Chapter 3
A bright, yellow flash filled the entire area for a few moments. Tyla shrieked in horror as it did. It then slowly subsided, leaving a thick cloud of smoke. The wind then blew that away. The four soldiers stood above a decent sized crater in the Earth. It was empty. Gohei was no where in sight. Tyla stared with a frozen look of horror, not believing her eyes. She then began to weep on the ground. The soldier that had fought Gohei smirked as he began to speak.
Soldier 1: Well, that was a minor annoyance. Still, it did manage to kill some time.
Soldier 2: What should we do with the girl?
Soldier 1: Put her with the other Earthlings. No point in killing any of Lord Icer's servants.
The other soldiers nodded and began to move Tyla. She didn't even bother to resist, as she had an emotionless look on her face. She simply stared off into space. Suddenly, one of the soldier's scouters went off. It then exploded on his head. The others stared on.
Soldier 3: What the hell?! I didn't even get to read that reading!
Soldier 1: Most likely malfunction. Everyone, check their scouters!
Everyone pushed a button on their scouters. At the same time, they all got the same reading before their devices exploded. Only the leader's scouter remained in tact and he stood speechless at the reading.
Soldier 2: Damn, that stings like hell!
Soldier 3: *to Soldier 1* Looks like yours was the only one that stayed intact.
Soldier 1: *dreamily* Y-Yeah. I have the model that can…read very high power levels. Very high power levels.
Soldier 2: Wait…you mean you actually have a reading? Mine exploded before I got to read it, so I figured it was a malfunction.
Soldier 3: Yeah. So what does the scouter say about the power level?
Soldier 1: *suddenly shouting* IT'S OVER 9000!!!!
The other soldiers gasped at the leader's words. They didn't even want to believe him at first. The leader slowly removed his scouter as his whole body shook.
Soldier 2: W-what?! Nine thousand?! There's no way that can be right!
Soldier 3: Y-Yeah! It…must be a malfunction! It's gotta be!
The leader's scouter suddenly beeped again. Everyone turned to it. He gulped and slowly put it back on his head. He pushed a button, then his jaw opened wide in disbelief. Everyone anxiously waited for him to say something.
Soldier 1: It's coming this way! At top speed!
Suddenly, something crashed into the ground. Everyone quickly braced themselves. The soldiers carrying Tyla stopped as well to see what all the commotion was about. The smoke slowly cleared, revealing a figure. It was a young man. He had dark brown skin and spiky black hair that was short. He had a pink scar going down the left side of his face from the top of his eye to the bottom of his cheek. He was wearing a black gi with a red undershirt and boots. He was holding something in his hands. It was Gohei. Tyla's face lit up with glee. The soldiers stood speechless for a few moments at this man. He only stared each of them down. The leader then spoke.
Soldier 1: So, you're the one that's supposed to have the power level of over nine thousand? Ha! What a joke you are! I expected someone or something much more intimidating. Instead, all we get is a mere boy! My scouter must have been malfunctioning after all.
The young man didn't respond. He just continued to stare the soldiers down. The leader then spoke again.
Soldier 1: Nothing to say then? I guess I was right after all…
The soldiers that were holding Tyla realized she was gone. Everyone turned to see the young man holding her as well, a good distance away. The leader was awestruck. The young man placed Tyla on the ground as she only stared at him in awe. She finally managed to move her mouth to talk.
Tyla: S-Sir, who are you? W-Were you the one who saved Gohei?
???: *in a gentle voice* Would you mind watching him for a moment? I'll take care of this. *hands Gohei to her*
Tyla: S-Sure, but who are you?
The young man didn't answer her and flew over to the group of soldiers. They wasted no time in surrounding him from all sides. He didn't make a move. The leader growled in anger and began to shout.
Soldier 1: You…you bastard. Who are you?! Surely you're power level can't truly be over nine thousand!
???: I'm not sure what you mean when say "power level", but I assure you that I am no weakling. Now, what are you all doing on this planet?
Soldier 1: You…you're in no position to be making demands! But, since you're going to die anyway, I'll tell you. We are here under orders from Lord Icer to conquer this planet so he may add it to his already vast empire. We are also under orders to crush any nuisances, like you!
???: I see. I don't know who this Lord Icer is, but I'm afraid I'll have to stop you all.
Soldier 1: *laughing* What a riot you are! You fool! You think you can stand up to the army of Lord Icer! *to the soldiers* Destroy this eye sore already!
The soldiers quickly held their palms out and fired barrage of yellow energy blasts at the young man. He quickly jumped up and out of the way, as they crashed into each other and caused a large explosion. He floated in the air for a few moments as he began to think.
???: *thinking* So, they can use ki. They don't seem to be able to sense it though. That's what those devices on their heads do. I think I'll take advantage of that.
The soldiers quickly flew up and surrounded him. They all charged in and began throwing a flurry of attacks. The young man seemed to be easily dodging them all. He then held his arms out. A shockwave suddenly erupted from his hands, sending the soldiers crashing into the ground below. The leader stared in disbelief. The soldiers slowly regained themselves. The young man put his palms together and red energy began to form. After a few moments, a large blast was ready.
