The booming sound of explosions mixed with the sharp hissing of rays and projectiles, echoing through the jagged canyons. Kim observed the progress of his clan against the local monsters. "Supports, slow down the monsters and let the ranged attackers take care off them. Melee types reserve your energy for the larger monsters. Squad leaders cycle your attackers, we do not want anybody to get exhausted, at this time." Kim gave a few orders and was satisfied with the speed they were followed.

The monsters were weaker than he had expected, mainly first evolution types, they would not give him a lot EXP. But the members of the raid under level 100 would gain a good boost out of the sheer amount of monsters. A movement at the corner of his eye made him turn and Diana swooped through the air with grace. She flew an extra round above the battlefield and removed the head of a monster with her rifle before she landed a few meters away from Kim. They really have tendency for the dramatic, those Icarus class holders. It gets them killed, like their name implied, Kim thought.

Diana walked closer, made a salute and smiled like the sunflower she was. Her unexpected visit could only mean urgent news, and that meant most of the time bad news. "Sir, I was sent to inform you that Marcus Freimann has returned to Earth. Jack said you would want to know." she said. Kim needed a second to process the news and then the sound of battle was dwarfed by a scream of joy. Kim felt a wave of happiness inside of him and an uncontrollable smile covered his face. "When did he return?" he asked the shocked woman. "Ehm...By now, three days ago." Diana said watching the smile on the normally stoic clan leader. Kim thought for one second and then activated his com "Castor, I will leave for Earth. You are in charge. Keep an eye out for the double evolved types. If it is too dangerous pull back. It is not worth the reward to lose people here." he gave a few orders and started to run and jump along the canyon walls. It would take him two days to get back to Earth but that was a small price to see his disciple again.

Kim's disciple woke up on a different world and had a stupid smile on his face. Azaa. Azaa! He tossed and turned and eventually got up into a sitting position. It was not a dream or a fantasy, she really, really liked him. More than that, she… loved… him. And Marcus loved her! This truth burned like a golden flame inside his heart, warming him and made him smile like an idiot. He took a deep breath and fell back into his bed. He turned the small light green. Xeen, are you there? A few seconds went by and he got an answer.

Oh my. A lot must have happened since last we spoke. I'm looking at a very different young man. Marcus quickly summarized the events of the last day and Xeen congratulated him. Earning the love of a woman is one of life's greatest challenges and rewards. Marcus smiled and also apologized to Xeen that he had him muted so much over the last days. It is quite alright. But now, I would ask you to mingle with local population. I would like to observe them up close. Marcus saw no problem in that and after a short, but hearty breakfast he walked into the city.

It was still early morning, but the streets were filled with busy ginghi. Traders, workers, people buying groceries at the markets. Marcus walked between the ginghi and many heads turned his direction. Without a clear plan he somehow ended up in the closest market square and watched the chaos. People were running left and right, traders called out and advertised their wares. After some time Marcus realized that Xeen was silent, but there was a strong feeling coming from him. They had learned a long time ago that strong emotions are transported over their connection too. Xeen is everything alright?

He stayed silent for some time longer until his voice asked, Marcus back in the ruins, there was not much left of me? The question surprised Marcus and worried him too.

Yes, it was more an echo of a body than anything else. You must have been there for a very long time. Marcus waited for an answer but it took more than a minute before Xeen spoke again.

Marcus, these are my people. Marcus gasped and some ginghi around him gave him a worried look.

You mean, you are a ginghi?

It is the other way around, they are katakara, or at least their descendants. They have lost some of our grace and luster, but I'm sure they are my people.

But that is a good thing! Your people have survived even after all that time!

Yes, indeed. But how deep have we fallen. This is what remains of the proud katakara, rulers of the storm. You can not understand how painful this is to me. I had committed my life to empower my people. Marcus listened to the painful words of Xeen, and scolded him.

Get a grip! You died eons ago, the very fact that there is even so much as fraction of your people left is a miracle. And now you are back here with me, and we can see how we can help them.

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Xeen laughed. Well spoken Marcus, I will depend on you. Now please walk among my people. I do not understand their language, but seeing their faces gives me joy.

Marcus walked over the market, and again many people turned their heads. He had expected the ginghi had gotten used to humans but it seemed humans were still an event here. He stopped and looked at a flower stand with beautiful, fresh flowers. Vibrant red, purple, yellow it was a feast for the eyes. The woman who managed the stand looked at Marcus and then started to bind a bouquet mainly made up from the vibrant red flowers with the large petals. Once she was done, she offered it to Marcus who tried to explain he had no money, but she insisted. "These are Azaa's favorite flowers." A voice said behind Marcus, who turned in surprise.

