Fan Fic Ragol's Legacy (FINAL) [Archive]

Freeze

Jan 3, 2010, 03:08 PM

CHAPTER TWO

The thunderous roar of a nearby exploding bomb shook the small concrete bunker causing small chunks of plaster and dust to clatter on the star charts and data pads resting on the metal table below. The man wearing a white and blue ranger’s uniform seated at the table simply wiped the dirt away before returning to his study, ignoring the chaos outside. Pioneer Two had gained its independence from Coral several years ago then soon after an organization calling themselves ARKZ began an underground movement to separate from the Pioneer government and take control of Ragol. The native creatures began to return to normal and the D-cell outbreaks were nearly unheard of. Enrolment in the Hunters Guild had dropped off with little or no work available and the Guardians of Pioneer had collapsed under their own corruption. Rumours spread that they had been the founders of ARKZ although it was never confirmed. Over the years ARKZ continued to gather support and stolen technology including CARD. It had the ability to scan a creature’s photon signature and store it on a data card allowing the user to recreate the creature and use it as a weapon. The ARKZ was now fighting for control of Ragol and its settlements and they were winning. The military was all but gone and the hunters weren’t faring much better. None of this concerned the man in the ranger’s uniform. He was completely absorbed by the ancient star map found in the ruins. He had to decipher the map before a certain purple android did. The android had disappeared shortly after the last great battle against Dark Falz but the man knew he was still out there looking for the power source mentioned in the ancient text. Another explosion rocked the bunker causing more dust to fall. The man just sighed and went back to his charts. He had mapped most of it compensating for stellar drift. The trail started near the center of the galaxy but passed close enough to Ragol to be picked up. The problem he was having was that the trail just ended in a completely empty section of space. Doctor Montague had sent a probe containing several sensor packs and an information card with records of Ragol, Pioneer Two, and much of their culture and people but he lost contact with it before gaining any information. He was preparing another when he vanished in an attack on his planet side lab. The bunker shook again from an exploding bomb. It was very close. ARKZ was on their way to the Central Dome and it appeared that the hunter’s front lines were failing. The metal bunker door burst open smashing against the wall that it was attached to shaking the man from his thoughts. He looked up to see a blue eyed white haired Newman woman in her early forties staring back at him. She was breathing heavily and wore military style body armour.

“ARKZ has breached the barrier.” She puffed, “We need to leave now.”

“I’m not finished.” The man replied.

“There’s no time left.” The woman frowned, “If we don’t go now we’ll never make it to the shuttle.”

“I don’t know where we’re going yet.” The man grumbled and turned back to his charts.

“That’s not all.” The woman shook her head, “Falcon spotted Kireek heading to the launch pads. He’s gone to intercept him.”

“What!” The man spun around to face the woman, “He can’t fight Kireek.”

“He may be able to hold him up enough for us to get away first.” The woman replied.

“You’re right.” The man nodded gathering up his pads and charts, “You sure you’re up to this?”

“Till death do we part honey.” The woman smiled.

The man nodded and followed his wife out into the street. The surrounding buildings that had originally been meant for the colonists aboard Pioneer Two were nothing more than burned out crumbling shells of a dream long abandoned. The street had been reduced to twisted chunks of cement lying in what ever haphazard position the last explosion had left them. Clouds of black smoke billowed up from near by streets still burning from the last round of attacks. The couple began the treacherous jog down the road being careful not to trip on a loose slab of cement. They rounded a corner to meet up with the hunter’s battle group. Cerberus, the hulking red RAcast, Sahara, the purple HUcaseal, HitmanJ the green RAmar and Lisa the tiny white and pink RAcaseal awaited their arrival. Cerberus smiled painfully as he greeted his friends.

“Deepfreeze, I see Amanda finally pulled you from that bunker.”

“Not me.” Amanda shook her head, “Kireek.”

“Ah yes, the mutt finally decided to show himself.” Cerberus sighed.

“Situation?” Deepfreeze asked.

“ARKZ has breached our front line finishing the last of WORKS.” HitmanJ reported, “We’ve counted twenty ARKZ soldiers but if they decide to use CARD then the count could get much higher.”

“And you know they will.” Sahara said grimly.

“Falcon’s gone after Kireek correct?” Deepfreeze asked.

“Yes.” Sahara nodded, “He said it was time to settle their dispute.”

“I’m very sorry Sahara.” Deepfreeze replied.

“It’s ok.” Sahara shrugged, “It’s his duty.”

“Let’s hope he can delay him long enough.” Deepfreeze frowned, “Is the shuttle ready?”

“Alexander is prepping it for launch right now.” Lisa smiled slightly.

“That’s my son.” Deepfreeze smiled for the first time in ages, “Lisa, Cerberus, your with us.”

Cerberus and Lisa drew their weapons and stepped up beside Deepfreeze and Amanda. Deepfreeze paused for a minute to look over his flight crew then turned to HitmanJ and Sahara. He looked at them with sorrow filled eyes and hugged them both tightly.

“You two take care of yourselves.” He said shaking HitmanJ's hand, “You guys are like family and I will miss you both.”

“Get Kireek for me.” HitmanJ smiled.

Amanda hugged each of them goodbye then started to weep as she walked away slowly heading for the ship with the others. HitmanJ and Sahara turned back to the battle front. Striker emerged from a burned out building on the left followed by Tessa, Nikki, and Crystal. They were all covered in black soot and sported some nasty looking burns. Nikki’s long red hair was now charred and no longer than the bottom of her head. Her beret still smouldering from fallen ash. Crystal no longer wore her force robes opting for the more manoeuvrable military uniform. Her once long black hair was now military short, greying and covered in dust. Tessa was nursing her left arm which had started to swell and turn purple. HitmanJ went to attend to her at once. Striker, bleeding from several cuts turned to Sahara.

“ARKZ has breeched our second line.” He exhaled. “We took a few of them out but the loses are heavier on our side. I ordered everyone back here.”

“Good.” Sahara replied without even a hint of emotion, “Status.”

“Running low.” Striker shook his head, “And they’ve got a pretty heavy arsenal of monsters.”

Sahara paused for a moment looking a Striker with a very grim expression then shook her head.

“This is the last line then.”

“What?” Striker frowned not quite understanding what Sahara was saying.

“We must hold ARKZ back long enough for our flight crew to escape.” Sahara stated, “Ragol is lost. Who knows, maybe things will improve under ARKZ rule.”

“But we are hunters!” Striker gasped, “Loyal to Pioneer Two.”

“Yes we are.” Sahara smiled, “And we will defend it with our lives.”

Three groups of battered and bleeding hunters emerged from the smoke. They all looked ready to collapse and some had been dragged back by their comrades while others concentrated fire into the smoke. HitmanJ stepped beside Sahara holding Tessa tight.

“ARKZ is here.” He said flatly.

“Here is where they shall stay.” Sahara replied drawing her Cross Scars.

HitmanJ released Tessa and drew his Mila Guld mechguns. They all began walking forward to meet their retreating forces. The hunters formed up and waited. Slowly fifteen Shadowy figures began to appear in the smoke. A light breeze began to blow from the hunters backs clearing away the foggy black cloud that shadowed their enemy. The ARKZ soldiers stopped in a straight line. Each one drew out and held up a CARD. The hunters stood firm knowing they were about to be grossly out numbered. ARKZ activated their CARD forming a line of Boomas, and then drew again. A line of Evil Sharks appeared followed by Sinow Beats and finally a line of Hildebears. The hunters raised their weapons and steadied themselves.

“This is only their first wave.” HitmanJ groaned.

“You mean if we get by this there will be more.” Nikki gasped.

HitmanJ nodded.

“If you want to leave, now is the time.” Striker muttered.

“I’ve never quit before.” Nikki shook her head.

“Ready everyone!” HitmanJ shouted.

“Today is a good day to die.” Sahara sighed.

“Indeed it is.” HitmanJ replied.

Nikki leaned over to Crystal and whispered, “I always thought dying was never good any day.”

Crystal simply nodded. She was too tense to reply. Her thoughts started to drift away focusing on the flight crew as they prepared to depart and especially on the man she couldn’t have but still loved.

“Stay safe Deepfreeze.” She whispered.

The ARKZ commander called out the charge sending their photonic minions into battle while the ARKZ members stood back and watched. HitmanJ responded with a charge order of his own. The battle weary hunters charged forward each knowing this could be the last day of their lives.

Freeze

Jan 9, 2010, 10:52 PM

CHAPTER THREE

Falcon stood silent on the bridge that connected the shuttle to the launch tower watching the battle in the distance. He waited for Black Hound but his thoughts were on his sister who he knew he would never see again. Black Hound had been sighted heading this way so Falcon had ordered the security team to the other two shuttles in an attempt to draw Black Hound to him. A flash of red light drew his attention to the ground. He didn’t see anyone but the elevator began to ascend.

“So you have arrived.” Falcon muttered gripping Sange and Yasha tightly.

The purple HUcast stepped off the elevator holding his twisted black scythe in his left hand. He glared at Falcon then chuckled lightly.

“Just you?” He pointed, “I thought you were smarter than that. You have no chance of defeating me. As you can see I have regained the power Dark Falz had given me and I am no longer under his control. It took years but I managed to harness the power of the D-cells in my Soul Eater.”

“Who says defeating you is my intention.” Falcon pointed back.

“All I have to do is keep you from boarding this shuttle.”

“Would that not require defeating me?” Black Hound frowned.

Movement on a nearby shuttle caught his attention causing him to glance to his right. A team of four hunters were scurrying across the bridge to the airlock. Black Hound smirked and turned back to Falcon.

I see.” Black Hound lowered his head slightly, “You’re here to delay me. So Deepfreeze figured out the ancient text did he. No matter, when I finish with you, I will slice him up into little pieces too.”

“You will never leave this planet!” Falcon cried charging forward.

Black Hound bolted forward leaping high over Falcons head landing directly behind him. Falcon spun around swinging Yasha at Black Hound who simply knocked the attack aside then drove the butt end of the Soul Eater into Falcons chest. The android staggered back but managed to remain on his feet. Black Hound took a swipe at him which Falcon drove aside with one katana then chopped with the second. Kireek blocked with his shield then kicked Falcon in the right shin taking his leg out. Falcon fell to his knees and swung at Black Hound who had to jump back disrupting his second attack. Black Hound bolted for the shuttle air lock. Falcon anticipated this and stuck a katana between the androids legs as he ran past. The sword locked between his legs spinning him around. Black Hound fell on his back then rolled to his stomach. He got to his knees as Falcon raced in driving a foot into Black Hounds chest. Black Hound fell back but as Falcons momentum brought him to Black Hounds waist, he swung the Soul Eater up behind Falcon driving the tip into his shoulder. Falcon jumped forward away from his foe to quickly assess the damage. The attack didn’t have much force behind it and barely pierced his armour.

“You’ll have to do better than that.” Falcon sneered.

“Oh I intend to.” Black Hound growled.

He rushed forward with Soul Eater raised ready to chop Falcon in half. Falcon blocked with crossed katanas but felt something give under the impact accompanied by a loud crack.

“Such inferior weapons!” Black Hound roared as he chopped again.

Falcon blocked again but this time his weakened Yasha gave out snapping in half.

“Signs of things.” Black Hound chopped a third time.

Falcon jumped to the side narrowly missing the attack. The Soul Eater dug deep into the bridge and stuck fast. Black Hound tugged at it then cursed when it would not move. Falcon swung Sange cutting into Black Hounds right arm. Black Hound twisted away then tossed a trap at Falcon who tried to dodge the flying tool but was too slow. It exploded in a purple cloud sending his systems into frenzied chaos. Falcon tried to gain enough sense to dig a sol atomizer from his pack. A sudden impact sent him flailing back, unable to break his fall; he landed flat on his back. His senses returned to normal just in time to see the Soul Eater falling down on him. He raised his left arm in defence. The Soul Eater sliced through his shield and into his arm. It severed the control servos to his hand. Falcon spotted Sange lying just to his right. He grabbed his sword and plunged it into Black Hounds side. The android roared as several systems shorted out. He staggered back a few steps allowing Falcon to climb to his feet. With pure anger and hate burning in his eyes, Falcon marched forward raising Sange for the final blow. Black Hound gripped his wound with his left hand as the fluids poured down his leg to the metal floor of the bridge. He growled as Falcon approached.

“Now it ends.” Falcon said ready to drive his sword into Black Hounds chest.

“You’re right.” Black Hound nodded.

In one fluid motion the Soul Eater swung up taking Falcons right arm off at the shoulder. Falcon paused for a second from the shock of the attack then rushed forward ramming his left shoulder into Black Hound driving him off of the edge of the bridge. Falcon leaned over to watch the android fall but saw nothing. A loud clang from behind caused him to spin around. Black Hound stood glaring at him from the opposite side of the bridge.

“I must congratulate you.” He sneered, “You caught me off guard.”

“You must be much more alert to defeat me.” Falcon replied partially clenching his fist.

His self repair system was quickly restoring his health. Black Hound must have noticed it to because he lunged forward swinging the Soul Eater down at Falcon. Falcon twisted to the left leaving nothing but the bridge railing for the Soul Eater to cut through. He quickly scooped up his broken Yasha and threw it at Black Hound. His grip was still weak so the attack went wide but, as Black Hound watched the sword piece fly by, Falcon scooped up his Sange and swung at his nemesis. The sword dug into Black Hounds right arm cutting open a fluid line but not disabling his hand. Black Hound pulled away and swung. Falcon dodged to the left. Black Hound swung again. Falcon twisted to the right. Black Hound chopped. Falcon blocked with Sange and heard the same sickening crack as before.

“No!” He gasped.

Black Hound began to laugh. Falcon quickly pulled back and drove his sword into Black Hounds chest. The android roared and twisted away breaking Sange off. Falcon swung with the remaining piece of his sword catching Black Hound in the left shoulder. Black Hound kicked back and swung with a sideways motion drilling Falcon in the rib cage. Falcon shuddered for a second as a short circuit surged through his body. Black Hound with drew his weapon and swung again. Falcon blocked with his sword piece then pushed Black Hound back. The purple HUcast roared with anger and rushed forward. Falcon quickly tossed a damage trap which exploded right in Black Hounds face. Black Hound cried out stepping back and gripping his mangled face with his hand. He suddenly went quiet and looked up at Falcon with an evil grin. A stream of smoke began to flow from the Soul Eater and quickly enveloped Black Hound. When the smoke cleared Black Hound was completely repaired.

“You see.” Black Hound shrugged, “You can not defeat me.”

Before Falcon could respond, Black Hound lunged forward swinging low slicing through Falcons right leg. Falcon went down on hand and knee looking up to see Black Hound grinning at him.

“Now it ends.” Black Hound sneered.

He swung down driving the tip of the Soul Eater into Falcons head then with the fluid motion he is famous for, sliced Falcons head clean off. Black Hound pushed Falcons body over with his foot and laughed. The whole structure began to shake as a thunderous roar filled the air. Black Hound spun around to watch the shuttle at the next platform lift off. Black Hound looked back at Falcons corpse and spat.

“You may have accomplished your goal but I shall make sure it was in vane.”

He quickly boarded the shuttle and began the launch sequence.

Sahara shivered as a wave of dread washed over her. She stood still on the battlefield staring straight off into space. Fortunately the fighting had stopped momentarily as each side regrouped. The battle had gone better for the hunters than expected. They had only lost a couple people but the entire ARKZ force of CARD monsters had been destroyed. HitmanJ grabbed Sahara’s arm shaking her from her trance.

“What is it?”

“Falcon is dead.” Sahara replied.

“I’m very sorry but mourning will have to wait.” HitmanJ said, “The next wave will be upon us shortly.”

They hurried back to their line as ARKZ began conjuring another wave of larger and deadlier creatures.

“Status!” HitmanJ barked.

“All guns drained.” Nikki replied, “Doesn’t look like they’ll recharge in time and all our spare battery packs are dead too.”

“Our supplies of fluids are gone too.” Crystal added, “We forces have nothing left in the way of TP.”

“We’re down to blades then.” Striker sighed, “I don’t like those prospects.”

“Nor do I.” HitmanJ sighed turning to the enemy, “If ARKZ wants this planet then they will have to earn it.”

As if the enemy could hear they began to move forward. This wave contained the largest and most deadly of ARKZ's arsenal. The hunters rushed forward to engage the new threat. Several hunters went quickly in the initial clash. Tessa went next as four Mericarol surrounded her. HitmanJ turned to the sound of her cut short scream but the giant flowers left nothing that was recognizable. Nikki and a couple other rangers fell in the pounding bombardment of five Gibbles. Crystal tried to run to their rescue but was cut down by a couple of Delsabers that jumped her from the side. The fighting died soon after as the hunters were pounded into submission. Their numbers reduced to only a few and those still alive were bleeding and broken. Many most likely would not survive the day. The creatures were returned to their CARDs as the ARKZ soldiers finally entered the battle field. The Commander casually strolled up to HitmanJ who was bleeding heavily and missing his right hand. Sahara lay next to him, still functioning but missing both legs.

“You have lost.” The Commander stated, “Surrender and you and all your people shall live.”

“No!” Striker cried rushing forward from a cloud of smoke.

An ARKZ soldier met his charge, blocking his attack and knocking him on his back. Before Striker could recover, the soldier drove his sword into Strikers chest. Striker gurgled out one last curse then relaxed in death. The Commander shook his head slowly and turned back to HitmanJ. Before he could speak a lieutenant came running up.

“Sir, we found more survivors. What shall we do with them?”

“Well?” The Commander frowned at HitmanJ.

HitmanJ remained silent as he considered his options and fought the pain.

“Very well.” The Commander sighed and turned away.

HitmanJ’s heart sunk. He had failed his men.

“No!” Sahara gasped.

“Lieutenant.” The Commander said slowly.

“Sir.” The Lieutenant replied.

“Take the survivors and provide what ever medical care they require!” The Commander said finally.

Sahara let out a deep sigh. HitmanJ slowly laid back and closed his eyes.

“We are not the merciless butchers that Pioneer Two lead you to believe!” The Commander said softly then turned to another soldier, “Get him medical aid and a repair tech for the android. Then take them back to base. We have much to discuss.”

The soldier saluted and hurried off to carry out his orders. The Commander took one last look at the hunters and walked away.

“Ragol maybe lost but at least our flight crew got away.” Sahara said softly.

HitmanJ didn’t answer. His thoughts were far away on his one true love lost long ago. Her face was still as bright and vivid as the day they had met. Sahara was still trying to talk to him but her voice was merely a whisper in the vastness of his conscience. His life was slowly slipping away. The call of eternal rest became ever more inviting, calling him to its dark embrace. He would be with Aphrodite soon. To be with her forever and always. Some one grabbed his hand and squeezed it tight, and then a refreshing wave of cool light flowed over and through him. His strength returned as the call of death quieted then disappeared. He opened his eyes to Sahara’s shinning face. She stepped back and released his hand.

“I’m still alive?” He frowned.

“We thought we were going to lose you.” Sahara sighed.

“You should have let me go.” He moaned.

“Are you crazy?” Sahara whispered, “Why?”

“Everyone I loved is gone.” He said quietly, “The hunters are finished. I have nothing and no one to live for.”

“You have me.” Sahara said, “I’ve lost everyone dear to me too. You are my last friend and I need you. I may be made of metal but I still have feelings and the need for friends.”

“You’ll make new friends.” HitmanJ sighed.

“Eventually but who will help me now?” Sahara frowned, “I’m still a woman.”

“Wait you’re not suggesting?” HitmanJ gasped.

Sahara gave him a soft slap on the head.

“Get your mind out of the gutter.” She frowned.

OK, OK, you win.” HitmanJ smiled, “Where are we?”

“ARKZ Central Hospital in the lower quarter of the forest.” Sahara replied waving a hand, “You’ve been out cold for three days.”

“The other survivors?” HitmanJ asked quickly.

“Being well cared for although a couple are still a little iffy.” Sahara said taking his hand, “If you feel up to it, I’d like to go for a walk.”

“I’d like that.” He smiled and slowly slid off the bed.

Freeze

Jan 17, 2010, 04:36 PM

CHAPTER FOUR

The pre launch sequence was taking way too long. Deepfreeze impatiently watched as the computer cycled through the check list. He glanced out the side window and spotted Falcon engaged with Kireek. He wasn’t faring very well. A ding drew his attention back to the computer screen. The check came out green.

“We’re ready for main engine start.” Cerberus said.

“Every one strapped in?” He asked.

The two girls and Alexander nodded. Cerberus gave him a thumbs up. He glanced out the window again just as the Soul Eater came down on Falcons head, then it came off.

“No.” Deepfreeze gasped and turned away.

The others sat in silence as they read Deepfreeze’s reaction.

“Good bye Falcon.” Amanda whispered.

“Times up Dad.” Alexander said starring at his monitor.

Deepfreeze nodded and reached up to the overhead panel and pressed the start button. The engines roared to life shaking the whole shuttle as it began to lift off. The passengers were pinned to their seats by the G force for a moment before the internal dampers kicked in. The sky quickly turned from light blue to a star filled black. Pioneer Two was on their left surrounded by the smaller ARKZ shuttles. They were busy destroying the last of her defences.

“So, they were after more than just Ragol.” Deepfreeze muttered softly.

“I’ve plotted an intercept course with your map trail.” Cerberus reported.

“Adjusting heading.” Deepfreeze replied banking to the right.

The shuttle lazily drifted right and pitched its nose up. The navigation HUD turned green and Deepfreeze throttled up.

“Uh oh, we’ve got company.” Lisa looked up from her screen.

Pushan added his own little trill as three blips closed in on their position. Amanda quickly raised the shields and charged weapons.

“What to you make of them?” Deepfreeze asked.

“ARKZ attack fighters.” Cerberus replied, “Modified Pioneer Two scout ships. Twin photon cannons and level two shields. Most likely broke off from the Pioneer attack.”

“They could rough us up pretty bad.” Amanda said.

“We need to out run them.” Deepfreeze said, “Reroute power from weapons to engines.”

“Done!” Alexander quipped pounding his panel.

“The lead ship is hailing us.” Lisa said.

“Put him on.” Deepfreeze frowned.

The man’s image appeared on the window HUD.

“Pioneer craft, decelerate and prepare to be boarded.”

“We can’t do that.” Deepfreeze replied, “We are on a very tight schedule. There is no need to detain us. We are leaving the system with no intention of returning. We are not a threat to you.”

“I am under strict orders to detain all Pioneer craft.” The pilot replied, “This is ARKZ space now and all Hunters are officially under arrest.”

“That’s crazy!” Amanda blurted.

Deepfreeze waved her quiet then continued.

“I don’t wish to fight with you but I must be allowed to leave. The fate of the galaxy may depend on it.”

“Do you honestly expect me to believe that?” The pilot scoffed, “Now decelerate and prepare to be boarded.”

“I’m very sorry.” Deepfreeze said and cut the signal, “How much power is left in the aft cannons?”

“Just the primary charge.” Amanda replied.

“Target the lead craft.” Deepfreeze said flatly.

“Target locked.” Amanda nodded.

The ship rocked as the fighter poured energy into its shields.

“Fire.” Deepfreeze said.

Two streams of red energy lanced out from the ships aft turret. The lead craft rolled right avoiding the attack but his wingman wasn’t so lucky taking the blast in his starboard shields draining them and sent the fighter into a spiralling roll. Deepfreeze pushed the throttles to full sub light. He hoped they could hold the fighters off until they cleared the systems gravity well. The ship shook again as the fighter blasted the aft shields. Deepfreeze pulled some evasive manoeuvres but the fighters were too agile.

“Another ship is leaving Ragol and heading this way.” Lisa reported, “Two fighters are breaking off to intercept.”

Kireek.” Deepfreeze spat.

“At least he’s made our job a little easier.” Cerberus shrugged.

“Alex, give me some power to the aft cannons.” Amanda called.

“OK mom.” Alexander replied, “Full charge.”

Amanda targeted the remaining fighter and poured everything she could into his forward shields.

“His forward shields are gone.” Lisa said, “He’s breaking off and heading back to Ragol. The other fighters have broken off too and are limping back with heavy damage.”

“That leaves nothing to hold him up.” Deepfreeze shook his head.

“Kireek’s ship is slightly faster than ours at sub light.” Cerberus said, “We should lose him at light speed.”

“No.” Deepfreeze sighed, “We will only beat him to the destination, and he’ll be hot on our tail when we do.”

“I won’t miss this place.” Amanda muttered.

“Nor will I.” Deepfreeze replied.

He finally got the green light and engaged the light drive. The star field melted into a tunnel of white streaks as the ship jumped to light speed then continued to accelerate. It took several hours to reach the trail laid on the map. Once there Deepfreeze dropped back to sub light, adjusted his heading, then accelerated again, beginning their long journey with Kireek right on their tail.

Ten days passed by with out incident and Deepfreeze had once again recessed to his cabin with his charts and pads coming out only to eat. The cabin door slid open but he didn’t hear anyone enter.

“Are you just going to stay in the door way?” He said without looking up.

“We need to talk.” Amanda replied finally stepping inside.

“About what?”

“Us.” She replied, “You and this unhealthy obsession.”

“It’s not an obsession, it’s a responsibility.” Deepfreeze still did not look at her, “The universe needs me.”

“I need you.” Amanda replied slowly seating her self, “Our son needs you.”

“I’m doing this for him.” Deepfreeze slammed his pad down, “All of this is for him, so he’ll have a future. So he’ll be alive.”

“Are you sure it’s for him and not for her.” Amanda frowned.

“Who?” Deepfreeze frowned, “Rico?”

Amanda nodded slowly.

“This has nothing to do with her.” Deepfreeze waved, “We were only friends and colleagues working to uncover the traitor on Pioneer Two.”

“Really?” Amanda held back a tear, “What about all those time you two were alone. How
close did you really get?”

“Not very.” Deepfreeze sighed, “She wouldn’t let it. I think she knew about us even when we didn’t. If anything she’s the one who made me realize how I felt about you.”

“And what about Alexander?” Amanda pointed, “How much longer is he supposed to go without a father. You’ve missed his entire childhood. His sixteenth birthday is coming up. Are you going to miss that too?”

“No, I…” Deepfreeze started.

“You’re very lucky he loves you as much as he does and doesn’t hold any of this against you.” Amanda started to cry, “Everything he’s done has been for you. To make you proud and to get just a little of your attention and love.”

“But I am proud of him.” Deepfreeze shrugged.

“He needs you.” Amanda wiped away the tears, “I need you.”

Deepfreeze got up and went over and hugged his wife.

“I am sorry.” He said softly, “I never meant any of you pain. I just wanted to protect you.”

“I know.” Amanda cried into his arm, “But we don’t need that, we need you.”

“I promise when we get to where ever it is we are going you and Alexander will be my number one.” Deepfreeze said wiping away her tears.

“Thank you.” She whispered.

The intercom beeped.

“Cerberus to Deepfreeze, we’re approaching the coordinates.”

“We’re on our way.” Deepfreeze replied.

He then took Amanda’s hand and led her to the flight deck. Cerberus was seated at the pilot’s station. Lisa was seated at her station on the left and Alexander had the engineering station in the center. Amanda quickly took her seat on the right as Deepfreeze sat down beside Cerberus.

“We’re here but it’s empty.” Cerberus said.

“There has to be something here.” Deepfreeze said scratching his head, “Why would the map lead us to an empty sector of space.”

“Maybe the map is incomplete!” Lisa shrugged.

“Rico wouldn’t give me an incomplete map and tell me to follow it.” Deepfreeze shook his head.

“What if she didn’t know?” Amanda tipped her hand.

“Rico knew those ruins better than anyone.” Deepfreeze shrugged, “If the rest of the map wasn’t there it was because it never was, but if that’s the case then why put the map there at all. No, we’re missing something.”

“Could you have made a mistake calculating stellar drift?” Lisa suggested.

“Possibly, but then Kireek wouldn’t still be following us.” Deepfreeze replied pointing at the sensor screen.

“I’m just not getting anything on the sensors.” Cerberus said tapping the screen.

“Kireek is dropping out of light speed.” Lisa reported.

There was a bright flash as Kireek's ship reverted to normal speed. He fired off a couple of shots as he flew past the other ship and plunged toward the center of the sector.

“Where is he going?” Lisa frowned.

The hunters watched as a great whirlpool of light opened up and swallowed Kireek’s ship.

“I’m reading a massive rip in the fabric of space time.” Cerberus gasped, “And a massive power source on the other side.”

“A mega wormhole.” Alexander gasped.

“That’s it.” Deepfreeze muttered and shoved the throttles full forward.

“What are you doing?” Cerberus gasped again.

“Following Kireek.” Deepfreeze replied, “If that rip closes we’ll lose him for good.”

“But you don’t know where that goes!” Amanda cried.

“Doesn’t matter.” Deepfreeze shrugged, “This is what the map was leading us too.’

“You don’t know that.” Cerberus shook his head.

“Yes I do.” Deepfreeze nodded, “Hang on.”

The shuttle dove into the swirling pool stretching into a thin stream of light and it plunged into the event horizon reforming instantly on the other side. A nearby explosion shook the shuttle. Deepfreeze banked left out of the line of fire. The hunters paused for a moment as they gazed upon the tri planetary system before them. One planet looked much like Ragol with land masses surrounded by oceans and large industrial cities. The second was a green forest planet and the third was a desert world surrounded by a set of rings. The whole system appeared to be at war with small fighter craft buzzing around like angry wasps. Large cannon fire was flying up from the surface of the planets then plunging hell fire down on their neibours. It was all Deepfreeze could do to stay out of the way, and then he spotted Kireek’s ship close to the moon of the forest planet. He pushed the throttle forward and raced after his prey. The small fighters completely ignored the two larger ships, content to destroy each other. Deepfreeze brought his ship along side Kireek’s and prepared to dock. An explosion rocked the ship and temporarily blinded the crew. Deepfreezes vision quickly cleared to the sight of a large gaping hole in the port side of Kireek’s ship. The android could still be seen through the flight deck window sitting in his seat.

“The ship has completely decompressed.” Cerberus reported.

“We can’t get him then.” Deepfreeze sighed.

“I could.” Cerberus replied looking up from his screen.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Deepfreeze frowned.

“Kireek must be stopped.” Cerberus shrugged, “I’m the only one who can go over there.”

“Alright.” Deepfreeze nodded.

Deepfreeze swung the ship over and locked on with the docking cable. Kireek tried to break away but Deepfreeze reinforced his lock with a couple of grapple cables then escorted Cerberus to the airlock.

“Once you’re inside I’ll decompress the air lock.” Deepfreeze said.

“Ok.” Cerberus nodded then turned to step through the inner door.

“Wait.” Deepfreeze said pulling the ancient sword and its holster from his back, “You’re going to need the Spirit Guard.”

“Thanks.” Cerberus said.

He tossed the holster over his shoulder then drew the sword.

“One more thing.” Deepfreeze sighed holding up his finger.

He plucked Sato from his left shoulder who let out a very surprised meow. He paused for a moment starring down at his little blue Mag. Sato let out a mournful meow.

“Sorry little buddy.” Deepfreeze said softly then looked up at Cerberus, “I want you to take Sato.”

Cerberus had been planet side when the second explosion wiped out everyone’s Mags. Deepfreeze and Amanda had been on Pioneer Two at the time so their Mags were safe but Cerberus’ Nidra had been destroyed.

“I can’t take your Mag. Cerberus gasped.

“You can’t go over there without a Mag.” Deepfreeze frowned.

Cerberus slowly took the blue fox Mag from his friend. Sato turned to her owner and meowed again. She had been constructed long before the discovery of D-cells when Deepfreeze’s mother had joined the local Hunters Guild branch in their home town. Sato had been infused with the D-cell samples that had been collected from a passing meteor, like all Mags giving them the ability to photon blast in Ragol's unusual photonic energy. It was at this time Sato developed her identity disorder thinking she was a cat instead of a fox. Deepfreeze knelt down and looked at Sato nestled in Cerberus’ hands.

“I want you to look out for Cerberus.” He said softly, “He needs your protection Ok?”

Sato meowed.

“Don’t worry about me.” Deepfreeze smiled, “I’ve got Savitri and Pushan to watch over me.”

Sato meowed then floated up to Cerberus’ left shoulder. Cerberus stepped through the door and watched his friends disappear behind the door. The air quickly hissed away then the outer door opened onto the interior of Kireek's ship. Cerberus slowly stepped through the hatch and headed up to the flight deck. The door silently slid open. Kireek was seated at the pilot staring right at him. The android slowly climbed from his seat and picked up the Soul Eater. An explosion pitched the ships nose up breaking the connection between the two ships. Cerberus was sent tumbling back through the flight deck door and down the corridor. Kireek managed to grab the seat holding himself steady. Cerberus slammed hard against the rear bulkhead.

“The internal dampers must be offline.” Cerberus thought.

Cerberus charged back down the hallway with Kireek coming the other way. An explosion impact drove Cerberus hard into the wall knocking him to the floor. Kireek was thrown back landing on his side. The two androids slowly climbed to their feet and watched as a crack began to form between them then pulled apart as the ship broke in half. Without engine power the ship could no longer fight the gravitational pull of the moon. The two halves slowly began to plummet to the surface. Cerberus watched as Kireek turned and headed back to the ladder and descended to the lower deck.

“Where is he going?” Cerberus thought scratching his head then snapped his finger, “The stasis chamber of course. There should be some in this section too.”

He spun around and raced back to the nearest ladder. He dropped through the hatch and smiled. Two chambers where in this section and they were still powered. Cerberus didn’t have time to program any kind of time limit, he just hit the activate function stowed his sword and jumped in. The chamber was simply long flat beds with a clear dome that lowered into place. The live support system would slow the occupants life functions down to a crawl, just enough to keep the body alive or in an androids case keep just enough power running to maintain memory storage. Cerberus’ chamber sealed shut then all his systems shut down putting him in stasis for all eternity.

Deepfreeze watched in horror as a planetary photon missile launched from the forest planet and impacted Kireek’s ship breaking it in half.

“No! He cried pounding the window.

The two women remained quiet until an explosion rocked their ship. Alarms began to blare as the ship pitched down toward the forest planet.

“Manoeuvring thrusters are offline!” Lisa cried.

“Main engines are out too.” Alexander reported.

He tugged at the controls without success. The ship began to side slip as it hit the atmosphere. The hull began to heat as the ship plummeted toward the ground. Deepfreeze quickly switched over to auxiliary power bringing the thrusters back on line. He couldn’t break out of the fall but he did manage to level their decent. A ground to air missile impacted the side of the ship tearing out the wall right in front of Lisa. She screamed as her chair tore free and flew out of the hole.

“Lisa!” Alexander cried as he tried to reach out and grab her.

She slipped past his fingers and disappeared in to the night. Deepfreeze wanted to look but all his concentration was on maintaining control of the ship. They passed over the equator and dove toward the northern hemisphere. The ship dropped down into the forest smashing the red leaved trees and setting the local brush on fire. The ship hit the ground cutting a deep trench in the ground. The ship finally groaned to a halt. The flight deck quickly began to fill with smoke. Deepfreeze climbed from his seat, hurried over to the emergency hatch and blew the door. The shoot instantly deployed. Amanda’s restraint belt refused to release. Alexander quickly cut the belt and helped her to the door. He and Deepfreeze helped her onto the shoot and then followed once she was clear. They slowly stumbled away from the burning ship only to come face to face with a large group of shadowy figures. Amanda fell to her knees choking on the smoke. Deepfreeze knelt down beside her as Alexander watched a single figure step forward. The tall bulky man stepped into the flickering light produced by the burning ship. Alexander gasped as he stared up at the solid lines of a well built male Newman. Deepfreeze just glared up at him. The man stared down at the ranger with stern blue eyes, firm square jaw and pointed ears sticking up and flat against his head. His ears were the same as Amanda’s.

“Are you hurt human?” The man asked.

“I am not injured.” Deepfreeze replied.

“What is your business with these two Newmans?” The man asked.

“This is my wife and that is my son.” Deepfreeze replied.

“What!” The man gasped, “This is not possible.”

“Why not?” Deepfreeze frowned.

“The four races of Gurhal are at war.” The man replied, “We do not mingle with the enemy.”

“I don’t understand.” Deepfreeze frowned.

“How could you not?” The man scowled. “Humans have oppressed the other races for decades. Only now do we rise up against our masters. All we seek is our freedom and independence.”

“I am sorry but we are not from this place.” Deepfreeze replied, “We come from a distant star system.”

“You are aliens?” The man gasped.

“That’s right.” Deepfreeze nodded.

“That explains the strange clothing you wear.” The man said.

“Careful Lord Marco.” A younger man protested, “They could be trying to deceive you.”

Marco eyed the strangers then shook his head.

“I do not believe they are deceiving us.” He said, “Come, we will provide you medical attention. Any human brave enough to wed a Newman is always welcome here.”

“We are honoured Sir.” Deepfreeze replied.

He helped Amanda to her feet and they followed the group back to the village. The local doctor took Amanda into the examining room while the others waited outside.

“Please Sir, would you mind telling me of the home you left.” Lord Marco said.

“Call me Deepfreeze.” He replied, “The planet I come from is called Ragol although my real home is a planet called Coral. Due to an on going war our planet was dieing and we had to relocate to Ragol. Unfortunately it was not the paradise home we hoped for and has also been plunged into a civil war.”

“So you once again run looking for a safe place for your family.” Lord Marco sighed, “I wish I could say you found it.”

“Not exactly.” Deepfreeze shook his head, “We were actually on a mission when we got caught in your war. The ship we were pursuing crashed on your moon and ours; well you saw what happened to ours.”

“I’m sorry you are unable to complete your mission.” Lord Marco.

“Well with the other ship marooned on your moon our mission is kind of complete.” Deepfreeze shrugged.

“Then we must set you up with a new home.” Lord Marco smiled, “You are welcome to stay here. As Lord of this chapter of the Communion of Gurhal I will be able to keep you safe and secret.”

“Communion of Gurhal?” Deepfreeze frowned.

“We are the religious organization that ensures the praise and worship of the holy light is never forgotten.”

“Holy Light?” Deepfreeze tilted his head.

“It is the photon energy that flows through every living thing.” Lord Marco explained, “It also powers all of our technology and gives our Divine Maiden her abilities.

“Sir, I look forward to learning all about this world.” Deepfreeze smiled shaking Marco’s hand.

Freeze

Jan 21, 2010, 10:37 PM

Chapter four has be revised the old chapter five has been added to four.

CHAPTER FIVE

The purple cast stared with sharp piercing yellow eye as it slowly moved closer to its prey. It started to speak in an unknown language, its words garbled by the stream of blood running from under its face plate. The eyes began to bleed as it raised a black twisted sickle also dripping with blood. Everything else was black, only the cast was visible and it began to laugh as it swung its sickle down in to its prey.

Heidi sprang awake screaming in the middle of the night. The only light was from the moon shining through her window. It was the same nightmare that haunted her every full moon. Heidi climbed from her bed and carefully made her way to the washroom. She flipped on the light temporarily blinding her. Her eyes quickly adjusted as she went over to the sink and splashed cold water in her face. She stared at the young woman in the mirror. She was twenty two years old with bright blue eyes lightly tanned skin and long bright white hair that wrapped around her pointed Newman ears that stuck straight up. She dried her face then turned to find her mother standing in the door way.

“Nightmare again?” She asked.

Her mother was a tall beautiful woman with dark brown eyes and short blonde hair. Her ears stuck straight out from her head. She was a member of the local Communion of Gurhal and was away much of the time. Heidi loved her very much but didn’t feel as close to her mother as she thought she should. She nodded at her mother then turned to the bathroom window.

“Same one as always.” Heidi replied with a soft sweet voice that everyone seemed to adore.

“That cast again?” Her mother asked hugging her daughter.

“Uh huh.” Heidi nodded, “I’ve never seen a cast like him and yet there is something so familiar, like I knew him once.”

Her mother paused looking up at the moon in the window then squeezed her daughter tight.

“It’s just a dream.” Her mother said, “Imagination is a very strange thing. It can play tricks on us.”

“Well mine is very cruel.” Heidi sighed.

“You better get back to bed.” Her mother said kissing her cheek, “Busy day tomorrow.”

“Ya, dad’s coming home.” Heidi smiled.

Her father was average height and a well built Newman who had the same ears, blue eyes and white hair that Heidi had. People would say those were the only features Heidi got from him. He was a member of the Guardians and had been called away to deal with the SEED threat, an alien organism that would infect and mutate local plant and animal life. Lately it had been discovered to infect people as well. He was currently on Moatoob the desert planet inhabited by the beast race dealing with massive infection outbreaks. Heidi hugged her mother then returned to her room. The purple cast did not return to her for the rest of the night.

Winter on Neudaiz was nothing more than months of rain except at the most northern and southern tips of the planet where snow actually fell. Heidi’s village was located in this northern region. Heidi’s mother had left early to attend to business at their local Communion branch. Heidi was left to attend to the house before heading out to their neighbour's farm where she worked tending to the animals. Dressed in boots, long pants, and a heavy coat, she set out for the hike through the wet heavy snow. Following the road would have been easier but it would have taken twice as long so Heidi opted for cutting across the back fields. She found farmer Merkan Rutsa in the barn feeding the Ollaka.

“Good morning Miss Kimble.” He smiled.

“Good morning Mr. Rutsa.” Heidi smile back, “Sorry I’m late. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“The nightmare again?” Merkan frowned.

Heidi nodded with a weak smile.

“Think nothing of it my dear.” Merkan shrugged, “Just finish feeding the Ollaka then come see me in the shipping barn.”

“This months Ollaka is ready?” Heidi gasped.

“Despite the hard winter we’ve had, they’ve been well fed.” Merkan grinned and left.

Heidi picked up the feed bucket and began spreading the slop in the troths. The juvenile Ollaka trampled each other as they fought for a place to feed. Heidi watched them for a moment as the ugly four legged beasts slurped up their breakfast. Soon they would be as big as large pigs and acted much the same way but for now they were no bigger than a small dog. Heidi cleaned up the feed buckets at the large tub then proceeded across the yard to where the transport sat docked on the loading bay. She quietly slipped through the door and around the transport to where Mercian’s son was working.

“Hi Heidi.” He beamed.

She just waved back then went to find Merkan, looking back just once to spot the son starring at her. Danon was only a year older than Heidi with short black hair, ears that pointed halfway between hers and her mothers. He was built much like her father but much shorter, in fact he was almost the same height as Heidi. Danon had a crush on her and had even asked her out a couple of times. She liked him but only as a friend and felt bad when she had to turn him down. He had just accepted the rejection and carried on like nothing happened. She knew he would try again soon. Merkan was with a couple stable hands trying to usher a group of Ollaka into the channel leading to the transport.

“Heidi, good.” Merkan grinned, “Grab the food stick and try to convince these guys to leave the pen.”

Heidi nodded and grabbed the short stick that looked much like a long cob of corn. It wasn’t real food but the Ollaka didn’t know that. She climbed over the fence and into the channel. Standing at the open gate she began to wave the stick. One Ollaka caught wind of the scent. It turned and charged at her. Not to lose out on the opportunity for food the others followed the first. Heidi bolted down the channel and tried to hop the fence. Her mud covered boots slipped and she went down. The Ollaka charged right at her. She curled up into a ball hoping the beasts wouldn’t trample her. The Ollaka continued down the channel to the waiting transport. Merkan and the others ran over to tend to her. Merkan carefully rolled her onto her back and began to check for injuries.

“Are you hurt?” One man asked.

Heidi nodded but couldn’t say anything. It took all her concentration to keep from crying. Merkan sensing this smiled warmly.

“It’s ok.” He said, “You can let it out.”

Heidi choked back the tears and took a deep breath.

“I’m alright.” She said at last even though she was anything but.

“Sarin, take her to the house and have my wife look at her.” Merkan said.

“Yes Sir.” Sarin nodded carefully picking up the injured girl.

Merkan’s wife quickly gathered up some blankets to keep Heidi warm then asked her where it hurt. Heidi slowly pointed out each spot the Ollaka had trampled her which Merkan’s wife proceeded to heal with Resta. By the time she finished Heidi was feeling much better.

“I didn’t know you could perform techniques.” Heidi grinned.

“I used to work at the Communion.” The wife replied, “Healing is the first thing we learn though its effectiveness is much reduced without a good wand.”

“I thought technique use was forbidden without being channelled through a weapon.” Heidi frowned.

“That will be our little secret.” The wife winked.

“Right.” Heidi smiled.

Merkan’s wife gathered up a few dishes sitting on the coffee table and left to let the girl rest. Danon burst through the door, looked around spotting Heidi on the couch and hurried over to her.

“Are you alright, does it hurt?” He asked frantically, “When father told me you had been injured I hurried right over.”

“Danon, Danon.” Heidi smiled taking his hand, “It’s ok, I’m not hurt. Your mom fixed me right up.”

“Oh thank the Holy Light.” Danon sighed, “I was so worried.”

“I am a big girl.” Heidi grinned, “I can take care of myself.”

“I am sorry, it’s just you mean the world to me.” Danon replied, “If anything happened to you…”

“You’re very sweet.” Heidi blushed, “Thank you.”

She tried to sit up but Danon pushed her back down.

“No, no, you need to rest.”

“Danon, I’m fine really.” Heidi protested.

“Actually, you have to remain here for a bit.” Danon said solemnly, “We have to make sure you weren’t poisoned.”

“Poisoned!” Heidi exclaimed, “What are you talking about?”

“Unlike Koltova on Parum, Olloka have poisonous barbs under their jaws.” Danon explained, “They use it to paralyze their prey in the wild. If you had actually been attacked you would have been poisoned instantly. Since this was just a stampede we have to make sure you weren’t accidentally jabbed.”

Heidi slumped back on the couch and sighed.

“What would dad think if he saw me like this?”

“I think he’d be very worried about his little girl.” Danon grinned.

“You’re probably right.” Heidi moaned and rolled away from him.

Danon quietly got up and returned to his chores.

Freeze

Jan 27, 2010, 06:41 PM

CHAPTER SIX

Heidi awoke from a firm grip shaking her shoulder. She spun around to find Merkan staring down at her. She suddenly felt very hot and weak. Sweat covered her forehead and ran down the side of her face.

“What?” She horsed.

“You were talking in you sleep.” Merkan said, “Sounded like you were in trouble.”

“That purple cast was chasing me again.” Heidi replied, “It’s strange, he doesn’t usually come during the day and only on full moons.”

Heidi tried to sit up but her body refused.

“Lay still.” Merkan replied, “You’ve been poisoned.

Heidi groaned and let her head fall back against the pillow.

“Esters reverser is no longer strong enough to cure it so she’s gone into town to fetch the doctor.” Merkan explained, “I contacted your mother. She can’t leave the Communion but she’s going to send your father over as soon as he arrives.”

“Oh ya, there was also something about if you had joined the Communion like she wanted this never would have happened.”

Heidi nodded with a weak smile, “And Dad wants me to be a Guardian.”

“Is that why you’re still working for me?” Merkan frowned.

“I just don’t know what to do with my life.” Heidi sighed.

“Is either path right for you?” Merkan frowned.

“If one could tell me who the purple cast is then yes.” Heidi replied.

“And you’re sure he’s real?” Merkan asked.

“It’s the only thing I am sure of.”

“It sounds like Guardians work to me.” Merkan said then smiled, “Don’t quote me on that.”

He turned and slowly left stepping out just as his wife walked in.

“You’re up.” She smiled, “Don’t worry dear; the doctor is just gathering his things. He’ll get you fixed right up.”

Several hours passed before Heidi’s father appeared at the door. Heidi beamed with delight and sat up. The medicine must be working because she was feeling much better.

“Daddy!” She cried.

“Hi Snowflake.” Jonathan smiled hugging her tight, “How’s my girl?”

“Much better.” Heidi replied squeezing him tight.

“Sorry I’m late but the flyer base was packed.” Jon said, “There’s been a seed outbreak on Moatoob so most of the flyers are evacuating people from the surrounding areas.”

“Seed again.” Heidi frowned, “Are the beasts ok?”

“We’ve had casualties.” Jon sighed, “The military has begun purification procedures, and we don’t have enough Guardians to help those not yet infected. We uh could use another Guardian.”

“I know Dad but Mom wants me to be a Communion member.” Heidi sighed, “I don’t
want to disappoint either of you.”

“What ever decision you make, I’ll be proud of you.”

“Thanks Dad.”

“Now.” He said helping her up, “Let’s get you home.”

The ride home was very quiet which surprised Heidi. Normally her father didn’t stop talking to her, sharing stories and answering her questions. The family transport pulled up to the front door and her father helped Heidi in to the family room couch where she instantly crashed. She slept all afternoon until her mother arrived home bursting through the front door.

“Where is she?” Her mother yelled.

“Who?” Jon asked poking his head out from the kitchen.

“Your daughter!” Mom fumed.

“She was sleeping on the couch.” Jon replied.

Her Mom stormed off to the living room where she found Heidi just waking up. She stood over her daughter and glared down at her.

“Hi Mom.” Heidi said rubbing her eyes.

“This foolishness has got to come to an end young lady.” Mom glared.

“Huh?” Heidi frowned still half asleep.

“Tomorrow you are coming to the Communion where you are going to be taught to be a proper young woman.” Her Mom stomped.

“Mom no!” Heidi gasped.

“Karin wait.” Jon said entering from the kitchen.

He finished drying his hands and set the towel down, looked at his daughter then up at his wife.

“You’re over reacting just a little bit.” Jon said, “You can’t force Heidi into the
Communion just because that’s what you want. She needs to find her own spot.”

“Is working on a farm really a place for our daughter?” Karin shot.

“Of course not.” Jon shook his head, “She’s a very sharp young woman who will find her place and when she does she will be the greatest.”

Heidi couldn’t stop from blushing and sheepishly turned away.

“We can’t push her.” Jon continued, “She’ll find it and soon I think.”

Heidi gasped and stared up at her father who just smiled back.

“Until then she is going to join me at the Communion and at least get some proper training.” Karin glared.

“Honey I don’t think….” Jon started.

“Jon, I’m not budging on this.” Karin glared.

“I suppose it couldn’t hurt as long as you don’t force her to sign up.” Jon glared back.

“I suppose she’d never forgive me if I did.” Karin sighed, “Alright.”

“Dad I don’t want too.” Heidi started to protest.

Jon held up his hand stopping her.

“I know you’re a grown woman and don’t have to do anything we tell you anymore but
please do this for your mother.” Jon said, “Give it a try and if you don’t like it you don’t have to join.”

“Jon.” Karin started to protest.

“She’s going to try it but you agreed not to force her.” Jon replied.

“I did, and I will honour that.” Karin sighed.

“Ok.” Jon nodded then looked down at Heidi, “Ok?”

“Ok.” Heidi sighed.

“Great, the world famous Kimble stew will be ready shortly.” Jon smiled.

“One of my favourites.” Heidi giggled.

Karin gave a weak smile obviously not impressed with tonight’s meal selection. Jon smiled and went back to the kitchen. Karin looked down at her daughter with a frown.

“Why did you tell him you liked it?”

“Because I do Mom.” Heidi shrugged, “I know you never developed a taste for our family cooking but these recipes go back, what, at least six generations. Our family history is a little fuzzy past that.”

“I always did wonder where Kimble came from.” Karin sighed with a shrug, “There are no other Kimble’s anywhere in Gurhal.”

“No there aren’t.” Heidi shook her head, “But I think it is a very pretty name and I’m proud to have it.”

“You are your father’s daughter.” Karin sighed and exited the room.

Heidi turned back to the hollow viewer just as Gurhal Channel Five news came on with Hal reporting in her usual over perky style.

“Oh no, not Hal.” Heidi moaned and quickly searched for the remote.

She found it hiding under a cushion and was just about to change the channel when Hal began talking about the Seed out break on Moatoob. Images showing the AMF troops moving in to purify the infected areas.

“Casualties are growing at a steady rate despite the best efforts of the Guardians.” Hal reported, “Critics from Moatoob's trade federation are blaming Guardians president Dallgun for the Guardians ineffectiveness. In response President Dallgun has sent Guardian ace Laia Martinez and her new trainee Rolf Anderson along with Guardian veteran Tonnio Rhima to over see the Guardians operations and to assist the AMF with purification. In a shocking development Laia Martinez has discovered that the large number of Seed creatures spotted in infected areas are indeed mutated beasts that have been exposed to the Seed Virus. Miss Martinez has begun to put pressure on the AMF to stop all purification but due to the lack of available vaccine the AMF has refused.”

“Oh no.” Heidi gasped.

She didn’t hear her father enter but she felt him squeeze her shoulder.

“That’s the A.M.F.’s answer to everything.” He said softly, “Blast it off the planet before it spreads.”

“But the pour beasts.” Heidi sniffed, “Shouldn’t someone try to help them?”

The Guardians have Mia Shidow working around the clock on the vaccine but it’s still untested and as Hal said there just isn’t enough of it.” Jon said, “We are short on people too so all we can do right now is just try and get people out of the way.”

“Is Neudaiz in danger?”

“No more or less than the other planets.” Jon replied, “Moatoob seems to be particularly appealing to the Seed right now. It may have something to do with the strange A-photon research Laia discovered there. We can’t even send people to investigate that.”

Jon rubbed Heidi’s shoulder then turned back to the kitchen as he muttered, “Maybe Ethan will turn up something.”

“What was that Dad?” Heidi starred over the back of the couch.

“Nothing Snowflake.” Jon smiled, “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”

Heidi nodded and turned back to the viewer. She was beginning to hate the nickname Snowflake. It sounded very childish and she was a grown woman now, she just didn’t have the heart to tell her father. He still saw her as his little girl and she was his only child. As she began to think back through what she knew of her family tree she realized that every generation was an only child. This was something she needed to ask her father. She leaped off of the couch and nearly toppled onto the coffee table as a wave of dizziness swept over her.

“Woh, not better yet.” She said as the dizzy feeling went away.

She wandered over to the kitchen and sat down at the table. Her mother was already seated and her father was dishing out the stew.

“Dad?” She said as she watched the bowl settle in front of her.

“Yes sweetie.” Jon smiled.

“Why don’t I have any brothers or sisters?”

“Ah well.” Her father stuttered.

“It’s a strange genetic condition that runs in the family.” Her mother said, “Kimble men can only conceive once, then their uh, system shuts down.”

“Mom, I’m a big girl now.” Heidi frowned, “You don’t have to sugar coat things, believe me I’ve heard much worse.”

“Sorry dear.” Karin shrugged.

“So Grandpa is an only child as was Great Grandpa.” Heidi tilted her head.

“That’s right.” Jon nodded, “Every Kimble man has joined the Guardians since it was formed.”

“Jon.” Karin glared.

Jon just shrugged with a grin then looked back at Heidi, “You are the first girl ever born since the start of our family line here in Gurhal.”

“So our family name ends with me?”

“I’m afraid so.” Her father sighed.

“That’s terrible!” Heidi gasped shaking her head and staring down at her stew.

“Not entirely.” Jon replied, “We had a feeling this would happen eventually. It’s been passed down that this would be a sign.”

“A sign for what?” Heidi tilted her head.

“I’m not really sure but our family has been expecting something big.” Jon shrugged, “Could be something good, could be something really bad.”

“Jon please.” Karin shot, “The girl is troubled enough with these nightmares.”

“One thing we do know is it has something to do with the ancient legend our family kept safe.” Jon said taking a bit of his stew.

“What legend?” Heidi asked swirling her fork around.

“Forget it.” Karin waved, “It’s just some stupid story that your really Great Grandfather
believed in.”

“He believed in it so strongly that it consumed his entire life.” Jon shot, “He even made his son promise to keep the secret safe so that evil could never get its hands on it.”

“Must be something very powerful.” Heidi smiled.

“The power of life I think.” Jon replied.

“It’s just a story now eat your stew.” Karin pointed.

The rest of the meal was fairly quiet with only Jon doing any talking as he told then of his latest adventures with the Guardians. Heidi always loved hearing all the adventures her father got to go on. The stories continued once dinner was done and the family retired to the living room. Jon left out the more grisly details on the Seed which Heidi was thankful for. It wasn't that she was squeamish but she didn’t like hearing about people getting hurt. The evening finally wore out along with the stories so everyone retired to their beds. Heidi had a quick shower checking the small red spot where the Ollaka had jabbed her. It was still a little sore but it was healing well. She changed into her pyjamas and crawled into bed. She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, only to be greeted by the purple cast.

Freeze

Feb 1, 2010, 04:59 PM

CHAPTER SEVEN

Morning came much too soon for Heidi’s liking. Her mother came to wake her. She was dressed in her communion uniform. Heidi groaned and climbed out of bed, quickly pulling on her blue knee length shorts and her light blue jacket. Her grey Prita short boots where waiting at the door. She pulled them on and started out the door.

“Hi Snowflake!” Her father called.

She turned to look only to find a wrapped sandwich flying at her.

“Eat it on the ride.” Her dad yelled.

She caught it with both hands then waved goodbye as she scurried out the door. She climbed aboard the bus and sat down beside her mother. The two didn’t say much but then Heidi couldn’t have had a conversation if she wanted too; her mouth was full of dad’s sandwich. The bus finally stopped in front of the Communion. Heidi and her mom stepped off and were greeted by a man dressed in long white robes.

“Good morning Karin.” He smiled.

“Good morning Master Ruka.” Karin smiled.

“Ah this must be Heidi.” Ruka grinned, “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Hello.” Heidi smiled.

“We’ll try to make you feel right at home.” Ruka said, “You’ll quickly see that the Communion of Gurhal is the best place for us Newmans.”

“We’ll see about that.” Heidi muttered.

Master Ruka turned and ushered the two women inside. He picked up a stack of forms from the front desk and handed them to Karin. She bowed then departed down a long hallway. Master Ruka turned to Heidi.

“I believe I’ll start you in document restoration. It always gives our new members an appreciation for the history and religion that is the Communion.”

Heidi just nodded and followed Ruka down the hallway that was decorated in the Communions usual predominant red, into a room where three other girls were working. They looked to be in their late teens dressed in plan tan coloured robes. None of them looked up to acknowledge the newcomer. Master Ruka quietly led Heidi to a back table. She carefully sat down eyeing the scrolls piled high in front of her. They were made of some kind of ancient parchment that had yellowed long ago and looked quite delicate. Master Ruka carefully unrolled one and placed it in front of Heidi then activated the view screen mounted on the corner of the table.

“This data base contains the original script of every scroll in this building.” Master Ruka said softly, “Simply enter the number ID tag located on the corner here then take your ink pen and fill in any spots where the text has faded or missing.”

“That looks like the entire document.” Heidi frowned.

The one of the other girls shot her a frown.

“Please keep your voice down.” Master Ruka scowled.

“Sorry.” Heidi whispered.

“Once you’re done, carefully roll up the scroll and place it on that cart by the door.” Master Ruka pointed then left without looking back.

Heidi sighed and picked up the pen to begin her life long career as a Communion member. After two hours of tedious writing in complete silence Heidi couldn’t stand it any longer. She had to talk to someone, so she leaned over and whispered to the black haired girl at the next table. The same one that had given her the look earlier.

“Hi, I’m Heidi.”

“Excuse me; I am trying to work here.” The girl snapped.

“You really like this silence thing?” Heidi frowned.

“It helps me concentrate.” The girl snapped.

“We could do this and still talk.” Heidi shrugged, “It would make this job more enjoyable.”

“It isn’t about enjoyment.” The girl shot, “It’s about mental discipline.”

“Hey keep it down, I’m trying to work.” The red haired girl said.

“Oh lighten up; we could use something to break up this boring job.” The purple haired girl frowned.

The two other girls shot her a dirty look so she clamped her mouth shut and went back to her work. Heidi worked well into the afternoon stopping only for lunch, hating every moment of it. She spent most of her time daydreaming about her father’s adventures. Finally having enough she slammed her pen down. The other girls stopped and stared.

“Tell me this.” She fumed jumping from her seat, “Is this what I can expect for the rest of my life here?”

“Ah yep.” The purple haired girl said.

“Yes.” The brunette replied.

“Pretty much.” The red head nodded.

“Well this sucks.” Heidi nearly spat, “This doesn’t help anyone.”

“If you’re smart enough you might get moved into research and development.” The purple haired girl said, “They did build the lattice shield after all.”

“I’m no genius.” Heidi shook her head, “I can’t invent things.”

“Guard maybe?” The brunette girl shrugged.

“She still wouldn’t be helping anyone.” The red haired girl shook her head, “Let’s face it, if helping people is what you really want to do, then the Communion is the wrong place for you.”

“Thank you.” Heidi smiled, “I have decided one thing.”

“What’s that?” The brunette girl asked.

“I’m leaving.” Heidi giggled and ran out.

The other girls sat still for a moment staring at each other, and then the purple haired girl stood up.

“I’m leaving too.” She announced

“Me too.” The red haired girl joined in.

“But the Communion is the only place where we Newmans can become true Newmans.” The brunette frowned, “We are supposed to be here. Only the privileged few get to join the Communion.”

“Stay here if you want but the rest of us are getting out of this prison.” The red haired girl said.

The brunette sat for a moment staring at her scroll before standing up and running for the door.

“Wait for me!” She called, “I’m coming too!”

Not a minute after she left Master Ruka returned to check on Heidi.

“What has happened here?” He sputtered, “No, we can’t loose anymore girls. Head office needs them.”

He hurried down the hall to the security office. The guards jumped as he burst through the door.

“Act lively, we’ve got four runners.” He shot.

“Yes Sir.” The chief snapped.

He led his men down the hallway toward the front door. Heidi was standing outside when the other girls burst out and ran up behind her softly bumping her.

“We decided to join you.” The red head said squeezing Heidi’s arm.

“I never meant for you to quit.” Heidi gasped.

“It’s ok, we were miserable.” The purple haired girl smiled.

“I’m still not sure this is a good idea.” The brunette said looking around, “But I am glad to be outside.”

They heard the alarm start to blare inside the building.

“Uh oh.” The red head said, “They know we’re gone.”

“How much trouble will we be in if we get caught.” Heidi asked.

“Lots.” The girl replied grabbing Heidi’s arm.

She dragged Heidi down the street before ducking down an alley way. They stopped to catch their breaths and plan their next move.

“Someone please tell me what’s with the high security in that place.” Heidi said taking a deep breath.

“We are runners.” The red head replied, “The Communion doesn’t like deserters. Once you’re in you are in for good. I’m Maya Dayton by the way.”

“Heidi Kimble.” Heidi smiled.

“I’m Shelly.” The purple haired girl nodded, “And that’s Ami.”

“A pleasure.” Ami nodded.

“So what do we do first?” Heidi asked.

“Uh we thought you knew.” Shelly frowned.

“Not me.” Heidi shook her head, “I’m just a simple farm girl.”

“Well I’m just a computer nerd.” Ami sighed, “Yes I admit it.”

“So is that it?” Maya asked, “Do we just give up?”

“No, we can’t give up now.” Shelly whimpered, “I just got out.”

Heidi’s eyes glazed over and she sat very still staring straight ahead. The girls continued to squabble over their situation until Ami noticed Heidi’s condition.

“Heidi, are you ok?”

“Heidi, hello.” Shelly said waving her hand in front of Heidi’s face.

The whites of Heidi’s eyes turned bright red and she snapped to attention.

“What’s our situation?” Heidi asked

“What?” Ami frowned.

“Situation hurry.” Heidi snapped.

“Uh we are running from the Communion guards who want to take us back and imprison us there forever.” Maya said.

“Ok, first thing you girls need to do is ditch those robes.” Heidi said.

“But that would mean we’d be in our under wear.” Ami gasped, “And it’s not exactly warm out.”

“Not to mention embarrassing.” Shelly giggled.

“I’ll do it.” Heidi said, “Does any one have any currency?”

