《TALES OF THE COSMOS: A WORLD FOR THE SPEEDSTER GOD》


 PROLOGUE : BIRTH OF A NEW WORLD

    PROLOGUE


    BIRTH OF A NEW WORLD


    Somewhere in the void of creation; the vast parts where nothing could be seen but the endless heavy darkness; the several dozens of dim lights representing worlds (universes) could be seen several millions of light years away.


    Amidst this heavy darkness stood a white and golden colored silhoutte individuals, their appearance were very much that of a male''s physique, hovering in the vacuum of space. The golden one lamenting and pleading in a childish manner:


    ¡°You have been around longer than I have and surely you must know how it is to feel unfulfilled and discontent. Please help me like the god you are."


    The white silhouette listened but gave no reply.


    Still attempting to see his desires fulfilled, Yora persisted: ¡°Erhh¡­ even if you can¡¯t help as a friend, do it as a watcher, or as a brother like the mortals would say.¡±


    And the other, denying the young individuals request; though thoughtful and understanding and usually cooperative, he was hesitant this time. But he saw no other end to this conversation than to rather give in, because if he didn¡¯t, this worrisome god will follow him to the ends of creation relentlessly and effortlessly.


    He couldnt helpt but sigh: "Why do I have to do this? And weren''t there other gods that could have done this for you".


    *There were, there were. I could have asked one of the Recreators to do it for me but I didn''t because you''re the best. I also did it out of respect for you elder god. So please.. Do this for me."You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    "I do not care what you do with your Recreator, but if thou have decided to be so stubborn about it then I do not have much of a choice, I shall fulfill your desires. But fair warning young god, thou ought to be careful of what he wishes for, even if thou art a god, for consequences pay no heed to status.¡±


    Overjoyed in hearing his wishes approved, he breaks out in the excitement


    ¡°Thank you Elder god, I knew you wouldn¡¯t let me down.¡±


    Turning to his right side and glancing through the lights of worlds far out in the void, he couldn''t help but think how problematic this would end up:


    ¡°Another troublesome one is about to be born.¡± he said letting out a faint sigh as a light appeared out of nowhere and started to expand gradually and slowly, taking a spiral shape.


    A new universe had been born, a universe, a world full of beings capable of reaching the ends of the world in the blink of an eye; a world full of speedsters.


    ¡°There you have it. The deed is done, but thou hopes and expects you can handle the consequences, oh reckless little brother of mine.¡±


    Without delay, Yora hurriedly bowed on one knee in the void of space as the swift god he is. The reckless little brother in question let out a tone, one he rarely lets out, clear and firm, filled with confidence, bent on seeing his world through to the end no matter what:


    ¡°I, Yora; as the god of speed bow to you the god of imagination and reality and to the gods seeing and hearing this; the god of gods Adromeda, the elder god-guardian, the gods of old and all gods in creation vow to be held solely responsible for the happenings in this new world of mine.¡±


    Hearing his conviction and determination the god of imagination was pleased;


    ¡°Very well little god, be gone to your new world and enjoy, find what you so wish to discover.¡±


    And with a smirk, the little god sped off into this new world exploring the countless planets, stars, solar systems and galaxies.


    Observing this new world; planet by planet, solar system by solar system and galaxy by galaxy he became knowledgeable of every single existence in this new found universe and was revered as the overlord of every celestial body he visited.


    The yellow silhouette stared on as Yora sped of and he could very see what was going to happen. Every bit of it, so much that he spoke without realizing:


    "I''m afraid your journey will be quite a challenging one." The yellow silhouette vanished from the void of space.


    A WORLD FOR THE SPEEDSTER GOD

 CHAPTER 1 : BLANK POINT CITY, THE MAN IN THE MASQUERADE MASK AND THE RENEGADE

    CHAPTER 1


    BLANK POINT CITY, THE MAN IN THE MASQUERADE MASK AND THE RENEGADE


    Planet Hermie, a planet which other than its size had similar conditions very much alike that of the Planet Earth, that it would be fair assume it was this worlds version of it. An alternate version of it and on it is Blank Point Continent, the most distinct of the other 6 continents, its capital Blank Point City is the most distinct and famous city in the whole of the planet, the beautiful light of the moons spread their wings across the sky illuminating the city and its'' un-inhabited parts.


    Blank Point City isn¡¯t the most distinct and famous for just it scenery and neither was it the hospitality of the people. It was so because at the center of the city, there was a humungous castle; three times the size of a normal castle.


    This purple colored castle was the humble abode of the overlord of the world. The god king they called him; he was their overlord and they revered and respected him as such. Ever since his ascending the throne, crime rates and illegal activities were reduced to a minimum and the nights of Blank Point City became as peaceful as ever. But unlike every other night, this particular night in Blank Point City was different; the guards of this castle that never left their post had grouped themselves and selected a handful few to scour the whole city.


    *WHY U ASK? WELL YOU¡¯RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT.*


    In the dead allies of Blank point city, an alley filled with waste bins and mostly papers, a gust of wind blew through sending the papers flying in the air. A pair of hands graced the cold walls of the alley and a male figure revealed himself among the papers as they flew through the air. Barely keeping himself standing; he leaned on the walls of the alley flustered, as his breath kept getting heavier and heavier by the second. He cracked a faint smile;


    ¡°So that¡¯s how it is. I need to leave this place, his jurisdiction.¡±


    The seemingly weakened man in a masquerade mask and a slim coat moved step by step carefully as if a single wrong step could spell his doom, he swung left to right, barely keeping it together. Any passerby would either avoid him like a plague or stare on afar for he was indeed suspicious on first look. Paying no attention to their reactions, he pressed on further and came across a subway. Without much hesitation, he dragged himself down the steps to the subways platform and instantly without anybody noticing his presence, he appeared at a pillar at the end of the platform; closest to the rail way away from public eye.


    Blank Point City subway was a busy one, for if people wanted a good start or place to lay low or relax, Blank Point City was the most guaranteed place for such. At the railway station, people of different age, colour and attire stood awaiting the arrival of the mach train; a very reliable form of transportation which travelled at a speed of mach 8.


    Without much delay, the trains¡¯ engine roar reached the passengers of the platform and the train station attendant informed the passengers to ready to board the train:


    ¡°Passengers going to Sonic City, please be sure to check your luggage and have a nice journey.¡±


    The train made a stop at the station but surprisingly as the doors opened no passenger exited it and suddenly, a gust of wind blew through the subway, the passengers panicked and shrieked and at that particular moment, everything was brought to a stand still; clothes that were ridding the gust of wind that blew, bags that were falling to the ground, mouths that were opened wide in screaming. Time had stopped for a moment and suddenly back to normal and the train which had stopped just a moment ago started up again.


    The screams of the passengers resumed and a couple of white blurred rays flashed in and about the subway and as the rays came to a stand still, five individuals dressed in white body suits appeared. Of these five, one was distinct from the others for he had a golden star on the breast side of his attire.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ¡°En, they don¡¯t seem to be anywhere in this station¡± one of the white body suit individuals said.


    ¡°Get them, make sure the train does not leave this place. Understand? The individual with the golden star retorted.


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± The fodders responded.


    Just as the white body suit individuals tried to make a move, everything froze once again, except this time the train was still operational and started on its rails leaving the station with no passengers onboard.


    And when they came to, the train was not more present at the station.


    ¡°Tch¡­¡± En exclaimed.


    ¡°En, we lost them¡± the fodder reported once again.


    ¡°I can see very well we lost them! What about that individual?


    ¡°His trail seems to have ended here in this subway.¡±


    ¡°So he was working with them. Round up the grey team at the HQ. We¡¯ve got report this to the upper echelon.


    About 10minutes after the train incident, the mach train had arrived in Sonic City; a city east to Blank Point Continents capital city Blank Point City. The last surviving members of the renegade were being chased down by the god kings'' speed corps. The Leo orphanage, named after the renegade leaders¡¯ deceased brother was in ruin and flames, the remaining children cried as they were being protected. With kids all over his being, Kato and the other remaining members of the renegade head for the mach train that arrived a while ago.


    Speed corps member: Don¡¯t let them board the train.


    [The other speed corp members charged in to stop him but were knocked out before they even got close


    Guan: Sorry we took so long. [A commander of the renegades arrive with a few other members to save the day.]


    Spread out, make sure no one is left behind and make sure we aren''t being followed.


    [The renegade members upon receiving the orders sped off wit a blue ray of light to scour the compound]


    Kato: I had it under control. Did you get the stuff?


    Guan: Yes.


    Malcolm: [He arrives with the team that left just a second ago]


    There seems to be no one left behind.


    Kato: Let¡¯s get going before they send more reinforcements.


    They board the mach train right when its engine started to roar.


    After a hectic night of defending themselves from an ambush by the speed corps, they were fairly exhausted and were safely heading to a new safe zone, one out of the sights of the speed corps, a place where they could lay low for a while.


    After confining the kids in one particular cart, Kato joined the others and moving from cart to cart heading to the drivers cart they stumbled upon a stranger lying in one of the train¡¯s seat as if dead.


    Upon suspicion of it being a trap, the group halts their steps. Kato being the leader, draws near to this presumed dead body to check if the person was one of his subordinates and whether they had any signs of life.


    Kato: Hey [He shook the stranger by the shoulder. Upon seeing no response, he begun moving his hand slowly to check for a pulse but he stopped-]


    Mirika: Kato, what¡¯s the matter? Is he alive?


    Kato: No. Someone is coming.


    [Two black hooded mean appeared in front of them out of nowhere]


    Ehum: Filthy renegade scum.


    Frahma: The god king has sent us to deal with you; the left over. Especially you; Kato.


    Ehum: Prepare to meet your end.


    [Before Kato or any of the renegade tried to make a move, they realized they were rendered immobile as if time had stopped. But time hadn¡¯t been stopped, they just had their outer kinetic energy stolen rendering them immobile. Eyes on their ambushers and aware of the impending doom that was about to befall them, a sudden chill of ominous malicious energy was felt by everyone present in that particular cart, probably the whole train. Just as the hooded figures closed in to assassinate Kato and the others, a dark shadowed body with scarlet red eyes and golden hair appeared behind the two and pushed them to the sides of the carts blowing them out of the train to god knows where. With the tremors of the incident not long ago, the train shook, almost lifting it off of its rails and landing back on it sending tremors throughout the train.


