LES MUSICIENS DU MONDE

A CROSSOVER STORY

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Chapter 12

September 2013, Week One

Queens, NYC, NY, USA

[Astoria, Monday, 8:55 PM]

Mohammad and his wife, Dania, were alone in a friend's tea house. News of the orchestra in Quebec still under Lizavetta D'Arnot's protection reached them two weeks ago after he took care of them with his limited skills in combat from the civil war's days in the late 1970s. The Lebanese Civil War, for him, a religious/political slaughter that lasted until the early 90s. His were largely close quarters combat and disarming. But he remembered how to kill. Something he wished he never had to do again. As the memory of that first instance threatened to come back, his attention was brought back to reality by his wife's voice.

"Mohammad!"

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry dear. My mind was elsewhere."

"No doubt. I've received news. The orchestra who fled to Quebec are returning to New York tonight. The international members already contacted their families and such."

Mohammad silently nodded, "And they still wish to travel to Africa in the light of things?"

Dania was visibly upset by this, "How can you even think of the trip? We have just survived a skirmish and our orchestral members have just fought them off! What I'm worried about is this has brought back memories of—"

"I know exactly what may come back!"

Dania was taken aback by his tone. He quickly apologized and the two sipped their tea in silence before he spoke. When he spoke again, he explained why he still going forward with the trip. Now with urgency.

"Remember when we were young in Beirut, many of those we have met and encountered continued to fight even when the civil war ended?"

Dania nodded warily before he continued, "We can ask for aid for what's to come."

She shook her head. Mostly out of fear and frustration. Knowing this is not going to end. But also, there was a sense of resignation of knowing what is coming, she can do or say little to stop it. When she was younger, she promised her husband she would follow him to the ends of the earth. Young love at its finest. But now as a middle-aged woman, that love has matured. She would support her husband, but would also bring back to reality. This was one of those moments.

"You're a conductor now. You cannot go to war at your age. You barely held off those aliens need I remind you. You nearly died shooting them down across Queens. We were lucky no one knew who or what the fuck caused all of that," she cursed, but continued.

"Which let me stress, if anyone finds out, your career as a conductor, and director of our orchestra is finished. We'd be finished, and the lives of the young members you have protected and mentored all of these years, would be finished!"

"You don't know that!"
"I do! I was by your side during the early years of the civil war before fleeing with you! I was pregnant with Yasmin or did you forget!"

"I would never forget that! Never assume I have!"

Their discussion drew attention before they apologized to the customers inside. After things have settled down, the two returned to having a more civil discussion. Yes, he acknowledged her fear of death in a faraway land, and the livelihoods they both have carved for themselves and those who are in their care. Their daughter, their son, and the orchestra themselves. Then an idea came to him. Like a bolt of lightning and it renewed in him the sense of hope.

"There are people I know who can help us." But Dania was skeptical, "Who? Who can help us?"

Mohammad leaned forward to whisper the name of the man who not only continued to be a freedom fighter for the oppressed, but also the man who protected them while they made their escape from Lebanon in 1980. Dania was shocked by the revelation. Not only by the fact the man was still alive, but he was still fighting around the world for people revolting against unjust totalitarian regimes. Most recently with the uprisings across the Arab world where according to rumor, he was amassing followers to create a rebel force. But after the debacle that was the Libyan Revolution, he disappeared into the desert.

"But—are you sure he could help us when we venture into Africa?"

"Not only he can help us, but he would also protect us. And aid us in the fight to come."

Dania found this almost too much to bear. As she let this sink in, and seeing the fire in her husband's eyes, she is reminded of the young man she fell in love with, years ago. She felt her faith in him restored for the moment but would be watching out for anything that would threaten their livelihood, and their lives. She leaned forward to whisper into his ear, "I sincerely hope you are right about this. You've never led us astray. And you always had a goal in your line of sight."

He whispered back, "I promise you; I promise you there will be trials for us. The esoteric members of our orchestra have known this for their whole lives. The EVA pilots also know this and have carved lives of peace when at home. But the most important thing I can promise you is this."

He gently placed a kiss on her forehead and rested his forehead upon hers, "We will come out of this stronger, better, and finally at peace with what we've done and what we will do."

Dania held his hand, "We are getting on in years. We're not as young as we were."

"No, we're not. But we can lead the orchestra regardless. In the arts, music, and educating them on the important issues plaguing this world. But now, we can teach them how to fight alongside others. And not just rely on one another."

She nodded and the two gripped each other's hands tightly. Ensuring their vows to one another would remain strong. Even in the most trying of times. To death do they part. Then they resumed drinking their tea with the commotion inside going on normally. Not yet knowing what the country and the world would soon experience.

