Author's Note 1: Finally, I am back with (at the moment) the most action-packed (maybe comedy filled) chapter to be devised (as of now). I hope you like it.
Part 6.1: Klausians, Chaos, Collision Course
It was afternoon and Cyrus, Fayt and Cliff had arrived back in Pesotto Forest. Fayt and Cyrus said that were going back to Whipple to drop off Niklas.
"Finish up quick and get back here. I'll be waiting for you," Cliff said.
"Okay," Fayt said.
"Don't keep me waiting too long, kids!"
"Got it," Cyrus said.
Fayt and Cyrus entered the village while Cliff waited near the bushes. When they entered the town, they found a few of the citizens gathered near Meena's house. They suddenly turned around and saw an unconscious Niklas carried by Fayt and accompanied by Cyrus. Meena ran over to them screaming, "Niklas! Niklaaas!" Fayt puts Niklas down infront of his sister. "I don't care about the music box! I just care about my brother! My brother…" she cried.
"Don't worry, he's just asleep. He wouldn't leave you alone, Meena." Fayt reassured.
"Really?"
"Really. There's nothing to worry about," Cyrus explained.
Inside the house, Niklas lay in the bed previously used by Fayt to heal and Meena rested by his side. Fayt had just fixed the music box and a soft melody had started playing. "There," he thought. "Time for us to go. Goodbye." Fayt left the house, where Cyrus was waiting at the door.
"Well?" Cyrus said.
"We're finished here. Ler's go," Fayt said.
"Not just yet home boy. I promised the chief that we were going to visit him before we left."
"Are you sure, Cyrus?"
"Sure, he said he had something for us."
"Alright, but then we have to leave."
"Yeah, I know." The two were heading to the old chief's house, when they heard an argument on the other side of the fence.
"So tell me... What am I supposed to do now?" a harsh young woman yelled. "You were the one who said we should go join up with him. That... that fool! What do I have to show for it now?"
"It's too late now. What's done is done," a cowed man said.
"What's that supposed to mean? Ohh...! What are you going to do about this? My life is ruined! I swear... You better take responsibility for what you've done!"
Cyrus looked back at Fayt, giving him some helpful advice on women. "What you just saw my friend was a delicate woman on the warpath. Shows us that even the most beautiful flowers have poisons," he said.
"I'll keep that in mind. Now let's go to the leader's house, and meet with Cliff."
"Lets."
As soon as they arrived, the waiting chief thanked them graciously. "It seems you have rid us of that Norton. You are the savior of our village. Thank you so very much."
"Oh, no need. It was just are way of returning your services."
"Don't be so modest," the chief said. He then put his hand in his pocket. "Oh, yes. Will you not take this as a token of our gratitude?" The elder took out a small shiny rock and tried to hand it to them. It was a Medecentra Pyroxene.
"We can't take this, sir," Fayt said.
"No, I insist. It is a charm passed down through the generations here in our village." The man gave Fayt the stone again and Fayt, reluctantly put it in his pocket. They left the village, and met up with Cliff who had been waiting for them under some of the forest trees.
"You ready?" Cliff asked.
"Yeah," Fayt said.
"Let's get down to business," Cyrus replied.
"Alright. Now, you remember that cliff near your escape pods? Our way out lies beyond there. Let's go!"
"Okay."
The team trekked through the dense undergrowth of the forest for sometime. Mainly, because they forgot where the trail was. It took them the whole day, but the team had finally made it to the cliff. Once there, Cliff opened a comm link to his ship and started speaking to whom ever was on board. "Hey, it's me. We're at the location. Transport us up as soon as you can. Hmm? Oh, no problem. I got him. …I said it's okay. I haven't done anything. Yeah, I know. Now hurry up and get us outta here." he said. Cliff breaks contact with the ship and walks up over to Fayt and Cyrus. "My ship'll be here soon. Once we're ready, it's good riddance to this hunk 'o rock. My ship's not so big, but it's packing a gravitic warp engine. …It's quite the speed demon."
"Hey Cliff," Fayt said.
"Yeah?"
"There's something I've been meaning to ask you…"
"What's that?"
"Why does Quark's leader want to meet with us? I'm just a college student from Earth!"
"Right, and I'm just a kid from Uptown Northgate!" Cyrus replied.
"Oh…um…'no comment?' Heh. That's... that's not doing it for you, is it?
"No, it's not."
"Sorry, no dice."
"Let's see, well… I guess the biggest reason would be… Our leader wants to chat with you?"
"Nice try, but that's avoiding the question."
"Why's your leader want to meet with us?"
"Hey, how should I know? I just do what I'm told. There's probably something our leader wants to talk to you about."
"And that 'something' is..." Fayt said in an aggravated tone.
"Well—You'll just have to come with me and find out for yourselves. Sorry, kids, but I don't know much more than that." Cliff explained.
Cyrus had turned his back on both of his party members and started thinking to himself. "I still don't get it. Quark really is interested in me, too. I guess they also know that I'm from a different dimension. Then again, I could be wrong. But still, what would they want with me?"
Cliff's ship arrives on the scene and everybody looked up. Cliff, then Fayt, then Cyrus had been transported to the vessel one at a time. Meanwhile, Niklas had finally woke up and Meena had awaken too. As soon as she saw him, Meena started crying in Niklas' lap. Suddenly, they heard a strange sound. They quickly ran outside and looked up. They saw the Eagle soaring over them and exiting the planet's orbit. Meanwhile, inside the Eagle, the team were strapped in their seats and were on their destination.
