Well, nobody's reviewed chapter 4 yet, but my imagination marches on.
For the eight hundredth time, I don't own Zone Of The Enders.
So here's chapter 5. Once more, reviews are GREATLY appreciated.
I'm going to TRY for some action. I think I'm on a roll with it, now. Happy now, yes? I'm staying with "my" perspective. I may stop switching back and forth altogether. I find it kind of irritating.
The chapter's title comes from Staple's song "Remember Sammy Jankis." Twiggy.
Chapter 5: Vengeance Is Mine, Or Soon Will Be...
I was silent for a moment. Here I was, about to reach two of my objectives, just like that. I was going to give BAHRAM a piece of my mind, and I'd likely get to meet BIS. It was a very pleasing thought, but also frightening. I'd been able to make it this far into my mission in the span of a few minutes. That kind of fulfillment was like nothing I'd ever experienced. And yet, it had only just began. I allowed the fact that I was about to get into a fight slip my mind for a moment. Lindskog halted while my mind was at a standstill. What would my next move be?
"Sam?" MITCH asked, breaking the cold silence that had set in.
"Wha... Yeah?" I blurted, snapping back to the world around me.
"I would feel more confident about your decision if you didn't lose touch with reality before a confrontation."
"Uhh... Sorry about that. Umm... If we were to attack, what would the best way to start?"
"I am not quite sure right now. We should continue our approach, and I will attempt to study the structures of the frames that I am unfamiliar with. Also, I will be able to get a better view of their attack pattern. I can currently estimate that Lindskog is capable of far faster movement than the frames in question."
Well now, that was a nice surprise! Maybe I could use a little speed in my attack. Blindsiding the enemy would prove advantageous. These weren't the best odds. Thirty-one-to-one wasn't my cup of tea, by any means. Hopefully BIS would notice the battle and come to assist. Surely their radar had already detected the intruders. Now, it was time to speed up a little bit. But not quite that fast.
"I'm going to accelerate," I told MITCH. "Will your instruments be able to scan properly if I use seventy-five percent of the Lindskog's maximum speed?"
"I am fairly certain," he answered. I began to think fast thoughts, and we hit a speed right under Mach 1 within a few seconds. The red and brownish-grey dots on the horizon began to grow as we flew towards them with a speed far greater than their own. I'd known that the Proteus model could modify itself to better suit its runner's actions. I decided to speed up, hoping to close the gap without the BAHRAM units being able to move out of my way. There was a slight sonic boom, and I felt myself digging into the seat. But there wasn't as much turbulence as there had been the first few times I tried this routine.
"Hey, why am I not feeling this as much?" I inquired, puzzled as to why I could speak clearly.
"The Lindskog's modification computer is hard at work altering the hull to reduce the effects of higher speeds on its runner," the A.I. replied. "And I should inform you that at our current velocity, a battle is less than a minute away. I can now tell you that keeping our current speed would be optimal, given that you remember to stop."
"Heheh... Sure."
"Also, I have determined that the two varieties of unmanned frame are 'Mummyhead' and 'Venator.'"
"I know what Mummy head is, but what's Venator?"
It was hard to listen and concentrate at the same time. I had to make sure that each motion was deliberate, but MITCH could likely have gained some valuable information with his scan.
"It is by far the most complex unmanned machine I have ever seen. It somewhat resembles a dragon of Earth lore. It is suited for both ranged and close-quarters combat. I have found it necessary to activate the cockpit's full combat configuration."
As he spoke, the dark cockpit lit up, panels becoming monitors that displayed the situation outside. I was even able to see the fading city lights of Neo Memphis when I turned around a bit in my seat.
"I will keep my radar on high alert for incoming enemies when we enter this battle."
"Thanks."
"An expression of gratitude is not necessary, though I am familiar with the A.I. Pharsti's lack of knowledge on the subject. Anyway, such is my duty. If I am obliterated, I prefer that it is not on account of my actions."
