like this, what will she think? Ayush freed his hand and said laughing,

Yaar, you are a real bummer! I can understand your dignity and all that. But you will have to do it in any

cost; otherwise, he added teasingly, someone else will get her. But this didnt affected Raj in any

manner, Let it be happen. He said, Besides it will be best if she remain out of my life. If I am going to

be in Valiants, she will be not happy with me. Saying so, both of them exited the canteen and walked to

the grounds. There, under a big old banyan tree, they sat down. Ayush inhaled the air deeply and said,

Ahhthese trees are so nostalgic. It was a good decision to bring some of them here and made a

transplant. Yeah, Raj said, one of the few things which made me survives on this place. After a few

minutes of silence, Ayush asked, So, what have you decided?Raj didnt answer him. He shifted a little

and closed his eyes, I have gone through all the odds. Whatever is happening out there is not right. We

wont survive with such surroundings for long. Valiants are trying their hard for centuries to make thing

back to normal. So what if I also join the fight with them? Ayush asked him a little troubled, But did

you ever thought why they asked for you? I mean, there are five of them, isnt that sufficient? And

besides that, you have a family to take care of, a life to live. Joining them will mean a one way exit from

all of this and you will have to spend the rest of your life back there on earth and face it man, you

havent got any super powers like them. You can fight like a normal soldier, but how the hell will you

become like them? Raj smiled a little and said to him, Do you really think I am so dumb to not go over

all these prepositions? I have thought about them thousands of times and what I came out with is it,

now he was dead serious and Ayush recognized it. So he straightens himself and listened to Raj with full

attention, We are on the verge of extinction my friend. The precious knowledge, the traditions and the

culture we gathered from our saints and ancestors since the beginning of the world is going to be extinct

forever. The race of human beings has done great works always. Let it be the creation of an aero plane

or supply of electricity by a nuclear reactor, we were always there to protect the other minor species on

earth. A long time ago, we came across some of the highly intellectual species of universe who helped us

to carry out the development and progress. But as is expected, some of us became too short -sighted to

envisage the outcome of the extreme which further became the major cause of our downfall. Things

turned out so badly there was no chance of recovery, but still we fought; its in our blood not to give up

in any hard times as we know that full potential will always lead to expected achievement. So we keep

fighting and still are. Valiants are out there for so many years to continue this fighting. Giving up means

insulting our pioneers like Jesus and Buddha who were significant in making us what we are. And this

thing is in my mind; if we win, there would be generations to come who will leave in free world, without

any fear. If we give up, then those exquisite giving of our ancestors will be gone forever. It is purely a

choice to be made by ourselves. If Pradhan has asked me to join, there may be a reason. Its true that I

dont possess any of the powers like them but I maybe prove to be useful in some other way. Talking of

my family, he sighed a little and then continued, I must tell them that I have to leave for a good cause.

Most probably I wont see them ever. But to save the mankind and my home, I am ready to take this

sacrifice. I have made up my mind and nothing can change it. Anyways, I always knew that I wont be

able to survive much longer in such conditions and in one way or other, I will have to do something to


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stop this. Ayush was exasperated with Rajs firm determination. Suddenly he waved his hand cheerfully

to someone behind Raj, Hey Anu! Raj turned around quickly. There she was standing; with all her good

looks, long hairs and that sweet innocent face. Raj didnt know why, but whenever he encountered Anu,

his mind used to become numb and he started to act stupidly around her. Hi Ayush! Hi Raj! Anu

greeted them in her usual sweet tone. Hey Anu Ayush said again sheepishly, Raj here wanted to tell

you something important. Raj, shocked, looked at him alarmingly. What is it Raj? Anu asked him

questioningly. WellIumm Raj stammered, I wanted to ask whether you know or not that Auysh

once had wet his bed when he was in fourth grade? he tried to smile but his face contorted into what

he imagined an evil grin. Wha? Ayush was flabbergasted. Anu and her friend looked at raj awkwardly

for a moment and then she said, Okay guys, meet you in class. Bye Raj raj waved his Zombified hand at

her.