"Well, let's get a move on. She'll be expecting us. The rendezvous point is Beta-747-372-406. You got that, Mirage?"
"Roger," she said as she pressed a few of the controls. "Engaging conventional engines…
Gravitic warp core, normal." Meanwhile, Cyrus was having a flashback about what happened a while ago when they first entered the ship.
"Welcome back.," a woman's voice greeted.
"Sorry to keep ya waitin'. This is my navigator and partner in crime. I leave the day-to-day operation of the ship to her. Mirage, these are our targets," Cliff said.
"Yes. I knew right away. Nice to meet you, Fayt and Cyrus. I'm Mirage Koas," she said.
"N-nice to meet you, too," Fayt said.
"H-hi, it's good to meet you," Cyrus said. Fayt and Cyrus were both staring at Mirage. "Oh man. She's beautiful," he thought as they were both continuing to stareThe flashback ended.
"You two okay? Oh, and listen, don't fall for her—She may look pretty but she's a Klausian. Any funny ideas, and yer liable to meet a swift, yet painful, death," Cliff warned.
"Hey, w-wait a sec! Who said I was falling for anyone?" Fayt asked
"I don't know about him, but I'm falling for no one!" Cyrus said.
"Relax! I was just warning ya," Cliff said.
"I…was wondering. Just how long will it take till we get to your leader?" Fayt asked.
"Oh, we'll be there soon. It's about three hours to the rendezvous point. Mirage, I'm gonna go take a shower. I'm leaving you in charge," Cliff said.
"Oh Cliff… It looks like you can forget that shower," Mirage said.
"Huh? What is it?"
"I've just detected a gravitic space anomaly up ahead. I'm bringing us out of gravitic space to avoid it."
"You serious? You think it's hostile?"
A little later...
"We're back in conventional space. …Two Vendeeni battleships detected 400,000 km ahead."
"An ambush, eh? Man, it's bad enough having to worry 'bout Federation ships. …Open up a comm link."
"Hold on," Mirage said as she was activating the comm link. "Connection confirmed… Okay,
the link's open."
"Uhhh… This is the Eagle, a Klausian ship. We don't want any trouble with ya…"
"You're wasting your time," Mirage interrupted, "The enemy ships are already prepared to attack."
"Great. So much for 'the voice of reason,'" Cyrus sneered.
"Seems they know who we've got onboard. Escape's our only hope. It'll be tough without using gravitic warp, but we've got no choice… Reverse course! Conventional engines, full power!"
"Roger."
"Full power to rear shields! And lemme see a chart for this region!" The windshields closed and a holographic radar screen was activated.
"Alright, course 116, mark 267! Activate auto-evasion program! Fasten crew safety harnesses!"
"Roger. …Course entry complete. Speed, maximum… Program activated." Fayt and Cyrus gasped. The group's safety harnesses slowly lowered. To Cyrus, they almost looked like harnesses on roller coasters.
"Hey, feeling lucky, kids?" Cliff asked. The Eagle shook side to side.
"Whoa..." shouted Fayt.
"Ahhh..." Cyrus yelped.
"We've evaded round one from the enemy's disrupter cannon," Mirage said. A brief pause overtook the ship. "Nearing objective point."
"All right, as soon as we're there, go into gravitic warp," Cliff ordered.
"Cliff, gravitic warp is currently nonfunctional…"
"I got a hunch it'll function the moment we reach the objective point. Get us on a straight line between the ships and that planet, then pop us up starside—we'll open up the distance that way."
"Very well…but we won't be able to designate our warp destination."
"Well, we're toast if we stay here, Mirage! Anyhow, space is big, right? Our odds ain't that bad!"
"You got a hunch?" Fayt asked.
"Oh shizznit! We're running by a guess. We're screwed," Cyrus shouted.
"Roger," Mirage said. The enemy ships fired a barrage of shots at the Eagle, luckily, they missed. "The enemy's fired again. Four rounds now approaching…"
"Four, huh? This is gonna be close. Either we enter gravitic warp first or we get pummeled. Now's the time to pray, gentlemen!"
"Unfortunately, it looks like we might lose the race. Here comes the first round now, and we're seven seconds from objective point."
"Aaah, who cares if we take a few rounds?" Cliff said in a cocky tone. Cyrus raised his hand slowly and slowly lowered it while Cliff was still talking. "Warp our butts outta here!"
"Warp engine damaged, but…still functioning."
"You bet it is! Activate gravitic warp!" Meanwhile outside, the Eagle was speeding through space. As it sped, one shot from the missed their right flank. The ship was tilting left and right. The second shot barely hit them on the left side. As soon as the third salvo was reached, the ship kick started at full throttle just in the nick of time. They were out of conventional space and in the gravitic warp stream.
"We've thrown off the Vendeeni ships," Mirage said.
"Phew... That was close," Cliff said in exasperation.
"Yes, but now we're pretty far from the rendezvous point."
"Well, it can't be helped. Besides, it won't hurt to make her wait a little longer. Let's take our time."
"Wow, you hunch really paid off," Fayt said.
"Finally, some respect," Cliff said.