A little while later when they returned to their home, with their bags packed, their documents and passports ready as well, Mohammad went to his satellite phone. Dialing the number, he waited. He then got a response.

"مرحبا؟(Hello?)"

"مرحبا ،صديق قديم. (Hello, old friend.)"

"هل هذا أنت يا محمد ؟ (Is that you, Mohammad.)"

"نعم ، هو. إستمعْ ، أَحتاجُ مساعدتَكَ. في الواقع ، أوركسترا بلدي ، عائلتي ، وأنا بحاجة لمساعدتكم. (Yes, it is. Listen, I need your help. In fact, my orchestra, my family, and I need your help.)"

"أنا أستمع. (…I'm listening.)"

Hakone, Japan

[Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field, 1:25PM]

Shinji savored the light breeze blowing across the grass, caressing his skin as he drank water from a canteen. A few yards away was a horse given to him by the Takashiro Training Compound, his bags strapped on the horse's back. Along with a kyudo bow and a quiver of arrows. His sword however he wore at the hip. A habit he was instilled by Makoto and Emiko's training. He gripped the hilt as he looked around his surroundings, waiting for Koji to come. His armor for use was in his belongings. He hoped he wouldn't use it before venturing to Africa.

He made the decision to face the enemy who had sent the scouts attacking them two weeks ago. He picked up pieces of information while recovering in the Takashiro compound. It was in passing but did learn that Emiko would leave the compound, follow her grandfather's instructions and remain in the Greater Tokyo Area. What she disclosed was what he didn't pick up. He did ask Koji what is really going on, and cryptically he replied that it was above his station to disclose. Shinji didn't press the issue. Begrudgingly, he knew there was protocol within the Takashiro family. However, it was here about a base in the Sahara that resembled those that sprouted up across the world. He knew right then what he had to do. Even as fear built up in his heart.

And there was one final thing he had to do before venturing west was to face his family. He has by this point referred to them as his family as opposed to simply his adoptive family. Over the years, despite what has happened over the years; the GBCC, the Forever Knights, facing an esoteric threat that led to the WWAEI across Europe, Israel, and finally New York, and recently the Two Days of Darkness, they have been by his side. Even his older brother Haruki had participated in New York. But this time, he felt different. This was a war that he knew if not dealt with soon, would reach Japan in just a few months. So instead of a normal talk with them, he left them a letter. Handwritten, stating how despite not being their blood son, he loved them. And would protect them from the dangers that's arrived.

He hoped once he returns home, he would have that genuine talking to. They may disown him, for going into situations that have stressed them. Instead of Manabe, he would return to being 'Ikari', something he dreaded. He wanted to be far away from the name that unfortunately is associated with his father, Gendo. Even though the name was his mother's maiden name, Yui Ikari, the name has since been sullied by his father. He would have nights at any given time of the year where he would long to go back to his dimension and kill him. These thoughts would disturb him. He did not want to be that man. But he wondered sometimes, 'Am I truly—him?'

Looking around, he chose this place to meet Koji before departing from Japan, was because he figured out years ago, this is the site of Tokyo-03 from his former parallel world. Four years ago, he hiked the trail he once took to run away from NERV. Looking around the countryside, he felt at peace. He never liked the too urban landscape his world made this place into. And thankfully, there was no Lilith, no Geofront, or any hinting of NERV lurking in the shadows. Then he heard the galloping of a horse.

He turned around to see Kōji, ready to leave with supplies strapped to his horse, his shakujou staff hoisted on his waist (a retractable model for travel), a retractable naginata hoisted alongside the horse, along with his yumi bow with a quiver of arrows, and dressed surprisingly as one of the Sōhei, Buddhist warrior monks during the feudal period. Dressed in kimono-like robes, white and saffron-yellow were the colors he chose to ally with the Buddhist orders he works with, tabi socks, and straw sandals. In contrast, Shinji simply wore black khaki trousers with a white polo shirt and hiking boots.

Shinji smiled and walked towards Koji, "準備ができているようです。このことについて、拓也と良さんに言わないと嫌な気分になります。しかし、彼らがあるように、私はそれらがから家にもどって来ないかもしれない何かの近くでそれらがほしいと思わないことを意味しなさい。(Looks like we're ready. I sort of feel bad for not telling Takuya and Ryo about this. But as well-meaning as they are, I don't want them near something they may not come back home from.)"

Kōji smiled, "私はそれらが理解することをことを確かめる。しかし、頭が熱い若い男性では、決して知らないことはありません。 (I'm sure they understand. But with hot-headed young men, you never know.)"

"どのような意味ですか？ (What do you mean?)," Shinji asked, now incredulous of his friend's statement.