    Kato: [Quickly turning around] Guan, check if the kids are safe.


    Guan: On it!


    [Though they were immobilized, they could very well see what happened and Kato realized]


    Kato: [Turning his attention to where the now suspicious unconscious body laid, he found nothing to his surprise, thinking he was just part of the ambush plan; Kato turned ahead to continue walking to the next cart. And to his surprise he found a body lying unconscious and to the unconscious persons¡¯ sides were the trains¡¯ sides blown away.]


    Kato: Looks like there¡¯s someone who is yet to pick a side in war. [He walked towards and shouldered the stranger.]


    Kato: Mirika, take him to the emergency cart and see to his wounds if any, till he wakes up.


    [Turning his head and looking into the skies, from the trains blown off cover]


    -God king, this war is far from over, just you wait.

 CHAPTER 2 : IDENTITY CRISIS

    CHAPTER 2


    IDENTITY CRISIS


    The mach train had finally reached its destination and the renegade members onboard begun to unload the items and equipments they were able to secure. They had reached their safe camp at the continents end away from Blank Point City.


    Arriving at an off the radar area at the end of the continent, a place populated by none but was readily equipped with the neccesities for living; everything was very much prepared for them; the kids had been well taken care of and given a bungalow to stay in. The team over the time settled and were able to put things in place, set up the various security measures. it had been almost a month and the stranger they found in the train had still not woken from his slumber or whatever that it was.


    Discussing, chattering and laughing amongst their selves in the bar, Mirika suddenly interrupts them .


    [*Bam* the door slams against the wall]


    Mirika: *pant* *pant* [with her hands resting on her knees in a half bent position, she raises her head]


    -He¡¯s regaining consciousness.


    In the room at the ICU ward where he was resting, with a drip on him and his readings steadily as a normal person, he laid on the bed with his eyes opened but not much aware of his surroundings yet, the door creaked opened and four renegade members trooped in with Kato breaking the silence that reigned the room.


    Kato: [He takes a few steps closer to blonds¡¯ bed side, Kato stared on at him with lots of unanswered questions ]


    I see you¡¯re finally awake; to believe there¡¯s some one who can actually sleep for a whole month. I didn¡¯t know if you were in a comatose or dead or whatsoever but now that you¡¯re awake.... I have some few questions for you. Who are you?


    Mirika: Kato! He¡¯s barely regained consciousness and to ask him out of the blue like that¡­


    _; Who am I? [He said undertone]


    Kato: Did you say something, I can¡¯t hear you with your voice so small, speak louder.


    _: Who am I? [The voice screeching and as clear as day]


    _: Who am I? [He sat up slowly on the bed]


    _: Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? [He grabbed his golden hair and robbed his hands thoroughly through it as his eyes widened like a maniac.


    Mirika: He¡¯s---


    Kato: Hey calm down would you, you¡¯re gonna scare the kids around. [Kato reached out his hand to calm him down, but just when his hand him, the blond disappeared from the room.]


    [The other renegade members present stared on in awe.]


    Kato: Aahhh!! This is not how I pictured everything to play out! We were supposed to have a talk between men but¡­


    [Standing at the bed side enraged, Mirika shouts]


    Mirika: You idiot! You rushed in when you heard the news of his wake without asking further. His medical reports shows he¡¯d suffered memory loss, a long term one at that. The cause of it; I haven¡¯t found yet so I don¡¯t think he remembers anything even if he wanted to.


    Kato:*sigh* you should say stuff like this sooner, stupid sister.


    Mirika: [Groans in anger] First of all, it''s not wise to charge onto someone just when they regained consciousness. I thought u knew better!


    Kato: Alright. Alright. Listen up brothers, he¡¯s a confused individual on the loose¡­ oh not just any individual at that, he¡¯s like us, probably more powerful... And we need to make sure he¡¯s safe.


    [The renegades present each understood in their own way what Kato¡¯s words implied and gathered a handful few to search for the blond haired]


    And from that particular time, the search roamed the area and beyond looking for the missing individual but had no luck. It wasn¡¯t that they weren¡¯t looking hard enough, in fact, they searched everywhere twice and still had no luck given all their speed.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    With the wind brushing on him as he ran, Kato received the disappointing news from the other teams.


    Kato: Could he have gotten that far in such a short time?


    Guan: Kato, no luck here either. [His right hand man informed him through the com device he had in his ear.]


    Kato: ALL UNITS! Keep searching till you find him. We can¡¯t let him fall into the hands of the enemy.


    [There was a brief static radio sound on the com channel as another person relayed their info]


    Malcolm: This is Malcolm, I see something.


    Kato: Where are you?


    Malcolm: I¡¯m at the forest at the edge of the continent. There¡¯s something among the rocks to the oceans shore. It looks like¡­. {the com was cut short, something had happened to Malcolm and his team and all the renegades linked to the com channel heard a long static radio noise]


    [Running at higher speeds to the location Malcolm gave out]


    Kato: Renegades! Half of you return to the base to protect the children and the frail in case of any surprises. The rest of you head to the continents edge with all your strength.


    {Kato removed the com link and pressed on faster]


    Kato: Malcolm¡­ Tch! [Few seconds later, Kato had reached the designated location and he was searching, and calling his name; hoping to find Malcolm.]


    Kato: Malcolm! Malcolm! [Boom]


    A wave of air accompanied by a couple of trees tossed around came rushing past Kato but he was quick enough to put up a defensive stance.


    _: Race with me!


    _: Somebody race with me! Let¡¯s see who¡¯s the fastest of us all.


    Race me!!! [A voice leapt at Kato and It echoed the whole area as the ground shook with a rumbling sound]


    Kato: Is that so? Well if it¡¯s a race you want, then prepare yourself.


    A few minutes had passed since Kato¡¯s arrival, the surrounding was in quite the mess from the blonds assaults and 8 remaining search party members had arrived at the location.


    Guan: Kato, you found him.


    Kato: Stay back guys, this is between him and me.


    [Kato took off his long robe and begun walking towards, facing the seemingly and lost in thoughts speedster.


    [Standing face to face]


    Kato: Now let¡¯s get this over with.


    [And without another word in the span of a heart beat, the two started out across the ocean separating the continents, running on water at high speeds, they were seemingly in the same lead but upon closer observation, Kato was in the lead by a millimeter. Speeding on the continents across the globe, caught up in their own game, they ended up going around the world 16 times. Chasing and catching up with each other.


    Kato: [Speeding across the world somewhere with the blond at his side, he couldn''t help but notice how this guy was still keeping up with him] -He¡¯s fast!


    Almost reaching their starting point for the 17th time Kato suddenly sent a punch flying the blonds way.


    Noticing the attack before hand, he counters and delivers a punch in return knocking Kato across the ocean to a nearby island.


    Blondie had stopped running, and he walked fiercely on the water to the direction where he punched Kato with elegance and confidence.


    Sent crushing unto a mountain on the large island somewhere across the ocean, Kato rose from the rubbles.


    Kato: That¡¯s good, this will do. This will do just fine!


    [He takes an offensive pose and vanishes from the crash site at high speeds seeming instant and not a second lag between his vanishing time and arrival, he appears in front of the blondie as the battle progressed even further.


    They exchanged countless blows which had more than enough force to splite the oceans. On the receiving end of attacks that had more than enough potency of destroying the mountains behind and sending shockwaves across the island and beyond was the nameless blondie, the birds and other life forms present on the island fled due to the scale of the battle, fleeing the island for their dear lives.


    And across the ocean, the blondie retaliated with punches that caused the sea levels to rise, stiring up the oceans and causing tsunamis that travelled across the ocean thousands of kilometers.


    Dealing quite the damage to each other; consecutive attacks of such caliber clashed several times rocking the continent as they moved away from the island battling on the ocean. The force of their battle caused the ocean to rise in great heights almost drowning the island they were fighting on.


    Continuing their battle further and taking it into the skies with shockwaves of their battle pushing away the clouds rendering the sky clear as ever, Kato couldn¡¯t keep up as he thought he would have as he was being pressured, overpowered and cornered by the blonds¡¯ inhumane attacks. Feeling his life in danger if he doesn¡¯t fight at his best; his eyes suddenly darkened as his entire being changed to red with dark patterns corsing all over his body.


    Suddenly, the sky was colored with red and dark patterns as hundreds of Kato''s after images amidst a thousand wave duplicates suspended in the air. A couple of the after images and wave duplicates launched themselves like missiles and flew straight to the blond''s direction.


    The after images were just a distraction that could be dispersed with little to no effort but the wave duplicates were a different case.


    Wave duplicates are basically clones that carry 50% of the users actual traits and have the ability to take individual actions different from the original. And as such they came at the blond from all directions.


    The blond quickly launched relentless barrage of punches taking out more than half of the wave duplicates and dispersing the after images, he didnt notice early enough that Kato had charged in with the other batch of wave duplicates and as such, he was slow to react to the attack.


    Kato managed to land a heavy blow on the blond sending him flying downwards into a couple of large mountains, causing them to crumble on the island then and crashing into the islands ground destroying it. The blondie was sent flying and bouncing across the ocean; like a tossed stone on a water body, several kilometers into the forest where everything begun.


    A WORLD FOR THE SPEEDSTER GOD

 CHAPTER 3: IDENTITY CRISIS (2)

    CHAPTER 3


    IDENTITY CRISIS [2]


    The sun that was set on the horizon when the team begun their search had now hidden itself for the two moons of this planet to take over.


    A couple of minutes ago, when Guan had returned to the base per Katos¡¯ orders, Mirika had pleaded with him to take her to where the two were fighting, and now they had caught winds of the battle as they run several kilometers from their base to the forest just before the coast at the ends of the continent.


    Mirika: Over there, Guan. They¡¯re over there!


    Continuing her search on Guans¡¯ back, they¡¯re stopped in their tracks when shockwaves of the blonds landing sent trees coupled with an insane amount of wind pressure their way.


    Guan: Mirika, I don¡¯t it¡¯d be wise for us to draw any closer! If you just wait Kato will come back for sure.


    Mirika: Let me down. It¡¯s not my stupid brother I¡¯m worried about the most, it¡¯s the blondie. [She started to walk further ahead paying no heed to the tremors the battle sent to the environment]


    Guan: Mirika! [A voice of concern leapt towards her]


    Mirika: I may not be as fast as you lot but I can get there from this distance on my own, thanks Guan.


