The general smiled in satisfaction.

Above him, the mighty air-destroyer Leviathan hovered like a deadly predator waiting for its prey.

It has cost the military a fortune to produce two Leviathans, but it had proven well worth it when one of them was destroyed. Now, the remaining mighty creature would dominate the skies once it found the floating city of Laputa. The Etherium crystal that powered it through the air would soon be in their possession, and he would not only betray the government, but destroy it. He had patiently bided his time, weaving webs of trickery and deceit to finally take control of the Etherium project.

Everything would bow down before him or suffer the wraith of the great Leviathan.

-------

"How's your wife?"

"Oh, just the same." The soldiers relaxed into their chairs, their guns by their sides.

"I don't get this. No-one in their right mind would attack a military base, especially this one. Why do we have to guard the front gate" He grunted, reaching down for a cigarette.

"It's probably just standard security. You know, just to keep us in shape and –" He jerked his head up, grabbing his rifle. "Hey, what's that sound?"

His partner stood up, and they both listened intently. It was a tiny whistling sound that was unlike anything they had ever heard. Gradually, it grew louder until it became a ringing that burnt their ears.

The soldiers brought their weapons up and fired at the glowing fireball. It looked like a comet, flying incredibly fast and low. It quickly slowed down and became a kind of lizard with wings, glowing on fire in front of them.

Bullets didn't seem to affect the creature; they immediately melted when coming into contact with his body.

The soldier was absolutely terrified, staring at it paralyzed with fear. The creature turned its gaze upon him, and for a moment the eyes met.

There was a blinding flash, and the soldier became blind. He stumbled about, struggling for the gate. The other one simply dropped his weapon and ran for dear life.

The creature menacingly walked to the gate. He passed straight through it, melting and burning the steel. He raised his clawed hands, and balls of blue fire suddenly appeared.

-------

"I'm really worried about Makoto, Pazu," Sheeta said in worry. "He hasn't returned in two weeks."

Her friend stared out the window. "This isn't like him," He agreed. "Makoto would have at least said goodbye if he went away. Unless…"

"Unless he went dead." The man coolly sat down at the table. Pazu jolted up immediately, poised for any sudden moves.

The man laughed. "I should have introduced myself. I am Captain Gizato, Makoto's mentor and father."

"But that's not possible; Makoto said his father was –"

"Dead? Well, here I am, living and breathing before you. Once I realized what had happened, I came here straight from Laputa."

"From Laputa?" Now Pazu was really confused. "Weren't you shot down?"

"Yeah, I was, but no-one came to check if I was dead." Gizato's face became serious. "Now listen up. Pazu, you and Sheeta are the only ones who can save Makoto from his fate, since you are the only people he knows. He has been taken control of by a powerful entity that dwells within the red crystal."

"What?"

"This entity is a creature that very nearly caused the demise of Laputa…and all of mankind. However, it did not last on the planet for more than a week because it had no living body. Now that it does, Makoto is doomed to die…"

"Unless we can save him," Pazu finished. "I see your plan, but where can we find this thing?"

"When it was created, its sole purpose was to clear the way for its master to take control of Laputa, but because he was banished, it tried to destroy everything. If my hunch is right, then it'll probably try to get to Laputa."

"So we've gotta get there first." Pazu was beginning to move. "I'll pack." He sprinted out.

When Sheeta went to help him, Gizato called out. "I didn't tell Pazu this, because he would be too protective, but I believe it would be going after you…heir to the throne of Laputa. Are you sure you want to help?"

"If it means rescuing Makoto, then yes." She ran out.

Makoto's father sighed. "My kid would've said the same thing, and add 'Well someone's got to save the world'."

"Come on." Pazu came back in and grabbed some bags. "Someone's got to save the world."

Gizato raised an eyebrow. "You sure you haven't been spending too much time around my son?"

-------

"Sir." The commander strode in.

"Yes, commander?" The general stared out at the horizon.

"All systems are check, but how are we going to find Laputa?"

"Don't worry." The general laid a hand on one of Makoto's books. "You'll see."