Chapter 21:: Death
This is a butt long chapter to be forewarned!! Eeeep! Forgot about like, a whole page I wanted to have in this chapter! Curses, curses!
"..Hey, Billlllllly! Wake up!" Bart leaned over Billy, grinning evilly.
Billy gave a slight groan, rolling over on his side and covering up his head with the blankets.
Bart folded his arms, looking at Fei, who was on the other side of Billy's bed. "Doctor Fei."
Fei smiled. "Thank you, Doctor Bart." He looked down at Billy. "We should give him 'Jump Therapy'."
Bart put one finger on his cheekbone, as if pondering the possibilities. He grinned at Fei, then nodded. "Jump Therapy it is!"
"..Jump.. Therapy?" Billy's voice was muffled from under the blankets. "..What is-"
"WHOO!" Bart whooped, jumping onto Billy's bed in unison with Fei.
Fei looked down. "Wake up, Billy!" He laughed, jumping once on the bed. He looked at Bart, grinned, then the two began to jump over and over again on Billy's bed. Billy gave a cry popping out of his covers.
Fei gave one final jump, then landed on Billy's bed and sat down. Bart attempted to follow, but fell off in the action.
Billy folded his arms, blowing a lock of hair out of his eyes. He looked at Fei, then at Bart. "What made you two feel that was necessary?"
Bart sat up, rubbing his back. "Well, we were bored. I mean, watching Karina change only takes up a couple moments."
"Oh.. Wait a minute.. WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Billy yelled, grabbing Bart.
"We were bored, duh!" Bart rolled his eye.
Billy clenched his fist. "After that.." He hissed through his teeth.
"Well, Fei didn't really want to because he was all caught up in watching that cool drinky drinky bird Jessie got, but I watched Kari.. Oh, wait. Now I get it." Bart grinned. "Did you know she wears black panties?"
Billy's eyes widened. He dropped Bart, who fell back to the ground.
"She has a matching bra, too!" Bart called as Billy stomped off to the bathroom. Billy turned around.
"Bart Jr. is in serious danger!" Billy snapped, grabbed a towel from a rack, then went into the bathroom and shut the door.
Bart cried sarcastically, "Oh no!"
Fei laughed, standing and making for the door. Bart turned to him, folding his arms.
"Where are YOU going?" Bart squinted.
"..Breakfast.." Fei answered, squinting back at Bart. "Is there something WRONG with that?
Bart paused, staring at Fei for a few moments. Afterwards, he pushed Fei out of the way, running into the hallway yelling, "First dibs on muffins!"
Fei cried out in surprise and bolted after Bart. Bart opened the door to the Gunroom, making Fei smack right into it with a 'thwomp' esque sound. Fei shook his head, rubbed his forehead, and then followed him.
"Slow down, young master." Maison said, holding up a platter before Bart could bump into him and make him drop it.
"Sorry, Mase!" Bart yelled, then jumped into one of the chairs at the table. He stuck his tongue out at Fei, who pulled back, about ready to head butt Bart in the face.
Elly grabbed Fei's shoulder and shooed him over to his chair opposite of Bart. Fei grinned at Elly then took a gulp of orange juice.
Maria stepped in, yawning and stretching, still wearing her pajamas. She collapsed in her chair and looked sleepily at a bowl of fruit.
"Good morning, Maria." Fei beamed.
"Yeah.. whatever.. hi.." Maria yawned, barely acknowledging Fei's presence. Emeralda scurried in, already dressed, and leaped onto Fei's lap.
"G'morning, Fei's Kim!" Emeralda chirped, giving him a wide grin. Fei laughed, playing with her hair.
"Morning, Emmy." Fei replied. Elly leaned over and gave Emeralda a hug.
Timmy slithered up the side of Bart's chair, giving the prince a pleading gaze. Bart looked at him, frowning. "And what makes you think I like you?" Bart hissed. The sandworm flicked his tongue at Bart's nose. Bart laughed, then frowned again, turning back to his breakfast. "..Stupid sandworm.."
"GOOD MORNING ALL!" A loud shout filled the room as the door exploded open. Jessie stomped in, fully clothed and grinning. He placed his hands on his hips, turning towards the table. "Well, ain't any of ya gonna hook me up with a greeting?"
Bart stood up, pointing at Jessie. "What's up, funky fresh? Lay some skin on me, homie!"
Sigurd walked past him with a plate of eggs, then said to Bart, "Young master, I won't say it again, you're most certainly not black, so don't act it."
Jessie waved a hand dismissingly at Sigurd, "Aw, hush up, old man."
"I'm younger than you.." Sigurd wrinkled his nose in distaste.
"But not at HEART!" Jessie replied, taking a seat at the table. He looked around, blinking. "Where's the boy?"
"He's taking a shower." Fei replied, taking a bite out of a muffin.
Bart leaned back. "Food wench! Where are you?!"
Karina walked in from the kitchen, brandishing a spatula Bart. "For the last time, Bart, I'm not a food wench!" She snapped, hitting the top of his head with the spatula.
Bart leaned back, looking up at her. "You sure do look like one to me."
Karina glared at Bart, grabbing him by the braid and tugging his head back so that he was looking directly upward. She then leaned over and hissed, "I dare you to call me that one more time."
Bart gave a squeak, then shot forward when Karina let go of his braid. Karina then smiled, looking at everyone. "Pancakes, anyone?"
"Sounds good, cutie." Zeke said from the doorway, just now entering.
Karina gave him a rather uncomfortable smile, nodded, and then headed back into the kitchen.
"Seriously, Rico Mon! Your hair would look so much cooler!" Ziggy's voice sounded as Rico walked up the spiral staircase.
"I don't care, Ziggy." Rico snapped.
"Aw, come on!" Ziggy followed Rico, sitting next to him at the table as well. "If you would just.." Ziggy trailed off, reaching for Rico's hair. Rico slapped his hand away and grabbed his fork, pointing it at Ziggy.
"Don't push me, little man." Rico hissed.
Ziggy's eyes widened and he scooted back, holding up his hands in defense. "Whoa, sorry, Mon. Didn't mean to push a bad button!" Rico mumbled something, then began to eat.
Primera shuffled in and Jessie grinned. "There's my little girl!" He said, holding out his arms. "Come see your old pop!"
Primera brightened, running up to Jessie and jumping into his lap.
Karina walked back in, now holding a plate of pancakes. She smiled at Primera as she set them down in front of Zeke. "Good morning, Primrose."
Primera smiled, then buried her face in Jessie's chest shyly. Jessie looked at Karina, smiling. "Racquel called her Primrose, you know."
Karina smiled. "I wish I had met her.. Racquel." She turned away to reenter the kitchen.
The door opened again. Brad and Kajumei walked in, with Chu Chu bouncing in behind them. The couple was squabbling about something meaningless, and it was obvious that Kajumei was winning. Brad sighed and sat down, Kajumei sitting next to him.
"You'll see that I'm right, Brad." Kajumei cooed, folding her arms.
"Whatever, woman." Brad hissed. He looked around. "Hey, where's Karina?"
"Being food wench." Bart replied. The kitchen door opened only long enough for a spatula to come flying in and hit Bart on the side of the head with a dull thud. Bart blinked, then rubbed his temple. "Hey, that hurt.."
Brad stood up. "You ENSLAVED my sister?!" He yelled, reaching practically over the table to grab Bart. Kajumei stood up, as well as everyone else, just trying to keep Brad from killing Bart and getting blood all over their food.
"Brad, down!" Kajumei snapped, tugging at him.
Billy walked in amidst the chaos, then looked down. "I don't even want to ask." He murmured, walking past the fray and into the kitchen. He blinked when he saw Karina working instead of the cook. "Uh.. Karina?"
Karina spun around, then wiped some pancake batter that had gotten on her face off. She smiled sweetly. "Good morning, Billy!"
Billy looked around, blinking. "Uh.. Good morning.. Why are you cooking breakfast?"
Karina shrugged. "The cook came down with a cold, so I volunteered."
"Do you want any help?" Billy asked, giving her a strange look like she was crazy. She did look rather discombobulated, what with wearing an apron that was meant for someone larger than her dainty size, her hair all out of whack, her eyes wide, and her cheek smeared by pancake batter.
Karina shook her head. "Nope, I'm fine!"
"You're awfully.. cheerful today.." Billy murmured, stepping closer. Karina nodded quickly.
"Well, Sigurd had this coffee, and I drank some of it to wake me up, and it turned me all hyper!" Karina giggled, hopping up and making some pancake batter come off of her spoon and land on her nose.
Billy chuckled, then took a hold of her apron and wiped her face off. "You're kind of scary when you're hyper, Kari."
Karina giggled, then looked at him. "Hey, Biiiilly?"
"Yes?"
"You haven't seen Cimerion yet! You want me to show you around the city today? It's a great place!" Karina smiled.
Billy shrugged. "Sure, I guess that would be.. Fun." He smiled. "Just as long as you're.. Normal by then."
"Oh, don't worry, this'll pass soon." Karina grinned, then jumped in a semi circle way to face the griddle. "Want some pancakes?"
Billy smiled. "No thanks.. I'll just have a muffin." He said, turning to leave.
Karina spun around. "Wait!" She called. "They're all out of muffins out there, but the next batch should be done.." Karina turned slowly toward the oven, when the timer began to bleep. She gave a cry of joy. "Now!" She smiled, running to the oven. Pulling them out slowly with oven mitts, she then thrust them around at Billy. "Want one?"
Billy pulled back. "Uh.. sure." He replied. Karina grabbed a plate and carefully removed a muffin from the tray. She thrust it into Billy's hands.
"Enjoy!" She said in a sing-sing voice, then ran back to the griddle. Billy was about to speak, but walked out of the kitchen, leaving the hyper Karina humming and waiting for her pancakes to finish.
Billy trudged back into the Gunroom, holding his plate, still dazed from Karina's odd behavior. The ruckus that was occurring when he left was now subdued, but Brad was sentenced to spend time in the corner from Kajumei.
"Ah, there you are, boy." Jessie grinned.
Billy looked around the table, then at Jessie. "Where's Citan? Isn't he up yet?"
"He had some work to do. He wanted to read up on some things. He headed off to his room to study about thirty minutes ago." Sigurd answered for Jessie.
"I see.." Billy nodded, then sat down at the table.
::An hour later::
"Whoo.." Karina sighed, walking out of the kitchen. "That was.. fun." She smiled at Billy, who was sitting in a chair.
"Are you normal again?" He asked with a smile.
Karina chuckled, landing in a chair next to him. She smiled at him, grabbing a hold of his hand. "Ready to go sightseeing?"
Billy stood up, pulling her up after him. "Sure." He replied, smiling.
"OK. Just let me go pretty myself up." Karina winked, then ran out of the room. Zeke came in just as she was about to leave, looking at her and Billy.
"Hey, guys." He grinned. "What's up?"
Karina turned to him. "Well, Zeke.. Billy and I are going to go sightseeing.." She looked at him a moment, then added slowly, "..Wanna come?"
Zeke looked at her, then at Billy, smiled, then replied, "No, thanks. I've seen Cimerion enough. Besides, you two lovebirds need some alone time."
Billy sighed, then, trying not to look rude, he frowned. "You sure?"
Zeke nodded. "Besides, I've got a lot of work to do around here."
"OK.. Maybe some other time, then." Karina shrugged, then left the room.
Zeke looked at Billy silently, then came and sat down where Karina had been sitting. Billy slowly took a seat as well.
"Well, Black.." Zeke sighed, playing with a shoelace. "I've got to admit, you're a lucky guy."
"Why do you say that?" Billy asked.
"Because.." Zeke answered, smiling, "You have a hold on Karina's heart.. and she likes it.."
"..Zeke?" Billy blinked.
"I have to confess, man. I've had a crush on her since we ran into each other the second time on the Infinity.."
Billy's eyes widened. "I.. had a feeling." He said, frowning.
"Don't worry, man. I want Karina to be happy.. And she's happy dancing around you, you know." Zeke looked down sadly. "But.. Still.. I do care about her.. And I'd do anything to protect her."
Billy looked at him quietly, then replied, "..and so would I.." He said as Karina came back into the room.
"OK, Billy, I'm ready to go! Zeke, are you sure you don't want to come?" Karina smiled, hopping as she pulled a shoe on.
Zeke looked at Karina, then at Billy. "Yeah, Karina. I'm sure." He replied, grinning.
Karina smiled. "See you when we get back, then.."
"Yeah.. See ya." Zeke grinned again as Billy and Karina left the room.
