XI Before Armageddon
Written by Star
E-mail: star_aki@hotmail.com

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Disclaimer (the stuff for lawyers):

Tekkaman Blade/Tekkaman Blade 2 OAV/Teknoman characters all belong to Sotsu Tatsunoko Productions, Urban Vision, and Saban Entertainment.

~All fictional characters and events belong to the author
~No money is being made here

This story may be freely distributed provided each of the following conditions are met:

[1]The above disclaimer accompanies all copies;
[2]The story is distributed in its entirety;
[3]No consideration is requested or received in connection with the distribution

Other use of this story is unauthorized and strictly prohibited.

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Chapter 5 - The Chilling Winds of Fate

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I'm not the only one starin' at the sun
afraid of what you'd find if you took a look inside
not just deaf and dumb Im staring at the sun
not the only one who's happy to go blind
~Staring at the Sun - U2

A lone figure watches the dying of day; the bloody reds expose the dusk, the mysterious purples give way to the twilight. Shoulders slumped, as a soldier weary-of-war does, a defeated head looks towards the North Star; seeking her guidance even though he is but metres away from his own doorstep. The lone figure shudders a little, as the first of the Autumn winds sweep through, chilling all into desolation.

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MOMMA! MOMMA!! A frightened Adam screams, unaccustomed to the tears which now flow freely down his mother's face. Unaccustomed to the sensation of her shaking uncontrollably, or the unique combination of utter fear and anguish which twists her classic features to a face Adam has never seen before. Star shakes her head in disbelief, not wanting to believe what her eyes see. She grips onto Adam as though he were loose sand running through an hourglass. A sympathetic Jamison looks on as the woman he regards as a daughter, relives a torment she'd hoped gone away. He watches woefully as her world rips apart. The threat that she and her husband have been avoiding for so long now stares them dead in the face; threatening to tear their happy lives and home apart. He tried not to think the words I told you so', but he can't help thinking as he wonders...

How long did you expect this peace to last?'

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Shaking off the last of the bitter Autumn chill, he hangs his coat by the kitchen bench, and sprawls out by the fireplace. The flame has substantially died since he left to think outside, but does not care. Instead, he observes the flame fade to an ember. The ember glows, and periodically, it would appear as though the sleeping flame within would awaken to its glorious former self. Alas, with each attempt at freedom, the ember died down to a dimmer glow than before.

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Regaining his composure, the once legendary Tekkaman Blade walks towards his crying son and plainly disturbed wife. This man once roared through the Heavens to deliver Earth from an untimely fate. He now seems lost as to how he can hold back the deluge of pain and anger which surges through him like a raging torrent, threatening to drown not only him, but his wife, son...his entire world.

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Nestled within her mother's arms, tiny Ladiya sleeps contently. A wide eyed Lucien, standing by his entranced father, attempts to get an even closer look at his baby sister. His mother smiles and reaches out to her son. Taking this window of opportunity, Lucien leaps to his mother's side, causing her smile to widen.

I've never seen you looking so radiant, my lady Ka-the-rine. Purposefully using intonation on his wife's name. She looks up sharply, as though his presence was forgotten. Narrowing her ruby eyes only provokes laughter from her husband.

Try as much to as you like to unnerve me, my love'. Many have tried. She continues her silent argument through her narrowed eyes, then sends him a thought through the rapport that all Tekkamen have. Cain reels back as though slapped in the face, he narrows his eyes into cat-like slits.

Very well. If you want it that way. He rises and leaves. Lucien breaks out of some sort of enchantment as his father suddenly departs. He leaps off the bed to run after him, only to feel his mother's grasp on his free arm. He looks disappointed as the door hisses shut. Katherine silently pleads, but then releases her son. His little face lights up as the door opens again, revealing his father. He scampers towards him, face beaming. Cain stands there with a proud smile on his face.

Wanna come with me, son? As if he had to ask; Lucien lets out a peal of laughter as he leaps into his father's arms. This action causes Cain to release a small chuckle as father and son walk off into the shrouds of darkness together.