Shinji then heard their voices, yelling excitedly as they ran towards them. Both carried camping gear with their belongings inside the packs, and tents rolled up. He turned to Kōji, wanting an explanation, but he smiled and said nothing. Shinji turned to face the two young men running towards them. Takuya dressed in a black sleeveless gi with the image of a tiger stitched on the back, white trousers, and sneakers. And Ryo wore a simple white and blue kimono and straw sandals, that made him look more like a rōnin.

"ここで何をしているのですか？ (What are you doing here?)" Shinji asked with a serious tone, and his arms crossed across his chest.

"あなたも。が見えてよかったです (Nice to see you too.)," Takuya retorted before smiling again, "これを渡す方法がないので、ここにいます。皆さんの話を聞きました。(We're here because there's no way we can pass this up! And we overheard you and Koji talking.)"

Shinji glanced up at Kōji before returning his gaze on the two before him. Takuya continued, "どちらも私たちが必要です。確かに、皆さんはアメリカで大規模な攻撃を開始し、数週間前にアオキガハラで大規模な攻撃を開始しました。しかし、私の友人と私は、皆さんが持っていないことに対処してくれました。 (Both of you need us. Sure, you guys kicked major ass in America and a few weeks ago in Aokigahara. But my friend and I here have dealt with things you guys haven't.)"

Ryo nodded and he spoke up, "面白いですね。ここの拓也と、日本、韓国、中国でも同様の脅威に直面しています。邪悪な霊、魔法の戦士、そしてファッキング・オーニもいます。ですから、戦いに入るのは、それほどのことではありません。 (It's funny—Takuya here and I have faced similar threats here in Japan, South Korea, even China. Evil spirits, magical warriors, even the fucking oni. So going into battle isn't that much of a stretch.)"

Shinji wanted nothing more to send them back home. They were brave, no doubt. But even with all of this, he was half-expecting a new development to emerge. He wanted answers.

"他に誰に伝えましたか？ (Who else did you tell?)"

Takuya and Ryo feigned innocence, "何ですか？ (Uh, what?)"

"質問をごまかしにしないでください。これについて他に誰に説明しましたか？ (Don't try to dodge the question! Who else did you mention this to?)"

Takuya and Ryo stepped backward to shield them from Shinji's frustration. But as he was about to press the issue, two shuriken stars landed near his feet. Shinji leapt back, about to draw his sword, but then felt a blade at his throat. Koji then retracted his staff to then stop another person from leaping over him. But the sight of a young man levitating above his shakujou and landing on the ground had him take notice.

Shinji then felt the blade slowly come off his neck and heard the footsteps of the person walking to join the others. He turned around to find two shinobi standing alongside Takuya and Ryo. One male and one female, and their brown outfits matched the color of the grassland. Indicating they may have been here the entire time and Shinji never knew.

'I could have been killed before Koji arrived!'

The two then removed their brown face coverings to reveal their faces. They were about the same age as Takuya and Ryo. The young man had a handsome face but showed a serious expression towards him and Koji. And a beautiful young woman, also shared the same expression as her brother. Shinji was putting the pieces together, the group he now must lead have more than enough experience to tackle the task ahead. Now it was up to him to utilize their skills when combat does occur.

Then the male shinobi spoke, "ここではあなたがリーダーであると仮定します。幸運なことに、あなたの一番の人は常に監視していました。それ以外の場合は、死んでしまいます。(I assume you're the leader here. You're lucky your priest was keeping watch. Otherwise, you'd be dead.)"

"それを実現しました。 (I had realized that.)"

"そうか (Oh?)"

"銃やナイフで簡単に手に入れられます首里賢と剣はまだ私にとって新しいものです。 (Just with guns and knives. Shuriken and swords are still new to me.)"

The male shinobi examined Shinji closely. Then Takuya quickly stood beside him, "これは倉刈秀夫です。これは彼の姉妹である倉刈水樹です。彼らは新保であり、道を出ることなく、どのように動き、悪い人をスコープアウトし、蹴り出し、そして去るか知っている! (This is Hideo Kuragari. And this is his sister, Mizuki Kuragari. They're shinobi and they know how move in, scope out the bad guys, kick ass, and leave without leaving a trail!)"

Takuya introduced them enthusiastically and the female kunoichi, Mizuki stepped forward to examine Shinji closely. Eyeing him up and down. She looked unimpressed. Shinji knows that look. It was the look Asuka once gave him when they first met. She stepped back and looked to Takuya and Ryo, "トゥーマとレンも手に入れる必要があります (We need to get Touma and Ren too.)"

"あと2 つですか？見てください！私たちは西に向かっている必要があります(Two more? Look! We need to head west and—)"

"そして、グローバルな脅威に対抗します。私たちは、馬鹿なことを知っています。しかし、ここでのあなたやあなたの先人とは異なり、私たちは危険な状況で経験を積んでいます。 (And combat a global threat. We know, idiot. But unlike you and your priest here, we have experience in dangerous situations.)"