“We have our meseta cards but the moment anyone uses it they’ll know where we are.” Maya said.

“You use meseta here?” Heidi asked.

“Uh ya.” Shelly frowned, “Heidi what is wrong with you.”

“I am not this Heidi.” She replied, “My name is Amanda, I am a member of the Hunters Guild. My first concern is your safety. Remain here while I fetch you some new clothing.”

“Ok.” Ami nodded slowly.

Heidi returned a few minutes later with two bags full of cloths for her friends. They quickly pulled off the robes and put on the new cloths. Several guards ran passed the alley entrance. Heidi signalled for the girls to freeze. When she was sure the guards were not coming back she signalled the all clear, and then slowly approached the street. She couldn’t see any guards around to she returned to the alley.

“We can not remain here.” Heidi said.

“So what do we do.?” Shelly asked.

She was now dressed in a red coat, long black pants, and shoes. She had even tied her purple hair into a pony tail using an elastic band from her shoes. Ami had short black hair so there wasn’t much to do with it and she had chosen the purple coat. Maya’s red hair was styled much the same as Heidi’s and had even chosen the blue coat. She giggled saying they were now twins. Heidi just nodded.

“I know!” Ami snapped her fingers, “The mall.”

“I haven’t been there in ages.” Shelly squealed.

“Let’s go then.” Maya nodded.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Heidi said.

“Why not?” Ami frowned.

“The Communion guards are still looking for us.” She explained, “Going to an open public place is a sure way to get caught. We need a place to hide for a while.”

“Oh.” Ami nodded.

“Truth is no place is safe from the Communion.” Maya shook her head.

“We need some place that they won’t look for us.” Heidi said, “I think I might have an idea.”

Heidi got up and headed for the street. The other girls followed right behind obeying every instruction Heidi gave them. They soon made it to the edge of town just narrowly avoiding the guards. They stood at the edge of a snow covered field. No one was really dressed for such a hike but it was better than spending a life time at the Communion. Heidi took the first step into the deep wet snow. The sky lit up as a giant fire ball appeared in the sky. The girls watched as it left a long fire trial through the atmosphere. Maya tugged on Heidi’s arm.

“Uh Amanda, is it just me or is that headed right for us?’

“I think you’re…”

She was cut off as the object slammed into the field. The large burning pod opened up and began releasing little floating flowers that began to spread in the wind. People began to gather around the strange object.

“What is it?” Shelly asked.

“The Seed.” Someone said, “It’s here!”

Master Ruka and a group of his guards pushed their way through the crowd to the front. He either failed to notice the girls or just plain ignored them. Shelly tapped Heidi on the shoulder and pointed him out. Heidi nodded then slowly pushed the other girls back into the crowd.

“But I want to see.” Ami cried.

Heidi clamped her hand on Ami’s mouth.

“Are you trying to get us caught?” She growled, “Be quiet and follow me.”

Heidi glanced back and gasped as she saw dark creatures begin to form around the infected area. These weren’t infected animals typical of Seed attacks these were the actual Seed monsters found in hives. The Communion was ushering people back but doing nothing about the real problem. A small group of people allowed the monsters to get too close and were immediately attacked. Heidi stood in horror as the Communion guards ignored the cries of the victims and continued to usher people back. The three girls behind her also stood in horror.

“Why don’t they do something.” Ami gasped.

“Is this what the Communion is really good for?” Maya gasped.

The crowd began to break up and scatter as hysterical panic washed over it like a giant tidal wave drowning each person in its uncontrolled emotion. This further increased the number of attacks compounding and feeding the hysteria. Heidi and her friends were trampled down by a large group fleeing from the oncoming attack. It was all they could do to avoid being stomped on. The trampling feet finally thinned out allowing Heidi to slowly look up only to stare death in its face. A Delsaban staring down at her even though they have no recognizable face, just a large yellow circle divided in to four by a cross formed by its black flesh. It let out a metallic ghostly scream then raised its sword shaped arm ready to impale her. The arm came down but was suddenly stopped by a wand that seemed to appear from no where.

“Heidi run!”

She looked up into the face of a white haired middle aged Newman man. He glared back at her.

“What are you waiting for?” He asked then yelled, “GO NOW!”

“Do you have an extra weapon Sir?” She asked.

“What?” He gasped, “No, now run.”

“AMANDA HELP!” Shelly called.

She glanced over at her friends who where being stalked by two Delsabans. She sprang to her feet and ran to them. She slammed her shoulder into one causing it to fall into its partner. She quickly grabbed Ami’s wrist and lead them away from the monsters. When they were far enough back she stopped and glanced back at the white haired man. He was joined by two beast males. One was tall with light brown fur dressed in a red coat and pants. The other looked like a child wearing a simple black and purple tunic.

“Do you guys know who they are?” Ami squealed, “That’s Leo Berafort, and Tonnio Rhimma.”

“No way.” Shelly gasped, “Famous Guardians here.”

Heidi suddenly became dizzy. Her legs became weak and her eyes rolled back as she collapsed to the ground.

“Amanda!” Maya cried.

She was the first at Heidi’s side quickly checking for injuries.

“What happened?” Ami asked.

“I don’t know.” Maya shook her head, “She just collapsed.”

Maya softly called Amanda’s name as she softly tapped Heidi’s face. The girl moaned and slowly opened her eyes. The red was gone and the white had returned.

“Oh my head hurts.” Heidi groaned.

“Are you hurt Amanda?” Shelly asked.

“Amanda?” Heidi frowned, “whose Amanda?”

“Isn’t your name Amanda?” Ami frowned.

“What?” Heidi frowned as she slowly sat up, “I told you guys already, my name is Heidi.”

“But you said earlier.” Shelly frowned, “That was after you said it was Heidi then you changed it.”

Heidi looked around but couldn’t see much due to the crowd.

“Where am I?”

“On the edge of town.” Maya replied, “We’re being attacked by the Seed.”

“Seed!” Heidi gasped jumping to her feet.

“It’s ok.” Shelly said, “Three Guardians are here.”

Heidi looked out spotting the Guardians engaged with the Seed.

“Dad.” She gasped.

“So the Newman is your father.” Maya smirked.

“He’s very handsome.” Shelly giggled then quickly wiped it from her face and sputtered, “For an old guy.”

“Lucky for us he was here.” Maya smiled.

“Lucky for us they are here.” Shelly swooned, “Tonnio is so cute.”

Heidi shook her head slowly still feeling a little light headed. The three Guardians quickly eliminated the monsters then proceeded to purify the seed pod. Once the threat had been eliminated, Master Ruka stepped up assuring everything was safe again acting as though he had single handily defeated the SEED. The crowd slowly dispersed leaving the Communion with the chore of dealing with the injured and dead. Heidi and the girls quietly slipped away and ran after the Guardians. Tonnio spotted them first.

“Guys look, fans.” He grinned.

“Hey Jon, the one in the lead looks just like you.” Leo elbowed him.

“She’s my daughter.” Jon frowned.

“So we finally get to meet this daughter we’ve heard so much about.” Leo smiled.

“As a fellow family man you’ve had your share of stories.” Jon grinned.

“A father’s right.” Leo nodded.

“Hello girls.” Tonnio smiled tried to look macho.

The three teenagers swarmed him laughing and giggling as Tonnio absorbed every bit of their admiration. Heidi went straight to her father.

“Dad, I’m so glad you’re here.” She smiled.

“Heidi, why didn’t you run when I told you too?” Jon glared.

“What?” Heidi frowned, “When did you…. I never heard… I mean I don’t remember.”

The stern look drained from Jon’s face. A concerned look crossed Leo’s face as he turned to look down on the girl.

“Heidi are you all right?” Jon asked.

“Something weird happened dad.” Heidi said, “I was at the communion and I got tired of it so I tried to leave. My new friends decided to join me. I remember running into Communion guards then I woke up here and they were calling me Amanda.”

“This is very strange Jon.” Leo said, “She should see a doctor.”

“Good idea.” Jon nodded, “This might be some thing the medics on Clyez City might want to see.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing Dad.” Heidi shook her head then turned to Leo, “Thank you Mr. Berafort; you saved me and my friends.”

“No thanks necessary.” Leo waved his hand, “And please call me Leo.”

“Yes Mr. Leo.” Heidi grinned.

“You have your fathers’ sense of humour I see.” Leo chuckled.

“Dad.” Heidi said turning to her father, “I want to be a Guardian.”

“I had a feeling that’s what you were going to pick.” Jon smiled.

“You did?” Heidi frowned.

“Sure.” Jon nodded, “You’re too much of a free spirit to be cooped up in a temple for the rest of your life.”

“You’re too much like your old man.” Leo nodded, “Always the adventure seeker.”

“Leo could you take Heidi to the colony and help her get signed up?” Jon asked.

“Of course.” Leo nodded once.

“Wait, you’re not coming?” Heidi gasped.

“This is where we must separate.” Jon said, “As your father I can not be there during your training. Conflict of interest or something.”

“Don’t worry Heidi; the Guardians will pair you with the best instructor for your talents.” Leo smiled, “I’m sure you’ll do quite well in basic training.”

Jon bent down and hugged his daughter as he whispered, “Be strong my little Snowflake.”

“Let’s go.” Leo waved.

The three girls standing around Tonnio looked at each other then Ami stepped forward.

“Can we be Guardians too?”

“Of course.” Leo smiled, “We need all the people we can get.”

Ami and Shelly squealed with delight. Maya followed in the back looking a little less happy.

“My mother is going to kill me.” Maya muttered.

Heidi was the last to board the flyer looking one last time at her father and her home. Master Ruka had spotted them and came charging with three guards. Jon stepped in front blocking them. Master Ruka looked very angry as Jon kept him back. Heidi shot him a little smile and waved as the door slid shut. The shuttle lifted off pitching up to space leaving Neudaiz and Heidi’s home behind.

Freeze

Feb 3, 2010, 10:02 PM

CHAPTER EIGHT

Mina, the Guardian Colony’s receptionist, nearly jumped out of her skin as a tall black man seemingly appeared out of nowhere. He was about six foot five sporting well groomed greyish blue hair, matching goatee and orange tinted sunglasses. He wore a blue long coat with a white stripe that ran from the front of the left shoulder to the center of the coat then down the front. The collar was trimmed in white fur. His pants were blue and black military style with heavy boots and gloves. He glared at her holding out his license.

“Jeez Iceberg.” Mina gasped, “How do you do that?”

“Years of training and discipline.” Iceberg replied in a deep raspy voice.

“I’m sure.” Mina replied as she brought up his file, “OK, I have your next assignment.”

She handed him a data card then looked around.

“I don’t see Isis yet.”

“She is delayed.” Iceberg stated, “I will deliver her assignment.”

Mina shook her head, “You know I can’t release her form without her Guardians license.”

“We have the same assignment.” Iceberg frowned. “She will get my information. That will be sufficient.”

He turned and walked away.

“Hey come back. That won’t work.” Mina called then signed, “Ah crap, may the Holy Light guild you.”

Iceberg waved without looking back as he stepped through the door. He casually strolled down the ramp to the fourth floor where a large group of Guardians had gathered for idle chat. He ignored the noise and began reading through the mission details. A small satellite relic site had been discovered on the northern continent of Neudaiz and had begun emitting strong A-photon emissions. He was instructed to meet Maya Shidow at the flyer base and proceed to the site. Iceberg was not impressed with the prospect of working with Maya. She was too much of a manipulator for his taste. He preferred facing his opponents in clear defined combat rather than deceit. He deactivated the pad then stored it in his nanotransformer, a device used to convert matter into energy and store its pattern in its memory. He casually strolled over to the Neudaiz PPT gate to get away from the noise and tapped his ear piece communicator. It beeped several times before Isis answered. She was a tall beast with lightly tanned fur and long bright blue hair that she usually tied the end together. She wore a pink western cowgirl top, red shorts and black knee high boots.

“Iceberg, is that you?” She asked.

“It is indeed.” Iceberg replied.

“Can you hang on a minute?” Isis yelled, “I’m a little busy.”

“I’m afraid I can’t.” Iceberg shook his head, “I have received our next assignment and time is of the essence.”

“Look out!” Isis yelled to someone, “Look, I’m not finished with my current mission.”

Iceberg let out a soft growl, “Fine, when you have completed your objective, meet me at the Ohtoku City flyer base on Neudaiz.”

“Fine, bye.” Isis huffed and cut the signal.

Iceberg stood staring at the gate entrance for a moment. He was in no mood to spend any time alone with Maya. The female cast at the gate just stared back at him with a stupid grin.

“What!” He growled.

“Are you going to be using our service today?” The cast asked.

“Yes, so?” Iceberg frowned.

“The next shuttle leaves in five minutes.” The cast replied, “There won’t be another one for an hour.”

“Then I had better get aboard.” Iceberg mumbled.

“Indeed, and may the Holy Light guild you.” The cast smiled.

“Stuff it.” Iceberg muttered as he walked by.

The shuttle ride to Neudaiz only took a few minutes causing Iceberg to wonder why there was going to be a full hour before there was another shuttle. He disembarked from the shuttle then quickly exited the port. Night time in Ohtoku City was lit up by the many lanterns hanging over the streets casting a soft blue and purple glow on the Newman citizens that were beginning their journey home. Iceberg walked over to the nearest bridge that crossed the river, stopping at the center of it and leaning up against the railing to watch the fish swim by below. He looked up and took a quick survey of his surroundings finally spotting Maya waiting by the flyer base. He groaned at the thought of having to work with such a promiscuous scientist and it wouldn’t be the first time she had tried her charms on him to get her way, however his years of self discipline allowed him to easily resist her. She was attractive and sexually appealing however Iceberg found her weak of character and so he could never be attracted to her. He was pulled from his thoughts by a tug at his pants. He looked down into the smiling face of a young Newman girl around the age of five.

“Are you a Guardian?” The girl asked.

“I am.” Iceberg nodded with a smile.

“Are you here to fight the aliens?” The girl tilted her head.

“Aliens?” Iceberg frowned then smiled as he realized who the girl was talking about, “Yes, I am.”

“They came to my home yesterday.” She said quietly, “Mommy and Daddy took me away. We don’t have a home now.”

Iceberg knelt on one knee and looked into the girls eyes. He saw the fear and sadness. It was enough to make most people shed a tear.

“Are you saying the Seed is here?” He asked.

“They came from the sky.” The girl pointed up, “They set fires, hurt people. We had to run.”

“No one stayed to fight?” Iceberg frowned.

“Some.” The girl sniffed, “They got hurt bad.”

“What about officials, military, any warriors?” Iceberg asked forgetting who he was talking too.

“What?” The girl frowned.

“Anaya!” A voice called, “Anaya, there you are.”

Iceberg rose to his feet as a dark haired Newman woman came running up.

“What have I told you about talking to strangers.” She said as she scooped up her daughter.

“But Mommy, he’s a Guardian.” The girl pointed.

“Oh.” The woman said then looked up at Iceberg, “I’m sorry for the interruption. Anaya seems to be drawn to you guys.”

“It is no interruption; reports such as your daughters are welcome and important
information.” Iceberg said, “Perhaps some day she shall become a Guardian.”

“Ya.” The woman frowned, “I’m sorry, we’ll be going.”

“Just one moment please.” Iceberg said holding up a finger.

“Yes.” The woman replied slowly.

“Your daughter was just telling me about a Seed attack on your home.” Iceberg said, “Was there any action by the officials to counter such an attack?”

“The Communion evacuated our village and quarantined the area.” The woman said, “They told us not to mention anything as they would handle the attack and provide temporary shelter for us. I don’t know about the Seed but they have done nothing about providing us with shelter.”

“The Communion has always been reluctant to accept help from outside.” Iceberg frowned, “Probably why the Guardians weren’t contacted.”

“From what I’ve seen so far the Communion is ill equipped to handle these attacks.” The woman said.

“Yes, the best they have managed is calling aid from the AMF.” Iceberg frowned, “And with their methods you still shall have no home.”

“I know.” The woman sighed, “It doesn’t make any of this better.”

“No, it makes it quite unacceptable.” Iceberg frowned, “Provide me the location of your village and I shall deal with it.”

“You?” The woman frowned, “All by yourself?”

“No.” Iceberg shook his head, “I will be with two other Guardians. We will battle the Seed and drive them from your home.”

“Any help will be more than welcome.” The woman smiled, “This is the location of our village and my contact information.”

She handed Iceberg a small data pad. Iceberg took the pad then watched as the woman quickly dragged her daughter away.

“Thank you!” Anaya waved as she disappeared into the evening crowd.

Iceberg began to scroll through the information the woman had provided him. His concentration was broken with a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Isis smiling at him.

“Hi ya, what’s our mission today?”

“It must wait.” Iceberg said, “We have a higher priority.”

He handed her the pad and she quickly scanned it over.

“Iceberg, we can’t just go running off on something like this.” Isis frowned, “We have our orders and the Communion has jurisdiction here. We aren’t permitted to deal with infections without the Communions authorization.”

“The Communion is doing nothing for these people.” Iceberg replied, “It is my sworn duty as a Guardian to protect the citizens of Gurhal. I will do that with or without the Communions permission. I swore to a certain young lady that I would help.”

“You’re a real softy, you know that right?” Isis grinned, “Was she cute?”

“Adorable.” Iceberg muttered, “Now let’s find Maya and get going.”

“You know she isn’t going to be happy about this.” Isis frowned.

“Not my concern.” Iceberg shook his head.

He started for the flyer base where Maya was waiting.

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” Isis called.

Iceberg didn’t answer and Isis had to run to catch up. Maya was standing alone with her arms folded across her chest, like she usually did. Isis had occasionally joked that she did it to support her giant boobs. Iceberg often suspected there was a little bit of jealousy there as Isis was athletically built and didn’t have much there. Maya spotted them approaching and greeted them with a smile.

“I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”

“Some one decided it would be more fun to wrestle with a giant snake.” Iceberg smiled.

Isis frowned and gave his arm a shot.

“OK so this new Relics site is putting out some very unusual A-photons.” Maya began.

“It will have to wait.” Iceberg waved, “We have a Seed outbreak to deal with first.”

“What?” Maya frowned, “I wasn’t informed.”

“Imagine that.” Iceberg grumbled and entered the flyer base.

“Wait, if no one informed the Guardians branch then it means they don’t want or need our help.” Maya called.

“Looks like they’re getting it anyway.” Isis said and lead Maya into the base, “I’ll explain on the way.”

The flyer gently lifted off the ground and accelerated to cruising speed on a heading that took it over some of the densely forested areas on Neudaiz. Night quickly changed into daylight as the flyer crossed into view of the Gurhal sun. The lush green scenery soon gave way to the snow covered landscape of the north. A storm was brewing far in the distance threatening to bring the season’s first rain. The flyer began to shake and buck as it entered the red cloud sky filled with Seed spores. The ground below was charred and several fires continued to burn. Even at this altitude they could see the Seed pods that spread the infection. Iceberg tapped Maya on the shoulder and pointed to a clearing.

“Set down there. We’ll begin purification here.”

“There’s no sign of anyone dealing with this.” Maya shook her head.

“There isn’t anyone.” Iceberg said, “The Communion must be leaving this for the AMF.”

“That doesn’t sound right.” Maya frowned, “The Communion usually handles all of Neudaiz problems. They don’t even want us involved.”

“I agree.” Isis nodded, “Something about this doesn’t taste right.”

“We should proceed with caution.” Maya winked.

“Tip toe around if you like.” Iceberg said checking his shotgun, “I will attack head on.”

“I don’t think that’s wise.” Maya shook her head.

“That’s why you are a scientist and not a warrior.” Iceberg stated.

“It’s been said those who can’t think, fight.” Maya grinned.

“Those who think too much die.” Iceberg replied.

Maya frowned then brought the ship around for a landing. The three Guardians stepped off the flyer into the smoke filled charred landscape that was northern Neudaiz. The air was heavy and thick causing Maya to cough. The brisk winter had been pushed aside in favour of this new burning heat. Iceberg wiped the sweat from his brow wishing his coat wasn’t quite so heavy. The area appeared to be free of Seed creatures and infected wildlife leaving the Seed pods to fend for themselves. Three of the pods were grouped together while the last two where on the far side of the field. Maya activated her goggles to take a quick assessment of the situation. The three pods grouped together were actually connected underground and shared some of the blooms that sprouted up from the ground. The blooms could only be seen with the goggles and required the photon eraser to neutralize the blooms before attacking the shielded pod.

“We’ll need to split up to take out all the blooms.” Maya said, “I’ve never seen pods connected like this before.”

Iceberg had already started working which annoyed Maya. He had no idea what the situation was or what might happen but he jumped ahead anyway.

“We must hurry.” He called, “These blooms will reactivate if we don’t neutralize the Seed quickly.”

“And how do you know that?” Maya frowned.

Iceberg had moved on to the next bloom and Isis began on one growing on the opposite side.

“Isis and I ran into this situation on Moatoob during the Fire Break crisis.” Iceberg replied quickly moving to the next.

“Why didn’t you report this to anyone?” Maya frowned.

“The Seed was neutralized that was all that was important.” Iceberg replied hurrying to the next bloom.

“That is valuable information that should have been shared.” Maya scolded him, “Anything new we learn about the Seed must be submitted in a full report.”

“Less talk, more work woman!” Iceberg yelled.

“How dare you talk to me like that?” Maya fumed.

Iceberg stormed over to her and stared down at her.

“The more time you spend talking the more time the Seed have to recover.” Iceberg growled pointing at a bloom.

The bloom flashed a couple of times then reactivated.

“See!”

Iceberg stormed away to take care of the bloom. Maya was so flustered she almost cried. She shook her head and composed herself enough to begin work. It took a couple of tries but the Guardians finally got the blooms under control then attacked the now unshielded pods. Using their weapons they quickly eliminated the pods then moved across the field to the last two pods completely unopposed.

“This is too weird.” Isis said scratching her head, “I’ve never seen pods completely unguarded before.”

“Something definitely smells foul.” Iceberg growled.

"We should investigate." Maya said.

“Once the Seed is dead.” Iceberg cut her off.

Maya shot him an ice cold scowl but he just ignored it and went about killing the pods. Maya checked her map, quickly getting a position on the Relics site as the other two quickly completed their task.

“Good news.” She smiled.

“That’s a change.” Iceberg mumbled.

“The Relics site is just over that ridge.” Maya pointed, “If we hurry, we can be there in no time.”

“That explains why the Seed is here.” Isis nodded.

“Indeed.” Iceberg replied as he followed Maya up the hill, “I’d like to know how it got through Neudaiz lattice shield.”

“The shield isn’t quite complete yet.” Maya replied, “This area is one of the few gaps in the system. The communion expects to have it completed within the month.”

“They still refuse to share it?” Isis asked.

“Unfortunately yes.” Maya sighed, “President Dallgun has tried negotiating on behalf of Parum and Moatoob with little success.”

“Rutsu is a stubborn man.” Iceberg grumbled, “He will not give in easily.”

“Stubborn is one thing but to stand by and watch as innocent beasts are slaughtered in masses because there is no cure knowing full well that your shield could save lives, well.” Isis huffed, “It’s barbaric.”

“Some still see beasts as sublifeforms and that this slaughter is no different than killing Koltova.” Iceberg stated.

“What?” Maya gasped, “You’re not saying its OK are you?”

“No, I am merely stating a fact.” Iceberg shook his head, “Old ideas and prejudice die hard especially among the self righteous. They have little honour.”

“But how do you feel?” Maya smirked.

“If I felt the same, Isis would not be my partner.” Iceberg replied.

Maya paused for a moment staring at him as he continued up the hill. Isis giggled as she grabbed Maya’s arm pulling her along.

“You asked.” Isis grinned.

The top of the hill ended in a steep cliff that dropped into the snowy valley below. A small river gently weaved through the valley floor disappearing into the distance. The snow was quickly turning to slush as the temperature continued to climb. A storm rumbled on the horizon as it slowly approached.

“That will reach us before nightfall.” Iceberg nodded.

“That’s only a couple hours away.” Isis said.

“Then we should hurry.” Maya said and started down the cliff.

“You’re not actually going to climb down there?” Isis frowned.

“Why not?” Maya asked.

“It’s got to be several hundred meters down.” Isis pointed, “One slip and you’re dead.”

“Agreed.” Iceberg nodded, “We will return to the flyer and land in that clearing down there.”

“It will still be a bit of a hike but we’ll arrive alive.” Isis said helping Maya back up, “For
a scientist that was a pretty stupid idea.”

“Sorry, I’m just a little excited.” Maya sighed.

Freeze

Feb 8, 2010, 09:24 PM

CHAPTER NINE

The Guardians quickly returned to the flyer without seeing a single animal, infected or otherwise. This continued to pick at Maya’s brain. The others seemed to be unconcerned but Maya couldn’t shake the feeling that something was very wrong. The flyer gently lifted off and quickly hopped down into the valley landing in the clearing Iceberg had spotted. The Guardians quickly exited the flyer into a slushy field teeming with life. Several birds flew over head occasionally diving on the river, pulling out the odd fish. A heard of Ollaka peacefully grazed nearby ignoring the newcomers.

“Wow.” Maya smiled, “This place is completely untouched by the Seed. Even the animals are peaceful.”

“Then let’s hurry before the Seed comes.” Isis said.

“Yes, we must shut down this A-photon leak.” Iceberg nodded and started toward the site.

“Tell me Maya.” Isis tilted her head, “If this is such a predominate leak, why isn’t the AMF all over this?”

“Or GRM.” Iceberg muttered.

“The AMF is too busy dealing with the Seed to worry about A-photons.” Maya shrugged, “It was never really their area anyways. The Endrum Collective was assigned to that and now that it has been disbanded the military really has no interest.”

“Which leaves them open for the private companies.” Iceberg said.

“Exactly.” Maya nodded with a smile, “That’s where the Guardians come in. We have to secure all sources of A-photons before the big three can. There is a lot of meseta to be made and plenty of dirty hands that can afford it. Imagine unregulated A-photons popping up all over Gurhal.”

“The Seed would have a feast.” Isis gasped.

“Not to mention what the Illuminus would do with an unlimited supply of A-photons.” Iceberg shook his head slowly.

“We ‘subspecies’ wouldn’t stand a chance.” Isis sighed as she made quote symbols with her fingers.

“Just a bunch of cowardly fanatics if you ask me.” Maya shrugged.

“They are without honour.” Iceberg mumbled.

The Relics site loomed before them, carved into the rock face of the valley wall. Even though this was a smaller site it was no less impressive. Iceberg equipped his goggles and searched for hidden traps. He nodded when he was satisfied it was safe. The three Guardians cautiously entered the dark cavern with Isis bringing up the rear. She looked back for a moment when she thought she heard something rustling nearby. She didn’t see anything and heard nothing more so she continued on with the others. Relics sites usually had internal illumination but this one was quite dark. They had to use their goggles to see where they were going. The hallways were very straight forward, branching off occasionally to connect to a single room. Most were empty but one was filled with the giant mechanical guards known as Stateria. They were all inactive. The group continued along the main hallway with Maya in the lead tracking the source of the A-photon energy. They entered a large central chamber bathed in soft yellow light emanating from a giant swirling sphere hovering over their heads. A circular control station sat at the center of the chamber directly beneath the reactor. Maya raced over to the station and began studying the read outs. Iceberg stopped beside her quickly glancing at the display screens. He couldn’t understand any of it.

“Can you read it?” He asked.

“A little.” Maya sighed, “I haven’t studied this ancient language enough to safely interpret it.”

“Do you know anyone who can?” Isis asked starring at a screen.

“No, but Lou might.” Maya shook her head.

“I’ll contact her.” Isis nodded.

“You’ll have to go outside.” Maya said, “The COM links won’t work this close to the
reactor and this far underground.”

“Right, be back shortly.” Isis waved as she ran out.

“Well that leaves just you and me.” Maya grinned turning to Iceberg.

“Wonderful.” Iceberg muttered.

“Come now, I can’t be all that scary.” She said hugging his arm and drawing her finger across his chest, “What could little old me do anyway.”

“You should know by now that this will not work on me.” Iceberg glared.

“What won’t work?” Maya frowned innocently.

“You know exactly what I mean.” Iceberg said, “Now remove yourself from my arm.”

Maya reluctantly let go and stepped back.

“Why do you hate me so?”

“I do not hate you.” Iceberg shook his head, “But I do find you weak of character choosing to manipulate your opponents through sexual gestures rather than facing them directly.”

“Not all of us can use physical force to win our fights.” Maya frowned.

“Perhaps but I have yet to find a reason to trust you.” Iceberg replied, “You have on many occasions tried to manipulate and deceive me. I am a fellow Guardian and yet you treat me just as you do an opponent. You have no honour Maya Shidow and for that I will never like you.”

Iceberg started to walk away.

“How can you say that?” Maya cried unable to hold back the tears.

Iceberg turned to face her once again.

“It is the truth.” He replied, “You must face your enemies, display your strength and stand with honour, but most of all you must stand beside your allies not against them.”

“So getting the crap kicked out of you is better than walking away clean?” Maya frowned wiping the tears away.

“I don’t get the crap kicked out of me.” Iceberg smiled, “I do the kicking, and I never leave a man behind. That is true honour.”

“Oh brother.” Maya sighed.

Several minutes passed with no word from Isis. Iceberg became restless and started to pace. Maya looked up and smiled.

“Iceberg, don’t tell me you’re actually worried about Isis.”

“I won’t attempt to deny it.” Iceberg replied, “It should not be taking this long. Something has happened.”

“You may be right.” Maya nodded, “Let’s go check on her.”

The two Guardians hurried back down the hallway to the entrance only to be greeted by several armed casts. One was holding Isis captive.

“What is the meaning of this?” Iceberg growled.

A tall thin cast coloured in maroon and dark grey stepped forward wearing a very confident smile.

“This area is now under private occupation.” He said, “Your presence is disruptive and
will not be tolerated.”

“Magashi.” Maya gasped.

“Another clone.” Iceberg smiled, “It must be costing the Illuminus a fortune to keep building you.

“That is unimportant.” Magashi waved, “This site now belongs to the Illuminus and unlike the Magashi of the Endrum Collective, I will not let you be on your way.”

“Yes, cooperation and compassion was his major defect.” Iceberg smirked.

“A defect that had been corrected.” Magashi replied.

“And the new models have been working so well.” Iceberg smiled, “We Guardians have trashed how many of you now?”

“Enough!” Magashi boomed then turned to his soldiers, “Eliminate them.”

“Not so fast.” Iceberg said drawing his rifle and fired.

The shot caught Magashi in the right shoulder dropping him to the ground. The soldiers began firing causing Iceberg and Maya to dive for cover. Iceberg peered out from his boulder and spotted Magashi climbing to his feet. He casually strolled over to Isis and grabbed the beast woman by the throat. He lifted her off the ground and began choking the life from her. Iceberg calmly raised his rifle and fired. The shot caught Magashi in the side of the head dropping the cast for good. Isis fell to the ground gasping for air.

“There goes another clone.” Iceberg smiled.

The two soldiers standing beside Magashi spun toward the attack only to be blasted with fire from Maya. Isis slowly climbed to her feet and crept up behind a soldier who was concentrating on the rock protecting Iceberg. She slowly drew a dagger from her nanotransformer and with the precision of an assassin, slit the mans throat. Iceberg popped up and fired hitting a soldier who was targeting his partner. Maya blasted a couple of the casts with her zonde. One cast shuddered before falling to the ground then the second one followed. Isis stowed her dagger and drew her twin sabres charging after the cast that had held her. The cast drew his rifle and aimed at the charging beast. Isis swung down slicing the tip off of the rifle. She swung again only to be blocked by the cast’s rifle. Without hesitating she took the second sabre and drove it into the cast’s belly. Dark lubricant began to seep out around the photon blade. Isis withdrew the sabre and watched as the cast stumbled backward.

“Filthy beast.” The cast grumbled before falling to the ground.

Iceberg fired at the last cast taking his head clean off. The three remaining human soldiers dropped their guns and ran away as fast as they could.

“Should we go after them?” Isis asked.

“No.” Iceberg said starring down at the fallen Magashi, “If the Illuminus was attracted to this site so quickly then others will not be far behind. Our time here is limited.”

“I agree.” Maya nodded, “We need to shut this place down.”

Isis finished with her COM link and deactivated her ear piece.

“Lou said the Communion of Gurhal has a scholar who can read the ancient text. She’s going to contact them to see if they’ll send him out.”

“Hopefully they’ll hurry.” Maya said.

“Hopefully they’ll agree to help.” Iceberg muttered.

“You don’t trust them do you?” Maya asked.

“So far the Communion has proven untrustworthy.” Iceberg shook his head, “They have lied to the rest of Gurhal, conducted secret experiments on their own people and have repeatedly tried to eliminate our people. Anyone who attacks a Guardian is not worthy of my trust. I just hope lying and deceit is not an inherent trait for all Newmans.”

“Iceberg!” Isis shot.

“It’s OK Isis.” Maya sighed, “We as a race have not done very well to instil trust from the rest of Gurhal.”

“Please understand Maya that I am not blaming your entire race on the actions of a few.” Iceberg said, “However my track record with Newmen has been very poor thus far.”

Maya nodded but said nothing more. The trio waited at the Relics entrance until a flyer finally showed up landing in the field beside theirs. Iceberg watched through the scope in his goggles as a tall red and black cast stepped off the ramp. His head was designed much like an ancient battle helmet. His upper body looked much like a jet pack suit with two cylinders mounted to his back. Two wing like shields hovered just over his shoulders. His lower body was sleek and armoured. Iceberg smiled slightly as he watched the cast impatiently wait for his passenger. Isis noticed the slight smirk on his face.

“What is it?”

“They gave the baby sitting job to a very good friend of ours.” Iceberg replied.

“Phoenix.” Isis gasped, “I bet he was thrilled by that.”

“He certainly doesn’t look too impressed.” Iceberg grinned.

“You really shouldn’t take such pleasure in a friends misery.” Isis smiled.

Iceberg just nodded as he continued to watch. A short black haired Newman male dressed in purple robes finally stepped off the flyer. Phoenix nodded then lead the man across the fields and up to the entrance where the Guardians were waiting. Phoenix immediately stepped up to Iceberg and stared him in the eyes. The two men were nearly the same height which pleased Iceberg and annoyed Phoenix to no end.

“What kind of pointless quest for glory have you dragged me into this time?” Phoenix asked in a very harsh and metallic voice.

“No glory this time.” Iceberg shook his head, “Only duty.”

“Then it will be done.” Phoenix said looking around, “You could have called me before you finished the fight.”

“Wasn’t much of a fight.” Iceberg shrugged.

Phoenix spotted Magashi’s body lying nearby. He walked over and gave the cast a slight kick.

“They just don’t build Magashi’s like they used to.”

“Maybe not but it is one less clone to deal with.” Iceberg shrugged.

“True enough my friend.” Phoenix nodded, “One day we shall bring down all of these cheap copies and it will be glorious.”

“Until then we have work to do.” Iceberg pointed to the relics, “We have an A-photon reactor to shut down.”

“Then let's get this done so we can get back to real missions.” Phoenix said and headed for the entrance.

They caught up to Maya and the others at the core. Iceberg eyed the Communion man closely.

“Iceberg, this is scholar Lord Ira.” Isis said.

“It is an honour Sir.” Iceberg said shaking his hand.

“I was most excited when I learned of your dilemma.” Lord Ira said, “To finally put my skills to practice is a most welcome treat.”

“Please continue Sir.” Iceberg waved to the consul, “Time is of the essence.”

Lord Ira excitedly skipped over to the large circular consol and began studying the read outs. Iceberg watched for a moment before leaning over to Phoenix.

“How come you keep getting all the fun missions lately?”

“I have already complained to HQ but they continue to keep giving me these baby sitting jobs.” Phoenix grumbled.

“I think your problem is your insistence to work alone.” Iceberg shrugged, “Most missions require at least two Guardians.”

“A true warrior needs no partner.” Phoenix replied, “As a Cast I have no need for a partner, especially one of inferior species.”

“I’ll try not to be too offended.” Iceberg frowned.

“That concerns me not.” Phoenix waved.

“Just be careful.” Iceberg said, “Next thing you know they’ll stick you with an instructor job.”

“Don’t even joke about that.” Phoenix shot, “Being forced to pair with an inexperienced rookie would be the final insult.”

“It’s not that bad.” Iceberg shrugged, “I made out all right.”

“Say’s you.” Phoenix grumbled.

“PRAISE THE HOLY LIGHT!” Lord Ira cried.

Iceberg and Phoenix hurried over to the consol stopping beside Isis and Maya.

“You have found something.” Phoenix stated.

“Yes.” Ira nodded, “Remember I am no technician but from what I can tell this whole sight is an antenna for the reactor.”

“What does it do?” Maya asked.

“I don’t know but this panel should activate a holographic image.” Ira shook his head.

“Then do so.” Iceberg commanded.

Ira tapped three buttons causing a large 3D image of Neudaiz and its moons to appear above their heads. A red stream of energy was radiating out from the surface of Neudaiz, forming a large swirling disk above the largest moon.

“What is that?” Isis gasped.

“From what I can tell, this is where we are.” Ira said pointing to the base of the stream.

“So this site is an A-photon transmitter.” Iceberg said scratching his beard.

“Looks that way.” Ira nodded.

“For what purpose?” Maya asked.

“We need an A-photon expert for that.” Ira said.

“Tomrain.” Phoenix and Iceberg said.

“And we need to go there.” Isis said pointing at the swirling disk.

“Wait, there’s more information here.” Ira said.

He tapped a few buttons and the map expanded to the entire Gurhal system. Hundreds of blue lines branched out from the disk and reached out to the surface of every planet.

“Woh, every point that those lines touch are relic's sites.” Maya gasped.

“What are we looking at?” Phoenix asked.

“If I am interpreting this text correctly it is all the received energy from the disk.” Ira said, “This site is a transmitter and all the other sites are receivers.” Ira said.

“Receivers for what?” Isis asked.

“Matter!” Ira gasped.

“That explains all the strange technology that’s been showing up there lately.” Phoenix said.

“Look at that one.” Iceberg pointed to a blue line that stopped just above the moon, “It’s
larger than the other ones and it stops close to the disk.”

“We really need to take a look at that.” Isis said.

“Then we need to pay a certain Doctor a visit.” Iceberg said and headed for the exit.

“But Tomrain is under heavy guard right now.” Isis called after him.

“I would like to stay and study these inscriptions and terminals.” Ira said.

“So would I.” Maya nodded.

“My mission is to guard Ira so I must stay.” Phoenix said, “I will guard Maya as well.”

“Thanks Phoenix!” Isis waved then chased after Iceberg.

Phoenix sighed and turned back to the two scientists hunched over one of the terminals. He would have to log another protest with the Guardians.

Freeze

Feb 14, 2010, 03:16 PM

CHAPTER TEN

Doctor Tomrain was locked in one of the Guardians labs under heavy guard. The Illuminus had already made several attempts to abduct the man and promised more. Tomrain was seated at his desk staring at one of the few small A-photon reactors recovered from the relic’s site on Parum. He didn’t even look up when Iceberg, Isis, and the cast Lou entered the room. Lou stepped up to the desk and tilted her head.

“Excuse me Doctor.” Lou said in her soft almost child like voice, “These Guardians have information you may find interesting.”

“They do huh.” Tomrain replied without looking up.

“Indeed we do Sir.” Iceberg said, “It’s about the small relic’s site discovered on Neudaiz.”

“More A-photon reactors no doubt.” Tomrain said finally looking up.”

“Just one.” Iceberg replied.

“Not worth my time then.” Tomrain waved.

“I think it is.” Iceberg replied.

“Doctor, it’s a giant reactor.” Isis said.

This caught Tomrain's attention.

“And it’s emitting massive amounts of energy into space.” Isis finished.

The Doctors face lit up with excitement as Isis explained everything they had found at the relics site. When she finished Doctor Tomrain sat in silence for a long moment before looking up at Lou.

“I wish to visit this site.”

“That is quite impossible Doctor.” Lou shook her head, “The Guardians can not guarantee your safety.”

“That is hog wash.” Tomrain began.

“There is a spy inside the Guardians.” Lou said.

“What!” Iceberg and Isis gasped.

“Are you sure?” Isis asked.

“Is that why Waber disappeared?” Iceberg asked.

“Ethan Waber’s disappearance is under different circumstances.” Lou said.

“But he is working for the Guardians?” Isis asked.

“I do not have sufficient data to confirm or deny that.” Lou replied, “All I can say is that he is still a wanted man.”

“This is not important right now.” Tomrain slammed his fist on the desk, “This site must be secured by the Guardians and I must be allowed to research it!”

“The site is under protection by Phoenix and Maya.” Iceberg shook his head, “What we want you for is what’s floating above Neudaiz.”

“What’s above Neudaiz?” Tomrain asked.

“Come see Doctor.” Isis said.

“I will inform HQ and request the appropriate release forms.” Lou said.

“You do that.” Iceberg said, “Only the Doctor will have already left. Time is short.”

“I can not allow this.” Lou shook her head, “This is against protocol.”

“It’s OK Lou.” Isis smiled, “You’re coming too.”

“I am?” Lou looked puzzled.

Isis grabbed Lou by the shoulder and pushed her out the door followed by Iceberg and Tomrain. The two guards standing outside the door watched them exit before responding.

“Hey!” One yelled, “Come back with the Doctor.”

“It’s OK!” Isis yelled back, “Guardian business.”

The guards stopped in their tracks, looking quite confused. The three Guardians lead Tomrain down the hallway and out into the Guardians office. They scurried around the circular counter and towards the door.

“Hey!” Mina called, “Where are you taking Doctor Tomrain?”

“Official business.” Isis replied.

“I don’t have any paper work for that.” Mina frowned.

“That’s because Lou hasn’t filed it yet.” Isis smiled.

Mina tried to reply but the Guardians disappeared through the door. Several Guardians had to jump out of the way as the foursome raced down the ramp to the fourth level and over to the flyer PPT terminal. Isis ushered Tomrain in while Lou and Iceberg booked a flyer. They jumped on board and quickly lifted off before any one could protest. Iceberg brought the flyer around and headed for the Neudaiz moon. It wasn’t long before their COM link started beeping.

“It is President Dallgun.” Lou said before Iceberg could answer.

“How do you know that?” He asked.

“A system wide alert had been raised about us.” Lou replied, “My counter parts at the other branches have been instructed to report and apprehend us.”

“Good thing we’re not going there.” Iceberg shrugged.

“We are in so much trouble.” Isis sighed.

President Dallgun appeared on the front HUD and he looked very upset.

“Bring Doctor Tomrain back to the colony at once!” He ordered, “Do so and I might just
over look this. Continue and I’ll have you locked up personally.”

“If we did that then all this effort would be for nothing.” Iceberg replied, “Time is very short Sir. Tomrain needs to see this A-photon phenomenon before it disappears.”

“We can not risk the Doctors safety.” Dallgun replied, “The Illuminus could attack at any time.”

“So instead of being a prisoner of the Illuminus he’ll be a prisoner of the Guardians.” Isis frowned.

“That’s not it at all.” Dallgun waved.

“Then let me do my job.” Tomrain said, “If this involves A-photons then I must investigate.”

“Sorry Doctor, the threat from the Illuminus is too great.” Dallgun shook his head, “Return to the colony at once.”

“What was that Sir?” Iceberg asked as he began to play with the communications, “You’re beginning to break up. We didn’t get that last transmission.”

“Don’t play games with me Iceberg.” Dallgun frowned, “I know you heard me clear….”

The HUD disappeared cutting the link with the colony.

“It was nice being a Guardian.” Isis sighed, “Now I’ll be lucky to get a job as a garbage woman.”

“Relax, we’ll be fine.” Iceberg shrugged, “I’ve done much worse than this.”

“It is true.” Lou nodded.

Isis just shook her head and leaned back in her seat. The flyer entered the catapult that accelerated it to Neudaiz. Iceberg banked away from the approach lane and headed for the largest moon. Here there was no visible energy stream radiating from the surface, no swirling disk, only a slight sensor reading.

“I don’t see anything.” Isis shook her head.

“That would be why no one knew about this.” Iceberg replied.

He tapped the COM board and contacted Phoenix.

“Go ahead.” The cast replied.

“I see the signal booster you set up is working.” Iceberg said.

“Yes but we have to keep it on max power.” Phoenix replied, “We have you on the map now. The disk should be right in front of you.”

“Nothing.” Iceberg said.

“Try venting some drive plasma from your engines.” Maya suggested, “It might light things up for you.”

“Good idea my girl.” Tomrain smiled.

Iceberg entered the necessary commands and a stream of blue gas began flowing from the flyer. It gently drifted out into space until it hit the stream from the planet. It was blasted out into the swirling disk lighting up the outer edge before swirling into the center.

“Amazing.” Tomrain gasped, “It takes a massive amount of energy to warp space like this.”

“Warp space?” Iceberg frowned, “Is it dangerous?”

“I’m not sure but it does explain some of the ancient and alien objects and weapons that
have been showing up at the relic’s sites.” Tomrain nodded.

“We confirmed this at the relic’s site.” Isis said.

“How so?” Tomrain frowned.

“We are looking at a giant map of the Gurhal system.” Maya said, “It shows us all the received light streams that came through that disk. All but one goes to a relics site.”

“Where does the one go?” Tomrain asked.

“It stops here.” Iceberg replied.

“Here?” Tomrain gasped.

“Here.” Isis nodded.

“Doctor, I believe the object is increasing in size.” Lou reported.

“It’s building up to some massive release of energy.” Tomrain said excitedly, “This may explain what happened to the ancient civilization here in Gurhal, or where they came from.”

“Are you suggesting they may not have originated here?” Iceberg frowned.

“Did we?” Tomrain smirked.

Iceberg started to reply then thought for a second before shrugging.

“Doctor according to this map nothing has ever exited our system through that disk.” Maya said, “Only entered, it may be a one way gate.”

“Quite possible.” Tomrain nodded, “And I believe it may be charging up for another entry.”

“I wonder what we’ll get this time.” Iceberg said softly.

“Probably just another Varista.” Isis mumbled staring at her hand gun.

“Doctor, I am receiving strange readings from the surface of the moon.” Lou said.

“Hmmm, yes I see.” Tomrain nodded, “There is something down there.”

“Then we need to take a look.” Iceberg said.

He banked the flyer around the energy disk and angled in at the readings on the surface. He did one quick fly by before bringing the shuttle down near the readings. Tomrain quickly equipped his own line shield before handing oxygen recyclers to the others.

“Equip these to your line shields.” He said, “It may get a little cold out there but at least we’ll be able to breath.”

“I didn’t know line shields would protect us from the vacuum of space.” Isis shook her head once.

“For a short period of time they will.” Tomrain replied.

“Then we had better make this quick.” Iceberg said as he finished checking his rifle, “Lou stay with the ship and keep an eye out.”

“I will.” Lou nodded.

The rear hatch popped open with a loud hiss as the entire rear bay decompressed. Iceberg, Tomrain, and Isis were greeted by a stinging cold. Isis began shivering as she was the most underdressed. Lou set her COM link to open and instructed the others to do the same. Iceberg stepped off the ramp and on to the thin white dust that covered the hard rocky surface. He carefully studied his surroundings finally settling on an odd looking rock several meters away. He headed straight for it leaving the others behind. As he got closer it became clear that his dust covered rock was actually made of metal, and it looked very old.

“What is that?” Isis asked.

“Metal.” Iceberg replied and wiped the dust off the side, “Part of a ship I’d say.”

Strange white symbols were painted on the side of the hull. He continued to wipe the dust off and the others joined in. They quickly discovered that it was very large and buried in the ground. They split up and soon had most of it cleared. They all stood silent for a moment staring up at the once jagged remains of a spacecraft. Most of it was still underground, only the broken end was sticking up. Years of exposure to the vacuum of space had left the craft perfectly preserved.

“I wonder which half this is?” Isis asked.

“I don’t know but I’d like to get in.” Iceberg said.

“I’d say this damaged area was once wide open but over the years it’s been blocked up by the rock and dust from impacting asteroids.” Doctor Tomrain said.

“Iceberg, over here!” Isis called, “I found a hatch.”

Tomrain and Iceberg hurried over to where Isis was standing. The hatch was partially buried in the ground and looked sealed. Iceberg drew his rifle and waved everyone back. A few well placed shots quickly cleared the debris from the door. Isis stepped up to the door and pried on the latch. It took most of her strength but the latch slowly slid free then she was able to pull the door open. The dark hallway inside angled downward. Small bits of rock, that fell from Icebergs boot as he stepped inside, clattered along the metal floor as they rolled to the bottom. Iceberg equipped his goggles and carefully proceeded down the hallway. He had to slowly side step down the hall to keep from slipping down the steep slope. The hallway ended at a closed door. Iceberg reached out to give it a push. It took a little muscle but the door did slowly open. Inside was what could only be the cockpit. The front windscreen was cracked from the impact but remained intact. Two seats just behind the front consul must have served as pilot and co-pilot. Behind these there were three more seats side by side each with their own consul. What these served as Iceberg could only guess. All the panels were black and some of the display screens were either cracked or broken. Iceberg turned to Isis and grinned.

“This must be the front half.”

“So where’s the rest?” She frowned.

“Incredible.” Tomrain gasped pushing past Iceberg, “This technology looks very similar to the weapons appearing in the relics.”

“This ship is from the same place they came from?” Isis gasped.

“Looks that way.” Tomrain nodded.

“The power has been completely drained.” Iceberg said tapping a few of the controls.

“What about the memory in the computer core?” Isis asked.

“This looks like a job for Lou.” Iceberg replied.

“I will be there shortly.” Lou said.

Lou appeared in the door away a couple minutes later.

“Lou, good.” Iceberg nodded, “How about it.”

Lou walked over to the pilot consul and removed a main panel. There were a lot of wires and fibre optic cables but nothing resembling a computer interface. She continued removing panels until she found one that contained rows of small circuit cards.

“I believe I have found some computer command cards.” Lou reported, “We may be able to take these back with us provided they haven’t degraded too far.”

“The vacuum of space should have preserved them.” Tomrain said.

Lou pulled out all the cards and stored them in her nanotransformer. Tomrain continued to study the writing on the walls. It turned out to be very similar to Gurhal writing and most was warning decals or simple labels. Lou started to pull on of the last boards; she only had five left, when it let out a bright spark. Lou immediately let go leaving the board in place.

“I thought the power was completely drained?” Iceberg frowned.

“It appears we were mistaken.” Lou replied.

“If there’s power running through that board then it must be running something.” Tomrain said.

“Then we need to find it.” Iceberg nodded and headed back up the hallway.

“Lou, can you tell what that board is running?” Isis asked.

“No, but I am attempting to trace the power.” Lou replied.

She paused for a moment staring off into space before looking up at Isis.

“I have traced the power to a lower deck.”

“Let’s go.” Isis nodded.

Iceberg climbed about halfway up the hallway where he found a circular hatch in the inner wall. It wasn’t locked so he pulled it open. Inside he found a ladder that lead to a lower deck.

“Iceberg!” Isis called, “The power is running something on a lower deck.”

“Lucky for me.” Iceberg said to himself.

He climbed onto the ladder and slid down to the floor below. He found himself in a large room with several capsules large enough to encase a big Cast, placed through out the room. Most of them were open and empty. One located on his right was closed and the small interface panel glowed with a dim light. Iceberg slowly approached the capsule first looking at the panel. It was covered in heavy dust. Iceberg carefully wiped away the dust and found a display that looked very much like vitals readout.

“What is it?” Isis asked as she stepped off the ladder.

“The source of our power.” Iceberg replied

“But what is it?”

Doctor Tomrain stepped off the ladder and stepped aside to make room for Lou. Iceberg stepped around to the head of the capsule and wiped the dusk off the small glass window. He peered inside and was greeted by the slender metallic head to a purple and black Cast. Iceberg had never seen such a design before. The Cast had solid yellow eyes, no visible mouth and three white dots on his forehead arranged in a triangle. Iceberg couldn’t quite make it out but it looked like there was an object lying beside the Cast. Iceberg frowned.

“Who’s in there?” Isis asked.

“A strange Cast.” Iceberg replied.

“Let me see.” Tomrain said pushing him aside.

Iceberg let himself be moved though he wasn’t too happy and expressed his annoyance
with a growl.

“This is incredible.” The Doctor gasped.

“What is it Doctor?” Lou asked.

“This could very well be an ancient.” Tomrain replied.

The girls gasped. Iceberg just grumbled.

“I wonder how long this ship has been here.” Tomrain asked quietly.

“Maya, do you read?” Isis said tapping her COM link.

“Barely.” Maya replied, “Isis you’re pretty broken up.”

“Maya, are there any dates on that map of yours?” Isis asked, “Specifically the one that stops in space.”

“Sorry Isis no dates.”

“Thanks Maya.” Isis nodded.

“Strange.” Lou muttered as she tapped a couple of buttons on the pad.

“Lou?” Isis tapped the androids shoulder.

“This technology is slightly more advanced than ours.” Lou replied, “I believe it predates the relics level of technology however from what I can tell from this, this vessel is not as old as the relics.”

“So, they’re not ancients?” Isis asked.

“I do not believe so.” Lou shook her head, “But I would say he is of the same technology as the Kubara prototypes that have shown up in the relics.

“But they’ve only started to show up.” Iceberg said, “This place is much older than that.”

“It is possible that the energy disk has the ability to cross time as well as space.” Tomrain said, “The weapons and artefacts are all appearing at the same time because they are being received by the relics sites. It may be that these sites control when these things enter our universe. Our friend here wasn’t received by a site; he was dumped here in orbit. I would theorise that his ship was dropped from the slip stream at whatever point in time he was.”

“Are you saying he just crossed space Doctor?” Lou asked.

“He may have crossed time too.” Tomrain replied, “But his entry to our universe was not controlled. No telling what the date was when he arrived.”

“The power on this unit is close to failure.” Lou reported.

“How long?” Iceberg asked.

“No more than a year.” Lou replied.

“Can you revive him?” Isis asked.

“I estimate a ninety four percent success in that procedure.” Lou nodded.

“Then do it.” Iceberg frowned.

Lou tapped a few buttons then watched as the life readings rose to full level. There were a couple of clicks then the canopy slid back revealing a tall slender powerful looking Cast. Beside him lay a black and red scythe. Iceberg started to reach for it. He didn’t want a strange Cast being armed in case he was hostile. His fingers nearly grazed the shaft when the Cast grabbed him by the wrist.

“No one touches my Soul Eater.” The Cast growled.

“It’s alive.” Tomrain gasped, “And is can broadcast over our COM links.”

“The lack of oxygen in here made it necessary.” The Cast said as he sat up, “It appears I was correct, the stasis pod protected me from the crash.”

He paused for a moment to look at his rescuers stopping with Isis. He released Icebergs arm and frowned at the beast woman.

“I recognize human and android though I do not know your design.” He said nodding at Lou then glared at Isis, “What manner of beast are you?”

“Me?” Isis hesitated, “Why, that is exactly what I am.”

“Do not play games woman.” The Cast glared.

“I am called a beast.” Isis replied.

“I see.” The Cast nodded, “You share similarities with the genetic structure of the humans but I detect much mutation, enhancing physical strength and structural integrity.”

“We were genetically created for hard labour.” Isis replied softly.

“By the humans no doubt.” The Cast glared at Tomrain, “No matter where in the universe you go, you must always try to change who you are. Always trying to create something better and always failing. It was the same with the Newmans.”

“You know of Newmans too?” Tomrain asked.

The Cast sprang from the bed grabbing the Doctor by the collar.

“You have Newmans as well?” He growled.

“Yes.” Tomrain nodded, “An off shoot of humans too. Superior mental strength lessened physical strength.”

The Cast released Tomrain, “Where am I?”

“You crashed on the largest moon of Neudaiz in the Gurhal system.” Tomrain replied.

“I remember seeing three planets.” The Cast said, “They were all at war.”

“Yes but that was over a hundred years ago.” Tomrain nodded.

“And the ranger Deepfreeze, did he survive?” The Cast growled, “Did he beat me?”

“I’m afraid I have no idea who you are talking about.” Tomrain shook his head.

This appeared to settle the Cast for a moment.

“Then he failed.” The Cast nodded, “I may still have time.”

He turned back to the others and began to slowly tap the butt end of his weapon on the floor.

“I assume you have a space craft?” The Cast glared.

“Wait a minute.” Iceberg said stepping forward, “I have some questions for you.”

“I see fire in your soul.” The Cast seemed to grin, “I shall enjoy killing you.”

The red orb at the base of the blade began to glow and before anyone could react, he attacked.

Volcompat321

Feb 14, 2010, 05:04 PM

Pretty good stuff so far, I'll have to read the first two!

Freeze

Feb 14, 2010, 11:46 PM

Thanks, it's always nice to hear people are enjoying your work.

Freeze

Feb 19, 2010, 05:51 PM

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Heidi sat quietly on the bed in her room on the Guardians Colony staring at the little red and white floating ball with eyes that was her partner machine. She decided to name it Arianna but she quickly found it wasn’t much for conversation. She had just recently completed basic training and now awaited her appointment with her new instructor. She turned her attention to the clock which slowly ticked away the seconds. Heidi finally stood up and entered the bathroom to check her appearance in the mirror one last time. She now sported a pink and white flower in her hair. She was wearing a blue short top from Moatoob with matching brown gloves with little claws on the finger tips. She had a pair of simple blue high cut shorts and ankle high boots that matched her top. She felt the outfit gave her an attractive yet tough look. Her hair was still neatly combed and the only makeup she wore was a little rouge lipstick. She had never been one for wearing all that caked on gunk on her face. She finally exited her room and headed for the fifth floor of Clyez City. This is where the main office of the Guardians was housed. The Guardians office was empty when she arrived, but she was still early so she sat down on one of the benches. A short time later a beast woman dressed in a white overcoat that barely closed in the front, and long pants entered with her young human male partner. Heidi gasped as Laia Martinez strolled up to the front desk looking a little angry.

“What is the meaning of calling us back?” Laia said just holding her anger back.

“I’m sorry Laia but we have a system wide Guardian alert.” Mina shrugged.

“What kind of alert?” Laia frowned.

“Doctor Tomrain has been kidnapped.” Mina replied.

“Ethan.” Laia spat.

“No but it is three Guardians.” Mina shook her head.

“Who?” Laia frowned.

“Iceberg, Isis, and our branch Lou.” Mina sighed.

“That doesn’t make sense.” Laia frowned, “Lou wouldn’t participate in a kidnapping.”

“She has and Dallgun wants all three arrested.” Mina sighed.

“I know those three very well.” Laia frowned, “I wouldn’t put it passed Iceberg but he must have felt it was very important to pull something like this. Isis, well she just goes where ever he goes.”

“Like Ethan?” Mina frowned.

“That’s very different.” Laia shook her head, “Iceberg can be a bit of a trouble maker some times but he’s never tried to assassinate anyone. He holds honour to high for that.”

Laia took her mission report and headed out. Mina turned to Heidi and smiled.

“I’m sorry for the wait Miss Kimble but your instructor should be arriving from Neudaiz any time now.”

“My instructor is a Newman?” Heidi asked hopefully.

“No, he was completing a mission there.” Mina shook her head, “He’s usually late.”

“Oh.” Heidi nodded then returned to her thoughts.

One hour passed with several Guardians coming and going, none of them was her instructor. A tall red and black cast entered accompanied by a blonde female Newman with the largest chest Heidi had ever seen. She was almost jealous until she thought for a moment then decided ones that big would hinder her active lifestyle. The Newman handed Mina some reports then headed to the labs. Heidi assumed that she must be the Maya Shidow that her father had talked about. He hadn’t described her right, probably afraid of mom’s wrath. Heidi chuckled a little at that thought. The red cast stepped up to the desk and displayed his licence.

“You are quite late Mr Phoenix.” Mina smiled.

“Maybe so but my mission was a complete success.” Phoenix stated, “Now, do you have anything more worthy of my talents.”

“I know you’ve been very disappointed with your latest jobs.” Mina sighed, “Just
remember I don’t make the assignments I just hand them out.”

“Why?” Phoenix asked eyeing her closely.

“You’ve been granted your instructor rating and have been given a student.” Mina replied softly.

“No.” Phoenix said flatly, “No, this is quite enough. I work alone. A partner once in a while maybe but I will not be some ones teacher. I demand a mission worthy of my strength and intelligence.”

“I’m sorry but if you have a problem with your assignment you’ll have to take it up with the Principal.”

“I intend too.” Phoenix growled.

He headed straight for the principals office only to return five minutes later.

“Who is my student?” He mumbled.

“What changed your mind?” Mina smirked.

“Suspension.” Phoenix growled.

“Your student is Miss Heidi Kimble.” Mina pointed.

Heidi stood up and gave Phoenix a small curtsy.

“A female Newman.” Phoenix frowned, “This is a joke right?”

“No joke.” Mina shook her head.

“Of all the students you pair me with you had to stick me with a Newman.” Phoenix shot, “A female no less.”

“And what’s wrong with females?” Mina scowled.

“Or Newmans.” Heidi added.

“They are both weak.” Phoenix stated.

Phoenix stepped up to Heidi and glared down at her making her feel a little uncomfortable.

“Licence please.” Phoenix said.

Heidi quickly handed the tall cast her licence and waited while he studied it.

“Hunter.” Phoenix almost spat, “Shouldn’t you be a force?”

“I didn’t qualify.” Heidi replied weakly, “They said as a force the best I could hope for was maybe a Wartecher.”

“Really, why?” Mina asked.

“I lacked proper technique control.” Heidi replied mocking her evaluator, “ But I possessed unusual agility and defence ability for my species.”

“What weapons do you possess?” Phoenix asked.

“Standard issue sabre and handgun.” Heidi shrugged.

Phoenix studied her for another minute then nodded, “I think Yohmei Corporation will have the equipment you require.”

“Why, because I’m Newman?” Heidi frowned.

“No because they possess the best weapons for your abilities.” Phoenix growled.

“Oh.” Heidi replied softly.

He started to leave but Mina waved him back.

“Don’t forget your mission.”

Phoenix turned back and took the report.

“A mission already?” He frowned, “Shouldn’t we be doing the standard field training?”

“Ethan Waber didn’t even get that.” Mina laughed, “You know we’re too short on people for that. We’re forced to double regular missions as training too.”

“Hmmm.” Phoenix grumbled and headed out.

Heidi followed him quietly to the Neudaiz PPT gate. She could sense he was still very upset and thought it better to remain seen and not heard, though she suspected he would like not seen as well. They quickly found their seats and sat back as the flyer lifted off.

“You’re line shield will need upgrading too.” Phoenix finally said.

“Really?” Heidi frowned.

“Your base armour is insufficient to protect you from the vacuum of space.” Phoenix said.

“Vacuum of space!” Heidi gasped.

The other passengers all turned and stared at her. She quickly sank in her seat giving them a weak wave.

“Yes, we are headed to Neudaiz moon to assist Doctor Tomrain and the other Guardians with the wreck site.” Phoenix said.

“Wreck site?” Heidi frowned as she stared out the window.

“A couple friends of mine discovered a crashed space craft there.” Phoenix explained, “It turns out that was one of the reasons they kidnapped Doctor Tomrain, though I doubt it was a real kidnapping.”

“Why is that?”

“Iceberg isn’t the kind of man to do something so illegal.” Phoenix replied, “I have a strong feeling Tomrain willingly went along if not insisted.”

“So what happened?”

“They were communicating with Maya in the new relics site on Neudaiz.” Phoenix said, “I was standing guard. Another simple mission far below my talents. The Guardians seem determined to give me such assignments lately.”

“And now you’re stuck with me.” Heidi nodded and turned back to her window, “I’m sorry.”

