CHAPTER 58

ASSAULT ON ARZENAL

Within a few short minutes after the NMB's message had broadcasted over Arzenal, multiple alarms began to ring across the consoles within the Galatea's command tower. "Sensors have detected Arzenal has triggered it's defenses." The captain of the ship announced. "It seems the Norma are planning to resist."

"What a pity." Riza sighed. "I had hoped that we'd get this done in a clean sweep." Julio simply grimaced as he opened a Mana channel. Blackadder, Master Embryo's supposed personal assistant, had made it clear that Embryo wanted all the Norma taken to the Galia Labor Camp, which only made Julio's task more troublesome.

"Major Blackadder, we've got a problem." Julio reported. "Seems the Norma have other plans." Julio had never met this mysterious character in person. Even during their communications only audio came through. But his cold emotionless voice sent shivers down Julio's back.

"Then prepare for the worse." Blackadder answered. "But remember what needs to be done per Master Embryo's orders. Capture the fallen princess and the Male Norma unharmed, retake Villkiss, capture as many pilots as possible but try not to make too much of a mess, and destroy the Male Norma's fake Ragna-mail. Master Embryo has promised great rewards if you succeed." Julio's fists clenched hard and the empty eye socket behind his eyepatch itched. The reminder of what that monster that was once his sister took from him, his parents' love, attention, and especially his eye, made his blood boil. Suddenly, a tender hand grasped onto Julio's shoulder.

"Do what needs to be done my love." Riza whispered in his ear. "Show no mercy to those who stand in our way." Julio's face gleamed with cruel pleasure. What did it matter to Master Embryo if Ange and the Male Norma lived? They were atrocities, stains upon the world as were all the Norma. And every single one needed to be annihilated from the face of this earth. Even if Ange died, so long as they retrieved at least seven pilots, Master Embryo's plan would still succeed in the long term. With his path determined, Julio reached for the radio transceiver fitted into his chair to broadcast to the entire attack force.

"Attention all vessels. This is Holy Emperor Julio the First. The Norma have rejected our aid and have repaid our charity with rebellion. This is treason and insurrection against all Mankind! Their sins cannot go unpunished. All airships prepare to invade! I want those roaches stamped out and burned to ashes. We will show these filthy creatures the price of raising a hand to their superiors!" At these words the fleet of ships that encircled around the Galatea all turned their guns to the southwest as their frontal launch bays opened to reveal rows of cruise missiles.

"Captain, prepare the Solar Discs." Julio ordered as he took off a chain from around his neck that held the key Master Embryo had granted him.

"Yes sir." The captain saluted as he entered a security code on the main console that opened up a clear panel over a lock. Julio inserted the key and turned it as the fleet outside discharged their ordinance. Meanwhile, the Galatea's own front launch bay opened, revealing not missiles but a very special weapon meant to take care of the Para-mail.

"No…no…it…it…it can't be true." Cal's voice came out in a low whimpering gasp. His entire body had shut down as he crumbled to his knees. "You…you…can't be my…father." The words tore painfully in his throat. Embryo's expression fell, his eyes carrying shame and regret.

"My boy." He spoke gently and soothingly. Even in his numb and fragmented state Cal began to sob, the tears burning in his eyes. "You needn't worry anymore. I'm here for you, son." Embryo walked forward and knelt before Cal, gripping his shoulders and held him close into a half hug that generated a warmth that not even Gramps nor anyone else could ever provide. "Everything is going to be fine from now on." The feel of this man, his biological father and the source of all his suffering, made Cal feel contaminated.

"Don't touch me!" Cal yelled and Embryo stood back as Cal looked up at him with revulsion and disgust. "Why are you here? What the hell do you want from me?" Embryo's unnerving eyes never showed any flicker of unease, and his lips formed into an emotionless smile.

"I never left." he said. "I have always been watching you for the past year. I wanted to see how strong, how brave you were, how valuable you are to the future of EVERYTHING. And you never disappointed." From outside the bedroom window hundreds of white trails rose over the horizon and dove straight for Arzenal.

"And does that future involve killing all of us on this island!?" Cal's voice rose as he snatched his sidearm from the floor before leaping up to his feet. Embryo looked to the window and closed his eyes in irritation.

"This was not my intent. It seems my subordinates have ignored my orders to extract you all from here, unscathed." Embryo extended his hand once again to Cal. "Come with me son. Leave all this barbarity behind forever. You and all your friends will be safe with me, I promise."

"Never!" Cal shouted as he inched around Embryo and backing towards the door, his pistol trained on the enemy. "Even if I am who you say I am. I'm not your son, and I never will be!"

"All I want is for you to be safe my dear boy." said Embryo calmly. "We've both missed out on what could have been 19 years of great memories. But I can finally give you that and atone for all those missed years between us as father and son." Embryo's leering eyes shifted to the drawing of Naomi upon the wall and his smile broadened. "She's waiting for you Cal. I know you would like to see her. Along with your Captain Zola, Coco…your mother and all the others you lost? You and all your friends will be happy together and live a normal, quiet life with me. Free from all this bloodshed, free from the burden of being Libertus' tool. We can be a family. Isn't that what you've always wanted?" An unwarranted warm and floating sensation rose up within Cal and Embryo began to light up like a shining star. It was as though Cal was being drawn in like a moth to a flame as his hand reached out to Embryo's. But behind the light and just barely visible was the tall, muscled figure of Gramps who shook his head slowly. That's right. Gramps had sacrificed all his years to keep Cal from this man and he wasn't going to let his sacrifices be in vain. The hypnotic sensation vanished, and Cal leapt back as anger and loathing filled him like venom.

"The only one who will save my friends is me!" Cal snarled, not buying a word of this man's bullshit. He fired a full mag, but the bullets passed through Embryo and embedded in the wall behind. "I know what you're trying to do! You just want me to come with you so you can continue your little experiments on me!"

"You've got it all wrong Cal. There so much you still don't understand." said Embryo. "I will explain it all to you, but first I have to get you and your friends to safety."

"Well, you can explain it to my rapidly retreating ass!" In whirl of motion, Cal spun and kicked the door open before darting out of the room as fast as possible to find his friends. As he ran, he heard the anti-aircraft guns firing against the missiles overhead, but some of the barrage broke through and the entire base shook from the explosions. Cal stumbled but kept his balance as he continued to run. If the humans wanted them dead, then it was time to fight back and show them what the Norma were truly capable of.

Beneath the countless white streaks of missiles that covered the sky, a lone skyhook flew so low that it was practically skimming the ocean's surface. "Dammit!" Tusk cursed. "I'm too late!" Why was Julio attacking now instead of his initial 72 hours like he intended? What persuaded him to act now and against Embryo's plans. It was fortunate for him that the skyhook's radar jamming and low altitude made him invisible from the enemy's radar. But just ahead, Arzenal was lit by dozens of explosions.

"Captain Jacob the bombardment has begun! We're gonna need additional troops to assist Arzenal; over!" With the blackout over Arzenal's airspace now lifted, Tusk tried to radio through to the Sanctuary, but something was wrong. The radio feed was completely dead. "Captain Jacob, Hosea! Come in, over!" Still no answer. He hoped they were alright but he had other concerns. Switching stations, Tusk to his relief managed to connect with his allies stationed at Arzenal. "Lucas, Lucia, can anyone hear me?"

"Tusk, what's your position?" Lucas' voice broke through.

"I'm in route to Arzenal, but you've got a load of aircraft heading your way!" Tusk reported, having spotted a large number of NMB assault transports following in the wake of the missile strikes.