"Sir!" One of the soldiers ran up to the commander.
"Yes, soldier?" He said, turning around and tapping a pen impatiently on his desk.
"The Valhalla and the supporting gears have been completed, sir!" The soldier smiled.
The commander smiled darkly. "Two days ahead of schedule. Let us hope these gears work to spec."
"Sir, we are ready to launch at any time. Pilots are prepared." The soldier looked down at some papers on the commander's desk.
"What would the ETA be if we left immediately?"
"..About 2 and a half hours." The soldier responded.
The commander looked at his pen, then replied, "We leave at 1700 hours, soldier."
The soldier nodded. "I'll inform the pilots, sir."
"Very good, soldier."
"Cimerion.." Karina said, putting on some sunglasses and looking around the crowded streets of the bustling city of Cimerion, "Is the largest city in the world."
Billy looked at her, trying to avoid getting knocked over. "Really?"
"Yeah. It's divided into four sectors." She explained, taking his hand and drawing him to a small pillar about to her waist. She pushed a button on the center and a holographic image of Cimerion appeared. "These parts are North, South, East and West Cimerion. Each sector is divided into a subsector. Northeast Cimerion, Northwest, and so on. Central Cimerion in where the area is. Underneath the arena is a huge underground bomb shelter. There are food supplies, water supplies, and a communications system. There is an air supply as well.." She then pointed at a west part of the map. "This is where Brad and I live, in Northwest Cimerion." She moved her finger down a little. "This is where we are."
"Is the city really that big?" Billy asked.
Karina looked at him. "Cimerion is larger than Beldavik and Nortune put together." She looked back at the map. "Well, we're not going to go all the way around the city, just to the main attractions."
"I see.." Billy smiled, nodding.
"We're going to go by way of the trolley some times, then by subway when we get to Eastern Cimerion. It's much more automated and advanced." She pointed around the southeastern portion. "This area is like the equivalence of slums.." She murmured, her eyes darkening.
"Have.. you ever been there?" Billy asked. Karina's eyes lowered, and he could detect the faintest sight of tears forming. She looked down and was silent. "..Karina?"
She then looked up and answered weakly, "Once. I was there once."
"Oh.. Hey, are you OK?" Billy asked.
Karina smiled, then nodded. "I'm fine, Billy."
"OK, then.." Billy smiled.
Karina looked at her watch, then cried out, "Oh, no! The trolley! Come on, Billy! We have to catch the trolley!" She took his hand and ran off into the sea of people.
"Hey.. Where's Karina?" Brad looked over at Bart.
"I dunno." Bart shrugged, twiddling his thumbs.
"They went sightseeing." Fei replied.
"They?" Brad spun around to face Fei.
"Yeah.. Karina and Billy." Fei nodded. Brad squinted, about to yell, but Kajumei put a hand on his shoulder.
"Down, boy." She said, making him sit.
"Ah, I remember her childhood like it was just yesterday.. Me teaching Karina how to use tampons when it was that time of the moth.." Ziggy sighed. "Now she's.. all grown up and.. and showing boys around the city.. Oh, Rico, hold me, Mon!" He wailed, resting his head on Rico's shoulder.
"You did WHAT?!" Brad yelled as Rico pulled out a baseball bat and knocked Ziggy out again. Brad fell back, steam practically expelling from his nostrils.
"Ah, the boy and his wife are on a date.." Jessie smiled.
"Yeah.. a date." Zeke hissed.
"This is the monument to Mother Sophia.. She had great influence here in Cimerion back then. Of course, then Cimerion was nothing but some houses and a church.." Karina smiled, pointed at a large angelic like statue. Karina looked down, then at Billy. "This is where I go when I'm frustrated and sad.. It always makes me feel.. Safe.."
"Really?" Billy asked, leaning his head to the side. "This place is beautiful." He commented, looked around at the park. It had a huge fountain in the center, and was surrounded by green grass and flowers.
"Yeah, it is.." Karina smiled. "This park goes back into the cemetery, by the way.. But before the cemetery, there's a bridge over the creek. The bridge is called 'Amour'. My father proposed to my mother on that bridge, according to Brad.." Karina sighed, looking down. She stepped up on the rim of the fountain and walked slowly around it, with Billy following her from the ground. She looked skyward, and then her eyes widened.
She took in a deep, sudden breath. Her face paled, and she looked down. Her eyes were vacant, her expression sad. She looked at Billy, who looked back curiously.
"..Karina?" He asked, becoming worried.
"Billy.." She murmured. The way she had said it reminded him of that strange way she had pronounced it in his dream. She looked at his eyes, and what she said next made his blood run cold. "..Kuluxx.. Nemai.." Her eyes shut halfway, and frowned again.
Billy looked at her with surprise as something else filled his mind as she said those chilling words. He heard her voice in his head, and she said:
'..Death.. Soon..'
Karina then groaned and fell forward, falling into his arms.
"Karina!" Billy gasped, bending down to stable her. She shook her head slowly, then touched her forehead.
"Ow.." She whispered. "..What happened.. It felt like I.. Blacked out.." She looked at him desperately. Billy could give her no answers, for he had none himself.
"I-I don't know, Karina.." He replied, his stomach churning. Her words had chilled him so much, made his skin crawl. What if it was true?
Karina stood up weakly, her knees shaking. She took a moment to catch her breath, then, as if to try and forget it, she walked up to another one of the maps. "OK, Billy.. W-We should get going.."
Billy gave her a wary smile, then followed her leave, not sure and definitely concerned about what had just happened.
Erich stepped onto a boulder, looking out beyond the horizon. "You're coming.." He hissed, looking back. "Dammit.." He hissed, walking back towards his 'camp'. He kicked the long cold ashes from the fire he had built the night before.
He continued down a steep embankment and past a cluster of boulders. There was an area where the rocks formed a ring shape around a clear area of grass. The area was just large enough for his deadly black winged gear to fit.
He looked up at his Gear. His eyes darkened. "Shinigami.. why do you refuse to fly for me?" He hissed. The sunlight reflected off of the Gear's armor, dark and black.
Erich's eyes, equally dark, turned toward the city. "I see.. I am not meant to intervene this time, am I?" He asked the air. He then looked up at the sky. "Protect yourself, young angel." He murmured.
Bart flopped down into a chair across from where Fei was sitting, reading a book. He gave Fei a grin. "Fei, you old coot. What's up?"
"Did you just call me an old coot?" Fei squinted at Bart, lowering his book.
"Indubitably!" Bart grinned, flipping his braid.
Fei gave him a sarcastic look, then looked back at the book he was reading. Citan walked into the room, throwing some papers onto the table, sitting next to Fei. He leaned forward, sighing as he removed his glasses. He rubbed his eyes sleepily then rubbed his temples with the tips of his fingers.
"Long night?" Fei asked, lowering the book. After Citan not replying for a while, Fei looked at him awkwardly. "..Doc?"
Citan started, replaced his glasses, and then looked at Fei. "Oh, I'm sorry, Fei. I didn't hear you.. Is there something wrong?"
Fei blinked. "Did you have a hard night?"
"Probably went out clubbing and got hammered bad. Right, Citan?" Bart laughed punching Citan's shoulder.
Citan turned to Bart, then looked down at the papers. "I was reviewing the scans and readings we got on that winged gear.."
"Again, Doc? Man, why won't you give it up?" Fei asked, dropping the book at his side.
"No.. I'm starting to learn things.." He lifted the scans, and pointed at a portion with a microscope. "Look at this, young ones." He led the microscope over a portion of the wings of the Gear.
Fei squinted. "Hey, Doc..?"
"What's the squiggly things on the wings, man?" Bart asked, leaning over the chair.
Citan looked at Fei, then back at Bart. "When I was studying at Jugend I took an honors class on Dead Languages.."
"Were you an over-achiever, doc?" Fei looked at Citan sarcastically.
Citan ignored the comment and looked back down at another paper. "These markings on the wings resemble remarkably the writings of an ancient civilization known as the Kiuma Bri`um."
"The Karma Brians?" Bart blinked.
"No, idiot. The Kite Brigand!" Fei squinted at Bart.
"The KIUMA BRI`UM!" Citan repeated. He sighed, then lifted the photo closer to his face. "The civilization lived on a deceased continent. They had very advanced technology and complicated systems of tongue and writing." He looked up at Fei and Bart. "They worshipped a God and his angelic children. Their legends state that one day, the world will darken and the only light that will shine will be that of a 'Sublime Light'." He looked down. "They called that day.. The Kuluxx."
"Kuluxx?" Fei pulled back. "Isn't that the thing Erich said that little cult believed was coming soon and that Karina was on of the keys?"
"Yes, it is.." Citan picked up another paper. "The colony existed 10,000 years ago.. Erich said that the event occurs once every 10,000 years.."
"Uh huh.. So what?" Bart asked.
"So perhaps there really is a threat, Bartholomew. Perhaps everything Erich said was true.." Citan sighed.
"Yeah, but how do we know Erich is a friend..?" Bart asked, folding his arms.
"..We don't." Citan replied. "But these markings on the wings suggest that he, too, is a key to this event as well."
"Billy.." Karina turned to him, clutching one of the railings to keep her balance. "Are you hungry?"
Billy put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. "Not especially."
Karina nodded then sucked in her breath again, clutching her chest. She gulped and bent forward slightly, her eyes widening.
"Karina.." Billy murmured, placing a hand on her arm and helping her up. "You been iffy all day.. Are you OK?"
Karina nodded weakly. "I-I'm fine.. I just.. I'm just.. Kind of tired."
"I think we should head back.." Billy murmured.
"But.. But you haven't even seen all of southwest Cimerion yet.." Karina objected.
"We can go on another day.. Southwest Cimerion isn't going anywhere.." Billy responded gently, clutching her hand. "Come on.. It's almost 5:00.. Brad is probably having a heart attack by now.."
Karina gave him a strange look, then nodded slowly. "You're right.."
Billy gave her a gentle smile, then gestured back. "Come on.."
Karina smiled, then nodded in response and began to lead the way back to the Yggdrasil.
"Hey, Brad. I still don't like the way this injector is working.. It's actin' screwy with me, mon." Ziggy said from under one of the many components of the engine room.
"I thought you liked it when things screwed with you." Kajumei commented, leaning against one of the vents.
Ziggy held out his hand, wiggling his fingers. "Mon, hand me the socket wrench."
Brad walked up and kicked the socket wrench next to his hand, then bent over. "What's going on, is it leaking or something?"
"No, it's just not heating and cooling correctly, mon." Ziggy muttered. He pulled out from under the machine and wiped some grime from his face. "Are you sure you got the right component, mon?"
"Yes, I'm sure, Ziggy!" Brad snapped, smacking Ziggy with a wrench. "Maybe you installed it incorrectly!"
"Ey, mon!" Ziggy shot up, pulling his rose tinted sunglasses off and giving Brad a harsh glare. "I don't install incorrectly, and you know it!"
"Yeah, yeah, just let me have a look." Brad laughed, pushing Ziggy out of the way. He slid under the machine and reached for a wrench. "Here's the problem, Zig. I think the gauges out there aren't set properly."
Ziggy stood up and looked at the gauges, then nodded. "Yep, mon, that's it. They're set for a different model."
Brad slid back up and wiped his hands on the sides of his jeans. "Well, I guess it's all better now." He looked up at Ziggy. "See how she runs, Zig-man."
Ziggy nodded and ran up the stairs to the main control panel. He said a few things to one of the extra mechanics, then leaned over one of the operators.
"Sir!" One of the bridge operators shouted to Sigurd, who was speaking with one of the other operators.
"What is it?" Sigurd looked up, turning toward the man.
"The scanner is picking something up!" He replied. Sigurd walked up to the helm and looked at the screen. "OK, then, open the view screen and point it towards the oncoming objects." He said as the view screen opened, displaying the open sky and sea, with Cimerion off to the side. Sigurd squinted when he thought he saw something coming. "What is tha-" He began, but was cut off as a something came hurtling down. "Shields up, now!" He called, but froze in amazement when the shot didn't connect with the Yggdrasil. Instead, it went hurtling into something else-
Cimerion.
Sigurd's eyes widened as a small portion of the huge city began to collapse. There was a shockwave from the blast, sending Sigurd back against the wall. "Find out what fired that! Aim for it and fire the cannons!"
Bart ran in the bridge and looked at the view screen. "What was that?!" He looked at Sigurd.
"Something's firing at Cimerion!" Sigurd responded, standing up.
Bart looked at the city, his eye burning with rage. "Shoot the bastards!"