"Yeah, a healthy respect for your recklessness."
"What is that supposed to mean? A little more honesty would be nice—like 'Heeey, that Cliff sure is something,' or 'You're a genius, Cliff!'"
"Don't sugar coat it, homes," Cyrus said. "That little trick might have did some damage."
Suddenly, a loud noise was heard. "Sorry to interrupt while you're having so much fun…" Mirage said.
"What is it, Mirage?"
"The gravitic warp core is overheating. We should reduce speed immediately. The engine will scram if we don't."
"Whaaat? Didn't I specifically request that ya tell me these things sooner? Get back to conventional space, pronto!"
"Roger."
"And so Houston," Cyrus said, "we have a problem. Was this part of the plan, genius?" he sneered. They dropped back into conventional space. Unfortunately, there were even more issues to follow.
"Bad news," Mirage said.
"Now what?" Cliff said in an agitated tone.
"Both the conventional and gravitic warp engines have scrammed. The backup engine isn't functioning, either. I'd say we have a problem."
"Damn it!" Silence filled the room. "Where're we now?"
"We're currently within Elicoor II's gravitational field."
"If all our energy sources are shot, then we can't communicate either… Well, I'm sure she'll figure out something happened to us after we don't show up when we're supposed to."
"One would hope so."
"Well, Mirage, come up with something," he said then flopped on his chair.
"I'll see what I can do." Mirage started pressing comands.
"What CAN we do?" Fayt asked. "Aren't all the engines scrammed?"
"Yeah," Cyrus said. "If you think about it, it's pretty hopeless."
"For starters, we gotta land before we crash. Then, we wait to be rescued," Cliff said.
"Great plan."
"Let's just hope the people who rescue us aren't the people throwing us in a cell."
"Look, my mission is to bring you to our leader. Until then, I'll watch out for you—trust me! You're safe as…as a turtle in its shell!"
"A turtle dropping out of orbit…"
"Huh? Did you say something?" Cliff said sternly.
"Nothing." Fayt quickly replied.
"We'll be entering into Elicoor II's atmosphere in another 30 seconds. Get ready for a bumpy ride, you two. And…keep wagging those tongues and you'll bite them off. I wouldn't want either of you to die of blood loss." The ship's windshields closed again.
"Roger."
"Yes ma'am."
"Gotcha." The men said in unison. Their harnesses were slowly lowering, bracing them for impact. The Eagle was pulled into Elicoor II's orbit, which they would find out that their adventure truly begins.
Author's Note 1: Now entering Elicoor II. The adventure of a lifetime now begins for Cyrus. Think you're ready? The start of a new partofthe tale.
Part 6.2: A Fallen Eagle
The Eagle had crashed, nose first into a primitive city; which would mean that this event has not gone unnoticed by the townsfolk. Many people had walked over to investigate the mess. "What is that thing?" a panicked man asked.
"A star, fallen from the sky?" A fascinated girl answered, a bit puzzled herself.
"Nonsense! It looks nothing like a fallen star!"
"Well, what is it, then?"
"How am I supposed to know?"
Inside the ship, a monitor popped up, showing the skeptical patrons in town. "Just our luck—we landed right in the middle of a city!" Fayt said.
"Not to mention we're outta power and the helm is outta whack. You should be happy to be alive," Cliff said.
Fayt sighs. "I guess this is no time to be worrying about the UP3. What do we do now?"
Fayt and Cyrus got out of their seats to stretch. Cyrus walked over to Mirage and asked, "Mirage, what kind of planet is Elicoor II."
"The second planet in the Elicoor System has an axial tilt of 32.6 degrees, and is 0.8 AUs from its parent star. The gravity is 0.9 G. Other than the fact that its atmosphere is mostly comprised of noble gasses such as neon instead of nitrogen, it has an atmosphere composition which closely resembles that of Earth. According to my data, the technology level on this planet is near that of Medieval Earth, or around the 17th century. Although the planet is registered in the Galactic Atlas as an underdeveloped planet, it appears to be in a constant state of conflict, so there are no figures for the total population of sentient beings."
"So we're stuck on an underdeveloped planet..."
"Do we at least have the information for our current location?" Fayt asked.
"Well, sentient life forms do live in this area. We don't have any detailed information, like government, but this is a pretty large city. External air temperature is minus five degrees Celsius. Both falling and deposited snow have been detected."
"A city..." Cyrus said in a low tone.
"We also know that there are two major continents on this planet. There's the one we're on now, and another one to the east. The continent to the east appears to have a slightly higher civilization level."
"I see..." Fayt said.
"But still, we're in some deep trouble now, my peeps," Cyrus said.
"Relax. Panicking won't change a thing," Cliff said.
Meanwhile, a trio of soldiers was coming through the crowd. "You there. Move," shouted a snotty soldier.
"Out of the way! Off the road!" shouted an old soldier.
"What's this?" a rugged soldier asked.
"One of Aquaria's new weapons?" an old soldier answered. One of the soldiers tapped on the ship with his spear. Meanwhile, inside the Eagle...
"We seem to be surrounded by a group of local soldiers now," Mirage asked. "What will you do?"
"Not much we can do with the Eagle scrapped like this," Cliff said. "Fighting our way out isn't really an option… Well, at least we're still in one piece!"
"For now, maybe…"
"Oh well—let's just step outside and see what happens."
