"You're certain of this?" Londs was asking.
"Yes sir!" the guard replied. "Our sources have comfirmed there was a definite disturbance in that area."
Off to the side, Makoto and Dr. Schtalubaugh exchanged knowing glances; the elder one nodding in confirmation before listening in again.
"And the Bugrom?" Londs asked.
"They were last seen fleeing the area." That took them all by surprise. Makoto especially.
"Fleeing?! Are you sure?" he blurted before he could stop himself. Londs favored the young man a reproachful look for interrupting, but was curious to know the same. The guard captain made a light nod prompting his subordinate to answer.
"Yes sir. They were last seen headed back across the Holy River. And apparently worse for wear." he told them.
Rune Venus, who'd been listening silently all this time, took on a reflective expression. "Someone else has defeated the Bugrom then." she stated simply, though it was hard to tell if she were saying more to herself or simply thinking aloud.
"Your Highness?" Londs said, his tone a mixture of curiousity and concern.
Typical Londs, always the worrier, forever erring on the side of caution. Rune smiled reassuringly and went on. "It's nothing." she said. Then to the guard, "Do we know who we have to thank for this?"
Still kneeling, the guard lowered his head before answering, "No Highness. We've been unable to ascertain their identity. However... "
Makoto and Schtalubaugh exchanged glances again. Noting the guard's hesitance to continue, Londs pried. "However...?" Here, the guardsman cleared his throat and shakily replied, "Our sources have confirmed or are at least certain of the identity of one of them."
Londs was growing weary of this, but Rune motioned for him to keep his peace. Heaving a sigh, he calmed himself. "And?"
"They believe it to be the Demon God."
At this, Makoto's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "You mean Ifurita?!"
"Makoto... " Rune admonished gently, knowing it was still a sensitive subject for him.
"But Princess I-" the rest died on his lips as Rune made it clear that the matter was decided. "I'm sorry." he said sheepishly, embarrased for having lost control like that. Besides he knew the others meant well and were only looking out for him.
"Is it as young Makoto has said?" asked Schtalubaugh.
"No. It is the one called... "Kalia"."
That sparked a reaction from everyone. Ifurita was one thing. True, her power was great, deserving of one known as the Demon God. But as experience had taught them, she could be reached, she could be reformed. In fact, she had even proven to be a valuable ally. And, in Makoto's case, someone he'd come to love very deeply.
But Kalia....
It was a name none of them hoped to hear ever again. Put simply, the girl was evil incarnate. Malicious, cruel, nonrepentant. Even Makoto's attempts to reach her had failed each and every time. Worse was that her power not only exceeded that of Ifurita's, but seemingly the Eye of God which, up until then, was believed to be the ultimate weapon.
And that was just a taste of her power! Makoto remembered Jinnai gloating. Kalia trumps Ifurita and the Eye of God!
You're lying! Makoto had countered hotly, standing eye to eye with his self proclaimed eternal rival.
Jinnai's grin never faltered. Believe it, Mizuhara! She knocks it, like a cat's eye, right out of the circle! Doubt me at your own peril!
...your own peril!
...your own peril!
Makoto didn't want to believe it. He couldn't believe it. But there was no denying now that Jinnai'd been right as time and again the pint sized terror demonstrated her power. First, resisting his attempts to access her core, going so far as to use his own strategy against him. She'd gone on to soundly defeat Shayla, Afura, and Miz with but a single attack... after taking the full brunt of their power combined!
But the real eye opener came when Ifurita confronted her. The girl had been prepared, even expecting it. Yet, not even Ifurita, who could level entire cities, could touch her save for when she allowed it. After taking all Ifurita could give, Kalia defeated in three simple moves and had casually tossed her aside. If anyone was deserving of the name 'Demon God', it was her.
It was a wonder to any of them that they had survived. Kalia's death had spared El Hazard (and all of creation) from what would have been imminent destruction.
But that was the thing: Kalia was supposed to be dead.
Makoto had seen it himself. Ifurita had found the opening and took it, catching the girl offguard. Kalia had dissolved before their eyes, resulting in the destruction of the Trigger itself. That should've been the end of it.
Londs spoke what all of them felt. "Heaven help us if it's true."
"Indeed." seconded Schtalubaugh.
"Well we won't know anything standing here." they all heard Makoto say. The young tinkerer was already at the door when their eyes found him. Nanami spoke up. "Makoto-chan?"
At the mention of his childhood nickname, he looked back over his shoulder and smiled. "I've got to Nanami. If she really is back... if it's really her then... "
"Then what, Makoto?" Rune wanted to know. "You said yourself not even Ifurita could stop her and your powers have no effect. What can you hope to accomplish on your own?"
"She's right, you'll be completely defenseless." Londs told him.
"Yeah, but it distracted her and-"
"Yes, she left herself vulnerable once." Londs said sternly. "Do you honestly believe she'd fall for the same trap twice? The girl's proven smarter than that."
"My concern is what happens if she remembers you?" said Schtalubaugh. "Remember lad, Ifurita killed her with your help."
Makoto paused. Londs was had a point. So did Schtalubaugh. The only reason he was even still here was because Ifurita had been with him. If she hadn't, Jinnai would've been right in more ways than one.
Doubt me at your own peril!
...your own peril!
...YOUR OWN PERIL!
Makoto slammed his eyes shut. He hated this feeling of helplessness. It was times like these he wished had Mr. Fujisawa's super ability. Granted, he still wouldn't have been a match for Kalia, but some chance was better than none at all. As a final plea, feeling the need to do something, he asked: "Shouldn't we at least find out who the other one is? If what we heard is true, they could be in danger and not even know it. Remember, Kalia fooled all of us."
Rune couldn't help a smile, nor could Londs and the others. That was their Makoto, always wanting to help. It was a trait that had endeared him in all their hearts.
"Londs."
"Highness?"
"Send word to Shayla and Afura. We leave at first light."
(Posted Thu, 22 Feb 2007 04:01)
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