"Keep a low profile and stay out of sight. We'll get to work defending this place. We need to buy enough time for the Norma to evacuate." Lucas ordered. "Good luck soldier." Lucas cut the line and Tusk gunned the accelerator, pushing his skyhook's engines as far as they would go towards Arzenal. 'Just hang in there everyone.' He prayed. 'Be safe Ange. I'm coming.'

Far above in the sky, shielded out of sight by the clouds, Xerxes hovered in flight mode as Blackadder watched the stream of missiles hit Arzenal head on. He had never felt so exuberant than at the scene before him as all his carefully laid out plans were coming together perfectly in one fell swoop. It was all too predictable that Julio's damaged pride and ego after failing to kill his sister would be enough for him to use excessive force in the hopes of writing Ange off as collateral damage along with the rest of the Norma. All of which was fine by Blackadder as after today; Dutch Villson, the spy, the terrorists and the Ancient Folk would all perish by his hand. Leaving Cal his at last. As the carnage continued to unfold, Blackadder received a Mana transmission he had been expecting and opened a window. "Greetings Master." He announced. "It seems Alektra has chosen to revolt."

"As expected," said Embryo. "I thought she would have learned her lesson after last time. Stubborn to the end. What of the terrorists?"

"Their base is destroyed but I fear most escaped when their riders held me up. But I have no doubt some of them will be heading here to assist Arzenal. And when they do, I'll finish what I started. What of your mission, Master? Did you manage to retrieve the HOST?"

"No." answered Embryo with a sour grimace. "He's more strong-willed than I thought. But don't worry. We'll have Subject Alpha in our grasp once this barbarity has ended."

"I must admit Misurugi's actions seem quite excessive. Should I take control of the situation before any of the priority targets are harmed?"

"Stand down. Let's see how this plays out. If Julio disobeys any further orders, then I shall deal with him myself."

"Of Course. On a related note, Master, I believe Julio is being swindled by a spy in his midst. The NMB and those in Mr Villson's inner circle have been assisting me to uncover the suspicious circumstances behind the Dawn Pillar's unauthorized use. As well as Trager's murder." Embryo's eyebrows lowered in agitation and leaned forward in his chair.

"What have you discovered?"

"I've been keeping an eye on the TARGET like you told me, and I have reasons to believe he's been conspiring against you. To overthrow you with the true enemy of this world."

"How can you be sure?" Embryo asked and Blackadder messaged him two video files he had been withholding for this opportunity. With great satisfaction, he watched as Embryo's face slowly went white with rage and his eyes flared as he watched the damming evidence.

"A shame." Embryo glowered. "But I suppose even the most loyal dog can forget its place."

"Let me deal with him, Master." Blackadder requested with perhaps more eagerness than was wise to show. "Once this business with Arzenal is over, I'll make sure HE doesn't cause us more problems."

"No." said Embryo. "I want to know exactly WHY he has betrayed me. We will tend to him after we gather Ange, Cal and the other Ragna-mail pilots."

"I don't think we'll have to look far." Blackadder smirked who eyed something the naked eye could not see at the southeast section of Arzenal.

As they gazed at the NMB's message hovering in front of the command centre's overlook, the Command Staff all jumped when Commander Jill barged in. "Commander, what happened?" Pamela asked and they all noticed the deep fingertip bruises across her neck. Jill did not answer but reached for the base's main intercom to warn the base of the attack before ordering Arzenal's automative defense systems activated. As the barrage began to rain down from overhead, Jill ordered them to pack up as much equipment they could carry before guiding them to a hidden elevator, the doors closed just as the first wave of missiles struck. The cart descended to the deepest depths of the island and the command staff stared wide eyed, wondering how far they were traveling down.

"I never knew this was here, did you?" Hikaru asked Pamela who shook her head.

"Give me line to the intercom." Jill ordered to Olivier who was carrying a portable radio backpack. She set it down and handed the commander the mouthpiece. "Listen up everyone!" Jill broadcast through the entire base. "Now you see what the humans who aren't on our side are truly like. They are the true enemy, and we are nothing but scapegoats who never meant a damn to them or this world. Surrender if you want, it won't make a difference to them. But if you've had enough of being their tools then come with me to Arzenal's lower levels and fight back. As of this moment Arzenal's command forsakes human authority. LIBERTUS begins now!" With her speech given, Jill looked to the three girls. "So, what'll it be?"

"I'll go with you." Pamela decided.

"Me to." Olivier agreed.

"Count me in." Hikaru added.

Pleased by their loyalty, Jill slipped her personal communicator over her ear. "Jasmine, Maggie, escort everyone down here. Cal…Captain…do you copy?" There was no answer. "I know you can hear me Cal. Libertus needs you. I'm counting on you and the pilots to hold off this assault if it gets too heated until we evacuate the entire island."

"I'm doing this for THEM not you, Alektra." Cal coldly responded.

"Fine but do me one favor." Jill smirked. "Give those bastards hell!"

"With pleasure." Cal's deadly response was all Jill needed to hear, knowing he was still in the fight. It was now do or die for her girls. And for Libertus to succeed she had to ensure the pilot of Villkiss didn't slip out of her grasp again. And there was only one person she could trust with it.

As the missile barrage continued to thunder down on Arzenal, its residents huddled for cover deep within the base's interior. Each explosion shook the entire island, showering those inside with plaster dust from the ceiling. Leaning in silence against the wall, trying to keep a calm front, Salia gazed down the cramped hallway lined with Norma. Friends were huddled close together, lovers held onto one another, Scarlett tried to comfort Charlotte and the injured, while in a nearby room she heard the older residents, teachers and Ersha attempting to keep the children calm with a music box. Further ahead she caught sight of Ange and her maid Momoka. And further ahead were Hilda, Rosalie, Chris and Miranda.

"I can't believe they're trying to kill us." Rosalie muttered. "After everything we've done for them."

"Rescuing us, they're nothing but damn dirty liars." Chris grumbled.

"What did you expect?" Miranda mumbled. "That's how humans work. Even our own families never cared for us. What a joke." Salia saw the looks of impending doom mirrored in everyone, all completely at a loss as to what was happening and what would be their fate. But nothing could have prepared them for the Commander's announcement. The attention in the hallway sharpened palpably. Some stiffened, others fidgeted, all unsure of what to do.

"Salia." Jill's voice spoke from Salia's own communicator in secret. She sneaked around a corner near a set of stairs away from prying ears. "I have an important mission that only YOU can accomplish." Salia swallowed a lump in her throat. "I want you to escort Ange down to Aurora. I can't have her escape again."

"What of Cal?" Salia spoke quietly. He was nowhere to be seen, and she feared after witnessing his outburst at the burning pit that he might have abandoned Libertus for good. "Do you think he…"

"No, he may hate my guts, but he'll never stand by and watch others around him die." Jill answered as if reading Salia's mind. "Knowing Cal, he'll be on the front line to lead the charge. But Ange cannot be trusted on her own. You know what to do if she tries to get away again. Understand?"

"Yes Ma'am." Salia said dispassionately. Coming back into the hallway to slip Ange and her maid away, Salia found many of the girls arguing and panicking over the Commander's announcement to rebel against the humans.

"What does she mean by Arzenal forsakes human authority?" Rosalie faltered.

"She can't be serious." said Chris dumbfounded.

"Keep your heads on the lot of you." Scarlett urged tried to calm the situation.

"How! They're going to kill us all!"

"We can't fight them. The Commander is crazy!"

"If you want to take your chances with the humans then you might as well sign your own death warrant." Hilda told them defiantly. "Not me, I'd rather die fighting!" Suddenly, a loud voice broke through the bickering commotion.

