by Paul Ormond
Kate hit the button one more time as Gaelin pressed a command into his panel. In unison, a volley of fire rocketed into the air from all directions and rained down on the Master’s ships circling over the Kingsford fairgrounds.
“You bad boy,” Holrathu said. “If it’s a fight you want, then that is what you’ll get, but I’m afraid there won’t be any mercy for you, or your pathetic companions.”
“You’ll be the one begging for mercy,” Robert said, manifesting a sword. “I’m coming for you and I won’t stop until I cut you in half.”
Leaping into the air, Robert shot up over the tree line and rocketed toward the ships while their guns honed in on his position.
“I thought we were all going together,” Ramon said, activating his device.
“You can call him back all you like, but I don’t think it will do any good,” Gaelin said after he jumped into the air.
“Would you two stop holding hands,” Kate said before she and TaeJun blasted skyward. “It’s time to go and finish what we started. Come on, TaeJun. This is going to be so much fun.”
“It looks like that got their attention,” Gerald whispered, watching the soldiers re-assemble across the cavern after the thudding sound of explosions shook the cavern.
“We’re ready to move when you are,” Davis said, crouching next to Gerald.
“Hold tight,” Gerald said before turning to find Sage and his companions hiding in the shadows. “They’re not expecting us to come at them from down here. We need to find an opening and wait for our moment.”
“Uh, we might want to hurry up on finding that moment,” Babcock said from the side. “It looks like some special guests are arriving.”
“That’s not good,” Gerald said while a crackle of light appeared at the base of the cavern.
Dilating at a rapid rate, a wide portal emerged before the immense structure. In one swift movement, a hulking figure leaped through the opening and landed with a thud on the cavern floor.
“That is not good at all,” Gerald said as KiGuan leaped into the air and headed toward the platform at the top of the immense structure.
“I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that he showed up,” Davis said.
“But what the hell are we going to do now that he is here?” Babcock said.
“We’ll figure something out,” Gerald said. “Don’t panic, our moment will present itself.”
Slashing through the air, Robert cut down an attacking soldier with one swift strike before dodging an incoming barrage of fire sent forth from the massive ship hovering in the distance.
“Is this all you’ve got?” Robert shouted while he charged toward a swathe of soldiers closing in on his position.
“Save some for us, you greedy billionaire,” Kate shouted as the artillery forces on the ground lobbed another volley of fire at the ships.
“You get the ones I miss,” Robert shouted after he spun forward and sliced into the soldiers.
Glancing toward the massive domes in the distance, Robert spotted a large launch into the air before a blanket of fire poured out of the sky.
“On second thought, they're all yours,” Robert said, changing direction. “I just spotted my dancing partner, and I think they just started playing our song.”
“You are such a drama queen,” Kate shouted as she and TaeJun dodged to the right to avoid an incoming barrage. “Don’t worry, we’ll handle the charging horde while you go deal with your little beef.”
Angling toward the ground, Robert raced to intercept the vehicle while a string of explosions chased after him.
As he dodged away from fire, a chorus of wild cheers rang out over the explosions. Looking over his shoulder, he spotted several thousand figures launch into the air from within the suburban sprawl of Kingsford and rush toward the ships hovering over the fairground.
The massive vessels pivoted their positions and let loose a blanket of fire on the attackers as Robert changed his course and rushed at the vehicle barreling toward him.
“Do you have any idea how pathetic this looks?” Commander Holrathu shouted after Robert slashed at his chariot. “How can you possibly think that this ragtag gathering could stand a chance against the Emperor’s forces?”
“Stranger things have happened,” Robert shouted, avoiding Holrathu’s counterstrike. “But the only thing that matters to me is beating you.”
“Then I’m afraid, dear Robert, you are in for some disappointment,” Holrathu said. leaping into the air with his ax in hand. “I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. It will be my pleasure to eliminate you in honor of the Emperor.”
“Wasn’t it you that said: ‘don’t underestimate your opponent’?” Robert said while he leaped over the Commander’s ax and caught him in the shoulder with his blade.
“I am not underestimating you in away, Robert,” Holrathu said, spinning away from his opponent. “I made you, and I know everything about you.”
“I think you’d be surprised what you don’t know,” Robert shouted before the civilian forces met the Master’s soldiers in mid air.
“Once again, you are mistaken,” Commander Holrathu said as a deep rumbling shook the ground. “Get ready for a surprise, Robert.”
“Nothing shocks me anymore,” Robert said before a bright flash of light filled the air, blinding the battle field.
Recovering from the blast, Robert looked toward the sky and spotted an enormous portal forming above the clouds.
“It is time for the Emperor’s arrival,” Holrathu shouted. “And I’m going to give you a front-row seat.”
“You don’t stand a chance against me,” Robert said before he caught the Commander in the arm with his blade.
As Holrathu returned his strike, Robert dodged to the left only to see a dark shadow pass overhead followed by a thunderous clap.
Looking skyward, Robert watched an enormous ship pass through the portal and descend upon the cluster of domes.
