::Book Three::
::Chapter One::


That was the only adjective that came to Makoto's mind, since the rest of it was just catching up to what his eyes were showing him.
Londs nodded in agreement from beside him. They were standing on a catwalk two floors above the machinery and incredible din of the factory where Makoto's flyers were being produced. In one corner were the forges and workers who were pressing new engine blocks and transmission housings, with a small stack of them awaiting parts from other assorted factories and craftsmen from throughout El Hazard.
The bulk of the space was given over to the mass production of the flyer's teardrop-shaped hulls, and the sails that would keep them in the air. Several of the frames were being welded together, and thanks to the success of Alielle's test flights the ships were already being made much larger to accommodate a normal pilot and weapons.
We do not posess the industrial capacity to build all of the parts in our own factories, so an tremendous parts network had to be established. Londs was carefully enunciating his words so that he would be heard over the noise, as he spoke into Makoto's distracted thoughts. This is the largest and most elaborate undertaking in the history of our great kingdom, and I wanted you to see the fruits of your efforts.
Makoto nodded, still somewhat shocked. Thank you, Londs. And you shouldn't be so modest, what you have here is remarkable. I only wish there was more I could do to help.
Londs laughed out loud, then put a large meaty hand on Makoto's shoulder and led him back into the corridors that connected the factory to it's offices and living spaces.
My boy, I can't think of anything else we could have asked of you, Londs said cheerfully, but, if I may ask this, what will you be doing now that your designs are complete?
Oh, I'll probably still tweak them here and there, Makoto said, bowing slightly when another project scientist passed in the hallway and bowed to him, but right now, there's something more important that has to be taken care of.
Londs' eyebrows went up.
Makoto began hesitantly, Dr. Stalubaugh and I have posited that there might be a lot of the technology of the ancients in the caverns beneath El Hazard that's remained hidden because no one can activate it. Since they live down there, I think that's one of the reasons that the Phantom Tribe are so much more advanced than you are - no offense - so I wanted to see if I could find some of it.
A few seconds passed, then Londs began laughing again. Sir Makoto, do you mean to say that you plan to infiltrate the territory of the Phantom Tribe even as they wage war upon us? Ha ha, surely you jest.
I'm not joking, Londs. Makoto stopped walking, and Londs turned to regard him very gravely.
Makoto, I appreciate your bravery, but this is no time to be running off on foolish errands. There is plenty of research to be done right here in Floristica. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that I cannot permit you to go.
If what I were looking for was here, I wouldn't have planned this! Makoto shot back hotly. And in case you've forgotten, I've never been officially made a citizen of Roshtaria. That means that I'm not bound to obey the word of the royal house, and if I decide to go, I'm going!
Don't be stupid, boy! Londs snapped. His face was beginning to flush as his temper suddenly raced to meet Makoto's. We have no idea where the Phantom Tribe may be hiding! And even if you were to find these caves, you'd be totally defenseless! If you were to be taken captive, we would surely never see you again.
I won't be defenseless, Makoto answered, Ura and Mr. Fujisawa have already agreed to go with me. Besides, there's a good chance that I'll find something else that we can use in the war, something that will defeat the Bugrom without having to use the Eye of God again. Isn't that worth risking a few lives?
Not when they're the two most respected war heroes in all of El Hazard, Londs said. And Mr. Fujisawa is quite occupied at the Academy, teaching earth battle tactics to the War College. I'm afraid it simply cannot be allowed.
You've got plenty of other generals for that, Makoto replied, and Mr. Fujisawa sets his own schedule. He's been working with the Academy for almost four years now, and he has plenty of time off coming to him. The two men were starting to cool down already, as plenty of curious workers poked their head out of their offices to watch them sparring. We'll be fine. If you want to try posting a guard at Mr. Fujisawa's door to keep him from going climbing, then be my guest.
Londs chuckled again involuntarily as the image presented itself to his imagination, and Makoto smiled back.
Very well, said Londs magnanimously, since it is clear that you will not be dissuaded, I will ensure that you have everything you require. But I will ask that you not linger any one place for too long, and to return here immediately if you see any large numbers of enemy troops, Bugrom or otherwise.
Makoto nodded. Agreed. Thanks, Londs. I know this is the right thing to do.

