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 just like 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

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 by three 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 in front 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 man addressed 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,

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! Its beyond 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 yourself take 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

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

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. Someone was 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

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.

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

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 the pilot, Nothing is to worry now.

CHAPTER 6

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 three o 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 half of 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

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, its completely 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

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 condition tells, 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. those black 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

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

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? No Aryan 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, to be 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 sarcasm and 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 hurts Raj, you talking like this. Being a Valiant doesnt means that you 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. He gestured 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

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

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 friend replied, 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 Pradhan had 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, of the 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 rock samples. I have 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. Everyone was 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

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

you before. And I seriously offend such methods of cunningness. he said 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 know it. 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,

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 mean it. 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

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 devils hell 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 Lakiterians to 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

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 his body 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 of that 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

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

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 sharp static, 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 strange turrets 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 approached him. are you alright commander? asked the leader in command whom merdax recognized as hersiane; a soldier of his own batallion. fit enough to fight. He replied. Then he asked him, what has happened? hersiane started to explain, around 0400 hours, when the 3rd battalion had done the shift and were waiting for the 1st battalion, the chief in command, saursex saw a strange reading on the teriaxian radar. Merdax interrupted him, on teriaxian radar? Why, were our radars down? a little hesistant, hersiane said, no sir. It seems that when teriax military had insisted to install it here, they were right. Somehow, the doxifroxian warships which have invaded are not ordinary ones. They are the classified elite force d ships. Merdax gaped, force d ships! This is beyond my imagination. Why the hell they have sent such powerfull ships on a invasion? Even valiants have difficulty tackling with them! that is what we are

trying to find out commander. hersiane said, according to our database, we are not even on the zrotuxs primary hit list. Though all measurements have been taken, its a strange mystery why doxifroxians are using there most powerful of weapons on us. Merdax had got the news of attack on earths mining corp crew members. But unlike on earth, there were no mineral ores on laxont and at least, there was nothing in possession of laxontian military which might interest zrotux. And besides that, these were not scrapped doxifroxian ships used by slave planets. These were all original and genuine warships. After a brief pause, merdax asked, what happened next? hersiane continued, no doubt, as soon as we got the alert, a crew of fifteen mini ships were launched for the counter attack. Around twenty minutes later, we got the news that they were receiving heavy fire so another crew of ten blake warships have been sent. what is the current situation? merdax asked. there were a total of seven doxifroxian ships out of which three have been demolished. But we received heavy causalities and the report is that we have lost seven of our mini warships and two blakes. merdax did the calculations in his mind for a moment and the said, it means we need ground support. hersiane nodded. everybody onboard! merdax shouted. All the troop quickly occupied their positions on the boomercraft. where are the ships headed to? he asked. hersiane answered him, due to the counter attack, they are frequently changing the course but we assume they are headed to the headquarters. drive to the headquarters asap. merdax ordered to the driver. The situation was much worse than merdax had expected. As soon as they reached the outer most perimeter of laxont military headquarters, they were forced to stop. Merdax stepped out of the vehicle. After dropping him, the vehicle drove rest of the soldiers to the battlefield. The sub chiefgartius came running to him. The main tower was sustaining heavy attack and the whole place was covered in dust and stench of explosive materials. update me merdax yelled in his ear. it is beyond what we estimated sir gartius replied, they breached the corner five and force d ships have deployed around dozens of soldiers who came rampaging to the inner square. Merdax, bewildered, asked, breached corner five? But how? that is what we cant figure out sir. But then, they are doxifroxians. They are doxifroxians. This fact started spinning inside merdaxes mind. He remembered the time when same figure was used for the plaet of lasts. That planet of the lasts which were considered the most powerful planet of allies.That planet, which was doomed years ago but the few handful of its citizens somehow survived and created their own artificial satellite in some discreet universe and are widely known as the lasts. But the first time he experienced the real power of them was when an automated ship was sent to laxont two years ago with a device and a message stating the purpose of that device. At first, merdax refused to believe. how it can be that there most advanced radar cant find out about any of the doxifroxian ships advanced to any extent. But then he was visited by one of the valiants who confirmed about its superiority above all there instruments. So, he reluctantly permitted to install the device. And today, it was proved. Though why those strange men of lasts never showed up is still a mystery for him. He had heard that they very much resemble a laxontian; same shriveled skin, small eyes, hairless and masculine physique but unlike them whose skin were a burnt umber color and an oval head with long and sleek ears which gave them appearance of an elf when combined with a round nose and puffy lips, they were light blue with a body of a wise turtle; with a smooth and oval shaped back with a beak shaped mouth without any teeth. Their skin was covered in deep blue colored patches. Their heads were unusually pointy and had two small holes in place of ears and nose. Merdax still remember the

names of some of the amazing warriors of that lost planet, but now, they were nothing more than stories. what are the orders sir? gartius repeated again. A loud blast brought merdax back from his thoughts. which groups have been deployed? seven units are doxifroxian ground army and soldier paused for a moment, three of them are dox zrot he replied. god, dox zrot? Zrotux is really desperate for something. He said, dazed. all right he continued, gather the 3rd battalion around corner five to stop the further infiltrating and order 2nd battalion to round up the inner square. We have to find what they are looking for. I will join the 1st battalion to kick them out of the headquarters. and send a crew of mini ships and blakes to deviate them. If that wont work, we have to use the war hawks. And one thing more, he grimly looked at him, send a ship to inform the valiants. These fuckers have blotched their communication frequencies. alright sir the sub chief saluted him and left. Merdax reached to his radio and said, soldiersjoin your respective batallions as soon as possible. We have got some jobs to do.

CHAPTER 14 Ayush was sitting gloomly on the bench. hi ayush two girls came to him. Ayush slowly lifted his head, oh, hi anu. It was anu accompanied by one of her friends. She asked, why are you not in cafeteria? I am not feeling like ayush said. are you okay? anu asked, looking for something around him, nd where is raj? ayush let out a deep sigh. After a moment when he didnt answered her, anu looked at him intently, whats the matter ayush? Is everything okay? ayush said slowly, he is gone. where? anu asked, and till when? Was he ill? ayush stood up, listen, he said, I cant give you the details, but I must tell you that raj is gone for ever. I dont know when he will come back or even he will be back ever. It didnt seemed right to anu. She asked, but where he has gone? that ayush said, I cant tell you. I am forbidden to do so. All right, see you later. And he walked away deliberately. why are you enquiring so much about him? anus friend said, they are weirdos. Everybody knows that. But anu knew they werent. somewhere inside her, she knew that the unexpectedly departure of raj is nothing like a normal incident.

CHAPTER 15 Raj had heard about it since his childhood. He had tried to get his hands on any book, database or information he could find and now, the real one was in front of him. Today, he realized that whatever he had read, was all wrong except for the fact that mentionedthe splendor and grandeur of the agyat gufa is best experienced when seen in real form. It was nothing like raj had seen ever in his life. Its impression on him was beyond this world. For a few minutes, he just stood there gaping at it. come on raj tim shook his shoulders, smiling, if you thing this is great, you should see the interiors. He led raj into the cavernous entrance through which a dark tunnel was running underground. The tunnel was bursting with Stalagmites and stalactites and a stream of icy water was flowing on the base. where this water is coming from? raj asked. His feet were completely wet and somehow, he was feeling amazingly refreshed. dont know tim said, may be pradhan knows, but I think itcomes from the underground. He looked at raj, maybe from gangotri raj looked at him, gangotri? he asked. yeah tim said, this

place is somewhere near the place where mountains of Himalayas existed. So, we guess it may be gangotri. Raj looked at the vastness of cave, how come no one ever get to enter the gufa? I mean, there is no secret passages or gateways and the entrance is so big and open mouthed. Tim smiled, this gufa was made by very first valiant, and it is surrounded by a power which identifies a valiant and do not allow anyone else. It means raj asked, to others, it is invisible? kind of tim said, they can only see a big rock with no opening. The tunnel was coming to an end and raj could see light at the other end. Slowly, they emerged in a magnificient hall. As soon as raj entered, he was mesmerized by the magnificenceof it. It was unexpectedly well planned and adorned, unlike the rough and rocky impression it gave from the outside. Raj was so much lost in it that he didnt noticed four persons surrounding another one on a chair in the central of the room. welcome raj a strong and calm voice brought him back to present. Startled, he looked at the group. valiants, he whispered. bring him here timothy the man on the chair said. come on raj tim said to raj. Slowly, he walked towards them. pradhan tim kneeled before him who was the leader of valiants. Raj was also following tim when pradhan stopped him, dont raj he said, I have earned no such respect from you till now. Let me train you first, and if you become successful, then you can honor me. Raj didnt said anything. He just stood there and looked at the at all of them, thinking what would it feel like being a valiant, having super powers like them, being so much strong and powerful.Then his eyes felt on pradhans golden locket. The legendry locket which bears a tale as dark and deep as the tale of valiants. Historians have been trying to research about it for ages and many believe, raj himself, that this locket is what gives powers to the valiants but from where did it came from? This question he always looked forward to be answered, and now was the right time. pradhan he asked, if it is not inconvenient, may I ask you something? pradhan shifted in his chair a little and raj was sure he saw a slight smile on his face, whatever you yearn to ask pradhan said, you will found the answers during your training, but I can sense this one cant be postponed. So, please ask whatever you have in you mind. this locket raj said, his eyes on the pradhans locket, I have heard a lot about it and also read many books on it. What is its secret, and where it came from? Who made it? after a moments pause, pradhan said, there is much more to know and learn about the valiant locket which I cant tell you or explain to you in a few moments or in a few hours. But as I promised, I must tell you that whatever you have been informed about this locket is all wrong and erroneous. This locket he caressed the locket slowly with his fingers, has a amazing and spectacular history and with course of time, you shall know its true power and origin. For now, the information should be enough for you that only a leader of the valiants can crave the accurate nature of this locket. He stopped. When raj said nothing, he asked again, is there anything else you want to know boy? raj thought for a while and asked, what is with this dress code? Why all of you wear this khadi kurtas and khadi pyjamas? he head a suppressed laughter beside him. It was tim. Pradhan, bemused looked at him intently, good question you asked boy. He looked at the other valiants, no one here he said, was intelligent to ask it when they joined. Everyone was smiling except for one who was as rigid and serious as an army chief. Pradhan looked at raj again and said, as you must have find out till now that a valiant possess certain force which shields him from atmospheric changes, let it be deep cold, extremely hot or without and gravitation or in vaccum. why is it so pradhan? raj interrupted him. let him finish first boy the valiant who was dead serios said, dont be so much reckless. Raj started to say something only to be

interrupted by pradhan this time, its okay viraat. Let his curiosity pass away. That will be good for his training. He looked at raj and continued, what was I saying? Yes, the force which helps us to survive. It is in every valiant. How it comes in us, from where it originates, these questions I will answer you later. These cloths we are wearing is of khadi which you already know. You must know then khadi is most pure and comfortable material which helps us to concentrate on our powers and provide our mind with calmness in the time of a battle. That is why we can use all those super powers and that is why he paused, it is very difficult to defeat a valiant. Khadi helps to concentrate the mind to the extent where it is enough to overthrow someone just by using it. and that is why raj said, you people never use any weapons, right? pradhnan said calmly, the mind is our weapon. If one learn to utilize it completely, no other weapon; however big and strong it may have, can override mind power. Raj was silent and was thinking about the thing pradhan had told him. your training will commence from tomorrow as you are tired now. I will introduce the other valiants to you in the morning. Right now, you need some rest. He turned to tim, show him to his room timothy, and make sure he gets good rest because from tomorrow, his life will be not that easy as it is now. He looked into rajs eyes and raj had a weird feeling that he can see his thoughts. Slowly, he walked away with tim to the other corner of the room. As soon as they were gone, ralph abruptly stood in action, a laxont ship is circling the outer periphery of the gufa yes pradhan said, you and banish go and find out what is the matter. why viraat said,they have sent a ship to us when a communication radar has been installed there? it only proves Aryan said, that the matter is no good one. I am afraid I agree you Aryan pradhan said. Soon banish and ralph returned with a laxontian pilot with them. pradhan he kneeled before them,we have been attacked by assive droxifroxian army and we are taking heavy fire. Your presence is indispensable. you could have done better by contacting us thgrough radar when the situation was so crucial. Viraat stood up, feeling irritated by thinking of the stupidity laxontians had made. cam down viraat pradhan said, listen to him first. The pilot continued, we tried to communicate with you on first place, but somehow, doxifroxians knew about the radar and they had descreetly destroyed it before entering the planet. Aryan and viraat looked grimly to pradhan who said, what is the situation now? pilot said, we are not sure of the cause of attack, but commander merdax believes that they are searching for some person. Pradhan stood up and walked to him slowly. you take off for the laxont immediately he said, we will be there in a half an hour. And tell commander to try neutralizing the enemy force as hard as he could. We will soon be joining laxontian army. alright pradhan the pilot said and went accompanied by viraat and Aryan. Ralph came near him and asked, in your opinion pradhan, what is the cause of this attack? pradhan didnt answered him. He was in a deep thought.