Karina gave a cry, as the shot connected with a portion of the city not too far from where Billy and she were. A wave of cries and shouts rose from the pedestrians as everyone turned to see what happened. Glass flew from buildings and portions of buildings flew off, making the people scatter in panic as a shockwave shot through the city.
Billy looked upward as he and Karina ran away from the crashing buildings. "What the hell?!"
"What's going on?!" Karina looked back, and was almost knocked over by the swarms of people trying to escape.
Billy grabbed onto her arm and pulled her away from the panic and disorder. "Karina..! We have to get back to the Yggdrasil!"
"But what about the people?" She looked at him worriedly.
"They'll be fine, we just have to get back to figure out what's going on!" He responded.
Karina looked back at the flaming wreckage. She then looked at Billy and bit her lip. "I can get Brad and Kajumei and Ziggy to help when we get back.. you guys can try to figure out what's happening.. since you're the one with the huge ship." She grabbed is arm. "Come on! I know a short cut!"
Ziggy rolled back, slamming into a railing. "Owowowowow!" He yowled, rubbing his back. "What was that for?" He yelled at the ceiling.
Kajumei, trying to regain her balance, looked at Brad. "We have to get up to the bridge.." She said, looking back at the main engine. "This'll be fine until we get back."
Brad threw a wrench down as one of the mechanics ran past him. "Right! Come on!"
Ziggy nodded and ran out of the engine room, just barely knocking in Fei, who was waiting while Elly, Emeralda and Maria ran up the spiral staircase. Fei gave Ziggy a weak grin, then ran up the staircase, and after him went Rico. Ziggy looked back at Kajumei and Brad, then continued up the staircase.
"20 type 5A model battle gears, 10 repair and support gears, 5 war- type gears, and one Special Forces new model gear, sir!" One of the operators shouted.
"They brought 36 gears, eh? Blow their asses off!" Bart shouted.
"Young master!" Sigurd grabbed Bart's arm. "That's far too risky!"
"Why's that, Sig?" Bart looked at Sigurd. He shot a glance back at the city as the Gears began to wreak havoc on Cimerion. "Sig!!" He shouted as the Special Forces gear aimed a cannon arm at the city and shot another blast at another section.
Sigurd paled. He looked at Bart, then shouted, "Red Alert status, now!" He shouted as a siren blared.
Fei ran in the door with the others following him. He looked at Sigurd. "What's going on?!"
"Gears.. they're killing innocent people!" Bart snapped, slamming his fist. "We have to help them!"
Elly put a hand over he mouth and shut her eyes. "Oh my god.." She murmured.
Sigurd looked at each of the gear pilots. "I need you to get into your gears.. and defend that city.."
"Why are they doing this?" Elly asked weakly, her lips trembling.
"Sir!" One of the operators cried as Sigurd turned around. A huge shot was hurtling towards them. Sigurd cried, "Brace yourselves!!"
The group huddled down, but after a few moments.. Nothing had happened. Sigurd looked up, his eye widening. "What..?"
The operators cried out joyously while Citan stood up and walked next to Sigurd. He looked to the other ex-element and smiled.
"Look who it is, Sigurd." He smiled.
Sigurd's eye widened more at what he saw. A gleaming silver-purple gear was standing on the hull of the ship, holding out sword like weapons that were emanating a shield-like energy from them. The swords broke apart from each other as the enemy shot broke into tiny particles.
"It's.. Blitzkrieg.." Sigurd whispered.
*What? Did you think I'd leave you morons alone?* Sierra's voice came over the speakers.
"Go, Sierra!" Bart whooped, then paused. He looked around. "None of you can PROVE that I said that!"
Sigurd smiled warmly then became solemn once more. He turned towards the others. "To the Gear Dock, everyone."
Fei nodded and ran out of the deck, with Elly following him. Emeralda smiled at the view screen with the view of Blitzkrieg then followed Fei and Elly, along with Maria, Rico, Bart and Citan.
Brad stiffened. "Karina.."
Kajumei's eyes widened. "Oh my god! Karina and Billy are still out there!"
"What? The boy is still out there?" Jessie snapped as Zeke paled.
"On no.. Those gears.. They're here for Karina!" Zeke cried, stepping forward. "That's why they're doing this!"
*Don't worry, guys! Karina and Billy are fine.. I won't let the kids get hurt!* Sierra said, then Blitzkrieg hovered off of the hull and shot forward into the chaos of Cimerion with the other gears.
"Yeah, the girl won't get hurt that easily." Ziggy sighed.
"I'm glad you think that." Karina's voice came from behind. Brad spun around and looked at Karina, who was standing in the doorway, alone. She was out of breath, and her hair was a mess. "Hey, guys."
"Where's Billy?" Jessie demanded, grabbing her by the shoulders.
Karina sighed gently, trying to catch her breath. "He's.. Joining the others. He's catching up in Renmazuo.."
Jessie sighed with relief and let go of her shoulders. Karina turned to Ziggy and Kajumei and Brad.
"We need to get the people safe, guys.." She murmured.
Kajumei looked back at Ziggy and Brad. "I'll help you, girl."
"We need to stay here, Karina! It we're gonna use the cannon, we have to keep it from overheating." Brad put a hand on her shoulder. "But be careful.." He then looked at Kajumei and put both hands on her shoulders as she looked up at him. "And Kaju, you watch yourself, too."
"Aw.." Kajumei grinned, punching Brad's cheek gently. "I'll be fine, you big lug." She winked at him.
"I'll help you two!" Zeke volunteered. "I know my way around Cimerion pretty well.."
"Good.." Karina sighed. "The people know that when something happens like this, they need to head to the bomb shelter under the stadium. Our job will be to help those who might be injured." She looked at Kajumei, then at Zeke. "Our help may not be much, but it will be some."
"Good luck." Sigurd said, giving the group a thumbs up.
*Billers! You joined us! Welcome, welcome!* Bart whooped.
"Hi, Bart." Billy responded gently. "What do we have to deal with?"
*35 pushovers and one ass hole.* Bart replied.
*Never underestimate your foes, young one.* Citan warned.
*They are pretty big pushovers, Doc.* Fei commented at Xenogears took out a battle gear with a few shots.
*It is not the battle, war or support gears I worry over. It's that Special Forces gear..* Citan murmured.
"Good point.." Billy sighed, cursing under his breath as a group of enemy gears surrounded Renmazuo. "OK then.." He whispered. "Want to see what I'm made of?" He smiled, making Renmazuo pull out its minor cannons. "Come on!"
Crescens flew by, knocking some Gears out of its way with its wings. *We just have to get rid of them befo-* Emeralda began, but was cut off by a shot from the huge Special Forces gear.
*Emeralda!* Fei and Elly both cried out, their Gears diving to support hers as it's systems jammed momentarily.
Fei growled under his breath. *I'm getting that guy NOW!* He yelled, and Xenogears shot upward, towards the main gear.
*Fei, wait!* Elly cried, but it was too late.
Amidst the screams, and destruction, Karina, Kajumei and Zeke ran through the city, trying to find any wounded people to help. Kajumei gathered them into a subway line that would take them to the underground bomb shelter, and Karina and Zeke tried to find people who may have been stuck under the wreckage.
Swarms of people boarded the subway's three main rails that headed for the stadium. Karina ran up, holding a frightened child in her arms. She looked at Kajumei sadly. "His mother.. she.."
Kajumei frowned, lowering her gaze. She gritted her teeth, slamming her fist against the doorframe.
Zeke entered, carrying two children in his arms, and one more clinging to his neck. He settled them into the subway cars, took the child that was clinging to Karina and set him with the others as well.
He looked at Karina. "We've made ten trips.. the other sections of Cimerion have subways like this.. we can't possibly make it to all of those.."
"But.. But we can still search around here.." She murmured as her neighbor walked up to her.
"Karina!" She cried out.
"Mrs. McAnderson!" Karina smiled as Brad's two dogs ran up to her, panting.
"I tried to save your pets, seeing as how there was nothing else to save.. The people have abandoned the neighborhood.." McAnderson sighed. She held up her hands, holding a frightened kitten.
"Pixie!" Karina sighed in relief, taking the small kitten in her hands. "Thank you, Mrs. McAnderson.. You should be heading into one of the cars.." She looked down at the kitten. "Could you hold her just a little while longer? I need to try and look for others.." She murmured.
"There.. are no others.." A police officer groaned. "The squads have searched up and down.. The survivors are either at the stadium already, or in those subway cars. We got the same reports from all the other police sectors.."
Karina's eyes widened as a panicking woman bumped past her. She looked back at Zeke, who was still helping people into the cars. Karina lowered her gaze, then nodded. "I suppose.. there isn't much more we can do.."
Kajumei jumped back as the stairway caved in, blocking the exit. Screams rose from the passengers, and Kajumei shouted, "We have to get out of here soon before this whole place collapses!!"
Zeke grabbed a child that was just standing amidst the wreckage, handing her to her mother. He grabbed Karina's hand as Kajumei, McAnderson, and the police squad filled the last car. The two followed as the car began to exit down the tunnels. Zeke grabbed the edge of the doorway and jumped in, pulling Karina in after him. The subway cars zoomed into the darkness, away from the destruction of the world above.
"Fei's in trouble!" Sigurd cried, grabbing one of the rails for support. He looked up at the view screen. "That gear is a monster.. He isn't causing any damage.. But it's destroying him!"
"Sir! Might I suggest using the cannon?" Franz looked back at Sigurd.
Sigurd bit his lip, then grabbed the intercom. "Engine room! Come in!"
Brad looked up. "What's up, Sig?" He yelled.
*Can we shoot off the cannon?*
Brad looked at the various gauges, then paused. "You.. Could, theoretically! But, it might overheat all of the systems since we don't have the stabilizers quite up and running yet!"
"Would the overheating damage anything severely?" Ziggy asked.
"No.." Brad hissed. "I'd just hate to take any risks.."
*Our guys are getting beaten badly out there, Brad..* Sigurd muttered.
Brad looked back at the engineers, then upward. "Shoot it off man, but make this shot your best one! I don't think this baby can handle any more than that!"
*Affirmative, Brad. Good luck!*
Sigurd dropped the intercom, then turned towards the view screen. "Aim the cannon at the Special Forces gear.. On my mark, fire." He said as the aiming devices aligned to make a perfect shot. Sigurd clenched his teeth. "Make it work.." He whispered to himself, then waved his hand. "Fire!"
The ship jolted back from the shooting of the cannon. Sigurd regained his balanced and shot his gaze back up at the view screen. The huge blast went hurtling at the gear, but something went horribly wrong..
A grouping of enemy gears, as if to protect the main assault gear, shot upwards and formed a wall to block the blast. The shot from the cannon, instead of hitting its desired target, wiped out the rest of the small fry that wouldn't have provided much of a threat anyway.
"Shit!!" Sigurd shouted, slamming his fist against the wall. He clenched his teeth, shutting his eyes. He looked up at the view screen. "Our one good shot! Dammit!"
Steam shot from the machines, and flames rose from a few. Brad ran toward one of the release valves, but lurched back as a sea of sparks, flames and steam burst out. He screamed and held up his arms to guard his face. He couldn't back away quickly enough, and felt the skin on his arms and face begin to sear. He ran back, shaking his head. But something happened that he did not expect. The pain of the burns lessened, and he lowered his arms. He could still see, and he looked where he knew he had felt his skin burn, and there was nothing there, just his arms, unharmed.
"What the.." He muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Brad!" Ziggy yelled. "Quit foolin' around and-" He began, but was cut off as one of the boilers exploded, taking out a group of mechanics. "Shit! We have to get out of here!"
A few of the injured mechanics managed to leave the engine room, as Brad and Ziggy tried to find those that may not be able to get out. Ziggy looked at Brad hopelessly, but clenched his teeth as fire burst from another valve. "We have to shut down the whole engine!"
Brad nodded weakly, running to the computer. "Get out of here, Zig!"
Ziggy ran up to him. "Aw, move it, I'm more technical with computer, you big ape!" He shouted, pushing Brad out of the way. Ziggy pushed numerous buttons, and sighed as the engine quieted and shut down.
Brad looked at Ziggy. "Come on, we have to go to Sigurd!"
"Right, mon!" Ziggy nodded, following Brad.
*Oh no!* Maria cried out as the huge Special Forces gear knocked Siebzehn away.
*It has a huge shielding system.. The Yggdrasil Cannon could've knocked it out and we could've killed this guy long ago, but those damn small fry took the blast instead!* Rico yelled.