"Are you sure that you're incapable of humor?"
"Perhaps... I am not sure. But our confrontation is about to begin. Approaching enemies at one hundred meters."
"Haven't we been noticed?"
"Indeed we have been."
"Huh... Whoa!!"
I moved my thoughts out of the way as one of the Mummyheads diverted from its course and fired a "Phalanx"-type laser in our general direction. The two great yellow beams were fairly simple to avoid by a slight change in altitude. I put on a burst of speed, and did my best to ready the arm blades for a charge into the now-alerted BAHRAM forces. The Mummyhead was uncertain of my strategy, and would certainly not have any time to avoid the glowing metallic sabers that I had brought to bear in front of Lindskog. They point straight forward, and were about to reach their maximum energy capacity. The target stopped, uncertain of what I was planning. Ramming one frame into another wasn't always the best idea. But I was going to leave my impression on one thing or another. I moved up slightly at the last minute and we flashed past the unmanned goner. The energized blade tore through the enemy's head with violent force and left it to fall to the Martian surface as we continued our onrush through all of another Mummyhead and the two Venators paired with each of the jar-shaped monstrosities. I came out the other side and swung around to face the remainder. Four mangled, robotic carcasses were flung down and crashed to the dirt, irreparably damaged. Immediately, their comrades turned to find what had just smashed four of their own. They held back for a moment as the radio clicked on and a young woman's voice squeaked it the cockpit. But the sound was strangely automated, even for a transmission.
"Hey, who the hell are you?!" the mystery girl demanded of me, obviously quite flustered. I figured that she was the runner of the strange crimson frame that defied classification with the unmanned types. I grinned. This was a BAHRAM wench I was talking to here. Making her squirm would prove enjoyable. "Hey!"
"An enemy," I replied calmly. "Maybe you should ask more politely..."
I cut off for a moment, and then came back on with as much contempt in my tone as I could muster.
"...BAHRAM FILTH!" I yelled. I broke into a rage. This was my worst enemy. I had nothing but hate for her. No, not even a her. I was speaking to an it, for all I cared. I had anticipated a scream for a rebuke from my soon-to-be opponent. However, her response was calm, though with a bit of irritation in it.
"Well, that's not very nice. You shouldn't talk to a lady like that. My little friends will have to teach you to mind your manners," she chided, though almost contentedly.
"So be it. It's not like I mind smashing more of your mechanical lackeys!" I sneered. I was getting cocky again. If she really was garbage, then her entourage would perform like they were just as low.
"Big big big big mistake, little man! Stubborn kids don't usually cause me any problems, but they do every so often. Now, I've got a bit of a date with BIS, so we must be sure to make this a quick little farce."
"Stubborn kid?! You've got some kind of nerve not running like the coward you are, but that's a death wish, in my opinion."
"Sam!" MITCH cut in suddenly. "I've completed a scan of the enemy's voice pattern."
"Oh, so you're name's Sam? How cute," the opposition recognized. "Sorry Sammy, but you'll have to have your robot friend guess my name."
"MITCH!" I growled. "You will NOT address me by name while a radio channel with a foe is active!"
"Acknowledged. My apologies."
"I shouldn't have to tell you that. Anyway, who is this I'm talking with?"
"I have been able to match the vocal pattern of the enemy frame's runner with that of BAHRAM agent Amante Furlair."
"No way! You mean..."
"That's very perceptive of you, Mr. MITCH," Amante confirmed. "So, shall we continue?"
That was nuts! THE Amante Furlair? Both a good and bad sign. I'd get to deal with someone I REALLY didn't like. But on the flip side, this was as dangerous of an opponent as I could have asked for. It made sense that she would let her escorts deal with me. And she sent them to work immediately.
"Whoa!"