"Everyone! Take your positions!" Cal ordered. "The enemy will be upon us soon and we have to defend this place." His face and eyes were unsettling, hard as stone and Salia wondered if the incident at the burning pit or something else had rattled Cal into action.

"You heard the man!" Hilda spoke aloud as she pulled on her communicator, "It's about time we fought back. Commander, this is Captain Hilda. I'm with you. If what you told me is true, then that's all the reason I need."

"I'm with you." said Ange and Salia set her sights on her target, not letting her out of sight. "I hate those pigs just as much as both of you, and it's about time I got a little payback for what they did to me."

"Let's do this!" Scarlett agreed punching her fist into her palm.

"I'll go with you." They looked behind them to see Ersha appear with Miss Mary, the children clustered around them. "Not just for us, but for the children. I have to protect them."

"I'll stand with you Cal." Miranda stepped forward and Cal was just about to speak to her when Chris interrupted.

"Do you guys have a death wish? We can't defy the humans." She whimpered and most in the hallway agreed.

"If we stay here then they might let us live."

"We can't beat them."

"We're no match against them with the base half destroyed."

"ENOUGH!" Cal shouted and everyone's panicked voices were stifled at once. He stood in the center of the hallway, all eyes upon him. "We've fought and survived worse than those arrogant assholes out there! The humans aren't all powerful as they make themselves out to be with their Mana. While we were on the outside, Hilda and me killed plenty who tried to catch us!" Everyone in the corridor muttered in amazement. "Even through the worst this world has thrown onto our shoulders this past year, all of us still standing have persevered. Because we've had each other's backs. And we will do the same as we've always done, no matter who or what we're up against!" His voice carried out like a trumpet call, lifting spirits and dismantling the thoughts of surrendering. "It's about time we all took charge of our own lives, so future generations of Norma will never live under the humans' slavery ever again! Now who's with me!" A burst of cries, cheers and yells of every side carried through every floor level as everyone stood up and punched the air. "Now take up arms, pick your positions and show these humans what Norma are truly capable of! STAND TOGETHER MY SISTERS!"

"We're all with you Cal." Hilda nodded then shot a thunderous glower at Rosalie and Chris who both rose with eagerness.

"Can't wait to bust up some of those self-righteous pricks." Rosalie smirked.

"Hell yeah!" Chris agreed.

"We're with you too Captains." said Tanya as she Irma, Margret, Holly and young Ginny saluted as one. Salia's head fell in shame as every part of her wanted to step forward with her squad and join the man she loved and cared for more than life itself on his mission to protect them all. They would all be fighting while she would be away from the battle, away from Cal's side, all to keep Jill's precious pilot of Villkiss from running away. 'Damn you Alektra.' Salia thought enviously as she set her sights on Ange again. 'I just have to follow your orders and make you proud. Just like I've always done.'

"Glad to hear it." Cal beamed. "Those humans are gonna feel real stupid when they find out."

"Find out what?" Ange asked.

"They're fucking with the wrong group of Norma."

Once the elevator reached the very bottom of Arzenal, Jill pulled a switch upon the cave wall and a series of lights lit the entire chamber. The Command staff gasped in awe as the lights revealed a massive submarine hanger and a massive ship floating before them. A ship built prior to the age of Mana, constructed by the Ancient Folk. The flagship of Libertus, the Aurora. It was over 300 meters in length, shiny and chrome with its bow tapered like a sword's edge. Because of Arzenal's size, those in Libertus had hidden it here and with the unexpected ambush and annihilation of Xeon, it had never been used. Jill grinned to herself in amusement that after 10 years they had kept it still hidden under the humans' noses. And now it finally had a second chance to unleash centuries of due payback upon Embryo.

Holy," Hikaru gaped as they followed Jill. "This is awesome."

"I never imagined something like this could be underneath Arzenal," Olivier whispered.

"Focus," Jill warned. To the other side of the chamber, she spotted many crates, boxes and other supplies still waiting to be unloaded into Aurora's cargo area. The first evacuees would finish the job while the others held off the assault. She guided the command staff up the main ramp and across the ship's edge until they reached a locked hatch. Once inside, they walked through the metal corridors and up a case of stairs up to the command tower where they finally arrived at the bridge. "Pamela, you're on helm. Hikaru radar and Olivier communications. Power up all systems and prepare to depart." Jill ordered.

"Yes Ma'am!" As they hurried to get the ship ready, Jill took position at command and waited. Once they had both Ange and Villkiss on board they could set sail. She just hoped Cal and the others would keep their guests occupied until then.

"Let's get to it girls!" Jasmine announced as she and her remaining mall staff began opening loads of crates stocked with guns, grenades and ammo. They were passed around as everyone took up arms and scuttled in different directions to defend the base. "I'm proud of you son." said Jasmine stroking her hand across Cal's hair, her eyes close to tears. "I thought we almost lost you back there, but you're still standing as always." The term 'son' brought back that contaminated feeling of what had transpired in Cal's room and he reflexively flinched.

"Never mind that." He replied, forcing it out of his mind. All that mattered to him now was getting everyone off this island. "Listen up squad!" Cal called out all 16 pilots. "The enemy will be upon us soon; we have to hold them off until everyone inside has evacuated!"

"Yes Sir!" They all responded apart from Salia who remained silent and isolated further back from the group.

"Well, you Norma won't have to do it alone." said Lucas who along with Lucia, Dolton, Ralph, Finn and Frenzy arrived with heavy duffle bags full of their own equipment and weapons strapped across their backs. "We'll take care of any that infiltrate the base."

"Dolton, what's awaiting us out there?" Cal asked. They needed whatever time they had before the fight began to form some kind of strategy.

"I've detected 35 plus aircraft, enough to carry a platoon of 15 inside each one, a fleet of a dozen warships and an unidentified ship in the centre of them." Dolton read out from a map of Arzenal's air space on his Mana screen. "By my calculations they outnumber us 9 to 1."

"So what do we do?" Frenzy gulped. Lucas was about to speak but it was Cal who took charge.

"The enemy are sure to try and breach through the upper hanger and runway and exposed entrances in the crater first." He spoke aloud. "If they get through then we'll all be circled from the inside." Cal then faced the only person and best among them to fight on the front line. "Lucas you take the upper hanger at Jasmine's mall. We need to hold the first line so the others have a better chance of getting out of here. If the main elevator gets blocked off, retreat to the second line of defense in the cafeteria, then to the infirmary block." Lucas stepped forward and grinned.

"Good to see your still with us, Soldier." To Cal's disbelief, there actually seemed to be a profound respect in Lucas' eyes for once. "See you on the other side." Lucas was about to leave when he turned back to Cal. "If you run into Dutch, don't hesitate to call me." They shook each other's hand and as Lucas departed, Cal turned to the others.

"Dolton, we need you stationed down in Aurora." Cal ordered. "Use your Mana to link with everyone's communicators. You'll be our eyes and ears for what's coming in and to navigate the evacuees to the safest routes."

"I'm on it." Dolton saluted as he rushed off.

"Lucia, take position with Trudy and her crew and turn back anyone who tries to get through that crater. If their numbers become too much, cave them in with the c4 charges and retreat back to Maggie's position with Lucas. Finn, help the second defensive line across the lunch hall area. Be sure to give those bastards a good hammering." Finn placed his duffle bag on the floor and put both arms inside. When he drew them back out, they were fitted with large dark purple and silver metal gauntlets. Channeling his Mana into them, the mechanisms hissed and clinked like engines gearing up. Finn threw a few shadow jabs and hooks and the massive metal hands didn't even slow him down.