“They discovered a piece of an ancient space craft on the moon. They went in to investigate.” Phoenix paused for a moment, “The last communication was Icebergs partner Isis radioing for possible dates for the crash. Laia and her new trainee Rolf have been sent to rescue and arrest them. We are to assist.”

“Are we going to assist in arresting them?” Heidi asked looking up at the cast.

“We are going to rescue them.” Phoenix replied, “Nothing more.”

“Gottcha.” Heidi nodded.

“The problem is they only have their line shields for protection and air.” Phoenix said, “They will be approaching the maximum safe limit for vacuum exposure shortly. Lou won’t have a problem as she is a cast but the others will start to suffer from hypothermia soon. Isis is a beast so her thin layer of fur will add a little protection but not much. Especially the way she dresses.”

“How does she dress?” Heidi frowned.

Phoenix glared down at her then said, “Like you.”

“Oh.” Heidi said and sank a little into her seat.

Phoenix was the first off the flyer. Heidi got caught up in the crowd and took a little longer. Once off Phoenix quickly ushered her to the Yohmei shop. He stopped at the armour booth first

“Sori-senba please.”

The girl at the desk handed him the armour as Phoenix quickly paid her then shoved the line shield device into Heidi’s hands. She removed her old one and equipped the new
one while Phoenix hurried over to the weapons booth. He returned with a pair of green daggers.

“You may start with these.” He said handing her the weapons, “Your training report said you were most proficient with this weapon and I require you to be at top efficiency.”

“I did like them.” Heidi nodded.

“I prefer knuckles myself.” Phoenix said.

“He quickly left the shop with Heidi on his tail and headed over to the flyer shop. She started to follow Phoenix inside but a poster on the wall stopped her. It was a wanted poster for a dark skinned man with a greyish blue beard and hair and wearing orange tinted glasses. There was a blue haired beast woman beside him and a Lou unit pictured below them. Phoenix reappeared at the corner of the entrance.

“We must hurry Miss Kimble.” He said.

“Are these your friends?” Heidi asked.

“They are.” Phoenix nodded, “We must reach them before Laia does.”

“She has an hour head start you know.” Heidi replied.

“Yes, I knew they were delaying me here for a reason.” Phoenix grumbled.

He disappeared inside and Heidi rushed to catch up. The flyers at the base were designed for atmospheric flight and didn’t normally fly in space but they were capable if necessary. With flights being cut down at the PPT terminals Phoenix figured it would be quicker to get a flyer here. He was right. The beast girl at the desk quickly handed him the access card. Heidi paused a moment to stare at the girl. It was the first time she had seen a beast working on Neudaiz.

“Miss Kimble quickly.” Phoenix called.

Heidi took one last look at the poster on the wall then followed Phoenix inside.

lavisblade

Feb 19, 2010, 10:51 PM

I read the first chapter and a half of this one and got interested so I started reading your others...got some ways into the first, but haven't had a whole lot of time lately to do much of anything...

Good work so far, though! Keep up the AWESOME!

Gariandos

Feb 22, 2010, 03:12 AM

A very good fan fic here, I should consider editing mine a bit. Maybe that'll get it some comments. I already have two chapters and no replies, and I don't want to risk a triple posting.

Freeze

Feb 26, 2010, 06:28 PM

CHAPTER TWELVE

Iceberg awoke to the scowling face of Laia Martinez. He groaned softly and slowly sat up. Lou was up attending to Doctor Tomrain and Laia’s partner, Rolf, was tending to Isis.

“You are lucky to be alive.” Laia growled, “What were you thinking bringing Tomrain here?”

“He’s the fore most authority on A-photons.” Iceberg replied as he slowly sat up, “We had an A-photon problem that demanded his attention.”

He climbed to his feet and stretched out his aching muscles. His head still hurt from where the purple cast had hit him with its scythe. He had no doubt that if he had not had his line shield equipped he would be dead right now. The heaters that the Guardians had brought felt very good as the chill slowly drained from his body.

“You know you only have limited exposure when using just your line shield.” Laia scolded him, “Why did you stay so long.”

“It was not my intention.” Iceberg replied.

“We were attacked.” Isis said as she climbed to her feet.

“Attacked by who?” Laia frowned.

“It was a purple and black cast of unknown design.” Lou replied.

“Did you see the strange symbol on the center of his chest?” Tomrain asked, “I wonder what it means.”

“Slow down.” Laia waved, “What are you talking about, and what happened to your flyer?”

“The cast must have taken it.” Iceberg said.

“I’ve never seen anyone move that fast before.” Isis shook her head.

“Are you saying we have a hostile alien flying around in one of our flyers?” Laia gasped.

Iceberg and Isis both nodded and said, “Yes.”

“Better than that.” Tomrain smiled, “He may be of ancient origin.”

“Really?” Rolf asked excitedly.

“Maybe but I think Lou would disagree.” Isis said.

Lou nodded, “I believe there is only a nine percent probability that this cast is an ancient belonging to the beings that created the relics.”

“Why is that?” Laia shrugged.

“The technology of this ship does not match that found in the relics.” Lou replied.

“Good enough reason.” Iceberg smirked.

“Say, he did ask about a ranger.” Isis said, “Someone named Deepfreeze.”

“I’ve never heard of any Guardian by that name.” Laia frowned.

“He also seemed to thing that this ranger was looking for something.” Isis continued, “Some thing he was also looking for.”

“No time has passed for him so what ever drove him here must still be driving him.” Tomrain said.

“I sense great evil from him.” Iceberg frowned, “We must stop him.”

“Perhaps the data cards from the computer core will tell us something.” Isis suggested.

“Return to the flyer with Lou and Tomrain then.” Laia nodded, “I’d like to have a closer look at this wreck.”

“As do I.” Iceberg said.

“Officially you’re under arrest.” Laia smirked, “But I’ll arrest you after we return to the colony.”

“You do understand why I did what I did.” Iceberg said.

“Yes.” Laia nodded, “I would have done the same thing. I’ll see if I can talk to Dallgun about going easy on you.”

“I would appreciate it Laia.” Iceberg smiled slightly.

“What are friends for?” Laia shrugged.

They were interrupted by Laia’s communicator.

“Go ahead.”

“This is Phoenix, I am approaching the moon.”

“Good, we found the Guardians and everyone is alright.” Laia said.

“That is good to hear.” Phoenix said, “Shall I land and assist you?”

“No need, just remain in orbit and stand by.” Laia replied.

“Very well.” Phoenix said sounding a little disappointed.

Laia turned to Iceberg, “Shall we have a look around.”

“After you.” Iceberg waved.

Laia headed back up the ladder with Iceberg right behind her and Rolf bringing up the rear. Isis remained behind to help Tomrain, Lou and the other Guardians with the clean up.

Phoenix brought the flyer into geosynchronous orbit then leaned back in his chair letting out a deep sigh. Heidi starred at him for a moment.

“I never heard a cast sigh before.” She said softly.

“Have you had much exposure to casts?” Phoenix muttered.

“Not really.” Heidi shrugged and began to stare out at the moon.

“Just as I figured.” Phoenix said, “We casts generally don’t like being on Neudaiz. You Newmans give us the creeps. Of all the species you are the most illogical.”

“Tell me about it.” Heidi muttered softly enough that Phoenix couldn’t hear her.

“Do not take my hostility towards you personally.” Phoenix continued, “I am not angry with you. It is the Guardians who have ticked me off and you are the instrument they use to infuriate me.”

“Now that my friends have been arrested I find myself without someone who believes in the same thing I do. Iceberg could have been my brother if he was a cast, shame he isn’t. His biggest fault is his compassion for the inferior species, partnering with a beast. I couldn’t believe it when he told me. I had hoped we could have been partners. What a glorious team we would have made. Two invincible warriors patrolling Gurhal. There wouldn’t be this Illuminus problem I tell you. Instead he went with that beast woman. I haven’t worked with a partner since and now I’m stuck with you.”

Heidi barely heard a word Phoenix said, something on the surface of the moon had caught her eye. It was just on the horizon to the right of the crash site. It was a small intent in the smooth curvature of the moon. It was too straight to be the edge of a meteorite impact. She quickly turned and tapped Phoenix shoulder.

“Look over there.” She said pointing to the spot, “I think there is a groove or ditch in the moon.”

“There are only impact and seismic features on the moon.” Phoenix replied, “I’m sure it’s just a fault crack.”

“Doesn’t look like a crack.” Heidi replied, “Looks like a ditch created when something crash lands.”

“You’ve seen many then.” Phoenix smirked.

“My dad has shown me pictures of the crash sites he’s had to investigate.” Heidi replied, “Small flyers like this just break apart and some times leave a small crater but when something big crashes like a rogue cruiser or an AMF ship crash lands it leave a ditch like that. This one looks like its slowly being filled in but I think we should check it out.”

Phoenix let out a deep sigh and climbed from his seat. He moved in front of Heidi and looked out the side of the flyers canopy.

“Where?” He grumbled.

“There right at the moons horizon.” Heidi said placing her finger against the glass.

“Hmmm.” Phoenix nodded, “It does look suspicious. We shall investigate.”

Heidi sat back in her seat feeling rather proud of herself. Phoenix sat down and brought the flyer around to the spot Heidi had seen. A quick scan revealed that the ditch was created by a crashed object. It took a few minutes to penetrate the dust and debris that had mostly filled the ditch in. At the bottom Phoenix picked up traces of an unknown metal.

“You may be correct.” He said, “I am detecting pieces of metal scattered all along the base of this ditch.”

“Look there.” Heidi pointed, “That big hill at the end of the ditch.”

“Could be what we are looking for.” Phoenix nodded.

He brought the ship around and set it down close to the hill. He climbed from his seat and opened up a supply cabinet at the rear of the cabin. He pulled out an oxygen unit and handed it to Heidi.

“Equip this to your line shield.” He said.

She nodded and did as he instructed.

“Mr. Phoenix, in school they taught us about the early space projects including exploration of the moons. How come they never discovered this before?”

“Those missions were interrupted by the racial war.” Phoenix replied, “The war, as devastating as it was, created great leaps in technological development. By the time the war was over we had moved beyond the need for expensive and time consuming moon exploration. It was decided that these missions provided no benefit and resources would be better spent on planetary development.”

He made sure Heidi's equipment was operating correctly and that their COM channels were open.

“It appears we were wrong.” Phoenix said, “Prepare yourself, it is about to get very cold.”

“I’m from northern Neudaiz.” Heidi smiled, “I think I can handle the cold.”

“That boast would have more meaning if you were coming from the ice plains of Moatoob.” Phoenix replied.

“Where?” Heidi frowned.

“The winters on Neudaiz are nothing compared to the winters in the north of Moatoob.” Phoenix frowned, “Cold enough to freeze a man solid if he’s not careful.”

He hit the hatch release depressurizing the flyer. Heidi was hit by an intense cold that she was not prepared for. She wrapped her arms tight and shivered. Phoenix appeared to be smiling at her taking far too much pleasure in her discomfort.

“Come.” He said, “You don’t have much time.”

“Why?” Heidi asked.

“You are allotted one half hour exposure to the vacuum.” Phoenix replied stepping onto the surface.

“Let’s hurry then.” Heidi quipped and rushed out.

She was stopped by the amazing view before her. She had never seen her home planet from this angle and from this close. Seeing it from a ships window or from a window on the Guardians colony couldn’t compare to the view before her. Neudaiz was so green and blue hanging in space. It was so crisp and clean. Even the stars shone brighter here. She could see Moatoob and its rings behind the flyer. It was just disappearing below the surface. Parum was to her right and much smaller. She could just make out the small silver cylinder that was the Guardians colony. She watched as a small meteoroid went flying by entering Neudaiz atmosphere and bursting into a small fire ball. It only lasted a second but it seemed to last a lot longer. She no longer felt cold as she tried to take the entire view in. Phoenix had already begun digging around the ship. Heidi sighed. She wanted to stare up at the sky forever but she knew she had to help. With their handguns set on low they blasted away the dust and rock that had buried the ship many years ago. It was the back half of the ship with its two engines resting on the ground. The front end had dug into the rock sealing up the open end. They wouldn’t be able to dig that end out. Phoenix was hoping they could enter through the hole in the front but now they had to look for a hatch. Heidi found some foot holds that allowed her to climb up to the top. She suspected they might have been used by maintenance personnel when the ship was new. She carefully walked along the top but she was not used to the low gravity and didn’t see the latch but her foot found it. She tripped and landed on her face. It didn’t hurt as the fall was much slower that usual and her line shield absorbed the rest of the impact. Phoenix sighed in annoyance at his student’s clumsiness. He quickly climbed to the top as Heidi tried moving the latch. It was much too solid for her and even Phoenix had trouble moving it. He pulled the hatch open and looked down into the darkness. He equipped his goggles and climbed down the ladder to the metal deck below. Heidi came down after him but she missed a rung and came crashing down landing on her butt. This time it did hurt. Phoenix proceeded to the rear of the ship. He found a couple empty crew quarters along the way. The engine room contained the remains of a large photon ion drive. Phoenix stood staring at it. Heidi looked around him and gasped.

“What is it?”

“The engine.” Phoenix replied, “But it’s like nothing I’ve seen before. The smaller ones I do recognise as photon drives for sub light drive.”

Heidi nodded as she looked at the two cylindrical engines lying flat mounted on each side of the room. Her gaze came back to the large caldron like structure sitting between the two engines. She could make out what looked like clear windows mounted at various spots across the bowl that sat at the center. A large metal tube extended out of the top of the caldron then exited through the back of the engine room.

“If these beings are aliens then wouldn’t they need some kind of faster than light travel?” Heidi asked, “Or maybe some kind of wormhole.”

“I would say so.” Phoenix nodded.

“This might be that engine.” Heidi said.

“Very astute.” Phoenix nodded.

“Imagine, faster than light travel.” Heidi gasped.

Phoenix looked down at the young Newman woman and tilted his head. He was having trouble figuring this one out. One minute she seemed to be just another inferior specimen and the next she showed great insight and wisdom far beyond her years. This troubled Phoenix. He didn’t like enigmas and she was turning out to be one. He couldn’t decide if he was starting to admire his student or really hate her.

“We should tell some one what we’ve found.” Heidi said breaking his train of thought.

“We will.” Phoenix said, “When I’ve finished looking around.”

Phoenix abruptly turned and headed back down the corridor.

“Where are you going now?” Heidi asked.

“There should be at least another deck in a ship this size.” Phoenix replied, “I intend to find it.”

“Well that shouldn’t be too hard.” Heidi said to herself, “Just look for the stairs.”

She started to follow Phoenix back. Her hand softly ran across the metal wall as she slowly followed the cast back down the corridor, she wasn’t even aware of it. As she went she found herself feeling much lighter that she should even in half gravity. It was almost like a dream as Phoenix disappeared into the darkness. She stopped and softly tilted her head.

“That’s the wrong way.” Heidi said softly.

She slowly looked around then moved forward a few steps stopping at a pressure door. She reached out and lightly touched it. The door creaked open and she stepped inside. Her vision blacked out as she passed through the door but returned at the other side. She was standing in a connecting hallway that lead to the corridor on the far side of the ship. She sleepily walked down the hallway and into the next corridor. She turned right walked until she found a circular hatch in the wall.

“This is not the stairs.” She said, “But it will do.”

Phoenix appeared at the far end of the corridor just as she pulled the hatch open.

“How did you get here before me?” He asked as he ran up to her.

She didn’t answer but he saw the connecting hallway she had come through.

“How did you know that was there?” He asked.

She still didn’t answer him; instead she stepped into the hatch and began to climb down.

“Heidi, are you feeling alright?” Phoenix asked.

He could see something was not right with the girl and he was actually troubled by this. He followed her down into the lower deck. It was a large room filled with cargo containers. At the far wall near the hull breach sat three large capsules. One was fixed on the floor in the center of the room. The other two were fastened upright against the wall. The one on the right had a dim flickering light on its panel. She shook her head bringing her out of the dream state and back to reality. She walked over to the capsule and tried to peer inside but she wasn’t quite tall enough. Phoenix stepped up beside her and tried to look in the small window but it was too scratched up from the crash.

“Looks like a storage tube.” He said.

“Stasis I think.” Heidi replied, “For long journeys.”

“You seem to know an awful lot about this.” Phoenix frowned.

“Do I?” Heidi said moving to the panel.

She reached out and wiped the dust from the panel. As she did one of the buttons beeped and there was a soft click as the lid swung open. Heidi jumped back with surprise. Phoenix cautiously looked around the door. Inside was a large bulky red and black cast. It was a design she had never seen before. The cast was cradling a small metallic blue legless fox. Neither machine appeared to be functioning.

“Phoenix, have you ever…” She gasped.

“No, I have not.” Phoenix replied, “I believe now it is time to report in.”

He tapped his communicator and waited for Laia to respond.

“I wonder if it’s still alive.” Heidi said softly.

“After all this time I doubt it.” Phoenix replied, “Laia do you read?

“Go Phoenix.” Laia replied, “Where are you? We’ve lost you on our sensors. We’re ready to lift off.”

“We’ve landed next to another crash site.” Phoenix replied, “You’ll see us once you’re back in orbit. Get over here, we found a cast in what Heidi believes is a stasis tube.”

“You found what?” Laia exclaimed, “Wait who thinks what?”

“Heidi believes it is a stasis pod for long space travel.” Phoenix said, “I believe she is right.”

“Your trainee?” Laia gasped.

“That has been my conclusion as well.” Tomrain broke in, “That must be a remarkable young woman you have there.”

“Yes, she’s full of surprises.” Phoenix grumbled.

Heidi stared up at the large cast trying to figure out why the sight of this alien machine felt so familiar. She had never seen anything like this and yet she felt like giving it a big hug, like one might give a close friend that you haven’t seen for a long time. Slowly she turned away and looked up at her cast instructor then back at the alien. This actually gave Phoenix the creeps.

“I have never seen this thing before.” Heidi said softly, “And yet it seems so familiar.”

“How so?” Phoenix frowned.

“I don’t know.” Heidi shook her head, “Like some one I knew long ago.”

“That is not possible.” Phoenix stated.

“I know but I also know what I feel.” Heidi shook her head.

“You must learn to control yourself.” Phoenix said, “A warrior without control is doomed to failure.”

“What if these feelings are the key to all this?” Heidi turned and glared at him.

Phoenix had no answer.

Freeze

Mar 5, 2010, 08:28 PM

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

STAND BY FOR SYSTEM BOOT

ACCESSING MAIN OPERATING SYSTEM

SYSTEM FOUND

BOOTING PRIMARY BASE PROGRAM

ACCESSING SECONDARY SYSTEMS

STAND BY FOR SYSTEM CHECK

CHECK OK

ACTIVATING PRIMARY ENERGY CORE

WARNING: ENERGY CORE POWER LEVEL LOW

BOOTING MAIN SYSTEMS

ACTIVATING RECHARGE SYSTEM

FUEL SUPPLY LOW

ACTIVATING SECONDARY SYSTEMS

SECONDARY SYSTEMS ONLINE

Heidi watched the information scroll across the screen as Doctor Tomrain slowly reactivated the cast’s main processor core. Using equipment and three teams of Guardians in pressure suits, they managed to remove the giant cast from the spacecraft and brought him back to the colony. The power in the stasis tube had drained too much to revive him. Lou had estimated another twelve days before the power would have dropped to low to maintain his memory core. The cast now lay still on the lab table with lines of wires connected to every port they could find. It had taken the scientists a couple hours to convert the connectors to the cast’s ports using ones they salvaged from the ship then using the data cards Lou had brought back they reprogrammed their computer to talk to him. They had tried to lock Heidi and Phoenix out but Phoenix convinced them that since his team had found it they should be there. It didn’t hurt either that Tomrain believed Heidi when she told him about her strange feelings. She now felt like she was part of an experiment instead of an observer. She leaned over the table and looked into the dark visor that covered his optical sensors.

“We should see something shortly.” Tomrain said.

“How will we know?” Heidi asked.

“Amanda?” The cast asked softly.

“Yipe!” Heidi yelped and jumped back.

When the cast failed to do anything more she slowly returned to her position.

“Hello.” She said slowly.

“Amanda is that you?” The cast asked, “You look so young.”

“Uh no, I’m not Amanda.” Heidi blushed.

“You look just like her.” The cast said.

“Who is Amanda?” Tomrain asked.

“A friend.” The cast replied, “She was traveling in my ship.”

“There was no one else aboard.” Tomrain said.

“That was not my ship.” The cast replied, “Wait, no one?”

“Another team did find a cast in the other half of the ship.” Phoenix said.

“Did he survive?” The cast asked.

“He attacked our team.” Phoenix said.

“He must be stopped.” The cast tried to sit up.

“Easy.” Tomrain said pushing him back down, “You’re not at a hundred percent yet.”

“Who are you?” Heidi asked.

“My name is Cerberus.” The cast replied, “RAcast, Hunters Guild section I.D.
Oran.”

“I’m Heidi, pleased to meet you.” Heidi grinned.

“Are you sure you’re not Amanda?” Cerberus smiled and slowly sat up.

“Quite sure.” Heidi nodded.

“Well you are the spitting image of her.” Cerberus smiled, “Where am I?”

“This is a lab on the Guardians Colony.” Tomrain replied, “In the Gurhal system.”

“I’ve never heard of such a place.” Cerberus shook his head, “When we passed through the wormhole I remember seeing a star system with a single sun and three planets in close orbit.”

“That’s Gurhal.” Heidi nodded.

“The planets were at war with each other.” Cerberus said, “We were hit by one of the missiles launched from one of the planets. I don’t think we were a target; we just got in the way. The other ship was hit bad and decompressed so I was the only one capable of boarding. I faced off against the other android, Kireek, but the ship was hit again and began to break up. I knew we were going down so I locked myself in a stasis pod to protect me from the crash. Kireek must have done the same.”

“That confirms they are not ancients.” Tomrain sighed.

“Never doubted Lou for a minute.” Phoenix grumbled.

“That war ended just over a hundred years ago.” Tomrain said.

“We had a real nice party going too until the Seed decided to crash it.” Phoenix grumbled.

“Wait, I’ve been trapped on that ship for a hundred years?” Cerberus gasped.

“Perhaps longer.” Phoenix said, “We have no idea when you got here.”

Tomrain nodded. Heidi looked up at Phoenix for a minute then turned to Cerberus.

“This Kireek you mentioned. He was a cast on the other half of the ship.” Heidi said then turned to Phoenix, “And you knew he attacked the Guardians there?”

“Laia informed me when we got back.” Phoenix nodded.

“When were you going to tell me?” Heidi gave him a shot.

“Kireek is very dangerous and we must go after him.” Cerberus said.

“The cast that attacked our team was described as tall slender and coloured purple with black accents.” Phoenix said.

“That’s him.” Cerberus nodded.

“What did you just say?” Heidi gasped staring wide eyed at Phoenix.

“What’s the matter girl?” Tomrain said softly grabbing her arm, “You look as though someone just told you a relative died.”

“He’s a purple and black hunter android with yellow eyes…” Cerberus began.

“And three white dots on his forehead.” Heidi finished.

“Yes, how did you…” Cerberus started too asked.

“I’ve seen him.” Heidi said, “The cast that haunts my nightmares. Every full moon.”

“How is it that you’ve dreamed of an android you’ve never seen?” Cerberus frowned, “Who are you?”

The door to the lab slid open and in walked President Dallgun followed by Leo and Jon who immediately ran to his daughter.

“Heidi are you alright?”

“No dad, I just found out the cast from my dreams is real.” Heidi replied.

“What, how?” Jon frowned.

Heidi nodded to the bulky red and black cast sitting on the table.

“You!” Jon gasped, “I thought you were just an old family legend.”

“I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage.” Cerberus shook his head.

“My name is Jonathan Kimble.” Jon said.

“Jonathan Kimble.” Cerberus gasped, “You are a Newman.”

Cerberus climbed off the table and walked over to Jon and stared him right in the face.

“Yes, you have his eyes.” Cerberus said, “This explains Heidi.”

“What, what explains me?” Heidi asked looking up at the two men.

“That’s what I’d like to know.” Dallgun said.

“Heidi is the first woman born into our family as far back as our history here in Gurhal goes.” Jon said.

“Amanda’s father was human and her mother was Newman and they had two daughters.” Cerberus frowned, “Are you telling me there’s been none since then.”

Jon nodded, “The recorded family history states she was the first human Newman hybrid.”

“First recorded hybrid.” Cerberus nodded, “Amanda's mother was created to breed with a human in an attempt to combine the best genetic traits of each species to create a superhuman. Amanda and her sister were born as hybrids but they had to keep their heritage secret so the scientists and authorities wouldn't find them and take them back as lab animals. On Coral Newmans weren't considered as citizens so they didn't have many rights. She and Deepfreeze married and had a son.”

“That son married one of the Gurhal Newmans,” Jon said, “Must have been her different genetic make up because they did have a child, another son. That son grew up and married and also had a son. That’s when things went weird.”

“Weird?” Heidi frowned.

“They discovered that after the first child he could not father anymore children.” Jon said, “Something in his genes shut him down. It’s kind of been our family curse. We can have only one child. Until now they have all been sons.”

“Because of me, our family name will end.” Heidi sighed and collapsed on a chair.

The others stood in stunned silence. Dallgun crossed his arms and shook his head.

“Are you telling me that your family, this cast, and the one that attacked my Guardians are all aliens?” He pointed at Jon and Cerberus.

“Yes Sir but our DNA has been so diluted by Gurhalian DNA that barely any of it exists any more.” Jon nodded

“Obviously enough still exists.” Cerberus frowned.

“How so?” Jon frowned.

“You Sir look very much like Alexander, Deepfreeze’s son.” Cerberus shrugged, “And Heidi looks just like Amanda.”

“That purple cast was asking about some one named Deepfreeze.” Tomrain said.

“He did become quite a pain in Kireek’s side.” Cerberus smiled.

“So, what you’re all saying is that I’m actually an alien.” Heidi muttered.

“Kireek was searching for an ancient power source so powerful the legend said it had the power to create life.” Cerberus explained.

“How can I be an alien?” Heidi muttered again.

“We were following a star map found in an ancient ruins site on our new planet.” Cerberus continued, “The map lead to a wormhole but no further. We passed thru the wormhole hoping to find the rest of the map here. I am forced to guess that this not the case.”

“I’ve never even heard of such a thing.” Dallgun shook his head slowly.

“The ancients who inhabited Gurhal before us may have.” Tomrain said.

“I always felt a little different from the others girls but to be an alien.” Heidi stared down at her hands.

Jon placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it softly.

“Jon.” Cerberus said.

“Yes.” Jon replied.

“Kireek is very dangerous and must be stopped.”

“How dangerous?”

Cerberus began to explain everything starting with the war on Coral, then the Pioneer project, and finally all the events that took place on Ragol. When he finished everyone was very quiet. Dallgun cleared his throat and turned to Leo.

“Inform the front desk to issue a system wide alert. All Guardians and AMF soldiers are to watch for this Kireek and if sighted immediately arrest him.”

“Yes Sir.” Leo nodded and headed out.

“I’ve never seen a man like that before.” Cerberus said nodding at Leo.

“Leo is a beast.” Jon shrugged, “They were genetically engineered for greater strength and physical endurance to withstand harsher environments.”

“I see.” Cerberus said looking around, “Where is Sato?”

“Who is Sato?” Dallgun frowned.

“She’s my Mag.” Cerberus replied, “A little blue mechanical fox.”

“Ah yes.” Tomrain nodded, “We found that with you. Follow me.”

Tomrain lead Cerberus and the others into another room where Sato sat encased in a glass box sitting on a metal table. She perked up wagging her tail and mewed happily.

“Fascinating device.” Tomrain smiled, “Activated shortly after coming to the colony.”

“Why is she in a cage?” Cerberus frowned.

“We didn’t know if it was dangerous so for security sake we keep it locked up.” Tomrain replied.

“Sato is completely harmless.” Cerberus said, “Every hunter is given one when they sign up at the guild. What a Mag becomes depends on how a hunter raises them. Now let her out.”

Tomrain nodded and opened the box. Sato floated up off the table and over to Cerberus who gave her a scratch on the chin. Sato let out a happy little meow.

“She’s so cute.” Heidi smiled.

She walked up to the little fox and gave her a pat on the head. Sato began purring softly, and then floated over to Heidi positioning her self just over Heidi’s left shoulder.

“Well, well looks like you’ve got a new friend.” Cerberus smiled.

“What’s it doing?” Heidi frowned.

“That’s her spot.” Cerberus replied, “She’ll watch over you and protect you.”

“Neat.” Heidi grinned.

“Now, Mr Kimble, I need to see you’re entire family history.” Cerberus said.

Freeze

Mar 14, 2010, 12:26 PM

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Iceberg, Isis, and Lou were seated at the table in the center of the interrogation room. Laia Martinez stood quietly in a corner as AMF’s Fullyen Curtz paced back and forth. Normally security matters would be dealt with internally but because of Doctor Tomrain’s importance the AMF insisted with heading the inquiry. President Dallgun protested said it was a Guardians matter but the Communion of Gurhal and the Trade Federation on Moatoob sided with the AMF. To keep peace in the system Dallgun had no choice but to bow to the wishes of the AMF. The AMF did agree to allow a Guardian to participate to unsure Guardian interests were maintained.

“You three are formally charged with the kidnapping of a protected Gurhal civilian and the disobeying of a direct order from a superior.” Curtz glared, “These are very serious charges. Iceberg, you don’t have a clean record to begin with but this is even a stretch for you.”

“We did not kidnap anyone.” Iceberg replied, “We were escorting Doctor Tomrain on a mission at his request.”

“Doctor Tomrain did confirm this.” Laia nodded.

“Doctor Tomrain is in no position to offer said mission.” Curtz replied.

“So Tomrain is a prisoner with us.” Iceberg muttered.

“That’s enough.” Laia said.

"Doctor Tomrain is under the protection of the Guardians, not a prisoner.” Lou stated, “His personal rights are maintained. Those rights allow him to move freely and perform his duties as he wishes just like any other Gurhal citizen.”

“Does the Lou system agree with your assessment?” Curtz asked.

“I do not know.” Lou shook her head, “I have been temporarily disconnected from the system for the duration of the inquiry.”

“Really.” Curtz smirked.

Lou just stared right back at the cast. Isis was quite proud of the little cast. There weren’t many who could stand up against the intimidating Curtz. A small smirk crept across the beast woman’s face. Curtz glared down at her.

“What is your excuse?”

“I have no excuses.” Isis replied bluntly, “Only my duty.

“And what exactly is that duty?” Curtz glared.

“To protect the citizens of Gurhal from danger.” She stated.

“And how where you doing that by taking a highly respected citizen into a potentially dangerous area?”

“Doctor Tomrain is the most experienced A-photon researcher in Gurhal.” Isis replied, “The situation demanded his presence. Our presence with him was for his safety.”

“If it weren’t for our quick action we never would have learned of the source of the new Kubara weapons and the other artefacts.” Iceberg said.

“Or the crash site containing the alien casts.” Isis added.

“That is all irrelevant.” Curtz waved.

“No it’s not.” Iceberg rebuked, “The primary charge is kidnapping. We were hired by Tomrain for protection during his investigation of the strange A-photon phenomenon. We did not kidnap anyone. As for the second charge I take full responsibility.”

“What?” Lou frowned.

“Iceberg!” Isis gasped.

“It is the honourable thing to do.” Iceberg said proudly.

“Then I accept responsibility too.” Isis said standing up.

“As do I.” Lou said climbing to her feet.

“I agree with you.” Curtz said.

“You do?” Isis frowned, “Really?”

“It shall be in my report but the end result lies with the security counsel.” Curtz said with a shrug, “They shall determine your fate.”

He nodded to Laia then quickly exited through the door. Laia waited until he was gone before sitting down at the table.

“Things are looking good.”

“How do you figure?” Isis sighed.

“Curtz is pretty stubborn. It’s not easy to convince him of something when he’s already made up his mind.” Laia tipped her hand, “He was ready to lock the three of you up and jettison you into space. Having him on your side will pull a lot of weight with the counsel.”

“What about you?” Iceberg raised an eyebrow.

“Me?” Laia shrugged, “I’m glad you did what you did. There’s a lot we don’t know about A-photons but we uncovered a huge chunk of the puzzle today.”

“Yes and created a galaxies worth of new questions.” Isis sighed.

“Look, I’ve got a mission on Moatoob to get to so I’m not going to lock you up.” Laia said, “But you are confined to the colony. Your travel passes have already been suspended.”

“You aren’t going after Ethan are you?” Isis smirked.

“I admit after running into him a couple of times I’m beginning to have my doubts.” Laia sighed.

“Success on your mission.” Iceberg said shaking her hand.

“Thank you, I’ll see you all later.” Laia replied and hurried off.

“So now what?” Isis shrugged.

“Enjoy your time off.” Iceberg shrugged, “Come, I’ll buy you a drink.”

“I’ll go for that.” Isis smiled grabbing Icebergs arm, “I know the perfect place.”

Lou watched them leave then headed back to the Guardians office on the fifth floor.

It is a strange place with strange technology and strange planets, but people are the same. Humans and Newmans were still weak. The androids here are not as advanced but they are still superior to their creatures. These beast creatures are intriguing though. Created by humans from humans, designed with superior strength and endurance to the elements, but as with Newmans the humans gave them lower intelligence so they would not over throw their human masters. They had been used as slaves for hundreds of years before they finally rose up against their human oppressors and after five hundred years of war, peace was established and the four races learned to live as equals, or so you were led to believe. The desert world that had held these beasts prisoner had become their home. Kireek scrolled through the information stored in the flyers data base. These people were technologically inferior to Coral. He would have no trouble conquering these people but that was not his quest. He still needed to find the ancient power. It wasn't here, he could feel that but the answer was here and he intended to find it. The biggest stumbling block was he needed an interstellar space craft which these people did not possess. He would have to build one, but first he needed a place to hide and this desert world showed great promise. It was home to hundreds of abandon mines and caves. Now he just had to find one that would serve his purpose. He brought the flyer around and pitched down to the southern hemisphere. Topographical scans showed several cave entrances as well as vast underground caverns. There he should be able to stock pile enough parts to convert his flyer into a starship. He dropped the flyer down into a large trench that housed a cave entrance large enough for the flyer. He banked around, dropped under, and popped over rock bridges, spikes and over hangs. Kireek brought the flyer around a soft bend in the canyon then straightened for the cave entrance. An explosion just outside the cockpit shook the flyer violently. Kireek growled softly. How dare some one attack him? Again the flyer rocked from a nearby explosion. Proximity blasts. They weren't trying to destroy him, only bring him down. They would fail, and then he would make them pay. Kireek pushed the throttle forward driving at the cave. The attacks became more frequent giving the flyer a hard time at maintaining flight. Alarms began to sound all around him. Kireek knew he was going down but if he angled it right he could still make the cave. One final blast knocked out the engines and the flyer began to drop. Kireek fought to maintain altitude but it was no use. The flyer impacted hard against the cave lip, bounced up and skidded across the cave floor finally coming to a stop against the back wall. Kireek pulled himself from the pilot seat and quickly disembarked from the craft only to find him self surrounded by cast soldiers. He gripped his Soul Eater tightly and quickly assessed his situation. A normal android would have been forced to surrender but Kireek was no ordinary android. He calculated he could take out five before they could even fire off a single shot. The rest would be easy to avoid. He was not the one that needed to surrender.

"Why are you here?" A deep metallic voice boomed.

"Show yourself!" Kireek demanded.

A tall maroon and black cast with solid white eyes stepped forward. Kireek gave him the once over then dismissed him as a threat.

"I ask again, why are you here?" The cast asked.

"That is no concern of yours." Kireek replied.

"Since you are in our territory I think it is." The cast said.

"I answer to no one." Kireek frowned, "I shall not answer to you."

"If I were you, I'd be a little less confident." The cast smirked, "We have you surrounded."

"You and your little toys are no threat to me." Kireek laughed.
"Really." The cast replied, "I see it differently."

"That is because you are an inferior android." Kireek scowled.

"I am cast. Renvolt Magashi of the Illuminus." He yelled, "And I will destroy you."

With lightning fast speed Kireek leaped forward taking down six soldiers before they could even aim. Better than he had calculated, Kireek was feeling very proud of himself. A soldier fired just missing Kireek's shoulder. With fluid motion, Kireek swung the Soul Eater in a graceful upward arc slicing through the casts upper torso, then brought the weapon back down taking out his partner. Kireek continued his swift and seamless dance of death taking down the final three soldiers leaving only Magashi.

"Taking out pathetic foot soldiers is hardly impressive." Magashi said looking quite smug.

"I am not here to impress you or anyone else." Kireek growled.

"For shame, it might have saved your life." Magashi shrugged.

"I give you fair warning, which is some thing I don't normally do for my opponents." Kireek smirked, "You don't want to fight me. You will not survive."

"It is you who will not survive."

Magashi charged forward drawing a twin sabre from something on his back. Kireek smirked at the androids poor choice of weapons. No wait, what was it the android had called himself? A cast. Kireek found it interesting that this cast had made such an emotional effort to emphasize the difference. Magashi swung at Kireek with precision and skill. Kireek found him self slightly impressed. He blocked the attack with the shield on his left arm then kicked Magashi back.

"You have a very good line shield but it will not save you." Magashi grinned and charged again.

"I grow tired of your empty threats." Kireek frowned while blocking the attack with his weapon.

Kireek pushed Magashi back then swung at the cast. Magashi had no chance to defend taking the blade of the Soul Eater in the chest. Magashi roared as the scythe quickly drained his power. Kireek pulled the weapon free then pushed the dead cast over with his foot.

"No soul." Kireek frowned, "Not even a real cast, just a pathetic clone."

"Very impressive." A voice slithered from the shadows.

"Show yourself clone so I may dispatch you as well." Kireek demanded.

"Relax, I am not here to fight you." Another Magashi stepped from the shadows, "It has been determined that it would be better to have you as an ally rather than an enemy."

"I am not here to make ally's." Kireek growled.

"Perhaps not but your wrecked flyer says otherwise." Magashi pointed.

"No thanks to you." Kireek growled.

"We must protect ourselves." Magashi shrugged, "You could have been a Guardian."

"A what?" Kireek frowned then shook his head, "Never mind, who are you?"

"We are the Illuminus." Magashi replied, "An underground human supremacy movement bent to restore humanity as the dominant species."

"Why would a cast be involved in such a pathetic movement?"

"I must obey my programming." Magashi sighed, "And that means I must obey my creator. The original Magashi was commander of the Endrum Collective, a secret military division of the AMF. It was disbanded after its true intensions were revealed. The original Magashi died at the hands of the Guardian Ethan Waber."

"I do not know nor care who that is." Kireek waved.

"You should." Magashi fumed pointing a sharp finger, "He is a thorn in our side and has been snooping around our facilities."

"Your trivial concerns are yours alone." Kireek waved him off.

"Our trivial concerns are now your trivial concerns." Magashi smirked, "You've crashed in the Illuminus head base of operations. If Ethan finds us here he will find you as well."

"I don't plan on staying here very long." Kireek shrugged.

"You're still going to need us to get you your repair parts." Magashi smirked, "Help us and we will help you."

"Get me everything I require and I will aid you." Kireek nodded.

"Perfect." Magashi grinned evilly.

"What is it you need my help with?" Kireek asked.

"We are going to take out the ultimate symbol of human suppression in the Gurhal system." Magashi said leading Kireek down a dark tunnel, "The Guardians Colony."

"And how do you plan on doing that?" Kireek frowned.

"By dropping it from the sky." Magashi laughed, "It is well known the Guardians are housing SEED infected animals for study. They will make an excellent diversion while you and I take out the main reactor. If we're lucky we'll take President Dallgun with it."

"If it gets me the parts I require, so be it." Kireek nodded.

"Then you must meet with our leader, Howzer." Magashi grinned.

Freeze

Mar 19, 2010, 09:05 PM

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Kireek was genuinely surprised to meet the human image of Magashi that was Karl Friedrich Howzer. He was tanned with long white hair and a scar that ran across the bridge of his nose. He was dressed in white pants and a matching coat. The man looked up at the android with a simple lift of an eye brow.

"The Guardians have put out a system wide alert for you." He said tossing a pad on his desk.

"Have they?" Kireek frowned.

"You are an interesting individual Mr Kireek." Howzer smiled leaning back in his chair,
"You're not of Gurhal technology yet you possess a power unseen by anyone."

"Many on my world tried to possess it as well." Kireek smirked, "They failed."

"And how is it you came to possess it?" Howzer grinned.

"What is it you need of me?" Kireek growled.

"Very well." Howzer nodded, "You will go with some of my casts and the Magashi clones, infiltrate the Guardians colony and access the A-photon reactor.

Howzer pulled a small vile of purple liquid from his desk. Kireek gasped

"I want you to inject this into the core." Howzer said, "It will act like a beacon to the SEED. We've already infected thousands with this virus on this planet. The AMF has been kind enough to conduct a massive extermination campaign. Right now we are infecting machines and casts on Parum. It should be moving to the colony shortly. That combined with a SEED bombardment, the Guardians will be unable to stop us. We've already begun releasing some of their test animals to keep them occupied. When the colony crashes into Parum, millions will die. Famine will spread; the species will begin fighting again. The Guardians will fall from favour and the AMF will be completely over whelmed by SEED. Purification of Gurhal will be swift."

"So you're not interested in human supremacy but complete genocide." Kireek frowned.

"As long as humans become the dominate species who cares how we do it." Howzer shrugged, "Got a problem with that?"

"I care not what happens to your little system." Kireek waved, "My goal lies elsewhere. To get it I need to construct an interstellar spacecraft."

"Such technology does not exist." Howzer scoffed.

"It does where I come from." Kireek grinned.

"Such technology could be damaging to my plans." Howzer frowned, "No one can escape."

"I am the only one who knows how to build it and once I'm gone no one will possess it." Kireek shrugged, "And I'm not about to take passengers either."

"Very well Mr Kireek." Howzer nodded, "Amanda here will show you to our shuttle."

Kireek felt an intense rage flow through him as Howzer gestured to a small blonde Newman girl who bowed politely. Kireek grabbed her by the throat lifting her off the ground and pinned her against the wall.

"Mr Kireek, what are you doing?" Howzer sprang from his chair.

"Your name is Amanda?" Kireek growled ignoring Howzer

The girl nodded slightly, clawing at his hand.

"What is your last name?"

The girl choked out something but Kireek couldn't make it out.

"Tell me your name!" Kireek growled.

He squeezed tighter making it impossible for the girl to reply.

"Mr Kireek please put my slave girl down." Howzer frowned.

"Slave." Kireek repeated looking down at Howzer.

"Yes, we took her from her family on Neudaiz and she has been in my service for a couple years now." Howzer nodded, "She's harmless."

Kireek released the girl dropping her to the ground gasping for air.

"My apologies." Kireek grumbled, "A white haired Newman named Amanda was a constant thorn in my side, and her ranger husband."

"White haired Newman?" Amanda said rubbing her throat.

"Yes." Kireek glared at her, "What do you know?"

"Not much." Amanda replied, "There's lots of Newmans with white hair."

"How about the name Kimble." Kireek glared.

"There was a family that lived in a village a few kilometres to the north with the name Kimble." She replied, "My parents got my name from one of their ancestors. The strange thing is every one born into that family has white hair."

"So Deepfreeze, your family survives." Kireek growled, "No matter, I am no doubt long forgotten."

"Magashi, perhaps one of your people could show Mr Kireek out." Howzer suggested.

Magashi nodded then waved at one of his casts. The cast bowed then followed Kireek out. Howzer waited until they were gone then turned to Amanda.

"Is your family name not Kimble as well?"

"It is Sir." Amanda nodded.

"You kept this from him?"

"I feared he might kill me if he knew."

"Smart girl." Howzer nodded, "He would have and I have grown a little fond of you. It would be a shame to loose such a valuable slave."

"Thank you Sir." Amanda bowed.

"You do realise you sent him after your own family." Howzer grinned.

"They are cousins I don't even know." Amanda shrugged.

"Excellent, you may go." Howzer nodded at the door.

Howzer waited until the girl was gone then turned to Magashi.

"Once Kireek has completed his mission I want him dead."

"Yes Sir." Magashi bowed and left.

Iceberg awoke to the sudden blaring of the colony alarm. He and Isis were still waiting the decision of the Guardians security counsel who, in his opinion, was taking way too long. Because of this they were still restricted to the colony. He had been reading some Guardians mission reports and must have dozed off.

"What's going on?" He groaned as he sat up.

"A level five emergency has been issued." Permafrost replied.

Permafrost was Icebergs fully evolved GH 432 Partner Machine. She was a small blue haired cast dressed in a red dress and black boots.

"You have a call coming in as well." She said.

"How do you...."

Iceberg was cut off by the beeping of his visphone. He walked over and gave Permafrost a raised eyebrow before tapping the screen. A holographic image of Isis appeared above the screen that sat flat on the desk.

"Iceberg, there you are." She said, "Do you know what's going on?"

"No." Iceberg shook his head, "Whatever it is, it must have happened quickly.

"I'm heading to Headquarters." Isis said looking over her shoulder, "Meet me there."

"Right." Iceberg nodded then turned to his PM, "Come on, we've got work to do."

"Master Iceberg, I get to come?" Permafrost gasped.

"Yes, my gut tells me something very bad is going to happen and I don't want to leave you here." He nodded.

The little bot skipped behind her master apparently overjoyed to be coming along. PM's generally weren't true casts and more of a life like robot but Permafrost often made Iceberg wonder if maybe PM's were getting close to crossing that line. Isis and Mina were the only ones at HQ. Even the three girls that worked at the desk behind Mina were gone. Isis waved her partner over.

"Hello Permafrost." Isis smiled, "It's nice to see your master actually let you out for a change."

Iceberg frowned.

"Hello Miss Isis." Permafrost bowed.

"Mina, what's going on?" Iceberg asked.

"There's been a SEED attack on the lower levels." Mina replied, "It's the result of a SEED bombardment. Lou has reported unusually strong emissions coming from the stations A-photon reactor. All active Guardians have been mobilized to get everyone to the secure bunker areas. On top of that we've received reports of Casts becoming violent and attacking some of our people."

"Then we must help." Iceberg said.

"You aren't listed as active." Mina shook her head.

"Mina." Isis started to protest.

Mina stopped her with a raised finger, "However under the circumstances I think I can leave that out of the report."

"Thanks Mina." Isis smiled.

"This is the work of the Illuminus." Iceberg growled, "I just know it."

"We believe so as well." Mina nodded.

"How did they get past security?" Isis asked.

"Come now Isis." Iceberg shook his head, "You now very well security has been very inadequate around here lately."

Mina nodded, "Please search for any survivors and get them to the shelters."

"Go Mina, we'll handle things here." Isis said.

Mina nodded then hurried out the door. It didn't even get closed before Headmaster Nav walked in.

"Headmaster!" Isis exclaimed, "Shouldn't you be in the shelter area?"

"Gak.... err....Ho no....Gek" The Headmaster sputtered and started limping toward them.

"What's wrong?" Isis frowned taking a step forward.

"Isis stop!" Iceberg shouted, "The Headmaster has been infected."

The Headmaster drew his twin claws and attacked. Isis dove to the side narrowly avoiding the slash from his weapon. Iceberg drew a pair of handguns and fired, catching the Headmaster in the shoulder. It rocked the Cast to the side drawing his attention. He charged forward with intense speed and skill. Permafrost fired her crossbow catching the Headmaster in the leg causing him to fall. He turned the fall into a roll and came up running. Permafrost and Iceberg fired repeatedly. The Headmaster weaved and dodged every shot, then leaped at them. Iceberg pushed his PM away then took the full blunt of the attack in the line shield. He was knocked onto his back. One of his guns slipped from his hand and skidded across the floor. Headmaster Nav raised a claw ready to strike. Isis charged with her sabre drawn but there was no way she would reach them in time. A shot landed right between the Headmasters eyes. The Headmaster froze. Isis skidded to a stop and looked back. Permafrost was still holding her handgun pointed at the Headmaster. Iceberg pushed the stiff cast off and climbed to his feet.

"What happened?" Isis frowned.

"I triggered his instant crash syndrome." Permafrost smiled.

"Good work." Iceberg said nudging the Headmaster with his foot.

"Master Iceberg we should go before his system reboots." Permafrost suggested.

"I agree," Iceberg nodded at her, "Besides, we have people to save."

"We can't just leave him here." Isis waved.

"Forgive me Miss Isis but the Headmaster is too dangerous to take with us." Permafrost replied, "Should he regain consciousness while in our company."

"Permafrost is right." Iceberg sighed, "As long as he stays in the residential ring he should be safe. Besides I'm not about to try and carry him around. He's too heavy."

"We can't guarantee he'll stay here." Isis frowned.

"Isis." Iceberg said taking her by the shoulders, "I know you are fond of the Headmaster, we all are. Despite his lecherous habits he's still a charming and wise old cast but he is a serious risk to us. Our primary duty is to the safety of the citizens of Gurhal."

"What about never leaving a man behind?" Isis frowned.

Iceberg didn't even flinch though the shot did make him wince inside. He always swore never to leave anyone behind. He shook his head and looked her straight in the eyes.

"The Headmaster is not in immediate danger." He said, "This is HQ, it's the safest stop on the colony for him and us right now."

"Please masters, time is short." Permafrost said.

Iceberg lead his team down to the lower areas of the colony. SEED infection was very heavy here. The rooms and corridors had been twisted into the dark pulsing tissue of the SEED, just like the Linear Line transit system that had never been cleared or repaired since the first SEED attack. Dark creatures were wandering aimlessly around the area. Cries for help came from the next room.

"Let's move." Iceberg said drawing his rifle.

"Isis pulled a pair of sabres and Permafrost drew her crossbow. The SEED instantly reacted targeting the intruders. The Guardians charged in a delta formation with Iceberg in the lead. The small but swift Bel pannons met them first leaping high into the air finishing with a spin attack. Iceberg blasted the lead pannon in mid air turning it into a splatter of purple goo. Permafrost broke right blasting two at the same time. Isis went left chopping several down before finishing a Delsaban with her photon art. A second one moved in throwing a ball of Megid at her. It passed through her line shield infecting her blood stream. She instinctively fell back crying out as the poison burned inside her. Iceberg ran to her rescue blasting the Delsaban then drawing his wand. A quick cast of Reverser removed the poison.

"Thanks." She smiled as he helped her up.

"I thought beasts were tougher than that?" He smirked.

She jabbed him in the side, "It's weird, I've never had the poison act like that before."

"Master Iceberg!" Permafrost cried, "I require assistance."

Iceberg turned to find his PM completely surrounded. She continued to fire at the attackers but there was just too many. Isis started to charge but she was stopped by a new group of Delsabans. Iceberg fired at the group attacking his PM while Isis tried to hold off the new group. He managed to open a small hole for Permafrost to escape through. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a Megid ball fly at Isis hitting her square in the chest. She crumpled to the ground. Iceberg turned and blasted the head off Isis' killer.

"Permafrost, Isis needs a moon atomizer."

"At once Master Iceberg." The PM nodded.

Permafrost hurried over to the fallen beast and quickly poured the small vile of liquid down her throat. Isis awoke with a groan.

"Blasted Megid." She frowned.

Permafrost nodded just as a big purple ball slammed into her sending her flying against the wall. She hit with a loud clank then flopped lifeless to the floor. Isis jumped to her feet and charged at the three Delsabans marching her way. She tore into each one with lightening quick precision. Iceberg quickly dispatched the last of the Bel Pannon then revived his PM with a quick cast of Giresta.

"I'm sorry Master Iceberg." She said softly, "I got careless."

"Forget it." Iceberg shrugged, "Let's just get those people out of here."

Isis ran over to the locked door and flipped the switch. Nothing happened.

"Looks like we need a key." She shrugged.

"Iceberg was about to respond but he was interrupted by his communicator. He quickly tapped the head piece.

"This is a level five warning to all Guardians." Lou announced, "Please escort all personnel to the designated shelter areas immediately. Separation of the residential area will commence in five minutes."

"Separation of the residential area!" Isis gasped, "Are they crazy?"

"It must be very serious." Iceberg frowned at the lock.

He took aim and fired. The lock panel blew apart shorting out the system. The door slid open to a smoke filled lab. Seven scientists stumbled out of the room choking and coughing.

"Is everyone alright?" Isis asked.

"Professor Erin is trapped under some debris." A young beast assistant coughed.

"We'll get him." Isis nodded, "Get everyone else to the shelter immediately."

"OK." He nodded and ran off with the others.

"Iceberg, we've got a man trapped inside!" Isis called.

Iceberg ended his com signal and ran over to Isis.

"Laia has returned from Moatoob." He said, "She's escorting Lou to the control room to manually release the residential area. We have less time than we thought."

"Let's move then." Isis nodded and ran into the burning room.

She could hear a man crying out for help. She slowly crept through the smoke searching every pile of metal for the man. Iceberg and Permafrost started around the opposite side of the room. The PM rounded a large pile of ceiling brace and nearly stepped on the man's head.

"Master Iceberg, here."

Iceberg flipped on his goggles and scanned the debris.

"Permafrost, take your sabre and cut right there." He pointed.

The PM quickly followed his instructions cutting at every point he indicated. Isis quickly removed each piece as it was cut free. When enough metal was removed Iceberg carefully pulled the man free. His right leg had a deep cut in it. Iceberg pulled his wand and cast Resta. It stopped the bleeding but failed to close the wound. He let out a soft growl as he stowed the wand.

"We'll have to carry him out." Isis said.

Iceberg nodded and scooped the man up flinging him over his shoulder then followed the others back to the shelter area.

Freeze

Mar 26, 2010, 06:30 PM

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Heidi sat on the bed in her new room on the colony staring at the little red orb that was her PM. Though her and her father had no trouble moving from planet to planet under their Guardians licence Cerberus had no license and had been restricted to the colony. He had applied for his Guardians license but not being a Gurhal citizen had slowed things down considerably. Phoenix was supposed to be picking her up for a training mission but he was late and she had been unable to contact him. She rocked nervously as she watched her little PM slowly bob up and down.

"Something's wrong." She sprang up and stomped her foot.

"Excuse me Miss Heidi?" Arianna asked.

"Phoenix should have been here by now." Heidi said looking thought the large window behind her PM.

She frowned as she spotted a small group of AMF cruisers in the distance headed for the colony.

"Arianna look." She pointed.

The PM rotated one hundred eighty degrees and scanned the view.

"Those are AMF ships." The PM replied, "However I find no AMF ships scheduled for docking at the colony."

"I told you something was wrong." Heidi frowned.

"If that is true then why are the ships moving below normal space lane speeds?"

"Something smells rotten here." Heidi wrinkled her nose.

"I do not detect any erroneous odour." Arianna replied, "Shall I inform maintenance that the air scrubbers have failed."

"Huh, what?" Heidi frowned, "No, it was just a figure of speech."

She watched the ships approach ever so slowly never veering from their course. Heidi felt a chill run down her spine as the ships failed to angle for the docking ports. They were headed for the lab and the lower decks.

"Arianna!" Heidi quivered.

"I believe they intend to ram the colony." The PM replied.

"Oh really." Heidi frowned.

She took a step back from the window as the lead ship smashed into the outer ring. The entire colony shook violently knocking Heidi to the floor. Alarms began to blare followed by an audio announcement telling everyone to head to the shelter area. She felt a second impact but this one didn't shake the colony.

"That was not a ship." Heidi shook her head.

"No Miss Heidi, it appears to be a SEED attack." Arianna replied.

"This day just keeps getting better." Heidi frowned.

The door to her room beeped. She quickly answered it and found Phoenix and Cerberus standing in the hall.

"Grab your belongings." Phoenix said, "We're leaving."

"But the colony is being attacked." Heidi gasped.

"Hurry Heidi." Cerberus urged.

Heidi nodded and quickly ran to her PM and grabbed up what little she had. She stuffed everything into the PM then tucked the ball under her arm.

"Where are we going?" Arianna asked.

"I don't know." Heidi shrugged.

Cerberus led the way out and Phoenix dropped in behind his student.

"Your father is waiting on the flyer that will take us to Neudaiz." Cerberus said.

"What about the colony?" Heidi asked.

"There are people handling it." Phoenix grumbled.

"I almost couldn't pull him away from the fighting." Cerberus smirked.

"I still can't believe I left." Phoenix growled, "It was a glorious battle that shall be remembered."

"I don't think it's going to end well." Heidi sighed.

"Don't worry there's enough Guardians here to handle things." Cerberus said.

Heidi knew that wasn't true but she decided to remain quiet for now. Cerberus quickly glanced down a hallway he was passing just as a group of Casts ran by the far end. Cerberus stopped dead staring at the empty hall. Heidi ran right into him and bounced off falling to the ground.

"Hey!" She protested.

"It couldn't be." Cerberus shook his head.

The lead Cast had been tall and slender, coloured black, grey, and maroon. Cerberus had never seen him before but the second one looked just like a purple HUcast and he was certain the Cast was carrying the cursed scythe. They had been followed by a group of blue Cast soldiers.

"What is it?" Phoenix asked.

"I thought I saw Kireek." Cerberus replied.

"He was following a black and maroon cast."

"Magashi." Phoenix spat, "So he's responsible. We should go after them."

"There will be another time." Cerberus said.

"Yes, there will." Phoenix growled.

The trio hurried down to the flyer base where Jon stood waiting. He waved at the group as they approached. A giant humanoid SEED appeared by the Parum gate. It was tall with long thin limbs and nasty spear like claws. It leaped across the platform landing beside Jon. He tried to draw a rod but the SEED easily batted him away.

"What is that thing?" Heidi cried.

"It's an infected person." Phoenix growled.

"So we can't kill it then." Heidi gasped.

"Why not?" Phoenix shrugged, "It's a SEED."

"No." Heidi shook her head, "It's a person. Maya has a vaccine so we just need to stop it."

"You're lucky then." Cerberus said, "When we faced the D-cell infection on Ragol we had no such vaccine."

"How horrible." Heidi sighed.

Jon quickly climbed to his feet and drew his rod releasing a ball of Foie. The creature simply batted the flame away then turned for Jon. Phoenix equipped his knuckles and Heidi drew her daggers and charged. Sato stayed right with her watching intently as her new owner charged into her first real battle. Cerberus hung back and drew a rifle from his pack. He checked the power pack then sighed.

"I sure hope this thing still works."

Heidi and Phoenix attacked the creature from behind as Jon continued to switch elements trying to find one that would affect this monster. The two hunters swung hard but the daggers and knuckles had no effect.

"Impossible." Phoenix gasped.

The creature turned slightly and batted the Guardians away like they were nothing more than insects. Jon continued to blast away until his rods went empty. The SEED creature continued to close.

"Dad, get to the flyer!" Heidi yelled.

"I'm not leaving you!" He replied.

"We can't fight this." Heidi cried, "We will follow you, please go now!"

Jon nodded slowly then hurried inside the gate where the monster could not follow him.

"Heidi, go right." Phoenix ordered.

She bolted to the right side of the creature while Phoenix went left. The creature locked on to Heidi and went at her. Phoenix easily reached the gate then turned back when he saw his partner was in danger. The creature cut her off then sent her flying back. She landed hard and felt something in her left knee snap. She cried out as the pain shot up her leg. Phoenix started back for her.

"No!" Cerberus yelled, "Get to the flyer. I'll get her!"

Phoenix nodded but stopped at the gate unwilling to leave his team mates. The creature stalked closer to the fallen Newman girl. She tried to crawl away but her knee hurt too much. The creature raised its talon and swung down to kill its prey. The talon locked with the twin daggers. The creature stared into the eyes of a real hunter. A yellow photon bullet blasted into the side of the creature blasting small bits of its armour skin away. The creature roared and turned to the new threat. The Newman girl jumped to her feet then used her daggers as picks to climb to the monsters shoulders. She drove a dagger into what looked like an eye. The SEED monster roared and threw her off. She landed square on her feet. Both Phoenix and Cerberus stood in awe. The creature turned to her but before it could charge she ran right for it. It swung but she dropped to the ground sliding under the strike and between the creature's legs. As she passed through she used the daggers as hooks to pull the monsters feet out from under it. She jumped on its back and tried to drive the daggers into its spine but the daggers just bounced off. Cerberus frowned.

"I've seen that move before." He muttered, "But she's long dead."

The creature climbed to its feet with Heidi still clinging to its back. She tried for the other eye but it got hold of her first and tossed her toward the edge of the floor. She hit the railing and bounced to the floor. The creature charged. She waited for the last second then stepped aside. The creature started to go over but grabbed the railing. It roared and started to climb up. Cerberus aimed and fired. He kept firing until the creature could no longer hold on and went tumbling down to the third floor.

"Come on Cerberus it's time to go!" Heidi yelled with a voice that was not quite her own.

Cerberus paused for a second then ran when Phoenix also called him. Phoenix disappeared into the gate now that he new his team was safe. Heidi and Cerberus met at the gate at the same time.

"Where did you learn to fight like that?" He asked.

"What are you talking about?" Heidi asked jabbing his arm, "I've been fighting like that for years."

Cerberus was about to ask her what she was talking about when her eyes rolled back and she collapsed. Cerberus quickly scooped her up. She slowly opened her eyes and cried out grabbing her knee. It hurt even worse now.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"My knee snapped when that creature hit me." She replied through a deep breath, "Say where did it go?"

Cerberus could only stare at her for a moment.

"I don't suppose you know Resta?" She asked.

"I can't use Resta." Cerberus replied.

"You a Fortgunner?" Heidi asked.

"I'm an android." Cerberus replied.

He rushed inside the gate where Phoenix stood waiting for them. He waited for Cerberus to board then entered the flyer sealing the door. Jon was just completing the pre-flight checks. Cerberus carefully sat Heidi down and helped her strap in.

"That's some gun you got." Phoenix said as he sat down, "And what's wrong with her?"

"Says her knee snapped." Cerberus replied.

"But she was running around fighting like a real warrior." Phoenix frowned, "And now she's injured?"

"Yes." Cerberus replied staring at her.

Heidi looked completely dumbfounded then slowly looked down at her feet.

The shuttle bucked as it lifted off the launch platform and blasted out into space.

Freeze

Apr 2, 2010, 10:45 PM

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

"So, what was it that drove you from your home planet?" Phoenix asked.

"Coral or Ragol?" Cerberus smirked then sighed, "I'll explain everything on Neudaiz."

The flyer banked left away from the hive satellites on which it usually landed and entered the Neudaiz hyper gate. Jon veered away from the main landing gate in Ohtoku City and headed north to his home town. The flyer touched down in the back field behind their house drawing quite the attention from their neighbours. Jon exited the flyer and headed for the house with Phoenix in tow. Cerberus gently picked Heidi up and carried her to the house. Jon unlocked the door and strolled in. It was getting late in the evening but the house looked empty and dark.

"Karin, we're home!" Jon called.

He was greeted with silence.

"Karin!" He called again.

Still nothing.

"She should be home from the Communion by now." He frowned.

Phoenix remained quiet but watched as the man began searching his home. Cerberus set Heidi down on the living room sofa.

"Jon, there's no one else here." Cerberus said.

"How do you know that?" Phoenix frowned.

"I'm not picking up any one on my internal sensors." Cerberus replied.

Phoenix just shook his head then said, "It doesn't look like anything has been touched."

"That's what worries me." Jon nodded.

"Dad, where's mom?" Heidi asked then winced as a shot of pain ran up her leg.

"I don't know sweetie." Her dad said entering the room, "First we'll get you fixed up."

He drew a wand and quickly cast Resta on his daughter. The pain immediately faded away. Heidi hopped up off the couch and stretched out her knee.

"Thanks Dad." She smiled.

Phoenix quietly strolled from the front of the house holding a note.