From a little distance she could see Ayush grabbing a handful of rajs hair. Those guys are funny she

said to her friend. Yeah her friendreplied, abut that Raj is really weird. I havent seen him

communicate much with anyone else except Ayush. Anu looked at him for a moment and said, He is a

little different. He was never among the crowd Her friend laughed feebly but Anu hadnt joked.

CHAPTER 9

Aryan was restless. For a thousandth time, he tried to think in different direction, but like every time, his

thoughts concerned themselves into only one thing; attack on mining corp. by Lakiters. Settle down

Aryan Pradhan said to him, It will help you better if you think about it calmly with patience. Valiants

had returned to the Gufa and they had told about the situation to Pradhan. But it seemed that Pradhanhad also not much idea why the Lakiters were sent to earth instead of Doxifrox as they were informed.

But Pradhan. I cant get it. Aryan said desperately, ofthe Alliances, why they sent Lakiters to attack

Mining Corp, and that also when they know we are here. It sounds all wrong. Pradhan was inspecting

the metal shard which they had brought with Lankiter emblem superimposed over the Doxifroxian one.

Yes he said slowly, It all sounds wrong. Doxifroxians are not so stupid to send the weakest of them to

us. But then, they think we are so stupid to get into what they intend. Everyone looked at him puzzled.

They are planning something else, Pradhan said, The question is, he looked at all of them, what.

Lakiter or Doxifrox, why they hell they were chasing the Mining Corp? Tim asked, I dont think it was

there idea of fun doing it right under our nose.. Like always, we are not going to have answer of that

question from the Supervisor.Aryan said, I dont think that Alliances have any interest in rocksamples. Ihave to contact him Pradhan said. He closed his eyes and became silent. After a few

moments he came back and said, Valiants, now we know why Lakiters were after them. The Mining

Corp. was not here for collecting mere rock samples. Everyonewas astonished. Ralph asked, Then

what they were doing on earth? Pradhan replied, they were extracting the mineral ore which is

needed for production of the artificial ozone, and somehow Lakiters knew about this. Damn them! But

why they kept it a secret from us for such a long time? Do they really think of going much further with


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not trusting Valiants? Viraat said, They never inform us whatever they do this. It is because we are

not government whose permission they need Pradhan said bitterly, Fortunately, the Supervisor

sensed some hidden danger when he discovered the superimposed Lakiter emblem over the Doxifroxian

thunder crafts and thought better to tell us about it.. But the real question is Aryan interfered, when

Banish informed us that Doxifroxians are coming though it was not clear even to him what their

intention was, why they sent Lakiters to do it? Pradhdan closed his eyes again and said, It seems

Banish was wrongly informed. Involvement of Querone is making things hard for him there. No one had

any answer to this one. He continued, But we have to find out soon. I sense some terrible disaster

approaching us. I daresay the prison break at Mardoon was nothing less than a curse which is directly

connected with this incident and this is going to be dirtier. The need of a new Valiant is now more than

ever. He became silent again and everyone retired to their respective rooms having only one thing in

their mind; what the Alliances were planning.

CHAPTER 10

But papa, please listen to me for once Raj said to his father pleadingly. No Mr.Sinha said firmly, I

cant allow you for it. Its not some video game where you can start again once the game is over. It is

real life., I know that raj said, Do you really think I have not went through all these pros and cons? I

know it is a hard decision, I know once I start, there is no turning back, but it is a matter of saving the

human race, of saving the whole universe and I think I am ready for it. Ready for it?! Mr. Sinha shot a

stern look at him, Look at yourself. Which qualities you think you have necessary to be one of them?

Can you fly like them? Can you fight like them? For god sake Raj, you dont even have their soldier like

physique! Being a valiant is much more than you can imagine. Once you join them, you cant meet us,

you cant go on with your career, and you cant even have a normal life. It will be a one in total isolation.

