I don’t think I’ve really posted about it but I was digging through my old computer yesterday and found a folder full of concept material for the project I’m planning on pursuing after Ziggurat: StarXrossed. I thought I’d upload a few of em here while i add some of the finished lineart I have to my work backlog.
It’s a story centered around a lonely 15 year old named Gunnar Sinclair and the course his life takes after meeting the embodiment of the star Sirius.
It wasn't long before the liberation of Necromas' territory was underway. The Dawn members acted with great haste, removing workers from the camps and getting them into proper homes, medical treatment, food, whatever they needed and apprehending any of Necromas' remaining forces that were refusing to surrender. It was a slow process but it was something wonderful to see nonetheless.
Especially for The Dawn's leader, Admiral Nari Wong.
Nari smiled as she observed all the activities going on around her, doing her part of making sure everything stayed orderly and provided aid when she could.
I'm just happy we finally got another place liberated. Finally making more dents in the Ecliptic Claw's territory.
"And then, SHINK! The mane came clean off!"
"Whoa…"
Nari turned her attention over to a group of liberated camp workers who were talking over an open fire and meal. More specifically, a young one of the bunch seemed to be telling some kind of story.
"What happened after that?" one of the worker's asked.
"After that, Leonideas declared the territory was no longer Necromas' or the Ecliptic Claw's then just walked off after letting out a huge roar. I don't know how he did that but it was amazing and chilling at the same time."
Nari gave a flat look at the mention of Leonideas' name.
Ah… That explains why the raid worked out so well. Our old lion friend.
Nari sighed, shaking her head.
She didn't hate Leonideas. Far from it. However… he was a little annoying in her eyes... and a pain at times. Mainly in the fact no matter how many times they had tried, he had never sworn allegiance to The Dawn. He was fine with helping them but he didn't want to be affiliated with them. For some reason. He never disclosed why.
Regardless, Leonideas had been a huge help to The Dawn in recent times but Nari couldn't help but be weary about the man. A man who only follows his own motives was something to be cautious about. After all, said motives could possibly one day conflict with theirs.
For now… she was grateful for the time being he was useful to them.
Let's just hope it stays that way.
"Admiral Wong."
Nari looked to the side to see two soldiers approaching her. They gave a salute before speaking again.
"We've received word from King Solleo of Aurorias that Princess Elara is on her way to the planet to provide resources and aid to our cause."
"Ah, perfect. Please keep an eye for her ship then and ensure she arrives here safely. Last thing we need is the Ecliptic Claw getting their hands on her. When she has arrived, please bring her to me right away."
The soliders saluted again.
"Ma'am, yes, Ma'am!"
Nari smiled, nodding.
"You two are dismissed."
Both left without another word, leaving Nari to her work.
A liberated dome and a new source of relief on the way.
Nari chuckled
Today is a good day.
oooooo
The outside world of the domes was a mystery to many. Some wondered if it was just as bad as the insides of the domes or if it was better. No one was really sure… except for those who did roam the outside areas. Be it members of The Dawn… or those hiding in the shadows, going about their services in their own ways. Having goals of their own to tend to.
Unlike popular rumors of those in the domes, the Earth outside was beautiful. Lush vegetation, clean air and skies that at the moment of time were a beautiful gradient of orange and red. As much damage as the Ecliptic Claw had done to the spirits of those who inhabited the Earth, they had in an odd way helped the planet heal from some man made causes.
The young alien hummed to herself as she led a group of Pantherians, young and old in a straight line. Where they were going, they weren't sure but as far they knew, the bug like alien had promised they would be safe. As did her human companion.
Her six legs had a rhythm to them as she continued on, twirling her staff a bit.
"Gotta say, Leonideas really put on a show today, don't ya think Jim?" the alien asked her human companion.
Jim nodded, folding his arms behind his head.
"Oh yeah, never fails to show who's boss. Though…" There was a glint in his eye. "He's gonna be hearing about those claw marks on his back from his medic."