"Those vermin will soon regret coming here once I'm done with them." He boasted.

"Scarlett, you're without a Para-mail, I can't have you risk yourself on the frontline with us in your condition."

"I can still fight." Scarlett told him and the knuckles of her clenched fists whitened.

"That's why I want you to help Maggie to escort the rest of the injured out of here. Don't worry, you'll be flying with us again soon. Ralph go with her." The infirmary was the most vulnerable section near the crater, and they needed all hands-on deck across that area. As those ordered cleared out to take their positions, the pilots, Frenzy and Jasmine still remained. "Frenzy, you come with us and give the armorists a helping hand to move the rest of the equipment, supplies and spare Para-mail."

"I won't let you down sir." Frenzy straightened himself up and saluted and Cal was glad to see him taking matters seriously for a change. Cal then turned to the three rookies who were beyond nervous. This would be Mary, Marika and Noona's first engagement. And instead of DRAGONs they'd be fighting humans, which in a way was a far more terrifying and something he could not risk them going against. He gazed at Miranda who stood in front of them, but unlike them she was looking eager to help. Cal sighed having to break the bad news, but it had to be done to keep them out of harms way.

"I need you four to sit this one out." Marika, Mary and Noona looked surprised, but Miranda's face fell with dismay.

"What?" she gasped in surprise.

"I want you four to go with Jasmine and help her get everyone else out of here." Cal told them.

"I'm not afraid. I can help." Miranda protested. "We stick together, you said it yourself."

"I know what I said but this is…"

"I want to fight!"

"You're not ready!" Cal said harsher than what he intended, and Miranda looked visibly hurt. "I can't lose you like I lost Coco." He spoke more benevolently and placed his hand on her cheek. "You're a great pilot Miranda, but this is beyond the DRAGONs. You and the rookies will fight by our sides when the time is right. But I need you to help Jasmine to get the others to safety. That's an order."

"You heard him girls." said Jasmine. "But first I need you to collect the last spare crates of guns and grenades from my mall's storage room and meet me near the nursery." The four youngest pilots hurried off though Cal caught the tears of betrayal and abandonment welling up in Miranda's eyes.

'I hope she'll forgive me after this.' Cal thought. When the time was right, he'd make sure they were all ready. "Okay squad listen up. The armorers will need our assistance loading every unit onto the emergency elevator in hanger 2. If the enemy aircraft arrive then half of us will…" But before he could elaborate Lucia had returned and there was terror in her dark blue eyes.

"What's the matter?" Hilda questioned and Lucia held out a radio to Cal in her quivering hand.

"Lucia?" Cal asked with unease. "You're scaring me, what's happened?"

"I'm sorry…but he said he'll…kill them if I didn't give you…this." Her voice cracked with suppressed panic. "It's…HIM!" Confused and alarmed, Cal pressed the radio's main button, and a hard, cruel voice spoke that drove a burning rage into every part of Cal.

"I hope I'm not interrupting your wasted, futile plans to defend this place, Subject Alpha?"

"DUTCH!" Cal's voice and body shook with rage and Jasmine, first squad and Frenzy gasped. "Where the hell are you!? You better pray I don't find you because when I do your fucking dead!" The remaining pilots of third squad muttered lowly to each other, puzzled.

"I'd choose your next words carefully. Unless you want more lives on your conscious." Dutch sneered and the sound of a gunshot blasted through the radio, followed by a woman's screams of agony. Ersha's hands jerked upwards to cover her mouth, a startled Chris clutched onto Rosalie's arm as everyone else stared at the radio and Cal with mingled dread and trepidation. "That was one round to the shoulder, the next will be her head." Dutch threatened and there was cold malice in his cruel voice.

"Leave them alone you sadistic bastard!" Cal yelled. "Leave them out of this. If it's me you're after then I'll be here waiting!"

"Wrong, boy! It's not just you I'm after, but the Princess of Misurugi." Every head turned to Ange who looked just as stunned.

"Don't listen to him Cal!" Hosea's voice pleaded and Lucia and Jasmine's mouths fell in fear.

"Shut up old man!" Dutch snapped followed by the sound of a fist hitting flesh.

"Hosea!" Lucia cried. "Don't you touch him you son of a bitch!"

"What the hell is going on!? Rosalie exclaimed as the other pilots began mumbling apprehensively.

"Be quiet!" Jasmine shushed and everyone fell silent.

"Ange? What do you want with her?" Cal questioned.

"Shut up and listen! Here's how things are going to play out." Dutch snarled. "Give me the princess and in return I'll not only spare the three hostages, I'll stop this attack from escalating. I'll be waiting inside the southeast caves. Bring anyone but the girl or keep her from me, then I'll tear out your filthy heart and eat it in front of your squad before killing every living Norma on this island." They all turned ash white, and Cal knew Dutch wasn't bluffing. "You have 20 minutes." The radio call cut off and there was a long pause of intense dead silence as they all absorbed the enormity of the worsening situation.

"Who was that!" Irma whispered.

"How does that guy know you Cal?" Tanya asked.

"Because he's the bastard who ruined my life." Cal seethed, his words dripping with fury.

"Shouldn't we get that Lucas guy?" urged Chris. "Maybe he can help."

"No! If Lucas knew of this then who knows what he'll do." Lucia told her and Cal agreed. "If Dutch see's Lucas in Cal's place, he'll kill the hostages." Cal's hand clenched the radio so hard the plastic casing began to creak while everyone waited with baited breaths as to what he was going to do. He hated having to go back on his word to Lucas, but it had to be done to protect the hostages, and he would do it his way.

"That monster is going to pay for what he's done." Cal vowed as he pushed his way through his squad and entered the nearest armory.

"And what are you planning to do?!" Ange demanded who along with the rest stood at the doorway to block Cal's way out.

"I'm going to end this once and for all." Cal answered, his eyes livid as he threw his crossbow over his back and salvaged for any spare weapons and equipment.

"Then I'm coming with you!" Ange insisted as she advanced on Cal. "If I'm the target then we can save them together. What do you think he'll do if he sees you without me?"

"You can't go." Lucia argued. "You're the pilot of Villkiss. Don't you realize how important you are?"

"Yes, and I don't care!" Ange shouted defiantly.

"No!" Cal yelled blinded by his intense hatred. "This is my fight! Those at Xeon, countless Norma, humans, ancient folk, Gramps! They're all dead because of him! Now get out of my way!"

"Cal!" Jasmine pleaded as she held him back by his shoulders with a surprisingly strong grip. "This is what Dutch wants. I know you're in pain. But this is not you! That monster has taken enough from us! I will not lose you too."

"Cal please, we promised you we'd face this together." said Ersha firmly. "You're not alone in this."

"You said whatever comes our way we'll face it together." Chris reminded him with full confidence.

"We'll deal with what's out there, but you can't take him on by yourself." Insisted Hilda. "And I am not about to let him lay a hand on you." Cal stood back to calm himself and came to his senses. They were right, but if Dutch saw he didn't have Ange or wasn't alone then Hosea and the others would die.

"Ange I can't have you using yourself as bait to lure that bastard out. I need you out there with your squad mates defending this place. Villkiss is the most powerful unit we have, and it will help turn the tides if things go south."

"But how are you planning to save the hostages and deal with Dutch at the same time?" said Ange. "I doubt there's a girl here that looks remotely like me." And then it came to him.

"I've got an idea." Cal announced. "Frenzy, get me all the C4 you can carry."