"Hold on just a second! Even minimal contact with the inhabitants of an underdeveloped planet will get us in trouble—besides, we've no idea what they'll do to us once we're out there!"
"Fayt," Cyrus said. "It's not like we wanted to come here in the first place."
"Cyrus is right," Cliff said. "You got any better ideas? I hate to point this out, but I think we've already made contact, rather forcefully, anyway."
"Well, still…" Cliff got up and put his hand on Fayt's shoulder.
"Don't worry. I've gotta hunch they won't kill us right away," Cliff said.
"Great," Cyrus said, "That's really reassuring."
"Another hunch?" Fayt said.
"C'mon! Trust me! Didn't we make it here safely? I tell you, my hunches are always right!"
"Well for starters," Cyrus stated, "Getting hit by a warship, spinning out of control in deep space and crash landing on a primeval city isn't what I would call 'safely.'"
"And how about that time when we almost crashed into that asteroid because of a…hunch?" Mirage reminded.
"Aw, but that was ONE time!"
"One time!"
"At any rate, I don't think we have any other choice."
"What do you think they'll do?" Fayt asked.
"Well, we'll probably be taken prisoner," Cliff said.
"You say it like you don't even care…"
"Yeah, but only you, Cyrus and I will go out."
"Cool!" Cyrus said.
"Huh? What about Mirage?" Fayt asked.
"We'll have Mirage wait until later to make an escape," Cliff said. He then said to Mirage, "Mirage, stay until nightfall, then leave under the cover of darkness."
"Right. That shouldn't be a problem," she said.
"But Mirage… All alone?" Fayt said in a worried tone.
"You're forgetting she's a Klausian. She'll be fine—I pity the soldier that tries to take her in."
"Want me to come rescue you?" she asked.
"Nah, no need. There'll probably be too many of 'em, anyway. We'll think of something… You scout around and find a way to contact the Diplo. Don't put yourself in danger trying to hook up with us. They should be able to home in on our position as long as we make contact. They can come get us then," Cliff explained.
"Roger."
"All right, time to go."
"Fayt… Be careful. Cyrus... Stay safe."
"Thanks. You too, Mirage," Fayt said.
"Don't worry, Mirage. I'll keep these two in line," Cyrus said.
"Cliff..."
"I said it'll be okay. …I'm counting on you."
"Okay… Be careful."
Meanwhile, outside the Eagle...
"Hey, there's something moving…" a snooty soldier said.
"What?" gasped the old soldier.
"A…person?" a rugged soldier said. Cyrus, Fayt and Cliff came out of the damaged ship with their hands up.
"There's people in there!" the snooty soldier said.
"Uhh, umm… We…" Fayt quivered.
"We come in peace..." Cyrus said.
"Get 'em!" One of the soldiers shouted. They rushed toward them.
"W-wait, please!" Fayt said.
"Give it up, kid. Nothing we can do about it," Cliff said.
"Give up?" Fayt said.
"Look behind you."
"Huh?" Fayt looked and saw one of the soldiers towering above him. He then started to scream. The soldiers grabbed them from the wreckage and shoved them escorted them to the castle.
One of the soldiers behind Cyrus was poking him with his spear. "Ah! Hey... Give a brother some personal space would you?" The soldier poked him again. "Ah! Oh that's it! Police brutality! Police brutality...!" he yelled. Meanwhile, inside the castle, three captains of powerful troops were having a meeting with the company of the king. The matters at hand, the three people and the strange device.
Part 6.3: Dungeons and Crabs
"Well, what was it?" King Airyglyph XIII, ruler of the Kingdom of Airyglyph asked the guard.
"We believe it to be a new Aquarian weapon, Your Majesty. We have the three crewmembers locked up in the dungeon," he said
"Very well. Continue with your investigation, and step up to the pace of the invasion of Arias. If the enemy has indeed brought a new weapon into active service, then time is of the essence."
"Your Majesty!" The guard bowed and left the room.
"What think you, Woltar?" his majesty asked.
"If this object that has fallen on our city is truly a new Aquarian weapon, then we are in trouble. Aquaria has shown an admirable ability to wage war of late," said Woltar, the wise old captain of the Storm Brigade.
"Lord Woltar appears to lack confidence," said the Lord Vox, head of one of the groups and the king's uncle. "Airyglyph has your Storm Brigade cavalry, Albel's Black Brigade heavy cavalry, and my winged Dragon Brigade for good measures! They stand no chance against our legions, Sire. Their weapons have proven themselves little threat to us. Anything they throw at us, we return in spades."
"Pride comes before the fall. Surely a measure of prudence would do us no harm. Right, Albel?" Woltar asked.
"Heh… If they're the enemy, we kill them. If they aren't, we dispose of them. Simple!" said the cut-throat captain of the Black Brigade, Albel Nox.
"If only things were as simple as you say…" Woltar said.
"Regardless, we have yet to see any evidence the object is a new Aquarian weapon. My men have already begun to interrogate the crewmembers. They'll talk before long." Vox said.
"The Inquisitor? He always seems to enjoy his work a bit too much…" a concerned Woltar said.
"He is the best."
"As long as they do not die before they talk. We are not barbarians—even prisoners have certain rights, you know."
