“You all may leave now till I have something for you to do.” Dark Lord says and everyone starts moving except me. I stand there wondering what he said earlier but I need to ask him about the oracle.
“My lease, can I ask you something?” I say
“Yes, what is it.” He replies
“What happened between Raiken and Oracle?” I ask and his face turns a bit agitated by my question.
“If you want to know, I will tell this that Oracle happened to do something which Raiken didn’t like at all but because of the treaty between Hell and Heaven he stayed his blade. If you want to know that eagerly you might as well ask him yourself.” He replies.
“Yes, my lease. I may take your leave now” I say and take a step back.
He nods his head and I walk out of the room.
Rather than getting any answers I am filled with more questions about Raiken, universe and all that is happening in my life right now. Whatever it maybe I have to stay calm and focused. I am sure I can find answers to them...
After some time,
“You asked for me, my lease” Raiken says as he stands in front of Dark Lord.
“Yes, humans on Mistil have a Relic Gear which they are using for something. I want someone among the Dark Order to keep an eye on them. If needed we might have to retrieve it.” He says rather suspiciously.
“But that’s Zunzar’s home. I think... he would be the best for this.” Raiken replies hesitantly.
“I know, he can do the job but he can’t do it alone. I need someone to accompany him and that is the reason I have called you here.” Dark lord says looking at Raiken. Raiken realises the situation he is in and replies quickly
“I will go with him, if that’s what you need.”
“Okay then, train him properly and then you both will leave. After, he becomes capable of using Dark powers against his enemies.” Dark Lord says and stands up.
“But that would take a lot of time.” Raiken confronts
“I know but he has to be ready, and remember you will not tell him about this till he is ready. This stays with us” Dark Lord orders
“Yes, my lease” Raiken replies...
Within all the mystery lies the answer to questions and Zunzar has found a bunch of questions for himself. He has made his position clear but with all of the new things coming to light it’s only a matter of time before he realises the size of the Universe and its people...
To Be Continued.......
CHAPTER 6
Fate that Binds
[Minal]
Few months later...
We haven’t seen any progress after all these months of work but our hopes are high and we are all working hard. Mirana is on the command with Ishaan backing her up. Everyone is doing some or the other thing in the wake of project Exodus but Chang has been on an entirely different level than the rest of us. We are currently using a facility made by HAZE tech. Aniket is the only one with fortune large enough to fund us and thus we are using all the equipment he provides. The facility is huge with 2 underground floor and 5 floors above the ground. Its location is also pretty decent with the city at a distance of 100 km. The facility has access through all three means of transport. What’s more this facility has its own power supply unit and uses the best in class security systems to keep everything in check. Security personals guard the surrounding and only way to enter is through a special ID which has been given to very few and trusted members of HAZE tech.
It has its own hanger to store vehicles with room to keep a Boeing 747 easily. Tyler has called all his friends to form Exodus’s first task force unit which is still training without a mission to carry out. Basically, almost everyone is training to be able to fight if needed. I have a job to do, so I usually stick around for a while. The facility is further divided in three sections, the training area, the command room and the research lab. Mirana, Ishaan, Aniket and Tyler are mostly in the command room with Chang. Others are mostly in the research lab because they are all busy trying to bring brother’s plans into the real world.
Chang is that Chinese dude who is all kinds of genius. I mean he is the godfather of tech. He looks like any other Chinese guy you can find. Short in height, geeky with specs. Eats a lot as his desk is always filled with chips and somehow never gets fat.
“Minal, don’t stand there come here I have something for you” Mirana calls me from her seat.
“Yes” I reply as I come back to senses from my thoughts.
“Minal, I want to know about the facility’s pipeline grid, the water seems to be leaking somewhere.”
“I will give you the blueprint, can I ask something?”
“Yeah, go ahead”
“When are we actually planning to show ourselves to the world, because I can’t see any progress so far”
Mirana’s expression turn sour, she sighs and regains her composure.
“Well, we need some kind of break through first, until then we actually don’t know where to head” Mirana looks confused for sure.
“Okay...” I reply with a dull look.
“Don’t lose hope, we will make it happen” Mirana says optimistically to cheer me up. I smile for a while and turn around
“I will bring the blueprints”
Grand Hall – Hell,
[Zunzar]
Dark Lord is sitting in his lavish throne with his dead eyes looking towards the emptiness of the ceiling which is covered in darkness. Rhenheim standing beside him folding his arms and a curious expression on his face. Raiken is projecting a holograph with a device on his wrist and standing there.
“Since last report, some Relic Gears have gone missing and 3 new Relic Gears have been discovered. This is one of the rarest occurrences in the history. This much activity has never been reported before.” Raiken says while looking at the data from the holograph. His face suggests the sign of disbelief.
“You already know the reason, Raiken. Besides, there is something I have to tell you.” Dark Lord says with a slight sadness to his tone.
Raiken notices it and gets chills in his spine. He has a bad feeling. Rhenheim says “Yesterday, Zeron destroyed Incarnia...”
