JANUARY 25, 2254 | 05:35
D4-RT-1 | YEAR 2254
MAYES RESIDENCE - COBALT, CATAN | LOCATION
01 STRATA - 15 CYCLE - 22 PULSE | LEY-TIME
—
Tyler Mayes stirs from his slumber. His eyes gleam with a captivating golden light. He is in his lavish bedroom. He gently wipes beads of sweat from his forehead. He feels the peacefulness of the room wash over him like a warm embrace. His curls cascade down his pillow. They resemble a delicate veil that drapes over his shoulders.
The morning sunlight floods through the windows. It casts a radiant glow on the rolling hills of Cobalt Valley. Tyler's features tighten. His senses are heightened. He is always alert to his surroundings. His thoughts become entangled in a web of self-doubt and fragmented memories. He recalls chaotic and destructive events. His clenched right fist serves as a constant reminder of the torment. He remembers the threat of darkness and fire that once consumed his being.
A wave of relief washes over him. He murmurs in satisfaction. He realizes that his powerful limb remains unscathed. It is untouched by the enigmatic force that could have twisted or annihilated it. He clasps his chest with his right hand. A discomfort settles in. The cooling sweat seeps into his clothes. It dampens the bed and the blanket draped around his waist.
He surveys the room with tranquil eyes. His gaze passes over framed photographs. They capture different stages of his life. One picture catches his attention. He is eleven years old. He stands next to a petite Asian woman who matches his height. A bright smile graces the woman's face. It accentuates her delicate cheekbones. It serves as a bittersweet reminder of a time when he did not bear the weight of otherworldly powers.
The chest of drawers bears witness to more photographs. Trophies and certificates celebrate academic success. There are no pictures showcasing his current matured physique. There are no images of his sculpted muscles.
"Tyler?" A soft voice interrupts the silence. Gentle footsteps sound outside his door. The door creaks open. It reveals his mother, Juno Mayes.
"Ma," Tyler greets her with a sigh of relief. He sits up in bed. "I was not talking in my sleep, was I?"
"It was more like a murmur," she replies. She offers a comforting smile. She struggles to find the right words.
He slides his feet off the bed. He sits beside her. He buries his face in his hands. "I cannot believe I fell asleep in here," he confesses. "I suppose I just needed a night of normalcy."
"Being the god of an entire realm can be overwhelming," she advises. Tyler scoffs. "Even if it is just for practice."
"Practice? No, my training in T'Ran was an experience," he admits. "It is what prepares me to face this new threat. And this new life."
"You have the resources to handle all that," Juno counters. "And your family."
"There is still a whole lot of work to be done," he says. He glances at the open door. "First, I need to go check on some things."
Later, the sun dips below the horizon. The light hits his Afro-Asian features. Tyler's golden-brown eyes shimmer with a glossy sheen. Loud music resonates from his headphones. It ignites a fire within him. He showcases his raw talent to the world. His nose crinkles in displeasure as he frowns. He barely blinks.
A mop-like bun sits atop his head. His curls exude effortless beauty. The bedroom is bathed in a warm glow. Freckles dance like cinnamon sugar across his nose and cheeks. Tyler's vision is consumed by the canvas before him. His swift strokes of white bring the image of a fence to life. His movements are eerie and fluid. He erases all vices from his mind. He gazes upon his painting. He realizes that he is as captivating as the artwork. His life is as intricate as the amalgamation of acrylic colors.
His head sways back and forth. His full, pink lips mouth the lyrics of a song. The voice of a grungy Rastaman fills his ears. Tyler's eyebrows furrow in a sudden pause. His brush hovers above the canvas. His gaze flickers toward the painting. He is drawn to the image of a beautifully obscure man. The man has piercing blue eyes that mirror the sea. His fiery red hair is like the surface of Mars.
In that brief moment, Tyler is entranced by the enigmatic presence. He feels a connection that transcends time and space. "I am not familiar with your identity," he mutters. "But your recurring presence in my dreams seems far from coincidence."
"Tyler! Breakfast!" Juno's voice calls out.
"I am coming, Ma!" he responds. He pulls the earpieces from his ears.
He indulges in his first meal. Tyler finds solace in the familiarity of home. After a decade-long absence, everything feels foreign. He has grown attached to a dimension that only a few know exists. He reigned supreme there. Simultaneously, he tries to navigate the complexities of a normal life bound by his earthly lineage.
Tyler's lineage originates from Titan. It is a planet nestled deep within a galaxy that stands closest to the dawn of the universe. His race is divided into three classes. They are responsible for the first civilization known to the universe. The civilization thrived under the Titan Guard. It is a galactic superpower that maintains order over two-thirds of the universe.
Tyler was born on a planet his people consider a remote backwater. This realization weighs on his mind as he descends into the basement. He contemplates his place in the tapestry of his ancestry. The basement room offers solace. It is bathed in a bright, warm glow. Beige carpeting is underfoot. A wall-mounted TV stands across from a large gray sectional sofa.