"It appears your wife has been transferred to the main branch of the Communion in Ohtoku City."

"What?" Jon frowned taking the note, "It doesn't say why or what division."

"Typical of the Communion." Phoenix grumbled.

"Sir, I know this may be troubling but at least your wife is safe." Cerberus said, "We must get back to the business at hand. If Kireek is working with the Illuminus then all of Gurhal is in great danger."

"Yes, of course." Jon nodded, "What you need is in the bed room."

He led the group up stairs to the master bedroom. He opened the large closet and began digging through the clutter until he pulled out a large wooden chest.

"I'm afraid I don't have the key." Jon looked up.

"Allow me." Phoenix grunted.

With one hand he tore the ancient lock from its ring. He stepped aside for Cerberus who carefully opened the lid. Lying on top of a pile of cloths was a small armless robot no bigger than Sato who let out a mournful meow.

"Oh Savitri." Cerberus looked like he had lost a dear friend, "Why did they lock you away."

"What is it?" Heidi frowned.

"It was Amanda's Mag." Cerberus said, "Just like Sato, all Mags need to be cared for, fed and loved. Locked in a box Savitri didn't stand a chance."

"How awful." Heidi gasped and she felt something in her heart wrench, "All alone in the dark starving to death. Suddenly I'm not so proud of our family."

"It was a mistake sweetie." Jon said, "It must have been locked up out of fear or something some where down the generation line."

"Yes, by some one who didn't know what he was." Cerberus replied setting the hard little body down.

Next he pulled out a tall slender blue and white uniform that sported a large shoulder pack.

"Deepfreeze's RAmar uniform." Cerberus said handing is to Jon, "Careful, age has made the fabric delicate."

"It looks like it's seen many battles." Phoenix grinned.

"It has." Cerberus nodded, "He was quite the warrior."

Next he pulled out the matching boots and set them aside. He pulled out a mint green and white long sleeved top that ended just below the rib cage. It was followed by a matching pair of very short shorts and knee high boots.

"This was Amanda's hunters uniform." Cerberus said, "I'd say it would fit Heidi."

"No daughter of mine is wearing that." Jon frowned.

"Oh Dad." Heidi frowned, "I'm a grown woman, and I can wear what I want."

"Is that any worse than what she's wearing now." Phoenix smirked, "I believe that would actually cover up more."

"Never said I was happy about her current state of dress." Jon frowned.

"It's become fragile too." Phoenix said taking the cloths and setting them on the bed.

Heidi quietly crept over to the bed and began examining the cloths. Cerberus pulled a pair of strange looking blade hilts from the chest and set them down. He pulled a stack of old disks followed by an old hand gun.

"I have seen one of those." Phoenix said.

"Really, where?" Cerberus asked.

"Kubara is mass producing the Varista ever since it showed up in one of the Relic sites." Jon said.

"What else have they found?"

A large sabre they call the Durandal Replica and a tech weapon that looks just like your Sato." Jon replied, "More keep appearing too."

Cerberus nodded and pulled a second gun from the chest and set it beside Varista. He pulled out a neat stack of data pads and star charts. He turned to set them down on the bed, and frowned as he saw Heidi sitting on the edge grinning as she sported the green boots.

"They fit very well." She giggled, "And age hasn't weakened them."

"That's enough Heidi." Jon frowned.

She shot him a frown as she slid off the bed allowing Cerberus to set the charts down. She quietly moved beside Phoenix out of the way.

"This childish behaviour needs to end." Phoenix growled softly, "It is unbecoming of a Guardian."

Cerberus first went through the data pads. Age had long since drained their power cell.

"We'll have to get these powered." Cerberus said, "But I can give you the jist of things. Coral, our home world was dieing from the result of a global civil war. We sent probes out looking for a new home. That turned out to be Ragol, or so we thought. We sent Pioneer One to establish the colony and prep it for the colonists that would be arriving on Pioneer Two. When we arrived and tried to establish communications a giant explosion shook the planet and all word from Pioneer One stopped. With most of the military force already on Ragol, the government of Pioneer Two had no choice but to turn to the Hunters Guild for help."

Cerberus started telling them the entire tail of the Pioneer project and everything they had discovered. Heidi shook her head slowly as she listened to the tale. Phoenix hung on every word hopping this story would end with a giant battle. Cerberus paused for a moment as if he were collecting his thoughts. Heidi frowned ever so slightly as she wondered what the big android might be thinking about. He finished his tail with the great battle with the dark being known as Dark Falz.

"We sealed the ruins up in hope that it would never be opened again." He finished, "I personally saw to it and yet two years later it was reopened and Falz was released again."

"Doesn't sound like a very good place to call home." Jon shrugged, "What did you do?"

"What could we do?" Cerberus shrugged, "We kept fighting in hopes of staying alive. Our third colony ship Pioneer Three never arrived and Amanda and I found evidence that some kind of disaster hit the ship though we never did find more than a small piece of it. It was then that Amanda knew she would never see her father or sister again. Seemed Deepfreeze was also hiding a secret too. Two years after that first Dark Falz battle we faced a similar situation with a research lab in the north. A mad scientist named Lazarus from Pioneer Two had taken up residence there using Doctor Osto's research he was bent on combining flesh with metal. He had the black market group Black Paper, who Kireek was a leading member of, kidnap hunters and used them for his experiments. He would cause their flesh to mutate and same with the androids then fuse the two together and finish it with the dark substance we called D-cells."

Heidi gasped as she put her hand to her mouth.

"How could any one do something so twisted." Jon shook his head.

"Is it really any different than what the Illuminus is doing here with the Seed?" Phoenix
frowned.

"No, I guess your right." Jon shrugged, "It's not."

"Well, it turns out that not only was Rico set free but she took some of Dark Falz flesh with her." Cerberus said, "It formed her a new body which looked much like her but her eyes were alien and her flesh had dark purple veins running across it in small patches. She stayed hidden but she helped us win the battle and uncover various traitors on Pioneer Two. Most importantly though, during her research of the ruins she found a star chart and an ancient legend that spoke of a power so strong it could create life itself. It took years to decipher but once we did we set out to follow it. So did Kireek unfortunately."

"And this map lead you here?" Jon tilted his head.

"That's right." Cerberus nodded.

"Then the rest of this map must be hidden here in Gurhal." Phoenix grumbled crossing his arms.

"Why is Kireek working for the Illuminus then?" Heidi asked.

"Kireek needs a ship to get to the powers location." Cerberus said, "The Illuminus most likely offered him one in exchange for his services."

"But Gurhal has no interstellar space craft." Jon shrugged.

"With the proper parts, Kireek could easily build a star drive out of your current photon drives." Cerberus replied.

"Can you?" Heidi tilted her head.

"Build one, no but I could probably repair one." Cerberus shrugged.

"Tell me, do those pads use photon cells?" Jon asked.

Cerberus nodded, "Like everything on Coral."

"Then I know someone who might be able to convert our cells to work with your equipment." Jon nodded.

"Doctor Tomrain, right?" Heidi asked.

"Yes but he's very busy." Jon smiled, "I was thinking about Maya. She even has a lab here."

"Oh no, not Maya." Phoenix grumbled.

Jon hurried down the stairs to the com panel and dialled the colony. The message he received puzzled him.

"The Guardians branch you have dialled is not currently available. Your call is being rerouted to the Neudaiz Guardians Branch."

"What is it dad?" Heidi asked stepping of the stairs.

"They can't connect with the colony."

"That is odd." Phoenix muttered.

A Newman woman appeared on the screen.

"Guardians, Neudaiz Branch, how may I help you."

"This is Jonathan Kimble; I'm trying to reach Maya Shidow."

"Miss Shidow is currently stationed on Clyez City." The girl said.

"I know." Jon frowned, "My call was rerouted here."

"I'll see if I can connect you directly." The girl said.

The screen changed to the Guardians Symbol as she put them on hold. A couple minutes later she reappeared. She had turned pale white and looked ready to throw up.

"I, I could not contact the colony." She stammered, "I suggest you turn on news channel five."

She nodded once and hung up.

"That was strange." Phoenix grumbled.

"It was." Jon nodded.

Heidi quickly picked up the remote and turned on the TV screen. Hal appeared in her typical black and pink outfit. She looked like someone had just run her over with a floater. Her cheerful demeanour was gone and she looked very sick.

"Reports from Parum are still sketchy but it has now been confirmed that the bulk of the Guardians Colony has just fell from orbit and has impacted on the outskirts of Holtz City. AMF patrol ships continue to circle the area but as yet no one has been able to contact them. Authorities have received communications from the residence section of what's left of the colony. Rescue ships from the trade federation and the Communion of Gurhal have been dispatched to aid with the recovery of the survivors. We have just received reports that the damage on Parum is extensive and..." Hal gulped and looked off camera for a moment, "Sorry the death toll is currently in the thousands and continues to rise..."

Heidi shut off the TV unable to watch another second of it.

"The Illuminus has struck a mighty blow to us today." Phoenix growled, "As I live I swear our fallen comrades shall be avenged."

"That will have to wait." Cerberus said, "We should see what aid we can provide."

"Good idea." Jon nodded.

The group headed out the back door to the flyer. Heidi fell behind as she hopped along the hallway trying to pull off the old hunters boots. She looked around for her boots then remembered they were still upstairs. She hurried up to the bedroom and pulled them on then started for the door. Sato let out a meow.

"What?" Heidi frowned.

She looked in the direction the Mag was looking and spotted the ancient weapon hilts lying on the floor.

"Am I supposed to take those?"

Sato gave a happy meow.

"OK but if I get in trouble I'm blaming you." Heidi shrugged.

Sato let out a meow that sounded almost like she was saying, "Me?"

She first picked up the strange new hand gun and checked its power pack. It would need charging. She pulled a photon charge from her nanotransformer and placed it against the weapons recharge port. It didn't quite fit. She fumbled with it until the charger let off a large spark causing her to drop it and the gun. Carefully she picked up the gun and found it was now fully charged.

"There's got to be a better way of doing that." Heidi sighed.

Sato meowed in agreement.

She stored the weapon in her nanotransformer then picked up the two hilts and hurried down to the flyer.

"What took so long?" Phoenix grumbled.

"Forgot my boots." Heidi replied, "Sato held me up too."

Sato let out a soft growl.

"Did it." Phoenix frowned.

Heidi quickly took her seat beside Cerberus.

"Those were Amanda's daggers." He said, "They're call S-red Blades and come from a
strong security bot found in the mines."

"I'll take good care of them." Heidi replied.

"I know you will." Cerberus smiled.

Freeze

Apr 9, 2010, 07:14 PM

CHAPTER EIGHTTEEN

Magashi lead Kireek through the underbelly of the Guardians colony at an annoyingly slow speed. He would stop at every corridor and wait for the guards to pass by. Three of his clones had been dispatched with a large group of female cast to distract the Guardians. Magashi had expressed concern that someone named Laia Martinez might try to stop them, but Kireek was not worried. There wasn't anyone left who could stop him. They rounded a corner and stopped in front of two large metal doors. Two Guardians were posted there. They approached the group cautiously.

"You are not authorized to be here." One said.

"Renvolt Magashi!" The other called, "You and your group are under arrest."

"I do not think so." Magashi grinned.

Kireek leaped forward with lightning speed slicing through one then decapitating the other. He stood smiling at Magashi as the Soul Eater absorbed the blood. Magashi grinned evilly. This was a very powerful cast indeed. Though Howzer had ordered Kireek's death, Lutz the leader of the Illuminus, had over written Howzer's order and insisted Kireek remain alive. Magashi agreed with Lutz. He strolled past Kireek and pried the doors open. Kireek stepped through the door and gazed up at a sphere of swirling yellow light.

"Alpha photons?" He muttered quietly.

They looked very similar to the ultra high frequency Alpha Photons Doctor Lazarus had developed in his northern lab on Ragol and the copied technology Doctor Montague had built based on Lazarus documents. Armour and weapons infused with these Alpha Photons had been extremely powerful and the conventional photon weapons and armour had been useless against it. Could it have been possible that Lazarus had simply discovered the Alpha Photons rather than developed them? Perhaps they had been buried in some obscure place in the ruins or maybe from the ancient space crafts very own engines. Kireek would never know. Magashi strolled up to the reactor and drew the small vial from his nanotransformer. He pulled a power cell from the main consul and inserted the vial. The virus inside quickly spread through the system and into the reactor which began to speed up and glow brightly.

"Now every SEED in the area will be attracted to this like a moth to a flame." He grinned, "Our AMF slaves should be here shortly. We should go."

"That's it?" Kireek frowned, "That's all we came for?"

"This is step one." Magashi shrugged, "Destroy people's faith in the Guardians and the individual governments will begin fighting. Divide and concur."

"This hardly required my skills." Kireek frowned.

"That is because we aren't done with you yet." Magashi grabbed him then started to leave.

"I don't take to being used nor do I like being ordered around." Kireek yelled.

"You had better get used to it Mr Kireek." Magashi replied.

Kireek growled and squeezed the Soul Eater with all his strength. The other casts slowly backed away from the android then ran to catch up to their leader. Kireek, still seething, felt the colony shake violently.

"An impact." He frowned, "Something very large has just hit us."

He looked at his Soul Eater and saw a twinkle flash across its red eye.

"Yes, you're right. It would be wise to leave this place." Kireek nodded and ran to catch up to the others.

They hurried down several corridors, past many Guardians who were to busy to notice them. As they approached a junction, Kireek could hear three sets of foot steps coming from a joining corridor. One set sounded heavy, metallic, and very familiar. He took a quick glance down the hallway but saw no one. He heard them pass by after he turned away.

"It is not possible." He growled, "Not after all these years. He can't still be alive."

Magashi lead them back to the flyer just as the colony shook from several smaller impacts.

"Ah the SEED has arrived." He grinned, "The Guardians days are numbered."

"Do not be so sure." Kireek mumbled as he followed the slender cast.

"What!" Magashi snapped.

"If I am correct." Kireek said stepping away from the closing hatch, "Then some one I thought long dead is alive and could cause us much trouble."

"Not if he's on the colony." Magashi smirked.

"He may no longer be." Kireek said taking a seat.

"The problems from your past are yours, not ours." Magashi sighed.

The flyer shook slightly as it lifted off the docking platform and blasted into space. Kireek looked through the window back at the colony. A large military vessel was wedged into the lower section. Tiny fire balls rained down on the outer ring.

"My problems are now your problems." Kireek said softly.

The flyer banked gently as it turned toward the Moatoob gate that would catapult the flyer home. Kireek continued to watch the colony until it was out of sight. He turned and glared at Magashi.

"My time schedule has just been accelerated." He said at last.

"Not possible." Magashi shook his head, "Our activities will have to be scaled back for a while as the system falls apart from this tragedy. You Mr Kireek are stuck with us for a little while longer."

Kireek clenched down on the Soul Eater, "This will not do."

"Don't worry, once the three planetary governments fall in on each other we will be able to get you anything you wish." Magashi grinned, "And your problem, if he survives, won't be able to do anything for a while either, so relax."

The flyer dropped down through the dry Moatoob atmosphere and entered the long canyon that Kireek had flown through landing safely in a small side cave. The small group rose from their seats and began to disembark. An old man sitting in a wheel chair dressed in a white naval admiral uniform waited for them at the bottom of the ramp. His hair had long turned grey and most of it had fallen out. Howzer was standing behind this man and a look of shock momentarily flashed across his face as he saw Kireek start down the ramp. The look was quickly replaced by an angry glare aimed at Magashi. Magashi simply ignored him and concentrated on the older man who also was not happy. He quickly stepped off the ramp, stopping in front of the old man and stared straight ahead.

"The Guardians Colony has crashed into a populated section of Parum on the outskirts of Holtz City." The old man said, "However the residential area and a large number of the Guardians still remains in orbit."

"What?" Magashi gasped.

"Your useless clones failed to stop Laia Martinez from rescuing them." The man jabbed Magashi in the chest with his cane, "I should melt your whole line down for scrap."

"Sir I..." Magashi began.

"You continually fail me time and time again." The man yelled, "I never should have let Howzer talk me into mass producing you. Get out of my sight."

Magashi quietly stepped aside and sank into the shadow. Howzer glared at the back of the mans head with his fists clenched tight. The man turned to the tall purple android and sighed.

"Mr Kireek, I am Randolph Luntz." The man said, "I'm afraid we are unable to obtain all the parts you asked for. We did acquire some and will continue to hunt down the rest. While you wait I do hope you will continue to be of service to us."

"Mr. Luntz, my mission to the colony was most enlightening." Kireek said stepping off the ramp, "It has shown me that my time is much more limited than I once thought. While completion of my space craft is of most importance I now realize that I also require information, information that I believe is hidden some where in Gurhal."

"What kind of information?" Luntz frowned.

"A star map thousands of years old." Kireek replied.

"A star map to where?" Luntz asked.

Kireek paused for a moment to decide how much he wished to reveal.

"Perhaps the answer to the mystery on my home world." He said at last.

"Is that all?" Luntz sighed, "Then what is the rush."

"I believe an enemy of mine may have survived all these years and is now working for the Guardians." Kireek replied.

"You saw him?"

"No but I heard foot falls from a corridor on the colony." Kireek replied, "They are unmistakable."

Luntz just laughed, "Mr Kireek, I do believe you are afraid of shadows from the past."

He shook his head then rolled away to leave Kireek seething at the flyer. Kireek slammed his fist into the side of the flyer leaving a deep dent then stormed off to his new room.

Seth Astra

Apr 9, 2010, 10:02 PM

Freeze, you never cease to write increadible chapters for your fics. Unfortunately, you havn't quite reached for a second time the greatness of Ragol's Gift. I am also not as fond of legacy, since I don't know much about PSU, at least with PSO I have developed some knowledge from reading a lot of fics. But, of course, that's just my own ignorance. Keep up the good work.

Freeze

Apr 10, 2010, 08:34 AM

I guess that just proves the old saying "Sequels are never as good as the original." And as with any fan fic, the more you know about the game it's based on the more you'd be able to relate and enjoy it. As long as you still enjoy it that's the important thing.

Freeze

Apr 16, 2010, 06:33 PM

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Three months passed by as the peace between the three planets broke down. The Guardians were scattered and leaderless as President Obel Dallgun had sacrificed him self to save the residential section of the colony. Parum was still reeling from the destruction as hunger and disease began to consume the refugee camps. The Communion of Gurhal completed their planetary lattice shield system protecting Neudaiz from the SEED. They closed themselves off and refused to share the technology with the other planets. The Moatoob Trade Federation quickly collapsed leaving rogue leaders to fight over the planet. Laia Martinez disappeared shortly after the crash only to be found by Maia Shidow, Lumia Waber, and Laia's partner Rolf. Laia was hiding in the Parum refugee camp unwilling to face the rest system as she let grief and self doubt consume her. Only after the trio found her and a stern lecture from Ethan Waber did she return and take her place as the new President of the Guardians. Soon after that the Guardians received a message from a new rogue leader claiming he had united all the rogues and would no longer recognize Guardian authority in the system. Moatoob was now independent and would fight the SEED on their own. Laia lead a small party to Moatoob to talk to this new leader. She discovered it was none other than Alford Tylor and only after Laia rescued a group of his rogues from a mine cave in was Tylor willing to work with the Guardians. It was at this time that a SEED hive the size of a planet was in orbit between Moatoob and the sun. The hive called Rykros did not reflect sunlight and it was unknown how long Rykros had been there. Professor Tomrain and a small group of Guardians received a notice that Ethan Waber was going to attack the Lattice Shield System on Neudaiz. Laia sent Rolf, Lumia, and Huga Wright to investigate. Huga was acting very distant and distracted. Maya expressed concern that her SEED vaccine may not be working on him. After assurances from Huga, Laia decided to let him go. They infiltrated the Communion and found the control center for the shield. Ethan was there but he was trying to rescue the Divine Maiden and not trying to destroy the shield. Huga succumbed to the infection turning into a SEED and destroyed the control room. He was defeated and returned to normal but wandered off when the Guardians attention was else where. The Guardians, unable to go after Huga, continued to rescue the Maiden. Light Master Rutsu tried to stop them but it was the Maiden who exited the chamber to stop the fight. She admitted that it was her choice to continue to supply the mental energy that powered the system to relieve some of strain on the girls powering it. She convinced Rutsu that the shield was to be shared and that Neudaiz was not to hide behind their shield, and work with the Guardians to defeat the SEED.

Heidi had completed her training with Phoenix and had earned her full licence. Cerberus spent most of his time searching for the second half of the star map with little success. Jonathan used every connection he had to try to find the whereabouts of his wife with no success. Iceberg and Isis were busy trying to locate Kireek and the Illuminus but whenever they arrived at the scene of a terrorist attack the Illuminus was long gone. Even with the failure of their grand plan, the Illuminus continued to cause problems and the AMF casts where still out of control. Heidi sat on her bed on the new colony staring out the window. Arianna, her now fully evolved PM, stood quietly at the window base staring up at her master. The news that her family was actually descended from aliens from a far away system still crossed her mind but she was mostly worried about her mother. She shook her head still finding it hard to believe that she was a half breed and not a pure Newman as her recorded family history might suggest. Sure Humans and Newmans married and cross bred but she never thought she was one of them. She often wondered if her great grandmother Amanda had been a superior warrior that the original creators had tried to make. Everything Cerberus and her father had told her now plagued her mind as she fought to sort it all out. She was shaken by a knock on the door.

"I'll get it Miss Heidi." Arianna said scurrying off to the door.

The door slid open and Heidi heard two heavy metal foot steps.

"Greetings Mister Cerberus." Arianna smiled, "Miss Heidi is in her room."

"Hi Cerberus." Heidi said appearing in the doorway to her bedroom, "Have you had any luck finding that map?"

"I have a possible lead to the whereabouts but that's not why I'm here." He replied.

"No?" Heidi frowned, "Then why?"

"I noticed that as a Newman you don't use any techniques." Cerberus said, "This is a waste of your natural abilities."

"I can't afford a wand yet." Heidi shrugged then waved her hand, "And I already told Dad he isn't allowed to buy my stuff for me so don't offer."

"I won't and you don't need one." Cerberus said.

"The use of unregulated techniques is strictly forbidden." Heidi gasped, "Only the highest members of the Communion may use them. Every one else must use wands or rods so technique control can be maintained. Do you know what an uncontrolled technique can do to some one?"

"I have first hand experience." Cerberus nodded, "I have here all of Amanda's technique disks. They've been converted to the Gurhal format. These will teach you to properly control them without fear of accident. Read and study them, you just may need them and you don't want to be dumbed down by some mast produced cane."

"Ya but..." Heidi tried to protest.

"No butt's young lady." Cerberus pointed, "I have a feeling you're about to be involved in something very big and you're going to need all the help you can get."

"You mean Rykros?"

"This goes way beyond what's going on here in Gurhal." Cerberus shook his head, "But I
have a feeling Rykros is going to be involved."

This time the door chime rang. Heidi frowned at Cerberus who just shrugged. Arianna opened the door and let Phoenix in. He nodded to Cerberus then turned to Heidi.

"We are needed in the lab." He said, "Tomrain has an announcement for all Guardians. Seems they found something very interesting on Rykros."

"I'm a full Guardian now and don't require and instructor so have you been demoted to messenger boy?" Heidi smirked.

"The way they've been treating me lately I would not be surprised." Phoenix grumbled, "But no, this I am doing out of the kindness of my own heart."

"Then it's all used up now?" Heidi giggled.

"Let's just go." Phoenix sighed.

They hurried down to the large auditorium that was already filling up as Guardians from all across the system filed in. Tomrain was standing on the podium with Laia and Lou at his side. Phoenix found Iceberg and Isis who had saved them seats halfway down. Tomrain waited until every one had taken a seat before beginning.

"Thank you all for coming." He began, "I know many of you left very sensitive areas and SEED infection to be here but it may be a small sacrifice for ending the SEED threat. As you all know we have discovered a large SEED hive in orbit near Moatoob. This explains the large amount of activity the planet has suffered. First off this is a Hive and not a planet although it is the size of one. We believe it entered the Gurhal system through a dimensional rift, most likely the same rift that the new Kubara weapons have come from, though this is only a theory and we have yet to prove or disprove it."

He took a sip of water and scanned his notes before continuing.

"With the help of the Guardians we have been able to explore much of the hive. We have uncovered much information including a V. R. program." He said watching the faces of his audience, "Some of the information was corrupted but most of it is intact. We have filled in the missing information with our own Gurhal data. There is a large section of data that is encoded and locked requiring a one hundred million kill count."

Gasps and whispers quickly swept across the crowd.

"I know this sounds like a lot but we believe with the help of everyone we can unlock this information." Tomrain said.

Laia signalled to him and he quickly stepped down as she stepped up.

"Every one please." She called, "We are not asking you to neglect your current duties but we do ask that your spare time or training time be spent in the VR program. The original program was labelled Maximum Attack."

"What?" Cerberus gasped.

Heidi looked up at the big cast.

"This program will be accessible from the Guardians front desk." Laia continued, "Mina will give you the appropriate key to which level difficulty you choose. It will be labelled Maximum Attack G. This program could be an important key to unlocking the mystery of the SEED. Also included in the information we found was schematics for new weapons and clothing. The new clothes are now available here on the colony. The other items can be obtained through a secondary synthesis program for exchange with items collected in the VR called weapons badges. This is also part of the locked information and the only way the program will release these item is through the exchange program."

"The programmers didn't want to make this easy did they?" Iceberg grumbled.

"Happy hunting and good luck everyone." Laia said.

She stepped down and followed Doctor Tomrain out. Slowly the audience also began to file out. Cerberus remained seated shaking his head. The others got up and started to file out. Heidi looked over at the hulking red android and stopped.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Maximum Attack, Weapons badges, the SEED." He replied, "This all has a familiar feel to it."

"Sitting here isn't going to solve anything." Heidi grinned, "Let's go try this VR program."

"Ok let's see what they've found." Cerberus nodded.

"I have to do one thing first." Heidi said holding up her finger.

"What's that?" Cerberus frowned.

Heidi frowned back placing her hands on her hips, "Are you kidding me, there's new cloths available."

She gave him a wink and hurried off to the third floor.

"Of course." Cerberus sighed shaking his head.

Cerberus, Phoenix, and Heidi stood in a small grassy bay surrounded by a high rocky wall. The exit was blocked by a blue force fence. Heidi, now sporting a blue HUnewearls uniform with purple trim looked around and gasped at the large white dome building in the distance. Just past the fence a large field surrounded by rocks and trees awaited them. There was a single door for an exit with two red glowing bars on it. Phoenix and Heidi started for the fence but Cerberus remained still.

"Cerberus, are you all right?" Heidi frowned.

"I can't believe it." Cerberus replied, "It's not exactly the same but it is with out a doubt Ragol."

"What?" Phoenix gasped.

"Really?" Heidi said spinning do face the field.

"That building in the distance is the Central Dome." Cerberus nodded.

"Pioneer One built that right?" Heidi said.

Cerberus nodded, "It was to be the government building for the new colony."

"So how did information on your world end up on a hive?" Phoenix asked.

"That's a very good question." Cerberus said.

"Tomrain did say they believe Rykros came from another dimension." Heidi said, "Maybe it came from yours."

"That would explain a lot." Cerberus said.

He stepped up to the fence and it disappeared starting the program. Four Booma's appeared first charging the group. They were followed by white Rappy Polec birds. Cerberus felt right at home fighting his old enemies. With the defeat of the rappies the door unlocked allowing them to continue. They exited through the door and followed the path. As they came to a T in the path some one called out.

"Is some one there?"

The group turned left toward the voice. On their right behind a blue laser fence stood a young brown haired human male dressed in an orange HUmar uniform.

"Be careful." He said, "They're still around here somewhere."

"Ash?" Cerberus frowned stepping up to the fence.

The program suddenly went slightly out of focus and froze.

"Oh great, you broke it." Phoenix grumbled.

"You know him?" Heidi asked stepping up beside him.

"He was a young hunter that went down to Ragol on a quest for his cousin." Cerberus said, "He got jumped by a pack of savage wolves. Deepfreeze and I went down and rescued him."

Phoenix's communicator beeped. He spent a moment talking to Tomrain before turning to the others.

"Tomrain says the program is still running but it's trying to access something buried deep in its code." Phoenix reported, "The program should continue once that data is retrieved. We are the only group to trigger this response. Tomrain is puzzled as to why?"

"Gee I wonder why?" Heidi frowned looking at Cerberus.

"It is possible that the file contains data on every hunter registered at the time this was sent out." Cerberus nodded.

The program flashed then skipped a bit before returning to normal. The group turned to
Ash who stood staring up at the android.

"Cerberus, I'm glad you came." Ash replied.

Heidi gasped.

"Hi Ash." Cerberus nodded.

"What is going on?" Ash asked, "Ragol looks wrong. Hi Amanda, you've changed your uniform. The blue looks good on you."

"Thank you." Heidi blushed.

"What do you mean exactly?" Cerberus asked.

"I feel funny." Ash replied, "I also see other people here. They're not here but I can still see them and I can talk to them but I can't say anything more than a few select phrases over and over again. I see humans and Newmans though some are dressed really weird. Androids look funny too like your friend here."

Phoenix grunted.

"There are also humanoids that look like animals." Ash said, "Some of them have just entered the caves. There are strange monsters there. Not our mutant creatures we had first encounters with but new ones."

Cerberus turned to Phoenix.

"Tomrain did say he had to fill in gaps in the program using Gurhal data." Phoenix replied.

Cerberus nodded then turned to Ash.

"You are part of a VR program called Maximum Attack G." Cerberus said.

"Maximum Attack was Principal Tyrell's program." Ash frowned.

"We are wasting time with this program." Phoenix grumbled.

"You're right." Cerberus nodded.

The group turned to leave.

"Wait don't leave me behind." Ash called following them.

"Alright as long as you don't get in the way." Cerberus said.

"I won't." Ash nodded.

"He's not supposed to be able to follow us without permission." Heidi whispered to Phoenix.

"This whole thing bothers me." Phoenix grumbled back.

The group marched forward clearing the creatures from each section including a hidden area behind a fake rock wall. There they found a few weapons badges. They gathered up the badges then headed back through the fake wall. They quickly moved across the last area to the entrance to a cave. Just inside the cave mouth there was a red teleporter. Cerberus was the first to enter instantly disappearing. The others quickly followed.

Freeze

Apr 23, 2010, 08:11 PM

CHAPTER TWENTY

The group reappeared in a lava filled underground cave. Flames and smoke billowed up from the holes in the floor. Heidi was surprised to find the air fresh and cool in a place that should be hot and dry."

"Our VR's were more realistic." Cerberus said.

"The environmental controls are malfunctioning." Phoenix replied, "It should be hot and heavy in here."

Cerberus stepped forward on the rock floor. At least it felt like rock. Three giant purple flower like creatures called Delpslami appeared before him. Beside them appeared small brown bipedal lizard like creatures named, Nava Ludda. The small creatures leaped forward spitting fire at the group. They split up heading in two directions. Cerberus and Phoenix went right to take out the Ludda. Heidi and Ash went left to deal with the Delpslami. One reared its head back then thrust it forward spewing a ball of Megid. Ash skidded to a halt as the ball past right in front of him. Heidi continued on slashing through the first flower. It died with one shot. She quickly moved to the others finishing them with ease.

"I do not believe the program anticipated the power of your weapons." Phoenix grinned as he watched Cerberus blast a Ludda to bits, "Be cautious, it may yet."

"I thought the difficulty was fixed for this level." Heidi frowned.

"Yes, but the program has already shown it's unpredictability." Phoenix said, "I suggest you not use those anymore. We can not anticipate its reaction to more alien technology."

"He's right Heidi." Cerberus nodded. "Stow your daggers. I won't use my rifle either."

The rifle vanished as its structure was stored in his pack. Heidi sighed and stowed her daggers in her nanotransformer. She drew the daggers that Phoenix had bought her. Cerberus drew a GRM made hand gun. They cleared out the next room, then entered a room with a photon charger cube in the center. The room had two doors, one straight ahead and one to the right. Ash seemed drawn to the door on the right. Heidi quietly followed him. Phoenix was busy showing Cerberus how the recharge cube worked and didn't see her sneak off. Ash slowly climbed the short ramp with his left arm stretched out in front of him as though he expected to run into something. The door slid open to a short dead end hallway. There was a blue barrier at the end of the hallway. Behind the barrier stood a blue eyed Newman girl dressed in a purple forces uniform. Ash started to approach the girl then the program froze for just a second before it continued. Ash seamed oblivious to the pause. He reached the barrier dropping his arm.

"She's not supposed to be here." He said staring at the girl.

"Huh?" Heidi jumped.

She didn't think he had been aware of her following him.

"All the other programs where I go with the other people, she's not there." Ash said still staring at the girl.

The girl frowned at him.

"Who is she?" Heidi asked.

"I'm Rupika." The girl said, "Ash, it's impolite not to introduce me to your new girlfriend."

"I'm not his girlfriend." Heidi replied quickly.

"Ash, what's going on here?" Rupika said, "I feel funny."

"You and I are part of a VR program." Ash replied.

"What?" She gasped, "You mean I'm not real?"

"No." Ash shook his head.

Rupika looked as though she was about to cry.

"You better come with us." Ash said holding out his hand, "Cerberus is here."

"Who's Cerberus?" Rupika frowned.

"Right, you never met him." Ash frowned.

Rupika took his hand and he gently pulled her through the barrier.

"Thank you; I was getting scared all by myself." Rupika smiled.

"She's cute." Heidi smiled.

"Yes, but she's missing her face paint." Ash nodded.

"What?" Rupika gasped, "Let me see."

Heidi quickly pulled a small compact mirror from her nanotransformer and handed it to Rupika. She popped the mirror open and gazed into a face that wasn't hers. She touched her cheek where the face paint used to be. She was on the edge of breaking down in tears.

"What's happened to me?" She whimpered, "Whose face is this?"

"I'm sorry." Heidi sighed, "The data in the program was incomplete."

"What is she talking about?" Rupika began to cry.

"We're not real." Ash said, "We are just pieces of a program."

He took Rupika and let her cry into his shoulder. Heidi felt sorry for her, even though she was just a program she seemed so real. Rupika quickly stopped crying and Ash let
her go. Heidi smiled slightly then got a sudden feeling she was being watched. She turned around to find Phoenix starring down at her. Cerberus was fixed on the Newman girl.

"How many others did they put in here?"

"Did you know her?" Phoenix asked.

"Not personally." Cerberus shook his head, "Deepfreeze helped Bernie recover her but she was unconscious at the time. We never had any contact with her after that."

Rupika stepped forward to greet the newcomers.

"You're a RAcast." Rupika said.

"I'm Cerberus." He nodded.

"Are you part of the program?" She asked.

"No, I'm not." Cerberus shook his head.

Rupika turned to Phoenix.

"I don't recognize your design."

"I am not of your system." Phoenix stated.

"Like the others." Rupika said looking at Heidi, "You look like a HUnewearl but you don't feel like one."

"We need to keep moving." Ash said pulling Rupika's arm, "I don't know why we are being brought together in only this program but I suspect the answer is at the end."

Phoenix nodded and led the others on to the next section. They quickly flew through the next area of the caves and on to the next warp. The team appeared at the beginning of the brightly lit mines.

"Be careful, the machines here attack anyone from Pioneer Two." Ash blurted, "Oh, never mind."

"There is another presence here." Rupika said, "Someone is waiting for us."

Heidi felt a chill run up her spine as she followed the group in. They entered a large square room. A third of the room to their right was blocked by a blue barrier. The far end of the room was blocked by a solid fence. Behind this fence sat three turrets that spewed a stream of Megid when ever someone got too close. The team hugged the energy fence until the attacking machines were destroyed and the turrets deactivated. A pink haired Newman girl appeared behind the barrier. She had short hair, dark skin, and wore a black and red version of Heidi's outfit.

"Sue." Ash scowled.

"I should have known." Cerberus grumbled.

"Not a friend I take it?" Heidi tilted her head.

"She was a member of Black Paper." Cerberus said, "A black market organization dealing in stolen weapons and equipment and as it turned out people as test subjects."

"How awful." Heidi gasped.

The program didn't even slow down this time as Sue approached the barrier.

"You guys need to help me." Sue said looking around cautiously.

"And why should we do that?" Cerberus frowned.

"Cerberus." Sue frowned, "Of all the people. I don't suppose that pesky ranger master of yours is around here too."

"Deepfreeze is long dead." Cerberus shook his head.

"Pity." Sue smirked.

"I still don't see why we should help you." Ash frowned.

"Something is here and it's looking for me." Sue said, "I'm surprised you two don't feel it."

"I don't feel anything." Ash shook his head.

"All I feel is you." Rupika replied.

"And I feel him." Sue said looking around, "Please get me out of here."

"For the sake of the program we should take her with us." Phoenix said.

"We must hurry." Sue said stepping through the barrier.

The group continued through the mines with surprisingly little resistance. Phoenix expressed his displeasure with the lack of activity by deeply grumbling every time they entered an empty room or cleared one out with little to no effort. The mines ended with a locked door and a switch. Phoenix approached the switch taking a quick glance at the display.

"This switch should end the program." He said turning to the others, "It appears this is as far as we can go."

"It is for everyone else." Ash said, "They must increase the kill count to unlock the last level."

He looked around then a puzzled look grew across his face.

"How did I know that?"

Phoenix shrugged and tapped the switch. Instead of ending the program it unlocked the door.

"Now we may continue on." Rupika said.

Phoenix stepped toward the door causing it to open. Inside there was yet another warp. He was about to step in side when his communicator beeped.

"Yes." He snapped.

"This is Doctor Tomrain. We just lost the visual on your program. Several teams just finished with excellent scores that are being added to the count now but we've lost all information on your team."

"The last door in the mines just unlocked when I hit the switch." Phoenix reported.

"My information shows that door is tied to the kill count." Tomrain said, "It requires many more kills before it will unlock. Be careful Phoenix, your program is unstable and could become very dangerous."

"Understood Doctor." Phoenix nodded, "My team has nothing to fear with me guarding them."

"Humility isn't one of his strong points." Heidi whispered to Rupika.

Rupika nodded with a little giggle.

"Listen Cerberus." Sue said stepping up to the big android, "I know we haven't been on the best of terms in the past."

"Really?" Cerberus frowned.

"I can't make up for the things I've done." Sue said kicking the ground with her boot, "I was wrong to turn you over to Doctor Lazarus and also for trying to take over Pioneer Two."

"So you were programmed much later than I thought." Cerberus said coldly.

"Stop treating me like a blasted computer Cerberus." Sue cried.

"But you are." Cerberus glared back, "Whether you like it or not you are a computer program. The real Sue is long dead and never once showed any remorse for what she did, and not you or anyone else can apologize in her place."

Everyone was now staring at the two as they exchanged emotional blows.

"What happened to you Cerberus?" Sue shot, "You used to be the most likable guy on Ragol. No matter what anyone did you always found a way to forgive them."

"You did it Sue." Cerberus glared, "You did it."

He turned away and headed for the warp.

"What did I do?" Sue shrugged looking very hurt.

"Must have been after we were programmed." Ash said.

"My last memory was being approached by someone from something called ARKZ." Sue frowned.

"They are or were a small movement group that was unhappy with the way the government was being run." Ash said.

"Ah." Sue nodded, "They were gobbling up Black Paper members left and right."

Heidi frowned then quietly shifted over to Cerberus.

"What's ARKZ?" She asked softly.

"A separatist movement bent on over throwing the Pioneer Two government." Cerberus replied, "They were on the verge of winning when we left. In fact they almost didn't let us go."

"They let you go?" Heidi frowned with a slight smirk.

"Well we did have to convince them a little." Cerberus replied.

"So what did Sue exactly do to you?" Heidi asked.

"That is not for you to know." Cerberus said.

Phoenix finished his conversation with Doctor Tomrain then immediately turned and disappeared into the warp.

"So I guess we're clear to move on now." Cerberus sighed and stepped into the warp.

Heidi let out a soft chuckle and followed Cerberus into the warp. They appeared in a purple and black coloured hallway. The floor was made of grey stone. To their left was a door and on their right was a warp. Rupika and Ash were drawn to the warp. Sue stepped back and appeared terrified. Phoenix grumbled and followed the two hunters into it. Heidi went next. Cerberus started but stopped when he saw Sue backing away.

"I don't want to go there." Sue shook her head.

"You're a VR program." Cerberus said, "There is nothing that can hurt you."

"Then why am I afraid." Sue tapped her chest.

"I don't know." Cerberus said, "Nor do I have the time to find out."

He grabbed Sue by the arm and dragged her into the warp. They appeared in a dark room with the others. In front of them was a blue barrier.

"I'm getting a little sick of these things." Heidi muttered.

"As am I." Phoenix grumbled, "If I don't get to kill something soon."

"Easy big guy." Heidi said patting his arm.

The group moved forward. The fence disappeared and a tall purple HUcast appeared before them. An intense fear swept over Heidi. She wanted to run and hide but something kept her feet from moving. The HUcast stepped up to the group and looked at each member of the team. He didn't seem to recognize Heidi. It made her feel a little better.

"It's him." She whispered.

"Kireek." Cerberus spat.

"Black Hound." Sue quipped and dropped to her knees.

Kireek stepped up to Cerberus.

"I know you.'

"And I know you." Cerberus replied.

"You have been a worthy opponent." Kireek said, "Strong enough to impress me."

"I doubt the real Kireek would say the same thing." Cerberus shrugged.

"You were not involved in the crater investigation." Kireek frowned.

"I had other duties to perform." Cerberus replied.

He noticed that Kireek was not holding his Soul Eater and was actually pleasant. As pleasant as Kireek could get. This is the way he had been before coming to Ragol. Dark Falz had tormented him and twisted him into the evil maniac that Cerberus had pursued the rest of his former life and into his present one.

"Come." Kireek waved, "We have enemies to kill."

Sue stood up and frowned then tapped Cerberus on the arm.

"What's wrong with him?"

"So you noticed it too." Cerberus said, "Whoever programmed this simulation must have left evil Kireek out."

"Why did they have to leave all my bad traits and memories?" Sue sighed.

The group moved through the ruins finding very little resistance. At the end they found yet another warp. This warp took them to a large circular grass field. On the left there were six grave stones, flat and square, and set in a row of three. Each row was slightly inclined and faced the other row. To the right was a large stone monument. A set of stairs lead up to a flat alter. Behind the alter stood a tall obelisk. Heidi started for the monument but Cerberus grabbed her shoulder.

"No, last time bad things came out of that thing."

The four holograms had no problem approaching the monument. They climbed the stairs and stopped at the alter. A light rose up from the alter and consumed them. Heidi took off to try and help her new friends.

"Heidi no!" Cerberus yelled.

She reached the first step as the light flared forcing her and everyone to look away. When the light faded the four hunters were replaced by a red headed girl dressed in a white and red outfit. Cerberus stepped passed a stunned Heidi and climbed the steps.

"Hello Rico." He said as he reached the top.

"Hello Cerberus." She smiled, "It's good to see you again."

"So the programmer included you as well." Cerberus frowned.

"I am not part of the program." Rico replied, "Though it was the only way to reach you."

Seth Astra

Apr 24, 2010, 12:44 AM

Whoa. This plot's getting deep, Freeze (a bad pun, I know, but I couldn't resist). You are truely one of the best writers ever on PSOW. I can't wait to see where this goes. Also, very thought-provoking. The programs and how they reacted completely differently to Cerberus, the appearance of Rico at the end. Can't wait for the next chapter.

Freeze

Apr 30, 2010, 06:01 PM

I'm so glad you're enjoying it. Stay tuned, there's a lot more to come.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Isis found Iceberg on Parum seated at the table by the Koltova Juice Bar watching the odd Guardian come and go from the GRM store. Isis picked up a Koltova juice from Yokus Melton at the bar then sat down across from Iceberg and stared at him in the eye.

"Yes?" He grumbled.

"How long are you going to sit here and sulk?" Isis asked.

"I am not sulking." Iceberg growled.

"You're still upset they took you off the Illuminus case." Isis pointed, "You're sulking."

"That purple cast is still out there causing more problems than the entire Illuminus could dream of and they pull me off to play games in some VR program." Iceberg pounded the table, "My skills are much more valuable than that."

"They pulled you off for stress leave." Isis replied, "This cast has you wound up too tight. You have excellent control over your emotions but even I could see you were ready to snap."

"They even revoked my pass to Moatoob." Iceberg grumbled.

"It's the only way to keep you away from the Illuminus." Isis grinned, "Come on let's go try this VR program everyone is buzzing about."

Iceberg opened his mouth to reply but he caught movement out of the corner of his eye. He spun around to face the AMF building scanning the area intently. In the bushes on the right side of the building he spotted the unmistakable glint of the armour of a blue cast. He quickly activated his goggles and zoomed in. He watched intently as several casts entered a small opening in the building. The last to go was a Magashi clone. Iceberg sprang to his feet spilling the drinks on the table.

"Hey!" Isis exclaimed backing away to avoid the liquid, "Where are you going now?"

"Magashi." Iceberg said as he bolted away.

"Magashi, at the AMF?" Isis called as she ran after him.

Iceberg hopped the gate arm, ignoring the protests of the man on guard and hurried in. Isis apologized to the guard as she ran by. She caught up to Iceberg in the main lobby.

"So where to now?"

She glanced back to see the guard headed their way with weapon drawn. She knew his aim wouldn't be as accurate as the usual cast guard but he'd still be plenty deadly.

"Uh oh." Isis frowned, "Really P.Oed guard on his way."

"Then we better not stick around." Iceberg grumbled.

"You really have a way with people." Isis grinned, "You know that right?"

They quickly weaved through the empty corridors of the military building trying to find Magashi's entry point. They knew they were getting close when they rounded a corner, dodging laser blasts as they went. Iceberg drew his newly acquired longbow and aimed. The moment the first cast appeared, he fired planting a photon bolt into the side of its head. The second one appeared only to meet the same fate. The last two jumped out together only to be greeted by the blades of Isis' twin sabres that she drove them into their chests. They shorted out and spasmed as they slumped to the floor.

"These were just sentries left to guard the door." Isis frowned at the dead casts.

"Yes, but where are the others going?" Iceberg pondered aloud as he started down the hallway.

The hallway was very direct with no connecting corridors, only various rooms branching off of it. It ended with a single door and a sign that read AMF METRO RAIL.

"Doesn't the metro rail go underground to the training area?" Isis frowned.

"It also goes to planning and tactical strategies and research and development." Iceberg nodded.

"Normally those would all be very inviting targets." Isis nodded, "But with the AMF out of commission what would be the point?"

"I doubt the AMF got to clean things up before they all went crazy." Iceberg shrugged.

"Ah." Isis nodded, "Easy pickings for the Illuminus."

"Exactly." Iceberg grinned.

He stepped through the door into the main lobby. Four purple female casts holding launchers stood in the center of the room.

"Locked on target." They droned.

Isis charged forward while Iceberg sprayed cover fire scattering the casts. One cast fired at Isis. The launcher lobbed a fire ball of molten rock which Isis dodged by dropping to her knees, bending back and sliding under the arc of the Diga ball. She jumped to her feet and sliced off the casts arms then plunged the swords into the cast's chest.

"Forgive me Howzer." The cast wailed as it slumped to the ground.

"Howzer?" Isis frowned.

A second cast charged forward forcing Isis to abandon her train of thought. It tried to fire but its charge brought it close enough for Isis to swing at the weapon. Her sabre sliced down the side of the launcher puncturing the photon power pack. The explosion obliterated the cast and sent Isis flying back. Iceberg took the head clean of one cast then pelted the other with arrows before hurrying to Isis' side.

"Are you injured?" He asked.

"Some minor burns." She shrugged.

He drew out his wand and cast Resta healing her wounds.

"Thank you." She smiled as he helped her up.

"Those were SEED infected casts." Iceberg said, "That is not a good sign. If the SEED has infected this deeply…"

"I don't think so." Isis shook her head, "These casts belonged to the Illuminus. Howzer to be specific."

"That is even worse." Iceberg shook his head slowly.

"Let's go catch a train." Isis grinned and ran for the gate.

Iceberg just walked. He stepped by the check counter and on to the platform. The rail was empty. He looked up the line to see if the replacement tram was arriving. The rail ran a continuous circle between the two areas so that there would always be a train at each station. He saw nothing.

"It's possible we just missed them." Isis shrugged.

"Possible." Iceberg nodded.

He went back to the check counter and stepped behind the terminal. A couple quick taps brought up the rail display.

"Magashi's train has arrived at the other station but for some reason the other train has stopped just past the departure point." He explained, "I'll try to recall it."

He punched in a few commands then shook his head slowly.

The system knows the train is there but I can't access it."

"We have to walk then." Isis sighed.

"That will take to long." Iceberg grumble.

"How does maintenance get around?" Isis asked, "You know, if something breaks on the track. I doubt they carry hover boards."

"The sleds." Iceberg grinned, "Isis you're a genius."

"Well I don't know about genius." Isis blushed.

He quickly brought up the maintenance program and signalled for a maintenance sled." A short flat bed cart with a small open cab showed up. Isis climbed on to the bed as Iceberg climbed into the cab. He slowly eased the throttle forward and the sled accelerated quickly. Isis was forced to grab on to some tie rings to keep from sliding off. The bright florescent lighting became white streaks as the sled reached top speed.

"Can you slow down a little bit?" Isis yelled.

Iceberg pulled back on the sled but nothing happened.

"No, I have no control." He replied turning his head so she could hear better.

The strong wind grabbed his sunglasses and blew them off his face. He watched as the glasses landed on the track.

"Great, those were my favourite pair."

The sled began to slow down as it approached the other landing platform. Two casts cautiously approached the platform edge as the seemingly empty maintenance sled came to a stop. They looked down to see two hand guns pointed at their heads.

"Greetings." Iceberg smiled.

He and Isis fired at the same time landing both head shots. The casts fell back clattering on the metal platform. Iceberg took a quick look then climbed up on to the platform. He turned to help Isis up but she was already up. He frowned slightly.

"Beast, remember." She smiled.

"No matter the species it is always honourable for a male to assist a female." Iceberg replied.

"You are so old fashioned." She frowned then changed to a big grin, "That's why I love you."

Iceberg shook his head and sighed. He turned and headed for the door. Isis giggled as she followed him. There was no one guarding the hallway. Iceberg looked left then right finally resting on the sign in front of him. To the right was central control and planning. To the left were training and R and D.

"Which way do you think?" Iceberg asked.

"You're asking me?" Isis gasped.

"Don't sound so surprised." Iceberg growled.

"Well, if I were Magashi I'd look to secure the facility first." Isis replied.

"Central Control it is." Iceberg nodded.

"Iceberg, what is Central Control?" Isis asked, "I thought the head office was back at the administration building."

"So we were told." Iceberg said, "Something feels wrong here."

"You too?" Isis sighed, "I thought it was just me."

They passed several unmarked doors finally reaching the end. Two double doors with "CENTRAL CONTROL" written across them blocked the way. Iceberg reached out and pushed one door slightly. It opened a crack allowing warm humid air to escape. He released the door letting it swing shut.

"That has a familiar scent to it." Isis scowled.

"This is very bad." Iceberg grumbled.

"If there's a Seed infection this deep in the AMF then Laia needs to know about this." Isis shook her head slowly.

"We will." Iceberg nodded and drew his twin handguns, "After we deal with Magashi."

"I don't know Iceberg." Isis replied, "I've got a bad feeling about this."

Iceberg ignored her and proceeded inside. He was instantly greeted by a group of SEED creatures and infected casts. He charged in with guns blazing. Isis cautiously proceeded inside but couldn't shake the feeling that they were making a terrible mistake. The entire section had been transformed into a hive. Black and purple now dominated the colour of the walls that pulsed with organic rhythm. She drew her twin sabres and waited for the approaching group of SEED. She tore into them as soon as they were in reach. Purple blood splattered across the floor as she bisected the creatures with raw power that could only come from a beast. Iceberg continued through the section firing until his guns went dry then he popped in a photon charger and continued firing driving the creatures back as he went. Isis quickly took position behind him to cover the rear. Only the casts continued to provide a threat for in their crazed state they knew no retreat. The two Guardians finally reached the end exhausted and nearly out of chargers. They stood in front of a large door surrounded by the bodies of the dead SEED. Across the door there was a single word painted on it.

"Mother." Isis read, "What do you suppose that means?"

"Still have that feeling?" Iceberg asked.

"More than ever." Isis replied.

"It's about to be justified." Iceberg said as he started to open the door.

"Then why go in?" Isis asked grabbing his arm.

"It is our duty." Iceberg stated.

Isis released his arm and nodded. Iceberg gave the door a hard push and stepped through.

"INTRUDERS DETECTED. SECURITY SYSTEMS ACTIVATED!"

At the end of the long ramp the upper half of a gold and black metal female creature rose up. Her waist was attached to the floor. She had long thin arms and a face that sported four eyes. Two were smaller and seated below the two larger ones. She had no visible mouth. Out of her back stretched two long robotic arms with giant drills mounted on the end. Iceberg drew his bow.

"She looks like Dulk Fakis." Isis gasped.

"Quite right." A voice said from behind them.

Iceberg and Isis spun to face the new threat. Magashi stepped out from a dark corner. The SEED creature started to attack but Magashi waved her off.

"What you see before you is the real AMF." Magashi smirked as he started to circle the Guardians, "Say hello to Mother Brain."

"What is all this?" Isis scowled.

"Cast arrogance turned against them." Magashi shrugged, "Mother Brain is the central computer that controls the AMF. While all AMF casts possess their own free will, the bureaucrats decided to include a little program that under certain circumstances could strip the soldiers of their will and operate it as one single unit controlled by Mother Brain here. They never imagined that we would be able to turn that little function against them. We simply infected Mother Brain with Seed and the entire military became senseless killing machines gone completely out of control."

"Some casts aren't crazy all the time." Isis pointed.

"Yes, a little problem we just fixed." Magashi grinned evilly.

"Not every one in the AMF are casts." Iceberg growled, "What did you do with them."

"Nothing." Magashi shrugged, "Their own peers handled the problem for us, though they did leave quite a mess. I can almost hear the screaming now as the casts swarmed in on the organics and tore them to pieces with their bare hands."

"You're sick." Isis spat.

"You won't get away with this." Iceberg growled, "When we inform Guardian Command."

"I'm afraid I can't allow that." Magashi shrugged.

"Who's going to stop us?" Iceberg growled, "You?"

"Not me." Kireek said stepping through the door, "Consider yourselves our prisoners."

"Just the two of you?" Iceberg chuckled, "I hardly think so."

Kireek took a step forward.

"I want them alive." Magashi said.

Kireek nodded and lunged at the Guardians with blinding speed, took two swings and stepped back. Iceberg and Isis' weapons fell into two pieces.

"Impressive." Iceberg grinned.

"Don't try to draw again." Kireek said, "I will cut you down before you could reach your back."

"I believe you." Iceberg frowned.

"What's the plan?" Isis whispered taking a defensive posture.

"Nothing." Iceberg shook his head.

"What!" Isis gasped.

"A good warrior knows when to fight and when he is beaten." Iceberg replied, "There is no need to die today."

"Phoenix would disagree with you." Isis shrugged.

"Phoenix is not here." Iceberg replied.

Four casts rushed in and took the Guardians into custody. Kireek grabbed Iceberg by the arm as he was being ushered by.

"You two have been a severe thorn in my side these last three months." He growled, "Wasted time I don't have. I shall enjoy making you pay."

"Then this is not a complete defeat." Iceberg replied.

Kireek released Icebergs arm and let the casts take them away. Kireek turned and quietly ascended the ramp up to where Magashi was giving Mother Brain some last instructions.

"I believe you now owe me payment." Kireek said.

"What payment." Magashi replied trying to look surprised.

"The parts you told me were stored here." Kireek growled.

"Oh yes." Magashi pretended to remember, "Right this way."

Kireek grabbed Magashi by the shoulder and spun him to face him.

"Do not anger me Renvolt." Kireek growled, "You and your clones won't survive my true wrath."

Magashi shrugged off Kireek's grip and frowned.

"Remember with out us you can't get off this planet, let alone out of this system."

"Do not under estimate my power." Kireek glared.

"And don't you underestimate ours." Magashi replied then walked away.

Kireek slammed the butt end of the Soul Eater into the floor and left a dent.

Freeze

May 7, 2010, 07:56 PM

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

"You can't really be here." Cerberus gasped, "You and Heathcliff combined spirits to finally destroy Dark Falz. He's gone and so are you."

"A small part of our spirits still exist." Rico smiled, "I am just a fragment of that girl."

"A fragment is enough then." Cerberus shrugged.

"It's enough for Dark Falz as well." Rico sighed.

She waved her hand and the others disappeared leaving the two of them alone. Rico hopped off the alter and took his hand.

"Dark Falz is the Profound Darkness." She said, "In his spirit state he can never truly be destroyed. Even now pieces of him exist here in Gurhal."

"Kireek." Cerberus spat.

"Kireek does have a piece but that is very small and not the one I was referring to." Rico said, "On Rykros, it is not all him but it will be enough to cause serious harm to this system."

"Could he destroy Gurhal completely?" Cerberus asked.

"If he is released then yes absolutely." Rico nodded, "This system does not know his evil. What they have faced so far is nothing compared to what is coming."

"Then I must go to this Rykros and stop him." Cerberus said.

"No." Rico shook her head, "It is not time yet for that. The Guardians may need your help eventually but that is not your path right now. You must seek out the one from the prophecy. That is the immediate danger right now. There is another looking for this power. He has been searching since the beginning of time and I fear he will soon be reunited with his missing parts."

"Is Kireek part of this?" Cerberus frowned.

"I'm sure of it but what part I do not know." Rico sighed.

She waved her hand and both Heidi and Phoenix reappeared looking a little shocked.

"Heidi." Rico smiled, "You're a spitting image of your Great Grandmother. I sense her strength in you and something else. Something that should not be there."

"What?" Heidi sputtered, "What's inside me?"

She could hardly find the words to speak to this girl. She wasn't sure if it was the shock of hearing something was in her or the omnipresence that this girl seemed to radiate. The girl looked at her with a soft smile.

"Deep inside you lies a power locked away in your DNA. A result of an experiment that should never have been done." Rico replied.

"The same as Amanda had then." Cerberus said.

"More so." Rico's smile faded, "Amanda was a cross between Newman and human but Heidi also possesses DNA from this dimension. The mixing of human, altered Newman, and Gurhal Newman has given her a mental strength neither system has ever seen before."

"Cool." Heidi smiled.

"There is a price for this power." Rico pointed at Heidi, "While you possess Amanda's strength you also possess her weakness."

"What weakness?" Heidi gasped.

"Lack of control." Cerberus said softly, "That is why she could never use them. Each time it either nearly killed her or everyone around her. I was hoping you didn't have this."

"So what do I do?" Heidi looked ready to cry, "Can I still use a wand?"

"I'm sure Cerberus has started you on technique training." Rico said looking at the android.

Cerberus nodded.

"Good, you may yet learn to control them." Rico nodded, "Perhaps your Gurhal DNA will provide the control you need but I'm not sure. There is something blocking me from seeing your core."

"Is she the one we're looking for?" Cerberus asked hopefully.

Rico laughed, "You're journey is not that easy Cerberus. Look at her, White hair, blue eyes, and slightly tanned skin. She is the exact opposite of the one you seek. You must seek out the one with hair black as night, skin as white as snow and eyes of flame."

The smile quickly drained from Rico's face as she stared at Heidi. A sudden chill ran up Heidi's back.

"Heidi is the one to find the child, I'm sure of that." Rico said, "One more thing, the missing piece of your puzzle can be found on Neudaiz. Find it and you'll have the path to the power of life."

Rico began to fade away.

"Wait, I need to ask you more." Cerberus charged forward holding out his hand.

"My time is gone. Yours lies ahead." Rico said in a hallow voice then vanished.

The three stood silent for a moment. A soft warm breeze drifted across the field rustling Heidi's hair.

"Who is she?" Heidi asked softly, "And what is inside me?"

"Rico Tyrell." Cerberus replied, "A very dear friend."

"How did she die?" Phoenix asked.

Heidi jabbed him in the side with her elbow.

"It's alright." Cerberus waved, "She was consumed by Dark Falz. It gave him a solid
body. We lost many hunters destroying it and freeing her spirit."

"END PROGRAM." The computer announced.

The field disappeared leaving them in an empty room. Doctor Tomrain rushed through the door with Laia and Lou on his tail.

"What was it?" He asked excitedly, "What did you see?"

"A compass." Cerberus replied and walked out.

"A compass?" Tomrain frowned.

"What happened here?" Laia asked glaring at the two Guardians.

"We saw a red headed girl." Heidi shrugged.

"A girl?" Laia frowned.

"Who was she? What did she say?" Tomrain asked excitedly, "Did she say how to stop the Seed?"

"No she didn't." Heidi replied.

Cerberus began to wonder how many of these Relic sites existed, as he brought the flyer down near the entrance. This site had been discovered many years ago but the AMF or more accurately the now defunct Endrom Collective had quarantined the site preventing anyone from exploring it. With the AMF soldiers out of control there was no one left to guard the entrance. Heidi stepped off the flyer first followed by her father then Cerberus and Phoenix. She took a deep breath of the fresh air. There was a hint of blossoms drifting along the soft warm breeze. The soft wind felt good against her exposed skin. Originally she thought the HUnewearl uniform might be too skimpy even for her, but despite the repeated protests from her father, she found that it provided the best mobility for her style of fighting. It was actually quite comfortable and she did enjoy the attention from the boys. She shook the thought from her head and headed for the entrance.

"Be alert." Phoenix said stepping up beside her, "These sites contain many dangers."

"Have you been inside one?" Heidi asked.

"A couple of times." Phoenix nodded, "The first time did not go well."

He headed inside without another word. Heidi frowned then drew her S-red Blades and followed him inside. Cerberus was standing at the entrance looking around. Jon stood quietly beside him holding his rod.

"I don't detect any hostiles." Cerberus said, "It's safe to proceed."

"Guess you should have told them." Jon said pointing at Heidi and Phoenix.

"Doesn't anyone follow safety procedures?" Cerberus sighed.

"Rarely." Jon shook his head.

They moved swiftly through the corridors being very careful not to awaken the creatures that lived here. The heart of the site housed a large A Photon reactor that had burned out long ago. The team split up and began to carefully search the entire room. Heidi shivered as a sudden cold draft blew over her. She looked around to find its source but saw nothing. As she worked her way to the back she felt it again. There was a square column sticking out from the wall where the breeze felt like it was coming from. As she approached the column the breeze faded away. The column had pictures carved into it. At the top was a planet with people all around it. As she followed the pictures down, she saw a space craft landing there. The people welcomed the visitors giving them gifts. The next picture was of a giant monster that rained fire down on the people. There was a girl with flames coming out of her eyes standing on the dead, defying the monster. The next picture looked as if she was shooting fire from her hands as three orbs where the monster had been flew off into space. The last picture was of the girl holding something as she boarded a ship. It was followed by a large rectangular indent carved into the stone. Heidi knelt down on one knee and ran her hand across the indent.

"Find something Snowflake?" A voice asked.

Heidi turned and gave her father a frown.

"I'm sorry, I forgot. Don't call you snowflake." Jon sighed, "Some habits are hard to break."

"I understand Dad it's just a child's nickname isn't good for a Guardians reputation."
Heidi smiled.

"How did you grow up so fast?" Jon shook his head.

Heidi ignored the question and continued to stare at the column.

"Something was taken from here." She said.

"No one has been here since the earthquake first uncovered it." Jon frowned.

"We don't know that for sure." Phoenix said, "I'm sure the Endrom Collective did plenty of looting while they were here. Not to mention it's been unguarded for the last three months."