I snapped out of my own little world once more to find that all of five Mummyheads had me in their sights. I concentrated on moving the Lindskog out of the way of a sudden flash of Phalanx beams that had centered on my previous location. That was simple maneuver, but there were twenty-six frames remaining, not counting Furlair's own machine. A pair of Venator moved to charge us with energy spikes emanating from their claws. They were fast, but I switched to a hard reverse and fired an energy wave from the open hand of the right arm. The enemies were dazed, but not severely damaged. However, it gave us a moment to move in and strike. My frame seized one by the head and promptly severed its metallic neck with a swift slash from the free arm. The other moved to regain its bearings, but was struck in the head by a precision laser courtesy of yours truly. The two wobbled before crashing to Mars. That was too simple, but I was thankful for that much ease, even if that was all I'd get. A group of three Mummyheads converged to my right, readying their grenades. Dodging was not an option, but I smashed the projectiles with a wave attack. Their fragments weren't especially effective for either side. But I did have the advantage of speed. I flew over one and was able to cleave its head on the way. I kicked the second in a sharp turn, sending it into its comrade. The two were undamaged, but had no chance to react to a pair of well-aimed slashes. With that flurry of movement, three more bit the dust.
"Next!" I invited, my confidence on the rise, and, at least this time, for good reason. My advantage was clear. Even if my frame was two years old, it had speed and power levels that these cookie-cutter opponents simply couldn't match. Eleven Venator, ten Mummyheads, and one Amante remaining. I'd cut the number from thirty-one to twenty-two in under three minutes. Not bad, if I do say so myself. But my gloating was cut short, and literally at that. The Lindskog's outer armor suffered a sudden laceration. I felt the impact, and jerked my head around to see that I'd been blindsided by a Venator, which was attempting to slice open the back hull with its metallic talons. I concentrated on trying to turn and confront it, but it had a firm foothold. I started to panic after I heard the alloy-on-alloy scraping that was going on outside. In my frustration, I found that two other Venator had suddenly seized my frame's arms. I fought back, but having three enemies latching onto one frame didn't make for good odds. All I could really do was struggle.
"Darn it! MITCH, what am I supposed to do about these things?!" I demanded.
"For the moment, keep resisting, and be aware that there are other enemies approaching," he informed in far too much of a nonchalant tone.
"Wonderful. Why didn't I know about these two motherlovers earlier?"
"They appear to have close-range cloaking abilities."
"Super. Absolutely super."
"I would call this more of a detrimental situation. I do not see the advantageousness of our current position."
"I was being sarcastic."
"Oh. Incoming."
I saw a flash as a Mummyhead fired its Phalanx at me. I made just enough headway against my assailants to move one into a beam's trajectory. The Venator was struck, but was not deterred, though greatly damaged. It continued to hang on as I flailed about, fighting to be rid of these parasites. I felt the shrieking sensation of another claw trying to dig into the Lindskog. I hadn't the slightest idea of anything useful we could do, and now a robotic dragon was using its built-in can opener on us, with more Mummyheads joining the party by the second. Just when I thought we were done for, MITCH stepped in and ruined everyone's day but mine.
"Burst Attack Code 476 Class I 'Horakhty' enabled. Ammunition one of one active. Readying energy pulse emitters. Heat charges complete. Subfusion charge complete. Energetic detonation readied. Optimal output at nineteen percent. Reserves set. Effectiveness confirmed. Prepare for solar emulation," he explained, his voice borrowing a second, robotic tone from the default computer. I wasn't quite sure what he was talking about, but I did recognize the phrase 'Burst Attack.'
"Burst Attack?! Seriously?" I inquired, hoping to Heaven that we had something destructive awaiting release.
"Affirmative. A command is required to perform a 'Horakhty' sequence."
"Umm..."
While I thought of a proper command to start a comeback with, Amante's jubilant whine emanated from the radio.
"Yay! Now I get to see what the Proteus is capable of under stress! Go about your business. I'm just learning a little bit about it before I destroy it," she chirped. The nerve of that slut, thinking she can just destroy whatever gets in her way! I had my rebuttal and command ready the next second. Next to all the unmanned frames had clustered around us, preparing to tear me to pieces, but I'd give all a piece of my mind.