CHAPTER 16 The situation was far worse inside the laxontian headquarters than commander merdax had estimated. It seemed that doxifroxian military had deployed all the dox zrots; the most elite class of doxifroxian foot soldiers, at the headquarters. but then, merdax was also accompanied by 1st battalion; the best

laxontian army had. The headquarters were a series of ancient monuments modified to suit the needs of laxontian military. It consisted of a number of complicated infrastructures enterwined into each other which made it some sort of giant maze, and this was a big advantage to merdax and his troops. All the building were left unaltered from the outside which provided it a good camouflage and enemy troops were deceived taking it at some common and abandoned monuments, but somehow, doxifroxian military had found about it. group a will follow my lead from the north western entrance he commanded, and group b will accompany general gartius to the east. Enemy troops have no clue of these two entrances which will make it easy for us to ambush them. General gartius nodded and left with his group to east. follow me merdax said. As expected, north western entrance was uninhabited. They could hear gunfire deep inside the buildings. general gartius merdax said in his microphone, i suspect they are looking for bolt store. bolt store? surprised, gartius asked, but why you think they are looking for it? We havent got anything there for decades. Merdax answered, I see no other reason for their attack. I have a very strong feeling that they think we have got something there which might be useful to them. For now, our first priority is to hold them doing further destructions till valiants arrive. We will attack enemies which are inside from two sides. You proceed from your respective direction, and I will from mine. alright commander gartius said. He turned to his group and ordered, we will take the path of entangled alley. This will save our time and will allow us to attack heavily on the zrots. yes commander the group said in unison. They started to move into a dark burrow which was covered in thick and ancient looking twisted wooden path covered in moss and fungi. But they were used to walk on it. careful now commander whispered. He hd spotted a zrot which he identified from his unique uniform which distinguished it from the common doxifroxian army. Along with the blue armor like that of a roman gladiator, the dox zrots also had a red optifibre suite superimposed above it which was equipped with a number of digital weapons and assortments made exclusively for the zrot army. The whole thing gave an impression of some ninja warrior on doxifroxians who were short in height with jet red colour of skin, black spiked hairs, cat like yellow colored eyes which had no eyelashes having blue eyeballs, a thin lipless mouth, a human like nose and two ears which also resembled a human. They had a fierce set of teeth which they also used as weapons when there were no options. They had long and mascular hands and legs with sharp nails and spherical fingers and palms which were useful during a hand to hand combat. Commander merdax and his group slowly approached the zrot.now, they realized it was not the only one. There were five of them directly outside the room which led to the bolt store. It seemed they were on guard. on my signal merdax said. As soon as two of the zrots turned to patrol the other side, he signaled with his two fingers and his group started firing with their blaster guns. now back off! merdax yelled, let them come to the tangled alley and it will be easier for us. As expected, the zrots started approaching them through the twisted pathways, but to merdaxes horror, they were as stable on it as they were. this is impossible he murmured to himself, how they can walk at such an ease on this pathway. What commander merdax didnt knew that zrots were far more advanced that he had expected. They had got a micro memory synchronization chip (MMSC) installed within their optifibre suits which enabled them to learn any new skill in a few seconds like driving a vehicle or using a device.

Anyway, commander knew it was no use backing off now. He yelled to his group, open fire! Its do or die! they started to fire heavily on the running towards their direction. The zrots sensed the danger and retreated to cover. activate your shields merdax commanded, it will give us enough time to chase them out. they ran towards the hiding zrots and started firing. Zrot weapons, though highly advanced, needed a little time to destroy the shields. Using his quick reflexes, merdax blasted off two of the zrots with his blaster gun while spinning is shield speedily to avoid it absorbing much fire from the zrots. But unfortunately, his soldiers were not so swift.Two of them were already killed and another one was struggling to maintain his position as his shield was destroyed. On the far corner, a soldier was hit in the leg, but in his rage, he had poured all the ammo from his blaster gun into two zrots who were dead as stone. Merdax had fired back the bullets coming from the zrots with the help of his shield and both the zrots were dead now, but it left his shield with low power. He signaled two of his soldiers at his opposite direction. They nodded and dissolved into darkness. Merdax picked up another shield device fom one of his unconscious soldiers and started to run towards two of the remaining zrots. The zrots started firing but he dodged them fast and before they could have done anything, he whad reached them and with one swift punch, threw one of them high into the air. The another one was about to attack him, but he easily dodged it and kicked him hard in the stomach. The zrot fall on the ground like a bowdlerized tree and never rised again. The other one was still recovering from the blow of merdaxes punch when suddenly two laser beams hit his back and it was blasted off. The soldiers of merdax whom he had signaled previously emerged behing the dead zrot. well done soldiers merdax said to them looking around him. All the zrots were dead, but almost all of his soldiers were. Three of them were still live but were heavily injured. contact the medi troop immediately to pick up these injured soldiers he ordered one of the soldier. Then he switched on his micro phone and said, general gartius, whats the position on your side? we have taken heavy fire from half a dozen zrots guarding outside the room leading to bolt hole, but we have killed them all. Most of my group has taken substantial causualities but we have managed to enter the room. Right now, it seems there are only two zrots here. And, gartius said from the other side, your suspicions were right, they have blasted off the entrance to bolt hole. how many of your soldiers are in position to fight still? merdax asked. only one is remaining commander gartius answered, Five are heavily injured and three are dead. I have sent one of my soldier for calling in the medi troop. Merdax nodded and said alright. Hold your position till we reach you. We will enforce a combined attack. right commander gartius said. Merdax and his soldiers slowly approached the entrance to he room. A big and heavy metallic door was thrown at the centre of the room which was burnt down from a laser gun. Merdax could hearsome noise coming from the bolt hole; a giant vault like structure. He looked at the other side of room and spotted general gartius with his soldier. They signaled to each other and slowly approached towards bolt hole. Suddenly, gartius stopped, listen he whispered, do you hear anything? merdax tried to listen. It was as if someone was trying to ignite an engine. In next second, they understood what it was. Horrified, they looked at each other. One of the soldier shouted, run! and they started to run away like hell. As soon as they, exited outside the room, a heavy blast threw them off into the air. Merdax got hit by the rocky ceiling of the alley and was knocked out. similarly, gartius and other soldiers also hit the walls and became unconscious. Before loosing his senses, merdax saw two zrots running out of the tangled alleyway and exiting out the building, but he was not strong enough to do anything.

As soon as the valiants reached the outer rim of laxont, they were greeted by a crew of doxifroxian and laxontian ships savagely attacking on each other. what the? viraat exclaimed, what the hell they were thinking sending these small ships to fight with force ds. Aryan was as always, dead serious, calm and super alert. most of these laxontian ships are blakes he said, they are meant to annoy bigger ships and force them to loose fuel and ammunition. It was true, the blakes were like ants in front of elephant sized force d ships, but it were enabling them to move quickly like a bee from one position to another and attacking them with mini guns. The force d ships were desperately trying to blast them off and this was becoming hard for them due to additional attacks by other laxontian mini ships. it seems that they have got much of the situation under control. Ralph said. He hadnt even finished when a turret from one of the force d ships shoot towards a group of blakes. The impact was so deep that including all the blakes within its range, five of the miniships hovering nearby were also blasted off in pieces, not a single one survived. it is not that easy to get doxifroxians under control Aryan said, a couple more of such hits and all the laxontian air support will be completely destroyed. We have to move quickly to stop further casualities. One of the mini ships which had destroyed a force d ship all by itself was being chased by a flock of jet pack equipped dox zrots. These zrots were a bit different from the one on ground; apart from their distinct armor, they were concealed in a black colored space suit which made it provided a good camouflage in the outer space. Instead of having ordinary blaster guns, they were provided with vaccum guns which were especially designed to tear of the metallic parts of ships into space. They were skilled in shooting while flying which was becoming apparent as they were approaching that mini ship alarmingly. But as soon as it seemed that the ship was going to be hit, a large double ended blade came flowing towards them and knocked most of them. oh no! horrified, one of the zrots exclaimed, the valiants are here! he switched on his micro phone and said, commander, this is soldier 432r. the valiants have entered the battlefield. A voice came from the other side, good work 432r it said, we will take care of them. A force d ship had spotted viraat, all the four turrets turned to him and without warning, it started pouring heavily on him with explosives. But viraat was quick enough. Protectoractus he murmured and immediately, the explosives blasted a few inches in front of him as if some invisible wall has occurred between him and the blast. The ship was so much busy on attacking him that it give enough time to ralph. He slowly approached it from behind and before they had moved the turret. He extended his palms towards it and shouted, Vistrakina Zrakon! some invisible force launched out of his palms and stroke the turrets which blasted away with a loud sound. Now, ralph turned his palms towards the cockpit of that ship and murmured the same spell. In a moment, the ship was in ruins and was losing its height speedily.there goes one ralph said, watching the debris of the ship getting scattered in space. where are the other? viraat asked. Suddenly, they heard a blast. Alarmed, they looked for its source and saw another force d ship being destroyed. I can only guess ralph answered him. They looked at each other and flew swiftly to that direction. Banish had successfully absorbed all the fire power of the doxifroxian ship into his shield while Aryan got enough time to blast it off. Aryan came to him and patted him on the shoulder, wll done he smiled. Suddenly, they heard a series of explosions. The last remaining force d ship had deployed dozens of zrots and they were creating havoc on blakes and mini ships taking full advantage of their small size and

quick efficiency. damn! banish exclaimed, this way, they are going to finish every single of them. and I think Aryan said, there are more on ground than in air. God knows why the hell doxifrox has sent such an enormous war troop to attack on laxont. It must have been something of utmost importance to zrotux. yeah banish said as they watched viraat and ralph engaging the zrots and the force d ship. Suddenly, they saw two ships as large as force ds approaching them from laxont. well banish said, looking at it,thats a relief. It seems that we can go for ground support now. These warhawks can take care of rest. whats happening? Aryan heard ralphs voice. i gave those bastards what they deserved. It was viraat in a complete rage. He and viraat had dealt with nearly all of the zrots and currently, the warhawks were giving the force d a tough fight. you two did a good work. Laxont has sent a warhawk and it will take care of rest. Now, come to us. we have to go for ground support. Aryan said. Both of them shoot towards Aryan and ralph. we are going down Aryan said to them, but one of them needs to be here, as a safety precaution. alright viraat turned to ralph, ralph he said, we three are going down, so it will be your res no Aryan cut him in the middle, ralph will be coming with us. You stay here and defend the laxontian ships. Viraat, aghast asked, why me? What are you trying to prove Aryan? Aryan stared at him, why you I am trying to prove anything viraat? I want you here because you can take down this entire enemy crew in case of an emergency which ralph is unable to handle because you are much more experienced than him. It seems viraat wanted to say something. alright he answered after a brief pause. okay valiants. Aryan said, lets do it. TAN TAN TERAN! they all shouted and shoot towards the laxont. Viraat watched them entering the planets outer periphery and went out of sight with a flash. He hovered there for a moment then proceeded towards the spot were warhawks and force d ship were indulge in the battle. Valiants had reached the inner atmosphere of laxont and were flying speedily towards the headquarters. look ralph pointed, there. They had reached the perimeter of corner five; a heavily secured entrance into the headquarters which was equipped with high technology gadgets and a number of weapons but which somehow, doxifroxian troop had not only managed to breached, but they were also able to damage the whole security system of headquarters severely. these are not zrots. Banish said, but merdax has confirmed several troops of zrots have also been deployed. then they must be inside Aryan said, lets clean these ones first. They flew in middle of the battlefield. there is saursex banish pointed to the chief in command of 3rd battalion who was counter attacking a troop of doxifroxians with his soldiers. They were no doubt, outnumbered and doxifroxians were gradually tightening the loop. so Aryan said, I think the situation is clear to all of us Ralph will join saursexes troop and you will accompany rest of the troops. I will get in the inner circle and will loosen the loop. They both nodded in agreement and glided towards their respective positions while Aryan moved into inner circle. whats the situation chief? ralph asked saursex landing behind him. Saursex startled, said, you! It means valiants have arrived! ralph looked at him smiling when suddenly a missile hit the ground inches away from them, but he was quick enough to conjure a shield. just keep your eyes open and co operate me he said to saursex who in return, nodded in agreement. He stood in front of the troop. Opening his fingers, he murmured, teran vistro a beam of fire flakes shoot from his fingers and hit the doxifroxian troops. The impact created chaos among the enemies and they started backing out wildly. Suddenly, a

heavily armored doxifroxian soldier started firing at them with a rattling laser gun. The impact weakened ralphs shield but he recovered quickly and started advancing towards them. Saursex signaled one of his soldiers. That soldier broke out of the group and stealthily moved to the back of doxifroxians. Before the enmies could had noticed him, he fired at the armored soldier. quick saursex murmured fanatically to ralph. With one flick of hands, he removed the invisible shield and without giving any warning shouted, vistora blastus. The ground within the doxifroxian erupted with a roar. All the soldiers of the troop including the armored one were thrown high and before they hit the ground, large sized rocks started to raining on them. In a couple of minutes, not a single doxifroxian was remaining. Panting, ralph looked at saursex. we will make our way inside the inner circle. I think you can take it from here he said to ralph. one of us is there ralph said, but he might need your help. And saying, so, he flew towards banish. Banish was trying hard to remain calm. The enormous number of enemy troop here was beyond his expectations. Though he was easily defending himself, it was becoming hard to attack them at same time. Doxifroxians had covered him from all sides. He was hovering in mid air but still, he could shield only one side of his at a time. Swiftly dodging the bullets and laser beams, he managed to blast off half a dozen of soldiers but it gave enough time to rest of them. Like a flash of lightening, a laser beam hit his left thigh. Trying hard not to succumb, he balanced himself and murmured, forci terinox. With a violent gush of wind, a number of soldiers were knocked down heavily. The pain was building inside him like flow of hot lava. Just when he was thinking to leave for help, he heard a voice, cover me banish it was ralph who had joined him. He nodded and procured the shield while ralph started to shoot them repeatedly with fire flakes. The doxifroxians took out there armor shield and started firing from behind. damn! ralph said, their shields are hard to break. Even these fire flakes have not much impact on it. you cover me banish said, I will show them what real pain is. In a rapid movement, ralph took over the shield and banish readied himself for an attack when suddenly, the enemies started to move hurriedly. whats the matter? puzzled, ralph asked. Banish was smiling, they must have guessed what was coming he said. They glided higer into the sky. look ralph motioned him. More soldiers were running out of the headquarter buildings. A few zrots were also in them. it was not you. Ralph said with a glee, Aryan is chasing them out. scowling, banish looked at the entrance and sure it was Aryan. He approached them and asked, what is happening? what you two did to cause such a chaos? us banish asked, we thought it was you who chased them out. Aryan was confused, but i.. then it hit him with a bang. he closed his eyes for a few seconds. what happened? ralph asked him when he came back, they are retreating he said, either they have found what they were looking for or nothing was there which zrotux needed. I have contacted viraat and told him not to let them pass through the portal. Zrotux shouldnt get the result of his investigations at any cost.we should get inside for more information. Banish said. The place was ruined. Everywhere corpses of laxontian and doxifroxian soldiers were lying. An unbearable stench of blood and smoke filled the rooms. And several parts of the building were on fire. as we guessed merdax said to Aryan, they had came for bolt hole. We tried to stop them but they have got some really unbelievable weapons and knocked us off. Till the time we came back to our senses, they had gone. what was there? banish asked. nothing merdax answered him, we havent kept something there for years since hastened, he looked at Aryan, you know what. are you sure of

that? ralph asked him. Merdax stopped abruptly and stared at him, give me a reason wwhy I shouldnt be. He said. Ralph shrugged. can you show us the place? Aryan asked. why not. Its this way. Merdax lead him to the room which covered the bolt hole. Aryan looked carefully at each and every corner of the hole which was deserted. He found no signs of salvaging; there were no explosive marks, broken parts or even a scratch except the smell of explosive coming from the door latch. there is nothing he came out of the hole and said to merdax, it seems the doxifroxians had wrong information. did you find anything? it was viraat who had just came. no Aryan said, you eliminated them? they went out of portal viraat said. Aryan, shocked asked, but how the hell you let them! I had strictly instructed you to.. easy viraat said sterly, I damaged their ship heavily and they wont make it to doxifrox in any ways. Aryan looked at him disbelievingly, but what if they make it! What if even a single one of them reach zrotux and tell him about us! viraats face was burning with anger, do you think I am so idiot not to think all these before? Goddamn Aryan I am also a valiant! No some half brained child, so stop treating me like one! Aryan took a deep sigh and moved away from him. I have contacted pradhan and told him about the situation, but he needs details. So, we better move now. He said to them then he turned to merdax I have no idea what they were searching for commander which cause doxifrox to send this unusually enormous military. I will send a message to fruckle for a service crew and hope that all of the security system will be repaired in a few days. you dont think they were after something as important as that, do you? merdax asked. After a momentary silence, Aryan answered, I hope its not so. Then he and valiants existed from the building. you think teriaxians got the news of this attack? gartius asked merdax. if they still exist, then I think yes he answered, wish they could come again to install some upgrades in our security systems. Gartius nodded in agreement.