“How do you like my surprise?” Holrathu said, striking Robert down from behind as the vessel came into position over the ships hovering above Kingsford.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
AS THE MONSTROUS craft rotated clockwise over the site, several tube shaped appendages extended out from its hull and slammed into the ground, leveling buildings and sending shock waves across the valley.
“Wasn’t expecting that,” Gaelin said, standing on a ledge overlooking the city. “But I’m also not surprised.”
“It looks just like what you told me about on Jarkadu,” Ramon said while a multitude of cannon like protrusions appeared along the edge of the craft and blasted orbs across the perimeter the site.
“It appears to have a similar function, but from what I can tell, it’s teeming with soldiers and artillery,” Gaelin said.
“We’ve ordered a full retreat, and our forces have suffered some heavy damage,” Ramon said, glancing at his panel.
“We drew them out, and that was what we wanted to do,” Gaelin said. “but I’m not sure it will make any difference now that that thing is here.”
“Reinforcements are on the way. All available troops are heading to Kingsford.”
“What about your other friends?”
“All available Cell assets are en route or already present.”
“I’m talking about the friends you made on your trip.”
“I sent the message, but we can’t wait around for them to show up. They’re pinned down in their own fights. If somehow they can get here, that will be amazing, but as far as I can tell, we are on our own.”
“I think you are forgetting about something,” a voice said from behind.
Jumping at the sound, Gaelin spun around to find several figures gliding toward him through the trees.
“The Cell hasn’t even had a chance to ride into battle,” O’Dell Grimes said after he came to a rest before Gaelin. A large instrument strapped to his arm gleamed in the morning sun.
“I’m glad you’ve got hope cause th
ings are looking pretty dire down there,” Ramon said.
“Hope is the one thing that kept me alive all those years in the hole,” O’Dell said, stepping toward the cliff. “And hope is the one thing that will get us through this.”
“Hope all you want, but I don’t like our chances against that thing,” Ramon said.
“Ramon, do not fall into the trap of a self-fulfilling prophecy,” O’Dell said. “You have been a part of this from the start, and you know damn well that we haven’t even begun to play our hand. XiaoFan, show him what you’ve got.”
“The prototypes we developed based on Christine’s models are now fully functional,” XiaoFan said after she stepped forward holding a metallic hub in her hand.
“These additions enhance and strengthen the existing devices giving us much more added firepower,” Christine said while she stood alongside Shiela and the other Cell members.
“We’re all equipped with custom-made enhancers and we sent out the call to our heavy hitters,” Conrad said before he extended his arm forward displaying a pair of metallic bracers running the length of his limb.
“Well, as Mitch Mythic would say, we’re not dead yet,” Gaelin said before a tremendous roar filled the air.
Turning toward the cliff, Gaelin spotted a wide opening appear at the base of the vessel and an immense tubular mechanism plunged to the ground at the center of the site.
Thick columns of energy pulsed within the protrusion while the vessel channeled power into the ground.
“That can’t be good,” Ramon said from Gaelin’s side.
“No, it’s not,” Gaelin said. “This is all a part of their plan. It’s got to have something to with their Emperor.”
“They’ve been hyping it up pretty good,” Ramon said before the light surrounding the mechanism intensified.
“What ever they are trying to do, they’ve given us a target,” O’Dell said, leaping into the air. “Send out the command. All forces attack that column.”
“That’s suicide,” Gaelin said.
“Standing up here watching is suicide,” O’Dell said after he activated the weapon on his arm. “Everybody, into the air, we’ve got some toys to show off to our new friends.”
“Pull back into the cave,” Gerald said, scrambling across the ledge.
Pressing himself against the rock wall, he brought his hand up to his face and covered his eyes as a blinding light filled the cavern.
“What the hell is going on in there?” Sage said from behind Gerald.
“It looks like they just shifted gears,” Gerald said while the light subsided.
Before anyone had a chance to reply, a deafening explosion rocked the cavern, sending swirls of dust into the cave.
“It doesn’t sound like they’re done yet,” Davis said through several coughs.
“I’m going to get another look, but get ready to move. I think our window is closing fast,” Gerald said, crawling toward the lip of the cave.
Crackling light filled the cavern as Gerald peeked over the rock. A large metal protrusion had broken through the ceiling and connected with the structure encompassing the beam rising up from the depths.
The two arms arcing over the tiered complex parted, allowing the beam to connect with the mechanism. Diverting into two separate channels, the energy flowed with a steady pulse toward the roof of the cavern along the metallic protrusion before exiting to the surface through two large holes embedded in the extended limb.
“We better move now before it's too late,” Babcock said.
“I don’t see any other option,” Gerald said. “I’m not sure what happened to KiGuan, but I’m pretty sure he didn’t go far. To pull this off, we’re going to need a diversion. I’ll take the others out into the cavern. You two sit tight and wait for us to spread them out. When you see your chance, go straight for the beam. Once you drop the payload, we’ll all be on our own. Make your way to the surface and we’ll try to link up with our forces.”
“You’re sure about this?” Davis said.