    [She sped off towards the direction the wind came from. With a whoosh sound, Mirika arrives at the location and the blond and Kato were still going at it]


    Upon witnessing the two fighting, her face darkened as if the moon light avoided her gaze and suddenly they both became severely weakened. Their attacks weren¡¯t flying as fast as they were before and their punches didn¡¯t pack enough strength compared to before either, for it only had enough strength to blow gustily winds across a few trees.


    Mirika: The two of you stop!!! [She stood there with her face darkened and screamed as hard as she could]


    Stop it you two, you¡¯re only making things worse, at this rate aren¡¯t we gonna be found easily. [Tears rolled down her eyes as she dropped to the ground in hopelessness and despair]


    Mirika: You leave me no choice. Monochrome Effect: Medium.


    As soon as those words escaped her lips, the natural beautiful scenery was enveloped in gray scale. It was as if everything had lost its colour, animals that were moving were rendered immobile and so were birds that were in flight as they were frozen in the air; andonly a few moments after; the tree leafs withered and the two who were going at then had fallen to their knees sweating as they were being drained of their stamina, energy and speed as they were both drenched in their own sweat .If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The blondie, though drained dashed unto Kato and sent flying his way; Kato barely holding it together and punched with all his strength in retaliation.


    Mirika: Please stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    [Echoing their surroundings, she fell to the ground unconscious like a lump of meat and slowly, the monochrome effect wore off.


    Kato upon hearing her sisters¡¯ voice regained consciousness. His eyes regained its natural colour as the patterns on his body diminished slowl.  Weakened due to Mirika''s ability, he lifted himself off of the ground  swaying left and right as if about to fall and quickly pressed on  to her side with all the energy he could master.


    Kato: Mirika! Mirika! Hang in there Mirika.


    Mirika: Kato ¡­ [she said softly in a low voice as she regained consciousness]


    Good, you two stopped fighting. Are any of you hurt? Is he still alright?


    Kato: You idiot, I told you not to use that ability; you know it puts a lot of stress on your body.


    Mirika: That does not matter, as long as you two stopped fighting.


    Kato turns his attention where the blond fell.


    Kato: He¡¯s passed out; experiencing your ability for the first time drained him.


    Guan: Kato! [He arrives with a few of renegade members]


    Kato: Don¡¯t worry about me, I¡¯ll be okay. What I need you to do is to take him back to the base.


    [They stood there in shock, with an uneasy look on their faces]


    Don¡¯t worry he¡¯s unconscious.


    Guan walked over to the blonds¡¯ side and raised him, the others upon seeing he was indeed unconscious went to lend a hand,


    Guan: Take him to the infirmary.


    Kato: Did you find Malcolm and his team?


    Guan: Yes, we did, but they were severely weakened. Though there were no physical injuries, they¡¯ll need to rest for a while.


    Kato: That¡¯s good. No one got hurt. [He lifted himself from the ground with Mirika in his arms]


    Guan: Kato, are you sure you should be walking in the state you''re in? And with Mirika in your arms too.


    Kato: Shut up.. You''re the reason she ended up this way.. I thought you gave me your word you''d watch her back for me! Only to let her end up like this.


    Guan: She wouldn''t let me! Y''know she''s as twice as stubborn as you.


    Kato: Shut up! And you call yourself my right hand man.


    The two friends chattered into the night.


    A few minutes later at Blank Point City in the  god kings throne room, footsteps approached hastily as the gates that stood about eight meters tall creaked open .


    En: Rodra sir¡­ there seems to be an issue at hand.


    Rodra: What is it?


    En: My team and I have been monitoring the globe due to recent events and the satellite picked up something weird. It¡¯s hard for us to believe it.


    Rodra: Spill it already.


    En: Ah yes. Yes. A contry.. No.. One of the large islands¡­ seems to have¡­ vanished from the surface of the planet.


    Rodra: Is that so, what else?


    En: Erh¡­ I ¡­


    Rodra: Aren¡¯t you supposed to send your team to see what happened? [He turned around with a fierce look on his face].


    En: I would have but there is a slight issue... The island is farthest to the bottom of the continent and giving the capabilities of me and m team, I''m afraid we won''t get there on time. I pleaded with  the members of the blue team but they paid no attention.


    Rodra: Is that so?


    En: Yes Rodra sir..


    Rodra: Go! Tell them that I said they should go check without wasting a millisecond. Any one who fails to comply can answer to me.


    En: Yes sir.


    As soon as the conversion had ended, En quickly ran out of the throne room, making haste to deliver Rodra''s message.

 CHAPTER 4: A DAY AT THE RENEGADES’ HIDE OUT

    CHAPTER 4 ¨C A DAY AT THE RENEGADES¡¯ HIDE OUT


    The next day, back at Blank Point continent, at the renegades¡¯ secret facility; the morning sun had risen above the clouds and the children and  birds filled the atmosphere with their joyous noise. As fun as the atmosphere might have seemed to be at the moment, the grown ups had matters to tend to.


    Kato and a few trusted renegades marched on to the infirmary block  to check on the blond. Upon opening the door, the blondy was still asleep and as such, they stood there; engaging in small talk until finally, the blond  regained consciousness and found himslef surrounded by unfamiliar faces and distant chatter.


    Kato: I see you finally woke up.


    _: Ughh!! My head hurts a lot. [He grabbed his head]


    Where am I? Who are you guys?


    Questions that went up and around in his thoughts were fired straight at them. But there was no answer as they all stood looking at him quietly. He suddenly became quite but not because he felt awkward, he realized something was amiss, like there was a big part of him gone. He had no recollection of his past.


    Where was he last? How did he live his up until now? Which group of people did he associate with? Where was he born? Did he work? If yes then what did he do for a living? If no, how did he put up with life? Did he have people who cared about him and vice versa? Was he married? Was life fun enough? How did he get here?


    Such questions came rushing at him like a flood. Suddenly, he became calm and quite to an extend that it was scary, he had stopped rubbing his hair like a madman. He was composed, and that sent chills down the spine of a few members of the renegade in the room as their faces went cold. They had a feeling something sinister was brewing.


    _: Who am I? What¡¯s my name? [He asked suceedingly, one question after the other.]


    Kato: Calm down!


    [The door to the room creaked open, allowing the physique of a young woman with natural alluring curves and dark brown hair walked in.]


    Kato: We wouldn¡¯t want you running of on us again.


    Though the blond had forgotten his name, memories from the train incident, when he woke and the incident the previous day came to him in bits and pieces, like a badly edited video. He could barely deduce anything to come to a full understanding of his current situation as  the memories were vague. But he knew enough to conclude that these people weren''t of any danger to him.


    Kato: We found you unconscious in the mach train, a lot happened after that... aaannd here we are.


    _: I see. Any idea what must have happened to me?


    Kato: Mirika.


    Mirika: Quite an explanation you have there leader.


    Kato: Get to the point!_____


    Mirika: Medical reports shows that you suffered quite the injury to the head at a particular point. Do you remember anything of that sort?


    _: I¡­ I don¡¯t seem to recall anything.


    Kato: An injury to the head? How come you¡¯re now telling me this?


    Mirika: You said he was my responsibility so I didn¡¯t think I should tell you. And you never asked, stupid Kato.


    Katos sudden reaction left the atmosphere tense and quite.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Mirika: Now to the nature of the injury, according to the x ray, [she pulls out an electronic tablet] there seems to be something in your head?


    [She  hands the tablet over to Kato showing him the x-ray and the presumed to-be cause of memory loss. The x-ray showed an object the size of an average pebble]


    Kato: [His eyes widened] how could you not tell me this? This isn¡¯t something you should have kept all to your self. And you, [turning his attention to the blond] what were you doing when you last remember?! Try to remember. Where were you?!


    Deranged, Kato screamed on top of his voice like a madman.


    Mirika: Kato, calm down. The x-ray just arrived a few moments ago as it took a while. And it¡¯s not fair to shout on someone who just woke up.


    Kato: ¡­ My apologies.


    _: What was it that you found in my head?


    Mirika: A gem!.


    [The few renegade members present wore a face of empathy]


    Kato: [Sigh] The gem that is in your head; though I can¡¯t say for sure but my best bet would be that, it¡¯s the speed gem. No, it is the speed gem. The speed gem is an object that drains ones ability to perform faster movements. Once embedded, it drains all your wave energy until it reaches a point where there¡¯s nothing extra-ordinary to drain. "Zero point".


    _: I don¡¯t really get the details, could any of you explain further?


    Kato: For now, I think it¡¯d be best if you rest up a bit more. I¡¯ll tell you everything once you¡¯re better.


    _: I think I¡¯ve rested enough already.


    Kato: Well if that¡¯s the case then-


    Mirika: There are a couple of spare clothes in the closet to your left.


    The blond seated on the bed, looked to his left.


    Kato: Come on people, move on outside, give the man some room to freshen up.


    Mirika: [Just as she was about to exist, she turned around, halfway to closing the door, she popped her head through the small opening]


    I¡¯ll be right outside, so let me know when you¡¯re ready.


    At the infirmary, just outside the door to the blonds room, Kato and Mirika stood leaning on it as talked in the corridor.


    Kato: Must be hard for him to wake up amidst strangers with no existing memory of whatever that must have happened or whatsoever. It¡¯s no wonder he reacted the way he did!


    Mirika: It¡¯s already been a month since then.


    Kato: You think you can get him to trust me?


    Mirika: Kato, what are you saying? It¡¯s not like you say such stuff.


    Kato: Ah¡­ sorry. It¡¯s just that lately having to go into hiding has put most of plans to a halt. And citizens can only keep their cool for so long. It''s hard when you''re on the run! Ironic isn''t it.


    Mirika: Don¡¯t worry; he has a good guy vibe. I can tell somehow.


    Kato: Uwa! Giving me the creeps! (Weird sister.) Anyways, we¡¯ll be at the cafeteria waiting for you guys. I have a little surprise for our new friend.


    Mirika: Humph!


    Standing to the right side of the door, Mirika stood there waiting for a couple of minutes then suddenly, the door creaked open and the stranger walked out gently. Dressed in a  jeans trouser and wearing a black overall coat over what he was wearing beneath, his gently cut golden hair revealed its beauty.


    Mirika: You know its bad manners to keep a lady waiting.


    _: It was difficult getting to standing.


    Mirika: Ah¡­ sorry. I totally forgot about that.