"It would have to be an experienced person." Jon nodded, "That's the only way they could have gotten in or out without waking the Stateria."

"It would also take someone who new what this was to be bothered taking this." Heidi said.

"Well, we don't know what it was or what it had on it." Phoenix said, "Thieves would gladly take it if they thought it was worth something."

"Rico was right." Cerberus said as he stared at the column.

"Who?" Jon asked.

"No one Dad." Heidi replied softly.

Cerberus pointed at the indent, "The star chart has been removed. Without it we have no chance of finding the life power."

"Maybe that purple cast got here first." Heidi suggested.

"If he did then we'll just have to take it back." Phoenix growled.

A loud metallic clang echoed from the hallway, followed by heavy metal footsteps. Phoenix instantly drew his knuckles

"We have awakened a Stateria." He growled.

"You think he's upset we woke him up early." Jon smirked.

"It does not matter." Phoenix sighed, "We must go through it to get out."

"What is a Stateria?" Cerberus asked.

"An ancient mechanical guardian left here to guard the A-photon reactors at the heart of every Relic site." Jon said pulling a rod from his nanotransformer, "They're very diligent with their work."

"It sounds big." Cerberus said as the group moved into the hallway.

The hallway was empty but they could still hear movement coming from the next room.

"It has cut off our escape." Phoenix said as he crept down the hallway, "We must face it."

Heidi thought he sounded a little too happy about that prospect for her liking. She would have preferred a quiet exit from the site. After hearing stories of these things from Guardians training she was not looking forward to seeing one.

"This will be good training for you." Phoenix said to her.

"I have my licence now." She frowned, "I don't need training."

"YOU always need training." Phoenix snapped, "Even I never stop training so you Newman definitely can't stop training."

Heidi stepped back from the attack then frowned, "Exactly what is that supposed to mean?"

Phoenix ignored her as he slowly approached the door. It slid open to a pair of massive legs.

"At least it can't get out." Cerberus shrugged.

"But I want in." Phoenix growled.

He charged forward slamming his shoulder into the giant guardian. The mechanical statue stumbled back then regained its posture holding up its massive sword and bounced on the tips of it feet like a boxer readying for a bout. Phoenix ran full force at the Svaltus. It swept it's sword in front of it catching Phoenix, knocking him back. The others poured through the door taking up attacking positions. Jon let loose first with Megid. It didn't kill it but it did knock the machine back. Cerberus fired taking small chunks out of its armour.

"Hmm." He muttered softly.

"What is it?" Heidi asked.

"Not sure." Cerberus shook his head.

Phoenix went sailing between them as he was knocked away again.

"I see now why the first time went so badly." Heidi laughed at him.

The Svaltus turned its attention to Jon who had to dodge and dive to avoid the chopping sword.

"Dad!" Heidi cried.

She charged forward at full run finally leaping at the creature with blades ready. Something cold and hard slammed into her throat and squeezed. The svaltus lifted her off the floor holding its arm stretched out. It drew its arm in and flung her across the room like a rag doll. Heidi landed hard with her head smacking against the floor. She didn't black out but her vision went blurry and a massive head ache swarmed over her. Cerberus continued to fire as Phoenix moved in. The svaltus turned to the cast. Jon let out a blast of Foie that smashed into the svaltus back. It stumbled forward then turned to face its new attacker.

"Big mistake." Phoenix grinned.

He leaped onto the creatures back smashing his knuckle into the creatures armour then he pulled a piece back to expose the beast's internal workings. He spotted the A- photon reactor powering it. He started to reach in but the svaltus grabbed his other arm first and flung him off. He landed hard and rolled to his feet.

"The photon reactor is exposed!" He yelled.

"Think you can hit it?" Jon asked.

"If I can see it." Cerberus nodded.

"Then start aiming." Jon replied.

He charged out past the svaltus hitting it with Diga as he ran by. The svaltus turned with him and began bouncing on its feet. Jon stood firm hoping Cerberus could shoot it before it charged. Heidi's vision cleared just in time to see her father set up as bait. The svaltus charged. Cerberus fired. Heidi screamed for her father. The svaltus swung its sword then exploded in a giant fire ball blasting Jon back. He lay motionless. Heidi jumped to her feet and ran to her father. He was badly burned and blood trickled from the wound in his side where the svaltus sword had penetrated his line shield.

"Dad." Heidi said holding back her tears, "Dad say something."

Cerberus and Phoenix hurried over to the two Newmans. Cerberus took a quick scan then shook his head.

"He's not dead but his vitals are very weak." Cerberus said, "We have to get him to a hospital quick."

"I will carry him out." Phoenix said.

He bent over to pick Jon up when Cerberus grabbed his shoulder.

"Wait, his vitals just spiked. I'm detecting a broken spine though I don't think there's any damage to the cord yet. He's got internal bleeding too."

"Then moving him will surely kill him." Phoenix shook his head.

"Exactly." Cerberus nodded, "Stay here and I'll go radio for help."

Phoenix nodded. Cerberus headed for the exit at full run. Jon groaned and opened his unburned eye.

"Heidi sweetie." He horsed, "I'm sorry."

"No Dad." Heidi shook her head, "You're going to be all right."

"I can feel my life slipping away." He groaned, "Be strong my girl. Help protect Gurhal, and find your mother."

"No." Heidi cried, "We'll get you out of here, just hold on."

"I'm sorry." Jon whispered then closed his eye.

"No Dad no!" Heidi cried out then bent over resting her head on his chest.

Phoenix started to speak when he noticed Heidi had stopped crying. Cerberus returned and also stopped when he notice the girl wasn't crying.

"Something is wrong." Phoenix said.

"Very wrong." Cerberus nodded, "The rescue team is half an hour away."

"It doesn't matter now." Phoenix said softly.

A bright light began to glow around Heidi. It grew in intensity until it was almost blinding. She looked to the sky and a ring of sparkling light blasted out from her. Cerberus and Phoenix shielded their eyes until the light passed. They looked back to see Heidi slumped on the floor.

"No!" Cerberus gasped and ran to her.

Phoenix followed behind. Cerberus reached her just as Jon let out a soft grunt and slowly sat up. His wounds here completely healed.

"What, what happened?" He asked.

"That was a technique." Phoenix said softly, "Wasn't it?"

Cerberus nodded, "An uncontrolled one."

"Heidi!" Jon gasped scooping up his daughter, "Heidi no."

"She used Resta directly from her minds TP." Cerberus said, "I don't suppose any one has any monofluids?" Cerberus asked.

"This is no time for jokes." Jon shot.

"What is a monofluid?" Phoenix asked.

"That answers my question." Cerberus sighed, "Never mind."

"No, tell us what it is." Jon said, "Could it help my daughter."

"On Coral it was a liquid used to restore a persons TP." Cerberus sighed, "Since you've never heard of it means you don't have it."

"You don't have any?" Jon asked.

Cerberus shook his head, "I'm an android I don't have TP so there was no need for me to carry it."

Jon picked her up and started to leave.

"She needs a doctor." He said.

Phoenix ran to him.

"It would be quicker if I carry her."

Jon reluctantly handed his daughter over to the cast. The group hurried down the long corridors and through the large rooms now full of light element creatures. Cerberus led the way using his Justy to easily blast a path for them. They finally burst through the exit and nearly ran down a Newman boy and his heard of sheep like creatures.

"You!" Phoenix barked.

The boy jumped back looking absolutely terrified.

"Where is the nearest Doctor?" Phoenix asked sharply.

"There… is ….a…healer in the village." The boy stammered, "Not far. That way."

The boy pointed to their right then quickly ran off with his herd in tow.

"You frightened that boy." Cerberus said.

"There is no time for that." Phoenix shook his head, "This girl needs help."

He quickly bolted down the path leaving the others to play catch up. They did so only after Phoenix had reached the village, scaring most of the locals and thrusting Heidi on the healer. Heidi was lying on a bed with the woman hovering over her when Jon and Cerberus finally entered the cabin.

"How is she?" Jon asked.

"Ah you must be the father." The woman said looking up, "She will be alright. I have given her an herbal tea that promotes mental regeneration but she will be asleep for quite a while."

"That's a relief." Jon smiled and went to his daughter's side.

"What happened to her?" The woman asked Phoenix, "I've never seen anyone with their mental energy drained this low."

"We were attacked in the relic's site." Phoenix replied, "Her father was fatally injured. She healed him with Resta."

"Lot's of people use Resta." The woman began.

"Without a wand." Phoenix finished.

"That is strictly forbidden." The woman said.

"Her father would be dead if she didn't." Cerberus said, "That's why she did it."

The woman nodded, "Then I won't report this."

"We are honoured." Phoenix bowed.

"Now, what were you gentlemen doing in such a dangerous place like that?" The woman frowned.

"Guardians business." Phoenix replied.

Cerberus sighed with a shake of his head, "We were looking for what we think might be a stone tablet with star charts engraved on it, but someone had already removed it."

"The AMF has been guarding that place for years." The woman said, "It couldn't have been recently. I do remember hearing a story about someone going there but I'm afraid it was a long time ago."

"You must remember." Phoenix urged, "It is most important."

"I was just a little girl." The woman shook her head, "If he's still alive you could try Old Man Morok. He lives or lived in the old library outside of town. We used to go there to listen to his stories but as he aged he became unstable and even violent. No one dares visit him anymore."

"It's worth a shot." Cerberus shrugged.

"Not a very good one." Phoenix grumbled.

Freeze

May 14, 2010, 11:51 PM

Content added to the end of the last chapter.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Iceberg awoke with a pounding headache. He was in a dark concrete cell that smelled of rotting flesh and feces. He sat up and looked around. The straw bed he had been lying on was clean enough but the rest of the cell was a different story. There was no bathroom facility in the cell and though the floor was concrete it was covered in a mud like substance that had been recently shovelled out. Iceberg doubted very much is was mud and decided to remain on the bed. He was alone in the cell but he heard two voices coming from outside.

"Hey, I need to talk to someone." He called.

The voices stopped and he heard one person rush off. A moment later he heard the latch unlock and the door swung open flooding the room with light. He was glad they hadn't taken his sunglasses. A tall dark beast wearing rags stood in the door way.

"Exit." He barked.

Iceberg slid off the bed and hurried out of the cell. Two human guards accompanied the beast and took up positions behind Iceberg.

"Follow." The beast growled.

He started down the hallway that looked to have been crudely carved from the underground rock and was dimly lit by crude hanging lights. Judging by the type of rock in the walls he concluded that he must be on Moatoob. The beast leading him wore a metallic color around his neck that had a ring of deactivated lights around its circumference. Iceberg stared at it pondering its possible use. They boarded a mining elevator and began to descend down the shaft. The elevator stopped at the next level and the beast stepped off without a word. Iceberg followed him taking in as much information as his senses could feed him. He would need it for his escape but first he had to locate Isis. The beast led him up a short set of stairs to a well furnished office. Howzer was seated behind the desk accompanied by two guards and a Newman slave girl. Iceberg eyed the girl closely and could not shake the impression that she looked a little like Phoenix's partner Heidi only with blonde hair and green eyes. Howzer looked up and smiled as pleasantly as he could.

"Welcome Mr Iceberg, to my office and head base of the Illuminus."

"What do you want Howzer." Iceberg scowled.

"An available ear and an open mind." Howzer replied rising from his seat, "Being a Guardian I know it can be difficult for you."

"Cut the dramatics and get to the point." Iceberg growled.

"A man of action, I like that." Howzer grinned, "The Illuminus is an ever growing movement looking for any and all humans that are tired of being on the bottom of the social scale."

"And you think I'm going to see your side and join you." Iceberg frowned.

"I want you to listen." Howzer replied holding up a finger, "And keep an open mind. The Illuminus is about restoring our place as the dominant species in this system, as we should be. Here in our underground network we have restored what once was. Here Cast, Newman, and Beast serve us as it was originally. We created them to serve us. Casts, our machines, beasts our labourers, and Newmans well a failed experiment really."

Howzer stepped up to the Newman girl and gently took her by the head.

"Our servants are all they are good for." He said and released the girl, "The hundred years of peace is a lie. It has been one hundred years of human enslavement and racism. Aren't you tired of the cast arrogance on Parum? Some won't even look at a human let alone talk to one. How beasts on Moatoob look away or even growl at you as they walk by. Don't even get me started about the Newmans."

"They constantly look down on us and turn their backs every time we seek help." Iceberg said trying to sound hurt.

"Exactly!" Howzer snapped his fingers, "And we are supposed to worship one of them. It wasn't always like that. There was peace before the war too. When we controlled things."

"So the whole point of the Illuminus is to restore human supremacy." Iceberg frowned.

"We were here first." Howzer glared, "Without us they would not exist."

"How do I fit in?" Howzer shrugged crossing his arms.

"You're human." Howzer shrugged, "And with your Guardians access you could bring down the very lie that keeps this movement stalled. We tried planting our own agents in the Guardians but they or he betrayed us for them. At least his son does our bidding."

"You're talking about Ethan?" Iceberg laughed, "That pitiful excuse for a Guardian couldn't do anything right. Even now he's some where stumbling around in your works."

"Yes, I follow his actions quite closely." Howzer grinned.

"You're driving him." Iceberg raised an eye brow.

"Howzer just smirked.

"Excellent." Iceberg nodded, "This all sounds good but do you have the infrastructure to pull this off?"

"Let me show you what we have accomplished." Howzer grinned then turned to the
beast, "Brutus, you're with me. The others shall remain here."

"Brutus?" Iceberg raised an eye brow, "Isn't that a little cliché."

"His original name was Bartholomew but I think Brutus suits him much better." Howzer smirked, "Don't you think?"

Iceberg just shrugged. Howzer led him out of the office with Brutus following and made his way back to the lift explaining the grand vision of the Illuminus as he went. The ride down to the bottom was quiet.

"And now." Howzer began as he stepped off the lift, "I'll show you Gurhals future."

The short tunnel from the lift opened on to a vast cavern busy with mining. There had to be at least a hundred or more beasts all dressed in rags and wearing collars working the carts and machinery. Iceberg suspected there were many more out of sight in the tunnels. One of the Magashi clones stood on the edge of the ledge over looking the operation. He turned and bowed when he heard Howzer approach.

"Everything is operating smoothly." He cooed then scowled at Iceberg, "What is that doing here?"

"Now, now Magashi." Howzer replied waving a finger, "We must be welcoming to all new applicants."

"Him?" Magashi scoffed, "He's a Guardian and a friend to that beast. He's too brainwashed by Guardian propaganda."

If Iceberg was to pull off this deception and earn their trust then he knew now was going to be the selling point. He stepped forward and jabbed Magashi in the chest with his finger.

"That beast was my partner not my friend." He growled, "Guardians are assigned partners, we do not get to pick"

"Yet you have worked with her for many years." Magashi smirked.

"The Guardians do not accept race as reason for a transfer." Iceberg grumbled.

"That is not a problem in the Illuminus." Howzer slapped Iceberg's back.

"This is sounding better by the minute." Iceberg grinned.

Magashi continued to scowl as he watched the two men head for the lift that descended to the mine floor. He grabbed Brutus by the arm as the beast walked by.

"Watch the Guardian very closely." Magashi growled in his ear, "Report to me anything suspicious he does."

"Yes Sir." Brutus growled softly.

Magashi released his arm allowing him to join the men on the lift. The lift descended quickly stopping with a slight thud. The air was hot, thick, and dusty making it a little hard to breath. Howzer handed him a respirator mask that contained a microphone and earpiece.

"The air can be pretty toxic down here so do not remove your mask." Howzer said.

Iceberg simply nodded.

"The beasts were genetically designed for this so that's were we have returned them." Howzer said.

He led Iceberg through the busy open cavern being careful to avoid the moving carts full of ore. One or two beasts would push in a full cart from one of the tunnels and drop it off at a conveyor for unloading then pick up an empty cart and return to the tunnel. A pair of beasts waiting at the conveyor would shovel the ore off the cart and onto the conveyor scoops that took it up to a higher level.

"This is of course the unloading area." Howzer said, "Normal beast labour is quite adequate for this work. The real genius of the Illuminus is in the mining tunnels."

"Fascinating." Iceberg mumbled.

"This mine is the richest on all of Moatoob." Howzer boasted, "There are veins of just about every precious metal you can think of running all through these tunnels. It's all used to fund our organisation and since the seed threat the big three can't get enough of this stuff. It's all crude ore until it goes up to the processing plant."

"How do you sell this?" Iceberg frowned, "Surely no one would openly buy from the Illuminus."

"Quite right." Howzer nodded, "The mine is run through a dummy corporation and the metal is sold through two different companies."

"Why has most of your activities been so small scale if you're making so much meseta?" Iceberg asked.

"Most of our meseta has gone into A-photon research." Howzer replied.

"You mean the Sochee; you’re A-photon bomb." Iceberg frowned.

"You read Laia's report on Ethan." Howzer laughed, "Very good."

"It's sort of mandatory." Iceberg replied.

"Of course it is." Howzer nodded.

He led Iceberg into a mining tunnel where beasts were lined up along each wall using simple picks and shovels to remove the ore. Many of the beasts were in their nanoblast form. The ring of lights on their collars glowed bright red.

"This is where our true genius lies." Howzer said proudly.

"Wouldn't it be easier to use photon blasters to remove the ore from the mine?" Iceberg frowned.

"Easier yes." Howzer nodded, "But not nearly as cost effective. Photon charging gets expensive."

"True." Iceberg shrugged.

"Beast nanopower is extremely cheap." Howzer said, "Our collars use very little power and can maintain the blast form indefinitely."

"That would kill a beast would it not?" Iceberg asked sounding uninterested.

"Yes it does, so we have them rotate through four hour shifts." Howzer replied, "One hour in blast form, three in normal to allow the body to recover. We lost a lot of beasts before we figured that one out."

"I'll bet." Iceberg faked a grin.

"Other than basic food and water the labour is completely free." Howzer explained,
"Some, like Brutus here, even make good body guards."

"You're not worried about him trying to get you while you sleep." Iceberg smirked.

"That was a concern." Howzer said holding up a finger, "We installed a controller in the collar. It sends a paralyzing electric shock through them if they try to harm anyone, including other beasts. We have no fights, no arguments, no violence."

"Impressive." Iceberg nodded once.

He took careful measures to check each beast as they passed down the tunnel. Everyone was wearing simple rags for clothing and nothing more but since the air was so hot down here it was for the best. Iceberg spotted Isis who looked directly at him as he walked passed. He only paid her a passing glance knowing he'd hear about it later. He could almost feel the lasers she was shooting into his back.

"Your partner no?" Howzer smirked.

"I believe it was." Iceberg shrugged, "How's her productivity?"

"Not very good." Howzer shook his head, "But it's that way with all new beasts. It won't take long to break her."

"Good." Iceberg nodded.

"Mr. Iceberg." Howzer said grabbing him by the shoulder, "I am shocked at how little compassion you have for your partner."

"She is merely a beast." Iceberg said, "This is right where she belongs."

He pulled his shoulder free and looked up as though he were trying to drag up a painful memory.

"It has been bad being a human during these times but what the beasts did to me has been especially difficult." He lied, "Then to add insult to injury the Guardians put me with a beast partner."

"Why did you stay?" Howzer asked.

"I am a man of honour." Iceberg replied, "I made a vow to serve the people of Gurhal. As a Guardian I can fulfill that vow, or so I thought. This has been most enlightening and I am beginning to think that I might better serve my species here."

"Then you do understand." Howzer grinned.

He turned down an adjoining tunnel and headed back to the open cavern.

"Of course I understand." Iceberg growled, "Just like every other warm blooded human. The only difference is I have not been brain washed by government bureaucracy run by the subspecies. Sometimes I wish we were the only species."

"Then you may be ready for the final end to the Illuminus goal." Howzer grinned stepping on to the lift.

He pulled his mask off and handed it to a guard. Iceberg did the same then stepped on to the lift.

"What end?" He asked as the lift began to ascend.

"Not here." Howzer shook his head, "Not with so many ears."

The lift stopped and Howzer stepped off.

"Brutus, please show Mr. Iceberg to the guest room." Howzer ordered then turned to Iceberg, "Please rest up; I shall speak with you later."

"Alright." Iceberg nodded.

Howzer turned and headed for the lift that would take him back to his office. Brutus turned away from the lift and headed the other way. Iceberg followed but stayed out of arms reach.

"So how did you get such an honourable position as this?"

"I was a good little beast." Brutus growled.

Iceberg detected a hint of shame in the growl and suspected that Brutus may have betrayed a few of his fellow beasts to get here.

"What did you do before the Illuminus?" Iceberg asked casually.

"I do not wish to speak to human scum like you." Brutus hissed, "I obey because I must, because this is better than working in the tunnels. If I had a choice I'd tear your lungs from your chest and let you stare at them while you gasp for breath."

"Charming." Iceberg muttered.

If he could convince Brutus to help him, he might have a chance to escape with Isis and any other beasts they could free. This would be difficult but Iceberg was not one to back down from a challenge. They boarded a fully enclosed elevator and began to ascend at a very high speed. The ride up remained very quiet. Iceberg kept a full distance away from the beast who stood watching the levels click away on the display. The finally stopped and the doors opened to a fully finished hallway that looked as if it had been plucked right from a five star hotel. The carpet was plush and a deep red colour. The walls were painted light beige with hanging tapestries that matched the carpet. Small end tables sat at random locations along the wall supporting various potted plants. The paintings on the walls were all landscapes from all over Gurhal. The room doors were all light stained wood with gold knobs. Iceberg stepped off the elevator and whistled.

"Now this is fancy."

"It is reserved for Mr. Luntz most esteemed guests." Brutus grumbled, "Mr Howzer seems to have taken a special liking to you."

"I'm honoured." Iceberg smiled.

"Mr Magashi believes this is a mistake."

"Does he?" Iceberg smirked.

"I agree." Brutus growled.

"Oh." Iceberg quipped then clammed up.

Brutus led him to one of the end rooms. It was even grander than the hallway. It was furnished in the finest furniture from every corner of the Gurhal system, no expense had been spared.

"Your room." Brutus growled.

Iceberg stepped inside then smirked at the beast.

"Thank you Bartholomew."

He slammed the door on the most shocked look he had ever seen on a beast. He immediately began to inspect the room suspecting it might be monitored. He was right. While the obvious places such as lamps and paintings had been clean, he did find a video feed imbedded in the base of the chandelier disguised as a gem. Iceberg found an ice pick in a drawer next to the mini fridge which he used to smash the tiny camera. The video phone also appeared to have been tampered with. He found one in the pot of the indoor plant and two mounted in the legs of the dining table. He moved into the bed room finding one in the bed side lamp. He used a bed sheet to cover up the mirror that made up the closet door. The bathroom mirror also had a small camera behind it and a microphone in the shower head. He didn't find anymore but he wasn't about to let his guard down. He used the shower to clean up then quickly dressed and moved back into the living area. There was a meal waiting for him on the table. He frowned and rushed to the door pulling it open and sticking his head out into the hall. It was empty. He sighed and retreated back into the room stepping up to the table and eyeing the bowl of steaming hot stew. At first he suspected it might be tainted but then what would be the point of putting him up in a luxurious room only to kill him. He sat down at the table and took a small fork full. To his surprise it was very good. He suddenly realized just how hungry he was. He quickly finished it then washed it down with a drink from the fridge. He took a chair from the table and sat down at the visphone. He tried accessing the computer base. Some material was accessible but what he really wanted was a floor plan of the mines. Surprisingly it was not restricted material. He printed off a copy of each floor and stuffed them into his nanotransformer. Next he looked for duty shifts and guard rotations. This was restricted. He frowned and terminated his link. He climbed from the chair and started for the bedroom when a knock at the door stopped him. He opened the door to a short blonde Newman woman.

"Yes?" He eyed her closely.

"I am here to serve your needs." She said and pushed by him before he could protest.

"Hey!" He said holding up a finger, "I did not give you permission to enter."

"I know." She smiled, "Guests like you always think they don't need anything at first. It's my job to take care of those needs you don't know you have."

She scooped up the dishes from the table and deposited them in the disposal. She nodded for him to follow then entered the bathroom. He stood frowning for a minute unsure of what this was really about. It was a distraction from Howzer no doubt. He slowly approached the half open door and tried to take a peek. He heard the jets in the Jacuzzi fire up. He slowly pushed the door open and found the girl submerged up to her neck. She stuck a finger up out of the water and waved him forward.

"The waters nice and hot." She smiled seductively.

Most men would have instantly stripped down accepting such an invitation from a beautiful host. Icebergs very core screamed for him to do just that but his training and his discipline kicked in preventing him from giving in. He shook his head slowly.

"I can not accept." He said, "I can not allow myself to be distracted from my duty."

"As a Guardian?" The girl frowned, "But if you're here then you've turned away from those ideas and accepted the Illuminus."

"I have not decided yet." Iceberg shrugged, "And until I do I will continue as a Guardian."

The girl's expression turned to excited worry and she quickly waved him over. Knowing this was no longer part of the job, he knelt down beside her.

"As a Guardian you're duty bound to help those in need yes?"

Iceberg nodded.

"Please get me out of here." She pleaded softly, "I was kidnapped from my home on Neudaiz. I want to be free. I can't stand to do this anymore."

Iceberg nodded then looked down to see she had grabbed his coat.

"Sorry." She said releasing his jacket and sank back into the water, "If you don't want me I should go."

"You may remain here as long as you wish." Iceberg said, "The sensors here have been deactivated so if anyone asks you can say you were, uh, serving me."

"Thank you so much." She smiled and relaxed, "I'm Andrea by the way."

"It is an honour to meet you." Iceberg bowed then left the girl to enjoy her bath.

Freeze

May 22, 2010, 10:06 PM

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

The horn finally blared sounding the end of the work shift. Isis was soaked with sweat and covered in dirt. She set her pick axe down like everyone else then got in line. The guards began ushering the beasts out using the collar to shock anyone who didn't cooperate. Isis slowly began the long march back to the barracks. This was her first visit to them and she wasn't looking forward to seeing her new accommodations. Her mind was already working on her escape. She carefully took note of every guard position and every exit. Iceberg was usually the one to do the planning but the way he had ignored her earlier told her she could not count on his help. Whatever the Illuminus had done to him must have been very powerful to make him turn his back on her. This was the first time since joining the Guardians that he was not there to look out for her. She had spent most of her childhood alone. Her parents had been killed during a rogue attack on her village when she was five. She was forced to live on the streets living in shadows and eating from garbage until she was found by Iceberg who had encouraged her to join the Guardians. He had instantly taken her under his wing and quickly became the father she so very much longed for. Now she was alone and trapped kilometres underground. She stumbled forward as the male beast behind her ran into her. One of the guards walked up to her and grabbed her collar.

"I knew you'd be trouble Guardian." He growled, "I'm keeping my eye on you."

He released the collar and shoved her forward. She started to turn and growl but the beast that had bumped her grabbed her shoulder and pushed her forward.

"You don't want to do that." He growled.

"You got me in trouble in the first place." She growled back.

"And know I keep you out of trouble." He replied, "I owe you nothing."

"No, you owe me an apology." She said.

"Apology is a sign of weakness here." The beast said softly, "To show weakness is certain death. I will tell you more at the barracks where we will not be punished for talking."

Isis nodded then remained quiet for the rest of the march. At the barracks the guards began filing the beasts two by two into rooms. They grabbed Isis and the male beast behind her and shoved them into the same small cell. It contained a pair of bunk beds and a toilet. The male beast plopped down on the bottom bunk.

"This is the first time I have had a female cell mate." He grinned.

"Don't get any ideas." She frowned.

"I am Lexington." He said the smile draining away.

"Isis." She replied, "They don't give much consideration to privacy do they?"

"We are beasts." Lexington shrugged, "Gender matters not to them. You'll get used to it. Not many females survive down here so the odds of you getting a female cell mate are slim. Besides it changes every night anyway."

"Must be tough on you boys then." She smirked.

"It happens once in a while but the punishment out ways the enjoyment you might get."

"I don’t understand." Isis frowned.

"We are nothing but animals to them so we are treated as such." Lexington sighed, "Unauthorised mating results in, well, the operation."

"Operation?"

"You really are naive." Lexington grinned then sighed, "Females never receive the operation because of the major surgery involved but its easy to remove our manhood."

"Oh, I see." Isis gasped.

"One offence is all it takes." Lexington shrugged, "But when someone as beautiful as you comes along it makes it very difficult to resist."

"Thank you." Isis blushed then quickly took the upper bunk.

"Listen, I never intended to mate with you but physical contact is not punished and we do get very lonely." Lexington said.

"And you'll stay lonely." Isis replied.

"I understand." Lexington sighed, "You have someone then."

"No, not really." Isis stammered a bit, "I don't think so, I mean no."

She quickly shut up not knowing what had suddenly come over her.

"Remember, this is every man for himself." Lexington said, "If someone thinks they can gain an advantage by taking you down, they will. If you find yourself in trouble, especially by the guards, no one will come to your aid."

"Not even you?" Isis smirked.

"I must confess I bumped you on purpose." Lexington sighed.

"What!" Isis exclaimed peering over the edge of the bunk.

"I've been feeling a lot of heat from the Guards lately." Lexington shrugged, "You are the new girl. It was the perfect opportunity to take the heat off me."

"Wonderful." Isis grumbled rolling on to her back.

"Do not take it personally." Lexington said softly, "It is the way here."

"Anything else?"

"First chance you get, try to hide your scent." Lexington sniffed, "It is most intoxicating."

"That's surprising; I haven't showered in thirty six hours." Isis shrugged, "I'd think I'd stink pretty bad by now."

"I fear you may be producing more pheromones than you think." Lexington sniffed again, "Are you in heat?"

"Excuse me?" Isis gasped.

"Forgive; I am merely trying to isolate the source of your scent." Lexington sighed, "You are obviously not accustomed to these primitive settings and not aware of the pheromone scent females produce."

"Daily showers tend to have that effect." Isis grumbled, "Who are you anyway?"

"You mean before I came here?"

Isis nodded again peering over the bed.

"I was a biology and physics teacher at a high school in Dagora city." Lexington sighed softly, "I was kidnapped one day on my way home and ended up here."

"How long have you been here?" Isis asked.

"I'm not sure, couple of months I think." Lexington sighed, "I do miss my wife and child but I would not want them to see the man I have become."

"You think only a couple of months can change you that much?" Isis asked.

"I know it does." Lexington replied.

"I'm sorry." Isis shook her head slowly, "How would you like to get out of here?"

"Escape is impossible." Lexington laughed.

"Not for a guardian." Isis frowned.

"The punishment for trying to escape is most severe; no I will remain here and wait for death." Lexington shook his head with a sigh, "Never again will I see my family."

"You give up too easily." Isis frowned.

"And you don't know when you should." Lexington pointed.

"Exactly." Isis smiled.

The frowned drained from Lexington's face as he considered her offer. He finally nodded.

"If anyone can pull this off it's a Guardian."

"Great, just try to stay close to me for the next couple days." Isis grinned

"My pleasure." Lexington nodded then rolled over and fell asleep.

The next morning brought a new set of challenges. Isis had been separated from Lexington by the guards and she had been sent into the deep tunnels with the older slaves. She now found herself facing two of the more experienced male beasts who glared at her with very hungry eyes. She backed up against the wall as they slowly approached.

"This one smells real good." One drooled.

"Haven’t had fresh meat like this for a long time." The other grinned.

"Now boys, you wouldn't want to do anything rash." Isis tried to smile.

"Do you know how long it's been?" The first one shot, "Not able to feel the warm soft female fur."

"That intoxicating scent of a fertile female." The other grinned, "And you sweetie have it in spades."

"Don’t come any closer." Isis warned, "I'm a trained Guardian. I can take you both down."

"Then why do you look so frightened?" The first chuckled.

The second beast leaped with arms stretched out. Isis tried to jump to her right but the beast grabbed the left string of her top and pulled her back. He grabbed the other string and tore it off. Before he could finish undressing her, she gave him a hard knee to the groin. He dropped to the floor gasping for air. She tried to run but the other beast grabbed her from behind and threw her to the floor. He tried to pin her down but she rolled away before he could get a grip. These guys were slow and malnourished. She shouldn't have too much trouble. She jumped to her feet and readied for the next attack. The beast lunged at her. She twisted to the side then drove a fist into his stomach. He keeled over gasping. With a swift kick to the head she knocked him on his back. He was out cold. The other beast had recovered and grabbed her from behind. Instead of trying to secure her, he tried to grope her. She dropped to her knees slipping out of his grasp then drove her elbow into his groin. He dropped to his knees grabbing his injured parts. She twisted around and with a quick punch, knocked him out. She stood up and gave him a hard kick then scooped up her top from the ground and tied it back on. It wasn't going to be comfortable but it would stay on. She sighed and started to leave only to run into two guards. One grabbed her by the wrist.

"I knew you'd be trouble." He said.

"But they attacked me." Isis protested.

"Should have let them." The other guard shrugged, "That punishment would have been far worse."

"Instead we have to nail you with unauthorized brawling." The guard grinned, "Let's go."

They escorted her across the open cavern to a lift on the far side. The man with the scar on his face was standing up on the high ledge watching her. Iceberg was standing next to him. Although his eyes were hidden by his sunglasses she could tell by his stance he wasn't pleased with what was happening. She made the mistake of shooting him a grin. He instantly stiffened up and even frowned. The smile shot away and she turned her gaze to the ground.

"Stupid!" She scolded herself, "I should have known he was putting on an act. That sly devil. Getting out of here just got easier."

She was beaming on the inside but kept on a mask of misery. She just hoped she hadn't blown his cover

Iceberg instantly stiffened and turned his gaze from the scene below him.

"Something bothering you?" Howzer sneered.

"Yes." Iceberg replied remaining perfectly ridged, "The very thought that, that creature still thinks me friend turns my stomach."

"She will soon learn her place." Howzer said placing his hand on his shoulder. "The guards will see to that."

"I hope so." Iceberg shot pulling away. "For if your organisation can not put a simple female beast in her place then you have no business leading humanities supremacy movement."

"Is that superiority I hear in your voice?" Howzer frowned, "You are here because I wish it. You are alive because I wish it. I rule here and you will respect it."

"You need me Howzer." Iceberg shot. "Otherwise I'd be dead already but I don't need you. I listen to you because your ideas parallel mine. Most Guardians would spit in your face the second they saw you."

Iceberg began to slowly circle Howzer keeping his hands behind his back.

"I can get you secure information and secure locations." Iceberg continued, "There is nothing you can offer me. Your little operation here is impressive but I must see much more control over the subspecies before I agree to join you. That's what I shall do, join you, nothing less and nothing more."

Howzer just grinned.

"Now I want to see how you plan to bring the three planetary governments to their knees."

Iceberg stopped in front of Howzer.

"I knew I picked right in you." Howzer smiled, "Come, you shall see the power of the Illuminus."

"It's about time." Iceberg nodded.

Freeze

May 28, 2010, 08:14 PM

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

Cerberus and Phoenix approached the stone building at the end of the long forest trail. Jon had remained behind to watch over his daughter while she recovered. Cerberus stepped up to the wooden door while Phoenix stayed back for cover. Phoenix wasn't sure what he expected to happen but he didn't want to let his guard down either. Cerberus gave the door a couple of raps.

"Come in." said a young female voice.

Cerberus pushed the door open to find a teenage Newman girl sorting some old books on a nearby shelf. She gasped when she saw the two casts and even dropped the book she was holding.

"Relax." Cerberus said holding up a hand, "We're not here to hurt you. We just want to talk."

"About what?" The girl frowned.

"We need to speak to Morok." Phoenix said.

That might not be possible." The girl shook her head, "He is very ill."

"We heard Morok used to tell stories of the times before the Endrom Collective sealed the relics." Cerberus said, "About people entering there."

"This way." The girl said, "Please call me Ahsuka. I am his caregiver."

They entered a small bed room in the back. There was a single small cot in the middle of the room. A grey haired Newman male shrivelled and near death lay on the cot. Ahsuka went and knelt beside him.

"Morok, we have guests who wish to speak with you."

"Not people." Morok rasped, "One person. A cast but not a cast."

"What is he talking about?" Phoenix frowned.

"There's the cast!" Morok coughed, "What is the other?"

"Morok, please be still." Ahsuka said.

"Please let him speak." Cerberus said, "What he knows may save the universe."

"What?" Ahsuka frowned.

"Hush child." Morok said grabbing her hand then looked at Cerberus, "You, the cast that isn't a cast."

"I am an android." Cerberus nodded.

"The other was much shorter and looked more like a cast but not a cast." Morok said softly, "Not like a cast at all. Red eyes, she had red eyes."

"She?" Cerberus frowned, "So it was female."

"In a pink dress." Morok said releasing Ahsuka's hand, "I remember the pink dress. She was damaged but it was still a pretty dress. She went into the relics carrying a weapon that was nearly twice her size."

Morok seemed to gain strength as he told the story. His breathing became more even and his voice grew in strength.

"She left with a large stone tablet." Morok said. "She looked even more battered."

"How did he know what to tell us?" Phoenix muttered.

Cerberus shrugged.

"This cast that is not a cast needs to find the other that is not a cast." Morok said, "That is how I knew which tale to tell."

"Of course." Phoenix bowed, "My apologies Sir."

"Where did this cast go?" Cerberus asked.

"She lives in the swamps." Morok wheezed then went into a choking spasm.

"Please leave him be." Ahsuka pleaded, "He has done enough."

"No." Morok coughed, "Be silent child. Android, take a floater deep into the swamp. Past the snaking trees and under the twin rainbow falls. The house is on a small island covered in thick bush."

Morok began coughing again. Ahsuka drew out a wand and cast Resta. It had no effect. The coughing slowly faded along with the old man's last breath. Ahsuka stood up and bowed to the old man, then turned to Cerberus.

"You may go." She said, "There is nothing for you here now."

"Thank you." Cerberus nodded.

Phoenix stepped out first followed by the RAcast.

"So we have to go into the swamps now." Phoenix frowned.

"Looks like." Cerberus shrugged, "So where do we get a floater, and what exactly is a floater?"

"A floater is a one man sled." Phoenix said, "A most effective means of traversing the swamps actually."

"Oh." Cerberus nodded.

The stone building suddenly burst into flames.

"Ahsuka!" Cerberus gasped.

Phoenix bolted through the door. A moment later he returned with Ahsuka in his arms. She was badly burned but alive. Cerberus grabbed a blanket from the nearby clothes line and rapped the girl in it.

"What was that about?" Phoenix frowned.

"You tell me." Cerberus shrugged.

"Perhaps we'd better ask Jon Kimble." Phoenix said.

"Good idea." Cerberus nodded, "This girl needs medical help anyway."

They returned to the house to find Heidi up and eating. She smiled when she saw them enter. Cerberus quickly took Ahsuka into the bedroom so Anaya the healer could take a look at her.

"You two seem to be bad for people's health around here." Anaya prodded.

"Looks like she set herself a blaze." Phoenix stated.

Heidi gasped and dropped her fork then hurried to the bedroom door to see better.

"Hmm, this is Ahsuka the Gabriel girl." Anaya said pulling back the blanket, "She disappeared two years ago. Her family will be glad to have her back."

"She was caring for Morok." Cerberus said.

"Was she now?" Anaya frowned.

"That is what she claimed." Cerberus shrugged.

"How is the old man?" Anaya asked.

"He is dead." Phoenix said.

"And now he shall stay." Anaya nodded.

"What do you mean?" Heidi asked.

Anaya held up the girl's right hand. It had a circular tattoo on the palm.

"Is that a photon crest?" Jon asked stepping past Heidi.

"A primitive one I'd say." Anaya nodded, "Morok couldn't directly drain the girl's life force but he could if they both died. Every twenty to thirty years the old man dies off then his young caretaker would sacrifice herself burning them both. Her life force would transfer to him and the fire would burn away his old flesh leaving only the younger living man."

"How awful." Heidi gasped.

"Yes but thanks to you folks this girl is alive and the gruesome ritual is over." Anaya smiled.

"You knew about this and didn't do anything to stop it?" Jon shot.

"We tried." Anaya shrugged, "When he was young he had powerful techniques that we could never get passed. When he grew sick he always found a young girl with powerful technique abilities to protect him. I lost a few friends to that man."

"I'm sorry." Jon said softly.

"Is she going to be ok?" Heidi said nodding at the girl.

"The burns are minor." Anaya nodded, "She'll be in pain for a while but my Resta should accelerate the healing process."

"Thanks but we need to be heading out." Cerberus smiled, "Phoenix tells me it’s a long trip through the swamp."

He turned and started to leave.

"Wait, your going into the Yi-sorgi swamp." Anaya gasped.

"That's right." Cerberus nodded.

"Those swamps are extremely dangerous." Jon shook his head, "Most people never return from that place."

"Perfect place to hide a tablet." Cerberus smiled.

"This is a very bad idea." Anaya said, "Even for Guardians. The AMF doesn't even go there."

"We shall be careful." Phoenix said.

"You're looking forward to going there." Heidi jabbed him in the side, "Aren't you?"

Phoenix just grinned.

"May the holy light guild you." Anaya sighed.

Freeze

Jun 6, 2010, 07:02 PM

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

The Neudaiz Guardians branch delivered the four floaters that Phoenix had ordered. He carefully checked over the one man power sleds to make sure everything was in order. The sleds quietly sat hovering just above the surface of the water as he finished the systems check. Once he was satisfied he and the other Guardians mounted their sleds. Phoenix pulled away from shore first and quickly brought the floater up to speed. The others followed close behind and as they entered the main body of the swamp the tree tops became thick closing off most of the day light. Thick green vines wrapped and snaked around the roots and trunks of the trees creating many hiding places for the small rodents and insects that called this place home. The swamp was alive with the chirps and squeaks of the various birds that fluttered from branch to branch high above their heads. Heidi spotted a large reptile that slipped into the water as they passed by. The air here was hot and heavy and even though they were traveling at high speed it brought little relief. Jon eased off the throttle so he could wipe away the sweat that was stinging his eyes. Heidi pulled up beside him and handed him a small towel she had pulled from her floaters storage compartment.

"I don't remember these swamps being this hot." He exhaled.

"Indeed." Phoenix said floating up to the Newmans, "The temperature is up ten degrees since I was here last."

"The temperature is supposed to stay pretty constant all year round." Jon frowned, "I wonder what's causing it?"

"Hey!" Cerberus called from up ahead.

The others quickly powered over to where the big RAcast sat awkwardly on his floater.

"I'm detecting an energy field ahead." He said.

"What kind of field?" Jon asked.

"High frequency, nothing I've ever seen before." Cerberus shrugged.

"Then let's check it out." Heidi said speeding away.

"That girl is so impulsive." Jon shook his head slowly.

"Just like her father." Phoenix stated.

"Was that, a joke?" Jon smiled, "I didn't know you had a sense of humour."

"I was not joking." Phoenix grumbled.

"Gentlemen." Cerberus said, "She is getting away from us."

The three men quickly sped after the disappearing girl. Heidi was just beginning to enjoy the thrill of driving at high speed when her floater came to a sudden and jarring stop. She flew over the handle bars and hit something hard and invisible then slid into the warm murky water. She came up covered in mud and green slime.

"EWWW!" She squealed.

From the corner of her eye she spotted one of the large reptiles silently slink from the shore into the water. A pair of yellow eyes rose to the surface. It was joined by a second pair. Heidi quickly looked around spotting three more pairs of eyes slowly closing in on her. She gasped and tried to swim back to the floater but the eyes were moving faster than her and would intercept her well before she got back to the floater. The water was just shallow enough for her to touch bottom. She touched down and her boots sank into the mud. The water was just below her arms making it difficult to fight off the animals. She drew her S-Red blades and readied for the first strike. The closest creature moved close then just as Heidi prepared for the attack it stopped. They stood staring each other in the eyes. An image of a rear attack flashed across Heidi's vision. She turned just as a pair of jaws sprang from the water. She swung wildly slicing off the creature's upper jaw. It fell into the water and disappeared. The fresh scent of blood drove the others in. Two of the creatures went for the wounded one. Three headed for Heidi and more were approaching. She could easily handle one and possibly fend off two but three was beyond her limit. She'd go down fighting but she'd still go down. The thought of death didn't scare her as much as she thought it would. The closest creature lunged at her. She felt something cold grab her by the back of her uniform. She new she was about to die and yet she felt no pain. Instead of being dragged under she found herself rising up out of the water. Her right shoulder strap tore free under the load. Phoenix plopped her down on the back of the floater then sped away as a pair of jaws snapped at his floater. He stopped beside her floater and let her climb back on.

"Thanks." She smiled as she settled in her seat.

"More caution is required." Phoenix grumbled, "This place is very dangerous and I do not wish to end up with another dead partner."

"I'll be more careful." Heidi nodded then frowned, "Another?"

Jon and Cerberus pulled up beside them.

"Are you alright?" Jon asked, "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine Dad." Heidi nodded, "I just need a bath."

"I'll say." Cerberus grinned.

Phoenix reached out and touched the invisible field. It shimmered with the blue hexagons of a line shield.

"This is GRM." He said.

"What's a GRM shield doing on Neudaiz?" Heidi frowned pulling some slime from her hair.

"They seem to be everywhere these days." Jon said.

"This field is blocking our path." Phoenix said tapping it with his finger.

"This is more than just a GRM field." Cerberus said, "I know what their fields look like and this one is different."

"How?" Jon asked.

"Higher frequency and just different." Cerberus shook his head.

"So how do we get through?" Jon waved at the field.

Heidi watched as one of the reptiles swam through the field, its mouth full of red meat.

"Not through." Heidi said, "Under."

"Huh?" Cerberus tilted his head.

Heidi shut down the reactor on the floater which sank into the water up to the top of the seat. She then slowly slid off the rear and began to swim it under the shield. Once she was clear she climbed back up and reactivated the power.

"See." She smiled, "Easy."

"Smart girl." Cerberus nodded.

"She always was." Jon beamed, "Was her Great Grandmother?"

"Amanda was one of the brightest people I knew." Cerberus nodded.

The three men quickly followed Heidi's lead then the group was on their way once again. The swamp soon ended with a semicircle of cascading water falls. A break in the canopy allowed just enough sunlight to shine through the mist creating a brilliant show of shimmering rainbows.

"This place is beautiful." Heidi said softly.

"No wonder someone wants to keep people out." Jon said.

"I am unfamiliar with this part of the swamp." Phoenix grumbled.

"So you don't know which way to go then." Cerberus said.

Phoenix just grunted. Heidi frowned and tilted her head toward the falls.

"What is it Heidi?" Jon asked.

"Don't you hear it?" She nodded slightly.

"Just the noise of the falls." Jon shook his head.

"No the echo." Heidi said.

"I hear nothing." Phoenix announced.

"Cerberus?" Heidi asked.

"Scanning." Cerberus said then pointed slightly to his left, "There's a cave behind that falls."

"You heard that?" Jon smiled.

Heidi nodded with a grin.

The group moved forward slowly passing through the cool falling water. Heidi was the last and stopped to wash some of the grime off. The tunnel was dim and cool and stretched beyond view. The group moved slowly along. Luminescent moss and insects provided enough light that they didn't need the floaters headlights. The tunnel opened into a large crystal blue pond. The sun shown bright here highlighting the brightly coloured leaves and the surrounding trees. A small wood cabin sat on the shore across from them. There were no clothes or equipment around indicating it was occupied but it was in good repair.

"This is the source of the energy shield." Cerberus said.

"Whoever lives here is lucky." Heidi gasped, "This place is beautiful."

"Whoever lives here is very lonely." Jon said and sped over to the shore.

The others quickly followed pulling up to the small beach. Jon dismounted the floater and headed straight for the right side of the cabin. He stopped beside a small device lying on the ground. Phoenix looked at the device and grunted.

"Hey, isn't that a line shield?" Heidi pointed.

"Yes, and it's connected to a small A-photon reactor." Phoenix nodded.

"That explains the strange energy readings." Cerberus sighed.

"Let's find out who lives here." Jon said turning for the front door.

He gave the door a light push. It opened onto a very sparse interior. There was a single table in the center of the room. The floor was littered with parts from old machinery. Jon frowned at the large metal butterfly sitting on the table. He could almost feel it staring at him. He looked left and saw a small girl with pink hair crouched in the corner with her back turned to him.

"Hey, are you alright." He asked stepping inside.

The butterfly rose up off the table and began squealing at him. The girl remained still ignoring the noise.

"What's going on Dad?" Heidi asked pushing past him.

Sato let out a load meow. The butterfly stopped chirping and sat down on the table.

"Meow." The girl said with a slightly metallic voice, "It's not supposed to meow."

"You're a cast." Jon said, "I'm sorry."

Cerberus entered next spotting the butterfly.

"Pushan?"

The butterfly rose up with a happy chirp and floated over to him. He gave Pushan a friendly pat.

"It's good to see you too." He smiled, "I'm glad to see you're ok and still alive."

He spotted the girl in the corner, "Lisa?"

"It knows my name." The girl muttered, "But it shouldn't. It's not supposed to be here."

"Lisa, are you alright?" He said slowly walking over to her.

"It meows but it is not a cat." She muttered, "It knows my name but it can't be here. It is dead. They are all dead and Lisa is alone now."

"Cerberus, who is she?" Heidi asked softly.

"She's a RAcaseal from Pioneer Two." Cerberus replied, "I can't believe she's still functioning after all these years."

"With the A-photon reactor she'd be able to keep her power cells recharged indefinitely." Jon said.

"What about component failure?" Phoenix shrugged, "Casts don't usually operate much passed two hundred."

"Lisa." Cerberus said kneeling down and placed his hand on her shoulder, "Lisa it's me, Cerberus."

Pushan let out a mournful trill. Sato followed with a sad meow.

"It should not meow." Lisa yelled turning around.

Her face was a haphazard collection of used cast parts. Her chest plate had been removed and a collection of large components had been jammed into place. Several small panels where missing from her arms and legs. The plastic skin hung over the spaces in tattered ribbons. She had one original red eye but the other was now black with a small green iris. Her pink hair was still tied in the pony tail. A thin metallic cylinder poked through the hair on the front left side of her head. Heidi couldn't help but gasp at the horrific sight.

"By the holy light." Jon gasped, "She looks more like a corpse."

"This explains all the parts on the floor." Phoenix stated.

Cerberus stared down at the little android but it was obvious she didn't recognize him.

"Androids were never designed to last this long." He said, "Even the older models that had been upgraded weren't this old.

"She maintained her body but couldn't save her mind." Phoenix shrugged, "If only she could tell us where she put the tablet."

"I wonder it there's anything of you left in there." Cerberus said staring at the android.

"I hear the voice." Lisa said, "But it can't be here. It's long dead. Dead long ago. Long ago."

"She does know you." Heidi said stepping forward.

"You!" Lisa cried out pointing at Heidi.

Heidi jumped back with a slight yelp.

"You can't be here either." Lisa cried, "Long dead you are. Newman does not live forever, but your are here. Where is husband? Where is friend?"

"Huh?" Heidi frowned.

"She thinks your Amanda." Cerberus grinned, "She is still there. She wants to know where Deepfreeze is. He was the first one to ever befriend her so she always looked up to him."

"Lisa, I'm not…" Heidi began but Cerberus cut her off.

"Don't, it might destroy what's left of her."

"What do I say?" Heidi shrugged.

"I don't know." Cerberus shook his head, "Listen to your heart."

Heidi shot him a frown then turned to Lisa.

"My husband." She began feeling very awkward, "Is out on a mission."

"Hunting Black Hound yes?" Lisa tried to smile.

"That's right." Heidi nodded.

"But how?" Lisa shook her head, "So much time. All dead."

"No, you've have a…" Heidi paused not sure what word to use.

"Your memory has been damaged Lisa." Cerberus said quickly.

"That's right." Heidi nodded, "We're here to help you."

"Black Hound must be stopped." Lisa said springing up and grabbing Heidi's arm, "You must stop him. He mustn't win."

Lisa pointed at Cerberus, "If you are still alive and she is still alive, then the Black Hound is still alive."

"Yes he is." Heidi nodded, "But we don't know where to go. Right now Kireek is searching for the map. If we can get it first then we can still save Ragol."

"Ragol?" Jon frowned.

Heidi ignored him and carried on, "Lisa, we need the map you found. We can't let our friends sacrifices be for nothing."

"Our friends?" Lisa tilted her head.

"You remember them don't you?" Heidi said, "Hitman, Falcon, Sahara, Aphrodite, they sacrificed themselves to save Ragol and Pioneer Two. They died to keep our people safe."

Tears slowly ran down Heidi's cheeks

"Ok this is too weird." Cerberus said softly.

"Yes, yes." Lisa nodded, "The dead must be remembered. The dark one must not succeed."

"You entered the temple didn't you?" Heidi asked, "You found the stone tablet with the
star map."

"Kept it safe." Lisa muttered, "Kept it safe from Black Hound."

Lisa waddled over to the other side of the cabin and pulled up a couple floor boards. From the hole in the floor she pulled out a large rectangular tablet. She sat it down on the table and stood back trying to smile. Cerberus took a quick glance and smiled.

"This is it."

"Good, then we must move quickly." Heidi said, "Kireek will be searching for this information and no doubt will be close to finishing his ship."

She pushed past Phoenix and her father exiting the cabin.

"We are going to need an interstellar ship." She said looking up at the sky.

"None exist in Gurhal." Phoenix said.

"Then we build one just like Kireek." Heidi frowned.

"We don't know that he is." Jon shook his head.

"I know." Heidi said clenching her fist, "Cerberus, can you build a light drive?"

"No, but I bet I could repair the one from our ship and use it on one the larger flyers." Cerberus replied.

"You and Phoenix get started on that." Heidi nodded, "Jon and I will take Lisa back to headquarter. We can't leave her here. I won't leave her here."

She started to walk back to her floater.

"Jon?" Her father frowned.

She turned around and pointed, "Oh and I'm going to need Deepfreeze to meet us at HQ. He knows that map better than anyone."

"Heidi, what are you taking about?" Cerberus asked.

"Who's Heidi?" She frowned, "Why do people keep calling me that?"

"You." Phoenix stated.

"No, my name is Amanda." Heidi frowned, "Hunters Guild member section ID yellowboze."

"Cerberus what is going on with my daughter?" Jon asked.

"It's happening again." Cerberus said and grabbed Heidi by the shoulders, "You are not
Amanda, you are her great granddaughter Heidi Kimble."

"Cerberus, what are you saying?" She replied looking very puzzled.

Cerberus led her to the waters edge and pointed at it.

"Look at yourself." He said, "Amanda died a long time ago."

Heidi looked into her reflection and slowly reached up to touch a face she had never seen before.

"You are Heidi Kimble of the Guardians here in the Gurhal system." Cerberus said, "We need that girl back."

"What have you done?" Heidi gasped, "Why Cerberus?"

"Heidi, that is your father." Cerberus pointed at Jon.

"Heidi sweetie, please." Jon said reaching for her.

"No." Heidi shot pulling away, "I'm a HUnewearl from Pioneer Two. My father died on Pioneer Three with my only sister. I am married to Jonathan Kimble a human."

"Something is very wrong." Jon said looking very worried.

"It didn't last this long before." Cerberus said.

"We need to get her back to the colony." Phoenix said, "She obviously needs medical attention."

"Good idea." Cerberus nodded.

"I'm not sick." Heidi stomped, "I am Amanda and I intend to stop Kireek."

Sato and Pushan floated out of the door with Lisa trailing behind. The little blue fox floated up to Heidi and meowed.

"Not you too." Heidi scowled, "Deepfreeze will be very disappointed, and why aren't you with him?"

Sato meowed again then two light rays shot from her eyes and into Heidi's. She froze
solid. Cerberus quickly scooped her up.

"Thank you Sato." He nodded.

He quickly started to board the floater.

"What did that thing do to her?" Jon cried.

"A simple stun." Cerberus replied, "She'll be fine."

Jon helped Lisa aboard while Phoenix quickly deactivated the energy shield. They fired up the floaters and raced off for the city.

Freeze

Jun 13, 2010, 07:22 PM

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

Kireek threw his newly acquired engine part as hard as he could at the two casts watching over him. He had been stuck on this miserable planet for almost four months now doing all the pitiful little jobs these Illuminus wanted and he had yet to receive anything useful. Magashi walked in just as the part went sailing past his head.

"Something the matter Mr. Kireek." He cooed.

"I have wasted my precious time doing your meaningless jobs only to receive junk as my payment." Kireek roared, "I need functioning usable parts. Not this scrap you keep pulling out of your damaged ships."

"We are an underground movement group." Magashi shrugged, "Good parts are hard to come by."

Kireek stormed at Magashi glaring at the cast and finally poked him in the chest.

"Do not tell me lies Magashi." Kireek warned, "I know you have access to brand new parts from GRM. They are after all, working for you."

"Where would you get a silly notion like that?" Magashi smirked brushing Kireek's hand away.

"Do not think of me as an unintelligent antique cast." Kireek growled grabbing Magashi's chest, "I am far more advanced than you realize. I tapped into your database. I know everything."

"That is a shame." Magashi said, "Let me talk to Howzer. I'm sure he can find what you're looking for."

Kireek released the cast then watched him leave. As soon as Magashi was gone Kireek swung his Soul Eater slicing through his guard's chests. The two casts slumped to the ground.

"I'm done playing your game Howzer." Kireek growled.

He took a step to leave but a flash from the Soul Eater's eye froze him. A feeling of dread washed over him and an image of Cerberus flooded his mind. He was holding a stone tablet with writing on it. Beside him stood an all too familiar white haired Newman girl. She now wore a blue and purple version of the HUnewearl uniform.

"Impossible." Kireek gasped, "It can't be her. I wonder if that pesky husband of hers survived too."

The image faded away as did the glow from the Soul Eater.

"I wonder how many more of those Hunters have survived all these years." Kireek shook his head, "My time is very short and they have beaten me to the map."

He stormed out of his make shift lab and passed the cast on guard.

"Mr. Kireek, I don't believe you have permission to leave."

Kireek spun and grabbed him by the throat.

"I need a flyer now!" He growled.

"In the hanger bay." The cast replied.

Kireek crushed his throat and let him drop to the floor.

"Thank you." Kireek said flatly.

He turned and left the cast on the floor. The hanger was well guarded but it was no concern to Kireek. Within seconds he had reduced every person to either a pile of sparking circuits or a spreading pool of red flesh. The Soul Eater hungrily absorbed every last drop of blood that had landed on it. Kireek could feel its power grow. He quickly boarded the flyer closest to the door and took off. Magashi ran in just as the flyer blasted away.

"Prep another flyer." He told the cast beside him, "I'm going after him."

"Yes Sir." The cast nodded, "Shall I summon some of your counter parts Sir?"

"No, this I will handle this on my own." Magashi shook his head.

"Very good Sir." The cast nodded then ran to the next available flyer.

Magashi slowly followed him. The flyer blasted off into the sky.

Iceberg stood staring up at three large metal cylinders. Each was supported by their own tower. The cone tops glowed with a sparkling gold light.

"This, my friend, is the Sochee." Howzer announced, "One for each planet if they fail to submit to my will."

"A-photon bombs, just as Laia reported." Iceberg gasped, "I'm impressed."

"These are the real Sochee, not the ones that idiot Waber has been following." Howzer grinned, "I've got a special piece of bait for him anyway."

"What?" Iceberg asked.

"Oh sorry, that must remain a secret." Howzer shook his head.

"As you wish." Iceberg replied.

"Now do you see the power of the Illuminus?" Howzer scowled.

"I do." Iceberg grinned, "Mr Howzer, I will help your Illuminus."

"Excellent." Howzer nodded, "Now for what I need from you."

He placed a hand on Iceberg's back and escorted him out.

Isis awoke on the floor of one of the mining tunnels holding a pick. Everyone was staring down at her.

"What, what happened?" She stammered.

"You had a nano blackout." Lexington said taking her pick.

"A what?" She gasped.

"They left you in nanoblast too long." Lexington replied, "Your mind and body shutdown. We tried to get them to stop but they insist on making an example of you."

"Where are they now?" She asked.

Lexington helped her back to her feet. Her legs felt like gel and her muscles protested against the demand.

"They've gone to get medical aid." He said.

Isis shot him a puzzled look.

"We may be just beasts but the guards don't want to be responsible for a senseless death."

"You mean they don't want to clean up the mess." Someone said from the crowd.

"Good, then we're getting out now." Isis nodded.

Lexington started to protest but she had already taken off down the tunnel with several of the slave's right behind her. Lexington sighed and ran after her. Isis halted her new group of followers at the tunnel mouth. She watched as several guards escorted the medical staff into the opposite end of the tunnel. Once it was clear she waved the group forward. Sticking to the far side allowed them to weave between the large equipment containers. Isis grabbed a shovel from the ground then, when she was close enough, sprang at the guards by the lift. Two hard swings knocked them both out cold. The slaves poured onto the lift as several guards closed in on them. Isis hit the lift button taking them to the over looking ledge and connecting corridor. The guards fired up at the beasts nailing two by the edge of the lift. They fell back to the mine floor. One of the Magashi clones came out from the office to inspect the noise only to receive a hard swung shovel to the head. It knocked him onto his back and he was swarmed by the beasts. Brutus stood by the door watching the escape attempt. He wanted to join his fellow beasts but he was unwilling to risk his position. Isis bolted for the main elevator and pounded the up button. Turning to watch the tunnel for hostiles she bounced from foot to foot until the chime rang indicating the elevator arrived. The doors slid open and she turned to run in. She hit hard against someone's chest. They grabbed her wrist. She opened her eyes and gasped as Iceberg glared back at her.

"Another escape attempt." Howzer sighed, "When will you beasts learn."

Isis wanted to cry out to her friend but his stare had shocked her silent.

"What shall we do with this one?" Howzer grinned evilly.

"She is a Guardian." Iceberg stated, "She will continue to be a problem."

"What do you suggest?" Howzer asked.

"She should be terminated." Iceberg replied.

Isis gasped.

"Then do it quickly before we start moving the Sochee to our northern manufacturing lab." Howzer waved.

"I will require the return of my weapons." Iceberg said.

"Fetch Mr Iceberg's hand gun." Howzer told his aid then turned to Iceberg, "I'm afraid that is all I can return. Security reasons."

"It will be sufficient." Iceberg said flatly.

"Iceberg, what are you doing?" Isis pleaded.

"The Illuminus does not tolerate trouble makers." Iceberg said, "But until now they've had no one competent to deal with them."

"What!" Isis cried, "Iceberg, snap out of it."

"First I shall deal with you." Iceberg frowned, "Then I shall eliminate that little pest Ethan Waber, and finally Laia Martinez star pupil Rolf and his new student Lumia Waber."

"Iceberg no." Isis shook her head.

"Finally I will personally end the life of that filthy beast pretending to be our president." Iceberg growled, "Humans will once again be rulers of Gurhal."

"Show Iceberg the proper facilities for eliminating defective products." Howzer said.

His aid bowed then handed Iceberg his handgun before leading him and two cast escorts to the lower areas. The elevator doors opened to a dark and damp rock tunnel. The group was instantly overwhelmed by the scent of rot and death. Covering his face with his coat, the aid waved the group forward leading them to a room pilled high with corpses.

"Please make this quick Mr Iceberg." The aid gagged, "I'd rather not be here."

"Very well." Iceberg nodded.

The casts escorted Isis over to the front of the pile then stepped to the side keeping their weapons trained on her. Iceberg raised his gun then quickly sidestepped behind the aid and grabbed him using him as a shield. As the cast guards turned he fired off two quick shots drilling them in the forehead.

"What are you doing?" The aid cried.

"What Guardians do." Iceberg replied.

He pressed the barrel of his gun against the man's back and fired. He released the aid letting his body slump to the floor.