"You speak absurdities. Prisoners have no 'rights.' We'll hurt them until they squeal. If they die as a result, then so be it. You've grown much too soft in your old age, Woltar."
"Compared to you, that may be true. I'm willing to do what's necessary, but I think your men have a tendency to take things too far."
"What's the big deal? Just find out whether they're enemies or not. If that's too much trouble. I'll be happy to take care of them." Albel's statement left Woltar and Vox in shock. Everyone knew about Albel's deadly tactics of retrieving information.
"We know what we have to do, m'Lord. Don't worry—if we do kill them, we'll make sure they cough before they croak, eh?" Vox said.
"I certainly hope so," Woltar said.
"That will be quite enough. Now is not the time for us to haggle over such matters," King Airyglyph said.
"Indeed it is not." Vox agreed.
"Vox, continue your interrogation. Woltar and Albel, return to your posts. We are counting on your knights. You are the pride of our great kingdom."
"Yes, sire," Vox and Woltar said in unison. Albel remained silent.
Meanwhile, in the dungeon; Cyrus was hung in shackles and whipped by the Inquisitor, who held out a whip and interrogated him after Fayt. He was covered in bruises and his face was covered by his hat. "Why don't you just spit it out! Play nice, and we'll treat you right," the Inquisitor said.
"How many times have I heard that before?" Cyrus thought. "Including in my world?"
"That thing you were hiding—what waaaaas that? A new Aquarian weapon? Ehh?" He asked while holding Cyrus' chin. Cyrus remained quiet. "Answer the question!" he demanded as he punched his victim's stomach.
"What... is this... Aquaria... chump?" the winded Cyrus asked. "'Cause... I don't... know... what the hell... ya talkin' about..."
"Suuuuure you doooon't! Aahahahaha!" the Inquisitor started laughing as he whipped the teen. Cyrus fainted from his stinging punishment. "Damn, he fainted on me. And it was juuuuust getting fun! See you again soon, my little kitten! Hahahaha…" The Inquisitor turned to the guard. "You! Throw this one in the cell!"
"Yes sir!" Later on, Cyrus was thrown back in the cell with his comrades, hood raised from the impact.
"Hey," Cyrus said.
"Hey," An exhausted Fayt replied.
"Hey," Cliff said.
"Yo, you all right," Cliff asked.
Cyrus looked as his comrades and how injured he was compared to them. "Yeah, just peachy." Cyrus then looked around. "Hey, where's my MP3 player!" Cyrus shouted. Cliff shook his head over to the guard. It seems the man knew how to attach the phones to his ears. "Oh this is whack!" he shouted.
"Well Cyrus, you held your own back there," Cliff said. "I would've expected at least a snivel from you."
"Heh... I've delt with harder. Look at you dude?" Cyrus said as he looked at Cliff's harness.
"Oh, yeah. Well tighter restraints for stronger people I suppose."
"Cyrus..." Fayt called.
"What up?" Cyrus said.
"Have you found something out?"
"Yeah."
"Like what?"
"The Inquisitor is a damn douche bag."
"I heard that... Say, have you also heard of a place called Aquaria?"
"Nope. The only thing I got was that our ship is supposedly a new Aquarian weapon."
"I guess that's their enemy or something," Cliff said.
"So they figure we're spies?" Cyrus asked.
"Looks that way." Cliff was trying to wriggle out of his restraints. "Damn, still nothing."
"I think that's the reason the word 'restrain' is in 'restraints', Cliff," Cyrus said.
"Ha ha. You slay me." Silence had filled the cell. The only thing breaking it was Cyrus' MP3 Player. Cyrus knew that the song that was playing was "The Formula" by The Doc. He was intent on listening.
"Do you think Mirage got away okay?" Fayt asked.
"Aww, she'll be fine. Like I told you, she's a Klausian. I bet she snuck off into town a long time ago."
"I hope you're right. Grr… How'm I supposed to rescue my dad trapped like this? I don't know why the Vendeeni captured him, but I doubt they're showing him much hospitality."
"No offense, Fayt," Cyrus said, still bending toward the guard, "but we're not doing so hot ourselves if you haven't noticed. If you ask me, I'm guessing he's getting some better perks than we are."
"Hey, cheer up," Cliff said. "Somebody'll show up to spring us outta this place soon enough. Then we'll be on our way, you'll see."
"And who would that 'somebody' be?" Fayt said. "You told Mirage she shouldn't bother coming in after us—and it's not like we know anybody else. And I doubt your leader's found out about what happened to us yet…"
"They're here already," Cliff interupted.
"What? Who?" The Airyglyph soldier that guarded the dungeon was knocked to the ground, groaning. What was revealed to them, was a red-head woman. The team was surprised, all except for Cyrus.
"Well, it was about time, Nel," he thought. Fayt gasped.
"Friend or foe, I dunno—but there's somebody here," Cliff said.
"Talk about your deja vu!" Cyrus said.
Fayt and Cliff stood up. "Hey," Cliff said.
"You have two options: accept my conditions and live, or refuse, and die here. It's your choice," the woman said.
"Oh gee," Cyrus said, "Decisions, decisions..."
"Huh?" Fayt said.
"What kind of options are those?" Cliff asked.
"The correct choice should be obvious," the red-head said.
"So, what're your conditions?"
"I want your help. That's all."
"Our help?"
"That's right. You three were riding that lump of metal that fell on the town, correct? We want your technology."