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The tinkering of pots and pans breaks Ringo out of his deep thoughts. That, and his wife dumping another log onto the fire.

Do expect us to freeze to death Ringo?

Here we go again.'

Yeah, yeah...I heard ya. He rises and dutifully places more logs onto the fire. His manly' job done, he returns back to his sprawled out position. Maggie just stands there with her hands upon her hips. Ringo turns to face her, about to say something sweet - just so these constant arguments could stop. As he is about to, he sees the scowl upon her face, so, instead of uttering words of endearment, he gives up.

Who ever would've thought I'd be the one running from an argument.'

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Lucien smiles proudly as Cain shows him the Eye of Radam; he cannot help but feel the pride pulsating through his veins, when Cain looks at his son. How different he is now, to when Lucien was first born, the Radam monarch thinks. His own proud smile beams happily as he teaches his son about the enemy - his enemy.

My Lord! Lucien is but a child, why would you waste the power on showing him puppies and...Sarcasm drips in his voice, it doesn't allow him to finish his sentence, didn't allow him to see Cain no longer holding Lucien. A clenched fist comes into contact with Jurulan's face; a strong grip of his hair; a swift knee to the gut; a roundhouse kick to the base of the skull. Cain ceases his punishment, and returns to his son - wide eyed and amazed. Not panting as Jurulan is, Cain is calm and cool.

That is what Father does to idiots, Lucien. Jurulan, about to open his mouth when he hears his Lord in his mind. He stands painfully, but not surrendering to the pain which racks his body. He turns to leave, but not before glimpsing behind him to hear the sound of laughter; Lucien - at him.

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Star backs into the house, trying to separate her son and herself from it'. She doesn't want it...doesn't want Blade to have it' anymore. Why is it' here? More importantly, how did it' get here, and by whom? Then, she recalls the words spoken, but since forgotten, by her sister-in-law. Why didn't Star keep her guard up? Why did she slack off, not be prepared for this? Blade enters the house closely followed by Jamison. They're shoulders are slumped, eyes clouded. Jamison places a friendly hand on his son', and offers a smile.

That's uncharacteristic,' Blade thinks, especially for Jamison.'

Perhaps I should go to the guest house for a while...give you and Star time to, talk things through.

You don't really need to Chief, you are part of family...

Yes, and I appreciate that son, but you and Star have a child to consider. I think it would be best if I returned to my guest quarters. When you and Star are ready, we will all talk. There have been many...developments...

Blade raises an eyebrow, and thinks for a second. Are you sure Chief? I mean, I feel rude...

Don't be silly Blade. I'm quite comfortable going back to the guest house. I...have some work...study...that needs a Commander's consideration. Oh, and I must commend you on the guest house. A fine piece of work there Blade, perhaps, a bright career...? He regrets them as he says them.

Well...considering...not anymore, I'm afraid. Sorrow in his voice he shakes hands with Jamison.

Please, will you tell Star...

No worries Chief. Thanks for, well, you know. The Commander smiles in recognition, and leaves. Blade takes a deep breath, and begins to find his wife and son.

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Her face crumples and the tears flow freely down he rosy cheeks.

Slowly turning his head, as though not believing his ears,

Hey, Mags... If only she'd let him in earlier, they wouldn't have fought so hard, or so long. He rushes to put her in a tight embrace so she can cry into his shoulders. He runs his fingers through the long scarlet strands, breathing in their sweet scent. Close to tears himself, as he has been on edge for months now, but being the person he is, has tried to deal with it himself. Not telling a soul, not even his best friend, the girl he grew up with, his sister if not by blood then by events, the hell he was going through. But to talk to that girl now a woman, would've renewed the verbal onslaught from the woman he vowed to love for his days end. Lord knows he'd carry the load for her, her cross and his, if only she'd let him. So much energy lost, time wasted, tears shed. What a waste.

Shh Maggie, it's gonna be ok. Tearful brown eyes look into weary blue eyes, which now, begin to recapture hope and a certain impish glint. He smiles and she sighs, leaning her head back onto his shoulder.