    But, it turned out okay, seeing as you¡¯re all dressed up.[she cracked a smile].


    [Walking down the stairs and further away from the infirmary''s premises, they come across two kids playing who ran towards them]


    Luche: You can¡¯t catch me. I¡¯m the fastest. Woo!


    Sonia: Sonia is faster than you are.


    Luche: Then catch me if you can.


    [They ran in circles around Mirika and the blond for a while]


    Mirika: Now, now kids, you know better than keep us here.


    Sonia: Mirika san, play with us.


    Luche: Mister, you join us too, I¡¯m the fastest!![The blond smiled gently]


    Mirika: Sorry, we have to go see Kato. I promise we¡¯ll play some other time. Okay?


    Sonia: No fair Mirika.


    Mirika: Please, I promise next time.


    Sonia: Okay. Next time we¡¯ll play with Kato too, and everyone!


    Mirika: Yes we will. Now off you go.


    [Mirika and the blond continued their journey to the cafeteria as soon as the kids run off]


    _: I see you¡¯re popular with the kids.


    Mirika: Who me? No, I¡¯m not. Ahh. Maybe just a little.


    There was utter silent as the wind whistled.


    Mirika: They lost so much at such a tender age. [A sad expression befell her face]


    _: What happened?


    Mirika: (Sigh) There was a battle a couple of years ago and many people lost their lives; Sonia and Luches¡¯ parents were one of those people. [A sour expression drew on her face as tears slid down her cheeks]


    _: ¡­ [He was confused].


    What had happened? What memories would cause one to shed tears? The blond could not begin imagine.


    Mirika: It¡¯s our fault all those people died! We brought death upon them. If only I could go back and change the decision I made that moment.


    _: I¡¯m not sure what happened in the past, as I have no recollection of my memories neither do I know of the decisions you made then, but aren¡¯t you helping a lot of people now? The good you¡¯re doing for all these kids, even taking care of me. So maybe the decision you made back then, the one you want to take back so bad isn¡¯t as bad as you thought it was.


    Mirika: [Stunned upon hearing such words, her eyes widened and a dramatic wind blew her dark brown hair sideways as tears begun to roll down her cheeks, she let out a relaxing smile and wiped her tears.


    _: Now, we were going somewhere right?


    Mirika: Yes!


    _: Where is it we¡¯re going anyways?


    Mirika: You¡¯ll find out soon enough?


    _: Are you sure?


    Mirika: It¡¯s alright; you can trust me on this.

 CHAPTER 5: HIS NAME IS NABLON

    CHAPTER 5 ¨C HIS NAME IS NABLON


    [During their walk to the cafeteria, Mirika took the stranger around the renegades compound showing him what¡¯s and not¡¯s. The compound was indeed huge; it even had an amusement park and a few perks to it. It was like their safe haven.  And now Mirika had taken him to the amusement park and as he stared on in awe, Mirika held his hand and dragged him along.]


    _: Where are we going?


    Mirika: It¡¯s obvious isn¡¯t it? You can¡¯t just keep staring forever.


    [The two descend the stairs to the amusement park in no time and stood in the amusement parks compound. A couple of children present trooped up and down as their joyous cheers filled the atmosphere]


    Mirika: So where do you want to go first? Is it the Ferris Wheel or the Roller Coaster?


    -: Ro...ller¡­ Coaster! Have I ridden any of those before/


    Mirika: Well I wouldn¡¯t know since I didn¡¯t know you before.


    _: That¡¯s true¡­ (A sad tone accompanied)


    Mirika: Don¡¯t look so gloom, I have an idea. Why don¡¯t we relive all those moments, starting with the amusement park. Come one, let¡¯s go.


    [They went ahead to explore the fun machines and attractions at the park; the Ferris wheel, the Roller Coaster, the speed whack a mole, and few others. After a while, they paused to take a breather on a bench with iced creams to boot]


    _: What a lively and beautiful place.


    Mirika: Haha!


    _: What?


    Mirika: It¡¯s nice to finally see you crack a smile, put on a happy face. Must be hard what you¡¯re going through. But don¡¯t worry; if anything happens we¡¯ll be here, I¡¯ll be here for you. From now onwards, we¡¯re friends okay? You¡¯re not allowed to say no. [She stared on intensely]


    _: Friends?.


    Mirika: Yeah, you can come to me when you need help with anything and I¡¯ll definitely find you when I need you. Promise?


    _: Promise?


    Mirika: A promise is¡­ when you agree with or give someone your word and decide to never go back on it.


    _: Promise.


    [Sitting there, getting drowned in the scenery and environment they found themselves, Mirika kept getting this thought at the back of her head, that she¡¯d forgotten something. She sat wondering, trying to remember what it is she had lost sight of as her thoughts were interrupted by the blonds¡¯ words.


    _: Hey, weren¡¯t we supposed to go somewhere?


    [Upon hearing his words she was reminded of her initial goal and hastily, they left the amusement park]


    At a vendor space, right beside a large building, Kato and Guan were seated at the vendor stand awaiting Mirika and the blond.


    Kato: That damned sister of mine, where could she have gone off to?


    Guan: Relax Kato, this is a pretty big area. If anything were to happen she¡¯d be more than capable of handling herself, so just chill.


    Kato: That¡¯s not what I¡¯m talking about! I¡¯ve had to wait this long for him to come to.


    Guan: Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re planning to¡­


    Kato: Of course I am, but only if it¡¯s his choice. I don¡¯t plan on forcing him but I¡¯d be glad if he accepted.


    [Footsteps approached]


    Mirika: Katoo¡­ We¡¯re here!


    [The voice entered Katos ears from behind]


    Kato: Mirika, you! How long did you intend to make me wait? [He vigorously got on his feet''s and fired at her]


    Mirika: Relax! I was just showing him around.


    Kato: There¡¯s no helping you is there?


    Mirika: What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Stupid brother [they stared at each other growling]


    Kato: So they¡¯re siblings?


    Guan: Ah yes. Yes they are.


    _: Why are they fighting?


    Guan: Ah yes, well they¡¯re not really fighting. It¡¯s kinda like a thing you do when you have a sibling, its inevitable [he sighed]. You¡¯ll get used to it soon enough.


    Kato: Sorry if she put you through any troubles, my sister can be stubborn at times.


    _: Ah¡­ it¡¯s nothing. In fact it was actually a wonderful experience.


    Kato: Wonderful experience? Mirika! Where did you take him?Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Mirika: Like I¡¯m gonna tell you!


    Kato: I demand an answer!


    Mirika: When did you start to become this over protective? Go die somewhere stupid leader. [She harshly stated without batting an eye, the words pierced Kato like a double edged sword rendering him silent]


    Kato: Ahem! Shall we go inside? Everyone has been waiting long enough.


    You just might be the savior after all.


    Leaving the vendor stand, Kato and the others pressed  on further to the building that was a few meters walk away from the vendor stand.  Inside the building, was rather a spacious environment, even with people present. The distance between the halls ground and ceiling was 20 meters and its with 50 metres wide. Individuals present were of various age groups; from indivduals in their early teens, children, adults and members of the renegade. They stood chatting as they awaited. The building''s double doors creaked open as Kato and the others walked.  all the people inside turned, looking in their direction.


    ¡°Is that the new guy?¡± ¡°Erhh¡­ He¡¯s handsome¡±


    ¡°Tch, I can¡¯t believe Kato is accepting him, I don¡¯t care what it is but I¡¯m not staying alone with that guy.¡±


    ¡°You got that right.¡±


    ¡°That trash gets to walk with Mirika.¡± ¡°Hey watch your mouth!¡±


    As they walked pass the people, murmurs and gossips of all kinds come from every directions. It looked like not everyone was ready to welcome a ¡°nobody¡±


    From the hall''s gate to opposite of the door, a distance of 50metres, various gossips went on among the people as Kato and the others pressed on elegantly like nobles.


    Just ahead, there was a podium elevated 5 feet above ground level. Kato and the others were making their way to the podium as the people stared at them. Just as there were individuals that couldn''t hold back their resentful talks and idle chatter,  the kids and the young girls and adults couldn¡¯t hold their admiration for their generous leader as well and as such, they cheered him on. Kato wasn¡¯t the only the one, Mirika also got her fair share of cheers from the young girls that admired her though their cheers were overshadowed by the men who admired her. Guan wasn''t left out either. The women, children and teens that admired him also showed their heartfelt appreciation.


    Just as there are people that cheered them on with admiration, there were others that weren¡¯t big fans of Kato; they stared on quietly from afar, at the corners of the hall amongst the crowds staring on with scornful eyes.


    Waving their hands in the air, accepting their heartfelt cheers Kato, Mirika, Guan and the blond climbed the stairs of the podium and found their way to the platforms surface in no time. Kato: Sorry to have kept you all waiting. My sister here decided not to listen to me¡­ as always.


    So, I¡¯m guessing we all have a slight idea of why we are gathered here making merry today right?


    They were all silent as most their faces were stale and some silent. In actuality, this was a rare incident. They were never ones that had time for gatherings, unless it was an emergency. Not to mention large scale gatherings of such. The individuals present stared on silently, hoping to hear what this gathering was all about.


    Kato: From the looks on your faces¡­ I guess I¡¯ll tell you what it is then.


    We¡¯re here today for quite a lot of reasons, nothing serious to worry about so you can rest easy.


    I am well aware of how you have all been feeling; having to move from one location to another tends to be quite bothersome and unsettling. Ever for us. Not to mention¡­ loosing loved ones almost each time we are chased out or ambushed. All we¡¯ve had time to do is mourn and hide.


    But today... Today is a different day. On this very ground as we are all gathered here; I want you to let go of all those pent up stress and feelings you have bottled up. Cry, curse, laugh, drink, but in all, remember to have fun. I know it won''t be easy for you all, but you¡¯ll never know until you try.


    But there''s something I''d like you all to know. We owe all of this to a certain someone, some of you might have seen him around, some of you might know him, though I doubt it.


    Standing to Kato¡¯s right hand side with Mirika, Guan and a few members of the renegade, the blond found himself drifting in his thoughts.


    _: (Kato, what is he talking about?)


    Kato: Ladies and gentlemen gathered here today....


    Staring into the crowd, his concentration curbed to his thoughts as Kato''s words were tunned out.  He could make out all sorts of facial expressions; some had a warm feel to the looks in their eyes,  like they were glad to welcome him.


