Trapped
----------------
The penguin walks on, leaving a trail of small dusty footprints in its wake. He had left that wasteland of a city behind long ago and now he travels on to something new. Sunlight beats down on him harshly and he seeks shade blindly beneath the light. Stumbling, walking with the shinning brilliance in his face, he finds sanctuary in the long, dark shadow of a huge figure. He looks up to find the towering shape of a human, and yet it is nothing like the creatures who once tended him. This looks like the other one he encountered, the other towering creature that was a monument to the being that humans called G_O_D.
Yet, it is different, an individual. A fire red armor covers it, a gun in hand. Something about the way it stands is different; proud, defiant, and almost stubborn. The other was standing differently, a bit more hunched, broken and shattered. Something about it had almost screamed that it did not want to live anymore, but this this is a flaring symbol of life and the living.
The penguin is suddenly aware of a breaking noise, the shadows beneath him shifting, flowing over the sands. He looks up to find that the huge head of the statuette has fallen from its perch upon the things neck, and is falling directly toward him.
A squawk and a flutter of dark feathers, and the penguin dashes out of the way just as the head crashes to the ground behind him. He looks up at the figure once again; its position having changed in the scuffle. It no longer looks proud. Arms dangling to its side, it now looks defeated, crushed, something about the crouched position says that it no longer wants the glory that it once bathed in. Something about it reeks of self-loathing and hatred. Its gun points to the fallen head...
Yujin stood alone in the training room. Toy was gone, along with Vomisa, to go lay a trap for Edge. Why couldnt he go? He deserved to have Edges head more than anybody else. Him. Edge had escaped death at his hands twice, once by carelessness, once by sheer luck, being able to regain his mind like that after that incident with the Orb
'It... it was Toy-samas orders. Besides, Edges mind had been fried. It wasnt like he was going to come back.
It was luck. All luck...
SHUT UP! I was cocky that first timenext time Ill make sure that I dont hold back.'
'
Thats... impossible...
... NO---!!!
The entire chamber exploded in a flash of green energy. The castle rumbled in the distance, the reverberations traveling far through the metal and stone. It was a long while before the dust settled. Yujin still stood in the same place where he had started, only in the middle of a huge crater carved into the floor beneath his feet. His chest heaved with fury, his cape ruffled by his violent reaction, and he stared coldly at the ground, trying to sooth the violent fury in his head.
I wont forgive you, Edge, he said. I wont.
A beacon of light broke the darkness that nightfall had placed over the land. The hovercrafts soft glow revealed a patch of green here and there along the ground, even portions of densely grown forest on rare occasion. Edge took it all in with amazement. Plant life, here! Scientists, biologists, teachers, children... anybody would have given their lives for the chance to see a piece of flora, let alone a flourishing woods. It was times like this that he truly wished he was human to be able to take in the full impact of the nature.
Kouryuu was on stand-by levels in the back seat, Edge insisting that she have a chance to recharge after everything she had done. Beside her, Yoshime softly snored away, and Iesu snoozed on Kouryuus other side. Double was still the assigned driver of the group and guided the hovercraft steadily towards North Point. Zero had also wanted to stay awake, for what reason Edge could not discern. At the moment, she appeared to be taking in the scenery just as much as Edge was. Doubles stare was still straight ahead.
At least the target stopped moving a while ago, muttered Double. Kouryuus map says that the Orb should be just ahead! Better wake up the others, Zero. Zero nodded enthusiastically with a smile on her face.
Un! nodded Zero, and rudely leapt into the backseat to inform the others of their arrival, jostling the others with little regard to their rest. Edge peered ahead to get a clear look of their destination. The trees were beginning to thin out just as the hovercraft drove into a clearing. In the center, a metal complex jutted out of the ground like a blemish upon the landscape. It wasnt particularly high, but it did seem to cover a lot of the area, tarnishing the otherwise pure surroundings with its cool reflection. The craft flew by the gates of a crumbling wall to reveal that the building was already in the process of falling apart, the damage of age having taken its toll. Its once illustrious color was fading and chunks of concrete and steel lie upon the ground near their original standing point. Edge noticed that despite the poor condition of the crumbling fortress, its building design and apparent technology seemed to be fairly modern.
What is this place? he said.
This! began Double. ... this is... or maybe I should say was North Point, a military property of the government. Supposedly, this area was kept a secret institution due to the nature of the operations conducted here, but judging by the condition of this place, I guess somebody must have found them out and rendered its secret location useless. He snickered as he looked out at the complex. I should know, for this is where I was given all my assassination missions
The young boy shivered at the thought that this was the place where Double had been ordered to kill so many people. He could still faintly feel something in the back of his own mind that had the taint of death, but he couldnt grasp it. He wished he knew what it was.
