The Power Array Saga - Season Four - Part XXVI

Part XXVI – The Void and the Emperor

“What in the nine hells do you think you’re doing old man?” Momotaru demanded as he sprinted to stand in front of his father. “You never said that you were planning to take over the government by force.”

                “Look son,” said Takeshi who fought hard to keep the agitation from his voice. He continued speaking slowly and calmly. “Like I said before, you don’t understand how politics works over here in the Eioda Nation States. The emperor has had every chance to do the right thing. Just take a step back and place your emotions under check and you’ll understand what I’m saying. You’ve barely been in this country for a month and you dare to try and lecture me. Just think about things logically… in the short amount of time that you’ve been here, you’ve seen the sad state of affairs that Eioda is in. You’ve heard the plea from the mayor of High Garden Clearing who basically begged you to take care of the Ura demon menace that plagues his city. Why should a mayor have to seek help from a stranger in order to protect his people? The emperor knows that the people of High Garden Clearing are under constant attack from those foul demons yet he does nothing. He’s a corrupt and inept political buffoon. He has no idea how to protect the people of Eioda. Therefore he needs to step aside. He needs to let a real man rule over the people of this land.”

                “But there has to be some sort of democratic process that you have to go through in order to win the title of emperor,” said Momotaru.

                “Like I said,” responded Takeshi. “You have no idea how real politics works. Sometimes in order to accomplish things you must use force. I can only guess that this is a lesson that you have yet to learn while dwelling among your elven brethren. Your mother has probably babied you for far too long.”

                Momotaru let out a low growl as he bristled at his father’s comments. “I may not understand how things work here in the ENS but I can guess that the people of this land will not accept an illegitimate ruler.”

                “Once I’m the emperor I can make whatever rules that need to be made,” said Takeshi. “What the people respect is power.”

                The lead soldier ran up to Takeshi and saluted sharply. Takeshi gave the soldier a head nod.

                “I’m pleased to report that we’ve cleared the first dozen floors of the pyramid and we’re making our way further upwards,” said the soldier. “We’re ready for you to make your entrance.”

                “Thank you for that excellent news,” said Takeshi. “I’ll be making my way to the top floor immediately.”

                “But sir, you’ll need a security detail and all of our troops are busy elsewhere,” said the soldier.

                “Don’t worry about providing a security detail,” said Takeshi. “I have my son and his female assassins to look out for me.” Takeshi wore a smile. He turned his head slowly to regard his son.

                Momotaru wore a frown. “What makes you think that I’ll protect you?”

                “Would you really allow some nobody to strike down your dear old dad?”

                “You make it sound like I should care. From what I can remember you were never a dad to me.”

                “Well I’ll put it to you like this. If they were to strike me down, then the next person that they would go after would be you.”

                “Well I can protect myself,” said Momotaru. “And so can everyone else that stands with me.”

                “Well let’s just say that I have faith your familial connection would override any hurt feelings you may currently have,” said Takeshi. “Besides, if I don’t take over the throne then the chances of you being allowed to go back to Aver are slim to none… the emperor would probably lock you up and everyone else with you. If he doesn’t decide to execute all of you on the spot.”

                Momotaru could only respond with a growl of frustration.

                Takeshi strolled towards the massive double doors of the pyramid. He did not look back to see if his son was following him. He entered the elevator. When Momotaru nudged him aside to rest his back against the wall of the elevator, Takeshi smiled. The assassin sisters followed suit. In a matter of seconds they had reached the top of the pyramid where the emperor’s office was located.

                As they exited the elevator, they were greeted with rows of las-gun assault rifles. The Eioda royal guard were formed up outside of the emperor’s office. Inside of the elevator Takeshi could feel his advanced guard of highly trained martial artists tense up behind him. He held up a hand to forestall any sudden movement as he exited the crowded elevator while wearing a cocky smile.

                “Oh great emperor please step forward,” said Takeshi. “I know that you’re back there hiding behind these weaklings.”

                “And I see that you’re emboldened by having your son at your back,” said the emperor exiting his office. “I knew that you were planning something stupid but I didn’t think that you were this stupid. Tell me one good reason why I shouldn’t have my guards end you and your foolish offspring.”

                “Because I’m going to offer you a chance to walk out of here with your life,” said Takeshi.