"If you're going to fight him head on then take some of these goodies I packed. They're great for kicking ass." Frenzy beamed as he handed Cal his heavy duffle bag.

"Jasmine, get one of the larger sized standard pilot tunics and a pair of green stockings." Cal instructed. "Ersha search one of the kid's makeup box toys and bring a blonde wig and some scissors. Lucia, I'm gonna need your help on this one."

"So what exactly do you have in mind?" Lucia wondered.

"It's a long shot but it might just work." Cal grinned as he gathered them together to tell them his plan.

Across the sky, a horde of Mana military transports were drawing closer to Arzenal, each one filled with a full assault squad ready to carry out their new orders: kill all hostile Norma and capture the seven priority targets alive. Those ordered on the frontline by Holy Emperor Julio and his captains were composed of Dutch's troops with the aim of squashing out his loyalists. To ensure he got all the glory, Julio had assigned a Captain overseer to each Mana aircraft to command each squad during the mission, to ensure the chosen Ragna-mail pilots and the former imperial Princess were captured and brought to him alone. But unknown to Julio, three uninvited guests had infiltrated the fray.

Inside one of the aircrafts, a hulking shadow that had once been Sargent Brawl loomed over the other soldiers. After being caught in the explosion during the former princess' failed execution resulting in his left arm and side of his face severely burned and disfigured, rumors had spread that Brawl had been tested on with a new experimental treatment on Dutch's orders. Now those rumors seemed true as now, Brawl had been fitted with a mechanical arm that further emphasized his hulking size. The left side of his face was hidden behind a black steel mask to conceal his grievously burnt face that not even Mana could heal all the way. But unknown to them and Dutch, the new and improved Brawl had taken a vow of silence under his new commander, until his new master's orders had been complete and his main rival and threat to the future had been exposed and eliminated.

In another aircraft, Jadis stood with the others. Having been passed off as another soldier, she had hidden her face behind her tactical mask. She listened carefully over the roar of the aircraft's engines and glanced sideways at the small circular window realizing the constant whistling and continuous white trails of the missile strikes had ceased, meaning they were almost at the target area. If all went to plan, then she'd be able to slip away the priority targets from Julio's grasp. Her new commander had promised her great rewards once today's mission was successful. He had already shown her the extent of his generosity and there was much more to come. Jadis had researched all 7 Ragna-mail candidates: Ange, Hilda, Salia, Vivian, Rosalie, Ersha: studying their weaknesses, but her desire was to capture the last one on the list most of all. Jadis licked her lips in anticipation and a cruel smirk curled her lips. 'Let's see how much you've grown since the last time I saw you, Scarlett.'

Within a third aircraft, Jeffry had also managed to make himself unnoticed. As their destination drew nearer, Jeffry steadied his breaths, trying to keep his nerves together. 'What does Mr Villson want with the former Princess of Misurugi? I thought he wanted to capture the male Norma.' It made Jeffry question what had changed for Dutch to go AWOL against the world leaders. The guilt of betraying the very man who gave him a purpose after his father's death was eating him up, but he had no choice. He had to keep his family safe, and after today his promise to his father would be complete. 'Keep it together.' Jeffry told himself sternly as his heart pounded. 'Just one final mission then mother and Clementine will be safe forever.' His new commander had promised him that.

"8 kilometers to target destination." Announced the pilots and Jadis, Jeffry and Brawl prepared themselves, ready to leave behind their old lives and be apart of a brighter future as the first guard of the new world order.

Over 600 miles away a lone skyhook sped across the sea, going as fast as its engines would go. Jacob, having just escaped death along with many others from the Sanctuary only hours ago, had broken off from the scattering group to his next destination. "Hosea, Spike team, do you copy, over?" Jacob called over and over but received no response. 'Why aren't they answering?' he worried, fearing the worst had already happened. His eyes peeled for any upcoming islands, he checked his skyhook's navcom and to his luck found the location he was searching for. Hidden around the world, the Sanctuary and the four other community bases had established rendezvous points for their comrades to refuel, rest or in worse cases hide if the government turned up the heat.

Landing on the beach, Jacob skidded his skyhook to a halt across the sand where a lookout was awaiting him to escort him to the cave that was set up as a communications center. "Captain Jacob, what's going on?" The Sargent in command asked with a salute. "We've detected a large assault fleet closing around Arzenal but all coms to the Sanctuary are dead. What happened?"

"The Sanctuary is gone but there are other survivors still out there." Jacob announced to everyone's horror. "For now, broadcast to the other rendezvous points to see if any surviving riders have made contact." As the outpost staff hurried to reach out to their comrades, Jacob prayed Hosea and the others were still alive and hadn't been caught by Cal's clone but now was the time for action. "If you make any contact within the area, tell all riders to move out! Arzenal needs our help!"

"What are you going to do Captain?"

"I'm gonna need a unit." Just like Tusk's Island, these emergency outposts were also used to store equipment and para-mail for emergency use. Within a hidden bunker deep in the island's center, lights flicked on and Jacob surveyed the garrison of 10 Para-mail all ready to go, his eyes finally settling on the one at the far end. It was a gunmetal grey Arquebus trimmed in red. But unlike the ones used at Arzenal it was custom designed for heavy assault. Unlike most Para-mail it didn't sport a primary range weapon but instead was equipped with two heavy armored gauntlets with a built-in rotary cannon on the undersides. Fitted on the left gauntlet was a huge, armored shield while on the right wing was a long relic power blade, designed to cut off a Brig class' head in one slice.

Jacob hurried over to his chosen machine and placed his old helmet over his head. It had been years since he last used one of these and as he inserted his chamber cord into its socket, the Arquebus seemed to hum as if like him, it too were eager to launch. The engines roared to life as the Arquebus lifted from the ground and in one swift second was off through the bunker entrance, past the trees and into the clear sky. 'Just hold on, Jill, Jasmine, Lucas, Lucia, Tusk, Cal. I'm on my way.'

After Cal had finished briefing everyone on their battle strategy, the pilots of Arzenal hurried to their locker room to change into their rider suits. According to the plan, while the pilots went to the hanger to help move the Para-mail; Lucas, his crew and other personnel would form a defensive line against any invaders, allowing noncombatants and the injured to evacuate across the four routes down to Aurora, leaving Cal and Lucia to deal with the hostages and Dutch. Jasmine had already debriefed all the evacuees and fighters regarding the ways of escape down to Aurora: A) by the main elevator inside the upper hanger by Jasmine's mall: B) by the storage elevator in hanger 2 that would be used to lower the Para-mail first: C) down at the lower levels where a secret door near the festa beach would take them down a spiral staircase, and D) through Arzenal's old Western tunnels that led to a pair of old rusted reinforced doors that no Inspector since Libertus had ever discovered.

Ersha was the first to change but before going to hanger 2, she grabbed one of Naomi's last souvenirs from her locker and made one final pit stop at classroom 7C to check on the preschool kids who were all gathered around Miss Mary and the older members of staff who were ready to group with Jasmine. Ersha bent down and kissed each one on their foreheads.

"Don't worry girls," she told them. "Just stay close to Miss Mary and you'll be fine." Though scared, the girls nodded in understanding. Though before Ersha could go a small hand tugged on hers.

"Don't go." Abagail whispered fearfully. "Stay with us."

"I have to go help the others." Ersha told her. She handed the young girl Naomi's souvenir. It was a keyring decoration, a circular crest with a swan set in the middle, the same logo she designed on her Hauser.