CHAPTER 17 Querone was desperate. He was afraid. He hated something if he cant understand it, and this time, the matter was gross. He hurriedly entered the control room. All the scientists, startled, stood up. contact the master he said to one of the scientist. After a moment, a silhouette of same creature appeared before him. I hope its something important querone. Its heavy voice echoed around the room, I was sort of busy. Querone kneeled before him, master he said in a desperate tone, what mistake I have done? Have I, in anyway, ever displeased you, then please tell me the reason master. what are you talking about querone? the creature said, speak clearly. Querone stood up slowly. With rumbling voice, he said, why you didnt told me about the attack on laxont? Why you kept me out of this? I do not have even a single information about the cause of this attack. Why you abandoned me? as usual, the creature said nothing for a long time. Then it shrugged a little and said, you are asking me querone that why I kept you away from this? querone didnt replied. He stood there with his head low. I will tell you. The ceature leaned a little, because you betrayed me. never! querone, shivering said, never even in my dream I can think to betray you master. How can you say so? the creature was visibly shaking with suppressed rage. It said slowly, then what you have to tell me he pointed to a shadow leaning behind querone, him! qeurone was shocked to say anything, mmasterI he stammered but the creature interrupted him, silence! it was radiating its anger all over the place. The

scientists cowered with feared and shadow moved a little bit in the darkness. how dare you lie to me! the creature thundered, how dare you thought you can hide this from me? Have you forget about the powers I possess? Do you think you can fool me you filth! querone was shaking with fear. he fell to the feet of the creature and said in a terrified tone, forgive me master. I thought I will bring him to you when the right time comes. lies and lies the creature again interrupted him, you will never change your bad habbits. I want to know what purpose you meant to serve by inviting an outlander to our side! at this, the shadow loomed into the light. He was a man from earth. Like querone, his skin was also covered in numerous injuries as a result of some physical torture. He came before the creature and said, I am no outlander zrotux, my aim is same as yours.i, like you, want to see the valiants gone for ever at any cost.Those are all foolish. They are desperately fighting a long lost war. If it was not for querone, I would have still be rotten in mardoon. I am here to join the right side. Please allow me he looked at zrotux, master. Again after a moment of silence, zrotux asked, and how could I know you arent their spy? test me the man said. Zrotux turned to him, I will he said. Querone, who was silent for a long time, said, please master. I hope you are satisfied. you are not a thing to be trusted much querone. Zrotux said, but yet, it seems you have done a good thing by bringing him back. How did you do this? at this, querone, relieved greatly, said, like the old times master. Mardoon is and always full of moron soldiers. We attacked them unexpectedly and before the reinforcement arrived, took him safely with us. I expected nothing much from you zrotux said grimly. Querone, puzzled, asked, but what I did wrong master? zrotux took a deep sigh, really querone he said, to which extent you can prove yourself worlds biggest fool. His rage was back, cant you see stupid! You think it will take time for john to realize of this break? He and his sidekicks must have got it till now and they were go to any extent to chuck him back into mardoons. hisinvolvement will only blotch our plan. If you would have came to me, I would have provided you with numerous good strategies, but afterall its you. An ameature still after so many decades. Like always, querones face was reddened with shame and he was looking at the ground. Zrotux continued, the last thing I want them is to suspect about our plan. And above all, the other problem is much troubling. talking of troubles master, querone, hesitantly asked, what troubles caused you to attack on laxont on such a heavy scale? thats the problem I am talking about. Zrotux said, at any cost, I need him before john and his dogs get him. I have a suspicion that he has been hiding in laxont till john gets him. Its the only planet in earths solar system and nearest to valiants. I hope that in a few hours, we will have him. Querone confused asked zrotux, about whom are you talking master? zrotux turned slowly and said, that is none of your concern. I will see to it personally. assign me to this task the stranger said, I will prove my worthiness. Zrotux leaned on him and said, I cant take the risk. I have got another job for you. He stared hard into the strangers eyes and nodded.

CHAPTER 18 it all look so meaningless viraat said restlessly, even if they were searching for something, what could it be of so much importance that zrotux had to sent a whole regiment? if the answers would have came to me, I am sure you would be one of the first persons whom I had told. Pradhan replied. They were back in gufa and Aryan had briefed pradhan in detail about the incident on laxont. Raj and tim had

also joined them. you didnt got any clues, do you? pradhan asked to Aryan. no he replied, merdax has assured us that nothing was in the bolt store for decades since he looked to pradhan who in reply, sighed deeply. one thing is for sure banish said, their primary objective was only to raid the headquarters as rest of the infrastructure like laxonts weaponry and most of the civilization was left untouched. Ofcourse with a little hesitation, he continued, except what came in their way to headquarters. it may happen that they have got what they were looking for before you people or merdax reached them. It also maybe possible that merdax didnt have the information about that thing. Tim said. dont be silly tim viraat said irritated, he is the chief commander in there. How can something be kept in the bolt store without his knowledge? and besides ralph said, viraat eliminated them before they escaped. So, its a rare chance that zrotux is going to find about it. eventually pradhan said in a grim tone, he will. Suddenly, alarmed, viraat said, what if he looked at others, merdax is also involved? What if it was some sort of deviation to make us go away from the main thing? what are you saying? tim said, baffled, merdax is one of the oldst and most trustworthy allies. He will never join hands with zrotux. this is nothing new viraat said, it has happened throughout the history, so how can we so sure that it wont happen now? tim tried to wrong him, but he didnt find anything suitable. for now pradhan said, lets not assume anything. I am sensing some disastrous catastrophe is ought to come. A lot of things are happening in the way they shouldnt. I suspect this attack is somehow connected to the attack on mining corp by lakiter disguised as doxifroxians. so what should be our next move pradhan? Aryan asked him. Pradhan closed his eyes and remained like that for a few moments. when he opened them, he was not calm like every time, but his face was reflecting a shade of tension. we are he came near all of the valiants and said, in a state of apoplexy. I have not much idea what is happening and I dont want to mislead you by providing you with raw information, and we cant do anything till we get any lead. For that, I have to visita friendly planet for some information. I cant tell you when I will return. Till then, aryan will command the valiants. Aryan, surprised, asked him, but where are you going pradhan? pradhan turned to him and said, I will let you know soon. Till then he looked at raj who was standing on a corner, I have a job for you. I want you all to start the training for our new member. I am afraid we need his involvement much sooner than I expected. He went to raj and said, get ready raj, your need is indispensable now. Train yourself hard. Raj nodded in determination.

CHAPTER 19 master querone greeted the creature, you summoned me? zrotux, who was lingering in the shadow, came a little closer. now the time has come he said, to execute th first phase of our plan. Querone nodded in agreement. you leave for the planet tomorrow as their leader has also arrived. Querone asked hesitantly, but master, do you think it is a good idea. I mean, I have tried a number of times in the past but he always deceived me. he never deceived you querone zrotux said, accept the truth, he always defeated you fairly. Like always, querone swallowed his bubbling anger with much difficulty. and besides that, its your last chance to prove yourself. Its a do or die situation for you now. but master querone stammered. enough! zrotux thundered, this is my last decision. You are going there and do as I have ordered. Suddenly, a creature came in front of him . master he said, let me

accompany querone. Let me show my gratitude towards you. not now zrotux said, you will be granted opportunity when the right time comes. The creature was not very pleased. master he said, I know him much better than Querone or any of the other from our side. I know about his weaknesses and I know his mind works. I have spend enough time with him. Zrotux said slowly, and what made you think that I didnt have any idea regarding you knowing the secrets of him? Do I look a fool to you? now, it was time for the creature to get reddened. no master. He stammered, of course not then do as I command, zrotux said firmly. He then turned towards qurone and said, this time, you better make it sure querone. I will not grant you other opportunity if you fails me. And you know very well what happens to those who face my disappointment. Querone said in a low tone, ofcourse master. This time, there will be no mistakes. Zrotux nodded and then dissolved into the darkness. are you sure you can do it querone? the creature asked, because as far as I remember, you never had a single chance in front of him. dont say on things about which you dont know! querone spatted at him, you think zrotux is a fool to et me face him without any reason? The plan is of much grave nature than you can imagine. The creature asked him surprisingly, what is it? You know you can tell me. I might be of your help. Querone hesitated for a little and then started telling him of the plan. But when he was in midway, the creature suddenly interrupted him, stop! he said. Alarmed, querone asked, why? What happened? creature was looking horrified, dont say any more to me and continue with youjourney. He said and ran into the darkness. Querone, puzzled, looked at his dissolving figure for a moment and then he went in opposite direction.

CHAPTER 20 Raj was stucked again. He was trying hard, but it seemed his brain was freezed. what are you doing? viraat asked in an irritated voice, it a simple motion of arms try it. raj, stammering, said, iI cant do it. I forget the word. again? viraat said in disbelieve, how can you forget such simple words frequently? now raj was irritated, I dont know! he said sweating madly, why dont you give me the book of all the spells? there is no such book raj aryan enterd the hall, these spells are connected to our souls. Just memorizing them is not going to help. You have to feel their power inside you. Most of the spells are originally derived from the time of first valiants, but many were invented by other members in due time. You have to learn to make them flow through you according to the will. It has been twenty days since raj had started training, but it was not doing much good to him. He always confused the complicated spells and the movements of arms. What he had achieved till now was just hovering a few inches above the ground for a second and learning about the weapon systems and technology of alliances from timand ralph and this was making him frustrated. I am trying hard he exclaimed, but its of no use. thats because viraat said, you are not giving your best. patience viraat aryan motioned to him, you know this is not so easy. It will take more than a few days, weeks and years to completely become a valiant. Remember your initial days? but we havent got that time! viraat said, didnt you heard pradhan? Zrotux is planning something and we havent got a clue what it is. I can understand the need of every valiant is more than needed, but we have to act fast, and with his clumsy tryouts. enough aryan said sharply, you have said more than you should had. This boy is no machine viraat

stared at him angrily, fine! he said, you have any better ideas, apply them, but remember one thing, this is a situation worse than ever, and if we fail now, there will be no hope. With it, he stamped out of the hall. Raj was feeling that something inside him was broken. I cant make it he mumbled, pradhan has definitely made a mistake. Aryan came to him and slowly put his hand on his shoulder, I believe you know that pradhan is hardly wrong, never when so many things are in stake. Dont let yourself down, because as pradhan had said, we need you. but you heard what viraat said! raj said, having tears in his eyes, we havent got that much time to train me completely because I am a lousy learner. The time is passing away. first of all aryan said, stop thinking about these stuffs, because the more your mind is occupied with unconcerned subjects, harder you will find it to learn the spells. You have only one goal; to be patient and understand the spells with all your efforts. Leave the other concerns. What will happen, will happen and we can only try our best to defend the allies from alliances. Rest will be decided by the fate. So cheer up now young boy! this indeed cheered up raj a little bit. He asked smiling, its only you, or do the other valiants also believe in fate? now aryan was also smiling, fate is not something to be believed raj. It is the karma of all of us and all the allies. Beside it he gripped rajs shoulder with affection, its one of the major reason which make us different from the alliances. Raj stood up and said with determination, I promise chief I will give it my best and will save the allies from the evil powers at any cost. Aryan also stood up and said, now thats the spirit young valiant. I am sure you will not let the ancient name of valiants down. At that moment, viraat came in and said sarcastically, enough with the dialogues. When are you planning to give real training a try? for the rest of the day aryan said, I will look on his training viraat. You may go now muttering something inaudible but obviously not pleasant, viraat left. whats it with him? raj asked in a low tone, why he is always in such a bad mood? thats the thing with viraat aryan answered, he is indeed angry most of the time, but he has controlled himself beyond our expectations. What pradhan did to him I cant imagine, but he is nothing now which he was fifteen years back. He has become very calm now. if you call this calm, I wonder what was his anger raj muttered but aryan heard him. you have got no clue what he had been through raj he said softly, I will tell you sometimes, but not now. He looked at the ceiling for a moment and then said, okay, now you should start again. Look at me now, listen to the spells carefully and try to feel them as a part of yourself. He pulled out his palms and with one swift movement cied, zrakina sharpo! a thick metallic blade conjured in the mid air and hit the other end of hall with a sharp clink. When raj found it, it was stabbed almost half into the concrete wall. the more you concentrate, the sharper and heavier blade will become aryan explained, and it will strike with greater force. Now your turn. Raj concentrated and extended his palms outwards. Just when he was about to say the spell, he heard something as if coming from distant. At first, he didnt get it, but when he focused, voices became clear. pradhan is in danger. Act immediately alarmed, he looked at aryan. what happened? aryan asked. pradhan is in danger! raj said stammering, we have to reach him immeidiately. Aryan came to him and asked, how did you know that? Did pradhan contacted you? I dont know, raj said. Somehow, the voice he heard was makin him sick and he was finding it hard to breath properly, it was not anything like his voice and was very feeble, but it said to act immediately.aryan was thinking something, but when he looked at raj, his trance broke. He quickly grabbed him and made him to sit on the ground slowly. At the moment, viraat and ralph had also came there and were looking at them, confused. are you feeling alright? aryan asked raj. I am fine! raj suddenly yelled, its pradhan about whom you should be worried! viraat started to say something but