???: Ryuho Cannon!
A huge, red blast of energy erupted from his palms and slammed into the ground below. The soldiers were blown away by the impact and they crashed into various building. They were out for the count now. That only left the leader. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The young man slowly floated towards the ground. He then began to walk towards the leader, who took a few steps back.
Soldier 1: Just who the hell are you?!
???: If you want a name, then remember this one. I am Axel. That's all I'm know by.
Soldier 1: No mere human can have as much power as you do! What are you?!
Axel: I can't answer that question because I don't know myself. Now, are you going to surrender or am I going to have to get physical?
Soldier 1: You fool. I'm a Meatian! We are one of the strongest races in the universe! Don't think that I'll just…
Axel suddenly appeared in the soldier's face. There was a loud popping sounds as he drove his fist into the Meatian's chest. His pupils disappeared as he fell to the ground. Axel shook his fist and looked around. His work here was done. Tyla couldn't believe what she had just seen. This mysterious man made quick work of those soldiers, she thought. He began to walk over towards her. She was a bit nervous because she still didn't know his true intentions.
Tyla: Uh…Mister…
Axel: Are you okay young lady?
Tyla: Uh…yes! Yeah, I'm just fine! Thank you for saving Gohei. Oh…I'm Tyla!
Axel: I'm simply known as Axel. It's nice to meet you.
Tyla: Axel. Okay. Thank you.
It was then that Tyla noticed how much Axel looked like Gohei. The resemblance was amazing. She found herself staring at Axel for a few moments. He noticed her stare and spoke.
Axel: Is something the matter?
Tyla: *embarrassed* N-No! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to stare!
Axel: *looking around* Well, we better get out of here. I'm sure someone will be coming to see what happened to all these men.
Tyla: Uh…but there's a whole bunch of soldiers back there that have the villagers hostage.
Axel: Not a problem. I handled that before I came to save you. I even managed to disable that weird craft of theirs. The village is perfectly safe now.
Tyla: W-Wow, you're amazing.
Axel: Get on my back. I'll take you to my place. You must be tired.
Tyla nodded and she and the uncurious Gohei piled onto Axel's back. He began flying towards the mountains. Tyla was amazed because he flew much faster than Gohei did. In only a few minutes, the dusty red mountains came into view. Dust began to blow into her face as she spat some out. She wondered why they were flying here because there didn't look to be a house or a village in sight. Axel landed in front of a giant cave. You could already see torches lighting the way.
Tyla: Uh…
Axel: Well, this is my home. Follow me.Tyla: *thinking* This guy lives in a cave?!
They walked towards the end of the cave, which had a few sheets lying on the ground and a burning fire in the middle. Fish were cooking on sticks. Axel invited her to sit around the fire and she did. He put Gohei under a blanket by the fire. Tyla then looked around the cave. Water was dripping from the ceiling. She couldn't understand how this guy could survive in this place, let alone live here. He suddenly spoke, breaking her train of thought.
Axel: You must be hungry. Would you like some fish?
Tyla: Oh! Sure…I mean, if you don't mind.
She grabbed one and stared at it awkwardly for a few moments. The fish hadn't been skinned or gutted or anything, she thought. She then slowly took a bite. It was tastier than she thought it'd be. She then took a few more bites.
Axel: Have as much as you want there's plenty.
Tyla nodded and began to munch down on more fish. An hour passed as Axel stood by the entrance to his cave. A sinister presence was in the air.
Axel: Something is going to happen. I can just feel it.
He walked back inside to find Tyla sleeping on some sheets. The sounds of murmuring could be heard as he turned to Gohei. He was waking up. The boy slowly looked and around, not realizing where he was. Axel sat by the fire as he came to his senses. Gohei suddenly stood and glared at Axel.
Gohei: Y-You…where am I?! How did Tyla and me get here?!
Axel: Well I…
Gohei: *angrily* If you've hurt her in any way…
Axel: Calm yourself. I rescued you and her from that army of soldiers. That is how you came to be here.
Gohei: *suddenly remembering* Tch. I could have taken care of it on my own.
Axel: I'm actually surprised you can stand after how much damage you took.
Gohei sat down and turned away from Axel, crossing his arms. Axel couldn't help but chuckle. The fire between them continued to blaze. Suddenly, the sound of Gohei's stomach growling could be heard. He tried to ignore it, but the rumbling kept repeating over and over again. Axel spoke.
Axel: I guess you're hungry. Why don't you have one of those fish?
Gohei: I-I'm not hungry. Back off.
Axel: Well then, suit yourself. They're here if you want any.
Axel took a fish from the fire and began to eat. Gohei peeked his eyes towards him and rubbed his stomach. He suddenly snatched a fish from the fire and began munching on it.
Gohei: Alright! I'll…*chewing*…have one stinky fish! But that's it mister!
Axel: Fine. I won't force you to eat anymore.
Gohei: *chewing and thinking* Jesus, this is the best thing I've eaten in weeks!
END