Shinji felt insulted and for a moment lost his temper, "私を愛護してはいけません！あなたのすべての人と同じくらい熟練しているので、中国以外を旅行したことはありません。私のリードをフォローしているか、そうではないかのどちらかです。選択してください。 (Don't patronize me! As skilled as all of you are, none of you have traveled anywhere outside of China! Either you follow my lead, or not! Your choice!)"

Shinji turned to then mount his horse, "國崎さん、門を開けてください。 (Mr. Kunizaki, open the gate.)"

Kōji smiled, "はい(Yes, sir.)"

He raised his staff and pointed it to the ground ahead of them. Chanting holy sutras in requesting power from the kami, he was able to raise the Door to Anywhere. It rose from the ground and this one had kanji written along the stone arch with carvings of various kami on the doors. Koji then turned to the group.

"ミヅキさんは、あと2 つ取得すると言っています。私たちはそれらを手に入れますが、もしそうであれば、私たち全員がここに統合されます。1 つのグループが、共通の敵と戦うために他のグループに参加します。ここで友人のリードをフォローしたくない場合は、グループではありません。皆さんは九州の桜の森本部の現在の兄弟に報告することになります。そこで、日本を脅威から守るためのトレーニングをします。しかし、世界の主要な戦いに参加することはできません。 (Mizuki, you said you have two more to retrieve. We'll go get them, but if we do, then we are all united here. One group to join others to fight a common enemy. If you refuse to follow my friend's lead here, then we are no group. All of you are to report to the current Brotherhood of the Sakura Forest headquarters in Kyushu. There, you are to train in defending Japan from incoming threats. But you will not participate in the main battle across the world.)"

Takuya was about to voice his anger, but Kōji stopped him, "しかし、皆さん全員が当社に参加したいと思っているなら、これまでにない方法でテストされることをお約束します。最終的には、より強力になります。何と言いますか？ (But—if you all want to join us, I promise you—you will be tested in ways you have not been before. And in the end, you will be stronger for it. What do you say?)"

Takuya and Ryo needed no further encouragement. Finding bigger and better challengers is what they have trained for. Hideo had to admit this was an enticing prospect. So did his sister Mizuki. Shinji looked to Kōji and silently mouthed, 'Thank you'. Kōji nodded to his friend.

Kunlun Mountains, Qinghai Province, China

[12:38 PM]

In the same region as Site B for Plumber Division 20, forty miles south is a temple where in the past few weeks, Shaolin monks joined with other warrior monks across the country in order to prepare for war. The temple itself is constructed to reflect the various cultures that have passed through in the past and what came with trade from the Silk Road. There was Chinese, Indian, Mongol, and local Tibetan influences across the temple. Its main materials were wood, clay, and stone. Built on one of the hills it overlooks the town below and the mountains nearby offer space for advanced training utilizing esoteric energy that are learned and perfected.

With the locals moving goods and supplies in and out of the temple, three foreigners were sitting on one of the steps finishing their lunch. Taking a break from helping everyone out. Also, the three have supplies of their own, to get a move on when the two Japanese have told the Black American, friends of theirs are coming.

"どのような友人と話していますか？ (What friends are you talking about?)" the Black American man asked in Japanese as he ate one of the big pork dumplings.

"どこからでもアクセスできます。数日前に、彼らが西に向かっているという言葉を受け取りました。どこにいても、彼らは言いませんでした。 (From back home. We have received word a few days ago they'll be heading west. To where, they didn't say.)" The first Japanese young man said, dressed in functional but elegant robes colored red and white with boots on. His long straight black hair blowing softly the breeze.

"どこに行ってもかまいません。私たちが戦う人は誰でも、勝つことができます。 (It doesn't matter where we go! Whoever we fight, we'll win!)" The other Japanese young man said. With short black hair, spiked with wax. Unlike his friend, he wore blue jeans, a black t-shirt with the Iron Maiden logo, and Converse sneakers.

"トゥーマは、敵を知らないときに戦いに突入することはできないことを知っています。 (Touma, you know we can't just rush into a fight when we don't know the enemy.)," his friend calmly pointed out the reality of what's to come.

"ああ、レンに来てください！どんな課題に直面しても、たくさんのことがあっても、常に一番上に出る方法を見つけることができました。 (Ah, come on Ren! You got to admit that no matter what challenge we've faced, and there were plenty, we always find a way to come out on top!)" Touma enthusiastically reminded Ren of their shared past.

The Black American smiled, "まるで楽しいグループのようです。あとは楽しいチャレンジになるかもしれません。(Sounds like a fun group! Might get a fun challenge after all!)"

