LES MUSICIENS DU MONDE
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
A CROSSOVER STORY
Chapter Thirteen
September 2013, Week Two
Houston, TX, USA
[Greater Third Ward, Monday, 12:23 PM]
Ben was finishing his lunch atop the hood of his car, his green and black DX Mark, a supped-up Mazda RX-8, just outside a Popeye's Fried Chicken near the Interstate 45. He would occasionally hear tanks going through the city and helicopters that range from Apaches, Chinooks, and V-22 Ospreys. Bellwood was just to the east and he's just miles from the barricade set up by the US military and by Vilgaxian forces. Now they are on standby with no orders to fight. Human and alien soldiers staring each other down, ready to unleash hell when given the command. Local and national news organizations are becoming a daily sight, reporting with US military personnel but were ordered to not go near the alien forces. He knew at any moment things will implode and the streets would flow with blood.
He then threw his trash and as he walked back to his car, he sees several soldiers from the US military walking in the fast-food restaurant. Ben waved but the soldiers looked at him with a stern look before entering, "Jesus, that's cold."
Ben got into his car and started up the engine. As soon as he was about to pull out, he heard and was surprised by a knocking on the window. He sees Colonel Rozum from the US Air Force. He lowered his window and killed the engine, "Rozum, it's been a few years."
"It has. Please step out, we need to talk." Ben got out of the car and closed the door.
He crossed his arms and looked at the colonel, "No offense, but your guys in Popeye's aren't keen on me near the military right now."
Rozum chuckled and crossed his arms, "Those aren't my men, they're the Marines. A little high on themselves. But they've earned it. Much like yourself when fighting aliens."
"Okay, enough stroking my ego. What's going on? What do you want to talk about?"
Rozum handed Ben an envelope, "Report here at 14:00 hours. That's all I am permitted to disclose."
Ben found this odd, "What, you're a messenger boy now?"
"For these people, I might as well be."
The bearer of the Omnitrix blinked and he put two and two together and realized who Rozum was referring. He silently nodded to the colonel and the colonel nodded in return. Rozum walked away and Ben can see him entering an armored vehicle and headed off. Ben looked on and then on the envelope in his hand. He opened it and read its content. Now he understood, and why Rozum was acting as messenger. A grin formed on his face.
"So, we're not acting like are backs are against the wall. I can dig this," he snickered, "Hell yeah."
After waiting and walking around Houston for two more hours, her arrived at the city's eastern boundary. The sight ahead of him never gets old. It was a common sight from his old travels across the galaxy. A conqueror or a dictator looking to stake a claim on land that belonged to people who wanted to live their lives freely. Bellwood was just ahead, down a low hill and the line between Vilgaxian forces, a barricade built by human and alien hands, and aircraft flying overhead. Human and alien. He saw the insignias of the US and of Chimera Sui Generis on the aircraft, and on the flags on both sides of the fence. He parked his car and headed for one of the recently installed tactical operations centers. He walked past soldiers and approached the door, which was guarded by a Marine.
"State your business."
"I'm Ben Tennyson of the Plumbers. I was given an invitation given to me by Colonel Rozum of the Air Force."
The Marine looked at the letter in Ben's possession. He gave a discerning look on Ben and allowed him entry, "Come in."
"Thanks." Ben then sees inside five personnel from the Marines, and five male magi. Both groups were dressed in traditional military uniforms, adorned in medals given to them for their services to their country, and to the lords they served.
Ben was relaxed despite where he was and who he was in front of, "Hi everyone."
"Hello yourself. It's a first for us to be in the same space as yourself," one Marine spoke to break the ice, "It's sad it would have to be like this."
Ben however waved it off, "Oh this is standard. I don't get out of bed unless the world is at stake," he jokingly said, which earned him few chuckles from the Marines. Even the magi chuckled at the young man's spirit.
"Brave, fool-hardy, ambitious, arrogant, disregard for the rules, but guided by a moral code all your own," one of the magi approached him, and smiled, "You know what that rewards you?"
Ben shrugged his shoulders and was presented with two vials of blood, "A dragon and a war eagle."
This got his attention and he looked at the vials and at the man in front of him twice before responding, "Did you just say a dragon and a war eagle?"
"Correct."
"What for? This is awfully generous of you!"
"Simple, to better fight off against the Vilgaxian forces, and to guard the southern border."
"Why the southern border? The US already has a department taking care of that."
The mage smiled and shook his head in no, "Not for one of your country's many pressing issues, Mr. Tennyson. But to make sure potential allies do not come under a banner of righteous zeal."
"Sorry, but can you be a bit clearer?"
"LMM. They're attempting to build an army and would no doubt arrive in the south in the coming months."
Ben was silent for a moment before responding, "I'm sorry but you're saying a traveling orchestra, with a few but big-name jobs under their belt is now going to create an army, half a world away?"
The mage nodded with a smile which got Ben laughing, "Sure! Why the hell not! And to top it all off! Have the three EVA pilots summon their mecha units from orbit and lay waste to Bellwood in the process!"