AAGH!!! Damnit Zero!
Edge turned to the sudden shout from the back seat. Kouryuu was holding the side of her head in recoil from a blow that Zero had unleased. Zero simply sat by with an innocent look on her face.
She wouldnt wake up, she shrugged, and grinned happily. So I thought a good smack would get her out of sleep! Always seems to work with getting Doubles attention. Double grumbled something low in the front while Edge held his face in the palm of his hand. He thought he heard a low growl come from Kouryuu.
You stupid muttered Kouryuu, trailing off with effort. I dont sleep. ROBOTS dont sleep, we recharge! You didnt have to smack me like that to get my attention! She massaged the area that had been damaged. Damn, I hope this doesnt leave a dent
Meanwhile, Yoshime and Iesu stared at the whole scene with sleepy eyes, only half aware of what had just happened. The hovercraft suddenly slowed to a halt, the engines dying out as Double turned off the ignition.
The Orbs somewhere in this complex, said Double. But I cant pinpoint its exact location since my sensors arent strong enough. Were going to need your sensors, Kouryuu. The rebel nodded as she moved her hand away from the side of her head. A loud crash suddenly sounded out behind her and the entire group whirled about to find Zero standing happily upon the now-flattened entrance gate of the building. Kouryuu hid her face in the palm of her hand while the assassin managed to blankly stare with his jaw wide open for a full minute.
Uh... said Yoshime. Um... thanks... .Zero... I guess... but I dont think you needed to knock the whole thing down like that...
I know! smiled Zero. But we need to find the Orb fast cause theres something else coming too. Edges eyes bulged. Could they have been that careless so as to not notice somebody following them? Maybe they really did need a rest from all their excitement.
Kouryuu immediately checked her radars. A brief second passed as her face contorted in confusion and surprise.
shes right, she said. Or close enough to it, and whatever it is that's coming has an energy signature that's uncannily similar to that first monster that we fought a while ago. I cant positively verify that its a Shiken, but it appears to be damn close to one. And I thought I was the only one with sensors strong enough to pick up those kind of mystical energy sources Double stepped up to Zero angrily.
You could sense the creature we fought back at the rebel base all along, even before we knew it was coming?! he shouted. Zeros head bobbed up and down in a smiling nod.
Yup, she said.
And you never told any of us?! The assassins furious words only made Zero cock her head to the side in confusion.
You never asked, she replied. Double hit himself on the forehead with the palm of his hand and began pacing about in an effort to keep himself from strangling the pigtailed robot. Edge stood goggling at the whole situation, but Yoshime was already digging through the back seat of the hovercraft with Iesu at her side.
If you guys would stop bickering over there, we could at least get ourselves ready for a fight, she said, already slinging a rifle over her shoulder. Iesu simply hefted the wooden cross in his arm without a word as he stepped down to the ground. Edge looked on with a distant sense of pride. Despite being among the ranks of ex-government soldiers, rebels warriors, and age-old machines of destruction, Yoshime was still the most prepared out of the group and most willing to take charge. Beneath all the abuse of Double and shopping fetishes was buried an intangible sense of deep maturity that she hid so well. It was amazing how somebody could be so resilient in such an age...
The woods crashed loudly with the sound of falling trees, and Kouryuu loosened her blades from their scabbards.
Its here, whispered Kouryuu, bringing the sword hilts into her hands and channeling plasma energy into their cutting edges.
The noise of crushed wood suddenly crescendoed as a huge creature tromped into the clearing upon two huge stilt-like legs, sharp claws bristling at the end of each limb. The tops of its legs met at a flat torso which bore no arms. Instead, several smaller sharp appendages jutted out from its side and a pair of long tails trailed behind along the ground. At the front of its stumpy body, several antennae stuck out from underneath its mass as well as a mouth filled with sharp teeth. The thing howled in defiance as it fell upon its prey, giving no words this time as it dashed forward with a speed that belayed its size.
Edge lifted himself up above the creature for a better look of his opponent. Gravitational energy gathered in his hand, creating a small globe of light that illuminated the entire scene. Tying the weaves of energy in place, he placed the ball in mid-air with a simple thought as he focused his attention on his enemy once again. The yellow hide of the strange creature was easily recognizable now, and on the left side of its head a huge red sphere glowed softly as its light shifted from one focus to another. He could only guess that that was its eye.
