First of all: hi you all and thank you for giving this story a chance. I hope you won’t regret your time spent with it.

And yet another, new story. I know, but I cannot help myself. This is also one that swam in my head for quite a bit. In actuality, it’s somewhat different from my fantasy manga tales. Sure, there’s gonna be plenty of action and I hope that it’ll be much more then a simple ‘beat them all’, but the setting of this story is virtually different then what those of you who read my other stories are used to.

To start of: this is a science-fiction tale. No orcs, elves, dwarves etc. (at least not in literal sense). But there will be alien races to make up for that fact. Another thing is that this piece takes place in ‘our’ world’, only several centuries into the future (as opposed to my other works, that took place in completely fantasy universes).

Those of you who do read my other titles will spot similarities however, that I’m sure of. You could say that this is something for those of you who enjoy my other tales, but prefer a less fantasy setting. I’m quite found of the idea for this tale myself and while I never considered science-fiction as my type of story, I have a hunch I’ll grow attach to this one XD

Now, before inviting you to the actual chapter, I just wish to ask you all to leave a comment before leaving. It’d mean a lot. If you like the tale, please let me know and if you don’t, I’d like to hear your opinion as to what can be improved.

Now, without further ado:

Chapter #1: Endangered Species

Volume Cover: Londo (check chapter below) is standing with his arms crossed with Earth in the background

Title Page: Londo is sitting with his arms and legs crossed on a comet that dashes through space

The world moves forward. Among all its flaws, humanity always possessed one, admirable trait: a tendency to get better and better. Be it for noble or selfish reasons, there were people working on new advancements, changing life, for better or worse. We made weapons, produced poisons, brought so much pain to our mother Earth... but we also invented ways to connect with each other regardless to the distance, we cured diseases, created ways of transportation, even found a way to ride the stars. It's somewhat funny that with all the knowledge gathered through the ages, we're still stupid enough to sacrifice just as much time for working on the first as on the latter.

From all our achievements, the one humans put greatest hope upon was space travel and its endless possibilities: colonization of other planets, discoveries of worlds unknown to us, finding new resources that could replace the decreasing ones and finally, finding the answer to that one, great question – are we really alone in the universe?

The answer appeared, although certainly not in a way we'd hope for: an armada of ships, none which we could recognize, that hung in the sky gave no doubt that besides us, there was someone else. People cheered, claiming this to be a new beginning. In a way, it was. But in the global euphoria, we forgot about caution. The discovery so long awaited blinded us to the extend we failed to ask a simple question. Question, that if asked, could've changed history: for what reason have the visitors came in such a number and why locate in so many places?

The laughter and celebration quickly died down as rays of light fell from the sky, erasing everything they hit. In matter of minutes, millions lost their lives and soon, millions followed. We fought back, it's only natural. Alas, to no vial. Be it our inferiority in military technology, be it a matter of time, having reacted too late or simply the case of some, higher forces, the fight was lost and with it, humanity.

Why have they slaughtered us? Who were they? These basic questions have remained unanswered, even as the deed was done. But does that really matter? Earth was eradicated. It vanished from all, stellar maps. That was important and knowledge of who was the one behind it, even if revealed, would not change anything... nor did there were many left, who cared to find the answer.

Yet not all was lost: survivors that escaped before their home disappeared in a blinding flash. They scattered across the stars and planets they did not know, among creatures they did not recognize. For we were not alone in the universe. We were merely one of many. And, as these few soon found out, not liked by many either.

Star Nomads... that's the best way to describe humans. We no longer possess a place to call 'home' nor do we have many brethren. The knowledge that we are not alone, ironically, made all of those, who survived, felt that way. Most accepted that fate, adjusting to their new lives... lives forced upon them. But there are still few, who dream of reviving mankind. Those, who hope to find 'New Earth'. Those, that wish to bring humanity 'home'.

And now, after Earth ends, our story begins... and the universe have moved forward.