The mage then turned serious, "Enough," which got Ben to stop, and the mage continued, "I know, no, we in the magi circles who have observed many deeds you have committed in protecting the people understand. The group mentioned can be arrogant and short-sighted. But they also are guided by a noble sense of justice and fairness. Like you and Daniel in Canada right now."
Ben nodded, knowing what the mage said made perfect sense. But LMM got under his skin easily and at times, he wanted to punch them all in the face. Especially the pilots and the mystics. Sure, the pilots have their mecha units and abilities associated with them, while the mystics have powers that can go toe to toe with Gwen in her Anodite form, or Charmcaster when she is armed with the Alpha Rune. But it made no difference. They deserved an ass kicking, or the very least, a truly humbling moment to rein in their negative traits. Ben snapped back to attention when the mage discussed the significance of the dragon and war eagle DNA.
"Back to the topic at hand. The dragon and war eagle DNA are yours. The Omnitrix can scan both vials and once the genetic code is activated, you can transform into the creatures."
Ben grinned, "Sweet!"
"But be warned. They are to be used solely if and only if, LMM violates the law of this country. Allowing in foreign mega apex fauna to cross the border."
"Oh, come on! The least I can do is figure out how to uses these new transformations!"
The mage sighed, "You can, but nowhere near populated areas. We in esoteric circles need to maintain distance between settled areas and the few remaining open spaces for magical creatures and cryptids to reside in. It's not a perfect system, but it is better than to allow free reign. Endangering people to powers many have forgotten and are just now realizing are returning."
Ben nodded and he pointed his Omnitrix to the two vials presented by the mage. After a few seconds, in fact, it was longer than the standard scan of a live alien, the Omnitrix beeped, "New DNA sequences acquired. Analyzing. Non-alien local fauna with unique signature. Use with caution."
He rolled the dial of the device to see the holographic images of a dragon and a war eagle. Flashes of his childhood passed his mind's eye. Him with a makeshift sword made of cardboard, a blanket used as a cape, a shield also made of cardboard, and the dog acting as the dragon to slay. His parents happy and his dad took pictures. His heart pounded with anticipation. He could hardly wait. But what also gave him glee, was the fact Azmuth would not like this at all.
Argentina
[Córdoba Province, 4:34 PM]
Dante can see rows of soldiers marching in formation on top of a hill. Their location in the pampas was isolated enough to train in secret, but also close enough to the main city where the esoteric wards know of them. Since training with representatives of Capernaum, a region in the esoteric dimension akin to Sairgoth and Ledger Domain, he's gotten stronger and appreciates the discipline they've instilled in him. They reminded him strongly of Ancient Rome, but there were differences. Their armor for instance was akin to 11th century armor now, but when they would train in Patagonia, their armor was closer to the 14th century's style. Their language was close to Latin or his native Italian, but there were moments he struggled to understand so he learned their language. However, there were things that remained consistent with their Ancient Roman counterparts. Their heraldry, their marching formations, their emphasis on agility, their close-quarters combat skills, and use of cavalry.
Dante then heard the footsteps of the old man who was training him for the past year. The old man however, held himself with dignity and was not to be underestimated. Dante learned this. The old man's advanced years did little to diminish his strength. Although he was humble enough to say he's not at what he was during his prime. Dante turned around to face the old man, "Sir."
He stood at attention and the old man waved his hand, "At ease young man. I'm just here to enjoy the view of the grasslands."
"It is beautiful here," Dante smiled and looked over the troops marching, "You asked me to meet with you here. I would like to know why."
The man faced him, and Dante stood still, his heart pounding and gulping his anxiety down. He's been humbled by the training with the Capernaum men and knew when to listen to experts. Learning new skills and advancing what he already knows was what he excelled at. The old man began to speak.
"You oversaw the rogue situation with LMM and prevented a larger conflict between mystics and magi. Saving lives and ensuring the newfound security and the beginnings of dialogue between the two groups. Based on that, you have shown a noble spirit and deep loyalty to your comrades."
He paused before continuing, "But you also show arrogance when you place too much faith in your assumptions and intellect. Thinking you can master a situation without consequences to your person. For that, you were punished. You and your friends."
That stung Dante's pride. But he kept it together as he continued to listen to the old man, "But once again, you and your friends have shown valor and courage against demonic entities when the Plumbers in their arrogance attempted to hold up esoteric culture and our practices as hostages with our relics and artifacts. Despite your flaws, you have inner nobility."
Dante said nothing and looked at the ground. The man stepped forward and placed his hand on his left shoulder, "You and the remaining portion of the regiment will remain here and head west towards the Andes Mountains. There needs to be a presence of Capernaum here while we head east to Africa to take care of the conqueror's base in the desert."
"Who would be placed in command here while you and the others are gone?"
"Commodus will take charge. He has a good head on his shoulders. No doubt the soldiers in the north would come down here to take control. Thinking no one would guard the passages out of the mountains."
Dante nodded, "Understood."
"One more thing," the old man added, "I have placed something in your tent. And instructions are included on when and how to use it."
Dante was confused but the old man smiled, "Wish us good fortune. No doubt the fates would be kind to us while we head east." The old man headed down the hill and mounted his horse. Dante sees him heading to join the others as they passed through the Door to Africa. The Door closed and returned to the ground.