As the creature bent down, the red hue of the visual organ suddenly swiveled about to land upon Iesu, the long stilt-like legs suddenly speeding into motion as it lumbered towards its target.
This ones after the kid too?! said Double. Iesu was already stumbling back to avoid the monster as the assassin leapt forward, Edge accompanying him with a dive from above.
Lets go! he shouted, and the asssassin nodded in agreement as an electronic message entered his CPU from his companion and he began to feel the slight pull of Edges gathering power. Dashing directly beneath the creatures belly, Double thrust both arms up and let the metal form a single huge blade that pointed towards the monsters unprotected belly. High above, Edge nodded as he read his teammates position.
Okay! he muttered softly under his breath as he struggled to concentrate. Take this!
Edges shout was drowned out as the energy from his hand took form as a powerful vortex of spiraling gravity beams, the focus of the black holes pull latching onto the assassin below. The killers body immediately shot upward through the creatures torso to meet the night air above, and black blood sprayed from the open wound, showering the already drenched Double as he landed 50 meters away.
Heh! snickered Double as he rose arrogantly to turn around and stare at the bleeding creature. Looks like youre not as tough as your better half!
But his smile slowly faded as he saw that the supposed Shiken had not yet fallen. It simply stood there as its blood began to gather in huge pools upon the ground. Edge kept his position above the scene cautiously, the glow of his gravitational light shimmering on the pools that gathered in the dirt below. He strained his sights as he watched the flows of blood. Not one of them stained the ground with the taint of life. Instead, they seemed to float and flow upon the earth without soaking into its veins. Yoshime cocked her rifle warily as Double edged closer to the supposed corpse.
Still alive? said Double mockingly. I thought I already killed you once... His left arm sprung full of blades in a second, accompanied by a wild grin on his face.. Looks like well just have to finish you off again!
The blood suddenly sprung up in whipping strings along the ground, grasping Doubles form and snaring him like a hunters trap. His momentum stopped immediately as the snares lifted him off the ground and began to squeeze.
It was a trap?! sputtered Double as his form began to distort and flail about wildly, trying to free himself from his bonds. His body spun about as blades shot out in every direction, but he only managed to entangle himself more into the tendrils of black liquid that began to burn into his metal hide. Edge floated dumbfounded in midair before he realized that the creatures blood had begun flowing towards Iesu as well. Yoshime was already pointing her rifle at crawling trails of liquid, standing in front of Iesu as a barrier of defiance. Edges eyes widened in horror. He hardly noticed that he was falling down towards her, his entire body charging itself full of electromagnetic energy.
YOSHIME!!! he shouted, landing between her and the pool of approaching blood. The creature almost seemed taken aback for a minute, and the flows slowed their advance. But just as suddenly, the midnight liquid began flowing forward again, and only he stood in its way.
This was unexpected, Toy-sama.
I doubt this shall do anything to harm my original intentions, Vomisa. If anything, the appearance of this creature shall be beneficial.
What about its intended target of Iesu, Toy-sama?
Our target here is Edge. However, I shall not be inclined to argue if it manages to kill them all.
^GIVE US IESU^
This creatures voice was different, much deeper and more forceful in tone. Edge hardly noticed as he charged his energy higher, pushing the limits of his robotic body. Had Yoshime noticed it, the voice? Or could only he and the others hear it, just like the first Shiken?
^WE ARE SHIKEN. GIVE US IESU^
The blood was only fifty meters away now, crashing over itself in waves when Edge suddenly noticed Double still thrashing about in the middle of the scene, right in the center of his own projected attack as the beast lumbered towards him. The amount of energy Edge had built up was already straining his containment units, but he couldnt spare a bit to free his friend. The tentacles of blood beckoned to his being as they closed in, Yoshime firing wildly over his shoulder to little avail.
Hey! Look at me!
Edge peeked over to get a glimpse of the speaker, barely making out the red blur that was dashing beyond the creatures assault. He caught a glimpse of Zeros bouncing pigtails and Doubles flailing blades before the both of them were gone, and then a soft falling rain of dark liquid left in their wake, the solid tendrils of blood suddenly becoming liquid once more.
^YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, YOU ARE BUT CHILDREN^
But were not going to give him up without a fight, said Kouryuu as she dodged the bloody whips, her swords dancing in plasma streaks as she cut into the Shikens limbs. The creature stumbled and its attack seemed to flail weakly about, becoming weaker as the blood flowing towards them slowed in velocity. However, it continued to flow nonetheless.