The two Japanese young men smiled and Touma chuckled. Ren does acknowledge their new friend present. Someone they have met four years ago when coming here to train and encourage each other to become better. Meeting the American, whose name was George Hamilton, aka The Leopard as named by the monks. He wore black and red robes with boots and wore prayer beads around his neck. Like the two young men, he didn't shave his head, but sported an afro that was trimmed.

Then the three heard and felt a rumble and can see a stone arch forming out of the ground. Then the doors opened and out came for Touma and Ren, their best friends and allies. Touma was the first to rush for Takuya and Hideo. And quickly took the chance to flirt with Mizuki. Ren walked over and greeted them as well. George stood up to see who came through the door. As nice it was to see the friendship exhibited by the Japanese, his focus however, was on the two other Japanese on horseback. He can tell those two oversaw this trip west.

'This is going to be fun,' He thought and picked up his iron staff, carved with the imagery of Tibetan folk spirits, the thunder and earth spirits.

Navajo Nation, NM, USA

[Wednesday, 6:21 PM]

Wes Green was home eating lunch with his granddaughter, Kai. Both were eating a plate of black beans, roasted corn, kneeldown bread, and leftover deer from a previous hunt. He hears the beeping of his badge, to which he pressed it to turn it off. Kai noticed, "That's the fifth time, grandpa."

"I know dear, I know," he replied as he continued eating. When he was done, he finished his glass of milk. He wiped his mouth and took his plates to the kitchen to wash up.

Kai finished just moments later and helped him with the washing. Once done, the two headed down to the basement. He turned on the light and on the walls were weapons. Plumber, and Native American. On the wall was also a sword Kai found while on an expedition in the British Isles with her grandfather. At first, she believed it was the fabled Excalibur of the legendary King Arthur. But that later proved to be false. But a surprisingly well-preserved sword from the early 10th century when the Vikings conducted their raids from Scandinavia, Western Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and as far east as the Levantine Region. On the blade were runes, and when she took it one time to a shaman in her town, the elder remarked the blade still had power within it.

Wes took the sword from the wall and sheathed it within a new scabbard. He handed the blade to Kai, "A weapon is useless on the wall. You recovered it, it's yours."

Kai blinked in surprise but accepted the sheathed weapon from her grandpa, "But—but where would you want me to go? Bellwood?"

He nodded a no, "We're not ready to take on Vilgax or his army. And the esoterics are just barely amassing their forces to take on Vilgax's own across the world. Right now, that's what I want you to do."

Kai nodded, now acknowledging what he wanted her to do, "Where to start?"

"I want you to start with the Apaches and Comanches, then once the talks start and no doubt their esoterics are already ready for war, send envoys to Mexico. A Mesoamerican alliance should thwart any advance to the west and south."

"But why just focus only on the western half or anywhere south? Shouldn't we try to ally everyone in the country against Vilgax?"

Wes knew he had to share as much as he knew and experienced to his only granddaughter. It was a shame it had to be through war. He breathed in and out to ready himself, "There are things I will share with you. And this may change your view of me. But due to the current state of things—well, here we go."

Over the next hour or so, Wes shared his Plumber experience to Kai. Mostly involving the operations where Plumbers interacted with magi and mystics from the mid-1960s to the late 1980s, the height of the Cold War. And the reasons for why the Two Days of Darkness really happened. Once he linked all of that together, with why he wanted Kai to focus on being his envoy to the Apaches, the Comanches, and the remaining tribes in Mexico, it all became clear to her. Wes wanted Kai to be his eyes and ears on Plumber activity in the old frontier where the west still holds esoteric bubble communities where cowboys, bandits, Native Americans, and everyone mentioned in old tales. But also, to warn him of hidden esoteric fauna that still lurk in the empty spaces.

After it was over, she was silent. She slowly digested the information he gave her and didn't meet his gaze for some time. Once she was ready, she sat up and met his gaze again. She silently nodded and Wes reached over to hold her hands, "I know you can do this."

"But—But the tales still exist. And if those who still live in the bubbles can help, then that would mean—they exist as well."

"That's why you need to head for the other nations as well. So those creatures do not interfere in our efforts to repel Vilgax. Or endanger our allies in the fight. Remember, cryptids, or esoteric fauna, do not operate under our idea of morality. They do not discriminate."

Kai nodded and her grandfather continued, "Remember what I have shared. It will help you. Now, get your things ready. Head out tomorrow before dawn."

"And where will you go?"

"I'm going to the Mount Rushmore Base in South Dakota. Getting things, we need and prepare for some old friends to arrive."

"Understood."