Dante then returned to the remaining five thousand men. He walked into camp and headed for his tent. He walked inside and there was something he never expected a suit of Capernaum armor. A breastplate made of black iron which also was used for his leg and arm gauntlets. His helmet was also made of the same material, with the image of the mother wolf nestling Romulus and Remus emblazoned on the forehead. In addition, was a cape of black silk and a gold-colored scarf also made of silk. He was astonished at what the old man had left him. He gingerly picked up the note and read it, written in Italian. What it read was:
Dante Lascano,
This armor is of the Empress's Praetorian Guard in Capernaum. As a descendant of Rome, yourself, this is fitting to showcase your pride as a Roman. Yes, you now live in South America's Argentina, the empress sees the lands claimed by Spain and Portugal as her territory to oversee and protect from threats. Your training has prepared you for this role and responsibility. You will learn and lead alongside Commodus. The rest of us shall guard two vital ports to escort and assist the knights in crossing the Mediterranean to the first battle in due time.
Marcus Adrianus, Second Lieutenant of the XII Legion
As he read the letter, he gripped the paper with barely contained anxiety. He was now given perhaps the highest responsibility he's received in his life. He then began to pray for strength to carry it out.
Meanwhile, Capernaum soldiers appeared in two locations; the first was Tarragona in Spain, and Mazara del Vallo in Sicily, Italy. Night has already set in, just forty minutes after nine o'clock. Five thousand were stationed in each city mentioned. When dawn comes, the inhabitants will know something is happening with the sight of esoteric Roman soldiers acting as the city guard. For those who are esoteric familiars, or even versed in old lore, this is the sign that old powers from across the dimension are coming to their aid.
Turkey/Armenia
[Mount Ararat, Armenian Highlands, Tuesday, 6:50 AM]
Marjan looked up at the fading stars as dawn was fast approaching. She breathed in the fresh cool air coming in from the east. And more importantly, she wanted to be alone when the sun rises. To have a private moment and allow the sun to envelop her in a comforting embrace was something to savor. Then the first rays of the sun came. The color in the sky began to change from a royal blue to a mixture of purple, orange, and yellow. As she longed for, like her older sister, the warmth of the sun enveloped her in a comforting embrace. Then her moment of silence ended with the sound of footsteps. She turned around, hoping to see her sister and mother. But instead, she sees Albedo approaching.
"Albedo? This is a surprise."
"Good morning. Sorry to disturb your private moment. But I came to talk with you."
Marjan nodded her head and gestured for him to sit next to her. So, he did. Albedo sat down to her right. He also took in the sun rise, "The star is a beautiful shade of yellow."
She nodded silently and eyed the albino man next to her, "I'm sorry to be rude, but what is it you want?"
Albedo looked at her and can see a glimmer of light in her eyes and decided to come out with it, "Will you join the resistance?"
Marjan nodded a no, "I will not. I don't think I have the stomach for war. I'm constantly surprised my sister has the drive for it. She is a woman of medical science in school, the arts with LMM, but it is through LMM, her drive for war comes out."
Albedo listened to her and can sense heightened emotion in her tone. Once silence settled a bit, he spoke, "Listen, I have a proposition for you."
"Such as?"
Albedo then brought up what he was planning to work on for the upcoming war. He shared details with her and during this, Marjan's thoughts went from confusion, to surprise, and finally shock. What he wanted to do for the war effort was delving into the field of prescience, commonly known as precognition. When he mentioned this, the two then got into an exchange, with her vehemently stating it was a fool's errand and a danger. He used logic from the position of preventing the slaughter that's to come to Earth. Vilgax is known to give no quarter and would slowly crush any opposition. Marjan listened and as she gave her reasons, down the hill, Fatma approached her now dragon mount.
The dragon sniffed Fatma and allowed her to pet its skin. Kitty was close by should the beast become agitated when mounted. She was not surprised to see the dragon and the mystic follower of Zoroaster to bond easily. But their conflicting fire energies was making the process interesting in her eyes. The dragon would not let the young woman to mount it for very long. Only when Fatma was in her moment of deep concentration would the dragon allow her to stay mounted in battle. Meanwhile, Nazeria was cooking breakfast for herself, her daughters, and Kitty. Then one of the dragon aliens approached her. Nazeria stood up for the leader of the group. But the alien dragon held his hand up, "Please, as you were."
She returned to cooking and the dragon alien sat down on his four limbs and his wings folded, "I'm intrigued by your daughter."
"Oh?"
"She displays great power, focus, a ferocious nature in battle, and a ruthlessness in protecting those close to her. It's something we have seen across our travels in the galaxy."
Nazeria listened and asked, "Is esoteric knowledge common among the stars?" But the dragon alien nodded a no, "Not necessarily. The Anodites at times can monopolize the knowledge under the umbrella term of 'life energy', without giving specifics. Or mana as it is also called."
The Persian woman nodded, "Those beings you mentioned aren't wrong. Life energy is the basis for our own esoteric knowledge and skills. The differences between them and those here, are how it is used, and beliefs associated with it."