“NO” Raiken yells with a disbelief and anger on his face as his eyes become watery. He clenches his fist.
“There were no survivors, I’m sorry Raiken, there is nothing we can do……” Dark Lord says as he looks at Raiken who is currently in a very unstable state.
“This can’t be... He can’t... NO... No...” Raiken mumbles as his face turns pale and eyes watery. He drops on his knees and his face saddens. He seems hopeless and beaten.
“Raiken, I know how it feels but I need you.” Dark Lord says in a pretty blank tone, though he may not show it but his face tells that he doesn’t want Raiken to be that way.
I enter the Room and look at the scene with no idea what’s going on. I walk up to Raiken who is sitting on his knees like a dead corpse. I can’t seem to understand as to what happened but it seems like Raiken is broken by it. I can’t help but resist as I walk towards him and pull him up and give him a very tight hug.
Raiken suddenly feels the warmth and looks up. His face shows anger more than sorrow.
“I don’t know what happened but my mentor doesn’t do this, he is a fighter after all.” I say to cheer him up
“Zunzar, thanks for the support, but that is not all.” Dark Lord resumes. He looks at Zunzar with a gratitude.
“Incarnia was holding 4 Relic Gears in its safe and now they are all in Zeron’s Possession.”
“And we can’t risk others but at the same time we can’t let him learn about the new ones we found” Rhenheim completes after Dark Lord.
“Incarnia?” I interrupt “Isn’t that Raiken’s home, don’t tell me it...”
“Yeah, it fell prey to Zeron’s Rampage and his people paid the price” Rhenheim answers.
I look at Raiken who isn’t looking anywhere but the ground. I can’t help but feel sad for him. That guy just lost his peop
le, his home and his planet. I can’t imagine the pain he is going through.
“You said new ones? What does that mean?” I ask
“You have read about it haven’t you.” Dark Lord replies
“You know what I am talking about, My lease”
“Hmm... Raiken had a secret mission which he carried out and I fear that what he found will indeed become a problem.”
“....”
“You remember why Rozok came to your home.”
“Yes, for the Relic Gear buried underground, don’t tell me they found it” I reply while recollecting some unpleasant memories
“Not yet, but Raiken’s Analysis suggests that there might be one which is actually in your people’s possession and that’s the reason I called you here. You my legion, are going home, to find them.” Dark Lord says
“You kept this all from me? Why?” I question Dark Lord.
“You were not ready, but now you are. You are the only one I can trust this mission with. You know your people better and I don’t want your home to share the same fate.” Dark Lords says
“I am going alone?” I reply.
“I will accompany you.” Raiken speaks after his long silence. His face shows firmness “We will secure the Relic Gears, my lease” He says firmly and keeps his head high.
“But, what will they do even if they secure it, we can’t just hide them anymore, it’s too risky” Rhenheim questions.
“Leave that to me, Rhenheim.” I say.
“Are you sure, your people can keep it safe?” Dark lord asks
“Yes, my lease, I have people that I trust.” I reply Firmly as I remember my people back at home.
“Then leave on your quest immediately, Raiken and Zunzar, Rest of the Dark Order will handle things while you are gone” Dark Lord orders...
SDC base of Operations - Earth,
“So, have you found any means to get that thing out of the ground?” Taksh asks Pran who is doing something with his screwdriver.
“No, until they reverse engineer the Drill it’s not possible” Pran answers whilst being busy with his screwdriver.
“Thanks to your research, we found something” Taksh says
“What, gold mine?” Pran replies laughing sarcastically.
“No, another source. Our spy working in the US government confirmed it to be of the same energy signature and you would be surprised to where he found it” Taksh says
“Where?”
“Area 51”
“Are you joking, that place is a hoax.” He says and looks at Taksh. Taksh’s expression don’t flinch and it startles Pran “seriously?”
“Yes, once I get approval from the Head, I will send a team to retrieve it.” Taksh replies with a smile.
“But that can trigger a global event, considering people who won’t take it well”
“US denies its existence so they can’t sue us for something that doesn’t exist, right”
“That is true.” Pran says realising the bluff.
“I am counting on you with the other” Taksh says as he keeps his hand on Pran’s shoulder with a sign of belief on his face…
HAZE Facility - Earth,
[Mirana]
“I was in a middle of a project, there should be a pretty good reason as to why I have been brought in the conference room.” Kartikeya yells as everyone looks at each other with a blank look.
Kartikeya is another best friend Zunzar has. Practically an expert in automobiles, he is the one who designs and runs the entire automobile section of HAZE tech. He is as tall as Ishaan, a little more buffed up than him. Round face, blunt yet rigid nose, black eyes, black hairs a little bit shorter than medium, wears specs and has a strong build. Not so properly dressed beard with a cut on his left eyebrow.
“Settle down Kartikeya, Chang will be here any minute. He had something important to tell.” I order him and he settles down.
“Well, where is he?” Ishaan asks
“Sorry guys, I had this call to attend. I am really sorry Mirana.” Chang enters the room, panting as he catches breath and everyone looks at him while sitting in their respective seats.