Tyler's gaze shifts toward the spot where a destiny was retrieved a month prior. The hiding place beneath the TV has melded with the wall. It leaves no trace. He approaches a door in the rear. He opens it to reveal a space that defies expectations. He steps onto a pristine white platform. It extends into a futuristic bridge.
The bridge boasts unconventional trails of illuminating fixtures. Countless gadgets adorn the corners. They monitor various systems. The helm of the ship commands a view of Saturn's northern hemisphere. He sees the multi-hued bands of swirling clouds. The interior features a blend of semi-transparent and sleek walls. Holo-screens project visuals. It is a truly futuristic design.
The spacecraft remains hidden against the colossal backdrop of Saturn. Its design is a testament to the craftsmanship of Tyler's ancestors. Tyler stands at the heart of the spacecraft. He is surrounded by a spinning console. It projects holographic data all around him. A radiant blue light materializes next to him. It takes the form of a woman named Kolovane. She has skin as blue as the clear sky. Her face exudes ethereal beauty. She is bald-headed. She wears a woven leather halter and a flowing skirt with dangling jewels.
"It is so peaceful," Tyler remarks. He glances at the holographic projections with confusion.
"Yes," Kolovane smiles. "The next adventure may be on the horizon." Tyler scoffs. "Don't forget that I am the source of your empathic ability," she warns playfully. He rolls his eyes.
"Enough of that," Tyler snaps. "I should contemplate this further." Kolovane averts her gaze. Her lips are pursed.
"Your loved ones would agree," Kolovane says. "It is natural for his return to evoke mixed emotions. Even amidst the joy that awaits you."
"True," Tyler admits. Kolovane sighs with compassion. "But for now, the man I love is not giving me an answer."
"Shall I contact him?" she asks. She tilts her head. "If the prophecy holds true, allowing this to fester will not be beneficial."
"Kolovane," Tyler warns. He raises an eyebrow. He sighs and looks ahead. "Set a course."
"To T'Ran?" she teases. She earns a glare. "Right away, T'An," she smiles. He shakes his head. He watches her retreat. "Piron and Matia will be delighted."
"This journey will be a delightful one," he declares. The bridge door opens. Piron enters. She is a captivating Titan woman. She has smooth, radiant ebony skin. Her eyes are like pools of endless yellow meadow. They shimmer with mysterious wisdom. Her cascading coils of yellow curls frame her face.
"You summoned me, Lord T'An?" she asks. Her voice brims with reverence. Piron wears a celestial ensemble.
Shimmering metallic armor is adorned with divine symbols. A flowing cape reminiscent of a cosmic nebula trails behind her. It is a deep yellow hue.
"Prepare a team for our expedition to Neptune," Tyler commands. His voice carries authority. Piron bows. "We must closely examine its arcs," he continues.
"Consider it done," Piron responds. Tyler smiles. He admires her dedication and competence.
Kolovane's eyes glow. She turns to T'An with a worried expression. "Incoming Titan Guard vessel. It is registered to General Amari of Nyx." Tyler grunts. Kolovane nods.
A holo screen materializes. It displays a live feed of the approaching spaceship. The room falls into a hushed stillness. The vessel is sleek and dark. It moves with a slow, undaunted grace. Its advanced propulsion systems propel it effortlessly. Its exterior glistens with a metallic sheen. Intricate patterns ripple with energy.
The screen switches focus to The Stargazer's arrival bay. It is a colossal space that rarely witnesses external traffic. It is bustling with ships departing on expeditions. The bay is meticulously maintained. It glows with a soft, ethereal light. Holographic constellations cast a celestial ambiance over the chamber.
The ship docks. A line of Titan Guardians emerges. The helmeted spacefarers are a mix of humanoid and alien forms. They stand in a strategic formation. They emanate strength and purpose. Each Guardian wears advanced armor tailored to their physiology. They are armed with sophisticated weaponry.
The armor bears the insignia of Nyx. It features alien designs that intertwine with celestial patterns. The insignia is a circular shape with a radiant center. Intricate patterns resemble cosmic rays shooting outwards. They are adorned with alien symbols and glyphs.
General Amari steps forward. Her presence commands attention. She is a figure of authority. Her armor is sleek and engraved with rank. She removes her helmet. She reveals a face weathered by time and wisdom.
"Greetings, T'An of Nyx," Amari says. Her voice carries respect and familiarity. "Welcome back to Dimension Four."
Tyler is taken aback by the use of his Titan name. He raises an eyebrow. "Who are you? What unexpected event brings you to my ship?"
"I knew your father, T'An," she replies. Her voice is tinged with sorrow and determination. "I bring news you might want to hear."
Tyler straightens up. His expression grows dark. The room holds its breath. The scene fades into uncertainty and intrigue.
—