^YOU CANNOT RAISE UP GOD ON YOUR OWN ACCORD. HE MUST BE CHOSEN^
The dark liquid rushed towards the trio in torrents, and Yoshime hugged Edges back.
Edge, said Yoshime. I dont want to die yet Edge stayed silent and kept his eyes on the threat before them, his body glowing a soft blue under the night sky.
^YOU ARE ALL GODS CHILDREN, BUT YOU MUST STILL SEE THE FEAR OF THIS WORLD^
The waves swept up into Edges face, nearly engulfing him and Yoshime. Iesu stood by their side now, brandishing his cross before him as defiance in the face of death.
The young boy suddenly threw his hands forward as he channeled all the energy he had stored at the Shiken. A huge beam of purple plasma contacted with the living fluid and the waves of blood quickly began to implode back upon the body of its host. A huge sphere of energy re-enforced by an electromagnetic field encased the monster in a blazing purple orb of light and gradually began to shrink in size, closing around the creature until it was struggling against the walls that threatened to turn it into pulp. The Shiken was slowly being sucked into itself, the center of the sphere acting as a black hole in the center of the creatures body. Its tendrils of blood whipped wildly within its prison but the waves of gravitational energy kept it sealed tightly within. Outside the glowing globe, Edge held his open palm out in front of him, a miniature version of the sphere floating in his hand. His frown was grim, his wrist twitching with the slow shrinking of the encased beast as he watched it slowly writhe into a sleep of death.
A black hole field? stuttered Iesu, unconsciously stepping back from the glowing figure who had saved his life. Yoshime had let go of her embrace but Edge hardly noticed. And what did she think of him now? He was no longer that innocent-looking mech found in the graveyard of machines, was he? That last fight, the angel cyborg, showed him that he had power. He had power to do what he wanted, to do what he need to do. Power, that was what all humans were looking for in their lives, right? right?
...
...
... then why does everybody act afraid of me?
Doesnt Yoshime want somebody whos strong? So they can protect her?
I wonder what the expression on her face is right now?
...
What does it take to find this thing called happiness?
...
....
...
....
... I dont understand..."
...
Incredible... muttered Kouryuu under her breath. How is he doing this...?
Theres too much we dont know, said Double, stepping up beside her. Hes learning things, fast. Or perhaps he isnt, maybe he knew these skills all along and chose to play dumb with us. How can we know for sure? Kouryuu nodded, still transfixed by the flashing lights before her eyes. How could she argue with that? There was something about Edge that none of them knew anything about, something that he was unwilling to share with them. What was it? What was it doing to him? Did it have anything to do with these Shiken?! No. It couldnt. This monster, like the other, wanted Iesu. Everything was so confusing now, she didn't know what to believe.
Edge began to close his palm ever so slowly. His eye flashed with white light periodically now. His facial expression never changed. The Shiken had stopped trying to break loose, its eye swiveling about in his direction even as its limbs continued to struggle against the vacuum.
^THERE SHALL BE OTHERS. WE ARE EVANGELISTS SENT FROM THE HOLY GODDESS, AND WITH US COMES YOUR SALVATION^
Die. said Edge in a single cutting word.
His hand closed violently, and the sphere about the Shiken began crushing its captive inside. A strange, mangled shriek accompanied the creatures death as it gradually tore itself apart, and then the sphere shrunk into a ball small enough to fit into a pocket, still glowing with a soft purple hue as it winked out of existence. Edges fist released itself into an open palm once again, floating down to his side, and as he began to turn and walk away, the sphere exploded violently in a red flash of fire and burst of plasma energy, engulfing the once calm forest in flames.
Yoshime was still staring at him, but in a mystified awe and admiration, not the hysterical terror that Edge had expected. His face cramped up in confusion as she dashed up to hug him once again.
Cool! she exclaimed happily. I didnt know you could do things like that! This opens up so many other possibilities. I wonder how many other untapped abilities your powers have? Are you learning anything or just pulling things out of your memory as you go along?
Uh, Yoshime, said Iesu behind her. Maybe you should back up a bit. You saw the way he blew up that monster. What if hes dangerous? Edge winced at his words. Iesu talked as if Edge couldnt even understand what he was saying, like he was indeed an unfeeling mechanism created to do the bidding of human beings. As if he simply didnt exist. But Yoshime simply hugged him harder and turned to address Iesu with a pout upon her face.
