Chapter 9: Back on Task
Kukai Foundation
The Next Day
Azaria:
It was hard to keep the curious lion cub known as Yeshua inside of the Institute. I hated to keep him locked up just so Anima could test U-DO's effect on humans. It was barbaric, really. But it wasn't my place to say so.
"Azaria, I wanna go out and play," Yeshua whined for about the tenth time.
"Anima gave us strict orders not to go outside tonight."
He gave me an annoyed look and a pout. I hated when he pouted. It was so…cute.
"But can't we just open a window?"
"Yeshua, go to bed. Stop worrying about the outdoors, honestly. I'm doing this for your health."
Yeshua pouted and climbed into his bed.
"Please…could you crack open the window?"
"Ok, I will."
chaos:
I glanced down at my guardian's pale face and allowed a small smile to grace my lips. She was so beautiful and angelic while at rest. She was even more beautiful when we indulged in each other. Indulging…was that wrong? I stood up and stretched lightly. Azaria made a soft noise and turned onto her side. After fourteen long years…we were finally back together. And I loved her…and she was in love with me. In a way, this was very dangerous. Falling in love with my guardian was setting me up for a situation I couldn't handle.
"…Yeshua…you seem distressed. What's wrong?"
I turned to face the love of my life, who was loosely wrapped up in the sheets that made up my bed.
"Nothing, Azaria."
Azaria gave me a wary look.
"I have a feeling that you're lying, but I will not press you further."
Even if you knew what I was thinking, would you be so calm…so nurturing? I share the same fear every man has about his significant other in these times. Even though we shared the same powers and wavelength, death could claim her just as easily as it did Sakura.
"Honestly, Azaria, I'm fine."
"Yeshua, it's my job to worry about you. I was assigned as your guardian. Besides…I'm curious as to why you would hide your past."
Fantastic. That was the last thing I needed to talk about.
"They don't need to know what they won't understand."
"How do you know they won't understand?"
I felt ire creeping up my spine.
"How would you like being accepted as a murderer?" I snapped.
Azaria gave me a pleading look and shook her head.
"What happened years ago was an accident…nothing more. No one will judge you."
I hated it when she was so calm…and when I was so upset.
"Shut up! How would you know…you didn't murder someone!"
"Yeshua!"
Azaria's voice was lined with venom and power. I immediately shut my mouth and quieted down. In all of my years, I had never heard her use a forceful tone like that.
"I'm sorry. I just have a lot on my mind."
"It has something to do with the Zohar, doesn't it?"
Well, I really wasn't eager to run to confront Ormus.
"I'm afraid U-DO will arise again."
Azaria got up from the bed and approached me. The sheets entangled around her lithe frame had partially unwound around her legs, revealing polished ivory skin.
"Everyone's afraid of that. It's not just you."
"I know."
She touched her face with her hand gently.
"There will not be another conflict like fourteen years ago. We'll see to that."
"You're right."
"I know."
9:43 A.M.
Azaria:
Yeshua left me in his personal room, claiming that he had to help Hammer with the Logical Drive. He was going to think, basically. Based on what I heard yesterday, the Elsa's Logical Drive was up and safely running. It was a question of whether the transfer columns were stable enough to travel. I hoped they were. I glanced at myself in the large mirror hanging above Yeshua's dresser. Hmm…not bad. Not bad at all. After admiring myself for a little while, I walked out of Yeshua's bedroom.
I was on the first wing of the Durandal's Residence Hall near the train stop. I wasn't in the mood to look for anyone today. However, I wanted to take a walk through the Kukai Foundation. I was sure that Little Master and Yeshua wouldn't mind. I walked into the train stop room and headed right for the gate.
"What is your destination?"
"Dock."
"Destination Accepted."
The gate slid open, allowing access to the train. I walked inside and sat down. The doors slid closed with a hiss, leaving me in a large tube…all by myself. (Thank the gods I didn't have claustrophobia.) There was a slight lurch as the train started up towards its destination. It wasn't long before the train stopped again and the doors slid open. I got up and walked out into the biggest part of the Durandal: the Dock. It fascinated me to know that the Durandal could house two full spaceships or more, over a thousand people and dock with a colony. Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable.
There were people mulling about the dock, absorbed in their own conversations. I headed towards the escalator in order to board the shuttle to the Foundation. All the while I could feel people's stares on my back. So this is what Yeshua dealt with. I could imagine that he must have gotten some kind of questioning, seeing as he was a close friend of Little Master. Then again, I didn't mind the attention.