aryan stopped him. listen he said calmly, we all know pradhan very well. He has been through the dangers of which we cant even imagine. Are you sure the voice you heard told you about him in any danger. Raj slowly lifted his head. Anger was boiling inside him. He dont know why, but the voice he had heard was so convincing that he had no doubt it was right. He was getting irritated on the delay and why aryan was not getting him. He said slowly but in a firm tone, I am damn sure it warned me of pradhan being in danger. I cant understand why you guys are not accepting it. We are only delaying and we should have leave for earth x till now. At this point, viraat couldnt controlled himself. listen boy he said angrily, dont you dare to tell us what we can do and what we cant. You are far from becoming any of us till now so you better keep your mind in the matters which concern you, and talking of pradhan, lets say he is in some danger, but he has got powers to contact us. So you keep yourself out of it! raj was tired. He was feeling exhaustive and he didntwanted to argue more. listen he said with great effort, I am sorry if I tried to cross any lines. But I didnt meant to do so. Its just that the voices I heard were so much convincing that I cant forget the warning it delivered. He again looked at aryan pleadingly and said, my intuition is saying there is something wrong. Please believe me. Aryan looked into his eyes and suddenly, he knew that raj was right and an abrupt fear engulfed him. inform tim and get ready all of you. He said in a commanding voice, we are leaving for earth x now. There is already a lot of delay. Iraat said desperately, what if its a trap? What if its the plan of zrotux about which we have an apoplectic situation till now to destroy the valiants in the absence of pradhan? viraat was finding it very hard for a recruit to make the chief take such a decision. trap or no trap aryan said, we are still in a state of apoplexy and we cant take anything for granted. He turned to ralph, you and tim ready the portal he said, we have to reach quickly. What about him? ralph motioned to raj, he cant do it. I am coming at any cost raj said firmly, I will try hard to join you through the portal. its okay for now raj aryan said, I will take you with us. Dont worry. Now off you go with ralph and viraat. Raj nodded and went with others. I hope aryan muttered to himself when hall was again empty, nothing has happened to pradhan as raj is worrying.

CHAPTER 21 Welcome pradhan professor maharshi greeted pradhan, its been like a decade since you last visited earth x. pradhan smiled at him and said, first of all, you stop calling me by that name professor otherwise I will do things to you like older times. Professor looked at him keenly and said, not before you stop calling me professor. With it, both of them hugged each other tightly. how have you been John. Professor asked him, half smiling and half in tears, this you call friendship? No news of your wheabouts for past six years. Are yaar, at least you should have post a letter to me. Pradhan was also overwhelmed, I am really sorry for it maharshi, but you know about the work I do and that very work prohibit me from being much in public. so this is it? professor teased him, I am also one from the public, aint i? and I used to think that I was best friend of you. Pradhan lightly patted his back and said, really, if you dont stop now, I will tease you to hell like the older days. Profeesor maharshi was a pompous looking old man who was of the same age as pradhan but lokked much older than him. His very appereance was enough for anyone to interpret that he is a scientist; white and shaggy hair, a thich black pair of spectacles, shriveled but radiant skin and a smiling face. He had his lab suit on him whose

pockets were full of the usual paraphernalia. come professor said, to the research center and take some rest there in the guest room. Now pradhan was serious. I dont have much time maharshi. He said, this business of mine is of utmost importance and I must deal with it as soon as possible. Professor thought for a moment and said, alright, then we must proceed straightly to my lab. Then he lead to pradhan towards a large dome which was the wsos research centre for a number of scientific and geographical experiments and most importantly, it was the place from where the circulation of artificial ozone was produced and maintained. It was a very discreet laboratory and only a handful of people had access to it. Pradhan had just reached the earth x first thing he did was to visit the renowned professor and one of the directors of project a.o.r.(artificial ozone reactor) professor shiv maharshi who was also his long time friend and whom he knew since his college days; long before he joined the valiants. Professor lead pradhan to a narrow alley whose front door was right outside the dome shaped research centre. After security check, which was conducted by a life size android guard, they entered inside it. But surprisingly, instead of turning into a large hall, pradhan found himself into a narrow alley which lead directly to an elevator shaft. these walls are thick beyond your imagination, professor explained to him, you must be thinking about the waste of space, but believe me, nothing here is happening which is not of utmost importance. but why this alleyway? pradhan asked, I was hoping for a grand entry. Professor smiled at him and said, you will get that my friend. But first, let us reach our destination. And with it he lead pradhan to the shaft. He put his eyes on a holder and a mechanical male voice greeted him, welcoe professor maharshi. Please proceed to the other identification procedure. And a slot opened in the wall. Professor put his hands on it a and said, professor shiv maharshi. Suddenly, like a lightening bolt, an elevator appeared and the gates opened. He and pradhan went inside and the gate closed. level 9, a.o.r lab and in a blur of light, pradhan found himself looking at a huge chamberwhich was bathed in illuminated white light. Numerous gadgets, machines and computers occupied the periphery of that chamber and a dozen of scientists were working on them. In the centre, there was a mechanical sort of mountain with a pointed tip from which a a transparent ray was appearing and proceeding in the upward direction. come here professor directed pradhan to a glass cubicle which was his office where he offered him to sit. so professor asked him, what is it that brought you here john? I guess it must be of some real importance to you. yes shiv pradhan said, I am here for a very serious matter related to the process of manufacturing the artificial ozone. Professor looked at the pradhan for a moment and then said, artificial ozone? What are you talking about? pradhan slowly leaned to him and said, I have witnessed something which has compelled me to think that it is endangered. Professor was still lost. endangered? But it cant be. I mean, the reactor is placed in such a place which can neither be penetrated nor discovered without the suitable codes, no matter how large a army try to get it. why is it? pradhan asked curiously. well professor said to him, I see no reason why should I conceal this classified information from you. The reactor is not here. Now pradhan was lost. if it is not here, he asked, then where it is? professor smiled at him and said, it is at this place, but not here. This irritated pradhan. dont play games with me shiv he said, what are you trying to say. alright professor said, the reactor is concealed in a hypercubical fourth dimension chamber which can only be accessed with proper means. Pradhan was still lost. Professor sighed and continued, okay. Let me simplify it a bit little. See, this chamber where the reactor is kept is in fourth

dimension. Which means, it is at an same research centre of alternate dimension. We need specific programs to enter that chamber. Otherwise, it is invisible. So try as hard as you can, but without the knowledge of operating those programs, you cant enter it. and what if pradhan said someone from the outside nows of the program? the he will need a hell lot of luck to get out of the extremely complicated security measures which is highly advanced even for the doxifrox level. He looked keenly at pradhan, you know why? Because these were devised by the lasts. Pradhan looked at him sharply, the lasts? yes professor replied, long ago when the earth x was under construction one of the lasts visited us and offered to install it which was gladly accepted. Pradhan murmured, how come whatever overcome doxifrox technology is made by them? because professor said smiling, they were the only ones who were far more advanced in every aspect than the doxifrox. Pradhan was silently thinking about something. are you here john? when professor said, he abruptly came back from his state of trance. yes he said, tell me one thing shiv, is there anything new which you people have devised in order to increase the efficiency of this reactor? good gracious john! professor exclaimed, how on earth you come to know of that? pradhan shrugged, I just guessed. needless to say professor said, it is totally waste to hide this one from you too. You know, after the attack on mining corps, our scientists had been researching to end the need of minerals from the outer planet. which means? pradhan asked. Professor continued, which means that we do no longer need those minerals to keep the reactor running. Now, the minerals can also be artificially manufactured right here. And e have built a new reactor which is compatible with it. In past few years, more of the general mass came to know of the original reactor but no one knows about this one. So, eventually, the existence of the original reactor provides a brilliant cover to the information about new one as much classifies as it can be. Pradhan asked in disbelief, do you think that is possible? professor said proudly, possible? Well, I must say, it is completed! And right now, is in final stage of its construction. This have ended all the risks and danger which our mining corp had to face from time to time. Pradhan didnt knew. Though the news was a very good one, he was sensing something wrong. and I hope he asked professor, that like all the classified projects undertaken by wso, this is also kept concealed? ofcourse professor replied, as is said not a single chance of anyone from outside getting this news. After a moment of silence, pradhan asked, if it is not much inconvenient, can you show it to me? professor said, smiling, ofcourse my friend. With it, they prepared to leave. The place was some kind of large junkyard which was penetrated in all directions to a long extent. From top, it doesnt looked any smaller than a whole area. Weird and evil looking pieces of metal had occupied the place all over and the damp and decaying stench of rusting was in air. In the night, the place was looking much ominous than it really was with sudden and loud clinking of mteal occasionally but as professor explained, this was due to the rodents and animals like it who had permanently found shelter in the scraps. I am sure you havent got it at such a place shiv pradhan asked examining the every nook and corner where his eyes could see. Professor, who was accompanied by two security guards, said, dont go with the looks john. And he lead him to a huge pile of metal scraps which was looking like a small hill. you know there was no need of these gentlemen pradhan said to him motioning towards the guards. compulsory protocol john. Cant do anything about it professor replied. its okay sir one of the guard said, we are really glad to get this opportunity of meeting you. Pradhan smiled and said, I am no special guy men. I also, like you, just try to save our universe. Still, I am

overwhelmed to know you people think so high of me. what valiants are doins sir the other guard said, is beyond what we will ever be able to do in our lifetime for the good side, and we express gratitudeto you for being in our side. Pradhan nodded smilingly and turned to professor, what is this place anyway? he asked, and why you chose it for such an important work. this is the dumping zone of wsos research facility. Proffessor replied, as you must know, there are generally numerous experiments keep going on there which requires large and complicated gadgets and computers. But like all other experiments, most of the time, they do not work as expected and the machins on which it is undergone are have to be dumped as we cant overcrowd the facility with unnecessary stuff. So this dumping zone was created. It is surrounded by a ultra electron energy field which keeps the harmful organic materials from getting into the atmosphere and also recycles it into useful chemicals substances which is a very useful thing and most recently, which we found is the very thing to be used as a substitute for the natural minerals used in the a.o.r. so, the facility has made a device which can convert this chemical into the fuel which can be used in the reactor. Pradhan completed him. Professor smiled and said, well, you were always intelligent since school. Your line was different, but I always knew you had a brilliant mind. I have a brilliant mind. Still pradhan said teasingly but this time, professor didnt replied. He just looked at him smiling for a moment and then they proceeded. They had reached the core of scrapyard which was located exactly in between of it. Like all of the place, it was also covered in junk but not so much as to make a heap. The waste was just penetrated lowly on the ground for about half kilometer in every direction. come on professor said to pradhan and stepped on that waste. Pradhan, looking bewildered, asked, come to where? There is no path. Professor caught him by arm and pulled him towards himself and said, first you come with me. I will tell you where. Pradhan was founding it very awkward to walk on those rusting pieces of metal alongside the guards. After a few steps professor stopped and so did pradhan. They had reached so much inside the scrap yard that not even the animals who resided there were in this part and the atmosphere was completely silent. Profeesor was looking jolly happy but pradhan was feeling rather uneasy. The more he was making his way into this place, the more it was looking ominous to him, and now, the silent was hanging in the air like death and was making the environment thick like steel which was making it difficult to breathe for him. He tried to shove back such thoughts but he found it was not easy and was wishing that unlike every time, his intuition is not leading him to what he feared. alright professor said gladly to him, we have reached the entrance to the reactor core and very soon you should be one of those very few who have seen it I reality. With it, he took out a device out from his coats pocket which was looking like a pager. He pressed some buttons on it and it started beeping. Suddenly, a small circular area beneath the began to glow red and a rumbling sound started to come from inside it which gew with every second. Before pradhan could had thought of what was happening, a small capsule lift popped out from that glowing circle. this will lead us to underground where the lab is situated said professor to an astonished pradhan. It seemed that the lift was made to accommodate two people at a time, but somehow, it was a little different in case of pradhan. Despite being old, he was not so physically or mentally, and since he had joined valiants many years before, he had developed himself beyond the recognition of his close ones. Now, he was not anything like an average human physically. So, professor found it a little difficult to adjust with him in that capsule. you two will stay here for us professor said to guards who nodded in agreement then he also entered into it. The lift had no buttons,