*I just hope Karina is OK..* Billy murmured, then cried out as the gear grabbed Renmazuo and flung it down towards the city. Billy clenched his teeth and pulled back, activating the thrusters. The gear slowed its descent, then straightened. Renmazuo realigned itself and shot back upwards, into the fray.
*Dude, this is getting really annoying! This guy should be NOTHING!* Bart yelled, dodging a shot from the gear.
*Just quite your bellyaching and move your asses!* Sierra yelled as Blitzkrieg took a blow.
*Make sure no more damage is done to the city!* Citan ordered, moving expertly around the shots from the enemy gear.
*Where's that obnoxious noodle of a gothic kid when you NEED him, anyway?!* Bart demanded.
*Well, he sure isn't here! So, deal with it!* Elly replied.
"Oh no!" Karina breathed, looking up at the large view screen of the underground bomb shelter. "They're getting destroyed!"
"Why is that guy so strong?" Kajumei looked up as well, clenching her fist.
"He isn't." Zeke commented as Karina and Kajumei looked at him. Amidst the panicked conversations and crying children, Zeke said, "That's Valhalla. It's a Special Forces gear designed to destroy anything in its path. I saw the prototype once or twice when I was on the Infinity. The gear has advanced cannons, but could easily fall to your friend's gears. What's making it not sustain any damage is it's advanced shielding systems.
Karina's eyes widened. "How do they get rid of the shield system?"
"..The shield has to be overpowered by a high powered, focused blast. Something like.. a ship cannon blast, or.."
"Or what?" Karina asked, grabbing Zeke's hands.
Zeke looked at her, then back at a gear dock in the underground bomb shelter. "That's a gear dock, right?"
"..Yes.. What of it?" Karina whispered.
"Are there defense gears in there?" Zeke asked.
"..Yes.." Karina nodded.
Zeke pulled away, running towards the gear dock. Karina bit her lip, then followed him. "Zeke! What are you doing?!" She called as he looked at one of the defense gears.
Zeke turned to her. "I've got an idea.." He murmured, stepping closer to him.
"What are you going to do..?" Karina asked weakly. She looked into his eyes, desperately asking for an answer.
Zeke took in a weak breath, then smiled. He put his hands on her face. "Just know this; whatever I do isn't all to protect the city, or your friends, or myself.. It's for you, Karina."
"..Zeke?" She whispered, blinking confusedly.
He smiled gently, then leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on her lips. Her eyes widened as he pulled away. She placed her hands over her lips, a blush filling her face. Her rubbed her cheek with the back of his hand, then murmured, "Have you always been this pretty?"
Karina pulled back. "Zeke.."
He smiled once more, then turned away, climbing up the side of one of the defense gears. He leaned over. "Hey, be a doll and open up the dock for me!"
Karina nodded weakly, pulling a lever. As the hanger began to open, Zeke yelled over the din, "See ya, angel!"
Karina waved weakly.
*Agh! OK, I'm gonna open up a can! As soon as I.. ACK!* Bart cried, dodging another shot. *BASTARD!*
*We're never going to beat this guy if we can't get around that stupid shield!* Billy yelled.
*Well, that's what I'm here for!* Zeke's voice came over the intercom. A high-class defense gear sprang up from the wreckage of the city and gave a sort of salute at the others.
*Zeke?! What are YOU doing here?* Billy pulled back, Renmazuo turning to the gear.
*I'm here to save you chumps from certain destruction!* He yelled, diving at the gear. The defense gear clamped onto the huge Special Forces gear, leeching on tightly.
*What are you DOING?!* Sierra yelled.
*Aw, shut your mouth, LeRage.* Zeke hissed, then changed the signal link so that the conversation was only between he and Billy.
*Zeke.. What are you planning..?* Billy asked, wincing as the gear pounded on the gear Zeke was in. *Zeke! Get out of here!*
*..Billy.. listen. I want you to take care of Karina for me, OK? Please.. I know she loves you.. and she needs you.. So, just suck up your fears and tell her already.. Please, Black, just do this for me..*
*Zeke.. what are you saying?!*
*Billy! Promise me!*
*But Zeke..*
*Agh.. PROMISE!*
*I-I swear it, Zeke..*
*..Good.. thank you, Billy.. tell me if she's good, man.* Zeke murmured.
Billy blushed, then looked down.
*Later, Billy.*
Billy looked up. *What?! What are you doing, Zeke?!* He yelled. His eyes widened as a surge of energy filled the defense gear, and in one moment, that seemed to last forever, a moment that Billy sword her could hear his own heart beat, the gear burst into a violent explosion.
*ZEKE! NOOO!* Billy screamed.
"ZEKE!" Karina clenched her fists, screaming. "NO!" She cried out, tears streaming down her face. "NO! No, no, NO!!"
Kajumei clamped her eyes shut and hugged onto Karina, trying to hide her tears.
"ZEKE!" Karina wailed, collapsing in Kajumei's arms.
*KILL THAT BASTARD!* Bart screamed, tears streaming down his face. Andvari shot forward, along with Crescens, Xenogears, and Stier.
*Zeke! Why?!* Elly cried out, before joining in the mad, emotion filled frenzy.
Renmazuo stood back, Billy too shocked to do anything. Tears streaming down his face, he clenched his fists, and kept his promise. Renmazuo shot forward, Billy screaming in frustration.
Sigurd sat back, his jaw slack. He turned to Brad, who was looking equally helpless. "No.."
Brad walked forward. "That kid.. he was so brave.." Brad murmured.
Ziggy fell back, covering her face with her gloves. "Damn stupid kid!" He said hoarsely, barely disguising his tears.
"..That kid had more grit than most people." Jessie whispered, nodding in praise.
After just moments or heated battle, the enemy gear fell to the blows of the Omnigears, falling into the ocean, where it would remain in its grave. Slowly, sadly, the gears returned to the Yggdrasil, and so did Karina and Kajumei. The people of Cimerion, now much smaller in numbers, slowly melted out of the bomb shelter, looking desperately at their destroyed home.
When Karina arrived back at the Yggdrasil, grief-stricken and crying, Billy approached her slowly, taking her in his arms to try and comfort her at least a little.
Glimmer was practically unscathed, but his boyfriend had broken his leg, but the two would recover.
Kalie, Aaron, and Reila McKallister were unharmed, and the unborn child was all right, as well.
Billy's clone folded his arms and leaned against the wall. "You really thought his stupid plan to try and scare her out would work? Heh, they're not that stupid, you know."
"Perhaps this was just to shake her nerves, Black."
He smiled. "I see that a clone of the prince is no smarter than the prince himself."
A young man stepped forward, glaring at the clone of Billy. He wore almost an identical outfit as Bart's, except it was almost totally black. His eye patch was a blood red, as well. "Why don't you shut you moth for once?" He snapped.
"You two will both shut up!" A third clone walked out. This one wore an outfit that was, again, identical to Fei's, except the pants were a deep scarlet, the shirt was red and black, and his eyes were coal black, instead of Fei's warm brown eyes.
"Maybe we're going about this the wrong way." The Bart clone murmured. "If we don't get to work and make some progress, the others will being to think we've become.. weak."
Fei grinned. "We can set loose my pet."
"I wouldn't dream of letting you release that thing. It's incompetent." Billy hissed.
"Oh, my Dralgoln is the key to capturing that little girl.." Fei smirked.
"And if it doesn't?" Bart asked.
"Then, do you have any other ideas, crown prince?" The Fei clone snapped.
"Perhaps we could cut them off to where they will most likely venture to next.." Billy muttered. "I believe they will be required, sooner or later, to be flying north, towards the northern continent. They will be heading through the mountain passes to Taneria."
"So, we cut off the little pretties in Taneria, eh?" Fei asked.
"First we spook them a little." Billy replied.
Bart paused, then smiled menacingly at Fei. "How big is that Dralgoln of your now, Fei?"
Fei snickered, looking upwards. He gave a sharp whistle. A few moments passed.
"The beast is slow." Billy commented. Almost immediately after his comment, there was a loud rumble and the sound of scales running against bricks. Blood red eyes almost as big as Fei's entire upper body opened, and there was a sharp scream-like hiss from the darkness.
Fei smiled. "I need you to do something for me, pet." He murmured as the eyes squinted, and the shrill scream-like hiss came again.
Only a few hours after the horrible destruction, the group stood along the seashore, sending off a single candle as a symbol of respect for those who died.
Billy stood as he released the candle to the oceans current. He murmured weakly, "Let this light lead those souls lost today into the arms of our holy lord.." He paused a moment, taking in a deep breath. "Just know that.. that this was an act that we could not have prevented.. And the lord will see that the people who performed this.. disgusting deed shall receive their rightful punishment.. Just hold those you love.. and thank God that they stand here with you now.. Amen.."
Karina broke into tears once again, resting her head on Brad's shoulder. Her older brother put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her tightly.
"Why did this have to happen?" Reila asked, looking around the destroyed city. "Why did they do this?"
Kalie grasped her daughter's hand, then murmured, "Because there are people out there who.. want to bring harm to innocent people.."
Citan joined the group, folding his hands and looking outward. He turned to Jessie, who was holding a very frightened Primera. "There is going to be a reception tomorrow to pay respects to those lost.."
Jessie didn't answer, but bit his lip and clung more tightly to is daughter. Primera buried her face in his coat and continued to tremble and cry.
Bart walked up next to Sigurd. "Northwest, northeast, and southwest Cimerion are totally decimated." He whispered to Sigurd, then folded his arms. He looked at Sigurd.
"Death rates?" Sigurd asked quietly.
Bart took a deep breath. "Ten mechanics of ours, five support officers, two medical workers, and.. One civilian." He bit his lip. "I don't think we can get an estimate on how many citizens of Cimerion were lost." Bart looked out at the sea, mournfully. "I contacted some relief workers in Beldavik and in various towns around Aveh. They're sending relief crews to come help rebuild the city. They should be here in a week or so."
Sigurd nodded slowly then sighed deeply. Sierra walked up next to him, nudging his shoulder with her own. Sigurd turned to face her, and she gave him a weak smile. He reached out his hand for hers, and slowly she held hers out. The two grasped hands tightly, Sierra leaning on Sigurd for support, or perhaps Sigurd was leaning on Sierra for support.
Billy walked up to Karina, his eyes darker than usual, maybe because they were practically on the brink of tears. He tried to say something to her as she pulled away from Brad, but couldn't think of the proper words. He felt his heart wrench as she looked back at him, her face tear streaked, and her eyes filled with tears.
"Ka-Karina.. I.. I.." Billy's voice cut out, and he could speak no more. Karina fell forward into his open arm and hugged onto him.
"Billy.." She murmured into his cloak, her tears seeping through the cloth. Billy could say nothing, so he just wrapped his arms around her as tightly as he could. He looked around at the mourning faces of his friends.
Jessie was holding onto Primera protectively, and for some reason, he resembled the father Billy remembered him being those many years ago.
Fei was hugging onto Emeralda and Elly, obviously trying to be strong for all three of them.
Sierra and Sigurd had been standing silently together with their hands locked together for quite some time.
Brad, who, for some reason, was letting Billy comfort his sister, was standing with his arm around Kajumei's waist, her arm around his waist as well. Even Ziggy was standing, quietly mourning over their lost friends.
Maria was off to the side with Chu Chu, who hadn't stopped wailing since the whole ordeal had begun. Rico sat on a huge boulder, his arms folded, looking like a silent statue, watching the weeping sunset.
A distance away, standing quietly on a beach, was Erich. The young boy leaned forward, letting his own candle release from his hands to the water. It was his own way to pay his respects to the lost souls of that horrible day.
He looked up at the setting sun, shutting his dark eyes momentarily. The breeze caught his cloak, sending the ruffles of fabric around him. He grabs the folds of cloth and wrapped them about himself, as if to warm himself.
He breathed in the salty air, exhaling very slowly. "Taneria.. that is what awaits me in my future.." He opened his eyes slowly. "That is what you tell me, wind. You wouldn't lie to me, now would you?" His eyes darkened, looking more and more like an empty void. "And you wish to stop them with your snake, do you? The Dralgoln.." He turned toward the setting sun. "Don't underestimate me, don't ever underestimate me.."
Erich then sat down on the beach, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. Shutting his eyes once again, if only for a moment, he thought he had heard a voice, far away;
*My precious baby.. my sweet boy.. you're my angel, you know.. you'll always be my angel...*
Erich looked upward, toward the darkening sky, breathing out slowly. Then, he did something he hadn't done for a very long time. He leaned his head on his arms..