    Kato: I give you a new member of our family,


    As there were people who made him feel at ease, there were also others that were sure to make him feel unwelcome. They stared on with a heavy intensity, though there were only a few of such caliber; their reaction had more impact on the blonds¡¯ heart. There was an uneasy sensation bubbling up in his stomach. He could feel it in his very being.


    Kato: The person that saved us, the reason we¡¯re here in one piece.


    Kato stretches his hand to his right side, pointing to the blond.


    Caught up in his thoughts and the uneasy feeling in his gut, he felt a touch on his hand, some one pulling his attire. When he came to, the people in the crowd were applauding, some willingly and the others vice versa.


    Mirika: Go on!


    The blond instinctively walked towards Kato, joining him at the mikes stand. The crowd screamed cheers from all around as their applauding grew larger.


    Kato: So what do you have to say to the people gathered here?


    _: What do I say...?


    Kato: Haha, don¡¯t mind him, he can be aloof sometimes.


    ¡°Does he have a name?¡± a young woman¡¯s voice came questioning from the crowd.


    Kato: A name huh¡­


    Kato stared at the blonds face silently.


    He''d crossed fists with him, run across the globe a couple of times side by sid and he''d even considered asking him to join them but  never had he bothered to ask his name, he knew even he did ask the blond wouldn¡¯t be able to say. It would only make things worse.


    Kato: His name is Nablon!


    That¡¯s all I have to say to you all. Now come on, spread out. Relax and let''s have fun.


    With those as his last words before exiting the platform, he turned to Guan and gave a slight nod. At that that instant, one by one, in the span of 2 seconds, various fun attractions were brought into to the hall grounds, 40 tables and 2 pairs of chairs each, 10 speed whack a moles were also brought along with other fun items and set around the vast grounds. A couple of serve your self stands were  put at the corners of the hall with a large table in the center. And finally at the platform, a sound system was set on the platform.


    The people gathered there exclaimed when they came to. A place that in one moment was bare with nothing but people and a spacious environment was now occupied with tables, food, drinks and a few portable machines and attractions from the amusement park, it was almost beyond the realm of belief.


    Guan: Done!


    Kato: Seriously, I thought I told you to ask the others for help.


    Guan: Ah, no, it just looked to me like it¡¯d get done faster if I did it alone.


    Kato: Humph¡­ show off!


    Nablon: Nablon¡­


    Kato: Yeah! Cool name right?


    Mirika: If he wanted to take a name, at least he should have been able to do so for himself, something that said something about him.


    Not a name like Nablon, it sounds a bit off.


    Guan: Mirika is right you know.


    Mirika: I mean is Nablon even a real name?!


    Kato: Tch¡­ you guys, what did you expect me to do when they asked for his name huh?!


    Guan: You could have at least given him the chance.


    Kato: Ughh! So I¡¯m the one at wrong here? And the name says something about him.


    They stared at Kato intensely.


    Kato: He¡¯s blonde, and he looks good, right Mirika?


    He¡¯s blonde and he has no name. Nablon is the coolest I could come up with.


    Nablon: ¡­ lame!


    Mirika: See, even he thinks its lame.


    Kato: Kaa!! Till any of you comes up with a better name, Nablon it is. Right, nameless blondie? [He launched himself unto Nablon¡¯s shoulder]


    Nablon: I guess so¡­


    They stood amongst the crowd enjoying the satisfaction of seeing the people together and relaxed for once.

 CHAPTER 6: CENTER

    CHAPTER 6


    ¡°CENTER¡±


    The place was lively now as the people danced to the tunes of sweet melody that streamed through the room. Some of them were seated at the various tables with their companions chattering.


    Kato: Haa! Look at them go.


    Guan: It¡¯s nice to have an occasion like this once in a while, maybe we should make this a thing.


    Mirika: Are you guys sure about this? Shouldn¡¯t we be focused on keeping our location hidden?


    Kato: My little sister,[he leans on her shoulder] you worry too much.


    An attendant at the gathering, a volunteer to be precise walked in their direction with a tray in her hand, she walked over and handed over the carefully arranged drinks to the four, she turned took her leave quickly after receiving her words of thanks.


    As they stood there enjoying, gloating on the satisfaction of having the people release their stress, making merry and chattering; one of the renegade members walked over to Guan and whispered into his ears and left quickly.


    Guan: Kato, we have company.


    Kato: What is it?


    Guan: Shiffar¡¯s team claim to have sightings of the Schnelligkeit corps just outside, the satellite also confirms quite a lot.


    Nablon: Schnelligkeit Corps?


    Mirika: Just outside? This is why I told you to lay low, now we have to run¡­ agai. Kato, this is your entire fault.


    Kato: I¡¯m not letting anyone disturb this peace we have, at least not today.


    Come on, let¡¯s go.


    Keeping the current situation under wraps, they left the gathering drawing the least attention the could to themselves


    Mirika panicked because she thought they were cornered once again, that they had to keep running. But to her surprise, thinking they¡¯d have their hands full just when they existed the party grounds, they confronted no one.


    Mirika: I thought they were outside here. How come there¡¯s no sign of any battle?


    Kato: See, that¡¯s why I told you to relax. It¡¯s all under control.


    Walking on ahead to their HQ, Nablon who was oblivious of the current situation at hand had questions swarming in his head.


    Nablon: Uhmm! I don¡¯t think I have clear picture of what¡¯s going on here. What is this schnelligkeit corps you speak of?


    Kato: The Schnelligkeit corps are a bunch of misguided idiots that''s been a thorn in our side.


    Mirika: You could say they are our nemesis.


    Kato: They¡¯ve been hindering us, chasing us where ever we go. We¡¯ve had a couple of clashes with them and each time, no side comes out unscathed.


    Nablon: But why? What could drive them to do such deeds?


    Kato: We at war Nablon and people die in wars.


    Guan: Even innocent lives that aren¡¯t involved are lost due to them.


    Nablon: Mirika told me about it, but she didn¡¯t give the details. But I think it¡¯s a good thing you¡¯re doing, especially for the kids.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Kato: I thought so at first, but lately I¡¯ve realized that¡¯s not enough.


    [Chatting time and distance away, they reached the HQ before they knew it. As the doors opened, the continued on into its belly to their destination]


    -We need to stand our ground, no more running.


    Mirika: If that¡¯s the case then they¡¯ve brought the fight right to our door steps. Are we going to fight?


    Kato: Not quite!


    Mirika: How so? I thought they were around, where ever they may be. Why not just take the fight to them?


    Kato: Have you ever wondered why life here has been quite, why they haven¡¯t been able to find us?


    I thought so. You see... Shiffar has had a bit of an awakening.


    Mirika: You don¡¯t mean¡­


    Nablon: What does that mean?


    Kato: We the people of this world were naturally born with insane speed. Movements the eyes couldn¡¯t hope to follow. When we¡¯re not moving, we¡¯re at what we call ¡°Zero point¡± that should be about 3mph. But that¡¯s the normal like I said; we could go faster of course. Anyway, that¡¯s not the point. Recently, a strange phenomenon raised its head.


    Guan: Its cause; we have no idea of.


    Kato: Though it¡¯s rare, people started developing abilities of all kinds, soaring in the air, controlling fire, moving things without touching them. It was a rare sight, a one in a million thing at that.


    Guan: Ah, that¡¯s right, Mirika has also had hers right? I saw the other night, and I knew it had to be her. Because Kato doesn¡¯t have one yet.


    Mirika: Sorry I didn¡¯t tell you earlier Guan. I can¡¯t really control it much and it really takes a toll on me each time I use it for long.


    Kato: We¡¯re here.


    At the HQ, the Intel section, there were a set of computers arranged in rows with each occupied by individuals busily typing themselves away. In the center to the wall was a monitor, huge enough to dwarf the size of an average man. In front of it stood a man in black tights, his physique and muscles clearly highlighted by the light thrown into the room by the huge monitor in the center of the room to the wall.


    Kato: Emmanuel, I see you¡¯re always held up in here. You even forgot to attend the gathering, even though I told you all it was going to be for a few minutes.


    Emmanuel: Hey guys, Kato!


    You know I can¡¯t leave this place.


    Kato: Nablon, this is Emmanuel, he¡¯s the head of intelligence division. Every information we have comes from him or his team.


    A decade ago, Kato and his friends came across a young boy, he was homeless just like they were. But he was a curious guy that had a knack for knowing things. Due to his inquisitive nature, gathering, deducing and analyzing information became his fort. Through out their teen days, they walked side by side with the other children and survived to become what they are now. There hasn''t been a decision Kato has made without him knowing.


    Emmanuel: Hey newbie, I see you like the name Kato gave you.


    Nablon: How did you¡­


    Em: You can rest easy. This is the safest place on earth.


    Mirika: Nothing gets by you huh¡­ So where¡¯s Shiffar?


    Emmanuel: Follow me.


    Anthony, make sure everything is under control and radio if anything pops up.


    After putting Anthony who was his trusted member in charge, Emmanuel led the way and the other followed as they entered an elevator and went to the lowest floor beneath ground level. In a short moment, they were notified of reaching their destination as the elevator opened its doors with a ding sound.


    Just ahead, walking down the stairs that led further to a platform that laid a meter ahead of them, there was a fall in the ground level; a rail/trail way that led further ahead into the deep. It was very much alike to that of a train stations except on the tracks, there sat a cylindrical shaped cart. Its glass body revealed shinny laced leather seats and technological set up it had.


    Mirika: Wow! I didn¡¯t know something like this was down here.


    Guan: that¡¯s because there wasn¡¯t anything here until 2 weeks ago.


    Nablon: But who could put something like this together in less than 2 weeks?


    Mirika and Nablon were right to react the way they did, the sight they beheld was indeed marvelous; it was like a special section of the state of the art facility. If the pinnacle of rail transports were to come to a realization, this particular beauty would be its blue print.


    Emmanuel: If you take a close look, you can tell it was neo and his team. Now, come on, there¡¯s no time to loose.


    Upon approaching the cylindrical elevator, its oval shaped glass doors rolled upon sensing/ picking up human DNA. They took their seats and the oval doors close as a voice came from the inside, with it blue lights and sensor panels lit up in the machine.


    ¡°Welcome, I am the Artificial Intelligence Transport Guide. I shall be taking the necessary precaution to ensure your safe arrival to your destination.¡±


    Kato: Artificial Intelligence Trans¡ªwhat?... I thought he said he was going to change that name.


