Chapter 10 All Aboard

Chapter 10

 

All Aboard

 

 

Theta and Alysia were flying up the elevator. Alysia on Theta's shoulder. Theta was standing in the center of the cylinder like elevator.

 

"When we get up there we need to assume that they will have evacuated everyone and will be shutting down the Launcher." Alysia said.

 

"What all we did was set off an non-lethal explosive within a populated and very important building and kill some of their enforcers." Theta said jokingly. Though he was joking he was still thinking of the vision he had seen only moments ago.

 

"I don't see how this is funny." Alysia said very serious.

 

"By the way. Where were you!?" She screamed. Obviously furious because of his disappearance.

 

"Well. I saw this girl." He started but was quickly cut off.

 

"A girl! You got distracted by a girl. A mission to save a nation and possibly the world and you were distracted by a girl?" She said critically.

 

"I though I knew her and then we were in a long medieval hall full of knights. Then I was talking to this king guy. Then I turned to stone." The words were pouring out. Alysia's gaze becoming less intense and more disbelieving.

 

"I think it was a memory. But none like before." He said.

 

Alysia sighed and said, "Ok so it wasn't completely your fault."

 

Theta was relieved to hear this and was about to say something when the elevator stopped abruptly.

"What happened?" Theta asked.

"They have found us and isolated our lift." As she said this she looked up. "Open that panel."

"Can't you override them or something?" He asked while reaching for the panel at the ceiling and opening it.

"I could but they are most likely sending security to kill or collect us as we speak. Besides I have something faster." She said as she flew past him and outside the elevator.

 Theta climbed out and looked around. The room was  There were four metal beams forming what looked like the corners of a square on points around the elevator. There were mechanisms attached to the elevator and they were wrapped around the beams.

"That must be how they go up." Theta thought aloud.

"A very astute observation. Those are also what is keeping us here. They aren't active right now. I am detecting a wireless receiver in each of these and an internal battery. Each gets its orders from the people in charge via the elevator. Each one of these are required to lift the elevator. But you do not weigh an elevator's worth. It would take to long to take control of each of these. But one of them would be no problem. We need to move up with them but without the elevator." She said quickly.

"So you want me to cut us away from the elevator and destroy the other clamps holding us here?" Theta asked. Having second thoughts about his friends sanity. Could A.I.'s go insane?

"Yes but I am not. Listen we have no time we need to go." Alysia said, agitatedly.

"Fine." Theta said and released his blades from his gauntlet. He swung twice and severed two of the clamps. The elevator shuttered a bit but didn't fall. He could hear a slight protest form the other two. He looked at Alysia. She nodded. He severed the last two, retracted his blades,and grabbed onto one as the elevator plummeted.

The gap where the once was an elevator revealed an open elevator door and a bunch of guards with raised guns.

"Alysia!" Theta shouted

"Hold on!" She yelled back. She grabbed his arm and then Theta and Alysia started to skyrocket up. The force made him lose his grip. Now holding on with only one hand he desperately grabbed so he wouldn't fly off.

He regained his grip and looked up. He was flying for about a minutes before he began to see the end, it was just a light. But it was becoming brighter.

He was going to have to time this perfectly.

Alysia knowing his plan jumped off his arm. He rotated himself a bit and pushed off, aiming for the beams for the clamps. He bent his legs up and reached. He dug the spikes on his knees into the wall and grabbed one of the beams. The clamp continued until it crashed at the top of the shaft. Alysia  flew to the opening which was only a few yards away.

 She shrieked and flew down.

A barrage of bullets hitting the air where she was.

Theta stretched out his arm and Alysia landed on it.

"We have a welcoming party I presume." Theta said. "How is the company?" he said gesturing his head towards the numerous bullet holes.

"Hardly going to scratch the paint." Alysia said, forgetting her anger for him earlier. "Hollow point shells, small arms and submachine guns, and gelatinous exo-skeletal body armor. markings suggest a private company, not law enforcement. They have a pretty decent setup. From what I saw we are in the middle of a rectangular atrium. There are 3 floors, they are set up on all of them as well as well as deployed cover on the paths that lead diagonally from where we are. Speed is the best bet"

"Agreed. Where is our station?" Theta asked casting her off and jumping to the other side, opposite the opening.  Just below where they could see him. His cloak billowing behind him.

"Launcher station 17. Its a bit of a walk so we will need to acquire some transport." She said, flying back to his arm.

"Alright get ready." Theta said, getting ready to jump.

"I will cloak and head out when they are distracted. I will provide support and look for a ride." Alysia said, turning invisible.

Theta looked over his shoulder and gathered his strength. He pushed off the wall with all his might. And he went airborne.

The world slowed down as he was flying. Everything becoming intensely clear. As he was clearing the threshold he studied as much as he could.

There were two paths one to the right and to the left. Blocking those paths were soldiers in black, curved, and shiny armor. Gel armor was light and extremely durable. Between the paths was a pool of water with a fountain in the center.

Five soldiers guarded each path. he could see black clad soldiers on the three floors in front of him. The soldiers were only about thirty-five feet away.

Theta landed and rolled to where he was crouching and looked up. A split second passed between when he looked up and when what appeared to be a very small, flaming flower grew out of the barrels of each gun trained at him.

Theta jumped towards the left path and in mid flight extended his blades. This jump had shortened the distance between him and the soldiers considerably, as he was just on the other side of their cover. He tackled the one in the middle. As he landed he got to a knee quickly and sliced at the back of the knees of two of the soldiers. As the last two turned he stabbed them in the neck.