And cried.
This is a butt long chapter to be forewarned!! Eeeep! Forgot about like, a whole page I wanted to have in this chapter! Curses, curses!
"..Hey, Billlllllly! Wake up!" Bart leaned over Billy, grinning evilly.
Billy gave a slight groan, rolling over on his side and covering up his head with the blankets.
Bart folded his arms, looking at Fei, who was on the other side of Billy's bed. "Doctor Fei."
Fei smiled. "Thank you, Doctor Bart." He looked down at Billy. "We should give him 'Jump Therapy'."
Bart put one finger on his cheekbone, as if pondering the possibilities. He grinned at Fei, then nodded. "Jump Therapy it is!"
"..Jump.. Therapy?" Billy's voice was muffled from under the blankets. "..What is-"
"WHOO!" Bart whooped, jumping onto Billy's bed in unison with Fei.
Fei looked down. "Wake up, Billy!" He laughed, jumping once on the bed. He looked at Bart, grinned, then the two began to jump over and over again on Billy's bed. Billy gave a cry popping out of his covers.
Fei gave one final jump, then landed on Billy's bed and sat down. Bart attempted to follow, but fell off in the action.
Billy folded his arms, blowing a lock of hair out of his eyes. He looked at Fei, then at Bart. "What made you two feel that was necessary?"
Bart sat up, rubbing his back. "Well, we were bored. I mean, watching Karina change only takes up a couple moments."
"Oh.. Wait a minute.. WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Billy yelled, grabbing Bart.
"We were bored, duh!" Bart rolled his eye.
Billy clenched his fist. "After that.." He hissed through his teeth.
"Well, Fei didn't really want to because he was all caught up in watching that cool drinky drinky bird Jessie got, but I watched Kari.. Oh, wait. Now I get it." Bart grinned. "Did you know she wears black panties?"
Billy's eyes widened. He dropped Bart, who fell back to the ground.
"She has a matching bra, too!" Bart called as Billy stomped off to the bathroom. Billy turned around.
"Bart Jr. is in serious danger!" Billy snapped, grabbed a towel from a rack, then went into the bathroom and shut the door.
Bart cried sarcastically, "Oh no!"
Fei laughed, standing and making for the door. Bart turned to him, folding his arms.
"Where are YOU going?" Bart squinted.
"..Breakfast.." Fei answered, squinting back at Bart. "Is there something WRONG with that?
Bart paused, staring at Fei for a few moments. Afterwards, he pushed Fei out of the way, running into the hallway yelling, "First dibs on muffins!"
Fei cried out in surprise and bolted after Bart. Bart opened the door to the Gunroom, making Fei smack right into it with a 'thwomp' esque sound. Fei shook his head, rubbed his forehead, and then followed him.
"Slow down, young master." Maison said, holding up a platter before Bart could bump into him and make him drop it.
"Sorry, Mase!" Bart yelled, then jumped into one of the chairs at the table. He stuck his tongue out at Fei, who pulled back, about ready to head butt Bart in the face.
Elly grabbed Fei's shoulder and shooed him over to his chair opposite of Bart. Fei grinned at Elly then took a gulp of orange juice.
Maria stepped in, yawning and stretching, still wearing her pajamas. She collapsed in her chair and looked sleepily at a bowl of fruit.
"Good morning, Maria." Fei beamed.
"Yeah.. whatever.. hi.." Maria yawned, barely acknowledging Fei's presence. Emeralda scurried in, already dressed, and leaped onto Fei's lap.
"G'morning, Fei's Kim!" Emeralda chirped, giving him a wide grin. Fei laughed, playing with her hair.
"Morning, Emmy." Fei replied. Elly leaned over and gave Emeralda a hug.
Timmy slithered up the side of Bart's chair, giving the prince a pleading gaze. Bart looked at him, frowning. "And what makes you think I like you?" Bart hissed. The sandworm flicked his tongue at Bart's nose. Bart laughed, then frowned again, turning back to his breakfast. "..Stupid sandworm.."
"GOOD MORNING ALL!" A loud shout filled the room as the door exploded open. Jessie stomped in, fully clothed and grinning. He placed his hands on his hips, turning towards the table. "Well, ain't any of ya gonna hook me up with a greeting?"
Bart stood up, pointing at Jessie. "What's up, funky fresh? Lay some skin on me, homie!"
Sigurd walked past him with a plate of eggs, then said to Bart, "Young master, I won't say it again, you're most certainly not black, so don't act it."
Jessie waved a hand dismissingly at Sigurd, "Aw, hush up, old man."
"I'm younger than you.." Sigurd wrinkled his nose in distaste.
"But not at HEART!" Jessie replied, taking a seat at the table. He looked around, blinking. "Where's the boy?"
"He's taking a shower." Fei replied, taking a bite out of a muffin.
Bart leaned back. "Food wench! Where are you?!"
Karina walked in from the kitchen, brandishing a spatula Bart. "For the last time, Bart, I'm not a food wench!" She snapped, hitting the top of his head with the spatula.
Bart leaned back, looking up at her. "You sure do look like one to me."
Karina glared at Bart, grabbing him by the braid and tugging his head back so that he was looking directly upward. She then leaned over and hissed, "I dare you to call me that one more time."
Bart gave a squeak, then shot forward when Karina let go of his braid. Karina then smiled, looking at everyone. "Pancakes, anyone?"
"Sounds good, cutie." Zeke said from the doorway, just now entering.
Karina gave him a rather uncomfortable smile, nodded, and then headed back into the kitchen.
"Seriously, Rico Mon! Your hair would look so much cooler!" Ziggy's voice sounded as Rico walked up the spiral staircase.
"I don't care, Ziggy." Rico snapped.
"Aw, come on!" Ziggy followed Rico, sitting next to him at the table as well. "If you would just.." Ziggy trailed off, reaching for Rico's hair. Rico slapped his hand away and grabbed his fork, pointing it at Ziggy.
"Don't push me, little man." Rico hissed.
Ziggy's eyes widened and he scooted back, holding up his hands in defense. "Whoa, sorry, Mon. Didn't mean to push a bad button!" Rico mumbled something, then began to eat.
Primera shuffled in and Jessie grinned. "There's my little girl!" He said, holding out his arms. "Come see your old pop!"
Primera brightened, running up to Jessie and jumping into his lap.
Karina walked back in, now holding a plate of pancakes. She smiled at Primera as she set them down in front of Zeke. "Good morning, Primrose."
Primera smiled, then buried her face in Jessie's chest shyly. Jessie looked at Karina, smiling. "Racquel called her Primrose, you know."
Karina smiled. "I wish I had met her.. Racquel." She turned away to reenter the kitchen.
The door opened again. Brad and Kajumei walked in, with Chu Chu bouncing in behind them. The couple was squabbling about something meaningless, and it was obvious that Kajumei was winning. Brad sighed and sat down, Kajumei sitting next to him.
"You'll see that I'm right, Brad." Kajumei cooed, folding her arms.
"Whatever, woman." Brad hissed. He looked around. "Hey, where's Karina?"
"Being food wench." Bart replied. The kitchen door opened only long enough for a spatula to come flying in and hit Bart on the side of the head with a dull thud. Bart blinked, then rubbed his temple. "Hey, that hurt.."
Brad stood up. "You ENSLAVED my sister?!" He yelled, reaching practically over the table to grab Bart. Kajumei stood up, as well as everyone else, just trying to keep Brad from killing Bart and getting blood all over their food.
"Brad, down!" Kajumei snapped, tugging at him.
Billy walked in amidst the chaos, then looked down. "I don't even want to ask." He murmured, walking past the fray and into the kitchen. He blinked when he saw Karina working instead of the cook. "Uh.. Karina?"
Karina spun around, then wiped some pancake batter that had gotten on her face off. She smiled sweetly. "Good morning, Billy!"
Billy looked around, blinking. "Uh.. Good morning.. Why are you cooking breakfast?"
Karina shrugged. "The cook came down with a cold, so I volunteered."
"Do you want any help?" Billy asked, giving her a strange look like she was crazy. She did look rather discombobulated, what with wearing an apron that was meant for someone larger than her dainty size, her hair all out of whack, her eyes wide, and her cheek smeared by pancake batter.
Karina shook her head. "Nope, I'm fine!"
"You're awfully.. cheerful today.." Billy murmured, stepping closer. Karina nodded quickly.
"Well, Sigurd had this coffee, and I drank some of it to wake me up, and it turned me all hyper!" Karina giggled, hopping up and making some pancake batter come off of her spoon and land on her nose.
Billy chuckled, then took a hold of her apron and wiped her face off. "You're kind of scary when you're hyper, Kari."
Karina giggled, then looked at him. "Hey, Biiiilly?"
"Yes?"
"You haven't seen Cimerion yet! You want me to show you around the city today? It's a great place!" Karina smiled.
Billy shrugged. "Sure, I guess that would be.. Fun." He smiled. "Just as long as you're.. Normal by then."
"Oh, don't worry, this'll pass soon." Karina grinned, then jumped in a semi circle way to face the griddle. "Want some pancakes?"
Billy smiled. "No thanks.. I'll just have a muffin." He said, turning to leave.
Karina spun around. "Wait!" She called. "They're all out of muffins out there, but the next batch should be done.." Karina turned slowly toward the oven, when the timer began to bleep. She gave a cry of joy. "Now!" She smiled, running to the oven. Pulling them out slowly with oven mitts, she then thrust them around at Billy. "Want one?"
Billy pulled back. "Uh.. sure." He replied. Karina grabbed a plate and carefully removed a muffin from the tray. She thrust it into Billy's hands.
"Enjoy!" She said in a sing-sing voice, then ran back to the griddle. Billy was about to speak, but walked out of the kitchen, leaving the hyper Karina humming and waiting for her pancakes to finish.
Billy trudged back into the Gunroom, holding his plate, still dazed from Karina's odd behavior. The ruckus that was occurring when he left was now subdued, but Brad was sentenced to spend time in the corner from Kajumei.
"Ah, there you are, boy." Jessie grinned.
Billy looked around the table, then at Jessie. "Where's Citan? Isn't he up yet?"
"He had some work to do. He wanted to read up on some things. He headed off to his room to study about thirty minutes ago." Sigurd answered for Jessie.
"I see.." Billy nodded, then sat down at the table.
::An hour later::
"Whoo.." Karina sighed, walking out of the kitchen. "That was.. fun." She smiled at Billy, who was sitting in a chair.
"Are you normal again?" He asked with a smile.
Karina chuckled, landing in a chair next to him. She smiled at him, grabbing a hold of his hand. "Ready to go sightseeing?"
Billy stood up, pulling her up after him. "Sure." He replied, smiling.
"OK. Just let me go pretty myself up." Karina winked, then ran out of the room. Zeke came in just as she was about to leave, looking at her and Billy.
"Hey, guys." He grinned. "What's up?"
Karina turned to him. "Well, Zeke.. Billy and I are going to go sightseeing.." She looked at him a moment, then added slowly, "..Wanna come?"
Zeke looked at her, then at Billy, smiled, then replied, "No, thanks. I've seen Cimerion enough. Besides, you two lovebirds need some alone time."
Billy sighed, then, trying not to look rude, he frowned. "You sure?"
Zeke nodded. "Besides, I've got a lot of work to do around here."
"OK.. Maybe some other time, then." Karina shrugged, then left the room.
Zeke looked at Billy silently, then came and sat down where Karina had been sitting. Billy slowly took a seat as well.
"Well, Black.." Zeke sighed, playing with a shoelace. "I've got to admit, you're a lucky guy."
"Why do you say that?" Billy asked.
"Because.." Zeke answered, smiling, "You have a hold on Karina's heart.. and she likes it.."
"..Zeke?" Billy blinked.
"I have to confess, man. I've had a crush on her since we ran into each other the second time on the Infinity.."
Billy's eyes widened. "I.. had a feeling." He said, frowning.
"Don't worry, man. I want Karina to be happy.. And she's happy dancing around you, you know." Zeke looked down sadly. "But.. Still.. I do care about her.. And I'd do anything to protect her."
Billy looked at him quietly, then replied, "..and so would I.." He said as Karina came back into the room.
"OK, Billy, I'm ready to go! Zeke, are you sure you don't want to come?" Karina smiled, hopping as she pulled a shoe on.
Zeke looked at Karina, then at Billy. "Yeah, Karina. I'm sure." He replied, grinning.
Karina smiled. "See you when we get back, then.."
"Yeah.. See ya." Zeke grinned again as Billy and Karina left the room.