Oh honey, not now! There'll be plenty of time for hiking when the war is over! There was desperation in Miz's voice, and such raw emotion that Masamichi found his resolve wavering despite all the arguments he had prepared beforehand.
But Miz, Makoto needs me. I can't let him go out there alone.
Makoto is a grown man who can take care of himself! Miz retorted. Makoto doesn't have a wife who needs him at home, or a daughter who'll have to grow up without a father if he dies! I'm not letting you leave, and that's final!
he began softly, please, please don't make this harder than it has to be. We won't be gone for long, and I've already promised the Academy no fighting. If we run into any Bugrom, we'll retreat. I promise.
And what about the Phantom Tribe? Neither of you two can see them, and you might be walking right into their territory!
This was actually the one point that still made Masamichi nervous, despite Makoto's assurances that the Tribe had never been observed in the area they would be going to. They had no idea how many members of the Tribe there actually were in El Hazard, much less where they all might be living.
Masamichi crossed his arms and grunted. Like I said, at the first sign of trouble we'll be out of there. And besides, if the Phantom Tribe wanted us dead, they would have tried to assassinate us by now. If there's even a chance that we can discover something down there, we've got to try. I want Mika to grow up in a world safe from the threat of constant war.
But why do you have to go? Aren't there plenty of other people in Floristica that could help Makoto?
We might need my super powers to get through those caves. Plus, if we do have to leave in a hurry, two of us will move a lot faster than a whole mess of guards.
Oh Masamichi, Miz folded herself into her husband's embrace and began to cry softly into his shirt. You will hurry back, won't you?
He smiled. Of course I will. There's nothing more important to me in this world than your safety. Masamichi lowered his lips to his wife's, and she kissed him back with a tender urgency. They lingered for a time, then Masamichi pushed himself away and went to pack his bag.

****

That could easily be the dumbest thing I've ever done.
Afura restrained herself from agreeing too quickly with John's assesment, since he obviously felt awful, and not just from the broken ribs.
The doctor was still hovering around John's bed, making sure that everything was in place. You're just lucky that there weren't any bone splinters in your lungs, son. The doctor had a cool, impersonal attitude as he spoke to John, and his very lack of emotion made the worry on Afura's face that much harder to bear.
If there had been, continued the doctor, we might not have been able to save your right lung from collapsing itself. As it stands, you will be in pain for some time, although the fractures themselves will heal within the week as long as you take your medicine. Call a nurse if you need anything. The doctor made a few notes on his clipboard, then left John and Afura alone in the sterile white hospital room.
You still haven't told me just what you were trying to do, Afura asked gently.
John let out a long, rattling sigh. I was trying to break the Phantom Tribe's illusion. I thought, if I could, then Shayla could stop the Bugrom right there, and we could finish our mission.
Afura's eyes widened in disbelief. And what made you think that you were going to be able to do that and stay in the air?
Tears formed up at the corner of John's eyes, and his voice grew shakier. It just, it all seemed so easy, like I was born to do this. And Cerin showed me how to, to defeat illusions like that, and I thought I could do it, but instead, I almost...
He seemed on the verge of breaking down, but he bit his lip and continued. I don't know what I'm doing. I've been here for a few months, but you all have been doing this since you were little kids. I shouldn't have been given this thing in the first place. John held up his right arm to point out his lamp, then laid it back down.
When I get out of here, I'm not going back. I'll apply for a job as palace mechanic or something, a job where I won't be able to hurt anyone.
Afura allowed a few moments of silence to fill the air. It was obvious that John was hurt, but was just as obvious that he didn't really plan to quit. she said, it's hard enough to hurt Shayla even when you're trying to. I should know. This got an involuntary chuckle from John, so she took up his left hand in her own and continued. And besides, you've been given an incredible gift, one that not even the Headmistress understands fully. Everyone who's come from earth has had a special power. But it does no good if those who wield such powers aren't good people, like with Jinnai. Imagine how much better off we'd be if he were interested in negotiating a peace agreement, instead of being bent on conquest.
A thought struck John, which for a moment replaced his pain with a look of curiosity. Hey, why does he want to conquer El Hazard, anyway?
From what Nanami has told us, and from how I've seen him behave, he's a power hungry psychotic with a pronounced God complex and an obsession - bordering on hysteria - with punishing Makoto, Afura answered prosaically.
So he got teased a lot in school, John said.