The dragon alien listened to the human woman. For his kind, he can see the benefit of belief. To gather all his kin on special times of the year, worshipping what his kind called the 'Eternal Flame'. An abstract concept for their image of a higher power that is the central source of all life. And the flame is used to show that fire itself is pure and cannot be corrupted. Their conversation continued when the dragon alien asked a question that has been on his mind for some time now.
"Your daughter can command flame. A feat only thought to be of the Pyronites, or my kind. But there is something else my team and I have analyzed. And we've compared it to when she fought those entities a few weeks ago. Something indecipherable. And it was a potent energy."
Nazeria nodded, "It was the Lord flowing through her in battle. It flows in all of us, that is the source of our strength. Faith is that source."
The dragon alien was confused. Sure, faith can empower many in times of crisis, but it was mostly a psychosomatic reaction to stressful situations. Faith empowering with tangible power was rare. And as he mentioned, monopolized by the Anodites, who displayed very little faith in a higher power.
Then the dragon alien heard his colleagues coming. He excused himself and got up to talk to him. Nazeria also heard footsteps coming towards her. Albedo and Marjan were coming. She stood up and the three began to talk. Fatma from a distance away on her dragon can see what was happening. Kitty saw this and signed her to 'Stay focused!'
'Sorry,' she signed her response, 'I'm curious on what my mother is talking with my sister about.'
Kitty signed, 'Not your concern. But I have a clear idea what it is. And I can tell you, it's a fool's quest.'
'What do you mean?'
'To see into the future is reserved only for the Master above. Not for mortal men.'
Fatma looked at her and then at her sister who was talking with their mother. Albedo also talking with her. Her mother's expression was of worry, concern, and skepticism. If Kitty could tell by their moving lips of what the two want to experiment with, she wondered if she could try to dissuade her sister. Kitty caught her attention, signing a response, 'Let your sister be. She has a just spirit like your own and is no doubt dubious on this endeavor.'
'Then why would she…'
'Simple, to show the false man a lesson he should've have learned when he was young.'
'A lesson?'
'Yes, this is a normal occurrence. Men like him are foolhardy enough to try. I'm surprised your intended isn't on this path of research.'
Fatma blushed and looked away for a second before refocusing on mounting her dragon. She gripped the spikes on the dragon's back, hunched forward, preparing to lift off. She gave the command to fly, and the dragon shook its head, ran down the grassy hill, flapped its wings, and flew into the sky. Fatma felt the fear flowing through her again, the same fear the dragon would sense to shake her off. However, this time, her resolve cemented itself and trusted in Kitty's instructions. Her resolve was rearing itself like a strong flame and this time, the dragon allowed her to ride on dragon back. The wind flowing through her hair, embracing the sense of freedom and sensed the power of the dragon. The dragon dove, looking like it would shake her off, but this time, she held on, mustered all the courage she possessed, and the dragon got out of the dive. Flying gracefully. The dragon aliens looked on in awe and respect.
Iran
[Alborz Mountain Range, Mazandaran Province, 8:57 AM]
As Fatma was riding her dragon, to the east, a bearded man was training with his shamshir sword with shield. His movements were direct, precise, and his strikes were powerful and swift. There was an aura around him. Colored orange red that reacted to his movements. In another set of parries, in one strike downward with his sword, a flame of energy fired from the blade to scorch the ground. What remained was a scorched crack in the earth. He breathed in and out and as he positioned himself again, he heard footsteps and turned around, "آه، حسین! (Ah, Hossein!)"
The man was a middle-aged man with a trimmed black and grey mustache that matched his hair. A barreled chest, toned stomach, strong arms and legs, and dressed in the traditional style of the Bakhtyari people. Hossein looked upon the man in question with his sword and shield. He smirked and chuckled, "به نظر ميرسه تو بيشتر از اين آماده اي که به سمت غرب سفر کني و دشمن رو ببيني راشان (Looks like you're more than ready to travel westward and meet the enemy, Rashan.)"
Rashan was a middle-aged Persian man, same age as his friend Hossein. Except he his hair was thick and black, with little grey. His build was athletic, and he wore robes that allowed him to train unconstrained. He sheathed his shamshir sword and held his shield with his left hand. Hossein motioned to hold the shield for him, which Rashan nodded gratefully. Rashan responded, "در واقع من هستم. (Indeed I am.)"
"آیا شما مشتاقانه منتظر دیدن همسر و دختران خود را دوباره؟ (Will you be looking forward to seeing your wife and daughters again?)" Hossein asked and Rashan nodded, "آره ، خيلي طولاني شده . بدون شک اونا الان ميخوان وارد دانشگاه بشن (Yes, it's been so long. No doubt they are about to enter college now.)"
"يا توي دانشگاه يادت باشه، بزرگت بدون شک مدرکش رو داشته باشه. (Or in college. Remember, your eldest would no doubt have her degree already.)"
"در واقع و همسرم چي؟ اجازه ميده دوباره بغلش کنم؟ (Indeed. And what of my wife? Would she allow me to embrace her again?)"