"Our technology…?" Cyrus said.
"We can't let you have that?" Fayt replied.
"Why not?" the red head asked.
"Why not? Well—"
"And what would you do with our technology, if we gave it to you?" Cliff asked.
"We'd use it to end the war that rages between this country and mine. With our side victorious, of course."
"Hold on a minute…'your country'? So you're not one of the people that threw us in here?" Fayt asked.
"No. I'm not from Airyglyph. I'm from Aquaria."
"Aquaria… The interrogator kept mentioning that name." Fayt said.
"Makes sense, now." Cliff said.
"If you've been interrogated, I wouldn't think you'd have any particular loyalty to Airyglyph. Why not help me?"
"You think so?" Cyrus said. "Hell, I want to give that fat ass with the whip a workout of my own. Count me in."
"Good point. We'll help you," Cliff said.
"What are you saying?" Fayt yelped.
"Give us a moment, all right?" Cliff said to the woman. With arms folded and head cocked, she waits patiently. The group moved into a corner. "Shut your trap, kid."
"But she wants our technology! What were you planning on teaching them?" Fayt asked.
"Dude, I know what you mean, but that don't matter!" Cyrus said.
"C'mon, you saw this civilization's level of technology. Look, all they need is a little college physics—and I don't know about you, kid, but I was paying attention in class," Cliff said.
"You're right about that—but what about the UP3?" Fayt asked.
"Screw the UP3, home boy. Now's not the time for your law and order," Cyrus said.
"Man, what a square!" Cliff said. "Then again, maybe that's your redeeming feature, huh? Straight as an arrow just like…well…" he then cut himself off, knowing he was letting out to much information.
"Just like who?"
"Huh? Did I say something? Never mind, kid."
"I'm minding."
"Geez, forget about it! Listen—based on what she said, we must be in Airyglyph right now, and this place is at war with her country, Aquaria. You with me so far?"
"Yeah."
"Good. Okay, both sides think we have some kind of unknown technology. Well, that makes sense—a big flying metal thing did land in the middle of a medieval town, what else could they think?"
"I have a few thoughts, but I'm not gonna share," Cyrus said. There was a brief pause.
"Even if we don't cooperate with her, Airyglyph will want our help, too. I doubt their terms'll be any better."
"I believe ya, Cliff."
"Yeah, but..." Fayt said.
"So what I'm saying is, if we're gonna cooperate with someone, it might as well be that hot chick over there, know what I mean?" Fayt and Cyrus were stunned to Cliff's proposal. Cyrus slowly shook his head side to side.
"Half of me sorta agrees with you, Cliff. Yet the other half is thinking... YOUR WHACK MAN!" Cyrus said.
"I can't believe this. You're insane." Fayt said.
"Well, okay, let's say that was a joke. Either way, we can do whatever we want once we're outta this place. We'll just wait for our chance and make a run for it. We're not doing much better here in prison with our hands all in shackles. And if we die here, who's gonna rescue your dad, huh? I figured you'd want to meet him in this life, not the next."
Fayt thought briefly for a minute. "All right, you win, for now." Fayt said reluctantly
"Let's do it," Cyrus said.
"Atta boy," Cliff said. The three walked over to the woman on the other side of the bars. "All right, we discussed it. We'll help you. Now get us outta here."
"Then we have a deal. Step back from the bars." The men moved from their cage's barrier. Nel put her hand down. Suddenly, an aura surrounded her arm and a then a blast of power broke open the door. " Cliff whistled and Fayt looked stunned. Cyrus also couldn't believe it, even though he already passed this part of the game.
"And the weird thing," Cyrus thought, "is that I have that power!"
"You're free," the woman said. The three walked out of the cell to thank her.
"Thanks for getting us outta there. Now, uh…can you use that little trick of yours to get these off us, too?"
The red head walked walked behind Cliff. "Don't move," she warned. As quick as a flash, the woman cut through the restraints with her blades.
As soon as they were free, Cyrus knelt to the ground to retrieve his MP3 Player. "Thanks a lot!" he said.
"Thank you very much," Fayt said.
"Yeah, thanks," Cliff said.
"No thanks needed. I'm just doing my job. But I'm going to hold you to your part of the bargain," the woman said.
"Huuhh?" Cliff said.
"You said you'd cooperate with us. Don't think you can just wait for your chance to run, either, because I won't let you. If you try… I'll kill you," she threatened.
"Gah!" was the sound that came out of a surprised Cliff
"Hey… She heard us," Fayt said.
"I should thank you for calling me 'hot,' though chick' I can live without."
"Sca-ree," Cliff said.
"Nice skill, Cliff," sneered Cyrus.
"I'm Nel Zelpher—agent for the Sacred Kingdom of Aquaria."
"My name's Fayt Leingod. And this is..."
"Cliff Fittir."
"Cyrus Splicer's the name. Ravaging is my game."
"Fayt, Cliff and Cyrus… My pleasure. So—where are you from, and what is the metal thing you came here in?" Nel asked.
"What do we tell her?" Fayt whispered.
"Just follow my lead. I'll handle this," Cliff said.
"Y-yeah, sure…"
"Try not to blow it up this time, G," Cyrus said.
"We're from a country on a continent far to the east of here. It's a pretty small country, so nobody's really heard of it, but we've got some pretty solid technology." Cliff said.