The alien girl brought a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh too loud before leaning in close to Jim, whispering to him so the Pantherians behind them couldn't hear.
"Are you gonna need a big needle?"
Jim chuckled.
"Maybe, Laika, maybe."
Jim stumbled a bit as a young Pantherian tugged at his arm.
"Mr. Human?" They asked, their tail swishing. "Where are we going?"
Jim gave a gentle look, patting their head, giving a small scratch behind the ears.
"Somewhere where you will all be safe from the Ecliptic Claw and from… not so accepting members of The Dawn."
Laika frowned at this.
"Hate the fact we have to do this with that second factor in mind but… given what's going on right now…"
Jim sighed.
"Yeah, just better to be safe than sorry."
They soon came upon an opening in the ground that had a set of stairs in it. At the bottom of those stairs, was a warp panel.
Jim and Laika turned to the Pantherians.
"This will take you to a hidden base on the moon." Jim explained. "After you pass through this portal, there is no returning to Earth for a while. It is your choice if you wish to stay here or to go."
Jim and Laika stepped aside, waiting to see how the group would respond. It was a moment before Pantherians started to walk up to the warp panel. One by one they disappeared from site. Laika and Jim made note that only a few had decided to not go. They didn't chase them though. Their choice was theirs and they wanted to respect that.
Soon, it was just the two of them… well, so to speak.
Laika looked around before making a chirping noise.
"Here, Kiwi!"
A kiwi bird emerged from a hiding spot, scurrying over to her, making its way onto her shoulder. Laika smiled, nuzzling the bird.
"There you are. Keep the portal nice and safe for us?"
"Chirp!"
"That's my girl."
Jim chuckled, before looking around, making clicking noises with his tongue.
"Abyss! Here kitty!"
It was a minute or so before a black cat with long fluffy fur emerged from its hiding spot, its yellow green eyes glimmering a bit in the dark setting. The cat ran straight up to Jim, nuzzling his legs.
"There's my boy." Jim stroked the cat's fur. "Kept Kiwi out of trouble?"
"Mew!"
"Oh haha." Laika smirked. "More like my Kiwi kept Abyss out of trouble."
"... Point taken." Jim lifted Abyss into his arms. "Regardless, they got each other's backs."
"Just like we have each other's backs."
"Yup… Now, just need to find Xross."
"You rang?"
Laika and Jim looked to the staircase, seeing a young man dressed in clothes with purple glowing designs and a cloak on over it. His purple eyes glinted with mischief as he approached them.
"There's our man of the hour." Jim chuckled, placing a hand on his shoulder once he was close enough. "Holding up alright, Xross?"
"Yeah. Necromas wasn't too bad. Only thing that currently hates me is my back." Xross gave a sheepish look. "Speaking of, think you could…?"
"Let's set up a camp then I'll work on treating ya."
"I'll get the campfire ready!" Laika grinned, hurrying out. "We're gonna feast tonight!"
Jim chuckled.
"She's been going on and on about us having Martian fish soup. Should've seen how excited she got when she was able to buy some Martian fish at the market."
"Ah, I see." Xross grinned. "Well, I look forward to trying it."
"Me too, but first, let's treat that back of yours."
Xross gave a nod, following Jim out of the opening in the ground.
Laika was already busy at work setting up a small fire and a cook pot. She hummed to herself as she got her ingredients together, Kiwi setting up her tools for her.
"Med bed is ready for use." Laika pointed to a bed roll that wasn't too far from her set up. "Do as you please."
"Thank you." Jim nodded, shedding off his back pack. "Alright, Xross, let's see the damage."
Xross nodded, removing his cloak, shirt and chest plate before lying down on the bed roll on his stomach.
"Do your worst, Bro."
Jim smirked, examining Xross' back.
Xross had done a quick patch job with some gauze and tape over the claw marks, both soaked in quite a bit of blood. Jim carefully removed them, getting a better look at the injuries. They weren't deep, thankfully, but there were some minor burns and slight skin irritation.
