"You'll be staying in here, kid!" The soldier threw Makoto into the small, primitive cell and slammed the door.
Makoto struggled up, holding his bruised head. For a fat guy, that general's strong.
He stood on his feet, walking across the stony ground in search of any exits. But there was none there. I guess they aren't taking any chances after what happened last time. After a few more minutes of searching, the young guard gave up, throwing himself onto the bed frame in despair. I failed her. I failed the princess. He cursed at himself. Why was I so stupid in believing him? Makoto stared up at the cold ceiling. "I might as well get some rest before trying anything else." He doubted he would be going anywhere yet.
But sleep never came and Makoto found himself staring into the darkness of his mind and beyond.
I failed her.
I failed Laputa.
I failed my father…
"You never failed anyone, son." Makoto suddenly found himself on a breathtakingly beautiful garden. He gazed around and gasped. "Is this…Is this…"
"Yes, it is, Makoto. The place that I told you stories about every night. The place where you pledged your honour to."
"Laputa!" Makoto stared at the man in front of him. "And that must mean you're…"
"Yes I am, my son. I missed you." His father smiled. Makoto sprinted across and tried to hug him, but his hands simply passed through him.
"Makoto, I'm really on Laputa now, but you're not. It's one of Laputa's technologies, to communicate with others telepathically."
"Yes…I understand." Makoto stood back.
His father looked at him with soft dark eyes. "Makoto, I have listened in on what you have been doing. You did NOT fail the princess. Failing her means she dies, but now Sheeta is only a captive."
"Thank you, father." Some of Makoto's fears were lifted.
"And I am not in THEIR hands. I am safe here, on Laputa. I have finally found it."
"Dad, I missed you!"
"And I missed you too, son. But now is not the time for father and son time. I must give you as much information as I can."
"What for?"
"Makoto, that red stone you possess has more power than you could possibly imagine. It is one of the artifacts that eventually led to Laputa being abandoned."
"How so?"
"I cannot tell you that, for you must figure that out for yourself. I'm not being mean, but that stone has power to be used for whatever we see fit."
"I see."
"Remember, although this stone can be used for good, it can be used also for evil. Whoever this stone was created by and for what reason still remains a mystery. I'm trying to find out through some of Laputa's original history records, but those are hard to find after what happened with the weapon systems. I'll contact you later if I find anything."
"So what do I do now?"
"In the meantime, you should rescue the princess. Remember that glove you have on your right hand now has a massive range of abilities, and you know all the spells. Use them wisely."
"Dad, before I leave, can I ask you a question?"
"Yes?"
"Why contact me now and not before?"
"Why son, I always knew you would find Laputa one day."
And with that, Makoto saw the bare walls of his cell again. A spell that was appropriate… did he know any? Dad had taught him many, but he wasn't sure which one was right. Then it hit him.
He raised his hands in the air, and whispered something in Laputians. What he said was: "Guards, come and help me."
For a moment, nothing happened. Then a beam of light came from Makoto's glove and hit the ceiling. He could feel rapid vibration patterns coming from the beam, and he knew they were coming.
And they did.
Three robots suddenly came flying through the ceiling. They were similar to the one Pazu and Sheeta saw tearing up the military base two years ago, but much sleeker and newer.
One of the robots must have processed Makoto's thoughts, because it immediately bent down. Unsteadily and a little unsure, he climbed on its back. Not exactly comfortable, but if he held tight enough he wouldn't fall off. "Let's go find Pazu." He said.
The robots activated their flight devices, and they were off.