                The emperor laughed in response and began to turn around and walk back into his office. “Guards fill him and the rest of them with laser fire. Then bring me the officials’ bodies afterwards that were responsible for this travesty.”

                Before the triggers on the laser weapons could even be pressed, Takeshi slapped his hands together and formed a series of ancient hand seals that cast a spell. A force field formed around himself and everyone behind him. The guards could not believe their eyes when they fired. The lasers could not reach their target. Each bolt of condensed light struck the magical shield and dissipated.

                “This is your last chance emperor,” said Takeshi.

                “Kill him, kill him now!” demanded the emperor.

                More shots were fired but they did little to disrupt the magical force field. Takeshi slowly turned around and locked eyes with his son before he gave a nod to Iris Longwing and Arif Zahur. They sprung into action. Arif cast a miniature force field around Iris who dove forward with her broadsword leading the way, slicing the heads from any guards that were not already foaming at the mouth after locking eyes with her. In a matter of minutes, rivers of blood flowed down the hall.

                The emperor watched in stunned horror as he tried to retreat back into his office. Before he could reach it, Arif cast another spell. The emperor rose into the air and floated down the hall and towards the assassins.

                “I warned you didn’t I,” said Takeshi wearing a heartless smile.

                “Wait, wait,” pleaded the emperor. “I’m sure that we can work out some sort of deal.”

                “Too late,” responded Takeshi. He pulled out a las-gun pistol and shot the emperor in the forehead.

The Power Array Saga - Season Four - Part XXV

Part XXV – The Void and the Compromise

Outside the stone walls of High Garden Clearing, an organized chaos was taking place. The mayor stood huddled in a tight group of high ranking officials that had exited the city once the threat from the Ura was over. Takeshi Hakizimana and Mayor Warren were doing most of the talking.

                Several dozen meters away from the group of officials stood Momotaru, surrounded by some of the deadliest females on the planet.

                “So does this mean that we’ll get to visit the capital of this country?” asked Arif Zahur whose personality was bubbly compared to when she had first met Momotaru.

                “I can see that traveling with The Butterfly Samurai has changed you a great deal,” said Momotaru. “Your aura is almost completely different. It seems like you’re more comfortable with yourself now.”

                “And yes,” said Iris with a beaming smile. “I take full credit for helping our young friend here embrace who she really is. She has great power inside of her, if only she’s willing to accept it.”

                “Who exactly are these people my liege,” asked Kya who looked at the other two females with narrowed eyes and her arms folded across her chest.

                “They’re… friends,” Momotaru replied hesitantly. “From my home country.”

                “Do we have to take them with us when you show me around your home country?” asked Monel with a sly smile as she seductively rubbed her fingers along Momotaru’s neck.

                Momotaru bristled slightly at the gesture but remained standing stiffly. “Let’s hurry up and get this nonsense with my father out of the way so I can be done with him,” said Momotaru. He ignored his companions and strolled towards the officials. “Are you and your flunkies ready to travel to the capital?”

                Takeshi and the other officials turned to look at Momotaru while wearing frowns and furrowed brows. Each of the officials wore shocked expressions. Wearing a smile, Takeshi stepped forward.

                “I’m just glad to see you show some enthusiasm for once,” said Takeshi. “But to answer your question, yes, we have an impromptu meeting with the emperor so just stick close to me and keep your mouth shut. If you follow my lead then all of this should be over quickly. Then we’ll be able to discuss the terms of you going back to Aver.”

                “Keep my mouth shut--” said Momotaru heatedly.

                Takeshi held up a hand. “Oh, just relax. You remind me so much of myself that it’s like looking into a mirror. Trust me my son; this meeting will go much better for everyone involved if you just follow my lead… like I said. You must understand that you still have much to learn when it comes to politics. Besides, you’ve spent your entire life dwelling amongst the elves so you have no idea how we humans handle things. Believe me when I tell you this, I only have your best interests in mind.”

                “Why the hell should I believe you,” said Momotaru.

                “I can understand why you would not believe my words,” said Takeshi. “So instead just give me the chance to let my actions speak for themselves.”

                Momotaru responded with a frown. He crossed his arms over his chest.