"Screw you," I shot back. "MITCH..."
I took a breath.
"...SET ME UP!!"
"Huh?" Amante blurted, obviously confused, but we paid her no mind. She began to move away from the rest of the OFs in the vicinity.
"Command confirmed," the A.I. replied, understanding my meaning. The frame began to vibrate, and I could see a golden glow being emitted from the shell. I took a guess that the Lindskog itself was giving off the yellow luminescence. The light grew stronger, and the Venators clutching us were losing their grip. They must have felt the energy readings that I could see were off the charts, as they let go and backed away, but were too late.
"Subfusion commencing."
Without warning, the shimmering mounted into a flaming aura that lifted further from our frame's skin. It erupted into a great sphere around us that grew for a few seconds, then destabilized and exploded. A wall of shining power surged in all directions, tearing through the Venator and Mummyheads with indiscriminate force.
"Whoa," I whispered. "Now that's what I had in mind."
The wave terminated about two hundred meters away. But nothing had escaped. The charred remnants of the unmanned frames tumbled to the surface of the red planet. A cloud of ferric dust floated up from the indistinguishable chunks of metal, then descended again. I breathed a sigh of relief. I wouldn't have to be worried about those manufactured demons anymore. That 'Horakhty' weapon was easily the coolest thing I had ever seen. But of course, as usual, I left out one little detail.
Oh boy, a CLIFFHANGER!! WOOHOO!
I had to cut that off early. I've got a few more pages, but I needed to split it up.
Reviews are appreciated. For helping with this chapter, I have to thank:
Project 86, Staple, Emery, and, Demon Hunter. Loud, angry, and unhappy music helps with fight scenes. It really does.
Don't worry, I'll have the next chapter up ASAP. Of this I am certain. Sorry to drag it out. I just talk too much. I'll fix my style sometime.
For the eight hundredth time, I don't own Zone Of The Enders.
So here's chapter 5. Once more, reviews are GREATLY appreciated.
I'm going to TRY for some action. I think I'm on a roll with it, now. Happy now, yes? I'm staying with "my" perspective. I may stop switching back and forth altogether. I find it kind of irritating.
The chapter's title comes from Staple's song "Remember Sammy Jankis." Twiggy.
Chapter 5: Vengeance Is Mine, Or Soon Will Be...
I was silent for a moment. Here I was, about to reach two of my objectives, just like that. I was going to give BAHRAM a piece of my mind, and I'd likely get to meet BIS. It was a very pleasing thought, but also frightening. I'd been able to make it this far into my mission in the span of a few minutes. That kind of fulfillment was like nothing I'd ever experienced. And yet, it had only just began. I allowed the fact that I was about to get into a fight slip my mind for a moment. Lindskog halted while my mind was at a standstill. What would my next move be?
"Sam?" MITCH asked, breaking the cold silence that had set in.
"Wha... Yeah?" I blurted, snapping back to the world around me.
"I would feel more confident about your decision if you didn't lose touch with reality before a confrontation."
"Uhh... Sorry about that. Umm... If we were to attack, what would the best way to start?"
"I am not quite sure right now. We should continue our approach, and I will attempt to study the structures of the frames that I am unfamiliar with. Also, I will be able to get a better view of their attack pattern. I can currently estimate that Lindskog is capable of far faster movement than the frames in question."
Well now, that was a nice surprise! Maybe I could use a little speed in my attack. Blindsiding the enemy would prove advantageous. These weren't the best odds. Thirty-one-to-one wasn't my cup of tea, by any means. Hopefully BIS would notice the battle and come to assist. Surely their radar had already detected the intruders. Now, it was time to speed up a little bit. But not quite that fast.