Dont be stupid! said Yoshime. This is Edge, my Edge! He wouldnt ever do anything to harm his friends, right? After all, I reprogrammed those government restrictions out of you, so youre all free now.
A... ah, said Edge in agreement, only half aware of the confused look on his face. He glanced over to Double and Kouryuu, both staring at him with the same look as that night where Edge had nearly lost total control of his senses. They had an aura of fear about them. They were afraid. They had every right to. Why wasnt Yoshime? She just saw what he was capable of doing, why didnt she fear what he was capable of? Iesu surely was, he was surely worried for Yoshimes welfare as well, but...why? And why did he, Edge, want her to hate him, to fear himself? Was he afraid of himself?
HEY!!!Whatdidyouthinkofmymoves,huhEdge?Huhhuh?Hey!!!Yourenotlisteningtome!!!Youalwayslis entoYoshime,dontyou?You'dbedeadifitwasntformepullingDoubleoutofthatgunksoyoucouldlaunchthatnea -obeamathim,huh?Huhhuhuhhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuh?Heylistentome!!!
A hearty punch to the head accompanied the last of Zeros flurried speech, and Edge soon found his head making contact with the ground. Zero went about flashing victory signs right and left as she began talking to Yoshime.
Whatdidyouthink?Imean,ifitwasntforme,Doublewouldhavegottenwhuppedonreallybadand---
Yoshime sighed as she began to pull Edge back to his feet. Double grumbled behind Zeros back about not being able to move in the Shikens blood, and Kouryuu simply sighed. Iesu watched with jealousy in his eyes as Yoshime ran a safety check on Edges system
Whatever it was, it failed to accomplish whatever goal it was after, Toy-sama. And apparently, Edge is more powerful than ever. Not even the combined power of the other two gravity prototypes have achieved this level of experience and skill.
Hes learning, its what the corazon chip allows mechs to do. He would be a useful pawn if I didnt need him dead.
So, Toy-sama, what do we do now?
Simple. We carry out the plan we had originally formulated before that creature arrived. We kill Edge.
Edges gravitation ball of light lit the dark hallways of the base with its soft glow. He led the way with Yoshime at his side, the same rifle she had wielded before slung over her shoulder and a plasma energy conductor held in her hands. Iesu and Zero followed with Kouryuu and Double bringing up the rear.
Kouryuu, called out Yoshime to the back of the party, her voice echoing off the metal walls of the complex. How far are we until we reach the Orb? We mustve gone through five floors of this base already and they've all been empty! Kouryuus left hand was up near the side of her head, her eyes focused on an intangible source of information.
It shouldnt be much longer now, she said. I think its right ahead, the last door at the end of this hall.
You said the same thing an hour ago, muttered Double under his breath. And forty-five minutes ago, AND thirty-five minutes ago, AND---
Will you shut up Double?! roared Kouryuu, her voice practically shaking the building with its powerful echo. She embarrassingly put her mind back to tracking the Orb again as the end of the corridor came into sight.
At any rate, Yujin went to a lot of trouble to keep the Orb from us, said Edge. We have to get it back. Theres no other way to get inside the Temple of Ordeal. Yoshime nodded beside him, cocking her gun happily and flashing him a smile. Edge managed to smile back as he silently began charging his energy. At least she seemed to be enjoying herself. That was always important, even if they were on a mission to satisfy his own desires. Yoshimes happiness that was what he wanted right now, that was what was important.. shiawase... (happiness)
They reached the end of the hall and Edge tried the flat computer embedded in the side of the wall.
There isnt even energy running through the building, he muttered as he poked the lifeless console. Looks like well need to break in. Doubles face lit up happily as his body burst full of blades.
Hehheh! Just let me handle the--- He never got a chance to finish the sentence for Zero had already knocked down the barrier with a single clean punch, the dented hatch crashing into the chamber they sought. She smiled happily as she rubbed her fist.
How was that? she shouted. Yoshime nodded nervously, resisting the urge to scratch her head. Meanwhile, Kouryuu had loosened her weapons from her back as she brandished a blade in each hand.
This is all too easy. There has to be a trap around here somewhere, or at the very least somebody waiting to ambush us, said the rebel. She then turned to glare at both Double and Zero. Of course, we MIGHT have had the advantage of surprise if a COUPLE UNNAMED SOMEBODIES didnt happen to make such a big deal about demolition! Double snorted.
Dont look at me! he said arrogantly. I wasnt the one shouting down the hall for myself to shut up! Kouryuu frowned as the synthetic skin on her face grew tight from the effort, quietly redoubling her efforts to channel plasma into her weapons as she looked the other way.