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Closing the door behind him, he raises his eyes towards the ceiling as if asking for divine inspiration. His mind is plagued with puzzles, equations, emotional turmoil and the such. The latter being how the young couple could ignore the need for them to come out of their fantasy land. While the Radam live, and there is no one to stop their onslaught, they will never be safe - nor will anyone.

He throws his keys onto the table in the hallway and walks into the lounge where a comfortable leather rocking chair waits in front of a fireplace. The air doesn't have too much of a chill; he chuckles remembering the meaning of a chill which they all learned from their time in Alaska.

He breathes the word out as if to gain sustenance from it. So much has changed since then, but there was no point in looking back, there is only the future. But, his mind debates, the only way to make tomorrow worthwhile, is by learning from the past.

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Get rid of it Blade! That bastard's just messing with our heads! It's probably a beacon or something.

Why would he need a beacon? He knows where we are, this is proof that he knows, so why. Star, it's no beacon, it really is my cr...

I don't care! Star moans. Just get rid of it, please... Adam looking into his mother's face and pats the new tears away again. Blade calls to Adam, who turns around and smiles at his father.

Let's put Adam to sleep, then we'll talk about this.

Yes...I've frightened him, haven't I?

No, just confused him a little. Give him to me, I'll put him to bed. Ok? Star smiles weakly and hands Adam to his father. She watches as they disappear up the stairs before leaning on a nearby bench, cursing her brother-in-law. It had been four years since Pegus mysteriously blew up. It wasn't hard to figure out who was responsible for that. Now, a life so perfect had been disrupted, all from the appearance of the long lost emerald crystal.

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...Momma's gonna buy you a diamond ring. Katherine hums gently to her newborn, blissfully unaware of the skulker in the shadows. She kisses the tiny baby's nose and rises from her bed, slowly - she only gave birth a six hours ago. The colour had already returned to her face and while her movements caused sharp pains, she endured it and went about getting dressed. She sat down at her vanity-table and brushed her long hair, braiding the sides. Looking at her reflection, she noticed the small changes in her face. At her twenty-six years of age, there was a maturity in her youthful appearance. After all, she'd seen a lot, endured a lot in her short life - why wouldn't she mature? She searches for signs of the free spirited young woman she was when she boarded the Argos, a woman much in love. Her newborn's wailing snaps her out of her reverie; one life is over, and another is in its place. One brother replacing another, a brother who wouldn't know the first thing about a woman's heart. But she chose this life Katherine thought, and she will make the most of it for as long as she can. She opens her secret heart shaped locket and steals a glance at the handsome face before rising to get her daughter.

This should've been your daughter Conrad...' The baby's wailing ceases, but Katherine stood frozen over the cradle. It was as if a chilling wind had swept through the room, which was crazy because there weren't any windows on the Space Ring. Katherine squared her shoulders; showing fear to any intruder was out of the question.

My apologies my Queen, I did not mean to alarm you...

She mutters under her breath. How dare you spy on me! Get out of here this instance! Swivelling on the spot to meet the gaze of their Second-in-Command, her eyes grew hot with damnation. Jurulan always grew apprehensive at Katherine's glares, they instilled more fear into him than Cain's fists ever could; Jurulan respected Katherine. He bows respectfully and kneels before her.

My Queen, I am a bumbling fool. I just wanted to see if there was anything you needed after such an arduous task of bringing this new life into our ranks.

Thankyou Jurulan, but if I needed anyone's help, I wouldn't be asking for yours. Jurulan nods his head and rises to leave when a nagging in the recesses of Katherine's mind stops him. Why all this concern for my welfare?

My Queen, I am a servant of Radam. Lord Darkon would've wanted me to see after you. He bows again and exits through the door, leaving a stunned Katherine in his wake.

Outside, he glances at his smiling reflection.

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Adam looks up at his father, wide eyed and determined not to go to sleep as Blade playfully orders him to go to sleep. Adam's lower lip pouts out and he crosses his arms stubbornly. Blade chuckles.