"Let's get out of here." Iceberg waved.

Isis ran over and hugged him tight.

"I knew you couldn't be one of them." She cried.

"One must wear many masks to stay alive." He replied.

"Can't you just hug me back instead of turning it into some kind of lesson?" Isis scowled.

"Fine." Iceberg sighed and gave her a quick hug then released her, "Happy?"

"Hardly." Isis grumbled, "What kind of people would want to enslave another species anyway?"

"I don't believe Howzer is planning to enslave anyone." Iceberg replied.

"What?" Isis gasped, "But isn't that Luntz plan?"

"I don't believe Luntz is in charge anymore." Iceberg shook his head, "I suspect he intends to destroy all life in Gurhal."

"How do you know this?"

"It's a hunch I got after seeing the Sochee." Iceberg replied, "He has way more fire power than he needs to bring down a planetary government. There are three here that he's moving to his northern lab. I managed to hack into his data base and he's got three more waiting there already.

"If he fires those things off…" Isis gasped.

"We must report this to Laia." Iceberg nodded, "But first there is someone I need to help."

"There's a male beast I need to help as well." Isis said.

Iceberg nodded and hurried back to the elevator with Isis right behind him. The elevator opened onto the decorated guest hallway. Iceberg started out the door and ran into Brutus who glared down at him. Isis gasped at the giant beast. Brutus looked at her then back at Iceberg who stared right back.

"You are attempting to escape?" Brutus growled.

"What makes you say that?" Iceberg frowned.

"The Newman girl in your room told me." Brutus nodded down the hall, "It took much persuasion to get her to reveal your plans. I managed to break her though."

"Andrea." Iceberg gasped pushing past the beast.

He burst through the door and gasped as he looked around. His room was covered in splattered blood. Everything was smashed and broken. Andrea's body was lying in the center of the room, battered and broken. Iceberg ran over to her and knelt down to check for a pulse but the girl was dead. Brutus stood grinning in the door.

"My master shall reward me when I bring your broken traitorous body to him."

"I shall kill you where you stand." Iceberg growled climbing to his feet.

He pulled his handgun and started to aim. The beast was still grinning. Iceberg's eyes went wide as he spotted Brutus' neck. The collar was gone. Brutus reared his head back and roared. In a flash of white light he transformed into a glowing blue beast. Iceberg fired. Brutus absorbed the shot.

"Invincibility. Iceberg spat.

His only hope now was to try to stay alive until the nanoblast wore off. Brutus stormed at him easily knocking away the fixtures in his way. Iceberg fired at his foot as he dove to the side. The shot made Brutus stumble. The beast turned and stomped toward Iceberg. He bolted over the couch and across the room. Brutus charged after him tearing the couch in two. Iceberg swerved to his right. Brutus picked up a piece of the couch and flung it across the room smashing Iceberg into the wall. Iceberg groaned and started to push the couch off of him. Brutus removed it for him and grabbed him by the throat. Iceberg grabbed the beasts hand to support his weight. He spotted Isis entering the room. Brutus turned to face this new threat. She picked up Iceberg's hand gun that was lying on the floor and aimed it at her collar. One shot blasted away the lock and left a nasty burn on her neck. She ignored the pain and scowled at Brutus as she tossed the collar away.

"Put him down." She growled.

"Back away female." Brutus replied, "You are no match for me."

"Good girl." Iceberg thought, "It shouldn't be much longer now."

"I said put him down." Isis growled louder.

"If you're waiting for my nanoblast to end, don't bother." Brutus grinned, "I can maintain this form for a very long time."

"Blast!" Iceberg thought, "We'll have to take him down."

With the strength he had left, Iceberg kicked hard at the beasts groin. Brutus simply laughed.

"Put him down!" Isis cried.

"Watch as I crush away his life." Brutus grinned.

"NO!" Isis cried and flashed into a red glowing beast creature.

She sprang forward ramming into Brutus knocking him to the floor. Iceberg landed hard gasping for air. Isis was on her feet fast but Brutus was right behind her. He drove a fist into her chest knocking her down. She back flipped to all fours then sprang forward. She drove into him sending him flying across the room landing hard against the wall. He pulled himself out of the hole, shook off the dust and sprang at Isis. A swing of his massive arm drove her into the floor. She responded with a hard solid kick. Brutus flew across the room and nearly landed on Iceberg. He quickly set a freeze trap and tossed it on to the beast. It exploded with little effect. It was the only piece of equipment he had managed to hide from the Illuminus and it had been completely useless. Brutus turned to attack Iceberg but Isis leaped across the room, landing on his back and drove him into the floor. He got up with Isis still clawing at his back. As long as he was in nanoblast there wasn't anything they could do against him. Isis, on the other hand, was taking damage. Her blast increased her strength but didn't protect her like his did. She reversed back to normal still clinging to his back. A stream of blood ran from her nose. Brutus grabbed her by the neck and flung her away then turned to Iceberg who was standing with a wand.

"Where did you get that?" Brutus growled.

"From your armoury during Howzer's tour." Iceberg smirked.

"You shall die!" Brutus roared.

Iceberg swung the wand. A purple ball shot out from it landing just in front of Brutus. It formed into a puddle grabbing and holding the beast in place.

"What is this?" The beast growled.

"I believe it is a malfunctioning Nosmegid." Iceberg shrugged, "This weapon is defective."

He tossed the wand away and turned to leave. Isis limped after him.

"I'll kill you both!" Brutus roared and returned to his normal form.

"I'm sorry about your friend." Isis said as they headed back to the elevator.

"It was a turn of events I did not expect." Iceberg shook his head, "I failed her."

"Sometimes it can't be helped." Isis nodded.

"Let us save your friend at least." Iceberg said.

"This way." Isis smiled and almost hopped on to the elevator.

Freeze

Jun 20, 2010, 05:42 PM

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

Heidi lay asleep on the hospital bed. Her father was seated by her side. Cerberus and Phoenix stood at the back of the room awaiting the Doctors report. The Doctor stepped in still looking at his pad.

"Her brain patterns have returned to normal and she should be back to herself when she wakes up." He said.

"That's good news." Cerberus smiled.

"I am concerned about this strange cell scan and DNA sample that showed up in her bio scan." The Doctor frowned, "I've never seen anything like it."

"What kind of DNA?" Phoenix growled softly.

The Doctor stared at him for a second looking a little stunned. He shook his head and returned his attention to his pad.

"First of all it looks artificial." He said, "But it doesn't show any of the usual bio signatures from any of the companies here."

"Do you know its purpose?" Phoenix asked.

"I'm not totally sure but it does seem to be affecting the part of the brain associated with memory." The Doctor shrugged, "If I was to hazard a guess I'd say it was a kind of time capsule, with memories from someone else stored in there."

"What about the unusually cells you found." Cerberus asked.

"That's even stranger." The Doctor said, "They look almost cancerous and yet they are not spreading or changing the surrounding tissue although they are also affecting memory only on a more subconscious level."

"How so?" Jon asked.

"To be specific, the area responsible for dreams." The Doctor said.

"May I see then?" Cerberus asked.

The Doctor handed Cerberus the pad. He quickly glanced at the information then handed the pad back with a sigh.

"They are D-cells." Cerberus said, "I would recognize them anywhere in the galaxy."

"What are D-cells?" The Doctor frowned.

"They are a dark mutagenic cell secreted from an entity known as Dark Falz." Cerberus explained, "Many of my fellow hunters fell victim to these. Once infected a victim is usually twisted and mutated into a hideous monster that attacks anything it sees."

"Like the seed?" Phoenix grumbled.

"Very much like it, yes." Cerberus nodded.

The Doctor turned to Jon, "Mr Kimble, I'd like to run a bio scan on you as well."

"Of course." Jon nodded and followed the Doctor out.

"What I don't understand is how Heidi got them." Cerberus said to Phoenix, "She's never been to Ragol and that's the only place in the universe we've found them."

"If they are so dangerous, why are they not mutating her like the others?" Phoenix frowned.

"A very good question." Cerberus nodded, "Maybe Jon's scans will shed some light on this."

They waited for a few minutes until Jon returned. He shrugged and took his seat beside Heidi.

"They are going over my results now." He said, "We should know something shortly."

The Doctor was not long in returning. He nodded once and looked at Jon.

"You are also showing the same DNA pattern and cell spot on the brain." The Doctor said, "However they seem to be inert in you. I'm not sure why. With your permission I'd like to take a sample. I have a theory but I can't be sure just yet."

"Will it affect my ability as a Guardian?" Jon asked.

"No, you'll never miss them." The Doctor replied, "In fact as far as I can tell they don't do anything in you."

"Alright then." Jon nodded.

"Doctor, tell me please why this didn't show up in her Guardians medical exam?" Phoenix asked.

"The Guardians exam only checks your basic physical and mental condition." The Doctor replied, "It doesn't go to this depth."

"I see." Phoenix nodded.

"Mr Kimble, if you will follow me please." The Doctor waved.

"Ok." Jon sighed, "Watch my little girl for me."

Cerberus nodded and gave the man a pat on the shoulder.

"This could make her a liability." Phoenix said, "I will have to report this to Guardians HQ and recommend her license be suspended until further notice."

"Now hold on there." Cerberus said, "You don't know anything yet. Wait until the Doctor gives his finally report before doing anything rash."

"Very well but if I feel she is a danger to us in the field I will make sure her license is pulled." Phoenix muttered, "I will not endanger an entire team for one person."

"Remind me not to be your partner OK?" Cerberus frowned.

"As you wish." Phoenix nodded.

Nearly a half hour passed before the Doctor returned with Jon who now had a small bandage applied to the back of his head.

"If you would all follow me to the lab, there's something you need to see." The Doctor said.

The Guardians followed him out into the hall and down to one of the research labs.

"Normally we don't do this but as you are all Guardians I feel it is important that you see this." He said.

"Thank you Doctor." Cerberus nodded.

The Doctor led them over to a cabinet like machine that sported a large display screen.

"In here is the cell sample I took from Miss Kimble." The Doctor said and he tapped a button.

The display changed to a display of purple cells, each one pulsing slightly as they moved around microscopic particles of moisture and mineral.

"This is the scan we took from Mr. Kimble." The doctor said.

He tapped a button and the display changed. The cells were still alive but not nearly as active.

"If you notice on this display." The Doctor pointed to a small graph in the upper left
corner, "The electrical impulses in this sample are not nearly as active as Miss Kimble's. We've tried various hormones to see what kind of response we get. Watch as we feed it estrogen."

The Doctor tapped a button and instantly the sample sprang to life.

"Woh." Cerberus said softly.

"Fascinating." Phoenix said.

"The cells and DNA are active because she's a girl?" Jon frowned.

"Looks that way." The Doctor nodded.

"This actually explains a lot." Jon said, "She's the first female born in our recorded family history. She's had nightmares since she was little and always on a full Neudaiz moon."

"Interesting." The Doctor nodded, "Has she had this dual personality before."

"No that's something that has shown up in the last couple months." Jon shook his head.

The Doctor led them back to Heidi's room.

"Ok, I've order the nurses to give her serum that should suppress the DNA and these cells from affecting her mind." We'll continue to work on this to find a permanent solution but for now she should be fine."

"Thank you Doctor." Jon smiled.

The Doctor nodded and backed out of the room.

"After reviewing the Doctors report I have concluded that Heidi is now a dangerous liability in the field." Phoenix said, "I must report this to the Guardians and recommend her license be suspended until a full evaluation can be carried out."

"Phoenix." Cerberus shot.

"No!" Jon cried, "You can't do that."

"I must." Phoenix nodded once, "It's my duty as a Guardian. The safety of anyone working with her could be at risk."

"What are you talking about?" Jon gasped, "Everytime this happened she became an amazing warrior."

"Yes and when this ended she always collapses." Phoenix replied.

Jon started to respond then quickly clamped his mouth shut then muttered, "True."

"Phoenix, we need her." Cerberus grabbed his shoulder, "I need her."

"You're using this as an excuse to get rid of her so you can work alone again." Jon shot,
You've never liked working with a non cast and now this is your way out."

Phoenix grabbed the man by the collar.

"How dare you insult my honour?" Phoenix growled.

"That's enough." Cerberus said separating them, "This is not helping."

"If you don't want to be her instructor then I'll take over." Jon said.

"You know very well that is against regulations." Phoenix jabbed him in the chest.

"The Guardians are short on people." Jon waved at Heidi, "We need her."

"I am her instructor; it is my job to evaluate her performance and condition." Phoenix stated.

"Might I remind everyone that she does have her license now." Cerberus pointed, "She hardly needs an instructor. Wouldn't you be classified as her partner?"

"Ah yes." Phoenix nodded slowly.

"So wouldn't you be betraying your partner by reporting her?" Cerberus smirked.

"I would be neglecting my duty if I did not." Phoenix shook his head, "I'm just trying to protect others and her from this."

"Protect me from what?" A soft voice asked.

The three men quickly turned to the bed. Heidi was sitting up waiting for an answer.

"Heidi?" Jon asked hopefully.

"Yes Dad?" Heidi frowned.

"Oh thank the holy light." He beamed and gave his daughter a big hug, "I'm so glad you're alright."

"Why wouldn't I be?" She asked, "How did I get in a hospital?"

"We had to bring you here." Cerberus said, "You weren't yourself."

Sato floated up from the foot of the bed and landed in Heidi's lap letting out a happy meow.

"I'm glad to see you too." Heidi giggled.

"There is something we need to discuss." Phoenix said.

"Phoenix not here." Jon shot.

The floor shook as a bomb exploded from farther down the hall. Doctors and nurses ran past the door to attend to the wounded. The three Guardians quickly ran to investigate. Heidi quickly threw off the covers and ran out into the hall. She skidded to a halt as a tall dark shadowy figure emerged from the smoke and dust. The nightmarish purple cast from her dreams came into view as the dust and smoke cleared. The others drew their weapons but everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. The cast marched toward her holding his deadly scythe by his side. She froze as the cold grip of fear wrapped its long fingers around her. Kireek stopped and glared at Cerberus.

"You've got a lot of nerve Kireek." Cerberus frowned.

"I want the star map." Kireek growled.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Cerberus shrugged

"Don't." Kireek barked, "I know you found it. Hand it over and I won't hurt anyone."

"I don't know how you found us here but it will be a cold day in hell before I hand that map over to you." Cerberus pointed.

Kireek's eyes turned away and focused on the frozen Newman girl behind Cerberus.

"You!" He growled, "Where is that ranger husband of yours?"

Cerberus looked back at Heidi then turned to Kireek.

"That's not Amanda, Kireek." He said.

"It must be." Kireek said sounding stunned, "She looks a little different I admit but I can feel her."

"You feel Amanda?" Cerberus gasped, "How?"

"From my Soul Eater you idiot." Kireek stepped forward.

"Not so fast." Cerberus said drawing the sword from his back.

Kireek quickly stepped back.

"That cursed sword." He spat, "You still have it?"

"Still." Cerberus said, "Now leave or I'll kick your butt back to whatever hole you
crawled from. And if I don't, she will."

"I think not." Kireek laughed, "Just my very presence has control over her. I sense her fear. Her blood will be very rich."

"You keep away from her." Jon warned.

"Blast, you Kimble's just won't go away." Kireek spat, "Father I'm guessing. I'll feed on you as well."

Kireek burst forward ploughing through the Guardians and grabbed Heidi. He skidded to a halt turning to face the Guardians. The point of his scythe was at Heidi's throat.

"Man he's fast." Phoenix growled.

"The map or she dies." Kireek said.

"You won't get away with this." Cerberus said.

"Now!" Kireek shouted.

He jabbed Heidi with the point. She felt a sharp prick at the tip punctured her skin followed by a burning sensation. She felt Kireek twitch a little.

"Is that D-cells I sense?" He whispered.

"What?" Heidi whispered back.

"The map now!" Kireek demanded.

"Alright." Cerberus said holding out his hand, "Just don't hurt her."

Cerberus slowly sheathed the sword then pulled the tablet from his pack and set it on a medical trolley.

"Give it to me." Kireek shook Heidi.

Cerberus gave the cart a push. It skidded across to Kireek. He released Heidi knocking her to the floor and scooped up the tablet. He turned and disappeared down the hall. Jon rushed over to his daughter who was holding her neck.

"I'm sorry Dad." She started to cry, "I failed. He has the map and it's all my fault."

"No." Jon said, "It's not."

"Yes it is Dad." Heidi pounded the floor, "I couldn't move. He came at me and I couldn't
move."

"It's OK we'll get it back." He said, "Now let's have a look at that."

He pulled her hand away and frowned. The wound was very small and would only require a bandage but it looked as if it was starting an infection already. The immediate area was already turning slightly purple.

"Come, we better have a Doctor look at that." He said.

Phoenix watched Jon take Heidi over to the nurse's station then turned to Cerberus.

"Now what do we do?"

"We hurry." Cerberus replied.

"But we don't have the map." Phoenix frowned.

"Yes we do." Cerberus nodded, "I had Doctor Tomrain take a copy of it."

"Our course of action then?" Phoenix frowned.

"How good are you at salvage?" Cerberus smiled.

"Not very." Phoenix frowned, "But I do know someone who might help. If he doesn't try to kill me first."

Freeze

Jun 27, 2010, 06:29 PM

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

Alford Tylor stood on the bridge of his ship the Landeel, over looking the cold plains on Moatoob's northern continent. He was now the baron of the New Rogues and even though he had entered into an alliance with Laia Martinez, he still got very nervous with a Guardian meeting. The message had been sent by Laia but she indicated three of her Guardians would be meeting with him. He watched as the colony flyer approached from the south dropping down through the atmosphere. It gently set down in front of his ship. The thrusters stirring up a small dust cloud. He watched as a tall red cast exited the flyer.

"Phoenix." He grumbled.

A white haired Newman man in his late forties to early fifties exited next followed by a girl who was obviously his daughter. Tylor's eyes went wide as he saw a large bulk of a red and black cast step off the ramp.

"What do you make of that?" Liina asked.

Liina was a female miniature beast and Tylor's right hand. Although she was twenty five years old she still looked like a child just like Leo's partner Tonnio.

"There are more than three." Tylor said, "This should be interesting."

The two beasts exited the bridge and quickly made their way down to the boarding ramp where the Guardians were waiting. Tylor stopped and placed his hands on his hips.

"What's this about?"

"A pleasure to see you again too." Phoenix said.

"Look, I'm very busy and don't have time for self absorbed Guardians." Tylor frowned, "Laia said this was important."

"The fate of the universe is riding on it." Jon said.

"So what do you need me to do?" Tylor shrugged.

"There's a crash site on the Neudaiz moon." Phoenix said, "We need your help recovering her engines."

"A salvage job?" Tylor frowned, "What's so special about them?"

"They are interstellar photonic drive engines capable of faster than light travel." Cerberus replied.

"We need them to stop a very dangerous cast that has been working with the Illuminus." Jon added.

"Yes, we've been watching his activities closely." Tylor nodded.

"He's raided several of our parts depose as well." Liina said.

"If he's collected that much equipment on his own then he's farther ahead then I thought." Cerberus frowned.

"No doubt the Illuminus has paid him with equipment as well." Phoenix grumbled.

"And once he interprets the map he will be ready to go." Jon waved his hand.

"After figuring out the first half it won't take him long to do the second." Cerberus said, "It's the only thing buying us time right now."

"I don't see how this will benefit the Rogues." Tylor frowned.

"Oh come on." Phoenix shot, "You're much smarter than that."

"Enough Phoenix." Jon said dragging the cast back then turned to Tylor, "If this Kireek wins then all your Rogues will die. I'd say continuing to live is a pretty good benefit."

"I still think we need some kind of compensation." Tylor replied.

"You dishonourable scum." Phoenix roared, "I ought to kill you where you stand."

"But you won't." Tylor smirked, "Because you need me but I don't need you."

"Yes you do Sir." Heidi said stepping forward, "You've accomplished so much here for your people, banning them together for the first time since history remembers. For the first time all beasts have a single solid leader to follow but if Kireek reaches the treasure before us, you will lose everything. Every beast in Gurhal will be slaughtered. You think the seed purification was bad, it's nothing compared to what this cast will do. He feeds on blood. Your blood and my blood."

Heidi reached up and touched the small bandage on her neck.

"He's already had a taste of my blood."

Tylor stood silent staring down at the young Newman woman. Liina stood in shock.

"I must be a fool." He muttered then said, "Alright everybody on board."

Phoenix nodded at Heidi then followed Liina up the ramp. Tylor watched each Guardian board his ship before boarding himself. The Landeel gently lifted off the ground and headed for the moon of Neudaiz. Phoenix directed him to the crash site where they had found Cerberus and Sato. Sato let out a soft meow. Liina frowned at the little blue fox. Heidi shrugged with a smile.

"What's wrong with your fox?" Liina asked.

"I'd tell you but I don't really understand it myself." Heidi sighed, "All I know is they did something to her and now she thinks she's a cat."

"What's her name?" Liina grinned.

"Sato." Heidi replied.

"Hello Sato." Liina smiled scratching Sato's chin, "You're very cute."

Sato meowed happily. Liina and Heidi laughed softly.

"There." Phoenix pointed at the moons surface.

"I see it." Tylor nodded.

"Most of the wreckage had been cleared away by the research team from the Colony lab. Several flyers were located nearby and guards where posted outside.

"Uh oh." Tylor grumbled.

"It's OK." Phoenix replied, "We're authorized to be here. They should have most of the engine removed by now."

"You hope." Tylor grinned.

"Indeed I do." Phoenix nodded.

Tylor set the Landeel down gently and killed the engines. The wrecked ship was barely half as big as his.

"You say this was interstellar?" He frowned.

"It was a just a shuttle." Cerberus said, "And this is only half of it. Crew compliment of six and personal cargo, and provisions for six months before requiring replenishment."

"Only six months?" Tylor frowned, "For an interstellar ship?"

"They were mainly used for travel between two close star systems not for extended travel. They didn't get used much once we got to Ragol."

"Still impressive." Tylor nodded.

"Remain here while I check in." Phoenix said, "We wouldn't want any incidences."

"Good idea." Tylor smirked.

Phoenix exited the bridge alone and went out to greet the guards. The captain smiled as he approached.

"Mr Phoenix, I was beginning to think you wouldn't show."

"Kyle." Phoenix frowned, "Is it really you?"

"Sure is old friend." Kyle smiled as he shook Phoenix's hand, "How are you holding up these days."

"Always ready for battle." Phoenix smiled.

"And how's that new partner making out?" Kyle grinned.

"She's a strange girl but I have to admit she's turning into quite a little warrior." Phoenix shrugged.

"Same old Phoenix." Kyle smiled.

"I thought you were dead." Phoenix frowned.

"Not dead, just MIA." Kyle shrugged, "A team of Guardians rescued me and my team from a seed camp. We were in stasis when they found us. Been receiving Maya's injections ever since."

"I am pleased you are safe." Phoenix smiled, "It has been a long time since we fought together."

"Kyle nodded, "I do miss those days. The engineers have the engines ready for removal they just need to cut a hole in the hull so you guys can lift it out."

"Excellent." Phoenix nodded.

"Just keep your eyes peeled." Kyle frowned, "We've had reports of rogue AMF ships in the area."

"We shall be ever vigilant." Phoenix boasted.

"I expect nothing less." Kyle replied, "I'll contact you when we're ready."

Phoenix nodded then returned to the Landeel. Tylor was standing behind Liina's chair starring down at her screen. He did not look happy.

"Liina has picked up some unidentified ships headed this way." Jon said softly.

"They are AMF." Phoenix said, "The engineering team was warned they were in the area."

"The Landeel is no match for military vessels." Tylor frowned, "Especially crazy military vessels. This could get too risky."

"I hope you're not planning on bailing on us." Jon said crossing his arms.

"I will not risk my ship for this." Tylor replied, "If those ships get too close I'm leaving."

"You coward." Phoenix growled.

"There is a difference between bravery and stupidity." Tylor shot back, "I will not commit suicide. If I can run to fight another day I will."

"If we leave this engine behind there won't be another day." Heidi said, "The purple cast will make sure of that."

"Calm down everyone." Cerberus said, "Those ships aren't here yet."

"How long?" Phoenix asked.

"Traveling at current speed they should arrive here in thirty four minutes." Liina replied, "That's assuming they maintain a straight course. So far it doesn't look like they will."

"Still, that's not much time." Jon shook his head.

Phoenix quickly tapped his com and informed Kyle of the situation. He nodded then cut the link.

"It's going to take an hour and half to cut the hull out."

"We can't wait that long." Tylor shrugged.

"Couldn't we use the Landeel's laser guns to cut through?" Cerberus asked.

"If we reduce the output we should be able to but it wouldn't be very precise and we risk hitting the engine." Tylor replied.

Cerberus looked down at the three blips on Liina's screen.

"We don't have a choice." He said, "Phoenix, tell the engineers to clear the area."

Phoenix nodded.

"Mr Tylor, will you put us in position above the wreck." Cerberus said.

"Liina, take us up. Lasers at one third power." Tylor ordered.

"Aye Tylor." Liina replied enthusiastically.

The ship shuddered slightly as the thrusters fired up gently lifting the ship off the ground. Heidi watched the engineering team scramble out of the wreck and head back to the flyers. Cerberus watched nervously as the ships on the screen got closer and closer. The ships com link beeped. Tylor bent over and tapped the button.

"Yes." He said

"Landeel, we are clear down here." Kyle said, "You may begin cutting."

"Copy ground." Tylor replied.

The Landeel gently pitched nose down bringing the front lasers into range. The surface of the moon filled the front windshield.

"Target locked." Liina reported.

"Fire."

Two bolts lanced out from the cannons. They impacted the ancient hull. The metal turned to glowing red liquid and peeled open dripping to the ships floor. The Landeel fired one more blast opening up a hole big enough for the engine.

"So far so good." Cerberus said.

The Landeel pitched up then moved forward to bring the cargo doors over the hole. Four crew men dropped down the zip lines and began connecting the hoist cables. The engineers from the flyers quickly re-entered the ship to assist. Cerberus watched as the approaching ships appeared in the front windshield as small white dots.

We are running out of time." He said softly.

Tylor looked up from the control panel and frowned at the in coming ships.

"This will be tight." Tylor said, "The engineering team better clear out now."

"I shall inform them." Phoenix nodded.

"Then you guys better report to the turrets." Tylor said, "We may need the cover fire and we're a little short handed right now."

"Finally." Phoenix grinned, "Battle."

He hurried out the door while tapping his com piece. The other three Guardians were slower exiting the bridge. Cerberus followed Phoenix to the upper turrets while Heidi and Jon took the left and right turrets. The AMF ships were quite visible now and Heidi felt way too exposed in the clear bubble. Looking around she could tell the turret was not part of the original design. She could just see the recovery team below finishing their connections. The engineers hurried back to their flyers.

"Come on." Heidi urged.

"Attention all crew be aware that while we are retrieving the engine we are unable to raise the shields." Tylor's voice boomed over the inter com, "Damage teams to station, gunners ready."

Heidi watched as several smaller dots swarmed out from the capital ships and shot toward the Landeel.

"Attack drones!" Tylor boomed, "All gunners ready."

Everything seemed to slow down as Heidi watched in horror as laser bolts shot toward her ship. They pelted into the Landeel's hull burning away the plating. Plums of frost shot out of the holes as the atmosphere began to vent. Blast doors immediately closed sealing off the ruptured areas. A bolt impacted the hull right next to Heidi's turret. She shielded her eyes as molten metal pelted her bubble. The door behind her closed sealing her in. The Landeel began to return fire.

"Heidi, are you alright?" Jon's voice boomed over the intercom.

"Fine Dad." She replied, "But I'm sealed in."

"Stay calm and try to defend yourself." Jon said, "I'll come get you."

"No dad, stay there and protect the Landeel." Heidi blurted, "I'll be fine."

"It was one of the hardest things she had ever had to say. She wanted her father to come rescue her but that could mean losing the Landeel and then they'd all be dead. She quickly aimed at an incoming drone and pulled the trigger. Nothing. She gasped and clicked the trigger several times. Still nothing.

"My gun's dead." She cried.

"I'm coming sweetie." Jon replied.

"Dad no." Heidi replied, "If the Landeel falls we all die."

"Sit tight, I'll send somebody to get you."

"Ok Dad." Heidi nodded.

Heidi leaned back and watched the Landeel's gunners try to hit the small drones. Cerberus was having the most success while Phoenix fired off the most shots. Heidi wanted to help. She needed to help. She closed her eyes and began concentrating on the lessons she had learned from Cerberus' disks. Slowly the battle came into view. She could see her hand in front of her. It was bright white and shining. A warm feeling began to wash over her as she stretched out her arm reaching out to the drones. She touched one with her finger. It began to glow then a pillar of light erupted around it tearing it to pieces. She touched another. It too was torn apart. She felt so good and warm as the light flowed through her destroying each drone she touched. The Landeel's lasers slowed to a stop as she touched the last drone. Her mind turned to the capital ships but she refrained from touching them. There were casts aboard those ships and she didn't want to hurt them even if they were trying to kill her. They couldn't help it, they were being controlled. Laser streams rose up from the top of the ships then bent ninety degrees and lanced out at the Landeel. The bolts tore away at the Landeel's lower decks. Heidi had to stop them. Maybe she could just disable them. The warm feeling changed to a tingling sensation of flowing electricity. Her hand turned to a bright yellow. She started with the middle ship touching its engines. A bolt of lightning appeared blasting the rear of the ship. The ship started to drift away. Heidi touched the other ships zapping them too. They began to drift away. She opened her eyes and let her arm drop. She felt a little tired but other wise fine.

"What in the name of the holy light was that?" Tylor exclaimed.

Cerberus sat in his turret smiling then whispered softly, "Good girl."

The door behind Heidi clanged loudly as the rescue team pried it open. They helped her climb out of the turret. She stared at the now plugged hole beside her turret door. Just a little bit to the right and she would have been dead. One of the Landeel crew escorted her to the bridge where Cerberus and Phoenix were waiting.

"Where's my father?" She asked nervously.

"He's fine." Phoenix nodded, "A blast hole has temporarily cut him off from the bridge."

Heidi nodded with a smile.

"Now will someone please tell me what just happened?" Tylor said stepping forward, "Drones don't just explode in a pillar of light."

"That Sir was unrestricted mental energy." Cerberus replied.

"Techniques, impossible." Tylor shook his head, "Even the Divine Maiden can't do that."

"Actually she can."

Heidi turned to see her father step onto the bridge followed by the three Vol Brothers.

"Daddy!" She cried and ran to give him a hug.

"Hello sweetie." He whispered in her ear, "I'm so glad you're safe."

"The Divine Maiden can destroy ships?" Tylor frowned.

"If she was trained to do so." Jon nodded, "But the communion concentrated on her healing and psychic abilities. That's why she could see the seed coming but couldn't do anything about it."

"I don't believe a word of that." Hiru Vol spouted, "Its just Newman tales that try to get everyone to worship her."

Hiru was the eldest Vol brother and a Newman himself yet he had shed his Newman heritage for the life of a rogue.

"Ya that’s right." The human middle brother No added, "Just Newman tales."

He turned to the youngest brother Do Vol a large beast, and jabbed him in the shoulder, "Right?"

"Duh, oh ya right." Do nodded, "Tales."

"Enough you three." Tylor glared.

"Looks like Heidi here has learned those attacks." Cerberus stood smiling, "And she shows a power and control that clearly surpasses her great grand mother."

"It wasn't easy at first." Heidi said softly, "And it's a little tiring."

"Yes, but nothing like that exists anywhere in Gurhal." Tylor waved at the window, "OK I've seen Zonde plenty of times but what was that light?"

"That was Grants." Cerberus replied, As far as I know it is the opposite technique to Megid. You know, light and dark. Until now I thought all techniques came as pairs."

"That is some attack." Phoenix tilted his head slightly.

"It felt wonderful." Heidi smiled hugging herself.

Liina couldn't help but grin at the girl.

"Yes and Megid is equally as powerful and will make you feel as equally bad as it feeds on all the hate buried deep inside you." Cerberus warned.

She nodded but said nothing. The ship vibrated slightly as the cargo doors locked shut.

"Engine's aboard." Liina reported.

"Then take us to Clyez City." Tylor ordered then turned to the Guardians, "Because you saved my ship and crew, I will not report this forbidden technique use. That and wherever you drag me next I want it on my side."

"Thank you." Jon nodded.

Heidi turned and looked up at Phoenix. He stared down at her for a moment.

"I see no need to report this either." He said, "It would be foolish of me to remove such a
powerful weapon from the battlefield."

She shot him a slight frown.

Phoenix sighed, "You fought bravely today."

"Thank you Phoenix." Heidi smiled.

Cerberus nodded then turned to Tylor.

"What do you say once we get this engine back to the colony we get the Landeel suited up?"

Tylor nodded and sighed, "I had a feeling you were going to say that."

The Landeel slowly turned around and headed away from the moon leaving the disabled AMF ships to float silently in space.

Freeze

Jul 4, 2010, 06:12 PM

CHAPTER THIRTY

Security in the mining area was still light which meant no one had discovered Brutus yet nor did they consider him missing. This told Iceberg that the beast had more freedom than he originally thought. The dead execution team hadn't been discovered yet either so the two Guardians had a little time yet. Isis led him across the processing floor, trying to stay hidden as much as possible, until they reached the mining tunnels. She crept up to a beast worker swinging a pick axe.

"Excuse me." She said softly.

The beast stopped working and stared at her.

"Is this shift two B?" She asked.

"No, this is two C." The beast replied, "Two B ended fifteen minutes ago."

"Thank you." Isis nodded and started to leave.

"Wait!" The beast called.

Isis stopped and turned back.

"Take me with you." The beast pleaded.

Isis didn't say anything but Iceberg stepped forward drawing his gun.

"Fine." He said aiming at the beast, "Stand very still."

Fear shot across the beasts face but he stood perfectly still. Iceberg fired blasting the collar open. The beast quickly pulled the collar off then rubbed the burn mark on his neck.

"Thank you." He sighed with relief.

"Come on." Isis waved with a smile.

They had little trouble getting into the slave barracks for the guards never expected anyone to try to break in. The trouble now was finding which room Lexington had been assigned too. There were so many and with two to a room the search could take forever. Isis began at the first door peering in the small window and calling his name. She became more panicked as she went. Iceberg remained at the entrance studying the prison layout. He was unwilling to waste his energy on the futile task Isis had begun. There were no physical locks, keypads, or readers on the doors which meant the doors had to be controlled from a central panel. There was nothing at this end so he proceeded down the hall casually ignoring Isis as he past. Their new beast friend remained at the entrance to watch for guards. The hallway ended with a stairwell that ran both up and down. At least two more levels of cells Iceberg suspected. There was a keypad on the door jam that had the exact number of keys for pairs of doors. One just selected left or right and the proper door number. Iceberg pushed the left button then all the number keys. Every door on the left side of the hallway swung open. He quickly repeated his action opening all the right doors. The prisoners slowly started to file out.

"Lexington!" Isis called, "Lexington are you here?"

"He's on a lower level." An old beast grunted.

"Thank you." She smiled squeezing his shoulder.

She had to fight her way down the hallway as the prisoners began their hurried march to the exit. Iceberg was waiting by the stairwell with a slight frown on his face.

"What?" Isis shrugged.

"I believe I have erred." He replied.

"At what?" Isis frowned.

"By releasing these prisoners I have given away our position making our escape much more difficult." Iceberg said.

"Then we better hurry." Isis said and nearly leaped down the stairs.

"Now where are you going?" Iceberg called.

There was no reply and she was already out of sight. He sighed with a shrug and a shake of his head and began down the stairs. A blaster bolt flew past his head impacting on the wall. He quickly looked back down the hall. Two guards had pushed through the escaping prisoners and now ordered him to halt. He quickly drew his gun and fired causing the guards to retreat slightly. This gave him enough time to escape down the stairs. Isis was at the next level opening all the doors.

"Times up." Iceberg said, "We must go."

"I have to find Lexington." Isis shook her head.

"The guards are on their way." Iceberg replied, "We can not search any longer. It is my fault and I take full responsibility but we must go."

"I promised him." Isis shot, "I won't leave him behind."

"Isis, we can come back." Iceberg replied calmly, "With more Guardians and we'll free everyone."

"You really think they'll still be here." Isis cried, "The Illuminus will clear everyone out, or kill them. Remember we're just lowly animals."

"That is true but getting caught won't help anyone." Iceberg replied.

"Guys." The male beast appeared in the stair well, "These guys say you're under arrest."

The two guards appeared keeping their weapons trained on the Guardians.

"I'm sorry; they caught me and dragged me down here." He shrugged.

"It's not your fault." Iceberg muttered.

The lead guard shoved the beast off the stairs and over to the Guardians.

"Well if it isn't Howzer's new protégé." He smirked, "He'll enjoy taking care of you traitor."

"I can hardly be called a traitor as I never actually joined." Iceberg said, "Merely faking interest."

"Makes no difference." The Guard shrugged, "He's a very powerful man and severely punishes his enemies."

"So am I." Iceberg smirked.

With expert speed he aimed and fired. The bullets burned through the guard's line shields and into their chests. Both were knocked back. The shots didn't kill them but left them with nasty burns.

Line shield set for ground huh." Iceberg shook his head with a smile, "Too bad my gun was set on electricity."

He blew on the barrel of his gun as if it were smoking then stored it. Isis quickly jumped forward and relieved them of their weapons. The male beast helped Iceberg pick them up and place them in an empty cell as Isis unlocked the rest. The prisoners quickly filed out of the cells and rushed up the stairs without so much as a thank you. Lexington wasn't here either. Isis sighed and headed down to the next level with the male beast and Iceberg close behind. She quickly popped open the cells but he wasn't here either.

"I don't understand." She sighed turning to the men, "He should be here."

"This is the last of the occupied cells for this shift." The beast said, "They must have taken him to another area. Where I don't know, unless it was for special ops."

"What special ops?" Iceberg frowned slightly.

"Certain male beasts are selected for military training." The beast replied, "Foot soldiers if you will. We haven't seen any mobilized yet but the rumours fly every time one of us goes missing."

"We've only ever seen Illuminus use casts as their soldiers." Isis frowned, "Could it be they're running out?"

"The Guardians haven't had enough encounters with the Illuminus to put that kind of dent in their numbers." Iceberg shook his head, "The AMF is in no condition to do them any damage, and both the Communion and the Rogues have stayed out of the Illuminus' way."

"We should go before we are caught." The beast man said nervously.

"Is there another way out of these cell blocks?" Iceberg asked.

"There is an exit on the bottom floor." The beast replied, "It's locked and I'm not sure where it leads."

"Anywhere but here is an improvement." Isis shrugged.

"Let's go." Iceberg nodded and started down the stairs.

Isis and the beast man started to follow but paused as they heard footsteps from above.

"Iceberg." Isis called softly.

"I hear them." Iceberg nodded, "Hurry."

The trio flew down the spiralling stairs quickly reaching the bottom. The guards above them also quickened their pace. Iceberg bolted down the hallway grabbing the door at the end. It was locked tight. He drew his blaster and melted the lock open then ushered the others through. He quickly slammed the door behind him then fused the door to the jam with a couple low powered shots.

"That should slow them down." He nodded.

The tunnel they entered was dark with only a few of the light strips still functioning. Most of them were dim and flickering. Cobwebs hung down from the ceiling and walls. Insects quickly scurried away as the three people approached them. Isis hugged herself tight and shuddered. The tunnel slowly sloped up until it ended at an unused elevator shaft. Iceberg tapped the recall button but there was no power.

"Guess we climb." The beast said nodding at the service ladder.

"That's a long climb up." Isis gasped, "We're pretty deep underground."

"Then we had better get started." Iceberg grumbled.

He grabbed the ladder and started up. Isis went next followed by the beast male that they had yet to ask his name. Up and up they climbed until they barely had enough strength to pull themselves onto the next level. This tunnel looked abandoned as well so it was unlikely anyone would find them here. They sat down to rest for a bit and Isis actually nodded off as she rested against Icebergs shoulder. The beast sat staring at her for a moment then turned to Iceberg.

"Forgive me for asking but what exactly are you two?"

Iceberg frowned staring at the man before realizing what he was asking.

"We are partners in the Guardians and we are friends." He replied.

"Nothing more?" The beast smirked.

"We are close friends, nothing more." Iceberg replied, "In fact she is probably the closest thing I will have to a sister."

"Good." The beast sighed leaning back again.

"Might I have the honour of your name Sir?" Iceberg asked.

"Daubney, Daubney Longfellow." The beast replied.

I am honoured." Iceberg nodded.

Iceberg awoke suddenly from Daubney shaking his shoulder and looking very upset.

"Mr Iceberg, please wake up."

"I am awake." Iceberg moaned pushing Isis off of his shoulder, "What is it?"

"They are coming." Daubney pointed at the shaft.

Instantly Iceberg was awake and alert. He quickly got up and went over to the shaft. They were a long way away but he could hear them climbing up. The lack of torch light meant they were trying for stealth. Not doing a very good job of it, Iceberg smirked then turned back.

"Get her up." He quipped, "Let's go."

"Where?" Daubney asked as he helped Isis up.

"Whereever this tunnel goes." Iceberg shrugged.

They quickly found it ended with another elevator shaft. This one had the cart waiting for them and it had power. They quickly piled in and Iceberg hit the up arrow. The elevator groaned and grunted as the motor began to spin lifting the cart swiftly up the shaft. The top of the shaft opened onto a large cavern where several flyers were parked.

"Excellent." Iceberg smiled.

"Oh, our luck can't be this good." Isis gasped.

A door at the far end of the cave opened with a loud swoosh. Iceberg quickly ducked behind some crates. Daubney and Isis followed him kneeling down out of sight. Iceberg slowly peered around the crate and growled. The purple cast he had been chasing casually strolled across the floor to a flyer parked near the cave exit. He was carrying some sort of cylinder shaped object that glowed blue from several slits running along its length. The cast climbed a large stand parked against the rear of the flyer. He stepped up on top of the flyer and proceeded to install the component on the right engine. Iceberg ducked back behind the crate and turned to Isis.

"The holy light has smiled upon us." He said, "The purple cast is here."

"What?" Isis gasped, "This could be our chance to nab him."

Iceberg started to reply but an opening door silenced him. Howzer entered the cave with Magashi on his left.

"Here you are Mr Kireek." Howzer smirked, "I've been looking for you."

"Have you now." Kireek grunted.

"I thought we had an agreement." Howzer frowned, "You do jobs for us and we supply the parts. You severely compromised our security by going out on your own."

Kireek leaped off of the flyer landing in front of Howzer. He strolled up to the man and grabbed the front of his tunic.

"I did your petty little tasks." Kireek growled, "I was paid in useless junk. You Sir broke our agreement forcing me to procure the parts I needed. As fortune had it I also gained the star map I needed. My ship is now complete. I do not need your aid; nor do I care about your security."

He released Howzer by shoving him back. Magashi started forward but Howzer stopped him.

"I am sorry to hear that but of course I can't let you leave." Howzer shook his head, "I am so close to accomplishing my goal I can not allow anyone to get in my way."

"When I complete my goal, yours will not matter." Kireek replied.

"Then we do have a problem." Howzer frowned.

"Yes, yes we do." Kireek nodded.

Magashi stepped forward drawing a pair of twin sabres. Kireek casually drew his Soul Eater.

"I want it so no one will be able to put him together again." Howzer muttered to Magashi.

Magashi nodded with a smirk then waited until Howzer left. He started to circle Kireek who had yet to even take a defensive stance.

"I shall enjoy carving you up." Magashi grinned.

"I on the other hand shall gain nothing from carving up your soulless hide." Kireek replied.

This stopped Magashi circling as the cast frowned at the androids words.

"Is the glory of battle not enough for you?" Magashi said.

"I require souls." Kireek replied, "To absorb the essence of my victims. You are a pathetic copy with no essence. If only I could have tasted the original Magashi."

"You are a very sick cast." Magashi said pointing a blade tip at him.

"I am an android." Kireek replied, "Gifted with the power of the Profound Darkness. It craves food and I shall feed it."

"That is why you seek this power of life." Magashi frowned, "Eternal source of food."

"Yes, it shall complete my evolution." Kireek cooed, "And now you must die."

He sprang at Magashi with such speed that if the cast had not been holding up his sabres he would not have been able to block the attack. Sparks exploded from between the two casts as the photon blades clashed together. Magashi pushed Kireek away then charged forward. Kireek crouched down as the cast moved in then as Magashi tried to strike; he leaped up over the cast landing right behind him. Magashi tried to turn with the android but he was too slow. Kireek chopped the blade of the Soul Eater into Magashi's side. The cast roared and pulled away. Hydraulic fluid dripped from the Soul Eaters tip. Magashi pawed at his wound pulling away a wet hand. He scowled at the wound then at Kireek.

"A lucky strike."

"Hardly." Kireek smirked.

Magashi leaped forward swinging his blades. Kireek easily blocked each strike then landed a blow to Magashi's chest with the butt end of his scythe. Iceberg took this opportunity to duck behind the crates and closer to Kireek's ship. Isis started to move but stopped when Daubney failed to move.

"Aren't you coming?" She frowned.

"Where you are going I don't belong." Daubney shook his head, "I just want to return to my home and family. You've granted me my freedom. For that I thank you, but I am no soldier. I can't do what you do."

"Alright." Isis nodded, "You take care of yourself."

"I will." Daubney nodded.

Isis crept after Iceberg while Daubney headed for the cave exit and his freedom. Kireek and Magashi continued to trade blows and each time Kireek would pick his opening and land a hit. Magashi was quickly weakening as his damage increased.

"I grow weary of this." Kireek yawned.

"I'm sorry to boar you." Magashi growled.

Kireek sprang forward but anticipated Magashi's block so instead of striking him side stepped the cast then spun around behind him bringing his weapon around landing the blade in Magashi's back. He pulled up and out bringing the blade tip out through the back of Magashi's neck. The cast collapsed in a battered heap. Kireek kicked the casts head then boarded the aft ramp of the flyer.

"Now." Iceberg said bolting for the ship.

Isis followed behind as the flyers engines flared up. Iceberg reached the ramp just as it began to close. He quickly turned and grabbed Isis' hand and pulled her aboard. The door clanged shut as the flyer began to move forward. Iceberg and Isis bunkered down behind the door jams that lead to the flight cabin.

"OK, we can take him now." Isis whispered.

"There's a risk we could lose control and crash." Iceberg shook his head, "We'll wait until he lands then nab him."

Isis nodded then sat down wishing she could have grabbed some new clothes before she left. These prison rags were cold, uncomfortable, and much too revealing. The Moatoob sky quickly turned to the black of space but instead of angling to the PPT catapult it the ship turned to deep space. The two Guardians quietly peered through the open door watching as the two other planets and the colony disappeared behind them.

"Iceberg." Isis whispered looking rather frightened.

He responded with a nod then signalled for her to calm down. Giving away their position now would mean certain death. Isis was unarmed and he had a simple hand gun. She turned away from the door and huddled in the corner burying her head in her arms. Iceberg continued to watch as the flyer exited the Gurhal system then with a sudden jerk the stars turned into white streaks.

"Impossible." He whispered then turned away and relaxed for the voyage.

Freeze

Jul 11, 2010, 06:17 PM

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

Laia Martinez burst onto the engine room of the Landeel with Doctor Tomrain on her heels. Tylor was overseeing the installation of the star drive which Cerberus and a team from the colony were just completing. Heidi stood by quietly petting Sato as Jon and Phoenix conversed with the rogue leader.

"How much longer?" Laia demanded.

"We should be ready for power trials within the hour." Tylor replied.

"Better make it sooner." Laia said, "We just tracked a flyer leaving Moatoob. It headed out of the system then disappeared."

"Oh no." Jon sighed.

"We have completed the translation of the star map." Tomrain said handing Tylor the data pad, "It's a long way away."

"I see." Tylor nodded.

The door opened again as Lou entered followed by Lisa who now sported a brand new casing and more human like eyes. The skirt from her RAcaseal uniform was gone. Pushan hovered happily above her shoulder. Sato meowed happily. Cerberus smiled when he saw the little android.

"Lisa, I'm glad you're up."

"Thank you." She grinned, "I feel so good and I look great."

She did a little pirouette and finished with a giggle. Heidi got up off the floor and quietly walked over to the group. Lisa looked up at her and smiled.

"My, you look just like her."

"She does." Cerberus nodded, "She's a perfect knock off of her great grand mother."

"I bet you've got her fire too." Lisa grinned.

"I know you're all trying to be nice but I am me not her." Heidi glared, "Stop comparing me to her, she's dead and gone and I am my own person."

Heidi then quickly turned and walked away with a bit of a huff. Sato meowed softly.

"What did I say?" Lisa asked looking a little hurt.

"I don't know." Cerberus replied.

"She's never acted like that before." Jon said.

Tylor walked over to the group breaking up their conversation.

"The installation is complete." He said reading the report, "We must depart now."

"What's the urgency?" Cerberus asked.

"Kireek has left the system." Jon said.

"How long ago?" Cerberus asked.

"You have immediate departure permission." Laia said, "Come Lou, let's go before we get dragged along."

Lou nodded and followed her out. Tylor tapped his com piece and contacted Liina on the bridge. Phoenix stood staring up at the alien device connected to the Landeel's engines.

"I hope this thing works." He grumbled.

"Me too, or this is going to be a very short trip." Cerberus replied.

"Let's get to the bridge." Tylor waved.

The docking clamps on the colony released the ship as it powered up its engines and pulled away. Cerberus stayed in engineering to monitor the star drive as they began to power it up. They quickly exited the system unaware that they were being watched by the dark planet.

"OK, ready for power up." Cerberus reported.

"Liina, light speed." Tylor ordered.

Liina, looking a little scared, slowly reached out with a shaking finger and pushed the button. The ship lurched forward as the star field turned into a tunnel of streaking light.

"Inertial dampers are at maximum." Liina reported.

"We're looking green here." Cerberus said then muttered, "Can't beat Pioneer Two technology."

"Amazing." Phoenix smiled.

"Think of the possibilities." Jon gasped.

Tylor smiled but he was already calculating the profit he could make selling this technology. As the awe slowly wore off the group began to break up, many going to their assigned quarters. Cerberus remained in engineering to watch his engine. Heidi kicked off her boots and flopped onto the bed in her quarters. They were small and cramped but at least the bed was warm. Sato settled down on the end of the bed and meowed.

"What?" Heidi frowned.

The Mag tilted her head and stared at her.

"Don't look at me like that." Heidi shook her head, "I know I shouldn't have snapped at Lisa like that but, it was like I couldn't help it."

Heidi walked over to the small wall mirror and looked at the bandage still stuck to her neck. She reached up and slowly peeled it off. The wound was all sticky with some sort of goo. Heidi picked up a cloth from the small sink and washed it off. The wound had healed over but the surrounding tissue was still purple and bruised.

"That's very strange." Heidi muttered.

Sato meowed softly.

"You don't like the look of it either huh?" Heidi smiled.

She applied a new bandage then went over and flopped onto the bed. Sato floated over and began to softly rub her head.

"I see why my great grandfather protected you." She smiled, "I'm glad you’re my friend Sato."

Sato meowed happily. Heidi smiled and quickly drifted off to sleep.

Heidi was standing in an open field wearing only her underwear. The grass was cool and wet under her bare feet. A strong wind heavy with the smell of rain blew down from the nearby mountains. Heidi shivered as she looked around. Behind her there was a dense wood forest. Standing at the edge of the forest was a boy dressed in a white robe. His hair was the blackest she had ever seen and he appeared to be around the age of ten.

"Excuse me!" She called.

The boy turned and ducked into the forest.

"No wait!" She yelled and chased after him.

The brush was thick and scratched her skin as she pushed through it. She caught a glimpse of the boy as she ran but she couldn't quite catch him. The bush started to thin out as it turned from lush green to dead twigs. Everything around her was dead and the sky turned dark as a heavy storm moved in. Lightening flashed as the rain started to pour. Heidi had to slow to a march as she shivered from the cold. The boy continued to run around in front of her but she couldn't catch up to him. They entered a clearing containing a circle of eight rectangular stones. They had strange symbols etched on them. A skull sat atop of each one. The boy stopped at the center of the clearing. Heidi stopped at the edge. She wanted to go to the boy but she couldn't move. From the far side of the clearing a skeleton entered from the woods. It was bipedal like a man but its skull was that of a horse. There was a bull's horn on each side of its head. Its arms were twice as long as it's body length with elongated hands on the end. It's legs where shorter and thick as tree trucks. It had canine like feet. To its left a Dulk Falkis appeared. To the right a dark shadowy creature entered. Its base was a creature with three heads. The body appeared to be the head and upper body of a person twisted and mutated which supported an ugly twisted head and spear like arms. On its back sticking up was a fan of long spears. All three creatures were no more than seven feet tall but felt much larger. The boy stood still staring at these creatures. Heidi tried to yell for him to run but she couldn't. Kireek popped up in front of her, his eyes glowing red.

"You lose." He growled.

He glided backwards grabbing the boy then flew into the monsters that melted into black goo. It pulsed rhythmically as it grew then lunged out at Heidi.

She awoke in her cabin screaming. Sato rubbed her leg. She jumped out of bed away from the stunned Mag. She calmed down by taking deep breaths.

"I'm sorry." She said to Sato.

Sato meowed with a tilt of her head.

"A very bad nightmare." Heidi nodded, "Strange that I've never reacted that strongly before."

Sato pawed at the blanket for a moment then floated over to the small computer terminal in the corner. Heidi stepped up and tapped the terminal. She brought up a picture of Dulk Falkis.

"He was there." She said, "We always find these guys in the core of a Hive. The other two I've never seen before. Oh and Kireek was there too, as he always is."

"Sato stuck her little pointed front foot into a side terminal and a picture of the other dark creature appeared. Heidi gasped as she stepped back.

"That's it." She said, "What is that?"

"Dark Falz" appeared on the screen.

"That's the monster Cerberus told me about?" Heidi asked.

Sato meowed.

"There was this skeleton creature too." She said.

Sato removed her foot then meowed with a tilt of her head.

"Don't know huh." Heidi sighed, "It's OK, it was just a dream."

She picked Sato up then headed for the bridge. Phoenix and Tylor were the only ones there. They turned and stared at her.

"What?" She frowned.

"Forgot something?" Tylor smirked pointing at her bare feet.

"Rough night." She shrugged.

"I'll say." Tylor chuckled.

Heidi looked at her reflection in one of the blank computer screens. Her hair was everywhere and the little make up she wore was smudged.

"Oh." She sighed, "So how much longer?"

"Long enough for you to get cleaned up." Tylor grinned.

"Relax, Heidi." Phoenix said "We are still several days away."

"Days." Heidi gasped, "Oh my."

She slowly turned and headed back to her quarters.

Freeze

Jul 18, 2010, 04:48 PM

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

Icebergs emergency rations were starting to run out. They had been hiding in the back of the flyer for five days now. Day one Isis had managed to close the door to the flight cabin without Kireek noticing. This gave them the freedom to move about, stretch their muscles, sleep comfortably, and use the lavatory. Iceberg thought it fortunate that the Illuminus had decided to confiscate only his weapons leaving him the rest of his equipment, monomates, and water rations. They had taken Isis nanotransformer leaving her with nothing. He handed her half a monomate bar and ate the other half.

"How's our supplies." Isis asked softly.

"Water's not a problem." Iceberg said, "The flyer has plenty but the food rations are nearly gone."

"How much longer?"

"I have four bars left." Iceberg replied softly.

"Four days then." Isis sighed.

"If it goes much longer we will not have the strength to apprehend the cast, say nothing for trying to defend ourselves."

"He just had to take an extended range flyer with no food on it." Isis huffed as she nibbled her bar.

"Survival is now our top priority." Iceberg said, "I just wish I knew where we are."

"I doubt we'd know even if someone told us." Isis replied.

"We are a long way from home." Iceberg nodded.

"I wonder why no one developed interstellar technology." Isis replied.

"We have three habitable worlds in our own system." Iceberg shrugged, "Why would we need to go anywhere else?"

"Haven't you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered if anyone else was out there?" Isis frowned slightly.

"Neudaiz was always the predominate object in the Parum Sky." Iceberg said, "Every time I looked up I was reminded of all the different life forms in space. I had no need to wonder if life existed elsewhere. I suppose if there was only a single world here then we might begin to wonder if we're alone in the universe but here in Gurhal we know we are not."

"When I was a little girl on Moatoob, I use to stare up at the night sky and dream about aliens coming down to visit." Isis said softly then smiled, "It usually ended with them taking me away with them so I wouldn't have to live in misery."

"Quite understandable considering your past." Iceberg nodded, "I'm just sorry I didn't find you sooner."

"All that matters is that you did save me." Isis grinned, "My hero."

Iceberg couldn't help but smile back. The flyer began to shudder.

"We're slowing." He said.

"Thank goodness." Isis said climbing to her feet.

The flyer began to shake and buck. The Guardians managed to stay on their feet as the internal temperature began to rise.

"Atmosphere, that's a good sign." Iceberg said.

"Except casts don't need air conditioning." Isis said as sweat began to form on her forehead.

"The air conditioning system should compensate automatically." Iceberg replied.

As if on cue the air began to cool.

"How do you do that?" Isis smirked.

The flyers decent began to slow then stopped with a thump. Iceberg immediately hit the rear hatch button. The ramp descended and he quickly dragged Isis out. They had landed in the middle of a vast open grass field. In the distance directly in front of them stretched a vast snow capped mountain range that vanished into the horizon. Behind them grew a massive green forest with trees stretching high into the sky. Iceberg heard Kireek coming so he quickly headed for the forest.

"Aren't we going to arrest him?" Isis called.

"We can not face him head on." Iceberg replied, "We must pick an opportune moment."

Isis just sighed and continued to chase after her partner.

Kireek stepped off the ramp and looked around then took a sniff of the air.

"Impossible." He growled, "The stench of that system is here too."

He strolled around to the nose of the flyer spotting the retreating Guardians.

"Prey, finally." He chuckled.

The Landeel dropped from light speed then slowly approached the bright blue and green sphere in front of them. It was the only solid planet in this system. The three other planets were gas giants that stood as guardians against any space debris that might threaten the little world. It was close to a fifty percent land to water ratio with two giant land masses separated by ocean. There were no polar caps and no deserts. The only ice and snow was the caps and glaciers on the many mountain ranges that fed the rivers and lakes. Tylor smiled slightly as he gazed at the tiny world. The Guardians slowly began to file on to the bridge with Lisa and Heidi being the last ones.

"Hey Tylor?" Liina said looking up from her board.

"Yes?" Tylor replied.

"I'm readying a flyer on the surface." She reported.

"Are you sure?" Tylor asked.

"Quite sure." Liina nodded.

"Kireek." Cerberus growled, "He beat us here."

"He hasn't won yet." Phoenix grumbled.

"Any signs of the cast Liina?" Jon asked.

"Not around the flyer but the engines are still warm." Liina reported, "They haven't been here too long."

"Tylor, if you would set us down there." Phoenix said.

Tylor nodded.

"Guardians with me." Phoenix ordered then led them off the bridge.

The Landeel set down gently beside the flyer. Heidi waited patiently at the back of the group. Phoenix stood in front with Cerberus at his side. Her father stood behind the two casts. Lisa stood just in front of Heidi gripping her new rifle tightly. Pushan slowly bobbed up and down above her shoulder. Heidi gave Sato a little pat as the door and ramp began to open. The others quickly filed out but Heidi was a little slower as she gazed at an all too familiar mountain range. Her boot crunched down on the dry and browning field grass causing her to pause. The others quickly began to fan out. Cerberus and Jon headed for the flyer while Lisa and Phoenix kept watch. A sudden surge of panic forced Heidi to rush out into the field and around the other side of the ship.

"Oh no." She gasped.

Before her stretched the dense forest from her nightmare. She looked around but there was no dark haired boy. Something drove her forward and she began to run straight for the woods. No one noticed her leave. She pushed through the thick bushes that bordered the edge of the forest then thinned out inside. She took a deep breath then headed inside. It was brighter and warmer here than in her dream with rays of sunlight breaking through various small holes in the canopy. The woods were alive with the sounds of animals scurrying about searching for food or escaping the approach of this new intruder as well as the chirping of insects calling for a mate. It was all quite beautiful with various ferns and wild flowers covering the ground. Heidi should have been enjoying her walk but she couldn't shake the fear that was squeezing her heart. The snapping of a twig caused her to freeze. Sato let out a soft meow.

"Quiet." Heidi whispered, "We could be in danger."

Sato wiggled her tail then bobbed quietly. Heidi nodded then moved ahead slowly. Deeper she went constantly looking for any sign of an attack. The rustling of bushes nearby made her freeze again. She could hear footsteps moving around her. Whoever it was, was circling her. They weren't getting any closer but they weren't moving away either. She slowly reached back and drew her daggers. Slowly she started forward again feeling a little braver now that she was armed. As she passed a large tree she heard the sound of a blaster safety being removed. She froze in mid step.

"Don't move." A deep voice said.

"OK." Heidi replied.

"Relax Iceberg it's just Heidi." A female voice said.

A tall dark skinned human male and a tight tan beast woman stepped out from behind the tree. Heidi let out a sigh of relief as she looked at the too Guardians she had met at the Laia's big meeting. She relaxed and stored her daggers.

"Does this mean the rescue party has arrived?" Isis asked.

"I guess it does." Heidi smiled, "What are you guys doing here?"

"We stole a ride on Kireek's ship." Iceberg replied, "And you?"

"Tylor gave us a ride." Heidi replied, "With the use of Cerberus' star drive."

"We are going to need all the help we can get." Iceberg said.

"Where's Kireek now?" Heidi asked looking around.

"He was following us." Isis replied, "But we haven't seen or heard from him in the last ten minutes."

"We have also lost his trail." Iceberg added.

"You wouldn't happen to have any spare weapons on you?" Isis asked.

"You can borrow my Rudy Bullet." Heidi said retrieving the weapon, "Ever since Cerberus gave me these ancient daggers I haven't had a need to carry anything else."

"Not even wands?" Iceberg frowned, "Aren't you a Newman? Don't you do techs?"

"Let's see, no, yes, and yes." Heidi giggled slightly.

Iceberg frowned heavily at her.

"Care to explain?"

"Do you guys promise to keep this secret?" Heidi asked holding up a finger, "And I mean you can't tell a soul or other wise."

"Alright." Iceberg nodded.

"Of course." Isis grinned.

"I can do techs with out wands or rods." Heidi smiled, "And apparently I'm really good at it too."

"What!" Isis gasped.

"Are you serious?" Iceberg leaned back slightly.

"Totally." Heidi nodded, "I took out almost a whole squad of AMF drone fighters with something Cerberus called Grants."

"Well, I'm glad you're on our side then." Isis smiled squeezing Heidi's shoulder.

"I see why you want this kept a secret." Iceberg said, "You have my word, I will not tell anyone."

"Thanks." Heidi nodded once.

"Where should we try next?" Isis asked.

Heidi closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"This way." She said.

"How do you know that?" Iceberg asked.

"A feeling." Heidi shrugged.

"A feeling." Iceberg crossed his arms, "That's it, a feeling."

"Do you have a better suggestion?" Isis smirked.

Iceberg just growled and shook his head.

"Then we follow her." Isis nodded at the disappearing Newman."

Heidi marched through the forest completely oblivious to the two Guardians that had joined her. Isis continued to ask the odd question but was always greeted with silence. She was beginning to wonder if following this strange little Newman had been such a good idea, then the girl suddenly halted starring down at her feet.

"What is it?" Isis asked approaching from behind.

"A road." Iceberg said stepping past them.

Coming from their left and disappearing into the distance on their right sat a single lane dirt road. The hard gravel dirt and thin wheel marks showed that it was frequently used.