Edges light ball floated to the ceiling of the huge room, illuminating a massive glass container that held the Orb in a strange, clear liquid, stretching from floor to ceiling, anchored by mechanical locks. The mechanism was connected to a computer off to the side, but otherwise the room was completely bare. The air around the young boy shimmered with the distortion of his energy field as he led the group into the room. He felt himself beginning to relax by the time he reached the Orb.
Maybe there arent any surprises here, said Edge. Lets just get the Orb and get out to be safe.
Yeah, nodded Yoshime. Edges hand lit up with energy as he began to carve up the container.
...
Well, Toy-sama?
They are fools, Vomisa, but patience is a virtue. Give them a couple minutes to have their confidence satisfied. Then, they shall die.
...
Nice job Edge, said Yoshime, holding the Orb in her hands. Nice clean job. Not a drop of liquid lay on the floor. Instead, the top of the container had been neatly dismembered into a hundred metal components in a pile on the ground. Double grumbled off to the side.
I could have just sliced the damn thing up, but no~! he said. Kouryuu sheathed her blades as Iesu took the Orb from Yoshime.
Looks like were not going to have any trouble after all, she said.
I think not, my dear rebel leader.
Kouryuu pivoted on her left foot to face the door. The familiar silouette of Vomisas form filled their only exit to freedom, along with the confident smirk that graced his face. Her blades were out and flaring with plasma in an instant. Behind her, Double wielded his own arsenal and Edges body lit up with blue energy.
Oi, Vomisa, said Double with a smile. I figured one or two of Toys lackeys would be around to play, but you alone? Are you that confident without your buddies to back you up?
Actually, I would say he has every reason to have his self-assurance.
The deep voice shook the metal walls of the room. Edge whirled about to the glass container where something huge melted out from the shadows. It was a huge mecha at least ten feet tall, not including a head of long bangs and fiercely spiked hair that rose up into the air like a sea of jagged knives. Its entire body resembled that of some sort of huge machine. Pointed armor stuck out everywhere and in its right hand it held a huge staff which bore the round symbol of [G_O_D] at its top. Its left arm did not exist, a wild, contorted mass of wires and cables instead branching out and dangling from its shoulder to other parts of its body. The figure neither changed its facial features nor opened its mouth when it spoke, its ghost-like visage, half its synthetic skin absent to expose the armor and gears beneath, riveting the party to the ground with its fierce gaze. And its voice shook the walls like thunder, a low, ominous groan that threatened to shatter the complex to pieces with its sure power.
I suppose I must call it an honor to finally meet you, Edge, said the huge mech. After all, youve caused me plenty of problems as of late that has made my life rather... difficult. But I should introduce myself to you first. The mech took a huge, sweeping bow, a motion that mocked formalities with its unmoving face and stiff movements. I am Toy.
Kouryuus gawk of surprise went unnoticed as Edges eyes bulged wildly and Yoshime clung to him, whether it was in protection or fear he did not know. Toy dismissed their reactions as he went on.
You see, Edge, he said. I know this may not be the most convenient thing for you at the moment, but I need you dead. Yoshime gasped and Edge stiffened, unconsciously gathering energy in his batteries in preparation for an attack. I had the feeling youd probably be against this, but it would be for the benefit of all of us, even your precious master, Yoshime. The young boys face contorted in surprise. Toy knew Yoshimes name? What else did he know? How long had he been keeping track of them? And thus, Edge, it has been fun. However, Im afraid this charade must come to an end. Now, if you would please, Vomisa?
Behind the group, Vomisa nodded in acknowledgement and a sudden wave of energy phased through the entire group. Edge felt nothing from the assault but Yoshime and Iesu fell to the ground immediately, unconscious upon the ground. Double cursed loudly.
Claret Modules!!! shouted Double. Hes knocking out the humans. Iesu cant protect the Orb like that, go get it Zero!!!
HAI!!! shouted out Zero, and she was suddenly a dozen crimson blurs as she plucked the Orb up neatly from the ground. Satisfied that their priorities were relatively safe for the time being, Double turned his blades to the huge mech before them.
All right, Toy, he said. Ive heard rumors about you way back when I was doing the dirty work of the government. Lets see how good you really are. Toys ominous voice snickered as Double dashed forward.
