[i]"I'll allow you the first strike."[/i]

Death slowly turned around and narrowed his eyes. "Mana being. I have not seen you for quite some time. I assumed something had killed you by now." He growled. "Once I adapt to your form of Mana it will make the battle against our new enemy much easier, and of course it will be easier to kill you once I adapt."

Death laughed. "You allow me the first strike. That could prove to be a fatal mistake." He said as he raised his arms and portals began to form all around the area and shadow creatures began to emerge from the various portals. The creatures made a beeline for Sirius as more and more of them continued to emerge from the portals. Death's arms began to glow with dark energy as his hands began to lengthen into claws as he charged at Sirius.

[i]"Elder," she said softly, "You need only wait a little longer. We have healers who can fix you up right away."[/i]

Hisel smiled sadly. "It is kind of you to lie." He whispered. "You will hear my last words and you must remember them at all costs. Viran holds the key to peace between what remains of our people and the rest of Earth. More are coming, and they will...they must make a choice. They will either side with the betrayers or with Viran. Viran was engineered at birth to save our race...to change us for the better. You know what happened at the beginning."

[b]Flashback
Many Years Ago[/b]

Hisel looked around as the alarms flashed over and over as the command bunk's warning alarms wailed as the attack on their world continued. The fate of their world had been assured after the Militants had taken control of the government years ago. They had waged war against their neighbors amongst the stars and now their civilization was paying the price. He looked over at a few of the remaining members of the original government and pointed at the small pod that contained the future of their race. "Prepare for launch. We need to get him out of here, the planetary defenses won't hold them much longer. Once they fall, they will commence with a full bombardment."

"Yes sir!"

Hisel looked at the small infant who was quietly looking up at him and pressed his hand against the glass and the infant giggled once. "Goodbye Grandson." Hisel said quietly as the roof of the facility began to slowly open. Viran had been engineered to remove some of the more war-like traits that the Valkorians possessed. He was born only a year ago and had been raised in a different environment from most children. Instead of being raised by militant parents who believed only in war and battle, Viran had been raised in an environment that had promoted peace and justice.

"Father! The militants are nearly here." A young Valkorian woman ran into the room and shook her head. "They brought War and Vengeance with them! Our forces are barely holding them back!"

"Calm yourself Valis." Hisel said quietly. "What of your mate? Where is Kalris?"

Valis held back the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. "He is dead. By War's hand." Hisel bowed his head. "I'm sorry. But know that his sacrifice bought us enough time to send Viran to safety. Viran will help the survivors change for the better when the time is right."

A loud banging sound was heard against the doors and deep imprints of fists could be seen as the roof fully opened and the engines on the ship began to ignite. "Father, there is a scout ship nearby. We can escape!"

Hisel shook his head. "No...we must make sure Viran escapes first. There are only a few ships left and we need to make sure the civilians and non-combatants get away first. If there is room and Viran gets away safely than we will leave." Valis turned and looked at the small ship which was quickly shooting up into the air through the sky. "Goodbye son." She whispered as the doors finally gave way and two large hulking Valkorian forms entered the room followed by a slightly smaller one.

"Where is he?!" Vengeance demanded. 

Hisel smiled. "He is gone. And you will not find him."

A large explosion engulfed the complex a moment later.

[b]Flashback ends.[/b]

 Hisel weakly smiled up at Dawnfire. "We escaped with as many non-combatants and children as we could. We were separated from the rest of the ships during the chaos of the bombardment. Viran's mother...my daughter was aboard one of the other ships, if she still lives I do not know but I pray that she does. Viran can bring peace...but he doesn't know any of this. He was not given a chance to know before the battle between Death and War."

Hisel smiled again. "He must know his heritage. When he wakes up you must tell him what I have told you. And let him know...that his Grandfather will always be proud of him for what he has done. 

Hisel smiled as his eyes closed and his grip loosened.