John Carter 3: The Warlord of Mars

Chapter 2: Dejah Thoris Explains

Somewhere, in the chambers of Helium, Dejah Thoris is presenting her theory of the Ninth Ray to a bunch of children.

"As you can see, dear children", said Dejah Thoris, " The ninth ray, uncovered by the Tree of Issus from the goddess herself, contains information of the Solar System. There are two moons that are part of Barsoom co-exisiting in the Solar System. Thuria and Cluros. There are also details on every planet including Jarsoom, which is Earth, Sasoom, which is Jupiter, Rasoom, which is the Mercury, Cosoom, which is Venus and of course Barsoom, our planet which is Mars."

Then, one of the female students raised her hand.

"Yes?", asked Dejah Thoris.

"Have you ever discovered the actual Ninth Ray, miss?", asked the female student.

"I'm afraid not, dear child", said Dejah Thoris, "No one knows for sure where it came from. But I assure you, as soon as it is discovered, Barsoom will have lots of histories to tell for generations to come."

"You really think so?", asked John Carter after appearing at the chambers next to the entrance while Dejah Thoris stares at him.

"We'll continue this assessment tomorrow, dear children", said Dejah Thoris, "Enjoy the rest of your time."

The children left the chambers while Dejah and John walked towards each other. Then, they kissed each other.

"And how's the true warrior of Barsoom doing?", asked Dejah Thoris.

"Better than you think", said John Carter, "I just heard you talking about the Ninth Ray."

"I was", said Dejah Thoris and weighed her head down.

"What's wrong?", asked John Carter.

"There's something I haven't told you about", said Dejah Thoris, "That last ten years you were gone. I'm afraid I have not explained to you lately."

"Well, whatever it is, you can tell me", said John Carter.

"It may seem too stressful, but...", said Dejah as flashbacks appear and show the last ten years that John Carter went missing, "That morning when I woke up, I went all over the palace looking for you. Then, after spending months of searching, I came to a sudden realization. You disappeared without a trace with no evidence and... it left me heartbroken. As six years went by, after Carthoris was born, I trained him and taught him to honor you. He had your fighting spirit, and the heart of a true Barsoomian. One day, a group of people, known as the false gods, came to Helium. Suddenly, when I got to the chambers, my people were dying from asphyixiation due to the breakdown of the Atmosphere Plant. It sustained most of the planet's waning air supply. I had been succumbing to it, but I struggled all that I can to reach the factory. The machine which contained the air supply was malfunctioning, but I quickly used the secret telepathic code which restored it's functionality. But as I tried to get out, the machine teleported me away from my people. As my unconsciousness faded, I found myself at the Eastern Polar Regions, with cold yet cool winter breezing through my body. For three long days I survived and found other paths to Helium. I had reached the hottest deserts at the Southeastern parts of Barsoom. Suddenly, I was encountered by the Barsoomian Tigers. After using my combatant skills against them, I found the most beautiful fruits the planet had mustered. So I gave it to them and rode on one of them. Upon arriving at the same pathway that led to the Tree of Issus, I saw the Tharks fighting against the Therns. But despite my efforts, Matai Shang watched me and overpowered me. Tars Tarkas and the other Tharks spared me from his cold-hearted ways, but I escaped and never returned to Helium. My father was heartbroken but I had told him that I will start praying for you to return. Four years later, I saw a ship that seems to be taking you prisoner upon your arrival back. So I followed."

"And that's all it happened", said John Carter and sat down, feeling a bit guilty over what happened all those years ago, "This is all my fault. I never should've found that medallion. How could I have been so blind?!"

"Carter!", exclaimed Dejah Thoris, "Please. I know your disappearance broke my heart, but you have no right to blame yourself."

"No right?", asked John Carter, "Everything that has happened to you so far. Everyone who tried to destroy Barsoom. It's on me."

"But it is not", said Dejah Thoris and comforts him, "The blame is mine. If I had learned of the Therns, none of those battles would've happend. But it matters no longer. I still love you. That's what matters."

Then, the two kissed each other romantically.

Meanwhile, at lair of the Therns, Xodar of the Therns along with Thurid, Jeddak of the North Pole, is using a scientific experiment to revive Matai Shang and Phaidor.

"With one drop of human blood DNA mixed with the Holy Serum of the Therns, the two will be brought back to life", said Thurid.

"This is most exquisite, my dear Thurid", said Xodar, "and with them on our side, Barsoom will soon become our prize."

"Your time with that wretched Issus has frequently slowed your mind", said Thurid, "But, my apologies."

"But there are other important matters in hand", said Xodar, "Including that earth man. John Carter. That calvary man from Earth. It has been a year since he ended our religious ways. Even the people of Helium and Zodanga helped him."

"Your religious ways were completely false, Xodar", said Thurid, "which became the downfall of your kind."

Then, the experiment has concluded when the two Therns opened their eyes and started breathing. They got out of the two separate tables and looked at the two.

"Xodar!", exclaimed Phaidor, "It's you."

"Forgive me for this, but...", said Matai Shang as he walked towards Thurid, "Who are you?"

"I am Thurid, Jeddak of the North Pole", introduced Thurid.

"And I am-", said Matai Shang but gets interrupted by Thurid.

"I know very well who you are, Matai Shang", said Thurid, "and you, Phaidor, his daughter. Xodar told me everything about the downfall of your religious ways and the death of your goddess."

"And we want revenge on John Carter himself", said Phaidor.

"You two will get your wish soon enough", said Xodar, "Now, let us prepare ourselves. Get the other Therns, Xodar. We are going to Helium. John Carter? I doubt that earth man will conquer the true rulers of Barsoom. Or should I say, soon-to-be rulers."