Kaladin flew through space, the stars and planets rushed by with a blur. Before he knew it, Kal could see a tiny speck come into view directly ahead. In seconds, the planet became massive as he flew at such speeds he couldn’t keep up with the constellations.

An instant before crashing into the dark planet, Kal slowed inches from the ground and landed gently onto the rocky earth. Immediately, he noticed the dim glow of blue and red lights pulsing from cracks in the planet.

It looked lifeless and dead and the stars shone brightly above. The sky was brilliant, littered with billions of stars. So many that it gave a faint light similar to a moon.

He caught movement far below as he stood on the edge of a cliff. The running figures disappeared behind rocks and out of sight but Kaladin could have sworn they were Vog.

Behind him, Kal heard low growls and thought he sensed Felkuru nearby. Turning towards the sound, he saw a flash of light and a gush of wind blow upward. Loosened stones and bits of shattered rock shifted around him.

Stepping on loose rubble, Kal stumbled then rounded the corner. He saw the silhouette of a Vog and immediately recognized Fel, staring back at him with glowing blue eyes. He stood on the cliff edge, gazing at him intently.

“So that’s what he meant,” a voice inside his head spoke.

“Fel?” Kal asked aloud, his voice shaky. “Wh-where am I?”

The strange voice responded in his thoughts, “You must be who he spoke of. I wasn’t expecting you so soon.” the Vog said. “Fel just left. My name is Khan. Who might you be? And why is an Emarine here of all places?”

Kaladin looked at him with surprise, staring at him closely. He could hear his thoughts but could not see them or feel his emotions like he did with Fel. His bond with Felkuru must be enough to speak to this male.

“Where is here exactly? Where is Fel?” Kal asked again, unsure who he spoke to.

“I do not know where he went, stranger, but you are on Tepra, home of the Vog,” Khan said. “Though our planet is not what it once was, as the Thrak have consumed the energy from the core. What you see is Tepra’s final breaths.” he turned to look out over the cliff.

“I-I was sent here.” Kal stuttered, woozy from the portal. “By… by the-” he trailed off, unsure how to explain himself.

“By the Dyaddan?” Khan asked, turning his gaze back to him.

“Y-yes.” Kal looked up at him as he stepped closer. “How did you know that?”

“He gave my species a chance to survive,” Khan replied. “Felkuru took our future through a portal just moments ago. It disappeared as you arrived.”

“A portal? Yes, of course.” Kal raised an eyebrow. “Black and white lights and spinning like a whirlpool?”

The enormous creatures cocked his head in surprise, otherwise, he sat motionless. “Yes.”

Realization had struck him. All the pieces were falling into place but one thing remained. “What am I doing here?” he thought.

“I just went through one,” Kal said. “Any idea what I need to do here?”

“You mean the Dyaddan didn’t tell you what to do?” Khan inquired.

“He told me to use this to kill a demon named Mulguran.” Kal shrugged. “He controls the Thrak.”

“Truly?” Khan’s eyes flared in recognition. “That… would explain much.”

“You know him?” Kal asked. “Do you know where I can find him?”

“I don’t know him… but I do know where he is,” Khan said bluntly. “Right there.” he turned his head to the left.

Kaladin followed his gaze and saw flickers of movement, black leathery wings poked out several times over a hillcrest.

“Well…” Kaladin smacked his lips. “That was easier than I thought it would be.”

“Tell me, Emarine,” Khan asked with caution. “What is your true purpose here? How is it you know Felkuru? And how can you hear my thoughts? We are not bonded.”

“I’m not sure you’ll believe me.” Kaladin scratched the back of his head. “So much… so much has happened in such a short amount of time.”

“Hm.” Khan huffed. “Felkuru said something similar before he left.”

“I-I was sent here from Isulia.” Kaladin started. “Malik told me I had to die to save my people. So I’m here. Right after Felkuru jumped through that portal.” Kal pointed over the cliff. “He appeared before me on Isulia, where he saved my life. He helped me to safety and there we fused our minds. Felkuru is… he is a dear friend. He has saved my life countless times. And I’m here to return the favor.”

“Then you are the person he was sent to save,” Khan said obviously. “He is alright then? On Isulia?”

“The Thrak...” Kaladin lowered his head. “He died before I came here. Malik spoke to me, then I too jumped into a portal and appeared here.”

“I see,” Khan said sadly.

Kaladin could feel the sadness oozing from Khan’s emotions. There was so much turmoil inside much like Felkuru once had when they had first met.

“I’m sorry.” Kaladin apologized. “I couldn’t save him. But… now I have a chance.”

Khan looked at him with his bright blue eyes. “If Felkuru has just met you. Then how are you here now? How long has it been since he left here? Your story doesn’t add up, Emarine.”

“That… is a long story.” Kaladin cleared his throat. “I’m not sure myself, if I’m being honest. I asked the same question.”

“Unless you are in a hurry to die, tell me this story.” Khan pushed, his curiosity overflowing.

“It’s been over three thousand years for me.” Kaladin started. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it, but Malik must’ve sent Felkuru back in time to save me.”

“In time?” If Khan could raise an eyebrow, he did just then.

“I just left a world that has all but been consumed by the Thrak. Mulguran defeated us and is probably over there enjoying his victory. I don’t know how, but Malik must’ve had this all planned the moment Fel leapt into that portal. Everything has led to this moment.”

“Hm.” Khan brooded. “You speak in riddles but I can sense Felkuru’s memories in you.”

“He’s shown me much.” Kal sighed. “He’s taught me much. I owe my life to him.” We will need to trust each other if we are going to defeat that demon.”

“So the Dyaddan’s name is Malik then.” Khan’s teeth showed. “If Fel has trusted you with his memories, then I too will trust you, Emarine. I believe you. I can feel your true intentions. I can feel your heart.”

“I have a name,” Kal grunted. “It’s Kaladin.”

“Forgive me if I’ve offended you.” Khan nodded. “So… you are here now to stop Mulguran using that dagger. It looks like an ordinary blade. Are you sure it can kill him?”

“Trust me.” Kal chuckled. “There’s nothing ordinary about it. Wait. How would you know what an ordinary blade would look like? Have you left Tepra before?”

“That…” Khan paused, repeating Kaladin’s previous hesitation. “That too is a long story in which we have no time for. If you truly are here to help us Vog, then we must go.”

“You’ll help me?” Kaladin asked hopefully.

“I’ll do better than that.” Khan raised his head and roared with such force it vibrated the ground beneath them.

Kaladin covered his ears and could feel them approaching already.

It only took moments for Vog to start showing up, some small and some large. To his surprise, Kaladin saw three more males show up, all looking far older and larger than Felkuru or Khan.

“Our planet is doomed.” Khan began. “Mulguran is somehow sucking the life out of our planet. If we can help you, then perhaps our lives will mean something before our planet crumbles apart. Will you accept our aid?”

Kaladin spun around, getting a good long look at the Vog around him, he knew they were confused but they had little hope which pushed them to do drastic things. He feared many would die following him.

“I will accept your help,” Kal said. “If we are going to stand a chance against him, we’ll need a strategy.”

“We are listening, Kaladin,” Khan spoke. “What is your plan?”