A haze of bullets flew at him. Shattering the glass barriers between him and the pool and fountain. He trusted Alysia but didn't want to press his own luck. He started to run down the path. As he was running he saw assorted store fronts along the walls. He also saw on the opposite side of a food court, a large glass wall with a set of matching glass doors leading into a courtyard.

"Alysia I will meet you outside. I will evade these guys and proceed on foot to Launcher 17 until you can pick me up." Theta said, dashing for the doors. He was running through and over the tables.

"Got it." She said quickly.

Theta capsized a few tables to make him harder to hit from behind. The bullets coming from the front however were beginning to get closer and closer to hitting there mark. He picked up a table, it feeling like it weighed less than a foam lid. Using it as a ram and a shield he ran full on towards the door. The bullets hitting his shield were deadened by the metal, the shots making a clanging sound.

When he felt no more tables hitting his shield he passed underneath the balcony with the gunners and jumped through the window.

The glass fell like rain around him and Theta crashed to the ground. He stood up and was about to run but was stopped by the figures before him.


 Two figures in red and black cloaks, each holding a scythe.

The Infernum Bellatoras .

The one on the left was noticeably larger and more muscled than his partner. But each had the same blank mask with a ridge down the middle as the last one.

Theta was just calculating how to beat them, when a pair of hovering airships showed up. Each had a rotating propulsion system in there wings, a cockpit what appeared to be a minigun attached under the nose, and a tail rotor within the tail.

"Alysia we have a problem." Theta said, not moving and waiting for his enemies to make the firs move.

"I see. I'm working on it." She said.

"Work quickly." Theta said. He heard the footsteps of the soldiers behind him and knew he would be surrounded.

The smaller of the Infernum Bellatoras stepped forward and said, "You are hereby ordered to surrender to us. You shall be put on trial before the Supreme Directional. If you come quietly, no harm will come to you."

Theta noticed one of the hovercraft slowly start to turn toward its counterpart. Theta thought this was strange. He probed Alysia thoughts and saw her plan.

Oh she is daring, Theta thought. He looked at his feet and saw the table resting upside down. He looked back up at the Infernum Bellatoras.

He said, "I will be given a fair trial?"

The one who had spoken earlier replied, "You will be given a trial. The supreme directional will decide how fair. Besides you don't seem to have much of a choice."

Theta saw Alysia's barrel start to rotate.

Theta grabbed the table and said, "I will take my chances." Theta grabbed the table and with all his might he threw it at the two. The larger one stepped forward and sliced it in two.

Alysia's hovercraft unleashed a hail of fire on the other. Caught off guard it did little other than start smoking and crash in a massive blaze.

Theta began to run but the two Infernum Bellatoras appeared before him in a poof of smoke. The two swung there scythes downward in unison. Theta rolled backwards and took a stance.

Alysia opened fire on the soldiers behind him, who returned fire and tried to seek cover from within the atrium.

Theta however was dodging and diving. Being kept on the defensive by the two enemies attacks.
Each attacking in perfect form and unison.

He just had to hold on until an opening presented itself. And one did. Alysia had repositioned herself and had opened fire on them with extreme accuracy. This separated them and one of the two disappeared in a plume of smoke.

Leaving Theta with the larger of the two. Theta went on the offensive. Scoring small strikes here and there. The big guy swung and Theta grabbed the scythe and closed the distance. His sword plunged into the things left shoulder joint. Theta worked the blade around causing as much damage as possible. Until a sickening crack could be heard.

The thing yelled and kicked Theta.

Theta was forced back and lost his grip on the weapons shaft.

The creatures yell had been more animal than human. Theta questioned whether or not these things were human.

Its arm was dead. Theta knew because it hung limp at the creatures side and blood seeped from the wound.

The things chest was heaving. But not because it was out of breath.

It was furious.

Then it seemed to calm.

Theta's enemy made the scythe shorten until it could be easily used with one hand. Then it disappeared.

Theta began to turn, scanning for the beast.

Alysia's voice shocked him. "Theta we have a problem!" She yelled.

"What?" His voice icy, still slowly spinning.

"Enemy Reinforcements. At least five more gunships and the Infernum Bellatora that left earlier is leading the guys and attacking me. I don't know if you noticed, but he is throwing fire balls." She said.

Theta stopped at that last remark. He hadn't been paying attention to the fight behind him. "So these guys can teleport and throw fire balls?"

"Apparently so!" She said straining her voice.

"Alright I will make my way to the top of a building. I will jump on." Theta said making a dash for the nearest building.

"Let me know when you are ready." She said, strafing left to right unleashing suppressive fire on the front of the building.

There was a twenty foot tall building in front of him he would be able to get up quickly. He ran in and found himself in a fancy restraint.

It was empty.

Theta saw a spiral staircase and bolted towards it and up it as fast as he could. He passed the first and second floor and at the top there was a door. He opened it and ran through.

As soon as he stepped out he said, "Alysia I'm ready."

Her gunship turned and flew to the rooftop. The glass cockpit door opened and Theta ran over. He dragged the bodies of the pilots out and hopped into the seat behind the pilots chair. Alysia who was in the front closed the door and without touching the controls the ship flew forward.

"Wirelessly tapped into the ships controls. We are headed to Launcher station 17." She said.

He looked around the chair and saw her perched on the controls.

"How far away are we?" Theta asked trying to decipher the menagerie of buttons and monitors in front of him.

"We will be there in seconds but we have more problems. They are going to scuttle the Launcher." She said, with much gravity.

Theta was shocked at this.