Kai stood up and went back upstairs, taking the sword with her. Wes was left alone, and he headed for a floor hatch. He unlocked it and took out a crate. The crate contained a key lock and once he put the passcode, it opened. He took out his old Plumber uniform and the weapons. At the bottom of the crate was his most valuable possession, his staff. Carved on the wood were animals often depicted on a totem pole.

San Francisco, CA, USA

[Chinatown, 8:34 PM]

In the apartment he's managed to keep even as the rent rates around Chinatown have skyrocketed over the years, and seeing his neighbors moving away, his badge was beeping on his bedside table. He walked in barefooted and shirtless, while wearing sweats after doing some training in the living room. He was a Human/Gallsarian hybrid. He picked up his Rolex watch, the Plumber's badge in disguise and pressed it to display the holographic message from Fann, "Officer Amon Cromartie, have you prepared to come to Site-B?"

"Affirmative, ma'am."

Fann's holographic image nodded, "Transport vehicle, Model 0921 is ready for use."

"Affirmative. Heading out."

As he closed the door behind him, one of the neighbors greeted him, "Sherman! Where are you headed today?"

Amon Cromartie puts on a pleasant expression out of politeness before responding, "I'll be heading to China for business. I will return in approximately four to five months."

The neighbor nodded, "Have a safe trip. And be careful out there. Many things are popping up lately. Magi, mystics, demons, cryptids—it's like something has been opened."

Amon nodded in agreement, "Indeed. I will be careful. I will return."

Shortly after, he got to his car and drove off. He took the 80 East, then the 580 North, and the 80 again, then after some time, took the interchange on the 12 East. After an hour or so, he eventually arrived at the Travis Air Force Base. Like many bases in the country, there are hangars specifically for Plumber personnel. At the gate he showed his badge to the gate warden and was allowed in. He drove his car for the hanger that had the Plumber symbol on top. The hangar opened and there was the issued aircraft. It was triangular with two wings, colored white and green. It contained the Plumber symbol as well as the sign that said Division 20.

Once inside the aircraft he changed into his Plumber issued suit and turned on the aircraft. After conducting the required checks, he moved the aircraft out of the hangar. Lining it up on the runway, he fired up the hovering technology and accelerated upward with ion powered jets. Upward he went to the correct altitude and finally, he was heading west for China.

Quebec, Canada

[Le Verendrye Wildlife Preserve, 11:34 PM]

Amidst the trees, there was a trading town that resembled the frontier towns that helped shaped the province and country as it is today. Here, it is headed by Lizavetta D'Arnot, part of her trading network between towns like this, and the esoteric bubbles that dot the land. Each one representing a time period in the country's history. Tonight, however was different. After successfully thwarting off an alien skirmish, the townspeople were preparing for what is to come. A war. Many of them were preparing trenches, establishing cabins for housing, medical services, kitchens, dining halls, and supplies stores. Most of it done during the day and Lizavetta established a night's watch to guard the town should another skirmish occur when many were asleep.

Above the trees, amidst the dark starlit sky with the moon darkened, Danny was patrolling the town and the surrounding forest. He and his friends decided to hole up here with Lizavetta's permission. In addition, they gathered their families here for their safety. Including Wilfredo's sister Elizabeth, her husband John, and her daughter Sonia. Danny stopped flying and surveyed the land and sky. He radioed Sam, "Nothing to report here. Over."

"Copy that. Return to the cabin and let's get some sleep."

"Roger."

Danny then flew down to the ground and walked the dirt path towards the town. The trees blocked out the light above with only the light from town ahead illuminating his sight. He didn't transform back into his human form. Out of habit, he was on guard should he be ambushed. And his heightened senses didn't steer him wrong. He stopped and turned around to face a hidden entity, "Show yourself!"

"Good to know you haven't grown soft over the years." A voice called out and before him appeared Skulker.

Danny was about to attack, but his old foe raised up his mechanical hands, "I come in peace. I have come to warn you of something."

"Yeah? And what would that be?"

"There are enemies you haven't faced observing you and your allies. The aliens you have fought will be used as smoke and mirrors."

Danny relaxed somewhat, but listened to Skulker's words, "Go on."

And he did, "We, meaning myself and your old foes in the Ghost Zone will aid you in pushing back the alien threat. Should they conquer your plane, then that will disrupt the balance between our kind, yours, and your betters, the esoterics."

Danny's face turned serious. But said nothing and allowed Skulker to continue, "There are women who will come for you. You have already met them."

"I don't remember."

"No surprise. They hide in the shadows and only come out at night. They can manipulate my kind. And pass on messages through us. Even the likes of the Fright Knight."

This chilled Danny's blood. Remembering faintly that night years ago when the ghostly knight on horseback delivered a message for him. He looked around the dark woods and returned to face Skulker, "Why are you helping me?"