I had accepted my fate a long time ago on Militia. I wasn't ashamed of my powers and most certainly not my body. I proceeded through the gate in a shuttle half full of people. I ignored their stares and took a seat next to the window.
chaos:
I idly tapped a few keys on my keyboard. I was sitting at my chair on Elsa's bridge. Hammer, Tony, and Captain Matthews were out in the Durandal, taking care of their business. That was certainly good, since I needed time to be by myself. I sensed that Azaria had left the Durandal for the Foundation. I considered following her to ensure her safety, but I thought the better of it. My mind still lingered on what we did last night.
It was an act of passion…yes, I know. What if she became pregnant? Space would be unforgiving to her…or at least that's what I thought. She was like me…so our powers were the same. I sighed heavily. There was too much to think about right now. Azaria came at the most pivotal point in my life. I'm still trying to come to terms with myself. Of course, it was hard to chew and digest…the fact that U-DO helped me kill my father and brothers. And here I was again…going after the original Zohar—the primary source of U-DO. I had to admit that I was somewhat frightened about going. What if U-DO possessed me again? Would my friends have to kill me?
Would Azaria kill me? I was scared. Really scared. With a name like Yeshua, I couldn't afford to be frightened or upset. I sighed. Getting fresh air now wouldn't help my troubled mind. For now, I would focus on something mindless.
Kukai Foundation
Azaria:
I could sense Yeshua's distress through our quickly strengthening mind-link. I didn't want to talk to him, especially since he was on the Elsa. I didn't want to disturb him or let him know that I could sense his emotions. We both needed time to breathe. I walked through the tunnel and emerged into the city. All kinds of noise and scents reached my nose and my ears. I glanced around slowly, taking in all that I could see. There was a bar called the 'Ironman' with all of its doors propped open.
More chatter drifted out from said doors. I considered going in to get a drink or two, but thought the better of it. I had been on the Ormus Stronghold so long that I had forgotten how much resistance my body had to alcohol. I didn't need to run around drunk and end up doing unmentionable things. I continued further down the street, past the 'Our Treasure Hotel' into the Second Sector.
"Azaria, it's good to see you here."
What the…? I whipped around, searching for a face to match with the voice. Of course, I didn't recognize who it was…which made me very suspicious. My gaze fixed on a young man with a tan cloak that hid most of his features. What stood out the most was his blood red eyes and blonde hair. He reminded me a lot of the CEO of Vector, Wilhelm. (A/N: Now I know you're asking…what the hell does Wilhelm do in his space time…)
"Who are you and how do you know my name?"
The young man smiled gently.
"I know your name from the Compass of Order. And my name is Wilhelm."
Wilhelm…I knew it.
"Why are you here? The transfer columns wouldn't allow the Dammërung to come this far."
"You're right."
I swear he was almost as secretive as Yeshua.
"Then how did you get here?"
"I have my ways. Now, I have to talk to you about something important."
I folded my arms.
"Talk."
"It's about Yeshua. You must not allow him to go to Old Militia. The Compass of Order has changed completely and it is not going to be good."
"I can't stop him, Wilhelm."
"Azaria, you must understand. U-DO will rise again. I know you don't want an incident like what happened on Old Militia to happen."
I narrowed my eyes.
"How do you know about that?"
"If you allow him to keep going, it's going to kill your unborn child."
What? Before I could say anything else, he vanished in thin air. I glanced down at my stomach. How could I be pregnant? I shook my head vigorously. No way. Wilhelm was a liar. He had to be lying…wasn't he?
'Azaria, come back to the bridge of the Durandal.'
Yeshua's voice sent a wave of relief surging through my mind.
'Okay, Love, I'm coming.'
Fifteen Minutes Later
Azaria:
"So, what's the enemy's status?" Jr. asked.
"I'm afraid I don't have very good news. The Immigrant Fleet has already descended into Militia," Shelley replied.
Good news is that we did slow them down. With careful hacking, I could prevent them from leaving until we got there.
"Damn. We don't have much time. If we don't hurry, we're gonna lose the Zohar."
"Little Master, there's a transmission from Helmer. Shall I accept it?"
"Yeah, hook us up."
A large screen with Representative Helmer's face appeared above the bridge.
"Helmer, I'm sorry. We let them get ahead of us," Jr. said apologetically.
"It's all right. It's more important that you're safe. I'm glad you made it back."
Helmer…
"So, what's the situation now?"
"I'm afraid the news is grim. It seems like the Parliament's been thrown into complete disarray."
"What's going on with the Federation fleet? Don't tell me they're just standing around watching."