They knew what Alysia and he were doing. They wouldn't expend all these resources if they thought they were terrorists. Especially to destroy such a vital apparatus for this and probably many other cities. This would explain why the Infernum Bellatora he had been fighting had just disappeared, it had been warned. Theta thought to himself.

"Exactly." Alysia answered him. Having read his thoughts.

"Where are those gunships?" Theta asked checking the area outside the ship.

"They left. They picked up the remaining troops shortly after we left and are now leaving the airspace. We are almost there." She said coming down near what looked like a massive, tilted air filter.

"That's it. I will drop us right next to the entrance." Alysia said, the ship slowly coming to a landing.

The hatch opened and the duo got out. They dashed for the steel door and opened it.

Inside was a large glass cylinder blocking their way. Theta could see through it what looked like a strange launch platform.

"We need to go through that its a millimeter scanner. It wont let us through because we are armed. So just break through it." Alysia said landing on his shoulder.

"Alright and when we get passed it?" Theta said, breaking through the glass. As he did alarms sounded.

"Don't mind those. Then we strap in. I plug in the coordinates, the Launcher makes the fine tuning, and then we get a quick ride to the nearest receiver." Alysia said, as Theta broke down the other glass door.

Theta stepped in and saw the thing they would be riding in. It looked like half a tear drop, with two seats, in a line, that were covered with harnesses and other safety measures. It was all mounted on an elevated platform.

"Alright get in the seat. You are going to have to hold onto me ok?" Alysia said flying to one of the seats.

"Because this thing wasn't designed for hawks." Theta inferred, climbing up to his seat.

"Exactly. Now strap yourself in first." Alysia instructed.

He had just gotten the first strap on when the entire room shook around them.

They were really going to blow it up, Theta said to himself strapping in more.

When he had finished Alysia flew to his lap. The station was shaking vigorously. Pieces of the building surrounding them were starting to crack.

Then the second half of the tear came out of the ground near them and was secured into its place by a giant robotic arm. Then another robotic arm assisted the now complete tear into a slot on the roof, that Theta had not noticed before now. Once through it looked like Theta was looking down the barrel of a gun. Then a small device was placed onto the nose of the craft.

The magnet and it looked to be electronic. But it wasn't working.

"It will work. It isn't activated. The Launcher needs to make the fine adjustments."Alysia explained.

The station rocked some more.

"We don't have time. We need to launch now." Theta said fiercely.

"Overriding." Alysia said. Seeming to concentrate very hard.

Theta could see smoke outside of the barrel. The station felt like it was starting to dip.

Explosions could be heard outside.

"Alysia!" Theta shouted.

"Launching!" She barely got out. Then the station rocked severely as the lights on the magnet lit up.

Then the world became a blur.

And as quickly as they had started, Theta heard something come over the ships speakers.

"Possibly fatal collision detected. Engaging countermeasures."

Theta thought quickly. "Alysia faze out." He ordered her.

"What? No." She said adamantly.

"Countermeasures deactivated by Supreme Directional override. Probability of survival. Ten percent."

He needed to get her out. Then it hit him.He had an idea. She would never forgive him if he did it though.

"Alysia. I will miss you. Override code 72. Immediate Faze generator override. Sustain for 30 seconds."

"Don't do it. We will make it." Alysia pleaded, her voice broken.

Theta took off his helmet and smiled. "Your right we will be. I don't know what I was thinking."

Alysia looked relieved.

Then Theta's face hardened. "Initiate Faze generator."

Alysia's face registered her equivalent of shock. Then she slipped through him and the ship blink fast.

Theta closed his eyes and put his helmet back on.

And he unbuckled himself. He had to at least try, but he couldn't let Alysia be here if he failed.

Fighting the G-force he reached forward and extended the blade on his right hand. And he stabbed the electric magnet. It fizzled and the pod started to decrease in speed, but not fast enough. Theta gently let himself back to his seat. Then strapped himself back in.

The pod began to aim towards the ground.

Theta closed his eyes and thought of three things.

One: Alysia. She was not going to be happy about this. Either way.

Two: The little girl Serena. She must have been wrong.

Three: The woman he had seen in his vision. He would never know who she was. Or for that matter himself.

The ground was almost upon him. Theta braced himself. As his ship rushed to embrace the ground, and then they met.

Then all was still.

Chapter 9 Those Forgotten

Chapter 9

 

Those Forgotten



 

Rain was falling from the night sky in torrents.

And completely exposed on the top of a thirteen story building was Theta and Alysia. They were observing the Launcher. Because walking in was now no longer an option. It was too risky because someone had apparently tipped off their presence in the city to the Order.

Today was the day to sneak in. They had been observing the area for two days and had gotten word to Elder Melchior about their situation.

They had received less than stellar news. They had four days to reach the facility. It had already been one day and time seemed to be slipping away faster and faster.

The building was composed of a few different parts. The lower part of the building looked like a really expensive foyer for a hotel. Behind the building was an area for loading and unloading the imports and exports for the Launcher. Theta was on the building adjacent to the Launcher. And as it turned out the building was for more than just imports and exports. There were restraunts, shopping areas, and an area for formal events.

Theta waited a couple seconds then turned his head to Alysia, who was perched on his shoulder, and asked, “Ready?”

Alysia turned. “Ready.” She said and left her perch.

The plan was that Theta would wait until Alysia caused a distraction. Once the distraction occurred Theta would zip line over, with some equipment he had “acquired” lying around near a sports equipment store and from a man who “had connections”. As he was going over he would prepare to breach into the building.  