Uela stood behind him, in simple civilian clothes and as stunning as ever. "Good Morning." Marcus said and bowed.

What a beauty. It seems not all luster vanished over the years.

This is Azaa's sister, Marcus told Xeen. She laughed "No need to bow. We are close now." She said with a wide smile and Marcus felt lost. Uela read him well and added "You are being courted by my sister, not?" Marcus ears turned red, "Yes, you already know?", "I spoke with her this morning. I'm truly happy for both of you. You should give her the flowers when she gets here." Uela said and Marcus was surprised by her warm and direct words.

He had a lot of time over the last years to look back, and one thing he realized was, that after the first days he had never seen or spoken with Uela. She had completely vanished and now she acted as if they knew each other well for a long time. What was that about? Before he could make any sense of it she waved goodbye and vanished into the crowd. Marcus was still dumbfounded as Azaa found him. She was glowing, a beautiful smile decorated her face "Marcus, good morning." Marcus could not help and put on the stupid smile again, with an extra set of red ears. He tried to say hello but all he managed was gifting her the bouquet. She took the flowers and her eyes turned watery. "Thank you, these are my favorite flowers." The woman at the stand smiled and watched the two walk away holding hands.

Azaa guided Marcus to her house "I have made some breakfast for us. I hope you have not eaten too much already." Marcus denied it and looked forward to sharing breakfast. They talked and ate, Marcus even tasted some of the ginghi food. He felt so happy that it was hard for him to get on with what he had planned to say.

She is very much worth it. I can tell, even after this short amount of time. Xeen actually encouraged Marcus. He took a deep breath and looked into Azaa's brilliant eyes. "Azaa, there is something I want to tell you. I would have told you anyway but now I feel I need to tell you as soon as possible." Marcus started and Azaa nodded, realizing this was serious.

Marcus started by telling her the story about the ruins and she listened carefully. He could see she was already thinking hard behind those dark eyes. Then he came to the throne and what happened next "Since that day I'm connected to an ancient alien mind, his name is Xeen. He sees and hears through me and he can read my mind too." Marcus said and Azaa squinted her eyes and her mouth tightened. He continued to talk about the Astral Plane, the mute function and the many times Xeen had helped him.

"You are certain he is a friend?" she said and Marcus nodded. "He has saved my life many times by now. He has been nothing but helpful. Believe me, I was very upset at first too. But he has been with me for nearly two years and I trust him with my life. We try to keep him a secret, only my close friends know of him." He explained and hoped to sway her opinion in the right direction. "Xeen is also an ancestor of yours, if that helps." He added and Azaa looked even more surprised "He is ginghi?" she asked but Marcus shook his head "Katakara."

That term must have told Azaa something and she quickly became more friendly. "That is an ancient name for our people, not many would know it." she said and looked thoughtful "It also means Xeen is incredibly old." Marcus nodded and they stayed quite for some time. "I think he was a strong class holder, but he does not want to talk about it. He likes to keep secrets, but he is not shy about giving advice and berating me when I make mistakes."

Ha! Teaching you, guiding you, that is what I do. Ungrateful youth! Azaa watched the man she loved and accepted this new reality. "You wish for me to keep this a secret too?", "Yes, for the time being." Marcus answered and Azaa focused on him "Xeen, I understand you can see and hear me. I wish to believe that you are our friend but if it turns out otherwise, I will not rest until I have removed you from my Marcus."

More threats of violence. What have I ever done?

"He understands." Marcus said, keeping a laugh in.

Azaa took a deep breath "This is completely unexpected and it will take some time to get used to. On the other hand I do recognize that you were able to return to me only though the help of Xeen. For that I will forever be thankful."

Finally some kind words and appreciation.

"About keeping Xeen a secret...can I tell my father and Uela?" she asked and Marcus tried to decide what the right path was.

It is better that way, trying to hide my existence from them for a long time, might have negative consequences down the road. We also should keep her duties in mind.

"Tell them, we are both okay with it." Azaa smiled for the first time since the topic had come up.

"Can we get a moment of privacy?" Azaa asked and Marcus went into mute mode. Sorry Xeen.

Don't mind.

"We are alone." he said and Azaa took his hand. "Yesterday… was he…" Marcus shook his head. "When we are intimate, I wish to be alone with you." Azaa whispered and Marcus nodded vigorously, "Of course. Xeen understands that too."

Azaa gently touched his face and watched his head turn red. It was such a convenient quirk of humans, their coloring gave their hearts away. That reminded her of one of her own secrets she should share with him. "Could you wait for a few moments?" Azaa said and left the room. Five minutes later she returned in a new dress and Marcus' jaw dropped.

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