"This will bring you luck as it's done for me many time. So don't be scared, you're braver than you think you are Abagail. I promise I'll see you all soon." Ersha then left to rejoin her squad at the entrance of Hanger 2 where she saw Zhao Mei in frantic activity along with her crew of armorers and the human kid Frenzy loading Zola's old Arquebus, a spare Glaive and Vivian's pink Razor onto the emergency elevator first. Thankfully, the rubble and debris had all been cleared away for the pilots to launch if things got heated. As she made her way to the front, she saw Cal awaiting them like he was ready for war. In addition to his pilot suit he now wore a combat chest rig harness and belt, gifted by Frenzy, stocked with frag grenades, flash bangs, throwing knives and fitted an additional holster. Instead of their standard issue sidearm, Cal had swapped out for two machine pistols while his crossbow was strapped over his back, his quiver upgraded with additional flash, shock and explosive tipped bolts.

"We're ready." Hilda told him. "Just don't get yourself killed down there."

"I'm sorry I won't be here to support you all…but…"

"I know." Hilda interrupted him but smiled sweetly. "Don't worry about us, we'll make it through this if we all work together." She gave him a playful punch in the arm. "Now make sure that bastard never comes back this time." Cal nodded intently and secured his crossbow over his back more securely. "I'll make it quick, then I'm coming back up here."

"Stop struggling." came Lucia's voice impatiently. "Keep moving."

"I am the Inspector General of Arzenal! Daughter of the Rosenblum Senator, and I will not be handled like this!" Emma shrieked as Lucia dragged her along in cuffs towards the lift and everyone in the hanger stared amusedly at her appearance. Lucia and Jasmine had dressed her in a Norma's white tunic and black skirt, complete with green stockings, boots and gloves to mirror Ange's outfit. But they had also with Ersha's assistance forced a chin length cut blonde wig on her head.

"Sorry Inspector." said Cal as he took her glasses from her and tied a blind fold around her eyes and stuffed a pair of his old moth-eaten mustard socks into her mouth. "I'll let you tie me up next time in the bed so we're even." He then placed a sack over her head and Ersha watched woefully as Cal, Lucia and their fake bargaining tool approached the elevator that would take them down to the lower levels. She couldn't help but regret the many things she wished she had told and done with Cal, unsure if this would be the last time she would see him.

"Hey." Hilda whispered to her and motioned her head in Cal's direction. "Just do it."

"Cal!" Ersha called and he turned as she ran up to him and kissed him on the lips with a fierce passion. "No matter what happens, I'm really glad I met you."

"Ersha I…" but Ersha put a finger to his lips before he could finish.

"Save it when you get back." She smiled. No words needed to be said, his eyes spoke for how much he truly cared for her.

"Good luck." Mei waved near the elevator's main controls. Once Cal, Lucia and the disguised Emma stepped onto the elevator and Frenzy levitated a few mores supply crates, they descended slowly out of sight.

"He'll be alright." said Hilda.

"I know he will." Ersha smiled thinking of all the things she would say and how much she loved him once they were safe and out of here.

"Okay! Get the next batch of Para-mail ready before the elevator comes back up!" Mei ordered and the pilots began to help her crew. "Villkiss and Siegfried are the priority so we protect them at all costs!"

"Hold on a minute." Hilda realized as she looked around. "Just where the hell is Ange? And Salia too for that matter?"

In the chaos and confusion following Dutch's radio call, it had been easy for Salia to sneak Ange away when her squad scrambled to get ready. Now all she had to do was get Ange down to the Aurora. "Keep moving," she warned as she pressed the muzzle of the gun into Momoka's back.

Jill was right knowing Ange would submit if someone threatened her maid rather than herself. "Try anything and I'll put her down."

"I can't believe you." Ange shook her head. "You'd rather take orders from someone who couldn't give a damn about you rather than help your friends?

"I'm not the one who's running away like you and Hilda did." Salia tched bitterly as she reached up to her communicator. "Commander this is Salia. Ange is secured along with the maid."

"Well done Salia," Jill answered pleased. "I knew you would make me proud." She had always longed for Jill's praise but now it felt empty and meaningless to Salia and the regret of leaving Cal behind grew with every step she took.

Now that she knew Ange was secured Jill could focus on getting all of Aurora's systems prepped and the supplies loaded for when everyone else got down here. Soon enough, the first evacuees had already arrived and on Aurora's camera feed, Jill watched fifteen residents and the babies along with the human tech Dolton who was making his way up to the command tower. "Commander." Dolton saluted when he came in. "I've brought the first evacuees with me and ordered them to load up the rest of the supplies. Give me the security codes to Arzenal's coms so I can assist the others getting down the four escape routes."

"If your Mana can help the others then get on with it quick." She agreed.

"On it." As he took a seat up front at the console next to Pamela, much to Hikaru's dismay, Jill watched as Dolton pulled up three Mana windows. Dolton's hands lit bright green, and when he linked into Arzenal's systems, all the reinforced steel doors on Arzenal's beaches sealed shut with multiple clangs. A map on his right screen displayed Arzenal's airspace while the center pulled up the main runway. The video feed began to move upwards, and Jill realized he was controlling some sort of Mana drone as the feed shifted across the south side of Arzenal and a few hundred feet into the sky, In a few moments, the drone had scanned the entire base exterior, and the picture turned into a thermal image of black and white showing hundreds of bright yellow figures across every level of the base. Dolton then slipped one of the communicators on his head and connected it to his left Mana screen which managed to radio through to everyone else in the base. "Hilda, sensors have detected the first wave of Mana airships 4 miles to the north." Dolton disclosed. Pamela and the other two paused in awe until Jill shot them an icy glare to get back to work.

'Genius.' Jill thought impressed. 'This human might be some use later on down the line.' But she knew it would take more than a little persuasion for him to do her bidding in the long run. As the command staff prepped up Aurora's systems Jill peered over Dolton's right screen map and saw the many red dots swarming in on the base's front along with something else. "Commander, I'm detecting an unidentified source heading towards Arzenal." Dolton reported.

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure." Just as the drone footage caught 5 Para-mail launching out of the base Dolton turned the drone camera around and the sight made Jill's blood run cold. "Hilda pull those riders back now!" Dolton warned.

Hurrying to the mall, Miranda kept her distance from the rookies to hide her suppressed tears of frustration, the swirling faces and echoing voices of Coco, Margret, Hilda, Cal and her father plaguing her mind amidst all the chaos. Once in the upper hanger, the four came across Lucas, half of security and a large number of base personnel stationed near the mall. They had aligned numerous tables, sandbags, chairs and a few salvaged arcade machines across the mall entrance to the main lift as cover points while the second load of evacuees packed into the elevator.

"What are you all doing here?" Lucas demanded.

"Jasmine sent us to get more guns." answered Noona.

"Fine just make it quick." As the four young Norma entered the storage room, they split up looking for the spare crates, Miranda taking one side away from the others. The voices rang in her head and unable to stand them any longer, she clutched her temple wishing for the swimming faces and taunts to stop.

"Why didn't you help me escape? What kind of a friend are you? I hate you!" Coco yelled; her voice full of betrayal.

"She's a problem. She would have been better off with Janitor duties." Margaret mocked. As if in a daze, Miranda began to blindly open crate after crate as all her deepest fears and trauma rose inside her like vomit.

"You were just a means to an end. A shield to be thrown away once it outlived its usefulness." Hilda sneered.

"There's a bunch of things Miranda can't do." Cal scoffed.

"Miranda hurry." Mary called as she, Marika, and Noona waited for her, a trolly full of crates among them.

"Just go I'll catch up." Miranda told them bluntly, unable to face them.

"It's your fault our Captain died!" Margret snapped.

"You're not ready!" Cal's voice echoed.