Theta was excited. It was going to be very dangerous, but also very cool. Theta was going to be aiming for the ninth floor. It held very few people and was lightly guarded, for it was currently being renovated. It however was only worked on during daytime hours.

Theta contacted Alysia on the coms, “How are we looking?”

“Get ready.” Was all she said.

Theta grabbed the hook launcher and stood ready aiming.

“Now.” He heard Alysia say softly.

Theta pulled the trigger and there was a thumping sound as the canister left the barrel. In the canister was a drill surrounded in gel as soon as the canister was ruptured the drill would burrow into the building and the gel would become a very effective adhesive. As soon as the canister hit Theta pulled the trigger again and a similar canister fired into the concrete behind him.

He hooked onto the line and stood on the edge. And jumped.

He was moving very fast on the line and he hear the wheels whining with strain.

A quarter of the way through he saw all the windows on the second floor explode outwards. There were no flames. It was a non-lethal attack, intended to distract not hurt.

Theta was nearing his window he brought his legs close to his body and tried to coil as much strength as possible. A foot away from the glass he kicked as hard as he could and the glass gave way Theta rolled as he entered.

Coming to a stop he stood and brought out his blades.

He began to scan the room. Not seeing any immediate threat he took a closer look around him. All the lights were off and there was only the light from the city and the occasional flash of lightning. Much of the room was missing sections of the wall and insulating plastic hung over certain areas. Obviously in the early stages of renovation. The wind from the storm outside caused the plastic to ripple and wave.

True to their observations the area was absent of people.

Theta, raising Alysia on the coms, said, “Alright I am in and all is clear. Where are you?”

“On the way, it may take a minute. Wiring in the walls and ceilings are messing with my Transparencing device. I will have to take the air ducts. The ducts also might mess with my communications. Just keep moving to the elevators I will meet you there.”

“If you take more than ten minutes and I can’t contact you I will come looking for you.” Theta said.

“Alri-,” she was cut off by static.

“Alysia I am losing you, if you can hear me elevators, in ten minutes.”

He began to progress through the floor. The elevators were at the very center of the building and Theta had entered at outer edge. Theta had only started walking when he began his eyes began to play tricks on him.

He thought he saw people walking around corners but whenever he turned around it there was no one.

He kept walking and attributed the figures to dim lighting and an overactive imagination.

He had just rounded the corner when he saw a woman standing in the middle of an empty room.

She was about his age but was a head shorter than him. She had black hair that was braided and draped over her shoulder. She was wearing what appeared to be a very regal looking party gown. She was very pretty looking. She was also smiling at him.

Theta was very confused.

The woman raised her hand and beckoned him to come to her.

“Who are you?” Theta asked, not moving.

The woman tilted her head and gave him a playful frown. She walked up to him grabbed his hand and tugged lightly at his hand.

Slowly, as if in a daze, Theta complied with the woman. He began to walk forward and the woman turned around and was leading him. She let go of him and

They turned a corner and somehow they were now in a large hall. It was largely made of stone. However there were supporting beams along the walls. There were tables with mounds of food, a large roaring fire place, and many people dancing, eating, and generally enjoying the company of the others. At the end of the hall was a man sitting in a throne.

He looked like a king.

He sat with a jeweled crown a top his head, a sword sat in a scabbard, resting against his throne, he wore a red cape and was wearing a white tunic cinched at his waist. Next to him was a woman of unbelievable beauty. She was standing next to the man and though she was smiling, she stood perfectly straight and her eyes seemed to see everyone and everything in the room.

The woman next to Theta started pulling him towards the king. As soon as he crossed the threshold to the room he felt like had instantly gained a hundred pounds. He stumbled a little bit and looked down at himself. His suit was now a suit of heavy knight’s armor. He took off his helmet and saw externally it had changed too, but on the inside it remained the same. Theta didn’t know what was going on and the memory of what he had been doing before coming into the room was becoming blurry. Something about meeting someone.

Wait, he thought. He need to meet the king and discuss his latest quest. He was to come and find him in the Hall.

So he started walking towards the king with more confidence. The woman he had met earlier still walking with him.

On his way many raised a glass to him and others tipped their heads, some called to him by a name he didn’t recognize and slipped through his mind before he could grasp it.

When he arrived at the Kings throne he knelt before him and waited.

“Rise.” He said in a deep and authoritative voice. As Theta did he saw the king stand as well and with a smile on his face.

Theta after rising turned to the queen, bowed, and said, “My Lady.”

This she returned with a curtsy and she smiled but quickly returned to her previous decorum.

The king started to walk and motioned for Theta to follow. He started walking and was about to say something when the king motioned him to wait. So he remained silent. He turned around and saw the woman he had met earlier start talking with the queen.

He followed the king through a series of hallways and was led to a room with a map of a countryside dotted with assorted color flags.

Then the king said, “How goes the war effort?”

“It goes well my Lord. We have captured four enemy officers as well as overtaking Fortress Berenz, and have found news of a plot against your life.” Theta replied not knowing where this knowledge came from.

“Good. What of the assassination plot?” He asked, reaching under the table and retrieving box.

“There is no need for worry sire. I have ordered the walls be constantly patrolled as well as the doubling of your guard.” Theta answered. The king took out a small flag and replaced a red flag on the map with a blue one.

The king came over to Theta and put his hand on his shoulder. “You have done well E-“ 

The king was cut off by screaming in the coming from the Hall.

They both ran back to the room and upon entering saw a fight raging. The knights of the Hall were fighting against what looked like shadows of themselves. The shadows seemed to be made of solid darkness. The only real person among them was a woman in a cloak. She bore a shocking resemblance to the King.