A chip off the old block, eh son? He ruffles his son's hair before turning away and switches the cd player on, putting on gentle meditative sounds. Blade turns to leave, but decides to watch his son fall asleep. Adam's stubborn eyelids slowly grow heavy and his pouting mouth yawns intermittently; Blade smiles as his son fights off sleep. Half wriggled out of his blanket, Adam finally closes his eyes. Smiling again, Blade covers Adam with his blanket before kissing him on the forehead and leaving, turning off the light as he half closes the door.

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A figure with dark red hair stands alone in the cold and bitter wind. The long dark trench coat continues down to his ankles, swaying softly on the wind. A bloodcurdling smile graces upon his face as he continues on his pursuit.

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The rich aroma of coffee fills her senses as it always does when he brews a pot. The last spoken words were at least half an hour ago, after he'd finished descent down the stairs.

Is he asleep?

Yeah, he's asleep. He answered softly before tearing away from her gaze to enter the kitchen in search of the coffee pot.

The sound of coffee filling their mugs fills her ears as she heads for the fridge; he never remembers the milk. With mugs in hand, they enter the lounge room. No words are needed, he knows she needs comfort, so does he. Blade places his mug on the table next to the couch and sits down, stretching out his long legs before stretching out his arms to her. Resting comfortably in his embrace, she sighs, determined to have this conversation without tears. Gently stroking her long hair, enjoying the feel of the soft silky strands, he sighs too, thankful for the relaxation in her body. He understood her reaction earlier today, had he not been so shocked, he probably would've reacted the same way. It was an issue neither had any desire to address ever since his recovery and the events that followed. The wedding photo above the hearth was evidence of that, as were the baby photos. Anger flared up, shattering his happy memories with painful realities - his brother was still alive, waiting for a time to strike, rebuilding the Radam forces. His brow creased with questions and possible motives his brother would have for this gift'. Star stirred and her worried look met his puzzled one.

You and I are probably thinking the same thing.

Blade answered absentmindedly, playing with another tendril of dark hair. Emerald and sapphire gazes lock as Star reached for his hand. Clasping it, she breaths in, closing her eyes as she does so.

So why do you think he did it?

I...I really don't know. Perhaps he wants, another rematch? He regrets as he feels he body shake. Who knows what goes through that demented head of his Star? Willing herself not to cry was an enormous task, but she did it. Keeping in control, she turns her look back to his.

Just remember that you have us, Blade. You have a son who worships you and wants his Dad around to watch him grow into a man, and you have me...

Yes, I have you, and I always will...

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Turning the water on fast, Tina's humming gets louder as she steps into the shower. Breaking into song, she begins to wash her hair, happily oblivious in her blissful hideaway. The whole world could crash down, and she wouldn't care, she was too ecstatic to care. Tina was singing too loudly to hear the door of the bathroom opening, or the door of the shower as her eyes were squeezed tight from the shampoo. She cried out in delighted surprise when her lover's arms wrapped around her, bringing her into another passionate embrace. Yes, the whole world could be crying, fearful, starving or dying, nothing would tear her away from her happiness.

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Jamison peered out apprehensively of his window as the last light from the main house was switched off. All he was left with was the black void of night, and a song playing softly in the back.

I've conquered my past
The future is here at last
I stand at the entrance
To a new world I can see
The ruins to the right of me
Will soon have lost sight of me...

Jamison returns back to the leather rocking chair, sipping his scotch, reviewing his equations and schematics, but finds it useless. He rises again and returns back to the window.

Blade, you've fought many battles, I know you want to enjoy life, but...don't give up now. Or there won't be a life left to enjoy. The gloom of the night gives Jamison the shivers, and he is not a man who is unnerved easily. In his bones, he can feel the winds howling of humanity's fate. A fate that may very well be decided soon.

End Chapter 5

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::Authors note::

The song playing behind a pensive Jamison is part of "If you wear that velvet dress", sung by U2 ~ I'm reliving my appreciation for the legends!