"No, they've already been deployed on a decent mission, but it's too late. As long as the possibility exists that the enemy already has the Zohar, the Federation can't make any large-scale overtures."
"They won't get away, Representative Helmer. That I promise," I stated tersely.
"So I guess it's up to us now," Jr. muttered.
"I'm acutely aware of the danger, but there's no one else we can turn to right now. Please lead us your aid," Helmer ordered.
"All right. We'll get the Zohar. You can count on it."
The transmission window closed. I blew a heavy sigh. I was pushing it…my body by traveling through space. I still hadn't collected enough energy to use spells. But I couldn't leave Yeshua alone.
"Are the U.M.N. Columns up?" I asked.
Shelley nodded.
"Yes, access to the Old Militia columns are limited, but up," She replied.
"Everyone pack your things and move on the Elsa. We leave in a hour," Jr. ordered.
Elsa
One Hour Later
Azaria:
I sat my bags down in Yeshua's private room, located further down from the boys and girl's cabins. Surprisingly, Yeshua was near the bottom of the ship checking all of the systems out now. I couldn't sense very much from him other than tranquilly. I always wondered how he could stay that calm with the fact that we were heading towards our doom.
"chaos, Azaria, report to the bridge immediately."
They act like I'm employed or something. Still, they could need me for something. I exited Yeshua's room and walked along the hallway leading to my destination. I wasted no time heading up the ramp and through the double doors into the bridge. Everyone was standing around inside, chatting lightly amongst themselves. Yeshua was already in his chair, typing lightly on the keyboard. I had to wonder how he got here so fast.
"Are we ready to launch?" I asked.
"Tony, hit it!" Captain Matthews ordered.
"Ormus has gotten one step ahead of us. We have no idea if they are ready to launch or not. It will take us a couple of hours to get to Old Militia," Jr. mused.
'Ormus will launch soon. Do you have any suggestions?'
Now you are talking to me.
'I may.'
'Share it then. We don't have much time.'
Yeshua was being very bossy today…
"Excuse me, Little Master, but I believe I have a way to stall Ormus so that we can arrive safely," I said loudly.
Jr. looked at me curiously.
"How?"
I fished in my pocket and brought out a small black communicator that rested on my ear.
"With this, I can hack into computer systems and manipulate them. It's very easy. chaos, hand me a data link cable."
I moved over to his chair and put the communicator on my ear. Yeshua gave me a wary look and handed me a data cable. I hooked the cable up and motioned for him to get up. He did without hesitation.
'Be careful.'
'I'll be fine.'
I entered a series of keys in, blinking rapidly as numbers and letters drifted across my vision. I closed my eyes and focused on the U.M.N. network. More numbers went by as I entered and tailored what was needed. Seconds later, I was unplugging the communicator from the cable.
"All done."
I opened my eyes only to see everyone looking at me in awe.
"Are you a realian?" Shion asked.
Ha…I always get asked that question.
"No…I taught myself how to do this while I was contained on the Ormus Stronghold. It allowed me to keep up with chaos in my own way," I replied.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a small smirk tug at Yeshua's lips.
"Wow…I didn't think a human could handle all of that."
"So, what did you do?" Hammer asked.
Good question.
"As you know…there are only two columns around Old Militia. We are currently on our way through one of them. I simply just tailored the codes to not let any ship return back until I'm ready. And that's the easy part."
"That's excellent. Well, everyone we have two hours to get ready. Get some rest."
3:19 P.M.
chaos:
Gazing in the limits of space…or at least what the eyes can see... I gazed at the simulated stars floating above me and sighed. Was it really worth it? I could hide away in the corners of the universe—no one would find me. Maybe I could take Azaria with me. Would she approve? I shifted my body gently under the soft downy sheets that covered my skin. I was wearing my favorite pair of shorts: black, tiny and form fitting.
Sometimes I got overheated and sat around with my shirt off. This was one of those times. (A/N: And the fangirls are dying…) A wisp of cold air drifted out of the parted lips circling around in the cold air. I was so intent on being alone that I isolated myself to think.
"Master chaos, you have an audio transmission from the Dammërung."
Wilhelm insisted on bothering me…
"Patch it through," I said dryly.
"Yeshua, I know you aren't happy with me, but you have to listen to this transmission."
"Play it."
"It's good to see you awake again, Dr. Yuriev."
I suddenly felt much colder inside. Yuriev was alive. Oh god…Nigredo…
"Sorry I'm late. I didn't think it would take this long for me to recover. How's the situation?"
"Extremely chaotic, sir. The Federation's grown tired over the past fourteen years and many unstable fractions have arisen."