Hossein walked beside his dear friend. The sound of the grass underfoot was calming, "او همسر شماست. شما دوتا طلاق نگرفتید او بیش از این فهمیده بود و وظیفه بزرگ کردن دختران شما را بر عهده گرفت. او زن خوبی است. اما بدون شک وقتی دوباره او را ملاقات کنید، گوشتان را جلب خواهد کرد. (She is your wife. You two have not divorced. She more than understood and took it upon herself to raise your daughters. She is a good woman. But no doubt you will have an earful when you meet her again.)"
Rashan laughed, "من می دانم که او خواهد شد. (I know she will.)" Then he turned silent, thinking of his oldest daughter and how she may be progressing in her mystical abilities. He's caught wind via letters from his wife, the palantirs to gather information, and simply using the internet when he is in Tehran. He's proud of her, her work, and even curious about the young man she's seeing. He would like to meet him and no doubt, would know a lot more once he travels west. He may encounter her, her sister, and his wife.
Hossein looked at his friend and stopped. Rashan then stopped as his friend spoke, "گوش کن، وظیفه ما مهم است که به آن عمل کنیم. ما در کنار پنج هزار نیرو راهپیمایی می کنیم. جاودانه ها دوباره می آیند، بلای روم. برخی از بهترین های دنیای قدیم برای انجام جنگ به غرب می روند. این باید انگیزه کافی برای ایجاد آرامش باشد. (Listen, our duty is important to uphold. We are marching alongside five thousand strong. The Immortals come again, the bane of Rome. Some of the best of the Old World going west to do battle. That should be enough incentive to give comfort.)"
Rashan nodded, understanding Hossein. Hossein then smiled.
"و با آنها در کنار ما، مهربان ما، پیروان شعله جاویدان، خانواده شما در امان خواهند بود. ستایش اهورامزدا. (And with them beside us, our kind, followers of the eternal flame, your family will be safe. Praise be to Ahura Mazda.)"
"ستایش اهورامزدا. (Praise be to Ahura Mazda.)"
The two men smiled and patted each other's back and wind picked up from the mountains. The wind blowing across the grass, making it look like waves on the sea. Their clothing rippled and their hair blowing about in the breeze. The two then walked down the hill and headed for camp. Indeed, there were five thousand strong, dressed in armor as were the Immortals of the Sassanid Empire. Albeit with few modern touches to their armor, their training regimen was largely the same. They trained with the spear, the sword and shield, bow and arrow, and the lance. While on foot and on horseback. Their horses and camels were resting but when battle comes, they too would have armor. They would ride out tomorrow.
Saudi Arabia
[Kingdom of the Wind, Hijaz Mountains, 8:02 AM]
Prince Mahbeer was alone in his bedchamber, dressed only in his loincloth praying in his room. In his posture, he was facing south-southeast. In the direction of Mecca, where Prophet Muhammad was born and where the holy texts of Islam were first presented to him by Allah. He was praying for spiritual guidance, protection for his family and for strength in order to protect the innocent. He also prayed for something more important. For the people who are not supportive of the government in charge of the country. So many have looked to esoteric wards who were more tolerant and sought their protection. His family's kingdom was no different.
His father was the current sultan. He was not selected to take the seat of governance, that honor was for his older brother. However, he will no doubt take a seat in the war council to protect the kingdom, its citizens, trade routes, and guard against the djinn that come in from the mountains and the vast deserts. He then heard the war horn outside. He finished his prayer and stood up, stretched his limbs and torso. He knew it was nearly time to march alongside the men assigned by his father to battle the threat in the Sahara. Should the desert riders of Egypt, Chad, Algeria, and Morocco fall, then the Levant would be next and eventually, his country. So, riding out and heading west to confront the threat was in hindsight, a wise decision. And a benefit to meet Priest Hakeem and his allies eventually.
He went to his wardrobe and there was the main outfit to wear. His desert cavalry outfit, made of lightweight material was perfect for the desert climate. Its design signified his status as prince and part of the lead riders. He then puts on his keffiyeh, with the emblem of his house; a crescent moon and star surrounded by wavy lines that symbolized the wind. He then hoisted his curved dagger around his waist. The sheath was made of metal as well with the family crest as well, in addition with quotes from the Quran around the crest. He then hoisted his scimitar around his waist as well. He checked himself in the mirror, his reflection looking back and after a moment, he mustered up courage and headed out of his bedchamber. He grabbed his satchel and puts on his boots.
Heading down the hall, descending the stairs, and into the main hall of the palace, he then headed for the stables. At the stables, he sees his uncle there, also dressed in his desert cavalry outfit, standing beside his dark brown Arabian steed.
"عمي ؟ ظننت أنك أرسلت في حفلة استكشافية إلى الجنوب تعقب كشافة فضائية بعد مواجهة مع الجن (Uncle? I thought you were sent ahead on a scouting party to the south. Tracking alien scouts after an encounter with the djinn.)" Mahbeer stated as he went to his own steed, a gorgeous black stallion.