You said you have gone through all of this, but I doubt it highly. Raj knew his father was trying his best

to remain calm as he was a person, who never lose his temper even in darkest of situations, but he had

made up his mind and he had to persuade his father at any cost. But you heard what Pradhan had said

he insisted, Didnt he told that I have got it in me to be one of them and that I will acquire all the

knowledge once I join them in due time? now Mr. Sinha had enough, I am not going to risk the life of

my only son because of the assurance of some old warrior! I dont want to listen anymore about it. Raj

was about to say something when suddenly a voice from behind startled all of them, first of all sir,

warriors are never old and second, it will be really unfortunate for all of us if we dont listen to

Pradhan. Alarmed, Mr. Sinha turned quickly. At the doorstep was standing a man of short height and a

boyish face. He slowly came forward. Raj gaped at his presence and became completely speechless. The

stranger held his hand towards Mr. Sinha and introduced himself, Hello sir. I am Tim Samson. I have

been sent by Pradhan to bring Raj with me. Mr. Sinha was still recovering from the shock, I

appreciated the way you entered our home when the door was locked though it was a bit creepy and

indecent. He said in his usual calm voice, being out of the fright, Did you came from the window?

Laughing, Tim said, no sir, Valiants have other methods to enter and leave places without the notice of

anyone and I am very sorry for it as I forget sometimes it is rather a really indecent habit, almost similar

to breaking into a house. Please accept my apologies. Mr. Sinha nodded slightly. I have not heard of


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you before. And I seriously offend such methods of cunningness. hesaid sarcastically. If such methods

are going to save this world, Tim said in a firm tone, then I will take your offence with pleasure. But

Mr. Sinha was still eying him suspiciously, How I can believe that you are one of them? I have not seen

you or even heard of you before. Tim walked in front of him and looking into his eyes said, The

member of Valiants are bound with a code of conduct which prohibits us from unnecessary public visits.

Seriously sir, tell me, have you seen any other Valiants much except Pradhan and Viraat? They are the

senior members and hence they need to come in front of people time to time. He turned towards Raj

and said, So? Are you ready? before Raj could have replied, Mr. Sinha spoke again, As I had said

before Mr. Tim, I cant let Raj join you. For a moment, it seemed that Tim was trying to suppress his

anger, but he asked calmly, why. Mr. Sinha looked at him if he was some sort of alien and said, didnt

you heard what I said? I thought you were at the doorstep all the time! I cant let an old man decide my

only childs faith. He is a kid. Everyone likes such type of stuffs at his age. But what they cant see the

after comes. Tim took a deep sigh and said, As I said before sir, Pradhan may look old, but he is much

younger and brave than any of us. It will do us no good and only bad if we dont obey his decisions.

Secondly, I can understand your position as a father, even though I am not one. I can understand how it

feels to you. Mr. Sinha stared at him, No you cant. You cant understand how it feels to a father when

his son is in pieces in front of him! You cant understand how it feels when you know that all the options

are closed. He was shaking with rage but trying his best to remain serene, You think I dont know? For

your kind information mister, my elder brothers son, Rajs cousin was in military! And you want to

know how he died? I dont think Mr. Tim you can bear it!. Mrs. Sinha was weeping silently, sitting on

the couch. For a moment, everything became silent with occasional sound of his mother weeping. Raj

didnt want this topic to surface out. He was an infant when his cousin had died in the war and he had

heard about his legendary tales from Mr. Sinha, but he also knew how disrespectfully he died; thanks to

his school mates who used to laugh at him, and right now, it was the last thing he wanted to start. After

a brief pause, Tim said, I am sorry for your brother. I didnt knowit. He again walked slowly to the

window and with his back towards Mr. Sinha, said, But then sir, you must know what it is to be a true

soldier. Like Rajs cousin was. There is no space for name and fame but only one goal; to follow the call

of duty. Let the world say whatever crap it wants, but the truth is truth and not even god can change it

for a bit. You know how he heroically died and thats what which all matters. I dont and I wont ask you

about any of the details, but I just wanted to tell you one thing, elders have always said that there is a

very minimal distance between being a human and an angel and you know what it takes to remove that

difference? he looked at Mr. Sinha, I guess you know. Not everyone has the opportunity to fight for his

motherland and Raj is chosen for that. I cant say whether you will see him again or not or what will

become of him. But I can ensure you one thing, if we are taking him, we will make sure he proves his life

worthy to be a true valiant. Raj could saw that a flood of emotions were coming on his fathers face and

he was in an extreme dilemma. Tim came to him and put his hand slowly on his shoulder. He then asked