"We're getting close." Heidi said turning to her right.

They continued along the road until it ended with the sights and sounds of a bustling little village. Farm animals scurried between the small wood shacks and barns as small children dressed in white shirts and dark pants and boots, or long neutral coloured dresses and boots tried to catch them. The men all wore similar clothes to that of the boys and the women wore slightly fancier dresses than that worn by the girls. The loud clanging noise of a steel hammer pounding against an anvil rang out from one of the work shops. Several large four legged animals with long hoofed legs, strong backs and heads that looked very similar to the head of the skeleton monster from Heidi's dream were tied to fences or hitched to carts. Their tails made of long hair swished gently from side to side as they tried to shoe away the flies. The three Guardians could only stare at the amazing sight before them.

"Have you ever seen anything like this?" Isis gasped.

"Never." Iceberg shook his head.

"It looks so cute and simple." Heidi smiled.

"I doubt they've seen anything as advanced as us." Iceberg said, "Best to keep our weapons hidden." Iceberg said stowing his gun.

"You better stay out of sight too." Heidi said to Sato.

Sato meowed and floated down behind Heidi's back.

"I don't think that is going to work." Heidi smiled at the Mag.

"I wish I had something better to wear." Isis sighed.

"Let's just hope the sight of you doesn't scare them off." Heidi giggled.

"You either." Iceberg said giving her ear a flick.

"Hey." Heidi frowned.

"They look human so you lead big guy." Isis said.

Iceberg nodded and headed down the small hill and into the village. Everyone froze as the strangers passed by. Mothers quickly pulled their children close. Iceberg spotted a man who looked a little better dressed then everyone else and headed for him. The man stood his ground but was clearly frightened.

"Greetings." Iceberg bowed.

His deep voice seemed to echo throughout town.

"Pl…pl….please don't hurt me." The man quivered.

"I intend you no harm." Iceberg replied.

"If you have come to take me away I beg for your mercy." The man started to shake.

"Huh?" Iceberg frowned.

"Please, I know I have sinned but surely I do not deserve eternal damnation." The man pleaded, "Please show me mercy."

"Sir, please calm down." Iceberg said, "I am not here to take you or anyone else anywhere."

"But, then why do you enter our village accompanied by two demons?" The man frowned.

"I was afraid of this." Heidi muttered.

"Demons?" Iceberg frowned looking back at his friends, "Ah, these are not demons. They are my friends. This is Isis and that is Heidi."

"But that one is clearly the beast guardian of Hades." The man pointed at Isis, "And that one has the pointed ears of the Devils demon minions."

"I assure you we mean you no harm." Iceberg said.

"That is exactly what the Devil wants us to believe." The man pointed harshly, "We welcome you in then when we least expect it you rain death and destruction on us."

"That seems very inefficient." Iceberg replied, "If I was here to destroy you I'd just do it right here, right now."

"Yes but…" The man paused, "You would? But you won't?"

"You have my word." Iceberg smiled.

"How good is your word?" The man frowned.

"My word is my honour." Iceberg bowed.

"Then you are welcome here." The man sighed and smiled, "My name is Mayor James Terrance. This is my village; if you need anything just ask."

"There is one thing." Heidi said stepping forward.

"Yes." The mayor smiled.

"We're looking for someone." She replied.

"What, but you just said…" The mayor stammered.

"It's not what you think." Heidi smiled, "The man we're looking for is a stranger as well. He wears a suit of metal, coloured purple."

"We have not seen him." The mayor shook his head, "Come, you must be hungry from your trip."

"I'll say." Isis smiled.

"We will give you food and drink." The mayor waved to some people in the crowd, "Oh and proper clothing for the ladies."

"Finally." Isis smiled.

"What's wrong with my cloths?" Heidi said looking at herself.

"You enjoy traveling in your undergarments?" The mayor snickered.

"These aren't my underwear…" Heidi started to protest then took a quick look at the women's cloths.

"Oh." She blushed.

"We would be most grateful." Iceberg bowed slightly.

"Wonderful." The mayor clapped, "Follow me."

He lead them down the main street to a large single story log cabin. The floor was filled with rectangular tables. Each table had six chairs surrounding it. There was a long bar at the back of the room where a tall thin bald man stood polishing a ceramic mug. The mayor sat the travelers down at a table near the bar.

"Sam, food and drink for our guests." The mayor called.

The bald man nodded then disappeared in to the back room.

"I will fetch a couple seamstresses for the ladies." The mayor bowed then excused himself.

"OK Heidi, what in the name of the holy light are we doing here?" Isis asked, "Kireek hasn't even been here."

"No but something we need is." Heidi replied, "We just have to find it."

"And what is It anyway?" Isis asked.

"We'll know it when we find it." Heidi shrugged.

"Kireek is all we need." Iceberg growled

"But if we need it, he may need it too." Heidi said, "If so then he will come."

"That's a big If." Isis said.

"And if he doesn't?" Iceberg asked taking a sip from the water glass in front of him.

"Then my father will get him." Heidi smiled.

"I now your father well." Isis said, "He's a very capable Guardian but he's no match for Kireek."

"He's got Cerberus and Phoenix with him." Heidi shrugged.

"That makes things a little more even." Iceberg grumbled.

Sam returned from the back carrying three plates that he placed in front of the Guardians then went back to the bar. Heidi stared down at the plate. There were round slices of some kind of orange root, white fluffy mush and slices of a dark meat. She picked up the metal fork and speared a piece of root then sniffed it. Isis poked at the mush while Iceberg sliced off a piece of meat.

"What do you think it is?" Isis whispered.

Iceberg shrugged staring at the meat. Sam returned and plopped down three mugs full of foamy liquid. Heidi took a deep breath and popped the root in her mouth. A couple of chews and it was gone.

"This is really good." She said popping another piece in her mouth, "It's kind of sweet."

Iceberg tried his meat and actually smiled as he took another piece, then took a swig of the foamy liquid.

"Delicious." He said, "There's not an ale that come close to this in all of Gurhal."

The Guardians quickly cleaned their plates and Iceberg and Isis emptied their mugs. Heidi took a sip then sat the mug down. It was a little too bitter for her and tasted of alcohol. Sam returned and cleared the table without a word. Two women carrying arms full of cloth entered the tavern and rushed over to the Guardians. They sat the pile on the table and ushered the girls out of their chairs. The cloth turned out to be dresses that the women pulled out randomly and held up to the girls searching for the right look and size. They settled on a beige and pink long dress for Isis and a smaller aqua green dress for Heidi. They assisted the girls in putting the dresses on and once Isis was wearing hers, she discreetly discarded her Illuminus rags. The women quickly tied her hair together with a bright red ribbon then tied Heidi's hair into a pony tail. They stepped back to admire the girls then giggled as they congratulated the Guardians on their new look. Iceberg sat staring up at them with a smirk.

"What?" Isis shot.

"Nothing." He chuckled, "You look… very nice."

"At least it's better than those rags." Isis scowled.

"You look very beautiful." Heidi smiled.

"Thank you." Isis bowed.

"If you ladies are finished, we need to start looking for whatever it is that we need." Iceberg grinned climbing from his chair.

Freeze

Jul 25, 2010, 06:36 PM

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

Kireek had started pursuing the stowaway Guardians hungry for their energy, but now found himself headed in the opposite direction. As much as he hungered for their spilt blood and rich souls something much stronger called out to him now. The forest was much older here with many dead trees spread across the forest floor. The remaining live ones were barely that with browning and withered leaves just clinging on to life. At any moment a strong breeze could come along and tear them from their parent and sent tumbling to the floor below. Kireek trudged forward driven by that piece of Dark Falz that remained inside him. The creature had told Kireek that he had freed him in exchange for the alien queen but that had obviously been a lie. Kireek should have known better than to trust a being of darkness but then he had, had little choice. He carefully marched down a small ridge to what were the remains of an ancient space craft. Most of it was long gone or buried beneath earth and plant growth. He pulled away the vines covering the metal hatch then easily pried the door open. Centuries of exposure to the elements had rotted away the door lock and hinges. He slowly stepped inside testing the strength of the floor. When he was satisfied that it would hold him he continued inside drawn to a small room with a black screen that stretched from the floor to the ceiling. Kireek reached out to touch it but he was stopped by a spark that jumped from his finger to the screen. The screen came to life filled with sparkling white light. Kireek instinctively reached out and touched it. His hand passed through it.

"A teleporter." He frowned, "Where did this come from? It's similar to the technology from the ancestral worlds of Algo but looks even more advanced than that which we had on Coral."

Kireek studied the device for a moment and the surrounding room. It provided no answers and there was no obvious control panel. Kireek started to turn to leave, wanting to explore more of the ruins, but his Soul Eater jerked forward toward the screen dragging him with it. He tried to let go but his fingers would not release it. The Soul Eater passed through the screen pulling Kireek in. Everything went instantly dark then slowly his vision returned. He was standing in a vast underground cavern staring up at the skeleton of a giant monster. Its body and legs were short and thick. It's arm and hands were much thinner and nearly twice the length of the body. Its head was that of a horse with two horns grown out of the sides of the skull. Its mouth was still full of massive razor sharp fangs. As he stood there staring up at the creature his Soul Eater began to glow and emit a purple mist. It floated up away from Kireek and toward the creature.

"No!" Kireek gasped.

He could feel the power given to him by Dark Falz and the D-cells slowly leave him. He reached out trying to grab the mist and bring it back but his hand simply passed through it. The last of the energy drifted away leaving him drained and his Soul Eater restored to normal. The mist floated up to the skeleton and began to swirl around it. With each pass more of the energy was absorbed into the bones. Kireek watched as the last of the mist fell into the skull. The eyes sockets began to glow red. The skull slowly turned and looked down at the android. Kireek instinctively stepped back.

"I live again." The creature growled, "Yet I am incomplete. Two parts together, one still lost."

It lifted up its long arms and flexed its fingers before pointing one at Kireek.

"State your name tiny thing." The creature boomed.

"I am Kireek." He replied.

"You are the one that brought this soul fragment to me?" It tilted its head.

"Yes, I suppose I did." Kireek nodded.

"How did you find me?"

"I don't know." Kireek shook his head, "I was dragged through a warp."

He turned and pointed at the screen on the cave wall.

"You came through that?" The creature boomed, its eyes glowing bright.

"Yes." Kireek nodded, "And I was in the middle of a very important hunt."

"You seek the power of life?" The creature asked.

"How do you…" Kireek quickly stopped himself, "I do not know what you're taking about."

"Do not try to deceive me." The creature snapped, "A part of you is part of me now. You came from its hiding place then."

"That is what I was led to believe." Kireek nodded.

"Then you found her?" The creature asked.

"Found who?" Kireek frowned.

"The guardian of the life power." The creature hissed, "The one that did this to me."

"I saw no one on the planet and the spacecraft in which I found the warp was centuries old." Kireek shrugged.

"Centuries?" The creature almost grinned.

"That's right." Kireek nodded.

"Then she is long dead and it is now unguarded." The creature said, "Finally mine for the taking. The tracking tag I placed on her craft worked perfectly. And she thought I didn't know about it, however I was unprepared for the strength of her attack. First I must find my flesh so that I may be one. I must regain my strength. YOU!"

Kireek stepped back again. The creature stretched out a long boney finger and touched the Soul Eater returning it to its twisted red and black form. Kireek sighed as he gazed once more at his chain of slavery.

"This will link us again so you may return here." The creature said, "You are now my servant."

"I am no ones servant." Kireek pointed.

"You've been a servant this long and you will continue to be a servant." The creature growled, "Now return to that world and seek out the life power."

Kireek turned and headed back to the warp.

"Oh I intend too." He muttered as he passed through.

Cerberus and Jon exited the flyer after completing their inspection. Jon was still holding a couple of ration bar wrappers. Phoenix and Lisa went over to hear their findings.

"The engines haven't been shut down for very long." Cerberus said, "Kireek must be around here somewhere."

"On the plus side he had stowaways." Jon said, "Guardian stowaways, we're hoping they've managed to slow him down."

"Let me see those." Phoenix said taking the wrappers from Jon.

He studied the wrappers for a minute then nodded.

"These are not one of the more popular flavours." He said.

"There are popular flavours?" Jon shrugged.

"While most Guardians no longer touch this stuff choosing monomate instead there are still a few who do." Phoenix explained, "Among those the top flavours tend to be fruit mix and roast rappy. This is Koltova and pia fruit."

"Yuck." Jon shuttered.

"Indeed." Phoenix nodded with a smile, "There is only one Guardian I know who still stocks up on this flavour. If I'm right then he's causing Kireek a great deal of grief."

"Who?" Cerberus asked.

"Iceberg." Phoenix replied.

"Guys, where's Heidi?" Jon asked looking around.

"She was right behind me." Lisa said.

"Perhaps she's still aboard the Landeel." Phoenix suggested, "She has been acting strange lately."

Jon quickly tapped his com unit.

"Tylor, is Heidi aboard the ship?"

"No, Liina says she left with you guys." Tylor replied, "Is she missing?"

"Yes." Jon nodded.

"We don't see her from up here." Tylor said, "I suggest you check that forest."

"Thanks Tylor." Jon nodded and released his com, "She's wandered off."

"The forest." Phoenix pointed.

"It's the only place." Jon nodded.

"Then let's go." Cerberus said drawing his rifle.

Heidi left Iceberg and Isis at the town pub and began to wander around the side streets still feeling like she was being drawn to something. Most of the men were out working the small fields that surrounded the village leaving the women to tend to the house work and watch the children. Now that she was dressed like the locals most of the staring and frightened looks had stopped and the most she got now was a quiet nod. She passed a cabin with a young man about her age tending to one of the strange animals hitched to a wagon. Their eyes met as she passed and he actually smiled. Heidi blushed slightly and looked away.

"Is there something you're looking for?" He asked.

"Yes." She replied, "But I'm not sure what it is."

"Then how will you know when you've found it?" He smirked.

"I'll just know I guess." She shrugged.

"You're very strange for a demon." The boy smirked.

"Oh really." Heidi smirked back, "Have you met many."

"If they're all as pretty as you then I wish I had." The boy grinned.

"Aren't you the smooth talker?" Heidi blushed stepping up to the fence then pointed at the beast, "What kind of creature is that?"

"You've never seen a horse before?" The boy asked with amazement.

Heidi shook her head, "We have nothing like it on my planet."

"Oh I see." The boy grinned, "You're an alien not a demon right?"

"That's right." Heidi nodded.

"Really?" The grin drained from his face.

"Really." Heidi nodded, "I come from a planet called Neudaiz in the Gurhal system."

"Wow, a real alien." The boy said, "Do you all have pointed ears?"

"No, some are human like you." Heidi said, "Some, like my friend Isis are beasts, then we have… uh knights in permanent armour."

"They never take their armour off?"

"They can't." Heidi shook her head.

"Amazing." The boy said then stuck his hand out, "I'm Isaac."

"Heidi." She replied shaking his hand.

"So, is this Gurhal system far away?" Isaac asked.

"Yes." Heidi nodded, "We couldn't have got here without the help of some old alien technology."

"More Aliens?" Isaac gasped.

"From another dimension no less." Heidi nodded.

"Wow." Isaac gasped, "And here I was all worried about tending to the crops in the field."

"Don't sell yourself short." Heidi sighed, "You have a very peaceful and simple life. My world is being threatened by an alien virus right now. I'm almost jealous of you here."

"Yes but the things you've seen." Isaac shook his head, "And I'll bet you don't live in a drafty old wood cabin."

"No, my house is a little warmer." Heidi laughed.

"You have a very pretty laugh." Isaac smiled.

"Stop it, you're embarrassing me." Heidi giggled.

"As you wish." Isaac bowed, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Not unless you know anything about a power of life." Heidi shrugged.

The smile drained away from Isaacs face.

"What do you know of that?"

"Ah, nothing really." Heidi stuttered.

She was completely taken by Isaacs's sudden harsh tone.

"Only that we need to find it before a certain evil knight can get his hands on it." Heidi shrugged.

Isaac looked around then bent real close to Heidi.

"Don't go mentioning this to anyone." He said, "If anybody found out you're looking for that, things could turn pretty ugly."

"We only wish to keep it safe." Heidi said.

"I understand but if this is the beginning of the prophecy then we are all in trouble." Isaac sighed.

"You know of that too?" Heidi gasped.

"There is not a person on this planet that doesn't know." Isaac shook his head, "We are the decedents of the original keepers. The story has been passed down from generation to generation. All of it written down from the very origin so the story has never changed. We all became a little concerned when little David was born."

"What's so special about him?" Heidi asked.

"You'd have to see him." Isaac shrugged.

"Is that possible?" Heidi asked.

"I suppose I could take you there." Isaac smiled, "He lives with his mother a little ways away from here. Loners they are, shunned by everyone out of fear. I haven't seen the boy myself but I've heard stories."

"Never put any fact in stories." Heidi said.

"You're right." Isaac nodded, "Besides, the company will be worth any kind risk we might run into."

Heidi blushed, "OK, but don't get any ideas. I can't stay here. Once my mission is done I'm going back to Gurhal."

"Then I shall enjoy the time we have." Isaac grinned.

"Something tells me I'm going to have to keep an eye on you." Heidi smiled.

Isaac grinned then looked around quickly before hopping over the fence. He took her hand and led her down a side street and out of town. The road ran along the edge of the forest gradually inclining up the gentle sloping hill. Heidi could feel Isaac staring at her as they walked and though he was quite handsome, she found herself staring more at the scenery and the strange animals than at him. Occasionally she'd look over at him and smile. He'd smile back as his face turned red then he'd quickly turn away.

"Good one Heidi." She thought, "Its bad enough your girlish charms have all the boys in Gurhal following you around, now you had to go and make a poor boy from another planet fall for you."

She looked at him again. He blushed and quickly looked away.

"Great, he's got it bad too." She sighed.

"What?" Isaac asked.

"Nothing." Heidi quipped then thought, "Brilliant, now he thinks your crazy. He is pretty cute. So why don't I feel anything? I know we can't start anything but I should feel something. I should be attracted to him."

Heidi reached up and touched the bandage on her neck. The path narrowed slightly and as it reached the top of the hill it turned into the forest. The walk down the other side was much easier ending with a small wooden cottage hidden away in the trees. Small puffs of grey smoke gently rose up out of the small stone chimney. Everything was eerily quiet. The single chirp from a small bird hidden in the tree tops actually made Heidi jump.

"My, you're edgy." Isaac grinned.

"Sorry." Heidi shrugged, "This place kind of has me on edge."

"It does that to most people." Isaac said.

"But it shouldn't." Heidi shook her head, "It's very peaceful and beautiful here."

"Yet even the animals steer clear of this place." Isaac pointed, "I swear there are supernatural powers at work here."

"Supernatural." Heidi frowned, "Come now, you're much to smart to believe in nonsense like that."

"I don't know." Isaac shook his head, "I've seen things. Things I couldn't explain. Things that could only be accomplished by the other worlds, I swear."

"Unexplained things are just things that haven't been explained yet." Heidi shrugged.

"Ok." Isaac frowned.

"Long ago we use to think things like techniques and prophecy were things caused by supernatural or unholy powers." Heidi explained, "We later learned that it was all caused by photon energy. It was all scientific. There are still people who worship this Holy Light but it's all been explained."

"Does your science explain ghosts and spirits?" Isaac said, "Does it explain ones soul?"

"Ah, no." Heidi said shaking her head, "It doesn't look like anyone is around."

"Mrs Jacobs is probably out looking for food and water." Isaac said, "Little David could
be anywhere. He's like a shadow in these woods."

"Hello!" Heidi called.

"What are you doing?" Isaac gasped.

"We want them to know we're here, remember?" Heidi shrugged.

Isaac remained behind; wanting to follow his new friend but fearing the stories he had been told.

Heidi, not ever hearing any of the stories, casually strolled up to the wooden door and gently but firmly rapped her knuckles against its surface. She paused and when no one responded she knocked again. There was still no response so she gently turned the knob and gave the door a push. It opened onto a small living space with a small wood burning stove, a table and two chairs, and a wood counter top with a wash basin set into it. Heidi stepped inside slowly looking around at everything.

"Hello!" She called, "Is anyone here?"

No one replied so she continued her search. A door at the back of the room opened onto a small bedroom that contained two cots and nothing more. Heidi shrugged and closed the door. She started to turn and nearly jumped when she saw Isaac standing behind her.

"We should go." Isaac shook, "There's no telling when she'll return."

"Who?" Heidi frowned, "The mom?"

Isaac nodded.

"Why are you suddenly so frightened?" Heidi frowned.

"I never expected to be in the witch's house." Isaac replied, "Seeing it from a distance, no problem, but is she catches us here she could make us disappear just like her husband."

"Oh please." Heidi sighed and turned away, "I'm more dangerous than anything here."

"Not more than a witch." Isaac pointed, "And her demonic child."

Heidi ignored it. She continued to look through the personal items on the table, not sure of what she was looking for. She stumbled on a gold medallion hiding under a book. She picked it up and turned it over. There were three small circles placed in a triangle connected by a large double ring. There was a center ring with writing around it. More writing was scribed into the double ring. Heidi stared at it for a moment. She had seen this symbol before although the writing on this one was different. She couldn't read it. Sato let out a soft meow from under her dress.

"What was that?" Isaac asked looking around.

"I didn't hear anything." Heidi said quickly as she smacked her dress.

"Huh." Isaac shrugged, "What do you have there?"

"I've seen this symbol before." Heidi said handing him the medallion.

"What does it mean?" He frowned.

"I don't know but I don't think it comes from our universe." Heidi replied.

"What?" Isaac frowned not quite grasping the concept.

"I learned not long ago that there are other universes out there." Heidi said, "Separated from ours, existing just as we do. Apparently there are certain places out in space where doorways exist allowing someone to enter another universe just as we enter another room. A friend of mine comes from one of these universes. I think this medal does too."

"How many universes are there?" Isaac gasped, "Are there other us's too?"

"I don't know." Heidi shrugged with a smile, "It's all a little above me."

"If it's a little above you then it must be miles above me." Isaac sighed.

"Not really." Heidi shook her head, "You're handling it quite well. Remember you don't have to be technologically advanced to be smart."

"What are you doing here?" A voice barked.

Heidi spun to find a woman holding an axe standing in the doorway. She had long chocolate brown hair, slightly tanned skin, and dark brown eyes. She wore a dress similar to Heidi's but much more worn and faded. She gasped as she gazed upon the Newman.

"Demon!" She cried and charged forward.

Isaac stepped in front of Heidi stopping the woman.

"I believe your son is the demon not this girl." He said.

"Are you mad?" The woman gasped, "Just look at those demon ears. She comes from the devil I tell you."

"I'm not a demon." Heidi said, "I'm an alien, from outer space."

"Is that supposed to be better?" The woman growled.

Heidi then remembered where she had seen the symbol. She quickly pulled one of her S-red Daggers from her nanotransformer and stared down at the hilt. Sure enough the same symbol was stamped there, only the writing was different.

"Woh, where did that come from?" Isaac gasped.

"Before you kill me look at this." Heidi said tossing the dagger at the woman's feet.

She slowly bent down to pick the object up never taking her eyes off of the young pair. Slowly she looked down at the hilt. Her eyes went wide at she spied the symbol.

"Where did you get this?" She gasped.

"From a friend." Heidi said, "We are looking for…"

"I know what you seek." The woman snapped cutting Heidi off, "But you'll never find it. I won't let you."

"I don't want it." Heidi replied, "I'm here to keep someone else from getting it."

"That's right." Isaac nodded, "A knight in purple armour, right?"

"When did you hear that?" Heidi frowned.

"Just try to keep a secret in our town." Isaac replied.

"What about the others?" The woman growled, "The tall man, the male and female demons, also the two knights in red and their small squire in white."

Heidi had to think for a moment before responding.

"Those are my friends." She said, "We're all here to stop the purple knight."

"He must be a very powerful warrior to require such a force." The woman said lowering her axe.

"He possesses a power given to him by the devil." Heidi replied deciding to give in to their folklore.

"Really?" Isaac gasped.

"Yes." Heidi sighed, "He has super human speed and strength. His thirst for death and destruction is unquenchable. We have faced him a couple times and failed."

Heidi reached up and touched the bandage on her neck.

"What makes you think you can stop him now?" The woman frowned.

"Something drew me to this village." Heidi replied, "Something in my very soul told me the answer is here."

The woman handed back the dagger hilt then gestured to the chairs where they each took a seat.

"My name is Annette." The woman said, "What I am about to tell you may sound very strange. I am of mixed blood. Not race mind you but species. My ancestral mother came to this place long ago with a few Earthlings. Here they established a small community with the sole purpose of keeping it hidden. My family story says that she and everyone on this world came from another place, another universe."

"Yes, I too can trace my blood line back to this other universe." Heidi nodded.

"Then that is how you knew to come here." Annette said, "Then you must also know of Profound Darkness."

"What?" Heidi frowned.

"A being of pure evil." Annette said, "Once imprisoned on a burnt out world he escaped and came to our world searching for it. He destroyed the planet before he was divided into three parts and cast throughout the universe. One part flesh, one of bone, and one of soul."

"Dark Falz." Heidi muttered.

"What was that?" Annette asked.

"My friend Cerberus told me of a dark entity buried in an ancient space craft they found on a planet." Heidi explained, "It absorbed all the people in the colony then used a poor young woman to create a new body. It was in this space craft they found a map to this universe."

"It must be the creature's soul." Annette said, "Where is this entity now?"

"From my understanding it was turned to flesh and destroyed." Heidi said.

"How?" Isaac gasped.

"I don't know." Heidi shrugged, "Cerberus never had time to go into it but he did mention that the purple knight received his power from this entity."

"Then the soul is already here." Annette gasped standing up.

"But if the other parts are somewhere else." Heidi started.

"If the soul is free then it will be drawn to its other parts." Annette said, "If the knight is here then his other parts are here too, or at least access to them."

"Is it possible the other parts came through the same door you did?" Isaac asked.

"Anything is possible." Annette said, "When David was born I knew this day was coming but I had hoped it would take longer."

"I still don't understand." Isaac said.

"Neither do I." Heidi shook her head.

"We must find David." Annette said, "He is in great danger."

Freeze

Aug 2, 2010, 04:59 PM

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

Kireek found himself a minion to a more powerful being once again and this irritated him to no end. He had become used to searching for his own goals and had even learned to tune out the nagging voice in his head. This power of life was supposed to be his and not someone else's. He could already feel this creatures influence over him, directing him, controlling him. Worse yet now this creature knew where this planet was and Kireek could feel it trying to reach out. It would find a way here, Kireek knew this all too well and it actually frightened him. He entered a small dirt road and began to follow it down a hill. It gently curved left and behind some thick brush. He could hear voices farther ahead. Voices he knew very well.

"Cerberus." He growled.

The android and his party were moving away. An ambush from behind would easily take out the others but the RAcast still possessed Deepfreeze's sword. The counter part to Kireek's Soul Eater. Forged from the same piece of metal and charged with the same photon generator the Spirit Guard was the only weapon that could destroy him and his Soul Eater. The photon generator had overloaded during the charging process giving the Soul Eater its viral properties and which linked the two weapons together. Thanks to Dark Falz not only did the Soul Eater feed off of Kireek's soul it also bonded to it so now for either of them to die, both must be destroyed. It was a life insurance policy that Kireek quite enjoyed.

"Attacking the others would give Cerberus too much of an opportunity to attack." A voice in his head said.

It was bad enough he had to listen to Dark Falz all these years, now he had to listen to this being.

"Fool!" The voice screamed, "Same voice, just two parts complete."

"Don't try to deceive me creature." Kireek replied, "I know as well as you that soul is not yours. You're just using it like you use me."

"Silence and obey me."

"Didn't expect this link did you?" Kireek grinned, "I know you. The physical energy of your soul is lost but its essence remains with your bones. Who do you plan on using for your skin?"

"Your link is not as perfect as you think." It snapped, "This soul may not be my original but it is a spawn of my soul. Now be silent or the others will hear you."

"Why do you fear them?" Kireek frowned, "I don't even fear them."

"I know what that android has done in the past." The creature growled, "I can not afford to let him interfere. I am too close to completing my plans. Too close to becoming whole again."

"There you are!" Another voice said.

Kireek looked down the road and glared at the red RAcast pointing at him. His three friends were backing him up.

"Yes, here I am." Kireek growled, "I ought to finish you here and now."

"What's stopping you?" Cerberus smirked.

Phoenix took a step forward ready to charge but Cerberus pulled him back.

"Not yet." He said softly.

"Short answer, IT." Kireek replied then thought, "That should throw him off a bit."

"What!" Cerberus gasped, "That's impossible Rico and Flowen's spirits destroyed Falz."

"He is the immortal evil, he can not be destroyed." Kireek waved, "A piece of him always survives. Fused to me and my Soul Eater. He has found a new host and soon he will be restored and will rain death down on you."

"Then we will have to destroy you!" Phoenix yelled.

"You are too late cast." Kireek grinned, "I expect nothing less than complete failure from such an inferior model."

"Inferior!" Phoenix cried, "I am far more advanced than you. You are nothing more than scrap and I will help you get there."

Phoenix charged forward before Cerberus could stop him.

"Blast." Cerberus grumbled.

He ran after the cast as Lisa and Jon took positions on his sides. Kireek blocked Phoenix knuckles then took a swipe with the scythe catching Phoenix in the arm. His line shield deflected the shot.

"What!" Kireek gasped.

"Lost a little power huh?" Phoenix grinned.

He drove forward for another attack. Kireek did his best to block but the fury of slashing and rapid jabs from Phoenix photon art cut into Kireek's armour driving the android back.

"You will pay for that!" Kireek said clutching his chest.

"You have nothing left." Phoenix grinned.

Cerberus, Lisa, and Jon circled around surrounding the android.

"Give up Kireek." Cerberus said, "You've lost."

"DON"T LET THEM CATCH YOU!" The voice screamed.

Kireek cried out and launched himself at Lisa knocking her on her back. He leaped off of her and ran into the forest. Lisa quickly twisted to her belly and fired. The shot caught Kireek in the side causing him to stumble before he disappeared into the woods.

"He still got his speed." Jon said helping Lisa up.

"Yes but did you see how my line shield repelled his attack?" Phoenix mumbled.

"He should have sliced right through your arm." Cerberus nodded.

"Perhaps the Spirit Guard is no longer required to kill him." Lisa said stowing her gun.

"He's still bonded to the Soul Eater." Cerberus shook his head, "He'll still keep coming back it's just easier to hack him up now."

"Enough talk." Phoenix barked, "We need to follow him."

"No, we need to find Heidi." Jon pointed, "If she's out there by herself with that crazed cast running around…"

"Alright." Cerberus nodded, "Phoenix, take Lisa and go after Kireek. Jon and I will try to
find Heidi."

Phoenix nodded then looked down at the little android.

"Are you a capable warrior?"

Lisa drew her L&K 14 Combat mechguns and calked each one for show.

"More than you are." She smirked.

"We shall see." Phoenix grinned and took off into the woods.

Cerberus turned around and stared at the road they had been following.

"My scanners don't detect any additional life forms around but there must be some." He said, "This road has recently been used."

"Then we continue to follow it." Jon said and headed down the hill.

The road lead them to a small village bustling with activity. Shops were lined up on both sides of the road. Homes and farms were built up on side streets and surrounding fields. The new comers drew a few stares but little else.

"Strange reaction." Jon said.

"Yes, we should be drawing much more attention."

A tall man wearing a long blue coat and AMF pants and boots exited the local bar followed by a beast woman wearing a local dress.

"I don't believe it." Jon said, "There's our answer."

"Iceberg!" Cerberus called.

The man waved and casually strolled over to the two Guardians.

"Jonathan Kimble." Iceberg smiled, "It is a pleasure to see you here. You as well Cerberus."

"Jonathan?" Cerberus asked softly.

"It's good to see you." Jon smiled ignoring Cerberus, "And Isis, what are you wearing?"

"The locals didn't approve of my wardrobe." Isis grinned with a shrug, "Can't say I blamed them."

"What?" Jon frowned.

"Long story." Isis waved, "Anyway they didn't like our modern look so they gave Heidi and me this nice dress."

"Heidi, she's here?" Jon asked quickly.

"Somewhere." Isis nodded, "She's out questioning the locals. Said something about finding the key here. That's a very odd daughter you have."

"She hasn't been acting herself lately." Jon sighed.

"We need to find her quickly." Cerberus said.

"You think she's in trouble?" Isis asked.

"If she feels the key here then so will Kireek." Cerberus nodded.

"We should see if the locals have seen her then." Iceberg said then turned and walked off.

The others quickly split up leaving Jon standing by the saloon entrance. He stood standing there deep in thought then slapped himself in the forehead.

"The com unit." He said and tapped his ear piece.

"David honey!" Annette called, "Where are you?"

There was no response.

"Come out sweetie." Annette called out, "Mommy promises these people won't hurt you."

"Really?" A boy's voice replied.

"Have I ever lied to you before?" Annette asked.

"No." The boy sighed.

A young boy about the age of ten stepped out from behind a large tree. He was dressed in a similar white shirt and brown trousers that Isaac wore but they were much dirtier. His skin was pale white and a direct contrast to his short black hair that seemed to absorb light itself. Heidi gasped as his gaze moved from Isaac to lock eyes with her. His eyes were completely white except for the tiny black dot that was his pupil. Set against the white of his eyes were latterly small flames waving and flickering just as any fire would as it licked away at its fuel.

"I don't believe it." Isaac gasped, "What does your science say about that?"

Heidi couldn't reply. The boy moved forward never breaking his gaze with Heidi until he stopped right in front of her.

"I felt you coming." He said.

"How, why?" Heidi squeaked out.

"You and I are connected." The boy said sounding much older, "We are counter beings, opposites. We feel the same evil."

"Even now he is searching." Heidi said in an almost trance like state.

"His servant is getting close." David said.

"The purple knight?" Isaac asked.

"That's right." David nodded, "He does not know, but he is actually looking for me."

"Wait, I thought he was looking for the life power." Isaac frowned.

"He is, but to find it he must find me first." David sighed, "And his servant shall lead him right here."

He looked up at Heidi and frowned.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Heidi frowned, "Oh no, not me. I came here to protect you and the life power."

"If you say so." David replied and turned away.

"I'm a Guardian and my mission is to stop the knight from finding you." Heidi frowned.

"Impossible, the Black Hound will find his prey and then the darkness will rise again." David said, "Even now he grows in strength. He only needs to find his flesh."

David sniffed the air around him stopping at Heidi.

"You smell of his flesh." David said, "You have done battle with it. Your clothing underneath that dress is soaked with his scent."

"But what could that be." Heidi frowned, "The only threat to the Gurhal system right now
is the Seed."

"The Seed?" Isaac frowned.

"I smell another evil." David said, "Similar to his flesh but different. What else are you hiding under your dress?"

"David!" Annette snapped.

"Secret is out." Heidi sighed, "Come on out Sato."

The little blue fox crawled out from under her dress and took her position above Heidi's shoulder.

"Everyone, this is my good friend Sato." Heidi smiled.

"What is that thing?" Isaac gasped stepping back.

"Sato is a Mag, a living machine." Heidi said.

"Infused with evil." David said stepping back.

"Oh no, Sato isn't bad." Heidi waved her hand, "She's really quite sweet."

"And this Seed?" Annette asked.

"That is evil." Heidi said, "They drop giant seed pods down on our planets that spread spores all over the landing site. It infects plants and animals, changing them. At first people appeared to be immune but it eventually started infecting us as well. It mutates them into these twisted violent creatures."

"What did you do?" Isaac gasped.

"At first all we could do was kill and purify the creatures but now we have a vaccine that so far restores them back."

Heidi's com link started to beep causing Annette and Isaac to step back. David didn't budge. Heidi reached up to her ear and tapped her communicator.

"Yes." She said.

"Heidi, thank goodness." Her father replied, "Where are you?'

"Geese Dad you've got to stop fussing over me." Heidi grumbled, "I'm a big girl now and can take care of my self."

"I'm sorry but I am your father." Jon replied, "It's my job. Now where are you?"

"Fine." Heidi grumbled, "I'm at a small cabin just outside of a village I found."

"I'm at that village now." Jon said.

"Is Cerberus with you?" Heidi asked.

"He's around here somewhere." Jon said.

"Tell him I found the key and we'll be back shortly." Heidi said and cut the com then grumbled, "He's probably been fussing over me too."

The others remained silent and stared at her.

"What!" Heidi snapped, "I am a full grown woman capable of taking care of my self."

She paused for a moment then took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry guys." She said, "I didn't mean that. I just haven't been feeling myself lately."

David nodded with a frown then turned and headed for the village. The others fell in behind him with his mother staying close to his side.

"Are you alright?" Isaac asked softly.

"I think so." Heidi nodded, "This seems to be happening more and more lately. I don't have a temper but now it seems like the smallest things will set me off. I don't like it."

"If there's anything I can do?" Isaac started.

"Thanks but there isn't." Heidi sighed, "Except bare with me and remember that I don't mean any of it."

"Deal." Isaac nodded.

David suddenly stopped and looked around.

"David, are you all right?" Annette asked.

"Mom, where are we going?" David asked.

Heidi leaned over to Isaac and whispered, "The child is back."

"What?" Isaac frowned.

"Just watch." Heidi nodded.

"To the village to get help." Annette said.

"No!" David cried and started to run back to the house.

"Woh there big guy." Isaac said as he grabbed David's arm.

"No don't take me there." David struggled to get free.

"Remember we are not welcome at the village and the villagers were not exactly nice to us." Annette said.

"A witch and a demon." Isaac sighed, "I remember."

"You do not seem afraid. Annette said.

"I admit Ma'am that when I first came I was." Isaac said holding David tight, "Now that I've met you I see those stories are false. While I can not explain the boys strange appearance I do know you are not evil."

"I can protect you from the villagers but I can not protect you from the purple knight." Heidi said kneeling down to David, "My friends are in the village and they can help me to keep you safe."

"Those people are mean!" David glared, "I won't go there."

"They won't hurt you with me around." Heidi smiled, "Sato here won't let them hurt you either."

Sato gave out a happy meow.

"Why does your fox meow like a cat?" David frowned.

"She's a very confused fox." Heidi shrugged. "So, what do you say? Come with me to the village. It's much safer there."

"You promise they won't hurt me or my mom." David frowned.

"Cross my heart." Heidi smiled holding out her hand.

"Ok." David nodded taking her hand then smiled, "You're very pretty."

"And you are a very handsome young man." Heidi grinned.

She stood up and started for the village. David looked at Isaac and stuck out his tongue at him as Heidi led him away. Isaac raised his eyebrows then frowned at the boy taking up a position in the rear. Annette fell in beside Isaac and watched Heidi until they had made it half way back to the village before whispering to Isaac.

"She's a remarkable young woman."

"Ya, she's something else." Isaac nodded, "She's very pretty but there's something about her that goes beyond physical beauty. She's almost magnetic."

"Normally I'd blame it on you but the way David has taken to her forces me to agree with you." Annette replied, "He's usually very weary of strangers and actually I've never seen him warm up to anyone before."

David had started chatting away with Heidi shortly after they had left and now he was in full story mode exchanging fables and questions with her. Isaac watched for a moment then chuckled softly.

"I remember my first crush. I wasn't much older."

"What?" Annette gasped.

"Don't tell me you never had a crush on a boy." Isaac said.

"Of course I did but David is much too little." Annette said.

"I hate to be the barer of bad new, but your little boy is growing up." Isaac smiled.

"I know." Annette sighed, "I just hoped it would take longer."

"Ha, ha, ha, my mom said the same thing." Isaac chuckled.

"But she's so much older, is that normal?" Annette asked.

"Didn't you ever have a crush on a teacher when you were young?" Isaac asked.

"No, though my best friend did." Annette sighed.

"There you go." Isaac smiled, "Crushes don't mean anything. He just needs to meet some kids his own age. Then Heidi will be just a forgotten memory."

"I wish that were true, but the villagers fear and David's strange appearance will prevent that from happening." Annette shook her head.

"Don't be so sure." Isaac said, "If the villagers can accept Heidi and her friends then they'll be able to accept you too."

"I hope you're right." Annette tried to smile.

They entered the village from the same road they had departed from. Heidi led them down a side road heading for the main street. Up ahead Iceberg was taking to a local woman.

"Iceberg!" Heidi waved.

She felt David's hand tense up.

"It's OK, he's my friend." She said.

Iceberg nodded to the woman then walked over to the group. Heidi could see the fear wash over the woman as she spotted David and his mother. She quickly ran inside slamming the door shut. Iceberg stopped and looked down at the boy. David slunk in behind Heidi peering out from behind her dress.

"Who is your new boyfriend?" Iceberg asked.

His deep booming voice scared David back behind the dress. Sato chirped out a meow.

"His name is David." Heidi said, "He's what we came here for."

Iceberg raised an eyebrow as he glared down at the boy then frowned at Heidi.

"I know it sounds strange but it's true." She said.

"And the purple knight will be looking for him." Isaac said.

"Purple knight?" Iceberg asked.

"Kireek." Heidi said softly.

"Ah." Iceberg nodded, "Then come along young man. There are others looking forward to meeting you."

He turned and headed for the main road. Heidi started to follow but stopped when David grabbed her hand. She looked back and saw tears welling up.

"Hey." She said softly, "Remember my promise."

He nodded but still didn't move.

"Don't be scared of Iceberg." Heidi smiled, "He's very nice. He only looks big and scary to frighten the bad guys."

David nodded and allowed her to lead him to the main road. Jon and Isis were waiting in front of the saloon. All activity stopped as David and Annette stepped out. Whispers quickly spread as everyone watched the group. The mayor dropped what he was doing and reluctantly crept over to the group.

"What are you doing?" He asked keeping his head down.

"Annette and her son are in danger." Heidi said, "We brought them here to protect them."

"In danger?" The mayor scowled, "They are the danger."

"Don't be ridiculous old man." Annette growled.

"These two are not to be feared." Heidi said.

"They are not witches or demons." Isaac added.

"The purple knight is the only danger." Heidi said, "And he will be coming for the boy."

"Then let evil have its child." The mayor spat.

"My son is not a demon!" Annette cried.

"Be silent witch." The mayor snapped, "You are lucky we let you live."

Heidi lunged forward grabbing the mayor by the collar and slammed him up against one of the pillars supporting the saloon awning.

"She is not a witch." She growled, "Now you listen, and listen carefully. That boy is the key to our salvation. If the purple knight gets his hands on him, you and all of your ignorant followers will be wiped off the face of this planet and every life form in the universe will fall to its evil. That boy has never done a single thing to you but you cast him away just because you didn't understand. He's just a little different like me so start showing a little respect."

"I was right." The mayor sneered, "You are a demon."

Heidi cried out and drilled the mayor in the face with a full fisted punch. The mayor dropped like a rock. It didn't knock him out but he was stunned.

"Heidi!" Jon gasped.

"I'm sorry; I don't know what came over me." She said.

Her hands were still shaking.

"These outbursts of yours are getting worse." Cerberus said, "I'm starting to get worried."

"Why is everyone always worrying about me?" Heidi started to yell then froze.

A cold chill washed over her. She slowly turned and looked down the main road to the forest. Up on the hill glaring down at them stood Kireek.

Freeze

Aug 8, 2010, 05:35 PM

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

Kireek looked the small group over with contempt. He had worked hard to lose the other two only to run into more. His gaze shifted to the black haired boy standing by his mother.

"No, it can't be!" The voice in his head gasped.

"It's a human child." Kireek said, "He is no threat."

"Fool, he is no normal child." The voice growled, "He is the controller."

"What are you blabbering about?" Kireek grumbled.

"That child can open the power and control it." The voice said, "He is the only one who can. It was his ancestor that split me and cast me out among the stars. Without him the power source is useless."

"Are you telling me that if I found this power it would be useless to me?" Kireek growled.

"What, you thought you were going to be able to use it." The voice chuckled, "You are a fool."

"So how do you intend to use it?" Kireek frowned.

"You should be familiar with the properties of my soul." The voice sneered.

"Dark Falz." Kireek growled, "You intend to absorb him."

"I had hoped to do it while he was an infant." The voice said, "You were late."

"I did not realize I was working on your schedule." Kireek growled.

"You have always been on my schedule." The voice said.

"No, I was controlled by Falz." Kireek said, "You are not Falz."

"I am greater than Falz. Falz was me." The voice screamed causing Kireek a great deal of pain, "Now bring me that child alive!"

"I shall obey." Kireek said clutching his head.

"Now that is weird." Isis said, "What do you think his problem is?"

"It appears he is under someone's control." Cerberus said, "Last time I saw him act like that was back on Ragol."

"Think he was telling the truth about Dark Falz being alive?" Jon asked.

"I'm starting to lean that way." Cerberus nodded.

"It is far worse than that." David said sounding older again, "The Dark One is awake and he is reaching out for our world."

"What!" Annette gasped, "Are you sure?"

"Yes mother." David nodded, "I see the Dark Ones aura around the purple knight."

"How do you know it's the Dark One?" Iceberg asked, "Have you seen it before?"

"I have never seen it yet I know it." David said.

"A genetic tag." Heidi said still staring at Kireek.

Cerberus looked down at her and noticed her eyes had changed again.

"It is in his blood just as it's in mine. I passed all my experience and memories down to my children."

"Heidi?" Jon said slowly.

"It's happening again." Cerberus replied.

"I spent my life fighting to prevent this and yet here we are watching it happen anyway." Heidi said, "We have to stop this now."

She pulled off the dress and drew her daggers.

"Heidi?" Cerberus said grabbing her shoulder, "What are you doing?"

"No Cerberus, it's me and I'm doing what I always do." Heidi replied.

"Amanda." Cerberus said softly.

"Who else?" Heidi replied.

"This isn't right." Cerberus shook his head, "You can't take over your granddaughter like this."

"What are you taking about?" Heidi frowned.

"Don't you remember the reflection in the lake?" Cerberus asked.

"I also remember someone stunning me." Heidi glared at Sato.

The Mag back away and sat behind Cerberus' shoulder.

"You hurt Heidi when you do this." Cerberus said.

"The fate of the universe is more important than this." Heidi said, "Deepfreeze understood, heck he practiced it."

"But he wasn't willing to sacrifice someone else for this." Cerberus released her shoulder, "If you were really Amanda you wouldn't be doing this. Please give us Heidi back before we lose her completely."

"She has her own battle to fight right now." Heidi said, "She can't handle that and Kireek."

"What are you talking about?" Jon frowned.

"Will someone please tell me what's going on here?" Iceberg frowned.

"Not now Mr. Iceberg." Heidi said as she watched Kireek charge down the hill.

"Oh great." Cerberus said drawing his sword.

Iceberg took position beside him as Jon drew his rod. Isis quickly ushered everyone into the Saloon. Heidi stood ready lightly bouncing on her toes ready to strike.

"Isis!" Cerberus called, "Try to contact Phoenix and Lisa. We are going to need them."

Isis nodded then pointed behind him. Cerberus turned to see Heidi bolt ahead charging for the android. Sato meowed softly.

"I know, she's going to get us all killed." Cerberus grumbled.

Kireek ducked a Foie blast from Jon then sidestepped Heidi's attack drilling the butt of the Soul Eater into her stomach knocking her down. He chopped down at her but she rolled out of the way springing to her feet.

"You fight like your grandmother." Kireek sneered.

"More than you know." Heidi replied.

"Amanda, so you left your granddaughter to deal with the other me." Kireek grinned.

"And we're both going to kick your butt." Heidi grinned.

"I think not." Kireek smiled and ducked just as a Foie ball flashed over his head.

He raised his Soul Eater to strike but a series of shots knocked him off balance. He regained his balance only to block an attack from Cerberus. The two weapons collided in a shower of sparks. The Spirit Guard left a small knick in the shaft of the Soul Eater. Kireek laughed and whipped out a leg kicking a charging Heidi. The impact sent her on her back.

"You hunters are still just as pathetic as ever." Kireek sneered.

Heidi sprang forward driving a dagger into his side. Kireek yelled more out of anger than pain, pushed Cerberus back and swung at Heidi. She tried to fall back but the Soul Eater caught the side of her arm giving her a nasty cut. Heidi regained her footing as Cerberus attacked again. Kireek blocked with his Soul Eater then spotted Heidi charging at him. He got his left arm up just in time to block her. He jabbed his foot at Cerberus' knee knocked the big android off balance then swung at Heidi forcing her to jump back. He turned to attack Cerberus only to be pounded by a series of gun shots followed by a massive technique explosion. Kireek was slow to climb to his feet. Heidi charged forward swinging in a series of dagger strikes. Kireek blocked most of them but a few got through chipping away at his armour. He made a final block then ducked and swept the girls feet out. He tried to chop the girl in half but Cerberus blocked with his sword. Kireek quickly drew a confuse trap and threw it in Cerberus' face. It exploded in a purple mist. Cerberus' systems went crazy. Kireek swung up to chop him down when a ball of molten lava slammed into him. He was blasted back landing on his back. He slowly climbed to his feet only to be knocked down by Heidi's shoulder check. He sprang to his feet and chopped at the girl. She blocked with her left dagger and drove her right in. Kireek knocked it away but Heidi followed her momentum, releasing the Soul Eater and ended up behind the android. She swung back feeling her weapon sink into metal. Kireek roared and spun around swinging his weapon. The shaft caught Heidi knocking her down. Kireek turned to glare at her with anger.

"I know Amanda and you are not Amanda." Kireek spat.

Several shots slammed into his chest. He growled and charged at Iceberg. The ranger continued to fire but Kireek dodged every shot. He slammed the end of the Soul Eater into Iceberg's chest knocking him to the ground. Kireek swung to chop the man but Cerberus blocked with his sword.

"You are starting to annoy me." Kireek growled.

Cerberus started to reply but Jon clubbed the android in the head with his rod. The android slumped to the ground but quickly recovered. Heidi charged in swinging her daggers in a quick series of jabs. Kireek blocked but she didn't give him an opportunity to counter attack. A pink light formed around her as she suddenly whipped around him slicing at his armour then an upper slice knocked him back as she rose up into the air. Her daggers spun free of her hands then sliced with a downwards left to right attack. It pierced Kireek's armour and severed a few circuits.

"Retreat!" The voice boomed.

Kireek growled clutching his chest but did not argue. He turned and ran for the forest. Heidi stood frozen as though she had been stunned.

She was back in the field. The ships were gone and the sky was cloudy. A white haired Newman woman stood in front of her. She was dressed in the same green uniform that had been stored in Jon's chest. The woman was smiling at Heidi.

"What was that just now?" The woman asked.

"It's called a photon art." Heidi said, "We learn them in the Guardians."

"Works pretty good with my old daggers."

"Ya I guess they do." Heidi smiled.

"It's very impressive." Amanda nodded.

"It's one of many skills I learned." Heidi said, "Please Grandma, let me be me. I thank you for the experience you've given me but I really need to be me. I can finish what you started. Trust me."

"I think you are right." Amanda nodded, "Cerberus was right though, if I really was the real Amanda I never would have done this. My job was to lead you here not to take over. I am sorry. I shall leave you my wisdom and I'll take care of that piece of Kireek that has haunted you for so long."

"Thank you Grandma." Heidi smiled.

"Just don't let your guard down." Amanda said, "There is something else in here besides the shadow of Kireek and it's trying to take over."

"So you feel it too?" Heidi gasped.

"Yes, it's the work of the Soul Eater." Amanda nodded, "I can't help you with that."

"I'll be ready." Heidi nodded.

"That's my girl." Amanda smiled and slowly vanished.

A tap on her shoulder brought Heidi back to the village.

"Amanda, are you alright?" Cerberus asked.

"Amanda is gone." Heidi said looking up at Cerberus with bright blue eyes, "I'm me again."

"Thank the holy light." Jon said and hugged her tight.

"The cast has escaped." Iceberg growled.

"Yes, but he didn't get what he wanted." Cerberus said, "He'll be back."

Isis' communicator beeped. She quickly tapped it and nodded a couple of times before releasing it.

"Phoenix and Lisa have picked up Kireek's trail and are following him now." She said.

"They better be careful." Jon said.

"He's with Lisa." Cerberus said stowing his sword, "She knows Kireek very well. She'll keep Phoenix out of trouble."

"Phoenix can be head strong and stubborn." Isis said, "He may not listen."

"Lisa's got his back." Cerberus shrugged, "She's good like that."

Freeze

Aug 15, 2010, 05:00 PM

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

His prey was close and it was wounded. He could smell the electrical discharge from the severed wires and the fluids leaking from the broken lines. He didn't think the wound was bad but it was enough to give him a trail to follow. He quickly and silently slipped from tree to tree which was quite a feat for a cast of his size. He checked to make sure his knuckles were secure then bolted from his cover to the next tree. He didn't even hear the little android that was following him as she took his previous position. An expert hunter she was. Phoenix actually found himself glad that she was with him. His prey had slowed its pace unaware that it was being stalked. Better yet it was headed back to the landing sight where the rogue pirate Tylor waited. Lisa quietly ran up beside him and pointed to where the prey was. Phoenix nodded then signalled for her to go ahead and come in from the right. She nodded and quickly ran off. That should steer Kireek right to Tylor. Phoenix frowned as something started to nag him in the back of his brain. Something about this situation was wrong. Kireek was damaged and the only place to repair would be the flyer, but he must realize that they would have tracked his flyer and landed there.

"Perhaps he thinks we came in a flyer as well." Phoenix thought to himself, "Which would also be empty. He's in for a shock."

Phoenix quietly slipped to the next tree taking only a second to look around the trunk. He spotted Kireek walking away slightly bent over with a deep cut in his back.

"That looks like a dagger wound." Phoenix muttered then smiled, "Good girl."

His former student had learned her lessons well and was on her way to becoming a skilled hunter. No where near as skilled as he but then no flesh could ever match a cast. He peered out again. Lisa was moving in. Kireek noticed her and turned left. Good, he was in no mood for a fight. Kireek disappeared into the thick brush that lined the forest edge. Phoenix bolted to where Lisa stood. She looked hesitant to follow. Phoenix started to enter the bush but Lisa grabbed his arm.

"No." She said, "That's what he wants."

"Release me woman." Phoenix growled.

Lisa did but she also shot him a nasty scowl. Phoenix took a step forward.

"What are you doing?" Lisa growled.

"Claiming my prey." Phoenix replied.

"Phoenix no." Lisa horsed.

Phoenix ignored her and entered the thick bush. He never saw the attack. Something solid smashed into him from the left. Phoenix landed on his face. Something heavy pressed down on his back and a long staff stomped down in front of his face.

"You should have listened to her." Kireek sneered, "She's far smarter than you."

"Thank you, that's very kind." Lisa smirked.

She leaped at Kireek smashing her shoulder into his side. Kireek was knocked off of Phoenix landing hard on his back. Phoenix climbed to his feet but not before Kireek leaped to his. He swung hard drilling Lisa with his fist then charged at Phoenix. The cast barely had time to brace for the attack locking his knuckles with the scythe. Kireek growled as he pressed on the cast forcing him back.

"I shall enjoy the taste of your soul." Kireek sneered.

"A taste is the best you might get." Phoenix replied, "Right before it obliterates yours."

"You do not have the power to defeat me." Kireek growled.

"Alone, perhaps not." Phoenix replied, "But I'm not alone."

Lisa fired several rounds blasting away at Kireek's armour. The android was forced to release Phoenix to shield himself against the barrage of bullets. Phoenix charged forward to strike. Kireek sprang at Lisa chopping as he flew through the air. The Soul Eater sliced through Lisa's new line shield and dug into her side. She cried out as several lines and circuits were cut. Phoenix swung at Kireek who blocked with his shield. Phoenix immediately swung his left knuckle at the android. Kireek pulled his scythe free and used it to block. Lisa collapsed as the scythe pulled free from her side and tore out the front. Phoenix withdrew his knuckle and prepared to jab but Kireek landed a solid punch first. Phoenix stumbled back then charged forward in a quick series of jabs and punches, purple energy flowed with every movement. Kireek was driven back finally falling on his back. Lisa aimed from the ground and fired a couple rounds. The shots dug into Kireek's chest armour. She pulled the trigger again but the photon pack shorted in one of her guns forcing her to toss it away. It exploded right between the two androids. Kireek and Phoenix were sent flying back. Lisa uncovered her face and looked around. Phoenix was slow to get up but Kireek was gone.

"Dang, we lost him." She growled.

Phoenix got to his knees and started to get up then collapsed on his left hand. Lisa was slow to get up then limped over to him.

"Phoenix, what's wrong?" She asked.

"I seem to be injured." He winced.

"You feel pain?" Lisa frowned.

"Don't you?" Phoenix asked as he straightened up.

"I detect damage but it's a simple message sent to my brain." Lisa shrugged, "It doesn't physically impede me the way it does humans."

"And yet you can't move much better than I can." Phoenix pointed.

"Never said physical damage wouldn't slow me down." Lisa shrugged.

Phoenix lifted his right arm to examine his side. A piece of the guns handgrip had blown free and imbedded itself in his side. He carefully grabbed the piece of metal and pulled it free.

"Ah, that's better." He said but he was still slow at standing.

"Let me see." Lisa said grabbing his hand.

"Not necessary." Phoenix said pulling his hand free.

"Don't be stupid." Lisa shot and grabbed his arm.

She lifted his arm up and examined the damage. Some pink liquid slowly oozed through the small hole.

"It punctured a fluid line." She said.

"It's not bad." Phoenix grumbled.

"Unlike humans, we don't clot." Lisa jabbed him in the chest, "We just drain until there's nothing left."

"My auto repair system will take care of it." Phoenix pulled away.

"And I can fix it now." She snapped pulling him back.

She pulled a small pistol like tool from a kit she drew from her nanotransformer and slowly stuck the end into the hole pressing it up against the puncture. She gently squeezed the trigger releasing a foam epoxy that covered the hole then hardened sealing it. She used the epoxy to cover the ends of the severed wires so they wouldn't short against his casing.

"There, was that so bad?" She smiled.

"I…" Phoenix started then clamped shut.

He stared down at the little android who frowned back placing her hands on her hips.

"Thank you." He said softly.

She nodded then quickly went to sealing her own damage before storing the tool back in the kit. Phoenix checked his systems then they headed back to the ship.

Tylor had the entire Landeel crew on repair duty while the Guardians were away. The ship had never been designed to travel faster than light so every bolt, rivet, and seam needed inspecting. Young Stanley Martin was the newest member of the crew. Being a nineteen year old beast meant he felt he had to prove himself and was usually the hardest working member of the crew. He was also a quiet young man who was always willing to help his pears. He had quickly earned the admiration and respect of the crew and hoped he was also beginning to catch the eye of the very cute Liina. He was inspecting the port side of the ship just in front of the engines. He bent down to take a close look at the attachment point of the port engine when something caught his eye. Something small and dark was nestled between the engine and the hull. Using his hover board he lowered himself down to the strange object. It was a purple and black pod. He gave the pod a poke with his scanner. It was soft. He ran a quick scan and gasped at the readings. He quickly tapped his communicator.

"Captain Tylor, Crewman Martin here."

"Go ahead Crewman." Tylor replied.

"Sir, I'm here by the port engine." Martin said, "I found a strange pod attached to the hull. My scans indicate that it is of Seed origin."

"Don't do anything Crewman." Tylor said, "I'll be right there."

"Aye Sir." Martin nodded.

The pod began to pulse slowly. Stanley didn't notice it right away. It started to peel open into four tentacles. Stanley slowly turned to the pod and gasped. He tried to back away but the tentacle lashed out, grabbing his head and pulled him in. He kicked and pounded trying to free himself but it wouldn't let go until he stopped moving, then both creatures fell to the ground. Tylor and Liina stepped off the ramp just as the body hit the ground.

"No!" Liina gasped.

Tylor quickly ran over to the body and checked for life. He looked up at Liina and slowly shook his head. She slowly walked over to the body and looked down at the poor boy. Tylor got up and went to inspect the Seed pod. He even nudged it with his foot.

"It appears to be dead." He said.

"I've never seen a Seed creature like that before." Liina frowned.

"There's probably a lot of Seed we haven't seen yet." Tylor frowned, "No telling what's pouring out of Rykros."

"We must have picked it up as we left the system." Liina said.

"Killer space barnacles." Tylor frowned, "That's all we need."

"I'll have the body moved to medical." Liina said softly.

"Put the crew on alert." Tylor nodded, "No telling how many more of these we picked up."

Tylor looked out toward the forest. Out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw something move behind the flyer.

"Hmm." He muttered softly and drew his twin sabres.

He crept over to the flyer staying tight against the hull. Quietly he moved toward the rear hatch. The ramp was still down but the hatch was closed. He slowly ascended up the ramp and tried the door switch. It was locked. He stowed a sabre and drew his handgun ready to blast the lock. He paused when Phoenix and Lisa ran up the ramp. Tylor nodded to the door. Phoenix nodded and equipped his knuckles taking a spot beside Tylor. Lisa stayed back to provide cover fire with her remaining combat. Tylor fired blasting the door bolt from its frame. It failed to release the door.

"It's a pressure door." Phoenix said softly, "It will have several bolts securing it."

"Do we really care if we take this guy alive?" Tylor asked.

"I don't." Phoenix shook his head.

"Then I have the perfect cure for a stubborn door." Tylor smirked.

From his jacket pocket he drew a small explosive device. Phoenix nodded and backed down the ramp grabbing Lisa's shoulder as he took cover. The little android followed without question. Tylor set the charge against the door then backed away. When he was covered he firmly pressed the trigger button. The door exploded in a spray of hot metal shards. The Guardians quickly rushed the flyer but it was empty.

"He's not here." Lisa shrugged.

"That door was not locked before." Tylor pointed.

"Did you actually see him enter?" Phoenix asked.

"No." Tylor shook his head.

"This Kireek is crafty." Phoenix grumbled, "If he did not board the flyer then…"

"The Landeel." Tylor gasped.

He rushed out of the flyer and ran for the Landeel's boarding ramp. His two guards were dead, slashed from the right shoulder to the lower abdomen. He hurried inside with the two Guardians right on his heels. Inside the crew were rushing around trying to deal with the unfortunate ones that crossed the androids path. His trail lead to the Landeel medical center. Liina was outside tending to one of the medical staff.

"Tylor!" She called.

"Status." Tylor said as he ran up.

"That cast." Liina gasped, "He cut down everyone he saw. He's inside there."

Liina nodded to the medical bay door. Tylor waited for the Guardians to take position before opening the door. They rushed in blocking the exit. Kireek was standing over the body of Crewman Martin. He ignored the interruption, staring down at the dead beast.

"I did not know why I was being drawn here." Kireek said, "Now I see. His flesh came with you."

Kireek stepped back as the body began to flash in a bright light.

"It can't be." Phoenix gasped, "The boy is already dead."

"I don't understand." Lisa frowned, "What's going on."

The body flashed one last time as it mutated into a tall Seed creature.

"It's becoming Seed." Tylor sighed, "And now it can possess the dead."

"Then we must purify it." Phoenix said.

"Do what you must." Kireek replied.

He chopped the Soul Eater down at the creature slicing its arm off. He quickly scooped up the arm then jumped back as the creature took a swing with the other arm. Kireek drew a damage trap and flung it against the wall. It instantly detonated blasting a hole into the outer corridor which he used to escape. Phoenix tried to follow but the Seed creature cut him off. Its stump left by Kireek pulsed and oozed purple goo that slowly formed into a new arm. The new arm was longer and more slender than its original arm. Phoenix rushed the creature but was easily knocked away. Lisa fired blasting several holes in the creature's skull. It slowly slumped to the floor and lay still.

"Sometimes the situation demands a ranger's touch." She smiled.