"And U-DO?"
"Fourteen years ago, one of the U.R.T.V.'s made partial contact with it, causing a medium-scale space-time anomaly alteration. Since then, it's been obstructed by two black holes. Even now we cannot confirm the state of its existence."
They must be talking about Albedo.
"All right. Ready my forces. I'll contact you again shortly."
"Yes, sir. By the way, how are you feeling? I heard your old body was disposed of."
"I feel great. There's only so much lifespan-extension one can achieve. But now I'm fine. Thanks to my son. That is…the son who killed me."
Oh god…Nigredo. He was talking about Nigredo.
"That's all of it, Yeshua," Wilhelm said calmly.
"Yuriev…how in the world…"
"I know, but I'm gone."
This was troubling news. Troubling indeed. I would have to talk to Azaria soon. Maybe she would know something.
Azaria:
The long ride did nothing to calm my nerves. I did manage to have most of my energy saved up. Meditation does wonders. I considered talking to Yeshua about Wilhelm's sudden appearance, but I thought the better of it. He was in another pensive mood right now. I couldn't tell him about my fear of pregnancy. Gods…I'm such an idiot. I smoothed my long hair out of my face and sighed. The two hour traveling time was up. Any moment now, we would be descending into what was left of Militia.
"Everyone report to the bridge. We are entering Militia's atmosphere."
Spoke too soon. I walked up the ramp and through the double doors into the bridge. The Submerged City…stuck in time…like I remembered…
"Oh, wow! The capital looks just like it used to," Hammer commented.
It was not a pleasant feeling seeing this again.
"Everything's exactly like it was then. Time has stopped in this world," Jr. mused.
"The country of the hills of Mud, the land of Mu, was sacrificed. Being twice up-heaved, it suddenly disappeared in one night. At last the surface gave away…and they sank along with their countries."
Yeshua?
"What's that?" Shion asked.
"A fairy tale. A story about a land that vanished into the sea one night, long ago."
"Sacrificed…it definitely feels like it just looking at this place."
"Yes it does."
"Attention passengers. We'll soon be arriving at the designated coordinates. There's no way we're gonna get any further in this hunk of metal. So, if you wanna check inside any of those buildings, you're gonna have to do it on your own."
"All right! Let's finish this!" Jr. exclaimed.
"This area used to be the capital of Old Militia. The area up ahead was ground zero fourteen years ago. It was filled with U-TIC Organization facilities. The area that handled the most important research was…" Canaan.
"Labyrinthos. The original Zohar should still be sleeping deep inside it," Jin muttered.
"Rubedo, your objective is to secure the original Zohar, correct?" Canaan asked.
Jr. gave Shion a puzzled look. The Vector Industries employee was looking very…
"Yeah. Um…Shion, are you all right?"
"What? Ah yes. (Cecily and Cathe may be there as well.)" Shion replied.
The last part of her reply was said very low… So who were Cecily and Cathe?
"Hmm? Did you say anything?" Jr. asked.
"No, it's nothing."
'She's hiding something.'
"Now we can finally analyze the data in my head," Canaan commented.
"Yes. We should hurry," Jin said softly.
"I agree. The Immigrant Fleet should already be here, but it's really quiet. That has me worried."
"Let's go suit up in the E.S.'s."
Old Militia
chaos:
Azaria and Ziggy walked in front of the E.S. Dinah, staying in range of our sensors. Of course, I didn't approved of her staying outside of the E.S.'s, especially with what happened yesterday. Naturally, she assured me that she could handle herself. After a moment or so of arguing, I dropped the subject entirely. Ziggy suggested that she walk in front of the E.S. Dinah so that if something went wrong, I could react appropriately.
"Enemy units coming within sensor range. Preparing for battle," KOS-MOS announced.
I tapped a few keys on the keyboard and brought up four screens. On the first and second screens was Jr. and MOMO. The third screen showed the outside of the E.S. and the last screen showed the list of weapons and techniques that were available.
"Did everyone get that announcement?" I asked while scrolling down the list of attacks with my hand.
"Roger, preparing for battle," Jr. and MOMO echoed.
Good…now to check up on Azaria. She and Ziggy were already in motion, cutting through the ranks of enemy mechs with ease. My guardian had borrowed Jin's sword so that she could function without the use of energy. She was using it perfectly, coupling her speed and strength with unbelievable grace.
"Opening fire," KOS-MOS announced.