She looked at the king and Theta.

The king reached to his waist and took out a sword. Theta felt his own waist and found two swords there. He drew them and positioned to attack.

The woman in the cloak smiled a cruel smile. She opened her palm at Theta and said, “Return to your sheathe.”

 A spike of gray energy flew from her hand and impaled Theta. His chest began to feel cold and stiff. He saw his chest plate turning to stone. It felt like an icy hand was encircling itself around his heart.

It was becoming harder to breathe. He looked and saw the king fighting his own shadow. The woman cackled as each knight fell. Then the stone closed over Theta’s eyes.

The cold was horrible it felt like it was crushing, suffocating him.

Then he heard a voice.

It was calling to him.

He opened his eyes and started to see. He was lying on the ground with red lights flashing and a siren blaring. Then a hawk landed on his chest and shouted, “Theta get up!”

“Alysia I-,”

“Theta we need to go! The guards are coming.” She shouted at him flapping her wings and dragging him to his feet.

“Where is the elevator?” He knew he would have to wait to talk about what he saw.

“A couple of turns. I had to go and find you because you were taking too long. Then a group of guards found your entry, and you. You didn’t appear to be one of theirs so they assumed the explosion was tied to you.”

“Well this complicates things.” Theta said as he started to run.

Chapter 8 The Good Samaritan

Chapter 8

The Good Samaritan

Theta and Alysia were now in the middle of this city’s underbelly. As Theta walked he saw more and more crime and poverty. It looked like the part of a city where those who preferred crime to order originated. It also seemed to be where those who could not live either in wealthier portions of the city or couldn’t leave it ended up.

It was taking them longer than expected because security points were appearing where they weren’t supposed to be. As according to Alysia’s calculations.

They kept walking kept walking. Alysia left his shoulder, still cloaked, and was watching him from above and looking for open points in the roads.

After a couple minutes Alysia brought him some troubling news. “Those guys who were following us earlier are back.”

“The ones from the subway?” He asked.

“The same, but there are more. They are moving in on us.” She said.

“How far are we from the platform?” Theta asked.

“Too far to make it before being intercepted. We will have to take cover. Up ahead, at the corner is a diner.” Alysia directed.

Theta didn’t respond, but he did lower his head and began walking faster.

The shelter was a squat, concrete building with a parking lot next to it. It was empty of cars and was probably more to just be there than have an actual purpose. The entrance was a door with a small circular window. Theta slowed as he approached and removed his helmet as he entered.

  The interior was nothing special. There were booth seats arranged along the walls. And there was a counter with stools and behind the counter was a small window that a kitchen could be seen through it. There were about ten people arranged in certain areas of the room. As he entered he could feel all eyes turn to him. Theta took a seat on a stool by the counter.

A man asked him, “Pardon me, but why do you have that suit in this part of the city?”

“I have to run an errand to the Launcher for my boss.” Theta said. It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth.

“Well good luck. Its closed for the day and no one goes in ‘til tomorrow.” The same man said.

“But there were pods leaving it earlier.” Theta said hoping the man was wrong.

“It happened not long ago. A general alert went out about a security threat.” He said turning his attention back to his food.

Theta began thinking. He couldn’t stay here for long. They would wonder why he didn’t just go back to his job and return a strange suit, go home, or order some food.

He donned his helmet as he stood to leave.

He left the building and began walking down the street. The man with the clipboard barley looked up when he left. Probably just happy that he was leaving.

“Well what are we supposed to do now?” Theta said quietly asking Alysia.

“We can just wait it out. We just have to watch out for those guys who were following us, but other than that we should be fine.” She said through his helmets speakers.

Theta had walked two blocks and had rounded a corner when he heard a sound that stopped him in his tracks.

Gunshots.

Theta stopped. Then said in a calm voice, “Get ready.”

And with that he turned and sprinted back towards the diner. It took him a matter of seconds to arrive there. He stopped when he arrived. Bullet holes marked the entrance to the building and the windows were cracked. He saw the soldiers in armor standing in the parking lot surrounding the people who had been within. The entire group had been packed closely together and were on their knees with their hands behind their heads. One of the soldiers was holding his fingers to his ear and was speaking.

Then suddenly a man in red and black robes appeared out of thin air with a poof of black smoke. He seemed to be holding something in his hand. He looked at the people who had been captured and waved a hand dismissively. The soldiers began to line up and raised their weapons.

“Alysia kill the soldiers leave me the other one.” Theta said as he began to walk towards the group.

Alysia quickly left his shoulder.

The man in robes yelled at the group of people.

He said, “For aiding and abetting a man suspected of treason and consorting with the nonconformist group, the Paladins, and it has been deemed by our Supreme Directional Drogan you are to be executed for your crimes. What do you say in your defense?”

Before they could speak all of the soldiers fell to the ground and they all began to clutch at their necks. Blood escaping between their hands.

Theta was about ten feet from the man in the robes. The man was looking at the men on the ground and his face was away from Theta.

Theta called out and said, “You sir are going to die for threatening these people. Do YOU say anything in your defense?”

The man said nothing but instead disappeared in another plume of smoke.

Theta looked to the group and yelled, “Go, now!”

A second later, there was a sound of rushing air behind Theta. He turned around and the robed man and the man was wearing a mask. A blank mask that had no features other than a ridge down the middle of it. The man punched Theta square in the chest and he slid back a good five feet. This man was unnaturally strong.

Theta looked up at the man. He brought up his left hand and held it out. In his hand was what looked like a segment of black pole. Then it extended suddenly in both directions and a curved blade sprouted from the top. The man grabbed it with two hands. Instead of a stick he now held a scythe taller than the man.