"I'm going to accelerate," I told MITCH. "Will your instruments be able to scan properly if I use seventy-five percent of the Lindskog's maximum speed?"
"I am fairly certain," he answered. I began to think fast thoughts, and we hit a speed right under Mach 1 within a few seconds. The red and brownish-grey dots on the horizon began to grow as we flew towards them with a speed far greater than their own. I'd known that the Proteus model could modify itself to better suit its runner's actions. I decided to speed up, hoping to close the gap without the BAHRAM units being able to move out of my way. There was a slight sonic boom, and I felt myself digging into the seat. But there wasn't as much turbulence as there had been the first few times I tried this routine.
"Hey, why am I not feeling this as much?" I inquired, puzzled as to why I could speak clearly.
"The Lindskog's modification computer is hard at work altering the hull to reduce the effects of higher speeds on its runner," the A.I. replied. "And I should inform you that at our current velocity, a battle is less than a minute away. I can now tell you that keeping our current speed would be optimal, given that you remember to stop."
"Heheh... Sure."
"Also, I have determined that the two varieties of unmanned frame are 'Mummyhead' and 'Venator.'"
"I know what Mummy head is, but what's Venator?"
It was hard to listen and concentrate at the same time. I had to make sure that each motion was deliberate, but MITCH could likely have gained some valuable information with his scan.
"It is by far the most complex unmanned machine I have ever seen. It somewhat resembles a dragon of Earth lore. It is suited for both ranged and close-quarters combat. I have found it necessary to activate the cockpit's full combat configuration."
As he spoke, the dark cockpit lit up, panels becoming monitors that displayed the situation outside. I was even able to see the fading city lights of Neo Memphis when I turned around a bit in my seat.
"I will keep my radar on high alert for incoming enemies when we enter this battle."
"Thanks."
"An expression of gratitude is not necessary, though I am familiar with the A.I. Pharsti's lack of knowledge on the subject. Anyway, such is my duty. If I am obliterated, I prefer that it is not on account of my actions."
"Are you sure that you're incapable of humor?"
"Perhaps... I am not sure. But our confrontation is about to begin. Approaching enemies at one hundred meters."
"Haven't we been noticed?"
"Indeed we have been."
"Huh... Whoa!!"
I moved my thoughts out of the way as one of the Mummyheads diverted from its course and fired a "Phalanx"-type laser in our general direction. The two great yellow beams were fairly simple to avoid by a slight change in altitude. I put on a burst of speed, and did my best to ready the arm blades for a charge into the now-alerted BAHRAM forces. The Mummyhead was uncertain of my strategy, and would certainly not have any time to avoid the glowing metallic sabers that I had brought to bear in front of Lindskog. They point straight forward, and were about to reach their maximum energy capacity. The target stopped, uncertain of what I was planning. Ramming one frame into another wasn't always the best idea. But I was going to leave my impression on one thing or another. I moved up slightly at the last minute and we flashed past the unmanned goner. The energized blade tore through the enemy's head with violent force and left it to fall to the Martian surface as we continued our onrush through all of another Mummyhead and the two Venators paired with each of the jar-shaped monstrosities. I came out the other side and swung around to face the remainder. Four mangled, robotic carcasses were flung down and crashed to the dirt, irreparably damaged. Immediately, their comrades turned to find what had just smashed four of their own. They held back for a moment as the radio clicked on and a young woman's voice squeaked it the cockpit. But the sound was strangely automated, even for a transmission.
"Hey, who the hell are you?!" the mystery girl demanded of me, obviously quite flustered. I figured that she was the runner of the strange crimson frame that defied classification with the unmanned types. I grinned. This was a BAHRAM wench I was talking to here. Making her squirm would prove enjoyable. "Hey!"
"An enemy," I replied calmly. "Maybe you should ask more politely..."
I cut off for a moment, and then came back on with as much contempt in my tone as I could muster.