"Sir!" One of the soldiers ran up to the commander.
"Yes, soldier?" He said, turning around and tapping a pen impatiently on his desk.
"The Valhalla and the supporting gears have been completed, sir!" The soldier smiled.
The commander smiled darkly. "Two days ahead of schedule. Let us hope these gears work to spec."
"Sir, we are ready to launch at any time. Pilots are prepared." The soldier looked down at some papers on the commander's desk.
"What would the ETA be if we left immediately?"
"..About 2 and a half hours." The soldier responded.
The commander looked at his pen, then replied, "We leave at 1700 hours, soldier."
The soldier nodded. "I'll inform the pilots, sir."
"Very good, soldier."
"Cimerion.." Karina said, putting on some sunglasses and looking around the crowded streets of the bustling city of Cimerion, "Is the largest city in the world."
Billy looked at her, trying to avoid getting knocked over. "Really?"
"Yeah. It's divided into four sectors." She explained, taking his hand and drawing him to a small pillar about to her waist. She pushed a button on the center and a holographic image of Cimerion appeared. "These parts are North, South, East and West Cimerion. Each sector is divided into a subsector. Northeast Cimerion, Northwest, and so on. Central Cimerion in where the area is. Underneath the arena is a huge underground bomb shelter. There are food supplies, water supplies, and a communications system. There is an air supply as well.." She then pointed at a west part of the map. "This is where Brad and I live, in Northwest Cimerion." She moved her finger down a little. "This is where we are."
"Is the city really that big?" Billy asked.
Karina looked at him. "Cimerion is larger than Beldavik and Nortune put together." She looked back at the map. "Well, we're not going to go all the way around the city, just to the main attractions."
"I see.." Billy smiled, nodding.
"We're going to go by way of the trolley some times, then by subway when we get to Eastern Cimerion. It's much more automated and advanced." She pointed around the southeastern portion. "This area is like the equivalence of slums.." She murmured, her eyes darkening.
"Have.. you ever been there?" Billy asked. Karina's eyes lowered, and he could detect the faintest sight of tears forming. She looked down and was silent. "..Karina?"
She then looked up and answered weakly, "Once. I was there once."
"Oh.. Hey, are you OK?" Billy asked.
Karina smiled, then nodded. "I'm fine, Billy."
"OK, then.." Billy smiled.
Karina looked at her watch, then cried out, "Oh, no! The trolley! Come on, Billy! We have to catch the trolley!" She took his hand and ran off into the sea of people.
"Hey.. Where's Karina?" Brad looked over at Bart.
"I dunno." Bart shrugged, twiddling his thumbs.
"They went sightseeing." Fei replied.
"They?" Brad spun around to face Fei.
"Yeah.. Karina and Billy." Fei nodded. Brad squinted, about to yell, but Kajumei put a hand on his shoulder.
"Down, boy." She said, making him sit.
"Ah, I remember her childhood like it was just yesterday.. Me teaching Karina how to use tampons when it was that time of the moth.." Ziggy sighed. "Now she's.. all grown up and.. and showing boys around the city.. Oh, Rico, hold me, Mon!" He wailed, resting his head on Rico's shoulder.
"You did WHAT?!" Brad yelled as Rico pulled out a baseball bat and knocked Ziggy out again. Brad fell back, steam practically expelling from his nostrils.
"Ah, the boy and his wife are on a date.." Jessie smiled.
"Yeah.. a date." Zeke hissed.
"This is the monument to Mother Sophia.. She had great influence here in Cimerion back then. Of course, then Cimerion was nothing but some houses and a church.." Karina smiled, pointed at a large angelic like statue. Karina looked down, then at Billy. "This is where I go when I'm frustrated and sad.. It always makes me feel.. Safe.."
"Really?" Billy asked, leaning his head to the side. "This place is beautiful." He commented, looked around at the park. It had a huge fountain in the center, and was surrounded by green grass and flowers.
"Yeah, it is.." Karina smiled. "This park goes back into the cemetery, by the way.. But before the cemetery, there's a bridge over the creek. The bridge is called 'Amour'. My father proposed to my mother on that bridge, according to Brad.." Karina sighed, looking down. She stepped up on the rim of the fountain and walked slowly around it, with Billy following her from the ground. She looked skyward, and then her eyes widened.
She took in a deep, sudden breath. Her face paled, and she looked down. Her eyes were vacant, her expression sad. She looked at Billy, who looked back curiously.
"..Karina?" He asked, becoming worried.
"Billy.." She murmured. The way she had said it reminded him of that strange way she had pronounced it in his dream. She looked at his eyes, and what she said next made his blood run cold. "..Kuluxx.. Nemai.." Her eyes shut halfway, and frowned again.
Billy looked at her with surprise as something else filled his mind as she said those chilling words. He heard her voice in his head, and she said:
'..Death.. Soon..'
Karina then groaned and fell forward, falling into his arms.
"Karina!" Billy gasped, bending down to stable her. She shook her head slowly, then touched her forehead.
"Ow.." She whispered. "..What happened.. It felt like I.. Blacked out.." She looked at him desperately. Billy could give her no answers, for he had none himself.
"I-I don't know, Karina.." He replied, his stomach churning. Her words had chilled him so much, made his skin crawl. What if it was true?
Karina stood up weakly, her knees shaking. She took a moment to catch her breath, then, as if to try and forget it, she walked up to another one of the maps. "OK, Billy.. W-We should get going.."
Billy gave her a wary smile, then followed her leave, not sure and definitely concerned about what had just happened.
Erich stepped onto a boulder, looking out beyond the horizon. "You're coming.." He hissed, looking back. "Dammit.." He hissed, walking back towards his 'camp'. He kicked the long cold ashes from the fire he had built the night before.
He continued down a steep embankment and past a cluster of boulders. There was an area where the rocks formed a ring shape around a clear area of grass. The area was just large enough for his deadly black winged gear to fit.
He looked up at his Gear. His eyes darkened. "Shinigami.. why do you refuse to fly for me?" He hissed. The sunlight reflected off of the Gear's armor, dark and black.
Erich's eyes, equally dark, turned toward the city. "I see.. I am not meant to intervene this time, am I?" He asked the air. He then looked up at the sky. "Protect yourself, young angel." He murmured.
Bart flopped down into a chair across from where Fei was sitting, reading a book. He gave Fei a grin. "Fei, you old coot. What's up?"
"Did you just call me an old coot?" Fei squinted at Bart, lowering his book.
"Indubitably!" Bart grinned, flipping his braid.
Fei gave him a sarcastic look, then looked back at the book he was reading. Citan walked into the room, throwing some papers onto the table, sitting next to Fei. He leaned forward, sighing as he removed his glasses. He rubbed his eyes sleepily then rubbed his temples with the tips of his fingers.
"Long night?" Fei asked, lowering the book. After Citan not replying for a while, Fei looked at him awkwardly. "..Doc?"
Citan started, replaced his glasses, and then looked at Fei. "Oh, I'm sorry, Fei. I didn't hear you.. Is there something wrong?"
Fei blinked. "Did you have a hard night?"
"Probably went out clubbing and got hammered bad. Right, Citan?" Bart laughed punching Citan's shoulder.
Citan turned to Bart, then looked down at the papers. "I was reviewing the scans and readings we got on that winged gear.."
"Again, Doc? Man, why won't you give it up?" Fei asked, dropping the book at his side.
"No.. I'm starting to learn things.." He lifted the scans, and pointed at a portion with a microscope. "Look at this, young ones." He led the microscope over a portion of the wings of the Gear.
Fei squinted. "Hey, Doc..?"
"What's the squiggly things on the wings, man?" Bart asked, leaning over the chair.
Citan looked at Fei, then back at Bart. "When I was studying at Jugend I took an honors class on Dead Languages.."
"Were you an over-achiever, doc?" Fei looked at Citan sarcastically.
Citan ignored the comment and looked back down at another paper. "These markings on the wings resemble remarkably the writings of an ancient civilization known as the Kiuma Bri`um."
"The Karma Brians?" Bart blinked.
"No, idiot. The Kite Brigand!" Fei squinted at Bart.
"The KIUMA BRI`UM!" Citan repeated. He sighed, then lifted the photo closer to his face. "The civilization lived on a deceased continent. They had very advanced technology and complicated systems of tongue and writing." He looked up at Fei and Bart. "They worshipped a God and his angelic children. Their legends state that one day, the world will darken and the only light that will shine will be that of a 'Sublime Light'." He looked down. "They called that day.. The Kuluxx."
"Kuluxx?" Fei pulled back. "Isn't that the thing Erich said that little cult believed was coming soon and that Karina was on of the keys?"
"Yes, it is.." Citan picked up another paper. "The colony existed 10,000 years ago.. Erich said that the event occurs once every 10,000 years.."
"Uh huh.. So what?" Bart asked.
"So perhaps there really is a threat, Bartholomew. Perhaps everything Erich said was true.." Citan sighed.
"Yeah, but how do we know Erich is a friend..?" Bart asked, folding his arms.
"..We don't." Citan replied. "But these markings on the wings suggest that he, too, is a key to this event as well."
"Billy.." Karina turned to him, clutching one of the railings to keep her balance. "Are you hungry?"
Billy put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. "Not especially."
Karina nodded then sucked in her breath again, clutching her chest. She gulped and bent forward slightly, her eyes widening.
"Karina.." Billy murmured, placing a hand on her arm and helping her up. "You been iffy all day.. Are you OK?"
Karina nodded weakly. "I-I'm fine.. I just.. I'm just.. Kind of tired."
"I think we should head back.." Billy murmured.
"But.. But you haven't even seen all of southwest Cimerion yet.." Karina objected.
"We can go on another day.. Southwest Cimerion isn't going anywhere.." Billy responded gently, clutching her hand. "Come on.. It's almost 5:00.. Brad is probably having a heart attack by now.."
Karina gave him a strange look, then nodded slowly. "You're right.."
Billy gave her a gentle smile, then gestured back. "Come on.."
Karina smiled, then nodded in response and began to lead the way back to the Yggdrasil.
"Hey, Brad. I still don't like the way this injector is working.. It's actin' screwy with me, mon." Ziggy said from under one of the many components of the engine room.
"I thought you liked it when things screwed with you." Kajumei commented, leaning against one of the vents.
Ziggy held out his hand, wiggling his fingers. "Mon, hand me the socket wrench."
Brad walked up and kicked the socket wrench next to his hand, then bent over. "What's going on, is it leaking or something?"
"No, it's just not heating and cooling correctly, mon." Ziggy muttered. He pulled out from under the machine and wiped some grime from his face. "Are you sure you got the right component, mon?"
"Yes, I'm sure, Ziggy!" Brad snapped, smacking Ziggy with a wrench. "Maybe you installed it incorrectly!"
"Ey, mon!" Ziggy shot up, pulling his rose tinted sunglasses off and giving Brad a harsh glare. "I don't install incorrectly, and you know it!"
"Yeah, yeah, just let me have a look." Brad laughed, pushing Ziggy out of the way. He slid under the machine and reached for a wrench. "Here's the problem, Zig. I think the gauges out there aren't set properly."
Ziggy stood up and looked at the gauges, then nodded. "Yep, mon, that's it. They're set for a different model."
Brad slid back up and wiped his hands on the sides of his jeans. "Well, I guess it's all better now." He looked up at Ziggy. "See how she runs, Zig-man."
Ziggy nodded and ran up the stairs to the main control panel. He said a few things to one of the extra mechanics, then leaned over one of the operators.
"Sir!" One of the bridge operators shouted to Sigurd, who was speaking with one of the other operators.
"What is it?" Sigurd looked up, turning toward the man.
"The scanner is picking something up!" He replied. Sigurd walked up to the helm and looked at the screen. "OK, then, open the view screen and point it towards the oncoming objects." He said as the view screen opened, displaying the open sky and sea, with Cimerion off to the side. Sigurd squinted when he thought he saw something coming. "What is tha-" He began, but was cut off as a something came hurtling down. "Shields up, now!" He called, but froze in amazement when the shot didn't connect with the Yggdrasil. Instead, it went hurtling into something else-
Cimerion.
Sigurd's eyes widened as a small portion of the huge city began to collapse. There was a shockwave from the blast, sending Sigurd back against the wall. "Find out what fired that! Aim for it and fire the cannons!"
Bart ran in the bridge and looked at the view screen. "What was that?!" He looked at Sigurd.
"Something's firing at Cimerion!" Sigurd responded, standing up.
Bart looked at the city, his eye burning with rage. "Shoot the bastards!"
