Neko's Novels & Stories

Was it madness, or wisdom, to believe that the enemy could also become an ally—or, Heaven forgive, something more tender, something that might blur the line between adversary and partner? A sudden creak behind her made Odessa whip around, claws flexing at her side. Emerging from the gloom was an elderly neko, his fur flecked with silver and his posture straighter than most young fighters she’d seen. His eyes, though, were what held her attention—ancient pools of memory and foresight, reflecting experiences she could only guess at. His raspy voice came from the shadows as though the darkness itself had found a tongue: “Are you not curious, child?” She swallowed, caught between caution and yea

Heavy, mechanical footsteps crunched over the wet gravel. Nero, the Rank 7 Crustacean-Strain mutant, walked up to where Ren lay gasping. Her massive, hydraulic-powered pincer claw whirred softly, venting a small cloud of steam into the cold air. She looked at the perfectly dry, V-shaped patch of ground radiating outward from Ren’s body, protecting the entire settlement. She knelt beside him, her segmented, dark eyes unreadable. "I have lived in the dark for twenty years," Nero clicked, her mandibles shifting. "I have seen Warlords drown in the shallows, and I have seen the King's Guard crushed by the pressure. But I have never seen a single man break a wave like that."

With wide eyes, she looks up at mine, searching and probing. “You’re a Nero?” she asks in a breath. I nod, but realize that those listening can’t see it. “My name is Nova Ainsley. I grew up on Korpillion. I worked for Horne Energy, but for lunars before I escaped the planet, I was making illegal Neron weapons.” “The weapons maker?” Arden asks, and I can tell, her mind is reeling from all of the revelations.

“He closes in an hour, so you’re more than welcome to wait for him.” I was too stunned by the betrayal to do anything else. Niko smiled politely, looking between my friends. “Sorry I didn't introduce myself properly," he said, already charming them. "I'm Niko. What are your names?” “I’m River. I’m a Computer Science major with Jeremy. And this is Kim.” “Fashion Design,” Kim chimed in, offering a friendly wave. Niko nodded, acknowledging them, before turning his attention to the last member of our group. “And you?”