                In a matter of moments, Momotaru and his group of deadly ladies were sitting down inside of a large hover shuttle while his father and several high ranking officials were inside of another hover shuttle. After an hour ride through the sparse air traffic, the hover shuttles touched down in the city of Ardile, which was not the capital, but instead considered the political capital of Eioda. The city was located along the eastern shore of the country and was home to the building known as “the pyramid”, located near the black sand beaches of the cities shore. It was where the emperor and all of the other politicians and military officials were located.

                As soon as the shuttles landed and everyone exited to stand on solid ground again, several platoons of troops stormed forward to stand in formation.

                “We stand ready and waiting for your orders, sir!” said the lead soldier.

                Momotaru stood watching with a furrowed brow and gingerly rubbed at his chin.

                “Excellent,” said Takeshi while wringing his hands together.

                Before Momotaru or his team of killers knew what was happening, Takeshi Hakizimana casually threw on an exosuit helmet and suit of body armor. They watched in horror as if things were unfolding in slow motion. His father gave the order.

“To those of you who have put your trust in me,” said Takeshi. “Your patience is now being rewarded. Storm the pyramid and take no prisoners… that is, until you get to the emperor. Save him for me.” 

The Power Array Saga - Season Four - Part XXIV

Part XXIV – The Void and the Friend

The aftermath of the battle was just as chaotic. Sirens blared in the distance. Medics ran. The screams of the wounded filled the air along with the smell of smoke, blood, and fecal matter. The Ura corpses were thrown into a mound and burnt.

                Nearby in a quiet spot, Momotaru sat on the ground with his legs crossed. He was absentmindedly stabbing his sword into the ground over and over while his mind wandered in and out of daydreams. His team of assassin sisters kept their distance and stood huddled together several meters away. He was so distracted that he did not notice anyone approaching until two shadows fell across him.

                “Now do you see why we need you to join our forces?” said Mayor Warren.

                “Think long and hard about this offer Mo,” said Takeshi Hakizimana. “Your people need you to do the right thing.”

                “My people!” said Momotaru heatedly. He rose to his feet. “My people are an ocean’s distance away from me.”

                Takeshi stepped forward with his hands outstretched while patting the air in a soothing gesture in an attempt to get his son to stay calm. “Just relax Mo,” said the elder Hakizimana.

                Momotaru slapped his father’s hands away. “Get away from me you manipulative bastard,” said Momotaru. “After what you’ve done I would never help someone like you. As far as I know, it’s your fault that I was kicked out of Aver and banished to this demon infested land. Not only that but you sent your wenches to spy on me. I knew that there was a reason why my mother always told me not to trust you.” He spun around and walked away from his father.

                “Hey, you don’t get to walk away from me boy,” said Takeshi heatedly. He stormed after his son and with a firm hand on Momotaru’s shoulder tried to spin him around.

                Momotaru reacted on instinct as his martial arts training kicked in. He grabbed his father’s wrist and quickly twisted while using the momentum to throw his father off balance, then turned his father’s arm awkwardly and painfully behind the man’s back.

Takeshi Hakizimana’s face contorted into a grimace yet he refused to cry out.

                In seconds, Iris Longwing was by the side of her longtime friend. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I know that you’re angry Momo,” whispered Iris. “But let your dad go. Just think about this logically. You’re the best martial artist in the world and have found no equal on the whole of Threa. Not only that, but think about how privileged you are; no one else on this planet has the opportunity that you have been afforded. Not only are you the son of the elven princess, you also have the unique position of having a father that could one day be emperor over the humans. The world is your playground… but only if you accept your destiny and appreciate it for what it is.”

                Momotaru let her words wash over him for several seconds before he released his grip on his father.

                “I could have you arrested for assaulting a government official,” said Mayor Warren who ran up to stand beside Takeshi. With a wave of his hand, Mayor Warren summoned his security detail. They formed a semi-circle behind the mayor.

                The situation escalated quickly as the assassin sisters quickly sprung into action and stood side by side behind Momotaru. Iris was forced to jump in between both parties in order to keep the situation from getting out of hand.

                “Momo. Please don’t do this,” said Iris in a soothing voice. “This has escalated too quickly. I originally came to this country to help you and your mother, but most importantly to get my friend back.”