"I thought you'd be perfect, but you were a Norma. A filthy disgusting Norma!" Her father yelled in disgust. Miranda screamed as her whole world became a blur of resentment and abandonment, everything she had kept bottled in for months finally exploding to the surface.

'They're all liars.' She finally realized. 'They never cared or believed in me. I was just the spare squad mate to be cast aside.' Barley conscious what she was doing Miranda, threw a box of tools against the wall with all her might and pushed a large crate over with a steel case on top. The case lid popped open, and 12 balls rolled out from their foam casing.

Coming back to her senses, her tears drying up Miranda picked up the closest ball to examine it properly. All were black steel, larger than grenades with four blinking red lights running across their middle.

"I can…I can help them." Miranda said to herself as a reckless fire pulsed through her. "I will help them!" It was time she stopped letting others decide her worth and skill and finally show them that she was not a burden. She quickly packed the 12 steel balls in a duffle bag leaving the toppled open case on the floor and ran back out into the hanger.

"Miranda! What are you still doing here?! Run quick!" Lucas barked. As her eyes trailed to the runway, her heart stopped. A series of large black disc shaped objects sprouting twin rows of metal teeth from their rim shot down onto the runway, their blades tearing through the concrete like paper and moving in fast towards the hanger. "Take cover!" Lucas shouted as the defenders and evacuees hit the deck.

Miranda dashed to the second exit along the right of the hanger and managed to get away just before a series of explosions behind her caused her to tumble. She wanted to turn back but her squad and Cal needed her. She picked herself up and ran as fast as she could heading straight for her squad's locker room. 'Just hang on Cal, everyone, I'm coming.'

As the nine pilots, armorers and Frenzy rushed to get the other Para-mail and supplies on the emergency lift, Hilda heard Dolton's warning through her visor. "Shit." She hissed as she caught a glimpse of eight Mana transports closing in through the hanger opening. "Here they come!"

"We'll go first captain." Tanya volunteered along with Irma, Margret, Holly and young Ginny.

"Great, we'll join you if it gets too heated." said Hilda. "First squadron of death, take off!" The remaining members of Third squad readied their respective units as the first wave zoomed out of the hanger to meet the enemy head on. From outside came the sounds of gunfire, and Hilda grinned as she spotted two smoking Mana transports fall past the hanger opening into the sea below.

"Hilda pull those riders back now!" Dolton suddenly warned.

"Why what's going on?" she demanded

"Erm guys." Chris gulped. "What are those?" Everyone followed Chris's line of sight and through an open skylight, the sky was swarming with what looked like hundreds of disk-shaped objects. As they watched, the disks sprouted twin rows of metal teeth from their rim and began to spin before diving towards the base.

"Take cover!" Hilda yelled as everyone ran for safety as the screech of metal on concrete rained down on them from above before a series of explosions rocked the entire hanger. "What the hell was that." Hilda coughed. As the ringing in her ears ceased and the smoke cleared, she checked and was glad to see no one was injured or killed, but the hanger wasn't so lucky. Part of the roof had collapsed onto the lower levels, cutting off the Para-mails' only exit.

"Captain, the sky is full of unidentified objects!" Tanya's panicked voice came through Hilda's visor. "We can't hold position!" Through the skylight above, Hilda spotted the five Para-mail desperately trying to ward off the hundreds of swarming discs.

"Just get out of there and regroup. We'll find a way to get to you." Hilda told her. 'Cal you better hurry up, we need you.' She prayed.

Through the eery darkness and silence of Arzenal's southeast cave tunnels, echoing droplets of water from the ceiling stifled Cal, Lucia and Emma's footsteps. They moved as silently as they could, not daring to use their flashlights to keep Lucia's presence concealed. Cal and Lucia had studied Arzenal's maps of the southeast tunnels in preparation and through the pitch black, they counted their steps with Lucia carrying a backpack full of C4 and both having to drag a reluctant Emma alongside them. Through his visor headset, Cal listened to the shared comms of his squad mates to keep track of the situation overhead when his earpiece screeched with the static of someone else tuning in.

"Cal I've heard of the situation. I order you to turn back." Jill commanded. "Villkiss is the priority here." Cal didn't answer. "Do you hear me!?"

"I hear you." said Cal coldly. "The others can handle Vilkiss and Ange. I'm going to take care of that bastard Dutch once and for all."

"Cal if you don't turn back I swear I'll…" Before she could finish, Cal switched his visor off. At the depth they were at, they were starting to lose the signal anyway.

"He's got to be in one of these chambers." Cal whispered to Lucia. "Stay on your guard."

"I hope this works." Lucia answered. They passed through one passage and two empty galleries when from above there came a great rumbling.

"Looks like the humans have arrived." Cal noted. All the more reason to wrap this up and go help the others. Ahead, the path split so they took the left passage.

"If we pull this off, we will be coming back with the best story ever to inspire the others." Lucia joked.

"Just make sure you live to tell it." Cal commented when suddenly, a deafening bang cut through the air, a lone bullet ricocheted off the wall just a few feet in front of them.

"Who's there? Identify yourself!" Dutch's voice barked in the distance. "Talk!" Cal and Lucia stopped in their tracks and crouched low.

"Go back and follow the right path, it should lead you to the other side." Cal whispered. From the diagrams of the island, he recalled this chamber had three different entrances and a huge thick stalactite column that supported the chamber's entire roof. "I'll keep him occupied but make it quick."

"Okay. Once I've planted the charge on the main column I'll give the signal. Good luck."

"I'll not ask again!" Dutch threatened. "Come out or the hostages die!"

"It's me you ugly cockroach. And I've got Ange with me like you asked!" Cal called back keeping a tight grip on Emma's arm as Lucia's light footsteps drifted further away behind them. "Don't do anything stupid Inspector. Just follow my lead and I promise we'll get you out of here safely." Emma was shaking from head to toe but managed a nod. Grabbing Emma by the back of her neck, Cal guided her forward through an adjacent archway into the dark cavern. "Show yourself." Cal's voice echoed through the dark void. About 30 yards to his left, a floating ball gleamed like a lightbulb, brightening a portion of the vast chamber and his eyes immediately found the man he hated more than anything in the world standing beneath it with an infuriating smirk on his face.

"Cal! No!" Cal's eyes scanned behind Dutch quickly and found the hostages on their knees with their hands bound a few yards behind to Dutch's left. One was a young woman, a Norma most likely, sporting a gunshot wound to her shoulder, a man and Hosea. "What are you doing?!" Hosea yelled, blood dripping from his swollen and split lip.

"Shut up!" Dutch shouted. Intense hatred worked its way like electricity through every layer of Cal's being but held back the urge to shoot Dutch with the three lives hanging in the balance. "Toss your guns and the crossbow and don't do anything stupid!"

"You first." Cal countered and Dutch threw his pistol away as Cal unholstered his weapons and threw them aside. Dutch didn't even bother to order Cal to get rid of his frag and stun grenades with the hostages close by. "Here she is, now let them go." Cal demanded, keeping Emma close so she would not try to flee and foil everything.

"Do you think I'm stupid?" Dutch scorned. "How do I know that's really the former Misurugi princess? Take the bag off her head." Cal had anticipated this and was glad Dutch didn't ask for her blind fold or gag to be removed. But he needed more time until Lucia was finished.

"Wait." Cal still kept tight hold of Emma. "I kept up my end of the bargain so let them go." But at that moment Cal had finally noticed something truly disturbing. Dutch's burned coat sleeves had been singed all the way up to his forearms, revealing in the dim light that they had turned black and scaly. Almost like the skin of a DRAGON. Not only that, his nails were pointed and jagged and two small ridged horns were running the length of of Dutch's scalp.