"Okay, not too bad. A quick disinfectant should do the trick on the burns and irritation. No stitches this time… save maybe for your battle clothes."
"Already fixed them up." Xross closed his eyes, grinning. "Nano sewing bots make clothing repair so easy."
"That they do." Jim smirked, digging into his backpack and pulling out his tools, getting to work. "Though I hope you're not saying that just to make me feel good about my little inventions."
"I'm serious." Xross had a glint in his eyes. "I wouldn't swipe them for no good reason."
"I'd like them back once I'm done with treating you here. My little bots should not be anywhere near battlefields."
"Hey! I kept them safe-"
Jim gave Xross a small poke on one of the claw marks.
"Ow!"
"Says the guy who was near fire and could've gotten mauled by a Pantherian if he wasn't careful."
"I won, didn't I?"
Jim rolled his eyes, finishing up his treatment on Xross' back.
"Next time, just leave the bots with me and I'll patch everything when you get back, okay?"
Xross sighed, shaking his head.
"Alright, alright, fair enough. I know how much you value your babies."
"Yup and done." Jim put his tools away, dusting off his hands.
Xross sat up, quickly slipping his shirt, chest armor and cloak back on.
"Thank you."
"Anytime. Now, you better rest for the day and give those claw marks time to heal."
"Mew!"
Abyss climbed up into Xross' lap, purring loudly.
"And Abyss here is gonna make sure of that."
Xross chuckled, scratching the cat behind his ears.
"Oh, yeah. No on dares defy the cat on lap rule. Besides, a rest sounds great right now. I love helping people as Leonideas but right now, I just wanna be Xross and relax for a bit."
"Sounds good to me." Jim sat down next to him. "We can kick more Ecliptic Claw butts another day."
"Exactly."
They looked over to Laika, seeing she was busy at work, her and Kiwi dancing a bit as they worked around the cookpot.
"Hey, Lai Lai, how long till we feast?" Xross asked.
"Gonna need another hour." She kept her eyes on the pot. "Gotta cook the fish just right to get all the juices and such. It's gonna be good." Her mouth watered. "I haven't had this in years and I hope I can make it just as good as Mama does."
"I'm sure you will." Jim smiled. "If you need any help don't be afraid to ask."
"Thanks but I got this." Laika giggled. "You two relax."
"Very well."
"If you insist."
The three sat in silence. Well, mostly silence, save Laika's humming of Martian songs and Kiwi chirping along with her and Abyss' purring. Xross and Jim got lost in looking up at the sky, counting stars as they started to appear.
"I'm at 299, you?" Xross asked.
"500." Jim smirked. "501… 502…"
"Oh shut it."
Xross focused on trying to count faster, tuning everything else out. His concentration broke however as he saw a light streak across the sky. His eyes widened as he saw it increase in size, the streak making its way down the sky.
"You seeing this?" Xross asked.
"I am." Jim got up.
Abyss hopped out of Xross' lap as he stood up as well. Laika looked to the sky, her eyes wide with wonder.
"A shooting star?" she asked.
"Maybe?" Jim narrowed his eyes. "It's still going too."
The streak soon came to the horizon line, its size indicating it was close to their location. There was a loud boom and shaking as it hit the ground, a flash of light in the distance.
"I… don't think that was a comet." Xross looked upward, noting two other streaks of light in the sky. Spaceship streaks. "... I gotta check it out."
Xross dug into his backpack, pulling out what looked like a headset with lion ears on it. He slipped it on, tapping a button as his lion helmet appeared over his head and face. Without another word, he bolted towards the crash sight.
"H-Hey! Xross!" Jim yelled, chasing after him. "Wait for me!"
Laika stayed where she was, Kiwi and Abyss standing by her sides. She shook her head, focusing on the cookpot again.
After two years... another novel has come to full fruition and I'm so freaking happy right now.
Still plenty of work to do with editing and some extra bits but another novel is on its way to being published.
And I look forward to sharing it with all of you along with Xross here.
Stay tuned.