But that's not the point, Afura said, the point is that you could have chosen not to come out with us, or to ignore your power all together. You didn't because you're a good person, and right now El Hazard needs all the good people it can get.
John sighed, then with some effort managed to get his other hand onto Afura's. Thanks. It'll be a while before I believe that myself, but it's nice to know that someone else does.
Afura smiled sweetly, then chuckled. John, you can't not be good. In fact, you remind me a lot of Makoto, in some ways. He's the same way, like there's not one evil bone in his body.
Yeah, I got that impression the first day I came here. I -
Hey buddy! You up yet? Shayla practically shouted as she parted the privacy curtain around John's bed and walked in. I hear the doc's got you patched up pretty good. How ya feelin'?
John and Afura stared for a moment, knocked totally off balance by the sudden intrusion. Shayla stood there with a silly grin on her face, before she noticed that the two were holding hands. When she did, her grin disappeared, and she tried to swallow the new lump in her throat.
Shayla, hi, said John. Um, yeah, I'm feeling better, thanks.
Oh, I uh, Shayla stuttered, I didn't mean to interrupt anything. I'll go.
Before either of them could say anything more, Shayla spun around and left the room as suddenly as she had appeared.
Oh, damn, Afura said, that girl has the worst timing.
John stared up at Afura. Looks like she need a friend.
But, you're...
Taken care of. Go talk to her.
Afura's face developed a complicated look of thanks, pity, worry, and affection all at once. Thank you. She squeezed his hands gently, then stood up and walked out after Shayla.

****

It was a proven fact that there were Phantom Tribe spies in several different places in Floristica, although Royal Security had so far failed to find them. So there was no fanfare to accompany Makoto and Mr. Fujisawa as they slipped out of the palace when the sun went down. Both men wore perfectly common traveling clothes so as not to stand out, and both men paused at the entrance to the city, where one of the great stone bridges spanned the river that carved the forest in two.
They looked back at the flickering lights of their homes and drank in the sights and smells and sounds of a city alive in the night, then turned their backs to it and walked out into the darkness.

****

The following morning, Nanami was in a fowl mood.
Just what do you mean he's gone? Where'd he go to? When did he leave? Her tone and temper revealed no signs that she had been nearly comatose as little as a few days ago, although a theraputic wrap was still wound around her head like a circlet. Her fists were clenched in front of her as though she were trying to strangle her childhood friend from a distance, and Londs had backed up nervously against the railing that looked over the war room.
They left in the night so they would not be followed. Please, Miss Nanami, I believe Makoto knew...
KNEW WHAT?
That you would try to stop him. He thinks this mission is important. There was sympathy in Londs' voice, and resignation, too. Nanami seemed to sense that he thought the whole idea was ludicrous as well, so she stopped advancing on Londs and walked instead to the railing.
Oh, that jerk. Of course I would have tried to stop him, but he would've gone anyway. He thinks he's protecting me, somehow, like I shouldn't have to worry about him.
Londs came up next to her and placed a fatherly hand on her shoulder, in what he hoped was a reassuring manner.
I'm sure they will be fine. Mr. Fujisawa knows just how much danger they are in, and if anyone can protect Makoto, he can.
Nanami crossed her arms on the railing and rested her chin on them, blindly studying the troop dispositions on the map and the incessant chatter of battle reports being sent and recieved by the lookouts.
After a few moments of relative peace, a flurry of sudden activity from one corner of the room caught her eye. A messenger seemed to be telling one of the army captains something the captain refused to accept. They argued for a minute, then the messenger handed a scrap of paper to the captain. He glanced over it, then looked up to where Londs and Nanami were standing. With a few quick strides he bounded across the room and up the steps, bowed, and made his report.
Sir Londs, we've news from Laidae. The Bugrom have attacked again, with the help of the Phantom Tribe.