A small shuttle flew through the endless space, passing by thousands of stars. It moved forward, trying to bring its only passenger to her destination. The pilot was a girl, eighteen years of age, who had long, black hair, made into a ponytail, tied with a violet ribbon, that felt freely down her back with two strands hanging on both sides of her face. Two, thin tresses dropped out front of her well-developed chest, as she scanned the surroundings with her violet eyes. She wore a tight, twopart, purple, latex outfit with large, metal protectors covering her shoulders and a pair of smaller ones, made of the same material, safe-guarding her hands.

Finally she caught sight of a large, somewhat rusty, starport floating in space. Her eyes narrowed at the recognition of what the place was. She was hoping to avoid this place, but a quiet growl of her stomach ordered her otherwise. With a soft ‘damn’ escaping her mouth, she set the course for the base, allowing the autopilot to handle docking.

Meifa exited her shuttle, a grimace of disgust crossing her face as she stepped onto the starport’s platform. As usual these rusty, steel walls were filled with spaceships of various sizes, each allowing their crews to enter Kraag, easily the biggest scumbag pit stop on this side of the Nebula. It was the last place she wanted to stop at, but both the engines of her shuttle, as well as herself, could not go on without another refill. She quickly dug in her pocket and gave the nearest port-keeper, a creature of green skin and tall, skinny legs, which knees bended behind the man’s back at the level of his head, three, golden coins, as he extended his tentacle forward.

“Fill her up” she said simply, giving her mean of transport another look. “And I won’t mind getting it washed” she added after a moment. The creature only let out a noise that could be considered a belch from his proboscis-like mouth, before walking away. Meifa once more gazed at the shuttle, which white shell made it stand out among the dirty ships in the docks. A big, black “Hope” written on it’s side made her let out a sigh while she lowered her head.

Taking a deep breath, she walked down the platform, entering the bar, instantly gathering attention of all customers. Smoke from all sorts of cigarettes hung just under the ceiling, filling the room with an unpleasant stench and the dim light from several lamps didn’t made the quarter any friendlier. In the center was a big hole, surrounded with a railing. Hearing stories of this place, she figured that was the ‘famous’ arena where slaves fought among each other for their lives, naturally for the pleasure of the audience, who used that occasion to gamble a little.

While the occupants of the room looked anything but human, that was not was disturbed Meifa the most in them; she recognized most races they were from. No, what made them look suspicious was the fact that many had scars where their kindred didn’t, each was dirty, with merely few exceptions and on top of that all, they all had a weapon near them, be it a gun, simple blade or an object she could not determine, but certainly not used for nice conversations.

A great majority of the creatures lost interest in her the moment she walked in, realizing she was human and returned to whatever they were doing before her entrance. Some still eyed her suspiciously, but neither said a word. Meifa allowed herself to frown quietly; among all the bad things she could say about Kraag, there was certainly one that could be considered a positive trait: here they let anyone in, regardless to their race, even if it was one hated most in the universe. Ironically, it was in this filthy place, that humans could seek refuge.

She walked over to the bar and gained the attention of the bartender, a big eyeball with brown, bat wings growing from its top and a pair of skinny hands hanging bellow: “Can I ask for a plate of gareef and a glass of water? A clean one would be greatly appreciated” she added, placing two more coins on the counter. The bat-eye seemed to squeak as a ‘yes’ and lifted himself up to take a bottle of transparent liquid.

In the meantime, Meifa took a table near the rail and rested her face on her hand. She waited for her meal in silence, doing her best to draw as little attention to herself as she could. The bartender soon came with her order, receiving a thankful nod from the girl before flying off. As she began to eat, a part of the ceiling suddenly opened, letting down a platform on the other end of the hole, revealing three figures, one sitting on a throne-like chair and two others, standing on his sides. The seated one was a creature of green, blistered body, which legs were replaced by several, octopus-like tentacles and a mouth that literally hung on a thin proboscis. Two more, tentacles grew out from his sides in stead of arms and his eyes were completely black.