“Not at all, but what else are we going to do?” Gerald said before he crawled back to Sage.
“Are you guys ready to do what you do best?” Gerald asked. “Our window is closing and we need a distraction. We’re going to go in and get their attention while Davis and Babcock drop the bomb.”
“Why does this feel like a replay?” Candace asked.
“Because it is,” Sage said, rolling onto his knees. “But this is more than just a sequel. It’s the grand finale. We didn’t come down here to hide out in a cave. Come on, let’s go give these guys a nice warm welcome.”
“Follow me,” Gerald said. “We need to get some space between us before we let them know we’re here.”
“Eric, take your crew to the left and we’ll head to the right,” Sage said. “Just like last time. The only difference is now we’re trying to get spotted.”
“We can do that,” Eric said, following after Sage. “What happens after they see us?”
“Let ’em chase you.”
“What happens if we get caught?”
“No idea. But I’m betting it’s not going to be good. The whole point of this game is not to get caught.”
“Makes sense,” Eric said. “But I’m not going to lie, this absolutely terrifying.”
“Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re all scared, but if we don’t do something now, what happens next will be even more terrifying,” Sage said. “Remember, you’re not trying to fight them, you just want them to chase you.”
“It’s time,” Gerald said, looking over his shoulder.
“Lead the way,” Sage said.
“As soon as they deliver the payload get to the surface and regroup with our people,” Gerald said before he leaped off of the ledge and rocketed toward the base of the cavern.
“Here we go,” Sage said under his breath as he dove down and angled to the left.
“You continue to amaze me,” Commander Holrathu said after landing with a thud before Robert. “This ability you have to fool yourself into believing the fantasies you concoct is simply astounding.”
“You have no idea what I am capable of,” Robert said, struggling to his feet.
“The only thing you are capable of now is falling under my blade,” Holrathu said while he gripped his ax.
“Now you are the one concocting fantasies,” Robert said as his blade flashed down the length of his arm.
“I don’t think you realize the scope of the situation,” Commander Holrathu said, dodging Robert’s strike. “The great forces of the Multi-verse are converging upon your pitiful planet. You and your pathetic species are about to witness the Majesty of the Emperor and the Empress in their full form.”
“You and your grand plans,” Robert said while blocking his opponent’s ax. “You boast about these schemes of yours, but you’ve never been able to follow through on them because we keep putting a stop to it.”
“There you go again believing that you are making a difference,” Holrathu said as he stepped back to avoid Robert’s blade. “But everything has gone according to plan. Although you thought you were making a difference, you and your companions only played into our hands. Jarkadu went as we expected, and the incident on Chalthantar led your precious Mitch and SoHee directly into our trap.”
“That’s what you think,” Robert said before he rolled to his right and slashed at the Commander. “But you and I both know that those two will be the end of you.”
“I know for a fact that they are no more,” Holrathu said, countering Robert’s attack. “They were sent to the Emperor and Empress as tributes before their journey to earth. They perished in flames before our divine leaders and now it is your turn to die.”
“You keep trying, but we all know it’s just a matter of time before this all blows up in your face,” Robert said, circling the commander.
“Once again you are mistaken,” Holrathu said before he looked up to the vessel hovering overhead. “It is time for
the Emperor to make his grand entrance. Behold the gateway of divinity.”
As he spoke, a great burst of energy shot out from the ground, imbuing the immense vessel with light and sending a shock wave across the valley.
Tumbling head over heels, Robert found himself slamming into a bank of trees while two beams rose toward the sky above the massive ship.
Sage banked to the left, tailed by a burst of fire. Looking over his shoulder, he spotted Candace evading a pair of pursuers while she raced across the base of the canyon. He doubled back to intercept her attackers, but a blast of light filled the canyon and he was knocked off course by the explosion.
Careening into the ground, he rolled onto his stomach and leaped to his feet. As he attempted to return to the air, a shadow passed over him and he heard a loud thud.
“It appears that you are trespassing,” an enormous figure clutching a glowing red spear said.
“Uh, we were just leaving,” Sage said before he leaped into the air.
“You’re not going anywhere,” the figure said, leveling his spear at Sage.
A bolt of light shot out of the bulbous tip, encasing Sage in a red aura.
“You and your friends are going to welcome your Emperor,” the figure said as the soldiers dropped Candace and the others alongside Sage before forming a perimeter around their captives.
“That’s all of them,” one of the soldiers said.
“Well done. We can’t have any more of my father's subjects harmed before he arrives,” the figure said as he was struck by an orb.
“You won’t get away with this, KiGuan,” Gerald shouted while he dove toward the massive figure from above.
“Are all of you humans so foolish?” KiGuan said, striking at Gerald with his spear. A long red lash extended out of the weapon and wrapped itself around Gerald’s torso as KiGuan slammed him to the ground.
“It was a clever play,” KiGuan said while another group of guards led Davis and Babcock forward. “But it wasn’t clever enough. You have just earned front row seats for the Emperor’s arrival. Perhaps after witnessing his greatness, you will accept his love into your hearts.”