    Seated calmly, the seat belts strapped around them.


    ATIG: Please Remain Calm. Destination


    Emmanuel: The ¡°center¡±.


    ATIG: Plotting a course for ¡°center¡±. ¡°Course plotted.¡± Please hold on tight, this could be a rough ride.


    The cylindrical car¡¯s engine began whirring as it gradually begun to cover distance over distance. The speed it had, kept increasing to tremendous amounts until it reached a set limit; a steady speed limit where it neither dropped or elevated. The cylindrical train zoomed through the tunnels and before long they arrived at their destination.


    AITG: Destination ¡°Center¡± reached.

 CHAPTER 7: MEETING SHIFFAR

    CHAPTER 7


    MEETING SHIFFAR


    To their left, there was a platform much similar to the one they encountered before but instead of steps that led up wards a higher ground, there was a door that laid in wait just ahead of them.


    The team without a moment¡¯s waste of time pressed on beyond the door through the wide corridor that lay ahead of them.


    Mirika: When we were in the Artificial Intelligence Transport, you called this place ¡°Center¡±. Why¡¯s that?


    Emmanuel: Kato and Guan didn¡¯t tell you?


    Kato: (*Sigh) She was quite busy...


    Emmanuel: And that¡¯s why I¡¯m the best at this stuff. I¡¯m guessing you know Shiffar has had somewhat of an awakening, right?!


    Mirika: Yes, that much he told me.


    Emmanuel: And here I was itching to give you the gist of it. Well, you see, Shiffar¡¯s ability is what you¡¯d call a convenience. It really just came along when we needed it, truly. Erhh¡­ How do I put it?


    Would you believe me if I told you we can¡¯t be found on the surface of the planet no matter how hard anyone looked?


    Nablon: Erh?!


    Mirika: I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m following either.


    Emmanuel: Looks like I get to give the details after all. Yes, Shiffar¡¯s ability is convenient but it wasn¡¯t easy to set up everything at first. Upon running some tests and experimenting with it for quite a while, we came to know that it has a range and the range it covers depends on where he¡¯s standing. And as such we had a fun time calculating for the center of where we are. Skipping all the boring details and explanations, we found a particular area and with the help of a little simulation, that area was marked out.


    Nablon: So then, that means ¡°Center¡± is the place where his ability encompasses the entirety of this area. Cool.


    Emmanuel: Newbie, you catch on fast.


    Walking pass by a couple of doors, they finally made a stop at a particular door; there was nothing special about how it looked or anything of that sort. It was just like any automated door, opened when someone approached and closed as such.


    Emmanuel: This is the place.


    Arriving at the room that laid beyond the door, a handful of the security agency members were present in the room monitoring the geographical surroundings on screen. A few meters ahead of them, in a secluded room set apart from where they stood; Shiffar was confined in what looked to be an interrogation room. Viewing from the outsides of the glass, Shiffar was suspended in the air as two dense layers of air surrounded his body in a circle form.


    Mirika: Is that¡­


    Guan: How long has he been like that?


    Emmanuel: It¡¯s been 6 days since his last break.


    Kato: [Walks closer to the mirror]


    Sorry for putting you through this Shiffar. Does he take breaks at least?


    Petra: From time to time. He said to tell you not to worry.


    Kato: I said he could do this when the enemy is approaching, but I don¡¯t recall telling him to sit through it like this. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Petra: And that¡¯s why he didn¡¯t want you down here. You worry too much.


    He knew you¡¯d pull him out the moment you found out he was doing something so outrageous also one of the reasons he said not to let you in here and only to alert you when there was something serious.


    Mirika: Kato¡­ seriously you should know him better than this.


    Petra: That¡¯s right. Shiffar puts pride into keeping everyones safety ever since he obtained this ability.


    No, even before his awakening, he¡¯s always been working up to the best of his abilities to make sure every one can rest easy. He¡¯s been working even harder since his awakening, honing his skills as much he can to keep everyone safe.


    Mirika: That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right, and he¡¯d say something like;


    ¡°It¡¯s my duty to make sure we¡¯re safe, otherwise things will get busy for Kato. If I¡¯ll spend my entire life keeping the enemy at bay, I¡¯d gladly do so.¡±


    His pride as head of security is just above him, at this rate Petra won¡¯t have the chance to scold him any more.


    Petra: Humph! I¡¯ll go scold him in the after life and drag him back here and scold him some more.


    Kato: Seeing as I haven¡¯t been allowed to set foot here since all this started, how is everything been coming along?


    Petra: So far so good, we¡¯re holding up. Ever since we started, it was basically a one man job. We just sat back and ensured his needs are met when he came to, and boy does he have a hell of an appetite.


    Mirika: One man job?


    Petra: Yes. At first that is. He just relayed any vital information from around the ¡°dome¡± and within to us when he came to.


    Nablon: Is something like that even remotely possible?


    Petra: Very much. But after observing for a while, I spoke to him about the disadvantages of how everything was and how efficient it would be if he was not the only one on the look out, seeing as we¡¯d be able to respond quickly to outside threats and such.


    Mirika: And what is this ¡°dome¡± you speak of?


    Petra: Shiffar¡¯s ability¡­ as he is now when you look at him is like a miniature form of the actual thing.


    Nablon: What do you mean?


    Petra: I¡¯d like to show you but the actual thing is a bit complicated.


    Emmanuel: Think of Shiffar¡¯s ability as a type of a dome with special properties.


    Guan: Ah¡­. The satellite.


    Petra: That was what we wanted to rely on but¡­ *sigh*. I think all this is better explained if you see for yourselves.


    She walks to one of the computers and enters a set of commands as an image appears on the screen.


    Petra: This is a real time view of our location according to the satellite.


    Mirika: Real time view? You¡¯re kidding right?


    Kato: It¡¯s just as Emmanuel said. I mean I thought it was some sort of defensive ability but this¡­ this is far beyond what I imagined.


    Nablon: There¡¯s nothing! We¡¯re not on the map.


    Guan: This could come in handy.


    Em: Told ya!


    Mirika: But I don¡¯t understand. How is he maintaining something of this scale? This area is at least 1,000km2?


    Kato: It¡¯s his ability. Learn to listen for once in your lifetime.


    Mirika: Just now, what did you say?


    Kato: You heard me right!


    Mirika: Stupid Kato!


    Kato: I don¡¯t know how you got to develop such genes.


    Petra: Kato!!!! Mirika!!!!


    YOU TWO REALLY WANT SOME GOOD SCOLDING HUHH!!!


    I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU NOT TO INTERRUPT WHEN I¡¯M TALKING!


    Kato/Mirika: Forgive us Mom. (They both said in a soft manner.)


    Petra: Who are you calling mommy, you numb nuts, want me to crush your skull?!


    Kato/Mirika: We¡¯re sorry Petra.


    Petra: Hmph?! Very well.. If you interrupt me like that again, I¡¯ll definitely crack some skulls. I don¡¯t care who it is but some one is going to go home with a misshaped skull.


    This the aerial view using the satellite engineered by Neo with the help of Professor Omega of course.


    Mirika: Where are those blue little circles that keeps flashing coming from?


    Kato: Can you zoom in a bit more, I¡¯m not sure of what I¡¯m looking at.


    Nablon: It¡¯s the dome Emmanuel spoke of.


    Mirika: That means that¡¯s us!


    A closer view showed a light blue circle mounted on their location (like a glass bowl covering a bunch of candies on a table) and it had a hazy mixture of white and blue energy all around making it hard for one to see through.


    Petra: The dome/energy field generated by Shiffar seems to have some type of cloaking ability and as such everything we tried to do wasn¡¯t much help. That satellite could only give us aerial supervision of the area around Shiffars¡¯ dome. For activities that go on inside, we''re blind wth the satelite but we have cameras and drones surveying the areas.


    Guan: You¡¯ve been rambling on ever since we got here. Just get to the point already.


    Not having much for a comeback, Petra pins up her glasses as she sternly stares at Guan. She kept staring on intensely as the environment around them became quite deafening.


    Petra: Since some of you seem to be in a hurry, I¡¯ll cut to the chase.


    We¡¯ll be safe from now on as long as Shiffars¡¯ dome is active. And don¡¯t worry, no tech can breach it, and even if it can I doubt that¡¯d be possible. So in a nutshell, the situation is under control. What are your orders Kato?


    Kato: I¡¯d like to take the fight to them but today¡­ let¡¯s just say today is not the day. Let them look as hard as they can. We can sit back and relax for today.

 CHAPTER 8 – A CHANCE EVENT

    Guan: So we were called here over nothing?! And the party was just getting started too.  Petra, what are you going to do about this?


    Petra: Oh¡­ I don¡¯t remember asking you here Guan. In fact the door is not locked. You can leave to your precious little party if you so want to.


    Kato: Come on now guys. Even as adults you¡¯re still at each other¡¯s throats?! I¡¯m beginning to get tired of this.


    Nablon: Whatever differences you have, I¡¯m sure we can come to a conclusion if we just sit down and talk. Make peace not war.


    Petra: I¡¯ve been meaning to ask earlier, who is this fine man you brought with you today.


    Mirika: Oh Petra, surely you must have heard of a guy that gave us a bit of hassle.


    Petra: Oh¡­ He¡¯s quite a catch if I should say. Does he have a name?


    Nablon: I¡¯m Nablon, pleasure to meet you.


    Petra: Nablon¡­ that¡¯s a cute name. The pleasure is mine.


    I¡¯m Petra Von Strauss; I¡¯ve been looking after Kato and Mirika ever since their cry baby days.


    Kato: Tch¡­ you were just fierce back then that¡¯s all there was to it.


    Petra: And you were just a cry baby back then.


    Kato: Tch¡­


    Guan: Let¡¯s hurry and get the hell out of here.


    Mirika: Hehe.


    Emmanuel had been radioed by his assistant; Anthony, and relayed the important news to him. It seemed to be urgent.


    Emmanuel after cutting of the com with Anthony pressed on to Kato and the others and informed them of the news.


    ¡°Guys, I hate to interrupt to but we have urgent matters to attend to¡±.


    Kato: What is it?


    Emmanuel: It¡¯s the fourths¡¯ right hand man. Our source believes that he¡¯s going to be executed.


    Kato: What?!