"What…what did you do to yourself?" Cal cringed in disgust.

"What I had to." Dutch's smirk became a snarl and there was a wild, barbaric gleam in his orange eyes. Dutch slowly approached his hostages and placed both hands on the head of the man and woman as a pulsing green light traveled up the veins of his hands to his neck. Without warning or anticipation to the imagination, Dutch's hands were engulfed in a burning emerald fire that swallowed both hostages' heads and Cal's nerve finally broke as he drew his blade and held it to Emma's throat. But Dutch simply cackled which somehow even surpassed the horror of the hostages' dying screams.

"Let them go you monster!" Cal roared as Emma began to struggle. The screaming abruptly stopped, and the flames died out as the man and woman's lifeless bodies slumped to the rocky floor, charred smoking flesh and smoldering bone all that was left of their heads. Cal recalled that this unfounded energy and power were the same that Julio's right-hand woman Riza displayed when she cornered him on top of the Misurugi palace. Was she in league with Dutch?

"Enough talk, give me the Princess or the old man's next!" Dutch pointed his open palm at Hosea, forming another green fireball of energy.

"Let him go or I swear I'll cut Ange's throat!"

"You think that's going to work on me? You don't have the nerve."

"It's better than her going with you! I swear I'll do it!"

"Then prove it, maggot." Dutch challenged as his veins and the flame in his hand grew brighter in intensity. "Which are you? Coward or killer?" The blade trembled in Cal's hand and he clenched his teeth, fighting every urge to throw himself right at Dutch. But his eyes wandered to Hosea who sat up straight and unafraid, fully ready to embrace his fate and Cal lowered his blade from Emma's throat with defeat in his voice.

"Fine. I'm a Coward."

"That's what I thought." Dutch smirked in triumph. "Now come over here, Princess." Out of the corner of Cal's eye he caught a fleeting glimpse of long dark hair swish behind a large stalagmite.

"Just go." He whispered, releasing Emma who still kept her head down and slowly began to walk towards Dutch who directed his open hand at Cal as another ball of green energy ignited.

"You're so predictable." Dutch mocked. "I knew you would never sacrifice others lives to save your own, or the pilot of Villkiss. It's what makes you weak. Just like Gaz and my brother. Guess my master will just have to live with the fact you perished today because of HER brother."

"So, Ange's brother is behind this attack, and he takes the fall while you capture the pilot of Villkiss for your master?" Cal put the pieces together. "But why kill me now when you could have done in that forest?"

"All my life, it was my ambition to capture and deliver you to my master. But I know now that you can never be allowed to live."

'Come on Lucia hurry.' Emma was now halfway between the two of them and Cal knew once she got closer Dutch would see she wasn't Ange.

"It's a shame you'll die not knowing just how important you and the princess truly…"

"CLIP CLOP." Lucia's signal! In a split-second Cal slid behind a row of stalagmite and jammed his eyes shut just as Dutch's jet of green energy sawed over Cal's head and erupted at the end of the cavern. In the next moment there was an ear-splitting BANG and a flash of white light blazed through Cal's eyelids. Lucia had fired her bow at Dutch who raised a Mana shield just in time, but once her flash-bang arrow hit his green transparent barrier the blinding flash disoriented him enough for him to drop his shield and Cal charged. In alarm Dutch fired another fireball blindly in Lucia's direction and she dove behind a row of stalactites as the blast cracked atop the second entrance, causing it to topple in and cutting off its route of escape.

Knocking Emma aside, blade grasped in his left hand, Cal sprang forwards to slash Dutch's neck, but Dutch managed to recover from the stunning flash and caught Cal's left wrist. He failed to notice however that Cal's right hand was now grasping a stun knuckler. He drove his right fist under Dutch's chin, sinking it deeper and deeper while Hosea made a break for it and Lucia forced the blindfolded and cuffed Emma back up. Dutch's body twitched violently from the shock of electricity and he released his hold on Cal's left wrist.

"Now how about you try dying for once?!" Cal cursed, only for Dutch's knee to strike Cal hard in the gut. The impact sent him sliding backwards as though he was hit by a battering ram and his body throbbed so badly that it was hard to breathe.

"Cal come on!" Lucia yelled. She, Hosea and a still cuffed Emma waited for him by the first archway, Lucia's thumb hovering over the detonator ready to blow the main column and cave-in the whole chamber. Cal turned and bolted when another beam of green light came from behind and he dropped to the floor as another fireball missed Cal by inches. There was an explosion, a crumbling of rocks, and the whole chamber filled with thick dust. Cal picked himself up and saw to his panic that Dutch's blast had caused the first archway's roof to also collapse, trapping Cal inside the cavern with him. "Cal get out of there!" He heard Lucia's yells from behind the rubble.

"Just go and help the others! I'll catch up!" Cal told her. Pulling his visor down to protect his vision he turned around to face his foe.

"YOU DIRTY LITTLE RUNT!" Dutch roared. "I'll settle with you here! Your death would have been quick and painless but now that you've really pissed me off! I'll make sure Jadis and my men have their way with your squad before I'm done with you." Dutch's face was livid like a rabid dog. Whatever he had done to himself, his strength and body had mutated into something that wasn't human. And Cal was grateful for the protective padded vest underneath his pilot suit Frenzy had given him. Still, Cal knew his chances weren't good. He was trapped in a chamber loaded with C4 and his only way out was through the third archway that led to the southwest coast. But he was not going to leave this place until the man before him was dead.

"You won't be killing anyone else ever again." Cal countered, weighing his options as his eyes darted around for an advantage before settling on the glowing orb floating over Dutch. "It's just you and me now, Dutch." Slowly, Cal's hand reached around the back of his belt for a throwing knife.

"Let's finish this." Dutch snarled through barred teeth as his hands once again engulfed in green flames. This was just like facing another dangerous animal back on the island. And it was high time to put this rabid dog down.

TO BE CONTINUED…

ARTHOR'S NOTES

Apologies for the delay everyone, I initially intended to have this chapter and the next be one but problem was it was taking too much time as it was over 30,000 words so I split it into two parts. So as a result the ARC 4 will conclude with chapter 60. Hope you have all had a merry christmas and let's all wish for a happy new year. Bring on 2025. Here's another character profile that is really overdue.

HOSEA

Height: 5'10, 179cm

Age: Early 60's

Eyes: Burned Umber Brown

Hair: Silver grey (Originally black)

Voice Actor: John DeMita (Bang/Silver Fang, One Punch Man)

Backstory: Hosea has fought all his life since a very young age, once a formidable Soldier of the Ancient folk. Once a married man Hosea lost his wife in battle against the humans, forcing him to raise his son on his own. Over time Hosea's experience, knowledge and level headedness earned him second in command and top advisor of Captain Zolton leader of the ancient folk. After finding Arzenal and the Norma, Hosea used his skills and knowledge to rebuild his peoples future with the Normas help, by establishing a new home and community for Norma and Ancient folk to live together, called Xeon. All was peaceful for years but tragically Xeon was destroyed by Embryo and Dutch, resulting in many deaths including Hosea's son. The last survivors of the Ancient folk did all they could to survive and Hosea still second in command helped rebuild their army by putting their trust in groups of humans who rebelled against the world's treatment of Norma. Now with a second chance of Libertus succeeding Hosea uses his great whit, rational thinking and well thought out strategies to ensure his people don't go extinct and live in a world where Embryo and the humans cruelty is nothing but a distant memory.