"From the east? One of the countries in Greeton? Not the country that invaded Aquaria…"
"That what you call it here? Yeah, that's where we're from. We're engineers."
"What are engineers from Greeton doing in Airyglyph?"
"Well, the long story'd take all day, so I'll give you then short version. Fayt's dad got, uhh, captured by an enemy country. We were on our way to rescue him in this newly developed, uhh, vehicle, but it broke down on the way—and we ended up here."
"Yeah. The mech is still pretty damaged from a –er, accident. Now we have to wait for our homies to arrive," Cyrus added.
"I see…" Nel said. "So you are from Greeton. I thought as much."
"How so?" Cyrus said.
"There is no country on this continent with that level of technology. It was an easy conclusion."
"Well, you satisfied?" Cliff asked.
"More or less. What I am sure of is: there's no way we can let Airyglyph have you. You must cooperate with us."
"We 'must?'" Cyrus said. "Situation must be that dire!"
"Nel… That's your name, right?" Fayt said.
"Yes?"
"What do you mean by cooperate? What technology did you want, exactly?"
"Yes, well…!"
Suddenly, the voice of a guard interrupted Nel's explanation. "What's going on down here? Hey, you—Whaa--?"
"They're changing the guard already?" Nel asked. "You three, you have any fighting experience?"
"Huh? Why?" Fayt pondered.
"Because you're about to get some."
"Don't you worry about us. You could say we're above average." Cliff said.
"You might be able to fight with your bare hands, but I need some kinda weapon…"
"I can do without a weapon," Cyrus said, "but I need one just for a little 'punch' at the party,"
"I thought this might happen. In there." Fayt and Cyrus walked over to a chest near the cell. Fayt opened the box and retrieved their equipment.
"What's this?" Fayt asked.
"Your stuff. I got it back for you," Nel said.
"Great. Thanks," Cliff said.
"Yeah, you're a life saver," Cyrus replied.
"One more thing… …Fayt—right? You can't go around dressed like that. I don't know if the size will match or not; anyway, put those on," Nel said.
"Th-thank you," Fayt said. He went back to the cell and put on his new attire that consisted of a sword holster, a new jacket and long pants.
"Alright," Cyrus said, "are you ready?"
"Yes. Let's go." Fayt said.
"Right," Nel said. They ran to through the pathway. As soon as they turned a corner, two soldiers and the Inquisitor ran at them.
"Hello my cats," the Inquisitor said. "Where do you think you're going."
"Let's get one thing straight, beefy," Cyrus said. "I'm a raptor. And we raptors got claws! We're bust out of this joint, so how 'bout you step aside."
"I don't think so."
"Oh yeah?" Cliff scoffed, "Who's gonna stop us?"
"I am," the Inquisitor said, "And when we get through with you, you and that Aquarian friend of yours are mine." He started cackling like a madman.
"I don't think so," Nel said.
"That's right," Fayt said. "Now let us through."
"Sorry, but we can't have you spies escape," the Inquisitor said. "ATTACK!" he yelled.
The Airyglyph soldiers quickly charged at them with the Inquisitor not far behind. Cyrus and Nel dealt with the attacking tormentor. Nel jumped up and catapulted herself at the enemy while Cyrus pushed him with the sword. The Inquisitor slammed into both combatants, sending them backward. Nel sidestepped and started summoning a spell. "Fire Bolt!" Nel yelled. Two fireballs had traveled and hit the Inquisitor's face. The massive man had suffered the hit. Cyrus looked and suddenly felt something on his shoulders.
"What the–?" he thought. He then remembered the inscriptions on his shoulders. "Wait. I forgot that I could use symbology too. Alright, let's start my first lesson." He smirked and ran back taking aim with his right arm. "Nel!" Cyrus called.
"What is it?"
"Cover me. I'm gonna try something." Nel looked back at him and saw that Cyrus was charging a spell himself as a large ball of energy formed on his hand. Nel ran at the Inquisitor who was about to attack Cyrus. As soon as she slashed him with the Baselard blade she carried, the torturer turned his attention on the red headed woman. The Inquisitor pulled out his whip and started to lash out, but Nel quickly evaded as soon as she heard Cyrus yell, "Fire Bolt!" The incoming fireball had made an impact on the Inquisitor's face as he looked back at Cyrus. The man fell over with a groaned, KO'd. Fayt and Cliff had already finished dealing with the soldiers who fell down themselves, groaning.
"Hurry. They'll be here any minute," Nel said.
"W-wait a sec…" Fayt said.
"Yes?"
"How are we gonna get out? There are lots of soldiers outside…"Fayt said.
Nel folded her arms and saw a barred passage way above. "We'll go out through there."
"A ventilation shaft?"
"Um, are you sure?" Cyrus asked.
"Looks like kind of a tight fit." Cliff said.
"Don't complain. If we can get through there, it widens out a bit. We'll just have to squeeze through that first part," Nel explained.
"Yeah, yeah..."
"Hey," Cyrus said. "I'd been in tighter spots than that, literally."
"Sure you have, kid," Cliff scoffed. Cyrus looked back at Cliff with a mean glare.
"Fayt, you go first. I'll bring up the rear," Nel suggested.
