Zoalords
Chapter 26
Defense
The Ark
"What do you think it is, dad?"
Lord Imakarum Mirabilis was nervous. If it was only him he would not be worried, but if that thing got its hands on Kenji. . .
"Dad?"
"I think it's going to be dead very soon, Kenji. You don't need to worry about it."
The thing had already been aboard The Ark once, and Ali Bin Jamar was a powerful man. Kenji, while by no means helpless, had no real battle experience and was still a child, despite his body.
What the Hell is this Apollon, and what does he really want?
Archanfel had decided that both Kenji and Lord Barcus remain in close proximity to him. As The Supreme Zoalord and a Guyver, he could better protect the two most vulnerable Zoalords. But, while this was greatly appreciated by Imakarum, it hampered his ability to go hunt down this thing. He simply could not leave Kenji at a time like this, even knowing that he was under such protection. If Apollon came back to The Ark, Imakarum Mirabilis would be waiting.
Cloud Gate
Mikhail Czyvek lifted a 14th century scimitar from its display case. He was a collector. Blades and insects. An odd combination, to be sure. His insect collection was far larger, and much less expensive, but he treasured his entomological wonders as much as his weapons. Czyvek admired the crescent blade, turning it to catch the light. This blade was among his favorites. It was as clean and sharp as the day it had been forged. He rarely had time to indulge his hobbies, especially since becoming a Zoalord. In a time of Guyvers and Zoanoids, blades were increasingly becoming outdated.
It was odd, that a man who, in his heart, despised violence, enjoyed collecting weapons of war.
He replaced the scimitar as Lord Nguyen entered the display room. "I know little of their value, but Khan had several blades in his possession. Including a Khanda and a Pata."
The Khanda, a form of Indian broadsword, and the Pata, or 'gauntlet sword'. Czyvek had neither in his collection, though he considered both desirable pieces, especially a Pata. He hadn't had the time to acquire them.
"I imagine Khan had much of value." Czyvek remarked. "Without examining them I cannot put a price on them, if you are willing to sell."
"No, I have no need of them, or for money."
"You would make such a gift?"
"I shall send for them at once."
Czyvek smiled, "I would be most grateful. If they are too valuable, though, I may simply have them returned to India. I don't want to plunder important artifacts that belong to the Indian people."
"I hadn't thought of that." Nguyen admitted, "If that is the case, I can find you such weapons for legal sale."
"Again, I am most grateful."
"There have been sighting reported in Mexico of 'Chinese lanterns' in the skies." Nguyen shook his head, "I assume the plumed serpents will follow shortly. What do you think of them?"
"I don't know what to make of them. As long as they are doing no harm, they are welcome, at least in my eyes. We should make as many friends as we can."
Nguyen chuckled, "I agree. But, I'm surprised that you would say that, with your distrust of The Ouranos."
"I'm not Xenophobic. If they come in peace, I will gladly admit I was wrong and accept them. But, judging by their treatment of Lord Archanfel, Waferdanos and Earth itself I find it difficult to believe that they would have our best interests at heart."
"Eons have passed, perhaps they have evolved. Become more caring."
"I pray that you are right." Czyvek replied.
"Tran, what do you suppose Lord Barcus saw in Khan, so that he would entrust him with such power?"
The question caught Lord Nguyen off guard, not the least because Czyvek referred to Barcus as 'Lord'. He rarely displayed such deference toward the old man. In fact, he was often openly disrespectful. "I did not know the man, I cannot say. People change. Perhaps he was a good man, once. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. And time can wear upon a man as well. We have all been changed by our transformations." He laughed at his own choice of words, "Changed by our transformations . . ."
"Guyot intended treason from the very beginning. And I never liked Hayyan. He always seemed . . . Insincere to me."
"I wonder why Lord Barcus chose to give me Khan's Zoacrystal. He knows that I would never in my right mind use it, become a cannibal thing as Khan would have, had you not slain him."
Czyvek smiled thinly, "I assume that was why he chose you to hold such power. Your understandable disgust toward the idea of absorbing other people to gain greater power ensures that you won't misuse it."
"Barcus is mistaken." Both Zoalords turned to see Apollon standing in the room, admiring Czyvek's prized 12th century Glaive, "You can absorb any form of bio-mass, not simply Zoanoids. You creatures know so little of the true power you carry."
Czyvek immediately assumed his Zoaform.
"I hope you do not intend to fight as well, not only would it be futile," Apollon gestured, indicating the artifacts around him, "It would also destroy this fine collection of yours."
To be continued . . .