"I will not let others stand in my way of having your hide. Should you die, it would be by my hands. So, consider this a truce. And with said truce, you have my word your old enemies and I will aid you in in this war. Understood?"

Danny listened and considering their shared history, he nodded. Knowing it was better to have assistance from old enemies than to accept the hand from strangers who can manipulate ghosts. And from his time with Wilfredo helping, it would be helpful in alerting him as soon as he can about something coming. Something dark.

Skulker then vanished in a portal of green light. Returning to the ghostly realm. Danny returned to town. He transformed back into his human form and headed for the cabin he shared with Sam. He found her in a purple negligee. Her hair undone, flowing down to her elbow. The sight was a pleasure, but not so much what she was doing. Burning sage and using an eagle feather to disperse the smoke around the living room and judging by the smell, she dispersed it all around the cabin. His ghostly energy crackled slightly. But thankfully it wasn't towards him. But to dark entities that may enter.

Sam turned around and sets down the sage. She hugged and kissed him in greeting. Danny then relayed what Skulker shared with him. To his surprise, Sam shared something similar. Women she saw in the dark trees just outside of town. But never going past the town boundary. She brought this to D'Arnot's attention. Due to runes carved along the town's boundary, they will not enter. He relaxed, but not completely. Aliens were already bad enough.

Extremadura Region, Spain

[Sierra de Gata Mountains, Tuesday, 4:45 AM]

Wilfredo woke up in his tent got up. He changed into clothes issued by the men in charge of the camp. A linen shirt, linen underpants, breeches, and boots. This was the medieval equivalent of standard clothes for new recruits, slightly updated for the times. Before earning a suit of armor, the recruits Wilfredo came with must go through basic training. After rinsing his face, brushing/flossing his teeth, and a quick restroom trip, he rushed to meet the other men already awake.

The trip to Spain first landed him in Sintra, Portugal. Then he and others used the Door to Anywhere to then walk to the Extremadura region. The landscape they traveled to was low mountains with valleys. The first day arriving here was for rest and getting things set up. To his surprise, he was assigned a tent where there was a cot, a pitcher for washing his face, a trunk for his belongings. What he took with him were his family axes, clothes, books should he find time to read, and a journal to write down what's to follow in the coming months. Posterity, he thought.

With the other men, he looked around and can see many as young as sixteen to those already entering their late middle age and entering their twilight years. But he knew better. Those older men happen to be mystics as well and were more than capable for training and battle. The younger men were mystics as well. He felt at ease, then he saw men in suits of chainmail and armor coming. He and the rest stood at attention.

"¡Hombres! ¡Muchachos! ¡Estamos aquí por una cosa! ¡Para prepararnos para el combate! Ahora sé que muchos de vosotros no habéis tenido la experiencia de extraer sangre. (Men! Boys! We are here for one thing! To prepare for combat! Now I know many of you have not had the experience in drawing blood.)," the leader said this regarding the teenagers.

"Y muchos de vosotros habéis visto demasiados veranos e inviernos. (And many of you have seen too many summers and winters.)," this was referred to the older men.

"Además, algunos de vosotros ya habéis extraído sangre o habéis visto combate en sus vidas. (In addition, some of you may have already drawn blood or have seen combat in your lives.)" This was meant for people like him. And at this, he felt the man's gaze upon him.

The man continued, "Pero nuestros pasados ya no se aplican aquí. Estamos aquí, porque hemos respondido a la llamada. Proteger a este mundo y a sus habitantes de un conquistador. Este conquistador que no tiene amor por las vidas inocentes, ni concede misericordia por los caídos. Todos seremos esclavos de él si caemos. ¡Pero no lo haremos! (But our pasts no longer apply here. We are here, because we have answered the call. To protect this world and its inhabitants from a conqueror. This conqueror who has no love for the innocent lives, nor does he grant mercy for the fallen. We will all be slaves to him should we fall. But we will not!)"

The men in the ranks allowed the words to sink into what's already common knowledge. But this was sent out when the lamps across the old and new worlds and for many here who answered the call, the decision was a no brainer. Send the conqueror back to the stars. And the man concluded his speech with this.

"¡Entrenaremos! ¡Nos enfrentaremos a estos enemigos en batalla! ¡Haremos retroceder la marea! ¡Vosotros conoceréis la ira mística como fue establecida por nuestros antepasados! ¿Estás listo para enfrentar el desafío que se avecina? (We will train! We will meet these foes in battle! We shall push back the tide! They will know mystical wrath as set down by our forefathers! Are you ready to meet the challenge ahead?)"

The men, Wilfredo included stood in attention and shouted, "¡Sí señor! (Yes sir!)"