Mr. Sinha again, So sir? What have you decided? Mr. Sinha was quiet. Raj was feeling exactly as he

had felt before the coming of results during his school. Finally, after a long silence, Mr. Sinha lifted his

head and said, I am ready. There was pain in his eyes but he was controlling himself with full effort as

he did always at toughest turns of his life, But you have to fulfill your promise at any cost. He looked at

Raj, who was on verge of tears, Son he continued, I can see that you are fully prepared to join them

and I will not stop you. He came to him and put a hand on his shoulder, Just remember one thing beta,


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make your mother earth proud and try with your full dedication to end this war. Before Raj could had

said anything, Mrs. Sinha burst out, You cant take him away from me! She ran to Raj and hugged him

tightly. She was shaking from the thought of getting separated from him, I cant let you decide his

fate! she said to Tim. Then she angrily looked at Mr. Sinha, How you can do this to me? Am I nothing

to Raj? For gods sake, I am her mother! None of you know how it is to a mother to lose her child. Ask

her aunty who lost her only kid! Raj slowly loosened himself from her tight grip, Mummy he said,

You should be happy. I am going for a good cause. I can help to bring all this back to normal. I dont

want anything! She stared at Tim with a rather hateful look and said, When all this warriors couldnt

do it for centuries, how come you will do it? Tim started, Mam I.. but Mrs. Sinha cut him. Shut

up I dont want to hear any of your non sense. What will you get from grabbing a mothers only son?

Why are you doing this? Why? She grabbed Rajs collar and began weeping. Tim was unable to say

anything and he was looking a bit worried. Raj calmly held her hands and said, Listen mother. I know

that whatever you have said was in anger and you didnt meanit. But consider it yourself. Wouldnt it be

so wonderful for all of us to live back on earth happily and peacefully like old times? Wouldnt it be

wonderful if our next generation dont have to live in this apocalyptic universe? Someone has to take

this big initiative and luckily, I have been chosen for it. I know that you have fair idea of what it takes to

be a real warrior. I am happy for you not being selfish and I know you are proud of me for this. Besides

that, I promise he looked into his mothers watery eyes, I will come back. But look at yourself

sobbing, her mother said, you are so young. Tim interrupted, But Mam I am also 22, only five years

older than raj. She threw an angry look at him and Tim cowering a little thought better to remain quite

for a while, Didnt I told you to shut up! She said sternly and looked at Raj, You wont forget your

promise, would you? She asked. Raj smiled a little and said, never

He wanted to meet Ayush. He wanted to tell Anu about his feelings for at least once. He wanted to

spend some more time with his parents. But he knew that his time was over here and there was no

turning back. He gave a last look to his room; where his favorite computer was, where he had numerous

enjoyable moments with Ayush and his parents. Slowly his eyes floated to a long taken photograph of

his father and mother standing on an artificially created island in middle if the sea mass of earth x where

they went ages ago on a holiday and how he had wished to spend his time someday on a real island. He

looket at the trees, the sea and the greenery behind them. After a moment, he lifted his back pack and

closed the door of his room firmly. When he reached the hall, Tim was waiting for him in the couch and

his parents were sitting on the sofa. I am ready. He slowly reached to his fathers feet, but Mr. Sinha

held hold him by his shoulder and closely hugged him. Take care son he avoided his eyes. He then

reached for his mothers feet and bid her goodbye. Khush raho beta she said gloomily, Take care of

your health. Eat timely and sleep with peace. She looked at Tim, you will take care of him, wont you?

Of course Mam he said, his proper healthcare and hygiene will be our priority. Hesitating, Mrs.