"He murders several of my security staff and blows holes in my ship just for a piece of a Seed creature." Tylor frowned, "Why?"

"Nothing good will come of this." Lisa shook her head, "That's for sure."

"I will make him pay for this." Tylor growled.

"Then let's go get him." Phoenix waved.

He started to head for the hole in the wall but as he ran past the creature, its arm shot out and grabbed his ankle. Phoenix fell flat on his face then found his foot rising above his head. The creature stood up dangling Phoenix by his foot. He squirmed and took several swings at the monster cursing it. It shook him a couple times then flung him at the small android that had begun firing at it. Lisa jumped to the side avoiding the flying cast. Phoenix went crashing into the door way. Tylor drew his sabre and rushed forward. The creature's long arm stretched out grabbing Lisa by the chest. It picked her up, swung her around and into the rushing beast. The two were slammed into the wall. Tylor was forced to yelp as the android broke two of his ribs. Phoenix rushed in leaving the injured guards in Liina's care. The arm shot out at the cast. He dropped to the ground sliding under the arm then leaped to his feet charging at full run. The creature swung with its other arm. A shot from Lisa impacted its hand knocking it away. Phoenix charged up and blasted the creature with a series of rapid punches. He finished with an upper cut that sent the creature to its back. Tylor, ignoring the screaming pain in his side, leaped out swinging his sabre. It sliced down through the creature's neck. The head fell away. The body spasm for a second then reverted back to the beast boy.

"Now it is dead." He said wincing slightly.

"Liina!" Lisa called, "Tylor's hurt."

"Coming." Liina replied.

"I'm alright." Tylor waved.

"You may be tough but you're not invincible." Lisa pointed, "I heard something break when we hit."

Lisa helped Liina get Tylor onto the medical bed. The beast man didn't make it easy for the girls either.

"Stay." Liina jabbed.

Tylor just growled.

"Lisa!" Phoenix called, "The Seed creature has been subdued. We must pursue Kireek."

"I'm coming too." Tylor tried to get up.

Liina pushed him back down.

"No your not."

The Guardians ducked through the hole into the corridor only to be greeted by more of Kireek's destruction.

"How can one cast leave such devastation and death?" Phoenix shook his head, "Magashi and his clones don't even do this."

"Who's Magashi?" Lisa frowned.

Phoenix looked down at the little android and frowned.

"What?" Lisa shrugged, "I've spent the last hundred and fifty years living in some Neudaiz swamp half crazy. I haven't exactly had time to catch up on current events."

They turned the next corner and exited down the ramp. The arm Kireek took was still dripping blood leaving a trail that Phoenix's optical sensors could just pick up.

"Renvolt Magashi used to be Commander of the Endrum Collective, a special division of the AMF." Phoenix explained, "Everytime we Guardians tried to investigate a new Relics site or start looking into A-photon reactors the Endrum Collective would step in and use their military authority to push us out. Ethan Waber destroyed the original Magashi, only to have him return as a Seed creature, and then he had to face him on the first Seed hive. We later discovered Magashi was a cast recreation of Karl Howzer, a human supremacist and second in command of the Illuminus. Howzer built many of them."

"I see." Lisa nodded, "Kireek wasn't originally evil though he wasn't a modest citizen either. He was a black market arms dealer who had the unfortunate luck of being possessed by an evil being that now controls him. Believe it or not but he used to help people."

"And now he must be destroyed." Phoenix nodded.

The trail lead deeper into the forest, the undergrowth began to thin out and die away.

"Kireek is linked to that scythe he carries." Lisa said, "His soul is bonded to it through Dark Falz. They draw strength from each other. The Soul Eater can only be destroyed by that sword Cerberus carries and therefore Kireek can't be destroyed unless the Soul Eater is, but because they are now bonded Kireek must be destroyed at the same time or they just keep regenerating. Without this dark power the Soul Eater is nothing more than a parasitic weapon slowly draining the carrier until his or hers life energy is drained away."

"So where does the Soul Eaters power come from if it no longer drains its host?" Phoenix asked with a frown.

"From its victims." Lisa sighed, "Everytime Kireek kills, the Soul Eater absorbs that life force."

"Ah things are beginning to make much more sense now." Phoenix grinned, "Knowledge of an enemy is power."

The trail of blood lead to the ruins of an ancient craft. The only intact hatchway was open leading to the pitch black interior inside. The lack of light was little concern for the two androids. Phoenix entered first with Lisa right behind him. They continued down the curving hallway until they spotted a stream of light emanating from a small room. Slowly Phoenix looked inside. The back wall was a solid screen of white light.

"What in the name of Gurhal is that?" Phoenix muttered.

"I don't know but the purple blood leads right to it." Lisa pointed.

Phoenix slowly stepped up to the screen and touched it. His finger went through.

"A transporter." He smiled and started to step through.

"What are you doing?" Lisa gasped.

"Following your android." Phoenix replied and stepped in.

He reappeared in a vast cavern. Seated against the far wall was the massive skeleton of a strange beast. Kireek was standing in front of it holding the arm up. Lisa appeared behind Phoenix. She stared up at the skeleton as it reached out with an exaggerated long arm. The long bony finger gently touched the Seed arm. The arm melted and flowed up the finger in long sticky purple streams, growing and covering the bone as it went. It moved up the arm and to the body where it quickly spread. The two Guardians watched as the internal organs formed just before they were covered by muscle and skin. Kireek stepped back as the thick stumpy legs and skull were the last to be covered. The creature slowly stood up and stretched out its new flesh.

"You have done well my servant." The creature boomed, "As a reward I will let you keep the power I bestowed upon you."

"Thank you but I wish to be free." Kireek replied.

"Soon." The creature boomed, "I have need of you still. Serve me well and I will free you."

The creatures head turned and glared at the two casts. It appeared to smile as best as it could.

"You brought me more servants." It said.

Kireek turned and glared at the Guardians.

"Hardly." He growled, "Just some troublemakers who don't know when they've lost."

"You haven't won yet." Phoenix yelled.

"Are you blind?" Kireek replied, "The Dark One has been restored. You have lost."

"He doesn't have the power source." Phoenix said, "Until then we haven't lost."

"A minor detail soon to be rectified." The creature grinned, "But first you need to learn to fear me."

"I fear no one!" Phoenix replied.

"That will change."

The creature reached out to grab the little things standing before it.

Freeze

Aug 22, 2010, 05:10 PM

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

Heidi felt a sudden chill run down her back. David turned a sickly green and fell to his knees. He had been leading them eastward away from the forest, still holding Heidi's hand and chatting away about all the fun little things that interested him. Jon was very proud of the way his daughter was responding to the boy, showing great interest in his stories and laughing at his jokes. Isaac walked beside him smiling as he watched the back of her head. Despite protests from the villagers, Isaac had insisted on coming. He felt there would be a great tale to come out of all this and he didn't want to miss any of it. Cerberus and Annette followed behind them with Iceberg and Isis bringing up the rear. They had no idea where they were headed and even though David showed no indication that he knew where he was going it was clear that he was leading them somewhere. Annette quickly ran to her son's side when she saw him collapse. Jon was right beside her having a little medical training. Cerberus frowned and tilted his head as he studied the Newman girl who now stood still staring straight ahead. He moved only when he saw her skin shiver.

"Heidi?" He said tapping her shoulder.

She jumped slightly then smiled as she let out a deep breath.

"Are you alright?" Cerberus asked.

"Fine." She nodded, "I just had this sudden feeling that something bad just happened."

"Not bad." David said slowly climbing to his feet.

The sick colour drained away from his face restoring it to its natural pale as he took a couple of deep breaths.

"Terrible." He said, "I fear he has been restored."

"No!" Annette gasped, "We're too late."

"He doesn't have the power source yet." Cerberus said, "We still have time."

"Yes, but its running short." David nodded, "It won't be long before he finds his way to our world."

"And the purple knight will bring him here." Isaac said.

"Everyone turned and stared at the young farm boy.

"What?" He shrugged, "Just because I'm not some advance alien doesn't mean I don't understand what's going on."

"You're right." Jon nodded once, "We're sorry."

"We must hurry." David said grabbing Heidi's hand.

"Hey!" She yelped as David dragged her away.

"Guess you've got some competition." Cerberus laughed as he slapped Isaac on the back.

"I don't stand a chance." Isaac replied following the bulky android.

Their path lead them across a vast flat plain full of golden wild wheat that gently swayed in the warm breeze. A bank of billowy white clouds gently drifted across the horizon. The sun slowly descended to touch the clouds as the day neared its end. A flock of birds flew over head silently setting down in the wheat not far from the party. The light smell of grass and wild flowers washed over them as a light gust of wind swept in from the south. Heidi closed her eyes as she inhaled the scents. David had been unusually quiet since his little spell. Heidi hadn't really noticed since she had been lost in her thoughts. She could feel something dark hiding in the back of her mind, waiting for its chance to attack her. She opened her eyes and glanced back at Annette. The woman looked a little worried. The group broke through the edge of the wheat stopping to take in the view. The plains ended with a vast green canyon. A winding blue river cut through the canyon and disappeared into the distance. Herds of grazing animals dotted the green flood plains. Flocks of birds had begun to descend on the few trees that dotted the canyon floor as they settled for the night. The sun turned bright orange as it touched the horizon.

"Night will be on us soon." Cerberus said, "We should be able to descend this side of the canyon before dark then make camp by the river."

"No!" David protested, "We can't stop."

"We can't tackle that river or the other side of the canyon in the dark." Cerberus replied, "That will wait until day and you all need the rest."

"We don't have the time!" David cried.

"I am aware of our situation." Cerberus said.

"Really?" David frowned, "I am the reincarnation of the life child, that first girl who rose up against the Dark being the first time."

"No you're not." Cerberus shook his head, "All you have is DNA encoded memories."

"What makes you think that?" David scowled.

"I scanned your DNA and you have similar tracers that Heidi has." Cerberus said then turned to the other Guardians, "One of the little upgrades Dr. Tomrain did to my sensor network."

"So you can do detailed bio scans now?" Jon frowned.

Cerberus nodded, "He felt it might be wise considering Heidi's condition."

"Leave it to Tomrain." Jon shrugged.

"Come on." Heidi waved as she headed down to the bank, "I spotted a good tree to camp under."

They settled under a big bushy tree beside the river. Heidi and Annette went about preparing a small meal while the others gathered up wood for the fire. Jon drew his rod and used Foie to start the fire. Annette and Isaac stared at him in awe.

"Your people have harnessed every aspect of photonic energy I see." David smiled, "This will prove very useful."

"They've served me well in the past." Jon nodded.

Heidi finished heating the simple stew they had made then served everyone a bowl except for Cerberus. Isis sat sniffing her portion but refused to be the first to eat.

"My cooking isn't that bad." Heidi frowned.

"She is always leery about everything she eats." Iceberg replied and gulped down a large spoonful, "Hmmm not bad."

"I know it’s a little bland but we didn't have any room for spices." Heidi shrugged.

Isis took a bite and smiled, "This is pretty good actually."

"She learned from the best." Jon smiled, "Her mother is a great cook."

"I miss Mom." Heidi sighed.

"I know and there's nothing I want more than to be back there looking for her." Jon nodded, "But there's not much point in finding her if the universe is going to be destroyed."

"Still we shouldn't have left her." Heidi said.

"Cerberus and I had this conversation already." Jon said squeezing her arm, "Our family has been preparing for this for so long we couldn't be the ones to miss it. We lose here and there won't be a mom to find."

"Thanks Dad." Heidi said softly, "I'm just worried about her."

"Me too." Jon replied.

"She's most likely with the Communion." Iceberg said, "They've been transferring many of the Communion women there, though for the most part it's been young maidens."

"Strange that your wife went too." Isis shrugged, "Once you’re a Communal Mother they generally don't change your post unless the need is very great."

"The Seed has left everyone short these days." Iceberg said, "Perhaps it's greater than Rutsu is letting on."

The group finished up their meal then Isis and Heidi quickly cleaned up as Jon packed up everything they would no longer use for the night. When she was finished Isis went and sat down beside Iceberg who was staring up at the night sky.

"Meseta for your thoughts." She said.

"I was just thinking how the sky looks so alien and yet so familiar." He replied, "I spent the first part of my career on Moatoob where the night sky is essential for navigation. After that I made sure I new the sky from every planet so I could never get lost. Tonight I don't recognize a single feature or pattern and yet that fuzzy blue patch looks very much like the Elysian Nebula back home."

Isis stared up at the blue hazy spot that Iceberg pointed too. She tilted her head slightly then gasped.

"Iceberg, I think that is the Elysian nebula."

Cerberus over heard the conversation and sat down beside Iceberg.

"No matter how many alien skies I sit under it never ceases to amaze me."

"It's not totally alien for us." Isis said pointing up at the blue spot, "We believe that's the Elysian nebula from back home. It's just bigger."

"Really?" Cerberus said looking up to where Isis pointed, "If the star charts Tomrain gave me are accurate then that's impossible."

"Why?" Isis asked.

"Because when we left Gurhal we were headed away from that nebula."

"I'm sure that's it." Iceberg said, "I know every feature in the Gurhal sky."

Cerberus ran the image through his processor and compared it with the ones Tomrain downloaded into him during his upgrade.

"Confirmed, you're right." He nodded, "It's the same."

"How is that possible?" Isis asked.

"I don't know but I'll continue to monitor the sky while you sleep." Cerberus said.

"You think we're moving?" Isis asked.

"Everything in the universe is moving." Cerberus smirked, "But if we're moving the way it looks like we are then the sun will never rise."

Heidi found a nice thick patch of grass near the river to lie down in. It wasn't quite as comfortable as her bed back home but it would do. She stared up at the stars for a while then closed her eyes and let the soft babbling of the water lull her to sleep. She was just about to drift off when she heard someone lie down beside her. She opened her eyes to see Isaac staring at her. He was lying opposite to her so only his head was beside hers.

"I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't." She smiled.

"Good, I was hopping you were still awake." He smiled, "Look, I know you said before that you'd have to leave when this is all over but I can't shake this feeling that maybe you belong here."

"No, you can't shake the feeling that you want me to stay here." She replied, "And it's very sweet but I have responsibilities in Gurhal."

"Who is he?" Isaac sighed.

"It's not a guy." She frowned.

"Who is she then?" Isaac replied.

"Hey stop it." She laughed giving his shoulder a jab, "I'm not in a relationship. I'm a career girl and my home needs me."

"Is it really that bad?" Isaac grumbled, "Is it so bad they'd miss one girl?"

"Yes." Heidi nodded, "Yes it is."

Isaac was silent for a moment. He just stared up at the stars then just before Heidi decided to say something he said softly, "I love you. You know that right."

"Oh Isaac." Heidi sighed turning to the sky, "Please don't do this."

"My whole life I knew there was someone special out there for me." He said quietly, "When I first saw you I knew my angel had come. Then I got to know you better and that was it. I knew for sure."

"Isaac please stop." Heidi said softly, "I like you but only as a friend. That's as far as I dare go and believe me it would be very easy to like you more but I just can't."

"But you're so smart and sweet and beautiful." Isaac started.

"Isaac please go away." Heidi said bluntly.

Isaac went dead silent for a moment then softly said, "OK."

He quietly stood up and walked away. Heidi rolled away from him then curled up into a little ball and quietly cried herself to sleep.

Heidi was standing in the field again dressed in her underwear. She quickly looked around but the Landeel and the flyer were gone. A crack of thunder drew her attention to the mountain range behind her. A strong wind flowed down the mountains and into the field washing over her whipping her long white hair around. Dark purple clouds grew up from behind the mountains to fill the sky. Bolts of lightning lanced out to touch the mountain tops. A ghostly image of the purple cast she now knew as Kireek appeared before her. It stared down at her and growled.

"Your time is short little one. My dark master draws near. He shall devour your flesh and your soul. Surrender now and he may let you live to serve him."

"Forget it Kireek." She pointed at him, "I no longer fear you or your dark master. I know you now and I am not that little girl you can terrify anymore."

"That's right Kireek." The white haired Newman in a green hunter's uniform stepped up beside Heidi, "I don't know how you managed this physic link with my Grand daughter but it is of no use to you now."

"Hi Grandma." Heidi smiled, "I thought you went away."

"Heidi, I'm part of your memories. I can never go away." Amanda replied, "But I am now buried in you subconscious. Only here in your dreams can I visit you only here were I need to fight him."

"You both shall be devoured." Kireek boomed.

"You have no power here android." Amanda shot, "I'm going to end this link forever."

"What!" Kireek gasped.

Amanda shot from the ground straight for Kireek. She hit him right between the eyes. The two disappeared into a bright beam of light. The light drove away the wind and the storm then as it shrunk Heidi heard Kireek call out, "You may have driven me from your mind but I shall own your body."

The statement left Heidi unnerved. The light formed to a point.

"The doorway is now closed." Amanda's voice rang out, "Kireek can never haunt you ever again."

"What about you?" Heidi asked.

"I will always be with you but now only in the land of your dreams."

The light winked out leaving Heidi standing in the field just as the sun ducked behind the horizon. Heidi couldn't shake the uneasy feeling Kireek's warning had left. She held herself tight and shivered.

She awoke to the sound of rustling water. Heidi quickly sat up and looked out at the river. She could see something moving around in the dark star lit water. It would just break the surface then sink under again. Whatever it was, it was big. Slowly Heidi stood up trying to remain as discreet as she could. A voice inside her told her to back away and get to the others, but instead she moved toward the water. Her curiosity over powered her instincts.

"Heidi, what are you doing girl?" She thought to herself, "This is a really bad idea."

She reached the waters edge and slowly looked in. A massive bulb for a head swam past followed by eight long flowing tentacles. The skin was some shade of light red or pink. The dark made it difficult for her to tell. The creature swam past again. It seemed to be searching or circling. Heidi started to step back. With her curiosity satisfied, fear began to take over. The head shot up out of the water, tentacles paddled rapidly to keep it afloat. There were no eyes but a large gaping mouth carved open the side of the head. Razor sharp white teeth glistened as it let out a gurgling roar. It woke the others up but only Cerberus responded immediately as he didn't sleep. It took a moment for the others to shake away the sleep and realize what was happening. Heidi tried to draw her daggers but a tentacle shot out wrapping around her chest and lifted her up into the air. The tentacles crushing squeeze pushed the air from her lungs. She could not scream and she could not inhaul. The creature's teeth chattered as it drew her near. A large fleshy purple tongue lapped the edges of the mouth in anticipation of its meal. Cerberus fired blasting the tentacle. The creature instantly let go sending Heidi into the deep water below. Isis dove into the water to rescue the drowning Newman. Iceberg and Cerberus ran to the shore blasting the monster. Isaac tried to follow but Jon grabbed him.

"No!" He cried, "It's too dangerous. Let us handle this. You watch over David and Annette."

Isaac nodded and reluctantly went back to protect Annette and her son. He just reached them when one of the grazing animals suddenly charged. These animals looked like a cross between a sheep and a goat and were the size of a cow. Isaac waved the others away as he drew the attention of the animal. It charged by narrowly missing him. As it ran past, Isaac happened to notice the creatures eye was completely black and seeping some sort of purple ooze.

"That's odd." Was all he could think.

The animal turned and charged at Annette and David. Isaac chased after it but he was way too slow. Annette grabbed her son and tossed him out of the way just as the animal slammed her onto her back. The animal then turned and headed for David. The boy just stood there as the animal closed in. Isaac ran by scooping him up.

"What were you thinking?" Isaac gasped.

"He is here." David replied.

"Who?" Isaac frowned.

"HIM." David said.

"No!" Isaac gasped staring at the animal.

The animal charged again. Isaac shoved David away but stood his ground determined to bring the beast down.

"What am I doing?" Isaac muttered, "Wish I had a weapon right about now."

The beast lowered its head ready to ram him. Annette slammed into Isaac knocking him away. The animal smashed into Annette. She cried out as she was trampled under its hooves.

"Mom!" David cried.

The beast turned to David. Isaac was now too far away to protect the boy. The animal began its charge.

"David run!" Isaac shouted.

The boy turned and bolted away. It was clear he was no where near fast enough to out run the powerful beast. Isaac took after them but he was much too far away. The creature got closer and closer, lowering its head to strike. Isaac stopped and watched helplessly. The ground suddenly erupted in fire and lava swallowing up the charging animal. With the threat over, David collapsed to the ground trying to catch his breath. Isaac quickly looked around spotting Jon still pointing his rod at where the creature had been.

"See to the boy." Jon said, "I'll check his mother."

Isaac nodded and ran to David. He was already climbing to his feet when Isaac reached him.

"Are you OK?" Isaac asked.

"Where's Mom." David cried looking around.

"This way." Isaac said taking the boys hand.

They met with Jon who was still kneeling beside Annette.

"How is she?" Isaac asked softly.

"Her wounds are not bad." Jon said, "Normally my Resta would heal her but she's been infected by some poison that's inhibiting my techniques. My Reverser won't cure it and my Resta won't heal."

"What do we do?" Isaac asked.

"I don't know." Jon shrugged, "When this happens on Gurhal it usually wears off or a little antimate will fix it up. If that doesn't work then we have to take them to a hospital."

"Mom." David sat down and took her hand.

"David, sweetie." She choked, "I'm so sorry."

"No, Mom." David shook his head, "I'm sorry, this was meant for me."

"I want you to be a good boy for these people." Annette coughed, "They're your friends and they'll protect you."

"What are you saying?" David started to cry, "You'll take care of me."

Annette went into a short coughing spell, spitting up blood. When it stopped she looked up into David's eyes and squeezed his hand.

"I love you so much and I'm so proud of you."

"Mom." David cried.

Annette let out one last breath then David felt her go. He fell on top of her and began sobbing. Jon closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for her. Isaac stood still choking back the tears he felt welling up. He hadn't known the woman very long but she and her son had quickly become his friends.

"Isaac." Jon said softly, "Watch over David, I need to help the others."

Isaac nodded and sat down beside the grieving boy and watched the alien man run back to help his friends.

The sea monster now had Cerberus and Iceberg in its tight grip. Cerberus' arms were pinned while Iceberg hung by his feet firing his hand gun wildly and cursing at the creature. Isis stood on the shore fending off another tentacle that was quite insistent on grabbing the coughing girl behind the beast woman. Isis wished she had her twin sabres right now but she had to settle for the metal sword she had picked up from the village. It was heavy and primitive but it was well crafted and inflicted a great deal of damage. The tentacle swung from the left. Isis chopped down on it. The blade easily cut into the flesh and stuck. The creature instinctively pulled away yanking the weapon from her hands. Heidi tried to get to her feet but a sharp bolt of pain shot through her chest. She collapsed to her hands and knees coughing up blood. She managed to tap Isis on the leg. The beast ducked a swinging tentacle then glanced back at the Newman who pointed at her dagger hilts lying on the ground. Isis nodded and scooped up the weapons. One of Icebergs stray shots flew passed her head.

"Hey, watch it!" She yelled.

"Die foul beast!" Iceberg cried.

"You better be talking to the sea monster!" Isis replied blocking a poking tentacle.

"Of course I'm talking to the monster, woman!" Iceberg replied still trying to hit the tentacle holding Cerberus.

"Don't get mouthy with me mister!" Isis yelled back jabbing at a swinging tentacle.

"Put more energy into your attacks and less into your mouth and you'll be more effective!" Iceberg replied.

"I'd be more effective if I didn't have to dodge your lousy aim." Isis shot.

"I'd like to see you try and hit these wiggling things with every shot." Iceberg growled.

"Will you two stop it?" Cerberus yelled, "You sound like an old married couple."

His attention suddenly shifted to chattering teeth that were much too close for comfort.

"Ah, a little help here!"

Iceberg tried to fire but the creature sent him flying as it tossed him away. Jon reached the scene only to be greeted by a falling Iceberg. The mouth opened up as the creature drew the android in. Cerberus kicked wildly but it was ineffective. A giant fire ball shot from shore smashed into the creatures head. It screamed and dropped the android. A second ball shot out cooking the creatures flesh. It quickly retreated into the dark water. Isis quickly spun around to see where the Foie had come from. Heidi stood with her arm still stretched out. She stood frozen staring at where the monster had been.

"Heidi?" Isis said softly.

Slowly her arm dropped then she grabbed her chest as she coughed up more blood.

"Oh no." Isis gasped and quickly grabbed the girl to help support her.

Jon quickly ran to his daughter as Cerberus climbed from the river.

"Cerberus, we need a scan." Jon said.

"Why not just cast Resta?" Isis asked.

"It's better if I know where to direct it." Jon replied.

"Dad, my chest hurts." Heidi said softly.

"Two cracked ribs, one broken one, and a punctured lung." Cerberus reported, "Jon, the broken rib is still lodged in her lung."

"Oh no." Isis gasped.

"Resta will not cure that." Iceberg said, "She requires a surgeon."

"Then we'll have to contact the Landeel." Cerberus said and he tapped his communicator.

"What?" Tylor shot.

"Tylor?" Cerberus frowned, "Is there something wrong?"

"Indeed there is." Tylor replied.

It was obvious by his tone and by the noise in the background that he was currently engaged in combat.

"Tylor, we need you to send your surgeon to our coordinates."

"Not possible." Tylor replied.

"Heidi is seriously injured, we need medical assistance." Cerberus said.

"Like I said, not possible." Tylor replied, "My surgeon is dead along with most of my medical staff. We are being over run by Seed."

"Seed!" Cerberus exclaimed, "How did that happen?"

"Little busy, explain later. Tylor out!"

"The Landeel has been over run by Seed." Cerberus shook his head, "The medical staff is dead. We are on our own."

Heidi slumped to the ground. The bad news drained the last bit of strength from her. Isaac and David wandered over as Jon sat down beside his daughter and put his arm around her.

"How bad is it?" He asked.

"There's internal bleeding." Cerberus said, "If we don't do something soon…"

He stopped there not wanting to say the obvious.

"And we definitely can't use Resta?" Isis asked.

"It would seal the lung around the bone and fuse the broken bone in its current position." Iceberg explained, "Her very breathing action would tear the lung to shreds."

"We'd do more damage than good." Jon shook his head.

"The village doctor…" Isaac started.

"We're too far away." Cerberus said, "We'd never make it back."

"And we'd lose all that time we spent getting here." Iceberg said, "The dark one would have no opposition and we would lose everything."

"If we could just get the bone back in place." Jon grumbled, "But I'm not a doctor, I wouldn't know where to begin."

"I have detailed files but I'm much too bulky to perform such a procedure." Cerberus said.

"Iceberg has medical training." Isis said.

"I only have field combat first aid." Iceberg replied, "Actual surgery is far out of my scope."

"If I instruct you, would you?" Cerberus asked.

Iceberg looked down at the Newman girl. She was very afraid but the look in her eyes told Iceberg she didn't want to die either.

"Please help my daughter." Jon pleaded.

"You know what this means." Iceberg said, "We have no anaesthesia, no pain killers."

Jon felt Heidi tense up. He took her hand and squeezed it.

"Isaac, take David for a walk." Cerberus said softly, "Far away please."

"Yes, of course." Isaac nodded and quickly led the boy away.

"Where is the rib?" Iceberg asked.

"Just below the left breast." Cerberus nodded.

Iceberg removed his gloves and washed his hands in the river. It was the best sterilization he could do under the circumstances. He pulled a small sharp knife from his nanotransformer and washed it too, and then he walked back to the group and knelt down beside Heidi.

"Remove her top." Iceberg said, "Let's do this as quickly as possible."

Freeze

Aug 30, 2010, 10:10 PM

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

Lisa ducked as the creature tried to scoop her up just slipping between its fingers. Phoenix powered forward in a rush of pink light driving his knuckles into the monsters hand. Phoenix let out a small yelp as he actually bounced back landing on his butt. The Dark One pulled his hand back as he laughed.

"Greater beings than you have tried to stop me and failed." He turned his head and scowled at Kireek, "What are you waiting for, destroy them."

"But an all great and powerful being such as you should not need my help." Kireek shrugged.

"Insolent fool." Dark One growled, "Obey me or I shall destroy you as well."

"I knew your word was worth no more than Dark Falz." Kireek pointed.

"Fool, I am Dark Falz!" The creature roared.

In a full out fury he clawed and scraped the ground trying to tear apart Phoenix and Lisa. Kireek didn't budge a muscle. He just stood staring up at the monster with contempt. Lisa dodged left then right but in the end she ended up flying across the cave. Phoenix drove his knuckles into the hand every opportunity he got but not once did he even hurt the creature. It simply batted him away like an insect. The only thing keeping him alive was that he was too fast for the Dark One to actually catch. Lisa slowly sat up brushing the small bits of dust and stone from her shoulders. An odd feeling started to tingle inside her. It was distant but familiar. Something from long ago. Pushan let out a soft trill.

"You feel it too." Lisa said.

Pushan trilled.

Lisa had now drawn Kireek's attention though he had yet to actually move. Lisa sat up and slowly walked toward the Dark One. He was still occupied with Phoenix and did not notice the little RAcaseal.

"This place now has the same photon levels we encountered on Ragol." Lisa said, "They've been slowly building ever since we got here. I didn't notice it until now."

Phoenix jumped left as the claw came crashing down then rushed forward as the other claw scrapped through his position.

"Less talk, more action!" He yelled.

Lisa ignored him as she neared the monster.

"The same high levels of photon energy." Lisa said again, "The same. That can mean
only one thing."

Kireek suddenly figured out what the little android was talking about. He gasped and shot straight for the warp. It was no longer safe for him to be there.

"Where are you going?" The Dark One yelled.

Kireek ignored him and dove through the doorway.

"What are you waiting for?" Phoenix cried taking a couple swings at the Dark Ones leg.

It kicked him away then turned to Lisa.

"How is it you still stand in defiance to me?" He growled, "Do you not know you are not strong enough to even hurt me?"

"I'm not!" Lisa yelled and pointed at her Mag, "But he is!"

Pushan began bobbing as he let out a ring. The circular tri symbol appeared beneath Lisa's feet as she raised her arm.

"Dark One!" She cried, "Meet Golla!"

A multicoloured moose like creature appeared above her head. Electricity charged all through its antlers as it reared up on its hind legs then with a flick of its head, the energy shot forward in one massive bolt. It drove into the Dark Ones chest blasting him back. He roared in anger and pain. Phoenix was stunned. He had never seen anything like it.

"Run to the warp!" Lisa yelled.

"Huh?" Phoenix frowned.

"Run!" Lisa waved as she took off.

The Dark One sat against the wall clawing the ground and chattering his jaws. The photon blast had blasted a small hole in his chest but it was quickly healing. Phoenix watched Lisa cross halfway through the cave before running for the warp. He still beat her through. They ran out into the dark hallway before he stopped her.

"Tell me, what was that?" He growled pointing back at the room.

"That was a photon blast."

Kireek stepped out from the darkness stopping behind Lisa.

"Why are you still here?" Lisa asked after she turned to face him.

"The moment that thing decreed he would destroy me, I felt his influence leave." Kireek replied, "I am finally free and back to myself."

He held his Soul Eater forward so they could see that it had returned to its normal appearance.

"As you can see, his power is gone too."

"So you are a normal cast again?" Phoenix grinned.

"Yes." Kireek nodded.

"Then I should have no trouble killing you." Phoenix growled grabbing Kireek by the throat.

"Phoenix no!" Lisa cried pushing them apart, "Kireek was never really evil. He was just being controlled by evil."

"It is true." Kireek nodded.

"Hey!" Lisa shot jabbing him in the chest, "This doesn't excuse you from your other crimes as Black Hound."

"That is unimportant." Kireek said pushing her hand away, "This monster thing is alive and awake. He must be stopped."

"That is a very heroic statement." Lisa said, "When did you start showing concern for deadly circumstances like this?"

"The prevention of my termination is very important to me." Kireek shrugged.

"Enough talk!" Phoenix broke in, "Talk will not stop this creature, we must act."

"You remind me of someone." Kireek frowned.

"Doesn't he." Lisa grinned, "Come on, we better go find the others."

They quickly exited the ship and stepped onto the forest floor. The whole planet suddenly shook violently. A large vortex of swirling purple energy had formed in the night sky.

"We need to clear the forest and get a better look at that." Phoenix said.

"Follow me then." Kireek waved.

Kireek headed east with the two Guardians close behind. A hard run brought them to the forest edge where a small village lay. The town's people gathered at the town center to gaze up at the strange sight in the night sky. It was clear from the conversations floating up to the androids that there was much fear. They quickly made their way to the edge of the crowd and looked up.

"He must be drawing us to him." Kireek said.

"He can't possibly have that kind of power." Lisa gasped.

"He does." Kireek nodded, "But it requires almost all of his strength."

"Worse yet, there's Gurhal." Phoenix pointed up at a small star, "If he's close enough to the Gurhal system we could be in real trouble."

"Why?" Lisa frowned.

"Rykros." Phoenix said, "A planet sized Seed hive for him to feed on."

"He would become unbeatable." Kireek said.

"We have to stop him now!" Lisa gasped.

"It's the purple knight!" Someone cried.

The crowd turned then broke up in a large panic. The androids were quickly left standing alone. Only the mayor dared step out and approach them.

"Be gone evil one!" He waved, "You have lost. Our band of knights have already left. You will not find the life power."

"Cerberus was here?" Lisa asked.

"How do you know the red knights name?" The mayor frowned.

"He's my best friend." Lisa nodded, "Which way did they go?"

"A trick." The mayor snapped, "You travel with the purple knight, you are not friends of the red knight."

"Why you little…" Kireek growled and stepped forward.

Phoenix grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.

"Very well." He bowed, "We shall leave."

He slowly backed his group out of the village and into the forest.

"What are you doing?" Kireek snapped.

"We don't need him." Phoenix shrugged, "We can just call the others on the communicator."

Phoenix quickly tapped his communicator and had to wait several beeps before someone answered. He was surprised the get Isis.

"Isis?" He asked.

"That's me." She chirped, "Phoenix, is that you?"

"Of course it's me." Phoenix replied.

"Sorry, it's good to hear from you." Isis grinned.

"Enough idle chit chat woman." Phoenix snapped, "The situation is grave and there is no time."

"Still your charming self I see." Isis frowned.

"You are not listening." Phoenix grumbled, "Where is Iceberg, I can get farther with him."

"Hey." Isis snapped, "He's busy with a patient."

"Patient." Phoenix frowned, "What are you talking about."

"Cast!" Kireek snapped, "There is no time for this."

"Quite right." Phoenix nodded, "Isis, where are you located."

"We are approximately east by south east of the Landeel." Isis replied, "You may come across a small human village along your way."

"We are there now." Phoenix nodded.

"Then we are a days walk due east of there." Isis said.

"I doubt we have time to catch up to them." Kireek said.

"We must try." Phoenix said, "Tylor could pick us up."

"No good, the Landeel has been over run by Seed." Isis replied, "He can't help."

"Oh no." Lisa gasped.

"Then we will assist Tylor." Phoenix said, "Isis, you must get to the power source quickly."

"We can't move right now." Isis shook her head, "Heidi's been injured."

"What, how?" Phoenix asked then shook his head, "Never mind, some of you must leave her behind. The creature is awake and he's pulling us to him."

"Is that what that swirling thing the sky is?" Isis smirked.

"Isis, try to focus for one minute of your life." Phoenix grumbled.

"So, that is what those lights are?" Isis held back a giggle.

"ISIS!" Phoenix roared.

Kireek pulled Phoenix hand from his communicator cutting the link.

"There is no use talking to that dumb beast."

"Perhaps but what she said causes me concern." Phoenix said.

"Heidi is unimportant." Kireek waved.

"Cerberus seems to think she is very important." Phoenix shrugged.

"Cerberus has no idea what the truth is." Kireek shook his head.

Kireek turned and headed back to the Landeel with Phoenix falling in beside him and Lisa hanging back just a bit.

"Just what is the truth Kireek?" Lisa asked.

"If she is not strong enough, it will be very unpleasant." Kireek replied.

Lisa frowned and felt like pressing him for more information but it was obvious Kireek was not about to give her anything more. She sighed and looked back to the east hoping that her friends were alright.

The link on the communicator went dead. Isis couldn't help but giggle a little. Driving Phoenix crazy was one of her little pleasures in life. Beasts were always looked down upon by the other races as being stupid but casts with their supremacy complex seemed to treat them the worst. Anytime a beast could get the better of a cast they jumped on the opportunity. Isis quickly jogged over the others. Heidi was asleep on the ground wrapped in a blanket.

"How is she?" Isis asked.

"Jon's Resta has healed the wounds but she's running a temperature." Iceberg said, "It's like she has an infection but Cerberus can't detect anything and Reverser has no effect."

Isis placed her hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. It had torn him up to have put that poor girl through that kind of pain and the stress was finally starting to show. It had been rough on everyone and though the physical scars were gone the mental ones would last for a long time, perhaps forever. It was something Isis would never forget and something she hoped she would never have to go through.

"Iceberg, we have a problem." Isis said quietly.

"The swirling vortex." Iceberg replied.

Isis nodded, "I just talked to Phoenix. The Dark One is complete and he's dragging us to him."

"Then we can not delay any longer." Iceberg said.

"We need to leave Heidi behind." Isis nodded.

"Agreed." Iceberg nodded, and wiped a tear from his eye.

"Jon and Isaac can watch over her." Isis said, "We can take David the rest of the way."

"I shall inform Cerberus." Iceberg nodded.

The following conversation went much better than Iceberg expected. Jon wasn't about to leave his daughter and neither of them were in any condition to travel. Isaac was only here because of Heidi; so he was happy to be chosen to be left behind. Cerberus wasn't happy about leaving her but he knew there was no other option. The group quickly gathered up their things and headed for the dark cliffs on the other side of the river valley. Jon and Isaac watched as the others entered the water and began the swim across. The current was light and calm making it fairly easy to swim. They watched the others reach the other side then disappear in the night.

"Is she going to be alright?" Isaac asked looking down at the sleeping girl.

"I don't know." Jon shook his head, "We just have to hope the fever comes down on its
own."

"What about that cut on her neck?" Isaac asked.

"That has me concerned as well." Jon replied, "That should have been healed up a long time ago, instead it looks infected."

"I've never seen an infection like that before." Isaac frowned.

"Neither have I."

This statement sent a shiver down Isaacs's spine. He was hoping that this space man from another planet would know everything there is to help her and yet he was just as baffled as Isaac. Isaac nodded slowly then went to find a place to lie down. There wasn't much for him to do right now and he needed rest. Jon sighed and checked her forehead. It was still quite hot and covered in sweat. He lied down beside her and soon fell asleep. He wasn't asleep very long when a sudden sense of dread washed over him. He sat up and looked around but Heidi was gone. He quickly jumped to his feet.

"Heidi!" He called.

Isaac slowly woke from his sleep. He rubbed his eyes and looked around. Jon called out again.

"What is it?" Isaac asked.

"Heidi's gone." Jon replied.

"What!" Isaac jumped up.

He looked around frantically but there was no sign of the girl. She had simply slipped away in the dark.

"You think she went after the others?" He asked.

"She was running a fever." Jon shrugged, "She could have wandered off anywhere."

They continued to search and call out but Heidi was gone.

Freeze

Sep 5, 2010, 05:13 PM

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

The Landeel hadn't been twisted and mutated like most Seed infections but the place was still crawling with creatures. Beast's bodies littered the ground along with dead Seed creatures but it was obvious the Seed had won the field. They could hear shots ringing out from the inside of the ship. Phoenix frowned at the scene because it appeared that the infection began outside when he knew it started inside with the beast boy, but they had killed that creature.

"There must have been more Seed pods on the ship." Lisa said.

Phoenix agreed with her assessment but didn't say so. He wondered how many of the crew had been turned before the Seed started replicating its army. How many of the crew had been driven inside and forced to take cover. Phoenix let out a soft growl and equipped his light knuckles. Lisa drew a pair of ancient looking mechguns.

"How many of those old weapons do you have?" Phoenix tilted his head.

"A little lesson I learned from an old friend." Lisa grinned, "Always come to battle armed to the teeth."

"I think I would have liked this old friend." Phoenix nodded.

"I think so too." Lisa replied.

"He was a worthy adversary." Kireek said.

"Then let's show these creatures just what hunters are all about." Lisa said as she slammed a couple fresh power cells into her H&S25 Justice.

The three charged in with weapons swinging. Phoenix drove his knuckles into every creature he could. Kireek used his agility to dodge, weave, and slice anything that moved. Lisa used each gun to target a separate enemy doubling her killing efficiency. A couple of Deljaben managed to throw off a couple of Megid balls. Lisa side stepped the first, then dove under the second coming up with both guns pointed at each creature. A quick squeeze of the triggers relieved each creature of its head. Kireek and Lisa came together as the Seed closed in around them. This gave Phoenix a clear path to the boarding ramp. The smaller Seed creatures began to thin out as their bodies piled up around the two hunters.

"These are hardly worthy to be called dark creatures." Kireek laughed as he chopped down a couple of Pannon.

"Nothing like the dark monsters in the ruins." Lisa agreed.

In response, three large Seed Vance sprouted up in front of them. They let out a chilling cry waving their long tentacle arms in the air.

"That's a little better." Kireek cried rushing forward.

"Kireek wait!" Lisa cried then grumbled, "What is it with male androids."

The lead Vance drove its tentacles into the ground. The tips popped up at Kireek's feet twirling like little blades. Kireek jumped then swinging his Soul Eater down chopping the tentacles off. The Vance cried out pulling its wounded limbs from the ground. Kireek landed clean and bolted forward. The Vance took another swipe. Kireek countered slicing the limb off in mid attack. The Vance swung the remaining limb. Kireek ducked the attack then with one solid chop, drove the Soul Eater into the Vance's stem. He drew a damage trap from his pack and tossed it up at the pod shaped head. The trap stuck to the underside. He leaped away as the head exploded in a spray of purple goo. Kireek landed beside the next one turning to attack. The Vance collapsed in front of him from a barrage of mechgun bullets. The two androids turned to the last Vance and drew damage traps from their packs. They quickly tossed them at the Seed. The traps stuck to both sides of the Vance's head. A second later the Vance exploded in a shower of purple blood and black goo.

"Is that all you've got?" Kireek cried.

Four giant creatures appeared before them. They had a tiny head twisted in a permanent grin. The right hand was a sabre, and the left hand was a three forked claw. The creatures were at least twice as tall as Kireek.

"You just had to tick them off didn't you?" Lisa frowned tightening the grip on her guns.

"Delsabers do not frighten me." Kireek replied.

"How do you feel about Delsabers on steroids?" Lisa pointed.

The four Delnadian began to march on the hunters. Lisa immediately fired at the lead monster. Her guns tore away at the creature but it still marched forward intent on killing her. Kireek rushed in on the second.

"Careful Kireek, these are a lot tougher." She yelled.

"Finally a challenge." Kireek grinned.

The Delnadian swung its sword like arm. Kireek blocked with his Soul Eater then found himself flying through the air as the Delnadian hit him with its claw. Lisa slowly backed up as the Delnadian moved in on her. Her guns blasted through its right shoulder rendering the arm useless yet it still came. It raised its claw to strike. Lisa quickly targeted the claw and fired. The impact forced the monster to stumble back. She targeted the head and fired. The guns tore away at the skull until there was nothing left. The creature collapsed in front of her. Its partner attacked her from her left. The swing impacted the shield on her left arm. Combined with her line shield the attack was easily deflected but the sheer impact knocked her to the ground. Kireek landed on his feet right next to her. He was holding the Soul Eater in one hand and a Delnadian arm in the other.

"Their body parts still make good weapons." He laughed and charged forward.

"Glad some one is enjoying himself." Lisa grumbled.

She quickly rolled away as a large blade crashed down on her. She stopped her roll and fired blasting away her attackers head. She climbed to her feet and smirked as Kireek finished off the last Delnadian.

"These Seed are less than impressive." Kireek growled.

"So you keep saying." Lisa sighed, "Something tells me these were only the guards left outside. I'll bet the real force is inside with the Landeel crew."

"Then we must assist." Kireek said, "Can't let that poor excuse for an android have all the fun."

"I don't know who's more self absorbed, you or him." Lisa sighed and followed Kireek inside.

Phoenix was a little disappointed he couldn't help the hunters with the monsters outside but as a Guardian his duty was to ensure the safety of the Landeel crew. He expected the real fight was yet to come. The hallways were infested with the smaller Seed creatures and the Seed infection had started to warp the ships interior. If they didn't hurry and clean up this mess the Landeel would become a hive and they would be trapped on the planet. He rounded a corner drilling a couple Pannon into the wall just as they leaped at him. More Seed creatures turned and headed for the lone Guardian who continued to punch and pound anything that got near him, taxing the photon generators in his knuckles to their limit. He started to laugh as the warrior inside him came flooding to the surface. He continued on down the corridors littered with the bodies of the Landeel's security force until he reached the cargo hold. He skidded to a stop in front of the open door. Tylor, Liina, the Vol brothers, and much of the remaining crew were pinned down behind some cargo crates. They kept firing trying to keep the creatures back but they weren't having much success and when they ran out of photon chargers the monsters would over run them. Phoenix was not about to let that happen. He wished he had access to his Suv weapon but being out of the Gurhal system put him out of range of the Suv satellites. The room was full of large Seed creatures. They were strong, tough, and would attack him the moment he stepped inside. He needed an alternate method of attack. A large earthquake violently shook the ship knocking everyone and everything down. The dark one was getting close. Phoenix grumbled as he climbed to his feet and noticed a couple cargo containers still hanging from their hoists.

"Oh now that's good." He smiled.

He drew his hand gun and aimed. Two carefully aimed shots knocked the container loose sending it plummeting to the floor squashing one of the monsters. He quickly fired at the two remaining containers taking out two more monsters. This drew the attention of the others. He drew his knuckles and stood ready.

"Bring it." He growled.

They started to charge but several of them were stopped by an attack from behind. The Rogues had come out of hiding and were charging full force. Phoenix nodded and charged into the biggest fight of his life.

The alien world that was drawing them in was now quite visible in the sky. The ground had begun to shake and heave from the influence of the other worlds gravity. They were quickly running out of time. Cerberus urged the others on even though they were at the brink of exhaustion. David had long since reached his limit and had taken a seat on Cerberus' shoulder. Iceberg finally stopped after he had to catch Isis as she stumbled on the uneven ground.

"That's it." He exhaled, "We must rest and rehydrate."

"Ya, I'm dying of thirst." Isis nodded.

"OK, I don't need rest." Cerberus said, "I'll go ahead with David. You guys can catch up."

"That is not a good idea." Iceberg said, "You have no idea what dangers wait for you."

"He's right." Isis said taking a big gulp from her canteen, "We can spare five minutes to recharge."

"I'm hungry." David said tapping Cerberus' head.

"Guess I'm out voted." Cerberus smiled setting the boy down, "OK we'll take a break here."

Isis looked up at the rocky world in the sky. It was now the size of a small moon. The star that was the heart of the Gurhal System shown brightly as the new planet shadowed its parent star from their planet.

"We are really close to home." She said.

"I had no idea there was a planetary system so close to us." Iceberg said.

"It may not have been." Cerberus said, "I suspect this might be a rogue system and it's quite possible that the dark one is drawing us and him toward Gurhal.

"He can sense the Seed there." David said, "He wants the power that would be gained from absorbing them. He needs that strength to absorb me."

"What!" Isis gasped.

"The only way he can control the life power is to absorb me for I am the controller."

"Is this what he tried to do the first time?" Isis asked.

"No." David shook his head, "He didn't know this then. He rained fire and destruction upon the world as he tried to take it. I… I mean my ancestor took control of the power before he could find it."

"And ever since his soul has been rising up to continually terrorize the universe." Cerberus shook his head.

"Worse yet over the years it has divided into pieces that have spread through universes." David said, "It started with the Algo system and has ended up here."

"What's Algo?" Isis asked.

"It was a tri planet system." Cerberus said, "If my memory is still good, I believe there was a temperate world containing forests, plains, and oceans. A desert world and a distant ice world. Humans primarily lived on the temperate world with colonies on the others. Each planet had its own indigenous life both friendly and hostile."

"Sounds similar to Gurhal." Iceberg said.

"It does." Cerberus nodded, "If my history is correct then the people of Coral came from Algo."

"Our history is also shrouded in mystery." Iceberg began.

Cerberus snapped to attention and began looking around.

"What is it?" Iceberg frowned.

"Something is approaching." Cerberus replied.

"Something?" Isis frowned.

"My scanner is picking up something very strange." Cerberus said, "It looks humanoid but I can't make out the bio readings."

He suddenly jumped up and scooped David up.

"This is serious." Iceberg said, "What did you detect?"

"D-cells." Cerberus replied.

This didn't mean much to the Guardians but they could tell from Cerberus reaction that this was very bad. Iceberg and Isis quickly gathered up their gear and followed the android into the marsh that lay ahead.

"I hope this thing didn't hurt Heidi and the others." Isis said stepping into the knee deep murky water.

"Jon is a very capable Guardian." Iceberg replied, "He could handle anything that threatens his party."

"I suppose but whatever this thing is, it has Cerberus scared." Isis said softly.

"Indeed." Iceberg nodded, "Which causes me concern."

"You?" Isis frowned, "Now I am worried."

David looked back and saw something slip into the water. He stared for a moment but it had disappeared. It should have been mid morning by now but with no star to provide heat and light the planet was trapped in forever night. The only source of light now was the swirling vortex of energy that was dragging them through space. Even the temperature had started to drop.

"It's getting cold." David said softly.

"Yes, the planets heat is bleeding off into space." Cerberus said, "I estimate there's only about a day's worth of comfortable heat left."

"How long before it gets too cold to support life?" Iceberg asked.

"Two or three days at most." Cerberus said, "Once it starts to get really cold the temperature will drop really fast."

"That's not much time." Isis said, "Even if we had the capacity, we couldn't evacuate everyone in time."
"So no matter whether we win or not hundreds if not thousands are lost." Iceberg growled.

"Let's make sure it's not millions." Isis said, "Where is this power?"

"We must reach the center of the swamp." David pointed, "It is hidden there."

The trek through the thick mud and water was slow and tiring. Every now and again they'd catch a glimpse of the thing following them. It would only appear for a second and never close enough to be identified.

"It's following us to the power source." Iceberg said.

"Looks like it." Cerberus nodded.

The barren alien planet now dominated the sky. The vortex disappeared plunging the planet into total night. The center of the swamp was in sight now. It was a small island with a stone obelisk at the center. A crystal orb sat on the top.

"There!" David pointed

Something exploded from the surface of the other world. A beam of light shot out landing in the swamp close to the guardians. A massive flame washed over the surface of the other world turning it into a small dim sun. The swamp lit up under the soft orange glow of the other world. The beam of light vanished leaving a giant monster behind. It stretched out its long arms and roared. Cerberus hurried to the island and sat David on the dry ground then drew his rifle to face the monster. Isis and Iceberg joined him.

"Too late puny things." The creature growled, "I am awake and I am whole. Now I will take that power."

"You have to get through us first!" Iceberg yelled.

"No, I don't." The dark one grinned.

David let out a yelp drawing the attention of the others. Isis gasped as she saw Heidi holding the boy tight with a dagger pressed against his throat. Her eyes had turned solid purple. Her neck sported a large purple spot were the scratch had been. Twisted purple veins stretched out from the spot weaving all over her body. She had a nasty set of fangs growing from her upper jaw. She just glared at the Guardians.

"My child has done well." The dark one laughed.

"She does not belong to you." Cerberus pointed.

"Yes she does." It replied, "A gift given to me by my former servant. This is her true purpose, her destiny. Look at her; she is the exact opposite of your precious controller. He may be your son of life, but she is my daughter of death."

"Cerberus?" Isis looked up.

"She's not evil." Cerberus replied, "She's infected by D-cells. Something is preventing her from completely mutating."

"Stand aside!" The Dark one boomed, "Or I will kill the boy."

"No you won't." Cerberus pointed, "You need him to control the power."

"You're right." The Dark One nodded, "But I don't need the girl."

The dagger moved from David's throat to Heidi's throat.

"Now stand aside." The Dark One roared.

Cerberus lowered his gun and stepped out of the way.

"What are you doing?" Iceberg gasped.

"Saving Heidi's' life." Cerberus replied, "Now stand down."

"Cerberus!" Isis gasped.

"Do it now!" Cerberus barked.

The two Guardians slowly lowered their weapons and stepped aside. The monster grinned as he closed in on the boy. David tried to struggle free but Heidi held him tight with a super human grip.

"Heidi, please let me go." David pleaded, "I know you're not bad. Please fight this. Let me go!"

Heidi held him tight. She didn't respond to either his struggling or his pleading. The Dark One moved in stretching out his long arm to scoop David up.

"Please Heidi." David started to cry, "Help me."

Seth Astra

Sep 5, 2010, 08:12 PM

Man, now that Kireek's not playing a villain, he'd pretty awesome. Keep up the good work, Freeze.

Freeze

Sep 12, 2010, 04:09 PM

Thanks Seth.

CHAPTER FORTY

Slowly the dagger dropped away from her throat, but the grip on him remained tight.

"That's it, fight." David smiled, "You're my friend, please I need you."

The Dark One reached down to snatch the boy up. Heidi jerked the boy away putting her between him and the monster.

"No!" She cried.

"What?" The Dark One said pulling his hand away, "What do you think you're doing?"

"This is my friend and I won't let you hurt him." Heidi said.

She blinked a couple of times and her eyes returned to normal.

"I am not evil and I am not your child." She cried, "I am a Guardian and we eat guys like you for breakfast!"

"That is a pity." The Dark One shook its head, "You could have lived as my princess. My child for all eternity but now I will destroy you along with these other puny things."

"I will gladly die resisting you." Heidi grinned, "Fortunately for me, I don't plan on dying today.

She drew her daggers and took an offensive stance.

"You forget she is not alone." Iceberg said.

"I did not forget." The Dark One waved, "I simply don't care."

He took a swing at the Guardians forcing them to scatter. Iceberg took aim as Isis took position beside him.

"I have a full nanoblast." She whispered.

"Good, we'll need it." Iceberg nodded.

Iceberg fired a couple rounds that impacted against the creature's skin. Cerberus fired at the same spot but the fire power was ineffective. The Dark One laughed then raked the ground with his massive claw like hand forcing the rangers to retreat. Isis drew her metal sword from its sheath and charged.

"David, get to the crystal." Heidi cried.

David nodded and started to run.

A giant hand came crashing down in front of him blocking his path. Heidi lunged at the hand with a strength she had never dreamed of; driving her blades down hard. They bounced off. The Dark One laughed then with a flick of his long finger, sent Heidi flying into the murky water. There was nothing to stop him from grabbing David now. Heidi had to try anyway. She jumped up and leaped through the water. Cerberus and Iceberg continued to fire. The monster reached out for the child closing his fingers around the boy. Isis roared and in a brilliant flash of light, transformed into her nano form. She charged forward and just as the Dark One closed his fingers, she jumped onto his hand, clawing and scratching at the tough flesh. The Dark One growled and flicked her off. Heidi reached the edge of the island and was joined by Sato. She nodded at her Mag and ran to David. The Dark One's hand came down on her. With daggers crossed she used every bit of her new strength to keep him from crushing her and David. Sato began to make some strange chirping noises.

"What is it?" Heidi groaned.

Sato began to meow like crazy. She was trying to tell Heidi something but the girl didn't know what. Cerberus' rifle ran dry. He'd have to wait for it to recharge not that it was doing him much good. Iceberg popped a photon charger in his and continued to fire. Isis recovered and charged for the monsters hand. Cerberus looked out at Heidi and saw the fuss Sato was making.

"It can't be." He gasped and charged for the island.

He stowed his drained rifle and drew the Spirit Guard. As a weapon it wasn't much good but it made a decent club.

"Heidi, Sato has a photon blast ready!" He called.

"A what?" Heidi grumbled.

David shrugged as he slowly backed away from the hand that was trying to crush him. Cerberus ran in at the hand. The sword began to glow.

"That is very strange." He thought, "It doesn't normally do that."

He swung down at the hand. The blade sunk into the flesh. The Dark One quickly pulled his hand back.

"Heidi, blast him." Cerberus said.

"With what?" Heidi shrugged.

The Dark One swung down at the two Guardians.

"Now!" Cerberus cried.

Heidi threw her arms up and spun in a circle ending up with one hand raised and the other on her hip as the circular symbol from her dagger hilts appeared below her. A multi coloured dolphin appeared over her head. It did a quick back flip then drove forward into the monster. The Dark One roared as the light energy burned into his flesh.

"David, the crystal!" Cerberus barked.

The boy quickly turned and ran for the obelisk. The Dark One slammed his fist down forcing the boy to skid to a halt. Cerberus charged forward driving the sword into the massive hand. The hand swatted the android away. Cerberus landing in the swamp with a giant splash. The Dark One began to chuckle as he reached out for the boy. David yelped and ran for the obelisk. Heidi ran after him watching the hand that was reaching out for her friend.

"Man this guy is slow." She thought.

The hand whipped out smashing into her sending her sailing into the water. She landed hard but managed to hang on to her daggers.

"Great, he's fast on the attack." She muttered spitting out swamp water and mud.

Cerberus climbed out of the swamp and bolted for David. The giant hand came down quickly. Cerberus slid under the closing hand holding the sword up. The tip drove into the palm of the hand and the fingers closed around him plucking him from the ground. Heidi started to run back to the island but something grabbed her ankle dragging her into the water. She clawed at the water with her daggers but she couldn't find what held her.

"Isis, Iceberg, I'm stuck." She called.

"I'm stuck too." Isis yelled clawing at the water.

Iceberg ran for the island and as he stepped onto the solid ground a muddy brown vine shot up and grabbed his leg.

"No, release me." He growled and fired at the vine.

The plant was ripped to pieces but two more shot up grabbing his wrists.

"The elements are mine to control." The Dark One laughed.

"He's infecting the plant life." Cerberus gasped and pushed the sword a little deeper.

The Dark One didn't seem to notice.

"David, the orb!" Heidi cried.

David nodded and tried to run for the center of the island. The Dark One reached out again but now there was no one left to stop him. The hand slammed down on David and the fingers started to close.

"David NO!" Heidi cried.

Two massive laser bolts blasted into the Dark One's chest knocking him back. Heidi looked up as the Landeel dove down from the sky blasting away at the creature. It didn't do any real damage but the force was enough to keep the creature back. David reached the obelisk and with the very tip of his finger, touched the orb.

"NO!" The Dark One roared.

A blast of white light shot from the orb and into David. The boy was blasted back. He climbed to his feet, an aura of light formed around him. His eyes burned bright with flame.

"Enough!" He said with a loud booming voice.

It was a voice made of every voice that had come before him. He raised his arms and long green reeds rose up from the water wrapping around the Dark One. The reeds sprouted vines that continued up his body then down his arm where they pried his fingers open releasing Cerberus.

"You have destroyed this world and doomed everyone here." David said, "You destroyed my home and slaughtered most of my people. You have continued throughout history bringing death and pain to this universe."

"Release me you insect." The Dark One growled, "You can't kill me."

"No, but I can banish you to the three corners of the universe." David said, "Where you shall once again slumber as an incomplete being."

"No, not again!" The Dark One cried.

David swung his arms up lifting the creature off the ground. With one hand he pulled the flesh from its bones then flung it into deep space. Then he pulled the soul from the bone and tossed it in the direction of the Gurhal system. Heidi watched as it disappeared into the night. She hoped it didn't land anywhere near her home. David took the bone and flung it into space. He lowered his arms then turned to his friends. He raised a hand lifting them from the swamp and brought them to him. He turned to Heidi and smiled.

"Thank you." He said, "I could not have done this without you."

"Thank you for saving me." Heidi smiled.

"It was your own inner strength that saved you." David smiled, "I see no need for you to carry these scars."

He waved his hand around her casting white shimmering sparkles that floated down over her. As they slowly fell to the ground, Heidi was restored to normal. The mutation and the D-cells were completely removed. She reached up to touch the fangs in her mouth but they were gone.

"Thank you." She said softly.

David nodded then turned to the Landeel and watched as it touched down nearby. He waved his hand and the ship was covered in the same white sparkles.

"That should take care of the last of the evil." David smiled, "And now I must return the power."

He turned to face the orb and with a point of his finger he returned the power to it. The orb rolled off of the top of the obelisk and rolled to his feet. He scooped up the orb and nodded.

"You've done well son." Cerberus smiled.

"Thank you all." David smiled, "Now I must take this far away so no one will ever find it again."

"Don't leave a map this time." Heidi grinned.

"I won't." David smiled back.

"We must leave." Iceberg said, "Time is still short."

Everyone quickly climbed the ramp. Jon was waiting at the top and Heidi leaped into his
arms.

"I'm so glad you're safe." He said softly.

"Thanks Dad." She whispered back.

The Landeel lifted off and headed back to the field were the flyer still sat. A repair crew from the Landeel were replacing the ramp on the back of the flyer. Isaac was waiting there with the people of his village. The earth tremors continued to get worse as the gravity from the two worlds tore away at each other. The Landeel gently set down and David quickly exited the ramp. Heidi followed him down stopping at the bottom.

"Where will you go?" She asked.

"I'm not sure but I'll have a good guardian looking out for me." David shrugged.

"Huh?" Heidi frowned.

Isaac stepped forward.

"Some of us have decided to go with David." He said.

"You have?" Heidi frowned, "I thought you might come to Gurhal with us."

"There's nothing I'd like more and many of my people will be going with you but as your place is there, my place is here." Isaac said, "Time for my own adventure I guess."

"I'll miss you." Heidi said wrapping her arms around him.

He hugged her back.

"I'll miss you too."

She let go and stepped back. Isaac nodded once then turned for the flyer. David gave Heidi a quick hug then boarded the flyer behind Isaac. A few more men and women followed them filling the flyer to its capacity. Heidi watched the flyer lift off and disappear in the sky. She continued to stare up as Cerberus, Isis, and Iceberg quickly ushered the rest of the people aboard. Heidi followed the last of the refugees up followed by Isis and Iceberg. Cerberus took one last look at the small world as it slowly began to break up and felt bad for all the lives here they couldn't save. He turned and started up the ramp. Kireek stood at the top.

"You!" Cerberus growled.

"Cerberus." Kireek nodded, "We need to talk."

"We have nothing to talk about." Cerberus said drawing the Spirit Guard, "Your reign of terror ends here."

"I am not the black devil you have been pursuing for so long." Kireek said holding up a
hand, "That evil has been taken from me."

"Tell me another one Black Hound." Cerberus growled and charged.

Lisa stepped in front of Kireek holding up her hands.

"Cerberus no."

"What are you doing?" Cerberus gasped.

"Kireek's not evil." Lisa said, "He helped us save the Landeel."

"That does not excuse his crimes." Cerberus pointed.

"I will not claim to be innocent." Kireek shook his head but I was not responsible for the evil that controlled me."

"I intend to make sure you pay for your crimes." Cerberus growled.

"Fine, but not here." Lisa said, "Let's wait to get back to Gurhal and leave it to the authorities. I'm sure he's facing charges there too."

"Fine." Cerberus sighed stowing his sword.

"I see there is no point in asking for your forgiveness so I shall leave you." Kireek said and disappeared inside.

"He's not evil." Lisa said.

"But he is the Black Hound." Cerberus said, "And his crimes are many even before he was influenced by Dark Falz."

"And he will finally have to face the consequences of those crimes." Lisa said, "Come on, we've got a whole new home to chase bad guys in. Let's enjoy the rest before we get back."

Cerberus nodded and took one last look at the planet before heading up the ramp. Lisa was right, this new world promised many new adventures for him and he was actually looking forward to it. He smiled with a nod as the hatch closed behind him. The Landeel gently lifted off the ground then headed for home leaving the two worlds to their doomed fate.