Zoalords

Chapter 29

Information

Cloud Gate

"I'm sorry, but Lord Czyvek has been injured and is unable to speak to anyone."

Professor Hassan was troubled by that, considering the recent battle at The Dead Sea. Lord Czyvek was an intelligent and likeable man, despite his reputation. "I'm sorry to hear that, Mr. Uh-Ishi?" He was unsure what to call the strange-looking young man he was speaking to over the world-net.

"Thank you. And it's just Ishi."

"Is he badly injured?"

"No, he should recover quickly."

"I am glad to hear it. Give him my regards, when you are able." Professor Hassan shook his head, "Lord Czyvek was most interested in this information. When he is able, tell him that my team and I have translated a great deal of text in regard to The Eye motif in Nephren-Ka's tomb. Is it acceptable to send you the information to give to him when he recovers?"

"Of course. Just send it directly here."

"I am sorry to hear about Lord Czyvek."

"Thank you, Professor."

Lord Mikhail Czyvek was resting in a healing tank, his antennae regenerating. Lord Nguyen had suffered only mild shock and was already recovered, though shaken. He had resumed his normal form by shunting off the extra mass, something that sounded rather painful in Tetsuro's opinion. Because of the threat of Guyot, and for emotional reasons, Mizuki and Tetsuro had joined Sho at Cloud Gate. Of course, with Czyvek incapacitated, things had changed. Lord Caerleon had been assigned to protect his fellow Zoalords until Czyvek could resume his duties. Czyvek had claimed Caerleon as a friend, but was he friend to Sho?

Sho looked Zoalord Edward Caerleon over. He looked like the stereotypical Knight in Shining Armor. Incredibly handsome with a dignified bearing, flowing blue armor and long blonde hair. "Fukamachi Sho." He extended his hand and shook Sho's, "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am afraid that we will have little time together, however. My duties will take up most of my time."

"I understand." Sho offered, "Caerleon. Is that Italian?"

"Welsh, actually." He paused, "May I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Why, exactly, are you fighting beside CHRONOS? You have every reason to hate us."

Sho shrugged, "CHRONOS is an organization of individuals, for every Khan there is a Purgstall. I know that there is some good in CHRONOS. I know nothing of Apollon and his masters."

"The Devil you know, eh?"

"Exactly."

Elsewhere

"You have failed us, Apollon."

"I was not defeated. I was delayed and unable to conclude -"

"You were defeated!"

"You allowed yourself to be distracted."

"Do not do it again."

Later

"Apollon overreaches himself."

"He grows disrespectful of us."

"Could he rebel?"

"He has served us well. He made an error. Nothing more."

"Are you so certain?"

"I feel he is loyal."

"Time will judge."

The Ark

Apollon has made his first mistake. He underestimated Lord Nguyen's powers. Barcus stroked his long beard.

Do not be so hasty, my friend.Do not be so hasty my friend, Lord Archanfel replied,It is still too early to tell. Apollon is not Aptom, and Nguyen is not yet as powerful as Khan.

Tokyo

Apollon felt an odd tingling sensation within his body, slight, involuntary muscular movements. Nguyen had pierced his armor with his own flesh. Was is it possible? Gastal . . . No, he was too powerful to be infected by a parasitic creature.

"Apollon."

He turned swiftly to see a tall, blonde man with a scarred face. In the center of his forehead was a tell-tale, gem-shaped scar.

"Richard Guyot." The fallen Zoalord possessed no Zoacrystal and was of little interest to Apollon or his masters, "So you have slithered out from under the stones, I see."

Guyot ignored the insult, "The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend. I can be of aid to you, as can Makishima."

"You seek power and vengeance. I seek to please my masters."

"What do your masters seek?"

"You are the first to ask me that question. This world is a weapons factory, The Ouranos created Archanfel to create twelve Zoalords and lead an army of Zoanoids into battle on their behalf. We seek the weapons, the Zoanoids, but the twelve chosen Zoalords, with the exception of Waferdanos and de Galenos, are all unsuitable."

"And your masters seek to create their own Council of Twelve."

"Precisely. War is not coming, Guyot. It is here. And we intend to emerge victorious."

To be continued . . .

Notes:

Technically it would be Mr. Daigoro, or Daigoro-Sama. Ishimaru is his surname, Daigoro is his family name.