"لقد فعلت. لكن بعد أن تلقيت كلمة، ستنضم إلى سلاح الفرسان وتتجه غربًا إلى الصحراء، قررت أن آتي بنفسي وأراك في الخارج. تذكر أن الباب إلى أي مكان يمكن أن يعيدني إلى الشركة في مجرد لحظات. (I have. But after I got word, you would join the cavalry and head west into the Sahara, I decided to come myself and see you off. Remember, the Door to Anywhere can take me back to the company in mere moments.)"
" أبي لن يكون مسروراً (Father wouldn't be pleased.)"
"لا يهم. أخي قلق في القلب. لكن رجل صالح، مع ذلك. فيما يتعلق - (It matters not. My brother is a worrier at heart. But a good man, nonetheless. Regardless-)," the older man approached his nephew.
"أنت أصبحت رجلاً الآن. أنت تعرف بالفعل أن والدك وأمك وشقيقك فخورون بك. وليس من المستغرب أنا أيضا فخور بك. لقد دربتك على السيف وساعدت في إتقان قدراتك الصوفية. (You're becoming a man now. You already know your father, mother, and brother are proud of you. And it's no surprise I too am proud of you. I have trained you in the sword and helped master your mystical abilities.)"
Mahbeer nodded and felt deep emotion emanating within his chest, "شكراً لك يا عمي (Thank you, uncle.)"
"كل ما عليك فعله الآن هو تجربة لمسة المرأة وبعد ذلك، أنت حقًا رجل. (All you need to do now is experience a woman's touch and then, you're truly a man.)," his uncle joked and laughed at his nephew's bashfulness.
"اهدأ! أعلم أنك تضع عينيك على المرأة الهندية إرادتها القوية وجمالها جذابان بلا شك. ستصنع زوجة جيدة، إذا ردت بالمثل. (Relax! I know you have your eyes on the Indian woman. Her strong will and beauty are no doubt attractive. She'll make a fine wife, should she reciprocate.)"
Mahbeer looked at his uncle, "أعلم - وآمل أن تفعل ذلك. (I know—And I do hope she does.)"
"لكن لا تضيع الوقت إذا لم تفعل. إنها امرأتها الخاصة. كانت أفعالها ضد الحشد الشيطاني دليلاً كافياً. ومع ذلك - أعتقد أنها ستفعل. (But do not waste time should she not. She is her own woman. Her actions against the demonic horde were proof enough. However—I believe she would.)"
"كيف؟ (How so?)"
"لقد استمعت وبقيت لك في المغرب بينما كنا نطارد الكشافة في الصحراء. لا أعرف كيف استخرجت المعلومات التي نحتاجها، لكن موهبتها في الظل تستحق الثناء. (She listened and stayed for you in Morocco as we hunted the scouts into the desert. I do not know how she extracted the information we needed, but her talent for shadows is to be commended.)"
Mahbeer nodded, silently acknowledging Anan's power and talent. She was indeed interested. And perhaps would reciprocate. But his uncle's words of perhaps she won't stuck with him. A sobering reality, but outside of his father and mother, when his uncle spoke, he listened. He then snapped back into reality by a slap on the shoulder.
"تعال الآن. سأقودك إلى سلاح الفرسان. (Now come. I'll lead you to the cavalry.)"
The two men on their horses headed for the courtyard where several dozen were waiting. They will soon join the others in the desert once they ride out, joining the Bedouin volunteers as well. The men raised their swords for the prince and his uncle, cheering. The captain of the regiment
Tamil Nadu, India
[Chennai, 9:30 AM]
Shinji and Koji were training in a martial arts kalari (or dojo), surrounded by trees. The sweltering humidity was more than what the two have experienced. More than even their travels to Latin America. The martial arts practiced here was Kalarippayattu, the grandfather of all martial arts that traveled northward. Kung fu and karate are the two more famous examples. The two requested to use the available space to practice. However, Takuya and Ryo saw this and asked to participate. Then followed Touma, Ren, Hideo, Mizuki, and American, George. Out of all of them, Shinji and Koji were only ones left standing; in loose trousers, barefooted, and their shirts thrown to the side. The others were resting along the kalari's walls, with water bottles in hand. Koji's stamina and power proved too much for the young men. Even for George who trained with mystic monks in Tibet and the Chinese highlands. However, he found it a fun challenge. The young men found themselves watching the last spar with curiosity. Astonished that Shinji had the will and endurance to keep up with a full-fledged mystic. To George, fighting an esoteric man was like fighting a wild animal using martial art styles based on the animals themselves, like how Shinji was sparring Koji; one was not going to last long.
Shinji was panting with his sparring sword, made of heavy wood. Koji by comparison was holding one of the dojo's staffs, although perspiring, looked calm. Shinji was running on fumes after sparring for nearly an hour and a half. The first hour were with his new teammates, and the next hour after a brief break, with Koji. In the final moment he charged, attempting to strike at the weak point in Koji's stance. However, Koji moved with such grace it was akin to a dance. Shinji was knocked down in just three strikes. Shinji landed on the dirt ground with Koji pointing the tip of the staff at his throat, "Dead."
"So that's—what? Two wins against your seven?"
"You got it," Koji smiled and helped his friend up on his feet.
