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.
Connect With Us