“Prepare to face the wrath of the Infernum Bellatoras .” The man said in dark voice.

Theta raised his own arms and his blades came forth.

The man jumped and tried to bring his scythe down on Theta. Theta dodged to the right and slashed to the left. His enemy however brought the end of his scythe up and caused the attack to sail over the man’s head. The man pushed Theta back by slamming the shaft into his chest. Again Theta was forced back several feet. The man sprinted straight at Theta and he was preparing slice clean through Theta’s middle. Theta waited till the last second and then he jumped.

The man stumbled to a stop beneath him and looked up. Theta brought his foot down as hard as he could on the man’s chest. The man crashed to the ground and Theta kept a foot on his chest as he raised his blades.

“Surrender.” Theta ordered.

The man cocked his head and disappeared in a plume of smoke.

Theta stepped back, slightly startled. He began to turn slowly searching for the man.

“Alysia where is he?” Theta said still searching

“I don’t know he just disappeared. I am scanning for him.” She said.

Theta heard the rushing sound again. He waited for just the right moment and then he spun around and stabbed.

There was a sound of cracking metal and of a blade sliding between flesh.

The man had tried to sneak up behind him again.

The man however seemed unaffected by the event for he punched Theta in the face. Again causing Theta to stumble backwards. His head hurt from the impact

This angered Theta because not only didn’t his attack kill the man it didn’t even seem to slow him down.

Theta yelled as he rushed the man. Theta began to rain blow after blow on the man but each attack was blocked. Theta sliced upwards with one of his swords but was blocked by the man’s scythe. He did a slight twist with the blade and drove the other end into Theta’s chest flipping him over onto his back. The man swung the blade at Theta’s head, but Theta crossed his blades, effectively blocking the weapons descent.

Theta held it for a moment contemplating his next action. Then he heard a screeching noise. Both he and the man looked up and at blink speed Alysia drew her claws across the man’s face. He brought his left hand to his face protecting it. Theta quickly got to his feet and cut the man’s wrist on his other hand. Causing him to drop his weapon. And before he could leave again Theta stabbed the man upwards under the man’s ribs. He brought in one shallow breath and then his head slumped forward.

Theta retracted his blades and the body fell to the ground.

Alysia landed on his shoulders. The two looked at each other and Theta began to search for a place to hide out for the rest of the day.

“Well so much for easy.” Alysia said.

“Who said this was going to be easy.” Theta said jokingly.

Chapter 7 Getting a Ride

Chapter 7

Getting a Ride

As soon as the doors opened Theta got up and walked out briskly. He kept his head low as he entered the station. Which largely resembled the one he had just come from and had many people brushing past him to enter the train. He began to walk towards the exit hoping they would slow the soldiers if they were following him.

Theta climbed the stairs and arrived. He looked around at his surroundings. Large amounts of people walked to and fro. The area he was in did not resemble what he had seen from the outside.

Theta could hear metal boots. Why were they coming after him? He had just got here.

“Alysia?!” Theta said with urgency.

“Coffee shop. To your left.” She said quietly.

Theta looked and saw it. The coffee shop was just behind the stairs leading out of the subway. It had a wood and glass door and two glass windows with patrons talking and drinking at tables. It was a part of a wall of assorted stores and offices. Resembling any other city Theta could imagine.

Theta quickly ran in and shut the door behind him. He stepped to the right. With his back to the wall he peaked through the door’s glass.

He saw the soldiers run in the opposite direction.

Theta hung his head and let out a breath.

“Wow that was clo-,” Theta couldn’t finish because when he looked back up everyone in the café had stopped and were watching him inquisitively.

“I… Uh…. Really need some coffee. I was really close to…Um…. Yeah.” Theta stammered as he walked to a nearby empty table and lowered his head. He sat down and grabbed a menu that was resting on it. He raised it up and covered his face.

Everyone restarted their conversations.

A waitress walked over to Theta with a little flipbook in hand.

“Can I help you?” She asked with a smile.

“Uh. What do you suggest?” Theta said not lowering the menu.

“I suggest the caramel, double shot, mocha, frappe, with crème and sugar.” She said.

Theta paused for a moment and suppressed the urge to look and see if she was serious.

So he just said, “Yeah I’ll take that.”

“Alright.” She said but she didn’t move.

Theta waited a moment and asked, “Yes?”

“I need the menu.” She said.

Theta dropped his head to the table and handed her the menu.

“Thank you sir. Oh and P.S. it is alright if people see the helmet. They won’t judge you.”

Theta lifted his head and cocked it.

“Everyone understands that you guys who work in the mills only have short breaks. So it is understandable to leave the suit on.” She said.

“Oh yeah. That’s why I was acting all weird. I am new so I was a little worried if people would think I’m lazy or crazy.” Theta lied.

“Its fine I will be here in a moment with your coffee.” She said and turned around.

Theta let down his hood and set the helmet on the back of his chair. He brought his hood back up. He didn’t want to be in pictures or let people see his face.

He felt Alysia’s weight leave his shoulder and saw the chair across from him shift a little.

“Taking a seat eh?” Theta said, smiling.

“Shush I can’t talk and you will stand out speaking to thin air.” Alysia said quietly.

Theta nodded.

A minute later Theta’s coffee arrived. He gave the girl the card with his money. He found out they were called E-Cards.

Theta picked up the plastic cup and took a sip. It took a large amount of will power not to spit it out instantly. It somehow mixed sickeningly sweet with extremely bitter.