“What is that you want to discuss?” I ask him as he settles in his place.
“Well, I was going through this stuff and I found something, in fact I found a very interesting information.”
“Cut it short, Chang” Aniket interrupts, totally not interested in the meeting.
“Let him speak, Aniket” Ishaan says agitatedly “Chang continue”
“I found a project file related to Area 51 known as Project Phoenix. When I looked into it, I stumbled upon something which looked similar to the aliens which invaded us months ago. I think, Area 51 already knew about its existence and if it is true, we might be able to get a whole lot of information which was unknown to us for a long time. This could indeed help us with Exodus and maybe, just maybe it could help us find Zunzar.”
“Are you sure?” I question as my hopes of getting Zunzar spark. If there is even 1 percent chance that I can bring him back I will take it.
“Yes, Mirana but it is not going to be easy” Chang says
“I don’t care, if this a possibility we are taking it” I say it so firmly that Chang actually gets scared of me.
“Then, I will lead a team there and try to gain information” Tyler says.
“I will join you” Ishaan says
“No, you don’t have proper training, besides its area 51 we are talking about. It has more security than the White House itself.” Tyler says without any remorse.
“I was in UN. I know how to hold myself” Ishaan say firmly as he gets a little agitated by Tyler’s statement. Taking a no for an answer is not really Ishaan’s cup of tea.
“Ishaan, stop arguing. You are better at commanding than being a soldier” I say trying to convince him.
“Yeah, she is right. Sit here and let him do his work” Aniket says with a revengeful tone and an evil smile on his face.
“You...” Ishaan says and I cut him “Stop it, Rupal you have experience and Will you too, right?”
“Yep” both of them reply
“Okay then, Tyler’s team will go with Rupal and Will, others will resume their work. As for me, Ishaan and Aniket, we will be overlooking the whole operation and Chang its time you call your friends from Japan.” I Order.
Everyone agrees and they all head out of the conference room. I step out with Aniket.
“This is first lead we have got since we started, I hope it earns something” Aniket says he looks at a huge screen in front of them.
“Both of us miss him” I say with a sign on sadness clearly visible on my face.
“Yeah, and wherever he is, we will find him.” Ishaan says as a glitter of hope springs in our hearts.
Somewhere on Earth,
[Zunzar]
A bridge opens and Raiken emerges from it.
“Ahh... Mistil!” He exclaims
“It’s Earth” I say emerging from the Bridge.
“What does Earth even mean?” Raiken asks agitatedly
“What does Mistil mean, huh?” I question back
“Majestic, dumb” Raiken says with a smirk. God, I feel like punching that grin off his face.
“Whatever” I say to avoid question.
“So, where do we go?”
“What do you mean, I thought you know where to go.” I ask suspiciously
“When did I say that?” Raiken questions with a serious look.
“You were the one who confirmed the existence of Relic Gears” Here I am wondering what was he even thinking.
“I never said that”
“Dark Lord did” My suspicions are taking a toll.
“Okay, listen, my mission was to investigate your people and the mystery surrounding it that your people might know of our existence even before Rozok attacked you.”
“And... it came to be true, so we are here to do what... eliminate them.” I try to deduce the answer.
“NO, we are here to keep the Relic Gears safe from your people, didn’t you hear what Dark Lord said before we came here.”
“Okay, so where do we start?” I ask confidently
“I don’t know, I mean you should have an idea of where we can find some information related to it.” Raiken says with even more confidence.
“I am not sure but there are rumours about this place which happens to have alien tech or something like that.” I start collecting my memory
“Okay then we go there.”
I look at Raiken with a disappointed look “We are in middle of nowhere, how are we supposed to go where we want to.”
“Don’t you worry” Raiken opens up his wrist holograph and contacts Orion. “Orion, I need the Deathrider, ASAP”
“Okay boss on its way” Orion replies and a bridge opens in the sky above us.
A huge plane appears from the bridge as it slowly descends towards the ground in front of us. I look at that massive ship just awestruck as I never expected something like that.
The plane lands on the ground. It is shiny black with golden decals on it. The Plane itself looks like it’s from the future with a propulsion system which allows it to hover as well as manoeuvre wherever it desires. The design looks so elegant that I am flattered by it the moment I look at it. I am still looking at the ship with awe.
“Well, don’t just keep staring at it, we have work to do.” Raiken says with a grin on his face as he looks down on me.
“This is awesome.” I couldn’t keep it in.
The hatch opens and both of them enter the plane. The inside looks like a sci fiction spaceship. Neon lights, super cool interiors, lots of displays, weapon’s section and an awesome cockpit area with comfortable chairs.
“This is Deathrider, personal ship of the Dark Order, only one of a kind. It has everything Dark Order requires and even more. Now, don’t keep staring at everything and come with me to the cockpit.”
“We had this all the time and you didn’t even bother to tell me.” I yell at Raiken with an awe expression still intact.
“We don’t need it most of the time. It usually stays at the bay”
Universal War- the New World Page 8