Sinha said to him, I talked to you rudely in anger. Forgive me for that. Tim smiled gently and said,

Please Mam. There is no need to apologize. You have the very right for it. He then looked at raj and

asked him cheerfully, ready Raj? raj nodded in confirmation. They stepped out. He could hear her

mother sobbing from behind. He was trying very hard not to look back and knew that if he does so now,

it will make him weak. Slowly, they walked out from the lighted pavement into the dark stone forests as


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Mr. and Mrs. Sinha watched them disappearing behind the darkness. They didnt know why, but a faint

beam of mystique light was visible at the other end of that vast and gloomy duskiness.

CHAPTER 11

The heat was boiling up in the dark stone structures adorning the walls. There was a reddish glow all

over which was giving the impression of a devilshell sort of place. Though one cant say exactly, but it

was looking like a communication center, with lots of strange and ugly machineries set up which were

controlled by a number of hideous creatures wearing some type of sick green uniforms bearing same

coat of arms; a strange figure which resembled a Satan surrounded by mysteriously encrypted letters. It

seemed they were really busy; turning this knob and pulling that lever from time to time. Suddenly, a

monitor glowed in front of one of them and a heavy growling voice came from it, Did you contact

him? Yes chief, squeaked one of the creatures in uniform in a mouse like tone. The uniform of him

was displaying his name as Vront Kraton and beneath it, a couple of medals signified that he was the

leader of that scientists group.the communication will be established in 60 sec. he said. Alright, the

voice said, I am coming. Soon after, the gigantic metallic door which was the entrance to that hall slid

open and out came a very giant and peculiar creature; he was looking like a man who had spent much of

his life working out in the gym, except he was not a normal human being. His eyes were aqua marine in

color and were bobbling out of the sockets and he had a grayish thick skin, like that of a rhinoceros. His

whole presence was giving the impression of a warrior and a rusty mechanical arm on his right shoulder

in place of a normal hand was solidifying this account. He is here chief the scientist called him. With

heavy steps, he reached to the machinery and stood there. Suddenly, with a flash of light, a large pit

appeared in front of him as if made by a meteorite. And a giant figure appeared. It was all in shadow; no

face no physique and looking like as if was made out by dark. Speak Querone the figure said in a

thundering voice which was amplified as if coming from a thousand loudspeakers, what is the news?

Querone kneeled before him, Master he said in a serious voice, The plan has worked out. We have

been able to misdirect Valiants. After a moment of silence, the giant spoke again with no emotionjs in

his tone, Details. Querone slowly stood up, We had sent Lakiteriansto earth. They lured Valiants into

believing that they were there to steal the core minerals needed for the manufacture of ozone on Earth

X, though I doubt they had no idea about it till recently. As usual, when Valiants found out that the

Mining Corp. ships were in danger, they came to rescue without considering the reason for it. They

chased the thunder crafts and destroyed most of them. We were not expecting it, but such a deceitful

act is not unexpected from them. They are, especially that Pradhan of theirs is expert in it. Anyways, our

purpose has been served well. I have news that they are completely in the presumption that it was only

a matter of stealing minerals. They will not try to interfere on much upper level. With this, Querone

stopped. The whole place became silent again but this time in a most ominous fashion. The black figure

remained there, hanging like a drape. Finally it spoke, You really think they can be made fool so easily?

Querone looked at him in alarm, really Querone, you surprise me. Even after a so many hundred years,

it didnt seem to me that your mind has developed yet by a day. Even in that reddish place, Querones

face was clearly visible; crimson due to shame and anger. But he had reasons not to speak anything in

his defense; not before the highest power. Well the figure continued, like always, you interpreted


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about them wrongly. The destruction of all the Lakiterians thunder crafts was not in the plan, but still it

happened and sooner or later, they will find out we were not after that crap mineral thing. I want

everything to be done before they can understand the whole plot which gives us hardly any time to

waste. I am not much satisfied with your minimal efforts, but I hope that will keep John and his dogs

away for at least till the time we need to start the plan. And I expect much intelligent efforts in the

future from you. Hope you will heed to my words for at least this one time. Querone nodded and

kneeled before him again, I will make sure of that master he said. With this, the figure disappeared

and the pit also dissolved in the air. Everyone present in that room was looking at Querone. What! he

snapped, the drama is over. Get back to your works you filthy dogs! and he stamped out of the place

pushing the leader harshly who was standing there nervous to his roots and mumbling inaudible words

to himself.