Theta tried one more sip before dumping the rest into a nearby potted plant.

He left the cup and put his helmet back on. He got up and started to walk away. As he neared the door he felt Alysia land on his shoulder.

As he stepped out the door he looked up. He saw the station in the sky that would send him to his destination. He couldn’t see the tube that led up to it. He raised his hood as he began to walk.

“Alysia where is the way to the station up there?” Theta said, making sure his voice didn’t leave the suit.

“It is ten blocks away. We can walk or use the public transportation system.” Alysia advised.

“Let’s try the cab.” Theta said.

“I will leave it to you.” Alysia said to him.

With that Theta walked to the curb of the road near the entrance to the subway.

He raised his arm out when he saw a yellow car. However the vehicle just drove by.

“Maybe he didn’t see you.” Alysia said.

The cars driving by actually had no tires. They seemed to hover just above the ground.

Theta raised his arm again and held it there.

Maybe he hadn’t given the cab driver enough time, Theta thought.

Two more cabs drove by.

Theta tried waving his arms. The cabs still drove by.

“I guess we are walking.” Theta said with annoyance.

Theta began walking to the street that would lead him to the platform. When he rounded the corner however he saw a security checkpoint. It was heavily manned and each person entering had to be searched. The men manning it looked largely similar to the ones in the subway.

“Alysia. How are we supposed to get through that?” Theta said, gesturing to it.

“Hm. That wasn’t on the specs. It must change. Random security points maybe. Ask someone where one more checkpoint is.” Alysia ordered.

So theta walked across the street and found a man who seemed educated and semi-important.

“Hey pal. You wouldn’t happen to know where another security checkpoint is. I know that one down there, but do you know where another one is?” Theta asked.

The guy looked at him and said, “Yes on the intersection of Kilimanjaro Street and Kilpatrick Avenue.”

“Thanks.” Theta said as he walked away.

Then to Alysia he said, “Ok you have a smart plan don’t you.”

“Yes.”

Theta could detect the smirk in her voice.

“Ok I give what was the point?” Theta said as he stopped near a light post.

“Well I looked at the map of the city and found the locations of those two security points. Then I found past security point randomization charts, very difficult mind you. Then looking at the two points we obtain-,”

Theta interrupted and said, “Ok I get it. Sorry but we need to get out of here. You know stopping the unleashing of a general of hell is kind of a big deal. I do acknowledge your smartness.”

“Hmph. Fine, this is the best way to go.” She said. 

Theta began walking.

As he followed the path the area around him began to get worse and worse in appearance.

 

Chapter 6 Starting The Journey

Chapter 6

Starting The Journey

 

Elder Melchior had given a tour of the building. Which turned out to be the nerve center of the city. It coordinated the military, communicated with neighboring cities, and was the center for spec ops.

That last one was really cool and luckily it was where Theta and Alysia spent most of their day.

Theta had to part with his suit upon arriving at the Elite Paladin wing, or EP wing.

They had told him it would only be temporary. Thankfully they had comfortable clothes for him to change into. His suit only allowed enough room for some underwear comparable to elastic pants.

The clothes were grey; Pants, shirt, socks, and shoes. He also partook in a new and very strange ritual.

Eating.

He hadn’t been used to it with the suit and all. But now he had to because the suit was being upgraded.

It was very difficult to get the hang of again. And Alysia wasn’t helping. She spent the entire time laughing, hysterically, at him. As well as some of the soldiers in the cafeteria.

The hardest part was using the utensils. He had told Alysia it was harder than it looked.

The cook did this on purpose. Theta knew it because the cook had made spaghetti and meatballs.

Whenever Theta dipped his fork. The darned noodles slid right out.

He saw a soldier in the cafeteria spinning his fork and spoon. Theta had little belief that this worked, but was surprised when the man achieved in taking a decent bite.

Theta tried to replicate this. His results made Alysia flutter to the ground and stagger with laughter.

So Theta had targeted the meatballs first because they at least stayed on the fork when you stabbed them.

After fifteen minutes of trying and Alysia almost crying with laughter. Theta did it.

He had found out how to spin his fork so the noodles stayed on the fork.

He ate with pride and shot Alysia a look as she tried to recover from her fit

After the meal Theta went with Alysia for her inspection. They were going to check her systems. No upgrades though. Her system wasn’t compatible with their gear. Besides Theta didn’t want Alysia to change. She was already very good. New stuff would only slow her down.

Later that evening after dinner. Which was much easier because it was a healthier version of country fried steak. At least that’s what they told him.

He was summoned to the weapon research and development area to check on his suit.

Nothing seemed to have changed on the outside. However it was now accompanied by a black cloak as to not stand out. It had a hood to cover his head. The sleeves were designed to not get caught on his blades or impede his hands. It had a slit on the back so it wouldn’t balloon if he needed to run or use his thrusters. It was also completely fireproof. The material itself would not tear either.

Unless something very powerful tried to rip it, the design team said.

His swords had also been upgraded. They now could become super-heated and cut through most of everything.

The scientists originally thought the heat would be problematic. But they found that his blades were not made from ordinary steel. But of molybdenum and titanium alloy. Which allowed it great resistance to acid, stress, and heat. They said the two metals had been tampered with even more to have even greater heat resistance than normal. They said that not even a nuclear reactor exploding, in a volcano, on a hot day would melt them.

Theta didn’t understand how they got the blades to heat up but Alysia said it was safe.

When they had finished there Theta and Alysia were directed to a room to sleep until tomorrow.

That night Theta dreamt of more flames and screams.