To his right stood another, humanoid persona, a rather thin, violet-skinned figure with spikes that resembled blades growing all around his body: from elbows, shoulders, knees; there were even two rows going down the beast’s back. His head could’ve been mistaken for a lizard, while his skinny hands were ended with long, sharp claws. Meifa also noticed small spikes growing even from the bodyguard’s heel.

The last of the three, a creature standing left to the throne was much more buff then the other two, almost twice the size of a typical human. His skin was blue, while the head gave an impression of being square with a big horn growing from the forehead. Two, golden eyes were located on the sides of a massive jaw, while the same number of axe-like weapons was left tied to his belt.

The green one suddenly stood up as a microphone dropped from the ceiling, hanging just before him. The ‘man’ moved over to it and grabbing the object with his tentacle, he spoke up in a little slimy voice: “Welcome, everyone! Tonight we have prepared a real treat for all of you! A fight for the title!” at this statement a quick, quiet mumble went through the people gathered in the room, making Meifa a bit curious. “Making his way into the Arena right now is the champion, Sorco!” and with that the rusty gate began rising with a loud creak, letting in the first fighter, a humanoid creature with a body that resembled a red-skinned lizard. The warrior’s scales seemed hard, while his mouth was filled with sharp fangs, between which a long, forked tongue escaped the jaws. A massive tail, ended with spikes slowly crawled after its owner as he walked to the center of the ring, awaiting his opponent. There was also a strange, metal collar around his neck.

Saorian Meifa immediately recognized the creature, narrowing her eyes. A warrior race. Heh, no wonder someone like that is a champion she thought to herself as she took another sip of her drink, while the announcer spoke up again: “And his opponent, a new addition to our little show, please give a warm welcome to Londo!” and as the opposite gate opened, the girl choked on her drink at the glimpse of the champion title pretender, for he was none other then her own kind, a human.

Walking into the Arena was a teen around her age with medium-length, brown hair, clipped in a ponytail and hazel, almost gold-like, eyes. He was wearing a yellow t-shirt with an unbuttoned, brown jacket, decorated with golden markings on the sleeves and around the collar, with a tiger on its back. He had dark blue, slightly baggy, pants and brown, clipped boots. Meifa also spotted three, golden earrings in his left ear and a sheltered sword on his back. What really drew her attention however was the fact that he carried the same collar as his adversary around his neck.

“Gentlemen, place your bets!” the speaker basically yelled, rising commotion in the bar as everyone began giving money to the officials. All it took were a few moments and the deal was done, allowing the fight to finally begin: “Gladiators ready!... BEGIN!” and instantly the one called Sorco charged forward, preparing his right hand.

In a flash the claws on the lizardman’s right palm extended, growing into blades. With a weak whistle, Sorco swung his hand, aiming to cut his opponent. Instinctually Londo leaned to his left and placing his hand on the ground, dodged the assault. Instantly the boy flipped, placing his right hand on the ground as well and throwing a spin kick back at the place his adversary’s face should be, yet the Saorian easily ducked under the attack and threw his other hand forward, straight at the teenager’s chest.

Having no way to dodge, Londo grabbed the incoming arm by the wrist with his left hand and flipped again, bouncing off the ground. The maneuver twisted Sorco’s wrist and made him bend back, leaving the Saorian open to attacks. The instant his left foot touch the ground, the boy delivered a powerful kick to his opponent’s stomach with his other leg, making the lizardman fly back and coming to sliding stop few meters away.

Sorco hissed madly before gathering air in his lungs. In a fraction of a second he leaned forward, opening his mouth, yet in stead of air, what came out was a huge fireball, speeding right at Londo. The boy quickly jumped high into the sky, making the blazing ball of flames go right bellow him, yet left him defenseless while the Saorian also jumped and came right at him, his claws seeming even sharper then before.

With no way to change direction in mid-air, Londo swung his hands, barely managing to somersault as Sorco swung his hand again. In the last second the teenager’s back faced the attack, making the sheltered sword on his back block the lizardman’s assault with a loud ‘clank’. The Saorian could only narrow his eyes while the boy kept on spinning and brought a drop kick onto his head, thus sending him crashing down to the floor. Yet before he hit the surface, the fire-breather managed to flip as well, landing safely on all fours.