The young men collectively sighed, "あなたは彼にほとんどダビングしてもらいました。(You almost had him dude!)" Takuya exclaimed but Ryo corrected, "彼は近かったのですが、やっていました。シンジは、常にガスで走っていました。(He was close, but it was done. Shinji was running on fumes the whole time.)"
Hideo observed with his arms crossed and standing against the wall. Dressed in black t-shirt and black trousers, barefooted, "アマチュアにとっては、彼は期待以上のことをしていました。しかし、これが本当の戦いなら、彼は数秒で死んでしまいます。(For an amateur, he did better than expected. But if this were a real fight, he'd be dead in seconds.)"
Koji corrected him by showing one finger, indicating the truth. Mizuki then chimed in, also with her arms crossed like her brother. And wearing a similar outfit, "それは彼をよく知っているのでだけである。 (That's only because you know him well.)"
Koji smiled and twirled his staff around himself, relaxing his joints and muscles. Calming his mind. Listening to the sounds of birds outside. He looked at her, "それはボディランゲージを読むことは容易である。 (That and it's easy to read body language.)"
Mizuki observed Koji and then at Shinji, who picked up his wooden sparring sword. She had to admit, she was impressed with Shinji's skills and training. At first, she thought of him as a gentleman who had no business in combat, least of all, war. But after observing him holding his own against a mystic, people her family retainer stressed to never fight against, she can see why he and Koji were leading them across the world. Shinji's style of combat was of course, disciplined, but also open to improvising against new fighters. And based on what Takuya and Ryo talked about their fight against demons in America, the two are not to be taken lightly. In addition, judging his lean toned physique, she made mental notes for later.
Shinji felt the dirt on his perspiring skin. He picked up his wooden sparring sword. Feeling the heavy wood and smiled as he gripped the hilt. He went to put it back along the wall with the other training weapons. He relieved tension in his joints with a quick stretch. He walked out of the kalari training area and headed for the showers down the hall. Mizuki followed him discreetly, ignoring her friends' questions. Once there, he puts his clothes into a pile and opened his locker. He grabbed his towel and duffle bag. He walked to the shower and placed his bag by the shower's entrance. Turning on the water, he quickly rinsed off the dirt and sweat. The cold water eased his muscles and joints. He cleaned himself up and then heard footsteps outside the shower room.
"Shinji," he heard Mizuki's voice and he stood still, nervous if she had seen him clean up, "リラックスして、部屋の外で距離を保っています。 (Relax, I am maintaining my distance outside the room.)"
He relaxed a bit, "掃除していることはわかっていますので、聞いてください。 (I know you're cleaning up so please, just listen.)," Shinji heard and uttered his response loud enough for her to hear, "て (Okay!)"
Mizuki breathed in and out to get her thoughts together. After a moment to put them in order, she spoke, "あなたは才能があります。あなたは、自然な適応性の感覚を持っています。私はあなたが簡単な調査であると仮定する。 (You're talented. You have an innate sense of adaptability. I assume you're a quick study.)"
"が呼び出された場合のみです。 (Only when it's called for.)"
"私はいです。私はネパールで個人的にコウジと話をしました。あなたはニューヨークに拠点を置く国際的なオーケストラのためのリストです。そして今では、西部で起こっている戦争に私たちを導いています。なぜですか？トレーニングルームのマストヘッドとは何の関係もありません。あなたが参加する必要がない戦争のためにあなたの生命を危険にさらすことを喜んでなぜであるか。 (I see. I've talked to Koji privately back in Nepal. You're a cellist for an international orchestra based in New York. And now you're leading us into war that is taking place in the west. Why? And I know it's nothing to do with the meatheads back in the training room. Why are willing to risk your life for a war you don't have to take part in?)"
Shinji was quiet and heard only the water pouring down onto him and the tiled floor. He dreaded the question, feeling anxiety flowing inside him. But he also felt relieved to be asked this before they boarded their ship coming this afternoon. He answered, "昔、私は人生を恐れていました。私は私の生物学的な父の承認をほしかっただけ利己的である。でも、私はその辺も嫌いました。しかし、人生で2度目のチャンスを与えた後、友人と私は物事を正しく行うことに決めました。だから戦争に向かうことは、我々が全会一致で合意した決定である。 (Long ago—I feared for my life. I only selfishly wanted the approval of my biological father. But I also hated that side of me. But—But after given a second chance at life, my friends and I decided that we'll make things right. So—So going to war is a decision we unanimously agreed upon.)"
"西部で待っている友達がいます。 (Your friends who are waiting in the west.)" Mizuki asked as she leaned against the wall.
"はい。(Yes.)" Shinji replied with certainty. But uncertain if she was convinced. Moments passed and only the sound of water was heard. He then heard her sigh before she spoke again.
"ありがとう。他のユーザーに戻ります。 (Thank you. I'll return to the others.)" And with that, he heard Mizuki leaving the showers. He breathed a sigh of relief before resuming his clean up.
