Second day, Fifth month, 3079 PV | City Stelarum / Royal Quarters

  My head hurts.

  No, my everything hurts.

  Except, for my head. There I feel a very nice presence, it seems to be moving back and forth through my hair.

  Must possess some sort of healing effect, it's super comforting.

  The strangest thing though, the pain isn't physical. I can't sense any actual injuries to my body. But I feel as though every nerve ending in my body is on fire.

  The presence rubbing my head is a nice coolness amidst the vast inferno that is my body.

  I start to recall some of the recent events.

  Ray was captured and held hostage.

  I rushed to save her, only to be beaten by a foe far surpassing my own strength.

  I was made a fool of.

  If Initae hadn't burst in to save us, we would likely both be dead or in some laboratory.

  Also, the enemy said some pretty crazy stuff. I can assume they were tied to the same ‘organization’ that my ‘father’ is. Which is just absurd. Plus it seems like that enemy was merely a ‘MinorNode’ which implies that there are even stronger nodes, all headed by some ‘great one’.

  Also, they had some crazy tech that I've never seen.

  Some sort of vessel controlled by an orb. One that was clearly not like anything of this universe. The vessel possessed at least extreme level combat skills. Plus regeneration and apparently the ability to perfectly adapt to and counter weaker opponents.

  I didn't even fight it at its full strength.

  I saw a glimpse of its full potential when it fought Initae. Though of course she was easily able to beat it, without even making an effort.

  The pain fades a tiny bit and I start to gain awareness of my surroundings.

  My head is resting on some very soft, yet firm pillows. I can definitely tell that it is actually a hand that is running through my hair. It feels so nice.

  Around my waist I can feel an arm strongly holding me. It seems intent on keeping me exactly where I am. I don't think I'd oppose it even if I could. This is quite a nice existence, if it wasn't for the pain I'd be happy here forever.

  I drift in and out of consciousness for quite a while.

  Eventually I start to hear a nice humming sound. I think it's meant to be a lullaby. It's really calming, somehow it seems to distract me from the pain a bit.

  Gradually the pain eases more and more and I can open my eyes.

  When I finally open them I see a very cute sight.

  Ray is looking down at my face. Her blue eyes seemingly intent on making sure I don't vanish from my spot in her arms.

  The sunlight enters the room through the window, highlighting her platinum-blonde hair as it drapes across my shoulders. Her hand is running through my hair, clearly the source of the healing headrubs that I have been getting.

  Her cute mouth is arranged in a slightly worried expression. But she is humming a gentle lullaby, I think I've heard it before, but can't quite place the name.

  The angle of the sunlight makes it look like half of her is a shining beauty, while the other half is shrouded in a deep shadow. I think it represents her quite nicely. All of the parts of her I love (which are everything), so nicely on display.

  I managed to whisper out a few words, “hmm, good morning, darling.”

  She jumps out of her trance and looks quite confused. Only to notice my gray eyes are open and staring at her.

  “Good morning, Mr. Foolish Hero.” She then removes her hand from my hair and gives me a pretty hard flick on the forehead. It hurts.

  “Ow, what was that for?”

  “It really undermines the heroism of rushing after your princess alone if you end up nearly dead in the process.”

  “Hmm, good point. I'll keep that in mind if I should ever need to rescue you again from the clutches of evil.”

  “Dont plan on it. Next time it'll be me who rushes to save you. I want people to call me a cool name too!”

  “Wait, what are they calling me?”

  “Check the net by yourself, you lazy jerk.”

  I do as instructed and pull up a window to the net in my mind.

  The first thing I see is a massive headline;

  BREAKING NEWS: The Foolish Hero Rescues His Princess From the Clutches of Evil!”

  Below it is a picture of me in my armor, launching away from the armory and in the sky. It's definitely been heavily edited, I'm not nearly that dashing.

  “Really, the foolish Hero?”

  “I think Initae had a talk with them and coerced them into adding the foolish part.”

  “That little miscreant. Though, I am a fool I suppose.”

  She grabs my face in her hands, “Well, your cute and brave hero. I think a little bit of foolishness is allowed.” She then gives me a very sweet kiss. It lasts quite a while.

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  She relaxes back, holding me in her tight embrace. Unwilling to let me go.

  Unfortunately, my pillows move too, forcing me to lay on a slightly less comfortable surface. One rippling with muscle. It's still quite nice though.

  “Can I just stay here for a while. It appears I am still suffering from my heroic acts.”

  “Ill hold you for as long as you need, whenever you need, Ko.”

  If this were a TV show, I'd imagine the scene slowly fading to black from the edges. Only to pause when it is just me laying in Ray's arms. Both of us looking very happy to just do so forever. Then, it'd fully fade and stay that way for a few moments before the next scene.

  17:00 IST, Second day, Fifth month, 3079 PV | City Stelarum / Military Command Tent

  “Okay whippersnappers. We've got some big stuff that has happened recently. Let me explain the results of both my and the Order’s investigation into the recent incident.”

  Initae is back with us once again. It seems she has decided to stick around. She has even lent her aid in the construction projects from what I have heard.

  We are currently in the military command tent. Which is very drafty, it turns out giant flat plains are kinda windy. The gentle breeze ripples across Ray’s hair. She is sitting next to me. Emil, Rigar, Initae and several other distinguished humans (who have been made into the loop of the whole Order shenanigans) are also in the tent. To the side is a holoscreen which is connecting in various sages and such from the order. I feel important to be surrounded by so many powerful people.

  Like seriously. This room must contain dozens of the most powerful people in the entire universe. It's kinda intimidating.

  Though, my recent humiliating defeat definitely weighs against that importance I feel. Guess my ego isn't at risk of growing too much.