just plain white fibre walls. This will lead us right into the establishment in a flash professor said and again pressed some buttons on his device. Pradhan felt a slight lurch but it was over quickly even before he noticed. After about five seconds he again felt the same sensation. here we are professor said as the lift opened up. It was completely dark outside, as if they had got into some kind of void but as pradhan stepped out followed by professor, he saw a glint of light far away. just wait professor said. Pradhan noticed that that tiny glint was increasing rapidly. Soon, he find out that it was no more a glint, but was a bluish illuminating light which had covered all the place and was now constantly reaching towards where they stood. welcome professor said proudly, to a.o.r. reactor facility phase one. Pradhan was awed. He had never expected to see such a place beneath a huge scrap yard. The place was simply marvelous with highly magnificent glass walls covering a whole corridor which was exactly the same as research facility but was much grand than it. The bluish light was adding to its marvel and giving it a look of a large and splendid underwater aquarium. this is only the entrance to the second phase my friend where the basic machinery work set is established professor said laughingly seeing the expression on pradhans face, the real thing is at phase seven. But I guess we have not that much time to explore all the levels. Come on now. The entrance to second phase is from there. He motioned towards the other end of corridor and pradhan followed him. He was so much sure of finding another capsule lift at the other end exactly like the research facility that he was startled when he found a large crater made up of hundreds of mechanical circuits behind the glass door. It was like a very large well, only it was not so much deep as a well should be but was rather hefty in diameter. this will lead us to phase two. Professor said. I was expecting a simple lift, you know when pradhan said it, professor laughed and explained him. see he said, as you must understand that this reactor is no simple device. It is of utmost importance to us. Practically speaking, its the very pillar on which this artificial satellite is established. Even a single defect can cause disastrous after effects beyond our darkest of fears and can lead to end of all the few remaining species of so called earth. We will be no more than teriaxians and most probably, will be in a worst shape than them because a few of them with the help of their astonishing technology survived and maintained their identity secret but we are not able to do that. That is why, the mineral core is kept in a time vortex similar to where the reactor is kept but the structure of this vortex is much more complicated because only the new reactor is compatible with it and we are not able to build a second one till now. It will take a lot of time to complete it and till then, we have to protect this one with all the securities possible. This crater here is in simple words, a vortex travelling portal from where, we can be teleported to any time vortex again if provided with required codes. Something, pradhan didnt know what, but something was warning him that there is some kind of danger which lie in their way and he wanted to warn professor about it. But, on the other hand, he didnt wanted to panic him without any reason so he kept quiet. dont you find it strange? pradhan asked, since we have entered here, there was not a single security check, and I cant see any guardstoo. this is reverse hypothesis security system professor said, which means that the artificial intelligence has the responsibility to scan the outer perimeters of research centre and more important facilities are provided with manual security. I can never trust these A.I. pradhan muttered but professor didnt heard him. On the edge of that crater, there was a switchboard attached to a small metallic pole. Professor tapped some buttons on it and a foot bridged appeared which went straight to the centre of the crater and stopped. Suddenly, an illuminating dot appeared in front of footbridge. It rapidly grew bigger and in a few seconds, there was a big ball of glazing light. this is the portal which

will take us straight to the phase seven. Professor said and stepped on the footbridge with pradhan following him. Professor advanced towards the portal and in a flash, he was disappeared behind it. Pradhan also stepped slowly inside it and suddenly, he experienced a strong jerk and felt he was falling down with great speed. dont worry he heard professors voice distinctly, you will be landed safely. Or a few seconds, he was going down in an uniform speed, but unexpectedly he again felt a terrible lurch; as if an invisible hammer had strike him in the opposite direction. This very moment he knew that there was something not right. He quickly gained his senses back and shouted, TAN TAN TERAN! now he was hovering in middle of that void. He tried to locate professor and soon found him out. professor was falling unconscious. Pradhan swiftly moved towards him and narrowly protected him from hitting the hard ground. shiv pradhan asked, are you alright? professor opened his eyes slowly, aah he moaned, something went wrong. We were transferred in middle of the teleportation he said opening his eyes slowly. The sudden impact had weakened him so pradhan made him sit on the ground gently. what do you mean transferred us? someone tried to send us in different time vortex before we had reached our first destination. This would had lead to disastrous consequences and we may have been died. He said, I cant understand who can do it and where he intended to send us now professor mentioned it, pradhan noticed the place where they were. It was a horrible looking workstation. Monstrous machines had occupied the place and there was no light except occasional sparks coming from the machines. Professor was also back. He looked at the place. Bewildered, he exclaimed, what the hell! pradhan looked at him, confused and asked, why? What happened? Where we are? professor was shocked. He frantically looked all over him and said in a shking voice, this is bizzare! We are in the power room. All the electricity for the entire facility is provided from here and this is a very discreet place. Only phase seven engineers are allowed here and I have also only heard of it and never had a chance to step here. who on earth wants us here, that I cant understand before profeesor had even finished, pradhan saw it; a metallic arm concealing behind one of the machines. Alarmed he sried, get the hell out of here professor as soon as possible! And inform other valiants we are in a great danger! professor was panicked, wha,what happened? Why are you.. but pradhan cut him, just get out immediately and do what I said! You are in mortal danger! professor quickly took out his controller pad and pressed buttons on it. A beam of light shoot from the controller and created a similar portal from which they had arrived. He went inside it. Just before he was being pulled upwards, he saw a gigantic figure appeared from the dark and shoot a beam of red rays towards him which pradhan stopped using his invisible shield. Next thing he knew, he was back in second phase. Running wildly towards the exit, he contacted the guards whom he had brought with him, reach the wso asap and inform the facility that we are in a state of extreme danger. Tell professor Andrew to send a signal to valiants. Pradhan is in mortal peril.

CHAPTER 22 The moment raj put his foot on earth x, the memories of his past came flooded back to him. He felt a strong urge to run to his home. It has been five months since he last saw of his parents and his best friend ayush and he was feeling a strong surge to met them. But this was not the time and he didnt wanted others to know of his nostalgia. They had arrived just outside the wsos research facility where

professor shiv with two of his bodyguards was waiting to receive them. thank god you arrive at last he said frantically, the situation is far more worse than we had imagined and now its becoming more bad. what has happened? viraat asked alarmingly, is pradhan alright? professor started to answer him but aryan cut him in the middle. first, lets move to a much secure location. We dont want any overhearing. He said. come to my office and I will brief you in detail. Professor said and lead them to the research centres entrance. Raj was lost in his thoughts. Though he always hated the place for its entire artificial existence, the feeling of pleasant air through his hairs and touch of moist soil beneath his bots was bringing all the old memories back. He wished he was still living a normal life with his parents loved by his mom and undergoing strict discipline of his father. He wished he had a wonderful time in school with his best friend and putting all his artistic ideas into action. He wished anu was always with him and he liked him secretly, but never had enough courage to speak anything before her. All this seemed as if it was a long and deep dream and he was suddenly back into the reality. But when he looked to the determined and passionate faces of other valiants, he felt a rush of adrenalin inside him and his determination to bring back earth to what it was became more stronger. He fastened his pace and joined the other valiants.

As soon as they reached professors office, viraat asked angrily, how it happened? We were under the impression that the reactor base is at place which has most advanced and strict security parameters. Professor hastened a little. it is not false he said, wso had indeed prepared a very complex and highly developed security system for this second reactor, but second reactor? tim interrupted him, why you guys needed a second reactor? professor explained them all about the discovery of the artificial mineral and its compatibility with this new reactor. Theen, he told them about his venture with pradhan and how he was forced to run away from the place. I dont know how they breached the facility to such inner phases. We had undergone all the possibilities and left no glitches. I still cant think of a single reason how they did it. Aryan was listening to him intently. When profeor finished, he asked, what is the situation now? we have deployed three troops of rate a class who are constantly trying to enter the facility and two crews are scanning the wholearea with air support. trying to enter? ralph asked, what do you mean by trying to enter? professor sighed and said, soon after the commandos were positioned, we were informed that all the entrances and exits are sealed and to my utter surprise, the most discreet of the entrances and exits were also sealed which were used to carry out the classified experimental tests. it means aryan said, the enemy had access to all informations about this facility. I cant imagine how professor mumbled. ofcourse you cant viraat said bitterly, otherwise you had done something to prevent this. what I am not getting is raj said, pradhan was out for nearly one month. How come you met him only a few hours ago? a month! professor exclaimed, but he only came to me this very morning. At this, everybody in the room fall into silence. there is no use wasting our time here. aryan said suddenly breaking the silence, whatever was the reason for pradhans so much long disappearance till he met professor, can only be found when we reach him. yeah you are right viraat said, any further delay will only worsen the situation and put pradhan in more peril. we should immediately leave for the facility. I will send two of my guards to assist you there. Professor said. Viraat looked at him and said, we dont need any assistance professor.

manners viraat aryan said firmly, we surely need professors assistance. We have no idea how to reach the scrap yard where the facility is located and we need someone to direct us. He turned to professor and said, we are thankful for your assistance professor. the pleasure is all mine professor said smilingly, I hope pradhan must be alright aryan smiled ad said, dont worry. He is the eldest valiant and he knows much about dangers than any of us have ever faced. He turned to other valiants, valiants! he commanded, we have to save pradhan at any cost and there is no second option neither any back ups. So be readied. he shaked hands with professor and nodded to others. All of them prepared to leave including raj. not you raj aryan said suddenly. Raj didnt understood. why not me? he asked, frustration building inside him, I am also a valiant now, aint i? you are aryan replied, but you are not prepared. The frustration was now transforming into anger, I iformed all of you about this he said suppressing his anger with great effort, it was because of me all of us know in what danger pradhan is. Still you think I do not qualify for a true valiant.? I never said that aryan said, you did the very thing today what is deserved from a true valiant. We have no doubt in that. But you think yourself patiently, do you honestly think you are ready? What danger lies there no one knows and you are not trained completely. Imagine if instead of pradhan, you get caught in that then what would we do? Go for you or for pradhan? raj silently considered it for a moment. It was true, if he goes there, he can do nothing to help them. Besides, he indeed showed true nature of a valiant by getting the information about pradhan though what was the source he had no clue. But he had done his part and now wht he really can do is to wait. alright he said in a low tone, it seems you are right. I will wait here. aryan smiled and patted him softly. Then he motioned to other valiants and they followed him, each of them bidding farewell to raj. Raj silently watched them exiting out the professors office.

CHAPTER 23 Go now! pradhan forcefully pushed professor inside the portal. As the professor with an astonishing glance vanished inside the portal, he sensed something and quickly turned protectoractus! he shouted. A massive laser beam narrowly missed him by being absorbed in the shield he had conjured and blasted midway into air. still as good as always he heard a menacing voice from the shadows. you will never do it it fairly querone he said in a calm voice, expert in backstabbing. As always. Pradhan was shocked to see querone here as beyond all the dangerous possibilities planted by zrotux, querone was the last thing he had expected which confirmed zrotuxes desperation for something he desired very much. But he shifted these thoughts away as for now his prime concern was to get querone away from this facility as soon as possible. do not! the voice under the shadows said growling, always mock me john! and with it, a sleek beam of laser shoot towards pradhan from the origin of that voice. Pradhan calmly conjured another shield but even before the laser hit it, he knew something was wrong. He was still wondering that why querone attacked him with a laser of such feeble power when another laser beam more massive than the first one hit him in the back with a strong impact. As pradhan was already concentrated on conjuring the shield, he could not have done anything to protect himself from this one because as was with all the valiants, he could have used only one of his powers at a time and querone took advantage of this

weakness. He was thrown high and hit one of the mechanical apparatus with a loud thud. The metal walls cracked where he hit and a jet of steam came hissed out of it. Querone finally came out of the shadows and hit him hard in his stomach. Pradhan was thrown again to a few feet. Querone was mad with anger, I am sick of! he shouted stamping the ground, I am sick of you mocking me all the time! I am sick of zrotux ordering me as if I am some humble servant of him! I am not going to tolerate this anymore! he came rushing towards where pradhan was lying and tried to kick him again, but with an easy swift of foot, pradhan blocked him in midair and kicked him hard on his head. The impact of the kick was such that querone lost his consciousness in a flash of a second. it surprises me pradhan said standing up slowly, how someone in the universe can be so dumb that he cant learn a single thing in decades? Even a ten year old will marvel at your dim witted intelligence querone. Querone was back to his senses. dont you dare mock me you vermin he said feebly and tried to get up. But pradhan was already on his legs. terina zrakhor! he yelled directing his palms towards querone. Something invisible hit hard querone squarely on his stomach and with a terrible cry, he was lifted off the ground and smashed to the wall opposite of him. with all these powers he said, you could have done a lot of good to this world as I kept telling you for ages but you have become a dumb to such extent that you have extreme fear of most evil and befallen powers of the universe when you should have fighting against them. You are wasting your life and with such mindless rigidity, you will continue to live as a vermin for ever. enough! suddenly querone said and like a bolt of lightning, he was back with his laser gun out. before pradhan could had done anything, he started shooting frantically. this is last time. Querone said laughing maniacally, you must be thinking I was stupid enough to walk right into you when you have cunningly overthrown me for numerous times, but this is last. The plan devised by my lord is perfectly working and very soon you and all your dogs calling themselves he valiants will be destroyed! And the lord will reward me a bit of his power which will be more than enough for me and for which I have been looking forward for ages. Pradhan swiftly dodges the laser beams. plan? he asked, what plant it is this time querone? Again some cock and bull of zrotux? He, under your influence is also loosing his mind. laugh as much as you can john querone said, but this time, its going to work, you wont have the new one you have acquired recently for many days! at this pradhan stopped. He hid himself behind one of the mechanical pillars. One by one, the numerous and complex lairs of the story began unfolding in his mind. For a moment, it seemed he was trying hard to make up his mind for something. one at atime he said to himself with a strong determination and slowly came out in front of querone. But most unexpectedly, he didnt tried to shield himself or counter attack. He just stood there, boring querone with a hard glance. Suddenly, querone felt a flash of pain in his mind, aah! he cried holding his head with one hand. He looked at pradhan alarmingly, what are you doing! Stop it! I said stop it! he yelled and started to fire heavily on him with his laser gun. pradhan didnt moved, neither he flinched for a second. He just stood there staring at him and when the laser beams came towards him, he slowly closed his eyes. It seemed to him that someone has poured a bucket of hot molten lava on all over his body. A great, unbearable pain started to rise inside him like an uncoiling serpant. With all his efforts, pradhan tried hard not to cry, but still its impact was too much for him and they. A great, unbearable pain started to rise inside him like an uncoiling serpant. With all his efforts, pradhan tried hard not to cry, but still its impact was too much for him and the world began to blackened out in his eyes. Just before everything became dark, he saw a flash of light and heard distinctly the cry of querone. With all his efforts, he tried to look at the newly emerged figure who had

conjured that light but he saw only a silhouette of the person he worshipped most in his life and who inspired him since he was a child. The figure slowly approached him and touched his shoulder softly. It seemed that comforted pradhan a lot and he felt inside him the warm protection which he had not felt since he had lost his father and his pradhan when he was a new member. He felt that the pain was evaporating out of his body and he felt relaxed. Slowly, he let his straining eyelids close down.