Karina gave a cry, as the shot connected with a portion of the city not too far from where Billy and she were. A wave of cries and shouts rose from the pedestrians as everyone turned to see what happened. Glass flew from buildings and portions of buildings flew off, making the people scatter in panic as a shockwave shot through the city.
Billy looked upward as he and Karina ran away from the crashing buildings. "What the hell?!"
"What's going on?!" Karina looked back, and was almost knocked over by the swarms of people trying to escape.
Billy grabbed onto her arm and pulled her away from the panic and disorder. "Karina..! We have to get back to the Yggdrasil!"
"But what about the people?" She looked at him worriedly.
"They'll be fine, we just have to get back to figure out what's going on!" He responded.
Karina looked back at the flaming wreckage. She then looked at Billy and bit her lip. "I can get Brad and Kajumei and Ziggy to help when we get back.. you guys can try to figure out what's happening.. since you're the one with the huge ship." She grabbed is arm. "Come on! I know a short cut!"
Ziggy rolled back, slamming into a railing. "Owowowowow!" He yowled, rubbing his back. "What was that for?" He yelled at the ceiling.
Kajumei, trying to regain her balance, looked at Brad. "We have to get up to the bridge.." She said, looking back at the main engine. "This'll be fine until we get back."
Brad threw a wrench down as one of the mechanics ran past him. "Right! Come on!"
Ziggy nodded and ran out of the engine room, just barely knocking in Fei, who was waiting while Elly, Emeralda and Maria ran up the spiral staircase. Fei gave Ziggy a weak grin, then ran up the staircase, and after him went Rico. Ziggy looked back at Kajumei and Brad, then continued up the staircase.
"20 type 5A model battle gears, 10 repair and support gears, 5 war- type gears, and one Special Forces new model gear, sir!" One of the operators shouted.
"They brought 36 gears, eh? Blow their asses off!" Bart shouted.
"Young master!" Sigurd grabbed Bart's arm. "That's far too risky!"
"Why's that, Sig?" Bart looked at Sigurd. He shot a glance back at the city as the Gears began to wreak havoc on Cimerion. "Sig!!" He shouted as the Special Forces gear aimed a cannon arm at the city and shot another blast at another section.
Sigurd paled. He looked at Bart, then shouted, "Red Alert status, now!" He shouted as a siren blared.
Fei ran in the door with the others following him. He looked at Sigurd. "What's going on?!"
"Gears.. they're killing innocent people!" Bart snapped, slamming his fist. "We have to help them!"
Elly put a hand over he mouth and shut her eyes. "Oh my god.." She murmured.
Sigurd looked at each of the gear pilots. "I need you to get into your gears.. and defend that city.."
"Why are they doing this?" Elly asked weakly, her lips trembling.
"Sir!" One of the operators cried as Sigurd turned around. A huge shot was hurtling towards them. Sigurd cried, "Brace yourselves!!"
The group huddled down, but after a few moments.. Nothing had happened. Sigurd looked up, his eye widening. "What..?"
The operators cried out joyously while Citan stood up and walked next to Sigurd. He looked to the other ex-element and smiled.
"Look who it is, Sigurd." He smiled.
Sigurd's eye widened more at what he saw. A gleaming silver-purple gear was standing on the hull of the ship, holding out sword like weapons that were emanating a shield-like energy from them. The swords broke apart from each other as the enemy shot broke into tiny particles.
"It's.. Blitzkrieg.." Sigurd whispered.
*What? Did you think I'd leave you morons alone?* Sierra's voice came over the speakers.
"Go, Sierra!" Bart whooped, then paused. He looked around. "None of you can PROVE that I said that!"
Sigurd smiled warmly then became solemn once more. He turned towards the others. "To the Gear Dock, everyone."
Fei nodded and ran out of the deck, with Elly following him. Emeralda smiled at the view screen with the view of Blitzkrieg then followed Fei and Elly, along with Maria, Rico, Bart and Citan.
Brad stiffened. "Karina.."
Kajumei's eyes widened. "Oh my god! Karina and Billy are still out there!"
"What? The boy is still out there?" Jessie snapped as Zeke paled.
"On no.. Those gears.. They're here for Karina!" Zeke cried, stepping forward. "That's why they're doing this!"
*Don't worry, guys! Karina and Billy are fine.. I won't let the kids get hurt!* Sierra said, then Blitzkrieg hovered off of the hull and shot forward into the chaos of Cimerion with the other gears.
"Yeah, the girl won't get hurt that easily." Ziggy sighed.
"I'm glad you think that." Karina's voice came from behind. Brad spun around and looked at Karina, who was standing in the doorway, alone. She was out of breath, and her hair was a mess. "Hey, guys."
"Where's Billy?" Jessie demanded, grabbing her by the shoulders.
Karina sighed gently, trying to catch her breath. "He's.. Joining the others. He's catching up in Renmazuo.."
Jessie sighed with relief and let go of her shoulders. Karina turned to Ziggy and Kajumei and Brad.
"We need to get the people safe, guys.." She murmured.
Kajumei looked back at Ziggy and Brad. "I'll help you, girl."
"We need to stay here, Karina! It we're gonna use the cannon, we have to keep it from overheating." Brad put a hand on her shoulder. "But be careful.." He then looked at Kajumei and put both hands on her shoulders as she looked up at him. "And Kaju, you watch yourself, too."
"Aw.." Kajumei grinned, punching Brad's cheek gently. "I'll be fine, you big lug." She winked at him.
"I'll help you two!" Zeke volunteered. "I know my way around Cimerion pretty well.."
"Good.." Karina sighed. "The people know that when something happens like this, they need to head to the bomb shelter under the stadium. Our job will be to help those who might be injured." She looked at Kajumei, then at Zeke. "Our help may not be much, but it will be some."
"Good luck." Sigurd said, giving the group a thumbs up.
*Billers! You joined us! Welcome, welcome!* Bart whooped.
"Hi, Bart." Billy responded gently. "What do we have to deal with?"
*35 pushovers and one ass hole.* Bart replied.
*Never underestimate your foes, young one.* Citan warned.
*They are pretty big pushovers, Doc.* Fei commented at Xenogears took out a battle gear with a few shots.
*It is not the battle, war or support gears I worry over. It's that Special Forces gear..* Citan murmured.
"Good point.." Billy sighed, cursing under his breath as a group of enemy gears surrounded Renmazuo. "OK then.." He whispered. "Want to see what I'm made of?" He smiled, making Renmazuo pull out its minor cannons. "Come on!"
Crescens flew by, knocking some Gears out of its way with its wings. *We just have to get rid of them befo-* Emeralda began, but was cut off by a shot from the huge Special Forces gear.
*Emeralda!* Fei and Elly both cried out, their Gears diving to support hers as it's systems jammed momentarily.
Fei growled under his breath. *I'm getting that guy NOW!* He yelled, and Xenogears shot upward, towards the main gear.
*Fei, wait!* Elly cried, but it was too late.
Amidst the screams, and destruction, Karina, Kajumei and Zeke ran through the city, trying to find any wounded people to help. Kajumei gathered them into a subway line that would take them to the underground bomb shelter, and Karina and Zeke tried to find people who may have been stuck under the wreckage.
Swarms of people boarded the subway's three main rails that headed for the stadium. Karina ran up, holding a frightened child in her arms. She looked at Kajumei sadly. "His mother.. she.."
Kajumei frowned, lowering her gaze. She gritted her teeth, slamming her fist against the doorframe.
Zeke entered, carrying two children in his arms, and one more clinging to his neck. He settled them into the subway cars, took the child that was clinging to Karina and set him with the others as well.
He looked at Karina. "We've made ten trips.. the other sections of Cimerion have subways like this.. we can't possibly make it to all of those.."
"But.. But we can still search around here.." She murmured as her neighbor walked up to her.
"Karina!" She cried out.
"Mrs. McAnderson!" Karina smiled as Brad's two dogs ran up to her, panting.
"I tried to save your pets, seeing as how there was nothing else to save.. The people have abandoned the neighborhood.." McAnderson sighed. She held up her hands, holding a frightened kitten.
"Pixie!" Karina sighed in relief, taking the small kitten in her hands. "Thank you, Mrs. McAnderson.. You should be heading into one of the cars.." She looked down at the kitten. "Could you hold her just a little while longer? I need to try and look for others.." She murmured.
"There.. are no others.." A police officer groaned. "The squads have searched up and down.. The survivors are either at the stadium already, or in those subway cars. We got the same reports from all the other police sectors.."
Karina's eyes widened as a panicking woman bumped past her. She looked back at Zeke, who was still helping people into the cars. Karina lowered her gaze, then nodded. "I suppose.. there isn't much more we can do.."
Kajumei jumped back as the stairway caved in, blocking the exit. Screams rose from the passengers, and Kajumei shouted, "We have to get out of here soon before this whole place collapses!!"
Zeke grabbed a child that was just standing amidst the wreckage, handing her to her mother. He grabbed Karina's hand as Kajumei, McAnderson, and the police squad filled the last car. The two followed as the car began to exit down the tunnels. Zeke grabbed the edge of the doorway and jumped in, pulling Karina in after him. The subway cars zoomed into the darkness, away from the destruction of the world above.
"Fei's in trouble!" Sigurd cried, grabbing one of the rails for support. He looked up at the view screen. "That gear is a monster.. He isn't causing any damage.. But it's destroying him!"
"Sir! Might I suggest using the cannon?" Franz looked back at Sigurd.
Sigurd bit his lip, then grabbed the intercom. "Engine room! Come in!"
Brad looked up. "What's up, Sig?" He yelled.
*Can we shoot off the cannon?*
Brad looked at the various gauges, then paused. "You.. Could, theoretically! But, it might overheat all of the systems since we don't have the stabilizers quite up and running yet!"
"Would the overheating damage anything severely?" Ziggy asked.
"No.." Brad hissed. "I'd just hate to take any risks.."
*Our guys are getting beaten badly out there, Brad..* Sigurd muttered.
Brad looked back at the engineers, then upward. "Shoot it off man, but make this shot your best one! I don't think this baby can handle any more than that!"
*Affirmative, Brad. Good luck!*
Sigurd dropped the intercom, then turned towards the view screen. "Aim the cannon at the Special Forces gear.. On my mark, fire." He said as the aiming devices aligned to make a perfect shot. Sigurd clenched his teeth. "Make it work.." He whispered to himself, then waved his hand. "Fire!"
The ship jolted back from the shooting of the cannon. Sigurd regained his balanced and shot his gaze back up at the view screen. The huge blast went hurtling at the gear, but something went horribly wrong..
A grouping of enemy gears, as if to protect the main assault gear, shot upwards and formed a wall to block the blast. The shot from the cannon, instead of hitting its desired target, wiped out the rest of the small fry that wouldn't have provided much of a threat anyway.
"Shit!!" Sigurd shouted, slamming his fist against the wall. He clenched his teeth, shutting his eyes. He looked up at the view screen. "Our one good shot! Dammit!"
Steam shot from the machines, and flames rose from a few. Brad ran toward one of the release valves, but lurched back as a sea of sparks, flames and steam burst out. He screamed and held up his arms to guard his face. He couldn't back away quickly enough, and felt the skin on his arms and face begin to sear. He ran back, shaking his head. But something happened that he did not expect. The pain of the burns lessened, and he lowered his arms. He could still see, and he looked where he knew he had felt his skin burn, and there was nothing there, just his arms, unharmed.
"What the.." He muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Brad!" Ziggy yelled. "Quit foolin' around and-" He began, but was cut off as one of the boilers exploded, taking out a group of mechanics. "Shit! We have to get out of here!"
A few of the injured mechanics managed to leave the engine room, as Brad and Ziggy tried to find those that may not be able to get out. Ziggy looked at Brad hopelessly, but clenched his teeth as fire burst from another valve. "We have to shut down the whole engine!"
Brad nodded weakly, running to the computer. "Get out of here, Zig!"
Ziggy ran up to him. "Aw, move it, I'm more technical with computer, you big ape!" He shouted, pushing Brad out of the way. Ziggy pushed numerous buttons, and sighed as the engine quieted and shut down.
Brad looked at Ziggy. "Come on, we have to go to Sigurd!"
"Right, mon!" Ziggy nodded, following Brad.
*Oh no!* Maria cried out as the huge Special Forces gear knocked Siebzehn away.
*It has a huge shielding system.. The Yggdrasil Cannon could've knocked it out and we could've killed this guy long ago, but those damn small fry took the blast instead!* Rico yelled.