Maybe I should have told you, said the emperor. This isnt my real body, only my, shall we say, enforcer mech. I truly do detest having to do things in person, so I created this special frame--- The enforcers huge staff snapped up with incredible speed, splitting the sound barrier with its velocity. The end caught Double in the head, sending him crashing through a dozen of the complexs walls behind him. He was on stand-by before he even made his first impact with concrete. ---to do my dirty work. Edges looked back to where his friends body lie, then turned towards Toy with eyes flashing white anger.
You bastard!!! he roared, his entire body boiling with white hot energy. He was hardly aware of the speeds he was moving at, but he launched his fist straight for the enforcers gut as soon as he saw the chance. The entire room shook with the impact and several walls behind Toy imploded upon themselves from the sheer force, but Toy didnt move an inch. The enforcer looked down at Edge coldly as Toys voice echoed distantly within the room.
Interesting, said Toy. Your fighting spirit is unexpectedly strong, even by the standards of a human being. Kouryuu had moved about to the mechas rear, but the enforcers huge foot suddenly swept up and backwards, smashing Kouryuu into the ceiling. She did not move when she came back down, embedded in the stone and metal above. Even this one, Kouryuu if my memory is right. she has a strong spirit as well. Edge stepped back warily, still stunned that Toy hadnt even flinched at his attack. Perhaps you were meant for something special in another life. Too bad this shall be your end for now. Edge stood frozen as Toys huge fist cocked back with amazing speed. It seemed like hours to him, but it didnt even last a second. His feeble gravity shield instantly shattered under the enforcers blow, and the impact smashed Edges body into the ground as if he were nothing more then a rag doll.
Zero suddenly stopped in mid-rush, taking a minute to glance at the broken scenery around her. Walls and floors were dented, filled with craters and holes. Grief covered her face for a minute before transforming to sheer rage.
No! she shouted, rushing Toy with the Orb still in her hand. Ill make you pay! The enforcers unsmiling face looked at her with no mercy.
I think not, said Toy. In the next instant, a huge wave of pure force crashed into Zeros being and sent her reeling into the wall. It took her a minute to realize that it had been a gravitational attack that had sent her flying, and she sat up to see that Vomisa had placed himself firmly in between herself and his master, his hands glowed brightly with the gravitational power that he had acquired from Edge.
It hurts me to have to harm such a beautiful young lady, he said. But business is business. Zero frowned and swept the hair out of her eyes with a quick motion of her hand.
Feh! she spat. Save your sweet talk for somebody who cares! Besides, whod want to have anything to do with an obnoxious moron like you anyways? Vomisas mouth tightened under the insult but he kept his cool in silent fury.
Zero was suddenly flying about the room once more, but Vomisa simply stood in place. He suddenly smiled as he raised his right arm. In the next instant, he too was flying about the room with the same power that Zero was moving with, blurring afterimages filling the room as they paired off just beyond the barriers of time. Toy watched the battle in silence. Vomisa should be allowed to have his fun every once and a while. It satisfied the human needs of the corazon chip.
His soldier suddenly skidded to a stop, Zero slung over his shoulder on stand-by energy levels. The emperor smiled. It was time to finish the job. He looked down at Edge and brought the staff back over his head to bring down the finishing blow. Vomisa simply watched, knowing their victory was inevitable as he tossed his prize to the ground.
Goodbye, Edge, said Toy. May you rest in peac---guAAAGH!!!
Waves of pure pain suddenly shot through Toys mind and the enforcer staggered back in surprise.
NO! thought Toy wildly. Not HIM! He was so close too. He had thought those connection defenses that he had set earlier would have allowed him more time than this, but...
He heard a voice laughing softly, laughing
It was HIM.
...
Damn YOU... YOU cant do this to me...
...
Vomisa watched in confusion as his master stumbled backwards from the young boys still body. He had never seen Toy in this state of pain. As far back as he could remember, he had never seen Toy in a state of weakness at all. No matter how hard the situation had ever gotten, Toy had been there to back them up. He had never panicked or even blinked once in the face of danger, perhaps the latter being due to his aid usually being in the form of his invincible enforcer mech. But to see that same droid spasming wildly in pain before him now, hallucinating about some unseen presence, that sent a chill down Vomisas spine.
...
Butyou cant kill me!!!
...
The voice faded away, leaving Toy only with sheer agony. He doubled over violently. Vomisa rushed over to his side.
Toy-sama!!! said Vomisa. Are you all right?
We... sputtered Toy as his body spasmed. We... must retreat. Get the Orb. We will make use of it later. I wont receive nothing from this battle. They will be forced to follow if they want their prize back. Vomisa nodded and dashed over to Zero to retrieve the Orb. He began to pry her fingers loose from the relic when he suddenly realized that they wouldnt budge.