Meanwhile Hideo was eyeing Shinji's horse outside, eating the grass alongside the old bodhi tree. Shinji's equipment was at the base of the twisted trunk, and his sword was there. Not a katana, but a cross between a o-katana and a kogarasu-maru. Something about it made him suspicious. Nothing at all to do with its capabilities against demons or black magic. However, he was suspicious of how Shinji acquired such a quality sword. He did not come from an old family with ties to the samurai or least of all, the shinobi. But according to Takuya and Ryo, Shinji was given this sword by a beautiful yet serious woman. They don't remember her name, but she was there when they fought off the demons in America. He heard Mizuki approaching quietly behind him.
"あなたは、この旅を西に進める理由を耳にしましたか？(You heard his reasoning for continuing this journey west?)"
"私はしました。彼は本当にそれをしてくれるでしょう。しかし、肌に優しい突き板の下に隠れているのを見るのに、専門家は必要ありません。 (I did. He is genuine I'll give him that. But it doesn't take an expert to see he's hiding a lot under his gentle veneer.)"
"ご存知ですか？彼の本当の性質、私は意味します。 (Then you know. His true nature, I mean.)"
Mizuki was silent. She had an idea, but she was uncertain. Then she and her brother heard Koji approaching softly on sandals, "両方とも見つかりました。船は予定より早く到着します。準備は90分で完了してください。 (I've found you both. The ship is arriving earlier than expected. Be ready in ninety minutes.)"
The two shinobi twins nodded in agreement. Koji bowed slightly and walked off quietly. The twins looked at each other, acknowledging the power the priest in training possessed. Mystics in their past adventures were usually old men or women in their native home of Japan, Korea, or even China. To come across someone as young as Koji with that level of power indicates a new revival of esoteric practice. They felt uncertainty about placing trust in powerful people like them. Power as they've witnessed was a corrupting force. For now, though, they had no choice.
Ninety minutes have passed before they were walking towards the docks. Koji was leading the way towards the ports. But Shinji knew what was coming, and it was something he privately enjoyed. Entering bubbles where there was a time when places of the world weren't so corrupted by what was termed as 'progress'. Koji smiled and motioned them to follow around the corner of the Sri Kaalikambal Temple. Once they did, the surrounding area changed, much to the awe of the young Japanese and the American. They were somehow back in 1850 Chennai, or Madras when the British were in control. Another one of those esoteric bubbles Shinji learned of.
There was an Indian man waving at them to come, dressed in a turban and a loincloth. Alongside them was to Shinji's relief, the British Indian woman Anan and the African priest, Hakeem. He ran to them happy and greeted them, "I'm happy you actually came!"
"We have heard you were escorting a new group of young warriors," Anan quickly observed the group, "And we couldn't help but come and see who you have brought."
Hakeem nodded with a kind smile. He turned to Koji and bowed in respect and kinship. Koji returned the bow with equal respect and admiration. Hakeem spoke, "You were not joking. A group of young men and a young woman. Are they capable?"
"Based on what I've tested, I believe they are."
"Good, but what about this one," he turned to the black American, George, "Are you capable," he asked George directly.
George stepped forward and sported a confident smile, "Am I capable? I wouldn't have tagged along if I wasn't."
Hakeem nodded, "Very well. I hope your claims aren't just boasts to cover up weakness."
George gripped his iron staff, "Try me, sir."
"Perhaps," Hakeem equally held his own iron staff with the same conviction, "But not while we sail west."
George nodded and carried his own belongings aboard the ship. Koji smiled to the young Japanese men and lady, and they too boarded the ship. Shinji looked upon the esoteric bubble of 19th century India. And compared it to the reality of modern-day India.
"We really have spoiled this planet, haven't we?"
Hakeem heard this and walked to Shinji calmly, "We have. But we also have time to repair the damage done to this world."
"Is that why you are—joining the war effort?"
"Yes. Because we as magi and mystics will not let a conqueror from the stars have his or her way here again."
"Again?"
Hakeem nodded and Shinji noticed a glint in the African's eye, "That's for another time, young man. Now, let's board the ship."
"Y—Yes."
Shinji followed the African priest down the wooden dock and headed for the ship. He sees the sails being prepared and seagulls calling in the sky, flying around. The smell of the sea was tempting. He never truly sailed a ship. A ferry yes, but not a ship to cross the open sea. He was nervous but excited, nonetheless.
On the ship, the Japanese crew and the lone American looked at the African priest boarding the ship and Shinji's fascination. They collectively realized Shinji was comfortable in foreign environments and foreigners in general. It was true, they traveled outside of Japan. Their past adventures in China and South Korea proved that. But now on a ship, a mixed crew of Indians, British, Chinese, and Caribbean, they were now in something completely different. Something Takuya would describe as the big leagues. One of the deckhands blew the whistle. Signaling the beginning of their journey west.
To be continued
Read, review, and critique. I'm thankful to say the upcoming chapters are 'easier' to write. Instead of multiple locations in one chapter, I'll focus on one or two at a time. Giving myself a break from crisscrossing the globe. Anyway, enjoy this chapter and I'll see you soon.
Edit: 7/13/2022 I have made a slight blunder. Fatma's mother's name is Nazeria, not Dania. I apologize.