Then the men were divided into groups, assigned specific training depending on their skill levels. Wilfredo was eventually assigned with sword and shield training since he had a foundation in martial arts already. But this was different from what he was used to. It was going to involve restructuring his foundation in order to refine his skills and learn new ones. First off, there were stretches followed by a warm-up run in the countryside. All of this before the sun rose.

FOUR DAYS LATER

Kigali, Rwanda

[Friday, 12:34 PM]

Asuka, Alberto, Gilberto, Zane, Cecilia, Juliette, Eda, Edmond, Christine, Jang, Lionel, Bernhard, Ahmed, and Zach were waiting for the vans to take them to Goma. A three-hour journey on the RN4 to the Democratic Republic of Congo, or simply the DRC. They know this is by far the most challenging thing they have undertaken. Not only to blog and vlog their trip into Africa from the Congo to the Sahara, but now effectively finding men and women who would help them form an army big enough and powerful enough to aid the esoteric effort against Vilgax. But among them, only Mohammad would have an idea on what that means. Asuka as a former child soldier who followed orders understood this and made a point to follow his directions to the letter. It was a shame Shinji, Fatma, and Dante are not with them and would join them once they are further north. Even Delilah would not accompany them right away but will join the effort once they make their way to Egypt. Her reasons were vague at best.

Currently they were having lunch in a local diner serving local food. Being there, they were the topic of casual gossip. But they were largely left alone, and the atmosphere was normal. The LMM members were quietly eating and having their own conversations to pass the time. The American and international members took over several tables and their bags were all around them. The main difference this time was their lack of instruments. This was a first for them. As they were finishing up, they saw Mohammad and Dania entering the restaurant. The members waved, "Here to join us," Ahmed asked as he drank water.

"Unfortunately, no. It's time for us to go. Finish up all of you and grab your things. It's a three-hour drive to Goma."

Mohammad told them and after finishing up, they grabbed their things and headed out. Once outside, they saw three vans waiting for them. The third van was for their belongings. They loaded it up and the members got into the two remaining vans. And off they went on the RN4. The trip would take them along winding roads in the countryside. The country, they knew, not to long ago, underwent its own genocide. This bit of history they knew, but the countryside and people they briefly got to interact with was what enchanted them. Perhaps one day they would perform a concert here. If they manage to succeed in the upcoming conflict.

Eda took pictures along the way with her Leica camera. Zach was filming along the way and Zane helped him, b-roll to upload once they have a decent internet connection. Everyone else was silent and just stared outside the windows, looking at the scenery. The green pastures and the blue skies with white clouds that floated by imbued a false sense of peace. That nothing bad was happening in the world. All the uprisings, revolutions, wars, protests, austerity measures, inept officials, and the general sense of a world falling apart felt far away. They could just stop here and spend the rest of the time waiting out the end. However, their sense of justice to fight against an oppressor remained strong. It would not let them sit on the sidelines, safe and free from the violence.

Three hours passed by quickly and soon, they were near the border check point with the DRC. And ahead was the city of Goma. The streets were rough. Dried lava was around and to further drive the point home, the active volcano, Mt. Nyiragongo was a smoking mount. But they kept moving, heading for Goma International Airport. Roads were out of the question until they got to their destination. Nothing was remotely safe outside of the city with the ever-present rebel groups vying for territory. Once they were at the airport, they began to move their things with the help of the airport crew to the plane. A private jet arranged by Mohammad's mysterious friend. When asked who this friend was, Dania simply replied with, "Someone who saved us."

Ahmed had an idea what that meant but kept quiet. So as their luggage was packed up, the orchestral members boarded the jet. Mohammad then made one last call on his satellite phone. Quickly, his friend answered, "هلأنتقريب؟ (Are you close?)"

"نحنفيغوماالدولية. سنصلبعدقليل. (We're in Goma International. We'll arrive shortly.)"

"ممتازالطياريعرفبالفعلالإحداثيات. كلشيءسيتمتفسيرهبمجردوصولك. (Excellent. The pilot already knows the coordinates. Everything will be explained once you arrive.)"

"حسناجدا. أراكقريبا،صديققديم. (Very well. See you soon, old friend.)"

"وبالمثل. الطيرانالآمن. (Likewise. Safe flying.)"

Mohammad hung up the phone and took one last look around before boarding. Shortly after everyone buckled up and given the standard safety checks, the plane made its way to the runway. Once the skies were cleared, the plane began to move and once it picked up enough speed, it had liftoff. Up and up, before heading northeast. LMM is now separated by thousands of miles, alongside the magi and mystics they have met up to this point. Thus, the important players for the upcoming conflict are where they needed to be.

To be continued…

Edit (April 30, 2022): I confused the mountain range Sierra Morena in Spain with the Extremadura Region. That was located in Andalusia. So I corrected the error with mountains that are located in Extremadura. If anyone caught that, I apologize. Thank you for understanding.