                The words from Momotaru’s longtime friend soothed the rage that was boiling inside of him.

                “I don’t trust anyone here,” said Momotaru. “And I’ve got no reason to trust anyone based on everything that’s happened since I’ve arrived here.”

                Iris approached her friend slowly. She gently grabbed him by the elbow to lead him away from the group. Once the two of them were in isolation, she whispered: “Look Momo,” said Iris with her eyes wide and pleading. “I know that we haven’t always got along but to be honest… you’re my best and only friend. I know that this may be selfish of me but I don’t want to go back to Aver unless you’re with me.”

                Momotaru looked at her with his mouth hanging open.

                “Besides,” said Iris. “I’m getting tired of babysitting your little run-away mage.” She giggled while nudging Momotaru in the arm.

                They both shared a brief laugh before Momotaru closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He strolled over to stand before his father and the mayor.

                “Fine,” said Momotaru with a grimace. “I’ll play along with whatever nonsense that you have planned… for now. But I’m warning you… father, you had better live up to your word and get me back home so that I can see my mother again. Just so you know, if anyone tries to spy on me again… I will execute them myself.”

The Power Array Saga - Season Four - Part XXIII

Part XXIII – The Void and the Rivalry

Before Monel could get close to the Ura leader, several lower level demons formed a wall in front of her. Without missing a beat, Monel smoothly pulled a pair of kunai from her belt and twirled them in a brief flourish before tightly gripping their handles. She gritted her teeth in frustration. She knew that there were too many. As the first demon drew close, Monel activated her ocular powers. Her bright blue eyes flared with a brilliant light as the first Ura made eye contact with her. The demon froze in his tracks, paralyzed. The other demons flowed around their stiff brethren and continued to charge forward, pushing Monel backwards as she used her kunai to fend off their elongated nails.

                Before Monel could take the offensive, she sensed a presence by her side. She did not have time to react although she sensed that the person was not her enemy. From the corner of her eye, Monel witnessed a thick, longsword with a unique design cleaving an Ura in two. The other demons paused.

                “Don’t tell me that this garbage is giving you trouble after all that big talk,” said Iris playfully.

                Monel responded with a growl.

                The Ura standing between the two females and the Ura leader charged with renewed vigor. Before the demons could get close, Monel threw her two kunai. Two of the charging demons were struck in the forehead and they fell to the floor in a heap. She quickly pulled two more kunai from her belt and braced herself in a defensive stance. Before the group of demons could bear down on her, Iris stepped in front of her, spinning while her broadsword twirled as if it were a cane in her hands. Any demon that got too close to her deadly dance was struck down.

                Monel watched closely as Iris used her Acro eyes and her uniquely shaped broadsword in unison to take down several demons. Monel bristled at the sight but would not let herself be outdone. She charged forward, leaping and spinning past her rival before sliding on her knees between the legs of an unsuspecting Ura who was caught off guard. As Monel slid along the dirt, she used her kunai to slice the tendons on the back of the demon’s ankles. Several Ura hit the floor screaming in agony, their ankle muscles no longer able to support their weight. Monel and Iris stood so that they were back to back. Then, throwing her last two remaining kunai, Monel struck two of the demons dead. She drew her last two weapons, two rare daggers that she only used as a last resort during battle.

                Only a few Ura now remained. They were dispatched with ease. From the edge of the forest the Ura leader watched with growing anger. He surveyed the battlefield. He realized his forces were being pushed back. The majority of the Ura forces were being engaged by human soldiers with shields and lasguns on the ground, laser bolts firing into the masses whilst the snipers and grenade launchers stationed atop the ramparts provided cover.

                On the ground, in the heat of the hand to hand combat that raged around him, Momotaru stood unscathed with his straight blade sword at his side, dripping blood. His three assassin sisters formed a triangle around him. None of the Ura wanted to get close. In a brazen act, Momotaru lifted his blade and pointed it at the Ura leader. Just as Momotaru began to take a few steps forward, the undead creature let out a low growl of frustration as a frown appeared on his face.

                The leader brought two fingers to his mouth and whistled. His howl filled with regret and anger, he gave the signal to retreat back into the Ura Forest.

                Before the leader disappeared into the darkness, Momotaru charged forward and screamed, “You’ve not seen the last of me, coward!”