"Alright. First, how about I get rid of that bar," Cyrus said. He aimed his arm at the shaft. "Fire Bolt!" he yelled. The flame melted through the metal. The group climbed up to the opening and started crawling through the shaft. Fayt was in the lead, followed by Cyrus, Cliff and Nel.
"Hey Cyrus," Fayt said.
"Yo."
"I didn't know you could use symbology?"
"Heh. To tell you the truth, this was my first time."
"Your first!" Cliff said.
"Yeah," Cyrus said. "It sorta surprised me, too." They continued their trek through the hole. As Nel thought, it grew wider and larger. In a few minutes time, they had finally arrived in a new area in enemy territory. Cyrus started stretching, and popped his knuckles.
"Where are we?" Fayt asked.
"We're in the aqueducts that wind their way under the city," Nel said.
Cyrus started to yawn after he extended his back. "Nice place. Has its own waterfall"
"Aqueducts, huh?" Cliff was starting to move around, but he was slipping on the ice. "Hey, it's all frozen over."
"This comes as a surprise to you? It IS winter in Airyglyph. Didn't you see the snow falling outside?" Nel said.
"Hm, good point."
"Careful. You're no good to us if you fall in the water and freeze to death," Nel said.
"Sca-ree."
"Heh... So she does have a sense of humor," Cyrus said to himself.
"Thank you," Nel said.
"And good hearing."
"I appreciate the compliment."
"Argh... Can you here me now?" Cyrus said in a lower tone.
"Perfectly."
"Good."
Nel shook her head with a grin and arms folded. "Let's get moving. This way leads to the city, if we can make it," she advised. Cyrus put his headphones on and listened to his music. The party of four traveled through the underground realm for a half an hour. In one area, Fayt and the group stopped at a slope.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Cliff asked Fayt.
"Nothing. It's just the ground's frozen."
"Really?" Cyrus said. They examined the slippery path.
"Looks treacherous. We'll have to walk carefully," Cliff said.
"Right," Fayt agreed.
"No frozen ground is going to stop us," Cyrus said. The group walked through the frozen path. In the next room, Fayt was surprised at an unwanted discovery.
"What the–?" Fayt gasped.
"Another big hassle to deal with…" Cliff said.
"It's probably ruled these aqueducts for ages," Nel said. The creature was a Giant Crab that was ready to kill its intruders. It made a loud roar that bounced off the cave walls.
"Oh great. Who got a crab hammer?" Cyrus said.
Cyrus turned set his MP3 player and started listening to "Gigantic Fleet" from Panzer Dragoon Orta. The battle started as the gang charged at the colossal crustacean. Cyrus and Fayt attacked the front of the crab where the enemy hit them with a powerful swing of it's pincer. Fayt was toppled to the ground while Cyrus has frozen solid. Nel jumped up and made impact with the creature in the air after it was juggled by the powerful kicks from Cliff. Cyrus had thawed out and rejoined the battle. The crab entered its major attack mode, raising one claw up and swiped it at its opposition. Everyone was sent backward.
"It's shell is too hard!" Fayt said.
"There must be a weak spot somewhere?" Nel said.
"This thing is at very advanced stage. Damned evolved bastard!" Cyrus said. The crab gave another loud roar.
Suddenly, Cyrus heard a voice that originated from behind. "Are you giving up that easily, Cyrus?" it said.
He turned around and saw his teacher. Everything froze. "Master Diogo?"
"Cyrus, don't you remember your new found powers? You have already invoke one of them. Now it is time to tap in the next. Use these skills to your advantage," his teacher said.
"But I'm not sure I could control these powers," Cyrus said in a worried tone.
"Don't be troubled my student. You are the only one that can contain them. The decision is up to you."
Cyrus thought to himself for a second as his hat covered his face. "Alright. Since I already used my Fire Bolt, it's time to try out my new tech." The image of his master disappeared and everything started running back to normal speed. Cyrus got up to his feet as he used a skill that would end the battle. Fayt risen up, not to long afterward.
"You ready, Fayt?" Cyrus asked.
"Let's do it."
The crab was in range to unleash it special attack: Energy Burst. The claws had opened up and balls of power started to expand.
"This isn't looking good," Cliff said.
"It's time," Cyrus said. "I ain't going down, not today." Fayt and Cyrus unleashed their attacks. Fayt used his Blade of Fury. He raised his blade up and a force of light hit the monster. He then lowered the sword where another ray of light had hit the monster. The last assault was dealt as he shot a stream of energy at the monster, damaging it even further. The crab was weakened but it again tried to unleash the Energy Burst. Unfortunately, Cyrus' move, Shadow Slash; had sealed its fate. He was surround himself in a dark aura that had also concealed his sword. He ran at the side of the creature, blade cutting through the crab's armor. As soon as he reached the tail, Cyrus raised his sword. The Giant Crab made one last cry, and its legs finally gave way to it's massive body. The battle was finally over.
"Phew… We somehow pulled that off," Fayt said.
"I'm surprised such a creature would make its lair here. Based on the distance we've traveled, we must be nearing the exit," Nel said.
Cyrus looked back at where the crab was. "That's the last I'll look at shellfish," he thought to himself. The group of tired warriors continued their travel to the exit.
Author's Note 1: Cyrus has tapped into his hidden powers of Darkness and Fire in the last chapter. What other surprises are in store for our OPS (Out-of-Place-Shizznit)?