"...BAHRAM FILTH!" I yelled. I broke into a rage. This was my worst enemy. I had nothing but hate for her. No, not even a her. I was speaking to an it, for all I cared. I had anticipated a scream for a rebuke from my soon-to-be opponent. However, her response was calm, though with a bit of irritation in it.
"Well, that's not very nice. You shouldn't talk to a lady like that. My little friends will have to teach you to mind your manners," she chided, though almost contentedly.
"So be it. It's not like I mind smashing more of your mechanical lackeys!" I sneered. I was getting cocky again. If she really was garbage, then her entourage would perform like they were just as low.
"Big big big big mistake, little man! Stubborn kids don't usually cause me any problems, but they do every so often. Now, I've got a bit of a date with BIS, so we must be sure to make this a quick little farce."
"Stubborn kid?! You've got some kind of nerve not running like the coward you are, but that's a death wish, in my opinion."
"Sam!" MITCH cut in suddenly. "I've completed a scan of the enemy's voice pattern."
"Oh, so you're name's Sam? How cute," the opposition recognized. "Sorry Sammy, but you'll have to have your robot friend guess my name."
"MITCH!" I growled. "You will NOT address me by name while a radio channel with a foe is active!"
"Acknowledged. My apologies."
"I shouldn't have to tell you that. Anyway, who is this I'm talking with?"
"I have been able to match the vocal pattern of the enemy frame's runner with that of BAHRAM agent Amante Furlair."
"No way! You mean..."
"That's very perceptive of you, Mr. MITCH," Amante confirmed. "So, shall we continue?"
That was nuts! THE Amante Furlair? Both a good and bad sign. I'd get to deal with someone I REALLY didn't like. But on the flip side, this was as dangerous of an opponent as I could have asked for. It made sense that she would let her escorts deal with me. And she sent them to work immediately.
"Whoa!"
I snapped out of my own little world once more to find that all of five Mummyheads had me in their sights. I concentrated on moving the Lindskog out of the way of a sudden flash of Phalanx beams that had centered on my previous location. That was simple maneuver, but there were twenty-six frames remaining, not counting Furlair's own machine. A pair of Venator moved to charge us with energy spikes emanating from their claws. They were fast, but I switched to a hard reverse and fired an energy wave from the open hand of the right arm. The enemies were dazed, but not severely damaged. However, it gave us a moment to move in and strike. My frame seized one by the head and promptly severed its metallic neck with a swift slash from the free arm. The other moved to regain its bearings, but was struck in the head by a precision laser courtesy of yours truly. The two wobbled before crashing to Mars. That was too simple, but I was thankful for that much ease, even if that was all I'd get. A group of three Mummyheads converged to my right, readying their grenades. Dodging was not an option, but I smashed the projectiles with a wave attack. Their fragments weren't especially effective for either side. But I did have the advantage of speed. I flew over one and was able to cleave its head on the way. I kicked the second in a sharp turn, sending it into its comrade. The two were undamaged, but had no chance to react to a pair of well-aimed slashes. With that flurry of movement, three more bit the dust.
"Next!" I invited, my confidence on the rise, and, at least this time, for good reason. My advantage was clear. Even if my frame was two years old, it had speed and power levels that these cookie-cutter opponents simply couldn't match. Eleven Venator, ten Mummyheads, and one Amante remaining. I'd cut the number from thirty-one to twenty-two in under three minutes. Not bad, if I do say so myself. But my gloating was cut short, and literally at that. The Lindskog's outer armor suffered a sudden laceration. I felt the impact, and jerked my head around to see that I'd been blindsided by a Venator, which was attempting to slice open the back hull with its metallic talons. I concentrated on trying to turn and confront it, but it had a firm foothold. I started to panic after I heard the alloy-on-alloy scraping that was going on outside. In my frustration, I found that two other Venator had suddenly seized my frame's arms. I fought back, but having three enemies latching onto one frame didn't make for good odds. All I could really do was struggle.