CHAPTER 24 Mr. sinha had just finished his tea and was surfing through different channels on the television. Suddenly, something caught his attention, shalini! he shouted, come here!.mrs. Sinha was in kitchen. When he heard his husband, she thought there must be an accident. She rushed to the living room and asked alarmingly, what happened? Are you alright? mr. sinha was speechless. He just motioned towards the television where a news reporter was standing outside the wso. we have got the exclusive news of arrival of the valiants. She said, we have been informed that the leader of valiants mr. john matter commonly known as pradhan in his group is still inside another wsos facility and paramilitary forces havent got any lead till now. The valiants have reached the outer perimeter of the facility. We have to see now how are they going to make it. Our cameraman will be covering the whole story for you. raj! mrs sinha stammered, raj is also with them! the camera zoomed to the valiants. no mr sinha said anxiously looking at the television, no. he is not there. Tiny droplets of tears began to form in mrs. Sinhas eyes. what has happened to him? she asked in a terrified tone, why he is not with them? mummy. Suddenly a voice came from behind, papa both turned quickly. Raj was there, standing at the door clad in a khadi kurta and payjama and wearing Gandhi chappals. Mrs. Sinha rushed to him. Speechless, she embraced him in a tight hug. Mr. sinha slowly came to them and stood there smiling. raj my son mrs. Sinha said weeping, where were you. Since you left us, I cant stop thinking of you for a single moment. Did you completely forget your mother? didnt I promised I will come again? raj said also in tears. for a long time she didnt leave raj. now let him go mr. sinha said, he must be tired. no I wont mrs. Sinha, who was still sobbing said, you cant understand what it is to a mother when her only son is gone to so long a place. She slowly loosened raj from hug and said to him, it was my mistake. I wont let you go again. I cant live without you beta!! raj was about to say something but mr. sinha cut him. arre let him have some rest first. He is tired he looked at raj trying to smile and put his hand softly on his shoulder. how have you been son son? raj was also weeping but he had suppressed his tears till now with great efforts. When he felt the warm and intimate touch of his father, the dam broke and tears began to flow through eyes. no no mr. sinha patted him slowly, you are a valiant now son. And tears dont look good on you now. Raj was too much overwhelmed to say anything. He slowly reached for his fathers feet to touch them when suddenly he was startled by a loud voice. raj! it said, you are back my friend! raj turned around. ayush he cried in pleasant surprise. Ayush came running to him and lifted him in the air. my god I cant believe it! My friend a real valiant! he said happily and put him on the ground. He then scanned him from head to foot and whispered to him teasingly so that mr sinha couldnt heard him, seriously dude, with this physique, if you would have still been in school, girls would have falling for you, even anu! at the mention of anus name, raj was startled. He wanted to ask him more about her but mr .sinha came. there will be plenty of time for you

friends to have a talk. But first let raj spend some time with his mother ayush. Ayush nodded. see ya buddy he said, I will be waiting outside and he went to the corridor. come son mr sinha caught rajs hand and lead him to the dining room were her mother was cooking something delicious for him. comebeta she was back to herself and was smiling, I am making your favorite dish. You wash your hands and have a meal first. We will talk latter.After having a bath, raj sat woth his father in the dining room while his mother was serving the food. Ayush had also joined them. what brings the valiants here raj? his father asked, we have heard that there is something going on in one of the research facility of wso, but the officials are not disclosing anything. actually raj said, its a highly classified information, but I think I can tell you. His mother had also joined them. Raj then told the whole story of his whereabout since he left home; of the mysterious attack on merdax, the departure of pradhan the about the strange voices he heard which warned him. I could have done nothing he said trying to justify himself for not joining other valiants to the rescue of pradhan, I mean, there has been so much things going on that the valiants had hardly any time to train me, and I would have add only to their trouble if with untrained powers I had joined them. So, I stayed here. and you are not going again! suddenly her mother said, extremely shocked by the account of his life as a valiant. Mr sinha tried to interrupt her, now, seriously you dont. but mrs. Sinha was in mood of listening to him, no! she said, I wont let him go again. Its completely suicide. They obviously made a mistake, and besides, didnt pradhan said it is completely rajs choice? He made it clear he was not roped in any sort of contract. but that would mean I give up. Raj said weakly. no beta. Dont talk non sense. You are made for a normal, civilized life. You complete your studies, do a job and get married. You can still fulfill the responsibilities. This life is just not made for you. Raj was lost in thoughts. True, till now, he had done nothing which equals hi to the valiants no matter what aryan says. He is trying, the other valiants are trying, because they are ordered to do so by pradhan. But what if pradhan was wrong, and he can be wrong otherwise he would never let such menace fall upon himself.what if only this time, he was wrong? Life will be so good here. he thought of the warm and cozy feeling of home, amazing life at school and his dream to become an artist. He can still fulfill his responsibilities. But what about the valiants? Wouldnt he be betraying them? Cant they find another one? Someone who is much more qualified for such sort of jobs than him? He was lost in this dilemma and was not able to fix his mind on one decision. He slowly lifted his head and looked at ayush questioningly. I dont know bro ayush said sensing his query, its completely your call. Whatever you decide.After a moment, he looked at his father. Mr sinha said nothing but a most unexpected thing happened. He smiled! He smiled in same way when he used to give maths problems to raj and used to challenge him whether he could solve them or not and never he used to say a word. Just that particular challenging smile. It hit raj with a force, as if his father was laughing at him for his defeat. As he thought he really was defeated in his mind. But this smile turned the path of his thoughts in a completely different way. No he thought, he cant do it. Now once he has put his foot forward, he cant backstep now. He cant let the world laugh on him and call him a looser, not even his father! He will become a valiant, whatever it will takes. This single smile did something which a lot of persuasion had failed to do and raj felt as if this was his another birth. He felt an energy inside himself which he hadnt felt before and somehow he knew he was transformed into a real valiant. He thanked his father without saying any words. Just through the eyes. well he said, looking at her mother, I must say that. Suddenly, he heard it again. It was the same voice coming from some distant place. go you must now it said, valiants shall not be there in time. You are his only hope. Raj

tried to interact with it desperately, who are you? he said, and why you want me to go there? What has happened to pradhan. Please clarify a little! but it was in vain. He suddenly stood up. mother, father he said firmly, I must go now mrs. Sinha asked alarmed, where? to rescue pradhan he said, its the same voice which warned me previously. I have to go. but you cant go her mother said, we just had a conversation about this now, and besides the other valiants are there for him. I cant explain right now raj said, any delay is only futile for pradhan. But you cant her mother tried to stop him but mr. sinha cut him, let him go he said, its his destiny. He knows what he have to do. Mrs. Sinha burst into tears but raj had no time to console her. good bye bro ayush said hugging him, return victorious. He turned to his father and looked at him who in turn nodded to him and motioned him to go. I will come again he said to her mother, and you know I never make a false promise. She was too grieved to say anything. Raj stood there for a moment and then quickly walked away through the door.

CHAPTER 25 It was a war zone, or it seemed so with all the artilleries and soldiers taking their positions and choppers hovering above, it was nothing less that a war scenario. what the situation? aryan asked one of the army chiefs. they have completely sealed all the exits and entrances. There is no sign of any enemy troops, but we are ready for the worse. he shouted in aryans ear as the the whole place was drowned in terrible noise of all the activities, we have been trying hard for a long time, but all is in vain. The lift system is jammed so we had to uncover the main entrance but its doors are alos jammed. we will take it from here aryan replied and nodded to viraat. Viraat proceeded to the main entrance where the huge metallic door was jammed with something. He extended his palms and shouted, TERINA ZRAKHOR!! an invisible force hit the doors with a great impact and they blew away in pieces with a terrifying noise. The army chief was so much astonished he was unable to say anything. come on aryan said to other valiants and they entered the building. okay once inside, he sadi, professor has told us about the internal structure of this building. According to him, pradhan is in power room but as he has no access to it, he didnt knew on which phase it is. We have to work as separate teams. After entering the phase one, Aryan, banish and ralph will start from phase two and I with tim will start from the alternate phase. what if any of us find him? banish asked. if it happens so, and as I sincerely hope if pradhan would be in good health. Then their will be no problem for him to contact the rest of us aryan said, if the worse happens, whatever team who finds him will immediately rush him to a secure place and then one of the member will return to inform the other one. Everybody nodded in agreement. They proceeded to phase one whose doors were already unlocked. I guess that after securing the outer perimeters so tightly, the enemy didnt cared for the inner ones ralph said. thats because they hadent imagined in their dreams that we will be here. tim answered. well, they were completely wrong banish said, werent they? they entered the hall and stepped on the border of the crater. it seems the electricity is still running here, tim said tapping some buttons on the control panel. okay he continued, we will do as aryan said. Banish, ralph and viraat will start from phase two. I and aryan will start from phase three. With this he pressed a button and the bridge appeared. A few seconds later, the portal was ready and banish, ralph and viraat started towards it. Once they were gone, tim again pressed another button. The portal banished for a second and appeared again. He

nodded to aryan. Both proceeded towards it through the bridge. The blinding light coming from the portal was making it hard for them to see where they were going. Aryan slowly lifted one f his legs and put it inside the light. Immediately, he was vacuumed inside. He felt as if a great force was dragging him to the centre of the earth. Distinctly he was hearing tims voice above him in that dark space. After a couple of minutes as it seemed to him, his feet touched solid ground. A second later, tim was standing besides him, panting heavily. that was one hell of a roller coaster ride he said breathing deeply. Once they were back to normal, they started scanning the place. It was nothing like professor had described; the room was bathed with incandescent white light and it was occupied with a number of computers and other digital devices. After roaming for a moment, aryan came back to tim and said, it is not the place. Nthing is in here as professor had told us. Lets go to phase five. Just they were about to turn, they saw a figure emerging from the portal. They guessed it was a man from his silhouette but as soon as his appearance became a little solid, it again began to dissolve and dissapered in a flash of second. Amazed, tim asked, what was it? Is someone following us? I think so aryan answered him gravely. should we go after it? asked tim. no use aryan said, whatever it was, it can be in any phase by now and we cant do anything to find it. I just hope that if other valiants face him, they know how to deal with it. With it, he signaled tim to open the portal. Once it was opened, they entered into it and disappeared.

CHAPTER 26 Raj didnt knew why he was doing this. He was hardly trained and knew almost nothing about all the power spells and how to pronounce them. He wasent even sure about the voices. What if it was some grave plane of enemy? What if all of this errands are leading valiants to a disasterous end. But somewhere in his heart, he knew those voices were not evil. He knew he was guided fairly, but still he wasent sure of it. halt sir a soldier stopped him as soon as he reached the outer perimeter of the facility, civillians must not enter here he said, the place is a dangerous one. You should leave immediately. Raj looked at the building dspearately and said, but I am no civilian. I am a valiant. The soldier looked at him suspiciously, are you sure you are a valiant? he asked, and not some boy from a freaky newspaper channel trying to get a look at more inner matters. This delay was irritating raj. listen he said firmly staring at the soldier, I have no time for this foolish questionnaire. You know that any normal civilian will not be so mad to come at a place like this in such a time. The delay will worsen the situation and you will be responsible for it. So better let me go, otherwise I will be forced to use other unpleasant ways to enter. The soldier looked at raj and he knew that he was not joking. sorry sir for it he motioned him to pass, its all security measures, you know. Other valiants had reached here a few minutes ago and you were not with them. Thats why I was suspicious. Raj rushed to the building whose outer entrance was already blown by viraat. He entered the long alleyway and stopped. In all this hustle and bustle, he had forgotten to ask anything about the facility from professor and now he had no idea where to go. Suddenly, like a lightening strike, it came to him. He knew if he dont reach immediately, pradhan will surely die, though why this thought came to him he didnt knew. Frantically, he ran straight and entered the phase one where he saw a narrow bridge with no support over a huge crater leading to a light source. His mind began to race. He had to reach pradhan now and he had no

idea where in that building he was. He recalled what aryan had told him, our mind is a very strong element raj he had said, so strong that you cant even imagine its powers. If you will concentrate it on anything with full attention and desire, you will achieve that thing. His face became firm with determination and he proceeded to the bridge. Once near the portal, he stopped for a moment and closed his eyes. Slowly, he stepped into the portal and felt that he was vacuumed inside the earth. But he didnt opened his eyes. For a long time raj kept falling to an endless core. He lost the count of time. It had been minutes, or hours or maybe days since he kept falling, but he was determined to find pradhan at any cost. He was trying hard to think about pradhan. His all energy and concentration was only one one thing; to reach pradhan immediately. Now and then, he felt some light emerging abruptly and people standing there, but he didnt opened his eyes because he knew that wh he will reach pradhan, he will know it. Suddenly, he felt solid ground beneath him and the fall stopped without any impact. Raj opened his eyes and found himself in a dark hall with lots of metallic machineries hissing and making mechanical noises. The place was very dark indeed. For a moment, he doubted that he was in right place, but then he saw it. Something was gleaming in the dark like a star. That golden light was looking very familiar to raj, but he didnt knew why. He slowly approached it. The tiny gleam began to increase into a beam of golden light like a far off star. When his eyes became accustomed to the dark, he saw it. With a shock, he realized someone was lying there. pradhan! horrified, he exclaimed. The golden light was coming from the strange locket which pradhan always wore. Raj quickly leaned on him and shaken him, pradhan he said, are you alright? Its me, raj pradhan was in a bad condition; his clothes were trodden savagely and his body was deeply bruised and injured. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked at raj. rraaj he said feebly, wwwhere are aryan, viraat and other valiants? raj was feeling nauseous looking at pradhans state. who did this to you pradhan? he asked controlling his tears with great efforts, wh did this you? Name me! pradhan slowly lifted one of his hand and put it softly on rajs shoulder. listen son he said, I think this is going to end. I have not much time. The valiants need a new member. Where are the rest of the? I have no idea pradhan raj said. they are not here? pradhan asked, highly alarmed, then you must run away raj! You must run away! Go before he finds you! not without you raj said firmly and lifted pradhan supporting his shoulder. But pradhan shook him away. you fool! he said panting heavily, you have no idea what danger lies before you! Lies before all of the allies! There has been a plot. Very dark plot. If the plan is successful, everything will be destroyed and all the power will certainly go to alliances! Go and warn the other valiants to stop. enough talking john suddenly a figure appeared from the shadows of machineries. It had a mechanical arm which he was clinking like pincers. you should better rest the figure said menacingly. As soon as raj saw him, he knew who he was. querone! he exclaimed disguistingly. and you must be querone said, the new valiant. He scanned raj from head to toe and said, I wonder what master saw in you so he wants you with such desire. go raj! Go! pradhan said, he is very dangerous and will not leave you alive. You must warn the others. Raj slowly turned to him and asked, pradhan, did he injured you so much? pradhan was getting irritated, it doesnt matter raj. You must save yourself from him. He is going to. But raj cut him in between and asked firmly, please pradhan. Tell me. Did he injured you? pradhan didnt knew why, but he felt as if there was no need of further help. He closed his eyes and nodded slightly. Anger, like never before was boiling inside raj. That very time he knew it. He could feel it. The