Hmph, muttered Vomisa. Stubborn Edges gravity powers flared up as he attempted to forcefully remove the object his master had ordered him to retrieve, but it still refused to obey. He gazed up at Zeros face and lightly brushed her dark hair aside. Perhaps there was a hidden power that this one possessed that made her stronger than the others. She certainly did have that beauty that he noted earlier... Vomisa shook his head violently and remembered his priorities.
No time for this, he muttered. He was glad Yujin wasnt there to mock his weakness. Gathering Zero in his arms, he dashed back over to Toy.
The Orb will not come loose, he said. Shall we take the girl instead.? Toy doubled over once again as pain racked the body of the emotionless enforcer.
No, he said. The girl... is useless to us... and the Orb... we... a... aaaAARRRRGGHHHH!!! His fist crashed into the ground violently, sending roaring tremors through the earth that threatened to tear the building apart. Vomisa backed away to avoid being hurt himself, wondering what his next course of action should be. Suddenly, his sensors lit up wildly as they indicated a mass amount of targets high above.
Toy-sama, said Vomisa. Forgive my rudeness, but we need to hurry. Apparently, the human republic has seen it upon themselves to check out the disturbances we might have caused. After all, you do tend to release more energy than you ever intend to in your battles. Toy nodded, still coping with his pain.
Leave the girl, she is of no... use, he sputtered. As Vomisa set Zero down, Toy stumbled blindly over to Edges broken corpse, the pain intensifying with every step. Finally, still a good ten meters away, he collapsed completely.
Toy-sama!!! shouted out Vomisa as he rushed to his side. Toy reached down to his waist as a small compartment opened. He pulled a small computer chip out and placed it into Vomisas hand.
I wont give HIM the total satisfaction of a victory, said Toy wryly. Vomisas face contorted in confusion since he had no idea to whom his master was referring to. Attach this to Edges hard drive. Perhaps this battle will not have been in vain after all. Vomisa nodded and dashed over to Edges body. Removing a small plate of material from the back of Edges neck, Vomisa inserted the chip into Edges CPU. Having fulfilled his orders, he returned to Toys side.
Toy-sama, he said. We can still take Edge and the others with us. Or we can simply kill them here if that was you original intention.
Toys body shook violently once again and he shook his head.
N... no, Vomisa... he said. Lets get back... home...
Vomisa nodded, a solemn look on his face.
Yes, Toy-sama, he said.
A sparkle of blue energy, and the pair disappeared from the fortress called North Point, leaving only a dead silence and the unconscious bodies of the six travelers behind.
...
...
...
Where am I? Im still alive, arent I? Did my gravity shield go up in time? Is this death? Why is there all this bright light...? Where is Yoshime?! She cant be hurt, she cant!!! I... I... was supposed to protect her... and...damn...
... why?
... I dont understand anything anymore...
...
...
...
A man with slicked black hair, wearing a pair of thin glasses and a gray suit, observed the dark scene on North Point from the top of a small knoll. Men swarmed about the old base like insects, each one a soldier trained to survive another nuclear war if need be and armed to the teeth. The man straightened his tie in annoyance. He would have preferred to be elsewhere, but military matters such as this were too big to ignore. Another man in a suit, this one armed with a rifle slung over his shoulder and a pair of dark glasses on his face signifying him as one of his own personal secret service agents, dashed up to him with information on hand.
Mr. President, he said. The area is secure. There are no active enemy units in sight and no sign of the source of those energy waves we read on our radars. However, we have found six unconscious
subjects in the base. The President eyed his hired man with interest.
Six subjects? he questioned. Who were they?
None of them came up when we ran an identification check through our population, but four of them are unregistered mechs. The President nodded and turned his eyes back to the base.
Bring them in, repairs for the mechs and rest for the people, he said. They should be able to tell us a little about what happened tonight. And if not, Im sure our dear doctor and cybernetics specialist will
find something useful for their corpses to do after he picks their brains.
...
...
...
Toy sat in his throne, eyeing the enforcer that stood before him. He smiled thinly. Perhaps he did not achieve his main goal today, but he had ensured a victory in the future. That chip he had had attached
to Edges system would bloom when Edges maturity reached a certain level. Then, oh, and then he would have the victory that he had been cheated this day.
Toys laugh was soft at first, then louder, until it filled his chamber with a low, sinister chuckle. The enforcer simply stood there, ever waiting for the bidding of its master...
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End Trapped