----------------------

 

When they awoke they were treated to breakfast and were given some last minute info as they boarded a helicopter that would take them a safe distance from the battlefield.

A scientist showed him how to set the destination on his suits navigation system.

Also a child was at the helipad. She was probably only eight years old, but was accompanied by Elder Melchior. Theta approached to say goodbye to Elder Melchior.

“Before you left I wanted you to meet the one who predicted your arrival.” He said.

“A child?” Theta asked.

“Yes we were also surprised. But she also shows great knowledge for her age. She also exhibited great understanding in all things.” Elder Melchior said.

Theta looked to the girl and squatted low to look her in the eyes.

She had brown hair, freckles, and such wise, violet eyes.

Theta removed his helmet and said, “Hello.”

The little girl looked down, embarrassed.

“What’s your name?” Theta asked.

She peeked up and said, “Serena.”

Alysia, who was perched on her usual spot of Theta’s shoulder, said, “That’s a very pretty name.”

Serena giggled and hid behind Elder Melchior.

Theta stood back up and carried his helmet under his hand and walked to the helicopter.

This one was smaller than the one that had brought Theta to the city.

It also appeared to be faster.

It had an open sitting area that was connected to the cockpit.

Theta sat down on the chair and waved to the pilot. The pilot nodded and began the liftoff process.

As they got higher. Theta looked out the window and could just see Serena waving at them. Theta waved back and prepared for the flight.

------------------------

They had been flying for a couple hours. Theta asked the pilot how they planned to get to the other side of the continent.

“I will be dropping you near the transport city, Chatus. It is a city that transports everything from people and weapons to food and furniture. It is costly and it is under the control of the enemy. You will need to pay to get near the facility. We suspect direct access is prohibited.” Said the pilot.      

“So you can’t take us all the way there?” Alysia asked.

“I will take you as close as possible so you aren’t suspected of anything and I don’t get shot down.” The pilot answered.

A little while later Theta asked, “How far away are we?”

The pilot pointed and said, “That’s the city over there.”

Theta looked and saw a large half-sphere floating in the sky. It was about a mile in diameter. A large, steel cylinder connected the platform to what looked like a depot city. All he saw were mills, factories, and buildings with different names on them. It had many roads and railroad tracks leading into it. Theta also saw black spots going into and out of the city. He assumed they were aerial transports.

“What is that big ball thing?” Theta asked.

“That is the Launcher. It uses strong electromagnetic anchors attached to specially designed capsules as transports.” The pilot explained.

“I can’t see anything moving from it though.” Theta said.

“That’s because the pods are moving blink fast.” Alysia said.

“How can you tell?” Asked Theta.

“My eyes are stronger than yours.” Alysia said with a smirk.

A couple minutes later the pilot told them he was dropping them near a subway system that would take them to the city.

When they landed Theta and Alysia quickly got out and waved off the pilot. Who lifted off and began the trip back. They had landed on a plane near the edge of a set of woods.

Theta pulled up the hood to his cloak and ran to an L-shaped, concrete building. It had no windows, but it did have a radar dish on top and various security cameras. The building was also surrounded by steel, storage units. He went down a set of stairs just inside the entrance; which was a glass revolving door.

Downstairs it turned out to be what looked like a subway. There was a platform, benches along the wall, and pillars placed periodically near the edge of the platform.

There wasn’t a tram in the tunnel just yet. But a black cube in the ceiling projected a third dimensional timer and it read that the tram would arrive in ten minutes.

Theta went to sit on the bench and Alysia remained on his shoulder.

 After a while, Theta looked to Alysia and said, “How are you getting into the city? I don’t think hawks are exactly normal.”

“Cloaking. The scientists planned for getting into the city, as well as moving around in it.” Alysia explained.

“Well you might want to activate it. I hear people coming.” Theta said.

Without a word Alysia simply disappeared. He could still feel the weight on his shoulder though.

A couple seconds later a large group of people entered the station. There were assorted businessmen, businesswoman, and people who looked very tired and not in any mood to work. All the business people had a silver ring around their head that covered their eyes and ears.

Theta could see the people nodding yes or no and would occasionally give directions about assorted business matters and the coffees they wanted.

Most of them didn’t speak so it was very quiet. The train was three minutes away.

Theta then heard metal boots clanking down the stairs of the station. He slowly switched between watching the stairs and the time. A group of men armed with rifles and protected in heavy looking metal armor. They were scanning the crowd carefully.

There was a minute and forty-five on the clock. Theta got up carefully and walked slowly into the middle of the crowd. None of people noticed.

One minute left. The men in metal looked in Theta’s direction and began to slowly move towards him. There were about eight of them. They spread out some stopping in other parts of the crowd.

Twenty seconds.

This clock had better be accurate, Theta thought.

Three of the soldiers were coming near Theta. The others had spread out along the platform.

Theta heard the train coming. It coasted lazily into the station. It looked like a tube made of mercury. It was silver and liquid looking. But entrances opened along its side and everyone boarded.

The inside looked like a normal subway car. Even had authentic trash, grime, and graffiti. There were normal seats and poles if seats weren’t available. Theta chose a seat close to the exit. The three soldiers stood in the middle of the area leading into the subway car. If Theta wanted to get out he would have to bypass the soldiers. Chatus was the first stop and was only a few minutes away.

Theta tried to appear relaxed and kept his head low. The cloak obscured his face effectively, but the soldiers watched him. Not intently as to reveal their intentions. They watched out of the corner of their eyes.

Alysia helped him keep tabs by linking what she saw to his visor.

They were arriving at the station.