Fucking creature Queron murmured angrily; he was sitting in his chamber which was just as hot and

red as rest of the place. Anything I do is never enough for him. Even if I tear my heart in front of him, he

will be always as shithole as he is now. But that will certainly end your immortality my friend a figure

loomed out of the corner; a well built human being whose face was hidden in the dark. The rest of hisbody had numerous scars and old injuries, and I wonder what good purpose it will serve then he

whispered in a soft but dangerous voice. Querone looked at him reluctantly, What you want to say.

The human being slowly walked in front of him I just wanted to mention that will be again a foolish

thing to do. Querone jumped out of his chair and in a rage grabbed the throat ofthat human with his

metallic hand, Dont you dare talk to me like that you filth! he hissed in his ears. The human being

slowly reached for Querones hand and with a quick move, loosened its grip from his throat. He brought

his face near Querones and said in whisper, Otherwise what you will do? Kill me? the wave has

passed and Querone was back to normal. He sat down again; his back towards the human. What you

want to say he asked again. You did a big blunder sending those losers on earth the human said, You

should have checked with their aircrafts Querone turned towards him and asked, Why? Because

the human continued, their aircrafts were old Doxifroxian ones with the emblem of Lakiter

superimposed over Doxifroxian emblem. Querone, puzzled, looked at him, And why the hell it

matters? The human took a deep sigh, Cant you see? He said, If Valiants will find about this, they

will realize the situation is not as it seems. And with John with them, I am sure they must have found it

by now. How can you be so sure? Querone asked. Because the human said, I know John much

better than you or Zrotux.A faint cloud of horridness covered Querones face. You are sure they know

about what Zrotux is planning for so long? After a while, the human said, They may not know the

matter exactly, but I am sure they know there is something else been going on.Querone wanted to ask

something more, but the dread of getting the plan blotched made him unable to do so. You better take

some rest as I guess you need some after such a tiresome job the human said sarcastically, I will have

to come out with something new and much accurate. With this, he again retired to shadows while

Querone watched his silhouette getting disappeared in the dark.

CHAPTER 12


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This was first time raj had ever set his foot in an spaceship after their arrival on earth x. although he was

going away from his family and his home, strangely he was feeling a jolt of joy in his stomach. Like when

someone is about to visit home after a very long time. I wish we would take a little more time to reach

on earth he said to tim. Tim, surprised asked, why? because I like it here raj said, to be in space. It

soothes me. Tim smiled, you know what? he said, we didnt even need this spaceship. But I have got

straight orders from pradhan to bring you back only in it and using no other medium. Now, it was time

for raj to be surprised, but why it is so? puzzled he asked, what do you mean by some other medium?

Do valiants have some different mode of transportation? tim shrugged, man. Whom am I kidding? he

said to himself. cmon he grabbed one of rajs hand and pulled him to the shuttle door. Raj, now

frightened, asked him, what are you doing? but before he had done anything, tim pressed the exit

button and slowly, the door began to lift. Raj felt a surge of chilling terror, what the hell you think you

are doing! he shouted. But before he had even finished shouting, tim let his hand go and next thing raj

knew, he was floating amid the space a few feet away from the ship. He could distinctly see tim grinning

from the door way of the ship but he was so much terrified that not a single word was coming out of his

mouth. After a few seconds; which were like hours to raj, he found a strange thing. Though he was still

floating, he had somehow managed to steady himself not very far away from the ship. Raj was thinking

about it when suddenly another fact hit him like a bullet; he was breathing in the space! And not only

so, now it seemed that he was as comfortable here as on solid ground. how are you doing there? tim

shouted. it is amazing! he shouted back, I can breathe in space!. He saw that tim murmured

something and with a speeding force, he came towards him. Standing beside him, he asked gleefully,

not only you are breathing. You can control yourself here yeah raj replied back. He was very

overwhelmed to say much. After a few minutes, tim said, we should get back now. Pradhan would be

waiting. Raj pleaded, please a few more minutes. It is so much fun here. Tim patted on his shoulder

and said, you will get more of it raj. Its just the start. Raj smiled to him and they went back into the

ship.