transformation was complete and he was a valiant, a complete valiant. funny I defeated him so easily today. I always sais he was cheati ng on me for all those years but no one ever listened to me. Then he turned to raj and looked to him. For a fraction of second, querone felt a surge of terror inside him when he looked at the young boys eyes. But he quickly recovered. whats with the look boy? he said frantically clinking his metallic arm, you made a very foolish decision today which is going to cost your life. But raj was not listening. He was not afraid, he was not terrified. He knew only one thing; this piece of vermin injured pradhan mortally and has no regret for it. He must be punished for what he had done. He slowly lied pradhan to a corner with the wall supportin g his back and faced querone. you will be severely ounished for it you piece of shit he said sternly. It enraged querone. With a terrifying roar, he lifted his mechanical arms and charged towards raj. Raj calmly lifted his palms, forci terinox he shouted. To querones surprise, he was thrown high into air with such a force that he had not experienced even from pradhan or aryan before. Before he hit the wall, raj was already hovering above him with his palms stretched, vistrakina zrakon he shouted and a heavy blow in querones chest forced him to hit the ground loudly. you foul! he was shrieking, you scoundrel! I will not let you go al but before he finished, raj had already attacked him again and now, a beam of fire hit him speedily and he crashed against one of the machineries. Querones whole body was on fire. you think this is going to stop me? he shrieked trying to stand on his legs, I cant die you fool! Many tried to kill me for decades, but I cant die! raj looked disguistingly at him, I know that! he roared, but you feel the pain, and I will make sure you will have it as much as I want you to! with it, he motioned his hands towards one of the mechanical pillars from which a jet of steam was coming out with a loud hiss and said, aquareci terine! a jet of liquid forced out of the pillar breaking it onto two and poured on the burning querone.with a ear defying cry, querones body began to blaze in hot fire more than ever. It seemed that the liquid coming from the pillars was some kind of inflammable substance. Querone tried to run towards raj, but he imprisoned him in an ivisible shield. After banging and beating the solid air around him for a few minutes, querone fall and became still, his body still blazing. Raj stared at his burning body for a moment then walked to pradhan. hadent I said my son? pradhan said with difficulty, you are a a valiant then smiling, he slowly closed his eyes. no pradhan! raj said alarmed, I will get you out of here. hold yourself for a few minutes. He quickly lifted pradhan and ran towards the portal.

CHAPTER 27 The mechanical door opened with a hiss. Siddartha was startled. It was one the scientists from r&d lab. master wants to see you he said. Siddhartha felt as if the ground beneath him was dissolved and his everything around him started to swing swiftly. he knew Siddhartha thought. He was drenched in sweat and was shivering violently. The scientist who had came with the message was puzzeled at his condition and was wondering that what he possibly could had done to enrage the master so much. are you alright? he asked. Siddhartha didnt replied. He was not listening. When the scientist repeated in a louder voice, he suddenly came back to his senses. tell master I will see him in a couple of minutes he mumbled. With another soft hiss, the door close behind him. Slowly, Siddhartha stood up. He was feeling looking very weak and exhausted as if he had been undergone some laborious work. With trembling hands, he ipped sweat out of his forehead and walked out of the chamber.

The research lab was empty, which added to Siddharthas fear. Without the usual number of scientists roaming around the lab, the machineries were looking ghostly and mysterious. There, in the centre of the lab, upon a glowing crater, was a bright silhouette of zrotux. come Siddhartha the deep growling voice of him said, come near me. Siddhatrtha feltl as if his legs had been tied with iron balls and he was finding it extreme difficult to walk towards zrotux. Reluctantly, he get closer to him. the plan is berserked heavily. It said grimly, I thought you may have the idea why it happened so. And dont dare to lie before me! the world was spinning before soddhartha. Unable to keep himself in control, he sat fall to his knees. mmaster he stammered, ppplease.. I have no time for your useless mumbling you fool! zrotux said, enraged. With utmost horror, Siddhartha noticed that his silhouette had darkened as if some deep hatred and loathing was solidifying it. what you have done? Speak! breathing heavily, Siddhartha pulled himself and started, it was not my fault master. You must know this. As per your order, I had kept myself concealed in a secure chamber during this whole errand. Everything was going as planned. Suddenly, I felt him inside my mind. I was horrified and lost my senses as this was something I never had expected, not in that chamber. You know him and his powers to deceive. I tried my hard to stop the connection, but he kept crawling inside my mind like a snake. Whatever powers I have, I spent them to block him, but it seemed that either he was done with querone or was in a place where querone couldnt reach him because he was also using his full potential. Yes master, I can tell this. My mind is not so easy to unravel and even someone like him needed all his concentration to this. And that is what he done. Slowly, he started to absorb the information. I knew it was too late and I was very much exhausted in the act of defending myself but still, I kept trying. After a few minutes, when I was just about to give up, the connection suddenly stopped. I dont know how or why. Siddhartha was running out of breath. He lifted his head and looked pleadingly at zrotux. how much he knows zrotux asked, his face expressionless. much of the whole plan Siddhartha said , but I was able to close him before getting to the last bit. and by doing so you did me a great favor and I should be very thankful to you, shouldnt I? Siddhartha could felt the rage building inside zrotux again and his silhouette was releasing heat. you fool! zrotux roared pointing his fingerat siddhartha who felt as if the heat from his body hit him hard on his face and he staggered you have destroyed everything! zrotux roared again. It seems to me you are still on his side and were sent to us a s a spy. We sheltered you and you tried to deceive us? You have to die you useless filth! no Siddhartha leapt to his feet and said, dont kill me! I know my loyality towards you is under suspicion now but try to understand master. Why I would deceive you knowing my faith? Why I will join sides with an already defeated party. Like all mortal men, I want to live too. You know john has got a number of tricks and cheats. He will try his best to regain what is lost to him and when he utilizes his full power, there is only one who can face him then you. I know a mistake has been made and a very terrible one. But give me one last opportunity to prove myself. If I fail again which I surely will not. I will kill myself in front of you. Please master have mercy. With it, Siddhartha again fell to his knees. The anger of zrotux was not yet over. But he knew how to play games. a rat like you has no right to live he said. Siddhartha shuddered with fear and started to say something but zotux motioned him to be silent. but I have a good heart. If I give you service, I also kow how to take it back. I will give you one last opportunity and if you fail this time, I will make sure what you promised will be done at any cost. what is your order master? Siddhartha slowly stood up and asked fearfully. the plan is not completely wasted yet. Everything will go as was going still. What he had done to you, now you will do the same to him. He is very weak and can not resist you. Not

for this time, and you start your preparations to leave for earth. earth? puzzled, Siddhartha asked. yes zrotux said and looked at him with a grim smile on his face, earth.

CHAPTER 28 When raj opened his eyes, he was back in phase one. just hold yourself for a moment he said to pradhan pulling his arm tighter on his shoulder. Pradhan was weak and he had almost no strength left. Like a sack lump he was supported on rajs shoulder. It seemed that every second, his health was deteriorating and raj knew he must hurry. He looked at pradhan for a moment and then shouted, tan tan teran! with a swift speed, he passed the alleyway and the door leading out to it. The military was still in the position as they had no idea of goings inside the faculty. Hovering in the air, raj said to the chief who was looking at him amazed like his other soldiers, pradhan;s life is in danger. I must take him to the hospital. Did other valiants came? no the chief said, we thought you had gone to join them. Where ae they? I have no time to explain raj said, seal the entire perimeter and wait for them. I have found the intruder. I dont which phase it is, but he is in a dark chamber full with a number of odd machineries. we cant do anything about it till the scientists who have access to that level are here. we have no knowledge of anything inside there. The chief shrugged and said. Raj thought something for a moment, allright he said, Then wait for them. I will send a message as soon as I can, and tell the other valiants about my whereabouts. With this, he pulled up his body and with a flash, was gone. It had been two hours since pradhan was admitted in icu and raj was restlessly strolling outside the courtyard. His mind was spinning recklessly. In a few hours course, so much had happened that he was not able to concentrate on one event at a time. Why pradhan concealed from them the fact that he was going to stay here for more time than he intended and if his stay extended, why he didnt informed any of the valiants? How the hell querone sneaked into the research facility without anyone noticing and what was his purpose? Surely he didnt kne pradhan was also coming there, or did he? And all above it, how he, raj, the recruit among the valiants who had not completed even the basic parts of his training, was not only able to find the whereabouts of pradhan but also defeated querone. Querone! Whom the valiants have trying to defeat for decades and many of them; the most skilled ones like pradhan have defeated too. But he! A common boy with almost no experience defeated him in his first battle! When raj thought further, his mind struck at a point. Why, in first place, he needed to fight querone? It doesnt make any sense that querone was able to overthrow pradhan no matter whatever tactics he applied. So, was pradhan distracted? But it is impossible. He is the leader of valiants and he knows how to deal with any sort of distraction during a fight. But then, what would had happened? Raj felt a shudder when he thought of the outcomes if he would not have reached their at time. All these thought were weighing him down a something was pulling him downwards with great force. A bubbling pain was building inside his head. He shook himself to get rid of it but it was no use. Mr. Raj raj heard a voice. He was so lost in his thought that he didnt noticed the doctor standing beside him. mr raj? when doctor called him for second time, he came back to his senses and looked at him, alarmed. nothing to be worried about doctor said looking at his startled face,no medication or

treatment which we know is helping to get his situation better, but it seems that his immunation is automatically rebuilding the destroyed cell structures. what do you mean by that doctor? raj, confused, asked, I mean to say that he is getting well all by himself and is recovering fast. Maybe it is due to the powers which the valiants possess, but we cant say for sure. Dotor said. Raj felt as if someone pulled out a big rock from his chest and most of his pain passed away. can I see him doctor? raj asked. he is still unconscious and I think he cant talk to you right now. But yes, you can see him. Doctor said. Pradhan was covered all in white and a number of surgical equipment were surrounding him. A machine was beeping occasionally and another one was hissing softly. Raj slowly approached pradhan and looked at him. His face was pale and reflecting the signs of agedness. But still, there was something, raj didnt knew what, which was giving him an unearthly feature and for a raction of second, raj thought he saw a his lips bent into a slight smile, but when he saw again, it was gone. He put his hand slowly on his hairs and whispered, you will be alright pradhan. I will not let anything happened to you. And he closed his eyes as his heart was filled with sudden remorse and his vision was obstructed by tears. Why he didnt reached him in time? What will he do if anything will happen to him? How the valiants are going to continue the fight with him gone, for ever? As these thoughts start to creep inside him, he felt a strong surge to let his tears flow out. but somehow, he knew how to control and he didnt let them. For a long time he stood before pradhan, staring at him affectionately and then, he made himself to leave when suddenly, he heard a voice, stop raj he looked around but no one was there. all this is getting over my nerves he thought and continued but again, a voice he heard, it is me raj it said, It is me, pradhan. Raj quickly turned around in disbelief. Pradhan was still in coma. Keeping his eyes on him, he walked to the bed with slow steps and looked at pradhans face intently. Just when he was convincing himself of hearing voiced when he heard it again, raj. Great dangers shadow all of us. Your need at earth is great than ever. You must hasten now. The voice was echoing inside his mind and for a moment, he thought that these were the same voices which had warned him before. But somehow, he knew it was not the very same voices. Besides, there was something in this voice which was feeling weird to him. what are you thinking of? the voice said again, every moment you waste here will lead to precarious hazards. You must go on now! but I cant leave you alone pradhan raj replied desperately and unable to think what to do. Surprisingly, the voice answered him, you dont worry about me son. I am alright. Your quest cant wait for others. You have become a complete valiant now and need no more training. I cant pradhan raj said, looking at his pale face, the vaiants are on their way and professor shiv also must be reaching. I have to wait till at least one of them is here to take your care. dont act like an ignorant fool! the voice said in an enraged tone, you really think I will be harmed with such small incidents? Are you forgetting who am i? act like a valiant and obey my orders immediately. Otherwise you will be responsible for the horrific outcomes. Go now! raj was trying hard to find out why this was happen, but he didnt wanted to ignore a direct order from pradhan. there is something odd, which I dont know why he thought, but I must follow his orders. There must be some reason behind it. With it, he bowed before pradhan and looked at him for one last time. His face, though pale, was glowing with an unearthly vivacity and radiating some kind of energy which raj felt was entering inside him. After observing him for a moment, he suddenly turned and exited the room with swift steps.