Not two minutes later the princesses, Alielle, Dr. Stalubaugh, Nanami, Londs, and several nameless generals stood around the war room map, and watched as another marker was taken from the board. But this time, instead of replacing it with an indication of the enemy troops, the position of Laidae was left open.
Rune Venus asked. It was the obvious question, but no one else had brought themselves to ask it.
The same reason he destroyed the village of Ilane at the beginning of the First War. To show us his might. Londs' voice had a quiver around the edges, as though he was trying to will his anger into a physical form that could take the revenge he alone could not. But when he spoke again, there was more defiance than rage in his tone.
Well, this time he will learn that we are not so helpless as we once were. This time, we have the means to defeat him ourselves, and without Ifurita, he cannot hold out forever.
If we can find him, Dr. Stalubaugh pointed out grimly.
Londs' head drooped, and he began to massage his temple reflexively. Yes, we've been searching for months, but I am afraid that without the help of Nanami or John, it will take us much longer than I feared to uncover his base. They have not built their new hive in any of the lands of El Hazard; we have searched everywhere and found nothing.
The attacks seem to be radiating from a point to the south-east, Dr. Stalubaugh continued, perhaps beyond the mountain range where the Trigger of Destruction was discovered. But we have searched that area with particular attention, and each time without success. And now that our supply lines must be extended to the areas surrounding Laidae, our resources are being stretched to their uppermost limits. I fear that to keep the remenants of the Laidaean Army operational, we must divert men and supplies from the Northern Stronghold.
But that means US, you idiot! Fatora yelled, You can't draw troops from the capital! I forbid it!
Rune exclaimed. Almost all of the background chatter abruptly ceased at the royal outburst, as the ruling patriarch's full regal temper came lashing out.
You will address the doctor properly, or I will have you ejected from the war room permanently! Fatora's expression of stubborn rage quickly turned into one of real fear as her sister bore down upon her. We may have lost this battle, and we may be facing the same madman who nearly destroyed our entire world, but we must maintain our House and our dignity if we are to be victorious in the future. I will not have a member of this family belittling one of our most respected servants in public under any circumstances! Is that very clear?
Fatora nodded quickly. Her face had gone bone white, and Alielle was fairly cowering behind her. But Rune wasn't done yet.
Now, you can either make some sort of useful contribution, or you may leave. At that Rune Venus turned back to look out over the room, and the military staffers went scurrying back to their jobs as her gaze took them in.
I, I... Fatora stammered, I'm sorry sister. I just, I want to do something.
Rune sighed very audibly, and her shoulders drooped a little bit, as though giving way ever so slightly under the tremendous pressure of running a state at war. I know you do, Fatora. We all feel the same way. If it would make you feel better, I think it would be a good idea to send a royal envoy to Gannan. If we wish our people to be fearless, then we must show them that we are willing to risk our lives alongside theirs.
Londs began, I must protest! We cannot protect the both of you if you split up, and there could be...
Spies, yes, I know Londs, Rune interrupted. There could be spies in our bedroom at night. There could be spies in the kitchen poisoning our food. There are a hundred different ways to kill us, but it would be much easier for them to kill the both of us if we are always in the same place. This way, if anything should happen to either of us, the other can step in to lead Roshtaria. I appreciate your efforts, Londs, more than you can ever know. But it is time to come out of hiding and start behaving like the Royal House of the Kingdom of Roshtaria again.
Yes, your highness. Londs' face reflected his resignation, and he motioned for a servant to come over and began passing orders.
Rune turned to Fatora, the question plain on her own face. Fatora's color hadn't quite returned, but she bit her lip and nodded an affirmative. For the first time in weeks, Rune smiled.

****

Any sane man might have laughed at the sight of Jinnai in his red Bugrom suit, with a set of blue goggles over his eyes and a silly grin on his face. As it was, Nahato could just barely stifle a giggle, and even then had to wait until Jinnai's back was turned. He and Diva were perched upon their platforms, and if it was hard to get a sense of their emotions, the army of rainbow-hued soldiers surrounding them was even more stoic.
They were ahead of schedule, if only slightly, and this fact combined with their latest triumph had made Jinnai even more difficult to deal with than usual. The Bugrom, their leaders, and a few Phantom scientists were all sitting on a rock outcropping on the top of some nameless volcano in the middle of some nameless island as far away from the mainland of El Hazard as was practical. Just visible below them was a small tangle of white coats and blue bodies, all hovering around a very, very large gun.
A giant and insanely complicated looking fusion power plant was sitting on a large scaffolding at the base of the volcano, and protruding from this was what looked for all the world like a long, dark grey spinal column with a grotesque horned human skull at the end. Even from this distance, the thing radiated a sense of evil and forboeding that set Jinnai's hairs on end.
So this is it, huh? The weapon that I've been waiting for?
Nahato decided to respond to Jinnai with an air of cautious optimism. This is the entire secondary weapons system from the Trigger, supplimented by a new reactor and a complete bio-organically based control system. We're ready to proceed with the first test.
With his left arm Jinnai placed his binoculars to the goggles he had on, and his right arm he held out to the side. His fingers spread, he proclaimed, Prepare yourselves for the ultimate expression of my genius and my power! Three...
Nahato and the few scientists put their own protective lenses on. The eyes of the Bugrom soldiers became like silver mirrors, and eerily, so did Diva's.

Nahato spoke into a small communicator in his palm, and a grating, snarling noise began to eminate from the reactor.

The noise grew louder and louder, until it seemed like the air itself was perparing to incinerate them.

Jinnai's fingers closed into a fist, Nahato nodded to the scientists, and the humming noise abruptly ceased.
For a full five seconds, absolutely nothing happened. Then, just as Jinnai opened his mouth to curse the Phantom Tribe for betraying him, a sky-blue lance of terrible energy lept from the gun and blew a fair bit off the top of another distant mountain.
WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH HA HA HUA HA HA HA HA!