It took them nearly sixty minutes to reach earth; the average time taken by class 2 spaceships. Raj was

still lost in his amazing space venturing experience when tim came to him. come on he said,we are

here. Raj was startled for a moment. oh. Alright he stood up and started opening the back support of

his chair. what are you doing? tim asked. I am getting bio suit raj answered, we need them. Tim

looked him into eyes and said, trust me raj. We dont need them it was the second time in last hour

when raj had a feeling that tim meant something else. what do you mean we dont need them? We are

supposed to wear them. There is no ozone here. Tim was smiling, as if a kid has asked some childish

question. Raj, irritated asked, what is so funny? again, instead of replying, tim said, follow me and

he opened the doorway. Now, it was coming to raj, and he was praying that he is right. As the doorway

began to open, a fiery yellow colour hit the inside of ship as if whole of the ship was on fire. For a

moment, raj was blinded by the bright colour. When his eyes began to accustomed to the light, he

witnessed the most amazing vision of his life. It had been several years since raj and his family

abandoned the planet, but he always distinctly remembered about it. Now he was here and the very

thought of it was thrilling his insides. Tim was already out standing beneath the blazing sun. welcome

home raj he gestured him to come out. Slowly, raj stepped down the ship and came to him. Strangely,

the sun was not as piercing as it looked and surprisingly, raj was feeling as comfortable as in normal


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conditions. but I thought the ozone. He was just asking tim when he saw it. The pilot had also

stepped down and was coming to them. But he had his bio suit over him and everything became crystal

clear to raj. A little shocked, he looked at tim who was still smiling. these things are natural to us, and I

know you always felt being different from the crowd. Tim said. This time also, the events had left raj so

much baffled that he was unable to give a suitable response.

CHAPTER 13

It was a few after midnight when the whole placerumbled with a mind numbing sound. Like every one,

commander merdax of laxontian 5th

command station waked up with a start. what the he hurriedly

stepped out from his bed. His room was shaking violently and every object were in helter skelter. He

ducked in time and narrowly avoided a night lamp which came towards him flying. you got to be

kidding me he growled and reached for his radio. this is commander merdax he shouted in the radio;

all the extraordinary activities were making it hard to listen anything properly. what the hell is going

on? he heard a faint voice over the sharpstatic, commander! Its the doxifrox.. and with that, it

became unable to hear anything. But this was enough for commander to situation. He quickly went to

his intercom, bring out the vehicle. He said in it, we are in a state of emergency.

After 10 minutes, commander was in his armored vehicle, fully uniformed and with his weapons. If

inside was a pandemonium, it was nothing compared to what was outside. No doubt, it was an

emergency situation and the very first impact of it was horrifying; buildings falling like pieces of

dominos, people were running in panic crushing each other and there were heaps of blood and flesh

everywhere. The commander was trying to come back in his senses when suddenly a warrior ship

occurred in the sky and its sight was enough to alert every single cell in him. It was no ordinary warship.

With a rigid and firm body made up of organic fiber, it was painted charcoal black and the strangeturrets and guns were giving it a ghostly appearance. enemy 12 o clock! commander yelled, but the

warship had already targeted his vehicle. They were just making a sharp turn when a missile hit the side

of the vehicle and it was thrown into the air. It fell at a little distance from the warship; broken in pieces

and burnt. For a moment, there was no movement. Then a faint sound came from the inside as if

someone was thumping. The sound grew louder with each thump and finally, the front door of the

vehicle flew open. Out came the commander who was all bloody and bathed in sweat. He had received a

handful of injuries on his face but he survived. An military troop had already approa

Documents

Valiants; Apoplexy (Autosaved)