As soon as he crossed the courtyard, he saw a small group of people approaching him. When they came near, he recognized them with a sudden astonishment; it were his parents and ayush and with a abrupt jolt in heart he noticed anu was also with them. For a moment, they kept staring at his face with an expression of disbelief, then suddenly, his mother said sobbing, son, what has happened to you and she rushed to him and took him into her arms. what they did to you beta she said, tears chocking her voice, we were so worried. My heart was squelching like hell. slowly and affectionately, he unwrapped himself from her hold and said softly, dont worry mother. I have learnt to take care to myself. Nothing will happen to me anymore. man! ayush gawked at him, look at yourself bro. you have completely turned into a different speci! raj smiled and said, remember we used to wonder how valiants look like that? Guess I know that now laughing, they hugged each other tightly. you are still my best friend ayush said with tiny droplets forming in his eyes, dont forget that okay? raj patted him slowly and said, not in this life bro, not in this life. by the way ayush whispered in his ears, I have brought someone else with me yeah raj said seriously, I can see that, and I cant imagine of a ny reason why you should have to do that. you will know ayush replied, Go and talk to her. Seeing raj getting a little uncomfortable, he said again, come on yaar. She came with us all the way only to meet you for once and dont worry, uncle is waiting for you outside. Feel free raj looked at anu who was standing alone in a corner at a distance; she was still as beautiful and gracious as always. Raaj looked at her intently for a moment and then walked to her. hi he said. hi anu replied with her usual delicate smile. In a moment, raj made up his mind. He decided to express his feeling for her which he had concealed for so many years. I cant take it more he thought, I must tell her how much I love her and it doesnt matter if we cant be together ever. I will lve her for always. But before he started, anu said, you must be wondering raj why I came to meet you. There was something which I needed to tell you before your leave. First of all, please accept my congratulations for being a valiant. I always knew you were a different but never imagined this. And yes raj, I knew you always liked me. Dont ask how, but I knew. The thing is,you were not like other guys. You knew your priorities and I am glad for that. When will we ever meet again, no one can tell that. But I respect you from my heart and know that one day, you will end these bad days and bring a new dawn upon us. With this, she slowly held rajs hand and pressed softly. Raj was too overwhelmed to say anything. He felt that his power was being increased by considerable extent. Her words were ringing like the melodious tune of bells and a new will engulfed him. With a firm and determined voice, he said, I will never forget what you told me and I am really grateful for this honor. I assure you that sooner or later, we will win this battle. He looked at her eyes for a moment; they were like an endless sea inside which what as hidden, raj cant guessed. Bidding her a final goodbye, he turned to her other who was still sobbing. come son she said, your father is waiting. Holding her hand, with ayush and anu following them. His father was standing there in his usual white kurta and pyjama. the morning sun was radiating his body and the wind was rustling through the loose kurta which was giving him an godly sense. Raj let go of her mother and came to him. His hands crossed, mr. sinha was looking intently at his son. I can see you are ready to take the responsibilities now? he said in a firm tone, are you ready? raj lifted his head proudly. yes he said, I am. Mr. sinha broke into a slight smile. Raj noticed how elderly and wise his father looked when he smiled like that under the dense moustache. my blessings are with you son he said, go on. And never look back. Mrs. Sinha, ayush and anu were standing beside mr. sinha and and looking at him with wet eyes. Hugging ayush and anu for one last time, he came to her mother. promise me one thing ma he

said, once I am gone, you will never remember me with tears, but with proud and dignity, like father do. Do you promise? mrs. Sinha slowly nodded and asked, controlling her emotions, when I will see you again beta? raj looked at her and said, this time, I caant tell you ma. And he turned to his father who nodded, still smiling. Then, trying to catch all of his near and dear ones in one long gaze, raj slowly bowed and touched the feet of his parents. Without turning for a second time, he started for the mission which was to become a new chapter in his life and which was to declare the future of this decade long battle.

CHAPTER 29 Professor shiv had got the message that valiants are out from the facility and now were heading to the hospital. He was also done with his work and decided to leave. All this strenuous procedures of reprogramming the security parameters had tired him a lot and he was longingly thinking of resting for a while, but his visit to pradhan was must. So he pulled up himself and got ino his car. While on the road, his mind was occupied with the errands of the valiants inside the faculty. He had got word from military officials that raj had prisoned the intruder in the very same chamber where pradhan had helped professor to escape and that he had took pradhan with him. Then, about an hour after raj was out from the faculty, the officials confirmed that other valiants had also exited the faculty. They were toldof rajs errand by the officials. There was something hich professor was finding hard to understand. How the hell on earth raj; the newest valiant and with harldy any training not only defeated that intruder seeing whom had panicked even pradhan and got in and out of the battery chamber without any aid. Above all this, how he came to know the location of pradhan so quickly when rest of the valiants were still trying to get there in vein. His thoughts were whirling with these facts when he saw the valians entering th hospital and he realized that he had reached there. Hurriedly stepping out of his car, he called them, valiants. Stop for a moment the valiants looked at him. right time professor aryan said walking towards him, . The military outside the faculty told us that raj had brought pradhan here so we rushed. I cant understand it professor said, raj was not even with you people. he was a home. A few hours ago, I was informed that another of the valiants have entered the faculty and I was amazed. there are a lot of questions to be asked and cleared aryan said, but first, we must visit pradhan. Professor nodded in agreement and they walked towards the dormitory. he is in next room. Nurse motioned to the room beside them. All went inside except aryan and professor. I was just thinking when you will come as the boy had left an hour ago. Aryan, puzzled asked, what do you mean the boy have left? the boy nurse said, raj was his name, who brought pradhan here. he has left both professor and aryan were confused, but didnt he said where is he going or when he will be back? Has he went to his parents home? nonurse said, getting a little uncomfortable with this conversation, his parents were here to bid him good bye. He told that he will be gone a long time as there was something important on earth and he cant delay it. Professor and aryan were bewildered with this news. did he left any message? professor asked. The nurse nodded negatively

and left. After standing there for a moment, they entered the room where the other valiants had surrounded pradhan. he is coming back to his senses. Tim said, I must call the nurse and he rushed outside. They approached near pradhans bed. He was slowly opening his eyes and murmuring something. is he trying to say something? viraat asked. Aryan shushed him and tried to listen. rrra..rajjjj..jj pradhan was saying. he is asking about raj banish said. pradhan aryan softly put his hand on pradhans shoulder, raj has left for earth. Do you the reason? it seemed that pradhan was filled with an invisible energy by aryans touch. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at them, panting slightly. what did you said? he asked weakly, raj has left for earth and we dont know why aryan repeated, had you told him to do so? slowly, the words started to sunk inside pradhan and his face was getting covered in a horrified expression. its a plot! he exclaimed in an alarmed tone, it all was a big and dirty plot devised to trapraj and such was enemys tactics that raj has walked into his trap with his own will! so you didnt sent raj to earth? no! pradhan said desperately, didnt you listen? It was all planned by the enemy. He was panyting heavily. Everyone was sitting dazed and unable to say anything. Why the enemy wants raj of all the valiants and what wicked plan he has made to fulfill it, no one was able to answer. Then, after a couple of minutes, aryan walked beside pradhan. He took hold of his hand. you must not worry pradhan he said, I promise nothing will happen to valiant. Whatever the danger is, we will pull him out of it and bring him to you sound and safe. You rest and get well soon. With it, he turned to other valiants and said, I know none of us here have a single idea what is going on, but we must concentrate on the priorities. Raj is in some dangerous trap and what enemy wants from him or why he wants to end him I have no idea. So first thing first, we will leave for earth immediately. All the valiant snooded with him. Then addressing professor he said, if possible, increase the security around the hospital as all of us will be out. professor smiled slightly and said, you dont worry. If needed, I will have one whole regiment to guard the hospital. You continue with your journey and make sure that raj remains unharmed. I will aryan said. All the valiants bid goodbye to professor and readied themselves to leave for earth.

CHAPTER 30 It was the first time raj had used the travel portal all by himself, but his mind was so much desperate that he didnt even noticed it. He was a bit nervous when he started his journey, but once back to earth, his mind was only focused on one thing; to reach the agyat gufa as soon as possible. the portal was a kilometers away from the gufa so he decided to reach it by air. While on the way, he was thinking about what pradhan had said o him and was trying desperately to find out what he meant when he mentioned great dangers shadow all of them. Pradhan never use to give such kind of warnings no matter whatever the danger is. He always remains calm. In fact, raj thought, his voice was not like his voice anyways. It was sounded so strange and alien. He wondered again that whether it was one those voices which warned him earlier but he knew that it was different. If anything is going to be so much wrong, he thought, then why is he not warned again? The fact that was worrying him most was that he didnt informed any of the valiants about his departure, but then, pradhan had ordered him to do so.

When raj reached agyat gufa, he had no idea. Lost in all the thoughts, suddenly he realized the spherical rock which led to the entrance. Slowly, he landed on the ground. As soon his feet toched solid surface, he knew something was terribly wrong. The very air around him was feeling so ominous, he tightened his fists and cautiously approached the gufa looking at his sides. Outside the entrance, he surveyed the area for one last time. Suddenly, he saw a silhouette of a creature far away beside a large rock. When he tried to focus, it vanished. He thought of getting a closer look at once, but more big problems were in hand at present, so he dropped out this plan and walked towards the entrance. As soon as his hands went inside the edge of entrance, a great force threw him in the air and he fall with a strong impact far from the gufa. For a moment, he was too hocked to get up on his legs when suddenly he heard a voice. I see querone was not wrong about you, it said. With great difficulty, raj lifted himself up and tried to look at the stranger who was standing in front of him. When his vision became clear, he saw that it was a man. Not much young but still not old, probably in his forties. He was wearing the outfit of a valiant and by his air, it seemed to raj that he also possessed some powers. He had an oval face and black eyes with tiny wrinkles formed beneath them. His hairs were also jet black, but unlike raj, they were wavy and with a tint of whiteness. He was a fair colored man. Slowly, he approached towards raj. In a flash of second, raj knew that this man was not friendly and probably the very danger which pradhan had mentioned. Swiftly, he directed his palms towards him and shouted, visrakina zrakon! but the man calmly conjured the invisible shield, and rajs spell got deflected by it. that was a good one for a recruit like you he said, but still, too slow. who are you? raj asked him trying to maintain a firm tone, and what are you doing here? the man smiled menacingly and said, I guess you have were warned already that who am I and what purpose I have here. somehow, raj knew that elongating this conversation will be no good and he must act as soon as possible. without asking any other question, he quickly extended his arms and shouted, forci terinox! but even before the spell started to build up, the man was in the air and wind force passed uselessly from where he was standing seconds ago. too much haste boy! he said, there is nothing going to work now. Raj looked at him and said, you think talking smart will save you? I guess you dont got news about your buddy who is dumped at earth x beaten and like a dead log. Like him, dont ty to underestimate the power of a valiant! at this, to raj, bewilderment, the man started to laugh like a maniac. power of a valiant he said choking with laughter, its clear that pradhan has successfully managed to convert into one of his idiots. That old fool it was getting too much for raj. The fact which was irritating him most was the easy way with which this man was dodging all his attacks. As fast as his mind could think, he cried, terina zrakhor. enough! the man roared creating the invisible shield, but before the shield was even dissolved, he had shouted directing his palms towards raj, vistora blastus. Raj was not ready for this. Before he could had thought of dodging it, the ground below him erupted and a shower of rocks fall on him with great impact. The attack left him completely in shock and when he tried to recover, he found that he was more badly injured than he had thought. His legs were bleeding fast and all his clothes were in shreds. I guess now you are in a much good position to listen what I have to tell you without acting like a foolish monkey. The man said slowly landing before him. I still cant understand why zrotux wants you so badly he said, surveying him keenly, you are no more than a recruit and without any special powers. I heard that you learnt all of this only in a few weeks, but that doesnt mean that you are any different. Some people are quick leaners and its nothing to boast about. How you defeated querone I cant understand still. Anyways, if zrotux has asked for it, I must have to fulfill it. Raj was feeling dizzy from the attack and the mans

voice was sounding like an echo to his earsbut still, he had not lost consciousness. what do you want? he asked feebly, what you or your bloody master will get by destroying the agyat gufa? at this, the mans face was filled with a rage. zrotux is not my master! he said, its just I owed him this one. And his lips again twisted, why the hell you think I am here to destroy agayat gufa? What good it will do to alliances? raj was sure this wont lead to any good but he asked, then why are you here? state your purpose! cant you get it fool the man cried angrily, I am here to desroy you! You are the danger which zrotux wants to be suppressed as soon as possible! you are the one whom we were hunting for for such a long time! It was all planned and I guess your highly intelligent pradhan had no clue what was going on. Raj was extremely puzzled and didnt understood a single thing the man told him. what do you mean? but the man was not listening to him. the attack on minning corps was devised to deviate the attention of the valiants from the real plan. But out of old habit to interfere in every matter, he and his side dogs followed the alliances to laxont. Yes, though the laxontians are most wretched and weak powers in allies, they have got this super strong and safe chamber which was destroyed so easily. Ironical, isnt it. We thought that you were hidden there as they used to shelter from alliances in old days. Finally, when everything went haywire, I advised zrotux to bring out the plan on earth x by sending querone there to kill pradhan. Yes he said looking at raj, we planned this strategy to bring pradhan to earth x so it was you behind all this and you were responsible for this state of pradhan raj said through clenched teeth. yes the man replied, but unexpectedly, you showed up and beat the hell out of querone. That moron, after being a warrior for all these decades, he got beaten up so badly by a recruit. I seriously consider he should kill himself out of shame. no need of considering raj said, after that much beating, I doubt he will be going to last much long. going to last much long he man said mocking him, honestly boy, did you ever listened when I said he is a warrior for decades. He cant die. Due to some chemistry crap, he got this power. Though, I must say it was a waste on a creature as dumb and idiot like him. Now raj, was feeling a little better and his mind was swiftly analyzing the events. and how do you knew I was coming here without any aid? the man said smiling in his usual menacing fashion, why, I told you to come here. I told you about the great danger which overshadows all of you your people. Remember? it hit it like a solid hammer to raj. so it was you? he asked bewildered, all this time, it was you who kept warning me of all the dangers? Then, why you changed your mind? Or maybe it was also a part of some ill devised plan by you and your master dont call him my master! the man cried, I work independently. No one is my master. And I dont know about the other voices, but yes, it was me who ordered you in johns voice to go back to earth, and it seems that this time, the plan worked successfully. I hope you know now that its not only your wise pradhan and his dogs who possess such powers. Raj stared at him for a moment and asked, why me? the man slowly approached him, because you are.. but raj didnt waited for the answer. Without giving him any warning, he cried, zrakina sharpo a heavy blade emerged in the air and before the man conjured the invisible shield, pierced him right through his left shoulder. With an ear defeating cry, he fall to ground with his hands extended. Even before raj knew, he felt the spell which the man had conjured while falling. It seemed to raj that his body had hit a stone wall with great force which completely knocked him out and he also fall a few feet away. Raj knew that this time, he could not make it and his vision began to blur. Suddenly with extreme horror, he saw the man walking slowly to him holding his left shoulder where the blade had pierced him and which was dissolved now and his whole body was sagged in blood. you have got something different in you boy he said in a chocking voice, but you have

already done much for your level. Its time to take a sleep for a long time. He slowly extended his palms and was just about to strike when an electric blue colored ray hit him. Raj tried to look for the origin of that ray and saw another man running towards him. But as he tried to concentrate, his vision became more blur. The man sat beside him and slowly put his hand on his head, easy kid raj heard feebly the man saying to him, you are alright, and see, the other valiants are here also. Sure enough, raj saw tiny specks in sky approaching towards him. But before they landed, everything began to darken and he blacked out.