*I just hope Karina is OK..* Billy murmured, then cried out as the gear grabbed Renmazuo and flung it down towards the city. Billy clenched his teeth and pulled back, activating the thrusters. The gear slowed its descent, then straightened. Renmazuo realigned itself and shot back upwards, into the fray.
*Dude, this is getting really annoying! This guy should be NOTHING!* Bart yelled, dodging a shot from the gear.
*Just quite your bellyaching and move your asses!* Sierra yelled as Blitzkrieg took a blow.
*Make sure no more damage is done to the city!* Citan ordered, moving expertly around the shots from the enemy gear.
*Where's that obnoxious noodle of a gothic kid when you NEED him, anyway?!* Bart demanded.
*Well, he sure isn't here! So, deal with it!* Elly replied.
"Oh no!" Karina breathed, looking up at the large view screen of the underground bomb shelter. "They're getting destroyed!"
"Why is that guy so strong?" Kajumei looked up as well, clenching her fist.
"He isn't." Zeke commented as Karina and Kajumei looked at him. Amidst the panicked conversations and crying children, Zeke said, "That's Valhalla. It's a Special Forces gear designed to destroy anything in its path. I saw the prototype once or twice when I was on the Infinity. The gear has advanced cannons, but could easily fall to your friend's gears. What's making it not sustain any damage is it's advanced shielding systems.
Karina's eyes widened. "How do they get rid of the shield system?"
"..The shield has to be overpowered by a high powered, focused blast. Something like.. a ship cannon blast, or.."
"Or what?" Karina asked, grabbing Zeke's hands.
Zeke looked at her, then back at a gear dock in the underground bomb shelter. "That's a gear dock, right?"
"..Yes.. What of it?" Karina whispered.
"Are there defense gears in there?" Zeke asked.
"..Yes.." Karina nodded.
Zeke pulled away, running towards the gear dock. Karina bit her lip, then followed him. "Zeke! What are you doing?!" She called as he looked at one of the defense gears.
Zeke turned to her. "I've got an idea.." He murmured, stepping closer to him.
"What are you going to do..?" Karina asked weakly. She looked into his eyes, desperately asking for an answer.
Zeke took in a weak breath, then smiled. He put his hands on her face. "Just know this; whatever I do isn't all to protect the city, or your friends, or myself.. It's for you, Karina."
"..Zeke?" She whispered, blinking confusedly.
He smiled gently, then leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on her lips. Her eyes widened as he pulled away. She placed her hands over her lips, a blush filling her face. Her rubbed her cheek with the back of his hand, then murmured, "Have you always been this pretty?"
Karina pulled back. "Zeke.."
He smiled once more, then turned away, climbing up the side of one of the defense gears. He leaned over. "Hey, be a doll and open up the dock for me!"
Karina nodded weakly, pulling a lever. As the hanger began to open, Zeke yelled over the din, "See ya, angel!"
Karina waved weakly.
*Agh! OK, I'm gonna open up a can! As soon as I.. ACK!* Bart cried, dodging another shot. *BASTARD!*
*We're never going to beat this guy if we can't get around that stupid shield!* Billy yelled.
*Well, that's what I'm here for!* Zeke's voice came over the intercom. A high-class defense gear sprang up from the wreckage of the city and gave a sort of salute at the others.
*Zeke?! What are YOU doing here?* Billy pulled back, Renmazuo turning to the gear.
*I'm here to save you chumps from certain destruction!* He yelled, diving at the gear. The defense gear clamped onto the huge Special Forces gear, leeching on tightly.
*What are you DOING?!* Sierra yelled.
*Aw, shut your mouth, LeRage.* Zeke hissed, then changed the signal link so that the conversation was only between he and Billy.
*Zeke.. What are you planning..?* Billy asked, wincing as the gear pounded on the gear Zeke was in. *Zeke! Get out of here!*
*..Billy.. listen. I want you to take care of Karina for me, OK? Please.. I know she loves you.. and she needs you.. So, just suck up your fears and tell her already.. Please, Black, just do this for me..*
*Zeke.. what are you saying?!*
*Billy! Promise me!*
*But Zeke..*
*Agh.. PROMISE!*
*I-I swear it, Zeke..*
*..Good.. thank you, Billy.. tell me if she's good, man.* Zeke murmured.
Billy blushed, then looked down.
*Later, Billy.*
Billy looked up. *What?! What are you doing, Zeke?!* He yelled. His eyes widened as a surge of energy filled the defense gear, and in one moment, that seemed to last forever, a moment that Billy sword her could hear his own heart beat, the gear burst into a violent explosion.
*ZEKE! NOOO!* Billy screamed.
"ZEKE!" Karina clenched her fists, screaming. "NO!" She cried out, tears streaming down her face. "NO! No, no, NO!!"
Kajumei clamped her eyes shut and hugged onto Karina, trying to hide her tears.
"ZEKE!" Karina wailed, collapsing in Kajumei's arms.
*KILL THAT BASTARD!* Bart screamed, tears streaming down his face. Andvari shot forward, along with Crescens, Xenogears, and Stier.
*Zeke! Why?!* Elly cried out, before joining in the mad, emotion filled frenzy.
Renmazuo stood back, Billy too shocked to do anything. Tears streaming down his face, he clenched his fists, and kept his promise. Renmazuo shot forward, Billy screaming in frustration.
Sigurd sat back, his jaw slack. He turned to Brad, who was looking equally helpless. "No.."
Brad walked forward. "That kid.. he was so brave.." Brad murmured.
Ziggy fell back, covering her face with her gloves. "Damn stupid kid!" He said hoarsely, barely disguising his tears.
"..That kid had more grit than most people." Jessie whispered, nodding in praise.
After just moments or heated battle, the enemy gear fell to the blows of the Omnigears, falling into the ocean, where it would remain in its grave. Slowly, sadly, the gears returned to the Yggdrasil, and so did Karina and Kajumei. The people of Cimerion, now much smaller in numbers, slowly melted out of the bomb shelter, looking desperately at their destroyed home.
When Karina arrived back at the Yggdrasil, grief-stricken and crying, Billy approached her slowly, taking her in his arms to try and comfort her at least a little.
Glimmer was practically unscathed, but his boyfriend had broken his leg, but the two would recover.
Kalie, Aaron, and Reila McKallister were unharmed, and the unborn child was all right, as well.
Billy's clone folded his arms and leaned against the wall. "You really thought his stupid plan to try and scare her out would work? Heh, they're not that stupid, you know."
"Perhaps this was just to shake her nerves, Black."
He smiled. "I see that a clone of the prince is no smarter than the prince himself."
A young man stepped forward, glaring at the clone of Billy. He wore almost an identical outfit as Bart's, except it was almost totally black. His eye patch was a blood red, as well. "Why don't you shut you moth for once?" He snapped.
"You two will both shut up!" A third clone walked out. This one wore an outfit that was, again, identical to Fei's, except the pants were a deep scarlet, the shirt was red and black, and his eyes were coal black, instead of Fei's warm brown eyes.
"Maybe we're going about this the wrong way." The Bart clone murmured. "If we don't get to work and make some progress, the others will being to think we've become.. weak."
Fei grinned. "We can set loose my pet."
"I wouldn't dream of letting you release that thing. It's incompetent." Billy hissed.
"Oh, my Dralgoln is the key to capturing that little girl.." Fei smirked.
"And if it doesn't?" Bart asked.
"Then, do you have any other ideas, crown prince?" The Fei clone snapped.
"Perhaps we could cut them off to where they will most likely venture to next.." Billy muttered. "I believe they will be required, sooner or later, to be flying north, towards the northern continent. They will be heading through the mountain passes to Taneria."
"So, we cut off the little pretties in Taneria, eh?" Fei asked.
"First we spook them a little." Billy replied.
Bart paused, then smiled menacingly at Fei. "How big is that Dralgoln of your now, Fei?"
Fei snickered, looking upwards. He gave a sharp whistle. A few moments passed.
"The beast is slow." Billy commented. Almost immediately after his comment, there was a loud rumble and the sound of scales running against bricks. Blood red eyes almost as big as Fei's entire upper body opened, and there was a sharp scream-like hiss from the darkness.
Fei smiled. "I need you to do something for me, pet." He murmured as the eyes squinted, and the shrill scream-like hiss came again.
Only a few hours after the horrible destruction, the group stood along the seashore, sending off a single candle as a symbol of respect for those who died.
Billy stood as he released the candle to the oceans current. He murmured weakly, "Let this light lead those souls lost today into the arms of our holy lord.." He paused a moment, taking in a deep breath. "Just know that.. that this was an act that we could not have prevented.. And the lord will see that the people who performed this.. disgusting deed shall receive their rightful punishment.. Just hold those you love.. and thank God that they stand here with you now.. Amen.."
Karina broke into tears once again, resting her head on Brad's shoulder. Her older brother put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her tightly.
"Why did this have to happen?" Reila asked, looking around the destroyed city. "Why did they do this?"
Kalie grasped her daughter's hand, then murmured, "Because there are people out there who.. want to bring harm to innocent people.."
Citan joined the group, folding his hands and looking outward. He turned to Jessie, who was holding a very frightened Primera. "There is going to be a reception tomorrow to pay respects to those lost.."
Jessie didn't answer, but bit his lip and clung more tightly to is daughter. Primera buried her face in his coat and continued to tremble and cry.
Bart walked up next to Sigurd. "Northwest, northeast, and southwest Cimerion are totally decimated." He whispered to Sigurd, then folded his arms. He looked at Sigurd.
"Death rates?" Sigurd asked quietly.
Bart took a deep breath. "Ten mechanics of ours, five support officers, two medical workers, and.. One civilian." He bit his lip. "I don't think we can get an estimate on how many citizens of Cimerion were lost." Bart looked out at the sea, mournfully. "I contacted some relief workers in Beldavik and in various towns around Aveh. They're sending relief crews to come help rebuild the city. They should be here in a week or so."
Sigurd nodded slowly then sighed deeply. Sierra walked up next to him, nudging his shoulder with her own. Sigurd turned to face her, and she gave him a weak smile. He reached out his hand for hers, and slowly she held hers out. The two grasped hands tightly, Sierra leaning on Sigurd for support, or perhaps Sigurd was leaning on Sierra for support.
Billy walked up to Karina, his eyes darker than usual, maybe because they were practically on the brink of tears. He tried to say something to her as she pulled away from Brad, but couldn't think of the proper words. He felt his heart wrench as she looked back at him, her face tear streaked, and her eyes filled with tears.
"Ka-Karina.. I.. I.." Billy's voice cut out, and he could speak no more. Karina fell forward into his open arm and hugged onto him.
"Billy.." She murmured into his cloak, her tears seeping through the cloth. Billy could say nothing, so he just wrapped his arms around her as tightly as he could. He looked around at the mourning faces of his friends.
Jessie was holding onto Primera protectively, and for some reason, he resembled the father Billy remembered him being those many years ago.
Fei was hugging onto Emeralda and Elly, obviously trying to be strong for all three of them.
Sierra and Sigurd had been standing silently together with their hands locked together for quite some time.
Brad, who, for some reason, was letting Billy comfort his sister, was standing with his arm around Kajumei's waist, her arm around his waist as well. Even Ziggy was standing, quietly mourning over their lost friends.
Maria was off to the side with Chu Chu, who hadn't stopped wailing since the whole ordeal had begun. Rico sat on a huge boulder, his arms folded, looking like a silent statue, watching the weeping sunset.
A distance away, standing quietly on a beach, was Erich. The young boy leaned forward, letting his own candle release from his hands to the water. It was his own way to pay his respects to the lost souls of that horrible day.
He looked up at the setting sun, shutting his dark eyes momentarily. The breeze caught his cloak, sending the ruffles of fabric around him. He grabs the folds of cloth and wrapped them about himself, as if to warm himself.
He breathed in the salty air, exhaling very slowly. "Taneria.. that is what awaits me in my future.." He opened his eyes slowly. "That is what you tell me, wind. You wouldn't lie to me, now would you?" His eyes darkened, looking more and more like an empty void. "And you wish to stop them with your snake, do you? The Dralgoln.." He turned toward the setting sun. "Don't underestimate me, don't ever underestimate me.."
Erich then sat down on the beach, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. Shutting his eyes once again, if only for a moment, he thought he had heard a voice, far away;
*My precious baby.. my sweet boy.. you're my angel, you know.. you'll always be my angel...*
Erich looked upward, toward the darkening sky, breathing out slowly. Then, he did something he hadn't done for a very long time. He leaned his head on his arms..
And cried.