His hate-full glare rested on Londo, who came to the ground a moment later. With a wild roar he charged at the human fighter, this time swinging his left hand from above. Acting on instinct, the teenager blocked the attack with his right hand, yet quickly rising his right leg as well, stopping Sorco’s kick aimed at his stomach with the knee. The boy’s eyes widen however as a sudden assault came from his left: The tail! He realized, this time using his free hand to block the attack.

At this point the Saorian suddenly spun on his right foot and aimed a spin kick into his opponent’s face. Incapable of reacting in time, Londo took a hard blow to his left cheek, which made his head tilt to the side and thus making him vulnerable. Sorco didn’t let the opportunity slip and bringing his hands together, he threw them forward, making them hit the teenager in the chest and sending him crashing against the wall few meters away.

Londo was now on his knees with his left hand placed on the ground, while his right covered his chest as his yellow t-shirt suddenly began changing color to crimson. Luckily it’d appear his claws returned to normal before he landed the blow the boy quickly analyzed as Sorco stood there, giving off his victory smile. Still this hurt like hell. Most likely he broke some of my ribs. I need to finish this!

Meifa observed the battle with a stone-face, yet her breath was faster then normal. All around the bar echoed cheers, between which came yells, telling Sorco to ‘kill the human’, leaving no doubt on whose side the audience was on. The girl’s eyes narrowed as with a quick throw of his tongue, the Saorian slowly walked towards her kindred, who stood up with his legs shaking slightly beneath him.

“Farewell” the lizardman said simply before jumping forward, bringing down his claws on Londo. This time however the boy reacted immediately and placing his right hand on the ground, he moved out of his opponent’s way. As Sorco’s claw struck the floor, the human fighter quickly extended his free hand and grabbing the Saorian by the throat, he spun on his hand, slamming the massive reptile to the ground.

In a flash Londo bounced off the ground and then, using the wall, he jumped even higher, picking out his sword in the process. Seeing this, Sorco threw his hands forward, making his claws extend once more, thus creating a cage before his chest, making the sword clash against it with a loud, metallic noise. Before long, the lizardman twisted his tail and using it as a spring, blasted both himself and the teen up, pushing his adversary away by throwing hands to the sides.

As Londo’s figure began flying off, the Saorian took another, deep breath, releasing his fire at the boy again. Left with no way to dodge once more, the human fighter held his sword out front and began spinning it, managing to create a wind barrier that scattered the huge ball fire, yet still few sparkles landed on him, forcing the teen to take off his jacket right before it burst into flames.

Landing safely on the ground, Londo noticed Sorco was already charging straight at him with his upper body laid low. Letting his instincts take over, the teen spun on his foot, throwing his other leg up, aiming to bring a drop kick to the lizardman’s head, yet his foot encountered the jacket that he took off in mid-air, thus tossing it at the incoming Saorian, making the piece of clothing cover the fire-breather’s face.

Having his opponent temporary blinded, Londo went for the attack, rising his knee to meet with the champion’s chin, thus blasting Sorco’s head up, right for the punch the boy threw a moment later. As the Saorian’s feet left the ground, his body somersaulted due to the impact, allowing the human fighter to grab his tail and spinning, deliver a kick to the lizardman’s back, sending him rolling on the floor.

The swordsman didn’t waste time and went charging after his opponent immediately, yet the fire-breather managed to stop suddenly by sinking his claws into the ground and threw his legs out front, making them collide with Londo’s stomach, as the boy was running to fast to react in time. Seeing his adversary slow down because of the hit, Sorco continued his assault, spinning on his foot and sweeping the boy of his feet with his tail.

Immediately he came to a stop, bringing his right hand down at the teen’s fallen form, aiming to pierce his chest, yet Londo managed to flip back in time, avoiding certain death. Standing on his hands with his back turned towards the Saorian, he jumped back, somersaulting in the process, and grabbed the lizardman by the head. As he kept on spinning, the momentum took the surprised Sorco along for the ride, allowing the swordsman to toss the fire-breather hard against the ground.