    Long ago before the god king came to this earth, there were 6 kings whom each were overlords of their respective continents. Though most of the countries and continents lived in peace, there was constant struggle for power. The 6 kings had been at each others throats for years fighting over who gets to unite the 6 continents and be its sole ruler; an overlord. But one day a message went across the whole earth warning them to lay down their arms and live in the ¡®utopia¡¯ he was going to create. Upon his arrival he crushed everything that stood in his way. He destroyed countless armies singlehandedly and effortlessly. This turn of events was a mind changer to the 6 kings; the then leaders of the people of the Earth and as such they called a truce. Their only chance of survival was joining forces to face the threat.


    The 6 kings of the various continents of Earth joined forces and marched their armies but before long, they were defeated even after the 6 kings stepped down to battle. He defeated them easily. The 6 kings were known to be rulers of their lands because they were the strongest there was. They could reach the ends of their lands without trying and their prowess shook the very earth itself. Nothing on earth could bring them to their knees but they were defeated in a heart beat. Instead of being granted death, he requested they become his kings and so the reign of the god king begun with the formerly 6 great kings as his kings. To the people they were still kings, but in the god-kings they were they were elders, even if they were called kings, they were nothing before a god.


    Emmanuel: During the current kings¡¯ reign, some of the kings found his ways to be crude and regarded as endangering and oppressing the citizens. The fourth king; Darius Curtshall was the main leader of the uprising but during the war after his defeat, his right hand man was arrested on the battlefield.


    Mirika: But I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d be executed.


    Nablon: How do you guys know so much?


    Mirika: Everyone knows about the war between the 6 kings and the god king. It was a long time ago; they used to even sing about it when we were kids.


    Petra: They still do you know.


    Kato: But to think the great Grant Wilberforce would still be alive by now. It¡¯s roughly been a hundred years since the first Great War. But I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s shouldn¡¯t be a surprise. Let¡¯s report it to him then. Though I¡¯m sure he¡¯s already heard.


    Petra: Then I suggest you leave immediately.


    Guan: I¡¯ve been itching to leave this place anyway.


    Petra: No one asked you anything.


    Mirika: This never gets old.


    Without much delay they left Center and to the HQ, the story building that stood 8 floors high.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Upon receiving the information, Kato had Emmanuel inform the key members of the renegade and have them assemble at the common room. By night fall, a few hours after the party had come to a close they converged at the common room as informed.


    Kato: We have urgent news, one we never thought we¡¯d have. Grant Wilberforce is to be assassinated tonight.


    There were murmurs among the members assembled there. Bickering like a swarm of bees; they didn¡¯t know if they should believe what they were hearing. Grant Wilberforce was one of the 6 great generals. He is widely known in history to be a trusted member of the fourth king and the most strategic among the generals.


    Malcolm: This is a joke right? No this has to be a joke. Legend has it that he fell in battle, died an honorable death protecting the 4<sup>th</sup> king.  Have you considered the fact that this could be a trap?


    Malcolm had been around just as long as Guan had been and as such he had as much say a right hand man should. He was competing with Kato for the role before he was chosen over.


    Emmanuel: Malcolm, you¡¯d doubt my intelligence? [He gazed at him with eyes that could burn through steel]


    Kato: Malcolm, I understand what you¡¯re trying to say and I appreciate it but rest assured I am sure it is not a trap.


    In the midst of their intense misunderstanding, Mirika walked over to Kato


    Mirika: He¡¯s ready.


    Kato: Alright send him through.


    With a flick from her tablet, a video was thrown unto the monitor.


    The renegade members that were present were in awe, some shocked. It was the fourth king, Darius Curtshall. They were awed not because they thought he was dead, but he seldom showed himself to just anyone, only a handful of the key members had seen him, even on screen.


    Darius Curtshall, the fourth king after escaping the second Great War went into hiding and hadn¡¯t been heard off for a very long time until the 3<sup>rd</sup> Great War, when Kato and his friends rebelled against the god king. It was during that time that he first showed himself to them and offered to support them. This land that is now their new hideout was given out to them by him, their resources, and livelihood are supplied by him. He was their mentor and benefactor and as such, his presence even though virtual honored them greatly.


    Darius: So I see you also caught wind of the news.


    Kato: Fourth king, you knew?


    Darius: Of course I knew. But I didn¡¯t want to tell you because I didn¡¯t want you younglings to rush in needlessly.


    The members present in the common room were silent as they listened to the conversation that ensued between the two.


    Kato: We are making preparations to rescue him.


    Their mentor and benefactor was silent for a while before saying anything because he was well aware of the risks involved with going in for a rescue mission. Many scenarios run through his head, why now of all times? What was their end game?


    Kato: 4<sup>th</sup> King, I know the risks involved with the mission but if we were to succeed we would at least have an upper hand.


    Darius: Very well. Contact Erik when you¡¯re in the area. He¡¯s been supervising the area for quite a while since I caught wind of the news.


    The conversation ended and the team knew what had to be done. But they were awaiting Katos¡¯ command. After the screen went off, Kato turned around to the team and starred at them for a while before saying anything.


    Kato: I know this is a suicide mission. We¡¯ll need some able members here to take command when we leave in case of anything..


    Letto: What are you saying? You¡¯re our leader and your orders are absolute. We¡¯d walk into a volcano if you requested it.


    Kato: Letto¡­ I wouldn¡¯t ask something so ridiculous off you. Those ready to go, get the necessary equipment needed. We roll out in 10.


    The members that were choosing to stay behind upon hearing Kato¡¯s words felt hesitant in staying behind but Kato had given them a mission if they did but it didn¡¯t make it any easy; they¡¯d gladly give their life if they had to. Of the 8 key members, three were ready to leave the common room but they felt prompted not to, as Kato turned around. It looked as if he had something to say.


    Kato: Nablon, how about joining us on this mission.


    The whole room was stupefied and not all of the members were pleased.


    Guan on looking could do nothing but sigh. He knew what Kato was up to and now wasn¡¯t really good timing but of all his years of knowing Kato there was one thing that he knew. As long as Kato set his mind to do something, he¡¯d do it.


    Among all the people present, Mirika stood up to protest.


    Mirika: Kato, isn¡¯t this a bit too soon, he¡¯s barely used to this. And he hasn¡¯t even decided to join us. Seriously I don¡¯t know what¡¯s gotten into you lately.


    Guan: Aahhh¡­ [He said in a soft tone] Mirika is right you know.


    The three [Mirika, Kato and Guan] stood in the front row of the seats arrangement with Nablon. He was short of words; he didn¡¯t know what choice to make.


    The silence was broken as footsteps gradually approached from their behind.


    Malcolm: Kato, you can¡¯t be serious about this. You really can¡¯t be serious. [Everyone that knew Malcolm could tell he was infuriated but for what reason, you¡¯d have to ask the vein that was pooping out of his forehead].


    How long have we known this guy? How much do we know about him? For all we know he could be a spy sent by the Schnelligkeits to come spy on us.


    Mirika: Malcolm! [Mirika tried to yell him back but he didn¡¯t budge. He still went on rambling]


    Malcolm: Or have we forgotten about the fact that he went on a rampage and almost pinpointed our location to the enemy. He injured our members, our friends¡­ brothers.


    Guan: Malcolm, that¡¯s enough!  Are you saying this out of care for the others or you¡¯re just sour you lost to him.


    The room was tense. Silent but tense, like they were being crushed between walls.


    Kato: Malcolm, he¡¯s coming with us, whether you like it or not.


    Malcolm: I¡¯m not going on a mission with someone I can¡¯t trust. You could all get caught by the Schnelligkeits for all I care.


    He walked out of the room with his two goons and was followed by another. Now they were down to 5 key members; Kato, Guan, Mirika, Letto and Emmanuel.


    Letto: Don¡¯t pay much attention to Malcolm; he seems to have a problem adjusting to reality. But ¡­ I can¡¯t say I don¡¯t agree with Malcolm. I mean he¡¯s not entirely wrong. Nablon is a stranger to me and even if I wanted to get to know him, there¡¯s little to know which makes it the more suspicious. But there¡¯s always a room for a new member.


    And not just any other member, a direct request from the big dog himself. I¡¯m all for it. [He launched himself unto Nablon¡¯s shoulder]


    I¡¯m Letto.  A little warning¡­ Beware of Malcolm and his little band, his team is sour because they don¡¯t know what hit them; heck you¡¯re something. They say they didn¡¯t even see it coming. Well, I got to go gear up. See you on the other side newbie.


    Letto had gone off and now it was just the four off them, the room silent for a while until broken by Nablon.


    Nablon: Sorry. I seem to have caused a lot trouble for you guys; even after you treated me so well.


    Mirika: Oh come on. Don¡¯t be silly. You¡¯d have done the same thing if you were in our position.


    Nablon: But will everything be fine with your team mates?


    Guan: Eventually it will be. Believe it or not this happens from time but they¡¯ll come around eventually.


    Nablon: What about the mission?


    Kato: No matter the falling out, we always show up for a mission to have each other¡¯s back. That¡¯s a basic rule here.


    Mirika: So what do you say? Just tag along. I promise you won¡¯t have to do anything you don¡¯t want to.

 CHAPTER 9 – A RESCUING WE WILL GO

    Sources have it that the Speed (Schnelligkeit) Corps is going to assassinate the 4th kings¡¯ second in command. Catching wind of this, the Renegades are going to rescue Grant Wilberforce. They have permission from the 4th king to go ahead with the mission even though they''re fully aware it could be a trap. But the advantages if they succeed are quite compelling. To make things more complicated, Kato decides to take Nablon on the mission. Malcolm and a few are against it, as a result, the crew seems to not be in sync as they usually are but preparations are made for the mission to begin either way.


    News had gotten around to the people of Blank Point City on the execution of the 4<sup>th</sup> kings¡¯ general, second-in-command and right hand man; Grant Wilberforce. People from all over the city had gathered at the execution ground; once a monument for the 4th King, marked by the half mutilated statue which was once whole. Over the years, history had been tempered with and the people were led to believe that the kings that opposed their overlord were indeed the enemy that tried to upset their peace. On the execution platform the gray body suits stood at the four corners of the platform awaiting the arrival of the criminal. Observing from around the vicinity quite stealthily in disguise as they kept a low profile; Nablon, Kato and Mirika were at a rooftop further away where they could have a clear view of the situation.