"Darn it! MITCH, what am I supposed to do about these things?!" I demanded.
"For the moment, keep resisting, and be aware that there are other enemies approaching," he informed in far too much of a nonchalant tone.
"Wonderful. Why didn't I know about these two motherlovers earlier?"
"They appear to have close-range cloaking abilities."
"Super. Absolutely super."
"I would call this more of a detrimental situation. I do not see the advantageousness of our current position."
"I was being sarcastic."
"Oh. Incoming."
I saw a flash as a Mummyhead fired its Phalanx at me. I made just enough headway against my assailants to move one into a beam's trajectory. The Venator was struck, but was not deterred, though greatly damaged. It continued to hang on as I flailed about, fighting to be rid of these parasites. I felt the shrieking sensation of another claw trying to dig into the Lindskog. I hadn't the slightest idea of anything useful we could do, and now a robotic dragon was using its built-in can opener on us, with more Mummyheads joining the party by the second. Just when I thought we were done for, MITCH stepped in and ruined everyone's day but mine.
"Burst Attack Code 476 Class I 'Horakhty' enabled. Ammunition one of one active. Readying energy pulse emitters. Heat charges complete. Subfusion charge complete. Energetic detonation readied. Optimal output at nineteen percent. Reserves set. Effectiveness confirmed. Prepare for solar emulation," he explained, his voice borrowing a second, robotic tone from the default computer. I wasn't quite sure what he was talking about, but I did recognize the phrase 'Burst Attack.'
"Burst Attack?! Seriously?" I inquired, hoping to Heaven that we had something destructive awaiting release.
"Affirmative. A command is required to perform a 'Horakhty' sequence."
"Umm..."
While I thought of a proper command to start a comeback with, Amante's jubilant whine emanated from the radio.
"Yay! Now I get to see what the Proteus is capable of under stress! Go about your business. I'm just learning a little bit about it before I destroy it," she chirped. The nerve of that slut, thinking she can just destroy whatever gets in her way! I had my rebuttal and command ready the next second. Next to all the unmanned frames had clustered around us, preparing to tear me to pieces, but I'd give all a piece of my mind.
"Screw you," I shot back. "MITCH..."
I took a breath.
"...SET ME UP!!"
"Huh?" Amante blurted, obviously confused, but we paid her no mind. She began to move away from the rest of the OFs in the vicinity.
"Command confirmed," the A.I. replied, understanding my meaning. The frame began to vibrate, and I could see a golden glow being emitted from the shell. I took a guess that the Lindskog itself was giving off the yellow luminescence. The light grew stronger, and the Venators clutching us were losing their grip. They must have felt the energy readings that I could see were off the charts, as they let go and backed away, but were too late.
"Subfusion commencing."
Without warning, the shimmering mounted into a flaming aura that lifted further from our frame's skin. It erupted into a great sphere around us that grew for a few seconds, then destabilized and exploded. A wall of shining power surged in all directions, tearing through the Venator and Mummyheads with indiscriminate force.
"Whoa," I whispered. "Now that's what I had in mind."
The wave terminated about two hundred meters away. But nothing had escaped. The charred remnants of the unmanned frames tumbled to the surface of the red planet. A cloud of ferric dust floated up from the indistinguishable chunks of metal, then descended again. I breathed a sigh of relief. I wouldn't have to be worried about those manufactured demons anymore. That 'Horakhty' weapon was easily the coolest thing I had ever seen. But of course, as usual, I left out one little detail.
Oh boy, a CLIFFHANGER!! WOOHOO!
I had to cut that off early. I've got a few more pages, but I needed to split it up.
Reviews are appreciated. For helping with this chapter, I have to thank:
Project 86, Staple, Emery, and, Demon Hunter. Loud, angry, and unhappy music helps with fight scenes. It really does.
Don't worry, I'll have the next chapter up ASAP. Of this I am certain. Sorry to drag it out. I just talk too much. I'll fix my style sometime.