RAM (ha)
Send me RAM for a random memory from my Muse’s mind!
“I seem to have underestimated your will, terrestrial.”
A singular cut at his clavicle, a two-pronged spear far too large for its wielder pierced through and the hole oozing black blood like treacle into the surrounding gaseous mist. His opponent much worse for wear - a tiny thing, its golden scales flecked with blood and made even smaller by the fresh, seared-shut stumps of the limbs on its right side.
The supposed chosen of an insignificant, long-dormant constellation. A fighter that chose to stand in his way as he told the planet it was his. By its choice of weapon, it had been forwarned by whatever dregs survived the fate of the neighbouring system.
A pity one of his blades had sliced deep enough to force the little thing to turn star-fire on its own throat, destroying its voice. It doubtless had words to say.
“As per agreement made - even when you knew not the right words - you’ve impressed me. Your realm is safe, under my influence, for as long as you live.”
Alarm, pain, outrage. A delicious cocktail. He chuckled, amused if tired.
“Did you think the agreement perpetual? No, if you die from wounds sustained, so will it. Those that will not submit must prove their worth in other ways.”
He pulled out the spear - it was painful, in a distant kind of way, but not a weapon that left lasting wounds on one like himself. Still, that it had pierced him spoke much of the materials here, and of the will of the little... empress, was it? that had wielded it.
“You will be found. And I will come back, perhaps in a year, perhaps later. You have until then to gather a showing of what worth your realm might have for me.”
He caught a slight nod as he turned to leave, the dark eyes of his now-vassal filled with pain and a complicated mix of defeat and triumph.