    Letto and Guan were their inside men, they were the only two at the front lines as Malcolm and his group didn¡¯t show up for the mission but Kato wasn¡¯t bothered in the slightest.


    ¡°Guan, Letto, how¡¯s the situation on the ground¡± Kato inquired via the communication device they got from Emmanuel.


    ¡°The people seem to be growing restless¡­ that¡¯s for sure.¡± ¡°Letto is right, if only they knew the truth behind the group that is protecting them.¡±


    Letto: Boss, why don¡¯t we just reveal the truth instead and get the public on our side? That would make things faster. The platform is set too.


    Kato: I share your concerns Letto but as it is now, the civilians are at least safe.


    Mirika: And even if we manage to pass on the truth, I don¡¯t think a lot of people would be willing to just roll with it. Imagine having everything you grew up believing in, told to be a lie right in your face.


    Kato: Don¡¯t forget it wasn¡¯t any easy for us to accept either.


    Mirika: It¡¯s all thanks to the situation at hand at that time made it easy for us to connect the dots, if not, things would have probably turned out differently.


    Nablon: There¡¯s a truck approaching the grounds. [Nablon without a binocular could very much ascertain that something was nearing and signaled the team, interrupting their chatter.]


    Mirika checks with her binoculars to confirm.


    Mirika: You¡¯re right.


    Kato: Guan, Letto, be on high alert. The people escorting him aren¡¯t like the ones on the platform. [Kato cautioned Guan and Letto]


    Blending in the crowd dressed as average individuals, they could now hardly be identified by their enemies as only certain distinct features could let one identify them. Before the mission, they vibrated the muscles of their faces to change their appearance as they were widely wanted by the whole world for betraying the king. At this point the only thing that made them recognizable even to their own members was the level of their energy and even that had been toned down to minimal level (they had to avoid needless movement as much as possible) to avoid being singled out by the Schnelligkeits that were present. That was how dangerous this mission was, a single miscalculation could lead to a head on bout with the Schnelligkeit corps.


    The sound of a truck approached as its rear reached the crowds and many (level 1) Speed Corps members stepped out and stood in two files facing each other. Two high ranking members of the Schnelligkeit Corps stepped out of the truck, they brought along an eerie suffocating aura that made the air tense and as they made their entrance, two people dragged the prisoner along.


    The two high rankings members were much different from the soldiers that stood in files, they held high command among the Speed Corps and that could be told be attire they dorned on their breast pocket, and they had 4 golden stars each.


    For a truck that contained a single prisoner it size was quite large.


    Guan: They¡¯re approaching the platform [he whispered through to the telecom device in his ear]


    Kato: Be on high alert.


    Letto: You got it boss.


    The tense crowd couldn¡¯t help but keep their silence and finally, when he was set on the execution stand, like lions they roared, waving their hand in the air like savages. They screamed words of scorn and cursing: ¡°Show him no mercy.¡± ¡°This is what you get for defying the God of kings.¡± ¡°You traitor, you should be glad ¡°He¡± was graceful to keep around.¡± ¡°Say your last prayers, traitor.¡±


    Grant Wilberforce had been escorted to the platform; cuffs that glowed with a faint green color could be visibly seen on his wrist. His light blond hair had grown beyond his shoulder to his chest, his beard way past the normal beard growing length if there was any. After all he¡¯d been there for about a hundred years, his attire had holes all over and his face covered by the unchecked growth of hair left for his light blue eyes.


    He was brought to the platform for all to see, for he indeed was a man that had been forgotten by time and people.


    ¡°Grant Wilberforce, right hand and general to the 4<sup>th</sup> king, traitor to the God of kings and the people. You¡¯re hereby sentenced to death after being confined for a 100 years and still refusing to admit to your crimes.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Guan: If you¡¯re going to kill the man, at least let him look good before his death. Get him a shave or a change of clothes. [Guan said undertone]


    ¡°Admit to your crimes you traitor.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you have any shame?¡± The people continued to ridicule and scorn him even in his last moments.


    Suddenly, he began to laugh like a mad man, silencing the crowd. ¡°Admit to my crimes?!¡±


    ¡°Crime? I don¡¯t recall playing a part in such a dishonorable act. But fine, if you consider standing for what I believe in a crime, then so be it. You want to kill me? Finally, I was beginning to get tired waiting for this moment. But know this, if I was to revisit that moment ever again, I¡¯d do what I did with more tenacity, a thousand times over. If I don¡¯t then I wouldn¡¯t have any pride as the 4<sup>th</sup> kings¡¯ sword.¡± His vigor almost scary and certainly deafening and surprising and his eyes burning with an unwavering flame of bravery.


    Letto: That is not the will of a dying man.


    Guan: You can say that again.


    For a dying man, indeed that is not what the people expected his last words to be, his words only riled them up more than they were. The crowd cursed more and more. ¡°You filth with no gratitude¡±, ¡°I hope you die a painful death¡±, ¡°Kill him.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s funny how people act when they only know one side of the story, even when you¡¯re the one protecting them from the shadows.¡± Kato sighed softly. ¡°Erik, send them in.¡±


    Erik: Roger that.


    Erik and his handful group were the team the fourth king had sent to survey the area. With the mission at hand, they were working under Kato on the fourth kings¡¯ orders.


    And by Kato¡¯s order, Erik signaled his team. Numbering 6, they dispatched to the execution ground at high speeds, three sailed ahead as a gray ray followed them, among the other three remaining, 2 emitted a silver ray trail and their leader Erik was ahead emitting a mauve trail.


    They arrived in a blink of an eye but unbeknownst to them, the big truck that brought the prisoner wasn¡¯t just any truck; it was a new development, a trump card in a way for the speed corps to detect any unusual miniscule movement within a particular range. And just as Erik¡¯s team moved out, the truck picked up the unusual movement without a seconds delay, the hood of the truck retracted surfacing artillery, a machine gun hub atop the truck right before the team arrived.


    This particular weapon was modified to fire a large quantity of bullets at higher rates within a short moment. It opened fire on the team without any regard to the civilians that were present. Though taking them by surprise, Erik reacted quick enough slicing away the bullets with the short sword he had. The civilians were oblivious of what had just transpired and only felt the brush of the wind that blew their way. Without a moments delay, he sliced the machine gun into various segments, putting a stop to the farce. It all happened so fast the civilians didn¡¯t realize and when they came to, the rebels were among them.


    ¡±It¡¯s the Renegades.¡± the civilians gathered at the execution ground screamed.


    The two distinct individuals that brought Grant Wilberforce to the execution platform swooped in to attack Erik and his team but they were intercepted by Guan and Letto. The brush of their clash blowing off their hoods and revealing their identity. They were Erica Sprint and John Inajiffy.


    John: Yo Letto, didn¡¯t think you had the balls to show your face here.


    Letto: There you go, thinking you¡¯re always right. How about I show you not to underestimate people?


    John: Bring it on if you got the ba---


    Without letting him finish his sentence, the four star individual was swept away by Letto away from the execution grounds.


    Erica: Guan, I expected you to rear your ugly face.


    Guan: Always a pleasure seeing you too, Erica. How about we leave the kids and go talk somewhere else, my treat.


    Erica: Thought you¡¯d never ask.


    Guan and Letto had managed to get the high ranking members of the scene, now all that was left was to secure the prisoner and make themselves scarce.


    A dozen of gray bodied individuals came out of the truck and a fight broke out as they attacked Erik¡¯s team like an angry swarm of bees. The civilians now somewhat aware of what was going started to scream and run for their life¡¯s but with the current condition of their surroundings, needless running around would get them hurt or even worse. They hid in areas that they found, some crawled and covered their heads. The battle kept dragging on and the speed corps had it easy, they were attacking regardless of the civilians while the renegades had to be careful not to let the battle brush off unto the civilians.


    They were in a pinch but they were holding their ground since majority of their enemies were of the Gray team. Seeing their seemingly imminent defeat another horde of gray bodied individuals came rushing out of the truck and in their hand they had guns. Erik and his team were able, but they were very much outnumbered so much so, that it was unfair.


    ¡°Is there no end to these people?!¡± Erik grunted.


    ¡°I never thought we¡¯d have to resort to this. Though it¡¯s not quite perfected yet, Fire!¡±


    He stood behind the border of gray team members and gave his orders. It was En, the leader of the gray team. The gray team members who had taken a gun squadron execution stand fired without delay and in that same moment that the air was being torn apart by these new weapons, Erik reacted quick enough to put up a shield blocking the countless bullets that flew their way at high speeds.


    En: *An ability, a force field.* don¡¯t let up, he can¡¯t keep the shield up forever, fire!!


    And just as En had predicted, Erik begun to stagger as his force fields range shrunk with each passing moment. Noticing this, En ordered a few of his members to pressure them and just as they were about to make contact, the ground begun to shake as an auto mobile with a drill-like front popped up from the ground stopping the gray team members in their tracks. Malcolm and his two followers came out of the truck and confronted the gray team members that were about to attack. The scales were now more than even and less fire was concentrated on Erik who was shielding both his team mates and the civilians from harm. But that didn¡¯t stop them from shooting.


    The weapons were prototypes and eventually of course, the firing rate affected the chamber system and the weapon became overheated. And one by one, the gray team members began checking each of their weapons, baffled as to why the weapon had stopped shooting.


    En: That damned scientist!


    He walked around into the vehicle and seconds after, as if re-arranging itself, the vehicle retracted the whole of its roof as other parts of it did the same. A large thick rod sprung up from the vehicles center seemingly spinning around as various compartments formed sprouted and assembled on it. A green energy field shot up around it and in time, the vehicle couldn¡¯t be recognized. It had rearranged itself to form the machine they saw in front of them.


    Awed, all the people around stared as all fighting seized. Suddenly, when they least expected it, the green energy field spread out in wide range in a form of a pulse and gradually, everyone that was around a particular radius begun to become affected. They all begun to feel like they were losing speed and strength but the same couldn¡¯t be said for the members of the Schnelligkeit corps.


    <h3 style="text-align: center"><u>SPEED RANKS</u>


    Blue ¨C Massively Hypersonic


    Mauve ¨C Hypersonic


    Silver ¨C Super Sonic


    Grayscale ¨C Sonic (Speed of Sound)


    Grayscale ¨C Sonic


    The least fast of the story and wear gray, they are the least ranked among the pyramid of speedsters and as such are at the disposal of other high ranking members of the Schneilligkeit Corps and usually known as foot soldiers.