The E.S. Dinah lifted its cannon arm and fired a mighty blast into the lines of mech. I smirked and chose the technique 'Chained Blast' from the menu. The E.S. Dinah jumped into the air, unleashing blast after blast into the ranks. Azaria was dancing in-between each blast, cutting at the enemies that were not brought down by my attack. Minutes later, they were all gone from the sensors.
"Enemy retreat confirmed," MOMO and KOS-MOS announced.
'Azaria, are you all right? Do we need to switch?'
'I had no idea E.S.'s were that powerful. I have to be a little bit more careful next time.'
'You're hurt?'
'It's just a few scratches that's all. Let's continue.'
I wanted to comment, but wisely bit my tongue. I suppose I'll never get used to the fact that she's still my guardian. The rest of the walk was relatively quiet, until we found our way into the city's center. It was there that we caught sight of a rather large ship on the walkway to Labyrinthos.
"Let me go and check it out, you guys," Jr. said softly.
"Be careful, Jr.," MOMO muttered.
"Why is this damn thing not working?"
External speakers?
"External speakers?" Jr. asked.
"We have mobilized all units, but we're all exhausted from training earlier. May I—"
A loud smack was heard.
"Line up, maggots! Did you pansies already forget your training? Do you know how bad you made me look? Listen to me! What you think means nothing! What you want means nothing! You do as I say! I am the boot in your buttocks! You! What is your problem? Were you born that dumb or did your drunk mama slap you on the wrong end when you squirted out? Why are you laughing? Do I amuse you? I'm tired of all you pantywaist nitwits! You make me physically ill! Drop and give me a million! I will break you!"
I shook my head and selected 'Chained Blast' from the menu.
"KOS-MOS, prepare to fire," I muttered.
"Charging…50 percent," KOS-MOS replied.
"Enemy unit discovered on deck! Standby!"
Damn!
"What did you say?"
"Damnit! They found us!" Jr. exclaimed.
'Azaria, you and Ziggy take cover behind the E.S. Asher. This may get dangerous.'
"All hands, prepare for battle! Target the Vector A.M.W.S.!"
There was an audible click as all the cannons locked in place. Four hovering droids appeared afterwards, two hovering on each side of the cannon. Azaria and Ziggy quickly dashed behind the E.S. Asher.
"This is not a drill! Show me everything you've got!"
"Releasing chained blast," KOS-MOS announced.
I tore my attention from the screen showing the outside of the E.S. Dinah and focused on the status screen.
"The droids are limitless. We'll have to think of another strategy," MOMO announced.
"The cannons! Hit the cannons!" Azaria shouted.
I tapped the keys vigorously and brought up the weapon targeting screen. A small joystick positioned itself at my keyboard. I grabbed a hold of it and waited for the red crosshair to line up. I was just about to fire when I saw Azaria move into my sight.
"Azaria!" I shouted.
"I have to break the shields, chaos! Cover me!"
I wanted nothing more than to snatch her out of the line of fire…but I thought the better of it. I punched a few keys on the keyboard in front of me and squeezed the trigger button. Two of the droids farthest away from us blew up. I watched my guardian narrowly dodge two beams before squeezing the trigger again. The two leftover droids blew up, leaving the field all clear. While taking complete advantage of the situation, Azaria climbed onto the cannons and started charging a spell.
"chaos, the droids are coming back! You need to get Azaria out of there!" Jr. shouted.
Seconds after those words reached my ears, the droids reappeared. In one moment, they all opened fire on Azaria. Two beam stuck her in her side, forcing her to drop her swords and her spell. She stumbled off of the cannons and on the deck of the ship, narrowly missing the other two beams. Without knowing it, I punched in a key on the keyboard.
E.S. Dinah jumped in action, effortlessly cutting through the droids with its blue plasma swords. A large explosion followed afterwards, drawing my mind away from the shock I'd just experienced. Azaria was standing in front of the charred remains of the cannons, clutching her side with one hand. I pressed the button to open the cockpit and stood up. As soon as it opened, I jumped out onto the deck of the ship. MOMO was already there, examining Azaria's wounded side.
"What the hell do you think you were doing?" I asked, allowing anger to slip into my voice.
"chaos, calm down. It was—" MOMO started to say.
"MOMO, it's all right. He has a right to be angry," Azaria interrupted calmly.
"Ok…"
"You knew you were weak, Azaria, so why didn't you ask for our help?"
"Y-chaos, you would have run out of energy if I didn't try to break the shields."
"It was very foolish of you."
"Foolish? chaos, I am your guardian! I risk my life so that you may continue to be safe! But I see you don't need that anymore!"
Azaria pushed MOMO away and took off running across the deck towards Labyrinthos.
"Damn…"