  On our walk through the city streets to get here, I was constantly assailed with praise for my ‘herosicism’. I can't tell if they are being sarcastic.

  I also got a pretty nice lecture from Initae and Rigar about not charging into things on an impulse with no training. I am very lucky to be alive, let alone walking around and talking.

  I notice that Ray (still super cute by the way) is looking a bit off, so I reach over and hold her hand, giving it a little squeeze for good measure. She was definitely a bit shaken by the whole being captured thing.

  Oh, and I suppose me nearly dying couldn't have helped.

  She looks over and rewards me for my thoughtfulness with a brilliant smile. Man, I'm such a good boyfriend, that must've scored me at least two points. That brings the tally to 42-2544 (in Ray’s favor), I'm doing pretty good.

  I tune back into Initae’s speech, I can't wait to hear what bombshells she will drop.

  “So, the ‘MinorNode’ referred to as Regulus was not human, or any other sovereign species as you have probably guessed. I am not sure what they were, but they are verifiably none of those.

  They appeared to be inhabiting an extremely complicated vessel, through use of a specialized core that was transmitting consciousness from elsewhere in the universe.” To punctuate this point, she pulls out an orb from a pouch on her belt. The same orb that she pulled out of Regulus’s vessel.

  “Now, that all isn't too crazy. Most would just assume it's a type of highly advanced consciousness digitization and nanotechnology.

  But, that's wrong.

  This ‘orb’ is a piece of Vikean Tech. More than that, it is more advanced than the technology at the time of our empire’s death. That means that someone in this universe is not only using Vikean tech, which is a huge problem already, but is knowledgeable enough to improve it.”

  “So, Ms. Initae, it sounds like you have a pretty good idea who this ‘someone’ is. So why dontcha spill the beans.”

  Those in the room nod in agreement.

  “If you'd just be a little patient, dear Ray, I was getting to that part. Haven't you heard of building suspense?

  Anyways, I don't have a good idea who it is.

  I know for certain that the aforementioned someone is my Brother, the second-to-last prince of the Vikean empire.”

  I speak up, “Wait, what do you mean second-to-last prince? I thought only one other Vikea survived?”

  “Ko, you are a Vikean prince.”

  My mouth gapes open.

  “Wait, what now?”

  “Darling, didn't you forget the part about how her brother’s genomic material was used to create you? Thus making you her nephew and a prince?”

  “Oh, but wait. That makes me a prince?”

  Several people, including Ray (super cute of course), simultaneously face palm at my statement.

  Rigar:”Milord, did you get hit in the head one too many times in that fight?”

  The room erupts into laughter, even those on the hologram are laughing. It seems like I've been turned into a point of laughter. Well, at least I managed to lighten the mood with my own stupidity.

  I guess I'm a prince. Who would've guessed.

  “Anyways, now that our esteemed leader has made a fool of himself yet again. Back to where I was.

  So yes, my brother is very much alive and I am certain that he is heading up this organization. I have good reason to believe that it is also the same organization that intercepted us during the first trial.

  Now. I don't want you to be too alarmed.

  But this is very bad.

  It is clear that my brother has some form of objective, one that runs counter to Ray’s and Kovons at least. But likely the entire order.” All those assembled either gasp, or have looks of utter terror upon their faces.

  Which is expected, Initae just said that this is a very bad situation. When the godlike being says that her brother, a fellow godlike being, is working against you with technology from an empire of dead godlike beings. I think anyone in their right mind would freak out.

  At this point, the meeting shifts gears and the members from the Order depart. Though Initae opts to stay, and remains completely silent.

  Various other people give reports about the status of the colony. The first housing units and farms are now constructed, commercial districts are starting to come underway. Plus we even have the first antimatter power plant up and running. Which should tide us over for a while on the energy front. Since up until this point we have been relying on energy transmitted from the Deliverer via space elevator.

  Which, suffice to say, is nowhere close to enough for an entire city.

  They conclude with the point that we should be able to execute the first phase of our plan in around a month. Which sounds quite fast, considering what we have tasked them with.

  The meeting wraps up and Ray and I exit, holding hands of course. I've noticed that she has been far more clingy recently. While I wish she didn't have reason to be, I'm not exactly upset about the clinginess itself. Though, if I ever do meet Initae’s Brother, or I guess technically my biological father, ima smite him and ensure not a single atom remains in this universe or any other.

  We barely make it a few steps away from the tent before a small hand appears on both of our shoulders. A very menacing voice speaks from behind us.

  “Kiddos, where the severan do you think you are going? It's time for some training.”

  Several hours later.

  I am knocked flat on my behind, Ray (super cutely) ragdolling into me and pinning me to the ground.

  “Ow, what the klack, Initae!”

  “Maggot! You will address me as Sergeant, don't make me repeat myself or you'll really find out what the meaning of pain is!” I think Initae has been watching a lot of Earth army type shows. She is somehow pulling off the perfect drill sergeant accent, I'm sure you know the one.

  She is a little evil being for sure. How did I end up as her apprentice?

  “Darling, make this monster calm down. She has been relentless for hours now!”

  “Unfortunately, I don't possess the power to stop such a cruel god. I think we just have to endure.”

  “Hmm, Ima need a bit of a recharge before I can get back up.”

  “What do yo-”

  She wraps me up in a giant hug. Which really hurts because I think my ribs are broken. Oh well, a little pain is always worth a hug. When she pulls away she steals a quick kiss and then seems to be fully recovered, spear in hand and seemingly taunting Initae.

  I have a feeling I'm going to need to request a lot of those wonderful healing headrubs later.

  Though, I am certain that this training will make us stronger. Together we will become strong enough to overcome anything, we are the Moonlight Duo after all. So, bring it on.

  End of Chapter 65

  Next: Chapter 66 | Sparkling Debut