Still laying flat on the floor, the Saorian put his body into a spin in an attempt to trip Londo, but the human fighter jumped back in time, leading himself out of the lizardman’s range. Flipping back a few more times, the teen reached the place he dropped his sword and picked it up just in time to block the claws aimed at his head. As the fire-breather pushed harder against the blockade, the boy propped his weapon with his free arm, placing it against the flat side of the blade, putting the two gladiators into a deadlock.

Sorco merely smirked evilly, launching his other hand at the boy’s chest, forcing his opponent to block the attack with his leg, somehow managing to place his left foot between the Saorian’s claws. Instantly however the lizardman propped his boy on the tail, lifting the rest up and throwing his legs out front, hitting Londo hard in the face, making him take a few steps back.

Stunned by the sudden pain, the teen was incapable to block the swing of the fire-breather’s hand that scourged his left side, he did however manage to duck under the second assault, that went whistling above his head. In a flash the human gladiator cut from below, forcing Sorco to strafe left in order to avoid getting split in half, yet leaving him wide open for a kick that followed, hitting his chest death-center, causing the Saorian to lose his breath for a split second.

That was enough for Londo, who quickly maneuvered his hands, elbowing his adversary in the face from the right and then brought his sword down in an attempt to cut the lizarman in two from above. The champion managed to grab the teen’s wrists with his tail however, stopping the assault, yet still a little stunned, found himself incapable of dodging a sweeping attack that took his legs from beneath him.

In a flash his back hit the floor, forcing his tail to loosen its grip and allowing the teen to spin the blade in his hand right before impaling his adversary’s side. Sorco’s eyes widen at the sudden sensation as realization bloomed in his head, right before his mind drifted off: This brat… he.. on purpose…

The arena went silent as the Saorian stopped moving, laying flat on the ground, while Londo stood just above him, his weapon retreated but the tip covered with green blood. The human boy looked around the stands a bit confused, only now noticing Meifa sitting at the egde of the rail an observing the fight. His eyes widen at the sight, yet instantly his mind forced him to concentrate on something else…

“Kill him!” a loud yell went through the stands as the crowd got filled with a mix of disappointment, anger and excitement. The green host patiently awaited for the spectators to calm down and then spoke to the microphone: “The judgment has been made! Finish off the defeated and you’ll become the new champion, boy!” he announced, making Londo throw him a quick glare before looking down at Sorco.

With a stoned-face, he rose his sword above the fallen form of the Saorian, its tip aimed at the lizardman’s chest and in a flash he threw the blade at the host, yet the weapon got deflected before reaching its target by the violet-skinned bodyguard, who used his elbow spike to shield his master.

“Very unwise” the tentacle owner stated, pushing a button on a small pilot that he suddenly picked out, making the collar around the swordsman’s emit a powerful charge of electricity that made the teen scream in agony before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

“It’d appear our new champion takes no pride in his position” the host said in a whisper, turning to his blue companion. “We’ll have to fix that. Take him to the special quarters, I’ll deal with him personally. And get rid of the Saorian, we have no more use for him, now that he lost…”

“Certainly, master Graag” the horned bodyguard bowed slightly with an absent-minded look on his face. The violet one only narrowed his eyes at hearing this and then gazed down to the arena, where both fighters now laid motionless. His eyes then caught the sight of Meifa, making a playful smile cross his reptile mouth, while a worried expression plastered on the girl’s face as she settled her eyes on her fallen kindred.

--now the real battle begins--

And this concludes the intro of “Far Out”, which I hope you enjoyed. Please let me know what you think of it and if the popularity will be high, I’ll most certainly add this piece to the tales I’m currently updating. Just like the other pices of mine, this is a rather long one, so if you did like it, then there’s more to come. Much more.

Thanks for tuning in, hope you review and see you next time, hopefully.